I joined SNCC and CORE in 1963. Got into some degree of trouble then too, once arrested in the fight for civil rights. Imagine what a joy it was to attend my daughter's graduation from Bard in 2017 and discover that the commencement speaker was John Lewis.
I was too young to march in 1963 but I would have if I could have at the age of 10. Yesterday, I sat with my guitar in front of the state capital in Hartford, Connecticut. At one point, I performed a few Mississippi John Hurt songs who I insist is my musical godfather and I’ve told his granddaughter Mary that her that I am her brother from another mother. She always laughs. I suddenly found one of his songs most appropriate. The partial lyrics:
“Miss Collins weep, Miss Collins moan,
To see her son Lewis leaving home.
The angels laid him away.
The angels laid him away.
They laid him 6 feet under the clay.
The angels laid him away.
Oh kind friend oh ain’t it hard,
To see poor Lewis in a new graveyard.
The angels laid him away.
The noisy protesters didn’t quite hear the lyrics. But I did. I’m proud to say I meet John Lewis once at a Congressional Black Caucus Convention in Washington. He bought a Benny Andrews print from me. I was so proud that day to shake his hand. I thought of asking for a picture of us but I didn’t want to do what everyone else does so I didn’t ask. Now I regret not getting that picture. I would have framed it and placed it next to another original photo of Martin Luther King sitting on a bus. But that moment remains in my photographic memory today and that is important for me.
Beautifully said, Lee, Harvey, Kelly, - all of you. - and as always, so expertly documented by Heather, thank you! I was involved in the anti-racist demos of the late 60's and arrested twice, but am awed and humbled before the example of the great John Lewis and many of you who gave so much. Just yesterday I took part in the demo in his honor in Victor, Idaho, only 50 of us, but many waves and horn honking cheered us on!
Thank you Jon on behalf of those of us in Salmon, Idaho. I was having my broken leg attended to in Missoula. I missed my opportunity here but I am so pleased that other small red community members here in Idaho are supporting what I hope is an awakening among like minded individuals that we do have to stand up like the great John Lewis. Thank you so much Jon.
Jon, mere words can't fully express how grateful I am to learn that in presumably ruby red Idaho, demonstrations were going on and you were a part of them. Even though small, it lifts my weary heart just a bit. I have to admit that I'm living in absolute despair owing to not only the horrid news via those maga's who fooled their base, but also my own troubles defeating me, that I can do little to nothing to remedy. In short, about 8+ years ago I became disabled at work and try as I did I can't return to work effectively; Worse, the fortune 500 company I spent a lifetime working for accepts no responsibility; Why ? Because they 'can' and no one to hold them to account. We are down to one 15 year old vehicle operating; our home needs some repairs and my garage is turning itself into mulch, needing roof and framing repair. I've not been physically able to remedy these problems and inflation of labor and materials have put all this beyond my SS disability income for 8 years, ability to afford. Pardon my dumping; Sometimes there's the hope that getting things said or written down affords some relief. Nope to that notion, so I can only regret giving that a shot.
D4N, you do plenty enough with your pen! Many older men and women such as me and ma, in order to have a kind community, and to help others find a bit of joy, give of our time, just because it really tickles our fancy to help people who need a hand. Usually as people age much goes awry. We know it’s not anyone’s fault. We know they are good people. I can’t go to town and buy something that makes me near as happy as the smile of a 94 year old woman who insists I accept her homemade loaf of bread simply for re-roofing her garage or rebuilding her garden fence to keep the deer out. No matter where you live in this great country I know you can throw out some bait and catch an armful of people who have discovered this amazing fix better than dope for joy. You should give people the opportunity to feel good inside by asking them. You have no idea how full and rich you will make them. Go for it. Write about it. What kind of fire 🔥 can you ignite in the hearts of the people you don’t even know yet? ASK. Sometimes my friends insist on buying the parts. Makes no difference to me if they cannot. The work gets done.
As an oldster who has little energy and power these days, I sympathize and wish I could help. My UU church is a help. Health is power these days, so is community. I had to search when family and friends died or walked away. Worth a search…
Sorry to hear this D4N. Have you tried getting volunteer help via agencies like Area Agency on Aging? Hope & pray there are free services available to you locally.
While John Lewis was doing his best…his truly superhero best, we were living under Apartheid in Jo-berg. US news was scanty, but we were impressed by Lyndon Johnson’s unexpected “good” actions. We naively thought…”wow, the US will never allow Apartheid-type actions to occur. And here, 60 years later, millions of us have to continue to get out in the streets or Apartheid and Nazi Germany policies are what we will face…what we are facing!
It's not just Musk or Trump. It's the entire GOP that became neofascist, these last four years, and we didn't see it coming because MSM went for profit instead of making sure that "we the people" are still aware of the most relevant facts...
Most neocons were still pro-democracy. Yes, a neofascist wing has always existed in the GOP, but the last step in the takeover of the GOP happened when Silicon Valley became neofascist too and its billionaires put in JD Vance and basically bought the GOP (Thiel, Musk, Sachs, Andreessen). And that made a huge difference. Meanwhile, the Heritage Foundation became neofascist too. Neoliberals certainly always argued that capitalism and democracy are incompatible, but they only designed a roadmap to destroy "all US institutions", once three factors came together: Bannon's populist movement led by Trump, a truly theocratic HF, and Silicon Valley turning neofascist. And that happened very recently. It's also why we CAN still defeat them.
When I was riding the rails around Europe in the hot summer of 1977, I got up from my seat to be near an opened window and I struck up a conversation with a white South African. After awhile, he suggested that I immigrate to South Africa. I asked him why and he responded that labor was cheap. I reflected what he was saying in silence. I then returned to my seat without responding. I was insulted.
I used to love to listen to Mississippi John Hurt. I think the name of my favorite of his songs was Mississippi River Blues, that had the most gorgeous guitar work I've ever heard. Thanks for bringing back a good memory.
Hello Aslo.... We Can Hope... DJT who has no Hesitations in using Power, is Testing This Homily.... So Far DJT Has Bent The Media, The Law, The Gov't, to His Will...
Hello JD.... We Can Hope... A Changing Of The Guard Is Long Overdue for the Dems... The way that AOC was denied Leadership in Congress was Instructive... Seems that the Majority of the People are not Happy... They do not See a Rosy Present or Future for Themselves, Their Children, or Grandchildren...
What type of actions? I find that the now of now is write, call, go to a protest, donate.
I remember much more different levels of activism in my youth and even this century with Occupy Wall Street.
For the Peace Protestors there were actions in Georgia and other places where arrests were expected. The PloughShares Community along with the Catholic Worker folks.
The indigenous had the more recent Standing Rock and before that the Occupation of Alcatraz. Russell Means was big.
The wild radicals like Abby Hoffman and those in the SDS got into trouble for doing true violence.
After MLK Jr’s murder the black Panthers after helping serve children free breakfast also went beyond the non violence principal. There was a break up between Congressman Lewis abd Hoagy Charmichal.
But I am fuzzy because young and couldn’t do anything .
There also were street mimes and theater actions as well particularly out west in California.
We talk here yes but a convergence has not yet emerged and I am frustrated because even in today’s more restrictive society one or groups could do more. So happy to see the protests but the Senste and Congress abd staff on all federal levels need to do something. At the state level as well.
I have t other than 4 H Clubs come up with any structured change strategies. I don’t have a group that is needing or wanting to go beyond conversational farm market activities.
And many don’t understand the layers abd that part of the big problem is the continual use of band aids instead of real aid and long term change.
Then the last which I long to see is truth and reconciliation for many things. And we could first is ever possible a five year period of historical work in that area.
It’s not as if it can’t be done it’s the number of folks who still are unaware or don’t care or are living trauma filled ( on many layers) lives.
I think we sometimes expect results and changes too quickly - it takes a while for things to change, the point is not to give up. I firmly believe that in the end the people will always win, we are just so many more and we will always have to remember that the elites, or leaders or whatever you call them, need us much, much more than we need them.
Forty-five years ago, I came across this thought from more then two millennia prior: “Haste and anger are, to my mind, the two greatest obstacles to wise counsel – haste, that usually goes with folly, [and] anger, that is the mark of primitive and narrow minds.” Diodotus, c. 427 B.C.⚖️
Then just this year, I came a cross another zinger that may stick with shrinking grey matter: "Rage and frenzy will pull down more in half-an-hour than prudence, deliberation, and foresight can build up in a hundred years." –Edmund Burke, ‘Reflections on the Revolution in France’; 1790.😱
What makes these statements sing to me, Sabine, is that they encapsulate values that, for me at least, speak toward my seeking honor with enlightened prudence.💡
Of course, I fall short of those values but keep trying even in my old age. 🗽
Sam Rayburn had the same thought. “Any jackass can kick down a barn, but it takes a competent community to build one.” Or something like that…. Great minds…
Sabine, yes, people get impatient and do things which undermine the slow progress in our system. To me politics is the art of the possible. We were actually making some progress and then starting with St. Ray Gun, it began to go down the tube. Voting for Jill not green Stein is an example of just going with someone who talked, but clearing was not walking.
Watched from a distance I think your entire system needs an overhaul, be it the Electoral College, the 2-party system, or the insane amounts of money in politics. Unfortunately it always seems to need the total collapse of the old system first before people come up with a new one.
As one who makes mistakes like this one almost 24 / 7, Mary, I am sympathetic. 🙏🏾 We understood that you intended to write Stokely rather than Hoagie. ✍️ Sooo . . . apology NOT accepted for NONE is needed. 🙂
He was an early Freedom Rider and leader in SNCC, a highly educated and intelligent man. A Leninist? Maybe to Bull Connor and J. Edgar Hoover, but I'd hardly trust their views on the civil rights leaders and movement.
Like a message to the 70 million who didn’t bother to vote! WTF! He fought with is life, his soul to assure that each of us had the right to vote, and the responsibility to pay attention and cast the vote! 70,000,000 is a symptom of a killer disease.
We need a Bill of Responsibilities—service, voting, volunteering are all on the list!
