We must do more than gather and march. We must organize, strategize, tactically plan, implement, with an overriding objective of removing all Republicans from office-bar none! This is the American and Patriotic action to take. Do your part now!
5
The Con Don treated the Australian Prime Minister with disdain and disrespect yesterday. Without any "statistics" I KNOW this outraged rational people across America.
It is time for those who disagree with The Con Don and his LIES hate-anger-fear-war rantings to continuously speak out on social media against him and everything he stands for.
I do not tweet, or post on facebook or other social media but realize the strength they have achieved. Those who oppose The Con Don must start a Love-reason-civility-democracy-peace network to counteract the minor players that make up the hate complex.
Today please get a viral tweet going that says,#Australia We Love You - Ignore the orange one" or something similar which publicly embarrasses the great pretender around the world.
It is time for the world to hear from the Roaring Silent Majority that WE do not agree with the hostile takeover financial players who are attempting to take over OUR America.
The link below is from today's Buzzfeed and explains how the hate machine is trying to sway voters in France, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, and the rest of Europe. Only constant, viral shouted protests by those of us who disagree will stop them.
https://www.buzzfeed.com/ryanhatesthis/heres-how-frances-national-front-...
It is time for those who disagree with The Con Don and his LIES hate-anger-fear-war rantings to continuously speak out on social media against him and everything he stands for.
I do not tweet, or post on facebook or other social media but realize the strength they have achieved. Those who oppose The Con Don must start a Love-reason-civility-democracy-peace network to counteract the minor players that make up the hate complex.
Today please get a viral tweet going that says,#Australia We Love You - Ignore the orange one" or something similar which publicly embarrasses the great pretender around the world.
It is time for the world to hear from the Roaring Silent Majority that WE do not agree with the hostile takeover financial players who are attempting to take over OUR America.
The link below is from today's Buzzfeed and explains how the hate machine is trying to sway voters in France, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, and the rest of Europe. Only constant, viral shouted protests by those of us who disagree will stop them.
https://www.buzzfeed.com/ryanhatesthis/heres-how-frances-national-front-...
3
Trump lost heavily in DC and NYC. In these locales he is physically surrounded by people whose attitudes range from dislike to revulsion. Social media can ensure that wherever he goes there is, at short notice, a crowd to greet him. At a certain point water hoses and tear gas will be required to disperse, as Bannon will put it, the rabble...all to be covered by Al Jazeera and wind up in ISIS propaganda. You have to wonder if the election of Trump has already boosted ISIS and Al Qaeda recruitment.
The author writes: "You might wonder if the protests will achieve much. Americans have protested before ...." Those of us who marched for Civil Rights in the 1960's, those of us who went to Selma, we know by experience that this sort of action is empowering and enables us to achieve much. Just ask the Hon. John Lewis. And remember LBJ ending his greatest speech with the words "And we shall overcome".
6
Both established parties have proven ineffectual with Trump. Their ineptitude, not just with the man but also in the basics of governance, stands revealed to all. So it falls to We the People to hold the man accountable and keep him in check. In times past it was hard to rouse the ire of the crowd; and when done it usually occurred in volcanic, mob, style. But as this writer notes in today's era it is easy. It self organizes, too.
The fact Trump did not win the popular vote. Plus he's a man who holds a lousy approval rating, and this less than a month into the position. All the People have needed is an energizing focus. And Trump is the lens bringing crystal clarity to it. The People are beginning to stir Trump. You have only yourself to blame. You, and all your minions, are about to undergo an experience that's never comfortable for anyone ensconced is such a power position as yours. The People do not like what you are doing, and they are saying NO in one voice! Alter your path else become a victim of it.
John~
American Net'Zen
The fact Trump did not win the popular vote. Plus he's a man who holds a lousy approval rating, and this less than a month into the position. All the People have needed is an energizing focus. And Trump is the lens bringing crystal clarity to it. The People are beginning to stir Trump. You have only yourself to blame. You, and all your minions, are about to undergo an experience that's never comfortable for anyone ensconced is such a power position as yours. The People do not like what you are doing, and they are saying NO in one voice! Alter your path else become a victim of it.
John~
American Net'Zen
1
This thing is going to be as successful as the Arab Spring unless there is focus, leadership and direction. God help us if the celebrity crowd bores us all to death at the Oscars. Meryl Streep was eloquent. It's been said now. While I applaud your views, strings of swankily dressed actors lining up to get indignant on stage isn't what this is about and will just cement the hatred of those with their ears firmly plugged. Get your famous face out on the street and march with ordinary people. And if you are privileged enough to have a microphone in such a setting, please make sure that your words, which will surely be on page one tomorrow, are dignified, and your message is one that may just persuade a few doubters.
1
I disagree, Gordon. This is a grassroots movement and does not need to be "organized" so it can be controlled. The Silent Majority is Roaring OUR displeasure with the hostile financial takeover of OUR governments at all levels. I LOVE it and every American who believes in democracy and social/economic justice for all should love it, too.
Stay Strong Great Awakened Giant!
Stay Strong Great Awakened Giant!
1
The protests are important but what matters is the next elections. For those who oppose Trump, go to https://www.indivisibleguide.com/web/ to see how to communicate your views to your congresspeople. Make your opposition clear to them. Show up at their offices, and their local events and make your views known. Even more importantly, make it clear to them that to the extent that they support Trump and his agenda, you will work tirelessly to prevent their re-election.
4
naïve column. all the protests in the world will not alter the fact that the right wing is winning politically, and that they therefore have decision-making and coercive power. the key question everyone must ask: will what I do in the streets or online re-elect threatened Dem senators in 18, or make it harder for them? how will what I do affect governors' races and state legislative races? how will it affect senate race in 2020? if we don't start to ask these questions, we're really doomed.
3
They do have an impact. They compelled the passage of civil rights laws. They helped force an end to the Viet-Nam war.
3
I wouldn't bet on it.
Every movement needs a theme song...how about Steven Still's " For What it's Worth" ?
And those "mass protests" you refer to were effective how ????? Dismantling Democracy is not an easy task......at least, not as easy as Trump is making it appear. As a long-ago Republican, I must say that I am surprised that members of the Trump "Revolution, Not Evolution" venture may possibly win. Or at least change the country for many years in many different and unanticipated ways..........
I like this. Not one person controls this growing revolution, so the Prez cannot go after and destroy them. He would have to attack us all. Iv been emailing and calling my senators, never done that before.
2
"You might wonder if the protests will achieve much. Americans have protested before (the war in Iraq comes to mind) and the protests did not, in themselves, alter national policy."
You didn't go back far enough. The massive protests in the 1960's ended our failed war in Vietnam that much sooner, and let to the eventual resignation of Nixon. The protests of today will continue because trump will continue to provide fresh ammunition weekly. Eventually he will resign or be impeached. The sooner the better.
You didn't go back far enough. The massive protests in the 1960's ended our failed war in Vietnam that much sooner, and let to the eventual resignation of Nixon. The protests of today will continue because trump will continue to provide fresh ammunition weekly. Eventually he will resign or be impeached. The sooner the better.
3
I heard he had unexpectantly boarded marine one earlier today. I prayed he was bailing out and heading for the hills.
I'm praying that our country is strong enough to outsmart and outnumber those that want to takes us backwards and are making the world more dangerous.
I'm praying that our country is strong enough to outsmart and outnumber those that want to takes us backwards and are making the world more dangerous.
4
Thank you Farhad Manjoo and NYTimes for a clear picture of the events of the last couple of weeks. It gives me hope that sane voices will be heard and can effect positive change. As the song goes, I'm gonna "accentuate the positive and eliminate the negative, latch on to the affirmative...and don't mess with Mr. In-Between!"
1
To those thst discount social media: The American revolution was hardly a unified or dignified affair especially when it began but history always cleans those details up a bit. Our stoic forefathers gathered in pubs, drank, and angrily aired their grievances. Today we gather on Facebook, Twitter, and other networks to do the same when we feel our rights are trampled. It's not the method used but the message that matters. Right now tweets and likes are the red flags of our time and they are no less a call to action.
4
We refer to the power of the people in the Arab world as the "Street". Witness the Arab Spring. Even though the Arab Spring did not live up to its lofty goals in most countries it did demonstrate the ability to make things happen.
We're seeing the beginning of similar things here. Let's just avoid the violence in the street so common in demonstrations in the Arab world.
We're seeing the beginning of similar things here. Let's just avoid the violence in the street so common in demonstrations in the Arab world.
The "battle of the media" will be exhausting and ultimately fail, if we do not take back the power. A co-founder of Occupy Wall Street, writing about their weaknesses, and the Jan. 21 march in The Guardian:
concludes with this takeaway:
“….May the angry women return home the day after the march to lead us toward a women-led hybrid movement-party in every state that is disciplined enough to govern, militantly local and single-mindedly devoted to actualizing a force capable of seizing control of city councils and mayorships during midterm elections across America in preparation for an electoral coup against the presidency in 2020.
Now that would be a goal worth marching toward….”
concludes with this takeaway:
“….May the angry women return home the day after the march to lead us toward a women-led hybrid movement-party in every state that is disciplined enough to govern, militantly local and single-mindedly devoted to actualizing a force capable of seizing control of city councils and mayorships during midterm elections across America in preparation for an electoral coup against the presidency in 2020.
Now that would be a goal worth marching toward….”
1
The Democratic Party caused this Trump election mess because they nominated Hillary rather the man way ahead of her, Bernie Sanders. He was way ahead, yet the ignorant folks still nominated Hillary who is not very well liked.
The people should ignore the Democratic Party at this point. The massive demonstrations, marches, letters to the Trumpets will create a great movement against the right wing fascists. And they really are extremists that will destroy our presence in the world.
The people should ignore the Democratic Party at this point. The massive demonstrations, marches, letters to the Trumpets will create a great movement against the right wing fascists. And they really are extremists that will destroy our presence in the world.
3
To all you poor losers....... No weapon formed against President Trump will prosper and nothing shall by any means
hurt him. Get it straight ... you lose ... he WON !
hurt him. Get it straight ... you lose ... he WON !
2
Without winning our hearts, the self-important Trump won nothing. Most certainly, not our respect.
3
A Major Prophetic Sign Appeared the Moment Donald Trump Stepped to the Inauguration Platform
The inauguration of Donald Trump was being watched live by tens of millions of people all over the world, and it was at that precise moment that God gave all of us another little reminder that He is in control. It had not been raining prior to the time Trump stepped up to the inauguration platform, but when he did, the rain began to fall. Considering everything else that was going on at the time, it would have been really easy to miss that little detail, but fortunately, there was someone there who perfectly understood what was happening.
When Rev. Franklin Graham came to the platform later to deliver his portion of the benediction, it was perhaps the most electrifying moment of the entire event. Before reading the passage of Scripture he had chosen, this is what Graham told the crowd:
"Mr. President, in the Bible, rain is a sign of God's blessing. And it started to rain, Mr. President, when you came to the platform. It's my prayer that God will bless you, your family, your administration, and may He bless America."
And Graham was correct about this. Throughout the Bible, rain is an indication of the blessing of God. For example, in Leviticus 26:3-10, the people of Israel were told that rain would be one of the primary blessings that they would receive if they kept God's commandments...
The inauguration of Donald Trump was being watched live by tens of millions of people all over the world, and it was at that precise moment that God gave all of us another little reminder that He is in control. It had not been raining prior to the time Trump stepped up to the inauguration platform, but when he did, the rain began to fall. Considering everything else that was going on at the time, it would have been really easy to miss that little detail, but fortunately, there was someone there who perfectly understood what was happening.
When Rev. Franklin Graham came to the platform later to deliver his portion of the benediction, it was perhaps the most electrifying moment of the entire event. Before reading the passage of Scripture he had chosen, this is what Graham told the crowd:
"Mr. President, in the Bible, rain is a sign of God's blessing. And it started to rain, Mr. President, when you came to the platform. It's my prayer that God will bless you, your family, your administration, and may He bless America."
And Graham was correct about this. Throughout the Bible, rain is an indication of the blessing of God. For example, in Leviticus 26:3-10, the people of Israel were told that rain would be one of the primary blessings that they would receive if they kept God's commandments...
2
A very interesting observation. But I saw the events slightly differently.
When Mr. Trump, the Civil leader, stepped to the podium it began to rain. This is interpreted as a bad sign in the non-sectarian world, especially by Mr. Trump, because the Lord was "raining on his parade.
When Reverend Graham, clearly the religious leader stepped to the podium, the rain stopped. This was the Lord telling the Reverend and all of the world, that He was dissatisfied and "taking away His blessing."
The Lord and the World know that Mr. Trump is evil. It's the alt-right that is blind to justice.
When Mr. Trump, the Civil leader, stepped to the podium it began to rain. This is interpreted as a bad sign in the non-sectarian world, especially by Mr. Trump, because the Lord was "raining on his parade.
When Reverend Graham, clearly the religious leader stepped to the podium, the rain stopped. This was the Lord telling the Reverend and all of the world, that He was dissatisfied and "taking away His blessing."
The Lord and the World know that Mr. Trump is evil. It's the alt-right that is blind to justice.
1
You're being facetious, right? Prophecy? The only one I can imagine at this point is his very own apocalypse.
5
Delusional. It's this type of thinking that we must resist.
1
This fiction that social-media outrage will have an effect on anything is no more than an attempt to construct a meta-reality that has some meaning. It doesn't. Look at what happened in the countries that participated in the Arab Spring.
Any revolution, or effective resistance, must have at its foundation a cohesive philosophy. Without that, it fails quickly.
Liking something on Facebook, or tweeting 140 characters of one's outrage, is NOT social activism.
Any revolution, or effective resistance, must have at its foundation a cohesive philosophy. Without that, it fails quickly.
Liking something on Facebook, or tweeting 140 characters of one's outrage, is NOT social activism.
5
What is it when the Prez does it?
If it drives him nuts, I'm all for it.
If it drives him nuts, I'm all for it.
3
Dear George,
You missed the point. It is not social medai outraage that is effective and powerful. It is the people actually going into the streets in large numbers to protest. That is what cannot be ignored by Trump, media and fellow citizens.
You missed the point. It is not social medai outraage that is effective and powerful. It is the people actually going into the streets in large numbers to protest. That is what cannot be ignored by Trump, media and fellow citizens.
2
Clever use of alt-majority until you consider it normalizes alt-right, the white supremacist movement.
Please reconsider this.
Please reconsider this.
6
Hand-written letters to elected officials, please. Not typed or printed. They put significantly more weight on these. No astroturf postcards. No copied emails.
Take 5 minutes, pen in hand.
Take 5 minutes, pen in hand.
16
I'm a middle aged woman too. I'm going to support my side (this goes beyond the USA) by cancelling NYT and putting the funds to those on the other side.
1
Noooooooooo. NYT is one of the few media iutleys that still has reporters do original andbakanced research, something we desperately need in this era of "alternative facts."
In my town, I've been seeing Bernie voters, Hillary voters, people of all skin colors, church people and atheists, coming together to oppose the new administration's actions. Obama's coalition is not gone, and people are just so appalled and disgusted by Trump and his enablers.
My state is deep red, but our goal is to make our elected officials notice and be very uncomfortable. We will be in their faces and on their phones every single day. Democratic elected officials need to take special notice--no backsliding! And they need to get themselves together for 2018 and 2020, because we can make their primary races a lot tougher if they are not with us.
