Hello from Australia! I have been watching with horror as events unfold in your country since the campaigns. My heart goes out to you and all Americans who are living in that hell. Know that the rest of the world cares and, not only for what you are going through right now and in the coming months (years?), but also what it could mean more broadly internationally.
Mary, I love that you use the arts as your salve, and I enjoy the moments when you share some of your favourites with us. Sending love and appreciation for the wonderful work you are doing.
Thanks Katherine... I feel it's important to let people know you care. It's so easy to feel alone when things are not going well, and I can't imagine the distress you people are going through right now!
Thank you for OODA. Never knew that one. Yes, all of us know someone who survives on Social Security, Medicaid, cancer research, basic food, etc. I foresee all of us eventually rising into our own power in whatever ways we can. Standupforscience2025, March 7. Indivisible. So many actions coalescing.
I’m 84, depend on Social Security, and am physically disabled. I feel that my mission in this fight is as an encourager of those more able than myself.
I have taken a break now and then when things seem overwhelming, but as I look around, I see signs of hope. There have been several town halls by GOP Congress members where the people asked hard questions, and booed answers that didn’t satisfy their concerns. These were in red districts where the Congress members thought they had full support from the public. Even red voters are angry.
I'm physically disabled too (polio survivor), and I am encouraged by the rising tide of anger toward the admin. I tried to sound the alarm about RFK JR and vaccines--my heart would break to see another wave of polio in our country. That didn't seem to matter. What does matter is when folks find out the plans include them, not some nameless "other" or "liberal." Keep encouraging!
Thank you, Mary, for sharing this message. It is exactly how I've been feeling, and really needed to hear it tonight. You perfectly describe what I've been calling my "stuckness."
Even 80 year olds can write their Reps and Senators and keep calling their offices to stop the steal by Musk and his minions! They are getting 1500 calls a minute to the usual 40!! Keep it up!
Look at Bernie Sanders speeches to overflow crowds in Omaha Nebraska and Iowa City Iowa! He s 83 and doing it! He’s rebuilding the coalition from his run in 2015-16 for President AND those who can do so can donate on his page or buy his merchandise to support this anti Fascist action movement! We fought and lost many in WW2 side by side see The Devils Brigade commandos of Canadian American mixed force the Nazis were terrified of their night raids in Italy. We will do this again together!!🇨🇦🇺🇸 AND WE WILL WIN!!
At almost 69 and also disabled, I, too, am dependent on Social Security, as well as other programs they are talking about taking away.
I have to wonder if their actual goal and intention is to kill off as many old people as possible, as well as as man up disabled people as possible. Because that’s exactly what *will* happen to millions of us if they do manage to cut these off.
Dear good Americans and Mary Know the we in Canada 🇨🇦 share your grief anger rage and we know most of you did not vote for this all appearances to the contrary! Here our MP Charlie Angus is leading the Resistance to protect our Sovereign nationhood see Substack: CharlieAngusTheResistance. I think it will hearten you to know that you are not alone!! Canada stands with you Europe is organizing at NATO and at the EU to develop additional to NATO European Armed Forces . Charlie attended NATO as part of our Parliamentary representatives of MP s spoke brilliantly as first speaker in the delegation called it Fascism and stirred up so much deserved shit that Latvia did the same and then told him “We decided to be like Canadians”! Bernie AoC and the progressive caucus are touring Red States and across the country to raise the people to put pressure on ALL in Congress to defeat the tax cut omnibus bill destroying social services so that only 3 Congress Reps need to vote with Dems & can be pressured to grow a pair, (since so many of the GOP are male ) and do what their constituents demand!! May I suggest too using the Rule of International Law to take on the Article 5 of NATO and demand that USA stop threatening sovereign nationhood states with annexation! Greenland Canada Panama. We are with you in this fight against Fascist Americans world wide! I’d go so far as to suggest that Congress be forced to call on NATO to invade Washington as a hostile state to NATO itself and to remove forcefully Trump Musk and Vance to be replaced by a President and Vice President chosen by Congress as was done frequently in the 1800s!! They could do so in 2026 perhaps if the 25th demented moron amendment were used once two to three seats flip to Dems!! God love you all and preserve your freedoms there as we fight for our own here as well! 💕💜💕🇨🇦🇨🇦 love to you Mary and all!