And a "Good" for you Lee, and your daughter as well. Not many of us left. I wasn't a 'member' of SNCC, but joining the military I became well aware of groups "persona non grata" status. Being a white-kid I was most concerned about being thrown into the Army, handed a machine-gun, along with a life expectancy of 15 minutes in combat. With one name ahead of mine on the Draft list, I bailed for the Air Force (Mar 65') only to become "persona non grata" of a different sort. I'll stop there, for now.
BRAVO, Lee! What an absolute double treat for you and your daughter! My daughter graduated from SF State and the commencement speaker was…Kamala Harris in 2001!
Great last paragraph, where Heather quotes his probably most immortal words.
Rebecca Solnit, in her own (still yet very new) Substack also refers to words -- her last being on what she calls "trickle-down words" (where she'd earlier invited dismissal of "trickle-down economics").
All of us here on Heather's (and Rebecca often quotes her, too) stay indebted to, in service to words -- as if we might see ahead of the criminality now atop our government.
In her videos, Heather often smiles. In her writing, she often stresses the ideals America, for one, has long been based on.
So, yes to her positives, Rebecca's, and so many here generous to one another.
Love Rebecca Solnit, I may have to subscribe but I need a few more hours in the day to attend to the ten I subscribe to now. As I just posted, words matter, some words echo through the ages, speaking from the hearts and souls of the fighters, lovers, and thinkers who have preceded us.
I could read more if I didn't like to peruse the comment sections, but the comments give so much value! I find community, and I find extra content and expert opinions.
Miselle, I am guilty of looking at the comments too. I do learn a lot and enjoy most conversations I have here. Heather is how I start my day and have my cup of coffee.
It's nutty--I will relate conversations I have here to my husband, and I talk as if I know the other commentors. But in a way, I DO! Kindred spirits all!
Heather and Rebecca, along with Joyce Vance are must-reads. Truth, history, law - clearly presented without despair. What a tough brief. We are all so grateful to them and for them.
The Call to Reconnect by Noreen Hertz. The older generational issues of boomers and those older still here.
Again if we could use the county Extendion Serive which is in every country abd use the 100 year old 4 H Club framework we could make neighborhood intergenerational 4 zH Clubs. Being in the club a lesson in civics! Robert’s or Roberta’s rules and officers with actual duties to perform. So many subject areas besides animal husbandry and gardening and sewing and cooking and one could combine and have History meals and reading and dialogue.
What is “The Call to Reconnect”? People recommend stuff without links and when I look it up I find multiple references, including books. More details please.
It is a book I discovered on Substack about the elderly and lack of community abd thriving. This interests me as an elder abd one who was involved with gender issues through family abd work. I would google book on tenderly with that nabe. Reconnect can easily to The Work to ReConnect a group created by Joanna Macy who is not doing well abd she really trued hard in her way and we all should honor her abd her efforts in some way.
Yes, except that Rebecca Solnit explicitly does NOT have a Substack. I don’t have time this morning to find where she says it, but she has written why several times. She posts her essays “Meditations in an Emergency” on Ghost. Here is the most recent:
Phil, your interest in education causes me to offer this interview of Jen Rubin with Justin Wolfers, who's a college professor of economics and a great systems thinker who communicates so well: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ioo9XHkRSaQ
I see Justin Wolfers on MSNBC and enjoy his humor and accent as much as I appreciate his knowledge. Why MSNBC? Because I can write postcards to voters while I listen, getting occasional looks at the speakers.
Good to know he's on MSNBC -- maybe I can stream it (I don't have cable). Aside from my objective assessment of how admiration worthy his knowledge and communication skills are, I have a crush. This, which is rare for me, has me imagining that he'll be in some influential government position when the rebuild phase rises from the ashes.
Is he a citizen? He reminds me of another Aussie I know, both very articulate, knowledgeable, and always full of fun. If he runs for office here, definitely a winner. Somehow I imagine him returning to Australia.
Nothing on education in this 26 minutes. But superb intelligence from both Justin and Jen. Plus, something more special, just before the 20-minute mark, when the question of the human comes up. Which leads to the astute conclusion, where the human remains wed to the economic.
I'm glad you watched it. I didn't mean to mislead that it's about education but he seems to be an example of a good educator because he communicates in ways many children could understand. His expertise as an INFORMAL educator is very relatable and that's a quality so needed in this country where 'nerdism' and bias against intellectuals are a problem.
Yes! Our rally had over 700 RSVPs, and probably 600 or so attended! Clarence Jones, MLK Jr’s lawyer, graced our rally. He’s 94 years old. We owe it to him and to John Lewis to fight on.
In my small town as I looked around, I'd guess about 100-150. Not bad on a weekday. Not a lot of young people but, they had work or school. A lot of grey hair out today, some with walkers. We got a lot of positive feedback from passing vehicles on the busy main road. John Lewis was represented. All of the rallies I attend are populated with older people like me because we know the history and know the moment we are currently dealing with. Not discounting all the young people who show up! Let's keep up the good trouble folks.
Several hundred of us demonstrated in our small Maine town. We stood on the sidewalk of the main road to Bar Harbor from 3:30 to 5:30. There were a lot of out-of-state license plates going by, & many of them tooted their horns as they passed us. Only a few "thumbs down"! And the forecasted thunderstorms never happened.
In downtown St. Louis yesterday, we attended a rally in honor of John Lewis on the Old Courthouse steps where the Dred Scott decision was made. What a powerful gathering! Lots of vehicles drove by, honking in approval and giving us thumbs up.
Linda -- From talking with other safety monitors and organizers, I am quite certain that your estimate of 600 is quite low. Just sitting in chairs in front of the stage, there were about 200. The average best estimate was at least 1000 and I think it was closer to 1500... all making GOOD TROUBLE!
Where did this take place? We didn’t have a lot of folks at our Hartford gathering perhaps 300 to 400 in front of the capital but there was another rally earlier in back on the north side sponsored by another org. These orgs need to collaborate and work as one.
Bill, I shared that same sentiment with a friend today…the confusion about “multiple” actions…what? where? when? Potentially conflicting dates or times/places. Hooray that the energy and vision is there…but collaboration might make for great social movements/actions that are encouraging folks to “get out there”. That said, wonderful hugs to anyone who takes a stand, makes some noise & good trouble!!!
It was good to be there and hear from someone who knew MLK.Jr., although the crowd was large and people at the back chatting made it hard to hear the speakers.
We worked very hard to get a powerful enough sound system so that everyone in the plaza could hear. I guess it wasn't powerful enough. Believe me, we tried!!! I hope you were still able to enjoy the program, and visit the action tables.
The problem wasn’t the sound system, so much as people who weren’t there to listen to the speakers. Anyone who organizes events like these has my gratitude.
John Lewis was well represented by a lovely group of citizens at a bannering event during evening rush hour today on the bridge you mentioned, the John Lewis Memorial Bridge. It was an honor to be among them. Cheers to all the drivers that honked and waved and showed support.
Well said, Frank. A bridge from yesterday to tomorrow. Our "Good Trouble" protest was held on a bridge over I-5, a connector on an old pioneer road between Eugene and Springfield. Sadly, it was at exactly the time my presence was required in the back row for our last rehearsal for our last concert of the season.
Ally, ours was at the state capitol. I am beyond being able to protest physically, but support the people who do. From the pictures, it did look like a lot of older people. Also there is some road work there and so might have made a problem.
And I was on a bridge over I90 in Issaquah, WA yesterday. Our banner said “We stand with workers and immigrants.” Lots of honking, including from semi drivers. Those horns are so impressive when so close to them! Only 5 middle fingers sent up to us and we waved at every one.
Dark and troublesome times ahead - but also exciting! Wishing you all the best on the other side of the big drink. You've overcome dark times more than once, you can do it again.
Thank you, Sabine! Please let the good people there know not everyone over here has lost their marbles. My daughter is currently visiting Canada. I hope she gets to interact with Canadians and tell them to support us.
Only beauty and success lies. ahead I’m telling you you need to readjust that crystal ball… and , why do you have to besmirch this message by bringing ugly politics into the picture. This was a solemn dedication to a great person who stood up for what he believes is right, and won on many occasions despite history’s continued pushback
Are you suggesting that John Lewis's activities were not fundamentally about politics, Rick? In an exclusive interview with NBC News' "Meet the Press," in January 2017, Lewis said he did not believe Donald Trump was a "legitimate president," citing Russian interference in last year’s election. A few days later, Lewis said that he would not attend Trump's inauguration because he did not believe that Trump was the true elected president. "It will be the first (inauguration) that I miss since I've been in Congress. You cannot be at home with something that you feel that is wrong, is not right". He spoke out often against Trump's policies. I guess that means no place for him in Trump's proposed National Garden of Heroes. You have no idea about what he stood for.
This is a very strange algorithm, Steve. Last night I received three immense screeds from Rick ostensibly justifying his rather confused views. They came after a barrage of shorter responses which were basically content-free but insult-heavy. I don't think Rick is a MechaHitler, he's the very embodiment of MAGA.
Bro, let me translate that for you. And let’s not confuse it with Trump. Maga means make America great again that’s the goal and that’s what’s happening irrespective of Trump personality past peccadillos impolite nature at times etc. it’s all about making America great again and unless you’re behind that you might want to think about moving to another country that doesn’t want America to be great.
There’s no bait…there has been tremendous progress with racism in this country over the years and decades, and John Lewis is one of the reasons for that progress. He stood for what he believed in…. this had nothing at all to do with politics. Only idiots/or radical partisans would confuse racism with politics.
In my opinion, though, there should not be a black caucus. If so, there should be a Hispanic caucus, a Japanese caucus or Asian caucus, etc. and it goes downhill from there.
All men are created equal said our founding fathers. not special. There is a big difference when you go out of your way to create special categories, while eliminating others from that equation.
You have such a twisted braino by in one breath complimenting John Lewis then negating everything he stood for. You are so stupid (lol) that I actually convinced you to buy my book, “Donald’s Vanity Tantrums.” How more stupid can you get, Rick sender or whatever your name is. Btw, what is your real name or are you too afraid to say it?
No he’s a real person well, almost real by most standards. I know a little about him. He could almost be normal with a decent amount of reasoning but this MAGA has clogged his intestines and he needs a boost of draino to clean out his innards.