My state is deep red, but our goal is to make our elected officials notice and be very uncomfortable. We will be in their faces and on their phones every single day. Democratic elected officials need to take special notice--no backsliding! And they need to get themselves together for 2018 and 2020, because we can make their primary races a lot tougher if they are not with us.
6
Hmm ... of the 12 NYT 'Picks', only 1 moderate voice of considered reason? The others from firmly anti-President to violently anti-President?
Maybe this reflects the 'majority' of NYT commenters, but hardly a 'majority' of Americans.
Amazing how 1% of any population can grab attention, and then purport to represent the rest of the population.
Certainly many of are concerned about the various pronouncements & twitters emanating from the White House. We'd all do better if -all- of us stopped using twitter (or other social media), to give knee-jerk reactions.
Instead, we should all take a big breath, actually take the time to read - for ourselves - the primary source, such as the actual text of an executive order. Often quite different than the spin given by anyone reporting it in summary form: both God & Devil are in the details, and you won't know which is which until you actually, independently, review those details.
Maybe this reflects the 'majority' of NYT commenters, but hardly a 'majority' of Americans.
Amazing how 1% of any population can grab attention, and then purport to represent the rest of the population.
Certainly many of are concerned about the various pronouncements & twitters emanating from the White House. We'd all do better if -all- of us stopped using twitter (or other social media), to give knee-jerk reactions.
Instead, we should all take a big breath, actually take the time to read - for ourselves - the primary source, such as the actual text of an executive order. Often quite different than the spin given by anyone reporting it in summary form: both God & Devil are in the details, and you won't know which is which until you actually, independently, review those details.
It's a bit presumptuous to assume that a majority opposes Trump, isn't it? We'll see in 2020. And remember that the more dissenters demonstrated against Nixon, the more his Silent Majority grew, until he beat the dissenters' darling, McGovern, in the biggest slaughter in American presidential election history.
1
Yes and we saw how well that presidency turned out.
7
No, he lost the popular vote by almost 3 million. No presumption needed.
6
Please don't call the anti-Trump Resistance "alt" anything.
Racist, misogynist white supremacists first ruined that the word "alternative" (in any form) when they started rebranding themselves the "Alt-Right" -- as if they were some kind of "hipster Nazis," silk-screening swastikas onto T-shirts made of locally grown, organic cotton, and listening to bands you'd never heard of. (They have a whole host of other euphemisms designed to make fascism and bigotry seem "cute." I won't help their cause, or participate in their "#MurderEnglish"-style doublespeak, by naming any of those inherently offensive terms here.)
Some of us call them the "Alt-Reich," as that's a slightly more accurate term, but, unfortunately, to make any other term referring to this motley band of same-old-same-olds recognizable, one has to continue abusing "alt," and thus the word "alternative."
Then Trump spokesperson Kellyanne Conway jumped off the semantic cliff, when she came up with the Orwellian term, "alternative facts," better known as "lies."
In short, right wing extremists have ruined the word "alternative" for the foreseeable future. "Alt" has become a "four-letter word." Please don't use it except to condemn it.
Racist, misogynist white supremacists first ruined that the word "alternative" (in any form) when they started rebranding themselves the "Alt-Right" -- as if they were some kind of "hipster Nazis," silk-screening swastikas onto T-shirts made of locally grown, organic cotton, and listening to bands you'd never heard of. (They have a whole host of other euphemisms designed to make fascism and bigotry seem "cute." I won't help their cause, or participate in their "#MurderEnglish"-style doublespeak, by naming any of those inherently offensive terms here.)
Some of us call them the "Alt-Reich," as that's a slightly more accurate term, but, unfortunately, to make any other term referring to this motley band of same-old-same-olds recognizable, one has to continue abusing "alt," and thus the word "alternative."
Then Trump spokesperson Kellyanne Conway jumped off the semantic cliff, when she came up with the Orwellian term, "alternative facts," better known as "lies."
In short, right wing extremists have ruined the word "alternative" for the foreseeable future. "Alt" has become a "four-letter word." Please don't use it except to condemn it.
7
Mr. Manjoo suggests calling this the alt-majority. We should call it what it is: the Majority.
9
I think many would disagree with the headline "alt-majority".
As my litmus test, I measure issues versus Super Bowl viewership. A typical Super Bowl gets over a 100 million viewers globally. The Women's March, taken globally, was estimated at a million or two.
The current dissent--how do we even measure it--may again be in the millions. The U.K. petition on a May-Trump meeting gathered, last I check, over a million signatures. This pales in comparison to typical football (the non-U.S. kind) on a typical match day.
When gauging dissent by likes, posts, clicks, etc., it is important to remember the selection bias from such sampling. Those with a negative view tend to be more vocal.
I can infer nothing from social media, comments, clicks, etc. other than it's a much easier way to be vocal. But by taking the easy way, it belies a lack of momentum and commitment.
As my litmus test, I measure issues versus Super Bowl viewership. A typical Super Bowl gets over a 100 million viewers globally. The Women's March, taken globally, was estimated at a million or two.
The current dissent--how do we even measure it--may again be in the millions. The U.K. petition on a May-Trump meeting gathered, last I check, over a million signatures. This pales in comparison to typical football (the non-U.S. kind) on a typical match day.
When gauging dissent by likes, posts, clicks, etc., it is important to remember the selection bias from such sampling. Those with a negative view tend to be more vocal.
I can infer nothing from social media, comments, clicks, etc. other than it's a much easier way to be vocal. But by taking the easy way, it belies a lack of momentum and commitment.
1
To watch a football requires no effort. Just sit in your couch and turn on the tv. To get up out of your chair, get on a bus, plane or car and travel to protest requires effort. There were far more than one million marchers. At least 5 million world wide. There were 200,000 in Washington and at least 150, 000 just in London. Many more in more than 600 cities across the world.
3
there are 250,000,000 eligible voters in the USA of which 62,000,000 voted for the president in office. Authentic citizens of the United States have an obligation to participate in the elections that guide the democracy. Following is a working definition of Authentic United States Citizenship ... https://medium.com/@DaaaveCarr/a-working-definition-of-an-authentic-citi...
1
Alt-majority? It's this policy of false equivalence that stuck us with President Trump.
3
The true sign of a healthy democracy is peaceful protest. The true sign of an authoritarian regime is a steady diet of strong-arm measures taken in a vacuum. Americans who care about our country need to keep standing up and shouting out against the totalitarian Trump regime. Social media outrage and large group protests are difficult to ignore and cannot be lied about. Maybe a majority of Americans should refuse to pay their taxes on April 15 until Trump releases his...
7
I've been telling anyone who will listen to do just that. Thoreau did it. It's a cornerstone of his civil obedience. I think once you get enough people to agree out of principle most other people will jump in out of opportunism or newfound confidence.
"Call it the alt-left, or, if you want to really drive Mr. Trump up the wall, the alt-majority."
Now why would you want to upset all the people in the United States with the ridiculously egotistical claim that the "left" is the "majority." You certainly can't make that claim based on election results since the Democratic party has lost 63 House seats, 10 Senate seats and 12 governorships since 2010. How about a little more truthyness and a little less false bravado.
Now why would you want to upset all the people in the United States with the ridiculously egotistical claim that the "left" is the "majority." You certainly can't make that claim based on election results since the Democratic party has lost 63 House seats, 10 Senate seats and 12 governorships since 2010. How about a little more truthyness and a little less false bravado.
3
How about recognizing the effects of gerrymander and loss of voting rights?
4
From Heather Richardson, professor of History at Boston College:
"I don't like to talk about politics on Facebook-- political history is my job, after all, and you are my friends-- but there is an important non-partisan point to make today.
What Bannon is doing, most dramatically with last night's ban on immigration from seven predominantly Muslim countries-- is creating what is known as a "shock event."
Such an event is unexpected and confusing and throws a society into chaos. People scramble to react to the event, usually along some fault line that those responsible for the event can widen by claiming that they alone know how to restore order.
"I don't like to talk about politics on Facebook-- political history is my job, after all, and you are my friends-- but there is an important non-partisan point to make today.
What Bannon is doing, most dramatically with last night's ban on immigration from seven predominantly Muslim countries-- is creating what is known as a "shock event."
Such an event is unexpected and confusing and throws a society into chaos. People scramble to react to the event, usually along some fault line that those responsible for the event can widen by claiming that they alone know how to restore order.
6
"THE MAJORITY" is the best name, the most accurate name, and the one that is most potent and sensible because it is grounded in reality.
Over three million more of us voted for Hillary R. Clinton for president as opposed to "Dumb Dump" as he's becoming known in many places.
So while this article is excellent and makes many clear and cogent points, it is important to simply refer to those of us who strongly oppose and intensely dislike this illegitimate "president" as The Majority---the same group of people that will decimate his Republican Party in November of 2018 AND throw him out of office, as soon as possible.
Over three million more of us voted for Hillary R. Clinton for president as opposed to "Dumb Dump" as he's becoming known in many places.
So while this article is excellent and makes many clear and cogent points, it is important to simply refer to those of us who strongly oppose and intensely dislike this illegitimate "president" as The Majority---the same group of people that will decimate his Republican Party in November of 2018 AND throw him out of office, as soon as possible.
2
"THE MAJORITY" is the best name, the most accurate name, and the one that is most potent and sensible because it is grounded in reality.
Almost three million more of us voted for Hillary R. Clinton for president as opposed to "Dumb Dump" as he's becoming known in many places.
So while this article is excellent and makes many clear and cogent points, it is important to simply refer to those of us who strongly oppose and intensely dislike this illegitimate "president" as The Majority---the same group of people that will decimate his Republican Party in November of 2018 AND throw him out of office, as soon as possible.
Almost three million more of us voted for Hillary R. Clinton for president as opposed to "Dumb Dump" as he's becoming known in many places.
So while this article is excellent and makes many clear and cogent points, it is important to simply refer to those of us who strongly oppose and intensely dislike this illegitimate "president" as The Majority---the same group of people that will decimate his Republican Party in November of 2018 AND throw him out of office, as soon as possible.
14
But because shock events destabilize a society, they can also be used positively. We do not have to respond along old fault lines. We could just as easily reorganize into a different pattern that threatens the people who sparked the event.
A successful shock event depends on speed and chaos because it requires knee-jerk reactions so that people divide along established lines. This, for example, is how Confederate leaders railroaded the initial southern states out of the Union.
If people realize they are being played, though, they can reach across old lines and reorganize to challenge the leaders who are pulling the strings. This was Lincoln's strategy when he joined together Whigs, Democrats, Free-Soilers, anti-Nebraska voters, and nativists into the new Republican Party to stand against the Slave Power.
Five years before, such a coalition would have been unimaginable. Members of those groups agreed on very little other than that they wanted all Americans to have equal economic opportunity. Once they began to work together to promote a fair economic system, though, they found much common ground. They ended up rededicating the nation to a 'government of the people, by the people, and for the people.' Confederate leaders and Lincoln both knew about the political potential of a shock event. As we are in the midst of one, it seems worth noting that Lincoln seemed to have the better idea about how to use it."
5
I really like alt-majority. Yes it would bother him. However, the better reason for this name is that I think it is the truth. I like to think that most of us don't align to a single cause, religion, or ideology but rather an internal ethic - and a vision of this country and a world that enables each of us to be individuals.
We work, pay taxes, raise children, care for elderly parents, and just try to live our lives as best and decently as we can. I think we're the majority in this country -- and I truly believe we're global. We're the "I'm okay, you're okay" people.
No one hears about any of us until something happens that demands our attention and assistance because it is a threat to others. At that point, we're become the "outpouring of support" that magically surfaces.
Right now, many people in this "alt-majority" are new members and contributors to the ACLU for that reason. I'm one of them.
Sometimes crises require food, water, and lodging. This one, I believe, is going to require legal counsel for those with the courage to stand up to some bullies as well as innocent people in the current administration's line of fire.
We work, pay taxes, raise children, care for elderly parents, and just try to live our lives as best and decently as we can. I think we're the majority in this country -- and I truly believe we're global. We're the "I'm okay, you're okay" people.
No one hears about any of us until something happens that demands our attention and assistance because it is a threat to others. At that point, we're become the "outpouring of support" that magically surfaces.
Right now, many people in this "alt-majority" are new members and contributors to the ACLU for that reason. I'm one of them.
Sometimes crises require food, water, and lodging. This one, I believe, is going to require legal counsel for those with the courage to stand up to some bullies as well as innocent people in the current administration's line of fire.
1
1. It took almost a year of organizing for the Vietnam antiwar movement to be able to muster a major (50,000) demonstration at the Pentagon in October 1967. Less than year later, antiwar campus disruptions & building takeovers spread, then urban rioting after the murder of Martin Luther King.
2. At this point FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover warned President Lyndon Johnson that the country would be ungovernable if he increased the number of American troops in Vietnam to one million (at the time, there were nearly 600,000 troops "in country").
Takeaway: It took over 2 years of activism/organizing to put major pressure on the 1960s American political establishment.
Its taken 10 days for Trump's opponents to mobilize in huge numbers. There are still more shocks from Trump/Bannon & more mobilizing to come.
2. At this point FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover warned President Lyndon Johnson that the country would be ungovernable if he increased the number of American troops in Vietnam to one million (at the time, there were nearly 600,000 troops "in country").
Takeaway: It took over 2 years of activism/organizing to put major pressure on the 1960s American political establishment.
Its taken 10 days for Trump's opponents to mobilize in huge numbers. There are still more shocks from Trump/Bannon & more mobilizing to come.
6
Very rightly said..I just hope these protests will gain prominence and will be widespread. People should raise their voice against the wrong policies which are painting a wrong picture of USA to the world. The long term repercussions of Trump's decisions will impact future generations as well. The idea of 'filtering' the Muslims will infuriate them as well as add fuel to the fire. I believe what he is trying to achieve is to prove his supporters that he will stick to his words.
It's incredibly heartwarming to see the growing resistance to Trump and his policies. We can even begin to imagine that some number of Republicans in Congress are going to wake up to their own self-interest, reclaim some integrity, and get behind the drive for impeachment.
But of course, Pence wouldn't much if any improvement. In effect, the condition of power-inequality that's grown up in the last few decades leaves the mass-citizenry permanently vulnerable.
We should not confuse a mobilization, even a mass mobilization, with a movement. The Arab Spring was a mobilization, largely powered by social networking. But as we know, its staying power and potential to bring about a transition to democratic governance was nil.
Movements that have staying power and successfully bring about significant institutional change are well-grounded in long-lived community—such as the churches, barber shops and beauty parlors provided for the civil rights movement—and build competent organization and leadership before attempting mobilizations of any consequence. Those that don't, like the quickly forgotten Occupy Wall Street "movement," have no lasting effect.
Hopefully, the least effect of the current mobilization will be to chasten Trump and prompt him to restrain his worst inclinations—but I fear that hope springs infernal in this case.
But of course, Pence wouldn't much if any improvement. In effect, the condition of power-inequality that's grown up in the last few decades leaves the mass-citizenry permanently vulnerable.
We should not confuse a mobilization, even a mass mobilization, with a movement. The Arab Spring was a mobilization, largely powered by social networking. But as we know, its staying power and potential to bring about a transition to democratic governance was nil.
