When I learned I called every number for all offices, no messages at any of them! Sent email will call tomorrow! I am pissed off. We do not have leverage, this was a crumb, and he gave it away!!!!!!!!!!!
I think when your backed into a corner. Facing unfair backlash. Unfair blame. Monopoly news agencies that won't tell the truth or your sides good policies and successes. The only way they will see, feel and change is to suffering from there choices. We will also suffer, die, loose our jobs , homes, SDI, SSI, Medicare. But we need those fools to vote the cruelty out of our government. We must be ready to open our arms and hearts to helping them IF THEY SUPPORT OUR DEMOCRATIC PARTY.
No. No. It's up to US. We are the ONLY ones that can/will save us. More of us than them...all DC useless except for federal workers...our system is dead...grab your pitchforks. It's way past time...
I agree to a point my problem is I DONT SEE A MIDTERM! Djt isn’t going to take a chance Dem winning he’s a snake close ELECTION OFFICES OF INTEGRITY AND CYBERSECURITY OFFICES. HE WOULD BE WORRIED ABOUT IMPEACHMENT. I AM DISGUSTED WITH SEVERAL REPUBLICANS THAT WOULD CONSIDER GOING ALONG WITH DISGUSTING BILL BUT WORSE PISSED OFF AT SCHUMER WHEN HE SHOULD KNOW BETTER SORRY FOR ALL CAPS I PISSED THAT I CANT GET ANYBODY ON PHONE AT CAPITAL THIS THEY DONE ON PURPOSE
Valid points. But short term gains by shutting down the government, versus the long game. I learned to play the long games as the Republicons have been doing for the past 50 years. Learn by there examples. But produce a better outcome.
Frankly I’d pitch in to help people w/o pay during a shutdown—we could all make giving funds for friends and/or folks in our neighborhoods…those who need it. Not always well-paid people!
During the past 10 years I have asked our Democratic people for help. Only one friend gave me $20. Your suggestion is false hope. Repeatedly doing the same thing like pray is a sign of crazy.
Im sorry you had that experience. How long ago? Are you a Federal worker? DidGoFundMe exist when this happened to you? Today, this year, is a whole new disastrous world. I haven’t suggested you pray. I was hoping there might be others who might echo my inclination. Many people in the US fall prey to advertising and compulsions and get the selves deep into trouble by running up credit card dept (&i still can’t understand why 20-30% compounded interest isn’t illegal as blatant usury!), gambling, multiple cars & choosing gasguzzling ones, spending instead of holding back on things like cell phones for each kid, giant TVs, huge cable subscriptions etc instead of saving, etc. When their own budgeting mistakes come crashing down, i can see how some might not help. But when honest, hardworking people working for the government, serving us, who get screwed by a facist overthrowing the government, lose their income from a shortterm government shutdown, i would hope those who personally know this person, their church or community center or neighborhood association or bowling team or neighbors would help out—bring food to help them pay bills, or pitch in to pay bills so they can buy food… to get them through a shortterm suspension of work. This is lao why it’s important to make friends where you live, creating a supportive & caring community. Regardless of ethnicity, religion, or political party….by helping put when we see a need, being friendly, smiling. It is hard for people to want to help an angry unfriendly selfish person, and i by NO means am implying any of this applies to you. Rather, it’s important for people to understand, well, people. And work to get along, work on themselves if needed, to do this. But most importantly, unite as Americans recognizing the very existence of the USA since its founding, as a constitutional government that has influenced the world with our attempt to survive with free elections, bit by bit trying to improve in terms of bad cultural norms of the past, like slavery & genocide of Native Americans, slave-like control of women, unbridled greed of big business & so on, is collapsing around us by men in league with the leader of our long enemy, Russia, corrupt to the core & and enemy of this State, driven by money beyond the imagination of most fellow citizens here, but even more driven by power lust.
United, we care for one another. I hope this spirit re-emerges rather than the ongoing tragedy turning us into self-preserving, isolating, small people, as happened when Hitler took over Germany & began racial cleansing there…
Please don’t give up on human beings, and perhaps don’t ask what party they belong to if u ever need some neighborly help if misfortune strikes again.
I'm thinking they DO have a spine, especially Chuck who agreed to be the sacrificial lamb for this bill. It could all be a larger strategy to expose Trump's true destructive power, rather than resisting it which would only delay his true destruction. We need to have that damage happen EARLY so that he can't blame the NEXT Potus for the damage!
Yes, all that is true. However I think you misunderstood my message: so many people say “grow some balls” “have some balls”, etc. - even when they are encouraging/chastising women (e.g. members of congress or/& prospective activists). Of course, we don’t have testicles, but we women have better than that! We have the tremendous strength & power to push babies out! Imagine what else we can do! So, I was not advising women to breed, literally. I was metaphorically encouraging us to summon our great & unique powers and get to work in ways those with dangling genitalia are evidently unable or unwilling to!
I also agree with you about European women increasingly holding positions of power: those countries are almost all way ahead of us in many aspects. If I had any savings, I would have left this country in November! I loved it, traveled through many states as well as some of the beautiful, spiritually resonant scraps of Native American land… but I am digressing. Suffice it to reitterate: My heart aches very sorely as I see it being destroyed.💔
It's ill-advised. Schumer's responding as if we're in normal times. We sure as hell are not. The repugs are in total control. There should have been a unified Democrat response of "no" to every single cabinet pick and that should be the case now. Dems need to take control of the messaging NOW.
Try calling or emailing her office and asking her to use her influence.
Btw, Senators' field offices are another possible way to get thru.
