Our small town count was 840 for NO KINGS. The Trumpsters had a permit for an hour later---their count was 25. It's a red county of 64,000 that went to TRump. Four of us mean kids struck around with some signs. One of "them" came over and asked why we stayed. Now that was an interesting conversation.
Whatever was happening with Hegseth and his "warfighters" made me want to laugh and cry. I'm a vet and any vet out there knows what that parade SHOULD have looked like. Happy Birthday Army......250 years of sacrifice and you get humiliated on the world stage.
NOTHING this regime of psychos does will be done right. It's FUBAR every time. Putin had to be in hysterics.
Great Report, Thom. The streets are working for us. See you there again sometime soon!
That was a lack luster birthday parade. I saw a WWII, Sherman tank and disenhearted, unenthused troops walking (not marching in lockstep and cadence). I've seen better parades for retiring brigadier generals, and the spectator stands were by and large empty, while Trump and Melania seemed to doze off.
As Thom said today, a lot of them were family members of the marching soldiers, the rest were either MAGAts or persons paid (in crypto) to attend.
I am still chuckling at the troops marching in route step (that is what it is called). When marching over a bridge, the command "Route step march" would be given, that would break up the harmonic rhythm that might collapse the bridge.
At one point, Dump stared up at the sky as if to wish for an eclipse, anything to distract from the debacle in front of him. I marched in parades for 20 years in the AF and was never delighted to do it but discipline won out and I marched proudly. These troops were not happy to be there and it showed!
You are so correct Larry. I only marched in one parade, and that was St Louis, Veterans day, 1957, there was an army unit and an air force unit comprised of basic trainees and technical school students. The Army was marching in lock step,the air force was bobbing up and down in route march, if you watched the top of the unit you would get sea sick, they weren't even dressed and covered.
Been there done that except we didn't bother with that call and response nonsense.. then again we didn't march, but ran in formation.
Although in jump school, half a century ago, they had us singing I want to be an Airborne ranger, I want to live a life of danger, during a morning 2 1/2 mile run.
Hard core pro's don't need that kind of motivational sing song.
Suggesting Trump has a choice is like saying an arrow., if if so chooses, can change direction. And it isn't just that he can't change, there's no reason he would want to. I mean, what would his friends say? Democracy, to him, is just one more grift.
I believe in transformative processes (Saul on the road to Damascus) but that they are so rare that it seems character is, for all intents and purposes, immutable.
Being by nature a skeptic and a cynic, I don't believe in anything, but I can attest to transformation personally. But it takes unusual life circumstances for that to happen. Mine was a geographic to Santa Cruz, CA, where I found myself, a fresh water fish, having to adjust and live in a salt water pond. Few fish can make that transition, one of which is a bull shark.
An absurdity mine, not yours: You believe you don't believe anything. Language is incapable of even the simplest tasks Describe a specific tree by its unique qualities. Okay, so that isn't a simple task. Similarly, logic either ends in a tautology or an axiom — three-year-olds have the latter down pat? Why, you ask...
PTSD is, unfortunately, a demonstration of behavioral change. There are several more. If you're interested, cognitive behavioral therapy is a good place to start.
I do not understand PTSD. I've been through some shit in my life, especially in Vietnam and in my service career, and I've seen some shit, no one would want to see.. but I don't have any flashbacks, depression, nightmares..
I agree that language is incapable of expressing what we see, think, feel.
My favorite examples are the words love and play, they are not only nouns, verbs, but adverbs. How can one love to dance, and love their children?
How can there be play in the chain, and play a violin.?
Spanish, my favorite other language is a little better, You say te amo to your children or your mother, it is understood as a term of endearment, but if you say te amo, your wife, or lover you have just told them that basically the relationship is over (romantically) because you would say te quiero, literally I want you, and that in a carnal way.
But when it comes to belief, same problem yo creo, or I believe.
Not everybody .who experiences situations similar to combat develop PTSD. It's thought that around 15% do. There is some indication that there is an increased likelihood for some individuals of experiencing it prior to the triggering event though I haven't kept up with the research.
Ah, but they can love to dance with their children!
"Trump now faces that same terrible choice. Does he go along with the wishes of the people and stop catering exclusively to his billionaire buddies, letting their taxes go back up and stopping Republican plans to further gut the social safety net?"
What if WE pit Trump's cult and allies against each other?
I recently wrote a Substack: It's free. Poster Boy. IMHO Trump's take on "immigration" stems from retaliation against having been prosecuted by DOL for using illegals on his job sites....