Movements that have staying power and successfully bring about significant institutional change are well-grounded in long-lived community—such as the churches, barber shops and beauty parlors provided for the civil rights movement—and build competent organization and leadership before attempting mobilizations of any consequence. Those that don't, like the quickly forgotten Occupy Wall Street "movement," have no lasting effect.
Hopefully, the least effect of the current mobilization will be to chasten Trump and prompt him to restrain his worst inclinations—but I fear that hope springs infernal in this case.
1
Just so we are all clear on how this goes. They line up the opposition on a topic. In this case immigration. Everyone picks a side. Then they stage an event (be prepared for the immigrant terrorist attack or failed assassination attempt) that PROVES their point to discredit all of those opposition leaders and people they highlighted and "warned". Then they take away our rights and dismantle our way of life. It's happened dozens of times through history (most recently in Turkey). Mark my words. Dark days.
1
When watching or reading the major media sources, one would conclude everyone is against Trump's immigration policy, but we know this is not true, infant, a majority support it. This is why the media was so wrong about the election. They say and print only what they want us to believe. "There are none so blind as those who will not see."
1
What about the rights of Americans to peacefully walk the streets of their cities, visit museums, to get to work or travel the highways without being confronted by violent protesters? Your right to protest should not impede my right to live my right!
3
Protests that turn violent are mobs, and mobs convince no one.
Direct all social media protests to the nearest ballot box!
When they ask, "Who should I vote for?" That was always the right question. The answer is to find someone you trust to represent you, and if you can't find someone, maybe it's your turn.
Inspire a new generation of leaders, recruit them, nurture them and then deliver them to the ballot box.
Protest can win for a day or two, but elections can change the history.
Direct all social media protests to the nearest ballot box!
When they ask, "Who should I vote for?" That was always the right question. The answer is to find someone you trust to represent you, and if you can't find someone, maybe it's your turn.
Inspire a new generation of leaders, recruit them, nurture them and then deliver them to the ballot box.
Protest can win for a day or two, but elections can change the history.
3
Protests are Now, today. The next Elections are 2 years away. The need to Resist is Now. If we wait, it will be too late.
5
Mobs don't exist to convince. The purpose of a mob is to execute an action that no one person can do by themselves.
I'm interested that the media is covering the demonstrations this time. In the run-up to the Iraq war, there were large demonstrations, one of the largest being in the UK. At the time, I wondered how the American media would cover the story. Coincidentally, the arrest of Michael Jackson occurred, and news coverage was all Michael Jackson and the U.K. demonstration was barely noticed. Now perhaps social media is forcing reporting.
3
It is said that real change comes from mass movements, not pseudo leaders at the top who simply reflect that change.
One of the key elements in the present "alt-majority" movement is the fact that Hillary lost the election.
First, we're not at war with Russia; second, there is serious discussion about kicking the corporate Democrats out of the party; third there has been an impressive, largest-of-it's-kind demonstration in DC as well as hundreds of other cities and internationally against the neoliberal policies of the president. And now -- spontaneous demonstrations with no central coordination to speak of.
But most important, the liberal Democrats are actually in the street instead of circling the wagons against any criticism of THEIR president and calling critics "haters." And it's only 10 days in to the new administration.
If Hillary had been president would ANY of that have happened?
One of the key elements in the present "alt-majority" movement is the fact that Hillary lost the election.
First, we're not at war with Russia; second, there is serious discussion about kicking the corporate Democrats out of the party; third there has been an impressive, largest-of-it's-kind demonstration in DC as well as hundreds of other cities and internationally against the neoliberal policies of the president. And now -- spontaneous demonstrations with no central coordination to speak of.
But most important, the liberal Democrats are actually in the street instead of circling the wagons against any criticism of THEIR president and calling critics "haters." And it's only 10 days in to the new administration.
If Hillary had been president would ANY of that have happened?
1
Everyone needs to understand we are in the midst of a coup by a fascist dictator and an anarchist (Bannon). Anyone who met with 45 before the inauguration and those he follows on social media--like hyper-religeous couple Downey-Burnett--are there for one reason. To bring down the United States government. We can't trust anyone supporting him and the Russians are still involved. You say there is no message to The Resistance. You are mistaken. Everyone is crystal about this. It's to rescue and protect our way of life.
8
I think any cause comes across as more of a force if it is identifiable by name.
"Alt-Majority" - I like it. Let's keep the momentum going.
Thanks for this article, I've sent it out.
"Alt-Majority" - I like it. Let's keep the momentum going.
Thanks for this article, I've sent it out.
1
Call it The American Party. After all, it's made up of Americans of all stripes and ideologies who are resisting the turn to tyranny under Trump/Bannon.
5
Brilliant article that hit home for me with ". . unlike Mr. Trump’s hats, the pink caps came from the crowd. Thousands of knitters created them . .". I am a 73 year old white male retired physician in Pasadena whose astronomer spouse knitted a hat for me to wear when we flew to DC for the march. She knitted it out of love and hope. It is now my most prized possession. From what I saw during the DC march and in the march videos from around the world my experience was similar to that of millions of others. If we keep this up perhaps the word "tweet"will begin to sound like a rallying cry for kindness instead of violence. Perhaps we the people can help the media by simply being there. Thanks for a great piece. Cheers.
7
It's the Resistance!
2
Your very good article totally missed a huge component of the resistance - the Alt National Park Service. Over 300 million people visited parks last year and in just a few days the website and Facebook page are receiving significant attention.
3
"Most important, though, the movement can command the media narrative." That seems to be the case.
But jubilation when you agree with mob action may disappear when you are unhappy with its goal. Democracy is not about mob rule, but about people-power subject to principle.
It would be healthy if the "media narrative" had more to do with principle and less to do with "what's trending now".
But jubilation when you agree with mob action may disappear when you are unhappy with its goal. Democracy is not about mob rule, but about people-power subject to principle.
It would be healthy if the "media narrative" had more to do with principle and less to do with "what's trending now".
3
Keep the Resistance going. Do not stop. He's a madman at the helm.
Despair, get angry and then protest through calls to Reps, postcards, physical protests, support honest news outlets, wear pins, hats, form action groups, whatever it takes.
Sent from my iPads
Despair, get angry and then protest through calls to Reps, postcards, physical protests, support honest news outlets, wear pins, hats, form action groups, whatever it takes.
Sent from my iPads
1
Next we need to send a stronger message to Trump and cronies through national strikes. Perhaps bringing the economy to a halt, we can force Trump to release his taxes, remove Bannon from the White House, and stop unConstitutional actions against innocent people.
1
It would've seemed that America had become so sprawling that it could not become connected again, but I love the fact that we have risen up in all corners of the country, in small towns in large cities, to protest. What an amazing tribute to the both the diversity, and the solidarity, of America. Great piece of writing. Inspiring, and fact-based!
3
i will march. I have already. But the day when Federal troops will fire on marchers is coming. I'd strongly advise marchers to get some distance between themselves and any rowdy or illegal behavior. It happened at Kent State, and it's nearly certain to happen again somewhere, and soon.
5
Nameless? How about "We the People?"
3
I marched in the protest against the imminent invasion of Iraq in New York in 2003 which was so large and exhilarating that at the time I was convinced we had succeeded in averting war! The NYTimes barely mentioned the protest in your paper the next day. Glad you are on the right side of history this time around.
2
The NY Times is only interested in supporting the Deep State and their endless unauthorized illegal wars. That is why they they love these protests but mention little about McCain and Mike Morrell, Hillary's would-be CIA chief, pushing World War III with Russia and Iran. I would have preferred Bernie Sanders or Rand Paul since they are a little more rational/less narcissistic but Trump is right to take on the Deep State. Hope it doesn't end for him like it did for JFK and RFK.
1
I went to SFO demonstration as soon as I heard about it. Not following any plan or strategy, it was just the right thing to do. It was amazing to see hundreds of people joining in to stand up for the powerless visitors, immigrants, and refugees. Trump regime's first week was a reminder that silence is not an option.
3
Wonder how many protestors realize the Democrats had several chances for real immigration reform over last 20 plus years but they always chose not to do it. (1) Under Bill Clinton, the Barbara Jordan Commission had outstanding recommendations that, if implemented, would have prevented the rise of someone like Trump. Clinton instead froze out the Barbara Jordan Democrats & chose to reward Chinese campaign donors who insisted on zero chain migration reform. And cut deals with corporatist Republicans like Spencer Abraham; and played with Lewinsky. (2) In 2006/2007, G.W. Bush made huge push for real immigration reform that would have created temporary worker status for many, + quasi-amnesty after paying penalty for millions of illegals. There were enough centrist Republicans in the Senate to pass it if the Democrats stayed together. Instead, 33 [THIRTY-THREE] Democratic Senators voted against it, either because they wanted to deny any success to Bush; or they cared more about reelection. Either way, it was not about the good of the country & laid down the playbook of refusing to cooperate followed by GOP when Obama elected. (3) Obama & Dems had filibuster-proof majority for first 72 days and could have pushed through immigration reform but instead chose to pursue flawed health-care that pushed up costs for millions with employer health care. So when Democrats tell you they care about "brown people" or immigrants, take it with grain of salt.
4
The Civil Rights movement had goal-driven leaders. Lots of them. They were calm, educated, rational and they didn't hand the microphone to random people who had various complaints about various issues.
The protests I've been seeing aren't led by calm, rational people with specific, well-explained goals. It seems anyone who can get near a microphone and yell about whatever strikes their fancy is a "spokesperson." There is no clear focus. If a protest is about banning Muslim green card holders, don't try to make it also about the Mexican wall, reproductive rights, sexism, LGBT rights, or about letting ALL self-proclaimed refugees into the country.
Randomly taking pot shots with a pellet gun isn't going to win a war. Focus. There need to be leaders who are calm, rational, well spoken people who can clearly and succinctly state what the problem is, why it's wrong and what the goal is when challenging the problem.
Allowing all kinds of people to vent about all kinds of problems all the time is not how you get things done. Focus your protests, think about how to rationally state your position and your goal with each specific protest. And spread the word that all protest movements are infiltrated with informers, agitators and plain old crazy people. A successful protest movement keeps an eye on folks who might join in just to cause trouble. Don't help them.
The protests I've been seeing aren't led by calm, rational people with specific, well-explained goals. It seems anyone who can get near a microphone and yell about whatever strikes their fancy is a "spokesperson." There is no clear focus. If a protest is about banning Muslim green card holders, don't try to make it also about the Mexican wall, reproductive rights, sexism, LGBT rights, or about letting ALL self-proclaimed refugees into the country.
Randomly taking pot shots with a pellet gun isn't going to win a war. Focus. There need to be leaders who are calm, rational, well spoken people who can clearly and succinctly state what the problem is, why it's wrong and what the goal is when challenging the problem.
Allowing all kinds of people to vent about all kinds of problems all the time is not how you get things done. Focus your protests, think about how to rationally state your position and your goal with each specific protest. And spread the word that all protest movements are infiltrated with informers, agitators and plain old crazy people. A successful protest movement keeps an eye on folks who might join in just to cause trouble. Don't help them.
12
There may be no more weekends in the Trump era. As a funny sign said, "Protesting is the new brunch." Among non-Trump voters, also known as the majority, there is a sense that this is a national emergency and that an authoritarian regime, where dissent is not tolerated and Trump tries to squash anyone who disagrees (in a completely petty, immature and unpresidential way) has taken hold. Add to that the news that while nationalist and neo-Nazi enabler Steve Bannon is the brains behind Trump's brawn, and this IS an emergency.
2
Where was the moral outrage from "Alt Majority" protesters when Assad in Syria was indiscriminately killing thousands of women and children? Obama warned Assad not to cross a red line. It was all bluster. We have all been witnesses to it for the last five years. Sorry Alt Majority (the name is even disingenuous); you gave Barack Obama way too many free passes for a lot of Americans to take you seriously.
3
The movement has a name. It's called the Resistance.
2
Let us not forget that the birth of this nation started with a act of protest. An act we celebrate...
2
What were witnessing is what is fundamentally worth fighting for. Ever since I woke up and saw the teeth behind the women's march on Washington, even here in Ketchikan, this little town on the edge of the new world had marchers listed in The Times, the phrase from F.D.R.'s Pearl Harbor address keeps echoing in my mind when I see those protesters....."The American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory."
3
Of course, using social networks for protesting means that you make it easy for data miners to build better models and to know about each of you specifically. And when you protest with the GPS on and not in airplane mode, you are being tracked. This isn't paranoia; this is fact.
4
Count me in- count members of my family in-
Protests help end the Vietnam Nam War, spurred on the Women's Movement, and pushed the end of Jim Crow and brought about civil rights. Look at the Arab Spring...
We need to let the administration know just how displeased we are. There is nothing unAmerican about protests ( despite what Nixon said). And the media needs to find its backbone again (despite what Bannon says).
Trump always was impressed (and let everyone know) about the 'millions' who attended his rallies. We need to let him know how angry we are about his policies by the size of our rallies. Bullies back down when confronted...we cannot remain silent.
Protests help end the Vietnam Nam War, spurred on the Women's Movement, and pushed the end of Jim Crow and brought about civil rights. Look at the Arab Spring...
We need to let the administration know just how displeased we are. There is nothing unAmerican about protests ( despite what Nixon said). And the media needs to find its backbone again (despite what Bannon says).
Trump always was impressed (and let everyone know) about the 'millions' who attended his rallies. We need to let him know how angry we are about his policies by the size of our rallies. Bullies back down when confronted...we cannot remain silent.
2
My friend Christopher Allport, a documentary film maker, has been everywhere--Washington, New York City, LAX--Documenting what is happening. Before Trump even took office, he, like me, saw Fascism coming, and made an excellent short documentary called "From Manzanar to Divided States of America." It won the audience award at the Los Angeles Film Festival. More citizens need to be like my friend: Get out there and document what is happening. This is the most dangerous moment in American history to our Democracy and decency.
2
Hey, remember this?
"Today’s ceremony, however, has very special meaning. Because today we are not merely transferring power from one Administration to another, or from one party to another – but we are transferring power from Washington, D.C. and giving it back to you, the American People."
Giving? I'd say we have taken it back, Mr President, from today's White House. Funny how that works.
"Today’s ceremony, however, has very special meaning. Because today we are not merely transferring power from one Administration to another, or from one party to another – but we are transferring power from Washington, D.C. and giving it back to you, the American People."
Giving? I'd say we have taken it back, Mr President, from today's White House. Funny how that works.
1
A correction: Protests against the War in Vietnam on college campuses and major cities, were effective in stopping that war. This was, of course, pre-social networking and cellphones.
500,000 people spontaneously converged on Woodstock, NY for a weekend of peaceful celebrations -- all without social media and cellphones. The god "tech" was absent from both spontaneous, HUGE, gatherings of Americans.
500,000 people spontaneously converged on Woodstock, NY for a weekend of peaceful celebrations -- all without social media and cellphones. The god "tech" was absent from both spontaneous, HUGE, gatherings of Americans.
1
The most heartening video I saw on social media yesterday was at an airport and the protesters were chanting USA! USA! USA! It brought tears to my eyes because, the point is, we are the United States of America. We the people. Don't mess with our core principles.
2
The movement isn't nameless. Just listen to the crowd reminding the Conman in Chief over and over. "This is what democracy looks like."
It is called Democracy.
It is called Democracy.
2
It is going to take sustained action on our part to denounce this President and his policies of hatred and division. I am a registered Democrat but not until this election have I felt so unmoored about our country; not even with past Republican presidents. We (the majority of American voters) must continue to fight Trump with each decree of bigotry and injustice, and uphold our way of life.
