I too hate those form letter responses that usually have nothing to do with the issue at hand. But don't let that stop you. Even if the response is canned and irrelevant, your opinion has been read and tallied. No one of us will change the world alone, but all of us together have power.
I am ready to do what i can they have now stopped some senior citizens Social Security checks one here in Ca said that all he has for his parkinson’s they have delayed it then he got it. One didn’t get there. I lf I don’t get mine I will be kick out of my APT. WORKED 55yrs evil people are destroying our lives for their own thrill how in god name is this happening. Senior said they will not live with this type of threat after serving our Country this would happen they will take their own life instead of living in fear from an evil man how did this happen without some type of fell safe
Nana, thanks for sharing your feelings (yes, 'feelings', not just comments). The people whose lives you have shared above, I share -- quite literally. I am an 80-yr old former university lecturer, now living in Thailand because I can't afford to live in my own country. I have Parkinson's. I live solely in social security. I am an avid writer on Substack, very critical of what's happening in U.S. , also very afraid I'll be a target of musk's DOGE.
This is the first time I've read Feathers of Hope, will subscribe to continue reading.
Jerry, I'm so impressed by what you're doing and the thoroughness of your site. Keep up good work.
Thank you, I’ve went through my crying stages when the ass was announced winner to MAGA my angry stage I am still there. I truly believe it was rigged, bought and Russia
3Bomb threats musk paying people to sign a petition then results transfer via STARLINK. OF LETS NOT FORGET VOTOER SUPPRESSION WHICH WAS 2 weeks prior to election. I feel strongly this was planned. He could afford to lose or prison/ MUSK SAME he had 4 investigations into his companies. One last thing Tesla forced him out as CEO in Nov he was demanding large amount of buy out $$ something happen there. He real not a good business person he takes over companies by bullying CEO OUT zip2 he did same thing sold for $300m tesla and twitter he cause friction on Board after he bought shares then was angry on line with that board owner threw out wild numbers to sell which wasn’t a good buy out at all however he was pissed that what Musk does bullying people threatening using his money that why so many kids he first wines, dines and spends $$ on these women then he Controls them. Ex said once you disagree he cuts you off or Divorce you then takes all away. Psychologist. Thinks that’s what he’s doing to TRUMP they doubt it will last much longer DJT is short fused should be interesting because Musk has already screwed up SSA CHECKS NOT BE SENT LAST SEVERAL MONTHS.
I am going to be honest I don’t if I don’t get my Check I am homeless.
I can’t believe America is at this point in time either. I kept posted about Orban going to Fl seeing Trump then when the GOP flew to Hungray I knew Orban was dirty giving Republicans and Trump the HOWS to take over our Gov.
Then last was Medias Mighty Group was watching DJT CLOSELY he flew to Dulles airport didn’t get out of plane not an hour later Putin Plane landed coasted to DJT plane Someone (guess it could been Ambassador from Russian)went into DJT plane for several hours. The whole thing is like spy crap. Trump I am sure gave Putin Classified info still is.
I feel strong TRUMP IS A FOREIGN ASSET OR RUSSIAN SPY SINCE 1987. I remember the big deal Russia made with he and first wife! She could been a mail Bride set up by Russia thru Czechoslovakia I lived on East Coast then Trump was so open about going there that he bragged for years to Newspapers etc. no one thought a thing about unless Gov knew more it should’ve said so. Former FBI agent even said DJT was a Russian Asset
So here we are in Damn NIGHTMARE that MAGA CULT HAS CAUSED WITH MUSK $$ HES PISSED FOR HIS FAIMLY BE KICK OUT OF S AFRICA?
I have sick feeling if we don’t stop Trump soon he will Destroyed us I mean America and Americans.
He’s taking over
MEDIA
SOCIAL MEDIA
STOCK MARKETS
EQUITY FIRMS WHO OWN GROCERY STORIES AND OF COURSE ONE COMPANY THATS PUT EVERY SELF RESPECTING BUSINESS OUT OF BUSINESS
PHARMACIES, SHOE, CLOTHING STORE ETC LOOK WHAT BEZO NEEDS OR WHATS GOV CONTRACTS LIKE MUSK? These greedy billionaires want TRUMPS NOT SMART ENOUGH FOR ALL THIS I THINK ITS STEPHEN MILLER & RACIST WIFE
AMAZON
SO YOU KNOW WHY THEIR NN
THREATENING OUR CLOSEST ALLIES WHERE AMERICANS COULD GET HELP
IF AMERICANS DONT PROTEST LIKE HUNGARY THIS LAST WEEKEND OVER 350, 000 people in one area we must do better and bigger as well as
BOYCOTT AMAZON HES A WEAK LINK DONT THINK HES GOING TO $$ for DJT PETER THEIL, & MUSK ARE FROM S AFRICA & THEIL HUSBAND FROM CO THEY COULD BE MORE LEVEL HEADED
MUSK HAS ANGRY ISSUE
READ THE FEATHER FOR HOPE
VOTER SUPPRESSION REPORT BY Economic professor GREGG LAPLAST ITS AN EYE OPENER ON REPUBLICAN HAVE BEEN DOING.
