I used to Subscribe to a Substack called, "What Did Joe Biden Do Today?" It would summarize what Biden, Harris and key administration figures did officially that day. Today it turned into "What Did Donald Trump Do Today?" Here is what it told me. It might interest you.
Thanks so much Linda. Was also a past subscriber to “What did Joe Biden do”.
This new version is such horrifying propaganda …. completely sane-washing / normalizing, what Timothy Snyder earlier called the MAGA “decapitation” (nuclear strike) of America.
While I agree that it is very innocuouse reporting, one does get an idea of the scope of this. I assume you got part 2 as well.
What I did not read, is that Elon Musk did the Nazi salute. I got that tidbit from Zeteo. He says,
"Mehdi and the panelists also discussed the moment where billionaire Elon Musk gave a Nazi salute during Trump’s inauguration celebration, and they called out the mainstream media’s efforts to normalize Musk’s behavior.
“He [Musk] did it twice. He did it forcefully. He did it deliberately. Same angle. And we are in a moment right now where mainstream news is kind of normalizing it,” Francesca says to Mehdi. 'What would it mean for this country to truly admit that we have a Nazi sympathizer as president? I think for some people, they cannot compute that there – that our precious democracy might just be this close to loving fascists and loving cruelty and genocide.'"
These two detestable characters are ones to keep an eye on. While the words were very just the facts ma'am, I read between the lines since I have read most of Project 2025 in a book club group, and nothing so far is a surprise even if it is worded as legitimate actions not redundancies or showmanship, or nothingness. For that you will find the Musk Watch much more satisfying. It will be important to record what happens. Perhaps someone else is doing that in a way that Musk Watch is on Trump.
Professor Ruth Ben-Ghiat: Today begins our opposition.
"“Lucid is a space of caring and solidarity where we help each other process the losses we suffer due to negligent and repressive governance, racism, misogyny, homophobia, environmental plunder, and gun violence. We need open hearts . . ."
Believe me, Professor Ruth Ben-Ghiat, we are there, right there with you.
Or, in the words of one I admire,
"I'm here to stand strong and be the shelter."
Elizabeth Grace Martinez, in a comment in today's post by Pamela Leavey, here:
In addition to opposing the anticipated worst impulses of the Trump team, the loyal opposition also needs to move (inspire?) the Democratic party into a posture that more openly supports small d, democratic values.
Yes, the Dems need to make it very clear that they as a party, no longer support the neoliberal order. Biden did some of this with his pro union stance but I feel a more blatant approach is needed.
Thank you so much for your insights and creating this community. We will need each other more than ever to be a successful opposition. Thank you, too, for the links to the Freedom Over Fascism Toolkit and to Democracy Docket.
Today is a day to honor Dr Martin Luther King Jr, and have a dream!
My dream is that Rs like Mike Turner get to the point where they get together, go Independent, caucus with Ds taking the House and Senate away from Mump (Musk+tRump).
My dream is for his third impeachment to be soon and successful!
I believe we will know the direction of the USA by 1 May, the 100 days that Rachel Maddow has committed to cover five nights a week.
I like the “Mump”! I’m going to replace my rumpf with Mump.
Maddow says watch the actions; I am. The 34 count indicted felon has been changing its mind again by saying first the massive immigration round-up will start on Day 1. Eventually says it'll start in Chicago on day 2. Now I azzume lying border czar says there’s a concern for safety of the officers who will carry it out. Will there be yet another change of mind? Until I see action, we shall see.
Please address how wecan be most effective in resisting fascism when the large majority of the "opposition" party is kissing the ring? It seems that if people depend on the Democrats there will be no real resistance.
Jasmine Crockett is amazing. She’s knowledgeable, factual and I love her sometimes subtle and clever takedowns of her Patriots across the aisle. Crockett for President. Although she may not be old enough.
We can start by staying informed and involved in our own local politics. Educate ourselves and others about current events in our own towns , cities, and states. Join with other like minded people who believe in government by and for the people.
Nancy, some are encouraging people to stay home and buy nothing but essentials; urging others to do the same. Read about Gandhi, how he and his followers were able to free India & defeat the British Empire largely through boycotts. I recommend Ruth’s book, as well as Jason Stanley’s “How Fascism Works: The Politics of Us and Them.” In the meantime, you’re already ahead of many by saying the words of what’s needed: “RESISTING FASCISM.” Yes, educate yourself and others. We need to learn from the past to avoid repeating the same mistakes. Dems support and/or silence re Palestinian genocide led many not to vote. Read “The Case For Palestine: Why It Matters and Why You Should Care,” by Dan Kovalik. We cannot protect our democracy at home while imposing tyranny and genocide abroad. We must demand accountability. Silence is complicity.