2
There is another millennial factor that I think will pose a great threat to the rule of our illegitimate president, the liar-in-chief. These protests are largely populated by young people of all backgrounds who have grown up in a cultural milieu populated by epic and legendary themes, they are all around them, perhaps just fantasies but always about the Epic Battle of Good vs. Evil. They respond very enthusiastically to these cultural pieces and identify with them. Trump has shape-shifted himself into the embodiment of evil to a heroic world: the champion of deceit, treachery, and the enemy of truth and freedom. He is giving an entire generation what they crave emotionally, the opportunity to become the important, empowered beings they know themselves to be, to become heroes in their real world in a struggle to defeat the embodiment of evil they see threatening their world. They carry smartphones, not swords, and they are a Force to be reckoned with.
There is danger in allowing the demonstrations to be turned violent. Oppressors like to do this - plant agents provocateurs to encourage violent behavior. I hope that another of our abilities is to document everything that happens at demonstrations. If there are people who are behaving violently, identify them if possible. Protect our peaceful intent. As the resistance grows there will probably be many attempts to criminalize it, label it economic terrorism, demand parade permits. Take to heart the examples of MLK and Gandhi. Don't lose your cool. Vive le Resistance
2
Held my nose and glanced at Breitbart on Sat., the day protesters filled airports. The site claimed they were organized by CAIR, and that George Soros is behind other protests. They present no evidence, no calls to assemble from any group or leader at all... the lies are pathetic, but they've got to say something.
I don't think the resistance comes only from the Bernie Sanders block. We watched for eight years the Republican 'resistance' to all things Obama. No matter what our president proposed, the repubs said no, It was a horrible period of frustration and a feeling of helplessness. No more. We finally have our voice. May the movement grow beyond our wildest dreams.
I'm posting on Facebook and Twitter, tagging friends to make sure they see what's relevant. I'm organizing dinners after protests, and making signs. I'm donating to the ACLU.
Before this, I think the sum total of my political activism was calling my elected officials to voice concerns, and voting. I'm a middle-aged woman who never, ever, ever thought I would be doing any of this protesting and marching stuff, but here I am. We cannot be silent and complacent.
Before this, I think the sum total of my political activism was calling my elected officials to voice concerns, and voting. I'm a middle-aged woman who never, ever, ever thought I would be doing any of this protesting and marching stuff, but here I am. We cannot be silent and complacent.
47
This movement does have a name and it is simply
The Majority (no Alt no Left)
"THE MAJORITY"
The Majority (no Alt no Left)
"THE MAJORITY"
2
Why the qualifier "alt"? To me it diminishes legitimate dissent. Worse, it conflates the opposition with an anti-democratic hate movement. Again, it seems to want to make false equivalency.
4
I read this and I'm just so proud to be an American again. Keep America Great. Show to the world how to get rid of a Fascist Leader and how great the Americans really are.
3
I have to tell you that there is no better motivator than Trump and his team. After a long weekend of protesting at airports, my family was tired. Yet hearing Trump's surrogates arrogantly refuse to apologia for disrupting peoples lives and causing fear and chaos, appear to refuse to follow a court order, attack those who disagree with Trump and his policies, and all around lie through their teeth, well that got us off the couch, out the door into a cold Monday night before the US Supreme Court where we joined what used to be considered a large crowd to scream at the justices to step in, uphold the constitution and the rule of law. Trump can't help but punch back when threatened. Every time he does this, it makes us fight harder.
2
The right just can't admit that Trump didn't win the popular vote. It's been said it'll take two years to convince them of their mistake. Then we'll work to get this country back to its original ideals. Being Native American, this repulsive movement to block immigrants & refugees, is difficult to witness, and seems more than a little ironic.
2
Yep!
THE MAJORITY
Tell your friends
THE MAJORITY
Tell your friends
1
So far the non-Trump electorate seems to continually react (from the rear) to the worsening news.
Can anybody assure us that the Constitution is so foolproof that Trump's wings will be clipped in due time?
Or is there a possibility that, via Bannon infiltrating himself more and more deeply at all levels, we will wake up one morning in a declared state of emergency with the military at the complete command of Trump and cohort.
All you have to do is, in the middle of the night, fire all the people in position of authority who stand in the way. You can round up 8 Supreme Justices, a few recalcitrant generals, unleash a ton of executive orders, post tanks at street corners, let F16s buzz neibhorhoods for a while, and shut down media outlets. Can major blackouts and loss of power at sensitive pressure points be orchestrated by Special forces following orders from above?
This is called a COUP!
I am not at all convinced that this country, regardless of its past, and with its presumed system of checks and balances, is immune to it!
Can anybody assure us that the Constitution is so foolproof that Trump's wings will be clipped in due time?
Or is there a possibility that, via Bannon infiltrating himself more and more deeply at all levels, we will wake up one morning in a declared state of emergency with the military at the complete command of Trump and cohort.
All you have to do is, in the middle of the night, fire all the people in position of authority who stand in the way. You can round up 8 Supreme Justices, a few recalcitrant generals, unleash a ton of executive orders, post tanks at street corners, let F16s buzz neibhorhoods for a while, and shut down media outlets. Can major blackouts and loss of power at sensitive pressure points be orchestrated by Special forces following orders from above?
This is called a COUP!
I am not at all convinced that this country, regardless of its past, and with its presumed system of checks and balances, is immune to it!
2
Just one correction: Trump protesters are not the alt-majority, but the act[ual]-majority.
3
I was at the protests this weekend, but please don't call me alt-left or alt-majority. I HATE populism on the left and on the right. I want to claim my identity as a fierce moderate. I don't mind standing shoulder to shoulder with people who have different political beliefs. I believe strongly in Barack Obama's vision for America, and have been a strong Hillary Clinton support from the primaries through the election. I think progressives started believing too many of the smears and lies about Hillary which weakened the left this past election cycle. Don't get me wrong, I loved Bernie Sanders and especially his ideas, but believe that he is not as effective of an executive as Hillary would have been. Donald Trump as President will be one of the worst existential disasters that America has ever faced. I don't view the protests now as merely a political act on the left or the right, I view it as a primal scream to wake everyone up, and fight to save the principals of constitutional democracy.
5
Time for the GOP to pull off a bloodless palace coup. Pence is the man they really want and the rest of us will breath a sigh of relief!
2
Enough with the "alt" nonsense.
Bannon and his cohorts are radical subversives. Like the left-wing radical subversive of the 60s, today's rightwing radical subversives are being run by Russia. But they right-wing radical subversive of today are far more dangerous. Because they're in the highest reaches of U.S. govenment.
Bannon has admitted that his goal is to pull down the government -- do a search, you'll find the quote. He's doing it right now. He and his people spent 8 years exaggerating Obama's "tyranny" so that when their time came for implementing tyranny, the thought of tyranny had been normalized as just "talk" from the opposition.
Bannon and his cohorts are radical subversives. Like the left-wing radical subversive of the 60s, today's rightwing radical subversives are being run by Russia. But they right-wing radical subversive of today are far more dangerous. Because they're in the highest reaches of U.S. govenment.
Bannon has admitted that his goal is to pull down the government -- do a search, you'll find the quote. He's doing it right now. He and his people spent 8 years exaggerating Obama's "tyranny" so that when their time came for implementing tyranny, the thought of tyranny had been normalized as just "talk" from the opposition.
2
Stop with the alt- please.
3
It's more than the voice of a majority of the people. It is the willingness to act by a people about an election where the the legitimacy of the result is in question. Foreign interference for sure. Possibly, FBI misbehavior. A campaign of lie after lie. The result may be legal, at least for now, but the result is not acceptable. We see the man's character and temperament, and we see the caliber of those who surround him. Unacceptable! But for the minority of Trump's true believers, this is not who Americans are and not how we want to act is the world. How can the Democrats not figure out they must act and show another way? How can Republican leadership be so silent?
Nothing is more fulfilling than being with like-minded people to oppose tyranny. The Woman's March---a HUGELY successful event---will gain ever more momentum as participants return to join the Scientists' March, the Taxpayers' March, the Immigrants' March and so on. Many of us will book our flights as soon as we learn of the exact dates.
2
Unlike the"Occupy Wall Street" movement of several years ago whose goals and targets were amorphous, this latest mass phenomenon has a laser focus on Trump. His polarizing statements and behavior has provided a big fat target for solidarity that has not been seen since Obama's victory in 2008. A lot of these people may not have voted in the ;sat election, but I'm willing to bet they vote in the next one.
3
I believe this chaos is part of the Steve Bannon plan to take down our country. His own words: “Lenin,” he answered, “wanted to destroy the state, and that’s my goal too. I want to bring everything crashing down, and destroy all of today’s establishment.” The chaos has also caused us to lose sight of Trumps violation of the emoluments clause of the Constitution as well as his violation of the Stock Act. Perfect Leninist tactics. Putin must be so pleased.
2
Yes, social media is really shining through right now, but please NY Times, keep up your work too -- be ever diligent, be relentless in calling Trump out. We all need to help each other.
2
It is not just Trump - it's Paul Ryan, Mitch McConnell, Marco Rubio, Mike Pence, Ted Cruz, and all the other Republicans in both the House and the Senate - every single one of them has obstructed action on climate change, cowered or enabled Trump, participated in gerrymandering, passed or tried to pass bills that harmed women's freedom of choice and ability to have freedom over our bodies, voted 60 odd times to repeal the ACA, refused to extend unemployment, fought to cut food stamps and CHIP, believe in the 'end times' and that they are one of 144,000 souls who will be saved while the rest of us burn. They set the stage for Trump, every last one of them, and every single one of them needs to be removed from power. Every. Single. One.
3
95% of tech workers in Silicon Valley are immigrants. They being their families and grandparents. Rents are going through the roof. Put a lid on it.
2
Wait until Soros' money machine stops.
So too will the incoherent, violent, anti-American AstroTurf protests.
So too will the incoherent, violent, anti-American AstroTurf protests.
3
Someone mentioned Soros! Take a drink!
This is my new drinking game. Go to any article about protests and take a shot every time a conspiracy nut mentions Soros. The only problem is I get wasted in a matter of minutes.
This is my new drinking game. Go to any article about protests and take a shot every time a conspiracy nut mentions Soros. The only problem is I get wasted in a matter of minutes.
2
I protested at the Democratic Convention, in Chicago, in 1968. There may be not comparison with what is now developing with Donald Trump.
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From Bush's War on TERROR, we now have a War on Trump ERROR!
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From Bush's War on TERROR, we now have a War on Trump ERROR!
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1
Why never a protest against slaughter?
1
Time to start thinking about a national general strike to get rid of Trump.
He is extremely dangerous and absolutely must go.
The rust belt is irrelevant. The deep blue cities are enough to send a message that even the dumbest pol in Congress will understand.
He is extremely dangerous and absolutely must go.
The rust belt is irrelevant. The deep blue cities are enough to send a message that even the dumbest pol in Congress will understand.
1
I wonder if Vegas has odds on how long it will take for him to go into a total meltdown?
1
the "movement" is NOT fragile. people are not going to evaporate. each day brings a fresh horror from the white house and trump's team of puppeteers and each one of those affronts energizes the movement anew. trump has done what hillary couldn't, and what obama tried to do but couldn't: create a grass roots movement in the center and on the left that is electrified, paying attention, and not going to roll over and play dead. we're here to stay and we get stronger every day.
1
I call the movement America, working to preserve itself by ridding itself of a tyrant.
Those who opposed Trump and his insanity are not "alt" anything. We're not white supremacist neo-Nazis trying to hide our beliefs. We are, simply, the majority. The Not-So-Silent Majority.
3
"The movement is new and possibly fragile; it could dissipate, like so much else that has come up against Mr. Trump."
Not a chance! We will protest until Trump is removed from office!
Not a chance! We will protest until Trump is removed from office!
3
Anyone care to take bets on Trump ordering a massive strike against Iran within the next 90 days?
Want to antagonize this malignant narcissist?
Try humiliation.
Over and over and over.
Try humiliation.
Over and over and over.
1
There are no tooth fairies waiting with open arms for you in congress. Behind Trump is Pence & Ryan & Bannon & the Mercers & the DeVoses, the Christian Taliban, Christian ISIS, have no doubt.
If "we", whoever & whatever that embraces, are to win, the fight is to overcome white Christian republican supremacy, domination & theocratic rule. Trump, as has been observed several times recently, is the Trojan horse by which they've captured indirectly total national power that the could not have done directly through an election.
Unless & until the US is a secular representative democracy, rid of gerrymandering, bought politicians & lobbyists, bogus (& racist) patriotism, unequal schools, pay, justice, uterine cancer outcomes, & until we have universal healthcare and act like a human, or even a first-world, humane society, "we" will never have won. And once we've won, we will still have to be vigilant to keep what we've won, every day, and to teach our kids, in reality-based civics classes in our excellent public schools staffed by well-paid, unionized teachers, to think critically, scientifically, and vigilantly to protect their freedoms, rights & liberties, & those of every one of their neighbors, every day.
Who's down for that?
If "we", whoever & whatever that embraces, are to win, the fight is to overcome white Christian republican supremacy, domination & theocratic rule. Trump, as has been observed several times recently, is the Trojan horse by which they've captured indirectly total national power that the could not have done directly through an election.
Unless & until the US is a secular representative democracy, rid of gerrymandering, bought politicians & lobbyists, bogus (& racist) patriotism, unequal schools, pay, justice, uterine cancer outcomes, & until we have universal healthcare and act like a human, or even a first-world, humane society, "we" will never have won. And once we've won, we will still have to be vigilant to keep what we've won, every day, and to teach our kids, in reality-based civics classes in our excellent public schools staffed by well-paid, unionized teachers, to think critically, scientifically, and vigilantly to protect their freedoms, rights & liberties, & those of every one of their neighbors, every day.
Who's down for that?
5
"Alt", meaning alternative thinking that is outside normal bounds, does not fit when referencing the majority of thinking. And tagging the people's resistance to unAmerican policies as a movement, grossly understates what lives behind the protests. This is a case of "we the people" defending our constitution and the American principles that we cherish. Please don't try to identify us as anything other than Americans.
1
Call it the....
MAKE AMERICA AMERICA AGAIN
movement.
MAKE AMERICA AMERICA AGAIN
movement.
1
This is a new front of the resistance, but it is only one among many. Resist in all the ways you can!
Losing Carrie and Debbie so soon together, then the Women's March and a few cool signs that read "A Woman's Place is in the Resistance" with Ms. Fisher in a defiant stance. Oh yeah, then that very cool move by Greenpeace hanging that sign, "#RESIST" behind the White House. My favorite. Ahhh, not really worried about names, I'm just so glad we're here fighting for each other, and fighting for democracy. Thanks for using the words "liar" and "Trump" in the same sentence recently, and thanks for this article. It really helps.
The news media is not Trump's opposition. The American people are...now.
You need to find a way to counteract the 'America First' committee that Trumps cronies have set up, its terrifying.
''The United States got its second America First committee on Monday afternoon.
The first was created in 1940 to keep the nation out of World War II, with its best-known associate being Charles Lindbergh, the aviator who was a vocal supporter of Nazi Germany.
The latest one was created by Mr. Trump’s allies and former advisers, the America First Policies committee, an outside group that will support the president, pushing back on opposition to his stances and eventually running advertisements to support him.
