Thank you for your bravery, Heather! Take heart that many public servants are undermining Trump and Elon. We are gathering evidence of their crimes that will hopefully end up putting them in prison where they belong: https://democracydefender2025.substack.com/p/no-one-elected-elon
Do the silent, passive Republican members of Congress realise that if that institution becomes irrelevant they too are irrelevant and become fodder for the sacking machine?
U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols on Friday, February 7, 2025, ordered Secretary of State Marco Rubio to: reinstate 500 USAID workers stop putting 2,200 USAID workers on administrative leave, and stop recalling 1,400 USAID workers from overseas posts. Nichols also pointed out that Trump’s own legal representatives could not and would not offer (risking perjury in court) a single piece of evidence to back up Trump’s USAID “corruption and fraud” claims. Suffering extreme but typical “ diarrhée verbale ”, Trump has gurgling blowouts when “fermer la bouche” is indicated. Trump made up these accusations. We will recover following a known course of action. We will grow in numbers by gathering the reformers in their party. We will grow numbers, diversity, and socioeconomic stratas. https://open.substack.com/pub/hotbuttons/p/krewe-kleptos-parade-route-psycho?r=3m1bs&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
I've been advocating for a general strike and massive tax revolt. Can you discuss resistance movements through history and what it takes to topple an authoritarian dictatorship? Thank you so, so much for continuing to teach us what we need to know to navigate this terrible new world.
Excellent. Below are serious questions in my mind as a former Federal Government employee.
Lately I have been thinking about what could disqualify you from a Federal Government job. I had a top security clearance for almost 20 years while working for the USPS-OIG. Getting the clearance took awhile as the people in charge of clearing me interviewed neighbors of mine, both in my then neighborhood and my previous one. They scoured any available records. Five years later I went through the whole thing again.
Just now I searched for what guidelines are used to give top security and was shocked at how many people in the top jobs don’t meet the guidelines.
Our President meets almost none of these.
The new Secretary of Defense woukd never get Security clearance , just based on a few things that I know about him (sexual behavior, drugs and substance abuse, alcohol consumption). The young men who grabbed data from the Treasury. What kind of clearances do they have? The list is so large that it boggles my mind. Is anyone looking into this issue of security clearances ?
Allegiance to the United States (Guideline A)
Foreign Influence (Guideline 😎
Foreign Preference (Guideline C)
Sexual Behavior (Guideline D)
Personal Conduct (Guideline E)
Financial Considerations (Guideline F)
Alcohol Consumption (Guideline G)
Drug Involvement and Substance Misuse (Guideline H)
Psychological Conditions (Guideline I)
Criminal Conduct (Guideline J)
Handling Protected Information (Guideline K)
Outside Activities (Guideline L)
Use of Information Technology (Guideline M)
Address any known issues upfront with the security officer and on your SF-86.
Which means the next move is the citizensry - through our Representatives/Senators in Congress. If they wiffle-waffle or refuse to challenge the Executive branch, they can be expelled by a two-thirds vote. They know that if they refuse a third of them will be replaced at the next election, then another third, etc until they understand the reality that citizens are their boss - not POTUS.
Apparently, when organizers announced a “Nobody Elected Elon” protest at the treasury department’s headquarters in Washington not a single Democratic lawmaker had agreed to attend. However, in the end more than two dozen Democratic members of Congress including Chuck Schumer, the Senate minority leader, spoke at the event. Realistically, however, their own real leverage will come in the budget negotiations next month (the government's money runs out on 14 March). At the citizen level, I understand that there are protest marches being organised all around the country.
Heather I wonder if you saw the post made by Walter Ward on FB before it came down? It was a fabulous explanation of the meaning of the Super Bowl Halftime Show. If you didn’t, I’ll paste here. I wonder if he would communicate with you about it. It was amazing.
Walter Ward on Super Bowl Halftime
Alright, for those who might not have the cultural context or aren’t deep into hip-hop, let me break it down for you.
First, Understand This:
Kendrick Lamar is a master of double—and often triple—entendres. That’s what makes him one of the greatest artists of this generation. That’s why he walked away with five Grammys last week and, even more impressively, a Pulitzer Prize a few years ago—something no other rapper had achieved before him.