AND THIS IS FROM A JOURNO YESTERDAY P.M.:
"Don't take this as gospel. It's not official. It's a very knowledgable source's best understanding of the situation. This persons likely Yeses on cloture are. Schumer, Hassan, Peters, Durbin, Schatz, King, Shaheen, Fetterman, Cortez Masto and Gillibrand."
Field offices are a better route than trying to get through to D.C., but also often remote and deaf to citizens in most cases. I actually got a human in one nearby office I thought had a more enlightened Rep. but got stonewalled and referred to my own district Rep, who doesn't answer calls or make the call-backs they promise to make. All I was trying to do was get an email addy or transfer to someone in this Reps local office who might take a minute and listen to what I had to say (which was something they've never considered.) The fellow on the line just kept saying, "give me your zipcode and I can refer you to your own Representative." I finally had to yell at him, "I KNOW WHO MY REPRESENTATIVE IS, AND I KNOW HE DOESN'T ANSWER EMAILS OR PHONE CALLS AND IS TOTALLY INACCESSIBLE! WHY DO YOU THINK I'M CALLING YOUR OFFICE INSTEAD? " So getting/insisting our Reps. are accessible and available for bilateral communications is a priority. We must do something about that.
Throughout this term, Trump has called Republicans who strongly opposed his wishes and their votes magically changed in his favor. I wonder what he had on them.
Now Schumer folded like a house of cards. I wonder what Trump has on him, and when we'll find out Trump made a personal call to him
EXACTLY! I just don't understand......it's almost as if the death threats are coming from "insidebthe house". People are so upset at the repugs. They are going to lose in 2026 anyway. What the HELL could they be so afraid of
What Mary might have meant is that the Dems need to grow a pair, since the rethugs' are all freeze dried. You are right that if the jellyfish outnumber the vertebrates in this round, someone will need to start over with the next iteration of democracy. My favorite article from 2020 is 'History Will Judge the Complicit', by Anne Applebaum, and she is one who would know.
agree, except I think we're going to have to do better than democracy. The question that really needs to be answered is, "When better than anything else isn't good enough, what then?" The sooner we start looking, the sooner we might have something real to pass along to a future generation (provided one survives us.)
they don't have to be bullied. They just have to cling to their old 'normal-times', obsolete playbook like a fetish doll. Accounts for most of the defeats we've suffered for the past 50 years.
My own Senators, who had been yes-votes, listened on Wednesday.
TEN out of 13 rumored yes-votes CHANGED THEIR MINDS by Thursday. THEN We got a new list of 11 rumored yes-votes, EIGHT OF WHICH INCLUDING SCHUMER ARE NEW.
The "old list" must have had their ears blown off. Mine did!
If you can't get through on Capitol Hill,you can also call one of their field offices in the home state and punch the option to speak to a staffer. A PERSON!
Personally, I think it's a deliberate strategy BECAUSE they know they are powerless. Better to not resist the punch but duck out of its way. Let them do their damage so that the world can plainly see whose fault it is. This business about doing the damage late in the term so that the NEXT guy can be blamed once the damage surfaces is NOT the way to handle this admininstration. You're trying to stop a bus by throwing a couple of lightweight snowballs at it. Better to let the bus rip down that icy road at full speed so that it crashes EARLY rather than later -- you KNOW it's going to crash eventually anyway, so why put it off so that the next guy can get blamed?1
Democratic leaders are not being bullied. They believe in the same things the Republicans believe in and the arguments are simply about how to best deliver wealth and power to the few and oppression/fascism to the many. When push comes to shove, liberals have always supported fascism over the working class.
Sent from Texas ~ am perennially mystified by how/why Schumer is our best choice for D's Senate leadership. So many more options who are not "communications challenged."
It's simple seniority and "we've always done it this way."
The D party is both Rube Goldberg machine and a private club in which only those with considerable leisure, a lot of money and/or a full-time dedication to politics can really have any influence on policy, strategy or The Rulz.
I strongly urge you to stand up and say no to CR and demand for negotiations to reduce draconian spending. I understand that we had a shutdown twice during Trump’s first term and they were temporary.
That bill Republicans pushed will be permanent and have severe implications for the foreseeable future! Don’t be a fool! Grow a spine!
I’m from Georgia and proud to sa I voted for Ossoff and he said NO and it’s clear and loud! Follow his lead!
I said basically the same thing! They won't say what they will do with all appropriated monies. They will continue to gut, freeze and fire their way anyway..m
From Josh Marshall at Talking Points Memo yesterday p.m.:
"Don't take this as gospel. It's not official. It's a very knowledgable source's best understanding of the situation. This persons likely Yeses on cloture are.
Schumer,
Hassan,
Peters,
Durbin,
Schatz,
King,
Shaheen,
Fetterman,
Cortez Masto
and Gillibrand."
Could try and contact all of the above. Especially if any are YOURS. Contact Nancy Pelosi to use her influence. If your Senator is on the right side, call in support, ask them to stay strong.
If you can't get through, try their field offices.
Clio, I agree! Telling our reps that we support them is vital, let them know we are paying attention, and in full support, solidarity! Fetterman, well, no surprise there! The rest … I am shellshocked! I laugh when I get emails from Fetterman asking for donations / NO WAY! He is toast in my book, DELETE, DELETE, DELETE!
Done! Wrote a lengthy plea for doing the best -vote NO on this deadly CR! Everyone is counting on a no vote. Let be sure he gets it this time! Write, call. LOUDLY!!
I'm going to repeat this because it's important: to get around the phone blockage and the doubt if they will really read email:
Look up the phone numbers of their FIELD OFFICES, pick one, and punch the option to speak to a staffer. Be assertive! Persobal contact has multiplied impact compared with a message.