Extremely rich libertarinans, like the Kochs, want open immigration to undermine union scale wages. Meanwhile the Kochs and Federalist Society are suing Trump over tariffs. They probably oppose his immigration policies, also.
MAGA god Reagan signed the very immigration bills that MAGA complain about. He granted illegals amnesty and set up a path to citizenship for many of them.
A MAGAt committed a political assassination which should be HEADLINES. The LA situation was the effectuatuion of a long term plan to exercise executive branch police power as a predicagte to make Trump a "unitary executive."
Make every Congressional Republican respond. The entire Minnesota delegation to the Congress issued a joint statement on politically motivated shootings. Democrats and Republicans together wrote: “Today we speak with one voice to express our outrage, grief, and condemnation of this horrible attack on public servants. There is no place in our democracy for politically-motivated violence. We are praying for John and Yvette’s recovery and we grieve the loss of Melissa and Mark with their family, colleagues, and Minnesotans across the state. We are grateful for law enforcement’s swift response to the situation and continued efforts.”
Trump's reconciliation bill is in trouble. Pressure Congressional Republicans.
AI
Areas of Dissent and Opposition:
Trump's Agenda and Policies:
Budget and Spending: Some hard-line Republicans have expressed dissent regarding Trump's "big beautiful bill," arguing it doesn't go far enough in cutting spending, particularly in areas like Medicaid. For example, Rep. Andy Harris chairs the House Freedom Caucus and supports deeper cuts to Medicaid spending. There's also disagreement over elements like the Salt deduction cap.
Deportation Push: Some GOP lawmakers are warning against the aggressive push for deportations, particularly concerning workers and long-term residents. According to Axios, Republicans are concerned about deportations that go too far.
Tariffs and Trade: Republican dissent has also been voiced against Trump's use of tariffs, with concerns about their potential negative economic impacts. Newsweek lists several Republicans who have expressed concern about Trump's tariffs.
Trump's Actions and Approach:
"Crackdown on Dissent": Some have criticized what they perceive as a crackdown on dissent by the Trump administration. The Atlantic reports on actions like charging Rep. LaMonica McIver, suggesting they test the boundaries of acceptable responses to dissent.
Use of Executive Authority: There are concerns regarding Trump's potential abuse of executive authority, including in areas like surveillance and freedom of the press. The ACLU warns about the potential for Trump to use expanded surveillance powers against political opponents.
Challenges to Democratic Norms: Some Republicans have voiced concerns about Trump's disregard for democratic norms and his attempts to pressure lawmakers.
Examples of Dissenting Voices:
Rep. Thomas Massie: A long-time critic of Trump on issues like spending and surveillance, Massie has survived primary challenges despite his dissent. NBC News details Massie's history of opposing Trump on key votes.
Rep. Mike Lawler: Expressed opposition to the "big beautiful bill" in its current form.
Rep. Chip Roy: A key holdout on the budget, questioning whether promises regarding the Senate plan would materialize.
Rep. Mark Amodei: Opposes the administration's plans to claw back funding for public media.
Sen. Rand Paul: A vocal critic of Trump's spending policies, including the military parade, and has opposed the tax and domestic policy bill due to debt concerns. Newsweek highlights Paul's concerns about Trump's tariffs.
26 Republican senators and more House members voted to fund Ukraine. The Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025 (S. 1241/H.R. 2548) is a proposed piece of legislation in the US Senate and House of Representatives aimed at increasing sanctions against Russia in response to its ongoing invasion of Ukraine. The Senate version, introduced by Senators Graham and Blumenthal, has gained significant bipartisan support. The bill proposes a comprehensive sanctions and tariff regime targeting Russia and those who support its energy sector. 80 cosponsors.
Is there any evidence that Trump and his cabinet are paying attention, care, or complying? Or does he simply shrug off and ignore input and info that conflicts, stops or disagrees with his agenda and needs.
I am waiting to see if ICE and HSI and FBI and ATF and DEA have stopped chasing migrants through strawberry fields, or stopped raiding meat packing plants.
Yep, widely broadcast on TV and the netz. Rather he is ordering his thugs to attack sanctuary cities. As Thom Hartmann says, this is a step of a dictatorship.
U.S. Representative Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) penned a letter for Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem raising “serious concerns” about the detention of Gregory Antonio Sanabria Tarazona, who was jailed for more than three years by Venezuelan authorities and reportedly tortured for his participation in nationwide anti-Maduro protests in 2014. “I’m increasingly concerned with the growing cases of people in the United States who have fled oppressive regimes and are being detained and held for possible deportation,“ said Diaz-Balart, on X.
“Cases like Sanabria’s, and so many others with legitimate claims of persecution, require a thorough review.”
