Most of the suggestions in this article depend on a congressional majority intent on protecting our constitutional democracy. That hope has vanished! I see only five options: economic boycotts against the neotechnocrats; state coalitions taking direct actions against the federal government; federal courts use of arrest power; mass public protests including tRump voters; and finally as last resort, federal military removal of the President, Vp and their minions.
Yes. I am suggesting that Congress start doing its job. And that the people remind Congress of its responsibilities, yes. I thought that went without saying.
If the military is paying attention and understands that the rules no longer are respected and the other institutions have been overtaken and disabled, that “last resort” step will come rather quickly. I think that moment is already upon us. I won’t be listening to the speech (tirade, more accurately) Tuesday night, but those deciding when to act may find it ‘helpful.’ The camel’s back already has a lot of straw on it.
Mass public protests may influence those who have the right tools (the military) to get going, but protests are very dangerous because they are so easily subverted by agents provocateur. And will certainly be used as an excuse to attack the people. Like the bully that pokes and taunts until his victim tries the least gesture of self defense, then says “you made me do it” as he beats his victim bloody. This is how Trump’s kind thinks. Be aware of your opponent, fight smart. Don’t march into battle with bright red coats and drummers.
I agree with your posting but would go further. I think Musk has contacts independent of Trump with Xi and likely Putin and he intends to be the puppet-master of them all behind the scenes through AI controlled government operations under his control, operated for his profit, and paid for and subsidized by all of them. As for what the future holds, the only certainty is that it is uncertain at this point and that those who oppose these tendencies need to be aware and flexible, moment by moment. The unforeseen will likely be the determining catalyst.
We can’t begin an impeachment process until we take back the House. Although there are a few off year elections that might shave down the GOP majority, our best chance is still in 2026. I’m just far from sure that there will be enough open and fair elections then — or that there will even be elections in 2026. The self-coup is well underway. I’m very depressed and angry.
If all of our federal law enforcement is under the control of Pam Bondi, how will any of these actions suggestions be enforced? The US Marshalls, the enforcement group for the courts, work for the DOJ. I see no ultimate enforcement of subpoenas or court rulings. I have been asking about this reality since early last fall, but my audience is quite small. We, the people, need to act in massive forms of protests, whether purchasing power or taking to the streets and shutting it all down. I am increasing in the military coup camp. Those military leaders who pushed back in Trump's first admin were not just a handful. Many are still there who take their oath seriously. Trump is threatening the very security of our country. There is no way they will stand by and let us align with Putin and Xi.
I was under the impression that Raskin has stated he would initiate impeachment proceedings if he could find two GOP Senators to begin the process with him. If this is true, the constituents of a senator like say Murkowski, could start asking her to help?
Trump is a traitor phasing military equipment. What now? Impeach, nut that won't happen. Still, there's always Something you can do besides calling reps and senators, protesting, making signs, donating, etc. Here's a thought I had: What can an ordinary Missourian do about this Oval Office Trump-Vance debacle and America-to-the-world embarrassment? Here's what I tried--a direct apology to President Zelensky via the Ukraime embassy WDC: Sent email today to Ukraine Embassy WDC, in part (full name and location included) "Attn: The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the United States of America Subject: Apology to President Zelensky Dear Madam Ambassador Markarova: On behalf of myself and the majority of American people standing for the freedom of Ukraine, may I request that the following subject apology be forwarded to President Zelensky: Please apologize to President Zelenskyy for the shameful behaviour of President Trump and Vice-President Vance on Feb. 28, 2025. It was a despicable, pre-coordinated setup ambush by two bullies against one courageous man standing tall. Trump and Vance have forever stained the sacred honor of the Oval Office. Thank you. Sincerely, (Ordinary American citizen)" s/s (full name and location, Farmington, MO)
Get out. Make a sign. Protest. Enjoy the cars honking. Smile back with a thumbs up!