Tom Cotton (yuck) has started placing NO votes as a Sch___er Shutdown. Deflect, placing blame at Dems feet! Uh, NO! Trifecta, the responsibility is wholly, and completely on the backs of the Republicans!
While a shut down will bring some pain, as Mary Trump explained, and I agree, it will be temporary. By pushing this through the FELON, his silent partner and goons can move ahead and dismantle our treasured institutions and pour acid over our economy, freedom, laws, and way of life. Admittedly, after last night, I feel a bit refreshed, but still feeling fragile. Learning of Democrats possibly selling us out caused a psychological break and despondency.
One request of my fellow citizens, I know I cannot stay alone in my own head, I need those much more educated than I to converse with me. Please let’s stay together, share knowledge/information. If I feel this way, I am fairly sure I am not alone
What good would that do other than delay the inevitable?
I say let it rip NOW so that there will be no doubt whose fault the damage is.
We need to have a crystal clear case gong into the Mid-Terms, and THAT is assuming Trump won't just ignore the free and fair election provisions in the Constitution!
as you seem to have learned, we don't have access to our own legislators, either. No system of bilateral communications, without which you can't have a democracy. That little problem has been going on for a long time.
Schumer is a disappointment as a leader. He needs a back bone of courage to stand up to Republican lawlessness. Voting for the CR is a disgrace. Trump and the Republicans are already destroying the government infrastructure. Voting for the CR only encourages the Republican agenda. Shame, shame!
Shut it all down until they comply with the courts, give DC their billion dollars back, stop talking about cuts, and get Musk on camera to explain exactly what he’s been doing when he’s not playing video games in the White House!
It’s going to be a long four years and I will be wearing these kinds of shirts everyday until this nightmare ends 👇
Looks like Dems are going to cave--again--with Shumer leading the way. Dems have lost my support. I refuse to vote for anyone who doesn't have my back. Disgraceful!
Don't throw the baby out with the bath water. Remember this is how we got F45, people being mad at the Dems. Lot of people stayed home this time too. Dem party has the infrastructure we need. Just primary the sumbitches and take over the party from corporate ourselves.
The one thing the current Democratic Party is good at is collecting donations! The problem is what they do with that money. First, they protect their incumbents, no matter how spineless or venal. Second, they look for folks who will help them “move toward the center” when the general public is already more centrist and left of them! Third, they “primary” their progressive members! I have little choice in presidential elections, but I think the Democrats abandoned me several decades ago. Bernie Sanders, not quite as old as me, was a better choice through the last several elections. Too bad he wasn’t a she!
Haven't been on the social sites in a while, but Nick Brana still is. He attempted to start a different kind of dem party back when the DNC performed fraud to try to install Clinton in office. Partly why we ended up with Donald in office in the first place. Sacrificed so much for the for profit prison supporting Clintons. Geez! People never learn.
Even a less than perfect Dem is better than a MAGA. Remember, people voting third party or staying home is how we ended up with f47. Fine to try to primary weak Dems, but once the actual election comes around, vote for the Dem. We cannot afford any more MAGA rule, and third parties have no chance to do anything but throw the election to MAGA.
Well, I don’t want that, but democrats better start working for their constituents if they want our votes. It’s not what we want to happen, but they’re not giving reason to have faith in them. For goodness sake, DO SOMETHING and do it NOW!!
There are multiple reasons why Trump won. A pile of straws, none was the "last," each had its effect.
I used to think like you. I used to argue like you, passionately. For DECADES.
Now I am truly wondering what is the point of even electing Ds if in the end, the Republic can be SOLD by, basically, ONE pusillanimous wretch doung a RUG PULL
Chuck! After 🍊 pulled a not - zee comment on your Judaism and said you are a Palestinian? Do you not get that this is what the furor did? You agreed to an agenda that is so much worse than a shutdown? So you will let 🍊 continue to hurt us all??? And be a dictator??????? I am ashamed of you.
meD, thanks. I did. "Most of your constituents are gravely disappointed that you are unwilling to face a shutdown due to the miserable budget cuts that will greatly harm so many of all political persuasions. Make the oligarchs reconsider and back down. Many Democrats and even some Republicans are counting on the life saving measures that MAGA wants to delay, deny and destroy. POTUS said, for all to her, that you, "...(are) not Jewish: (you are) Palestinian." He won't stop (and he didn't start) with those "knot-zee" era statements against you: he bullies and will bully everyone who disgrees with him. We need you to stand for democracy and life, not to fall for autocratic lawlessness."
The Dems have to stop playing by the rules…they need to play dirty… the nation’s people are already f*cked, so one more sharp pain isn’t going to kill us…the Dems have to rise up and fight for their constituents - for their country.🇺🇸
How are they so bad at politics? We are correct and on the right side of history on literally every issue but these corporate owned fucks refuse to fight for the good of the people and let the republicans wall all over them. Goddamnit I am so angry. This is the only time in my lifetime a government shut down is actually needed. Republicans have shut it down repeatedly and never suffer for it. The dems are weak and full of shit.
Great analysis, Mary. If Chuck Schumer doesn’t have the stomach, or the balls to do what needs to be done, he needs to get the hell out of the way. I’m sick of Democratic leaders being afraid of taking the fight to the fascist criminals.
Please don’t make me regret my faith in the Democratic party - you still have time…you have NOTHING TO LOSE by standing your ground here. What do you think extra time will do? If you don’t call their bluff now, what do you think will happen later after they know they owned you on Friday?
There is no one coming to save us. These rich fucks have more in common with Trump than me or you. Still waiting for the people to rise up. I cant do shit on my own.
