My question: you have to be fully tuned out or brain dead not to be outraged by this if you aren't MAGA. People are taking your rights away. Rights that others paid for in blood, rights that many in the world have never enjoyed.
Folks would be rightfully pissed if their car was stolen in front of their house, but they aren't concerned when Trump trying to revoke parts of the Bill of Rights? Saying that people should be arrested for speech? Trying to shut down voting rights for groups he doesn't like?
Has Sarah polled people on this, specifically calling them out to say "Trump says he wants to ensure that you no longer have the right to criticize anyone in power. Do you agree that you should be arrested for criticizing an elected official for a policy that you don't like, or opposing that elected official in any way, including running against them?"
"Trump has said that if he gets power, you won't have to worry about elections anymore". How do you feel about your right to vote in a free and fair election being taken away?
Agreed, and I don't know what else to do but to keep spreading the word about the lies and anger. So, we've been fighting a war of words I guess. I take a break on weekends, but it is taxing. I try and be kinder, give people the benefit of the doubt and not mock the uneducated so much, it's not fair to fight with someone halfway delusional due to media feeds. The No Kings rally is a good place to show up and show response.
I think people want to see a more French response — less words, more action. The problem with that kind of rioting is that it's, well, rioting, even if for a good cause. And it won't work here, now, in the same way it has worked for the French because we already know Dear Leader wants to send the military down on us.
So there are people who believe in non-violent protest and people who believe non-violence is akin to being passive/pacifist. I feel it's mostly an issue of either not having been at a protest before, feeling scared (and then angry about it), and feeling trapped. It's also a problem of instant gratification; the progress of non-violence tends to be slower than a violent uprising and less likely to be covered by media if not for sheer size.
Of course, I'm in the peaceful protest = best protest mentality, so someone who disagrees with me, feel free to reply how and why. All of this is hard to wrap the head around.
Yes I think the slow aspect of it frustrates and worries a lot of folks. It's unfortunate that we've been trained to be an instant gratification society.
Just speaking for myself: I've been spending time on the weekends canvassing for local Democrats. That's my choice of how to respond to the authoritarian takeover. I know there are a million complaints to be lodged about the Democrats, but as I see it, they are the only weapon at hand. For example, if we don't do well this coming November (espec. gov races in NJ and VA), we will find that we are in an even bigger hole than we thought. In my local area (a purple area of a swing state), I am disappointed that there isn't a surge in folks doing this kind of volunteering. I acknowledge not everyone is built for it (canvassing is very, very tiring, both physically and emotionally), but if we--the center-right, the center-left, and the left--were more serious about fighting back against the authoritarian takeover...I think there would be more volunteers. And protestors. And demonstrators. And yard signs. And phone calls and letters to elected officials. There are plenty of ways to be engaged, both high-threshold and low, you just have to find your speed
Do you look very non-threatening, as you canvas? Are you comments at the doorway being recorded to use against you? I mean, I think that you’re right, but brave; people are afraid of walking up driveways and ringing doorbells, these days.
Great question, and definitely something to think about! Yep, I am leaning on a whole lot of white male Christian privilege as I do this, and I try my very best to be cheerful, helpful, non-offensive, you name it. I think about what I wear, how I stand, tone of voice -- everything I can do to come across as a friendly, dad-coded person on your doorstep. I always check that my neck placard is facing out to say, "Volunteer" and I have a clipboard and a marker in my hands, that's it. In terms of doorbell cameras recording me, I try not to say anything I wouldn't feel comfortable saying in front of my parish priest, even when talking to a friendly voter. And if there is a confrontation, I just say thanks for your time, you have a great day, and I get gone. After all: the goal isn't to activate and turn out Trump voters but to activate and turn out people who either are Democrats or might vote Democratic
That's asking a lot. Harris couldn't connect the dots for voters; she barely tried. "Democracy" is a vague concept. However, being jailed for criticizing an elected official or no longer being able to have one's vote counted is not.
YUP! Adrian Carrasquillo of Bulwark posted this recently on SM (i can't take credit) " I Don't Know How to Explain To You That You Should Care About Other People". HOW did this become such a complicated antiquated concept.
It’s been endemic for a long time. My townhome community has a bamboo infestation - all over common ground and up to some backyards. The Boards response - owner X planted it decades ago, I shouldn’t have to pay for it to be removed, owner X is gone, no I won’t go on record accusing owner X, everyone should take care of their own yard, no I won’t take the time to work on community property or help my 80 year old neighbor, etc.
These morons and the "journalists" that enable them are infuriating!! This protest has been planned for months! Are they claiming the organizers had a Chrystal ball and knew there would be a shut down? Is there any such thing as follow up questions anymore???
(1) Yes, American Flag (shirt design?) and respectfully treated, represents the legitimate CONSTITUTION, not the deformed thing some try to make of it.
(2) Am dismayed by T's contempt of respectful protest. Freedom of speech is not terrorism. "Jan 6" was the worst of MAGA, not us.
Turn in anyone violent, as the worst MAGA might masquerade as legit protestors., and you don't want to be blamed for "their stuff".
Be extra careful in more dangerous places. Maybe certain parts of TX, FL and PA? Those three had more culprits than average on Jan 6, with Pres T still in charge, still running the FBI. Terrified legislators and office people inside tried to hide and/or left. Cops were attacked with iron rods; one fell to the ground and yet the attacker continued.