via Dworkin newsletter: "As we begin another week of Musk and Trump’s unhinged madness, I’m happy to deliver this round of positive news for you today. I hope it gives you at least some relief—and shows you there are truly great people fighting this tyranny. Tomorrow is expected to be the biggest day of anti-Trump protests so far this year, with peaceful rallies planned outside all 50 state capitals, and other major cities. And over the weekend, all across the country, folks were standing up and speaking out against Musk and Trump. Anti-DOGE protests continued at Tesla locations in NYC, Boston, DC, and elsewhere—as part of a growing global backlash to Elon Musk. At least 50 other “Tesla Takedown” events were held in locations all over the world. National disgrace JD Vance was moved to an undisclosed location in Vermont, after peaceful protesters lined the streets, and gathered outside of the resort where he was planning to stay.
Folks brought lots of creative homemade signs, with one reading: “Go ski in Russia, traitor.” In Ohio, hundreds gathered for a large “Stand with Ukraine” rally. State Rep. Sean Brennan told the standing-room-only crowd: “Supporting Ukraine is not charity; it’s an investment in a safer world.” In Tennessee, GOP Rep. Diana Harshbarger held a “Coffee with your Congresswoman,” event that quickly grew heated. When Harshbarger tried to lie and say Trump had a “mandate,” the crowd screamed “no!”
Over in Texas, GOP Rep. Keith Self held a town hall in his deep-red district. Self was welcomed with chants of “do your job,” and loud boos, whenever he tried to defend DOGE.
In New York, hundreds protested against Republican cuts to Medicaid, outside one of GOP Rep. Mike Lawler’s district offices. There was a much different vibe at NY Dem Rep. Tom Suozzi’s event—where he received a standing ovation for slamming Trump’s unhinged Oval Office meeting with Zelensky." Etc etc et al--Never Give Up)
My apologies for the length of this comment and for my mis-posting this in response to a different piece.
I suppose time will tell whether any of the means of reshaping muscle memory, particularly governmental and judicial muscle memory will come to fruition. Regrettably I think not. It’s not for lack of want, it is simply that the mastheads we see in the distance are ships of our democracy having already sailed. Through the muscle memory you eloquently recognize we have not only set the trap but sprung it. I fear that if it is the framework of our Constitution that we will rely upon to resume some semblance of what was “in the before times” that we will eventually die in the trap awaiting rescue.
For the Congress each of the remedies you suggest require control of the House and then co tell of the Senate, the former to impeach, the latter to convict
and so long as the house remains in control none of what you correctly point needs to be done will be done. No investigations, no contempt citations, no subpoenas and certainly no impeachment proceedings. It is true that there are three special elections within the next few months which, if Democrats win, will tip control of the House back to Democrats and given the public’s growing unease about what is happening, unease expressed by those who voted for and against Trump, one would expect those elections to produce the victories needed for control. Thing is. I don’t see that happening. Too much work and money has gone into creating this nightmare to allow a little thing like a special elections within to get in the way. I admit to my paranoia about election integrity but one way or the other, whether by vote manipulation or voter suppression these votes will not produce Democratic victories. I hope upon hope that I am wrong but suspect my suspicions will be borne out. The remarkable thing, as has been recognized in many quarters is the willingness of Republican members of the House to standby and let this happen. Party loyalty is one thing but abdicating duties CLEARLY AND UNEQUIVOCALLY SPELLED OUT IN THE CONSTITUTION is stunningly quite another.
