I hate heart-ing this but please know it’s out of gratitude for your bold truth telling. Thank you. If you have suggestions on how citizens can resist, I’m listening-and ready to act. Silence-and inaction-are complicity. I resist being complicit. Again, deepest thanks.
We know. We're horrified. Outraged. Preparing for siege. Forming coalitions. Sharing strategies for survival & resistance. Not going to take it lying down. 🙏❤️🤍💙🇺🇸⚖️
Thank you, Earl. I knew all this was Trump's endgame. He TOLD us what he was going to do. None of this surprises me. But let's add to the worthless corporate media. Congressional Democrats have proven themselves pathetically weak. Hakeem Jeffries among others is standing in front of the camera and praising "wins" Democrats got. Praymila Jayapal had her little group in front of the cameras praising the first transgender woman in congress and the "youngest woman elected from New Jersey!" The small group behind her clapped and smiled. That youngest member is 38 and as far as the transgender congress woman, Nancy Mace is already screaming about bathrooms. And where's our President - in the rain forest, and I swear to God it looked like he was wandering off after mumbling a few words. Let's face it. Democratic leadership from Chuck Schumer to Hakeem Jeffries is pathetic. The truest thing I have seen was Jon Stewart who stated every law has a loophole. And while Democrats try ever so hard to thread the needle, Republicans go for the loophole and smash it through. Look no further than Obama trying to have Garland confirmed as a Supreme Court Judge and McConnell shut it down because Yada, Yada, law says election year and the same McConnell shoving Barrett through when people were already voting in 2020 because Yada, Yada loophole says. Not one of these Democrats said let's have a recount in the swing states. Oh, we might look bad if we do that! Trump is going to use the military against protestors. He has told us that over and over, but these Democrats are more interested in smiling for the camera and touting one or two wins. It's hard to fight when the so-called representation is waving a white flag.
In some ways the most formative part of my life was when I worked at a residential psychiatric facility for young people. A psychologist said repeatedly, "If you're not sure what to do, don't do anything for a while". He wasn't talking capitulation. He was talking thinking things through and formulating a plan. Right now the majority of Americans aren't plugged in. They aren't reading substacks. They aren't paying attention to the storm clouds in the distance. It will take the the storm to wake them up - if we're lucky.
I became an Independent today. Why do feel I like the Democrats have their fingers 3 knuckles deep in the pie also? Trump has had a very wide swath of protection from Merrick Garland that didn’t make sense unless you’re part of another attempt to overthrow our democracy. I know that sounds like every other conspiracy theory to come down the pike. Biden did not lift a finger to protect us from a 2nd Trump term.
I've always been an Independent, who has voted with Democrats exclusively since the Iraq War. Garland, and Biden by association, failed us catastrophically.
I’m unaffiliated aka independent as well. I pretty much agree entirely with your post. However, I disagree that Biden failed us. He was never my number one. Kamala was even back in 2020.
Still, Biden did amazing things that I just can’t imagine any other politician would’ve gotten done considering what he was left with and the GQP cesspool he had to work with. As time goes on, I think we will appreciate him more especially as we “find out” just how bad things can get without a functioning government.
Kamala was my first choice also in 2020. I agree President Biden brought us through practically impossible circumstances to come out one of the most capable Presidents this country will ever know. I deeply respect him and his commitment to our democracy.
Unfortunately, we are back to Trump.
I do not understand why he was never brought to justice. This should’ve been the 1st priority of the DOJ. When it became clear Merrick Garland would not hold Trump accountable for crimes he committed in front of the entire nation, he also allowed a wide swath of Trump’s corruption to go unpunished and President Biden did not lift a finger to protect us from a 2nd Trump administration. Hopefully one day this will have a logical answer as to why Trump escaped all consequences for his actions. Until then, Biden is the one holding the bag.
Like President Harry Truman coined the phrase, “The Buck Stops Here”, I will hold Garland and by association Biden for the damage Trump announced he’ll do.
By ignoring the Constitution and bypassing laws that were clearly meant to protect us from fascist coups and insurrectionists, Garland and Biden delivered the most damaging and dangerous administration this country has seen in over 160 years.
We saw it with our own eyes and have been listening to it for a decade.
There is no doubt those who could’ve stopped this did nothing but pave the way to a 2nd fascist term.
Biden respected the norms that the justice department is independent and isn't "run" by the President. In former administrations it used to look bad if the President was even seen talking with the Attorney General. Trump changed those norms with Bill Barr, but Biden upheld them (which is why he had no involvement or influence over the investigations of his son Hunter). But beyond that, I agree wholeheartedly about Garland. Why weren't members of Congress investigated for their parts in January 6 and the whole attempt to throw the election to Trump? How about the pipe bomber? Did they even bother investigating that at all? That was a direct threat to VP Harris's life. And as mentioned, why did it take so long to charge Trump? Jack Smith should have been appointed on day one and the we would never be in the mess we are now. Appointing Garland as a consolation prize for the lost SC seat was very poor judgment. There were many better options, and that kind of appointment to undo a wrong is not choosing the best person for the job. Obama intentionally chose him as a moderate for the Supreme Court because he thought he'd have a better chance at confirmation, but we didn't need a moderate at such a crucial time in our country to clean up after Trump's first term.
