Peaceful protest 60's style. Flower Power photograph by Bernie Boston. The photo shows anti-war protester George Harris placing a carnation into the barrel of an M14 rifle held by an MP soldier. Taken during the March on the Pentagon, October 21, 1967. We need this today as the compare / contrast is perfect.
As an 11 yo, my mind was spinning as I tried to understand why people were mad enough to call the cops on the young people. I told my Dad it was horrible & mean. He agreed.
You had a very good Dad. So did I. As an 11 yo, in 63, I was in shock watching the "Children's Crusade" in Birmingham on TV as Bull Connor ordered the use of fire hoses and police dogs upon peaceful children protesting against segregation. My Dad yelled, "What the Hell is he doing?" I like to think Bull Connor was helping to create President Obama. To that end maybe this week Trump is helping to create President Gavin Newsom. If not then I am sure he will find someone else to build up.
The Administration’s plan to escalate the peaceful protest in Los Angeles is in full swing. Militarized ICE agents attacking a macho-driven community is not wise. Nevertheless ICE was able to secure their areas with modest support from county and state Local Law Enforcement (LLE). No Federal assistance was requested; however, the Trump administration illegally mobilized and seconded the California National Guard. That was an inflammatory response fueled simultaneously with rabble-rousing malign words from xenophobic Steven Miller, racist militant Tom Homan, dog shooter Kristi Noem, and the drunk Pete Hegseth. They are all instigating turmoil and fanning the flames. If they had any peace-inducing ideas, they would STFU. I did not know where this protest will lead, but peace during protests is suggested. Stop with the rock throwing, please. Passionate is okay. I suggest just laying down in the streets. Big, heavy protestors should take a rest, as I explain. https://hotbuttons.substack.com/p/uninvited-trump-escalates-conflict?r=3m1bs
March quietly, break into song! Stop others from using violence to make a 'point'. Don't give some trigger- happy want- to- be- hero an excuse to fire!
Vanity Fair's Bess Levin reported yesterday that nobody wants to work for Pete Hegseth. Apparently, three people have tuned down jobs at DoD (this was first reported on NBC News). It follows up on reporting that the White House is now choosing his staff for him because they can no longer trust him to do it himself. Susie Wiles, Trump's chief of staff, and J.D. Vance have been assigned this menial task. Hegseth has already been ordered to cancel a trip to Israel. Trump doesn't want to sack cabinet members because he sees that as a victory for the 'radical left media'. It's why he's not sacked Hegseth (and God knows any number of others) and why he moved former National Security adviser Mike Waltz sideways into the job of US ambassador to the UN. This policy is proving hugely costly to the administration as his nominees continue to display their incompetence.
Does anyone know for a fact that the rock throwers were genuine protesters and not instigators? There are a lot of eyewitnesses and videos on the 50501 Movement's FB page suggesting the police and National Guardsmen used tear gas and such without provocation.
Does anyone know for a fact that the rock throwers were genuine protesters and not instigators? No, but most can use common sense. I figure that the protests sprang up so fast that coordination to organize instigators was not possible in such a short window. I also saw video of young male Latinos in the fray. Also LAPD is using those video recordings to ID and arrest the throwers. Best to wait and see.
You comments echo my thoughts this morning. The administration’s actions make as much sense as pouring gasoline on a bush fire in hopes of extinguishing it.
The most chilling part of Trump’s crackdown is not the flash bang grenades or mass arrests. It is the effort to redefine peaceful protest as insurrection and to deploy the military against American citizens without a governor’s request. This is authoritarianism in plain sight.
Stephen Miller’s claim that protesters constituted a rebellion and Trump’s move to activate the National Guard without state approval mark a dangerous break with democratic norms. By criminalizing dissent and portraying multicultural cities like Los Angeles as enemies of the state, Trump is laying the foundation for a police state.
This is not about immigration enforcement. It is about controlling the narrative, suppressing opposition, and flexing power through fear. The federal government cannot and should not bypass state sovereignty to militarize a city over exaggerated unrest. But Trump’s administration has done just that, manufacturing a crisis to justify domination.
Los Angeles did not ask for troops. The city was not in chaos. And yet, Trump and his inner circle turned it into a stage to showcase their vision of America, one ruled by force, not law. The nation must recognize this for what it is, a warning shot. If we let this stand, the next act could be far worse.