Like Noem will be swayed or care about serious concerns, Sen Susan Collins has and had serious concerns about many things, then voted for them anyway, all of this is as fruitful as Chuck Schumers, strongly worded letters.
Its DIAZ BALART and 2 other Cuban American House members who can completely upend the Trump agenda.
It's up to us to pressure him. I knew his late older brother, also a R House member, who was once chair of Miami Dade Young Democrats. Switched over Cuba policy.
All politics are local. I listed several dissenting Republicans above.
Also, these Republican congress members won by only a slight majority.
WI: Derrick Van Orden-03 VA: Jen Kiggans-02, TX: Monica De La Cruz-15
KY: Andy Barr-06, CO: Gabe Evans-08, OR: Lori Chavez-DeRemeder-05
NJ: Tom Kean Jr.-07, NY: Mike Lawler-17, AL: Nick Begich
TN-Andy Olges-05
.
The Blue state House Republicans are unhappy.
Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., on Monday described the Senate proposed $10,000 SALT deduction limit as “DEAD ON ARRIVAL” in an X post.
Meanwhile, Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, R-N.Y., on Monday also posted about the $10,000 cap on X. She said the lower limit was “not only insulting but a slap in the face to the Republican districts that delivered our majority and trifecta.”
The Republicans regularly insert violence into their rhetoric, and it occasionally spurs violent behavior against peaceful demonstrators, left-leaning politicians, and judges who rule against Trump. This is why, in a recent Substack entry, I labelled the GOP the stochastic terror party. Just look at the record.
The 39-year-old man shot and killed at a weekend “No Kings” protest in Salt Lake City was a successful fashion designer and former “Project Runway” contestant who devoted his life to celebrating artists from the Pacific Islands.
Arthur Folasa Ah Loo was killed when a man who was believed to be part of a peacekeeping team for the protest shot at a person brandishing a rifle at demonstrators, accidentally striking Ah Loo. Ah Loo later died at the hospital, authorities said.
Detectives don’t yet know why the alleged rifleman pulled out a weapon or ran from the peacekeepers, but they charged him with murder and accused him of creating the dangerous situation that led to Ah Loo’s death, Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd said at a Sunday news conference.
Ah Loo leaves behind his wife and two young children, according to a GoFundMe for his family that raised over $100,000 in 48 hours.
Thank you again for the history lesson Thom! That list is quite stark. Our privileged society takes has taken so much for granted. We’re about to live through a moment in history. If we have an election in 2026, I will be hopeful we can stop the madness.
Agree 100% that we have a lot of work to do, but this past weekend seemed to signal that people are ready to stand for democracy.
Also, "I know it sounds mind-boggling when put in those terms, but I’ve been running a contest on my radio program for 22 years offering a prize to anybody who can name even one single piece of legislation that was written by Republicans, signed into law by a Republican president, and benefited primarily the average person — and nobody has won." Wow, yes, mind-boggling. Thank you, again, for the clarity.
I've been around along time, and I don't recall any such legislation by Republicans. Yet, Reagan, Gingrich and the Republicans (for about the last fifty years) were able to convince working people that "the Libs,"rather than the oilygarchs (pun intended) and corporations had stolen all of their wealth. It was such a ridiculous claim that Democratic leaders didn't bother to vigorously dispute it - and therein lies the secret to the Republican success.
As Hitler and Goebbels could have told us (at least, my take,) one lie - especially if repeated loud and often - can easily cast doubt on all truths, but no number of truths can disspell a lie.
Trump’s Grande Parade! What a bore. Trump saluting. Mr. Bone Spurs, really? A draft dodger saluting. It always makes my heart go to thumping as I puke. Empty bleachers. How embarrassing. Melania falling asleep. Donald morose. Now, can we have something for which to vote? Where is the Platform? https://hotbuttons.substack.com/p/a-just-movement?r=3m1bs
The Orange-Trash Dingbat is sick in the mind. He's never been able to see the forest for the trees. He cannot change. He's less sentient than post-lobotomy Rose Kennedy.
So he will fiddle with his numb mushroom and name-call while the middle class [and the earth] burn.
Brace yourself, Bunkie.
Seems the Zager & Evans song's title was 500 years off, i.e., too late.
"In the Year 2525" [1969] #1 hit song, which paints a bleak vision of the future, predicting how technology [the rise of AI ?] and human evolution might shape society over thousands of years.
The lyrics explore a world where "machines replace human functions", "relationships become obsolete" [our loneliness epidemic ?], and "scientific advancements lead to a loss of individuality."
