The word for me today is "Hopeful." Tuesday's results were much needed. If (and yes, it's still a big "IF") the Supreme Court finally stands up to Trump, I'll take it as another good portent for our democracy.
On election night, an MSNBC reporter interviewed voters in Sacramento CA patiently - I’d say resolutely - standing in a long line to vote on Prop 50, CA’s redistricting proposal, as voting sites were closing (if in line at closing you can vote). He reported long lines all day. The ages and ethnicities of voters ran the full spectrum.
Prop 50 was a challenge to explain simply, as many of us learned writing postcards to voters. Yet people got what was at stake: restoring checks and balances in 2026 elections by having a fair shot at electing a U.S. Democratic House of Representatives. Bringing a gun to a gun fight, in an emergency for our democracy.
My hope comes from this: Voters right now seem ahead of the politicians. We the People have reminded ourselves we have power. This energy is more about stopping the MAGA-billionaire coup than embracing Democrats because of the label. Good candidates responding to the concerns of local constituents are electable. The Democratic Party might refresh its brand based on key foundational principles and commitment to the premise all politics are local.
Every time you have used the word “kakistocracy” my mind has translated it to “shit-rule”. That’s because “kaka” is the word for poop in New Zealand Te Reo Maori. Many non-Maori Kiwis use it too.
I finally looked it up and the root of the first part derives from the Greek word “kakistos” - meaning “worst”.
I personally prefer “shit-rule”.
Everything about Trump is shit.
He thinks he’s hot shit and really knows his shit - but everybody knows that’s a crock of shit.
He can’t keep his shit together, and constantly loses his shit.
He talks shit, is full of shit, and has shit for brains. To use an Aussie slang phrase “He wouldn’t know shit from shoe polish”.
He’s a shit-head who literally shits his pants (I shit you not!). And every day he looks like shit.
He’s always starting shit and getting into shit-fights. He gives a shit-ton of us the shits.
He believes he has a reputation for taking no shit, but that is bullshit. He sure as shit ain’t worth shit. He’s a piece of shit.
His response to complaints is “Shit happens” or “Tough shit”. Because he doesn’t give two shits that he shit on America, turning everything to shit. It’s a shit-show.
Trump should be scared shitless (aka “shitting bricks”) because the shit is about to hit the fan. He’ll be up shit creek without a paddle when the Epstein files are released and he’ll find himself in a world of shit - the outcome of which will be getting shit-kicked out of the White House.
Eat shit and die, Donald. We’re sick of your shit.
For the first time yesterday, I felt breathing room…sunshine in NY, a positive voting public and yes, as you point out, legal professionals daring to do their job. A tiny turning point? Hope so! Because there is too much abuse and cruelty going on.
"It's (the money) is supposed to be for war, not food." That may be the most boneheaded thing I have heard out of the press secretary's mouth. I refer her to Napoleon, who knew something about war. He said, "An army travels on its stomach." Bombing fishing boats doesn't count. Or am I confused? Is the country at war? Because I know there are hungry children and starving seniors in this country.
Thank you for your comprehensive summary of how out of balance our Constitution, Government and the people of the US are. As a nation we have been fragmented to the point where few people see the reality of our peril.
If the Supreme Court rejects Trump’s tariff argument, the duties already collected could be ruled unlawful — forcing the government to refund billions to importers and businesses, which would be a logistical and financial nightmare.
Any trade deals or negotiations made under those tariff threats would lose their leverage and legal foundation, effectively unraveling much of Trump’s claimed “deal-making” legacy and exposing the entire tariff strategy as economic blackmail built on a voided premise.
Yesterday’s results here in my far northern corner of California were heartening though the Magats were screaming in comments everywhere of being shut out of the system. I’m just hopeful that California Congressional District 1 might have a prayer of electing someone that doesn’t consider hanging a racist flag in his Congressional office decor. May the courts be diligent and attentive to the over reach of the organized crime crew and their compatriots in the White House.
Shakespeare's “The first thing we do, let's kill all the lawyers.” is not a bad lawyer joke.
It is from Henry VI, Part 2 in the midst of a plot by Jack Cade and others to overthrow Henry and install Jack Cade as king of England. After Cade makes promises of prosperity and that the people will worship him, comes that famous line by Dick the Butcher, one of the conspirators. Those men knew what had to be done to ensure their success.
Well, they didn't kill all the lawyers, and the plot failed.
There is soothe to those words written centuries ago.
As the momentum grows…and it will…a country can see the damage done ..this hasn’t been him JUST in control close to a year ..it’s been 10 years..that’s a long siege. They won’t go quietly, and when Mother Hubbard Pantry is checked…the bones will lay bare.
It's a beginning, but it's up to us to continue holding their feet to the fire and marching as we declare again and again, "No King's in America"! Mamdani has ignited our hope for change and now, we need to support all those who will fight for the rights of the people, not the corporations, not lobbyists, and not false words meant to pacify us. We're done with all that and either catch up with us or get out of our way/.
The word for me today is "Hopeful." Tuesday's results were much needed. If (and yes, it's still a big "IF") the Supreme Court finally stands up to Trump, I'll take it as another good portent for our democracy.
Though I still won't trust 'em.
Same here!
Once again, thank you for your insight and incredible way with words.
