Who is in charge of them, though? Capital Police take their orders from Mike Johnson. Federal are under the leadership of an interim AG, a Trumper. This is the problem: Trump and Republicans dictate what they do.
Democratic Senators don't control the police and Trump et al are in control of all Federal forces. These limits are in place for a reason. Do you want Congressional Republicans to control the police in DC or elsewhere.
This was sharp and necessary. We who know the importance of the liberties of all people now have to tuck up and laser focus on winning allies with people we will (hopefully) go back to fighting with over all of the vital 'other' issues.
Can we wrangle all these substacks speaking truth (their versions) as the functioning media with the leadership of the opposition (representatives/union reps -people with a large reach and awareness) to get the message out to all corners of the U.S.?
yes, indeed, and I am wondering why we aren't inundated by press showing this and by interviews with democratic politicians calling this out, stating how it's against the law and actually getting him and his teams out!!!There is really no law of the land left???
I also want to understand why people are tiptoeing around Trump and just accusing Musk of all the “illegal” actions for which no one is charging him. These illegal acts are happening under Trump’s authority!! It’s not like Musk just appeared out of nowhere, Trump sent him to do the dirty work. Congressmen and women, fight for respect of the law and the Constitution for Pete’s sake, don’t just whine!
They are attempting to distract the public by the “shiny things”… Trump’s latest (but still serious) crazy musings. And all the real setup work is being done by Musk and his cronies behind the scenes. This is a five-alarm fire, America. And the media needs to wake up.
It took only six months for Hitler and his ruling party to purge the civil service, outlaw trade unions and opposition parties. Then cultural and scientific crackdowns. Rounding up “communists”, clamping down or eradicating the independent media.
I don’t believe this is fear-mongering. Stop him while you still can.
Thank you, Anand for your strength and voice. It’s inspiring.
This is such an insidious way to begin disrupting power. Because by marching in and insisting they’re in charge, they’re putting the onus of using some kind of force on anybody else. Which will be shouted out as the coup as soon as it happens. If anybody other than Trump and Musk raise a hand or bring in an officer or anything physical to bear, they will be accused as the ones committing the coup. It’s one of those ridiculous and annoying situations with a bully that feels like there’s no clear way out of it.
Serious question, which Democratic senator is fit enough and has enough of a backbone for a marathon filibuster of green eggs and ham, war and peace, and the entire Lord of the rings saga…. ?? I don’t know if there is another procedural device they would bring along with it the notoriety.
Our country is dying on so many levels; the window for resuscitation is very quickly closing and most of our citizens remain oblivious. It’s not only a government coup it’s a coup of our very lives.
Anand, please let me get one thing straight: I love what you're doing to wake us up to what's going on, but I need to add a word of caution and even a word of scolding. You wrote: "From the beginning, the idea has been to overwhelm you." You wrote those words about Bannon, but it's almost beginning to look like those words could also be written about all the well-meaning substack writers, yourself included, as well.
I can easily name well over a dozen excellent substack writers, who publish every day, sometimes multiple times a day. These are all voices we respect and want to hear. But we are becoming overwhelmed with well-meaning substacks!
Please remember, more is not always better! It would be helpful if substack writers would keep their posts as concise as possible and as limited in numbers as possible!
We're drowning in wise, well-meaning, well-respected words out here! Please share this advice with your fellow substackers! Thank you!
I agree completely with everything you've said, Anand. As a matter of fact, yesterday I spent a
good portion of my day writing emails and calling all of my representatives, state and federal.
They're ALL Republicans. And they are bought into this mess, whether from fear or greed – probably both.
While I don't care about this, I can tell you that I'm treated like a pesky, ignorant fly-which I know I'm not – when I call in or get a written response from a representative of Idaho. But this is the Republican response, ad nauseum. They're not listening, they tell us we're over reacting, they are condescending in their insistence that we don't really know what's going on. I have to wonder why? I know that they know what Musk and Trump are doing is wrong. So why won't they stand up, and WHAT will they stand against?
Trump said: "You'll never have to worry about voting again." I don't think people listened to this enough. So while I'd bet that Republicans don't like what Musk is being allowed to do, I think that their eye is on another prize ultimately. Silencing the voice of the people, as much as they can, which then leads to suppressing the vote.