Write to them! Call them tomorrow. It doesn’t help to write on here, it’s more important to contact them. If enough people do, and stand up tomorrow and get out and make themselves seen, that makes change; complaining to each other is not effective.
Republicans know the Democrats will fold. So now I guess when it goes really badly, Republicans can and will blame the Democrats for voting for this. Apparently the Dems haven’t gotten the message or just choose to ignore us.
Senator Bernie Sanders is voting No. I wish a lot more members of Congress had an ounce of his courage and sense of justice and duty to the people of America.
I can’t believe dems will do this. They can’t they need to stand strong. Trump is already shutting us down and now we’re letting him do even more sitting back and agreeing
Both parties profit from the game. The DNC screwed Sanders and other progressives in 2016, but libs just bent over and LOVED them some dems back then. Some never learn.
I voted Democrat in this election as I have for the past several decades. I campaigned for Harris/Waltz, and I contributed money to them and down-ballot races. Thus far, my party has done nothing.
You’re missing the point. The giving up attitude is what gives up our democracy. We all need to make an effort right now, not give up. It’s really up to the people. We have the power. Much more than anyone in Congress right now.
“I'm a hard NO on the Republican spending bill. On cloture. On all of it. When a wannabe dictator is trying to seize power, it must not be given to him. Not without a fight.”
—Senator Adam Schiff, today
Thank you Mary for this amazing deep dive analysis of the budget crisis. There are no good answers and no good options when the top sheriff in town is corrupt to the core.
I am appalled that Schumer would cave and vote for this terrible bill. I called his office and left a message yesterday and today. There's never anyone there to take a message. This is one time he and the other Democrats should let the shut down happen rather than allow this bill to pass.
The CR authorizes Trump to impose sequestrations upon the judiciary as well as executive departments.
If it is passed, Trump will be able to sequester funds to stop the courts from processing lawsuits against his actions. The CR thus will neuter both other branches of the government, and checks and balances will be dead.
It is fitting that the CR will be voted upon on the 53rd day of Trump’s tenure, given that the Reichstag voted to neuter itself by passing the Enabling Act of 1933 on the 53rd day of Hitler’s tenure. There, it took arrests of opposition deputies to secure passage. If the CR passes, all it will have taken is the cowardice of a few Democratic Senators, most notably the two from New York.
When I learned I called every number for all offices, no messages at any of them! Sent email will call tomorrow! I am pissed off. We do not have leverage, this was a crumb, and he gave it away!!!!!!!!!!!
It has occurred to me that our Democratic leaders are being bullied. That’s my only conclusion watching them be feckless once again.
Then they need to grow a spine.
Schumer lost his spine and is afraid of Trump and musk!! I tried calling schumer and no voicemail 🤬
Schumer never had a spine.
I did too I was pissed hate going on X because it’s pure Evil however I sent him messages his district should call him out now
I think when your backed into a corner. Facing unfair backlash. Unfair blame. Monopoly news agencies that won't tell the truth or your sides good policies and successes. The only way they will see, feel and change is to suffering from there choices. We will also suffer, die, loose our jobs , homes, SDI, SSI, Medicare. But we need those fools to vote the cruelty out of our government. We must be ready to open our arms and hearts to helping them IF THEY SUPPORT OUR DEMOCRATIC PARTY.
No. No. It's up to US. We are the ONLY ones that can/will save us. More of us than them...all DC useless except for federal workers...our system is dead...grab your pitchforks. It's way past time...
I agree to a point my problem is I DONT SEE A MIDTERM! Djt isn’t going to take a chance Dem winning he’s a snake close ELECTION OFFICES OF INTEGRITY AND CYBERSECURITY OFFICES. HE WOULD BE WORRIED ABOUT IMPEACHMENT. I AM DISGUSTED WITH SEVERAL REPUBLICANS THAT WOULD CONSIDER GOING ALONG WITH DISGUSTING BILL BUT WORSE PISSED OFF AT SCHUMER WHEN HE SHOULD KNOW BETTER SORRY FOR ALL CAPS I PISSED THAT I CANT GET ANYBODY ON PHONE AT CAPITAL THIS THEY DONE ON PURPOSE
Valid points. But short term gains by shutting down the government, versus the long game. I learned to play the long games as the Republicons have been doing for the past 50 years. Learn by there examples. But produce a better outcome.
If they support D E M O C R A C Y
Frankly I’d pitch in to help people w/o pay during a shutdown—we could all make giving funds for friends and/or folks in our neighborhoods…those who need it. Not always well-paid people!
During the past 10 years I have asked our Democratic people for help. Only one friend gave me $20. Your suggestion is false hope. Repeatedly doing the same thing like pray is a sign of crazy.
Im sorry you had that experience. How long ago? Are you a Federal worker? DidGoFundMe exist when this happened to you? Today, this year, is a whole new disastrous world. I haven’t suggested you pray. I was hoping there might be others who might echo my inclination. Many people in the US fall prey to advertising and compulsions and get the selves deep into trouble by running up credit card dept (&i still can’t understand why 20-30% compounded interest isn’t illegal as blatant usury!), gambling, multiple cars & choosing gasguzzling ones, spending instead of holding back on things like cell phones for each kid, giant TVs, huge cable subscriptions etc instead of saving, etc. When their own budgeting mistakes come crashing down, i can see how some might not help. But when honest, hardworking people working for the government, serving us, who get screwed by a facist overthrowing the government, lose their income from a shortterm government shutdown, i would hope those who personally know this person, their church or community center or neighborhood association or bowling team or neighbors would help out—bring food to help them pay bills, or pitch in to pay bills so they can buy food… to get them through a shortterm suspension of work. This is lao why it’s important to make friends where you live, creating a supportive & caring community. Regardless of ethnicity, religion, or political party….by helping put when we see a need, being friendly, smiling. It is hard for people to want to help an angry unfriendly selfish person, and i by NO means am implying any of this applies to you. Rather, it’s important for people to understand, well, people. And work to get along, work on themselves if needed, to do this. But most importantly, unite as Americans recognizing the very existence of the USA since its founding, as a constitutional government that has influenced the world with our attempt to survive with free elections, bit by bit trying to improve in terms of bad cultural norms of the past, like slavery & genocide of Native Americans, slave-like control of women, unbridled greed of big business & so on, is collapsing around us by men in league with the leader of our long enemy, Russia, corrupt to the core & and enemy of this State, driven by money beyond the imagination of most fellow citizens here, but even more driven by power lust.
