Street fighting is the best because 1) you know you're going to get hurt and 2) There are no rules, something the Republicans know far better that the Democrats.
Jack, as a long time reader I have to say, for me personally these posts are getting increasingly depressing. IS THERE ANY EVIDENCE THAT ANY DEMOCRATS are doing any of these things? (I don't think there is.) IF there is any evidence, can you please point it out as often as possible? Otherwise, the entire situation you are describing so well makes me want to sell the house/car/possessions and leave the country. (And if I didn't own a house I might have done this already.) I cannot be the only person who feels this way, can I?
I hear you, Judith...and no, you’re not the only one feeling this way.
One reason I keep hammering on this is because the absence of visible...coordinated action from Democratic leadership is exactly what fuels that hopelessness.
Now...what the brave Texas Democrats are doing right now is honorable...and I back their actions 100%. It’s important they took that stand for the optics...to show people they’re willing to put skin in the game. But here’s the truth: in the end...this fight in Texas was always going to end the same way at some point...the GOP was going to get their maps...whether now or later.
That’s why I keep saying that a more coordinated...relentless...national onslaught of the kinds of actions I’ve described in previous articles is the only real shot at slowing this authoritarian machinery. Isolated standoffs make headlines...but sustained pressure... legal...procedural...and strategic...is what actually grinds their momentum down.
And while we do have scattered examples of Democrats using those tools...they’re too rare...too localized...and never scaled up the way they need to be. For example, Gavin Newsom has been relatively assertive and filed some lawsuits. I, like everyone else...rally behind him...and it creates a flash of hope.
However, one Governor trying to do this alone is like trying to put out a forest fire with a squirt gun. When I see people like Newsom...I’ll point them out...because even small wins prove the strategy can work...and however small, counts for something. But until our leaders unleash that all-hands-on-deck urgency...the timeline keeps shrinking.
The temptation to check out...sell the house...and get out is real. I’ve heard it from a lot of people. But walking away hands them the win without a fight. This is ugly...uneven...and far from guaranteed..but it’s still winnable if enough of us refuse to quit.
That said, if I were in a different situation...was a single guy...no kids...or kids all grown adults...maybe I would be looking at exiting as well. So, I can't....and won't...pass judgement on anyone for their choice to leave.
I'm pretty sure if I told me wife, "Start packing. We're leaving the country," she would be in agreeable. It's a topic that has come up about the country in general, and other people who have made that decision.
I have no indication from her that she is secretly wanting to do so, but she trusts my judgement, and is well aware of the changing landscape.
I owe it to you...and my other subscribers...to deliver the truth as clearly and unapologetically as I can...in a way so few others...especially the mainstream media...are willing to do.
Part of me doesn’t enjoy having to say some of the things I say… but the wiser part of me knows it’s my duty...my obligation...and part of the promise I made to you from day one:
To be authentic. To communicate with you in any other way would be a betrayal...not just of my word...but of who I am and what I’m committed to.
Stay tuned. I haven't written a "How to stay calm in chaos" article for a bit...and it was already on my schedule to do. It will be delivered to you...soon.
Thanks for a thoughtful response, Jack. Times like this make me wish I could still drink alcohol (can't - stomach issues) or tolerate being stoned all of the time, as so many people around here seem to be. Sobriety is a bitch sometimes. One other point: is there any evidence that Dem leaders are reading these posts?
You're welcome, Judith. I hear you...lol. Other than maybe a couple of beers a year...I don't drink these days. There are days I'll see a movie with someone relaxing by a fire on a cold evening, sipping whiskey on the rocks. The first impulse is, "Ahhhhh." I was using gummies for a period to help with sleep...but...I found it was starting to dull my mind a bit...and I stopped. My vice, today? Hot Tamales candy. I keep some on my desk...and might have one every now and then. ;)
No. I don't see any evidence of a coordinated nationwide, unified...and offensive strategy by Dem leaders. I wish I could tell you something different.
Thanks, you two. This is an important discussion, and I know many folks who are having it, especially now with the education bullshit going on here in Oklahoma. It’s disgusting.