The group is being led by strategists Nick Ayers and Rick Gates, as well as Marty Obst and Brad Parscale, who led Mr. Trump’s digital efforts during the campaign. Two other strategists who worked with the Trump campaign, David Bossie and Katrina Pierson, will work with the group.
“President Trump campaigned on a bold but basic concept: America First,” the statement from the group said.
“This is a concept the American people both understand and support, but few in the media recognize and many politicians beholden to special interests will oppose,” the officials said. “We will provide the counterbalance.”
It is expected to be funded in part by the father-daughter donors Rebekah and Bob Mercer, two supporters of Mr. Trump’s chief strategist, Stephen K. Bannon, and his counselor, Kellyanne Conway.''
''The United States got its second America First committee on Monday afternoon.
The first was created in 1940 to keep the nation out of World War II, with its best-known associate being Charles Lindbergh, the aviator who was a vocal supporter of Nazi Germany.
The latest one was created by Mr. Trump’s allies and former advisers, the America First Policies committee, an outside group that will support the president, pushing back on opposition to his stances and eventually running advertisements to support him.
The group is being led by strategists Nick Ayers and Rick Gates, as well as Marty Obst and Brad Parscale, who led Mr. Trump’s digital efforts during the campaign. Two other strategists who worked with the Trump campaign, David Bossie and Katrina Pierson, will work with the group.
“President Trump campaigned on a bold but basic concept: America First,” the statement from the group said.
“This is a concept the American people both understand and support, but few in the media recognize and many politicians beholden to special interests will oppose,” the officials said. “We will provide the counterbalance.”
It is expected to be funded in part by the father-daughter donors Rebekah and Bob Mercer, two supporters of Mr. Trump’s chief strategist, Stephen K. Bannon, and his counselor, Kellyanne Conway.''
Sign the petitions at White House.gov to demand his tax returns and demand he divest his business interests. And please fund the Dems for 2018, nd get out and work and vote to change the balance of power in Congress!
1
We've seen this movie before. In 1969, anti-Vietnam war protesters dominated the media -- then Nixon gave his "Silent Majority" speech. Any protest that features signs with double entendres, people in Islamic dress, or participants who are in the country illegally repulses the very Americans the protesters need to achieve their stated objectives. It doesn't matter whether large protests are organized by Vietnam-era phone trees or modern social media, if members of the Silent Majority cannot look at the protesters and see themselves, the protests will fail.
3
Friends and family members that have never protested before, jumped right on the bandwagon and they're no intention of stopping. They're very uplifted and happy to be doing it.
2
Don't get too excited about this social media thing, the trump campaign used it to great effect. Everything is a double edged sword these days
3
How our democracy came to this can be debated until the end of time which could be imminent with this racist, misogynistic, XENOPHOBIC autocrat occupying the White House; behind the curtain, Bannon of white-supremacist fame is orchestrating a 'policy' of fascism. The very fiber and foundation of our democracy hangs in the balance so it is incumbent that the press does NOT follow Bannon's directive of 'just shut up and listen'...and it is our responsibility to follow our moral compass as Americans and bring this country back from the abyss.
4
The frog finally wakes up and jumps out of the boiling pot.
3
Activist resistance groups are forming across Blue Atlanta, lobbying. Marching, proving mutual support. We use Face Book private lists to organize.
2
Dont put alt in front of everything please. Thats just lazy semantics.
2
A movement?
This isn't a movement. It's a mass existentialist meltdown as Generation Selfie is confronted by its deepest primal fear: being ignored.
An entire caste of people has been nurtured, from birth, to believe that they, their opinions, tastes and peculiarities matter. They're being confronted with the hideous truth that the power structures that be care not one whit about their beliefs or attitudes (aside from when they align with their interests).
You compare Trump's packed stadiums with the protests today, but you miss one critical point: Trump's people had an election to vote in, and they did.
Those in the streets today will either need to turn up at the voting booth in four years, or hope that Facebook "Likes" and Instagram hearts morph into tangible political currency. Soon.
This isn't a movement. It's a mass existentialist meltdown as Generation Selfie is confronted by its deepest primal fear: being ignored.
An entire caste of people has been nurtured, from birth, to believe that they, their opinions, tastes and peculiarities matter. They're being confronted with the hideous truth that the power structures that be care not one whit about their beliefs or attitudes (aside from when they align with their interests).
You compare Trump's packed stadiums with the protests today, but you miss one critical point: Trump's people had an election to vote in, and they did.
Those in the streets today will either need to turn up at the voting booth in four years, or hope that Facebook "Likes" and Instagram hearts morph into tangible political currency. Soon.
3
"You might wonder if protests will achieve much." Remember, protests over Watergate and the Vietnam war forced President Nixon to resign. Nixon was a political genius, but stubborn pride, self-pity, and a habit of taking illegal short-cuts inflamed the people and brought him down. Trump does not nearly have the same political skills as Nixon had, but already is taking dubious short-cuts.
2
You have a choice, Donald Trump. Pick which title you want to use:
"President" Trump
-or-
Dictator Trump
"President" Trump
-or-
Dictator Trump
3
When the so-called leaders fail us, we take to the streets and protest. Only a few republicans have the guts to call out what it is WRONG with the present regime. If Trump continues on his path of destruction of the American people, demonstrations will move to violence. Where is our leadership? Why is this tyranny not being called out and acted on by our leaders. If no one comes to the helm and takes control, I fear a civil war is upon us. As Patrick Henry said, "give me liberty or give me death".
Farhad: you young'uns need to read some history: there have been bigger marches in Washington, & they've changed the US & the world, & most importantly, they've tamed, temporarily anyway, US vicious capitalism, imperialism, warmongering and racism, which wreck havoc across the planet through MIC genocide & profit.
Can we do it again? Do we, does your generation, have any other choice?
Can we do it again? Do we, does your generation, have any other choice?
2
Don't label this movement at all other than to call it "America."
Let America Be America Again
Let America Be America Again
1
If the president wants to repeal the Affordable Care Act, then he should replace it with the health plan our elected officials receive. Aren't we, the people good enough to receive the same health plan? Or is this another example of one good thing for the few and something not as good for the many?
3
Resist!
1
I'm proud of everyday Americans who are pushing back against this bully who calls himself president. We may not win every time but we're going to be on the right side of history.
28
Great piece. There is hope. Everyone must try to do at least one thing every day until Trump is gone. The protests are wonderful.
30
It seems like we've forgotten what the protests of the 60s did - we got out of Vietnam- and a presidency ultimately went down- Nixon
18
Let's not be glib by using phrases like this: "the president’s confessed penchant for grabbing things".
Please write "the president’s confessed penchant for grabbing women's genitals uninvited". Or call it sexual assault. This is nothing to be cute about.
Please write "the president’s confessed penchant for grabbing women's genitals uninvited". Or call it sexual assault. This is nothing to be cute about.
42
How about Campaign for Decency?
14
Conservatives have networks too. Where do people think the Tea Party came from? There are many Trump supporters out there, and they will encourage him to continue with the policies he promised to implement in his campaign.
11
Wake up ! The tea party was organized by the Koch brothers. It was not a grassroots organization. Very different to what is going on now.
1
Trump is neither conservative nor rational.
2
there are fewer of them. and, curiously, many of them did not think he would do what he said he would do, like the coal miners who thought he wouldn't really repeal aca. nor are there groups of counter protesters turning out to challenge the pussyhats and the pro-migrants.
1
It's not the alt-majority, it's the MAJORITY.
The protests are inspiring and powerful. But Trump wants to sow chaos, so that he can keep running his businesses and turn the presidency into $$$$. Some Republicans (like Peggy Noonan) urged Trump to recognize the magnitude of the job and to divest to avoid conflicts. He did not listen to them. They are very quiet now. I guess they assume he'll do the right thing eventually? Despite his lifelong lack of interest in public service?
I wish all those Republicans would spend a semester at Trump U.
The protests are inspiring and powerful. But Trump wants to sow chaos, so that he can keep running his businesses and turn the presidency into $$$$. Some Republicans (like Peggy Noonan) urged Trump to recognize the magnitude of the job and to divest to avoid conflicts. He did not listen to them. They are very quiet now. I guess they assume he'll do the right thing eventually? Despite his lifelong lack of interest in public service?
I wish all those Republicans would spend a semester at Trump U.
37
"In fact, to a noteworthy degree, the formal apparatus of the Democratic Party has been nearly absent from the uprisings." This statement embodies one of my big questions about what is going on here. It was extraordinarily disheartening to see Democrats with nothing to say or do after Trump's fraud-tainted illegitimate win representing minority bullying of the majority of voters. I really want to understand why no legal case was even attempted and only John Lewis managed to say the obvious. It was amazing how fast the ACLU was able to act to legally stop Trump's deportation scheme. The law can still be used to turn back tyranny--so why are we stuck with Trump at all? Big question #2 is why everyone is so joyful about pushing the basically defenseless public to the forefront while politicians with their good pay and health care are cowering in the shadows behind us. Seriously, what's going on here? Question #3 is about the immigration workers at the airports: why did they not respond to the ACLU's win and let go of the people they were holding? Weren't they able to get the new word on their own handheld devices like everyone else? Do we have to worry that they're part of a police state that doesn't really have to listen?
66
I'd like to know the answers to these questions too. I've been wondering where the Democrats have been since Nov 9th. Where is the leadership?????????
1
This is what democracy looks like.
22
no, democracy looks like the committees of correspondence. Organization, with leaders, who can questions and challenge the government and its leaders. The downside of participating in a mob is...it's a mob. You can't do much with a mob except manipulate it and convince it to destroy things. Mobs aren't democracies.
2
Great points...How does all of this translate into political change in 2018 and, very importantly, 2020?
11
The problem for those wishing to challenge the Trump Presidency is that they are poorly led.
The power is not in the streets, like it was in the '60s. Stop listening to the Katrina Vanden Heuvels of the world. Their heads are stuck in a world that no longer exists.
Yes protest. But, this is the postmodern 21st century. The real power is in digital association.
Build networks and platforms where discussions are open and inclusive, that means everyone, not just those who agree with you.
Digital association allows you to turn protest into votes. Street demonstrations have lost that ability.
The power is not in the streets, like it was in the '60s. Stop listening to the Katrina Vanden Heuvels of the world. Their heads are stuck in a world that no longer exists.
Yes protest. But, this is the postmodern 21st century. The real power is in digital association.
Build networks and platforms where discussions are open and inclusive, that means everyone, not just those who agree with you.
Digital association allows you to turn protest into votes. Street demonstrations have lost that ability.
12
Hardly. This is not the time to pay public homage to the false god "tech". It cuts both ways. Without tech, Steve Bannon and the alt-right would still be odd, cowering social misfits at extended family gatherings. Now they have the fale bravado of digital association with other angy, isolated misfits.
1
And how long do you think it will it take before Trump and Bannon turn the NSA and the Mega US Intelligence Complex's might and computing power to the task of disrupting and defeating any and all social media organized protests before they can even start? If you think Twitter, Instagram and Facebook are going to save us from mad man Trump, I have some ocean front property in Arizona that I would like to sell to you!
17
no, we're going to save us from trump. social media are just instrumental.
1
Mr. Bannon was in on the early beginnings of the Seinfeld TV show. Doesn't that qualify him as Cool?
Ye of little faith. All those that you list are profit motivated concerns. Try to stop them would be an exercise in futility. Trump got no support from Fortune 500 companies. Now they are re evaluating their current stand. I doubt that many or any well regret their previous stand. They see which way the wind is blowing.
1
It is a sort of Alt-Revolution.
#OccupyWashington
#OccupyWashington
25
#OccupyAmerica
When will we see a national/international boycott of Trump's businesses? That will really hurt him.
64
Poor Mr. Trump!
By the time he is impeached he will have had a nervous breakdown AND he will have become impoverished.
Same for Ivanka and the rest of them.
The name Trump will be mud.
(with apologies to mud)
By the time he is impeached he will have had a nervous breakdown AND he will have become impoverished.
Same for Ivanka and the rest of them.
The name Trump will be mud.
(with apologies to mud)
3
How can we get a boycott of Trump businesses started? Someone who knows how to initiate such a thing needs to take the wheel.
I'm aready on it. But I've never given one of his businesses a cent, so why would I start now?
1
Ok, Trump won. We cannot go back in time so here we are. The protests are accomplishing something very real. They provide a means to get the message out that there are a lot of people who want Trump gone. Eventually, they will provide a place for the present Trump followers to easily join up as Trump protesters when Trump's policies hit them in the pocketbook. They will eventually get that Trump couldn't care less about them when their health care is gone, their jobs are gone and prices soar due to their leader's war on trade. When that finally happens they will need a place to express outrage and anger. I have to believe it will be there. We are two America's for now but we will soon be one if we can just be patient and don't give up. We are fighting for which America will will be. We cannot give up.
98
One of the most instantaneous indicators of public opinion are the Irish bookmakers (betting in Las Vegas is limited to sports). The most popular USA political line is the odds on Trump completing his first term. Last week it was 13/8 against. After the weekend protests and chaos in the airports, it has dropped to 11/10, almost even. The odds on him lasting 6 months are 6/1.
Let your voices be heard.
Let your voices be heard.
27
But there's no good news in that because Pence would be president.
At first I heard Trump would be impeached. Then I heard he would be taken out in one of those fancy white jackets with all the belts. It may turn out that he is seen running from the White House screaming like a man possessed by the devil himself.
1
I understand Deutsche Bank has been found guilty of laundering funds for Russians . Yes that Deutsche Bank that has lent hundreds of millions to Trump when other Banks refused to lend to him.
Putting two and two together it is indeed conceivable Deutsche Bank acted as a front for these Russians to lend money to Trump.
One of the ways this thought could be dispelled is for Trump to show his tax returns for the last ten years..
I never thought I would ever say I look forward to April 15 th but cannot wait to March.
Putting two and two together it is indeed conceivable Deutsche Bank acted as a front for these Russians to lend money to Trump.
One of the ways this thought could be dispelled is for Trump to show his tax returns for the last ten years..
I never thought I would ever say I look forward to April 15 th but cannot wait to March.
33
The ONLY worthy thing that has come out of electing Demagogue 45 is that it has reignited the energy, passion, power, creativity, and the type of protest and resistance movements of the 60s and Vietnam War protests—with technology.
As the great Frederick Douglass stated, “We need the storm, the whirlwind, the earthquake…the hypocrisy of the nation must be exposed; and its crimes…denounced.”
As the great Frederick Douglass stated, “We need the storm, the whirlwind, the earthquake…the hypocrisy of the nation must be exposed; and its crimes…denounced.”
40
Call the movement Occupy Trump.
13
Thank you NYT. Just increased my subscription to daily. See you at the protests.
24
To the author:
Please do not give us the name "Alt-Majority." Like one of the commentators below stated, we are The Majority, especially considering the fact that the majority of us DID NOT vote for Trump.
Please do not give us the name "Alt-Majority." Like one of the commentators below stated, we are The Majority, especially considering the fact that the majority of us DID NOT vote for Trump.
38
Time to read your Constitution. You lost fair and square. Deal with it.
1
What does that have to do with my earlier comment? I am not denying Trump won the election; in fact, he can't help harping and bellowing on twitter that he won. Perhaps the fact that he lost the popular vote continues to be a thorn on his thin-skinned side.
