Category Archives: social media

Sen. Roy Blunt (r): ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

18 Wednesday Jul 2018

Posted by in Roy Blunt, social media, US Senate

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Ignoring the elephant in the room.

Roy Blunt (r) [2016 file photo].

This morning, via Twitter, from Senator Roy Blunt (r):

Senator Roy Blunt @RoyBlunt
The economy is strong
Americans are keeping more of their hard-earned paycheck
Unemployment is at an 18 year low
#Smallbiz confidence is at record high
10:58 AM – 18 Jul 2018

Oh, and we are a Russian client state.

Some of the responses to Roy Blunt (r):

Only one #Missouri senator holds a town hall, and it isn’t you.
Only one #MO Senator accepts $47,000.00 from the NRA, and it sure isn’t @clairecmc !
What did #Russia get for its money from you, @RoyBluntMO ? What will you do to protect this state’s free and fair #2018elections?

“Across the Heartland, #farmers, factory workers and business leaders are speaking out against the disastrous #TrumpTariffs that are costing American #jobs.”

Yet real wages are falling. Missourians are concerned about lgbt rights, separation of immigration families, the environment, climate change, govt corruption, pls hold a town hall your constituents would like to talk with you

Only @clairecmc does that. Roy is lucky to remember what state he (mis)represents.

i get an extra $6.20 a month. SO MUCH MONEY!!

Don’t waste it now, you know, on things like increased health care and food prices!!

Adjusted for inflation, wage growth is flat or falling. US debt setting records. Corps using tax cuts for stock buybacks. Opioid addiction in MO is high – and most now cannot afford health care. Hottest year on record. Gobal alliances are weakened.

Read the papers, Senator.

They’re a cult of complicit money whores, bought & paid for.

The few who aren’t have apparently bought stock in Kool Aid.

You are a United States Senator. One of my Senators. Stop using emojis. Running the government does not require elementary school graphics.

It was probably a staffer. That tells you a lot, too.

Hold the president accountable for his actions

and Republicans keep on committing treason

The treason is strong too.

Yeah that extra $1.50 is really helping my family. Plus it really helped my college educated friends with their minimum wage job!

So who cares if the president is in bed with Russia?

What we want to hear from you is that you stand for America and not Russia. That you are appalled at the Russian interference in our election and pledge to take EVERY possible action to stop it and prevent it. #TreasonSummit

Deficit at record high

All republicans consider that a feature, not a bug.

The forgotten people are still forgotten. Only the rich benefited from what you said.

Oh yeah, treason much?

You forgot to mention our reputation and influence is getting to an all time low around the world….

And ol’ Cash & Carry Blunt keeps collecting dollars from the NRA and other corporate sponsors. Makin’ out like a bandit, Roy.

And the president you blindly support is selling the US to Russia. Makes me wonder what Putin has on you, Roy…

Those paychecks are smaller and are not keeping pace with inflation. Meanwhile, the richest grow richer. #GOPTaxScam.

And our debt has increased a trillion dollars with this administration. Your failure to stand up to Trump is endangerong our country.

You need to rein In Trump

Yeah, average American is just seeing so much more. Whatever.

In what world is small business confidence high? And I’d gladly pay more taxes to have guaranteed healthcare and roads that don’t blow out tires and suspension. Those cost money too.

Emoji day is over, Roy. Americans’ wages are stagnant, despite massive corporate subsidies you gave away in January. Wealth & income inequality gaps have never been larger. Our President has proven over & over that he’s a puppet of an adverse foreign power. But you. Do. Nothing.

I still don’t want Vladimir Putin engineering and hijacking my vote and the election!

Meanwhile, my healthcare costs have gone up (& will skyrocket during next plan year with the destabilization of healthcare markets & drug costs) increased gas costs, higher interest rates, tariff wars. Any Tax savings are offset by a major rise in expenditures. Get back to work!

Gas is at an 8 year high, health insurance premiums have increased 40%, medication costs are up 20-100%, rural hospitals are closing, tariffs are costing farmers over 20% in losses and cutting Missouri companies to close. You cannot spin this. People KNOW they are worse off.

