Excellent Olivia! Simply excellent advice laid out in beautiful simplicity. Thank you for your important voice, and please, never stop educating and encouraging all of us who cherish democracy. Donnie, Elon, and the rest think that they have this in-the-bag: Wrong! They are awakening a sleeping giant. Let's Roll!
I admire your courage,Olivia, and thank you for your service to our country. I have a question for you? Why are so many elected Republicans afraid to step forward to speak and act against what Musk/Trump are doing? They are going to lose as much as the rest of us in the end. Are they all that impotent? That bereft of conscience and basic humanity? Maybe I’m giving them too much benefit of the doubt. Maybe they’re just stupid, uncaring people who actually can’t do better.
I believe that they have become weak and compliant with Trump because of his ability to unleash the MAGA base to issue threats, insults and possibly promise death of their political career. In heavily gerrymandered districts where they have Republican majority they have created a monster that now holds them hostage. AND not one of them has any courage to tell the truth and call out Trumps lies. I also watch Fox News to see what the base is digesting and it is completely opposite of other news channels. So their echo chamber is off the wall opposite of anything resembling truth. They also have been conditioned to believe Trump because of the silo's echo chamber. Our tribal system has so segregated the two political information systems and the unwillingness of the MAGA base to critically think about anything they are told will continue to foment this separation. I appreciate Olivia's discussion, but the truth is until we cleave some reasonable thoughts into the FOX, ONAN and Right Wing Pundits this will never get better and Republican's will cower and wimper when Trump speaks. He's counting on it!!!
They are complicit and therefore, they are culpable. I too see the stark dis- information being fed for YEARS now. (just as in Russian TV !!! ) But I think, these Republican Senators now know the difference..they KNOW. It becomes, are they more fearful of their base ? or of the entirety of the population? Their bare majority win now being hurt and the REST of our Country who is assaulted... All will demand accountability. The Republican Senate control this daily nightmare, they can stop it today...they must be routed out daily with questions/actions/rally's all resistance to their compliance. Part 2 if they retain and choose their complicate Shame in History...then the movement goes on without their saving their own Nation, and we take back the Country. The numbers are certainly, in our favour with 350 million total .... I would not want to be on the wrong side of mass numbers, LOADLY and peacefully demanding Justice...!
I'd say, "Yes, money is everything to them." They are protecting their cushy jobs, benefits, & way of life. Who wouldn't want to enjoy the perks that members of congress receive? They are no longer doing the work "for the people" that they were meant/elected to do. They're working for themselves and their own comfort and enrichment, and hanging on to it for dear life. Hence the sucking up to Donald Trump who threatens to take all that away. Dems and others who still have integrity and ethics need to vote in every election at every level to regain the majority. Then outlaw Citizens United which allows unrestricted "donations" from corporations and billionaires that are currently buying the government. Outlaw trading in stocks while holding a position in congress, or benefiting individuals monetarily in any way other than compensation for their service. We should pass a new bill that all members of congress receive the same health insurance options and medical benefits available to all Americans, not their own separate plan. Then we need to impose term limits on members of congress. And don't even get me started on the Supreme Court and justice system! Doing some of these things will help to eliminate the greed that inevitably permeates human beings in positions of power.
Olivia, Canadian here. Appreciate you so much for your integrity. I am of the socially progressive variety (sometimes known as "woke", though few people seem to understand what that really is...) I deeply appreciate you and people like you, e.g. Adam Kinzinger, who are true conservatives. I have no problem at all with true conservatives, but I can't stand that you are conflated with the MAGA folks who are so motivated by hate, recrimination, violence and destructive impulses. Can't help noticing that many of you who stand up in the face of threats of violence are women. I salute your courage, integrity and your ability to articulate the importance of the US Constitution and rule of law . I envision a world in which there is friendly and civil dialogue between conservative and progressive US citizens, Mexicans and Canadians. Every day I focus my mind on the possibilities that exist in this apparently dire situation and moment in which we find ourselves. Thank you for just being yourself!
Thank you for reminding us of Havel. And thank you for your shining example of courage. I wish that more elected Democrats would stop playing nice with these ratfuckers. Instead of hiding photo ops at the front door of federal agencies, go through the doors! Get arrested, kick ass, whatever. We are at war, and we are all soldiers.
I was confronted yesterday by a childhood friend telling me that none of this would be happening but for people like me. He's a MAGAt yet he knows that Trump's actions are tearing things down and hurting people. He knows that our rural county is going pay all hell because over 60% are living on transfer payments. Nevertheless, it's all my fault because of my radical, leftist, "woke" (argh!) ideas. He knows that I retired from the Army, but that doesn't matter because I became a university professor later and that's a boogeyman for MAGA. I'm fully retired now and all I have left is honor, integrity, knowledge, and constant pursuit of truth. I will stand with these principles and forever battle the ignorance that the MAGAts wildly purport. I can endure the pain and hardship. They cannot and will continue in their misery and grievance. Earth abides and I abide.
