Exactly Zero sympathy for Murkowski and Republicans. Do your job. Impeach Trump Now! You can cry, that’s fine, no judgement for emotions from me, but do the job.
Congress would appear to be the only thing that can stop this mad man and it’s suppose to mean something to us that they’re scared? Sorry. Nope.
I was generally so angry yesterday about the whole situation we find ourselves in, and I was worried that I wouldn't be able to listen to Murkowski with an open mind. This morning, I read her words and then watched the video, with empathy, and I couldn't find it. I feel played.
What could he possibly threaten her with that is so harmful that she won't use her platform, her voice, and her power – she's a United States senator, for fudge sake – her freedom? ... her life?... what? Did anyone ask her to specify the retaliation she referred to or did we all imagine what she meant based on our own fears, as I suspect she hoped we would. Because I can't see that the retaliation she will face – unless he's threatening to send her to the El Salvador gulag – worse than the loss of freedoms and the collapse of our democracy with all that entails that we will live, or die, under if Congress remains mired in its inertia.
If this were the before-times, I probably would have been sympathetic. Her fear seemed authentic. But it's the now-times, where our democratic, freedom-loving, kindness-to-others, open-minded, innovative way of life is ending. Each day a new atrocity is presented to us as if this is the new normal, and every day we become a little more accustomed to it, aided by the silence and inaction of those in power, like Murkowski.
The Founders left us with an outline of checks and balances to use if confronted with authoritarianism for this break-the-glass moment. If a branch of the federal government won't stay in its lane and flouts the authority given to a co-equal branch who attempts to rein in its base impulses, the other co-equal branch steps in. She is part of one of those branches, and if she is too afraid to step up with her colleagues, then they need to step aside for those who will take their oath to uphold the Constitution and their duty to the people they represent seriously.
For a glimmer of relief, I suggest reading Heather Cox Richardson’s post yesterday following shifts of opinion against the administration. Also, and message to Murkowski, I simply say like Jane Burns, stand up, become a legend, do not be afraid.
Good on her for calling out the fear tactics of the regime. Why do we expect the women to do the work? Where are the republican men senators who push back?? Of course she is afraid and so are all of them. Think Josh Shapiro, pardoned insurrectionists, death threats. Naming the fear is bravery in my opinion.
Lisa Murkowski needs to grow a set of balls for goodness sakes!! What exactly is she afraid of?????? What is it? Surely not being sent to Cecot. So it must be fear of losing her seat. Here’s a mansplain to her. If you DON’T stand up you will certainly lose you seat. BUT if you do you will be a legend and keep your seat. Send that to her!!!
Conversation Canadian. 'Do you think he will win?' my wife asked, No they won't vote for him again. Me. 'He won' my wife. Not by much, I replied. 'Will it affect Canada?' Nah, I replied with confidence. Sh$#$###
Thanks for the website list of protests. I found three not to far from where I live and now I have to decide which one to go to. I also have to make a sign.
Wellllll, these repubs have had their chance for about 10 years at least to get rid of the problems they created for all of us, and never lifted a finger to do something about it.... are they afraid we noticed? That has to be the worst fear of all. They really stink. If you want to really account for things go back about at least 30 - 40 years... the smell has kept getting stronger every passing year. It is the rotting of moral fiber and courage to do the right thing beyond their own prejudices, power mongering, and greed. It is a stench that lingers and is not very healthy for anyone to inhale. They and their mess needs to be cleaned OUT. They have not contributed to anyone but themselves, even if they are relieved of their duties, they all have large paychecks stipends,insurances, investment gains and connections unlike what they have allowed to be stolen from their fellow countrymen. Disgusting. Could they find a way to do what is right for someone else for a change....are they afraid they cannot do it?!??
Congress needs to get control of POTUS. He barks and scares everyone around him. What should Congress do? They should put a leash on him and teach him to obey the law.
Current republicans in congress are mostly there exactly to support this Trumpist moment. So, they are NOT afraid. Any dissenters like Kinzinger, Cheney, Romney have been purged or did not run again. So Murkowski’s comments do not reflect the Trumpist majority in congress. So, back to we the people: we HAVE to build an infrastructure that aggregates information on protest events so that we the people can show up. Said aggregator needs a people counter so we can track the movement. Let’s, just for fun, call it the Purple People Power Movement. Let’s “brand” this “11++ million people” movement. There is too much siloing and confusion about what is happening where and when. This must be a pro democracy movement. And what does it mean to be prodemocracy? Ending big money in politics, voter access, term limits, shoring up the loopholes that Trump has abused, no kings, etc. “Hands off” or “Freedom From” comes after but the big tent laser focus must be DEMOCRACY. That “space”—the convener, reporter, and the statistician of peaceful people in the streets—is empty. We need that now. Spread the word.
We have a protest on Saturday. Nonviolent. Take deep breaths, but be loud. Remember President Eisenhower was a patriot and demonstrably supported the Supreme Court’s order Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, 347 U.S. 483 (May 17, 1954). I covered what he did in Little Rock, AR, in my post below. In September 1957, Eisenhower ordered the elite 101st Airborne to restore order in Little Rock. The picture of those troop driving from Fort Campbell in the dark of night sticks in my mind. Regular Army troops activated to restore order is a rare occurrence. We should not forget why: the cause of anti-racism. The racism that prevailed in my youth is disgusting to me, and has been not only unleashed, but also promoted by a lawless administration. https://hotbuttons.substack.com/p/forking-roads?r=3m1bs
Exactly Zero sympathy for Murkowski and Republicans. Do your job. Impeach Trump Now! You can cry, that’s fine, no judgement for emotions from me, but do the job.
Congress would appear to be the only thing that can stop this mad man and it’s suppose to mean something to us that they’re scared? Sorry. Nope.