You know, Senator, administration figures show hourly pay stagnating or dropping slightly. I hope you and your donors aren’t suffering too much these days. The cost of living is going up. Will you all be OK?

Oh good grief. Surely you know that unemployment has been low for a long time and in fact should NOT go lower or else it will trigger inflation. UNDER employment is still rampant and not helped by the #GOP one whit.

Our “hard-earned” paychecks are smaller (real wages are down), insurance costs are rising due to your sabotage, and the deficit will hit $1 trillion.

If you try to distract from your complicity in treason, at least have the honesty not to cherry-pick your economic stats.

I’m not keeping more of my paycheck and my health insurance premium went up. Btw, why is Trump so chummy with Putin and when are the children of immigrants going to be reunited?

Wages are flat. Your tax policies don’t justify your support for a President that sided with Putin over America.

Some people are currently doing well, the voters you care about. Other Missourians are not faring so well under Trump. Also, OUR VERY DEMOCRACY IS IN DANGER because our president is beholden to Putin and nobody in your party sees fit to do anything.

Our president is committing treason ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Liar

Where are wages? Have you checked the data? And when are you going to get rid of @realDonaldTrump that Liar-in-Chief?

Wages are down and president is a traitor – recession likely on the way – thanks gop!!!

Goods are costing more due to tariffs and the monies in our accounts are less because of #TrumpTariffs. This is not an overall advancement of the people of America.

If the economy is so strong why are wages stagnant?

Treasonous acts at an all time high

And if you support Trump, you’re no better than he is.

And our president puts Putin first and you blindly go along with it

I get an extra $250 per month! Of course, that’s because I now pay for all of my own medical bills out of pocket, so…. Yeah. That’s not better at all.

You’re delusional and laughably out of touch, Blunt. I can’t wait to vote against you!

We have a Russian stooge in the White House. Step up – #Historyhasalongmemory

What will your legacy be? Will the history books reflect that YOU stood & defended our country from this petulant president…, Or YOU defended & stood with him?

Any little bit middle class got being eaten up by higher gas prices and rising prices because of trump and GOP tariffs. Pharmacy industry and rich people like you got the biggest share. Quit saying you are for middle class Americans

You can say this bullshit every day, but most working people live with the reality and stress of the current labor market.

Besides you’re a senator not a freaking hype man. There is a #tradewar and #traitor that you should be dealing with.

Farmers are hurting.
The rich keep getting richer.
The poor keep getting poorer.
POTUS just brown nosed the heck out of PUTIN.
But you keep feeding us those emojis, Blunt.

Our president is a traitor! Do something!!!

45 just handed our democracy to Putin. You need to get on the #rightsideofhistory and IMPEACH. #Treasonsummit #TrumpPutinSummit #HelsinkiSummit2018

…and our @POTUS is a traitor.

Touting the economy right now is a distraction from your man Trump making traitorous remarks overseas. Better keep up Roy, everyone else is paying attention.

Trump is a traitor. When are you going to defend democracy! That’s what you swore to do. #GOPComplicit

None of that would change if we get rid of the elephant in the room.
Once the elephant is gone we can all be confident in the future.

Shame on you Senator. The Traitor just committed a public act of Treason against the American People and you are carrying on like business as usual. You have a duty: protect the Republic. End this Presidency now.

Russia
Do something
Russia

You lie for a traitor.

And you’re fucking silent as our President sells us out to Russia.

Meanwhile, our pussy-grabbing President colludes with a murderous dictator. Tweet about that.

The president is a traitor
Americans are tired of your complacency
You are a puppet to the rich
#youdontworkforMO
#25thAmendmentNow

They seem to be a little upset.

Rep. Vicky Hartzler (r): doubling down on The Donald’s #TreasonSummit

18 Wednesday Jul 2018

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Representative Vicky Hartzler (r) [2015 file photo].

Representative Vicky Hartzler (r) commenting on Twitter about the aftermath of Donald Trump’s (r) performance at the #TreasonSummit:

Rep. Vicky Hartzler @RepHartzler
Glad to see the President clarify that he accepts the American intelligence community’s assessment that Russia meddled in the election [….]
1:50 PM – 17 Jul 2018

Most commenters aren’t buying it:

You must be getting tired. Carrying all that water has to be exhausting.