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support, Catherine, and I assume I speak for many others.
It’s very heartening to know that other countries are with us, even when the “demented moron” sitting in the Oval Office appears determined to sever our relationships around the world and piss off all our wonderful allies.
I’ve never heard of our president and VP being removed by force here, let alone “frequently.” Which presidents have you heard about that happening with?
I’m also very intrigued by the idea of calling on NATO to come do it. That’s an idea I definitely hadn’t thought of - and it’s brilliant. We are for sure quickly becoming an intractably hostile force.
The only real way to stop a coup that I know of, or had at least thought of, would be essentially a counter-coup by the military. But leaving our own army in charge of running the country does not seem like a good idea given the history of military coups elsewhere. We definitely do not need a military government. NATO would not have the same kind of vested interest in taking over power itself. I really, really hope things here don’t come to that.
Brenda, My husband passed away in December and I am just starting to receive his VA pension and his Social Security. I'll be filing taxes on my own for the 1st time in a long while. I'm holding onto hope that my only source of income, our federal govt, is going to hold. Last week, I had to speak with a VA and then a Social Security worker. I told each of them, "I really hope you keep your job." The Social Security guy replied, "You don't know how much I appreciate your saying that to me."
I am in the same position, Brenda. There are millions and millions just like us. Those who voted for the dictator are going to feel the pain and suffering, too.
The fact that those traitors, too, will be negatively affected is the one bright spot in all this. I’m going to be laughing my tuchus off when they inevitably start complaining. I’m not so sure the schadenfreud will really be worth it, but since it would be all we would have at that point, I figure we might as well enjoy it.
I guess this proves that this country was not founded as a Christian nation, otherwise the Christians would not have been the largest voting block to choose fascism over democracy.
Oh Donna, I understand. But what if the loving, merciful God I follow isn't the charlatan being promoted by those who say they are Christ followers but they're really power followers. I think of the memoir, Educated. How anyone can grow up in that much toxic stuff and keep believing in a loving God is hard. Sometimes too hard. I'm sorry for your trauma.
Agreed DJT is EVIL!....but God makes no mistakes....He is among us....have Faith in Him/Her ...God works in mysterious ways that are beyond our understanding. As a Cancer survivor and a one of a kind...I know this. We need to continue to add God's light through each and every one of us. DO NOT LET THE DARKNESS OF THIS TIME CHANGE WHO YOU ARE AND WHAT YOU BELIEVE.
Bingo! And I’m a Christian who is horrified at what’s being passed of as ‘ordained by God’. It’s probably been the most painful thing for me these last 10 years.
It's all an Episcopalian like me can do not to sob or throw up my hands. I still believe that love wins, but the arc of that damn justice seems too long.
I f you are in the military get ready to engage in wars of conquest. Panama, Greenland, Canada, Gaza and who knows where else. There will be a lot of money available for adventures now that social programs do not have to be funded, and any national asset may be sold or financed with bonds to fill the coffers of the empire. Congress no longer has a say about it. Congress has betrayed us as much as Trump has. New sources of revenue will need to be found as allies will choose to trade with countries that keep their word and consumers become too poor to keep the economy going.
IMO, Christians, Evangelicals…..are the ones that put the big OK stamp on trump for the rest of America. “If the Christian’s think he’s ok, then he must be.” Christians are the ones who ushered trump right back into the Whitehouse. 🤬
These poor misguided souls are trying to manipulate God--They think by empowering this evil they can force a 2nd coming of Christ---a disgusting excuse for Fatih.
Are you just realizing that now? After the Native Americans were decimated by Christians and the African Americans were shackled and sold into slavery and were owned and cruelly treated by Christian owners?
We need all the support we can get. I am hoping that the Democrats will find someone to do a daily briefing so we can become a cohesive group with goals & strategies. The republicans have been able to broadcast their lies by telling them over and over. We need to become a unit that can speak with one voice. This one voice will alleviate stress. My choice is Pete Buttigieg!
FDR calmed the fears of a nation with his “fireside chats”. I agree that a trusted daily briefing would be a welcome comfort for many of “we the people”.
