Democrats need to move beyond simplistic, concrete reasoning (e.g., “If we gerrymander too, we become just like them”) and instead recognize the complex reality we are living in with fascist tactics being normalized and used to dismantle democracy itself. Formal logic would ask: What is the goal? If the goal is to protect democratic institutions, human rights, and free elections, then any strategy that effectively preserves those ends, as long as it does not fundamentally destroy those values, should be on the table. Moral clarity means understanding that the greatest ethical failure is not breaking a norm, but allowing injustice, harm, and authoritarian control to spread unopposed.
In a context where people are being forcibly taken off the streets, immigrants are placed in camps, and laws are being weaponized to strip citizens of rights, the situation demands more than “polite” or “self-righteous” political solutions. These are not normal political disagreements, they’re systemic attacks on vulnerable communities and on the framework of democracy itself. Defending against that requires muscular, unapologetic resistance, not because Democrats want to mimic fascists, but because inaction or weak action enables fascists. Just as a person has the right to fight back when physically attacked, democracy has the right and obligation to defend itself with forceful, strategic action when it is being dismantled in broad daylight.
Democrats must abandon their posture of moral absolutism and meet power with power. Operating with integrity is noble, but when that integrity becomes a shield for inaction, it risks becoming complicity. History offers painful lessons: during the rise of fascism in Europe, many liberal and democratic forces failed not because they lacked values, but because they clung to procedural purity while their enemies weaponized the system. The refusal to act decisively out of a fear of “stooping to their level” has enabled those regimes to take root. Today’s Democratic leadership often displays a kind of developmental rigidity, holding to black-and-white ideals in a time that demands adaptive, strategic thinking rooted in formal logic and a deeper moral clarity. This isn’t about abandoning principles, but it’s about defending them with the full force necessary to preserve the republic.
We should have fought harder between 2020 and 2024. However, we were exhausted from covid, recovery, and Donald 1 0. We exhaled and enjoyed not having one disaster after another. And enjoyed the calm. Sadly, ut was the calm before the storm. I still suspect true election results since trump had Elon and Theil on computers in the background.
Your suspicions are correct. They used Musk to get help rigging machines, and they cheated. There are suspicions about Musk using starlink also. There is proof on film also. Many of us are aware of this and have been right along.
Yes, I agree that we were right, but sadly that isn’t good enough. Rallying peacefully is great, but it isn’t good enough. We must vote blue to bring down MAGA in 2026 with the hope the election isn’t once again RIGGED. Donald may also pass before then which will help.
Love how red state crime is never mentioned. Of course! Memphis, St. Louis all have much greater crime rates than DC or NYC. Praying his Epstein involvement, of which I am sure; will eventually be exposed. Not that most of his base will much care.
I would love to see Melania's lawsuit proceed. Those depositions would be a real gold mine. For starters, Hunter will need to examine the entire Epstein file to make his case.
Mary, I think we should fight like THEY do. Just like Gavin is going to do with the gerrymandering. THEY NEVER play by ANY rules... they make up their own. WE should too. At least for now, so we don't allow him to rig it AGAIN! I hate the way people don't admit that he cheated with Musk! THEY admitted it FFS!! Smh... OK, I'll stop here... I feel my BP going up already. Thank you SO very MUCH for doing what you do. It isn't easy, and I for one appreciate you very very much. Please take care of your health and don't get run down. <3
Donald is giving us phony states. He now manipulates the unemployment rate, and now he'll do the same with inflation. The only thing I see that's phony is donald himself.
Trump is a Pathological Liar! I don’t believe a word out of his mouth! You can still get honest news from the Broadcast TV Program called “DemocracyNow!” It’s on CH 25-3 (CUNY) & CH 21 (WLIW). You can also watch it online at Democracynow.org. Keep Informed!