Okay, that was funny.

Right, but replacing the “would” with “wouldn’t” acrually doesn’t change what he said OR make any actual sense. You are an intelligent woman, Congresswoman, if you are really playing along with this new excuse, you are willfully trying to decieve decent, hard working Missourians.

You’re as awful as he is.

You have got to be kidding me..right?! Let me guess the staffer running your feed is the one who lays hands on to rid the spirits….eyeroll. Maybe you should apply at the NRA I hear they have an opening today Mueller just caught another one…

Thanks! Literally the best LOL of the day. I’ve seen chocolate covered 4 year olds give more convincing denials than that.

You are worthless and a homer. I can’t believe you bought this or did you listen to something I didn’t

I’m honestly disappointed you are now my representative. If this is the kind of behavior you will acquiesce and make ridiculous excuses knowing full well he didn’t stand up to Putin behind closed doors I will be happy to vote against you.

Wouldn’t it be nice if you weren’t my rep.? What an insult to your constituents’ intelligence. #trumppuppet

If you actually believe him I am even more disappointed in you as my congressional representative than I was. You have sold all your dignity and integrity. It is so sad to watch you kowtow to this administration.

You’ve got to be kidding me. You’re being ridiculous.

Not really a clarification when he contradicts it in the very next sentence, is it?

When specifically asked to denounce Putin’s actions and warn him not to do it again, he punted.

He did not clarify! He said it could be others which indicates he does not trust his intel from American intelligence.

Accepting that “clarification” is a dereliction of duty by you.

Disappointed that you are still blindly following party politics. Have you been listening to Mueller? Trump spoke the truth in front of Putin. He lied today. If you can’t stand up &speak out against him &his shady dealings (business &personal) then you should resign

Trump did not take back his statement that he believed Putin’s denial of meddling.

No he didn’t!! The intelligence agencies reported that it was Russia. IT WAS RUSSIA ONLY!! Trump said today it could have others. Trumps afraid to say it was Russia only because he is compromised. So delete your tweet because it is a lie. GOP TRAITORS!!

Bullshit, Trump can’t make up his mind on his story! Plus 2 hours of private time with Putin, is not except able! You work for the COUNTRY, not the PRESIDENT and you should NOT stand for this! I will be glad when you are voted out.

So convenient you have a soundbyte to counter the reality that it wasn’t just one statement misspoken but a continued pattern of refusing to state publicly that it was Russia. Surely you listened to the entire press conference and know this though

He accepted it before he didn’t, and then in the same breath he did it again. and you’re okay with that. Precisely what I’d expect from a #HelsinkiRepublican.

You’re a joke, Vicky.

You really are dumber than a post!

Well that settles it then.

That could be sarcasm.

The full statement, via Facebook:

Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler
I’m glad to see the President clarify that he accepts the American intelligence community’s assessment that Russia meddled in the election. There is overwhelming consensus that Russian individuals hacked into DNC headquarters and stole emails which were shared publicly. They also amplified political divisions within America by spreading discord and misinformation on both campaigns through social media. While the investigation is still ongoing, at this time there is no evidence these actions changed the outcome of the election nor evidence of collusion between Russia and the Trump campaign. However, these known actions of hacking and social media meddling cannot be tolerated. We experienced Russian meddling here at home in Missouri when a Russian Twitter bot spread disinformation during the Mizzou protests. We know very well that the Russian threat is real and the President must lead on this issue.

Some of the responses:

Have you ever seen a flock of Starlings all flying in the same direction and then for no apparent reason, the birds all suddenly wheel in unison and fly in a different direction — only to all wheel again a few seconds later and, as one, head in yet another direction, and so on, and so on?

Now, just for the fun of it, replace “starlings” with “Republican politicians”……

Traitor!

And if you believe that, Vicky, I’ve got a bridge to sell you.

That tells me all I need to know. You clearly can’t think for yourself. You sit around and wait and then join in. We deserve better

He misspoke in front of the cameras. We can only imagine about what he misspoke on behind closed doors.