As far as using the military for mass deportations, I'm terrified. Just imagining how this will be carried out by those who aren't trained for this kind of operation, and I live in a blue state. My husband is also Mexican and a naturalized citizen. He came here legally as a toddler. His parents, him, and his brother are all naturalized citizens and his three younger siblings were all born here and are natural born citizens. Stephen Miller has already talked about going after both naturalized and natural born citizens as well. And how is the military going to know which brown people are undocumented and which are citizens? I imagine racial profiling on steroids for any non-white person, as well as "accidental" detention of legal citizens. And I need to stress that, just because I have personal fears for my husband who is a citizen, I am just as fearful for all of the undocumented immigrants all over the country - horrified is probably a better word because I don't think this will be carried out humanely. I keep asking myself how did we get here even though I've watched it happen ever since he first rode down that escalator. I knew then that if he ever made it to the oval office we were on a slippery slope to exactly where we find ourselves. And I know the advice now is to resist, but I don't know how at this point. I remained numb for several days after this election and now what I'm feeling is best described as despair. Last time I was motivated to fight. We still had legal measures protecting us and - even though its hard to remember - some good Republicans still in Congress. Now it feels like all the guardrails are gone. No Supreme Court to uphold the law. Threats of gunning down protesters. Real threats to the well being of my family in terms of healthcare and Social Security. I have a chronic illness. My 78 year old widowed mom lives off of her Social Security. My husband had done amazing work all his life in the nonprofit sector helping disadvantaged children and families. Even in an administrative position, that work is hifhky rewarding on a meaningful level but not so much monetarily. We are not in a position to be able to help my mom if she loses her Social Security. And this is the story for millions if people all over the country. What will all these people do? Then they criminalize homelessness and talk about constructing "camps" for the homeless out of the way of the populated cities. That sounds pretty ominous to me. Maybe that's their plan to replace all the labor that will be lost by deporting millions of hard working immigrants. Its hard to talk about any of this without being grim or sounding like a doomsday conspiracy theorist - but all of this sounds possible from where we are, and I just really don't know how to fight, how to "resist." It feels like every obstacle that was once in place to prevent someone like Trump are gone. What Constitution? What rule of law? What checks and balances? If anyone has some optimism to offer, I would really love to hear it. This is all in mobilizing my terrifying to me. 😔
You don’t have to like it but President Biden was not going to interfere with the DOJ. It wasn’t his place to do so as we all witnessed as his son was pretty much crucified and is awaiting sentencing as I write this. Personally, I hope Joe pardons Hunter as he’s leaving office. I’ll admit Merrick Garland was not up to the ginormous task at hand when he finally got into office. I cut him some slack for a while simply because not one of us knows how damaged the Justice Department was after trump and barr got through trashing it. That said, some of his decisions and inactions gave left a sour taste behind. After Garland leaves office, the DOJ will become a giant retribution clearing house and nothing trump and his fascist felony factory will surprise me. He’s been promising this for years.
Biden did a lot of good things in his term, but he utterly failed on the most crucial task he had, which was to bring to justice those government officials, including & especially Trump, but also many members of his administration & Republican members of Congress, who were involved in the attack on our Capitol & attempt to overturn the 2020 election results, & to save us from fascism. As a result, what could've been looked on as the most successful presidency since FDR, is now likely to be viewed much like Buchanan's presidency, which failed to steer us away from the upcoming Civil War, putting Buchanan at the bottom of many lists evaluating US presidents. Furthermore, it now makes Biden complicit in the fascist takeover of our country.
What is the real source of Trump's power? Hundreds of psychopathic "followers" who'll threaten anyone disagreeing with their lord and master? Russian money? Billionaire money? Dark money? It's certainly not because he's a supreme strategist. Too often, I see stories about a Republican desperately trying to mimic a spine, only to do a 180 a day or two later and praising Trump. My first thought always is: someone "got to him." But who? Trump wouldn't do it himself; he couldn't even fire anyone face-to-face. Cruz, Rubio, Graham, McCarthy, the list goes on and on. Yes, I know that the one "getting to" disloyal conservatives maybe very well be one of the ones who was "gotten to." It just seems at times that there is a shadow government (probably funded by Leonard Leo) that is really the ones pulling America's strings.
Thank you for this essay, Earl. It's indeed horrifying, but these are things that must be said.
Do folks not know that Putin was the head of the KGB in Russia? It would seem logical to assume he has Kompromat on EVERYONE. Remember the bit about the hotel room and the bed and Trump and call girls peeing on him? Yeah, I know, ancient history in modern politics. But NOT TO TRUMP whose ego is way too brittle for the truth to be splashed across tabloids. That is when he started kowtowing totally.
How many politicos have been stand-up folks, then they went to see Trump and, boom!, they backed him? HOW MANY? And how many US CIA members and other Americans overseas were taken out or disappeared when Trump got hold of the Top Secret docs?
I remember these things because I was noticing at the time. I am quite certain they are all google-able.
In fact, someone PLEASE GOOGLE this stuff. List it. Write it up! I wish I had the time!
I've always been an Independent. Democrats have really messed this one up. A psychiatrist I worked with had a sign on her door. It said: You may be paranoid but that doesn't mean people aren't out to get you. It may be a conspiracy theory, but it doesn't mean you're wrong.
Which Independent party? Our state lists two “Independent” parties. One of my young co-workers found himself registered to the more MAGA-leaning party. I think he really wanted to register as unaffiliated.
All I ever saw in Schumer is weakness. Jeffries not much better. As I stated in my early post, I’ve left the Democratic Party because I see no future there for me. Then again maybe it’s the complete betrayal of the mainstream media. Either way, I’m willing to fight against this evil. I’m sure there are many others who feel as I do. Who can we trust now?