2
Sure - go out - protest - take a few selfies - post to FB - tweet a bit and then go about your life.
And we wonder why we mock the millennials.
Oh yeah - and remember to bring our girls back home and to occupy Wall Street.
And we wonder why we mock the millennials.
Oh yeah - and remember to bring our girls back home and to occupy Wall Street.
9
Huh?
1
But why would you mock instead of encouraging people to continue to exercise their rights? Encourage and motivate so people don't give up resisting and not give up on the cause they are passionate about so that the protests don't die out.
2
My first memory of social protest was being told to fill in the big O with a crayon at church. It was for the sign on the church van and read "On to Selma" as it departed Chicago carrying our minister and other members of our Japanese-American congregation. I was just a kid, but I understood early that sometimes you have a moral duty to stand up and fight against injustice; that things don't just change for the better on their own. Civil rights for African-Americans and other minorities were advanced through these protests, marches, civil disobedience, and arrest. Some gave their lives for the cause.
As a teenager I marched and protested against the Vietnam War as many of my generation did. It was a long fight, but the protests did end the war earlier than if they had not occurred, saving countless lives. And now I am in my 60s and out on the streets again. For people of my generation this is nothing new. We know that when people rise up in numbers that cannot be ignored and demand change it works. . Even in lesser numbers, look at what was recently achieved at Standing Rock. Don't ever believe that getting out there and protesting; marching, chanting, calling and writing Congress, boycotting, etc. will not affect change. History has shown over and over again that it will. See you on the streets!
As a teenager I marched and protested against the Vietnam War as many of my generation did. It was a long fight, but the protests did end the war earlier than if they had not occurred, saving countless lives. And now I am in my 60s and out on the streets again. For people of my generation this is nothing new. We know that when people rise up in numbers that cannot be ignored and demand change it works. . Even in lesser numbers, look at what was recently achieved at Standing Rock. Don't ever believe that getting out there and protesting; marching, chanting, calling and writing Congress, boycotting, etc. will not affect change. History has shown over and over again that it will. See you on the streets!
63
It doesn't need a name. It's a large number of moral, ethical people attempting to do the moral, ethical thing. Funny how this "religious right" is showing itself to be made up of some of the most immoral, power loving, control demanding, unChristian-like people around.
22
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...
the Jacquerie are rising.
the Jacquerie are rising.
7
This is not the "alt-majority." It IS the majority. And Trump should be very frightened. The majority did NOT vote for him. The fact is that he LOST the election by 3 million votes! He only won the election on a technicality (the electoral college). Protests to his policies will continue because the protesters ARE the majority. They feel that it is now the most effective way to voice their opinions. Anyone who believes differently is in denial or trying to cling to a fantasy that there were fraudulent votes. This IS the majority.
20
Well, thank god! I think that if everyone who protests and marches votes against extreme GOP candidates in 2018, they will lose. We have to keep up the pressure and not let one single thing slide.
26
Yes! Thank you for a wonderful piece of writing. You are so observant and insightful.
10
Don't forget, Trump is not smart enough to run the country. He's cunning and business -savvy to a point. It's Bannon, the right wing fascist extremist who's pulling his strings. Bannon has said outright that he intends to bring down this government--and replace it with a white supremacist fascist goverment, I presume. And Trump is playing right into his hands. And loving it.
Watch all parties involved--the white supremacist cabinet, the right wing nut Pence, and the Republicans who are willing to sell this government down the pike so they can get their agenda in place. Where is their moral core?
We need to keep the pressure on. I demonstrated in the 60's and 70's, dropped out until now, but I'm at those rallies now. We're not going to give up!
Watch all parties involved--the white supremacist cabinet, the right wing nut Pence, and the Republicans who are willing to sell this government down the pike so they can get their agenda in place. Where is their moral core?
We need to keep the pressure on. I demonstrated in the 60's and 70's, dropped out until now, but I'm at those rallies now. We're not going to give up!
46
Resist
27
Trump refused to release tax returns after he realized his boat would not float if he released them. Bright enough to get that thought, exhausted, he has resumed gobbledygook.
6
Trump already offered to release his tax returns.
As soon as Hillary releases the 30,000 emails under subpoena she deleted.
As soon as Hillary releases the 30,000 emails under subpoena she deleted.
Trump promised to release his taxes after the election. But I guess that's one promise you're okay with him breaking, huh?
Anything to protect Dear Leader!
Anything to protect Dear Leader!
2
I'm a 62 year old white woman who prefers to read the news, not create it. But, for the first time in my life, I've been out protesting for 2 weekends in a row. I'll be out again next weekend if needed. Another first - a donation to the ACLU. My usual donations are to my church and my university. But, whatever it takes is my motto now. I don't want to die not recognizing the country that I've loved my entire life.
153
Good Job, Ellen!
3
"Call it the alt-left, or, if you want to really drive Mr. Trump up the wall, the alt-majority."
Why not just call it the majority?
Why not just call it the majority?
15
Brilliant piece. We the people are now the Fifth Estate. Let's keep driving t crazy.
He has to realize that running the government by fiat does not work. We are the United States, not a authoritarian regime.
He has to realize that running the government by fiat does not work. We are the United States, not a authoritarian regime.
16
Article 25 needs to be pursued in order to protect our democracy. If Trump were an enemy terrorist he would be doing exactly what he is doing right now to destroy the country from within. No other explanation makes sense.
10
No, No, No, Farhad Manjoo, You Cannot, You Cannot, again I repeat, You Cannot equate these anti-Trump mass protests with the "alt-right." ("Call it the alt-left, or, if you want to really drive Mr. Trump up the wall, the alt-majority.")
6
This just in: Trump mandates all of the country's thermostats be set to 80 degrees because some retirees in south Florida say they "feel" cold.
7
We're in Mexico right now and the crowds at the Women's march on 1/21 were wonderful to see......Americans, Canadians, Mexicans and tourists from all over protesting the loudmouth that passes for a leader. The best part though was at a music festival last Saturday where people were wearing red ball caps that said,"Make America Mexico Again".
19
It's comforting and energizing to know that these protests are also going on beyond our shores.
22
The social networks are an unbalanced voice subject to hacking and appropriation by special interests. They represent whatever interests manage to capture control of the bullhorn, and cannot be relied on as anything but the shrill voice of whoever has co--opted the clicks into stacks of one-sided electronic, not human, opinion. Haven't the Googles and other behemoths pushed us around enough in trying to read our buying thoughts? Do we need a distorted social network chorus to capture our social beliefs?
3
Will these protests turn a single Trump voter against him? I don't think so.
And if Trump gets as many votes in 2020 as he did in 2016 in the battleground states, then he wins.
The protests seemed to be designed to screech to the choir. Good Luck with making that work in 2020.
Your impotence amuses me.
And if Trump gets as many votes in 2020 as he did in 2016 in the battleground states, then he wins.
The protests seemed to be designed to screech to the choir. Good Luck with making that work in 2020.
Your impotence amuses me.
6
There were a lot of people who voted for Trump who were not his core. It won't be difficult to peel a substantial number of those people away. They don't have to be pro-anyone (like Hillary) they just have to be anti-Trump.
8
It won't turn any of the smaller group of people who voted *for* him against him, but it will (and already has, based on his approval rating) make those who held their noses and voted against Hillary, those Republicans in the middle, to think twice. I know that is the case already for one of my friends
7
Shame on you.
I demonstrated in the 70's against Nixon. When normal institutions failed, and the majority was ruled by the few, protesting in the streets was necessary and, in the end, effective. Many of the freedoms and social norms we now take for granted were established by demonstrations in the street. Nothing short of that.
It's the 60's again, so stand up and be counted. Vote with your feet.
It's the 60's again, so stand up and be counted. Vote with your feet.
20
Fortunately the New York Times functions as ideological explorer weeding way through TMI -- Too much Information. Every day is an assault. Needed now are original thinkers & innovators to strategize via art. The circle of enemies & the circle of angels are rather overt. We witness banks & corporations. Fake news depots, military industrial complex personnel, tweet blabbing 24/7 versus light workers, activists, ordinary citizens. neo-Beats, old hippies,& tree huggers.
The chaos theory aficionados do jiu jitsu with traditionalists. Nothing could have prepared for this mayhem. It is the rise of new free thinkers with a verbal volcanic discharge.
The chaos theory aficionados do jiu jitsu with traditionalists. Nothing could have prepared for this mayhem. It is the rise of new free thinkers with a verbal volcanic discharge.
2
Speaking of strategizing using media and art, I highly recommend that everyone here read up on Situationism. Its tactics could be adapted very successfully in the new media landscape.
1
Farhad, if Trump didn't learn any lesson from these spontaneous protests by the Alt-Majority who staged huge protests against Trump's illegal and unconstitutional entry ban on Muslims only from 7 countries that he doesn't want to do any business with, then he should learn his lessons now rather than later.
Yes, Ana Navarro,there is "Something's happening out there."
And the sad part is that Trump is not ready for that.
Trump who always prided himself with how big his crowd sizes were, has now to contend with the fact that these protesters are drawing much larger crowd through social media.
First, our women took part in our nation's and the entire world's largest rally ever on 21st and now these young men and women with the help of social media had drawn almost 40,000 people in no time outside the Kennedy airport and almost 200,000 protesters in all our country's airports just to let Trump know that his autocratic rule and his illegal ban of only the poor Muslims from 7 countries while looking the other way towards his rich Muslim clients from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, U.A.E. and Lebanon just because his investment with those countries are worth billions of dollars.
And it's no wonder that he knew long time back that Saudi Arabia was behind the planning and execution of the infamous 9/11 massacre, but that didn't stop him from making lucrative deals with the same countries and with the same people who caused the deaths of 5,000 American citizens beside deaths of 7,000 troops.
Yes, Ana Navarro,there is "Something's happening out there."
And the sad part is that Trump is not ready for that.
Trump who always prided himself with how big his crowd sizes were, has now to contend with the fact that these protesters are drawing much larger crowd through social media.
First, our women took part in our nation's and the entire world's largest rally ever on 21st and now these young men and women with the help of social media had drawn almost 40,000 people in no time outside the Kennedy airport and almost 200,000 protesters in all our country's airports just to let Trump know that his autocratic rule and his illegal ban of only the poor Muslims from 7 countries while looking the other way towards his rich Muslim clients from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, U.A.E. and Lebanon just because his investment with those countries are worth billions of dollars.
And it's no wonder that he knew long time back that Saudi Arabia was behind the planning and execution of the infamous 9/11 massacre, but that didn't stop him from making lucrative deals with the same countries and with the same people who caused the deaths of 5,000 American citizens beside deaths of 7,000 troops.
10
Time to stock up on sign-making materials and commit to protest once a week. Ironically enough, I have never felt more proud to be an American.
27
Cannot allow 48 outnumbered Democrat Senators to stand alone against Trump's Supreme Court stooge. Need to have 20,000 people a day for weeks invest and lobby the Senate office buildings and Capitol. Make it clear it is not okay for a bunch of Republican white men to subjugate and slaughter American women. Not a one of, but an ongoing rolling protest that will roil the Senate. Could this be done?
16
Mr. Trump's pronouncement of "working out nicely," includes the protests. Includes the confusion and misunderstandings. It includes the green card holders being retained or sent back. This is all part of how he wants things to operate. Shock and Awe for everything he does. Remember this, how he rolled out this Muslin ban, because the next thing is his deportation force. It's not going to be pretty. God save us all.
11
IT WORKS!
LET'S CONTINUE!
DO NOT GIVE UP!
LET'S CONTINUE!
DO NOT GIVE UP!
24
Contrast the Occupy Wall Street movement with that of the Tea Party: both generated protests but only one generated the drive to run for office. Trump will run amuck until legislators impede him. Protests alone in big Democratic cities are laughed at by the Bannons and Kushners of the world.
5
Thank you for this article.
The movement has a name.
We are The Resistance.
#resist
The movement has a name.
We are The Resistance.
#resist
19
Those of us attending protests don't need a fancy name. We already have one: The American people.
23
call it WEA, we are America
Time to start a "Take Back The NRA Campaign" maybe?
7
I protested at the airport in Minneapolis yesterday. I didn't want to go. I'm not a protester, crowd kind of person, but I felt like I had to show the world and my Somali neighbors here that I care. There was a mood that I cannot describe. I know that it came from a place of anger and resolve. It was a different mood. I have never seen anything like it. I will continue to protest this sick president and I feel energized and hopeful -- if hope is even a word anymore.
24
I haven't protested since the 60s. But I do remember the feeling.
1
This rising up is not alt- anything. It is American.
16
Think before you write Farhad: An inappropriate use of the term "Alt". And how well did all that social-networking work out over there for the Arab Spring? A bunch of dictatorships back in place- that's how well. i-Phones are not going to save the day.
1
This is an excellent article with some great reader feedback. THANK YOU ALL!!!!
9
Wonderful article! Keep it up. Please keep reminding that Mr Trump is far more vulnerable than it seems. Remember we truly have the power of the people behind the resistance.
10
It feels as if Slytherin has won and You-know-who, the dark lord, has taken over America.
8
I think its perfect time for President Obama to do what he does best - organize a movement, a movement to oust Trump.
President Obama, America and the rest of the world is counting on your fine leadership and diplomacy. We need you now more than ever and we are with you till the end.
President Obama, America and the rest of the world is counting on your fine leadership and diplomacy. We need you now more than ever and we are with you till the end.
7
Anti-Trump demonstrations are shedding harsh light on much of Trump’s arrogance, but my big question is what percentage of the protestors voted.
As stated in the article, the protests are getting attention and making Trump nervous. But are the protests going to change the minds of those in Congress who enable Trump?
A better way to make a protest is to call your U.S. Senators and U.S. Representatives, even if they are Democrats. Calling Democrats will help give them more backbone.
The best way is to call, not send email or a letter. You can find your Senators' phone numbers at https://www.senate.gov/ and your Representative’s number at http://www.house.gov/.
Keep your message brief: 200 words or less. Be polite. If you have a another message, don’t hesitate to call at another time.
Also call your state senators and representatives, especially if you live in a gerry-mandered state.
If you voted in the last election, the American people thank you. If you did not make sure to vote in each and every election from now on. And in your phone call, remind the office holder that you intend to vote.
The Trump White House doesn’t list a phone number, but it does have an email form at https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact. Gosh, what would happen if every protester filled out this form. Would it bring down one of the White House servers?
As stated in the article, the protests are getting attention and making Trump nervous. But are the protests going to change the minds of those in Congress who enable Trump?
A better way to make a protest is to call your U.S. Senators and U.S. Representatives, even if they are Democrats. Calling Democrats will help give them more backbone.
The best way is to call, not send email or a letter. You can find your Senators' phone numbers at https://www.senate.gov/ and your Representative’s number at http://www.house.gov/.
Keep your message brief: 200 words or less. Be polite. If you have a another message, don’t hesitate to call at another time.
Also call your state senators and representatives, especially if you live in a gerry-mandered state.
If you voted in the last election, the American people thank you. If you did not make sure to vote in each and every election from now on. And in your phone call, remind the office holder that you intend to vote.
The Trump White House doesn’t list a phone number, but it does have an email form at https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact. Gosh, what would happen if every protester filled out this form. Would it bring down one of the White House servers?
20
Protesting is the new Lifecycle choice. Perfect for any budget and for people of any age who want to socialize outside of bars and not over heavy meals. There's a DIY component too! Posters, knitted caps (Pussy Ears or NEW! Brains).