The oligarchs don’t back down as much as they regroup and rebrand. They form these very loose, temporary alliances (largely because of mistrust and suspicion) that happen to work toward mutual benefit, as when they back a particular candidate, like Trump.
Most billionaires do not like publicity, unlike the Trump and Musk fracas, and mainly work quietly in the background as when the mega-wealthy started buying news organizations, or other billionaires buy and promote local representatives and school board members to influence public school education, or energy barons block regulation in their industry through PACs, influence corporate tax laws, etc., etc. This has been a work in progress—their progress—to control legislature. This wave of influence, for the last 40 some-odd years, as been to protect and help them individually, and the corporations they control, and yes, their way of life in excess, but not as a rule in true cooperation. They live an exclusive, gated life in communities that shield and protect them from the rest of us.
A few of these uber-rich individuals seem to have strong religious views but these views are largely their own personal spin, and, in truth, benefits and aggrandizes their own power and wealth and invariably espouses their own pseudo-superiority. Many still believe that they are somehow guided, influenced or blessed with wealth as some reward from God (so, what does that make the rest of the population)?
But, most, of these manipulators quietly buy and “wisely” influence so that their way of life in excess is protected for their progeny and dynasty and wealth bracket as a whole without a care or concern for the rest of the population except as bit players or subjects in their personal epochs.
I found this one of your best, Tom. Turnout for No Kings tore the mask off the deceit promoted by the corporate media for the peoples' support of the Maga-Oligarchs Dictatorship. The Democratic Party could be viable to replace it IF it finally owns up to what it did in 2016 and cuts its ties to neoliberalism. I'd be happier if the people abandoned and replaced both parties. Trump would not be in the position of dictator that he now is without the malfeasance of both parties. The partisan stooges simply cannot admit to what their party operatives have done. The hope for the country lies in the supporters of the No Kings movement, not in the "consultants" and operatives of the either party.
Per Thom - "To the extent that we still have agency, that we still have our voices, that we can still reach out to Republican politicians and have some influence on their behavior, that choice is now also ours."
My sentiment teeters by the day. Such are these times. Today feels worth fighting for.
I would like to see much more specific suggestions of what to do, not just call congress, speak out etc. Not enough. What scenarios, strategies, action plans are some people suggesting? That is what we very much need to hear. What has worked in other countries that pulled back from fascism? Specific examples. Surely they didn’t just call their fascist-complicit representatives in govt.
Thanks for reminding me that "Obamacare" was the Heritage foundations, program. I choke remembering that foul creature Rahm Emanuel saying "Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good", when all of the time, the Democrats controlled the House, Senate and Executive and could have passed a one page bill, that modified the Medicaid and Medicare Act of 1965, to amend the eligibility from age 65 to at birth.
But that would not have pleased the donors of AHIP (Association of Health Insurance Providers) and hedge funds and private equity funds that are invested in health insurance companies.
We don't know that. Unless you are psychic Actually Pelosi could have whipped it through the House, but she is the active sponsor of Obamacare and killed the single Payor effort.
Nancy was the Speaker and part of her job is securing support from donors, so if the donors like AHIP bailed, then the DNC would lose the bribes that are legal under current rules.
The Resistance Is Ready
Our small town count was 840 for NO KINGS. The Trumpsters had a permit for an hour later---their count was 25. It's a red county of 64,000 that went to TRump. Four of us mean kids struck around with some signs. One of "them" came over and asked why we stayed. Now that was an interesting conversation.
Whatever was happening with Hegseth and his "warfighters" made me want to laugh and cry. I'm a vet and any vet out there knows what that parade SHOULD have looked like. Happy Birthday Army......250 years of sacrifice and you get humiliated on the world stage.
NOTHING this regime of psychos does will be done right. It's FUBAR every time. Putin had to be in hysterics.
Great Report, Thom. The streets are working for us. See you there again sometime soon!
That was a lack luster birthday parade. I saw a WWII, Sherman tank and disenhearted, unenthused troops walking (not marching in lockstep and cadence). I've seen better parades for retiring brigadier generals, and the spectator stands were by and large empty, while Trump and Melania seemed to doze off.
IMHO the number of protestors was more like 12 million. As Olbermann says, the parade drew a crowd equivalent to a minor league hockey game.
As Thom said today, a lot of them were family members of the marching soldiers, the rest were either MAGAts or persons paid (in crypto) to attend.
I am still chuckling at the troops marching in route step (that is what it is called). When marching over a bridge, the command "Route step march" would be given, that would break up the harmonic rhythm that might collapse the bridge.
I wonder whether there's a modern equivalent to Jody?