Pay attention to what red states are doing. Bannon said it himself- we throw so much garbage out there and the press and you will follow it all, but look how many state legislatures we've taken over. That is the prize. Supermajorities are eliminating voters rights across the country in red states.
Republican leaders are fully cowed, fearful of being primaried and losing their cooshy positions and payrolls. They only worry about primaries- which are most state's elections these days due to the deep division of this country. We the people need to make sure that they understand that it's the general election they need to worry about.
We need to remind them that they voted to ban TikTok, but they allow the richest man in the world (is he really?) to have unfettered access to our personal data? Our privacy matters, and they're letting Musk utilize it for his own personal interest and financial gain. Nail them about this. It's as American as you get.
Be loud, be insistent and consistent, and keep calling and writing. Show up to any protests, town halls and demonstrations as you can. Today, for example. 50 marches in 50 Capitals. Be there if you can, or call in absentia-every congressman's phone should be ringing off the hook today.
The only thing that will stop this is us. Organizing, coordinating and being loud. Give the press something to cover from the opposition.
Well said. This is the key question you ask "I know that they know what Musk and Trump are doing is wrong. So why won't they stand up, and WHAT will they stand against?"
I haven't watched how Fox News, or other right-wing media, is covering all of this - but I'm guessing it is effective propaganda.
Exactly! We have to wrest control from this nut while we still can. Unfortunately by me, I mean “you” as I am a mere Canadian. But, I have access to the same media, so I can at least make some noise. We have to all do what we can.
I'd recommend ignoring Trump's comments about Greenland, the Panama Canal, Canada and Gaza. Of course, they're outrageous, but they aren't going to happen (at least not in the short-term). We all need to be concentrating on the Muskettes changing code within the Federal government's software systems. This would also affect all state governments because they interact with these systems. File your tax returns as soon as possible (you don't have to pay until April 15). AARP and other organizations have locations to help people prepare their taxes. The longer you wait you risk the normal problem of delays because of the number of filers, but you also run the risk that the Muskettes will mess up, slow down, or even stop, refund payments. Yes, it's a bit paranoid, but I'd rather be a bit paranoid and have my refund. There were claims about shutting down the IRS Free File but it's still open on the IRS website (I just checked at irs.gov). There's a difference between the IRS Free File Partner program and the IRS Direct file (also Free but only available in certain states) so read the info carefully. I also saw someone post about getting a copy of your Social Security earnings statement. You need to log into Social Security (create an account if you don't have one, at some point you'll need it) and you can print/PDF your complete earnings statement just in case. It doesn't matter how old you are. I'm 72 and I've lived through the life cycle of computers on a personal level and in my professional life prior to retiring. I've never lived through a computer "upgrade" that didn't have glitches and where data wasn't deleted. Computers are as good as the programmers/coders. Do you trust 19 - 25 year olds, with no experience or knowledge of the Federal government, to control money for you and your family? These people may be able to code but they don't have the maturity (remember about the frontal lobe closing and how it affects decision-making) or the experience to do what they're attempting to do (and yes, it's illegal). They also may not understand that older systems have "patches" in them and when you change things you may distort or break the patch. There are lawsuits being filed (it actually takes time to get someone with "standing" and to write the suit so it isn't thrown out of court, but in the meantime, protect yourself.
Thank you for all you do. We cannot lose focus and must protect ourselves and others until we can unite and prevail. Their lack of respect and understanding of the systems is good. Federal employees know how to make things work but also how to disrupt and delay. Unplug and save what you can. Resist however you can. We’ve saved America before and don’t have time to waste. Remember your oath,” protect and defend the Constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic.” There are millions of us.
Thank you for stating this over and over and over again. Keep at it!! You will tire of hearing yourself say it and wonder why the people who you are intending to get the message seem not to hear you. Don't stop! We are with you and support you.
I am wondering why Democratic senators cannot take DC police and insist on their right to enter the Treasury and remove Musk.
I'm wondering the same thing. Where are the police, DC and federal, that will help.
Who is in charge of them, though? Capital Police take their orders from Mike Johnson. Federal are under the leadership of an interim AG, a Trumper. This is the problem: Trump and Republicans dictate what they do.
