WE ARE NOT OBLIVIOUS! We elect officials to represent us, we depend on the courts to uphold the law. We make our voices heard in protest and coalition, but ever since the Citizens United decision, we have lost our representative democracy to special interests and billionaires skirting the law and helping industry that will result not only in the demise of our republic and a free society, but also the human race. We are all too aware of the corruption and are coalescing behind the brave leaders who DO stand up to the heinous acts of the cult of Republicans until we can collectively choose better leaders. We know, we are sickened, and we are fighting with everything we’ve got.
⬆️"We know, we are sickened, and we are fighting with everything we’ve got."
I agree 💯percent!!
Indivisible has announced the date for No Kings 2 - Saturday, October 18th.
If you would like to find out more, register for Indivisible's weekly zoom chat "What's the Plan?" The next one is tomorrow (Thursday) at 3 pm ET: https://www.mobilize.us/indivisible/event/773746/
Local groups have been springing up all over, and IIRC Leah or Ezra said that as of last week there were only 3 US congressional districts in the ENTIRE country WITHOUT an Indivisible chapter!!
Many of us are donating to democrats, calling/writing elected officials, protesting, canvasing and working to register voters. Please don’t generalize. As you know this work is daunting and discouraging. We don’t need our own voices minimizing the efforts of many.
In NC, 110,000 voters chose Josh Stein for governor and Donald Trump for president. Go figure. That's the group Roy Cooper will have to persuade to vote for him for Senate in 2026.
There's a certain definitive malaise descending over America, it's hard to define (maybe impossible for MAGA) but somewhere between concern for wealth gap and takeover of military for political use and plain old Trump fatigue. Rising prices, inflation fears hurts hard-core GOP, too. There's more unease about world affairs, I think traditional republicans are seeing this but don't know what to do about it. I think they have the bigger challenge for voter turnout in mid-terms than Dems. I sense MAGA is shrinking.
And some of us simply have jobs to report to that take up most of our time. It is BEYOND frustrating, as, given the chance, I would be protesting in the streets EVERY DAY!
If you are worried about the 2026 midterms, the time to get involved is NOW!!
I was on an All Volunteer call last week with the NC Dems. We are in the midst of the "Registration Repair" effort to couteract the GOP push to disenfranshise NC voters (https://www.ncsbe.gov/registrationrepair).
I received the following information as a follow-up to the zoom call:
**Learn About the Next Steps in the Registration Repair Project on Sept 16.**
It's almost time to knock doors to reach voters on the registration repair list! Join NCDP Voter Protection Director Cat Lawson to hear the plan at ncdp.org/voter/defense.
**SAVE THE DATE: Canvass on Sept 20 and Sept 27**.
Opportunities in all counties! Learn more at the Sept 16 Zoom, and keep an eye out for additional information in your email.
** Canvass with your County Party for your local municipal candidates.**
A minority -- the 48% nationally who voted Democratic -- is not oblivious. But swing voters who decide presidential elections will not notice until they experience personal pain in their pocketbooks. I suspect it has always been that way.
It does seem like nobody’s watching and those who are don’t care. But there’s a speak of hope in the results of special elections (not polls, which are useless this far out) even in states/districts that went heavily for Fat Donny less than a year ago. Iowa just posted another win for team blue, in a district that went for Trump by double digits. These aren’t people getting called on their phones, they’re casting VOTES. you’re also seeing some MAGA hats burning as the faux populist is further exposed. Even the self-styled Q-Anon Shaman is starting to have his doubts about the infallibility of the Orange Menace. The legacy media is doing a piss-poor job of covering it, but MAGA is losing adherents — not as fast as I’d like, but losing them steadily. It WILL, however, depend on the votes in 2026 being (a) consistent with what we’re seeing now, and (b) counted correctly when they are. Neither is guaranteed.
⬆️"It does seem like nobody’s watching and those who are don’t care."
What does this even mean? Just because you appear to be disengaged does NOT mean everyone else is!
Are you a member of Invisible? I rather doubt that you are -- otherwise you wouldn't be making the claims that you are!
