Blue dot in a big red state, nonprofit mental health service, proud single dad of "it's not easy being independent" twenty-somethings, part-time regenerative ag rancher, Army veteran and lover of all things creative.
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"They came for the Jews, and I did not speak out because I was not a Jew." "Then they came for me — and there was no one left to speak for me". German pastor Martin Niemöller, as Nazis enforced authoritarian power. It is not wrong to compare ICE to the Nazi Gestapo.
We are required to have a driver's license to drive a vehicle. Training/testing is required to get the license. Said vehicle is also required to display a license. This is for public safety. There is no logical reason that we don't require the same level of safety for the use of firearms.
Save the children. Fire RFK, Jr. now!
A random unhealthy old man on the sidewalk points out he can tell by looking that your children are unhealthy, burdened with mitochondrial challenges with inflammation. He doesn't claim to be a doctor but says only he, science be damned, can tell you how to heal your children. You'd run, right?
Don't give these people working for Trump too much credit. They are incredibly stupid. Evil and devious as vermin but stupid.
It's actually worse in the White House. These are adult brown-nosed parasites. The most dangerous kind of bloodsuckers. There is no hope they will mature into something less noxious because they are at the peak of their development.
The DNC should be a resistance headquarters to the authoritarian Trump, instead it is a Vichy collaborationist regime trying to cooperate with the Trump side. Understood that they have the same corporate masters, but then there's morality, ethics and legality at issue here too.
The DNC rejects an arms embargo on Israel; a symbolic recognition of the immoral actions of the Israeli government. The DNC doesn't need the support of 82% of Americans who want a cease fire in Gaza. I suppose the DNC has all the support they need, donor votes probably number in the thousands.
Is there really a "consultant class" or are there just consultants trying to protect their income streams.
Take the Democrats/DNC as they show they are. Stop wishing they are something other than what they DO. The reason they have no clearly stated goals is because it allows them to serve their wealthy and corporate donors while complaining they can do nothing to help the working class.
Quid pro quo
Man it's dry, smoky, hot and windy.
Seems a governor would have the authority to put "foreign" out of state National Guard troops where they choose. Where they've been deployed so far the local law enforcement have been complicit. Governors could "station" the National Guard to posts where they do not interfere with local authority.
Centrist is probably the wrong label for Debbie. How about corrupt corporatist. What the Democrats need is representatives responsible to workers instead of the wealthy donors.
Wrong on this one Nina. When people say Nazi they mean Trump is a fascist leader creating an authoritarian government in the fascist model of Nazi Germany. Giving the edge afforded by gerrymandering (legal since 1812) to the Republicans has caused the weakening of civil rights and voting rights.
AI requires unbelievable amounts of energy (1 data center will use more energy than 500,000 people) to create a future where machines earn income for oligarchs & humans are no longer necessary. Increased wealth inequality, job loss & poverty are a planned outcome for AI. Oligarchs win.
Our tax dollars continue to support the extremely profitable fossil fuels corporations so they can cheaply extract gas, oil, and coal. We are collectively contributing to our own deaths.
Globally 8 million people die as a result of air pollution from the burning of fossil fuels every year. Global warming deaths are not counted officially but estimates range from 250,000 to 4M. Anybody noticed?
Democrats have to be an inclusive party if they hope to win again. Democrats continue to hemorrhage support. We need all the people. We don't all have to agree. In fact Democrats rarely communicate policies. Only Bernie and AOC talk about clear policy but even they know they can't win on their own.
Trump is cutting funding for the Smithsonian because it "it doesn't focus enough on the BWHITENESS of America."
Because Memphis has a higher crime rate.
"Will just roll over and play dead"?! Democrats have already rolled over and played dead. Democrats have claimed playing dead is a strategy. Time to face reality; to find courage to fight the systematic dismantling of US rights and values. No authoritarian regime has been defeated by dead people.
Just like Putin turning Russia back into the Soviet Union without the communist trappings Trump is turning the USA into the Soviet Union without the communist veneer. Putin and Trump worship Stalin. Authoritarian rule like this tends to become entrenched power. It needs to be stopped now!
Trump wants honest elections so he goes to the man, the country with elections we all trust Vladimir Putin of Russia who says " You can't have an honest election, election with mail-in voting." Seriously? Are we living in a Mel Brooks movie? Does America want to be Russia? Trump's a wannabe Putin.
Somebody should organize a good old fashioned troop entertainment show in DC. It's probably not good to have all these troops hanging around with nothing to do; it's bad for morale. Maybe Stephen Colbert and Jane Fonda could get something together. It could be a fun rally.
May 4, 1970
It's estimated the deployment of National Guard to Washington DC is costing $500 million. That money could: feed and house every homeless person in DC ($89000 per person), Pay for a year of the 988 suicide hotline, or Fund community behavioral health clinics for a year.
True
Agreed, Cory Booker is the face of cruelty and corruption. That's your point right?