(3) Also, am happy a Gaza peace attempt is underway but dismayed it took the Prez so VERRRRY LOOONG .to stop the killing.
If Israel TRULY has agreed to not annex, the Prez gets a pat on the back. (Annexation is what Israel has done before? West Bank? More than that?).
However, Gaza necessities 80-90% gone, housing and shops and hospitals, crops and orchards--What will the Gazans returning now eat?
(4) IMMIGRATION. A neighbor said to me-- If he doesn't want immigrants, how about making their parts of the world better places to live?
(5) EVANGELICALS and GAZA and THE WORLD. The US AID projects were RUN BY CHURCHES. Recall that USAID was destroyed. by this administration, an early priority, as his term started Does heaven approve? Both sets of Beatitudes forgotten? Some ministers afraid to explain the the Samaritan story?
Weren't the National Evangelicals among those protesting the agency's elimination, the destruction of supplies?
(6) A MILLION ADDED DEATH.S Are we as good at math as Bill Gates? One of the better billionaires, he ran some numbers calculated a million deaths per year due to eliminating US AID.
Add that 1 million to 80,000 dead Gazans? The number was only 60,000 dead Gazans some months ago? And only 10,000 near the start? Subtract 2000 hostages saved, from 80,000 Gazans dead, to get a NET destruction number
Israel ignored the immorality of excess response and did it anyway. Some of their soldiers complained.
(7) Recall Viet Nam/Vietnam Veterans against the War. A protest in NYC,photo by Carl Rogers--
They still exist, are fighting against privatizing of follow-up health care for aging Vets.
They worry about creeping fascism.
Their tips,
(a) TAKE POWER BY COMMUNICATION. Want opposing party to participate too. In meantime, "Support those progressive Dems fighting to take power from the DNC old guard,.... Call. Write. E-mail, including writing and/or calling elected officials, even Trump! Join protests if you are able. Support organizations resisting and helping those being hit the hardest. Every dollar and volunteer hour counts."
(b) IMPORTANT ABOUT NAT. GUARD .." make sure the people we join with understand that the National Guard members are NOT our enemies. We all know why the average Joe enlists in the Guard. If you speak to them. make it clear your protest isn't against them, it's against their orders".
I am taking my 12 year old son with me to the Pittsburgh No Kings Rally. I feel I have to, I must show him how serious this is for our country. I thought of bringing my huge dog with a sign on him that says "Dogs Hate Trump" or "Dogs against Kristie Noem" lol but I worry he'd be a target, as he's extra large and sweet faced. Trump does hate dogs and I'll bet it is very mutual. How could we hire anyone as a Pres of the country that hates dogs? I won't befriend people who don't like animals.
I am a little frightened, I admit, as we have a lot of maga in the outlying areas of Pittsburgh. I see them posting on the comment section of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette and they behave really stupidly and are a little scary. I do not trust them one bit, but I plan to walk peacefully with my son in my Moms for Gun Control t-shirt. I will be recording everything, hopefully it's just another beautiful day in our city. I will check back in Monday to share if anything of note happens.
Yes, dog could go either way, a sign you are protected versus a temptation to attack the dog. MORE IMPORTANT--Would you then need to carry doggie bags and maybe deal with some cop told to "enforce litter laws or else"..
=======
Some ideas that might appeal:
MAP. Show son a map, were you hope to begin and end, where you will meet if you accidentally become separated. (Example--Memorize the address of a logical police station, fire station mid way (or religious place that has a service set for Sat). What third party will you call if separated?
SLEEVE. Stitch or pin identical small flags to your son's and your shirt sleeves, to look patriotic and together, while leaving your hands free.
TOKEN OF APPRECIATION.Consider bringing a flower and a smile for some tired guard. Tell them you like them and wish them well
WHISTLE Wear a whistle around your neck, not to be used unless an emergency. Decide with your son what two fast toots by you would mean (get behind me, fas) versus one long (we're going to leave fast, go where I'm pointing). Practice SOS, meaning a dire emergency asking for help (3 long toots, then 3 short, then 3 long).
Bring nuts to snack on (protein is filling) and a water thingy to hang over your shoulder or put in a back pack)
Unrelenting ass-kissing of Dear Leader is the only principle of the modern-day Republican. They don't care that their statements are obvious and contemptible lies. They are pathetic, simpering shadows of men whose only goal is to signal loyalty to their orange god.
MAGA voters don’t know that. They don’t get the emails that I get telling me to sign up for the next No Kings and where/when it will be. They don’t read news sites or newsletters that talk about it in a positive way, or at all. All they hear/see is what Mike Johnson says on Fox News.
Yeah, my Navy Vet cousin went from being a Jeb Bush Republican in 2016 to full MAGA in 2025. When I asked him about Pete Hegseth as SECDEF last spring, assuming he’d be appalled, he said, “I think he’s great because he really stuck it to the Dems in his confirmation hearing”. Since then I’ve read about a thing called “negative partisanship”, where you hate one side so much that you accept the other side, even if they’re incompetent or evil, or both. My cousin just hates “Dems” so much that he accepts what the current GOP tells him.
Uh, the Republicans are RIGHT about stupid Amerikans. tRump too. They've used that fact to create a modern fascist authoritarian regime. Other perhaps than cravenness and hypocrisy, the commodity most plentiful in the USA today is stupidity. With ignorance being a close second.