The Texas GOP is Violating Rep. Collier’s Civil Rights! Demand the Immediate Release of Rep. Collier! Call Your Congressman & Senator & Demand that the Gestapo Tactics of the Texas GOP Be Stopped! Demand Justice for Rep. Collier! Defend American Democracy By Protesting Against Trump’s Authoritarian & Fascist Regime! 💙🇺🇸💙
Mary, Janis from Canada. So sad to see your country going down the drain. So sorry to see the effect Donald and his maga nuts and fascist cronies have had on your politics and how some of his craziness has infiltrated Canada.
The only good thing for Canada lately is that his lunacy and constant chatter about his not needing us and also wanting us to be the 51st state, has given rise to a Canadian national pride. It has spurred on legislation to drop trade barriers between our provinces so we can trade more freely within our own borders. We are coming together against a common enemy.
But, I feel so sad for all the great thinkers and innovators and artists and everyday people in America who are steadily being stripped of their freedom.
Thank you Mary for keeping it real and spreading the word. Xoxo
I'd stand up, if I could. Well, my PT instructed me to try to rise from sitting at least six times a day without pushing myself up on the arms of a chair. I'm getting good at that.
So yes, I can stand up. But I can barely walk around the house without incredible pain in my feet. If I rub a pain-relieving ointment on the soles of both feet, they feel better for maybe half an hour. Last month, I walked 1/4 mile... then my Achilles tendon decided to swell up. Ouchie! I limped back home.
in the late 1960s, I did my best against the Vietnam War, blocking draft centers, talking to people, marching on the Pentagon and getting tear gassed, and trying to persuade my college library to display its books both for and against the war (they refused).
Since 1961, I've shrunk from 5 feet 4 inches to 4 feet 11 inches thanks to spondylolisthesis (aka Jenga tower vertebrae). I've got arthritis everywhere but my earlobes. I stood up until I couldn't. Connie, now all I can do is "scream."
Hey, younger people. It's your turn to stand up. Call me a Boomer, blame me for everything many Democratic politicians and the GOP have done to the US and the world since before I was born. I don't care. GET OUT THERE AND FIGHT.
But fight carefully. Please don't give the fascists an excuse to gun you down. Check every demonstration for infiltrators who plan to do something to make you a target. Don't shoot anyone. If you're eating lunch, don't be the only person to throw a sandwich, make sure everyone has a sandwich and throw them at once--but at the *feet*, not the bodies of the cops or the ICE goons.
I'm in the same boat that you are. I fought those fights too! I WISH I could get out there and physically do something, but now I just can't. It's impossible. I HEAR you! And I agree! I'm always screaming & cussing about what's happening. All that I can do is post, share and donate.
I’ve been using an electric wheelchair to go to Indivisible rallies. If you can, go for it! And I’m so very very sorry about the pain. If you need an electric wheelchair at home, Medicare will pay for it (for now…)
I feel completely lost with all of this sh&t. I wish people would’ve listened but nooooo! They have to go ahead and be dicks about it! Look where we are now
"Above all, we need to explain to people repeatedly why we need to protect the arts and artists at this very critical time in our history."
That's a heavy lift when we couldn't even adequately explain to Americans Project 2025, fascism, a racist, vile pile of excrement was about to destroy the economy, and democracy. And the result was less Democrats came out in 2024 vs. 2020...because, reasons. Inexcusable and infuriating. When the stakes were highest Dems failed and that wasn't the first. But it better be the last.
Why? Purity tests, a too cautious candidate and campaign, racism, misogyny...to name but three reasons why (its definitely not just one thing, nor just "the corporate media!"). Though above everything else Biden deciding to run and the administration keeping him from the public didnt help.
MAGA controls Congress. This is exactly what they want. No. The PEOPLE must “do something” now. We must strike & spend only on essentials and shut this country down. The PEOPLE are ultimately responsible. MAGA controlled institutions are not going to “do something!”
If Trump is in a room, he can easily be identified as the phony. That is what he should get a prize for. He wants to be worshipped for his criminal behavior.
Pete Buttegieg quoted Newsom ( from his Kirk interview) in an interview with Aaron Parnas regarding the trans issue. It was about "fairness" and "compassion".