There are "approximately" 73 different federal law enforcement agencies. You see part of the problem is nobody even knows for sure how many agencies there are or who is in charge of all these cops carrying guns. Democrats need to reduce this unmanageable police state to fewer with accountability.
Gotta love those emotions, all imagination and no logic.
Yes, and Cleveland is with us no matter where we end up.
Let’s Not Ever Forget To Remind America 🇺🇸 Of This! 👇🏼👇🏽👇🏾
Kindness for everyone in the world. Kindness for Palestinians. Kindness for victims of sexual assault by powerful political figures. Kindness for workers and progressive politicians who help workers. Kindness for protesters. Kindness for believers in democracy who challenge/ primary the status quo.
How's that working for you Cory? Democrats have not helped us so far. Y'all always say you "will" protect us but we know you only care about your wealthy donors and PACs. Hell you're even willing to sacrifice the whole of the Palestinian people to keep the money rolling in.
Stupid is as stupid does
* Be the party of moral clarity * Oppose state aggression & war in all cases * Support science & education * Support religious freedom * Support free speech and the right to protest for any damn idea * Be open, honest & accept genuine criticism *Be generous & be a world leader in foreign aid
This a great example of why you should never trust AI. It's easily manipulated by the humans at the controls.
Democrats need a rebranding. Not a marketing expert but here's a start. *Strength & action *Support workers/ livable wage *Immigration reform/modern & efficient path to citizenship *Respect for all people: racial/ethnic, LGBT, women, men... *Financial security & affordable living *Family values
What is the argument against this being immoral? It is disgraceful and intolerable under any ethical standards.
Canada is attractive.
Totally agree with you, white voters are the problem for Democrats and thanks for the book recommendation.
The text in the Gallup article about this chart says it is a tie between Republicans and Democrats (range of error). Democrats need to win and beat Trumpism. That's going to require building a strong base. We can't ignore the current weaknesses in the Democratic Party.
Gallup reports "the Democratic Party’s 34% favorable rating is the lowest Gallup has measured for the group in its trend dating back to 1992. The prior low was 36% in November 2014" I agree it is nice that some progressive Democrats have done well. Feels good but doesn't fix the bigger problem.
Perhaps this is an overestimating the power of the Democratic Party. Only 24%of registered voters were registered as Democrats in 2024 and that number is falling. We need community level organizing to rebuild the Democratic Party and fast. But where is that happening?
Next month Congress votes on Trump's budget. Democrats, looking at Schumer, can't fold like they did on the continuing resolution. TACO Trump only recognizes brinkmanship negotiation (see tariff proposals, 250% on pharmaceuticals!?). Democrats, propose 250% or more of what you want & don't cave.
It would be great if Canada and other nations hire the scientists the US no longer values.
Any plans for a large rally in DC this weekend to demand the release of the Epstein files?
Mainstream media is complicit in covering up the child sexual assault/abuse crimes committed by Trump, Epstein and many others. The coverup is not about protecting victims, it is protecting the perpetrators. Everyday local media find a way to talk about these crimes while protecting victims.
Doesn't care about genocide.
Europe and Asia are actively recruiting US scientists with the cuts in funding and anti science policies in the US. The US will be in a dark unenlightened age long after Trump is gone. Of course this will mean unavoidable economic weakness in many ways.
Neo-fascism doesn't mean "fascism light" or gentle fascism. It's the same old fascism adapted to modern times. Trump is a fascist. The only times he has not achieved basic fascist values is when public resistance has been strong. Stop calling him a neo-fascist when clearly he's a standard fascist.
They don't need to define these words or phrases. Republicans know their supporters hear "nonwhite" and "communist" people taking away their white nationalist/ Christian nationalist country. These are dog whistle warnings to preserve racial/religious purity.
Sadly as weeks go by they appear to be throwing every oppressed community under the bus to appease their corporate sponsors. The only way to get their attention is through the power of money.
I'm a veteran and I am outraged by this betrayal of service persons. Democrats put this on your list of things to correct immediately upon obtaining political power. For the right now, get off your asses and loudly fight this corrupt fascist racist Trump administration!
Are you trying to make a point? In what way does knowing any income statistics have anything to do with "economic intelligence?" Economies are on the scale of countries and regions, not individuals. For example, 3 people own more wealth than the bottom half of US citizens.
Facts: Trump refuses to release files to show he Is/is not involved in child sex trafficking/rape. Trump blatantly rigs the 2026 election in Texas because he knows he is losing. Trump destroys the economy in 6 months. Democrats choose whispering Grandpa Schumer to read an opposition bedtime story.
Diddler on the Roof?
Weird, but my mind went to pizza reading this. Thin crust, a little flakey, little or no veg on it, maybe some smoked meat...
Solution: stop turning the US into third world economy with a dictatorial leader and a permanent majority underclass.
You do understand that even in the worst third world countries there are still people who can afford to buy homes. That doesn't indicate that people are doing well overall.
What? Home sales are down because few people are buying homes.