Mary, your on the front line of this shit. Please find a place you can protect yourself from this outrageous takeover of Donald and his minions. Stay safe, we all look forward to your words. I am very worried about losing my social security, if that goes away I fear I may starve and die. Keeping track of all the garbage going on around the USA. Take care, be well. Love from Steven
I hope, for all of us on SS, this does not come to pass. I would propose we take care of each other, as we can. In this climate of shams and scams, not sure how we set that up. But, should this come to pass, which I continue to hope sanity, and our legal system will prevent, we "adopt" each other. Find a way to network and provide support where we can. Open to ideas.
I agree! This is how it was done during the depression--I have heard many stories at the knee of my grandmother. Spiritus Christi is already mobilizing to do this--check in and see www.spirituschristi.org They have an international congregation.
Four Former Presidents Could Stop Trump—But They’re Letting Him Win. Why Are Obama, Bush, Clinton, and Biden Staying Silent While Democracy Crumbles? This Article Exposes Their Failure and Demands They Fight Back—Before It’s Too Late.
I would like to believe as you do, Madeleine, but I have seen no evidence to contribute to such belief. I'm not at all sure the one Republican on your list will speak up about anything. The three Democrats are more known for their speaking abilities than their courage. Each of the three had some signal successes, but each was too accomadating to the Republican opposition.
Thanks Jason and right on point. I've been calling/emailing my senators, congressman, state AG every week. Sometimes several times a week. We as citizens need to keep our foot on the gas pedal and not let up. Our former presidents need to step up and defend democracy and the citizens who at one time or twice placed their trust in them. They too have children and grandchildren.
I find delving into Star Trek very therapeutic. They got through their rough and brutal 21st Century. I know you're a trekie Mary. We may too. Hopefully it won't come to WWIII.
Mary, you're an inspiration in the midst of this madness. I've been following US politics since 45 arrived on the scene. 45 1.0 was bad, but this 2.0 is downright scary. We, in Canada, are getting real about what to do. I had to cancel a speaking engagement in April in Las Vegas because I can't pretend to be nice and normalize what he is doing, which is dismantling your goverment and destroying your har-eon constitution. Please, please be safe.
I'm doing what I did in my youth -- taking it to the streets. Although it took too long, it worked in the 60's. People are upset, and they are out there with me. We all must do whatever we can to stop this madness.
I have a friend, mostly through bad choices in men, depends on Medicaid. The site was down! Nothing spells empathy and efficiency like a chainsaw wielding nerd from South Africa. I can’t get over my anger at the people foolish enough to vote for this.
Thanks for all you do and your insights. I see a continuing traumatic stress syndrome that the world has been under for some time and is obviously exacerbated with Trump. Together with a major cult, we are experiencing a mass public mental health crisis.
PLEASE take care of yourself Mary. You are incredibly important in this fight.
I agree with Brenda. Take care of yourself, Mary. You are important to us, but you are not responsible for us.
Ok????
I support taking care of yourself, Mary!!!
Hello from Australia! I have been watching with horror as events unfold in your country since the campaigns. My heart goes out to you and all Americans who are living in that hell. Know that the rest of the world cares and, not only for what you are going through right now and in the coming months (years?), but also what it could mean more broadly internationally.
Mary, I love that you use the arts as your salve, and I enjoy the moments when you share some of your favourites with us. Sending love and appreciation for the wonderful work you are doing.
Beverly, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your comment - as an American, your empathy means the world to me
Thanks Katherine... I feel it's important to let people know you care. It's so easy to feel alone when things are not going well, and I can't imagine the distress you people are going through right now!
Thank you for OODA. Never knew that one. Yes, all of us know someone who survives on Social Security, Medicaid, cancer research, basic food, etc. I foresee all of us eventually rising into our own power in whatever ways we can. Standupforscience2025, March 7. Indivisible. So many actions coalescing.
I am one of many who survive on Social Security and half of my ex's retirement and I am scared. Multiple health issues just add to my concern.
I completely understand. I depend on Social Security, too. I’m 80 and can’t get too active…I only wish
I’m 84, depend on Social Security, and am physically disabled. I feel that my mission in this fight is as an encourager of those more able than myself.