Even as a hardcore Dem, I can agree with much of this ... but am amazed that here and throughout these comment threads, there is so little smoke for Republicans. Where is the Watergate energy where the GOP leaders in Congress stood up for what was right? Is that not even expected anymore? McConnell had two opportunities to make a conviction and he looked the other way both times. The members of Trump's party will own what we are about to see. The most effective resistance lies at the feet of the GOP.
I hear you, but there will be no effective resistance from the GOP. Liz Cheney was one of the most hard-core conservative Republicans. They threw her out and disowned her because she spoke the truth about Trump. The GOP is now the Maga party. They are a party of lies, hate and cruelty. McConnell is particularly loathsome because he enabled the takeover. Power is the most important thing to him as it is to Trump. Any Republican who might think differently is scared of Trump. The resistance starts with congressional Democrats who are behaving in the weakest manner possible. As David Frum wrote: election loss 2020 - insurrection; election loss 2024 - recriminations, finger pointing and hand wringing. Right now the goal is to affirm as many federal judges as possible before Trump gets in. It has been reported Schumer has agreed to hold off on four positions - waiting until Republicans take over in January. If this is true, Schumer is even weaker than I thought.
Seniors like myself will be the first casualties. With less SS an no Healthcare and rents too high to afford we will be rotting on the curb in a neighborhood near you America..
This is my biggest fear. Most of all for Seniors living on SS, like my mom. And then for the next generation who also paid into SS all our lives. My husband and I are in our 50s and I don't know how we'll ever make it to retirement without SS. The assholes say you should never depend on SS. Well, some of us just scraped by all our lives paycheck to paycheck (minus the deductions for SS and Medicare) and don't have extra money to invest. Our small savings were always in a pattern of being built up and deleted by the usual "emergencies" like car repairs or unexpected, literal emergencies. And that is the norm for most middle and lower-middle class Americans.
I'm so sorry, Bruce, and I will pray that somehow Congress will save SS if only from being bombarded by their constituents. If not, hopefully NPOs and NGOs will step up in a big way and find a way to support what will certainly be a huge homeless crisis across the country (which it already is, but this will be multiplied many, many times over). I will keep you in my thoughts, Bruce, and hope and pray we will all find a way. ❤
I read people saying, 'Trump won't be able to bend the military to his will.' GW Bush was able to, igniting two pointless wars on the people of Iraq and Afghanistan.
This would be easier for Trump, and it saves the transportation costs to deploy.
And how about Kent State? 8 members of Companies A and C, 1-145th Infantry and Troop G, 2-107th Armored Cavalry of the Ohio National Guard killed 4 students, and were acquitted in a sham bench trial. Finally, I was in the US Army 1963-65, and believe you me, 99% of my fellow soldiers were ultra conservative, and frankly, would obey any order. Source: My Lai massacre.
I believe everything you say here. I am thoroughly aware and sickened. I will share your piece here, but know it will confirm to those I know that will read it, what they already believe. To those I know that may be unaware, those folks are all in for their leader. Not sure anything will change their minds until they are the ones he's targeting.
I really need more specifics on how to fight back. I'm not sure you can know how utterly demoralizing it is to be a person with no clout. You have your writing and your ability to reach an audience. I know I know, every voice counts and all that. I've contacted my senators and congressmen, heard nothing back. I've talked and shared so much that people who agree with me are sick of hearing it and those who don't have gone radio silent. I've reached out to friends who are joiners for groups who are doing something. Still waiting to hear back with suggestions.
One thing that will help is for you to let us know when someone, anyone in government does SOMETHING that gives us hope. SOMETHING that is effective. Because right now, all I see is everyone thinking, talking, waiting, deliberating, or obeying in advance. And telling us to fight. How?
So far it looks like " Figure it out for ourselves" and add guilt to the fear and dread when we can't think of what to do.
This is why I was hesitant to publish this now. People are scared. You're doing exactly what you should be doing, Barbara, which is a helluva lot more than most.
People should be scared. Actually, I believe “scared” is not the appropriate response to what is happening right now.
Words matter, and I strive to be precise; I really think I am experiencing actual “terror” for the first time in my 50 years of being alive. Donald Trump is a violent and dangerous man who gearing up to detonate 70+ years of hate and grievance on us all.
I am terrified. I’m also struggling to find a place for the fury I have toward so many of my fellow Americans who have forsaken any desire or responsibility to be informed and to actually care about our country.
You have my deep gratitude for publishing this; the fate of our armed forces under Trump is the thing that distresses me the most. Reading your words made my blood run cold, but also gave me an unexpected and odd sense of relief; we must be clear about what lies ahead and you could not have been more compendious.
I'm with you, Sarah. 56 years old and terrified is really the right word. Its different this time around. In 2016-17 I was motivated. We had laws and rights on our side. Now all the guard rails are gone. Its beyond terrifying how quickly this could happen, even with a Democratic President sandwiched in between. And even though we've witnessed it as it happened, I keep asking how did we get here?? Right now I'm at a loss, with too many real immediate fears that will affect my ability to live - and horrifying fears on behalf of others all around the country - that I have zero ideas of how to even begin to "resist."
I'm going to write to my Governor and insist she use everything at her disposal to protect Oregon from the federal government if need be. States have power. Blue state governors are organizing, but if you're in a red state, all the more reason to insist on the rights that the feds by law cannot interfere with.