Bill, you forget what the acronym MAGA stands for how could anyone be against making America great again especially Americans. You misplace/substitute the word Maga for your hate of Trump… they are not one and the same other than that’s his goal.
But MAGA’s definition of our country is radically different from my vision for America. Which is a truly great melting pot of diverse people/cultures living in harmony and accepting of differences. Respect for all people. Empathy. Compassion for those presented with difficult life experiences. Kinda biblical, right? And this from an atheist.
Unfortunately, for you, I’m flushing blood in human, which makes it difficult for you to deal with me because I destroy your Incorrect biased arguments at every turn.
And by the way, look at the nice present, you received this morning under your tree. The house and senate have spoken again in a true democratic fashion.
By the way, you probably haven’t seen the latest CNN poll on the popularity and the favorability of your democratic Congressional representatives.
AcCording to CNN, one of your left-wing favorites, you’ve had the lowest favorability ratings EVER. At a fabulous 19%. So keep up the hate. It is working really well for you and your cohorts here
On the other hand ever since the epstein exposure and the complaints from the left overwhelmingly hypocritical since they had the Epstein files for four years and did nothing …trumps favorability rating is actually going up in republican circles to 90%. To Reverse that Sabine…. stop the hate and the meaningless protests and come up with a leader or leaders and a meaningful agenda that makes sense for the American people and you may gain the same popularity as Trump.
That appears that it will only happen when the pharmaceutical industry comes up with a cure for TDS.
And here we have the one trick pony. Bryan , it’s not nice to threaten people… be a more compassionate citizen, and realize that there’s two sides of an argument/issue. Yours and the 77 million others and more that don’t feel the way you do
So Bill as promised, and I was the tempers of the OBBB settle down and now the disruption of NPR is PBS hits I will endeavor to do, as I suggested by reading out recent history of Trump and his accomplishments.
My first missive will basically be a bullet point highlighting the events/Wynn followed up maybe during the week if I have a chance coming back from Florida to visit my 102 year old friends. Suzanne delineate may be on a daily or every other day basis the meat and potatoes of each win.
I just really wish the country would put aside a Tate and start understanding that this country is on a roll in almost every aspect of life and all the predictions that have been made all the government doom all the millions of people that they said would guardian be existence of democracy would be gone and the existential threat to society etc. did not happen, and are not happening, even according to your left wing media, who are surprised by the success of the policies of Trump so far
So, hopefully, if I get through my chores and have time, I will make a list this weekend and send it to you and you can then tell everybody else to ignore it. Lol.
It’s obvious that you are enjoying the wholesale dismemberment of the good that has been our government.enjoy your days of destruction. Nothing was ever close to perfection. I have been the biggest critic of democrats folly especially with new fangled DEI bullshit that has had positives intertwined with the negatives of separation of society instead of unification. I get it my dumb democrats don’t. But you have stalled the piss water of the modern MAGA movement. And you have little better to do but post your angry screeds in vocalizations. You must be the life of your sedar.
Actually, I used to live in South Florida as I told you and as children, we used to go to alligator farms and watch the alligator wrestling was really cool
By the way, Bill and I’m sure you’ll be happy with this comment and this is the point I’ve been making all along this morning Trump does it again opens his mouth when he should’ve stayed shut.
Making fun of Colbert losing his show and saying that Kimmel is next
Well, that’s probably true. The Kimmel show might be next. This is not something that Trump should be dealing with whatsoever. This is just another one of his regurgitations online, but where he should shut his mouth no reason to do this. How does that saying go ? Beating a dead horse. And Trump could eat His words if paramount at some point in time makes a deal with Colbert before the end of next year.
This is why Bill I keep telling you why I am not necessarily fan of the man only a fan of his pen Which create policies,… which are the only lasting things that come out of the White House
What do you mean by negating everything he stood for? what he stood for, had nothing to do with politics, and everything to do with racism. HE STOOD FOR EQUALITY …..Racism doesn’t start with government and move down to the public sphere. It starts locally, turn the hearts and minds of individuals, and moves up to government.
Government is one of the main entities that has fought racism in this country.
Trump has been an avowed racist from the earliest when refusing to rent to Black people but you are too stupid to accept facts. You are just one ignorant person. Return my book. I’ll pay you in crapto currency. Trust me.
You know I keep saying that everybody here seems to want to live in yesteryear and you’re no different Bill. Basing your current thoughts on years gone by may not be relevant. And of course, in this particular case they’re irrelevant. I know in today’s environment. The black community has now given more support than ever to Mr. Trump and he has welcomed it at every turn and givin it back.
Maybe you’d like to go back to ancient history when Biden was somewhat competent but utterly forgettable for nothing he’s done in his life, except to lie about his convictions.
Both eg and ie.
Go look up what he’s done for HBCUs. And according to AI in his first term, he lifted 350,000 black Americans out of poverty.
We need to ensure that John Lewis’ message is in our hearts and minds as we pursue justice in these troubled times. It may take a generation to rebuild what we are currently losing, but we need to put 1000% effort as John Lewis would have done if he were alive today!
I know I've referenced this before, but on this day in particular, it just cries out to be heard. The older ones need reminding, the younger ones simply need to know.
"It Isn't nice to block the doorway, it isn't nice to go to jail,
There are nicer ways to do it, but the nice ways always fail,
It isn't nice, it isn't nice. You told us once, you told us twice,
But if that's freedom's price, we don't mind, we don't mind...."
I put my contact Congress/cabinet/news agencies/etc spreadsheet into an easy website on my poster for the protest! Bit.ly/Goodtrouble
Call. Write. Email. Protest. Unrelentingly. About everything ❤️🩹🤍💙
Use/share this spreadsheet as a resource to call/email/write members of Congress, the Cabinet and news organizations. Reach out to those in your own state, and those in a committee that fits your topic.
And btw, my post ended up exactly above yours! :-D
Writing letters with Vote Forward is easier than you might think. The letter is preformatted with text, all you have to do is write a few sentences about why you vote. Although this is non-partisan, it is sent to infrequent Democratic voters.
I am so glad that Lewis is being honored, and this letter is a nice tribute. My Demcrats Abroad friends gathered in Hamburg to "Make Good Trouble" by the US consulate. I was with them in and with my friends in the US in Chicago in spirit. I could not attend, but otherwise I have been trying to make good trouble all my life.
My mom, who was born in Germany the year after Hitler came to power taught me the lesson that you have to speak out even if it discomforts you. My husband and daughter are often embarrassed that I do this, because they do not feel comfortable doing so, but a the same time, in high school my daughter's friends always came to me to right an injustice in the school. The same with the school where I taught, the students would come to me to support their protests, for example on inspecting the girls for their choice of dress, but not the boys.
It has in many ways made my life harder to take on issues with the school administration, but I have been fortunate to be among other good trouble makers because we were part of a good union. Unions in and of themselves make good trouble as they stand up for their workers it elevates the work world for others too.
My parents were active in the civil rights movement so I was raised to understand injustice, raise money for and protest it as well. I have taught this to my daughter and all of my students as well. I believe that people who feel agency feel more hopeful in life. This is what I try to instill in my students. If there is injustice you do not need to look the other way, instead you face it head on and try to address it.
My students had a fundraiser each year by making things to sell, which in the later years we began teaching them early in the year. Luckily teachers in lower grades started teaching them to knit and so hats, and scarves were made for a holiday bazaar to sell, and my daughter started teaching my students to make earrings, necklaces and bracelets once she had started doing that herself. There was singing songs to and making cards for vets, or sending letters to children in schools in communities that had suffered tragedy along with sending them funds raised for relief. I know that many of them are involved in protesting because I have run into them at rallies, as I did in Chicago in June.
👆👆This!!!👆👆IMHO we have to be willing to step up and stand with others, or even alone (usually not for long), for the world we believe in….literally “if you see something, say something” time. I was bummed that my body was “out of commission” today and unable to join the rally/march in my rural area as I’d planned…dang…was there in spirit and hope to join the next time duty calls! Wonderful, Linda, that you are an example to guide others in engaging.
Barbara, I sympathize. My body was out of commission too. I pulled a muscle in my back and it has really limited what I can do. My doctor said reduce physical stress, so instead of standing at a rally I am taking walks. I got a report from my friend that the rally in Hamburg went well. We are not in this alone. Americans around the world are standing up for democracy.
Well… a heating pad maybe followed by an ice pack is a great help. It helped me and I have to bend down to feed 6 cats every day twice a day so I need my back, lol.
I make good use of my gel-ice packs (several sizes & some come w/ elastic bands so I can “wear” them!) and my microwaveable heat packs—alternate them depending on what kind of “owie” I’m treating…even have a couple of heated shiatsu-massage pads for neck and lower back….use them especially after a long day in the garden or after wielding heavy materials in projects…ahhhhhh!!!!
I missed our Good Trouble protest; it was at rehearsal time. Sigh. I will join a regular group that meets on Mondays this week. It will be my first time there.
Linda Weide, this sounds much like my school and community in Virginia during WWII. At 91, second childhood, I can continue the work. The age doesn’t matter. It’s the “good trouble.”
Viriginia, it shows that good ideas last. Your teaching was like the teaching I experienced and then incorporated into my teaching. Teaching citizenship requires hands on activities and an understanding that we need to take care of ourselves and each other on this planet. ✌🏽
My “Virginia lady” world history and civics teacher told us regularly that if we did not vote in every election we were entitled to vote in, she would come back to haunt us. At the class 40th reunion she was the only teacher remembered. Maude B is forever!
I suspect that the actual number of demonstrations may have been much larger, because of small gatherings in little towns that don't get counted, that don't appear on the radar screen of the nationwide media, but which show the depth of commitment across this country.
Morning, Lynell! I had to miss our Good Trouble protest as it was our last rehearsal before our last concert. First one I've missed. I shall atone for that by attending the regular Monday gathering at a rather busy south Eugene intersection.
Richard, I keep suggesting that, rather than create these meaningless protest that people scarf at because of their miss guided nature, that the party come up with an agenda that is meaningful for the population. The Democratic Party is currently lost by almost all accounts. Even your strongest liberal supporters in the media have denounced the hate that drives everything that the Democrats do today. James Carville, Mark, Cuban and Bill Maher have essentially said the same things. It’s good advice, and the left should take it
I found this John Lewis tribute on Substack this morning by Erika Berg before going to Oregon @50501 Protest | JUL 17 2025
(Link below)
“Our children and their children will ask us, ‘What did you do?’”