Go to the protests. Bring an American Flag, a big poster of the Bill of Rights, the Declaration of Independence.
We are the true Americans, upholding the God-given rights of every American. Not just those who kneel before Trump. Get that word out; we are fighting for you, for everyone. Join us.
Ha ha. Sorry, but do you see how stupid that comment sounds? Bill of Rights? Ignored. Declaration of Independence? A lie from day 1. God-given rights? God and all that shit is partly to BLAME for your country's current situation (fantasy-loving idiots).
Amerika is doomed to fester in the horrid christian pot of lies slime, and sleaze for a long, long time. Enjoy! Fools.
Can't afford cop-outs or doom-sayers at this point. Understand your anger, but really we're at the stage where it's Resist or Assist. Your choice. A good read for background on what got us here: The Age of Grievance. Author Frank Bruni doesn't spare anyone. But there's a way out.
I hear what you're saying. The time to do this was 2016 (don't elect him in the first place), 2021-2023 (actually appoint Jack Smith a year earlier), and 2024 (the first elected president liable for rape and tax cheating and ... other stuff). Amerikans HAD their chance.
I'm saying that it's too late. THEY BLEW IT. The jig is up. Amerikan fascists know that the number of resistors is not sufficient to scare them. Sure, MTG has broken over Obamacare subsidies, but she'll be back to cheering the "gazpacho police" soon, I am sure. The rest of cuck Republicans are either too cowardly - very Amerikan these days - or are down with tRump and MAGATS. So are the christians.
The demonstrations so far are NOWHERE NEAR what's needed to scare them. If there are fewer than 20 million protesting this Saturday ("No Kings") in the aggregate, then it's done. Cooked. Baked in. Permanent for the foreseeable future.
And I do not believe enough Amerikans will get off their fat asses, turn off the TV or video game, and go out to show the fascists what's up. (Other countries' citizens do, but not Amerikans. Especially these days. They're too cowardly.)
Will you be out there this Saturday? I get as frustrated as you, but can't call the jig yet. First off, keep in mind what happens in space is more random collisions than orderly progressions. Our chance is never over till we're in the tomb. I'll be there.
Just being realistic. The opportunity to turn the fascism off has passed. Rear view mirror.
The time to do this was 2016 (don't elect him in the first place), or 2021-2023 (actually appoint Jack Smith a year earlier), and 2024 (the first elected president liable for rape and tax cheating and ... other stuff). Amerikans HAD their chance.
I'm saying that it's too late. THEY BLEW IT. The jig is up. Amerikan fascists know that the number of resistors is not sufficient to scare them. Sure, MTG has broken over Obamacare subsidies, but she'll be back to cheering the "gazpacho police" soon, I am sure. The rest of cuck Republicans are either too cowardly - very Amerikan these days - or are down with tRump, MAGATS and christians.
The demonstrations so far are NOWHERE NEAR what's needed to scare them. If there are fewer than 20 million protesting this Saturday ("No Kings") in the aggregate, then it's done. Cooked. Baked in. Permanent for the foreseeable future.
Finally, I do not believe enough Amerikans will get off their fat asses, turn off the TV or video game or put down their guns to go out to show the fascists what's up. (Other countries' citizens do, but not Amerikans. Especially these days. They're too cowardly.)
I saw a suggestion that I recommend be proliferated: instead of referring to antifascist activists as 'antifa', go ahead and use the full word 'Antifascist'.
Antifa is cool jargon, but much as the Republican framed themselves as 'pro-life' for decades, it's important that we use similar tools.
My way of fighting it. My sign says- I am ANTIFA- anti fascists, anti hate, anti trump. Works for me as I am a little lady who looks a lot like RBG. I am hoping the irony does not fly over their heads.
I have been using the term "pro-democracy." It's a little long but presents a positive idea that presumably still has traction with the persuadable middle.
It's also demonstrably more effective to be "pro" something rather than "anti" something. Sociologially, people prefer "pros" to "antis" (hence, "pro-life" rather than "anti-abortion", even if one is more true than the other).
I like "pro-democracy"; could also do "pro-lawfulness", "pro-kindness", "pro-liberty". The list goes on!
I posted yesterday that "Antifa" is an unfortunate and poorly-considered abbreviation because, to the ignorant (of which there are far too many in the US), it is a word that sounds foreign and even vaguely Muslim/Arab. Al-Qaeda, Hamas, Antifa. Ugh. All too easy for right wing propagandists to associate it with anti-American Islamic terrorism, despite it having nothing to do with that. Much better that "anti-fascist" simply be spelled out full. Really, anything that sounds more like "American pro-democracy patriot" and less like Islamic terrorism, the better.
I will be at The Old North Bridge in Concord, Massachusetts, where the American fight against tyranny began in 1775. There will be a very large, peaceful crowd listening to speakers extolling the benefits of living in a free, open, just, and democratic society. The country that, until January 6, 2021, showed the world how a diverse democracy could survive and thrive.
I will be carrying a sign that reads: "Trite but True: All You Need is Love." I will have my phone and a portable speaker playing the Beatles singing their song. I hope you all feel free to sing the chorus all day long.
The American flag is for all of us, not only for the right-wingers who pretend to be patriots but hate an America that includes everyone, not just them. Go No Kings!