KEN PAXTON THE WORSE HAD MULTI CHARGERS FUNNY HOW THEY DISAPPEARED
OK I AM SORRY I JUST LOOKED HOW LONG IVE BEEN WRITING I AM SORRY
WE MUST FIGHT HARD IN PROTESTING IT UP TO AMERICANS OUR ELECTED MEMBERS ARE EITHER SCARED ORE BEEN BRIBED NOT SURE
BOYCOTTING COMPANIES TO HURT THESE CLOWNS LIKE
facebook
Amazon
X
Thread, Instagram What’s up App
Tesla
Wash Post
Wall Street Journal
LA Times Coke Cola, MCDONALDS
?? Add to list and let’s set dates and do this for a week plan ahead WE CAN MAKE THIS WORK.
Billionaires only feel their bottom line that’s all
Indivisible is doing the same thing I can see if they would help advertise it throughout the country. It’s worth a shot.
I can think of only 2 things that could stop all this crazy
1. DJT DIES
2 IMPEACHMENT AND THERE IS AWAY FOUND TO WE MUST NOT WAIT!!!long musk tears up long he gets cozy. NOW Defined courts who gave him idea Orbon he removed all the judges in Hungary. THIS IS A COUP ITS TREASON
THANKS FOR READING MY RANT I AM ANGRY PLEASE FORGIVE THE HURRIED WRITING IF I MISSED WORDS
Great comments, Nana. I have absolutely been boycotting every company on your list. Add Target for dropping DEI. And Home Depot. And only buy essentials in general.
Jacquelyn, It's sad that I've reached a point where I almost wish the clowns do reach out and touch the "third rail", though the result of doing that scares the wits out of me.
It would be the Humpty Dumpty moment and all the king's horses and all the king's men won't put Humpty together again. It isn't just the 72 million people who are collecting SS, but also the fact that the men & women who would defend the 'king' are likely children or grandchildren of those 72 million. It would be a new America.
Short of that, a move by Humpty or Muskrat to take that action would bring a fast impeachment.
I grew up on Long Island and we were taught at a very young age to avoid the LIRR's third rail. SS has earned that name because the effect of touching it will be the same; it will be the last thing you ever do.
It's so sad that people would take their own lives. But it's totally understandable, especially for those who are near life's end and would prefer not to be miserable and afraid.
It's great to know that there is an impeachment strategy in place, and that it is being planned methodically and with some patience. Of course this is also difficult, because of the rapid cascade of actions that are seeming to render Congress more and more passive, and the need to get this president out of office feels more urgent by the day.
Thanks for the list of the 10 moderates. Perhaps Adam Kinzinger can be persuaded to have conversations with his former colleagues. And the more the economy starts to affect their constituents, the more they will be to understand that MAGA has no long-term prospects. The fear of being 'primaried' may fade.
One person like Jill can forward them to "influencers" and talking heads on social media. Last night MSNBC showed several Republican House members validating complaints about Trump/Putin and Musk. Those are the folks we need.
So far, Meidas and MSNBC have not reported about Feathers of Hope. Nobody in MSM.
Jerry, would it also be worthwhile to promote a campaign of written and signed letters sent to the offices of the potentially recruitable Republican congressmen? This would be in addition to the phone campaign. Phone calls are received by staffers who log the content and keep score, but a typed, concise letter stands a chance of eventually actually being seen by the congressman. I am tempted to include a check to each one, possibly on the order of $10, just to insure the letter isn’t discarded out of hand as being from outside the congressman’s district.
1. Get them on the record. E.G. Do they support Ukraine? Oppose Putin?
2. Picket. Sit in.
3. Re pressure. Local politics. Every car dealer in the US must be appalled by the informercial Trump did for their competitor Mujsk/Tesla! Get the local Chambers of Commerce on the record.
Everyone who depends on government benefits. Social Security. Medicare. Obamacare. VA disability. SSI. Black Lung. Food Stamps.