At one point, Dump stared up at the sky as if to wish for an eclipse, anything to distract from the debacle in front of him. I marched in parades for 20 years in the AF and was never delighted to do it but discipline won out and I marched proudly. These troops were not happy to be there and it showed!
You are so correct Larry. I only marched in one parade, and that was St Louis, Veterans day, 1957, there was an army unit and an air force unit comprised of basic trainees and technical school students. The Army was marching in lock step,the air force was bobbing up and down in route march, if you watched the top of the unit you would get sea sick, they weren't even dressed and covered.
BTW, three years a drill instructor.
Jody.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tcBKrS3ALQ
Ain't no use in fellin blue...
Jody's got your mama too.
Been there done that except we didn't bother with that call and response nonsense.. then again we didn't march, but ran in formation.
Although in jump school, half a century ago, they had us singing I want to be an Airborne ranger, I want to live a life of danger, during a morning 2 1/2 mile run.
Hard core pro's don't need that kind of motivational sing song.
Suggesting Trump has a choice is like saying an arrow., if if so chooses, can change direction. And it isn't just that he can't change, there's no reason he would want to. I mean, what would his friends say? Democracy, to him, is just one more grift.
A man can no more change his character than a leopard his spots: Voltaire.
I believe in transformative processes (Saul on the road to Damascus) but that they are so rare that it seems character is, for all intents and purposes, immutable.
Being by nature a skeptic and a cynic, I don't believe in anything, but I can attest to transformation personally. But it takes unusual life circumstances for that to happen. Mine was a geographic to Santa Cruz, CA, where I found myself, a fresh water fish, having to adjust and live in a salt water pond. Few fish can make that transition, one of which is a bull shark.
An absurdity mine, not yours: You believe you don't believe anything. Language is incapable of even the simplest tasks Describe a specific tree by its unique qualities. Okay, so that isn't a simple task. Similarly, logic either ends in a tautology or an axiom — three-year-olds have the latter down pat? Why, you ask...
PTSD is, unfortunately, a demonstration of behavioral change. There are several more. If you're interested, cognitive behavioral therapy is a good place to start.
I do not understand PTSD. I've been through some shit in my life, especially in Vietnam and in my service career, and I've seen some shit, no one would want to see.. but I don't have any flashbacks, depression, nightmares..
I agree that language is incapable of expressing what we see, think, feel.
My favorite examples are the words love and play, they are not only nouns, verbs, but adverbs. How can one love to dance, and love their children?
How can there be play in the chain, and play a violin.?
Spanish, my favorite other language is a little better, You say te amo to your children or your mother, it is understood as a term of endearment, but if you say te amo, your wife, or lover you have just told them that basically the relationship is over (romantically) because you would say te quiero, literally I want you, and that in a carnal way.
But when it comes to belief, same problem yo creo, or I believe.
Not everybody .who experiences situations similar to combat develop PTSD. It's thought that around 15% do. There is some indication that there is an increased likelihood for some individuals of experiencing it prior to the triggering event though I haven't kept up with the research.
Ah, but they can love to dance with their children!
"Trump now faces that same terrible choice. Does he go along with the wishes of the people and stop catering exclusively to his billionaire buddies, letting their taxes go back up and stopping Republican plans to further gut the social safety net?"
What if WE pit Trump's cult and allies against each other?
I recently wrote a Substack: It's free. Poster Boy. IMHO Trump's take on "immigration" stems from retaliation against having been prosecuted by DOL for using illegals on his job sites....
Extremely rich libertarinans, like the Kochs, want open immigration to undermine union scale wages. Meanwhile the Kochs and Federalist Society are suing Trump over tariffs. They probably oppose his immigration policies, also.
MAGA god Reagan signed the very immigration bills that MAGA complain about. He granted illegals amnesty and set up a path to citizenship for many of them.
A MAGAt committed a political assassination which should be HEADLINES. The LA situation was the effectuatuion of a long term plan to exercise executive branch police power as a predicagte to make Trump a "unitary executive."
Make every Congressional Republican respond. The entire Minnesota delegation to the Congress issued a joint statement on politically motivated shootings. Democrats and Republicans together wrote: “Today we speak with one voice to express our outrage, grief, and condemnation of this horrible attack on public servants. There is no place in our democracy for politically-motivated violence. We are praying for John and Yvette’s recovery and we grieve the loss of Melissa and Mark with their family, colleagues, and Minnesotans across the state. We are grateful for law enforcement’s swift response to the situation and continued efforts.”
Trump's reconciliation bill is in trouble. Pressure Congressional Republicans.