Indivisible has announced the date for No Kings 2 - Saturday, October 18th.
If you would like to find out more, register for Indivisible's weekly zoom chat "What's the Plan?" The next one is tomorrow (Thursday) at 3 pm ET: ww.mobilize.us/indivisible/event/773746/
If you are not yet a member of a local Indivisible chapter, find one here: groups.indivisible.org
Local groups have been springing up all over, and IIRC Leah or Ezra said that as of last week there were only 3 US congressional districts in the ENTIRE country WITHOUT an Indivisible chapter!!
I also don't agree that the media are responsible for Trump's authoritarianism or ignoring his crimes. I think I know all of them. Blaming the media is lazy thinking
I'm not blaming the media, but the media has lost the trust of the broader American public. There's no institution like the NY Times, Washington Post or 60 Minutes that can drive a story like they could at one time. We're now fragmented and get the news we want to hear, not what's happening broadly.
Yes. It's the technology. Although they were way late to respond to modern tech, I now get some of Wapo, NYT and 60 Minutes stories on Facebook, etc. The N&O was the worst (and last) in adopting new tech, fearful that it would take away sales of the print edition. That cost them.
I rarely disagree with you but I will now. I hear this a lot, especially from ex-pats who expected pitchforks and torches in the streets if this kind of thing happened. Like they showed in B&W Hollywood movies. All of those forms of protest (rallies, petitions, call your Rep) don't work any more. It's just to make you FEEL like you are doing something. People are pissed. And powerless
One of the posting here noted that clarity often arrives when the paycheck disappears and the eviction notice hits. Based on the August jobs report—just 22,000 jobs added and unemployment ticking up to 4.3%—many of these MAGA folks may soon face a hard reckoning. Trump can vilify Biden all wants, but under his watch, the economy was gaining altitude. Now, with layoffs surging 40% and hiring plans at a record low, the contrast is undeniable and our allies of past, like Canada don't trust us. THAT IS NOT MAKING AMERICA GREAT AGAIN...
Thomas, you are understandably frustrated. The most important thing we can do to save democracy is to register to vote, correct our registration after the Riggs/Griffin mess with provisional ballots and make sure we vote on either early or on election day following the rules the new republican controlled NCSBSE and county boards make. If we make the effort to register, make sure our registrations are in order and vote during early voting or on election day then MAGA here and across America might be in for s stinging rebuke. Make sure you tell neighbors who may have moved from another NC County they must re-register to vote in their new county of residence. There's strength in numbers. As the late Jimmy V said after his Cancer diagnosis "never give up. Don't ever give up ."
Americans don't know what to do... yet. Politicians are supposed to honor the oaths they take to uphold the Constitution and defend democracy. Average citizens are inexperienced in having fascist traitors as elected officials. We are still wrapping our heads around this disaster. Patriotic veterans... some in our 70's and 80s... know what needs to be done... but we are a little past our prime. But... those of us who can... will show up when... strong... smart... leaders figure out how to fight this unprecedented attack by these radical extremists.
There is little question that Donald Trump falls short of the ethical leadership qualities we should demand from those in power—humility, empathy, honesty, civility, and generosity. His record reflects a preference for self-promotion over service, spin over truth (with over 32,000 documented falsehoods during his first term), fear over compassion, and personal gain over public good. These tendencies stand in stark contrast to the principles that define genuine leadership: integrity, accountability, and commitment to common welfare.
Our Constitution was crafted by individuals who knew firsthand the dangers of corrupt leadership. Many fled oppressive regimes, arriving in a new land with little more than conviction and vision. From that foundation, they built a nation rooted in ideals that have endured and evolved into something remarkable.
We do not need a morally adrift real estate promoter treating the presidency as a personal business venture. Leadership demands more than charisma and bravado—it requires moral clarity, civic responsibility, and a respect for the institutions that safeguard democracy.
Based on Trump's polling, folks are starting to understand. This will translate into good folks taking back their country.