At the bottom of each of Jacks posts you have options to like (heart) -to repost (both of these affect the substack algorithm)- or to send to others (the arrow) -
when you hit the arrow, there’s an option to copy this post as a link which you can then paste to an email or on BLUESKY - send these posts to our Democratic representatives and media hosts - they need to hear Jacks call to action by the democrats from as many followers of Jack Hopkins newsletters as possible - we are fighting to take back our country from the Fascists in the midterm elections and we need to DEMAND that our elected representatives do everything they can in a coordinated effort or hear about their inaction - never give up!
I just wrote a "strongly worded letter (Governor Abbott is rigging Texas elections) to Josh Riley and will send a copy to Kirsten Gillibrand. Not sure if sending anything to Chuck Schumer wouldn't be a waste of time. I was very polite. Mostly. I just wish I could see more from the elected Democrats. Is it just me or are they becoming more and more impotent?
That being said, I may have to drop out of this for awhile and nurse my ulcer, tension headache, and insomnia. But I probably won't.
I wake up each morning with concern but I also know that to give up is unacceptable. I had a dream last night that my mother said I would see real change for the better as long as I continue to believe in democracy and the fight for a better country. My mother would have turned 92 on the 17th of August and she has been gone 9 years since the 19th of August. My mother always assured me that those who fight will prevail. My mother's life was filled with moments that I believe she used to make things better for her, myself and my sister. I would be remiss if I didn't state that most of the ugly in her life was created by my father who even after he left continued to be a cruel as human being as possible (I personally equate his personality to VILE PILE the current occupant of the WH). I will stop here because the darkness that rises up in me about my father sometimes overwhelms the need to move forward. Thank you for your insights and letting me vent.
Great article, and call to action Jack.
I agree, it's time to treat this like the street fight that it is, not like it's a boxing match with rules and a referee.
Gloves off folks.
Bingo, Bob. Right on target.
Street fighting is the best because 1) you know you're going to get hurt and 2) There are no rules, something the Republicans know far better that the Democrats.
Jack, as a long time reader I have to say, for me personally these posts are getting increasingly depressing. IS THERE ANY EVIDENCE THAT ANY DEMOCRATS are doing any of these things? (I don't think there is.) IF there is any evidence, can you please point it out as often as possible? Otherwise, the entire situation you are describing so well makes me want to sell the house/car/possessions and leave the country. (And if I didn't own a house I might have done this already.) I cannot be the only person who feels this way, can I?
I hear you, Judith...and no, you’re not the only one feeling this way.
One reason I keep hammering on this is because the absence of visible...coordinated action from Democratic leadership is exactly what fuels that hopelessness.
Now...what the brave Texas Democrats are doing right now is honorable...and I back their actions 100%. It’s important they took that stand for the optics...to show people they’re willing to put skin in the game. But here’s the truth: in the end...this fight in Texas was always going to end the same way at some point...the GOP was going to get their maps...whether now or later.
That’s why I keep saying that a more coordinated...relentless...national onslaught of the kinds of actions I’ve described in previous articles is the only real shot at slowing this authoritarian machinery. Isolated standoffs make headlines...but sustained pressure... legal...procedural...and strategic...is what actually grinds their momentum down.
And while we do have scattered examples of Democrats using those tools...they’re too rare...too localized...and never scaled up the way they need to be. For example, Gavin Newsom has been relatively assertive and filed some lawsuits. I, like everyone else...rally behind him...and it creates a flash of hope.
However, one Governor trying to do this alone is like trying to put out a forest fire with a squirt gun. When I see people like Newsom...I’ll point them out...because even small wins prove the strategy can work...and however small, counts for something. But until our leaders unleash that all-hands-on-deck urgency...the timeline keeps shrinking.
The temptation to check out...sell the house...and get out is real. I’ve heard it from a lot of people. But walking away hands them the win without a fight. This is ugly...uneven...and far from guaranteed..but it’s still winnable if enough of us refuse to quit.