Tina has already started, she's acquired enough Mifepristone to last until 2028. She has other steps in mind, and will be coordinating with other Democratic governors, like Newsom of California to protect us from that, thing, whatever he is.
Also a fellow Oregonian, former Michigander sad about the outcome of the election in that state. Doing something is key and what to do is important. Thanks for the suggestions of things to do in this thread! I have such fury but feel like it has nowhere to go, so impotent. Yes, whatever we can do is good, better than the nothing that was done that let the orange monster slither toward the White House again, that rough beast slouching....
I thought about that too - refusing a huge tax increase. With all the federal employees fired, there won’t be enough experienced IRS to come after us, right? 🫤
Stop your withholding on Jan 1. That gives you 16 months until you have to file for 2025- you can then watch for the tax resistance movement that will surely develop and see your options,
Demand recounts of the votes, especially in swing states!!!! Only a couple places are doing so!!!
The Presidential election was lost by less than 250,000 votes in swing states - even though down ballot Democratic candidates in those states won their seats!!!
Demand a recount of the ballots as is our right NOW!
Contact your Secretary of State, state representative, state Democratic Party office and any other Democratic office you can to demand a recount!
Your warning is duly noted. Many headlines lately begin with "Trump wants to use the military to..." He wants to use the military, period. What else is the point of being Il Duce? I know military brass have discussed what to do when Donald goes rogue. How easy it will be to replace them, I don't know. I had an all-too-lengthy but mercifully infrequent back & forth with a Trump guy yesterday. He assumes "you people" (we liberals) will spend the next four years seething (his word) and feeling sad. As fucking if. We are the resistance, but who knows where else resistance may pop up? There are already rumblings in the GOP Senate caucus about opposing Donnie's nominees. All hands on levers of power, check, but file under be careful what you wish for. GOP owns the whole enchilada now. Their best bet and maybe ours (not that I've been consulted) is to treat Donald like a lame duck before he's even sworn in.
Earl, I so appreciate your wealth of knowledge in matters like this, but my question remains HOW are any of us to protect ourselves—even in as much as we're lowest on the revenge totem pole?
And how are those who are first in line, ie the former Trump administration who spoke out against him, the various PACS that were united against him, the Cheney's, Biden's, DOJ, FBI, and on & on and all those who worked to hard to warn Americans going to do it? Are they packing up and leaving? I mean, no one in our current administration or those who joined in had a plan for this potentiality?
Thank you for the honesty. Democrats have 60 days. Add to the Supreme Court? Declare a national emergency? (Obviously there is one, and Trump has indicated that he will declare one on Jan 20, with no pushback that I’ve seen.) General strike? What can we do now, before we find ourselves in Tiananmen Square?
As I've said before, it's important to inform people, you are absolutely correct.
Check out my first Substack where I speak of the future potential for foreign troops on U.S. soil. I initially thought it was too blunt for Substack but as time's gone by changed my mind.
I think it went downhill after Homo Erectus. Seriously, our species got overly clever but none the wiser as our brains got bigger. Homo Sapiens have not yet collectively reached a balanced empathic intelligence.
Sandy, I'm 62 and at the lowest point, most discouraged and depressed that I have been since I was suicidal in 2007. Feel like NOTHING I say or do will make a difference of one iota. What's the point?
I hate heart-ing this but please know it’s out of gratitude for your bold truth telling. Thank you. If you have suggestions on how citizens can resist, I’m listening-and ready to act. Silence-and inaction-are complicity. I resist being complicit. Again, deepest thanks.
REPEATING FROM ABOVE:
The first thing you can do is share pieces like this widely.
I reckon many people still don't know exactly what just happened in America.
I shared it on FB and they removed the post. I asked for a review. I will try again.
That's happening a lot. I'm going to screenshot the article and share it as images.
Already shared! Thank you!
Which fb promptly removed. I’m requesting a review of their decision. Censorship.
I am looking into this. Incredible they are pulling this.
Agreed.
Shared again-I think this time it stuck. ☺️
Shared. Restacked. Thanks!
We know. We're horrified. Outraged. Preparing for siege. Forming coalitions. Sharing strategies for survival & resistance. Not going to take it lying down. 🙏❤️🤍💙🇺🇸⚖️
Thank you, Earl. I knew all this was Trump's endgame. He TOLD us what he was going to do. None of this surprises me. But let's add to the worthless corporate media. Congressional Democrats have proven themselves pathetically weak. Hakeem Jeffries among others is standing in front of the camera and praising "wins" Democrats got. Praymila Jayapal had her little group in front of the cameras praising the first transgender woman in congress and the "youngest woman elected from New Jersey!" The small group behind her clapped and smiled. That youngest member is 38 and as far as the transgender congress woman, Nancy Mace is already screaming about bathrooms. And where's our President - in the rain forest, and I swear to God it looked like he was wandering off after mumbling a few words. Let's face it. Democratic leadership from Chuck Schumer to Hakeem Jeffries is pathetic. The truest thing I have seen was Jon Stewart who stated every law has a loophole. And while Democrats try ever so hard to thread the needle, Republicans go for the loophole and smash it through. Look no further than Obama trying to have Garland confirmed as a Supreme Court Judge and McConnell shut it down because Yada, Yada, law says election year and the same McConnell shoving Barrett through when people were already voting in 2020 because Yada, Yada loophole says. Not one of these Democrats said let's have a recount in the swing states. Oh, we might look bad if we do that! Trump is going to use the military against protestors. He has told us that over and over, but these Democrats are more interested in smiling for the camera and touting one or two wins. It's hard to fight when the so-called representation is waving a white flag.