Not to excuse but to understand that they have lives to lead and find that paying close attention to the news is anxiety-provoking. I on the other hand, find not paying close attention to the news anxiety provoking
Thank you for your column “Bleak.” You voiced some of the same sentiments I have written about so much in my Virginia weekly newspaper. I have howled to the moon against the grift, corruption, and dictatorship of this era. It breaks my heart that too many of our fellow citizens either are mute about the corruption or embrace it, as you write.
One of my favorite movies is “It’s A Wonderful Life.” There are two cities portrayed in the Frank Capra film —Bedford Falls, a town of decency and caring, and Pottersville, a town of grift and corruption. They are the same place. It just was that the former became it was allowed to happen.
That 1946 movie has now come true in America. We are Pottersville.
We need to fight back.
I feel as if I am a voice in the wilderness. But as long as I am operating my newspaper, I plan to speak out. My stand will continue to cost me business and direct hate toward me. That’s OK. There are much more important things in life than money and popularity. I want those who follow me one day to remember me as supporting democracy and the rule of law. You, Thomas Mills, clearly will be so remembered. Thank you for your voice.
WE ARE NOT OBLIVIOUS! We elect officials to represent us, we depend on the courts to uphold the law. We make our voices heard in protest and coalition, but ever since the Citizens United decision, we have lost our representative democracy to special interests and billionaires skirting the law and helping industry that will result not only in the demise of our republic and a free society, but also the human race. We are all too aware of the corruption and are coalescing behind the brave leaders who DO stand up to the heinous acts of the cult of Republicans until we can collectively choose better leaders. We know, we are sickened, and we are fighting with everything we’ve got.
THANK YOU, PAMELA!!!! This, exactly!!!
⬆️"We know, we are sickened, and we are fighting with everything we’ve got."
I agree 💯percent!!
Indivisible has announced the date for No Kings 2 - Saturday, October 18th.
If you would like to find out more, register for Indivisible's weekly zoom chat "What's the Plan?" The next one is tomorrow (Thursday) at 3 pm ET: https://www.mobilize.us/indivisible/event/773746/
If you are not yet a member of a local Indivisible chapter, find one here: https://groups.indivisible.org/
Local groups have been springing up all over, and IIRC Leah or Ezra said that as of last week there were only 3 US congressional districts in the ENTIRE country WITHOUT an Indivisible chapter!!
Many of us are donating to democrats, calling/writing elected officials, protesting, canvasing and working to register voters. Please don’t generalize. As you know this work is daunting and discouraging. We don’t need our own voices minimizing the efforts of many.
100%
In NC, 110,000 voters chose Josh Stein for governor and Donald Trump for president. Go figure. That's the group Roy Cooper will have to persuade to vote for him for Senate in 2026.
There's a certain definitive malaise descending over America, it's hard to define (maybe impossible for MAGA) but somewhere between concern for wealth gap and takeover of military for political use and plain old Trump fatigue. Rising prices, inflation fears hurts hard-core GOP, too. There's more unease about world affairs, I think traditional republicans are seeing this but don't know what to do about it. I think they have the bigger challenge for voter turnout in mid-terms than Dems. I sense MAGA is shrinking.
It’s hard to stay loyal to a movement when your broke and your family is struggling.
You are so right, Elijah! May better days come soon. xoxo
And some of us simply have jobs to report to that take up most of our time. It is BEYOND frustrating, as, given the chance, I would be protesting in the streets EVERY DAY!
me too, I'm 84 with cancer. My family's involved.
Sending strength and hope for healing!!
If you are worried about the 2026 midterms, the time to get involved is NOW!!
I was on an All Volunteer call last week with the NC Dems. We are in the midst of the "Registration Repair" effort to couteract the GOP push to disenfranshise NC voters (https://www.ncsbe.gov/registrationrepair).
I received the following information as a follow-up to the zoom call:
**Learn About the Next Steps in the Registration Repair Project on Sept 16.**
It's almost time to knock doors to reach voters on the registration repair list! Join NCDP Voter Protection Director Cat Lawson to hear the plan at ncdp.org/voter/defense.