The one I was at in Arizona featured thousands of people and not a single violent incident. There were no police cars or uniformed security, though surely there were a few working in plainclothes. The opposite of J6, in fact.
The Republicans should be scared. There are very many of them in the legislature that know that this administration is not the "normal" presidency of any other Republican in office. They know the difference and have done nothing to challenge it. Who is Donald Trump that he makes grown men kneel ? Because he says he'll fund primary against them? Well, if they were better at their jobs at representing legislation that benefitted ALL Americans, maybe they wouldn't have to worry.
They should all be ashamed of themselves. They deserve to lose their jobs. When (and if) this is over they should all be procecuted for Treason and violation of their Oath of Office.
If you go to a rally on Saturday, make sure you take plenty of video, especially if ICE shows up and the police start some agitation. Would not be surprised by any of it.
These Republican "Hate Rally" mantras have the stink of Frank Luntz (or someone very much like him) all over them. It's a desperation play, and desperately ugly, but cornered rats are apt to lash out. The Republicans are, whether deliberately or not, creating the potential for violent disruptions on the 18th. It's up to patriots to turn out en masse to celebrate their First Amendment rights, and not let the Republicans get away with whatever bizarre (and potentially quite dangerous) little game they think they're playing here.
The Hate America Rally as Mike Johnson describes No Kings Day comes from the mouths of those who love the chant "I am your Retribution". Where does the hate originate? George Washington would have none of it. In his Farewell Address, he noted the danger of "the spirit of revenge" inherent in factionalism. The spirit of revenge is the father of "I am your Retribution". From which side does hate originate?
I went to No Kings in June. I brought my kids. Was everything from toddlers to boomer hippies. The keynote speaker was the PBS travel guy Rick Steves. To call these things violent is farcical.
These lying dingbats are trying to make it sound like the DC rally is the only one. But there are at least 2,600 rallies scheduled, including some in Emmer's Minnesota District. Two scheduled in Monticello, MN, pop. 14,000. And they'll be seen by lots of people.
I’ve been thinking about that. Last time, because Dear Leader was holding his Birthday Tank Parade, No Kings opted out of a DC rally. So I assume Dear Leader’s objective this time is to cause some bad things to happen in DC to make the entire, massive, nationwide movement look bad. I’m sure No Kings/Indivisible is aware.
It is similar to the disease that infects the likes of FOX News, etc. If you can't convince people of your ideas by telling the truth, maybe you should consider that you are on the wrong side of an issue.
It would be perfectly reasonable to say, "These are Americans exercising their First Amendment rights of speech and association. We happen to disagree on policy issues, but they are doing what every American has the right to do".
Unfortunately, they would then be asked which policies they disagree with, etc.
<Emmer repeated the claim that the rally is anti-American, telling host Maria Bartiromo, “These guys are playing to the most radical, small, and violent base in the country. You’ll see them on Saturday on the Mall. They just do not love this country.”>
I thought Emmer was supposed to be one of the somewhat sane ones. That’s batshit! Who are “these guys?”
As a Minnesotan (although not one of Emmer's constituents), my perception is that he was a jerk even before Trump appeared on the scene, but yet basically sane. It's a "tribute" to the malevolent power of Trump that he has now gone completely over the edge.
I’m a constituent of Stefanik’s. She ran her first two campaigns on repeal and replace. I was on ACA from its beginning so we didn’t get off on the right foot.
I’ve been wondering lately if she’s going to try to pivot back from her self-proclaimed UltraMAGA status to run for governor. Good luck with that! 🤣
You know you've struck a nerve when GOP members have to come out of hiding and spew more bull shit. I guess they are a little anxious since Trump doesn't let them speak in public too often.
The logical endgame of these gross smears is to simply make it illegal to oppose Trump in any way. Disagree with Trump - you're a terrorist.
I'll be at the No Kings rally with my OG No Kings banner - AKA the American flag.
My question: you have to be fully tuned out or brain dead not to be outraged by this if you aren't MAGA. People are taking your rights away. Rights that others paid for in blood, rights that many in the world have never enjoyed.
Folks would be rightfully pissed if their car was stolen in front of their house, but they aren't concerned when Trump trying to revoke parts of the Bill of Rights? Saying that people should be arrested for speech? Trying to shut down voting rights for groups he doesn't like?
Has Sarah polled people on this, specifically calling them out to say "Trump says he wants to ensure that you no longer have the right to criticize anyone in power. Do you agree that you should be arrested for criticizing an elected official for a policy that you don't like, or opposing that elected official in any way, including running against them?"
"Trump has said that if he gets power, you won't have to worry about elections anymore". How do you feel about your right to vote in a free and fair election being taken away?
Broadly speaking, the country's response to this authoritarian takeover has been beyond pathetic. Embarrassing.
People keep saying this, and I'm curious. What exactly is it that we should be doing, that we're not?
The Portland people have hit upon one strategy that appears to be working. Ridicule them in a way that attracts masses of favorable public notice.
Costumes, clowns, ridiculousness. It's a practical field manual!
Agreed, and I don't know what else to do but to keep spreading the word about the lies and anger. So, we've been fighting a war of words I guess. I take a break on weekends, but it is taxing. I try and be kinder, give people the benefit of the doubt and not mock the uneducated so much, it's not fair to fight with someone halfway delusional due to media feeds. The No Kings rally is a good place to show up and show response.
