No surprise from me. I've been telling people this for months. Trump's intention is to prevent the election in any way he can. It's up to us to stop him.
David Earles, yes...ultra dangerous. The combination of his state of mental health...and his lifelong personality traits...and his FEAR of losing control of power...presents the most dangerous situation...I believe...this nation has faced in its history.
They will try every means they can think of to keep people from voting, to throw out votes, and to accept voting results if they lose. We cannot believe anything they say.
They would call them elections like they do in other dictatorships like Russia. I would tell everyone do not buy into this fake emergency and continue to contact all you congress people that this is a FAKE crisis and do not go along with it.
They don’t have to end elections. They just have to rebrand control as “security” and keep calling the result an “election” while the public is slowly trained to accept executive “emergency” rules as normal. You nailed it.
And...you nailed the most important counter-move...don’t let a manufactured crisis become the accepted frame.
The moment people start repeating their premise (“maybe it is an emergency…”) the trap begins to close.
Also... #HOLDFAST is EXACTLY the right posture. Calm. Steady. Refuse the script.
If you’re willing, drop one sentence in the comments for others to borrow...something like:
“No president gets emergency power over voting. Ever.”
That kind of simple...repeatable line is how you stop normalization in real time!
We would absolutely no longer have real elections if he's able to get away with an EO like this. Beyond that, he would have ripped down another wall of our democratic house. It feels more and more that we've have no choice but to rebuild...not repair, not return to normal (decoration), not shore up the foundation...rebuild.
Julie...you’re articulating what a lot of people feel but struggle to put into words.
If a president could successfully use an “emergency” to control voting rules...that wouldn’t be a tweak to the system...it would be structural damage. And...you’re right... once certain walls come down...you’re no longer talking about cosmetic fixes.
What I appreciate about your framing...is that it’s not nostalgic. It recognizes that some breaches...if they happen...require serious RE-construction...not denial...not decoration.
Jack, thank you for this. I dropped the Washington Post as well as the New York Times sometimes back. I didn’t even know this was in the works. I forwarded it to four friends. Keep up the good work. Mac a.k.a. D Mac on Twitter, George here my real name
George, you're welcome. I understand. I've found myself in that situation before. Boycotting, even though important...does come with some inconveniences.
"Well fuck," is a perfect match for this, Angie. Use it at will.
I see it like this: We will be facing...and are...now....the biggest tests of our lives. And, to borrow your word...I will sure as FUCK...never stop fighting, resisting...and doing everything I can...to hold this country together. I am certain that TENS of millions of people...just like YOU...will do the very same thing. I am.
Hi Jack looks like I'll need a bathroom pass to get to a paper ballot that goes into the box held by ICE...as you know I have been screaming this could happen since the Insurrection in DC. The question is not will it happen but what the hell can we do to protect the midterms? BTW I'm looking up the numbers but my first impression is that Republicans will lose more votes than Democrats if most of what Trump wants comes to pass.
Yes it is very clear to anyone with a logical brain can see what is happening. Clearly he and others have read Mein Kemp and 1984 as they are following the same scenarios.
Connie...yes ...it’s that obvious once you’re looking at the pattern: manufacture a crisis, seize more authority...and use language to make the abnormal sound “necessary.”
And...you’re right about the vibe of it...the scripts are old...the tactics are familiar...and they rely on people doubting their own eyes.
James, it is. Desperation is dangerous, as you know. When you mix desperation...with an already dangerous man...things can get wild, fast.
Our focus must be on observing...noticing...and being acutely aware of the danger, while simultaneously remaining steady and clear-eyed, and not collapsing into the chaos swirling around us. That's how we lose it all.
A unilateral ban of voting methods would result in neither elections nor permission slips ... it would result in anarchy because Americans are DONE with all of Trump's B.S.!!!
CLF...I hear the intensity in this...and...I understand where it’s coming from.
What you’re pointing to is something deeper than one policy...or one headline. It’s the idea that if people feel their ability to participate...is STRIPPED away unilaterally...the reaction wouldn’t be quiet acceptance.
It WOULD be destabilizing. Historically...when citizens believe core civic mechanisms are being removed...tension escalates quickly.
And the “DONE” energy you’re describing? That’s not fringe. A lot of Americans across the spectrum are exhausted by chaos...brinkmanship...and constant escalation. Fatigue is real. So is frustration.
What matters most in moments like this...is channeling that intensity into disciplined action ...turnout...organizing...civic engagement...local pressure...coalition-building.
Durable systems are shaped by sustained participation...not just anger spikes.
Your comment reflects RESOLVE. The key...is making sure that resolve stays organized... strategic...and steady.