Exactly! Cry all you want now, Senator, you’ll pee less later! Then you’ll have more time to do your job with less bathroom breaks I guess.
I was generally so angry yesterday about the whole situation we find ourselves in, and I was worried that I wouldn't be able to listen to Murkowski with an open mind. This morning, I read her words and then watched the video, with empathy, and I couldn't find it. I feel played.
What could he possibly threaten her with that is so harmful that she won't use her platform, her voice, and her power – she's a United States senator, for fudge sake – her freedom? ... her life?... what? Did anyone ask her to specify the retaliation she referred to or did we all imagine what she meant based on our own fears, as I suspect she hoped we would. Because I can't see that the retaliation she will face – unless he's threatening to send her to the El Salvador gulag – worse than the loss of freedoms and the collapse of our democracy with all that entails that we will live, or die, under if Congress remains mired in its inertia.
If this were the before-times, I probably would have been sympathetic. Her fear seemed authentic. But it's the now-times, where our democratic, freedom-loving, kindness-to-others, open-minded, innovative way of life is ending. Each day a new atrocity is presented to us as if this is the new normal, and every day we become a little more accustomed to it, aided by the silence and inaction of those in power, like Murkowski.
The Founders left us with an outline of checks and balances to use if confronted with authoritarianism for this break-the-glass moment. If a branch of the federal government won't stay in its lane and flouts the authority given to a co-equal branch who attempts to rein in its base impulses, the other co-equal branch steps in. She is part of one of those branches, and if she is too afraid to step up with her colleagues, then they need to step aside for those who will take their oath to uphold the Constitution and their duty to the people they represent seriously.
If the Senator is afraid to do her job, step down and let someone else fight for the People. Enough BS. Get out of the way.
For a glimmer of relief, I suggest reading Heather Cox Richardson’s post yesterday following shifts of opinion against the administration. Also, and message to Murkowski, I simply say like Jane Burns, stand up, become a legend, do not be afraid.
Good on her for calling out the fear tactics of the regime. Why do we expect the women to do the work? Where are the republican men senators who push back?? Of course she is afraid and so are all of them. Think Josh Shapiro, pardoned insurrectionists, death threats. Naming the fear is bravery in my opinion.
Lisa Murkowski needs to grow a set of balls for goodness sakes!! What exactly is she afraid of?????? What is it? Surely not being sent to Cecot. So it must be fear of losing her seat. Here’s a mansplain to her. If you DON’T stand up you will certainly lose you seat. BUT if you do you will be a legend and keep your seat. Send that to her!!!
So why do Republicans think it’s cool to be cruel?!?!?
Conversation Canadian. 'Do you think he will win?' my wife asked, No they won't vote for him again. Me. 'He won' my wife. Not by much, I replied. 'Will it affect Canada?' Nah, I replied with confidence. Sh$#$###
It’s time for them to be brave!! I understand her “Fear”
Thanks for the website list of protests. I found three not to far from where I live and now I have to decide which one to go to. I also have to make a sign.
Wellllll, these repubs have had their chance for about 10 years at least to get rid of the problems they created for all of us, and never lifted a finger to do something about it.... are they afraid we noticed? That has to be the worst fear of all. They really stink. If you want to really account for things go back about at least 30 - 40 years... the smell has kept getting stronger every passing year. It is the rotting of moral fiber and courage to do the right thing beyond their own prejudices, power mongering, and greed. It is a stench that lingers and is not very healthy for anyone to inhale. They and their mess needs to be cleaned OUT. They have not contributed to anyone but themselves, even if they are relieved of their duties, they all have large paychecks stipends,insurances, investment gains and connections unlike what they have allowed to be stolen from their fellow countrymen. Disgusting. Could they find a way to do what is right for someone else for a change....are they afraid they cannot do it?!??
Congress needs to get control of POTUS. He barks and scares everyone around him. What should Congress do? They should put a leash on him and teach him to obey the law.
Perhaps we need to show Murkowski that we have her back, even if we're not Alaskans.
Ask Robert Reich to elaborate on his 04/18/25 post about general strikes (how to prepare, how to engage, how to protect self and others).
Current republicans in congress are mostly there exactly to support this Trumpist moment. So, they are NOT afraid. Any dissenters like Kinzinger, Cheney, Romney have been purged or did not run again. So Murkowski’s comments do not reflect the Trumpist majority in congress. So, back to we the people: we HAVE to build an infrastructure that aggregates information on protest events so that we the people can show up. Said aggregator needs a people counter so we can track the movement. Let’s, just for fun, call it the Purple People Power Movement. Let’s “brand” this “11++ million people” movement. There is too much siloing and confusion about what is happening where and when. This must be a pro democracy movement. And what does it mean to be prodemocracy? Ending big money in politics, voter access, term limits, shoring up the loopholes that Trump has abused, no kings, etc. “Hands off” or “Freedom From” comes after but the big tent laser focus must be DEMOCRACY. That “space”—the convener, reporter, and the statistician of peaceful people in the streets—is empty. We need that now. Spread the word.
We have a protest on Saturday. Nonviolent. Take deep breaths, but be loud. Remember President Eisenhower was a patriot and demonstrably supported the Supreme Court’s order Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, 347 U.S. 483 (May 17, 1954). I covered what he did in Little Rock, AR, in my post below. In September 1957, Eisenhower ordered the elite 101st Airborne to restore order in Little Rock. The picture of those troop driving from Fort Campbell in the dark of night sticks in my mind. Regular Army troops activated to restore order is a rare occurrence. We should not forget why: the cause of anti-racism. The racism that prevailed in my youth is disgusting to me, and has been not only unleashed, but also promoted by a lawless administration. https://hotbuttons.substack.com/p/forking-roads?r=3m1bs