I think people want to see a more French response — less words, more action. The problem with that kind of rioting is that it's, well, rioting, even if for a good cause. And it won't work here, now, in the same way it has worked for the French because we already know Dear Leader wants to send the military down on us.
So there are people who believe in non-violent protest and people who believe non-violence is akin to being passive/pacifist. I feel it's mostly an issue of either not having been at a protest before, feeling scared (and then angry about it), and feeling trapped. It's also a problem of instant gratification; the progress of non-violence tends to be slower than a violent uprising and less likely to be covered by media if not for sheer size.
Of course, I'm in the peaceful protest = best protest mentality, so someone who disagrees with me, feel free to reply how and why. All of this is hard to wrap the head around.
Yes I think the slow aspect of it frustrates and worries a lot of folks. It's unfortunate that we've been trained to be an instant gratification society.
We should be doing this every Saturday.
Just speaking for myself: I've been spending time on the weekends canvassing for local Democrats. That's my choice of how to respond to the authoritarian takeover. I know there are a million complaints to be lodged about the Democrats, but as I see it, they are the only weapon at hand. For example, if we don't do well this coming November (espec. gov races in NJ and VA), we will find that we are in an even bigger hole than we thought. In my local area (a purple area of a swing state), I am disappointed that there isn't a surge in folks doing this kind of volunteering. I acknowledge not everyone is built for it (canvassing is very, very tiring, both physically and emotionally), but if we--the center-right, the center-left, and the left--were more serious about fighting back against the authoritarian takeover...I think there would be more volunteers. And protestors. And demonstrators. And yard signs. And phone calls and letters to elected officials. There are plenty of ways to be engaged, both high-threshold and low, you just have to find your speed
Do you look very non-threatening, as you canvas? Are you comments at the doorway being recorded to use against you? I mean, I think that you’re right, but brave; people are afraid of walking up driveways and ringing doorbells, these days.
Great question, and definitely something to think about! Yep, I am leaning on a whole lot of white male Christian privilege as I do this, and I try my very best to be cheerful, helpful, non-offensive, you name it. I think about what I wear, how I stand, tone of voice -- everything I can do to come across as a friendly, dad-coded person on your doorstep. I always check that my neck placard is facing out to say, "Volunteer" and I have a clipboard and a marker in my hands, that's it. In terms of doorbell cameras recording me, I try not to say anything I wouldn't feel comfortable saying in front of my parish priest, even when talking to a friendly voter. And if there is a confrontation, I just say thanks for your time, you have a great day, and I get gone. After all: the goal isn't to activate and turn out Trump voters but to activate and turn out people who either are Democrats or might vote Democratic
Just march on Saturday.
ALL ARE WELCOMED. This is not a Democratic event BUT AN American event!!! No one is more anti-American than the Republican congress.
You may be on to something. Democrats need to do some serious push-polling by phrasing the question exactly as you have described.
That's asking a lot. Harris couldn't connect the dots for voters; she barely tried. "Democracy" is a vague concept. However, being jailed for criticizing an elected official or no longer being able to have one's vote counted is not.
People have Netflix and their 401K and home values are mostly good. They are unaware what is really going on.
YUP! Adrian Carrasquillo of Bulwark posted this recently on SM (i can't take credit) " I Don't Know How to Explain To You That You Should Care About Other People". HOW did this become such a complicated antiquated concept.
It’s been endemic for a long time. My townhome community has a bamboo infestation - all over common ground and up to some backyards. The Boards response - owner X planted it decades ago, I shouldn’t have to pay for it to be removed, owner X is gone, no I won’t go on record accusing owner X, everyone should take care of their own yard, no I won’t take the time to work on community property or help my 80 year old neighbor, etc.
These morons and the "journalists" that enable them are infuriating!! This protest has been planned for months! Are they claiming the organizers had a Chrystal ball and knew there would be a shut down? Is there any such thing as follow up questions anymore???
Republicans have pretty much curated their press pools to weed out legitimate journalists.
They know nobody is paying attention to the details... certainly MAGA is not.
The "OG No Kings Banner"? Love that.
About Oct 18, Sat,
(1) Yes, American Flag (shirt design?) and respectfully treated, represents the legitimate CONSTITUTION, not the deformed thing some try to make of it.
(2) Am dismayed by T's contempt of respectful protest. Freedom of speech is not terrorism. "Jan 6" was the worst of MAGA, not us.
Turn in anyone violent, as the worst MAGA might masquerade as legit protestors., and you don't want to be blamed for "their stuff".
Be extra careful in more dangerous places. Maybe certain parts of TX, FL and PA? Those three had more culprits than average on Jan 6, with Pres T still in charge, still running the FBI. Terrified legislators and office people inside tried to hide and/or left. Cops were attacked with iron rods; one fell to the ground and yet the attacker continued.
We all saw it. Recall that it looked like this:
YouTube.com/watch?v=ibWJO02nNsY#Jan6Rioters_ButTouristsMixedIn_TrumpSpeechAtStart
(3) Also, am happy a Gaza peace attempt is underway but dismayed it took the Prez so VERRRRY LOOONG .to stop the killing.
If Israel TRULY has agreed to not annex, the Prez gets a pat on the back. (Annexation is what Israel has done before? West Bank? More than that?).