I have taken a break now and then when things seem overwhelming, but as I look around, I see signs of hope. There have been several town halls by GOP Congress members where the people asked hard questions, and booed answers that didn’t satisfy their concerns. These were in red districts where the Congress members thought they had full support from the public. Even red voters are angry.
I'm physically disabled too (polio survivor), and I am encouraged by the rising tide of anger toward the admin. I tried to sound the alarm about RFK JR and vaccines--my heart would break to see another wave of polio in our country. That didn't seem to matter. What does matter is when folks find out the plans include them, not some nameless "other" or "liberal." Keep encouraging!
Thank you, Mary, for sharing this message. It is exactly how I've been feeling, and really needed to hear it tonight. You perfectly describe what I've been calling my "stuckness."
Even 80 year olds can write their Reps and Senators and keep calling their offices to stop the steal by Musk and his minions! They are getting 1500 calls a minute to the usual 40!! Keep it up!
Look at Bernie Sanders speeches to overflow crowds in Omaha Nebraska and Iowa City Iowa! He s 83 and doing it! He’s rebuilding the coalition from his run in 2015-16 for President AND those who can do so can donate on his page or buy his merchandise to support this anti Fascist action movement! We fought and lost many in WW2 side by side see The Devils Brigade commandos of Canadian American mixed force the Nazis were terrified of their night raids in Italy. We will do this again together!!🇨🇦🇺🇸 AND WE WILL WIN!!
YES!!
At almost 69 and also disabled, I, too, am dependent on Social Security, as well as other programs they are talking about taking away.
I have to wonder if their actual goal and intention is to kill off as many old people as possible, as well as as man up disabled people as possible. Because that’s exactly what *will* happen to millions of us if they do manage to cut these off.
🇨🇦💕💕
Dear good Americans and Mary Know the we in Canada 🇨🇦 share your grief anger rage and we know most of you did not vote for this all appearances to the contrary! Here our MP Charlie Angus is leading the Resistance to protect our Sovereign nationhood see Substack: CharlieAngusTheResistance. I think it will hearten you to know that you are not alone!! Canada stands with you Europe is organizing at NATO and at the EU to develop additional to NATO European Armed Forces . Charlie attended NATO as part of our Parliamentary representatives of MP s spoke brilliantly as first speaker in the delegation called it Fascism and stirred up so much deserved shit that Latvia did the same and then told him “We decided to be like Canadians”! Bernie AoC and the progressive caucus are touring Red States and across the country to raise the people to put pressure on ALL in Congress to defeat the tax cut omnibus bill destroying social services so that only 3 Congress Reps need to vote with Dems & can be pressured to grow a pair, (since so many of the GOP are male ) and do what their constituents demand!! May I suggest too using the Rule of International Law to take on the Article 5 of NATO and demand that USA stop threatening sovereign nationhood states with annexation! Greenland Canada Panama. We are with you in this fight against Fascist Americans world wide! I’d go so far as to suggest that Congress be forced to call on NATO to invade Washington as a hostile state to NATO itself and to remove forcefully Trump Musk and Vance to be replaced by a President and Vice President chosen by Congress as was done frequently in the 1800s!! They could do so in 2026 perhaps if the 25th demented moron amendment were used once two to three seats flip to Dems!! God love you all and preserve your freedoms there as we fight for our own here as well! 💕💜💕🇨🇦🇨🇦 love to you Mary and all!
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support, Catherine, and I assume I speak for many others.
It’s very heartening to know that other countries are with us, even when the “demented moron” sitting in the Oval Office appears determined to sever our relationships around the world and piss off all our wonderful allies.
I’ve never heard of our president and VP being removed by force here, let alone “frequently.” Which presidents have you heard about that happening with?
I’m also very intrigued by the idea of calling on NATO to come do it. That’s an idea I definitely hadn’t thought of - and it’s brilliant. We are for sure quickly becoming an intractably hostile force.
The only real way to stop a coup that I know of, or had at least thought of, would be essentially a counter-coup by the military. But leaving our own army in charge of running the country does not seem like a good idea given the history of military coups elsewhere. We definitely do not need a military government. NATO would not have the same kind of vested interest in taking over power itself. I really, really hope things here don’t come to that.