The Opening Move:
Kendrick didn’t just start his performance with any lyrics; he opened with a line from Dead Prez’s song “Propaganda,” which itself is a reference to Gil Scott-Heron’s legendary poem “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised.” That wasn’t accidental. That was a declaration. What he was saying—before the music even really started—was that this moment was bigger than hip-hop. This was about something revolutionary. That was the thematic foundation for everything that followed.
Layer One: The Kendrick vs. Drake Battle
This is the surface-level read, the most obvious meaning: Kendrick vs. Drake. If you’ve been following the battle, this was a definitive checkmate. The entire performance was structured as if Drake was watching TV—essentially reducing him to a spectator while Kendrick took center stage. But this beef isn’t just about two artists throwing shots at each other. It’s about authenticity vs. manufactured culture.
Kendrick represents something raw, something real. And in a system that wants Black culture but not Black people, he stood there as the embodiment of the real thing. That’s why Samuel L. Jackson’s character’s comments mattered. He was emphasizing what Kendrick has been saying all along—this isn’t just about rap battles, it’s about the integrity of the culture itself.
Layer Two: Us vs. The System
Now, let’s take a step back and look at the bigger picture. Kendrick performed at the Super Bowl, the pinnacle of American entertainment, with Sam Jackson dressed as Uncle Sam, while literally standing in front of a divided flag.
He called out “The Great American Game” while being in the middle of the biggest game in America.
The Squid Game/PlayStation controller symbols weren’t just cool visuals—they were a nod to how the system tries to control and manipulate people.
The main song? “Not Like Us.” Over and over, he hammered the idea that he is not playing the industry’s game.
And then the final moment? “Game Over.” A mic drop on the entire performance. He wasn’t just talking about Drake. He was talking about the larger system itself: You don’t control me. You don’t control the culture.
Layer Three: Patriotism by the Marginalized
Here’s the part that might go over some heads. The most patriotic people I know? They look like me. They’re from communities that have been pushed aside but still believe in what America could be. Especially the civil rights generation—the ones who fought, bled, and suffered because they believed in the promise of America.
Did you catch the flag?
At first, it was divided.
Then, it was rebuilt—but only because of the people literally holding it up.
The entire stage was filled with an all-Black cast, backs bent, carrying the weight.
That wasn’t accidental. That was a statement. We are just as much a part of this country as anyone else. There’s a narrative that protest, that calling out injustice, is anti-American. But in reality? It’s the most American thing you can do.
The Takeaway:
This wasn’t just a performance. This was a multi-layered message wrapped in artistry, symbolism, patriotism and culture. Kendrick reminded everyone—especially those outside of hip-hop—that this moment was bigger than just music. It was about identity, power, and the ongoing fight to be seen, heard, and respected.
If you missed it, go back and watch it again. Every detail meant something.
Thank you for another update on the Trump/Musk presidency….. The Trump/Musk team doesn’t seem to realize that it’s congress who makes the laws, and the president then signs or vetos them.
The courts then take over to determine if the laws are in fact constitutional. Sadly vice president Vance wrongly believes that the courts aren’t allowed to question or stop the President’s actions.
Trump /Musk are pushing to abolish the checks and balances that were set up in the 1700’s which should frighten every American.
I am worrying that Congress will completely give up its Article I responsibilities. That, like they did with W over the Iraqi war, they will say, "Oh, we know that's our responsibility (in that case to declare war) but you do it, OK?" Anyone else having that nightmare?
Thank you for keeping us informed. I am currently reading your book Democracy Awakening. So for I see I need to read more about Burke, and now think I need to look into understanding Lincoln and what it might be to be a Lincoln Republican as well as an FDR Democrat and the New Deal. Thank you again
Thank you so much Ms. Richardson. In a sea of misinformation it's wonderful to know we can rely on your daily letter. News sources are now reporting that the president approval rating is in the positive, when last week it was in the negative. We have to continue to fight back!
Thank you, Dr Richardson. You are a voice of intelligence, credibility and stability in this increasingly incredibly insane world. Please keep up your work . Know that you and your work are valued.
Thank you for your bravery, Heather! Take heart that many public servants are undermining Trump and Elon. We are gathering evidence of their crimes that will hopefully end up putting them in prison where they belong: https://democracydefender2025.substack.com/p/no-one-elected-elon
Do the silent, passive Republican members of Congress realise that if that institution becomes irrelevant they too are irrelevant and become fodder for the sacking machine?