Yes, Doug! I enthusiastically agree. I know some people will say that letters just go straight to the waste basket, but I've never heard that from someone working in a Congressperson's office. I'm a big fan of letter writing, so long as it's respectful and brief enough so the reader won't skip over it.
I'm going to edit this post to include addresses. Thank you!
This is a great piece Jerry and it echos my thoughts.
I've thought about this more than I should have, and I've come to agree with the 'Yes' votes. A no vote just played into the Republican's strategy, leaving them with the "The Dems shut the government down, it's their fault" campaign line. Anyone who discounts the power of that marketing message is living in an unreality of the world. There's little difference between the two options they had, but giving them the ammo of a shutdown would have been a critical mistake going forward.
And yes, Unite! And yes, remember "Keep your eyes on the prize". The time for worrying about principles is not now. Run Blue Dogs where Blue dogs are needed and Bulldogs where they are needed.
Here's another list, the top races where republicans won by slim margins and should be easy targets in 2026:
U.S. House Colorado District 8 Gabe Evans
U.S. House Iowa District 1 Mariannette Miller-Meeks
Thanks Mike. Great list. Not surprisingly many of these are either among the ten I listed in today's post, or among the additional ten I intend to add next post. Their slim margins reflect the close Rep/Dem nature of their districts.
The prize hasn't changed, nor have we lost focus and there's no doubt that some of the language directed at Schumer was intemperate, but Abe Lincoln faced as serious a situation as we are and didn't hesitate to change generals until he found one that was willing to persevere through the hard times. Schumer can keep his seat in the Senate, he's just the wrong guy to be leading the Senate caucus right now. Chris Murphy comes to mind, as does Amy Klobuchar. Cory Booker seems to be stepping up again but mostly for fundraising purposes.
I completely agree that Senate Democrats need new leadership, Dave. I said as much in my post. Mr. Lincoln did indeed replace his generals, but he never called them cowards or traitors (at least not that we know).
As you know, electing a Senate Minority Leader is the job of the Senators themselves. That means someone has to step forward and say they want it. Looking at you, Ms. Klobuchar . . .
All are Cuban Americans, a group in essence targeted by DOGE as DEI. Most government offices need bi-lingual employees, and they are "first out" under DOGE. 2 of the 3 had been Dems, Gimenez as recently as 2019, when he was a Dem mayor. DiazBalart's brother, Jose, is a talking head on MSNBC.
I probably would already be on BlueSky if I'd ever been on FB or Twit. I just never had the time, or the interest, for social media of that sort. Writing here, and all the reading that the writing requires in order to say something of value, takes up all the time this part of my life is allowed. (I try to maintain some balance by spending an hour or two at the piano whenever possible.)
Still, if you think it would be helpful to the cause, I should check it out. Thanks again.
Thank you for posting the #s for us to call. at first when i heard Schumer 'caved', i was so angry, til i heard his very reasoned explanation. talk about being caught between a rock and a hard place - a Sophie's Choice!
Right you are, Wendy! This was no easy choice. Had Schumer and the others voted No, the government would be totally shut down today -- and tomorrow, and likely next week, maybe for weeks after that. What happens next would be anybody's guess either way.
At least no one can blame the Dems for shutting everything down.
I trust Bernie and AOC, so generally follow their lead. But for me it was close enough that I'd readily go the other way if those two had made that choice. The problem for Schumer is that he'd already lost the trust of the people by the time the issue arose.
Not the trust of all people, just some people, who made a lot of loud noise, drowning out a lot of folks trying to say something else. It's a matter of being willing to listen respectfully, instead of grabbing onto a perspective and refusing to at least consider all the ramifications. This gets in the way of coming to a common working together, with the differences making us stronger *because* we allow room for difference.
Thanks, trumps is flinging distracting garbage at us so fast and furiously that we loose track of what’s actually vitally important! We have to stop djt and his vile henchmen!!! The coup must END!
I now live near Portland, Oregon and I know why the University of Oregon is known as The Mighty Ducks. Would love to meet others who follow you or start my own tribe. We've come a long way since 1966. My daughters are grown I have 2 grandsons, Jack is graduating this year and going to University of Oregon in the Fall. My son in law is French and we are all on board with your incite. My youngest daughter (54) lives in Berkeley. I do not need to say more. Her husband went to Cal and the two of them are a delight when we get together to talk politics. Thank you for your incite.
Until a million or + are ready to stand in DC with a simple list of demands, removal of the king/ a traitor, throwing everything under the bus and getting onboad with Putin and any co-conspirators that do not want to work directly fr the majority for Americans. There's many more items to chat about but it's all words until the people rise up and make demands.