Brenda, My husband passed away in December and I am just starting to receive his VA pension and his Social Security. I'll be filing taxes on my own for the 1st time in a long while. I'm holding onto hope that my only source of income, our federal govt, is going to hold. Last week, I had to speak with a VA and then a Social Security worker. I told each of them, "I really hope you keep your job." The Social Security guy replied, "You don't know how much I appreciate your saying that to me."
My heart hurts for you. I'm sorry for your lose!
I am in the same position, Brenda. There are millions and millions just like us. Those who voted for the dictator are going to feel the pain and suffering, too.
The fact that those traitors, too, will be negatively affected is the one bright spot in all this. I’m going to be laughing my tuchus off when they inevitably start complaining. I’m not so sure the schadenfreud will really be worth it, but since it would be all we would have at that point, I figure we might as well enjoy it.
I just finished your book, Who Could Ever Love You. The cruelty was gut wrenching. You are very brave to tell your story. Thank you for your insight.
I guess this proves that this country was not founded as a Christian nation, otherwise the Christians would not have been the largest voting block to choose fascism over democracy.
Remember that Christian Nationalist is a cover for Nazism
2016 forced me off the Christian to Agnostic journey & fast tracked me to Atheist.
I’m from a very devout Christian family. Father was a pastor as was my FIL.
There’s no way I’ll ever accept Trump & any of his cohorts was sent by god.
It’s obvious god doesn’t exist & if he does, he’s an a-hole.
There is no “God’s will”; only Man’s will….be it for good or evil.
Trump is evil.
Oh Donna, I understand. But what if the loving, merciful God I follow isn't the charlatan being promoted by those who say they are Christ followers but they're really power followers. I think of the memoir, Educated. How anyone can grow up in that much toxic stuff and keep believing in a loving God is hard. Sometimes too hard. I'm sorry for your trauma.
Agreed DJT is EVIL!....but God makes no mistakes....He is among us....have Faith in Him/Her ...God works in mysterious ways that are beyond our understanding. As a Cancer survivor and a one of a kind...I know this. We need to continue to add God's light through each and every one of us. DO NOT LET THE DARKNESS OF THIS TIME CHANGE WHO YOU ARE AND WHAT YOU BELIEVE.
Bingo! And I’m a Christian who is horrified at what’s being passed of as ‘ordained by God’. It’s probably been the most painful thing for me these last 10 years.
It's all an Episcopalian like me can do not to sob or throw up my hands. I still believe that love wins, but the arc of that damn justice seems too long.
Yes, I've thought the same about the arc. A lot of words have been uttered but not much courageous action done to prevent the horror show in DC.
I f you are in the military get ready to engage in wars of conquest. Panama, Greenland, Canada, Gaza and who knows where else. There will be a lot of money available for adventures now that social programs do not have to be funded, and any national asset may be sold or financed with bonds to fill the coffers of the empire. Congress no longer has a say about it. Congress has betrayed us as much as Trump has. New sources of revenue will need to be found as allies will choose to trade with countries that keep their word and consumers become too poor to keep the economy going.
IMO, Christians, Evangelicals…..are the ones that put the big OK stamp on trump for the rest of America. “If the Christian’s think he’s ok, then he must be.” Christians are the ones who ushered trump right back into the Whitehouse. 🤬
And they think it's God's will, pathetic!
These poor misguided souls are trying to manipulate God--They think by empowering this evil they can force a 2nd coming of Christ---a disgusting excuse for Fatih.
Are you just realizing that now? After the Native Americans were decimated by Christians and the African Americans were shackled and sold into slavery and were owned and cruelly treated by Christian owners?
We need all the support we can get. I am hoping that the Democrats will find someone to do a daily briefing so we can become a cohesive group with goals & strategies. The republicans have been able to broadcast their lies by telling them over and over. We need to become a unit that can speak with one voice. This one voice will alleviate stress. My choice is Pete Buttigieg!
What if Pete Buttigieg were that person?
JB Pritzker
My #1 choice!!!
FDR calmed the fears of a nation with his “fireside chats”. I agree that a trusted daily briefing would be a welcome comfort for many of “we the people”.