AI
Areas of Dissent and Opposition:
Trump's Agenda and Policies:
Budget and Spending: Some hard-line Republicans have expressed dissent regarding Trump's "big beautiful bill," arguing it doesn't go far enough in cutting spending, particularly in areas like Medicaid. For example, Rep. Andy Harris chairs the House Freedom Caucus and supports deeper cuts to Medicaid spending. There's also disagreement over elements like the Salt deduction cap.
Deportation Push: Some GOP lawmakers are warning against the aggressive push for deportations, particularly concerning workers and long-term residents. According to Axios, Republicans are concerned about deportations that go too far.
Tariffs and Trade: Republican dissent has also been voiced against Trump's use of tariffs, with concerns about their potential negative economic impacts. Newsweek lists several Republicans who have expressed concern about Trump's tariffs.
Trump's Actions and Approach:
"Crackdown on Dissent": Some have criticized what they perceive as a crackdown on dissent by the Trump administration. The Atlantic reports on actions like charging Rep. LaMonica McIver, suggesting they test the boundaries of acceptable responses to dissent.
Use of Executive Authority: There are concerns regarding Trump's potential abuse of executive authority, including in areas like surveillance and freedom of the press. The ACLU warns about the potential for Trump to use expanded surveillance powers against political opponents.
Challenges to Democratic Norms: Some Republicans have voiced concerns about Trump's disregard for democratic norms and his attempts to pressure lawmakers.
Examples of Dissenting Voices:
Rep. Thomas Massie: A long-time critic of Trump on issues like spending and surveillance, Massie has survived primary challenges despite his dissent. NBC News details Massie's history of opposing Trump on key votes.
Rep. Mike Lawler: Expressed opposition to the "big beautiful bill" in its current form.
Rep. Chip Roy: A key holdout on the budget, questioning whether promises regarding the Senate plan would materialize.
Rep. Mark Amodei: Opposes the administration's plans to claw back funding for public media.
Sen. Rand Paul: A vocal critic of Trump's spending policies, including the military parade, and has opposed the tax and domestic policy bill due to debt concerns. Newsweek highlights Paul's concerns about Trump's tariffs.
....
Hoping that Reps Don Bacon, Mike Turner and others would come forward re Ukraine. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/08/us/politics/breaking-with-trump-bacon-says-he-wont-follow-his-party-off-the-cliff.html
26 Republican senators and more House members voted to fund Ukraine. The Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025 (S. 1241/H.R. 2548) is a proposed piece of legislation in the US Senate and House of Representatives aimed at increasing sanctions against Russia in response to its ongoing invasion of Ukraine. The Senate version, introduced by Senators Graham and Blumenthal, has gained significant bipartisan support. The bill proposes a comprehensive sanctions and tariff regime targeting Russia and those who support its energy sector. 80 cosponsors.
Is there any evidence that Trump and his cabinet are paying attention, care, or complying? Or does he simply shrug off and ignore input and info that conflicts, stops or disagrees with his agenda and needs.
I am waiting to see if ICE and HSI and FBI and ATF and DEA have stopped chasing migrants through strawberry fields, or stopped raiding meat packing plants.
He decided NOT to deport anyone who works for farms and the entertainemnt business. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ice-directed-to-pause-immigration-arrests-at-farms-hotels-and-restaurants/
Yep, widely broadcast on TV and the netz. Rather he is ordering his thugs to attack sanctuary cities. As Thom Hartmann says, this is a step of a dictatorship.
Today in Baghdad By the Sea:
U.S. Representative Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) penned a letter for Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem raising “serious concerns” about the detention of Gregory Antonio Sanabria Tarazona, who was jailed for more than three years by Venezuelan authorities and reportedly tortured for his participation in nationwide anti-Maduro protests in 2014. “I’m increasingly concerned with the growing cases of people in the United States who have fled oppressive regimes and are being detained and held for possible deportation,“ said Diaz-Balart, on X.
“Cases like Sanabria’s, and so many others with legitimate claims of persecution, require a thorough review.”
Read more at: https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/venezuela/article308756510.html#storylink=cpy
Like Noem will be swayed or care about serious concerns, Sen Susan Collins has and had serious concerns about many things, then voted for them anyway, all of this is as fruitful as Chuck Schumers, strongly worded letters.
Its DIAZ BALART and 2 other Cuban American House members who can completely upend the Trump agenda.
It's up to us to pressure him. I knew his late older brother, also a R House member, who was once chair of Miami Dade Young Democrats. Switched over Cuba policy.
All politics are local. I listed several dissenting Republicans above.
Also, these Republican congress members won by only a slight majority.