Brilliantly said. 💯 so I encourage everyone to reach out to their representatives locally and federally to let them know you condemn such action. Write, call text email, it doesn’t matter, just continue to reach out and let them all know we stand for We The People and the crowds will become larger and larger demonstrating the lies of the regime.
Use/share this spreadsheet as a resource to call/email/write members of Congress, the Cabinet and news organizations. Reach out to your own reps, as well as those in other states on a specific committee important to a topic you’re sharing. Use your voice and make some “good trouble.”
Dear friends, why are we in this mess? Let me respond as best as I can. My answer, we opened the gates and let the Trojan Horse slip inside. The foot soldiers within, were well armed and well positioned. They systematically took over the two houses of congress, the judiciary and the remaining institutions. Now, our social safety nets are shredded, our support systems including education and learning institutions are damaged, our way of life and the rule of law is being challenged every day. Where do we go from here? Let us organize and isolate the foot soldiers. Defeat them at their game. The upside-down power pyramid consists of the republican party, the deep pockets who are the Rober barons of modern era, The Heritage Foundation, The Federalist Society, ALEC, Citizens United, and the Right-Wing media network. Want more facts? Read my book, Trojan Horse - Democracy Hijacked for fifteen chapters of hard-hitting facts. It will be available after June 15, 2025. I recommend everyone to read as we strive to push the Trojan Horse out of our lives.
Trumps lies never stop. Stephan Miller lies almost as much as Trump but more often re immigrants.
We are under fascist rule .
And being attacked by our alleged ‘ government’.
Trump is a bigot as is his cabinet , as they are all white supremacists.
Trump cannot breathe without breathing fascism.
We need to get Trump out of office with his cabal of fascist creeps and criminals.
He has positioned himself as a filthy fascist “ King” which immediately is anti American against the Constitution. The five members of the far right group in the Supreme Court are complicit in this fascism. They know who they are .
They continually throw power to this fascism . We must stop it .
Immigrants are who we are. Our strength is our diversity. Our creativity is our diversity. Our intelligence is our diversity. Thank you, Immigrants, for being here doing the hard, thankless work. BTW no one should ever be allowed to occupy the presidency if they cannot properly call them by their given name. This petty, petulant 3 yo. Child name game he utters should be called out and corrected. Thank you, Heather Cox Richardson, for bringing the correct information and the fact sheet to back it up.
6:00 P.M. news... Posse Comitatus , here we go ! LA police shot a newsperson in the leg with rubber bullet; Those 'effers really, really hurt ! OiD successfully agitated and instigated this situation; His mission accomplished. I'm ready for call up again y'all. I will gladly put my life on hold and at risk vs all this crap !
The following should in no way be considered criticism, just a suggestion;
HCR is, as everyone one knows, is a monumental asset to the US, Democracy and saying and doing the right thing, but it seems Heather excellently explains what is going on or went on the previous day and putting it all into context.
It would be "nice" if Heather would possibly put into context some conjecture as to where the current US administration is headed with all it's illegal acts.
For example;
Trump is obviously enamored with Putin and his absolute control of Russia (a country with a parliament "elected" by the people, laws, a legal system, capable law enforcement, and Putin himself is "elected" by the people - sounds like the US.)
Of course the difference (so far) between the US and Russia is that Putin has absolute control of all branches of Russia's government and its media, while Trump does not yet have as much control. Isn't this where Trump and the Project 2025 enablers intend to take the US?
Diversity is our greatest strength! We must take to the streets to protect immigrants communities. From the streets of Los Angeles to the halls of Harvard, we will fight fascism and defend democracy! https://democracydefender2025.substack.com/p/harvard-is-defending-democracy
Trump is preparing to be the dictator he hopes to become! Look out!
Peaceful protest 60's style. Flower Power photograph by Bernie Boston. The photo shows anti-war protester George Harris placing a carnation into the barrel of an M14 rifle held by an MP soldier. Taken during the March on the Pentagon, October 21, 1967. We need this today as the compare / contrast is perfect.
https://www.theendlesssixties.com/bernie-boston/
As an 11 yo, my mind was spinning as I tried to understand why people were mad enough to call the cops on the young people. I told my Dad it was horrible & mean. He agreed.