Take out the Mizzou reference and this is basically a canned response going throughout congressional pages

Any time that Trump agrees with our intelligence agencies that Russia interfered in our elections, it is because he is forced to say it by public and even GOP backlash. I am sure in a few days he will be right back at saying. “it might have been Russia, it might not have been Russia. ” while hr travels the world, or makes his 5 am tweets, or phone calls to foreign leaders, he continues to insult the leaders of our most precious allies, while he is full of compliments and praises to the leaders of dictatorships. He seems to despise free democratic countries while wishing he could also be a tyrant like Kim Jong Un or Duarte or , even Putin. I don’t think he will change. no matter how much we may wish that he would act more pro-America and more favorably to our allies. It is clear he does not have the best interests of America at heart. He does not hold dear the values that made America great. We are losing credibility all over the world. The fact that you, and others in the GOP continue to support him is tantamount to treason. Please put America before Party.

You are a sell out. I have no interest in being able to travel to Russia without a passport. I’ve voted for you in the past, but never again. And please, don’t return to teaching. I’d hate to think of you teaching your ignorance and prejudice to our children.

You believe him as he read his prepared remarks. I call BS! Hateful nasty Liar Man!

What he should’ve said was, “I’m scared to death of Vladimir Putin, and you should be too.”

This President showed his true colors yesterday. He was disgraceful! “Misspoke” is just one more lie! You follow him in lockstep and join in the disgrace. It’s time the Republicans in Congress get a backbone, take some initiative and govern for what is right for all Americans.

Trump’s clarification is a lie. You are being complicit.

Really? You’re going to believe that BS! You’re acceptance of these lies are part of the problem. He needs to be held accountable!

Dear representative : Yesterday Donald Trump committed TREASON by standing with Putin over our own intelligence services. He is giving aid and comfort to a foreign government who attacked us via the web. US Constitution, Article III, Section 3 says, “Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying war against them, or in ADHERING TO THEIR ENEMIES, GIVING THEM AID AND COMFORT. (Capitals mine, for emphasis.) You swore to uphold and defend the Constitution. Only through the impeachment process can you fulfill your duty after today! PLEASE, House, IMPEACH, and, Senate, REMOVE TRUMP!

Oh please……. he doesn’t have a backbone to stand up to Putin face to face. Your backing of Donald shows your lack of a backbone also since you will not hold him accountable. You really need to be voted out of office.

At first you didn’t criticize Trump when he said spontaneously that he believed Putin, not American intelligence, on the question of election interference. You evaded the issue altogether, saying that you couldn’t know what was said behind closed doors in their private meeting. In other words, you are scared to criticize Trump. Now that everyone and his dog – even Fox & Friends! – are critical of Trump you find the incredible courage to say you’re glad that he accepts the US intelligence consensus but then you go on to misstate it! The recent election hacking indictments were against Russian intelligence officials, i.e. agents of the Russian government (not just Russian individuals). Then you refuse to describe what they did accurately. Just as when there are mass shootings you won’t use the word gun in any of your posts, with this issue I note you will not use the phrase “election interference.” But that is what we are talking about – the Russian government interfering in US elections. Why are you so afraid of that phrase? Because it’s true? Because it may be that while there is no evidence that any voting machinery was tampered with in a way that changed a tally, there is still a question as to how Russian government hacking and social media campaigns influenced American voter behavior, particularly because the social media campaigns were carefully targeted. You are not forthright and you’re still trying to protect Trump and your own political career rather than telling people what is going on. It’s behavior like yours and like Trump’s that leads to a loss of faith in elected officials, assuming there is any left. For a change consider the big picture, without reference to your personal ambition.

Yea, you will comment now…sycophant

omg… apparently you really don’t know anything about Russians meddling online. I believe it goes something along the lines of perpetuating fake propaganda through social media…? Kinda similar to posts by Republican law makers…

Guess that means we shouldn’t expect any Congressional leadership on these issues.