SENATE
AL-Dan Sullivan, IA-Joni Ernst, ME-Susan Collins, NC-Thom Tillis, TX-John Cornyn, OH-John Husted.
HOUSE
CA:Ken Calvert-41, Young Kim-40, John Duarte-13, Mike Garcia-27
MI: Tom Barrett-07, John James-10, Bill Huizenga-04
PA: Scott Perry-10, Robert Bresnahan-08, Ryan Mac Kenzie-07
AZ: Juan Ciscomani-06, David Schweikert-01, Eli Crane-02
IA: Ashley Hinson-02, Zack Nunn-03, Mariannette Miller-Meeks-01
WI: Derrick Van Orden-03 VA: Jen Kiggans-02, TX: Monica De La Cruz-15
KY: Andy Barr-06, CO: Gabe Evans-08, OR: Lori Chavez-DeRemeder-05
NJ: Tom Kean Jr.-07, NY: Mike Lawler-17, AL: Nick Begich
TN-Andy Olges-05
.
The Blue state House Republicans are unhappy.
Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., on Monday described the Senate proposed $10,000 SALT deduction limit as “DEAD ON ARRIVAL” in an X post.
Meanwhile, Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, R-N.Y., on Monday also posted about the $10,000 cap on X. She said the lower limit was “not only insulting but a slap in the face to the Republican districts that delivered our majority and trifecta.”
He is catering to himself. Even his billionaire buddies would prefer he not turn this country into a desecration.
People suing are no longer his "buddies."
The Republicans regularly insert violence into their rhetoric, and it occasionally spurs violent behavior against peaceful demonstrators, left-leaning politicians, and judges who rule against Trump. This is why, in a recent Substack entry, I labelled the GOP the stochastic terror party. Just look at the record.
Stochastic processes are random whereas violence is one of the substrates of the Republican Party and becomes more and more so with the passing days.
Collateral damage.
The 39-year-old man shot and killed at a weekend “No Kings” protest in Salt Lake City was a successful fashion designer and former “Project Runway” contestant who devoted his life to celebrating artists from the Pacific Islands.
https://apnews.com/article/no-kings-day-ah-loo-utah-protests-shooting-f09f4813cd0b2f96ccaf5bc439dead77
Arthur Folasa Ah Loo was killed when a man who was believed to be part of a peacekeeping team for the protest shot at a person brandishing a rifle at demonstrators, accidentally striking Ah Loo. Ah Loo later died at the hospital, authorities said.
Detectives don’t yet know why the alleged rifleman pulled out a weapon or ran from the peacekeepers, but they charged him with murder and accused him of creating the dangerous situation that led to Ah Loo’s death, Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd said at a Sunday news conference.
Ah Loo leaves behind his wife and two young children, according to a GoFundMe for his family that raised over $100,000 in 48 hours.
Sir, you are always exactly right on the mark. You are so smart!! Thank you for educating me. I love it. I wish Bernie had been elected back then.
Thank you again for the history lesson Thom! That list is quite stark. Our privileged society takes has taken so much for granted. We’re about to live through a moment in history. If we have an election in 2026, I will be hopeful we can stop the madness.
That's a big IF, Billy, and if it does happen, we can be sure that it will be rigged, minority voter-inaccessible, and MAGA-run and monitored.
Agree 100% that we have a lot of work to do, but this past weekend seemed to signal that people are ready to stand for democracy.
Also, "I know it sounds mind-boggling when put in those terms, but I’ve been running a contest on my radio program for 22 years offering a prize to anybody who can name even one single piece of legislation that was written by Republicans, signed into law by a Republican president, and benefited primarily the average person — and nobody has won." Wow, yes, mind-boggling. Thank you, again, for the clarity.
I've been around along time, and I don't recall any such legislation by Republicans. Yet, Reagan, Gingrich and the Republicans (for about the last fifty years) were able to convince working people that "the Libs,"rather than the oilygarchs (pun intended) and corporations had stolen all of their wealth. It was such a ridiculous claim that Democratic leaders didn't bother to vigorously dispute it - and therein lies the secret to the Republican success.
As Hitler and Goebbels could have told us (at least, my take,) one lie - especially if repeated loud and often - can easily cast doubt on all truths, but no number of truths can disspell a lie.
Trump’s Grande Parade! What a bore. Trump saluting. Mr. Bone Spurs, really? A draft dodger saluting. It always makes my heart go to thumping as I puke. Empty bleachers. How embarrassing. Melania falling asleep. Donald morose. Now, can we have something for which to vote? Where is the Platform? https://hotbuttons.substack.com/p/a-just-movement?r=3m1bs
The Orange-Trash Dingbat is sick in the mind. He's never been able to see the forest for the trees. He cannot change. He's less sentient than post-lobotomy Rose Kennedy.