Mary, your on the front line of this shit. Please find a place you can protect yourself from this outrageous takeover of Donald and his minions. Stay safe, we all look forward to your words. I am very worried about losing my social security, if that goes away I fear I may starve and die. Keeping track of all the garbage going on around the USA. Take care, be well. Love from Steven
I hope, for all of us on SS, this does not come to pass. I would propose we take care of each other, as we can. In this climate of shams and scams, not sure how we set that up. But, should this come to pass, which I continue to hope sanity, and our legal system will prevent, we "adopt" each other. Find a way to network and provide support where we can. Open to ideas.
I agree! This is how it was done during the depression--I have heard many stories at the knee of my grandmother. Spiritus Christi is already mobilizing to do this--check in and see www.spirituschristi.org They have an international congregation.
Four Former Presidents Could Stop Trump—But They’re Letting Him Win. Why Are Obama, Bush, Clinton, and Biden Staying Silent While Democracy Crumbles? This Article Exposes Their Failure and Demands They Fight Back—Before It’s Too Late.
I would love to hear your thoughts on the piece.
https://jasonegenberg.substack.com/p/mr-presidentswhere-the-hell-are-you
I agree. Where the hell are they?!!
I believe they, and all former vice presidents will deliver a bombshell about the clear and present danger.
And secretaries of state, attorneys general, and secretaries of defense.
What the heck are they waiting for as trump is destroying the country & world order & peace daily.
I hope so.
What are they waiting for?
I would like to believe as you do, Madeleine, but I have seen no evidence to contribute to such belief. I'm not at all sure the one Republican on your list will speak up about anything. The three Democrats are more known for their speaking abilities than their courage. Each of the three had some signal successes, but each was too accomadating to the Republican opposition.
There is no legal recourse to DJT's Mobster behavior--this has been an uneven battle between the law abiding and the lawless criminal element.
I hope you’re right but what makes you think so?
If only…🤞
I do hope they speak up. But, I'm not sure what else they can do. I'm open to suggestions.
Thanks Jason and right on point. I've been calling/emailing my senators, congressman, state AG every week. Sometimes several times a week. We as citizens need to keep our foot on the gas pedal and not let up. Our former presidents need to step up and defend democracy and the citizens who at one time or twice placed their trust in them. They too have children and grandchildren.
Excellent post by the way. Thank you Jason!!
Wow. Very good. They all should call on people to flood the streets because anything they say would have a huge impact.
Especially since they've been silent for so long.
Thank you and absolutely
And what about trumps many former appointees - many of whom were sane & qualified? The Generals, etc. Eerily scary quiet.
I am getting correspondence from the Obama Foundation they appear to be mobilizing.
I find delving into Star Trek very therapeutic. They got through their rough and brutal 21st Century. I know you're a trekie Mary. We may too. Hopefully it won't come to WWIII.
Mary, you're an inspiration in the midst of this madness. I've been following US politics since 45 arrived on the scene. 45 1.0 was bad, but this 2.0 is downright scary. We, in Canada, are getting real about what to do. I had to cancel a speaking engagement in April in Las Vegas because I can't pretend to be nice and normalize what he is doing, which is dismantling your goverment and destroying your har-eon constitution. Please, please be safe.
Thanks! I have no clue how you have lived with this. We watched "The Apprentice" movie. WOW! Blown away.
Is it pretty accurate? It seems so, however, it is Hollywood. Roy Cohn. HOLY MONSTER.
Thank you for keeping us in your loop. How did you do it? HOW?
Thank you Mary for your thoughtful, real insights. I appreciate you and all your efforts. Lots of love to you
I'm doing what I did in my youth -- taking it to the streets. Although it took too long, it worked in the 60's. People are upset, and they are out there with me. We all must do whatever we can to stop this madness.
Use art, like paint post cards with a message, and send to someone that needs the message you’ve made. To friends, politicians etc.
I have a friend, mostly through bad choices in men, depends on Medicaid. The site was down! Nothing spells empathy and efficiency like a chainsaw wielding nerd from South Africa. I can’t get over my anger at the people foolish enough to vote for this.
Thanks for all you do and your insights. I see a continuing traumatic stress syndrome that the world has been under for some time and is obviously exacerbated with Trump. Together with a major cult, we are experiencing a mass public mental health crisis.