You're right that Schumer is not the enemy – but he's not projecting strength either. We need vibrant, fresh, type-A leadership. He should step aside and let someone else take it from here.
I think we are still in the mode of thinking we need a messiah who never makes mistakes, always gets things right the first time, and will charismatically lead us to victory without any effort. For all we know, Schumer is exactly the right man in the right place. Give him credit for all he's done and say thank you. Is it his job to project strength, or is it his job to carefully navigate through the chaos of the Congress. Is it possible that we are asking him for the wrong things? I don't know the answers. I do know that we've fallen right into the pit Trump wants us in.
I understand what you're saying about letting the perfect be the enemy of the good. I don't dislike Schumer and I often agree with him, but I do believe, with very little doubt in my mind, that he's no longer an effective leader. We certainly don't need a savior. We also don't need to fall into the trap of a circular firing squad. There is absolutely room for Schumer and his style of politics — just not at the top. And it's the hubris of luminaries or "messiahs" like Biden, RGB, etc. hanging on until it was too late. We lost the WH in part because Biden went back in his promise to cede leadership to a younger generation after serving one term. We lost a seat on the SC because RBG didn't retire. Don't get me wrong, these two were dedicated public servants and I respect them for that but they made poor strategic decisions allowing personal ambition in service to themselves to blind them to channeling that ambition into a check on power among the branches of government. Schumer would do well to check his ego and lend support to leaders that meet the moment.
"The episode also revealed a glaring weakness among grassroots activist organizers. As is often the case when passionate engagement is driving a social movement, divergent viewpoints come to be seen as unfaithfulness to the cause."
~~~~
I am fully aware of the dangers of the Democratic propensity for circular firing squads and the frequent use of purity tests to impede coalition building, but the need for Schumer to step down from his leadership position is neither of these things.
I value the wisdom of age, this belief is self-serving because I am Schumer’s junior by only 6 months.
However, the wisdom I have acquired with age, is that my paradigms must be constantly evaluated and relentlessly challenged. I understand that the Beltway Bubble works against such self-reflection. The many years in Congress have taught senior members useful skills, it is just that those skills are no longer relevant. The OLD RULES are meaningless, when the leaders of the coup, follow no rules.
An equally troubling aspect of the action taken by Schumer on Friday is the utter betrayal of the thousands upon thousands of grassroots activists who have worked tirelessly for the past 8 years, with basically no notice (and certainly no serious engagement) from the Democratic party.
How do you rally the troops when you have lost all trust?
I do not see the grassroots efforts right now as an extension of the Democratic party. Many of the people active are Dems, but many are independent, some are progressives, some are old-fashioned conservatives and some are admitted Republicans who are concerned about what is going on and want to help get us back on track. This grassroots is not partisan. We are working together to protect our Constitution and our ability to make rational decisions collectively through the mechanisms established by the Constitution. I refuse to draw lines in the sand.
Thanks Tatiana.
I too hate those form letter responses that usually have nothing to do with the issue at hand. But don't let that stop you. Even if the response is canned and irrelevant, your opinion has been read and tallied. No one of us will change the world alone, but all of us together have power.
I am ready to do what i can they have now stopped some senior citizens Social Security checks one here in Ca said that all he has for his parkinson’s they have delayed it then he got it. One didn’t get there. I lf I don’t get mine I will be kick out of my APT. WORKED 55yrs evil people are destroying our lives for their own thrill how in god name is this happening. Senior said they will not live with this type of threat after serving our Country this would happen they will take their own life instead of living in fear from an evil man how did this happen without some type of fell safe
Feature. Shame on all GOP
Nana, thanks for sharing your feelings (yes, 'feelings', not just comments). The people whose lives you have shared above, I share -- quite literally. I am an 80-yr old former university lecturer, now living in Thailand because I can't afford to live in my own country. I have Parkinson's. I live solely in social security. I am an avid writer on Substack, very critical of what's happening in U.S. , also very afraid I'll be a target of musk's DOGE.
This is the first time I've read Feathers of Hope, will subscribe to continue reading.
Jerry, I'm so impressed by what you're doing and the thoroughness of your site. Keep up good work.