You had a very good Dad. So did I. As an 11 yo, in 63, I was in shock watching the "Children's Crusade" in Birmingham on TV as Bull Connor ordered the use of fire hoses and police dogs upon peaceful children protesting against segregation. My Dad yelled, "What the Hell is he doing?" I like to think Bull Connor was helping to create President Obama. To that end maybe this week Trump is helping to create President Gavin Newsom. If not then I am sure he will find someone else to build up.
The Administration’s plan to escalate the peaceful protest in Los Angeles is in full swing. Militarized ICE agents attacking a macho-driven community is not wise. Nevertheless ICE was able to secure their areas with modest support from county and state Local Law Enforcement (LLE). No Federal assistance was requested; however, the Trump administration illegally mobilized and seconded the California National Guard. That was an inflammatory response fueled simultaneously with rabble-rousing malign words from xenophobic Steven Miller, racist militant Tom Homan, dog shooter Kristi Noem, and the drunk Pete Hegseth. They are all instigating turmoil and fanning the flames. If they had any peace-inducing ideas, they would STFU. I did not know where this protest will lead, but peace during protests is suggested. Stop with the rock throwing, please. Passionate is okay. I suggest just laying down in the streets. Big, heavy protestors should take a rest, as I explain. https://hotbuttons.substack.com/p/uninvited-trump-escalates-conflict?r=3m1bs
March quietly, break into song! Stop others from using violence to make a 'point'. Don't give some trigger- happy want- to- be- hero an excuse to fire!
Hegseth urgently needed this distraction.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/09/hegseth-wiretap-inquiry-justin-fulcher
Such a tangled web we weave when we practice to deceive.....
Vanity Fair's Bess Levin reported yesterday that nobody wants to work for Pete Hegseth. Apparently, three people have tuned down jobs at DoD (this was first reported on NBC News). It follows up on reporting that the White House is now choosing his staff for him because they can no longer trust him to do it himself. Susie Wiles, Trump's chief of staff, and J.D. Vance have been assigned this menial task. Hegseth has already been ordered to cancel a trip to Israel. Trump doesn't want to sack cabinet members because he sees that as a victory for the 'radical left media'. It's why he's not sacked Hegseth (and God knows any number of others) and why he moved former National Security adviser Mike Waltz sideways into the job of US ambassador to the UN. This policy is proving hugely costly to the administration as his nominees continue to display their incompetence.
Hegseth has got to go! He's a total disaster. We can blame Joni Ernst for that.
We all are going to die.
Does anyone know for a fact that the rock throwers were genuine protesters and not instigators? There are a lot of eyewitnesses and videos on the 50501 Movement's FB page suggesting the police and National Guardsmen used tear gas and such without provocation.
Does anyone know for a fact that the rock throwers were genuine protesters and not instigators? No, but most can use common sense. I figure that the protests sprang up so fast that coordination to organize instigators was not possible in such a short window. I also saw video of young male Latinos in the fray. Also LAPD is using those video recordings to ID and arrest the throwers. Best to wait and see.
You comments echo my thoughts this morning. The administration’s actions make as much sense as pouring gasoline on a bush fire in hopes of extinguishing it.
A Police State in the Making
The most chilling part of Trump’s crackdown is not the flash bang grenades or mass arrests. It is the effort to redefine peaceful protest as insurrection and to deploy the military against American citizens without a governor’s request. This is authoritarianism in plain sight.
Stephen Miller’s claim that protesters constituted a rebellion and Trump’s move to activate the National Guard without state approval mark a dangerous break with democratic norms. By criminalizing dissent and portraying multicultural cities like Los Angeles as enemies of the state, Trump is laying the foundation for a police state.
This is not about immigration enforcement. It is about controlling the narrative, suppressing opposition, and flexing power through fear. The federal government cannot and should not bypass state sovereignty to militarize a city over exaggerated unrest. But Trump’s administration has done just that, manufacturing a crisis to justify domination.
Los Angeles did not ask for troops. The city was not in chaos. And yet, Trump and his inner circle turned it into a stage to showcase their vision of America, one ruled by force, not law. The nation must recognize this for what it is, a warning shot. If we let this stand, the next act could be far worse.
Brilliantly said. 💯 so I encourage everyone to reach out to their representatives locally and federally to let them know you condemn such action. Write, call text email, it doesn’t matter, just continue to reach out and let them all know we stand for We The People and the crowds will become larger and larger demonstrating the lies of the regime.
Call. Write. Email. Protest peacefully. Unrelentingly.