United, we care for one another. I hope this spirit re-emerges rather than the ongoing tragedy turning us into self-preserving, isolating, small people, as happened when Hitler took over Germany & began racial cleansing there…
Please don’t give up on human beings, and perhaps don’t ask what party they belong to if u ever need some neighborly help if misfortune strikes again.
You have a kind & generous heart
I'm thinking they DO have a spine, especially Chuck who agreed to be the sacrificial lamb for this bill. It could all be a larger strategy to expose Trump's true destructive power, rather than resisting it which would only delay his true destruction. We need to have that damage happen EARLY so that he can't blame the NEXT Potus for the damage!
Hmm. Maybe so
NO balls...except for Green, AOC, Crockett...and Bernie
I think "President Crockett" has a nice ring to it.
👏👏
And galvanize those uterine muscles!
Yes, all that is true. However I think you misunderstood my message: so many people say “grow some balls” “have some balls”, etc. - even when they are encouraging/chastising women (e.g. members of congress or/& prospective activists). Of course, we don’t have testicles, but we women have better than that! We have the tremendous strength & power to push babies out! Imagine what else we can do! So, I was not advising women to breed, literally. I was metaphorically encouraging us to summon our great & unique powers and get to work in ways those with dangling genitalia are evidently unable or unwilling to!
I also agree with you about European women increasingly holding positions of power: those countries are almost all way ahead of us in many aspects. If I had any savings, I would have left this country in November! I loved it, traveled through many states as well as some of the beautiful, spiritually resonant scraps of Native American land… but I am digressing. Suffice it to reitterate: My heart aches very sorely as I see it being destroyed.💔
I actually think what Schumer is doing is very brave.
It's ill-advised. Schumer's responding as if we're in normal times. We sure as hell are not. The repugs are in total control. There should have been a unified Democrat response of "no" to every single cabinet pick and that should be the case now. Dems need to take control of the messaging NOW.
Haha! Yes and no....
Mostly noooooo
Damn straight!
Yes..she was tough and never a puppet!!
Try calling or emailing her office and asking her to use her influence.
Btw, Senators' field offices are another possible way to get thru.
AND THIS IS FROM A JOURNO YESTERDAY P.M.:
"Don't take this as gospel. It's not official. It's a very knowledgable source's best understanding of the situation. This persons likely Yeses on cloture are. Schumer, Hassan, Peters, Durbin, Schatz, King, Shaheen, Fetterman, Cortez Masto and Gillibrand."
Field offices are a better route than trying to get through to D.C., but also often remote and deaf to citizens in most cases. I actually got a human in one nearby office I thought had a more enlightened Rep. but got stonewalled and referred to my own district Rep, who doesn't answer calls or make the call-backs they promise to make. All I was trying to do was get an email addy or transfer to someone in this Reps local office who might take a minute and listen to what I had to say (which was something they've never considered.) The fellow on the line just kept saying, "give me your zipcode and I can refer you to your own Representative." I finally had to yell at him, "I KNOW WHO MY REPRESENTATIVE IS, AND I KNOW HE DOESN'T ANSWER EMAILS OR PHONE CALLS AND IS TOTALLY INACCESSIBLE! WHY DO YOU THINK I'M CALLING YOUR OFFICE INSTEAD? " So getting/insisting our Reps. are accessible and available for bilateral communications is a priority. We must do something about that.
I have no doubt that Pelosi is still pulling the strings and that this vote by Schumer is a deliberate part of the Dems strategy.
I doubt that very seriously. Let that man take responsibility for his stupid actions.
KIM=Brain Fog
nice try at advertising someone's new wunderkin gimmick.
but you might try this, no snake-oil, mind-fuck about it...
www.poems4change.org/public/lets-get-tactical.html
Spam reported. This same ad (with a different woman’s name) is making the rounds of Substack. The link may be malicious.
Throughout this term, Trump has called Republicans who strongly opposed his wishes and their votes magically changed in his favor. I wonder what he had on them.
Now Schumer folded like a house of cards. I wonder what Trump has on him, and when we'll find out Trump made a personal call to him
New Senate Minority Leader: Adam Schiff. He’ll fight for what’s right !
EXACTLY! I just don't understand......it's almost as if the death threats are coming from "insidebthe house". People are so upset at the repugs. They are going to lose in 2026 anyway. What the HELL could they be so afraid of
What Mary might have meant is that the Dems need to grow a pair, since the rethugs' are all freeze dried. You are right that if the jellyfish outnumber the vertebrates in this round, someone will need to start over with the next iteration of democracy. My favorite article from 2020 is 'History Will Judge the Complicit', by Anne Applebaum, and she is one who would know.
agree, except I think we're going to have to do better than democracy. The question that really needs to be answered is, "When better than anything else isn't good enough, what then?" The sooner we start looking, the sooner we might have something real to pass along to a future generation (provided one survives us.)