On election night, an MSNBC reporter interviewed voters in Sacramento CA patiently - I’d say resolutely - standing in a long line to vote on Prop 50, CA’s redistricting proposal, as voting sites were closing (if in line at closing you can vote). He reported long lines all day. The ages and ethnicities of voters ran the full spectrum.
Prop 50 was a challenge to explain simply, as many of us learned writing postcards to voters. Yet people got what was at stake: restoring checks and balances in 2026 elections by having a fair shot at electing a U.S. Democratic House of Representatives. Bringing a gun to a gun fight, in an emergency for our democracy.
My hope comes from this: Voters right now seem ahead of the politicians. We the People have reminded ourselves we have power. This energy is more about stopping the MAGA-billionaire coup than embracing Democrats because of the label. Good candidates responding to the concerns of local constituents are electable. The Democratic Party might refresh its brand based on key foundational principles and commitment to the premise all politics are local.
I have a confession to make.
Every time you have used the word “kakistocracy” my mind has translated it to “shit-rule”. That’s because “kaka” is the word for poop in New Zealand Te Reo Maori. Many non-Maori Kiwis use it too.
I finally looked it up and the root of the first part derives from the Greek word “kakistos” - meaning “worst”.
I personally prefer “shit-rule”.
Everything about Trump is shit.
He thinks he’s hot shit and really knows his shit - but everybody knows that’s a crock of shit.
He can’t keep his shit together, and constantly loses his shit.
He talks shit, is full of shit, and has shit for brains. To use an Aussie slang phrase “He wouldn’t know shit from shoe polish”.
He’s a shit-head who literally shits his pants (I shit you not!). And every day he looks like shit.
He’s always starting shit and getting into shit-fights. He gives a shit-ton of us the shits.
He believes he has a reputation for taking no shit, but that is bullshit. He sure as shit ain’t worth shit. He’s a piece of shit.
His response to complaints is “Shit happens” or “Tough shit”. Because he doesn’t give two shits that he shit on America, turning everything to shit. It’s a shit-show.
Trump should be scared shitless (aka “shitting bricks”) because the shit is about to hit the fan. He’ll be up shit creek without a paddle when the Epstein files are released and he’ll find himself in a world of shit - the outcome of which will be getting shit-kicked out of the White House.
Eat shit and die, Donald. We’re sick of your shit.
I agree with you
For the first time yesterday, I felt breathing room…sunshine in NY, a positive voting public and yes, as you point out, legal professionals daring to do their job. A tiny turning point? Hope so! Because there is too much abuse and cruelty going on.
I hope Mandani has a lot of security. Trump’s likely to do anything right now
Whew! Thanks for the tour! Encouraged, I think! 🙏
‘If democracy is a patient, the courts are still in the operating room, hands steady, pulse faint but present.’
Love your way of saying we’re screwed, but still holding on, Mary😆😆😆
"It's (the money) is supposed to be for war, not food." That may be the most boneheaded thing I have heard out of the press secretary's mouth. I refer her to Napoleon, who knew something about war. He said, "An army travels on its stomach." Bombing fishing boats doesn't count. Or am I confused? Is the country at war? Because I know there are hungry children and starving seniors in this country.
And SNAP funds are coming by way of Frenchman’s Bend in a wagon pulled by two mules.
Thank you for your comprehensive summary of how out of balance our Constitution, Government and the people of the US are. As a nation we have been fragmented to the point where few people see the reality of our peril.
If the Supreme Court rejects Trump’s tariff argument, the duties already collected could be ruled unlawful — forcing the government to refund billions to importers and businesses, which would be a logistical and financial nightmare.
Any trade deals or negotiations made under those tariff threats would lose their leverage and legal foundation, effectively unraveling much of Trump’s claimed “deal-making” legacy and exposing the entire tariff strategy as economic blackmail built on a voided premise.
it's all good...
Yesterday’s results here in my far northern corner of California were heartening though the Magats were screaming in comments everywhere of being shut out of the system. I’m just hopeful that California Congressional District 1 might have a prayer of electing someone that doesn’t consider hanging a racist flag in his Congressional office decor. May the courts be diligent and attentive to the over reach of the organized crime crew and their compatriots in the White House.
The glimmer of hope ignited after Tuesday's Democratic wins continues to flicker dimly in the darkness.
Shakespeare's “The first thing we do, let's kill all the lawyers.” is not a bad lawyer joke.
It is from Henry VI, Part 2 in the midst of a plot by Jack Cade and others to overthrow Henry and install Jack Cade as king of England. After Cade makes promises of prosperity and that the people will worship him, comes that famous line by Dick the Butcher, one of the conspirators. Those men knew what had to be done to ensure their success.
Well, they didn't kill all the lawyers, and the plot failed.
There is soothe to those words written centuries ago.
As the momentum grows…and it will…a country can see the damage done ..this hasn’t been him JUST in control close to a year ..it’s been 10 years..that’s a long siege. They won’t go quietly, and when Mother Hubbard Pantry is checked…the bones will lay bare.
Don’t let this happen again.
It's a beginning, but it's up to us to continue holding their feet to the fire and marching as we declare again and again, "No King's in America"! Mamdani has ignited our hope for change and now, we need to support all those who will fight for the rights of the people, not the corporations, not lobbyists, and not false words meant to pacify us. We're done with all that and either catch up with us or get out of our way/.