Following that train of thought, each of us must ask ourselves: What have I done, what sacrifices am I willing to make?
At age 16, Lewis told himself, “Whenever you see something that is not right and not fair, you have a moral obligation to continue to speak up, to speak out.
What will I tell my children and their children? To (potential) allies, he said, “Take a long, hard look down the road you will have to travel once you have made a commitment to work for change.”
For he believed that the struggle for change was a lifelong commitment, requiring personal risk, tireless dedication, and collective discipline – across generations.
Our Good Trouble rally was well attended, but the mood was grim. Everyone looked exhausted to me. But none of us has had our skulls fractured. So we must keep going. We must not quit. We must keep getting into good, necessary trouble.
Laurie, you nailed something, I think. It could be my own inner despair influencing me, but I do think even in everyday life, I see people looking tired and sad. This constant chaos IS exhausting--not just the crap from Trump, but the extreme weather impacting so many!
We all need to step back every now and then to let others lead, until we regain our own strength and step up for them.
We have so much to thank John Lewis and his fellow activists for. We owe it to them to take on the challenges we are now facing. I was honored to join in making a bit of good trouble today.
Ww need that kind of courage now. I am not seeing it and what I am seeing is cowardice everywhere. People are protesting and asking for action. Yet politicians are so scared of Trump and his minions that they are basically selling their souls. Republicans and our supreme court are willing to do anything to appease a vindictive wannabe dictator. I don't get it???
It's not cowardice everywhere if people are protesting, demanding action, speaking out, bravely trying to stop ICE thugs from abducting people off the street or trying to block senseless raids and arrests of migrant fieldworkers.
The cowardice is the compliant Republican majority in Congress, some too scared of Trump, others in lockstep/goosestep, willing collaborators, as well as the rubberstamping 6 cons on the Supreme Court, have not only sold their souls but continue to sell our country out.
But the cowardice of the big media corporations is what is very disheartening and concerning. Too many have already kowtowed to Trump. ABC, owned by Disney, was one of the first to settle in December, paying Trump $15 million even before he was sworn in again. Bezos did it with an editorial about the Washington Post's new tack regarding the Trump administration. And on July 1, Paramount Global announced their settlement with Trump, who sued CBS five days before the 2024 presidential election over editing of a “60 Minutes” interview with Kamala Harris — seeking an absurdly astronomical $20 billion in damages. Paramount settled to pay him $16 million, mostly because they wanted to clear the way for the Trump administration’s approval of its Skydance Media merger deal.
Tonight as I was watching Late Night with Stephen Colbert he opened the show by saying his show was being cancelled. Colbert said while he was taping his Thursday show a surprising announcement was made that CBS is ending his late night show in May. The media capitulation continues and it is very ominous and discouraging.
The Medias Touch network is offering Colbert a place to land. I hope he takes it! Anyone unfamiliar with the YouTube channels on the Meidas Touch MUST check it out! Their channel now has bested Joe Rogan in subscribers.
They have a number of people who broadcast through there. My favorites are Tennessee Brando, Micheal Cohen (yes, that Micheal Cohen) and Ben Meisalas.
Traditional media has FAILED us. We need to support the independent journalists.
Norton Lovod, the Trump collapse was given a big boost today by the Wall Street Journal, MURDOCH, which published Trump's 2003 50th Birthday letter to Epstein ending with the sordid statement to Epstein "another wonderful secret".
Trump's 2003 letter is reported by Murdoch to be written in Trump's script but, also the letter is partially type written & contains a graffiti drawing of a woman, apparently Trump's crude expression of Epstein targeted 14 year old "younger kind".
Notably to this litigator's eye, the WSJ did did not publish a copy of Trump's letter, today. Meanwhile Trump published a threat to sue the WSJ. I suspect we will all see the letter tomorrow to feed the Weekend news cycle & expedite the departure of Wreck from our lives.
Do not be misdirected by Trump's public instruction his DOJ friend, Pam Bondi, to release all the "pertinent" Epstein Grand Jury testimony. Epstein 's co-defendant, Ghislaine Maxwell's criminal conviction is currently on appeal. No court will authorize the publication of Grand Jury evidence while Maxwell is on appeal.
There is one (1) person who has full knowledge of the complete Epstein files (plural). That would be the SDNY Prosecutor, MAURENE COMEY, who convicted Ghisleine Maxwell & helped with Epstein's conviction.
The 10 year veteran at SDNY, MAURENE COMEY, is in fact James Comey's daughter. Trump abruptly fired her to keep her off the Weekend news cycle. Maureen departed today with her observation: "Fear is the Tool the Tyrants." I can her Dad's teaching in those words.
Buckle Up, "Epstein" matters & Wreck's departure will get even more intense over the next 72 hours.
Trump is forum shopping looking for a friendly Florida Judgefiling an 18 page screed in the Southern District of Florida: Case No. 1:25-cv-23232 -xxxx
Reminder: Lawrence O'Donnell's show Friday Tonight in 8 minutes, Episode 145, will update all aspects of the "Epstein" maga melt down. 🎶 I'll Stop the Wold & Melt with You! 🎶
MSNBC: 10 PM Eastern & 9PM Pacific as always in a few minutes.
Norton, I take your point, but I think we humans often get lost in the poetic superstition of religion when a more accurate, realistic approach is needed. The notion of ensoulment is a religious one. What if we take that out of the analysis?
In fact, the only things legislators have sold to Trump are their integrity and their votes.
Likewise, 6 Clarence Court benchwarmers have sold their integrity and judgments first to their wealthy benefactors, then to Trump. Amy seems to be riding on the edge of a dilemma, sometimes choosing obedience and other times, justice.
None of this insanity is because they are afraid of Donald; all of it is because they are addicted to power.
I hope you received the reply I sent through email. I do not know if that worked or not, but you are correct that it is cowardice mixed with an insatiable lust for power.
The Principal at my daughter’s school had a Huge mural of John Lewis with his famous quote installed on a wall back in 2020. It’s the first thing everyone who enters the building sees. I thanked him with deep gratitude!
I joined SNCC and CORE in 1963. Got into some degree of trouble then too, once arrested in the fight for civil rights. Imagine what a joy it was to attend my daughter's graduation from Bard in 2017 and discover that the commencement speaker was John Lewis.
I was too young to march in 1963 but I would have if I could have at the age of 10. Yesterday, I sat with my guitar in front of the state capital in Hartford, Connecticut. At one point, I performed a few Mississippi John Hurt songs who I insist is my musical godfather and I’ve told his granddaughter Mary that her that I am her brother from another mother. She always laughs. I suddenly found one of his songs most appropriate. The partial lyrics:
“Miss Collins weep, Miss Collins moan,
To see her son Lewis leaving home.
The angels laid him away.
The angels laid him away.
They laid him 6 feet under the clay.
The angels laid him away.
Oh kind friend oh ain’t it hard,
To see poor Lewis in a new graveyard.
The angels laid him away.
The noisy protesters didn’t quite hear the lyrics. But I did. I’m proud to say I meet John Lewis once at a Congressional Black Caucus Convention in Washington. He bought a Benny Andrews print from me. I was so proud that day to shake his hand. I thought of asking for a picture of us but I didn’t want to do what everyone else does so I didn’t ask. Now I regret not getting that picture. I would have framed it and placed it next to another original photo of Martin Luther King sitting on a bus. But that moment remains in my photographic memory today and that is important for me.
Beautifully said, Lee, Harvey, Kelly, - all of you. - and as always, so expertly documented by Heather, thank you! I was involved in the anti-racist demos of the late 60's and arrested twice, but am awed and humbled before the example of the great John Lewis and many of you who gave so much. Just yesterday I took part in the demo in his honor in Victor, Idaho, only 50 of us, but many waves and horn honking cheered us on!
So heartened to read this from Victor Idaho. We in Boise Idaho are with you.
Thank you Jon on behalf of those of us in Salmon, Idaho. I was having my broken leg attended to in Missoula. I missed my opportunity here but I am so pleased that other small red community members here in Idaho are supporting what I hope is an awakening among like minded individuals that we do have to stand up like the great John Lewis. Thank you so much Jon.
Thanks for being there in Victor, Idaho!!! I live in Alta, WY and I would definitely have been there if I wasn’t out of town. Good trouble!!!!
Jon, mere words can't fully express how grateful I am to learn that in presumably ruby red Idaho, demonstrations were going on and you were a part of them. Even though small, it lifts my weary heart just a bit. I have to admit that I'm living in absolute despair owing to not only the horrid news via those maga's who fooled their base, but also my own troubles defeating me, that I can do little to nothing to remedy. In short, about 8+ years ago I became disabled at work and try as I did I can't return to work effectively; Worse, the fortune 500 company I spent a lifetime working for accepts no responsibility; Why ? Because they 'can' and no one to hold them to account. We are down to one 15 year old vehicle operating; our home needs some repairs and my garage is turning itself into mulch, needing roof and framing repair. I've not been physically able to remedy these problems and inflation of labor and materials have put all this beyond my SS disability income for 8 years, ability to afford. Pardon my dumping; Sometimes there's the hope that getting things said or written down affords some relief. Nope to that notion, so I can only regret giving that a shot.
D4N, you do plenty enough with your pen! Many older men and women such as me and ma, in order to have a kind community, and to help others find a bit of joy, give of our time, just because it really tickles our fancy to help people who need a hand. Usually as people age much goes awry. We know it’s not anyone’s fault. We know they are good people. I can’t go to town and buy something that makes me near as happy as the smile of a 94 year old woman who insists I accept her homemade loaf of bread simply for re-roofing her garage or rebuilding her garden fence to keep the deer out. No matter where you live in this great country I know you can throw out some bait and catch an armful of people who have discovered this amazing fix better than dope for joy. You should give people the opportunity to feel good inside by asking them. You have no idea how full and rich you will make them. Go for it. Write about it. What kind of fire 🔥 can you ignite in the hearts of the people you don’t even know yet? ASK. Sometimes my friends insist on buying the parts. Makes no difference to me if they cannot. The work gets done.