I would agree but the party is behind them! I am so upset!
GROW UP!!! is what I have to say to all of them. (Or are you saying that Chuck is the bully?)
I agree!
I would be interested in the weird PSYCHOLOGY of someone with a perpetual need to AVOID DELIVERING ONE WIN.
they don't have to be bullied. They just have to cling to their old 'normal-times', obsolete playbook like a fetish doll. Accounts for most of the defeats we've suffered for the past 50 years.
Democrats cowardice is simply a congenital condition.
That's rather broad-brush.
My own Senators, who had been yes-votes, listened on Wednesday.
TEN out of 13 rumored yes-votes CHANGED THEIR MINDS by Thursday. THEN We got a new list of 11 rumored yes-votes, EIGHT OF WHICH INCLUDING SCHUMER ARE NEW.
The "old list" must have had their ears blown off. Mine did!
If you can't get through on Capitol Hill,you can also call one of their field offices in the home state and punch the option to speak to a staffer. A PERSON!
They are cowards & frankly, thinking of self-preservation before country. IMHO
Bullies can't bully you if you stand up to them and say NO!
Personally, I think it's a deliberate strategy BECAUSE they know they are powerless. Better to not resist the punch but duck out of its way. Let them do their damage so that the world can plainly see whose fault it is. This business about doing the damage late in the term so that the NEXT guy can be blamed once the damage surfaces is NOT the way to handle this admininstration. You're trying to stop a bus by throwing a couple of lightweight snowballs at it. Better to let the bus rip down that icy road at full speed so that it crashes EARLY rather than later -- you KNOW it's going to crash eventually anyway, so why put it off so that the next guy can get blamed?1
Huh? When have Dems "turned their back" on the Constitution?
Also, "time after time as long as I can remember", and you're 66?
As if the GOP has shown any iota of respect for the Constitution.
Democratic leaders are not being bullied. They believe in the same things the Republicans believe in and the arguments are simply about how to best deliver wealth and power to the few and oppression/fascism to the many. When push comes to shove, liberals have always supported fascism over the working class.
Send email to: (under ‘Budget’)
https://www.schumer.senate.gov/contact/message-chuck
Sent from Texas ~ am perennially mystified by how/why Schumer is our best choice for D's Senate leadership. So many more options who are not "communications challenged."
Yep! Let's keep the pressure on until he is replaced.
It's simple seniority and "we've always done it this way."
The D party is both Rube Goldberg machine and a private club in which only those with considerable leisure, a lot of money and/or a full-time dedication to politics can really have any influence on policy, strategy or The Rulz.
And I am DEAD SICK of the entitled. paternalism.
Email sent! Here from Texas!!!
Make that two from Texas!
Just sent impassioned email to Schumer
Done! Sent him:
I wrote :
Dear Schumer,
I strongly urge you to stand up and say no to CR and demand for negotiations to reduce draconian spending. I understand that we had a shutdown twice during Trump’s first term and they were temporary.
That bill Republicans pushed will be permanent and have severe implications for the foreseeable future! Don’t be a fool! Grow a spine!
I’m from Georgia and proud to sa I voted for Ossoff and he said NO and it’s clear and loud! Follow his lead!
Eduardo Madera
I said basically the same thing! They won't say what they will do with all appropriated monies. They will continue to gut, freeze and fire their way anyway..m
Thank you! Exactly what I did. Feeling defeated. Phone all day!
From Josh Marshall at Talking Points Memo yesterday p.m.:
"Don't take this as gospel. It's not official. It's a very knowledgable source's best understanding of the situation. This persons likely Yeses on cloture are.
Schumer,
Hassan,
Peters,
Durbin,
Schatz,
King,
Shaheen,
Fetterman,
Cortez Masto
and Gillibrand."
Could try and contact all of the above. Especially if any are YOURS. Contact Nancy Pelosi to use her influence. If your Senator is on the right side, call in support, ask them to stay strong.
If you can't get through, try their field offices.
Clio, I agree! Telling our reps that we support them is vital, let them know we are paying attention, and in full support, solidarity! Fetterman, well, no surprise there! The rest … I am shellshocked! I laugh when I get emails from Fetterman asking for donations / NO WAY! He is toast in my book, DELETE, DELETE, DELETE!
Just sent one--Thank you!
Done!!!
Done! Wrote a lengthy plea for doing the best -vote NO on this deadly CR! Everyone is counting on a no vote. Let be sure he gets it this time! Write, call. LOUDLY!!
Thank you for the link meD!
Sent email. With as much respect as I could possibly muster. I'm pissed, and he needs to hear it!!!
Agreed, me too!
I'm going to repeat this because it's important: to get around the phone blockage and the doubt if they will really read email:
Look up the phone numbers of their FIELD OFFICES, pick one, and punch the option to speak to a staffer. Be assertive! Persobal contact has multiplied impact compared with a message.
I just did.
Me too. Nancy in DC.
Oh, good point!
Done ✔️
Thank you!!!!! Sent a scathing note to him
Just did this!!!!
Thank you for the link. Message sent.
Thank you! Sent him an e-mail. I might send him one again!
He’s a weak scared democrat 🤬
Tom Cotton (yuck) has started placing NO votes as a Sch___er Shutdown. Deflect, placing blame at Dems feet! Uh, NO! Trifecta, the responsibility is wholly, and completely on the backs of the Republicans!
All I can say to Schumer is "Out Out Damned Spot !" He must go! He is too weak to fight MAGA. This last capitulation proved it.