We need to build up to this: people need to start by boycotting Amazon- some even on the left, buy from them every day, even with Bezos being one of the biggest sychophants now. If you can afford it, use cash. Stop banking with large banks- use your local S&L or credit union. Moving on, people can boycott the restaurant and fast food chains- eat at home or eat at a locally owned establishment. If you are paying for corporate media, stop. Read and support left media.
They can’t unless they keep lying about it - it’s a hinderance to doing whatever they want. I expect Mump to toss the Constitution at some point (or keep ignoring it).
How wonderful … to be greeted by your essay this morning …. TOTALLY flipping the script on “Day One”! Yes it’s Day One of the Loyal Opposition!
Solidarity!!
I used to Subscribe to a Substack called, "What Did Joe Biden Do Today?" It would summarize what Biden, Harris and key administration figures did officially that day. Today it turned into "What Did Donald Trump Do Today?" Here is what it told me. It might interest you.
https://open.substack.com/pub/whatdiddonaldtrumpdotoday/p/what-did-donald-trump-do-today?r=f0qfn&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=email
Thanks so much Linda. Was also a past subscriber to “What did Joe Biden do”.
This new version is such horrifying propaganda …. completely sane-washing / normalizing, what Timothy Snyder earlier called the MAGA “decapitation” (nuclear strike) of America.
While I agree that it is very innocuouse reporting, one does get an idea of the scope of this. I assume you got part 2 as well.
What I did not read, is that Elon Musk did the Nazi salute. I got that tidbit from Zeteo. He says,
"Mehdi and the panelists also discussed the moment where billionaire Elon Musk gave a Nazi salute during Trump’s inauguration celebration, and they called out the mainstream media’s efforts to normalize Musk’s behavior.
“He [Musk] did it twice. He did it forcefully. He did it deliberately. Same angle. And we are in a moment right now where mainstream news is kind of normalizing it,” Francesca says to Mehdi. 'What would it mean for this country to truly admit that we have a Nazi sympathizer as president? I think for some people, they cannot compute that there – that our precious democracy might just be this close to loving fascists and loving cruelty and genocide.'"
Yesterday Judd Legume of Popular Information started a new Substack called, Musk Watch! https://popular.info/p/musk-watch-musks-free-month-of-internet?r=f0qfn&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
These two detestable characters are ones to keep an eye on. While the words were very just the facts ma'am, I read between the lines since I have read most of Project 2025 in a book club group, and nothing so far is a surprise even if it is worded as legitimate actions not redundancies or showmanship, or nothingness. For that you will find the Musk Watch much more satisfying. It will be important to record what happens. Perhaps someone else is doing that in a way that Musk Watch is on Trump.
we're the PRO-Democracy Coalition. Remembering MLK on this day of inaugural pro-democracy activism , https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gC6qxf3b3FI&t=219s
Agree! Love your positive flip:
Pro-Democracy Coalition it is!
I'm in.
I really love this! We take ownership of this situation. MLK would want this.
Professor Ruth Ben-Ghiat: Today begins our opposition.
"“Lucid is a space of caring and solidarity where we help each other process the losses we suffer due to negligent and repressive governance, racism, misogyny, homophobia, environmental plunder, and gun violence. We need open hearts . . ."
Believe me, Professor Ruth Ben-Ghiat, we are there, right there with you.
Or, in the words of one I admire,
"I'm here to stand strong and be the shelter."
Elizabeth Grace Martinez, in a comment in today's post by Pamela Leavey, here:
https://pamelaleavey.substack.com/p/theres-a-storm-rolling-in/comment/87299307?token=eyJ1c2VyX2lkIjo1MDQ5MzE2NiwicG9zdF9pZCI6MTU1MTg4NDE2LCJpYXQiOjE3MzczODc1MDYsImV4cCI6MTczNzY0NjcwNiwiaXNzIjoicHViLTM1Mjc1MiIsInN1YiI6InBvc3QtY29tbWVudHMifQ.il4tayD5_hzTiqCD5P03uMR1AKVqIoeC9fS0Pz3rQoY#comment-87338176?token=eyJ1c2VyX2lkIjo1MDQ5MzE2NiwicG9zdF9pZCI6MTU1MTg4NDE2LCJpYXQiOjE3MzczODc1MDYsImV4cCI6MTczNzY0NjcwNiwiaXNzIjoicHViLTM1Mjc1MiIsInN1YiI6InBvc3QtY29tbWVudHMifQ.il4tayD5_hzTiqCD5P03uMR1AKVqIoeC9fS0Pz3rQoY
Thank you!💙
In addition to opposing the anticipated worst impulses of the Trump team, the loyal opposition also needs to move (inspire?) the Democratic party into a posture that more openly supports small d, democratic values.