So well said -- ALL of it, Rita.
In some ways the most formative part of my life was when I worked at a residential psychiatric facility for young people. A psychologist said repeatedly, "If you're not sure what to do, don't do anything for a while". He wasn't talking capitulation. He was talking thinking things through and formulating a plan. Right now the majority of Americans aren't plugged in. They aren't reading substacks. They aren't paying attention to the storm clouds in the distance. It will take the the storm to wake them up - if we're lucky.
I became an Independent today. Why do feel I like the Democrats have their fingers 3 knuckles deep in the pie also? Trump has had a very wide swath of protection from Merrick Garland that didn’t make sense unless you’re part of another attempt to overthrow our democracy. I know that sounds like every other conspiracy theory to come down the pike. Biden did not lift a finger to protect us from a 2nd Trump term.
I've always been an Independent, who has voted with Democrats exclusively since the Iraq War. Garland, and Biden by association, failed us catastrophically.
I’m unaffiliated aka independent as well. I pretty much agree entirely with your post. However, I disagree that Biden failed us. He was never my number one. Kamala was even back in 2020.
Still, Biden did amazing things that I just can’t imagine any other politician would’ve gotten done considering what he was left with and the GQP cesspool he had to work with. As time goes on, I think we will appreciate him more especially as we “find out” just how bad things can get without a functioning government.
Kamala was my first choice also in 2020. I agree President Biden brought us through practically impossible circumstances to come out one of the most capable Presidents this country will ever know. I deeply respect him and his commitment to our democracy.
Unfortunately, we are back to Trump.
I do not understand why he was never brought to justice. This should’ve been the 1st priority of the DOJ. When it became clear Merrick Garland would not hold Trump accountable for crimes he committed in front of the entire nation, he also allowed a wide swath of Trump’s corruption to go unpunished and President Biden did not lift a finger to protect us from a 2nd Trump administration. Hopefully one day this will have a logical answer as to why Trump escaped all consequences for his actions. Until then, Biden is the one holding the bag.
Like President Harry Truman coined the phrase, “The Buck Stops Here”, I will hold Garland and by association Biden for the damage Trump announced he’ll do.
By ignoring the Constitution and bypassing laws that were clearly meant to protect us from fascist coups and insurrectionists, Garland and Biden delivered the most damaging and dangerous administration this country has seen in over 160 years.
We saw it with our own eyes and have been listening to it for a decade.
There is no doubt those who could’ve stopped this did nothing but pave the way to a 2nd fascist term.
Biden respected the norms that the justice department is independent and isn't "run" by the President. In former administrations it used to look bad if the President was even seen talking with the Attorney General. Trump changed those norms with Bill Barr, but Biden upheld them (which is why he had no involvement or influence over the investigations of his son Hunter). But beyond that, I agree wholeheartedly about Garland. Why weren't members of Congress investigated for their parts in January 6 and the whole attempt to throw the election to Trump? How about the pipe bomber? Did they even bother investigating that at all? That was a direct threat to VP Harris's life. And as mentioned, why did it take so long to charge Trump? Jack Smith should have been appointed on day one and the we would never be in the mess we are now. Appointing Garland as a consolation prize for the lost SC seat was very poor judgment. There were many better options, and that kind of appointment to undo a wrong is not choosing the best person for the job. Obama intentionally chose him as a moderate for the Supreme Court because he thought he'd have a better chance at confirmation, but we didn't need a moderate at such a crucial time in our country to clean up after Trump's first term.
As far as using the military for mass deportations, I'm terrified. Just imagining how this will be carried out by those who aren't trained for this kind of operation, and I live in a blue state. My husband is also Mexican and a naturalized citizen. He came here legally as a toddler. His parents, him, and his brother are all naturalized citizens and his three younger siblings were all born here and are natural born citizens. Stephen Miller has already talked about going after both naturalized and natural born citizens as well. And how is the military going to know which brown people are undocumented and which are citizens? I imagine racial profiling on steroids for any non-white person, as well as "accidental" detention of legal citizens. And I need to stress that, just because I have personal fears for my husband who is a citizen, I am just as fearful for all of the undocumented immigrants all over the country - horrified is probably a better word because I don't think this will be carried out humanely. I keep asking myself how did we get here even though I've watched it happen ever since he first rode down that escalator. I knew then that if he ever made it to the oval office we were on a slippery slope to exactly where we find ourselves. And I know the advice now is to resist, but I don't know how at this point. I remained numb for several days after this election and now what I'm feeling is best described as despair. Last time I was motivated to fight. We still had legal measures protecting us and - even though its hard to remember - some good Republicans still in Congress. Now it feels like all the guardrails are gone. No Supreme Court to uphold the law. Threats of gunning down protesters. Real threats to the well being of my family in terms of healthcare and Social Security. I have a chronic illness. My 78 year old widowed mom lives off of her Social Security. My husband had done amazing work all his life in the nonprofit sector helping disadvantaged children and families. Even in an administrative position, that work is hifhky rewarding on a meaningful level but not so much monetarily. We are not in a position to be able to help my mom if she loses her Social Security. And this is the story for millions if people all over the country. What will all these people do? Then they criminalize homelessness and talk about constructing "camps" for the homeless out of the way of the populated cities. That sounds pretty ominous to me. Maybe that's their plan to replace all the labor that will be lost by deporting millions of hard working immigrants. Its hard to talk about any of this without being grim or sounding like a doomsday conspiracy theorist - but all of this sounds possible from where we are, and I just really don't know how to fight, how to "resist." It feels like every obstacle that was once in place to prevent someone like Trump are gone. What Constitution? What rule of law? What checks and balances? If anyone has some optimism to offer, I would really love to hear it. This is all in mobilizing my terrifying to me. 😔
Sorry for so many typos - my brain was moving faster than my typing.