As an oldster who has little energy and power these days, I sympathize and wish I could help. My UU church is a help. Health is power these days, so is community. I had to search when family and friends died or walked away. Worth a search…
Sorry to hear this D4N. Have you tried getting volunteer help via agencies like Area Agency on Aging? Hope & pray there are free services available to you locally.
Yay for Teton Valley!!
While John Lewis was doing his best…his truly superhero best, we were living under Apartheid in Jo-berg. US news was scanty, but we were impressed by Lyndon Johnson’s unexpected “good” actions. We naively thought…”wow, the US will never allow Apartheid-type actions to occur. And here, 60 years later, millions of us have to continue to get out in the streets or Apartheid and Nazi Germany policies are what we will face…what we are facing!
Sadly, most Americans, myself included, didn't see it coming either. We should have deported Musk..
It's not just Musk or Trump. It's the entire GOP that became neofascist, these last four years, and we didn't see it coming because MSM went for profit instead of making sure that "we the people" are still aware of the most relevant facts...
I would just argue that it was more than “these last four years”…
Most neocons were still pro-democracy. Yes, a neofascist wing has always existed in the GOP, but the last step in the takeover of the GOP happened when Silicon Valley became neofascist too and its billionaires put in JD Vance and basically bought the GOP (Thiel, Musk, Sachs, Andreessen). And that made a huge difference. Meanwhile, the Heritage Foundation became neofascist too. Neoliberals certainly always argued that capitalism and democracy are incompatible, but they only designed a roadmap to destroy "all US institutions", once three factors came together: Bannon's populist movement led by Trump, a truly theocratic HF, and Silicon Valley turning neofascist. And that happened very recently. It's also why we CAN still defeat them.
i agree with you, definitely more than "these last four years."
When I was riding the rails around Europe in the hot summer of 1977, I got up from my seat to be near an opened window and I struck up a conversation with a white South African. After awhile, he suggested that I immigrate to South Africa. I asked him why and he responded that labor was cheap. I reflected what he was saying in silence. I then returned to my seat without responding. I was insulted.
A wonderful history to live with - your the man!! I appreciate you comments.
So do I, always.
Funny I seem to now have that picture of John Lewis with a young man named Bill.
I used to love to listen to Mississippi John Hurt. I think the name of my favorite of his songs was Mississippi River Blues, that had the most gorgeous guitar work I've ever heard. Thanks for bringing back a good memory.
I have spent a lifetime working it and I had the pleasure to perform at the Mississippi John Hurt Blues Festival last year.
Neato mosquito!! Did I get the title of my favorite song right (if you know it)?
Not sure but you can look it up.
Tried to find it with no success. The one thing I remember is that it had the most beautiful finger picking I've ever heard anywhere.
Wow, awesome experiences and memories!
That is superhero level. I have always admired those that engaged in such a meaningful way at such a critical time. Thank you!
A story that should warm all hearts. Now . . . earnestly to keep those changes, not only in place, firmly, but also to extend them.
Hello Ned.... Actions, Not Words, Matter...
Some words matter, some words echo through the ages, speaking to us from the hearts and souls of fighters, lovers, and thinkers.
Hello JD... Some Words Are Inspiring If They Are Followed By Actions...
I think, Apache, it’s the age old phrase “walk the talk”, yeah?
Thanks Barbara... Promises Kept Are Also Promises That Matter...
Barbara, my phrase is talk don't wash. It never has and when people do not walk their talk, they become hypocrites.
The pen is mightier than the sword.
Hello Aslo.... We Can Hope... DJT who has no Hesitations in using Power, is Testing This Homily.... So Far DJT Has Bent The Media, The Law, The Gov't, to His Will...
Yepper: the former is the weapon OF the prick, while the latter is a weapon WITH a prick. Bad, Neddy, very bad. 😉🙄😴
Tell that to the dems in DC
Hello JD.... We Can Hope... A Changing Of The Guard Is Long Overdue for the Dems... The way that AOC was denied Leadership in Congress was Instructive... Seems that the Majority of the People are not Happy... They do not See a Rosy Present or Future for Themselves, Their Children, or Grandchildren...
It all matters. What we think, eventually we say. What we say, eventually we do. What we do eventually bears fruit, in one way or another.
What type of actions? I find that the now of now is write, call, go to a protest, donate.
I remember much more different levels of activism in my youth and even this century with Occupy Wall Street.
For the Peace Protestors there were actions in Georgia and other places where arrests were expected. The PloughShares Community along with the Catholic Worker folks.
The indigenous had the more recent Standing Rock and before that the Occupation of Alcatraz. Russell Means was big.
The wild radicals like Abby Hoffman and those in the SDS got into trouble for doing true violence.
After MLK Jr’s murder the black Panthers after helping serve children free breakfast also went beyond the non violence principal. There was a break up between Congressman Lewis abd Hoagy Charmichal.
But I am fuzzy because young and couldn’t do anything .
There also were street mimes and theater actions as well particularly out west in California.
We talk here yes but a convergence has not yet emerged and I am frustrated because even in today’s more restrictive society one or groups could do more. So happy to see the protests but the Senste and Congress abd staff on all federal levels need to do something. At the state level as well.
I have t other than 4 H Clubs come up with any structured change strategies. I don’t have a group that is needing or wanting to go beyond conversational farm market activities.
And many don’t understand the layers abd that part of the big problem is the continual use of band aids instead of real aid and long term change.
Then the last which I long to see is truth and reconciliation for many things. And we could first is ever possible a five year period of historical work in that area.
It’s not as if it can’t be done it’s the number of folks who still are unaware or don’t care or are living trauma filled ( on many layers) lives.
I think we sometimes expect results and changes too quickly - it takes a while for things to change, the point is not to give up. I firmly believe that in the end the people will always win, we are just so many more and we will always have to remember that the elites, or leaders or whatever you call them, need us much, much more than we need them.
Hello Sabine... In Ancient Rome, there was 'The Revolt Of The Plebes'... It would Work Nicely at Mar-a-Lago....
As President *Lincoln may have said: G-D loves the common (wo)man for he created so many of us.
Forty-five years ago, I came across this thought from more then two millennia prior: “Haste and anger are, to my mind, the two greatest obstacles to wise counsel – haste, that usually goes with folly, [and] anger, that is the mark of primitive and narrow minds.” Diodotus, c. 427 B.C.⚖️
Then just this year, I came a cross another zinger that may stick with shrinking grey matter: "Rage and frenzy will pull down more in half-an-hour than prudence, deliberation, and foresight can build up in a hundred years." –Edmund Burke, ‘Reflections on the Revolution in France’; 1790.😱
What makes these statements sing to me, Sabine, is that they encapsulate values that, for me at least, speak toward my seeking honor with enlightened prudence.💡
Of course, I fall short of those values but keep trying even in my old age. 🗽
Sam Rayburn had the same thought. “Any jackass can kick down a barn, but it takes a competent community to build one.” Or something like that…. Great minds…
Sabine, yes, people get impatient and do things which undermine the slow progress in our system. To me politics is the art of the possible. We were actually making some progress and then starting with St. Ray Gun, it began to go down the tube. Voting for Jill not green Stein is an example of just going with someone who talked, but clearing was not walking.
Watched from a distance I think your entire system needs an overhaul, be it the Electoral College, the 2-party system, or the insane amounts of money in politics. Unfortunately it always seems to need the total collapse of the old system first before people come up with a new one.
I think you mean the civil rights activist Stokely Carmichal. Hoagy Carmicheal was a composer & singer of my parents' generation.
KMD, Nice catch. I read it the poster intended. I do enjoy the music of Hoagy.
Loved Hoagie in 'The Best Years of Our Lives', one of my all-time flic-faves. 💛 https://youtu.be/L20LQTrUgUo
Thanks! I am sorry
As one who makes mistakes like this one almost 24 / 7, Mary, I am sympathetic. 🙏🏾 We understood that you intended to write Stokely rather than Hoagie. ✍️ Sooo . . . apology NOT accepted for NONE is needed. 🙂
Stokely?
Stokely Carmichael was a Black Panther
He was an early Freedom Rider and leader in SNCC, a highly educated and intelligent man. A Leninist? Maybe to Bull Connor and J. Edgar Hoover, but I'd hardly trust their views on the civil rights leaders and movement.
And, apparently, a hard-core Leninist.
You mean Stokely Charmichael I think.
Your thoughts echo the minds of many who want to keep our democracy.
Peace and blessings to you. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stokely_Carmichael
Like a message to the 70 million who didn’t bother to vote! WTF! He fought with is life, his soul to assure that each of us had the right to vote, and the responsibility to pay attention and cast the vote! 70,000,000 is a symptom of a killer disease.
We need a Bill of Responsibilities—service, voting, volunteering are all on the list!
Thank you for your service to humanity
Thank you for your great work. Now it's our turn to carry forward the hope, effort, and dream for all of us.
And a "Good" for you Lee, and your daughter as well. Not many of us left. I wasn't a 'member' of SNCC, but joining the military I became well aware of groups "persona non grata" status. Being a white-kid I was most concerned about being thrown into the Army, handed a machine-gun, along with a life expectancy of 15 minutes in combat. With one name ahead of mine on the Draft list, I bailed for the Air Force (Mar 65') only to become "persona non grata" of a different sort. I'll stop there, for now.
That had to be a real thrill.
Best wishes to your daughter and her supportive family. And Mr.Chemel , thank you for your service. Jay Essif
Not everyone has heard this. Everyone should hear this.
https://onbeing.org/programs/vincent-harding-is-america-possible/
BRAVO, Lee! What an absolute double treat for you and your daughter! My daughter graduated from SF State and the commencement speaker was…Kamala Harris in 2001!
Wow, very cool!
Lee, how wonderful to hear John, live. He may be the greatest man of our time.
Thank You for your service, Lee. And Wow!
Great last paragraph, where Heather quotes his probably most immortal words.
Rebecca Solnit, in her own (still yet very new) Substack also refers to words -- her last being on what she calls "trickle-down words" (where she'd earlier invited dismissal of "trickle-down economics").