*All Bills for raising Revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives; but the Senate may propose or concur with amendments as on other Bills.”*
It is the House that has sole responsibility for taxation and spending, not the executive, not the courts and certainly not a private citizen, that is in the context of governance that has served us for more than 250 years, yet House Republicans appear perfectly content to standby by and allow a private citizen (with the support of a President who frankly has no understanding of nor interest in understanding the Constitutional framework for governance) to cancel departments, programs and numerous forms of spending, all created by law, without as much as “by your leave”. To be clear it is the job of Congress to control taxation and spending. It is frankly its most consequential job and if it’s Republican members aren’t in the House to exercise that power then what the fuck are they there to do? Vote on Trump’s policies? As has been made clear he doesn’t need them to do that…he and Musk and Vought and the others have made clear their disdain for Congressional oversight in any form so why are they there? Why did they bother running? Easy access to media attention? Great health benefits? At some point, perhaps not in our lifetime this will turn around and history will again record with some semblance of factual correctness what Republicans are doing and ask why
As for the Court with respect the reshaping of the Supreme Court was not Trump’s doing. Yes, he presided over the appointment of three of its current members (Gorsuch, Kavanaugh and Barrett) but their nominations were all the product of efforts by Leonard Leo and the Federalist Society which has poured millions of dollars into creating the supermajority that currently has a stranglehold on the court. While this Court, the Robert’s Court, has rendered numerous decisions that have served to gradually erode protections many came to rely upon, two decisions at, in particular, responsible for the dismantling we are currently witnessing: *Citizens United* and *Trump v. United States*. The former has been sufficiently dissected for its impact on our body politic to obviate the need for further discourse. The *Trump* decision, however is playing out in real time and is certain to have so critical an impact in the months ahead that the very fate of our democracy will hang in the balance. The decision, of course, dealt with the question of whether Trump (broadly and disingenuously referred to as “a President”) is to be immune from prosecution for actions which are alleged by prosecutors and grand juries to be criminal during his/her tenure as President. The dicta of the decision…the language which both explains and expands upon the reasoning behind the decision…however not simply explained the decision but went well beyond the confines of the appeal to expand and redefine the role of the executive. To that point, the actions of Richard Nixon were the standard against which Presidential authority was to be gauged and from that conduct a clear understanding that the President was not above the law and could and should be held accountable for his criminal conduct. Roberts obviously disagreed and in so doing provided so broad an interpretation of Presidential authority that there is virtually nothing a President does is illegal. To ensure that Trump (and, to be clear, he was writing about and in anticipation of a Trump presidency) was afforded a wide buffer between himself and accountability, Robert’s bestowed not simply absolute immunity but “presumptive immunity” so-called, “presumptive privilege”, meaning that every action he takes regardless of its character and intent are presumed to be privileged and thus protected unless the government, in prosecuting claims of criminal conduct, can prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the actions were not taken in his official capacity lest the President be “chilled from taking the bold and unhesitating action required of his office. Despite the breadth of the safety net afforded by this extreme interpretation of presidential power, Roberts didn’t stop there, extending the immunity to what he called “the outer perimeter of his presidential authority”, writing, “Such an immunity is required to safeguard the independence and effective functioning of the Executive Branch, and to enable the President to carry out his constitutional duties without undue caution.”
To be sure much of Project 2025 was written based upon Robert’s’ decision and given the connection between the Project and the Court via the Federalist Society the Roberts decision may very well have been written to provide the Project with the cover it needed to write policy that cut the role of Congress out of the picture and provide Trump with the power he and they crave.
As I said, Mike, we are ensnared by a trap of our own design. I would count on neither Congress nor the Courts to free us from its grip. If there is hope perhaps it lies with the will of the people, through protests in the streets and confrontations at town halls…quiet but pointed protest and resistance that will continue to grow and attract more folks as the impact of the trap is brought home to millions regardless of who they voted for. Short of that resistance being put down by force (there is a reason why Hegseth, Patel and Bondi are where they are) the weight of those protests may…may…begin the turn the tide. While I hope I am wrong about the coming elections, fear nothing else will work.