However, Gaza necessities 80-90% gone, housing and shops and hospitals, crops and orchards--What will the Gazans returning now eat?
(4) IMMIGRATION. A neighbor said to me-- If he doesn't want immigrants, how about making their parts of the world better places to live?
(5) EVANGELICALS and GAZA and THE WORLD. The US AID projects were RUN BY CHURCHES. Recall that USAID was destroyed. by this administration, an early priority, as his term started Does heaven approve? Both sets of Beatitudes forgotten? Some ministers afraid to explain the the Samaritan story?
Weren't the National Evangelicals among those protesting the agency's elimination, the destruction of supplies?
(6) A MILLION ADDED DEATH.S Are we as good at math as Bill Gates? One of the better billionaires, he ran some numbers calculated a million deaths per year due to eliminating US AID.
Add that 1 million to 80,000 dead Gazans? The number was only 60,000 dead Gazans some months ago? And only 10,000 near the start? Subtract 2000 hostages saved, from 80,000 Gazans dead, to get a NET destruction number
Israel ignored the immorality of excess response and did it anyway. Some of their soldiers complained.
(7) Recall Viet Nam/Vietnam Veterans against the War. A protest in NYC,photo by Carl Rogers--
VVAW.org/gallery/images/fall2025_photos_web/vvaw_1968_NYC_CarlRogers.jpg
They still exist, are fighting against privatizing of follow-up health care for aging Vets.
They worry about creeping fascism.
Their tips,
(a) TAKE POWER BY COMMUNICATION. Want opposing party to participate too. In meantime, "Support those progressive Dems fighting to take power from the DNC old guard,.... Call. Write. E-mail, including writing and/or calling elected officials, even Trump! Join protests if you are able. Support organizations resisting and helping those being hit the hardest. Every dollar and volunteer hour counts."
(b) IMPORTANT ABOUT NAT. GUARD .." make sure the people we join with understand that the National Guard members are NOT our enemies. We all know why the average Joe enlists in the Guard. If you speak to them. make it clear your protest isn't against them, it's against their orders".
I am taking my 12 year old son with me to the Pittsburgh No Kings Rally. I feel I have to, I must show him how serious this is for our country. I thought of bringing my huge dog with a sign on him that says "Dogs Hate Trump" or "Dogs against Kristie Noem" lol but I worry he'd be a target, as he's extra large and sweet faced. Trump does hate dogs and I'll bet it is very mutual. How could we hire anyone as a Pres of the country that hates dogs? I won't befriend people who don't like animals.
I am a little frightened, I admit, as we have a lot of maga in the outlying areas of Pittsburgh. I see them posting on the comment section of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette and they behave really stupidly and are a little scary. I do not trust them one bit, but I plan to walk peacefully with my son in my Moms for Gun Control t-shirt. I will be recording everything, hopefully it's just another beautiful day in our city. I will check back in Monday to share if anything of note happens.
Yes, Pittsburgh maybe had people at Jan 6 riot, but plenty of good people are there too.
Indivisible Pittsburgh plans to meet at 414 Grant St.. They want sign-ups in advance:
https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/839432/
Yes, dog could go either way, a sign you are protected versus a temptation to attack the dog. MORE IMPORTANT--Would you then need to carry doggie bags and maybe deal with some cop told to "enforce litter laws or else"..
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Some ideas that might appeal:
MAP. Show son a map, were you hope to begin and end, where you will meet if you accidentally become separated. (Example--Memorize the address of a logical police station, fire station mid way (or religious place that has a service set for Sat). What third party will you call if separated?
SLEEVE. Stitch or pin identical small flags to your son's and your shirt sleeves, to look patriotic and together, while leaving your hands free.
TOKEN OF APPRECIATION.Consider bringing a flower and a smile for some tired guard. Tell them you like them and wish them well
WHISTLE Wear a whistle around your neck, not to be used unless an emergency. Decide with your son what two fast toots by you would mean (get behind me, fas) versus one long (we're going to leave fast, go where I'm pointing). Practice SOS, meaning a dire emergency asking for help (3 long toots, then 3 short, then 3 long).
Bring nuts to snack on (protein is filling) and a water thingy to hang over your shoulder or put in a back pack)
Good luck!
Sorry. Photo above not working. See it hopefully inside whole article, https://www.VVAW.org/veteran/article/?id=4416
Keep calling it the “I love America with no Kings” protest. Shuts down the rhetoric right away.
The Republicans think we're all very stupid. Organizing for this nationwide protest began long before the government shutdown.
Unrelenting ass-kissing of Dear Leader is the only principle of the modern-day Republican. They don't care that their statements are obvious and contemptible lies. They are pathetic, simpering shadows of men whose only goal is to signal loyalty to their orange god.
MAGA voters don’t know that. They don’t get the emails that I get telling me to sign up for the next No Kings and where/when it will be. They don’t read news sites or newsletters that talk about it in a positive way, or at all. All they hear/see is what Mike Johnson says on Fox News.
Sigh. I know. 😔 We are not his audience. Still angers me, knowing that ppl in my life are absorbing this shit.