So he will fiddle with his numb mushroom and name-call while the middle class [and the earth] burn.
Brace yourself, Bunkie.
Seems the Zager & Evans song's title was 500 years off, i.e., too late.
"In the Year 2525" [1969] #1 hit song, which paints a bleak vision of the future, predicting how technology [the rise of AI ?] and human evolution might shape society over thousands of years.
The lyrics explore a world where "machines replace human functions", "relationships become obsolete" [our loneliness epidemic ?], and "scientific advancements lead to a loss of individuality."
The oligarchs don’t back down as much as they regroup and rebrand. They form these very loose, temporary alliances (largely because of mistrust and suspicion) that happen to work toward mutual benefit, as when they back a particular candidate, like Trump.
Most billionaires do not like publicity, unlike the Trump and Musk fracas, and mainly work quietly in the background as when the mega-wealthy started buying news organizations, or other billionaires buy and promote local representatives and school board members to influence public school education, or energy barons block regulation in their industry through PACs, influence corporate tax laws, etc., etc. This has been a work in progress—their progress—to control legislature. This wave of influence, for the last 40 some-odd years, as been to protect and help them individually, and the corporations they control, and yes, their way of life in excess, but not as a rule in true cooperation. They live an exclusive, gated life in communities that shield and protect them from the rest of us.
A few of these uber-rich individuals seem to have strong religious views but these views are largely their own personal spin, and, in truth, benefits and aggrandizes their own power and wealth and invariably espouses their own pseudo-superiority. Many still believe that they are somehow guided, influenced or blessed with wealth as some reward from God (so, what does that make the rest of the population)?
But, most, of these manipulators quietly buy and “wisely” influence so that their way of life in excess is protected for their progeny and dynasty and wealth bracket as a whole without a care or concern for the rest of the population except as bit players or subjects in their personal epochs.
I hope someone in the GOP somewhere, somehow heard five million voices in the streets on Saturday.
I found this one of your best, Tom. Turnout for No Kings tore the mask off the deceit promoted by the corporate media for the peoples' support of the Maga-Oligarchs Dictatorship. The Democratic Party could be viable to replace it IF it finally owns up to what it did in 2016 and cuts its ties to neoliberalism. I'd be happier if the people abandoned and replaced both parties. Trump would not be in the position of dictator that he now is without the malfeasance of both parties. The partisan stooges simply cannot admit to what their party operatives have done. The hope for the country lies in the supporters of the No Kings movement, not in the "consultants" and operatives of the either party.
Per Thom - "To the extent that we still have agency, that we still have our voices, that we can still reach out to Republican politicians and have some influence on their behavior, that choice is now also ours."
My sentiment teeters by the day. Such are these times. Today feels worth fighting for.
Lots of work to be done and it starts yesterday!
I would like to see much more specific suggestions of what to do, not just call congress, speak out etc. Not enough. What scenarios, strategies, action plans are some people suggesting? That is what we very much need to hear. What has worked in other countries that pulled back from fascism? Specific examples. Surely they didn’t just call their fascist-complicit representatives in govt.
https://jerryweiss.substack.com/. Shared government can completely disisrupt the Trump administration.
Pressure this guy. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/08/us/politics/breaking-with-trump-bacon-says-he-wont-follow-his-party-off-the-cliff.html
Social Security Works is organizing folks to rally in front of hospitals around the country to deliver the message: Hands off Medicaid!
Thanks for reminding me that "Obamacare" was the Heritage foundations, program. I choke remembering that foul creature Rahm Emanuel saying "Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good", when all of the time, the Democrats controlled the House, Senate and Executive and could have passed a one page bill, that modified the Medicaid and Medicare Act of 1965, to amend the eligibility from age 65 to at birth.
But that would not have pleased the donors of AHIP (Association of Health Insurance Providers) and hedge funds and private equity funds that are invested in health insurance companies.
Excrpt not all Dems would have voted for that.
We don't know that. Unless you are psychic Actually Pelosi could have whipped it through the House, but she is the active sponsor of Obamacare and killed the single Payor effort.
Nancy was the Speaker and part of her job is securing support from donors, so if the donors like AHIP bailed, then the DNC would lose the bribes that are legal under current rules.
She didn't kill it -- it was in the senate. The committee chair was Max Baucus.
https://www.npr.org/2009/09/29/113301907/senate-panel-rejects-divisive-public-option