“Journalists, legal experts, and political opponents continue responding as if we're engaged in normal democratic contestation with shared foundational values.” 👏👏
I’d just add that I’ve witnessed examples of even worse behavior — of not just failing to see what is so plainly not normal, but in actively framing things in a way that makes ‘normal’ sound negotiable. And I don’t mean partisan actors who are pushing their own distorted narrative, I mean people who really *should know better.*
Case in point: A few days ago I listened to an interview on Bloomberg with Alexander Vindman discussing his new book (which deals with Russia & Ukraine). Late in the interview the conversation steered towards an idea of Vindman’s personal ‘politicization’ and I was flabbergasted when host Carol Massar prefaced a question with, “I know you were subpoenaed, but we’ve seen subpoenas be issued and not everybody testifies…”
She seemed to be suggesting (and I’m being incredibly generous with my phrasing) that the act of complying with a Congressional subpoena was itself a political choice. Like, sure, you got a subpoena… but you didn’t *really* have to respond.
And so we have this layering of institutional failure upon failure. The failure of enforcing subpoenas, but then the failure to even know whether it was a failure at all. And of course this wasn’t playing out in some dark corner of the internet, it was live on Bloomberg for f*cks sake.
I’m not at the point of slipping into hopelessness, but it seems that each day I’m discovering that things are an order of magnitude worse than I thought they were yesterday.
NOT OPTIONAL! -Reality -Truth -Facts -Our Constitution -Our Rule of Law Thank you, Mike. I'm heading to a March 4th nation-wide protest site tomorrow in Bennington, VT, and will be putting these words on my poster.
It feels like much of your suggested action is from the old playbook. We don’t have time to keep making the old plays and we can’t rely on federal law enforcement to help. I’m not sure what the answer is but I’m convinced we need an entirely new dynamic.
Most of the suggestions in this article depend on a congressional majority intent on protecting our constitutional democracy. That hope has vanished! I see only five options: economic boycotts against the neotechnocrats; state coalitions taking direct actions against the federal government; federal courts use of arrest power; mass public protests including tRump voters; and finally as last resort, federal military removal of the President, Vp and their minions.
Yes. I am suggesting that Congress start doing its job. And that the people remind Congress of its responsibilities, yes. I thought that went without saying.
I agree! Thank you!
If the military is paying attention and understands that the rules no longer are respected and the other institutions have been overtaken and disabled, that “last resort” step will come rather quickly. I think that moment is already upon us. I won’t be listening to the speech (tirade, more accurately) Tuesday night, but those deciding when to act may find it ‘helpful.’ The camel’s back already has a lot of straw on it.
Mass public protests may influence those who have the right tools (the military) to get going, but protests are very dangerous because they are so easily subverted by agents provocateur. And will certainly be used as an excuse to attack the people. Like the bully that pokes and taunts until his victim tries the least gesture of self defense, then says “you made me do it” as he beats his victim bloody. This is how Trump’s kind thinks. Be aware of your opponent, fight smart. Don’t march into battle with bright red coats and drummers.
That is the point the author is making.
I agree with your posting but would go further. I think Musk has contacts independent of Trump with Xi and likely Putin and he intends to be the puppet-master of them all behind the scenes through AI controlled government operations under his control, operated for his profit, and paid for and subsidized by all of them. As for what the future holds, the only certainty is that it is uncertain at this point and that those who oppose these tendencies need to be aware and flexible, moment by moment. The unforeseen will likely be the determining catalyst.
We can’t begin an impeachment process until we take back the House. Although there are a few off year elections that might shave down the GOP majority, our best chance is still in 2026. I’m just far from sure that there will be enough open and fair elections then — or that there will even be elections in 2026. The self-coup is well underway. I’m very depressed and angry.
Congress must be made to fear The People more than Musk's primary threats. We must make our destination the steps of Congress.
If all of our federal law enforcement is under the control of Pam Bondi, how will any of these actions suggestions be enforced? The US Marshalls, the enforcement group for the courts, work for the DOJ. I see no ultimate enforcement of subpoenas or court rulings. I have been asking about this reality since early last fall, but my audience is quite small. We, the people, need to act in massive forms of protests, whether purchasing power or taking to the streets and shutting it all down. I am increasing in the military coup camp. Those military leaders who pushed back in Trump's first admin were not just a handful. Many are still there who take their oath seriously. Trump is threatening the very security of our country. There is no way they will stand by and let us align with Putin and Xi.