I wrote 2xs. If he does this, he does not Represent us. SHAMEFUL.
While a shut down will bring some pain, as Mary Trump explained, and I agree, it will be temporary. By pushing this through the FELON, his silent partner and goons can move ahead and dismantle our treasured institutions and pour acid over our economy, freedom, laws, and way of life. Admittedly, after last night, I feel a bit refreshed, but still feeling fragile. Learning of Democrats possibly selling us out caused a psychological break and despondency.
One request of my fellow citizens, I know I cannot stay alone in my own head, I need those much more educated than I to converse with me. Please let’s stay together, share knowledge/information. If I feel this way, I am fairly sure I am not alone
What good would that do other than delay the inevitable?
I say let it rip NOW so that there will be no doubt whose fault the damage is.
We need to have a crystal clear case gong into the Mid-Terms, and THAT is assuming Trump won't just ignore the free and fair election provisions in the Constitution!
SHUMWER HAS TO GO!
These are currently rumored yes-votes. Most are changed from Wednesday. Try field offices. Try option to speak to a staffer there.
NEW yesterday!
Schumer & Gillibrand, NY
Durbin, IL
Schatz, HI
King, ME (I)
Fetterman, PA
Cortez Masto, NV
Still on list since Thursday, only three:
Peters, MI
Shaheen & Hassan, NH
as you seem to have learned, we don't have access to our own legislators, either. No system of bilateral communications, without which you can't have a democracy. That little problem has been going on for a long time.
I went online to schumer.senate.gov and left him a message. He has to change his position. If not, he is selling us all out!
Schumer is a disappointment as a leader. He needs a back bone of courage to stand up to Republican lawlessness. Voting for the CR is a disgrace. Trump and the Republicans are already destroying the government infrastructure. Voting for the CR only encourages the Republican agenda. Shame, shame!
Shut it all down until they comply with the courts, give DC their billion dollars back, stop talking about cuts, and get Musk on camera to explain exactly what he’s been doing when he’s not playing video games in the White House!
It’s going to be a long four years and I will be wearing these kinds of shirts everyday until this nightmare ends 👇
https://libtees-2.creator-spring.com
Stand up for once. Shut it down! Vote NO!
"Disappointment" us wayyyy too kind...
Agreed.
Just did the same. Also to my Senators and the DNC.
So did I. Democrats need to stand up and say NO
They are weenies...weak kneed...yellow bellied...actually quite the mess...they are complicit in the destruction of our Republic...
yep sooner than later!
Same
Looks like Dems are going to cave--again--with Shumer leading the way. Dems have lost my support. I refuse to vote for anyone who doesn't have my back. Disgraceful!
Don't throw the baby out with the bath water. Remember this is how we got F45, people being mad at the Dems. Lot of people stayed home this time too. Dem party has the infrastructure we need. Just primary the sumbitches and take over the party from corporate ourselves.
The one thing the current Democratic Party is good at is collecting donations! The problem is what they do with that money. First, they protect their incumbents, no matter how spineless or venal. Second, they look for folks who will help them “move toward the center” when the general public is already more centrist and left of them! Third, they “primary” their progressive members! I have little choice in presidential elections, but I think the Democrats abandoned me several decades ago. Bernie Sanders, not quite as old as me, was a better choice through the last several elections. Too bad he wasn’t a she!
Excellent, important point.
Thanks, Lisa for your common sense!
I told my husband that I’m no longer a democrat. I don’t know what I’ll be , but I’m with you, not voting for them when they don’t have our backs!!
Haven't been on the social sites in a while, but Nick Brana still is. He attempted to start a different kind of dem party back when the DNC performed fraud to try to install Clinton in office. Partly why we ended up with Donald in office in the first place. Sacrificed so much for the for profit prison supporting Clintons. Geez! People never learn.
Then you'll be allowing Republicans to win. That's how tRump got elected.
Yep.
Even a less than perfect Dem is better than a MAGA. Remember, people voting third party or staying home is how we ended up with f47. Fine to try to primary weak Dems, but once the actual election comes around, vote for the Dem. We cannot afford any more MAGA rule, and third parties have no chance to do anything but throw the election to MAGA.
I would NEVER vote conservative or MAGA, NEVER!!
They will lose a lot of Dems over crap like this!
I’m going to leave the Democratic Party for the Working Families Party.
That only gives more votes for the Republicans. That's why tRump won. Too many people voted for a 3rd party candidate.
Well, I don’t want that, but democrats better start working for their constituents if they want our votes. It’s not what we want to happen, but they’re not giving reason to have faith in them. For goodness sake, DO SOMETHING and do it NOW!!
There are multiple reasons why Trump won. A pile of straws, none was the "last," each had its effect.
I used to think like you. I used to argue like you, passionately. For DECADES.
Now I am truly wondering what is the point of even electing Ds if in the end, the Republic can be SOLD by, basically, ONE pusillanimous wretch doung a RUG PULL
Same
Chuck! After 🍊 pulled a not - zee comment on your Judaism and said you are a Palestinian? Do you not get that this is what the furor did? You agreed to an agenda that is so much worse than a shutdown? So you will let 🍊 continue to hurt us all??? And be a dictator??????? I am ashamed of you.
(fuhrer) I, too, am -- well, not just ashamed. I am FURIOUS with Chuck!!! What is WRONG with the man??!
Better to write him directly.
https://www.schumer.senate.gov/contact/message-chuck
Sent two emails today.
Email sent. I am so disgusted
Done. Thank you.