**SAVE THE DATE: Canvass on Sept 20 and Sept 27**.
Opportunities in all counties! Learn more at the Sept 16 Zoom, and keep an eye out for additional information in your email.
** Canvass with your County Party for your local municipal candidates.**
Sign up at ncdp.org/knock.
** Volunteer with NCDP at the NC State Fair**.
Sign up here: www.mobilize.us/ncdems/event/826888/
A minority -- the 48% nationally who voted Democratic -- is not oblivious. But swing voters who decide presidential elections will not notice until they experience personal pain in their pocketbooks. I suspect it has always been that way.
😞 I just wish that for once, they didn’t have to wait until it effects them personally before that acted.
Elijah, There are some great resources out there that you can share with the people you know about the clear and present danger of the Trump Regime!!
Check out this post from yesterday by Jessica Craven: https://chopwoodcarrywaterdailyactions.substack.com/i/172432591/get-smart
Dem Labs also has some great social-media-ready resources - these have all been posted in the last couple of days::
https://thedemlabs.substack.com/p/whos-behind-the-maga-ai-powered-medicare
https://thedemlabs.substack.com/p/rapid-response-power-pack-50-free
https://thedemlabs.substack.com/p/how-to-rip-off-workers
https://thedemlabs.substack.com/p/9-ways-rfk-jr-can-ruin-your-life
https://thedemlabs.substack.com/p/why-are-your-power-bills-so-high
https://thedemlabs.substack.com/p/why-do-things-cost-so-much-more-check
It does seem like nobody’s watching and those who are don’t care. But there’s a speak of hope in the results of special elections (not polls, which are useless this far out) even in states/districts that went heavily for Fat Donny less than a year ago. Iowa just posted another win for team blue, in a district that went for Trump by double digits. These aren’t people getting called on their phones, they’re casting VOTES. you’re also seeing some MAGA hats burning as the faux populist is further exposed. Even the self-styled Q-Anon Shaman is starting to have his doubts about the infallibility of the Orange Menace. The legacy media is doing a piss-poor job of covering it, but MAGA is losing adherents — not as fast as I’d like, but losing them steadily. It WILL, however, depend on the votes in 2026 being (a) consistent with what we’re seeing now, and (b) counted correctly when they are. Neither is guaranteed.
⬆️"It does seem like nobody’s watching and those who are don’t care."
What does this even mean? Just because you appear to be disengaged does NOT mean everyone else is!
Are you a member of Invisible? I rather doubt that you are -- otherwise you wouldn't be making the claims that you are!
Indivisible has announced the date for No Kings 2 - Saturday, October 18th.
If you would like to find out more, register for Indivisible's weekly zoom chat "What's the Plan?" The next one is tomorrow (Thursday) at 3 pm ET: ww.mobilize.us/indivisible/event/773746/
If you are not yet a member of a local Indivisible chapter, find one here: groups.indivisible.org
Local groups have been springing up all over, and IIRC Leah or Ezra said that as of last week there were only 3 US congressional districts in the ENTIRE country WITHOUT an Indivisible chapter!!
Thomas, Hannah, Frank Obrien, Margie from Carolina and all,
Friday night tips for truth music track:
Feel the Force (Yoda)
https://substack.com/profile/31627868-michael-atkinson/note/c-152919578
Michael
🌏
“A few years ago, Trump referred to crypto as a scam,"
Yeah, but then he figured out how he could cash in! He's not against scams, per se. Just those he doesn't get a cut of.
I also don't agree that the media are responsible for Trump's authoritarianism or ignoring his crimes. I think I know all of them. Blaming the media is lazy thinking
I'm not blaming the media, but the media has lost the trust of the broader American public. There's no institution like the NY Times, Washington Post or 60 Minutes that can drive a story like they could at one time. We're now fragmented and get the news we want to hear, not what's happening broadly.
Yes. It's the technology. Although they were way late to respond to modern tech, I now get some of Wapo, NYT and 60 Minutes stories on Facebook, etc. The N&O was the worst (and last) in adopting new tech, fearful that it would take away sales of the print edition. That cost them.