When it comes to your uncle’s artistic values, I am reminded of Bonwit Teller. That was the upscale department store Trump bought to tear down so he could build his tower on Fifth Ave.
Bonwit Teller was across the street from Rockefeller Center, which is not just a place with NBC’s headquarters, a niffy Christmas tree every year, and an outdoor ice skating rink - it consisted of a number of buildings all connected by the same architectural scheme. The greatest part was the murals on the walls and the bas relief sculptures on the doors of the buildings.
Bonwit Teller had matching artwork. Which was pretty cool. When Mr. Trump announced he was tearing the building down, the Metropolitan Museum of Art offered to take them down at no cost to him so they could put them on display.
He immediately had them destroyed.
A typical, petty response from this man. But for years it has bugged me, even more than his bankrupting local artisans in Atlantic City when he didn’t pay his bills, or the big ad calling for the reinstatement of the death penalty for the black and Hispanic youths who were found guilty (falsely, it turned out) of assaulting a female jogger in Central Park. I know, that’s out of proportion. I already despised this guy, on the rare instances I thought of him at all, but unnecessarily destroying historic artwork just stuck in my craw.
And this southbound end of a northbound horse is now running Lincoln Center and, even worse, the Smithsonian. Niffy.
I feel so helpless. My heart is broken for our country.
Democrats need to move beyond simplistic, concrete reasoning (e.g., “If we gerrymander too, we become just like them”) and instead recognize the complex reality we are living in with fascist tactics being normalized and used to dismantle democracy itself. Formal logic would ask: What is the goal? If the goal is to protect democratic institutions, human rights, and free elections, then any strategy that effectively preserves those ends, as long as it does not fundamentally destroy those values, should be on the table. Moral clarity means understanding that the greatest ethical failure is not breaking a norm, but allowing injustice, harm, and authoritarian control to spread unopposed.
In a context where people are being forcibly taken off the streets, immigrants are placed in camps, and laws are being weaponized to strip citizens of rights, the situation demands more than “polite” or “self-righteous” political solutions. These are not normal political disagreements, they’re systemic attacks on vulnerable communities and on the framework of democracy itself. Defending against that requires muscular, unapologetic resistance, not because Democrats want to mimic fascists, but because inaction or weak action enables fascists. Just as a person has the right to fight back when physically attacked, democracy has the right and obligation to defend itself with forceful, strategic action when it is being dismantled in broad daylight.
Democrats must abandon their posture of moral absolutism and meet power with power. Operating with integrity is noble, but when that integrity becomes a shield for inaction, it risks becoming complicity. History offers painful lessons: during the rise of fascism in Europe, many liberal and democratic forces failed not because they lacked values, but because they clung to procedural purity while their enemies weaponized the system. The refusal to act decisively out of a fear of “stooping to their level” has enabled those regimes to take root. Today’s Democratic leadership often displays a kind of developmental rigidity, holding to black-and-white ideals in a time that demands adaptive, strategic thinking rooted in formal logic and a deeper moral clarity. This isn’t about abandoning principles, but it’s about defending them with the full force necessary to preserve the republic.
I love your analysis! I think it’s right on and very well thought out and expressed.
There are no rules for the other side. Game on.
AGREE ,,,each aspect of civil society is under threat.
Thanks
Me too.
We should have fought harder between 2020 and 2024. However, we were exhausted from covid, recovery, and Donald 1 0. We exhaled and enjoyed not having one disaster after another. And enjoyed the calm. Sadly, ut was the calm before the storm. I still suspect true election results since trump had Elon and Theil on computers in the background.
So dig ourselves out we must.
Your suspicions are correct. They used Musk to get help rigging machines, and they cheated. There are suspicions about Musk using starlink also. There is proof on film also. Many of us are aware of this and have been right along.
Yes, I agree that we were right, but sadly that isn’t good enough. Rallying peacefully is great, but it isn’t good enough. We must vote blue to bring down MAGA in 2026 with the hope the election isn’t once again RIGGED. Donald may also pass before then which will help.