U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols on Friday, February 7, 2025, ordered Secretary of State Marco Rubio to: reinstate 500 USAID workers stop putting 2,200 USAID workers on administrative leave, and stop recalling 1,400 USAID workers from overseas posts. Nichols also pointed out that Trump’s own legal representatives could not and would not offer (risking perjury in court) a single piece of evidence to back up Trump’s USAID “corruption and fraud” claims. Suffering extreme but typical “ diarrhée verbale ”, Trump has gurgling blowouts when “fermer la bouche” is indicated. Trump made up these accusations. We will recover following a known course of action. We will grow in numbers by gathering the reformers in their party. We will grow numbers, diversity, and socioeconomic stratas. https://open.substack.com/pub/hotbuttons/p/krewe-kleptos-parade-route-psycho?r=3m1bs&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
I've been advocating for a general strike and massive tax revolt. Can you discuss resistance movements through history and what it takes to topple an authoritarian dictatorship? Thank you so, so much for continuing to teach us what we need to know to navigate this terrible new world.
Yes! We all need this right now.
Thank you Ms. Richardson, especially for the closing line of this podcast. It’s so true and brilliant…
Excellent. Below are serious questions in my mind as a former Federal Government employee.
Lately I have been thinking about what could disqualify you from a Federal Government job. I had a top security clearance for almost 20 years while working for the USPS-OIG. Getting the clearance took awhile as the people in charge of clearing me interviewed neighbors of mine, both in my then neighborhood and my previous one. They scoured any available records. Five years later I went through the whole thing again.
Just now I searched for what guidelines are used to give top security and was shocked at how many people in the top jobs don’t meet the guidelines.
Our President meets almost none of these.
The new Secretary of Defense woukd never get Security clearance , just based on a few things that I know about him (sexual behavior, drugs and substance abuse, alcohol consumption). The young men who grabbed data from the Treasury. What kind of clearances do they have? The list is so large that it boggles my mind. Is anyone looking into this issue of security clearances ?
Allegiance to the United States (Guideline A)
Foreign Influence (Guideline 😎
Foreign Preference (Guideline C)
Sexual Behavior (Guideline D)
Personal Conduct (Guideline E)
Financial Considerations (Guideline F)
Alcohol Consumption (Guideline G)
Drug Involvement and Substance Misuse (Guideline H)
Psychological Conditions (Guideline I)
Criminal Conduct (Guideline J)
Handling Protected Information (Guideline K)
Outside Activities (Guideline L)
Use of Information Technology (Guideline M)
Address any known issues upfront with the security officer and on your SF-86.
So what happens when the president doesn't comply with a court order???
It appears that nobody really knows. Trump is plumbing depths not foreseen by the framers.
Which means the next move is the citizensry - through our Representatives/Senators in Congress. If they wiffle-waffle or refuse to challenge the Executive branch, they can be expelled by a two-thirds vote. They know that if they refuse a third of them will be replaced at the next election, then another third, etc until they understand the reality that citizens are their boss - not POTUS.
looks like the congress does not give a s***. If they did they would not vote in the scum they voted in...
Apparently, when organizers announced a “Nobody Elected Elon” protest at the treasury department’s headquarters in Washington not a single Democratic lawmaker had agreed to attend. However, in the end more than two dozen Democratic members of Congress including Chuck Schumer, the Senate minority leader, spoke at the event. Realistically, however, their own real leverage will come in the budget negotiations next month (the government's money runs out on 14 March). At the citizen level, I understand that there are protest marches being organised all around the country.
Art 2 Sect 4?
Been there, done that.
Heather I wonder if you saw the post made by Walter Ward on FB before it came down? It was a fabulous explanation of the meaning of the Super Bowl Halftime Show. If you didn’t, I’ll paste here. I wonder if he would communicate with you about it. It was amazing.
Walter Ward on Super Bowl Halftime
Alright, for those who might not have the cultural context or aren’t deep into hip-hop, let me break it down for you.
First, Understand This:
Kendrick Lamar is a master of double—and often triple—entendres. That’s what makes him one of the greatest artists of this generation. That’s why he walked away with five Grammys last week and, even more impressively, a Pulitzer Prize a few years ago—something no other rapper had achieved before him.