Thank you Olivia for giving us realistic moral ways to resist and not the corruption that has now infiltrated the Republican party. The truth and integrity must prevail but that only happens if we stand strong together.
Trump is incredibly transparent—just pay attention to his social media accounts. If anyone thinks he's going to relinquish power... well, I've got a bridge for sale.
He's already making moves to run again in '28, and personally, I'll be surprised if the midterms are held—or at least how legitimate they'll actually be. He's simply biding his time, waiting for some type of national emergency—his own Kristallnacht moment.
We've been warned by his words and his actions. Ignoring this would be at our own peril.
Thanks so much, Olivia! I also have a question for you: what GOOD does it to to resign in protest? Won't Trump & Co. simply replace these righteously indignant people with his henchmen? Wouldn't it be better to resist, and get fired, and refuse to leave, and all?
As I have said before, your newsletter is one of the best around. Vaclav Havel has long been an inspiration to me. He was a playwright whose courage matched his convictions; one who was imprisoned for his courage to speak out against oppression. He later became the leader of the liberated Czech Republic. Several years ago he wrote an essay for Esquire magazine entitled "Hope". It is a guide to optimism in the face of oppression. It is not starry-eyed, but clear-headed and inspiring. Here is the link: https://www.esquire.com/news-politics/news/a12135/vaclav-havel-hope-6619552/
This is another terrific post, with helpful pragmatic advice. Along with Havel, people should read Victor Navalny, PATRIOT. Navalny met a more tragic death, of course, but his book is a monument to courage as well.
Thank you, Olivia. We truly appreciate your voice. Your essay is inspiring. You’re one of those you speak of: a profile in courage. We need your voice during these dark times. As you said, we will power through and stand up for truth, for our children, for our country.
Excellent Olivia! Simply excellent advice laid out in beautiful simplicity. Thank you for your important voice, and please, never stop educating and encouraging all of us who cherish democracy. Donnie, Elon, and the rest think that they have this in-the-bag: Wrong! They are awakening a sleeping giant. Let's Roll!
I admire your courage,Olivia, and thank you for your service to our country. I have a question for you? Why are so many elected Republicans afraid to step forward to speak and act against what Musk/Trump are doing? They are going to lose as much as the rest of us in the end. Are they all that impotent? That bereft of conscience and basic humanity? Maybe I’m giving them too much benefit of the doubt. Maybe they’re just stupid, uncaring people who actually can’t do better.
I believe that they have become weak and compliant with Trump because of his ability to unleash the MAGA base to issue threats, insults and possibly promise death of their political career. In heavily gerrymandered districts where they have Republican majority they have created a monster that now holds them hostage. AND not one of them has any courage to tell the truth and call out Trumps lies. I also watch Fox News to see what the base is digesting and it is completely opposite of other news channels. So their echo chamber is off the wall opposite of anything resembling truth. They also have been conditioned to believe Trump because of the silo's echo chamber. Our tribal system has so segregated the two political information systems and the unwillingness of the MAGA base to critically think about anything they are told will continue to foment this separation. I appreciate Olivia's discussion, but the truth is until we cleave some reasonable thoughts into the FOX, ONAN and Right Wing Pundits this will never get better and Republican's will cower and wimper when Trump speaks. He's counting on it!!!
They are complicit and therefore, they are culpable. I too see the stark dis- information being fed for YEARS now. (just as in Russian TV !!! ) But I think, these Republican Senators now know the difference..they KNOW. It becomes, are they more fearful of their base ? or of the entirety of the population? Their bare majority win now being hurt and the REST of our Country who is assaulted... All will demand accountability. The Republican Senate control this daily nightmare, they can stop it today...they must be routed out daily with questions/actions/rally's all resistance to their compliance. Part 2 if they retain and choose their complicate Shame in History...then the movement goes on without their saving their own Nation, and we take back the Country. The numbers are certainly, in our favour with 350 million total .... I would not want to be on the wrong side of mass numbers, LOADLY and peacefully demanding Justice...!
Excellent question, and my thoughts exactly. Why do they cave to this man? Is money really everything to them?