Are you kidding me? Trump is lying through his teeth with this “clarification.”. Someone forced him to change his story. He said exactly what he meant at the press conference. While I was watching him yesterday, it reminded me of Nixon going before us on TV declaring “I’m not a crook.” We are in deep trouble here folks and Rep Hartzler chooses to believe a liar over what is glaringly staring us in the face.

Maybe tomorrow he changes his mind again? WTF ?????

Oh, all of this is going to get very interesting. To say the least.

Ouch.

06 Friday Jul 2018

Posted by in Claire McCaskill, social media, US Senate

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Wednesday, via Twitter:

Brooke Foster @lonesometoast
Ah yes, that great Independence Day tradition of not taking sides

Team Claire @McCaskill4MO
It’s like @ClaireCMC said: Today, we’re all on the same team. No red side, no blue side—just red, white, and blue! Happy #IndependenceDay! #MOSen

9:27 PM – 4 Jul 2018 from St Louis, MO

Red is easy.

Against abortion? Don’t have one.

06 Friday Jul 2018

Posted by in social media, Uncategorized

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“…by the way, there already is an inclusive stance on abortion. It’s called ‘pro choice.'”

Coathanger.

Old media caught the dissension caused by the change in the Missouri Democratic Party platform at last weekend’s state committee meeting – wrought by the approval of an amendment which was brought forward by an anti-choice member.

That individual was quoted as stating: “…We are tired of being second class citizens in our party…”

Pamela Merritt, as always, gets it right:

Pamela Merritt @SharkFu
Okay, so I keep thinking about Joan Barry saying abortion opponents are tired of being treated like 2nd class citizens in the MO Dem party. This, a rant.
[….]
11:41 AM – 5 Jul 2018

The thread:

Being treated like a 2nd class citizen in the Dem Party is being forced to vote in a church w/ a giant“God is Prolife” sign out front while living in a city where Black babies are 4x more likely to die in their first year.

Being treated like a 2nd class citizen in the MO Dem Party is being the base, being 90+ % reliable election after election but seeing a platform that appeals to voters who will just find another oppressed group to blame their GOP vote on.

Being a 2nd class citizen is having to debate adding language saying women have the right to make decisions about their own bodies & being told that’s too radical for Joan Barry and the voters who don’t vote for Democrats she claims will flood in.

And being a 2nd class citizen in the MO Dem Party is showing that there can’t be economic justice w/ out reproductive justice and watching the party ignore and continue a losing formula.

So, yeah. I’m pretty damned pissed off at Joan Barry for treating Missouri’s pro-choice voters like 2nd class crap and then having th audacity to whine when we protest that. Fin.

Yeah, that’s definitely gonna leave a mark.

Let’s make this clear. It’s not about anyone’s personal belief against abortion, it’s about imposing that belief through the power of the state on others. Got it?

Previously:

The elephant in the room (July 3, 2018)

Rep. Vicky Hartzler (r): another astroturf award

27 Wednesday Jun 2018

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Old friends from Vicky Hartzler’s 2010 campaign against Ike Skelton (D).

Astroturf refers to apparently grassroots-based citizen groups or coalitions that are primarily conceived, created and/or funded by corporations, industry trade associations, political interests or public relations firms.

That’s them, fake grassroots.

Today, via Twitter, from Representative Vicky Hartzler (r):

Rep. Vicky Hartzler @RepHartzler
Honored to receive the Guardian of Senior’s Rights award from the @60PlusAssoc today! I am grateful to have the opportunity to advocate for the senior citizens of #MO4.
1:48 PM – 27 Jun 2018

It appears that the “60 Plus Association” went through some reported board turmoil. They operated as a 501(c)(4).

Lawsuit Isn’t First Time 60 Plus Association Has Been Accused of Lying to the IRS
By Matt Corley
March 11, 2016
The 60 Plus Association, the seniors-focused conservative nonprofit that has spent millions on influencing elections, is in disarray. Last month, four of the group’s board members, including founder and longtime chairman Jim Martin, filed a lawsuit against another set of board members that includes 60 Plus’s president…

There is a 60 Plus Foundation.