Thank you, I’ve went through my crying stages when the ass was announced winner to MAGA my angry stage I am still there. I truly believe it was rigged, bought and Russia
3Bomb threats musk paying people to sign a petition then results transfer via STARLINK. OF LETS NOT FORGET VOTOER SUPPRESSION WHICH WAS 2 weeks prior to election. I feel strongly this was planned. He could afford to lose or prison/ MUSK SAME he had 4 investigations into his companies. One last thing Tesla forced him out as CEO in Nov he was demanding large amount of buy out $$ something happen there. He real not a good business person he takes over companies by bullying CEO OUT zip2 he did same thing sold for $300m tesla and twitter he cause friction on Board after he bought shares then was angry on line with that board owner threw out wild numbers to sell which wasn’t a good buy out at all however he was pissed that what Musk does bullying people threatening using his money that why so many kids he first wines, dines and spends $$ on these women then he Controls them. Ex said once you disagree he cuts you off or Divorce you then takes all away. Psychologist. Thinks that’s what he’s doing to TRUMP they doubt it will last much longer DJT is short fused should be interesting because Musk has already screwed up SSA CHECKS NOT BE SENT LAST SEVERAL MONTHS.
I am going to be honest I don’t if I don’t get my Check I am homeless.
I can’t believe America is at this point in time either. I kept posted about Orban going to Fl seeing Trump then when the GOP flew to Hungray I knew Orban was dirty giving Republicans and Trump the HOWS to take over our Gov.
Then last was Medias Mighty Group was watching DJT CLOSELY he flew to Dulles airport didn’t get out of plane not an hour later Putin Plane landed coasted to DJT plane Someone (guess it could been Ambassador from Russian)went into DJT plane for several hours. The whole thing is like spy crap. Trump I am sure gave Putin Classified info still is.
I feel strong TRUMP IS A FOREIGN ASSET OR RUSSIAN SPY SINCE 1987. I remember the big deal Russia made with he and first wife! She could been a mail Bride set up by Russia thru Czechoslovakia I lived on East Coast then Trump was so open about going there that he bragged for years to Newspapers etc. no one thought a thing about unless Gov knew more it should’ve said so. Former FBI agent even said DJT was a Russian Asset
So here we are in Damn NIGHTMARE that MAGA CULT HAS CAUSED WITH MUSK $$ HES PISSED FOR HIS FAIMLY BE KICK OUT OF S AFRICA?
I have sick feeling if we don’t stop Trump soon he will Destroyed us I mean America and Americans.
He’s taking over
MEDIA
SOCIAL MEDIA
STOCK MARKETS
EQUITY FIRMS WHO OWN GROCERY STORIES AND OF COURSE ONE COMPANY THATS PUT EVERY SELF RESPECTING BUSINESS OUT OF BUSINESS
PHARMACIES, SHOE, CLOTHING STORE ETC LOOK WHAT BEZO NEEDS OR WHATS GOV CONTRACTS LIKE MUSK? These greedy billionaires want TRUMPS NOT SMART ENOUGH FOR ALL THIS I THINK ITS STEPHEN MILLER & RACIST WIFE
AMAZON
SO YOU KNOW WHY THEIR NN
THREATENING OUR CLOSEST ALLIES WHERE AMERICANS COULD GET HELP
IF AMERICANS DONT PROTEST LIKE HUNGARY THIS LAST WEEKEND OVER 350, 000 people in one area we must do better and bigger as well as
BOYCOTT AMAZON HES A WEAK LINK DONT THINK HES GOING TO $$ for DJT PETER THEIL, & MUSK ARE FROM S AFRICA & THEIL HUSBAND FROM CO THEY COULD BE MORE LEVEL HEADED
MUSK HAS ANGRY ISSUE
READ THE FEATHER FOR HOPE
VOTER SUPPRESSION REPORT BY Economic professor GREGG LAPLAST ITS AN EYE OPENER ON REPUBLICAN HAVE BEEN DOING.
KEN PAXTON THE WORSE HAD MULTI CHARGERS FUNNY HOW THEY DISAPPEARED
OK I AM SORRY I JUST LOOKED HOW LONG IVE BEEN WRITING I AM SORRY
WE MUST FIGHT HARD IN PROTESTING IT UP TO AMERICANS OUR ELECTED MEMBERS ARE EITHER SCARED ORE BEEN BRIBED NOT SURE
BOYCOTTING COMPANIES TO HURT THESE CLOWNS LIKE
facebook
Amazon
X
Thread, Instagram What’s up App
Tesla
Wash Post
Wall Street Journal
LA Times Coke Cola, MCDONALDS
?? Add to list and let’s set dates and do this for a week plan ahead WE CAN MAKE THIS WORK.
Billionaires only feel their bottom line that’s all
Indivisible is doing the same thing I can see if they would help advertise it throughout the country. It’s worth a shot.