I'd say, "Yes, money is everything to them." They are protecting their cushy jobs, benefits, & way of life. Who wouldn't want to enjoy the perks that members of congress receive? They are no longer doing the work "for the people" that they were meant/elected to do. They're working for themselves and their own comfort and enrichment, and hanging on to it for dear life. Hence the sucking up to Donald Trump who threatens to take all that away. Dems and others who still have integrity and ethics need to vote in every election at every level to regain the majority. Then outlaw Citizens United which allows unrestricted "donations" from corporations and billionaires that are currently buying the government. Outlaw trading in stocks while holding a position in congress, or benefiting individuals monetarily in any way other than compensation for their service. We should pass a new bill that all members of congress receive the same health insurance options and medical benefits available to all Americans, not their own separate plan. Then we need to impose term limits on members of congress. And don't even get me started on the Supreme Court and justice system! Doing some of these things will help to eliminate the greed that inevitably permeates human beings in positions of power.
Thank you for speaking your truth. Our Voices matter! USA.gov
From someone who’s probably a bit “leftier” on the spectrum than you ☺️, thank you for your courage and integrity, Olivia.
Thank you for speaking out! I appreciate it and support it!
So insightful and well written. Thank you, Olivia for writing a wonderful post.
Olivia, Canadian here. Appreciate you so much for your integrity. I am of the socially progressive variety (sometimes known as "woke", though few people seem to understand what that really is...) I deeply appreciate you and people like you, e.g. Adam Kinzinger, who are true conservatives. I have no problem at all with true conservatives, but I can't stand that you are conflated with the MAGA folks who are so motivated by hate, recrimination, violence and destructive impulses. Can't help noticing that many of you who stand up in the face of threats of violence are women. I salute your courage, integrity and your ability to articulate the importance of the US Constitution and rule of law . I envision a world in which there is friendly and civil dialogue between conservative and progressive US citizens, Mexicans and Canadians. Every day I focus my mind on the possibilities that exist in this apparently dire situation and moment in which we find ourselves. Thank you for just being yourself!
Thank you for reminding us of Havel. And thank you for your shining example of courage. I wish that more elected Democrats would stop playing nice with these ratfuckers. Instead of hiding photo ops at the front door of federal agencies, go through the doors! Get arrested, kick ass, whatever. We are at war, and we are all soldiers.
I was confronted yesterday by a childhood friend telling me that none of this would be happening but for people like me. He's a MAGAt yet he knows that Trump's actions are tearing things down and hurting people. He knows that our rural county is going pay all hell because over 60% are living on transfer payments. Nevertheless, it's all my fault because of my radical, leftist, "woke" (argh!) ideas. He knows that I retired from the Army, but that doesn't matter because I became a university professor later and that's a boogeyman for MAGA. I'm fully retired now and all I have left is honor, integrity, knowledge, and constant pursuit of truth. I will stand with these principles and forever battle the ignorance that the MAGAts wildly purport. I can endure the pain and hardship. They cannot and will continue in their misery and grievance. Earth abides and I abide.
Thank you Olivia for giving us realistic moral ways to resist and not the corruption that has now infiltrated the Republican party. The truth and integrity must prevail but that only happens if we stand strong together.
Thank you for what you do!
Trump is incredibly transparent—just pay attention to his social media accounts. If anyone thinks he's going to relinquish power... well, I've got a bridge for sale.
He's already making moves to run again in '28, and personally, I'll be surprised if the midterms are held—or at least how legitimate they'll actually be. He's simply biding his time, waiting for some type of national emergency—his own Kristallnacht moment.
We've been warned by his words and his actions. Ignoring this would be at our own peril.
Very brilliant and simple advice. So glad we are on the same side
Thanks so much, Olivia! I also have a question for you: what GOOD does it to to resign in protest? Won't Trump & Co. simply replace these righteously indignant people with his henchmen? Wouldn't it be better to resist, and get fired, and refuse to leave, and all?
As I have said before, your newsletter is one of the best around. Vaclav Havel has long been an inspiration to me. He was a playwright whose courage matched his convictions; one who was imprisoned for his courage to speak out against oppression. He later became the leader of the liberated Czech Republic. Several years ago he wrote an essay for Esquire magazine entitled "Hope". It is a guide to optimism in the face of oppression. It is not starry-eyed, but clear-headed and inspiring. Here is the link: https://www.esquire.com/news-politics/news/a12135/vaclav-havel-hope-6619552/
Thank you for your example and your inspiration.
This is another terrific post, with helpful pragmatic advice. Along with Havel, people should read Victor Navalny, PATRIOT. Navalny met a more tragic death, of course, but his book is a monument to courage as well.
Yes, thinking of Navalny over these past, endless days. What would he say to us now?
"I told you so!"
Thank you, Olivia. We truly appreciate your voice. Your essay is inspiring. You’re one of those you speak of: a profile in courage. We need your voice during these dark times. As you said, we will power through and stand up for truth, for our children, for our country.