All of us here on Heather's (and Rebecca often quotes her, too) stay indebted to, in service to words -- as if we might see ahead of the criminality now atop our government.
In her videos, Heather often smiles. In her writing, she often stresses the ideals America, for one, has long been based on.
So, yes to her positives, Rebecca's, and so many here generous to one another.
Love Rebecca Solnit, I may have to subscribe but I need a few more hours in the day to attend to the ten I subscribe to now. As I just posted, words matter, some words echo through the ages, speaking from the hearts and souls of the fighters, lovers, and thinkers who have preceded us.
Not on Substack but on Ghost:
https://www.meditationsinanemergency.com/today-is-the-original-no-kings-day-happy-bastille-day/?ref=meditations-in-an-emergency-newsletter
Interesting, Emily.
My bank records show my subscription payment for "Meditations in an Emergency" to have been made to and taken by Substack.
I could read more if I didn't like to peruse the comment sections, but the comments give so much value! I find community, and I find extra content and expert opinions.
Miselle, I am guilty of looking at the comments too. I do learn a lot and enjoy most conversations I have here. Heather is how I start my day and have my cup of coffee.
It's nutty--I will relate conversations I have here to my husband, and I talk as if I know the other commentors. But in a way, I DO! Kindred spirits all!
Me too.
Heather and Rebecca, along with Joyce Vance are must-reads. Truth, history, law - clearly presented without despair. What a tough brief. We are all so grateful to them and for them.
The Call to Reconnect by Noreen Hertz. The older generational issues of boomers and those older still here.
Again if we could use the county Extendion Serive which is in every country abd use the 100 year old 4 H Club framework we could make neighborhood intergenerational 4 zH Clubs. Being in the club a lesson in civics! Robert’s or Roberta’s rules and officers with actual duties to perform. So many subject areas besides animal husbandry and gardening and sewing and cooking and one could combine and have History meals and reading and dialogue.
What is “The Call to Reconnect”? People recommend stuff without links and when I look it up I find multiple references, including books. More details please.
It is a book I discovered on Substack about the elderly and lack of community abd thriving. This interests me as an elder abd one who was involved with gender issues through family abd work. I would google book on tenderly with that nabe. Reconnect can easily to The Work to ReConnect a group created by Joanna Macy who is not doing well abd she really trued hard in her way and we all should honor her abd her efforts in some way.
Thank you for the information. I’ll check it out.
You are welcome!
Yes, except that Rebecca Solnit explicitly does NOT have a Substack. I don’t have time this morning to find where she says it, but she has written why several times. She posts her essays “Meditations in an Emergency” on Ghost. Here is the most recent:
https://www.meditationsinanemergency.com/today-is-the-original-no-kings-day-happy-bastille-day/?ref=meditations-in-an-emergency-newsletter
You'll see, above, Emily, my "follow the money" on Rebecca and Substack.
But I can repeat here: my subscription payment for "Meditations in an Emergency went to and was taken by Substack.
That’s weird — I searched for her on substack without success before I posted my comment.
Lotsa weird these days, Emily.
Did you subscribe to Roscrans Baldwin who uses the same title, Meditations in an Emergency?
Phil, your interest in education causes me to offer this interview of Jen Rubin with Justin Wolfers, who's a college professor of economics and a great systems thinker who communicates so well: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ioo9XHkRSaQ
I see Justin Wolfers on MSNBC and enjoy his humor and accent as much as I appreciate his knowledge. Why MSNBC? Because I can write postcards to voters while I listen, getting occasional looks at the speakers.
Ha! That's my routine, too.
Good to know he's on MSNBC -- maybe I can stream it (I don't have cable). Aside from my objective assessment of how admiration worthy his knowledge and communication skills are, I have a crush. This, which is rare for me, has me imagining that he'll be in some influential government position when the rebuild phase rises from the ashes.
Is he a citizen? He reminds me of another Aussie I know, both very articulate, knowledgeable, and always full of fun. If he runs for office here, definitely a winner. Somehow I imagine him returning to Australia.
I believe he now has an American passport.
Thank you, Joan.
Nothing on education in this 26 minutes. But superb intelligence from both Justin and Jen. Plus, something more special, just before the 20-minute mark, when the question of the human comes up. Which leads to the astute conclusion, where the human remains wed to the economic.
I'm glad you watched it. I didn't mean to mislead that it's about education but he seems to be an example of a good educator because he communicates in ways many children could understand. His expertise as an INFORMAL educator is very relatable and that's a quality so needed in this country where 'nerdism' and bias against intellectuals are a problem.
So exhilarating to honor John Lewis by protesting and making good trouble today!
Yes! Our rally had over 700 RSVPs, and probably 600 or so attended! Clarence Jones, MLK Jr’s lawyer, graced our rally. He’s 94 years old. We owe it to him and to John Lewis to fight on.
In my small town as I looked around, I'd guess about 100-150. Not bad on a weekday. Not a lot of young people but, they had work or school. A lot of grey hair out today, some with walkers. We got a lot of positive feedback from passing vehicles on the busy main road. John Lewis was represented. All of the rallies I attend are populated with older people like me because we know the history and know the moment we are currently dealing with. Not discounting all the young people who show up! Let's keep up the good trouble folks.
Several hundred of us demonstrated in our small Maine town. We stood on the sidewalk of the main road to Bar Harbor from 3:30 to 5:30. There were a lot of out-of-state license plates going by, & many of them tooted their horns as they passed us. Only a few "thumbs down"! And the forecasted thunderstorms never happened.
In downtown St. Louis yesterday, we attended a rally in honor of John Lewis on the Old Courthouse steps where the Dred Scott decision was made. What a powerful gathering! Lots of vehicles drove by, honking in approval and giving us thumbs up.
Linda -- I was there with you in Palo Alto!! Clarence Jones, still feisty and eloquent at 94... inspirational! (I was in the yellow vest crew)
Yay! Thank you for being a safety monitor!!
Linda -- From talking with other safety monitors and organizers, I am quite certain that your estimate of 600 is quite low. Just sitting in chairs in front of the stage, there were about 200. The average best estimate was at least 1000 and I think it was closer to 1500... all making GOOD TROUBLE!
Where did this take place? We didn’t have a lot of folks at our Hartford gathering perhaps 300 to 400 in front of the capital but there was another rally earlier in back on the north side sponsored by another org. These orgs need to collaborate and work as one.
Bill, I shared that same sentiment with a friend today…the confusion about “multiple” actions…what? where? when? Potentially conflicting dates or times/places. Hooray that the energy and vision is there…but collaboration might make for great social movements/actions that are encouraging folks to “get out there”. That said, wonderful hugs to anyone who takes a stand, makes some noise & good trouble!!!
Palo Alto, CA
Bill.., finding a parking space might have been a factor there in Hartford.
Woot woot!!! Thank you for the update, Steve!!
It was good to be there and hear from someone who knew MLK.Jr., although the crowd was large and people at the back chatting made it hard to hear the speakers.
We worked very hard to get a powerful enough sound system so that everyone in the plaza could hear. I guess it wasn't powerful enough. Believe me, we tried!!! I hope you were still able to enjoy the program, and visit the action tables.
The problem wasn’t the sound system, so much as people who weren’t there to listen to the speakers. Anyone who organizes events like these has my gratitude.
There is a pedestrian bridge over I-5 in North Seattle named last year for him. He was a bridge too, one who could not be torn down.
John Lewis was well represented by a lovely group of citizens at a bannering event during evening rush hour today on the bridge you mentioned, the John Lewis Memorial Bridge. It was an honor to be among them. Cheers to all the drivers that honked and waved and showed support.
Well said, Frank. A bridge from yesterday to tomorrow. Our "Good Trouble" protest was held on a bridge over I-5, a connector on an old pioneer road between Eugene and Springfield. Sadly, it was at exactly the time my presence was required in the back row for our last rehearsal for our last concert of the season.
Ally, ours was at the state capitol. I am beyond being able to protest physically, but support the people who do. From the pictures, it did look like a lot of older people. Also there is some road work there and so might have made a problem.
And I was on a bridge over I90 in Issaquah, WA yesterday. Our banner said “We stand with workers and immigrants.” Lots of honking, including from semi drivers. Those horns are so impressive when so close to them! Only 5 middle fingers sent up to us and we waved at every one.
'Democracy is not a state. It is an act'. -quote from John Lewis on Robert Shetterly's portrait (see americanswhotellthetruth.org )
Dark and troublesome times ahead - but also exciting! Wishing you all the best on the other side of the big drink. You've overcome dark times more than once, you can do it again.
The big drink?
Also known as "Pacific" - Aussie colloquial - New Zealand is on the other side of the "ditch" (=Tasman Sea) from Australia 😉
Thank you, Sabine! Please let the good people there know not everyone over here has lost their marbles. My daughter is currently visiting Canada. I hope she gets to interact with Canadians and tell them to support us.
Only beauty and success lies. ahead I’m telling you you need to readjust that crystal ball… and , why do you have to besmirch this message by bringing ugly politics into the picture. This was a solemn dedication to a great person who stood up for what he believes is right, and won on many occasions despite history’s continued pushback
Are you suggesting that John Lewis's activities were not fundamentally about politics, Rick? In an exclusive interview with NBC News' "Meet the Press," in January 2017, Lewis said he did not believe Donald Trump was a "legitimate president," citing Russian interference in last year’s election. A few days later, Lewis said that he would not attend Trump's inauguration because he did not believe that Trump was the true elected president. "It will be the first (inauguration) that I miss since I've been in Congress. You cannot be at home with something that you feel that is wrong, is not right". He spoke out often against Trump's policies. I guess that means no place for him in Trump's proposed National Garden of Heroes. You have no idea about what he stood for.
Russell John Netto, just a gentle reminder that Rick is a Russian troll-bot. Please do not feed the algorithm with replies.
This is a very strange algorithm, Steve. Last night I received three immense screeds from Rick ostensibly justifying his rather confused views. They came after a barrage of shorter responses which were basically content-free but insult-heavy. I don't think Rick is a MechaHitler, he's the very embodiment of MAGA.
He’s a person not a bot but yes, total MAGA.