I can think of only 2 things that could stop all this crazy
1. DJT DIES
2 IMPEACHMENT AND THERE IS AWAY FOUND TO WE MUST NOT WAIT!!!long musk tears up long he gets cozy. NOW Defined courts who gave him idea Orbon he removed all the judges in Hungary. THIS IS A COUP ITS TREASON
THANKS FOR READING MY RANT I AM ANGRY PLEASE FORGIVE THE HURRIED WRITING IF I MISSED WORDS
Try to have a good day!!
Feel free to rant Nana. This is a good place to do it, as you'll find a very sympathetic group of readers.
Great comments, Nana. I have absolutely been boycotting every company on your list. Add Target for dropping DEI. And Home Depot. And only buy essentials in general.
Thank you Jacquelyn, and welcome aboard. I just read your post about originalism, excellent explanation. I've subscribed and look forward to part 2.
Jacquelyn, It's sad that I've reached a point where I almost wish the clowns do reach out and touch the "third rail", though the result of doing that scares the wits out of me.
It would be the Humpty Dumpty moment and all the king's horses and all the king's men won't put Humpty together again. It isn't just the 72 million people who are collecting SS, but also the fact that the men & women who would defend the 'king' are likely children or grandchildren of those 72 million. It would be a new America.
Short of that, a move by Humpty or Muskrat to take that action would bring a fast impeachment.
I grew up on Long Island and we were taught at a very young age to avoid the LIRR's third rail. SS has earned that name because the effect of touching it will be the same; it will be the last thing you ever do.
It's so sad that people would take their own lives. But it's totally understandable, especially for those who are near life's end and would prefer not to be miserable and afraid.
It's great to know that there is an impeachment strategy in place, and that it is being planned methodically and with some patience. Of course this is also difficult, because of the rapid cascade of actions that are seeming to render Congress more and more passive, and the need to get this president out of office feels more urgent by the day.
Thanks for the list of the 10 moderates. Perhaps Adam Kinzinger can be persuaded to have conversations with his former colleagues. And the more the economy starts to affect their constituents, the more they will be to understand that MAGA has no long-term prospects. The fear of being 'primaried' may fade.
All members of Congress are influenced by their constituents and donors. Many have relatives that pressure them.
That would be good, Jill. Maybe if a lot of people forwarded one (or more) of the Feathers Impeachment posts to Mr. Kiinzinger, he'd get on board.
One person like Jill can forward them to "influencers" and talking heads on social media. Last night MSNBC showed several Republican House members validating complaints about Trump/Putin and Musk. Those are the folks we need.
So far, Meidas and MSNBC have not reported about Feathers of Hope. Nobody in MSM.
Jerry, would it also be worthwhile to promote a campaign of written and signed letters sent to the offices of the potentially recruitable Republican congressmen? This would be in addition to the phone campaign. Phone calls are received by staffers who log the content and keep score, but a typed, concise letter stands a chance of eventually actually being seen by the congressman. I am tempted to include a check to each one, possibly on the order of $10, just to insure the letter isn’t discarded out of hand as being from outside the congressman’s district.
OK. But face to face is best. Take a cellphone.
1. Get them on the record. E.G. Do they support Ukraine? Oppose Putin?
2. Picket. Sit in.
3. Re pressure. Local politics. Every car dealer in the US must be appalled by the informercial Trump did for their competitor Mujsk/Tesla! Get the local Chambers of Commerce on the record.
Everyone who depends on government benefits. Social Security. Medicare. Obamacare. VA disability. SSI. Black Lung. Food Stamps.
All good !
Jump in !
I won’t make it to every congressional district, you can hit yours !
I do. Daily.
Thank you so much for all you do, Daniel -- especially the sharing of my posts. More than a few new members have joined because of you.
Yes, Doug! I enthusiastically agree. I know some people will say that letters just go straight to the waste basket, but I've never heard that from someone working in a Congressperson's office. I'm a big fan of letter writing, so long as it's respectful and brief enough so the reader won't skip over it.
I'm going to edit this post to include addresses. Thank you!
This is a great piece Jerry and it echos my thoughts.
I've thought about this more than I should have, and I've come to agree with the 'Yes' votes. A no vote just played into the Republican's strategy, leaving them with the "The Dems shut the government down, it's their fault" campaign line. Anyone who discounts the power of that marketing message is living in an unreality of the world. There's little difference between the two options they had, but giving them the ammo of a shutdown would have been a critical mistake going forward.
And yes, Unite! And yes, remember "Keep your eyes on the prize". The time for worrying about principles is not now. Run Blue Dogs where Blue dogs are needed and Bulldogs where they are needed.
