I like your ideas for consumer fraud protection, how to protect ourselves since we are under this FRAUDULENT President and corruption surrounds him. Thank you.
"So I’ve been considering expanding our focus into consumer protection and false advertising and product safety and assaults on workers, all of the ways that our modern-day robber barons have perpetrated the Art of the Steal.
And this would include doing whatever I can to help you, if you’ve been scammed or ripped off or have spotted some new nefarious scheme. We need a much stronger structure for finding and fighting all of these frauds, and it begins with us.
I also have a never-ending curiosity about big-picture issues of democracy and justice, and how to articulate a more perfect vision for all of us — a better theoretical framework that fits with the real world of today, and a better rhetorical framework that allows us to win elections today, and for years to come."
There are a lot of folks writing about Trump but we need to start thinking about what we want our country to be after Trump.
Perhaps address the gaps we have in our legal and civics education. I don't really want to hear what Trump is doing, as there are enough people screaming that all the time.
I want to know how to help get our society back on track.
How can we trust each other, or the government, now that misinformation is rampant?
How do we close all the loopholes that tRump exposed?
How do we reconcile a growing population with a static number of representatives?
How can we change our two party system without one party taking over?
How can we repeal all the bad laws, or fix any of the bad court rulings, without these ogres making things worse?
I say this kindly, but if you have to ask your readers what to write next, you're kind of putting the burden on them. Your readers, if they're subscribers, are here because they're interested not only in what you have to say, but in how you say it. This is your baby.
I'm not blaming you; I've done this myself--asked my readers what they wanted me to write about--and to their credit, nobody took me up on it. Not a single request. "Just write what's on your mind and in your heart" was the closest I got, and it's such good advice I'm passing it on to you. ❤️
Seriously, your publication doesn't thrive because you're so good at topics, it thrives because of YOU. You make it unique and special. it all comes from you. Your readers are open to anything as long as it's written in a way that transports them from start to finish in your own inimitable way.
Totally disagree. He's not a mindreader. And we're all different. Does he know how much a contemporary version of the Fairness Doctrine needs bringing back? How can it be achieved? Did you know I've been thinking hard about that? Have you been? Had it occurred to anyone else... or to Tristan?
A fully formed and functioning shadow (opposition) government, replete with a fully formed and costed manifesto such as the UK and others have, enables fair and bipartisan reporting at all times because whenever a regime head or deputy puts themselves out there to spout some garbage or another, their exact opposite number (or deputy) can be called upon to give exactly the right information to counter it. Right there and then - or as near as damn it. Head to head. And the same in the other direction. Pundits need not apply. Getting into the habit of having immensely qualified people responding calmly and in a very informed manner to the outlandish claims from one side will help bring back trust to the news media. From both sides.
There's a whole lot of other things america can learn from coverage in Europe and UK. Advertising Standards, etc. It all ties in together with Fairness, one way or another. People - voters - consume media 24/7. If its become like the Wild West, unregulated, every man or woman for themselves, how can the poison that false information has become be eradicated? And fuck Citizens United. Sideways. With a pineapple.
At the risk of starting off toward "Us vs Them," I wanted to add that The Guardian seems to just put it out there, the facts of what's going on, whereas our press holds it back, is "hyper-managed" into keeping the facts hidden longer. So without regard to government differences, there is that. I look to see what The Guardian is saying first in many instances.
Yes, I can see what you’re saying. And thank you. I should have read the room! I’ve seen too many of these questions coming from writers who seem to have run out of things to write about and so they go to their readers to get their prompts. This isn’t the case here, I see. I’ll just slink quietly out now… 🙄
1) Have civil rights been violated by anyone who's been fired by representatives of the regime, and are these grounds for class action or individual lawsuits?
2) How have the renegades in "DOGE" not violated privacy rights, and isn't that prosecutable?
3) Don't citizens whose health and / or safety have been violated qualify for suing the responsible parties in the regime?
4) Isn't one of the hidden weapons of the sociopaths the knowledge that the average citizen can't afford to hire legal help to defend themselves?
I've been thinking a lot about what I'm looking for in the outlets that I spend time reading. I really like the direction you suggest - political corruption and the glorification of amoral behavior doesn't begin with the elected (or appointed) class. It begins in the private sector. That has long been the engine that fuels corruption (for money, power, prestige). Citizens United just made it much, much easier. As to what I want, I do not want firebrand outrage outlets (not suggesting that you are one) - I can easily generate enough outrage energy to power a major city. I need facts, but more than that alone, I need context - what are the connections? What am I missing in understanding a particular thread of a current action/court case/proposal, etc. What are specific electeds doing to push back in a meaningful way? What CAN be done (i.e., no strong Schumer letters). When "our side" doesn't act - what am I missing in understanding why? I'm not a political neophyte, so I understand reality, much as I hate it. I realize that information doesn't power discourse anymore, if it ever did. For me, though, it is the basis for my understand the world and what I can do.