What about DC police, and the mayor of DC?
Musk is now insisting (Forbes report) that the Treasury Dept “go on the blockchain.” Boy, Howdeee…
Democratic Senators don't control the police and Trump et al are in control of all Federal forces. These limits are in place for a reason. Do you want Congressional Republicans to control the police in DC or elsewhere.
Right now I do. They have no enforcement to do their jobs of oversight.
This was sharp and necessary. We who know the importance of the liberties of all people now have to tuck up and laser focus on winning allies with people we will (hopefully) go back to fighting with over all of the vital 'other' issues.
Can we wrangle all these substacks speaking truth (their versions) as the functioning media with the leadership of the opposition (representatives/union reps -people with a large reach and awareness) to get the message out to all corners of the U.S.?
yes, indeed, and I am wondering why we aren't inundated by press showing this and by interviews with democratic politicians calling this out, stating how it's against the law and actually getting him and his teams out!!!There is really no law of the land left???
I also want to understand why people are tiptoeing around Trump and just accusing Musk of all the “illegal” actions for which no one is charging him. These illegal acts are happening under Trump’s authority!! It’s not like Musk just appeared out of nowhere, Trump sent him to do the dirty work. Congressmen and women, fight for respect of the law and the Constitution for Pete’s sake, don’t just whine!
They are attempting to distract the public by the “shiny things”… Trump’s latest (but still serious) crazy musings. And all the real setup work is being done by Musk and his cronies behind the scenes. This is a five-alarm fire, America. And the media needs to wake up.
It took only six months for Hitler and his ruling party to purge the civil service, outlaw trade unions and opposition parties. Then cultural and scientific crackdowns. Rounding up “communists”, clamping down or eradicating the independent media.
I don’t believe this is fear-mongering. Stop him while you still can.
Thank you, Anand for your strength and voice. It’s inspiring.
This is such an insidious way to begin disrupting power. Because by marching in and insisting they’re in charge, they’re putting the onus of using some kind of force on anybody else. Which will be shouted out as the coup as soon as it happens. If anybody other than Trump and Musk raise a hand or bring in an officer or anything physical to bear, they will be accused as the ones committing the coup. It’s one of those ridiculous and annoying situations with a bully that feels like there’s no clear way out of it.
Serious question, which Democratic senator is fit enough and has enough of a backbone for a marathon filibuster of green eggs and ham, war and peace, and the entire Lord of the rings saga…. ?? I don’t know if there is another procedural device they would bring along with it the notoriety.
Sheldon Whitehouse?
Chris Murphy, Alex Padilla, Brian Schatz, and several others.
It’s treason and a coup. A treasonous coup.
Our country is dying on so many levels; the window for resuscitation is very quickly closing and most of our citizens remain oblivious. It’s not only a government coup it’s a coup of our very lives.
Anand, please let me get one thing straight: I love what you're doing to wake us up to what's going on, but I need to add a word of caution and even a word of scolding. You wrote: "From the beginning, the idea has been to overwhelm you." You wrote those words about Bannon, but it's almost beginning to look like those words could also be written about all the well-meaning substack writers, yourself included, as well.
I can easily name well over a dozen excellent substack writers, who publish every day, sometimes multiple times a day. These are all voices we respect and want to hear. But we are becoming overwhelmed with well-meaning substacks!
Please remember, more is not always better! It would be helpful if substack writers would keep their posts as concise as possible and as limited in numbers as possible!
We're drowning in wise, well-meaning, well-respected words out here! Please share this advice with your fellow substackers! Thank you!
I agree completely with everything you've said, Anand. As a matter of fact, yesterday I spent a
good portion of my day writing emails and calling all of my representatives, state and federal.
They're ALL Republicans. And they are bought into this mess, whether from fear or greed – probably both.
While I don't care about this, I can tell you that I'm treated like a pesky, ignorant fly-which I know I'm not – when I call in or get a written response from a representative of Idaho. But this is the Republican response, ad nauseum. They're not listening, they tell us we're over reacting, they are condescending in their insistence that we don't really know what's going on. I have to wonder why? I know that they know what Musk and Trump are doing is wrong. So why won't they stand up, and WHAT will they stand against?