Love how red state crime is never mentioned. Of course! Memphis, St. Louis all have much greater crime rates than DC or NYC. Praying his Epstein involvement, of which I am sure; will eventually be exposed. Not that most of his base will much care.
Good point-they are firing tenured FBI, this agency investigates embezzlement,curruption,white collar crime.Replaced with vetted tRump supporters.
Thanks
I would love to see Melania's lawsuit proceed. Those depositions would be a real gold mine. For starters, Hunter will need to examine the entire Epstein file to make his case.
Love you Mary. Your books tell me how terrible it must have been having an uncle like DJT. Still must be! Keep that sharp wit and sarcastic humor!
Mary, I think we should fight like THEY do. Just like Gavin is going to do with the gerrymandering. THEY NEVER play by ANY rules... they make up their own. WE should too. At least for now, so we don't allow him to rig it AGAIN! I hate the way people don't admit that he cheated with Musk! THEY admitted it FFS!! Smh... OK, I'll stop here... I feel my BP going up already. Thank you SO very MUCH for doing what you do. It isn't easy, and I for one appreciate you very very much. Please take care of your health and don't get run down. <3
Donald is giving us phony states. He now manipulates the unemployment rate, and now he'll do the same with inflation. The only thing I see that's phony is donald himself.
Trump is a Pathological Liar! I don’t believe a word out of his mouth! You can still get honest news from the Broadcast TV Program called “DemocracyNow!” It’s on CH 25-3 (CUNY) & CH 21 (WLIW). You can also watch it online at Democracynow.org. Keep Informed!
He fudged the #s of DC Crime also and now is trying to punish the mayor and others with presenting the actual numbers. WTF!!
The Texas GOP is Violating Rep. Collier’s Civil Rights! Demand the Immediate Release of Rep. Collier! Call Your Congressman & Senator & Demand that the Gestapo Tactics of the Texas GOP Be Stopped! Demand Justice for Rep. Collier! Defend American Democracy By Protesting Against Trump’s Authoritarian & Fascist Regime! 💙🇺🇸💙
Mary, Janis from Canada. So sad to see your country going down the drain. So sorry to see the effect Donald and his maga nuts and fascist cronies have had on your politics and how some of his craziness has infiltrated Canada.
The only good thing for Canada lately is that his lunacy and constant chatter about his not needing us and also wanting us to be the 51st state, has given rise to a Canadian national pride. It has spurred on legislation to drop trade barriers between our provinces so we can trade more freely within our own borders. We are coming together against a common enemy.
But, I feel so sad for all the great thinkers and innovators and artists and everyday people in America who are steadily being stripped of their freedom.
Thank you Mary for keeping it real and spreading the word. Xoxo
The Kennedy Center and Smithsonian assaults have broken me perhaps the most of everything yet. Which is saying A WHOLE D&$& LOT.
I'm wondering why all the people screaming can't just stand up and say, go out and fight
I'd stand up, if I could. Well, my PT instructed me to try to rise from sitting at least six times a day without pushing myself up on the arms of a chair. I'm getting good at that.
So yes, I can stand up. But I can barely walk around the house without incredible pain in my feet. If I rub a pain-relieving ointment on the soles of both feet, they feel better for maybe half an hour. Last month, I walked 1/4 mile... then my Achilles tendon decided to swell up. Ouchie! I limped back home.
in the late 1960s, I did my best against the Vietnam War, blocking draft centers, talking to people, marching on the Pentagon and getting tear gassed, and trying to persuade my college library to display its books both for and against the war (they refused).
Since 1961, I've shrunk from 5 feet 4 inches to 4 feet 11 inches thanks to spondylolisthesis (aka Jenga tower vertebrae). I've got arthritis everywhere but my earlobes. I stood up until I couldn't. Connie, now all I can do is "scream."