Why, thank you for asking. Herewith a modest proposal:
We need an honest appraisal of the DNC's capabilities for destroying and repudiating Trumpism. Nothing short of its annihilation can enable the country to heal and rebuild... everything. Even then, with the best case scenario, there is no way the US will return to any 'old normal'. We know too much now for that, the electorate is lit up like it hasn't going back several generations. Can the DNC lead this? I have my doubts.
The counterpoint that needs exploring is a rise of the Center-Left/Center-Right bulge in the voting population that has been completely screwed and is mad as hell. Thoroughly explore whether, and under what conditions, a 3rd party could win and dominate (I'm asking for an honest evaluation, not a mindless recitation of Conventional Wisdom). The unofficial name would be the Fight Party, its platform would be Fuck This Shit All To Hell. My personal view, coming from a very limited set of knowledge, is that the Democratic Party is all hollowed out and ready to be reoccupied by a new, more vibrant tenant. The added benefit would be that their copyrights and branding materials are already paid for. Please discuss.
The stark reality that Republican voters tend to vote against their self-interests may be coming home to roost in devastating fashion. Democrats need to explain democracy to the masses, tear down the communist connotations in working terms. Ideals need to become workable ideas.
Will the Republicans pass the most horrific bill and absolutely ruin the lives of all that live here, that aren’t rich?
How can any Democrat vote for anything this administration brings before them, especially one who spoke for 25 hours on the atrocities of this govt, Cory Booker. Voted for thumps crypto currency,
Unfortunately I think many of Booker's constituents and donors are crypto guys. I respect his integrity but as long as our elected officials are supported by private campaign donations instead of public funds, this will be a problem.
It's all good! Your idea is great: IS Kushner "compromised," and I think we should assume he is. I have also wondered, with increasing anxiety I should add, about your very question: "How many are disappearing from our streets?" And for what reasons? Maybe Tristan could initiate some "case studies?" Even if the victims have lawyers, there must be general public information available. I would think. ?
Thanks, feeling overwhelmed a bit…wondering if Cory Booker is compromised? Voting for DaddyKushner because Booker is a ‘friend’ of BonesawKushner? Daddy and son are disgusting humans…
Yeah that Charles Kushner/one-more-crook-in-our-affairs thing was another slap in the face. Not knowing (Booker's) self-interests is part of the problem.
I wonder if a FOIA request could be made to find out how many unidentified ICE personnel there are and where are they recruiting. Also, can the actual individuals be identified?
I would like to read about more ways we can respond to the lies and lack of transparency in areas that touch upon our lives, consumer fraud is great but also maybe how on a state level we can be pro-active in demandting transparency from elected officials, somewhat akin to your legal experience in taking trump down, what factors should we demand transparency. I guess I am aski g you from your experience to teach us what to be aware of and how to expect/ask/demand our elected officials are to act and work so we can ensure private citizens are not corrupting them
Accountability to Court Findings seems like a list, constantly growing. But the common theme is "he's in non-compliance of orders" ... "In contempt" yet he is not held accountable.
There seems to be so much corruption going on in multiple sectors. You're right ... it didn't just start with TFG. I think it's much broader than even government. The problem with capitalism is, in it's infancy it works well for society. It encourages growth & creativity. But, as it matures, it becomes much more a model driven by greed & monopolistic forces. It permeates all facets of society's structure. Eventually destroying the balance & order so necessary in any society. Capitalism is still a good foundation, but, going forward we need guardrails on just how much is "enough". If someone is making 1 $billion a year ... they need to be taxed 85%. No loopholes, no deals. That still leaves a tremendous amount of incentive for any normal human being.
I like your ideas for consumer fraud protection, how to protect ourselves since we are under this FRAUDULENT President and corruption surrounds him. Thank you.
Who are the 16 Dems who voted with House Magats at 1:00 am this morning for the Big Beautiful Bill?
https://www.commondreams.org/news/senate-democrats-genius-bill-advance
@ Bill Riley- here’s who they are
Bill, did you mean "Maggots" or Maga supporters?
I’m comfortable with either designation.
Yes! They must be completely dehumanized before you can eliminate them!
Magats = Make America Great Again Trump Supporter
WTF Sorry but that is my only thought
I like these ideas
"So I’ve been considering expanding our focus into consumer protection and false advertising and product safety and assaults on workers, all of the ways that our modern-day robber barons have perpetrated the Art of the Steal.