That said, if I were in a different situation...was a single guy...no kids...or kids all grown adults...maybe I would be looking at exiting as well. So, I can't....and won't...pass judgement on anyone for their choice to leave.
I'm pretty sure if I told me wife, "Start packing. We're leaving the country," she would be in agreeable. It's a topic that has come up about the country in general, and other people who have made that decision.
I have no indication from her that she is secretly wanting to do so, but she trusts my judgement, and is well aware of the changing landscape.
I owe it to you...and my other subscribers...to deliver the truth as clearly and unapologetically as I can...in a way so few others...especially the mainstream media...are willing to do.
Part of me doesn’t enjoy having to say some of the things I say… but the wiser part of me knows it’s my duty...my obligation...and part of the promise I made to you from day one:
To be authentic. To communicate with you in any other way would be a betrayal...not just of my word...but of who I am and what I’m committed to.
Stay tuned. I haven't written a "How to stay calm in chaos" article for a bit...and it was already on my schedule to do. It will be delivered to you...soon.
-Jack
Thanks for a thoughtful response, Jack. Times like this make me wish I could still drink alcohol (can't - stomach issues) or tolerate being stoned all of the time, as so many people around here seem to be. Sobriety is a bitch sometimes. One other point: is there any evidence that Dem leaders are reading these posts?
You're welcome, Judith. I hear you...lol. Other than maybe a couple of beers a year...I don't drink these days. There are days I'll see a movie with someone relaxing by a fire on a cold evening, sipping whiskey on the rocks. The first impulse is, "Ahhhhh." I was using gummies for a period to help with sleep...but...I found it was starting to dull my mind a bit...and I stopped. My vice, today? Hot Tamales candy. I keep some on my desk...and might have one every now and then. ;)
No. I don't see any evidence of a coordinated nationwide, unified...and offensive strategy by Dem leaders. I wish I could tell you something different.
At least the Texas Dems seem to have woken up a few governors who are visibly bucking the GOP steamroller -- Indiana, NY...there’s a third i think.
I’m grateful and surprised by Newsom!
He’s got a voice and a brain -- we need him, Prit..., and Hort... to whip up more states!
Thanks, you two. This is an important discussion, and I know many folks who are having it, especially now with the education bullshit going on here in Oklahoma. It’s disgusting.
At the bottom of each of Jacks posts you have options to like (heart) -to repost (both of these affect the substack algorithm)- or to send to others (the arrow) -
when you hit the arrow, there’s an option to copy this post as a link which you can then paste to an email or on BLUESKY - send these posts to our Democratic representatives and media hosts - they need to hear Jacks call to action by the democrats from as many followers of Jack Hopkins newsletters as possible - we are fighting to take back our country from the Fascists in the midterm elections and we need to DEMAND that our elected representatives do everything they can in a coordinated effort or hear about their inaction - never give up!
Great idea!
I just wrote a "strongly worded letter (Governor Abbott is rigging Texas elections) to Josh Riley and will send a copy to Kirsten Gillibrand. Not sure if sending anything to Chuck Schumer wouldn't be a waste of time. I was very polite. Mostly. I just wish I could see more from the elected Democrats. Is it just me or are they becoming more and more impotent?
That being said, I may have to drop out of this for awhile and nurse my ulcer, tension headache, and insomnia. But I probably won't.
Rest, reboot, reload. We need you, Jan.
Absolutely.
I wake up each morning with concern but I also know that to give up is unacceptable. I had a dream last night that my mother said I would see real change for the better as long as I continue to believe in democracy and the fight for a better country. My mother would have turned 92 on the 17th of August and she has been gone 9 years since the 19th of August. My mother always assured me that those who fight will prevail. My mother's life was filled with moments that I believe she used to make things better for her, myself and my sister. I would be remiss if I didn't state that most of the ugly in her life was created by my father who even after he left continued to be a cruel as human being as possible (I personally equate his personality to VILE PILE the current occupant of the WH). I will stop here because the darkness that rises up in me about my father sometimes overwhelms the need to move forward. Thank you for your insights and letting me vent.
We’re here with you, Deborah.