The Opening Move:
Kendrick didn’t just start his performance with any lyrics; he opened with a line from Dead Prez’s song “Propaganda,” which itself is a reference to Gil Scott-Heron’s legendary poem “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised.” That wasn’t accidental. That was a declaration. What he was saying—before the music even really started—was that this moment was bigger than hip-hop. This was about something revolutionary. That was the thematic foundation for everything that followed.
Layer One: The Kendrick vs. Drake Battle
This is the surface-level read, the most obvious meaning: Kendrick vs. Drake. If you’ve been following the battle, this was a definitive checkmate. The entire performance was structured as if Drake was watching TV—essentially reducing him to a spectator while Kendrick took center stage. But this beef isn’t just about two artists throwing shots at each other. It’s about authenticity vs. manufactured culture.
Kendrick represents something raw, something real. And in a system that wants Black culture but not Black people, he stood there as the embodiment of the real thing. That’s why Samuel L. Jackson’s character’s comments mattered. He was emphasizing what Kendrick has been saying all along—this isn’t just about rap battles, it’s about the integrity of the culture itself.
Layer Two: Us vs. The System
Now, let’s take a step back and look at the bigger picture. Kendrick performed at the Super Bowl, the pinnacle of American entertainment, with Sam Jackson dressed as Uncle Sam, while literally standing in front of a divided flag.
He called out “The Great American Game” while being in the middle of the biggest game in America.
The Squid Game/PlayStation controller symbols weren’t just cool visuals—they were a nod to how the system tries to control and manipulate people.
The main song? “Not Like Us.” Over and over, he hammered the idea that he is not playing the industry’s game.
And then the final moment? “Game Over.” A mic drop on the entire performance. He wasn’t just talking about Drake. He was talking about the larger system itself: You don’t control me. You don’t control the culture.
Layer Three: Patriotism by the Marginalized
Here’s the part that might go over some heads. The most patriotic people I know? They look like me. They’re from communities that have been pushed aside but still believe in what America could be. Especially the civil rights generation—the ones who fought, bled, and suffered because they believed in the promise of America.
Did you catch the flag?
At first, it was divided.
Then, it was rebuilt—but only because of the people literally holding it up.
The entire stage was filled with an all-Black cast, backs bent, carrying the weight.
That wasn’t accidental. That was a statement. We are just as much a part of this country as anyone else. There’s a narrative that protest, that calling out injustice, is anti-American. But in reality? It’s the most American thing you can do.
The Takeaway:
This wasn’t just a performance. This was a multi-layered message wrapped in artistry, symbolism, patriotism and culture. Kendrick reminded everyone—especially those outside of hip-hop—that this moment was bigger than just music. It was about identity, power, and the ongoing fight to be seen, heard, and respected.
If you missed it, go back and watch it again. Every detail meant something.
Thank you for another update on the Trump/Musk presidency….. The Trump/Musk team doesn’t seem to realize that it’s congress who makes the laws, and the president then signs or vetos them.
The courts then take over to determine if the laws are in fact constitutional. Sadly vice president Vance wrongly believes that the courts aren’t allowed to question or stop the President’s actions.
Trump /Musk are pushing to abolish the checks and balances that were set up in the 1700’s which should frighten every American.
I am worrying that Congress will completely give up its Article I responsibilities. That, like they did with W over the Iraqi war, they will say, "Oh, we know that's our responsibility (in that case to declare war) but you do it, OK?" Anyone else having that nightmare?
Thank you for keeping us informed. I am currently reading your book Democracy Awakening. So for I see I need to read more about Burke, and now think I need to look into understanding Lincoln and what it might be to be a Lincoln Republican as well as an FDR Democrat and the New Deal. Thank you again
Thank you so much Ms. Richardson. In a sea of misinformation it's wonderful to know we can rely on your daily letter. News sources are now reporting that the president approval rating is in the positive, when last week it was in the negative. We have to continue to fight back!
Why is everyone so afraid of calling a coup a coup?? THIS is a coup d’etat.
Thank you, Dr Richardson. You are a voice of intelligence, credibility and stability in this increasingly incredibly insane world. Please keep up your work . Know that you and your work are valued.
Beyond excellent! We really need a remedial national civics education.
This episode need to be played in every classroom and workplace across the Nation. Thank you
Thanks Heather for your daily “briefs”. They help us better understand what all is going on around us in MAGAville. Stay safe.