And this would include doing whatever I can to help you, if you’ve been scammed or ripped off or have spotted some new nefarious scheme. We need a much stronger structure for finding and fighting all of these frauds, and it begins with us.
I also have a never-ending curiosity about big-picture issues of democracy and justice, and how to articulate a more perfect vision for all of us — a better theoretical framework that fits with the real world of today, and a better rhetorical framework that allows us to win elections today, and for years to come."
There are a lot of folks writing about Trump but we need to start thinking about what we want our country to be after Trump.
I second starting to think about what we want for the country post Trump.
Yes! Thinking about OURSELVES and how WE are getting along, instead of focusing on the latest offense of the felon in office. We need defensive help!
Perhaps address the gaps we have in our legal and civics education. I don't really want to hear what Trump is doing, as there are enough people screaming that all the time.
I want to know how to help get our society back on track.
How can we trust each other, or the government, now that misinformation is rampant?
How do we close all the loopholes that tRump exposed?
How do we reconcile a growing population with a static number of representatives?
How can we change our two party system without one party taking over?
How can we repeal all the bad laws, or fix any of the bad court rulings, without these ogres making things worse?
I say this kindly, but if you have to ask your readers what to write next, you're kind of putting the burden on them. Your readers, if they're subscribers, are here because they're interested not only in what you have to say, but in how you say it. This is your baby.
I'm not blaming you; I've done this myself--asked my readers what they wanted me to write about--and to their credit, nobody took me up on it. Not a single request. "Just write what's on your mind and in your heart" was the closest I got, and it's such good advice I'm passing it on to you. ❤️
Seriously, your publication doesn't thrive because you're so good at topics, it thrives because of YOU. You make it unique and special. it all comes from you. Your readers are open to anything as long as it's written in a way that transports them from start to finish in your own inimitable way.
Totally disagree. He's not a mindreader. And we're all different. Does he know how much a contemporary version of the Fairness Doctrine needs bringing back? How can it be achieved? Did you know I've been thinking hard about that? Have you been? Had it occurred to anyone else... or to Tristan?
A fully formed and functioning shadow (opposition) government, replete with a fully formed and costed manifesto such as the UK and others have, enables fair and bipartisan reporting at all times because whenever a regime head or deputy puts themselves out there to spout some garbage or another, their exact opposite number (or deputy) can be called upon to give exactly the right information to counter it. Right there and then - or as near as damn it. Head to head. And the same in the other direction. Pundits need not apply. Getting into the habit of having immensely qualified people responding calmly and in a very informed manner to the outlandish claims from one side will help bring back trust to the news media. From both sides.
There's a whole lot of other things america can learn from coverage in Europe and UK. Advertising Standards, etc. It all ties in together with Fairness, one way or another. People - voters - consume media 24/7. If its become like the Wild West, unregulated, every man or woman for themselves, how can the poison that false information has become be eradicated? And fuck Citizens United. Sideways. With a pineapple.
At the risk of starting off toward "Us vs Them," I wanted to add that The Guardian seems to just put it out there, the facts of what's going on, whereas our press holds it back, is "hyper-managed" into keeping the facts hidden longer. So without regard to government differences, there is that. I look to see what The Guardian is saying first in many instances.
Yes, I can see what you’re saying. And thank you. I should have read the room! I’ve seen too many of these questions coming from writers who seem to have run out of things to write about and so they go to their readers to get their prompts. This isn’t the case here, I see. I’ll just slink quietly out now… 🙄
Don't you dare slink off. Your comment is perfectly valid. And without it I might not have responded on the thread so thoroughly
1) Have civil rights been violated by anyone who's been fired by representatives of the regime, and are these grounds for class action or individual lawsuits?
2) How have the renegades in "DOGE" not violated privacy rights, and isn't that prosecutable?
3) Don't citizens whose health and / or safety have been violated qualify for suing the responsible parties in the regime?
4) Isn't one of the hidden weapons of the sociopaths the knowledge that the average citizen can't afford to hire legal help to defend themselves?
I've been thinking a lot about what I'm looking for in the outlets that I spend time reading. I really like the direction you suggest - political corruption and the glorification of amoral behavior doesn't begin with the elected (or appointed) class. It begins in the private sector. That has long been the engine that fuels corruption (for money, power, prestige). Citizens United just made it much, much easier. As to what I want, I do not want firebrand outrage outlets (not suggesting that you are one) - I can easily generate enough outrage energy to power a major city. I need facts, but more than that alone, I need context - what are the connections? What am I missing in understanding a particular thread of a current action/court case/proposal, etc. What are specific electeds doing to push back in a meaningful way? What CAN be done (i.e., no strong Schumer letters). When "our side" doesn't act - what am I missing in understanding why? I'm not a political neophyte, so I understand reality, much as I hate it. I realize that information doesn't power discourse anymore, if it ever did. For me, though, it is the basis for my understand the world and what I can do.