When Russia’s interference was documented and investigated...we didn’t get a presidential push to declare an “emergency” that rewired how Americans vote.
But...NOW, when a claim is being used as a pretext for expanding executive power over elections...suddenly... it’s “national emergency” time.
That’s why this isn't about protecting democracy; it's using “security” language to justify CONTROL.
It's a damn shame, James. We can both look at something so incredibly absurd...and yet...also recognize that we aren't surprised by it at this point. Yes...The fight is REAL.
We will still have an election and I will still vote. The orange jack wagon can blather on all he wants, but his bluster is white noise. Every day in this regime is a 5 alarm fire 🔥, we shall extinguish each, build a firewall, and move on. More of us than the wannabe.
Jo...that’s the spirit...and I love the core of it...you’re not outsourcing your agency to his noise. You’re voting anyway.
Also: “more of us than the wannabe” is exactly the kind of quiet math that keeps people steady. When people believe they’re alone...they freeze. When they remember they’re part of a MAJORITY...they move!
No surprise from me. I've been telling people this for months. Trump's intention is to prevent the election in any way he can. It's up to us to stop him.
Elizabeth, those are perhaps the most important words I can think of: It's up to us to stop him.
-Jack
They will try whatever they think will work because if he can’t stop free and fair midterms, impeachment follows. He is very dangerous.
David Earles, yes...ultra dangerous. The combination of his state of mental health...and his lifelong personality traits...and his FEAR of losing control of power...presents the most dangerous situation...I believe...this nation has faced in its history.
-Jack
They will try every means they can think of to keep people from voting, to throw out votes, and to accept voting results if they lose. We cannot believe anything they say.
#HOLDFAST! and THINK SHARPLY!
Think sharply is a great motto!
Thank you, Elizabeth Godden. It reminds me of a teacher who told us in grade school, “Let’s put our thinking so’s on.”
I agree.
They would call them elections like they do in other dictatorships like Russia. I would tell everyone do not buy into this fake emergency and continue to contact all you congress people that this is a FAKE crisis and do not go along with it.
#HOLDFAST
Teri
Teri...yes. You’re seeing the playbook clearly.
They don’t have to end elections. They just have to rebrand control as “security” and keep calling the result an “election” while the public is slowly trained to accept executive “emergency” rules as normal. You nailed it.
And...you nailed the most important counter-move...don’t let a manufactured crisis become the accepted frame.
The moment people start repeating their premise (“maybe it is an emergency…”) the trap begins to close.
Also... #HOLDFAST is EXACTLY the right posture. Calm. Steady. Refuse the script.
If you’re willing, drop one sentence in the comments for others to borrow...something like:
“No president gets emergency power over voting. Ever.”
That kind of simple...repeatable line is how you stop normalization in real time!
-Jack
“No president gets emergency power over voting! EVER”
#HOLDFAST
Teri
KEEP spreading that phrase...attitude...and ENERGY, Teri Gelini!
#HOLDFAST
-Jack
Thanks
We would absolutely no longer have real elections if he's able to get away with an EO like this. Beyond that, he would have ripped down another wall of our democratic house. It feels more and more that we've have no choice but to rebuild...not repair, not return to normal (decoration), not shore up the foundation...rebuild.
Julie...you’re articulating what a lot of people feel but struggle to put into words.
If a president could successfully use an “emergency” to control voting rules...that wouldn’t be a tweak to the system...it would be structural damage. And...you’re right... once certain walls come down...you’re no longer talking about cosmetic fixes.
What I appreciate about your framing...is that it’s not nostalgic. It recognizes that some breaches...if they happen...require serious RE-construction...not denial...not decoration.
That clarity matters. Hold onto it, Julie!
-Jack
Jack, thank you for this. I dropped the Washington Post as well as the New York Times sometimes back. I didn’t even know this was in the works. I forwarded it to four friends. Keep up the good work. Mac a.k.a. D Mac on Twitter, George here my real name
George, you're welcome. I understand. I've found myself in that situation before. Boycotting, even though important...does come with some inconveniences.
Thank you for being here!
-Jack
Well, fuck. Pardon my language but this most clearly expresses how I feel right now, today. I'm trying to, I swear: #holdfast
"Well fuck," is a perfect match for this, Angie. Use it at will.
I see it like this: We will be facing...and are...now....the biggest tests of our lives. And, to borrow your word...I will sure as FUCK...never stop fighting, resisting...and doing everything I can...to hold this country together. I am certain that TENS of millions of people...just like YOU...will do the very same thing. I am.
#HoldFast
-Jack
You bet your ass I will fight it right alongside you, Jack! Thanks for shooting straight with us every time. Your analyses are invaluable.