Sorry to say this: military coup against Trump because he is planning to use the military against civilians.
Also: tax revolt for 2025
All media being shut down must come together as their own separate, protected network.
The toxic masculinity is worse than ever. Women are in danger.
Thank you for this helpful article.
I was under the impression that Raskin has stated he would initiate impeachment proceedings if he could find two GOP Senators to begin the process with him. If this is true, the constituents of a senator like say Murkowski, could start asking her to help?
Thanks for this excellent work, Mike! You're a treasure. ❤️
Trump is a traitor phasing military equipment. What now? Impeach, nut that won't happen. Still, there's always Something you can do besides calling reps and senators, protesting, making signs, donating, etc. Here's a thought I had: What can an ordinary Missourian do about this Oval Office Trump-Vance debacle and America-to-the-world embarrassment? Here's what I tried--a direct apology to President Zelensky via the Ukraime embassy WDC: Sent email today to Ukraine Embassy WDC, in part (full name and location included) "Attn: The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the United States of America Subject: Apology to President Zelensky Dear Madam Ambassador Markarova: On behalf of myself and the majority of American people standing for the freedom of Ukraine, may I request that the following subject apology be forwarded to President Zelensky: Please apologize to President Zelenskyy for the shameful behaviour of President Trump and Vice-President Vance on Feb. 28, 2025. It was a despicable, pre-coordinated setup ambush by two bullies against one courageous man standing tall. Trump and Vance have forever stained the sacred honor of the Oval Office. Thank you. Sincerely, (Ordinary American citizen)" s/s (full name and location, Farmington, MO)
I hope it all works but I have to say that unlawful people like them only respond to what matters in their world 1) they lose money 2) they lose face
Get out. Make a sign. Protest. Enjoy the cars honking. Smile back with a thumbs up!
via Dworkin newsletter: "As we begin another week of Musk and Trump’s unhinged madness, I’m happy to deliver this round of positive news for you today. I hope it gives you at least some relief—and shows you there are truly great people fighting this tyranny. Tomorrow is expected to be the biggest day of anti-Trump protests so far this year, with peaceful rallies planned outside all 50 state capitals, and other major cities. And over the weekend, all across the country, folks were standing up and speaking out against Musk and Trump. Anti-DOGE protests continued at Tesla locations in NYC, Boston, DC, and elsewhere—as part of a growing global backlash to Elon Musk. At least 50 other “Tesla Takedown” events were held in locations all over the world. National disgrace JD Vance was moved to an undisclosed location in Vermont, after peaceful protesters lined the streets, and gathered outside of the resort where he was planning to stay.
Folks brought lots of creative homemade signs, with one reading: “Go ski in Russia, traitor.” In Ohio, hundreds gathered for a large “Stand with Ukraine” rally. State Rep. Sean Brennan told the standing-room-only crowd: “Supporting Ukraine is not charity; it’s an investment in a safer world.” In Tennessee, GOP Rep. Diana Harshbarger held a “Coffee with your Congresswoman,” event that quickly grew heated. When Harshbarger tried to lie and say Trump had a “mandate,” the crowd screamed “no!”
Over in Texas, GOP Rep. Keith Self held a town hall in his deep-red district. Self was welcomed with chants of “do your job,” and loud boos, whenever he tried to defend DOGE.
In New York, hundreds protested against Republican cuts to Medicaid, outside one of GOP Rep. Mike Lawler’s district offices. There was a much different vibe at NY Dem Rep. Tom Suozzi’s event—where he received a standing ovation for slamming Trump’s unhinged Oval Office meeting with Zelensky." Etc etc et al--Never Give Up)
My apologies for the length of this comment and for my mis-posting this in response to a different piece.