The 60 Plus Foundation has a bare bones web site:

[….]The 60 Plus Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3)* non-partisan educational organization formed to identify these problems and needs, and to seek alternative solutions developed through the private sector, financed through the free enterprise system, which enhance the quality of life, dignity, and security of American senior citizens. The Foundation brings together segments of the public, representatives of civic institutions, leaders in private enterprise, and specialists in educational disciplines to restore the vigor, intentions and beliefs of our founding fathers, as those intentions and beliefs relate to senior issues. We work to rekindle a nation and a culture that assists, supports, and provides opportunities to its senior citizens, while respecting the Constitutional right of every citizen to live in dignity and thrive in a democratic society, free from government reliance.

Director and President: James L Martin
[….]

Jim Martin and James Martin. They’ve got to be the same person, right?

Apparently the “new” 60 Plus Foundation has applied to be a 501(c)(3).

We can probably guess that “free from government reliance” means they’ll gut Social Security and Medicare and then privatize them.

We’re not sure if it’s the same organization in the tweet or how that translates into Vicky Hartzler being an “advocate for the senior citizens of #MO4.”

Note the 60 Plus Association in the 2012 right wingnut funding maze:

The Koch network was one of the biggest political operations in 2012 and worked largely outside the campaign finance system, raising at least $407 million. Source: Robert Maguire with the Center for Responsive Politics.

Isn’t that special?

Previously:

60 Plus Association – rightwing campaign mail: fear as a tool (September 25, 2010)

60 Plus Association – rightwing campaign mail: fear as a tool, part 2 (October 9, 2010)

Rep. Vicky Hartzler (r): that’s a particularly nebulous group of astroturf friends you’ve got there (August 27, 2012)

Habeas Corpus is not a city in Texas

26 Tuesday Jun 2018

Posted by in Resist, social media

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Habeas corpus ad subjiciendum. The Great Writ.

From Donald Trump:

Donald J. Trump @realDonaldTrump
We cannot allow all of these people to invade our Country. When somebody comes in, we must immediately, with no Judges or Court Cases, bring them back from where they came. Our system is a mockery to good immigration policy and Law and Order. Most children come without parents…
10:02 AM – 24 Jun 2018

Fascist asshole.

When an agent of the government comes up to you and says, “I am detaining you and you will be immediately deported,” what are you going to do without judicial review? How do you prove your citizenship? Show your United States passport to the agent? “Well, that’s a fake, we’re deporting you immediately.”

Robert Bolt – A Man For All Seasons: A Play In Two Acts

…William Roper: So, now you’d give the Devil the benefit of law!

Sir Thomas More: Yes! What would you do? Cut a great road through the law to get after the Devil?

William Roper: I’d cut down every law in England to do that!

Sir Thomas More: Oh? And when the last law was down, and the Devil turned round on you, where would you hide, Roper, the laws all being flat? This country ‘s planted thick with laws, from coast to coast – man’s laws, not God’s – and if you cut them down – and you’re just the man to do it – d’you really think you could stand upright in the winds that would blow then? Yes, I’d give the Devil benefit of law, for my own safety’s sake…

Resistance is the only antidote to Fascism:

Historically speaking the authoritarian playbook is always the same. Their ultimate goal is to consolidate power and they always use the same time tested techniques. First they start by attacking the free press. This is just a way to weaken the media’s ability to hold a ruler accountable.

You can see this dynamic at play when Trump calls any negative coverage of his administration fake news and threatens to take away the media’s credentials.

Next they will usually try to blame the country’s problems on minorities or use other vulnerable populations as scapegoats. This gives the ruler a way to validate people’s concerns while redirecting their anger towards a specific ethnic group. If people start protesting or revolting they will blame the dissent on foreigners or paid protesters. This usually gives a ruler justification to use force against civilians or to strengthen internal police forces.

Next they’ll try to weaken judicial checks on power. They usually do this by publicly discrediting judges or the judicial system, defunding departments that investigate internal criminal activity, and working to remove people from powerful positions that are not loyal to the regime or its ruler.