Use/share this spreadsheet as a resource to call/email/write members of Congress, the Cabinet and news organizations. Reach out to your own reps, as well as those in other states on a specific committee important to a topic you’re sharing. Use your voice and make some “good trouble.”
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13lYafj0P-6owAJcH-5_xcpcRvMUZI7rkBPW-Ma9e7hw/edit?usp=drivesdk
Dear friends, why are we in this mess? Let me respond as best as I can. My answer, we opened the gates and let the Trojan Horse slip inside. The foot soldiers within, were well armed and well positioned. They systematically took over the two houses of congress, the judiciary and the remaining institutions. Now, our social safety nets are shredded, our support systems including education and learning institutions are damaged, our way of life and the rule of law is being challenged every day. Where do we go from here? Let us organize and isolate the foot soldiers. Defeat them at their game. The upside-down power pyramid consists of the republican party, the deep pockets who are the Rober barons of modern era, The Heritage Foundation, The Federalist Society, ALEC, Citizens United, and the Right-Wing media network. Want more facts? Read my book, Trojan Horse - Democracy Hijacked for fifteen chapters of hard-hitting facts. It will be available after June 15, 2025. I recommend everyone to read as we strive to push the Trojan Horse out of our lives.
It’s really hot and they will probably buy plenty of lemonade ( electrolytes), pretzels, tacos, shaved ice drinks and popsicles.
Capitalism wins.
Soldiers and Marines are trained to kill people. They must not be deployed in cities populated by citizens. Trump must be stopped for doing this.
Trumps lies never stop. Stephan Miller lies almost as much as Trump but more often re immigrants.
We are under fascist rule .
And being attacked by our alleged ‘ government’.
Trump is a bigot as is his cabinet , as they are all white supremacists.
Trump cannot breathe without breathing fascism.
We need to get Trump out of office with his cabal of fascist creeps and criminals.
He has positioned himself as a filthy fascist “ King” which immediately is anti American against the Constitution. The five members of the far right group in the Supreme Court are complicit in this fascism. They know who they are .
They continually throw power to this fascism . We must stop it .
Guess we should all pose the question to each local politician if they are a white supremacist. See who squirms.
Boy did the taco treasonous terror ever stumble! Favorite quote - “paid insurrectionists”.
Mr. Trump has been "stumbling" since he took office...GOD, HELP THE USA...
The last sentence about Trump stumbling seemed completely separate from the rest of the article. Maybe HCR is comparing him to Biden?
Metaphor.
No, just a metaphor. His whole regime is stumbling and he just acted it out.
I love you last sentence, Heather! Trump is stumbling all over the place.
Immigrants are who we are. Our strength is our diversity. Our creativity is our diversity. Our intelligence is our diversity. Thank you, Immigrants, for being here doing the hard, thankless work. BTW no one should ever be allowed to occupy the presidency if they cannot properly call them by their given name. This petty, petulant 3 yo. Child name game he utters should be called out and corrected. Thank you, Heather Cox Richardson, for bringing the correct information and the fact sheet to back it up.
6:00 P.M. news... Posse Comitatus , here we go ! LA police shot a newsperson in the leg with rubber bullet; Those 'effers really, really hurt ! OiD successfully agitated and instigated this situation; His mission accomplished. I'm ready for call up again y'all. I will gladly put my life on hold and at risk vs all this crap !
Taco is probably going to celebrate his birthday by declaring martial law.
The police state we get right now.
The following should in no way be considered criticism, just a suggestion;
HCR is, as everyone one knows, is a monumental asset to the US, Democracy and saying and doing the right thing, but it seems Heather excellently explains what is going on or went on the previous day and putting it all into context.
It would be "nice" if Heather would possibly put into context some conjecture as to where the current US administration is headed with all it's illegal acts.
For example;
Trump is obviously enamored with Putin and his absolute control of Russia (a country with a parliament "elected" by the people, laws, a legal system, capable law enforcement, and Putin himself is "elected" by the people - sounds like the US.)
Of course the difference (so far) between the US and Russia is that Putin has absolute control of all branches of Russia's government and its media, while Trump does not yet have as much control. Isn't this where Trump and the Project 2025 enablers intend to take the US?
Each with their own set of oligarchs?
They want to reverse FDR,JFK, and LBJ. And, are using some of those guys tactics too.
...but mostly Hitler's & Goebbels's tactics
Poor, terrified little rabbit.