Yeah, my Navy Vet cousin went from being a Jeb Bush Republican in 2016 to full MAGA in 2025. When I asked him about Pete Hegseth as SECDEF last spring, assuming he’d be appalled, he said, “I think he’s great because he really stuck it to the Dems in his confirmation hearing”. Since then I’ve read about a thing called “negative partisanship”, where you hate one side so much that you accept the other side, even if they’re incompetent or evil, or both. My cousin just hates “Dems” so much that he accepts what the current GOP tells him.
Uh, the Republicans are RIGHT about stupid Amerikans. tRump too. They've used that fact to create a modern fascist authoritarian regime. Other perhaps than cravenness and hypocrisy, the commodity most plentiful in the USA today is stupidity. With ignorance being a close second.
Go to the protests. Bring an American Flag, a big poster of the Bill of Rights, the Declaration of Independence.
We are the true Americans, upholding the God-given rights of every American. Not just those who kneel before Trump. Get that word out; we are fighting for you, for everyone. Join us.
Ha ha. Sorry, but do you see how stupid that comment sounds? Bill of Rights? Ignored. Declaration of Independence? A lie from day 1. God-given rights? God and all that shit is partly to BLAME for your country's current situation (fantasy-loving idiots).
Amerika is doomed to fester in the horrid christian pot of lies slime, and sleaze for a long, long time. Enjoy! Fools.
Can't afford cop-outs or doom-sayers at this point. Understand your anger, but really we're at the stage where it's Resist or Assist. Your choice. A good read for background on what got us here: The Age of Grievance. Author Frank Bruni doesn't spare anyone. But there's a way out.
I hear what you're saying. The time to do this was 2016 (don't elect him in the first place), 2021-2023 (actually appoint Jack Smith a year earlier), and 2024 (the first elected president liable for rape and tax cheating and ... other stuff). Amerikans HAD their chance.
I'm saying that it's too late. THEY BLEW IT. The jig is up. Amerikan fascists know that the number of resistors is not sufficient to scare them. Sure, MTG has broken over Obamacare subsidies, but she'll be back to cheering the "gazpacho police" soon, I am sure. The rest of cuck Republicans are either too cowardly - very Amerikan these days - or are down with tRump and MAGATS. So are the christians.
The demonstrations so far are NOWHERE NEAR what's needed to scare them. If there are fewer than 20 million protesting this Saturday ("No Kings") in the aggregate, then it's done. Cooked. Baked in. Permanent for the foreseeable future.
And I do not believe enough Amerikans will get off their fat asses, turn off the TV or video game, and go out to show the fascists what's up. (Other countries' citizens do, but not Amerikans. Especially these days. They're too cowardly.)
Amerika is effed.
Will you be out there this Saturday? I get as frustrated as you, but can't call the jig yet. First off, keep in mind what happens in space is more random collisions than orderly progressions. Our chance is never over till we're in the tomb. I'll be there.
Ordered book, sounds interesting.
Let me know what you think when read.
Will do.
Try to stay positive. I know things are bad but a defeatist attitude just makes people feel even worse.
Just being realistic. The opportunity to turn the fascism off has passed. Rear view mirror.
The time to do this was 2016 (don't elect him in the first place), or 2021-2023 (actually appoint Jack Smith a year earlier), and 2024 (the first elected president liable for rape and tax cheating and ... other stuff). Amerikans HAD their chance.
I'm saying that it's too late. THEY BLEW IT. The jig is up. Amerikan fascists know that the number of resistors is not sufficient to scare them. Sure, MTG has broken over Obamacare subsidies, but she'll be back to cheering the "gazpacho police" soon, I am sure. The rest of cuck Republicans are either too cowardly - very Amerikan these days - or are down with tRump, MAGATS and christians.
The demonstrations so far are NOWHERE NEAR what's needed to scare them. If there are fewer than 20 million protesting this Saturday ("No Kings") in the aggregate, then it's done. Cooked. Baked in. Permanent for the foreseeable future.
Finally, I do not believe enough Amerikans will get off their fat asses, turn off the TV or video game or put down their guns to go out to show the fascists what's up. (Other countries' citizens do, but not Amerikans. Especially these days. They're too cowardly.)
Amerika is effed.
I saw a suggestion that I recommend be proliferated: instead of referring to antifascist activists as 'antifa', go ahead and use the full word 'Antifascist'.
Antifa is cool jargon, but much as the Republican framed themselves as 'pro-life' for decades, it's important that we use similar tools.
My way of fighting it. My sign says- I am ANTIFA- anti fascists, anti hate, anti trump. Works for me as I am a little lady who looks a lot like RBG. I am hoping the irony does not fly over their heads.
If you have a poster/sign with the letters. RBG. the magats will confuse you with a deceased rapper.
You don’t look anything like RBG in your profile photo.
That’s a few years old, and I keep shrinking. More like her every year.
Do you still have the long straight blonde hair?
Still blond, much shorter
As an older person, shrinking every year, I laughed at this a lot. Looking forward to today.
I have been using the term "pro-democracy." It's a little long but presents a positive idea that presumably still has traction with the persuadable middle.
It's also demonstrably more effective to be "pro" something rather than "anti" something. Sociologially, people prefer "pros" to "antis" (hence, "pro-life" rather than "anti-abortion", even if one is more true than the other).
I like "pro-democracy"; could also do "pro-lawfulness", "pro-kindness", "pro-liberty". The list goes on!
Good point.