I suppose time will tell whether any of the means of reshaping muscle memory, particularly governmental and judicial muscle memory will come to fruition. Regrettably I think not. It’s not for lack of want, it is simply that the mastheads we see in the distance are ships of our democracy having already sailed. Through the muscle memory you eloquently recognize we have not only set the trap but sprung it. I fear that if it is the framework of our Constitution that we will rely upon to resume some semblance of what was “in the before times” that we will eventually die in the trap awaiting rescue.
For the Congress each of the remedies you suggest require control of the House and then co tell of the Senate, the former to impeach, the latter to convict
and so long as the house remains in control none of what you correctly point needs to be done will be done. No investigations, no contempt citations, no subpoenas and certainly no impeachment proceedings. It is true that there are three special elections within the next few months which, if Democrats win, will tip control of the House back to Democrats and given the public’s growing unease about what is happening, unease expressed by those who voted for and against Trump, one would expect those elections to produce the victories needed for control. Thing is. I don’t see that happening. Too much work and money has gone into creating this nightmare to allow a little thing like a special elections within to get in the way. I admit to my paranoia about election integrity but one way or the other, whether by vote manipulation or voter suppression these votes will not produce Democratic victories. I hope upon hope that I am wrong but suspect my suspicions will be borne out. The remarkable thing, as has been recognized in many quarters is the willingness of Republican members of the House to standby and let this happen. Party loyalty is one thing but abdicating duties CLEARLY AND UNEQUIVOCALLY SPELLED OUT IN THE CONSTITUTION is stunningly quite another.
*All Bills for raising Revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives; but the Senate may propose or concur with amendments as on other Bills.”*
It is the House that has sole responsibility for taxation and spending, not the executive, not the courts and certainly not a private citizen, that is in the context of governance that has served us for more than 250 years, yet House Republicans appear perfectly content to standby by and allow a private citizen (with the support of a President who frankly has no understanding of nor interest in understanding the Constitutional framework for governance) to cancel departments, programs and numerous forms of spending, all created by law, without as much as “by your leave”. To be clear it is the job of Congress to control taxation and spending. It is frankly its most consequential job and if it’s Republican members aren’t in the House to exercise that power then what the fuck are they there to do? Vote on Trump’s policies? As has been made clear he doesn’t need them to do that…he and Musk and Vought and the others have made clear their disdain for Congressional oversight in any form so why are they there? Why did they bother running? Easy access to media attention? Great health benefits? At some point, perhaps not in our lifetime this will turn around and history will again record with some semblance of factual correctness what Republicans are doing and ask why
As for the Court with respect the reshaping of the Supreme Court was not Trump’s doing. Yes, he presided over the appointment of three of its current members (Gorsuch, Kavanaugh and Barrett) but their nominations were all the product of efforts by Leonard Leo and the Federalist Society which has poured millions of dollars into creating the supermajority that currently has a stranglehold on the court. While this Court, the Robert’s Court, has rendered numerous decisions that have served to gradually erode protections many came to rely upon, two decisions at, in particular, responsible for the dismantling we are currently witnessing: *Citizens United* and *Trump v. United States*. The former has been sufficiently dissected for its impact on our body politic to obviate the need for further discourse. The *Trump* decision, however is playing out in real time and is certain to have so critical an impact in the months ahead that the very fate of our democracy will hang in the balance. The decision, of course, dealt with the question of whether Trump (broadly and disingenuously referred to as “a President”) is to be immune from prosecution for actions which are alleged by prosecutors and grand juries to be criminal during his/her tenure as President. The dicta of the decision…the language which both explains and expands upon the reasoning behind the decision…however not simply explained the decision but went well beyond the confines of the appeal to expand and redefine the role of the executive. To that point, the actions of Richard Nixon were the standard against which Presidential authority was to be gauged and from that conduct a clear understanding that the President was not above the law and could and should be held accountable for his criminal conduct. Roberts obviously disagreed and in so doing provided so broad an interpretation of Presidential authority that there is virtually nothing a President does is illegal. To ensure that Trump (and, to be clear, he was writing about and in anticipation of a Trump presidency) was afforded a wide buffer between himself and accountability, Robert’s bestowed not simply absolute immunity but “presumptive immunity” so-called, “presumptive privilege”, meaning that every action he takes regardless of its character and intent are presumed to be privileged and thus protected unless the government, in prosecuting claims of criminal conduct, can prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the actions were not taken in his official capacity lest the President be “chilled from taking the bold and unhesitating action required of his office. Despite the breadth of the safety net afforded by this extreme interpretation of presidential power, Roberts didn’t stop there, extending the immunity to what he called “the outer perimeter of his presidential authority”, writing, “Such an immunity is required to safeguard the independence and effective functioning of the Executive Branch, and to enable the President to carry out his constitutional duties without undue caution.”