3
'war is the old order pregnant with the new'
if the old order was media by newspaper and television,
then the new order is instagram flash mob protest
if the old order is government of the poor, by the rich, for the rich,
then the new order 'ain't gonna take it - anymore!'
if the old order was media by newspaper and television,
then the new order is instagram flash mob protest
if the old order is government of the poor, by the rich, for the rich,
then the new order 'ain't gonna take it - anymore!'
5
Social media inspired the Arab Spring. Look how well that worked out.
7
My only question: Will we point fingers if some Muslim immigrant is involved in a future terroristic act similar in nature to the Trade Center? Hopefully something of this nature will never occur again.
1
Should we point a finger at all Americans for the Oklahoma bombing which was totally home grown and carried by two radical American citizens?
I thought liberals didn't like populism.
2
Bernie Sanders would say differently.
Right wing populism has always had racist undertones and outright fear and anger against immigrants. That's the main problem with it.
Right wing populism has always had racist undertones and outright fear and anger against immigrants. That's the main problem with it.
6
Ha!
The movement does have a name. It's called America.
10
It's become a Twitter war, and may the best side win.
(Without spilling a drop of blood.)
Viva la resistance!
(Without spilling a drop of blood.)
Viva la resistance!
3
What is the "Alt-Majority?" How is it different than the "Alt-Right" or "Alt-Left"?
What's "Alt" really? Isn't a digital social network it's own "Alt" for those who live digital? Am I not reading the "Alt-NYT" after being a 30+ year paying subscriber?
How about the "Alt-WSJ" or the "Alt-FT" or the "the make up your word." Geez folks, give yourself a break.
Hug your wife. Embrace your husband. If you have a good job, be grateful.
Walk your dog.
Go to church or synagogue.
Help someone old.
Toss out "Alt" garbage and talk more.
And say prayers.
What's "Alt" really? Isn't a digital social network it's own "Alt" for those who live digital? Am I not reading the "Alt-NYT" after being a 30+ year paying subscriber?
How about the "Alt-WSJ" or the "Alt-FT" or the "the make up your word." Geez folks, give yourself a break.
Hug your wife. Embrace your husband. If you have a good job, be grateful.
Walk your dog.
Go to church or synagogue.
Help someone old.
Toss out "Alt" garbage and talk more.
And say prayers.
2
Check out alt.country.
The strategy of keeping Trump occupied with reacting to multiple protests reminds me of an episode of the original Star Trek TV series, in which a malevolent spirit takes over the Enterprise's computer and wreaks all kinds of havoc. The crew hits upon the idea of giving the computer a problem to work on, that of calculating the value of pi to the last digit, thus tying up the spirit and buying time to figure out a strategy to extricate themselves from the situation.
5
No, we are the "Vocal Majority."
8
It would be marvelous to see Trump hoisted in his own petard. He has used social media to his benefit and now we can use it to bring him down. We must use everything at our disposal to interrupt, stop, and reverse each and every bad decision made by Trump and his own Dick Cheney, Bannon. Eliot Cohen wrote a great article in Atlantic this week and he has given us our marching orders.
"Those in a position to take a stand should do so, and those who are not should lay the groundwork for a better day. There is nothing great about the America that Trump thinks he is going to make; but in the end, it is the greatness of America that will stop him." We will stop him!!
"Those in a position to take a stand should do so, and those who are not should lay the groundwork for a better day. There is nothing great about the America that Trump thinks he is going to make; but in the end, it is the greatness of America that will stop him." We will stop him!!
11
Steve Bannon is the one who needs Extreme Vetting. We need to look at all his connections, social media, cellphone contacts, tax returns, political leanings, and business dealings.
In an interview he stated,“Lenin wanted to destroy the state, and that’s my goal too. I want to bring everything crashing down, and destroy all of today’s establishment.” He should be tried for treason, not speaking in the ear of the President of the United States.
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2016/08/22/steve-bannon-trump-s-to...
In an interview he stated,“Lenin wanted to destroy the state, and that’s my goal too. I want to bring everything crashing down, and destroy all of today’s establishment.” He should be tried for treason, not speaking in the ear of the President of the United States.
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2016/08/22/steve-bannon-trump-s-to...
18
That Breitbart page "doesn't exist" at the link provided in a previous reader's comment. Putinesque politics strike again.
2
Maybe Steve and Grover Norquist can drown each other in the bathtub?
here's the full URL
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2016/08/22/steve-bannon-trump-s-to...
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2016/08/22/steve-bannon-trump-s-to...
In the past, damaging news stories used to break over the weekend on the hunch a lot of people weren't watching the news as intensely. I'm thinking that is not such a reliable ploy now that weekend time means more time to browse social media and news feeds.
Sorry Trump -- you wanted attention. You have it now.
Sorry Trump -- you wanted attention. You have it now.
9
The smart phone might very well save our democracy - and if it does we will have the son of a Syrian immigrant to thank - Steve Jobs.
45
Brilliant! Antidote to Donald's twitter and his follower. Let's keep it up. Digital warfare. No bloodshed. No nukes. No loss lives. Cheap, not adding a penny to the deficit.
15
A simple request:
Fact check the memes you receive before you pass them on.
Fact check stories before you get outraged.
Whenever possible, read PRIMARY SOURCE materials before relying on someone else's interpretation of a speech, a tweet or a bill.
I started doing this quite some time ago and it never ceases to amaze me how many of my highly-educated, well read friends blindly pass on any piece of propaganda that confirms their bias without checking to see if it is true.
Fact check the memes you receive before you pass them on.
Fact check stories before you get outraged.
Whenever possible, read PRIMARY SOURCE materials before relying on someone else's interpretation of a speech, a tweet or a bill.
I started doing this quite some time ago and it never ceases to amaze me how many of my highly-educated, well read friends blindly pass on any piece of propaganda that confirms their bias without checking to see if it is true.
131
I admit I have deleted a few posts after researching further. Research first, Post second. And there was one post on my feed that I totally debunked
as false. I believe the person that shared deleted it also.
as false. I believe the person that shared deleted it also.
I can't help it -- I'm a librarian!
Here are some good fact checking sites:
FactCheck.org - Non-partisan and sponsored by the The Annenberg Public Policy Center
Politifact.com - created by the Tampa Bay Times; won Pulitzer Prize
Snopes.com - independent site; funded by advertising
Washington Post Fact Checker https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/fact-checker/ - permanent since 2011
Poynter Institute http://www.poynter.org/category/fact-checking/ - Has the International Fact Checking Network; has courses on learning to fact check; links to the Duke Reporters' Lab global map of fact checking initiatives
Here are some good fact checking sites:
FactCheck.org - Non-partisan and sponsored by the The Annenberg Public Policy Center
Politifact.com - created by the Tampa Bay Times; won Pulitzer Prize
Snopes.com - independent site; funded by advertising
Washington Post Fact Checker https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/fact-checker/ - permanent since 2011
Poynter Institute http://www.poynter.org/category/fact-checking/ - Has the International Fact Checking Network; has courses on learning to fact check; links to the Duke Reporters' Lab global map of fact checking initiatives
There is absolutely no reason to think that, if it's possible, Trump (or Steve Bannon, the hand inside the sock puppet) would not shut down part or all of the Internet in the name of "national security."
11
It's not possible.
There are enough servers outside the US that if anything were to happen, you could still, for example, use Google.uk or Google.co.jp's DNS servers on your router and have Internet access. Dial-up is still a thing, too. The Internet, like these protests, is quite heavily decentralized. :)
There are enough servers outside the US that if anything were to happen, you could still, for example, use Google.uk or Google.co.jp's DNS servers on your router and have Internet access. Dial-up is still a thing, too. The Internet, like these protests, is quite heavily decentralized. :)
5
That would result in civil war I have no doubt
So how does the Chinese government manage to have so much control over what its people see and don't see?
1
This President and his crew make W look like a flippin genius!
Cheney can't hold a candle to Bannon.
A mess that will go down is history. Not in a good way.
God help us.
Cheney can't hold a candle to Bannon.
A mess that will go down is history. Not in a good way.
God help us.
6
Flash mob!
vs Tea Party!
=
WE WON!
vs Tea Party!
=
WE WON!
5
At the same time though, it just seems like this new social media network could give someone the same reason to discount such mass rallies, only since now everybody knows about it why didn't everybody turn up instead of only a few thousand, or so. People have always read what they wanted into things, all depending on which way they held the book. Any tool is still only just a tool for making something else, and never can be that thing unto itself.
2
I'm a moderate Republican who is against Trump and for the rule of law and democracy. I definitely don't consider myself to be alt-left. So let's think of better names for our protest. I think the movement should be called the "non-Silent majority"!
16
Welcome to the Resistance! You are a true Patriot!
5
Silenced majority
Ever since the election, I've said there is no silver lining to what has happened...until now. This is the first thing that has felt 'right' in an entire situation that gave me the undeniable sensation that it wasn't supposed to be. Something of significance is occurring, and we need to keep it up. It's a matter of survival. Do not be afraid. Be determined.
25
It is time for the deranged grabber-in-chief, crazy fascist, to self-exile to Russia where he can join his love pal Putin. He can take Melania and his WH lackeys with him. RESIST Trump and boycott any of his businesses!!!.
19
And the mass protests come none too soon nor will they stop. Mr. Trump I thank you personally for being the best catalyst for reclaiming sanity to happen in a long time. I'm sure you didn't plan it that way. Maybe quite by accident or blunder you will make America great again.
22
I used my voting rights to hear my voice heard. If that is overturned with the so called resistance, we can also come in streets and do the ugly. Media should be very careful not to let that happen and always take the people who believe in democracy taken for granted.
3
Bring it...
Our protests have been peaceful and legal. But, threats don't intimidate us.
Our protests have been peaceful and legal. But, threats don't intimidate us.
2
Trump is the first one, who still uses social media to interact with American people. Then lefts blamed and questioned when Trump using social media. Now all jumped into social media and dumping MSM, after they lost their credibility.
1
Trump needs to stop listening to crackpot Bannon. Better yet, needs to FIRE him.
5
The silent population responded in the voting booth, when MSM declared Hillary as winner months ago. Still didn't get it?. Well there is a reason why you are called liberals.
2
How about we call it the American Spring?
6
Censor the comments and make all look the same. So silent majority like me go out and vote, instead of commenting. Thanks anyway
4
How about we not call it "alt" anything and avoid lending any scrap of legitimacy to the re-branded Neo-Nazis on the right.
9
It is the actual majority that are protesting...Trump has the alternate majority. He is the one who lost the popular vote by about 3 million votes.
16
"We're mad as hell and we're not going to take it any more."
Street protests surpassing the sixties.
It's only been 10 days. How does America like you now ?
Donald,
(not deserving of the title of President)
Nixon will look like Mother Teresa compared to you in the history books.
Street protests surpassing the sixties.
It's only been 10 days. How does America like you now ?
Donald,
(not deserving of the title of President)
Nixon will look like Mother Teresa compared to you in the history books.
10
None of this would be necessary if all these people had just gotten off their butts & organized the vote.
Everybody knew exactly what Trump would do, he was entirely forthcoming about his positions.
It wasn't about taking him 'seriously' but not 'literally' or vice versa, he was entirely serious & literal from the outset.
This society offers people the power of the vote. Does anyone even remember how long & hard of a struggle it is to change policy by organized resistance? We've certainly been through a lot of the an the USA, we should know.
Or we SHOULD HAVE known. Perhaps if people had actually dissented the neocons instead of just gone shopping we wouldn't have been in this position of having to reorganize the very concept of popular dissent last seen in this nation in, let me think... maybe June 12th, 1982, that very last nostalgic spasm of social activism?
Since then everyone went on their own yuppie-fueled frenzy of personal self-interested greed. After all the successes of social activism, they just unanimously, willfully forgot how to do it, or didn't care to remember.
But it's hard, and long & thankless to try to bend the arc of the moral universe toward justice. So much simpler just to get off your butts & organize the vote. You didn't need a revolution, you just needed to get enough votes to edge Trump out of winning.
People, you blew it. If you imagine you'll be able to take this guy to task in the streets, good luck with that.
But next time, VOTE!
Everybody knew exactly what Trump would do, he was entirely forthcoming about his positions.
It wasn't about taking him 'seriously' but not 'literally' or vice versa, he was entirely serious & literal from the outset.
This society offers people the power of the vote. Does anyone even remember how long & hard of a struggle it is to change policy by organized resistance? We've certainly been through a lot of the an the USA, we should know.
Or we SHOULD HAVE known. Perhaps if people had actually dissented the neocons instead of just gone shopping we wouldn't have been in this position of having to reorganize the very concept of popular dissent last seen in this nation in, let me think... maybe June 12th, 1982, that very last nostalgic spasm of social activism?
Since then everyone went on their own yuppie-fueled frenzy of personal self-interested greed. After all the successes of social activism, they just unanimously, willfully forgot how to do it, or didn't care to remember.
But it's hard, and long & thankless to try to bend the arc of the moral universe toward justice. So much simpler just to get off your butts & organize the vote. You didn't need a revolution, you just needed to get enough votes to edge Trump out of winning.
People, you blew it. If you imagine you'll be able to take this guy to task in the streets, good luck with that.
But next time, VOTE!
4
Stipulated and agreed. Shoulda voted. But now that the madman has escaped from the basement and is trying to run the country, now that he's loose, we gotta get off our butts and surround him and lovingly restrain him.
2
I live in Florida and Trump would win Florida no matter what anyone did and regardless how close the vote. What needs to happen is a change in the Electoral College votes. Winner takes all disenfranchises voters and there is no requirement in the Constitution that it be that way. There are 2 states that have electoral college votes made proportionately to the popular vote. Lets put this on the list and it must be done state by state.
I'm so happy to see that the Times now champions street protests, in stark contrast to their generally negative spin on Occupy, Black Lives Matter and the North Dakota pipeline protest - the latter ignored by the Times for the first full month of its existence. And all we had to do was elect a certified nut case to the White House.
16
This just in regarding the attack on the Quebec mosque. The Bannonite WH repeated an item of false-news put out by, who else, Fox. The false news was that the shooter was an Arab. In fact, he's a homegrown white nationalist. The news of the lie, that the Trump admin. was pushing false-news about this outrage, is now racing across Canada. Which means that Washington is now being regarded as a capital of lies --like the Kremlin.
39
Very interesting--thank you.
Not that I agree with Trump's fire drill on immigration but the participation in the 60' s protest movement was greatly exaggerated. The media with clever cinematography made the Chicago riots look ten times greater than it was. They provided the numbers to back up fake visuals. They had true lies even back then. Although the sentiment expressed by the protesters was said to be in the majority by the media Humpfry lost to Nixon.
I hope this new protest movement finds time to protest Sen McCain and Mike Morell's drive to start WW 3 with Russia. Trumps against it but it seems the type of thing protesters would protest regardless.
Sorry about the confusion.
I hope this new protest movement finds time to protest Sen McCain and Mike Morell's drive to start WW 3 with Russia. Trumps against it but it seems the type of thing protesters would protest regardless.
Sorry about the confusion.
3
Umm Joe, the student protests and others in the 1960's stopped the War.
1
The Vietnam War continued until the mid-1970's. Spring of 1975, under President Ford.