Here's another list, the top races where republicans won by slim margins and should be easy targets in 2026:
U.S. House Colorado District 8 Gabe Evans
U.S. House Iowa District 1 Mariannette Miller-Meeks
U.S. House Arizona District 6 Juan Ciscomani
U.S. House Michigan District 7 Tom Barrett
U.S. House Pennsylvania District 7 Ryan Mackenzie
U.S. House Pennsylvania District 10 Scott Perry
U.S. House Pennsylvania District 8 Rob Bresnahan
U.S. House Virginia District 2 Jen Kiggans
U.S. House Colorado District 3 Jeff Hurd
U.S. House Nebraska District 2 Don Bacon
U.S. House Michigan District 10 John James
U.S. House Wisconsin District 3 Derrick Van Orden
U.S. House California District 41 Ken Calvert
U.S. House Iowa District 3 Zach Nunn
U.S. House New Jersey District 7 Thomas Kean Jr.
U.S. House Arizona District 1 David Schweikert
U.S. House Washington District 4 Dan Newhouse
Turn up the heat united!
Thanks Mike. Great list. Not surprisingly many of these are either among the ten I listed in today's post, or among the additional ten I intend to add next post. Their slim margins reflect the close Rep/Dem nature of their districts.
THaNK Y0u ALL. EVerYBODY: PaSs THIS ON . . . and ON and ON and ON. DON’T STOP RePeaTinG iT
OK. . . .LeT’s Be SCaTTeR-Seeding This LisT FaR & Wide.
I
f Y0u CaN’T M0Ve ab0uT -buT Y0u CaN WRiTe-
WRiTe, WRiTe: WRiTe LeTTers to Pe0PLe, EdiT0Rs, P0LiTiCiaNs, CR0NieS, ReCRuiT M0Re WRiTeRs, MaKe SigNs, HaVe a GaTHeRiNg, ReCRuiT M0Re SiGN-MaKeRs . . .
The prize hasn't changed, nor have we lost focus and there's no doubt that some of the language directed at Schumer was intemperate, but Abe Lincoln faced as serious a situation as we are and didn't hesitate to change generals until he found one that was willing to persevere through the hard times. Schumer can keep his seat in the Senate, he's just the wrong guy to be leading the Senate caucus right now. Chris Murphy comes to mind, as does Amy Klobuchar. Cory Booker seems to be stepping up again but mostly for fundraising purposes.
I completely agree that Senate Democrats need new leadership, Dave. I said as much in my post. Mr. Lincoln did indeed replace his generals, but he never called them cowards or traitors (at least not that we know).
As you know, electing a Senate Minority Leader is the job of the Senators themselves. That means someone has to step forward and say they want it. Looking at you, Ms. Klobuchar . . .
Jerry:
1. Please join Bluesky. I've been posting...
2. Do press releases. Noone on MSM is discussing the concept of shared government.
3. All politics is local. Please add three Miami Dade county FL Republican House members as targets. All have a history of bipartisanship. https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/diaz-balart-joins-gimenez-salazar-wasserman-shultz-moskowitz-and-rubio
https://gimenez.house.gov/2025/1/gim-nez-d-az-balart-and-salazar-stand-in-solidarity-with-the-venezuelan-people
All support Ukraine. Reject Putin.
All are Cuban Americans, a group in essence targeted by DOGE as DEI. Most government offices need bi-lingual employees, and they are "first out" under DOGE. 2 of the 3 had been Dems, Gimenez as recently as 2019, when he was a Dem mayor. DiazBalart's brother, Jose, is a talking head on MSNBC.
Thanks for liking my reply post, Daniel.
- Jacquelyn
Thanks for the additional names, Daniel.
I probably would already be on BlueSky if I'd ever been on FB or Twit. I just never had the time, or the interest, for social media of that sort. Writing here, and all the reading that the writing requires in order to say something of value, takes up all the time this part of my life is allowed. (I try to maintain some balance by spending an hour or two at the piano whenever possible.)
Still, if you think it would be helpful to the cause, I should check it out. Thanks again.
.
If only as another outlet with perhaps a wider range of audience than Substack and, so far, fewer trolls.
Jerry, a well-written, thoughtfully constructed plea for Democrats to unite rather than descend into circular firing squads!
So important that we not fall into the usual Dem trap of infighting and purity tests.
Thank you for posting the #s for us to call. at first when i heard Schumer 'caved', i was so angry, til i heard his very reasoned explanation. talk about being caught between a rock and a hard place - a Sophie's Choice!
Right you are, Wendy! This was no easy choice. Had Schumer and the others voted No, the government would be totally shut down today -- and tomorrow, and likely next week, maybe for weeks after that. What happens next would be anybody's guess either way.