To be sure much of Project 2025 was written based upon Robert’s’ decision and given the connection between the Project and the Court via the Federalist Society the Roberts decision may very well have been written to provide the Project with the cover it needed to write policy that cut the role of Congress out of the picture and provide Trump with the power he and they crave.
As I said, Mike, we are ensnared by a trap of our own design. I would count on neither Congress nor the Courts to free us from its grip. If there is hope perhaps it lies with the will of the people, through protests in the streets and confrontations at town halls…quiet but pointed protest and resistance that will continue to grow and attract more folks as the impact of the trap is brought home to millions regardless of who they voted for. Short of that resistance being put down by force (there is a reason why Hegseth, Patel and Bondi are where they are) the weight of those protests may…may…begin the turn the tide. While I hope I am wrong about the coming elections, fear nothing else will work.
“Journalists, legal experts, and political opponents continue responding as if we're engaged in normal democratic contestation with shared foundational values.” 👏👏
I’d just add that I’ve witnessed examples of even worse behavior — of not just failing to see what is so plainly not normal, but in actively framing things in a way that makes ‘normal’ sound negotiable. And I don’t mean partisan actors who are pushing their own distorted narrative, I mean people who really *should know better.*
Case in point: A few days ago I listened to an interview on Bloomberg with Alexander Vindman discussing his new book (which deals with Russia & Ukraine). Late in the interview the conversation steered towards an idea of Vindman’s personal ‘politicization’ and I was flabbergasted when host Carol Massar prefaced a question with, “I know you were subpoenaed, but we’ve seen subpoenas be issued and not everybody testifies…”
She seemed to be suggesting (and I’m being incredibly generous with my phrasing) that the act of complying with a Congressional subpoena was itself a political choice. Like, sure, you got a subpoena… but you didn’t *really* have to respond.
And so we have this layering of institutional failure upon failure. The failure of enforcing subpoenas, but then the failure to even know whether it was a failure at all. And of course this wasn’t playing out in some dark corner of the internet, it was live on Bloomberg for f*cks sake.
I’m not at the point of slipping into hopelessness, but it seems that each day I’m discovering that things are an order of magnitude worse than I thought they were yesterday.
NOT OPTIONAL! -Reality -Truth -Facts -Our Constitution -Our Rule of Law Thank you, Mike. I'm heading to a March 4th nation-wide protest site tomorrow in Bennington, VT, and will be putting these words on my poster.
Also, you wrote: “throughout much of American history, Congress regularly arrested individuals who obstructed its constitutional functions.”
Where can I learn of some of these examples so I can refer to them when I make my daily calls to my reps?
It feels like much of your suggested action is from the old playbook. We don’t have time to keep making the old plays and we can’t rely on federal law enforcement to help. I’m not sure what the answer is but I’m convinced we need an entirely new dynamic.
Obviously I meant “elected” officials. 🙄. Thank you, again, Mike. We need more voices like yours.