Hi Jack looks like I'll need a bathroom pass to get to a paper ballot that goes into the box held by ICE...as you know I have been screaming this could happen since the Insurrection in DC. The question is not will it happen but what the hell can we do to protect the midterms? BTW I'm looking up the numbers but my first impression is that Republicans will lose more votes than Democrats if most of what Trump wants comes to pass.
I feel you. When you’ve been yelling about this since Jan 6 and then see moves like this... it’s infuriating.
You’re asking the right question...how do we protect the midterms?
Real levers still exist:
States run elections (SoS, governors, legislatures)...that decentralization is a shield.
Courts matter... prior election-related EOs have been blocked.
Sunlight + pressure...the more visible the overreach...the harder it is to normalize.
Turnout/backlash...you may be right: sweeping restrictions can boomerang politically.
Bottom line: it’s not “one EO and it’s over.” It’s a multi-layer fight...and those pressure points are still there...for now.
-Jack
Yes it is very clear to anyone with a logical brain can see what is happening. Clearly he and others have read Mein Kemp and 1984 as they are following the same scenarios.
Connie...yes ...it’s that obvious once you’re looking at the pattern: manufacture a crisis, seize more authority...and use language to make the abnormal sound “necessary.”
And...you’re right about the vibe of it...the scripts are old...the tactics are familiar...and they rely on people doubting their own eyes.
You’re not crazy. You’re early!
-Jack
A desperate attempt to move Fascism forward in our nation.
James, it is. Desperation is dangerous, as you know. When you mix desperation...with an already dangerous man...things can get wild, fast.
Our focus must be on observing...noticing...and being acutely aware of the danger, while simultaneously remaining steady and clear-eyed, and not collapsing into the chaos swirling around us. That's how we lose it all.
-Jack
A unilateral ban of voting methods would result in neither elections nor permission slips ... it would result in anarchy because Americans are DONE with all of Trump's B.S.!!!
CLF...I hear the intensity in this...and...I understand where it’s coming from.
What you’re pointing to is something deeper than one policy...or one headline. It’s the idea that if people feel their ability to participate...is STRIPPED away unilaterally...the reaction wouldn’t be quiet acceptance.
It WOULD be destabilizing. Historically...when citizens believe core civic mechanisms are being removed...tension escalates quickly.
And the “DONE” energy you’re describing? That’s not fringe. A lot of Americans across the spectrum are exhausted by chaos...brinkmanship...and constant escalation. Fatigue is real. So is frustration.
What matters most in moments like this...is channeling that intensity into disciplined action ...turnout...organizing...civic engagement...local pressure...coalition-building.
Durable systems are shaped by sustained participation...not just anger spikes.
Your comment reflects RESOLVE. The key...is making sure that resolve stays organized... strategic...and steady.
Keep showing up, CLF. I like it!
Hold the line.
-Jack
This is not a drill... this is a coup. Democracy is at stake.
That's a fact, Leslie. It sure as hell is NOT a drill.
-Jack
What about his overlord, Putin? Was Russian interference not worthy of an "emergency?"
TimE, exactly. That double standard is the tell.
When Russia’s interference was documented and investigated...we didn’t get a presidential push to declare an “emergency” that rewired how Americans vote.
But...NOW, when a claim is being used as a pretext for expanding executive power over elections...suddenly... it’s “national emergency” time.
That’s why this isn't about protecting democracy; it's using “security” language to justify CONTROL.
-Jack
No surprise here. We’ll have to be vigilant and ready to fight
It's a damn shame, James. We can both look at something so incredibly absurd...and yet...also recognize that we aren't surprised by it at this point. Yes...The fight is REAL.
-Jack
We will still have an election and I will still vote. The orange jack wagon can blather on all he wants, but his bluster is white noise. Every day in this regime is a 5 alarm fire 🔥, we shall extinguish each, build a firewall, and move on. More of us than the wannabe.
#Carryon
#2547
#voteblue
#resist
#HoldFast
Jo...that’s the spirit...and I love the core of it...you’re not outsourcing your agency to his noise. You’re voting anyway.
Also: “more of us than the wannabe” is exactly the kind of quiet math that keeps people steady. When people believe they’re alone...they freeze. When they remember they’re part of a MAJORITY...they move!
Carry on, yes!
Vote
Recruit two
Stay steady
Don’t let noise set your pace
#HoldFast
-Jack
T will NOT quit in trying to throw the quilt of legitimacy over his attempts to steal the election. Don't let him !
"DON'T LET HIM" must be the focus...Lynne. You wrote three very powerful words.
-Jack