Why, thank you for asking. Herewith a modest proposal:
We need an honest appraisal of the DNC's capabilities for destroying and repudiating Trumpism. Nothing short of its annihilation can enable the country to heal and rebuild... everything. Even then, with the best case scenario, there is no way the US will return to any 'old normal'. We know too much now for that, the electorate is lit up like it hasn't going back several generations. Can the DNC lead this? I have my doubts.
The counterpoint that needs exploring is a rise of the Center-Left/Center-Right bulge in the voting population that has been completely screwed and is mad as hell. Thoroughly explore whether, and under what conditions, a 3rd party could win and dominate (I'm asking for an honest evaluation, not a mindless recitation of Conventional Wisdom). The unofficial name would be the Fight Party, its platform would be Fuck This Shit All To Hell. My personal view, coming from a very limited set of knowledge, is that the Democratic Party is all hollowed out and ready to be reoccupied by a new, more vibrant tenant. The added benefit would be that their copyrights and branding materials are already paid for. Please discuss.
The stark reality that Republican voters tend to vote against their self-interests may be coming home to roost in devastating fashion. Democrats need to explain democracy to the masses, tear down the communist connotations in working terms. Ideals need to become workable ideas.
Couple of things. Exactly how many are ‘disappearing’ from our streets? How many visas, green cards, permanent resident status has been revoked and told or forced to leave? https://open.substack.com/pub/kristenkroll/p/in-defense-of-democracy-supporting?r=8l5v7&utm_medium=ios
Will the Republicans pass the most horrific bill and absolutely ruin the lives of all that live here, that aren’t rich?
How can any Democrat vote for anything this administration brings before them, especially one who spoke for 25 hours on the atrocities of this govt, Cory Booker. Voted for thumps crypto currency,
Unfortunately I think many of Booker's constituents and donors are crypto guys. I respect his integrity but as long as our elected officials are supported by private campaign donations instead of public funds, this will be a problem.
(Hit send by mistake), then Kushner for Ambassador, a third thing I forgot-is he compromised???
http://democrats-budget.house.gov/legislation/republican-middle-class-betrayal
Sorry, I’m not having a good day today!
It's all good! Your idea is great: IS Kushner "compromised," and I think we should assume he is. I have also wondered, with increasing anxiety I should add, about your very question: "How many are disappearing from our streets?" And for what reasons? Maybe Tristan could initiate some "case studies?" Even if the victims have lawyers, there must be general public information available. I would think. ?
Thanks, feeling overwhelmed a bit…wondering if Cory Booker is compromised? Voting for DaddyKushner because Booker is a ‘friend’ of BonesawKushner? Daddy and son are disgusting humans…
Yeah that Charles Kushner/one-more-crook-in-our-affairs thing was another slap in the face. Not knowing (Booker's) self-interests is part of the problem.
The Art of the Steal ... it’s the original sin leading to the degradation of all societies as they mature
I wonder if a FOIA request could be made to find out how many unidentified ICE personnel there are and where are they recruiting. Also, can the actual individuals be identified?
I would like to read about more ways we can respond to the lies and lack of transparency in areas that touch upon our lives, consumer fraud is great but also maybe how on a state level we can be pro-active in demandting transparency from elected officials, somewhat akin to your legal experience in taking trump down, what factors should we demand transparency. I guess I am aski g you from your experience to teach us what to be aware of and how to expect/ask/demand our elected officials are to act and work so we can ensure private citizens are not corrupting them
Accountability to Court Findings seems like a list, constantly growing. But the common theme is "he's in non-compliance of orders" ... "In contempt" yet he is not held accountable.
Anyway we can work together on this?
I would love to see what or who is behind election advertising when we get closer to that. Love to find a way to figure it out and spread the word.
There seems to be so much corruption going on in multiple sectors. You're right ... it didn't just start with TFG. I think it's much broader than even government. The problem with capitalism is, in it's infancy it works well for society. It encourages growth & creativity. But, as it matures, it becomes much more a model driven by greed & monopolistic forces. It permeates all facets of society's structure. Eventually destroying the balance & order so necessary in any society. Capitalism is still a good foundation, but, going forward we need guardrails on just how much is "enough". If someone is making 1 $billion a year ... they need to be taxed 85%. No loopholes, no deals. That still leaves a tremendous amount of incentive for any normal human being.