Trump said: "You'll never have to worry about voting again." I don't think people listened to this enough. So while I'd bet that Republicans don't like what Musk is being allowed to do, I think that their eye is on another prize ultimately. Silencing the voice of the people, as much as they can, which then leads to suppressing the vote.
Pay attention to what red states are doing. Bannon said it himself- we throw so much garbage out there and the press and you will follow it all, but look how many state legislatures we've taken over. That is the prize. Supermajorities are eliminating voters rights across the country in red states.
Republican leaders are fully cowed, fearful of being primaried and losing their cooshy positions and payrolls. They only worry about primaries- which are most state's elections these days due to the deep division of this country. We the people need to make sure that they understand that it's the general election they need to worry about.
We need to remind them that they voted to ban TikTok, but they allow the richest man in the world (is he really?) to have unfettered access to our personal data? Our privacy matters, and they're letting Musk utilize it for his own personal interest and financial gain. Nail them about this. It's as American as you get.
Be loud, be insistent and consistent, and keep calling and writing. Show up to any protests, town halls and demonstrations as you can. Today, for example. 50 marches in 50 Capitals. Be there if you can, or call in absentia-every congressman's phone should be ringing off the hook today.
The only thing that will stop this is us. Organizing, coordinating and being loud. Give the press something to cover from the opposition.
Well said. This is the key question you ask "I know that they know what Musk and Trump are doing is wrong. So why won't they stand up, and WHAT will they stand against?"
I haven't watched how Fox News, or other right-wing media, is covering all of this - but I'm guessing it is effective propaganda.
Exactly! We have to wrest control from this nut while we still can. Unfortunately by me, I mean “you” as I am a mere Canadian. But, I have access to the same media, so I can at least make some noise. We have to all do what we can.
I'd recommend ignoring Trump's comments about Greenland, the Panama Canal, Canada and Gaza. Of course, they're outrageous, but they aren't going to happen (at least not in the short-term). We all need to be concentrating on the Muskettes changing code within the Federal government's software systems. This would also affect all state governments because they interact with these systems. File your tax returns as soon as possible (you don't have to pay until April 15). AARP and other organizations have locations to help people prepare their taxes. The longer you wait you risk the normal problem of delays because of the number of filers, but you also run the risk that the Muskettes will mess up, slow down, or even stop, refund payments. Yes, it's a bit paranoid, but I'd rather be a bit paranoid and have my refund. There were claims about shutting down the IRS Free File but it's still open on the IRS website (I just checked at irs.gov). There's a difference between the IRS Free File Partner program and the IRS Direct file (also Free but only available in certain states) so read the info carefully. I also saw someone post about getting a copy of your Social Security earnings statement. You need to log into Social Security (create an account if you don't have one, at some point you'll need it) and you can print/PDF your complete earnings statement just in case. It doesn't matter how old you are. I'm 72 and I've lived through the life cycle of computers on a personal level and in my professional life prior to retiring. I've never lived through a computer "upgrade" that didn't have glitches and where data wasn't deleted. Computers are as good as the programmers/coders. Do you trust 19 - 25 year olds, with no experience or knowledge of the Federal government, to control money for you and your family? These people may be able to code but they don't have the maturity (remember about the frontal lobe closing and how it affects decision-making) or the experience to do what they're attempting to do (and yes, it's illegal). They also may not understand that older systems have "patches" in them and when you change things you may distort or break the patch. There are lawsuits being filed (it actually takes time to get someone with "standing" and to write the suit so it isn't thrown out of court, but in the meantime, protect yourself.
Thank you for all you do. We cannot lose focus and must protect ourselves and others until we can unite and prevail. Their lack of respect and understanding of the systems is good. Federal employees know how to make things work but also how to disrupt and delay. Unplug and save what you can. Resist however you can. We’ve saved America before and don’t have time to waste. Remember your oath,” protect and defend the Constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic.” There are millions of us.
Yes!
Thank you for so clearly stating this present danger
This is what I have been saying since he started getting into all the computer systems
Thank you for stating this over and over and over again. Keep at it!! You will tire of hearing yourself say it and wonder why the people who you are intending to get the message seem not to hear you. Don't stop! We are with you and support you.
I’m sorry, were you saying something?