Bro, let me translate that for you. And let’s not confuse it with Trump. Maga means make America great again that’s the goal and that’s what’s happening irrespective of Trump personality past peccadillos impolite nature at times etc. it’s all about making America great again and unless you’re behind that you might want to think about moving to another country that doesn’t want America to be great.
Is this true? I've been wondering about this. True or not, so far I've avoided taking his bait.
There’s no bait…there has been tremendous progress with racism in this country over the years and decades, and John Lewis is one of the reasons for that progress. He stood for what he believed in…. this had nothing at all to do with politics. Only idiots/or radical partisans would confuse racism with politics.
In my opinion, though, there should not be a black caucus. If so, there should be a Hispanic caucus, a Japanese caucus or Asian caucus, etc. and it goes downhill from there.
All men are created equal said our founding fathers. not special. There is a big difference when you go out of your way to create special categories, while eliminating others from that equation.
You have such a twisted braino by in one breath complimenting John Lewis then negating everything he stood for. You are so stupid (lol) that I actually convinced you to buy my book, “Donald’s Vanity Tantrums.” How more stupid can you get, Rick sender or whatever your name is. Btw, what is your real name or are you too afraid to say it?
Word is that it's the residential bot and best not to engage with so the algorithm isn't encouraged (sorry for my boomer way of explaining)
No he’s a real person well, almost real by most standards. I know a little about him. He could almost be normal with a decent amount of reasoning but this MAGA has clogged his intestines and he needs a boost of draino to clean out his innards.
Bill, you forget what the acronym MAGA stands for how could anyone be against making America great again especially Americans. You misplace/substitute the word Maga for your hate of Trump… they are not one and the same other than that’s his goal.
But MAGA’s definition of our country is radically different from my vision for America. Which is a truly great melting pot of diverse people/cultures living in harmony and accepting of differences. Respect for all people. Empathy. Compassion for those presented with difficult life experiences. Kinda biblical, right? And this from an atheist.
Unfortunately, for you, I’m flushing blood in human, which makes it difficult for you to deal with me because I destroy your Incorrect biased arguments at every turn.
And by the way, look at the nice present, you received this morning under your tree. The house and senate have spoken again in a true democratic fashion.
By the way, you probably haven’t seen the latest CNN poll on the popularity and the favorability of your democratic Congressional representatives.
AcCording to CNN, one of your left-wing favorites, you’ve had the lowest favorability ratings EVER. At a fabulous 19%. So keep up the hate. It is working really well for you and your cohorts here
On the other hand ever since the epstein exposure and the complaints from the left overwhelmingly hypocritical since they had the Epstein files for four years and did nothing …trumps favorability rating is actually going up in republican circles to 90%. To Reverse that Sabine…. stop the hate and the meaningless protests and come up with a leader or leaders and a meaningful agenda that makes sense for the American people and you may gain the same popularity as Trump.
That appears that it will only happen when the pharmaceutical industry comes up with a cure for TDS.
Bill, I advise you not to waste your time w his comments.
Yeah , Samani, just deny reality. That’s the way to go.?
Your pool numbers continue to drop and you just don’t wanna get it if you don’t stop the hate it’s going to continue to get worse.
Violations of the 2025 TOU are actionable & amount to Substack Inc violations with its contract with defined Authors & Readers.
Go jump in a lake.
And here we have the one trick pony. Bryan , it’s not nice to threaten people… be a more compassionate citizen, and realize that there’s two sides of an argument/issue. Yours and the 77 million others and more that don’t feel the way you do
So Bill as promised, and I was the tempers of the OBBB settle down and now the disruption of NPR is PBS hits I will endeavor to do, as I suggested by reading out recent history of Trump and his accomplishments.
My first missive will basically be a bullet point highlighting the events/Wynn followed up maybe during the week if I have a chance coming back from Florida to visit my 102 year old friends. Suzanne delineate may be on a daily or every other day basis the meat and potatoes of each win.
I just really wish the country would put aside a Tate and start understanding that this country is on a roll in almost every aspect of life and all the predictions that have been made all the government doom all the millions of people that they said would guardian be existence of democracy would be gone and the existential threat to society etc. did not happen, and are not happening, even according to your left wing media, who are surprised by the success of the policies of Trump so far
So, hopefully, if I get through my chores and have time, I will make a list this weekend and send it to you and you can then tell everybody else to ignore it. Lol.
It’s obvious that you are enjoying the wholesale dismemberment of the good that has been our government.enjoy your days of destruction. Nothing was ever close to perfection. I have been the biggest critic of democrats folly especially with new fangled DEI bullshit that has had positives intertwined with the negatives of separation of society instead of unification. I get it my dumb democrats don’t. But you have stalled the piss water of the modern MAGA movement. And you have little better to do but post your angry screeds in vocalizations. You must be the life of your sedar.
And every time I request for you to delineate these things you called this measurement of the Good your answer is normally just one word.
NOPE.
You are not only boring. You are stupid. Best I can suggest is to go jump in a lake filled with alligators.
Actually, I used to live in South Florida as I told you and as children, we used to go to alligator farms and watch the alligator wrestling was really cool
By the way, Bill and I’m sure you’ll be happy with this comment and this is the point I’ve been making all along this morning Trump does it again opens his mouth when he should’ve stayed shut.
Making fun of Colbert losing his show and saying that Kimmel is next
Well, that’s probably true. The Kimmel show might be next. This is not something that Trump should be dealing with whatsoever. This is just another one of his regurgitations online, but where he should shut his mouth no reason to do this. How does that saying go ? Beating a dead horse. And Trump could eat His words if paramount at some point in time makes a deal with Colbert before the end of next year.
This is why Bill I keep telling you why I am not necessarily fan of the man only a fan of his pen Which create policies,… which are the only lasting things that come out of the White House
What do you mean by negating everything he stood for? what he stood for, had nothing to do with politics, and everything to do with racism. HE STOOD FOR EQUALITY …..Racism doesn’t start with government and move down to the public sphere. It starts locally, turn the hearts and minds of individuals, and moves up to government.
Government is one of the main entities that has fought racism in this country.
Trump has been an avowed racist from the earliest when refusing to rent to Black people but you are too stupid to accept facts. You are just one ignorant person. Return my book. I’ll pay you in crapto currency. Trust me.
You know I keep saying that everybody here seems to want to live in yesteryear and you’re no different Bill. Basing your current thoughts on years gone by may not be relevant. And of course, in this particular case they’re irrelevant. I know in today’s environment. The black community has now given more support than ever to Mr. Trump and he has welcomed it at every turn and givin it back.
Maybe you’d like to go back to ancient history when Biden was somewhat competent but utterly forgettable for nothing he’s done in his life, except to lie about his convictions.
Both eg and ie.
Go look up what he’s done for HBCUs. And according to AI in his first term, he lifted 350,000 black Americans out of poverty.
Just shut up you are not very intelligent. Basta finito.
But you have to admit - he is bloody hilarious 😂
We need to ensure that John Lewis’ message is in our hearts and minds as we pursue justice in these troubled times. It may take a generation to rebuild what we are currently losing, but we need to put 1000% effort as John Lewis would have done if he were alive today!
I know I've referenced this before, but on this day in particular, it just cries out to be heard. The older ones need reminding, the younger ones simply need to know.
"It Isn't nice to block the doorway, it isn't nice to go to jail,
There are nicer ways to do it, but the nice ways always fail,
It isn't nice, it isn't nice. You told us once, you told us twice,
But if that's freedom's price, we don't mind, we don't mind...."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skWMDHilbNI
I put my contact Congress/cabinet/news agencies/etc spreadsheet into an easy website on my poster for the protest! Bit.ly/Goodtrouble
Call. Write. Email. Protest. Unrelentingly. About everything ❤️🩹🤍💙
Use/share this spreadsheet as a resource to call/email/write members of Congress, the Cabinet and news organizations. Reach out to those in your own state, and those in a committee that fits your topic.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13lYafj0P-6owAJcH-5_xcpcRvMUZI7rkBPW-Ma9e7hw/edit?usp=drivesdk
Fantastic, thank you.
You’re welcome! Thanks for being aware and active right now!
Thank you, Megan!
And btw, my post ended up exactly above yours! :-D
Writing letters with Vote Forward is easier than you might think. The letter is preformatted with text, all you have to do is write a few sentences about why you vote. Although this is non-partisan, it is sent to infrequent Democratic voters.
Just went to find it, I’ll look into Vote Forward and add it to my spreadsheet as another resource! Thank you!!
We need to use every tool in the box!
Thank you for your dedication in posting your comment daily.
Yes we do!
I am so glad that Lewis is being honored, and this letter is a nice tribute. My Demcrats Abroad friends gathered in Hamburg to "Make Good Trouble" by the US consulate. I was with them in and with my friends in the US in Chicago in spirit. I could not attend, but otherwise I have been trying to make good trouble all my life.
My mom, who was born in Germany the year after Hitler came to power taught me the lesson that you have to speak out even if it discomforts you. My husband and daughter are often embarrassed that I do this, because they do not feel comfortable doing so, but a the same time, in high school my daughter's friends always came to me to right an injustice in the school. The same with the school where I taught, the students would come to me to support their protests, for example on inspecting the girls for their choice of dress, but not the boys.
It has in many ways made my life harder to take on issues with the school administration, but I have been fortunate to be among other good trouble makers because we were part of a good union. Unions in and of themselves make good trouble as they stand up for their workers it elevates the work world for others too.
My parents were active in the civil rights movement so I was raised to understand injustice, raise money for and protest it as well. I have taught this to my daughter and all of my students as well. I believe that people who feel agency feel more hopeful in life. This is what I try to instill in my students. If there is injustice you do not need to look the other way, instead you face it head on and try to address it.
My students had a fundraiser each year by making things to sell, which in the later years we began teaching them early in the year. Luckily teachers in lower grades started teaching them to knit and so hats, and scarves were made for a holiday bazaar to sell, and my daughter started teaching my students to make earrings, necklaces and bracelets once she had started doing that herself. There was singing songs to and making cards for vets, or sending letters to children in schools in communities that had suffered tragedy along with sending them funds raised for relief. I know that many of them are involved in protesting because I have run into them at rallies, as I did in Chicago in June.