Done + called today.
meD, thanks. I did. "Most of your constituents are gravely disappointed that you are unwilling to face a shutdown due to the miserable budget cuts that will greatly harm so many of all political persuasions. Make the oligarchs reconsider and back down. Many Democrats and even some Republicans are counting on the life saving measures that MAGA wants to delay, deny and destroy. POTUS said, for all to her, that you, "...(are) not Jewish: (you are) Palestinian." He won't stop (and he didn't start) with those "knot-zee" era statements against you: he bullies and will bully everyone who disgrees with him. We need you to stand for democracy and life, not to fall for autocratic lawlessness."
Yeah, that blew me away.
The Dems have to stop playing by the rules…they need to play dirty… the nation’s people are already f*cked, so one more sharp pain isn’t going to kill us…the Dems have to rise up and fight for their constituents - for their country.🇺🇸
They just have to play the game, dirty or not. These guys forfeit constantly.
Gary...Schumer has been forfeiting for 15 years....its his natural state.
And start now
Now I know how it felt in France to be betrayed by the Vichy government who collaborated with the Nazis.
F*ck Chuck and vote NO is my plea to Fetterman
Exactly
EPIC FAIL. Again.
How are they so bad at politics? We are correct and on the right side of history on literally every issue but these corporate owned fucks refuse to fight for the good of the people and let the republicans wall all over them. Goddamnit I am so angry. This is the only time in my lifetime a government shut down is actually needed. Republicans have shut it down repeatedly and never suffer for it. The dems are weak and full of shit.
Great analysis, Mary. If Chuck Schumer doesn’t have the stomach, or the balls to do what needs to be done, he needs to get the hell out of the way. I’m sick of Democratic leaders being afraid of taking the fight to the fascist criminals.
Please don’t make me regret my faith in the Democratic party - you still have time…you have NOTHING TO LOSE by standing your ground here. What do you think extra time will do? If you don’t call their bluff now, what do you think will happen later after they know they owned you on Friday?
There is no one coming to save us. These rich fucks have more in common with Trump than me or you. Still waiting for the people to rise up. I cant do shit on my own.
Those first few steps are hard, but do them. Nobody is gonna save you but YOU.
Agree call their bluff stand on a backbone
Write to them! Call them tomorrow. It doesn’t help to write on here, it’s more important to contact them. If enough people do, and stand up tomorrow and get out and make themselves seen, that makes change; complaining to each other is not effective.
Write!
https://www.schumer.senate.gov/contact/message-chuck
Done!
I did and I will write. I called and I will call tomorrow.
And done!
So sad but holding hope against hope that these rich fucks don’t want to go down in history as the ones who sold out our democracy.
Republicans know the Democrats will fold. So now I guess when it goes really badly, Republicans can and will blame the Democrats for voting for this. Apparently the Dems haven’t gotten the message or just choose to ignore us.
Senator Bernie Sanders is voting No. I wish a lot more members of Congress had an ounce of his courage and sense of justice and duty to the people of America.
A lot of Senators are on record that they will vote no. Unfortunately Schumer only needs 7 or 8.
I can’t believe dems will do this. They can’t they need to stand strong. Trump is already shutting us down and now we’re letting him do even more sitting back and agreeing
Both parties profit from the game. The DNC screwed Sanders and other progressives in 2016, but libs just bent over and LOVED them some dems back then. Some never learn.
I contacted both the DNC and DCCC and let them know not one more penny from me if the Dem party caves on this!
I have no faith in democrats to get anything done anymore! We are totally doomed! They have become just like MAGA.
Don’t give in Schumer say NO
Not at all true. Make an effort to change things. Write to the senators tonight, call them tomorrow.
https://www.schumer.senate.gov/contact/message-chuck
Huge fail. This party is broken beyond repair. I'm out. Will register Independant.
People with this sort of comment are why Trump was elected. They didn’t bother to vote.
The system is not broken beyond repair yet. Look at what Europeans do. They get out on the streets.
What we have to do is write or call our senators. Now.
I voted Democrat in this election as I have for the past several decades. I campaigned for Harris/Waltz, and I contributed money to them and down-ballot races. Thus far, my party has done nothing.
You’re missing the point. The giving up attitude is what gives up our democracy. We all need to make an effort right now, not give up. It’s really up to the people. We have the power. Much more than anyone in Congress right now.
Re-read my comment. I'm leaving a broken party and re-registering as an Independent. Did not say I was giving up.
Me to. Schumer needs to grow some and say NO
Me, too! Registering Independent.
“I'm a hard NO on the Republican spending bill. On cloture. On all of it. When a wannabe dictator is trying to seize power, it must not be given to him. Not without a fight.”
—Senator Adam Schiff, today
Thank you Mary for this amazing deep dive analysis of the budget crisis. There are no good answers and no good options when the top sheriff in town is corrupt to the core.
I am appalled that Schumer would cave and vote for this terrible bill. I called his office and left a message yesterday and today. There's never anyone there to take a message. This is one time he and the other Democrats should let the shut down happen rather than allow this bill to pass.
The CR authorizes Trump to impose sequestrations upon the judiciary as well as executive departments.
If it is passed, Trump will be able to sequester funds to stop the courts from processing lawsuits against his actions. The CR thus will neuter both other branches of the government, and checks and balances will be dead.
It is fitting that the CR will be voted upon on the 53rd day of Trump’s tenure, given that the Reichstag voted to neuter itself by passing the Enabling Act of 1933 on the 53rd day of Hitler’s tenure. There, it took arrests of opposition deputies to secure passage. If the CR passes, all it will have taken is the cowardice of a few Democratic Senators, most notably the two from New York.
Can you send this to Chuck Schumer please? I’m sick that he’s falling for that bull. Get a spine!
Stand strong don’t be trumps puppet