Hey, younger people. It's your turn to stand up. Call me a Boomer, blame me for everything many Democratic politicians and the GOP have done to the US and the world since before I was born. I don't care. GET OUT THERE AND FIGHT.
But fight carefully. Please don't give the fascists an excuse to gun you down. Check every demonstration for infiltrators who plan to do something to make you a target. Don't shoot anyone. If you're eating lunch, don't be the only person to throw a sandwich, make sure everyone has a sandwich and throw them at once--but at the *feet*, not the bodies of the cops or the ICE goons.
Google "Kent State." Be both wise and effective.
I'm in the same boat that you are. I fought those fights too! I WISH I could get out there and physically do something, but now I just can't. It's impossible. I HEAR you! And I agree! I'm always screaming & cussing about what's happening. All that I can do is post, share and donate.
Hi, Joan! Wish I'd known you way back when; glad to hear from you now!
Hi!! : ) Same here!! I think that we sure would have made a pair!! <3
<3
I’ve been using an electric wheelchair to go to Indivisible rallies. If you can, go for it! And I’m so very very sorry about the pain. If you need an electric wheelchair at home, Medicare will pay for it (for now…)
I feel completely lost with all of this sh&t. I wish people would’ve listened but nooooo! They have to go ahead and be dicks about it! Look where we are now
"Above all, we need to explain to people repeatedly why we need to protect the arts and artists at this very critical time in our history."
That's a heavy lift when we couldn't even adequately explain to Americans Project 2025, fascism, a racist, vile pile of excrement was about to destroy the economy, and democracy. And the result was less Democrats came out in 2024 vs. 2020...because, reasons. Inexcusable and infuriating. When the stakes were highest Dems failed and that wasn't the first. But it better be the last.
I literally want to pull my hair out over this!!!! Why did our people not vote against this —-ALL the signs were there
Why? Purity tests, a too cautious candidate and campaign, racism, misogyny...to name but three reasons why (its definitely not just one thing, nor just "the corporate media!"). Though above everything else Biden deciding to run and the administration keeping him from the public didnt help.
Still, its all inexcusable...and infuriating.
We NEED Congress to do something!!! NOW!!!!
MAGA controls Congress. This is exactly what they want. No. The PEOPLE must “do something” now. We must strike & spend only on essentials and shut this country down. The PEOPLE are ultimately responsible. MAGA controlled institutions are not going to “do something!”
I agree with you about an economic shut-down.
Come on!! CONGRESS! That's what your hoping for! CONGRESS! STOP.
If Trump is in a room, he can easily be identified as the phony. That is what he should get a prize for. He wants to be worshipped for his criminal behavior.
Pete Buttegieg quoted Newsom ( from his Kirk interview) in an interview with Aaron Parnas regarding the trans issue. It was about "fairness" and "compassion".
When it comes to your uncle’s artistic values, I am reminded of Bonwit Teller. That was the upscale department store Trump bought to tear down so he could build his tower on Fifth Ave.
Bonwit Teller was across the street from Rockefeller Center, which is not just a place with NBC’s headquarters, a niffy Christmas tree every year, and an outdoor ice skating rink - it consisted of a number of buildings all connected by the same architectural scheme. The greatest part was the murals on the walls and the bas relief sculptures on the doors of the buildings.
Bonwit Teller had matching artwork. Which was pretty cool. When Mr. Trump announced he was tearing the building down, the Metropolitan Museum of Art offered to take them down at no cost to him so they could put them on display.
He immediately had them destroyed.
A typical, petty response from this man. But for years it has bugged me, even more than his bankrupting local artisans in Atlantic City when he didn’t pay his bills, or the big ad calling for the reinstatement of the death penalty for the black and Hispanic youths who were found guilty (falsely, it turned out) of assaulting a female jogger in Central Park. I know, that’s out of proportion. I already despised this guy, on the rare instances I thought of him at all, but unnecessarily destroying historic artwork just stuck in my craw.
And this southbound end of a northbound horse is now running Lincoln Center and, even worse, the Smithsonian. Niffy.