Which leads us to the value of loyalty. Authoritarians will always reward loyalty over competence because they fear a system that holds them to the same ethical and legal standard as everyone else. This is why you usually start to see very unqualified people running departments that they shouldn’t be running. Under an authoritarian system their loyalty is more valuable than their knowledge or skill.

A lot of these dynamics are already happening in the United States. If we’re not careful the U.S. can slip into a modern version of authoritarianism where elections can and do happen but they have no power to yield any type of social or political change.

The good news is that humanity has had plenty of practice defeating authoritarian leaders.

The one thing that works surprisingly well is nonviolent resistance. In fact, studies show that between 1900 and 2006 campaigns of non-violent civil resistance were twice as successful as violent campaigns in defeating authoritarian leaders around the world. Nonviolent resistance movements are especially effective because they make it harder for the regime to justify using violence on its own people. The same studies also show that no government can withstand the challenge of three and a half percent of its population.

So what can you do? Authoritarians strive on popular fear and collective resignation. The most powerful thing you can do is simply participate in resistance campaigns that are peaceful and nonviolent. Following movements like Indivisible or participating in campaigns by the ACLU are good places to start.

Democracy is more fragile than we think. Let’s put into action this time-tested way to defeat authoritarianism before it’s too late.

Peace

“…And when the last law was down, and the Devil turned round on you, where would you hide…?”

See you in the streets.

#resist

Gov. Mike Parson (r): I really don’t care. Do U?

22 Friday Jun 2018

Posted by in Missouri Governor, social media

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No distance whatsoever.

Yesterday, via Twitter, from Governor Mike Parson (r):

Mike Parson @mikeparson
Honored to have lunch with @realDonaldTrump today – great working discussions on key issues like workforce development and infrastructure. #MissouriForward
[….]
3:02 PM – 21 Jun 2018

Some of the responses:

Using the word “honored” to be in the presence of Trump worries me.

You said that we in Missouri are proud of the leadership in Washington. You better just speak for yourself. You don’t know what we think. A large number of us are angry, not proud. Don’t presume to speak for me.

Please tell me you are better than this. Please. I’ve lowered my expectations to just basic human decency at this point.

You weren’t even voted in. And you are shaking hands with someone who thinks children are political pawns. #MissouriBackward

How does it feel to shake hands with the Devil?

Haven’t heard much from you since taking over, Mike…not a great start.

Did you visit any Kiddie Konsentration Kamps on your trip?

Wrong answer, Mike. #ChildrenInCages #Shame

Guessing you didn’t discuss tariffs that are shuttering jobs all across Missouri?

Well Gov. you just shook the hand of the man that’s gonna be TOXIC to your political career!!!

Are you serious? That is ghastly.

Let’s just put babies on spikes, then, shall we? …… Do you have a flag?

You know he’s a terrible person right? #notagreatstart

I had high hopes you would be a consensus builder, instead you associate with a racist babysnatcher. You’re just like the rest of them.

Working with a person who locks kids in a cage.

Can’t get much more tone deaf than dining with him while children are in cages in this country because of him.

You have a sad barometer for measuring honor.

That’s what you call starting off on the right(wingnut) foot.

Wendy Baird, a mom, age “thirty-something”, from Independence, Missouri and Senator Roy Blunt (r)

20 Wednesday Jun 2018

Posted by in Roy Blunt, social media, US Senate

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My money’s on Wendy Baird.

A mom got so fed up with Donald Trump’s decision to separate children from their families at the border that she took to social media to see if fifteen or so friends would join her in front of Senator Roy Blunt’s (r) office at Tenth and Walnut in Kansas City to express their concerns. That was on Monday. By this morning over four hundred individuals expressed their support and over one hundred people joined Wendy Baird in front of the building entrance at 10:00 a.m.

Wendy Baird.

Show Me Progress: …Why did you come here today?

Wendy Baird: We are here to ask, uh, Senator Roy Blunt to encourage President Trump to make one phone call to Home, to the Department of Homeland Security. It’s his cabinet member, he can ask her to stop this at any time. And that’s what we want him to do.

Show Me Progress: Uh, again, why you?