You don’t have to like it but President Biden was not going to interfere with the DOJ. It wasn’t his place to do so as we all witnessed as his son was pretty much crucified and is awaiting sentencing as I write this. Personally, I hope Joe pardons Hunter as he’s leaving office. I’ll admit Merrick Garland was not up to the ginormous task at hand when he finally got into office. I cut him some slack for a while simply because not one of us knows how damaged the Justice Department was after trump and barr got through trashing it. That said, some of his decisions and inactions gave left a sour taste behind. After Garland leaves office, the DOJ will become a giant retribution clearing house and nothing trump and his fascist felony factory will surprise me. He’s been promising this for years.
I agree. That’s why I’m unaffiliated.
Garland let all of us down. Since when did a moderate”
It’s an upside down world.
Biden did a lot of good things in his term, but he utterly failed on the most crucial task he had, which was to bring to justice those government officials, including & especially Trump, but also many members of his administration & Republican members of Congress, who were involved in the attack on our Capitol & attempt to overturn the 2020 election results, & to save us from fascism. As a result, what could've been looked on as the most successful presidency since FDR, is now likely to be viewed much like Buchanan's presidency, which failed to steer us away from the upcoming Civil War, putting Buchanan at the bottom of many lists evaluating US presidents. Furthermore, it now makes Biden complicit in the fascist takeover of our country.
What is the real source of Trump's power? Hundreds of psychopathic "followers" who'll threaten anyone disagreeing with their lord and master? Russian money? Billionaire money? Dark money? It's certainly not because he's a supreme strategist. Too often, I see stories about a Republican desperately trying to mimic a spine, only to do a 180 a day or two later and praising Trump. My first thought always is: someone "got to him." But who? Trump wouldn't do it himself; he couldn't even fire anyone face-to-face. Cruz, Rubio, Graham, McCarthy, the list goes on and on. Yes, I know that the one "getting to" disloyal conservatives maybe very well be one of the ones who was "gotten to." It just seems at times that there is a shadow government (probably funded by Leonard Leo) that is really the ones pulling America's strings.
Thank you for this essay, Earl. It's indeed horrifying, but these are things that must be said.
Do folks not know that Putin was the head of the KGB in Russia? It would seem logical to assume he has Kompromat on EVERYONE. Remember the bit about the hotel room and the bed and Trump and call girls peeing on him? Yeah, I know, ancient history in modern politics. But NOT TO TRUMP whose ego is way too brittle for the truth to be splashed across tabloids. That is when he started kowtowing totally.
How many politicos have been stand-up folks, then they went to see Trump and, boom!, they backed him? HOW MANY? And how many US CIA members and other Americans overseas were taken out or disappeared when Trump got hold of the Top Secret docs?
I remember these things because I was noticing at the time. I am quite certain they are all google-able.
In fact, someone PLEASE GOOGLE this stuff. List it. Write it up! I wish I had the time!
Here, start with this...
https://mashable.com/article/donald-trump-pee-tape-golden-showers-explainer
Here's one link:
https://www.gq.com/story/cia-pulled-russia-spy-because-trump
All of the above. You’re not wrong.
I've always been an Independent. Democrats have really messed this one up. A psychiatrist I worked with had a sign on her door. It said: You may be paranoid but that doesn't mean people aren't out to get you. It may be a conspiracy theory, but it doesn't mean you're wrong.
Which Independent party? Our state lists two “Independent” parties. One of my young co-workers found himself registered to the more MAGA-leaning party. I think he really wanted to register as unaffiliated.
All I ever saw in Schumer is weakness. Jeffries not much better. As I stated in my early post, I’ve left the Democratic Party because I see no future there for me. Then again maybe it’s the complete betrayal of the mainstream media. Either way, I’m willing to fight against this evil. I’m sure there are many others who feel as I do. Who can we trust now?
Rita: you rock!
❤️
Even as a hardcore Dem, I can agree with much of this ... but am amazed that here and throughout these comment threads, there is so little smoke for Republicans. Where is the Watergate energy where the GOP leaders in Congress stood up for what was right? Is that not even expected anymore? McConnell had two opportunities to make a conviction and he looked the other way both times. The members of Trump's party will own what we are about to see. The most effective resistance lies at the feet of the GOP.
I hear you, but there will be no effective resistance from the GOP. Liz Cheney was one of the most hard-core conservative Republicans. They threw her out and disowned her because she spoke the truth about Trump. The GOP is now the Maga party. They are a party of lies, hate and cruelty. McConnell is particularly loathsome because he enabled the takeover. Power is the most important thing to him as it is to Trump. Any Republican who might think differently is scared of Trump. The resistance starts with congressional Democrats who are behaving in the weakest manner possible. As David Frum wrote: election loss 2020 - insurrection; election loss 2024 - recriminations, finger pointing and hand wringing. Right now the goal is to affirm as many federal judges as possible before Trump gets in. It has been reported Schumer has agreed to hold off on four positions - waiting until Republicans take over in January. If this is true, Schumer is even weaker than I thought.