I posted yesterday that "Antifa" is an unfortunate and poorly-considered abbreviation because, to the ignorant (of which there are far too many in the US), it is a word that sounds foreign and even vaguely Muslim/Arab. Al-Qaeda, Hamas, Antifa. Ugh. All too easy for right wing propagandists to associate it with anti-American Islamic terrorism, despite it having nothing to do with that. Much better that "anti-fascist" simply be spelled out full. Really, anything that sounds more like "American pro-democracy patriot" and less like Islamic terrorism, the better.
I like 'Anti-fascist' or 'Antifascist' because among other things, it makes for really poor optics when declaring it to be a terrorist movement.
"Oh, it's the evil antifascists doing their evil antifascist things."
I will be at The Old North Bridge in Concord, Massachusetts, where the American fight against tyranny began in 1775. There will be a very large, peaceful crowd listening to speakers extolling the benefits of living in a free, open, just, and democratic society. The country that, until January 6, 2021, showed the world how a diverse democracy could survive and thrive.
I will be carrying a sign that reads: "Trite but True: All You Need is Love." I will have my phone and a portable speaker playing the Beatles singing their song. I hope you all feel free to sing the chorus all day long.
I’m jealous! I would love to be there with you.
I expect to post pictures on my site.
I’ll be looking forward to seeing them!
The American flag is for all of us, not only for the right-wingers who pretend to be patriots but hate an America that includes everyone, not just them. Go No Kings!
The one I was at in Arizona featured thousands of people and not a single violent incident. There were no police cars or uniformed security, though surely there were a few working in plainclothes. The opposite of J6, in fact.
The Republicans should be scared. There are very many of them in the legislature that know that this administration is not the "normal" presidency of any other Republican in office. They know the difference and have done nothing to challenge it. Who is Donald Trump that he makes grown men kneel ? Because he says he'll fund primary against them? Well, if they were better at their jobs at representing legislation that benefitted ALL Americans, maybe they wouldn't have to worry.
They should all be ashamed of themselves. They deserve to lose their jobs. When (and if) this is over they should all be procecuted for Treason and violation of their Oath of Office.
If you go to a rally on Saturday, make sure you take plenty of video, especially if ICE shows up and the police start some agitation. Would not be surprised by any of it.
These Republican "Hate Rally" mantras have the stink of Frank Luntz (or someone very much like him) all over them. It's a desperation play, and desperately ugly, but cornered rats are apt to lash out. The Republicans are, whether deliberately or not, creating the potential for violent disruptions on the 18th. It's up to patriots to turn out en masse to celebrate their First Amendment rights, and not let the Republicans get away with whatever bizarre (and potentially quite dangerous) little game they think they're playing here.
Bringing my American flag and sign that reads “love America, hate facism, the 1st and 4th amendment still apply”
The Hate America Rally as Mike Johnson describes No Kings Day comes from the mouths of those who love the chant "I am your Retribution". Where does the hate originate? George Washington would have none of it. In his Farewell Address, he noted the danger of "the spirit of revenge" inherent in factionalism. The spirit of revenge is the father of "I am your Retribution". From which side does hate originate?
I went to No Kings in June. I brought my kids. Was everything from toddlers to boomer hippies. The keynote speaker was the PBS travel guy Rick Steves. To call these things violent is farcical.
These lying dingbats are trying to make it sound like the DC rally is the only one. But there are at least 2,600 rallies scheduled, including some in Emmer's Minnesota District. Two scheduled in Monticello, MN, pop. 14,000. And they'll be seen by lots of people.
I’ve been thinking about that. Last time, because Dear Leader was holding his Birthday Tank Parade, No Kings opted out of a DC rally. So I assume Dear Leader’s objective this time is to cause some bad things to happen in DC to make the entire, massive, nationwide movement look bad. I’m sure No Kings/Indivisible is aware.
I’m fine with that. It means the cops won’t try to arrest me at my rally.
It is similar to the disease that infects the likes of FOX News, etc. If you can't convince people of your ideas by telling the truth, maybe you should consider that you are on the wrong side of an issue.
It would be perfectly reasonable to say, "These are Americans exercising their First Amendment rights of speech and association. We happen to disagree on policy issues, but they are doing what every American has the right to do".
Unfortunately, they would then be asked which policies they disagree with, etc.
<Emmer repeated the claim that the rally is anti-American, telling host Maria Bartiromo, “These guys are playing to the most radical, small, and violent base in the country. You’ll see them on Saturday on the Mall. They just do not love this country.”>
I thought Emmer was supposed to be one of the somewhat sane ones. That’s batshit! Who are “these guys?”
As a Minnesotan (although not one of Emmer's constituents), my perception is that he was a jerk even before Trump appeared on the scene, but yet basically sane. It's a "tribute" to the malevolent power of Trump that he has now gone completely over the edge.
I’m a constituent of Stefanik’s. She ran her first two campaigns on repeal and replace. I was on ACA from its beginning so we didn’t get off on the right foot.
I’ve been wondering lately if she’s going to try to pivot back from her self-proclaimed UltraMAGA status to run for governor. Good luck with that! 🤣
Some of us wonder the same about Emmer. He's already tried it once (before being elected to Congress).
Are there any reasonable ones who are left at this time.
No
You know you've struck a nerve when GOP members have to come out of hiding and spew more bull shit. I guess they are a little anxious since Trump doesn't let them speak in public too often.