I rarely disagree with you but I will now. I hear this a lot, especially from ex-pats who expected pitchforks and torches in the streets if this kind of thing happened. Like they showed in B&W Hollywood movies. All of those forms of protest (rallies, petitions, call your Rep) don't work any more. It's just to make you FEEL like you are doing something. People are pissed. And powerless
One of the posting here noted that clarity often arrives when the paycheck disappears and the eviction notice hits. Based on the August jobs report—just 22,000 jobs added and unemployment ticking up to 4.3%—many of these MAGA folks may soon face a hard reckoning. Trump can vilify Biden all wants, but under his watch, the economy was gaining altitude. Now, with layoffs surging 40% and hiring plans at a record low, the contrast is undeniable and our allies of past, like Canada don't trust us. THAT IS NOT MAKING AMERICA GREAT AGAIN...
Thomas, you are understandably frustrated. The most important thing we can do to save democracy is to register to vote, correct our registration after the Riggs/Griffin mess with provisional ballots and make sure we vote on either early or on election day following the rules the new republican controlled NCSBSE and county boards make. If we make the effort to register, make sure our registrations are in order and vote during early voting or on election day then MAGA here and across America might be in for s stinging rebuke. Make sure you tell neighbors who may have moved from another NC County they must re-register to vote in their new county of residence. There's strength in numbers. As the late Jimmy V said after his Cancer diagnosis "never give up. Don't ever give up ."
Americans don't know what to do... yet. Politicians are supposed to honor the oaths they take to uphold the Constitution and defend democracy. Average citizens are inexperienced in having fascist traitors as elected officials. We are still wrapping our heads around this disaster. Patriotic veterans... some in our 70's and 80s... know what needs to be done... but we are a little past our prime. But... those of us who can... will show up when... strong... smart... leaders figure out how to fight this unprecedented attack by these radical extremists.
There is little question that Donald Trump falls short of the ethical leadership qualities we should demand from those in power—humility, empathy, honesty, civility, and generosity. His record reflects a preference for self-promotion over service, spin over truth (with over 32,000 documented falsehoods during his first term), fear over compassion, and personal gain over public good. These tendencies stand in stark contrast to the principles that define genuine leadership: integrity, accountability, and commitment to common welfare.
Our Constitution was crafted by individuals who knew firsthand the dangers of corrupt leadership. Many fled oppressive regimes, arriving in a new land with little more than conviction and vision. From that foundation, they built a nation rooted in ideals that have endured and evolved into something remarkable.
We do not need a morally adrift real estate promoter treating the presidency as a personal business venture. Leadership demands more than charisma and bravado—it requires moral clarity, civic responsibility, and a respect for the institutions that safeguard democracy.
Based on Trump's polling, folks are starting to understand. This will translate into good folks taking back their country.
Not to excuse but to understand that they have lives to lead and find that paying close attention to the news is anxiety-provoking. I on the other hand, find not paying close attention to the news anxiety provoking
Thomas,
Thank you for your column “Bleak.” You voiced some of the same sentiments I have written about so much in my Virginia weekly newspaper. I have howled to the moon against the grift, corruption, and dictatorship of this era. It breaks my heart that too many of our fellow citizens either are mute about the corruption or embrace it, as you write.
One of my favorite movies is “It’s A Wonderful Life.” There are two cities portrayed in the Frank Capra film —Bedford Falls, a town of decency and caring, and Pottersville, a town of grift and corruption. They are the same place. It just was that the former became it was allowed to happen.
That 1946 movie has now come true in America. We are Pottersville.
We need to fight back.
I feel as if I am a voice in the wilderness. But as long as I am operating my newspaper, I plan to speak out. My stand will continue to cost me business and direct hate toward me. That’s OK. There are much more important things in life than money and popularity. I want those who follow me one day to remember me as supporting democracy and the rule of law. You, Thomas Mills, clearly will be so remembered. Thank you for your voice.