Seniors like myself will be the first casualties. With less SS an no Healthcare and rents too high to afford we will be rotting on the curb in a neighborhood near you America..
This is my biggest fear. Most of all for Seniors living on SS, like my mom. And then for the next generation who also paid into SS all our lives. My husband and I are in our 50s and I don't know how we'll ever make it to retirement without SS. The assholes say you should never depend on SS. Well, some of us just scraped by all our lives paycheck to paycheck (minus the deductions for SS and Medicare) and don't have extra money to invest. Our small savings were always in a pattern of being built up and deleted by the usual "emergencies" like car repairs or unexpected, literal emergencies. And that is the norm for most middle and lower-middle class Americans.
I'm so sorry, Bruce, and I will pray that somehow Congress will save SS if only from being bombarded by their constituents. If not, hopefully NPOs and NGOs will step up in a big way and find a way to support what will certainly be a huge homeless crisis across the country (which it already is, but this will be multiplied many, many times over). I will keep you in my thoughts, Bruce, and hope and pray we will all find a way. ❤
Exactly right!
Rural America and those who have the least are going to be devastated. Such a needless travesty.
It really is ...
And sadly, many of those voted for him. It will ultimately be their undoing, but they're too busy celebrating to notice right now.
Exactly. Fools.
Then why in the F are they so angry?
Cognitive dissonance. I think on some level they know, but they can't allow themselves to believe it.
Exactly, Trump only cares about people with all the money, like a meaty bone 🍖 He wants it all!
I read people saying, 'Trump won't be able to bend the military to his will.' GW Bush was able to, igniting two pointless wars on the people of Iraq and Afghanistan.
This would be easier for Trump, and it saves the transportation costs to deploy.
And how about Kent State? 8 members of Companies A and C, 1-145th Infantry and Troop G, 2-107th Armored Cavalry of the Ohio National Guard killed 4 students, and were acquitted in a sham bench trial. Finally, I was in the US Army 1963-65, and believe you me, 99% of my fellow soldiers were ultra conservative, and frankly, would obey any order. Source: My Lai massacre.
This is both sad and exactly right, Terry.
I’m old. I remember.
I believe everything you say here. I am thoroughly aware and sickened. I will share your piece here, but know it will confirm to those I know that will read it, what they already believe. To those I know that may be unaware, those folks are all in for their leader. Not sure anything will change their minds until they are the ones he's targeting.
I really need more specifics on how to fight back. I'm not sure you can know how utterly demoralizing it is to be a person with no clout. You have your writing and your ability to reach an audience. I know I know, every voice counts and all that. I've contacted my senators and congressmen, heard nothing back. I've talked and shared so much that people who agree with me are sick of hearing it and those who don't have gone radio silent. I've reached out to friends who are joiners for groups who are doing something. Still waiting to hear back with suggestions.
One thing that will help is for you to let us know when someone, anyone in government does SOMETHING that gives us hope. SOMETHING that is effective. Because right now, all I see is everyone thinking, talking, waiting, deliberating, or obeying in advance. And telling us to fight. How?
So far it looks like " Figure it out for ourselves" and add guilt to the fear and dread when we can't think of what to do.
This is why I was hesitant to publish this now. People are scared. You're doing exactly what you should be doing, Barbara, which is a helluva lot more than most.
People should be scared. Actually, I believe “scared” is not the appropriate response to what is happening right now.
Words matter, and I strive to be precise; I really think I am experiencing actual “terror” for the first time in my 50 years of being alive. Donald Trump is a violent and dangerous man who gearing up to detonate 70+ years of hate and grievance on us all.
I am terrified. I’m also struggling to find a place for the fury I have toward so many of my fellow Americans who have forsaken any desire or responsibility to be informed and to actually care about our country.
You have my deep gratitude for publishing this; the fate of our armed forces under Trump is the thing that distresses me the most. Reading your words made my blood run cold, but also gave me an unexpected and odd sense of relief; we must be clear about what lies ahead and you could not have been more compendious.
Well said Sarah. I tool feel extremely anxious. Best you you.
I'm with you, Sarah. 56 years old and terrified is really the right word. Its different this time around. In 2016-17 I was motivated. We had laws and rights on our side. Now all the guard rails are gone. Its beyond terrifying how quickly this could happen, even with a Democratic President sandwiched in between. And even though we've witnessed it as it happened, I keep asking how did we get here?? Right now I'm at a loss, with too many real immediate fears that will affect my ability to live - and horrifying fears on behalf of others all around the country - that I have zero ideas of how to even begin to "resist."
My only child is MAGA. Used to be a Democrat until he found FAUX news.
I'm going to write to my Governor and insist she use everything at her disposal to protect Oregon from the federal government if need be. States have power. Blue state governors are organizing, but if you're in a red state, all the more reason to insist on the rights that the feds by law cannot interfere with.
Tina has already started, she's acquired enough Mifepristone to last until 2028. She has other steps in mind, and will be coordinating with other Democratic governors, like Newsom of California to protect us from that, thing, whatever he is.
(Fellow Oregonian here.)
Also a fellow Oregonian, former Michigander sad about the outcome of the election in that state. Doing something is key and what to do is important. Thanks for the suggestions of things to do in this thread! I have such fury but feel like it has nowhere to go, so impotent. Yes, whatever we can do is good, better than the nothing that was done that let the orange monster slither toward the White House again, that rough beast slouching....