👆👆This!!!👆👆IMHO we have to be willing to step up and stand with others, or even alone (usually not for long), for the world we believe in….literally “if you see something, say something” time. I was bummed that my body was “out of commission” today and unable to join the rally/march in my rural area as I’d planned…dang…was there in spirit and hope to join the next time duty calls! Wonderful, Linda, that you are an example to guide others in engaging.
Barbara, I sympathize. My body was out of commission too. I pulled a muscle in my back and it has really limited what I can do. My doctor said reduce physical stress, so instead of standing at a rally I am taking walks. I got a report from my friend that the rally in Hamburg went well. We are not in this alone. Americans around the world are standing up for democracy.
Well… a heating pad maybe followed by an ice pack is a great help. It helped me and I have to bend down to feed 6 cats every day twice a day so I need my back, lol.
✌🏽
Kitty! Kitties!
I make good use of my gel-ice packs (several sizes & some come w/ elastic bands so I can “wear” them!) and my microwaveable heat packs—alternate them depending on what kind of “owie” I’m treating…even have a couple of heated shiatsu-massage pads for neck and lower back….use them especially after a long day in the garden or after wielding heavy materials in projects…ahhhhhh!!!!
I missed our Good Trouble protest; it was at rehearsal time. Sigh. I will join a regular group that meets on Mondays this week. It will be my first time there.
Not only talking the talk, but walking the walk. And passing it on, so should we all
Linda Weide, this sounds much like my school and community in Virginia during WWII. At 91, second childhood, I can continue the work. The age doesn’t matter. It’s the “good trouble.”
Viriginia, it shows that good ideas last. Your teaching was like the teaching I experienced and then incorporated into my teaching. Teaching citizenship requires hands on activities and an understanding that we need to take care of ourselves and each other on this planet. ✌🏽
My “Virginia lady” world history and civics teacher told us regularly that if we did not vote in every election we were entitled to vote in, she would come back to haunt us. At the class 40th reunion she was the only teacher remembered. Maude B is forever!
How wonderful! She sounds great.
Thank you for devoting today's entire column to a true American patriot.
I am right with you, Mark, on this message.
I suspect that the actual number of demonstrations may have been much larger, because of small gatherings in little towns that don't get counted, that don't appear on the radar screen of the nationwide media, but which show the depth of commitment across this country.
Also, there were many virtual Good Trouble Lives On protests that I assume were not counted.
Morning, Lynell! I had to miss our Good Trouble protest as it was our last rehearsal before our last concert. First one I've missed. I shall atone for that by attending the regular Monday gathering at a rather busy south Eugene intersection.
As Beth said, music is essential, and contributes to the cause in a big way IMO!
Music is essential. 😉
It sure is for me!
Richard, I keep suggesting that, rather than create these meaningless protest that people scarf at because of their miss guided nature, that the party come up with an agenda that is meaningful for the population. The Democratic Party is currently lost by almost all accounts. Even your strongest liberal supporters in the media have denounced the hate that drives everything that the Democrats do today. James Carville, Mark, Cuban and Bill Maher have essentially said the same things. It’s good advice, and the left should take it
I found this John Lewis tribute on Substack this morning by Erika Berg before going to Oregon @50501 Protest | JUL 17 2025
(Link below)
“Our children and their children will ask us, ‘What did you do?’”
Following that train of thought, each of us must ask ourselves: What have I done, what sacrifices am I willing to make?
At age 16, Lewis told himself, “Whenever you see something that is not right and not fair, you have a moral obligation to continue to speak up, to speak out.
What will I tell my children and their children? To (potential) allies, he said, “Take a long, hard look down the road you will have to travel once you have made a commitment to work for change.”
For he believed that the struggle for change was a lifelong commitment, requiring personal risk, tireless dedication, and collective discipline – across generations.
~written by Erika Berg for:
John Lewis | A Tribute
https://substack.com/@50501/note/p-168526201?r=kxzps&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=notes-share-action
My daughter and grands are busy with work, school, etc. I can say I tried my best to make a better world for you….
Our Good Trouble rally was well attended, but the mood was grim. Everyone looked exhausted to me. But none of us has had our skulls fractured. So we must keep going. We must not quit. We must keep getting into good, necessary trouble.
Laurie, you nailed something, I think. It could be my own inner despair influencing me, but I do think even in everyday life, I see people looking tired and sad. This constant chaos IS exhausting--not just the crap from Trump, but the extreme weather impacting so many!
We all need to step back every now and then to let others lead, until we regain our own strength and step up for them.
Thank you for the reminder. I also value community... online and IRL. There are so many of us. We need to hang together.
We have so much to thank John Lewis and his fellow activists for. We owe it to them to take on the challenges we are now facing. I was honored to join in making a bit of good trouble today.
Good for you Marina, and keep doing more. Each individual taking action can be powerful.
Ww need that kind of courage now. I am not seeing it and what I am seeing is cowardice everywhere. People are protesting and asking for action. Yet politicians are so scared of Trump and his minions that they are basically selling their souls. Republicans and our supreme court are willing to do anything to appease a vindictive wannabe dictator. I don't get it???
It's not cowardice everywhere if people are protesting, demanding action, speaking out, bravely trying to stop ICE thugs from abducting people off the street or trying to block senseless raids and arrests of migrant fieldworkers.
The cowardice is the compliant Republican majority in Congress, some too scared of Trump, others in lockstep/goosestep, willing collaborators, as well as the rubberstamping 6 cons on the Supreme Court, have not only sold their souls but continue to sell our country out.
But the cowardice of the big media corporations is what is very disheartening and concerning. Too many have already kowtowed to Trump. ABC, owned by Disney, was one of the first to settle in December, paying Trump $15 million even before he was sworn in again. Bezos did it with an editorial about the Washington Post's new tack regarding the Trump administration. And on July 1, Paramount Global announced their settlement with Trump, who sued CBS five days before the 2024 presidential election over editing of a “60 Minutes” interview with Kamala Harris — seeking an absurdly astronomical $20 billion in damages. Paramount settled to pay him $16 million, mostly because they wanted to clear the way for the Trump administration’s approval of its Skydance Media merger deal.
Tonight as I was watching Late Night with Stephen Colbert he opened the show by saying his show was being cancelled. Colbert said while he was taping his Thursday show a surprising announcement was made that CBS is ending his late night show in May. The media capitulation continues and it is very ominous and discouraging.
Coming, "State" television only - just like Russia?
Yup
The Medias Touch network is offering Colbert a place to land. I hope he takes it! Anyone unfamiliar with the YouTube channels on the Meidas Touch MUST check it out! Their channel now has bested Joe Rogan in subscribers.
They have a number of people who broadcast through there. My favorites are Tennessee Brando, Micheal Cohen (yes, that Micheal Cohen) and Ben Meisalas.
Traditional media has FAILED us. We need to support the independent journalists.
https://www.youtube.com/@meidastouch
Norton Lovod, the Trump collapse was given a big boost today by the Wall Street Journal, MURDOCH, which published Trump's 2003 50th Birthday letter to Epstein ending with the sordid statement to Epstein "another wonderful secret".
Trump's 2003 letter is reported by Murdoch to be written in Trump's script but, also the letter is partially type written & contains a graffiti drawing of a woman, apparently Trump's crude expression of Epstein targeted 14 year old "younger kind".
Notably to this litigator's eye, the WSJ did did not publish a copy of Trump's letter, today. Meanwhile Trump published a threat to sue the WSJ. I suspect we will all see the letter tomorrow to feed the Weekend news cycle & expedite the departure of Wreck from our lives.
Do not be misdirected by Trump's public instruction his DOJ friend, Pam Bondi, to release all the "pertinent" Epstein Grand Jury testimony. Epstein 's co-defendant, Ghislaine Maxwell's criminal conviction is currently on appeal. No court will authorize the publication of Grand Jury evidence while Maxwell is on appeal.
There is one (1) person who has full knowledge of the complete Epstein files (plural). That would be the SDNY Prosecutor, MAURENE COMEY, who convicted Ghisleine Maxwell & helped with Epstein's conviction.
The 10 year veteran at SDNY, MAURENE COMEY, is in fact James Comey's daughter. Trump abruptly fired her to keep her off the Weekend news cycle. Maureen departed today with her observation: "Fear is the Tool the Tyrants." I can her Dad's teaching in those words.
Buckle Up, "Epstein" matters & Wreck's departure will get even more intense over the next 72 hours.
Hello Bryan... A Wounded Animal Is the Most Dangerous..
Got that right. Be Safe All.
I fully expect some sort of bombshell junk to try to draw attention away from this.
Will it be a bombing somewhere? Some massive swarm of ICE on a Home Depot? Sending military to Greenland?
Friday nights seem to be popular for stuff to land. Sigh.
Friday Evening Update:
Trump is forum shopping looking for a friendly Florida Judgefiling an 18 page screed in the Southern District of Florida: Case No. 1:25-cv-23232 -xxxx
Reminder: Lawrence O'Donnell's show Friday Tonight in 8 minutes, Episode 145, will update all aspects of the "Epstein" maga melt down. 🎶 I'll Stop the Wold & Melt with You! 🎶
MSNBC: 10 PM Eastern & 9PM Pacific as always in a few minutes.
The republican mindset jelled way before chump. He just hopped on the bandwagon of hate.
Norton, I take your point, but I think we humans often get lost in the poetic superstition of religion when a more accurate, realistic approach is needed. The notion of ensoulment is a religious one. What if we take that out of the analysis?
In fact, the only things legislators have sold to Trump are their integrity and their votes.
Likewise, 6 Clarence Court benchwarmers have sold their integrity and judgments first to their wealthy benefactors, then to Trump. Amy seems to be riding on the edge of a dilemma, sometimes choosing obedience and other times, justice.
None of this insanity is because they are afraid of Donald; all of it is because they are addicted to power.
I hope you received the reply I sent through email. I do not know if that worked or not, but you are correct that it is cowardice mixed with an insatiable lust for power.
Norton, thanks for your reply here. I've checked all my inboxes and did not find a reply from you.
The Principal at my daughter’s school had a Huge mural of John Lewis with his famous quote installed on a wall back in 2020. It’s the first thing everyone who enters the building sees. I thanked him with deep gratitude!
Hope it’s still there