At least no one can blame the Dems for shutting everything down.
I trust Bernie and AOC, so generally follow their lead. But for me it was close enough that I'd readily go the other way if those two had made that choice. The problem for Schumer is that he'd already lost the trust of the people by the time the issue arose.
Not the trust of all people, just some people, who made a lot of loud noise, drowning out a lot of folks trying to say something else. It's a matter of being willing to listen respectfully, instead of grabbing onto a perspective and refusing to at least consider all the ramifications. This gets in the way of coming to a common working together, with the differences making us stronger *because* we allow room for difference.
Thanks, trumps is flinging distracting garbage at us so fast and furiously that we loose track of what’s actually vitally important! We have to stop djt and his vile henchmen!!! The coup must END!
Hi Mary Jo -- really appreciate you pitching in.
💙👀🏆👀💙
I now live near Portland, Oregon and I know why the University of Oregon is known as The Mighty Ducks. Would love to meet others who follow you or start my own tribe. We've come a long way since 1966. My daughters are grown I have 2 grandsons, Jack is graduating this year and going to University of Oregon in the Fall. My son in law is French and we are all on board with your incite. My youngest daughter (54) lives in Berkeley. I do not need to say more. Her husband went to Cal and the two of them are a delight when we get together to talk politics. Thank you for your incite.
Until a million or + are ready to stand in DC with a simple list of demands, removal of the king/ a traitor, throwing everything under the bus and getting onboad with Putin and any co-conspirators that do not want to work directly fr the majority for Americans. There's many more items to chat about but it's all words until the people rise up and make demands.
Hands Off, nationwide, April 5th. If there's not one near you, create one. Indivisible.org is one place to start,
Yes!
You're right that Schumer is not the enemy – but he's not projecting strength either. We need vibrant, fresh, type-A leadership. He should step aside and let someone else take it from here.
I think we are still in the mode of thinking we need a messiah who never makes mistakes, always gets things right the first time, and will charismatically lead us to victory without any effort. For all we know, Schumer is exactly the right man in the right place. Give him credit for all he's done and say thank you. Is it his job to project strength, or is it his job to carefully navigate through the chaos of the Congress. Is it possible that we are asking him for the wrong things? I don't know the answers. I do know that we've fallen right into the pit Trump wants us in.
I understand what you're saying about letting the perfect be the enemy of the good. I don't dislike Schumer and I often agree with him, but I do believe, with very little doubt in my mind, that he's no longer an effective leader. We certainly don't need a savior. We also don't need to fall into the trap of a circular firing squad. There is absolutely room for Schumer and his style of politics — just not at the top. And it's the hubris of luminaries or "messiahs" like Biden, RGB, etc. hanging on until it was too late. We lost the WH in part because Biden went back in his promise to cede leadership to a younger generation after serving one term. We lost a seat on the SC because RBG didn't retire. Don't get me wrong, these two were dedicated public servants and I respect them for that but they made poor strategic decisions allowing personal ambition in service to themselves to blind them to channeling that ambition into a check on power among the branches of government. Schumer would do well to check his ego and lend support to leaders that meet the moment.
"The episode also revealed a glaring weakness among grassroots activist organizers. As is often the case when passionate engagement is driving a social movement, divergent viewpoints come to be seen as unfaithfulness to the cause."
~~~~
I am fully aware of the dangers of the Democratic propensity for circular firing squads and the frequent use of purity tests to impede coalition building, but the need for Schumer to step down from his leadership position is neither of these things.
I value the wisdom of age, this belief is self-serving because I am Schumer’s junior by only 6 months.
However, the wisdom I have acquired with age, is that my paradigms must be constantly evaluated and relentlessly challenged. I understand that the Beltway Bubble works against such self-reflection. The many years in Congress have taught senior members useful skills, it is just that those skills are no longer relevant. The OLD RULES are meaningless, when the leaders of the coup, follow no rules.
An equally troubling aspect of the action taken by Schumer on Friday is the utter betrayal of the thousands upon thousands of grassroots activists who have worked tirelessly for the past 8 years, with basically no notice (and certainly no serious engagement) from the Democratic party.
How do you rally the troops when you have lost all trust?
I do not see the grassroots efforts right now as an extension of the Democratic party. Many of the people active are Dems, but many are independent, some are progressives, some are old-fashioned conservatives and some are admitted Republicans who are concerned about what is going on and want to help get us back on track. This grassroots is not partisan. We are working together to protect our Constitution and our ability to make rational decisions collectively through the mechanisms established by the Constitution. I refuse to draw lines in the sand.