Thank you Ann. I live in a blueish state with a Republican governor. I am absolutely writing him. Don't know why I didn't think of it myself!
I need to know how to be the resistance. I am going to stop paying my taxes - what else can I dol.
The first thing you can do is share pieces like this widely.
I reckon many people still don't know exactly what just happened in America.
I just tried to share on FB and they deleted my post because "It goes against community standards." There they go, ALREADY obliterating free speech.
That's INSANE.
I’m getting off Facebook. It’s almost as bad as Xitter now.
You can excerpt the key warnings / ideas and attribute them, yes? And post? Vs sharing the whole piece. That shouldn’t trigger them deleting it.
Damn. Sad reality it is. Will do, Earl. Thank you.
Excellent Idea! Truly the last thing multi billionaires really need - is More Money!
They can buy anything they want! They are HOARDERS! For Hell’s sake!
I thought about that too - refusing a huge tax increase. With all the federal employees fired, there won’t be enough experienced IRS to come after us, right? 🫤
Stop your withholding on Jan 1. That gives you 16 months until you have to file for 2025- you can then watch for the tax resistance movement that will surely develop and see your options,
Where is this done on the W4?
Good idea!
Your taxes pay for government services. If you feel that Trump is providing the services people need, you can pay your taxes.
I will not pay for mass deportations or other cruelty.
You can still pay taxes to your state depending on where you live and whether they fall in line with Trump's programs.
Don’t do that.
You need to say why not? I am a tax expert.
Demand recounts of the votes, especially in swing states!!!! Only a couple places are doing so!!!
The Presidential election was lost by less than 250,000 votes in swing states - even though down ballot Democratic candidates in those states won their seats!!!
Demand a recount of the ballots as is our right NOW!
Contact your Secretary of State, state representative, state Democratic Party office and any other Democratic office you can to demand a recount!
Don’t keep quiet!!
Your warning is duly noted. Many headlines lately begin with "Trump wants to use the military to..." He wants to use the military, period. What else is the point of being Il Duce? I know military brass have discussed what to do when Donald goes rogue. How easy it will be to replace them, I don't know. I had an all-too-lengthy but mercifully infrequent back & forth with a Trump guy yesterday. He assumes "you people" (we liberals) will spend the next four years seething (his word) and feeling sad. As fucking if. We are the resistance, but who knows where else resistance may pop up? There are already rumblings in the GOP Senate caucus about opposing Donnie's nominees. All hands on levers of power, check, but file under be careful what you wish for. GOP owns the whole enchilada now. Their best bet and maybe ours (not that I've been consulted) is to treat Donald like a lame duck before he's even sworn in.
Just posted a gif of a puppy on FB and was able to link your article in the comments
Earl, I so appreciate your wealth of knowledge in matters like this, but my question remains HOW are any of us to protect ourselves—even in as much as we're lowest on the revenge totem pole?
And how are those who are first in line, ie the former Trump administration who spoke out against him, the various PACS that were united against him, the Cheney's, Biden's, DOJ, FBI, and on & on and all those who worked to hard to warn Americans going to do it? Are they packing up and leaving? I mean, no one in our current administration or those who joined in had a plan for this potentiality?
REPEATING FROM ABOVE:
The first thing you can do is share pieces like this widely.
I reckon many people still don't know exactly what just happened in America.
We were deserted by people like Merrick Garland, whose only f*cking job was to protect us.
And he comes to mind daily. 😬🤬🤯 Does he really think he has a snowballs chance in hell to be saved from the Gestapo? WTF.
Is he part of the so-called Deep State that trump says he was hired to save his MAGATs from? 🫨
Yes, we had a plan called the CONSTITUTION. But it is being ignored. The 14th amendment is already dead.
100%. Malignant narcissists never stop doing what serves them until stopped.
Fact.
Thank you for the honesty. Democrats have 60 days. Add to the Supreme Court? Declare a national emergency? (Obviously there is one, and Trump has indicated that he will declare one on Jan 20, with no pushback that I’ve seen.) General strike? What can we do now, before we find ourselves in Tiananmen Square?
Our military leaders could also speak loudly about this.
Yes, and our thought leaders, our religious leaders. And more. Since we’ve had to give up on the media.
Religious leaders have played a huge role in this nightmare!
I would call those people ‘religious’ leaders. The good ones should be denouncing Trump.
Many religious leaders wanted Trump to win
And the market will tank the day Dumpster declares his fake national emergency.
As I've said before, it's important to inform people, you are absolutely correct.
Check out my first Substack where I speak of the future potential for foreign troops on U.S. soil. I initially thought it was too blunt for Substack but as time's gone by changed my mind.
Thanks for putting it out there like it is.
Block all right wing media from from military base tv for a start
Thank you I hope people are truly listening, you got it all correct which scares this 75 year old woman.
Anybody who isn't scared is a damn fool.
Absolutely. Considering using your statement on a protest sign on January 20!
Hey, I'm 79, and I hate the world I am leaving to the following generations.
Where did we go wrong?
I think it went downhill after Homo Erectus. Seriously, our species got overly clever but none the wiser as our brains got bigger. Homo Sapiens have not yet collectively reached a balanced empathic intelligence.
Sandy, I'm 62 and at the lowest point, most discouraged and depressed that I have been since I was suicidal in 2007. Feel like NOTHING I say or do will make a difference of one iota. What's the point?