Yes, the Dems need to make it very clear that they as a party, no longer support the neoliberal order. Biden did some of this with his pro union stance but I feel a more blatant approach is needed.
Bernie and AOC. It's time to purge the democratic party of the old, and start afresh as a people's movement.
Yes, I'm with you. Day One of the Political Opposition. Thanks for helping us mobilize.
Count me in, Ruth, to being a part of the political opposition on Day One. Thanks for being such an inspiration!
Thank you so much for your insights and creating this community. We will need each other more than ever to be a successful opposition. Thank you, too, for the links to the Freedom Over Fascism Toolkit and to Democracy Docket.
Thank you, Ruth. I needed this. Sign me up. PRO-democracy opposition, and to you and all the other members, I love it!
santé parole
sante parole
Gosh, did I ever need to hear this this morning!! THANK YOU RUTH
PS Precisely at noon, Amazon delivered the new kitchen trash can I had ordered last week. Could the timing BE more appropriate?!
Yes, fascism does belong in the trash.
Today is a day to honor Dr Martin Luther King Jr, and have a dream!
My dream is that Rs like Mike Turner get to the point where they get together, go Independent, caucus with Ds taking the House and Senate away from Mump (Musk+tRump).
My dream is for his third impeachment to be soon and successful!
I believe we will know the direction of the USA by 1 May, the 100 days that Rachel Maddow has committed to cover five nights a week.
But today? I have a dream!
I like the “Mump”! I’m going to replace my rumpf with Mump.
Maddow says watch the actions; I am. The 34 count indicted felon has been changing its mind again by saying first the massive immigration round-up will start on Day 1. Eventually says it'll start in Chicago on day 2. Now I azzume lying border czar says there’s a concern for safety of the officers who will carry it out. Will there be yet another change of mind? Until I see action, we shall see.
Please address how wecan be most effective in resisting fascism when the large majority of the "opposition" party is kissing the ring? It seems that if people depend on the Democrats there will be no real resistance.
Nancy, you're in the right place! That is Dr. Ben Ghiat's life work. Stay tuned. Read her book. We are not alone.
To Hell with the geriatric class of Dems! (Schumer, Pelosi, etc.) Get behind AOC, Jasmine Crockett, and the folks who know how to fight this war.
Jasmine Crockett is amazing. She’s knowledgeable, factual and I love her sometimes subtle and clever takedowns of her Patriots across the aisle. Crockett for President. Although she may not be old enough.
We can start by staying informed and involved in our own local politics. Educate ourselves and others about current events in our own towns , cities, and states. Join with other like minded people who believe in government by and for the people.
Nancy, some are encouraging people to stay home and buy nothing but essentials; urging others to do the same. Read about Gandhi, how he and his followers were able to free India & defeat the British Empire largely through boycotts. I recommend Ruth’s book, as well as Jason Stanley’s “How Fascism Works: The Politics of Us and Them.” In the meantime, you’re already ahead of many by saying the words of what’s needed: “RESISTING FASCISM.” Yes, educate yourself and others. We need to learn from the past to avoid repeating the same mistakes. Dems support and/or silence re Palestinian genocide led many not to vote. Read “The Case For Palestine: Why It Matters and Why You Should Care,” by Dan Kovalik. We cannot protect our democracy at home while imposing tyranny and genocide abroad. We must demand accountability. Silence is complicity.
We need to build up to this: people need to start by boycotting Amazon- some even on the left, buy from them every day, even with Bezos being one of the biggest sychophants now. If you can afford it, use cash. Stop banking with large banks- use your local S&L or credit union. Moving on, people can boycott the restaurant and fast food chains- eat at home or eat at a locally owned establishment. If you are paying for corporate media, stop. Read and support left media.
Thank you, from my aching heart.
Thank you , Ruth. I’m grateful for your inspiration and your big picture take during this difficult time.
He just swore to uphold the Constitution. Let's see how long that lasts.
Stacy, maybe best to boycott the show and urge others to do the same.
Why? Don't tell me what to do.
I want to see what I'm up against.
They can’t unless they keep lying about it - it’s a hinderance to doing whatever they want. I expect Mump to toss the Constitution at some point (or keep ignoring it).
"He just swore to uphold the Constitution. "
That oath means nothing to him. Lies are how sociopaths work.