Inflation was 2.9% in July 2024 under Biden and it is 2.9% in July 2025 under Trump. Looks like Biden got inflation down to current levels. And, outlook is for higher inflation with tariffs/import taxes taking effect in August.
Oh like the Utahns were just waiting for the governor to give his okay on praying. I suspect Utahns have been praying for rain all along.
How do people still use Intuit products after decades of Intuit stealing from their customers and lobbying against customer financial interests?
And yet, our government has defended the delusional idea that opposing the murder of children is antisemitic.
Will some university please hire Erika McEntarfer, the fired commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics and create a statistical report on the US economy that businesses can trust.
Both sides didn't raise minimum wage
The Democrats are silently eating liver in the dining room while the Republicans are selecting a nice Chianti.
John Stewart said " I don't think the Democrats have the foundational, right now, moral and principled stand to be able to be relentless" in the fight to win back our democracy. Democrats we want you! Be powerful and relentless! Lead! Democrats use the moral courage of clearly stated convictions.
When are the Democrats going to realize you don't bring decorum to a gun fight?
Moon shadow
Agreed! What moral values are being violated when gerrymandering is an accepted legal political tactic in the US since 1812! Democrats are playing by touch football rules in a tackle football game.
We can't assume these people voted for Trump. A third of eligible voters (90 million) did not vote in the election. That many have given up on democracy is not an endorsement of autocracy, it's learned helplessness from decades of experience.
Hit the nail on the head.
You were responding to a post about being morally strong and moral resistance that acknowledged an age of bullies. You responded with "bullshit." What were we to think? Glad to hear I misunderstood you.
Morals are bullshit? You can be strong and moral. Bullies are scared little shits who target people they see as defenseless ( like immigrants). Be strong. Be moral. Hooah!
You are making my point. Crimes describe crimes. Crimes are prosecuted. Convictions lead to prison (potentially). The Epstein pals need to be prosecuted. Mental conditions are labels for disorders. Give a person a label and they are offered voluntary treatment. Want them convicted not treated.
Yes! Now is the time for the Democratic Party to build a movement that generates the passion you express. Get out there now Democrats; time is running out with less than a year to the midterm primaries.
Hahaha, ouch.
Pedophile means a person sexually attracted to children. It's a paraphilia or mental disorder of sexual attraction. No crime is identified. In the Epstein case we have numerous crimes of trafficking children for sex and rape of children. Just want to clarify these criminals need to be prosecuted.
Hahaha, Republicans are alphas, you're joking, maybe cowardly bullies masquerading as alphas.
Yes, I am as dimwitted as professor Turner and happy to be compared to her.
You show rigorous logical arguing skills by calling me names. Involved in politics long enough to recall Epstein was an issue since his arrest in 2005. In 2009 victims fight to prosecute Epstein, a significant Mother Jones article in 2019, Maxwell conviction 2021, & 2023 judge says to release files.
Anyone who is describing the Epstein case in terms of pedo, pedogate, pedophile (focus on the actor not the action of raping a victim) is soft pedalling.
Okay, you know that this Epstein case goes back to 2005 and the FBI created the file in 2006. Presidents since 2006: Bush, Obama, Trump, Biden, Trump. Both parties had access to the FBI Epstein Files. I'll let you tell me who is currently reporting on the child rapists in the Epstein files
These are CHILD RAPISTS that both parties are protecting and that partisan media is suppressing. I get so tired of the soft pedalling of sexual assault. Let's call it what it is.
Pedogate sounds to homogenized, I prefer "child rapist gate."
Agreed, or the child rapist scandal.
My man you brought up the "parties" in the response I replied to. The reality is that neither party has adequately funded public mental health since Clinton. I don't know your experience providing public MH services so I won't disparage your ideas but it doesn't match my experience as a provider.
Reality is both parties have cut funding for mental health services for the past 40 years. Mental health funding now is less than half what it was before Clinton started cutting programs for people in poverty. Talking isn't support. It doesn't hurt the Democrats to encourage them to do better.
Name legislation passed by Democrats to meaningfully support community mental health since John F Kennedy.
That's because I'm stupid right. I stupidly spent my career working in nonprofits advocating for mentally ill people who struggle to find help and safety in the political system you revere. Stupidly spending my time testifying in legislative hearings run by party officials. Okay, you be the judge.
So now we're like the Republicans and have to stick to the party line or we're stupid. Yet we're the party of democracy? Maybe it's okay to listen respectfully to people in your party who have a diverse opinion.
Hard not to feel hollow and have tunnel vision.
Democrats wanting to win elections need to focus on saving Social Security. The over 65 population (now 17%) is the fastest growing cohort and will continue to grow for 10 years. Social Security also pays survivor and disability benefits. Democrats: stop putting off plans to secure Social Security.
We now live in the Divided States of Disgrace. American ideals are stomped down and punched in the head.
Johnson is making some hay in red states by pointing out the Democrats had four years to release the Epstein files. How do I answer that? My only idea is to say that some Democrats are also implicated, but that doesn't excuse Trump or other Republicans for sexually abusing children. Two wrongs...