Wendy Baird: I’m just a thirty something stay at home mom. I had to do something. it broke my heart to hear about these poor kids. We know it’s traumatic for children to be in any kind of situation like that. It’s not good for them. it’s not good for their hearts, it’s not good for their brains, and there’s no reason for it. Um, no other administration would touch this with a ten foot pole. Um, but we’re doing it and apparently we’re all in. And we need to stop.

Show Me Progress: So, what was the reaction of people who you know as you started to organize this?

Wendy Baird: Um, they were fully behind it. Not everybody could come today. I understand, it’s ten o’clock on a weekday morning. Um, but we’re still gonna have a really good group I think. And those who couldn’t be here, they’re calling, they’re emailing, they’re contacting Senator Blunt and that’s, that’s all we can do.

Show Me Progress: How would you characterize, those, they people you know, as you’ve communicated with, their reaction to this?

Wendy Baird: It’s wrong.

Show Me Progress: It’s pretty universal?

Wendy Baird: I, I think so. I think it is pretty universal. Um, like two thirds of the country are against separating families. I don’t think it matters if you’re a Democrat or a Republican, it’s not who we are. We can do better. We don’t need to separate children from their families.

Building security and Police inside the building entrance.

Prompted by one hundred or so moms and their kids (and a few grandparents, too, probably)?

Since they couldn’t go up to Senator Blunt’s (r) office they spoke to two of his staff members who came down to listen to them. People were insistent, refused to accept bland assurances, and didn’t back down.

Speaking to Senator Roy Blunt’s (r) staff outside his office.

In Missouri we’re used to plain speaking people from Independence. You’d think Roy Blunt (r) would get that.

Rep. Vicky Hartzler (r): doubling down

19 Tuesday Jun 2018

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Good Germans is a euphemism for German citizens during and after WWII who claimed not to have supported the Nazi regime, but remained silent and did not resist in a meaningful way. [….]

Representative Vicky Hartzler (r) [2016 file photo].

Today, via Twitter, from Representative Vicky Hartzler (r):

Rep. Vicky Hartzler @RepHartzler
Hearing @POTUS lend his support to the House immigration bill to secure our border, prioritize security, & provide a “humane, smart” solution to DACA and families crossing the border illegally. #secureourborder
[…]
3:38 PM – 19 Jun 2018

“#secureourborder”? By separating children from their parents and putting them in cages?

Some of the responses:

I have never in my life seen such heartless people as I have in Congress. Be thankful Vicky those are not your children being ripped from your arms. How can you look at yourself in the mirror without being disgusted?

Jesus Christ, Hartzler, look around. What the hell kind of moral freefall are you gleefully allowing to happen? Stop thumping your bible and actually live by it for a change.

His policy led to children being in cages. You’re doing nothing to stop it, this is the policy of this administration to commit human rights violations. And you support child abuse.
He doesn’t need to lend support. It’s his policy. He could just stop it

These are the people you support, Vicky
[….]

Vicky, the conversation is about yanking children from their parents and locking them up.
Anything else is deflection.

The inhumane treatment of the Dreamers and the immorality of separating children from their parents are policy decisions by Trump and could be ended by him immediately. Your refusal to demand he does that makes you complicit. Shame on you.

Does the bill prohibit family separation because Trump says that will continue until Congress passes a law prohibiting it.

So you’re listening to lies! Gotcha!

You are a heartless human being. I really wanted to say something worse, but my grandmother (God rest her soul), taught me better than that. #FamiliesBelongTogether

Your bill won’t do any of those things. You’re a shameless liar.

Hearing #TrumpsKidnappingChildren is a warm and fuzzy moment for you? What is wrong with you? Where are your #ChristianValues ? #AllLivesMatter unless it doesn’t justify the ends? There are #children crying for their parents —> causing irrevocable harm #toxicstress [….]

I am so sorry that I ever voted for you. You spoke to our school district and told how you value children and education. You lied to us! Stop blindly following the lies and immoral behavior of trump. Missouri is watching you! For the love of God, do what is right!

Neither one of you have a humane bone in your body.

Finally an issue where some Republicans finally draw the line and speak out against the actions and results of the policies set by this administration, and then there is you.

They’re not buying it.