And Joe G. has a point. The intervention-first neo-cons in both parties (McCain; Hillary's would-be CIA chief Mike Morell, etc.) have refused to learn the lessons of Vietnam and just keep doubling down on the same failed policies of regime change & "preventative" war against countries that never attacked US soil. Bush-Cheney in Iraq. Hillary-Obama running guns via the Saudis through Libya down to CIA-trained "rebels" in Syria. Where were the protestors then? Isn't it better to not be responsible for creating refugees to begin with?
And Joe G. has a point. The intervention-first neo-cons in both parties (McCain; Hillary's would-be CIA chief Mike Morell, etc.) have refused to learn the lessons of Vietnam and just keep doubling down on the same failed policies of regime change & "preventative" war against countries that never attacked US soil. Bush-Cheney in Iraq. Hillary-Obama running guns via the Saudis through Libya down to CIA-trained "rebels" in Syria. Where were the protestors then? Isn't it better to not be responsible for creating refugees to begin with?
1
Ummm...Kenneth the NVA with Russian backing ended the war.
2
Brilliant contextualization of developments many (certainly myself) have not recognized.
I'm not always the biggest fan of Mr. Manjoo's columns, but this one is sensationally insightful and relevant.
I'm not always the biggest fan of Mr. Manjoo's columns, but this one is sensationally insightful and relevant.
8
"Americans have protested before (the war in Iraq comes to mind) and the protests did not, in themselves, alter national policy." Civil Rights and Vietnam demonstrations definite had great impact, certainly affecting national policy.
And note that those previous protest efforts took a while to ramp up. This time there's no time lag. Keep it coming!! I'm ready to go to jail to block these horrible policies.
In fact, with digital technology we can create civil disobedience in the form of flexible organized chaos that will be impossible to contain! Huge flash demonstrations that block streets chosen very strategically to disrupt immigration policy implementation for example. And that then separate and reconvene in unpredictable locations that are changeable according to the movements of law enforcement. We can even make sure we have signs apologizing to frustrated motorists :) Maybe even with some nice refreshments to offer as compensation for the traffic chaos. Gotta keep the people on our side!
And note that those previous protest efforts took a while to ramp up. This time there's no time lag. Keep it coming!! I'm ready to go to jail to block these horrible policies.
In fact, with digital technology we can create civil disobedience in the form of flexible organized chaos that will be impossible to contain! Huge flash demonstrations that block streets chosen very strategically to disrupt immigration policy implementation for example. And that then separate and reconvene in unpredictable locations that are changeable according to the movements of law enforcement. We can even make sure we have signs apologizing to frustrated motorists :) Maybe even with some nice refreshments to offer as compensation for the traffic chaos. Gotta keep the people on our side!
11
Who knows? Maybe law enforcement with be with US!
We need outreach to law enforcement.
We need outreach to law enforcement.
1
What will it take for the media to stop covering Trump's horrific actions but instead start treating him as a psychopath who needs intervention?
11
Articles like this are wishfully thinking that any protest or tweet or Facebook post is going to change the reality of President Trump wrecking havoc for at least four years. Where were all these people during the election? Crying in their almond milk because Bernie didn't win and they just couldn't vote for HIllary because her and Trump were "really the same thing" (as per Susan Sarandon and other sore losers). They were children during the election, could not vote for her like adults (no matter how flawed she was) and now we have a spoiled child as President. Nice job, there with the organizing now though, too late to make any real difference but at least you can feel like you're doing something. See you in 2020, hopefully.
5
Pres. Morsi of Egypt took his oath of office in June 2012, and was forced to resign by hundreds of thousands of protesters who filled the squares and streets in July 2013. I think that period-about 13 months though the Muslin Brotherhood itself held power before Morsi's ascention-is about right for Trump to be marginalized by his Cabinet and Congress or simply removed for issues of mental health. This pace of chaotic pronouncement followed by walk back cannot be either maintained or tolerated. Voters of both parties thought they were promoting peace and economic security. Instead we're getting the makings of a socio-religious civil struggle and ever more ominous trade and economic strife. These protesters turning out now are doing so in the dead of winter. Wait till the Spring Offensive.
6
"American Dictator Donald Trump." Every headline, every news article, every stand up comic, every newscast, every comment, every post online, every tweet, every email, every time his name is mentioned it should include his title, American Dictator.
6
Remember all the GOP who supporting Trump.
Remember to vote in 2 years.
Remember to vote in 2 years.
9
The difference between organizing a political protest and generating a mob is getting harder to distinguish. What's next? Insurrection? While you are extolling the virtues of voting Democratic after the fact, please do also consider the impotence of social media. For instance, did massing via cell in Tahrir Square actually move Egypt anywhere? Are the protest movements of two weekends in this country trying to oust a newly (duly) elected leader (see Egypt/Morsi). And, if the people you oppose also take to social media (and the NYT/CNN etc. gave them airtime), where does all this self-congratulatory self-expression get us?
2
This is not a Republican vs Democrat kind of thing. This is a movement defending American values and the Constitution. I hope Congress wakes up. I hope the Republicans, Democrats, Independents, Libertarians, etc can get together and start to stand up for our republic. There are 3 branches of government- not one-and if one branch is going rogue then it is up to the other 2 branches to put a hard stop to it.
15
Call it patriotism
10
Let's also support the businesses of the people belonging to countries affected by Trump's immigrant ban. Let's show them that we care and welcome them in America, and that they are an integral part of our communities and society.
As Mahershala Ali said in his acceptance speech yesterday: let's not see them fold into themselves as a result of the persecution of their community and tell them that they matter and that we accept them.
I'm actually searching for, and giving business to, restaurants owned by immigrants from the seven countries impacted directly. And, by Muslims broadly.
Admittedly, it's easier to do so in New York and large cities. But, there must be thousands of businesses across America that we can help and give comfort to at little cost of disruption to our daily lives and routines.
Citizen Activism and Community Building is the only way forward to overcome the evil being wrought by this divisive administration.
As Mahershala Ali said in his acceptance speech yesterday: let's not see them fold into themselves as a result of the persecution of their community and tell them that they matter and that we accept them.
I'm actually searching for, and giving business to, restaurants owned by immigrants from the seven countries impacted directly. And, by Muslims broadly.
Admittedly, it's easier to do so in New York and large cities. But, there must be thousands of businesses across America that we can help and give comfort to at little cost of disruption to our daily lives and routines.
Citizen Activism and Community Building is the only way forward to overcome the evil being wrought by this divisive administration.
7
There was a foundation for this movement- the private Hillary groups on Facebook like Pantsuit Nation. They organized against Trump back during the primaries. Already knew he had all the markers of an authoritarian with extremist racist, misogynist, anti labor union points of view.
As far as a "leader"- symbolically it's Hillary. The way Trump acted toward Hillary plus all the news media- (including the NYT) wrote about the emails (even after it was proven again and again there was nothing scandalous or illegal in her emails) every single day of her campaign. Plus the daily repeated meme of her being "untrustworthy", "flawed" & "unlikable". The news media started this when the public opinion held very high opinions of her. This daily meme repeating in the news media created in some people's minds the opinions the news media apparently wanted. This was all over the news media from far right, to the NYT, to so called "progressive" venues like MSNBC) The news media held her to a position of impossible perfection no male candidate ever was.
This treatment of Hillary was what women who backed Hillary had experienced in their lives- write large. The majority of those millions who turned up for the Women's Marches find Hillary very inspirational (Saturday Night Live certainly seemed aware of this- as far back as the Saturday after the general election) & relate strongly to how the media held her to that standard of impossible perfection.
As far as a "leader"- symbolically it's Hillary. The way Trump acted toward Hillary plus all the news media- (including the NYT) wrote about the emails (even after it was proven again and again there was nothing scandalous or illegal in her emails) every single day of her campaign. Plus the daily repeated meme of her being "untrustworthy", "flawed" & "unlikable". The news media started this when the public opinion held very high opinions of her. This daily meme repeating in the news media created in some people's minds the opinions the news media apparently wanted. This was all over the news media from far right, to the NYT, to so called "progressive" venues like MSNBC) The news media held her to a position of impossible perfection no male candidate ever was.
This treatment of Hillary was what women who backed Hillary had experienced in their lives- write large. The majority of those millions who turned up for the Women's Marches find Hillary very inspirational (Saturday Night Live certainly seemed aware of this- as far back as the Saturday after the general election) & relate strongly to how the media held her to that standard of impossible perfection.
16
I am a woman in my 80's. For many years. I worked as a lawyer. Now, I am horrified to see a great danger to our democracy and I see the abandonment of the rule of law. Trump clearly knows little, and apparently cares less, about our Constitution or that the United States is a republic, not a dictatorship. He tries to govern by fiat.
As I am disabled, I cannot march. But I can help to defeat would be Tyrant Trump in other ways, such as by donating money to causes or organizations which oppose him. I find out about many of these on line.
A close relative, a scientist by training, is working on a scientists' march here in Hawaii to parallel that planned for DC. She works for our democracy in other ways, too, She finds out about many of such efforts through social networks.
I am very grateful that social media gives us a means of making our voices and concerns heard. We shall overcome,
As I am disabled, I cannot march. But I can help to defeat would be Tyrant Trump in other ways, such as by donating money to causes or organizations which oppose him. I find out about many of these on line.
A close relative, a scientist by training, is working on a scientists' march here in Hawaii to parallel that planned for DC. She works for our democracy in other ways, too, She finds out about many of such efforts through social networks.
I am very grateful that social media gives us a means of making our voices and concerns heard. We shall overcome,
47
After Trump was elected I called for a national texting mechanism to protest every bad Trump action. Now it seems to be happening. It has to work if our country is to survive as a democracy. Trump has torn the scab off a festering wound and it is up to us to heal it ourselves.
6
I have an awful feeling that Mr. Bannon is on the National Security Council for one very specific reason. To be in the right place to order a very strong paramilitary response to some yet unannounced contrived "National Emergency". And a consequential "delay" of future upcoming elections.
10
I think Bannon is on the NSC to make sure Trump never gets any real information from the military. He can maintain his Rasputin spell better that way.
3
Kindness and intelligence and fairness will overcome, using vocal and non-violent means. This will overcome the mean, the ugly and the indifferent actions and cheap, shallow, cliche drenched rhetoric. We will prevail against the enemies of our values, embedded in our Constitution and our history in its finer moments.
6
Newton's third law: For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. The statement means that in every interaction, there is a pair of forces acting on the two interacting objects. The size of the forces on the first object equals the size of the force on the second object
1
Are you forgetting that we student protesters were the beginning of the end of the war in Vietnam?
9
If there is an attack what trump and his team will say
"See I told you so" and blame it on the liberals and the media.
It's called Alternate Facts......and his supports will believe him.
"See I told you so" and blame it on the liberals and the media.
It's called Alternate Facts......and his supports will believe him.
6
Friends: We lost the election, though we had a majority of the vote.
The Electoral College did not do the job it was formed to do: Double check the election. Therefor we must do it now.
To those who say it's just sour grapes, "you got Obama, we got Trump", I say,: Obama was elected by a majority. And, he was a demonstrably intelligent, decent man.
We, the people, ended the Vietnam War. We, the people, can end this...what was the word?...carnage, of our constitution.
The Electoral College did not do the job it was formed to do: Double check the election. Therefor we must do it now.
To those who say it's just sour grapes, "you got Obama, we got Trump", I say,: Obama was elected by a majority. And, he was a demonstrably intelligent, decent man.
We, the people, ended the Vietnam War. We, the people, can end this...what was the word?...carnage, of our constitution.
21
It might due to read at least some of this document
https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/constitution-transcript
It addresses Impeachment in Article one section 2 and 3 Article two section 2 and 3 and Article three section 2.
I kind of like section three of Article three as it seems the POTUS has already violated it and there are several hundred million witnesses.
We need to encourage our representatives to start the process for filing an Article of Impeachment. Surely they can subpoena the IRS to provide his tax returns
https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/constitution-transcript
It addresses Impeachment in Article one section 2 and 3 Article two section 2 and 3 and Article three section 2.
I kind of like section three of Article three as it seems the POTUS has already violated it and there are several hundred million witnesses.
We need to encourage our representatives to start the process for filing an Article of Impeachment. Surely they can subpoena the IRS to provide his tax returns
7
How long will it take for the protestors to become bored and lose their enthusiasm for these protests? I think it is a fad that will slowly fade away and die. The majority of Americans are not protesting and are too busy with their own lives to be paying much attention.
Do these people have jobs? Are they receiving welfare benefits? Is George Soros funding these protestors? Just wondering.
Do these people have jobs? Are they receiving welfare benefits? Is George Soros funding these protestors? Just wondering.
2
George Soros!
Take a drink!
Take a drink!
1
Millions of ordinary Americans are RESISTING. As the article states, this is coming from the PEOPLE. No one is funding or financially supporting the RESISTERS. Instead, pure outrage is giving people a huge amount of collective energy on behalf of freedom and justice.
Amen to that!
Amen to that!
2
1. nope, not going away, believe me.
2. I am not on welfare, I have a very good career
3. I am highly educated
4. I believe in science, and data, not alt-facts but real facts
5. I don't lie
Get used to it. We are highly motivated, we are in it for the long haul, we are the majority.
2. I am not on welfare, I have a very good career
3. I am highly educated
4. I believe in science, and data, not alt-facts but real facts
5. I don't lie
Get used to it. We are highly motivated, we are in it for the long haul, we are the majority.
12
Trump isn't America...we are. The governed determine the legitimacy of those who govern. Trump talks about change we don't want, we will stop change that is not about who we are. The über-narcissist will discover that unlike the fools who voted for him, we will not allow the rule of law to be ignored. Republicans in congress will have two choices: stick with him and risk their seats, join with us and put our country, not their party, first.
Eclectic Pragmatist — http://eclectic-pragmatist.tumblr.com/
Eclectic Pragmatist — https://medium.com/eclectic-pragmatism
Eclectic Pragmatist — http://eclectic-pragmatist.tumblr.com/
Eclectic Pragmatist — https://medium.com/eclectic-pragmatism
6
Every time dt is publicly mocked his brain fries a little
Every time we say he lies, he cries a little….you get the idea.
Every time we say he lies, he cries a little….you get the idea.
34
Spring is coming. We need an "American Spring" movement.
“working out very nicely — you see it in the airports.” That statement is not a lie. It is exactly how Trump likes it. For him chaos is nice, separated families is nice; stabbing brave individuals, who helped us, in the back is nice.
“working out very nicely — you see it in the airports.” That statement is not a lie. It is exactly how Trump likes it. For him chaos is nice, separated families is nice; stabbing brave individuals, who helped us, in the back is nice.
27
These protests have as much impact as screaming in a pillow. There is no money involved with these ad hoc groups and the bitter reality is you need money [a rich lobby] to buy influence in Washington. It's not the size of the march or membership either- It's all about the money.
Case in point:
1. AARP: 40 million members- Medicare and Social security are on the chopping block
2. NRA: 4.5 million members- They control the entire GOP
3. AIPAC: 100,000 members- They control both houses of Congress.
Case in point:
1. AARP: 40 million members- Medicare and Social security are on the chopping block
2. NRA: 4.5 million members- They control the entire GOP
3. AIPAC: 100,000 members- They control both houses of Congress.
8
It takes a very limited knowledge of history to declare protest as ineffective.
5
The naysayers we will always have with us as some people protect themselves, understandably so, against disappointment.
2
It is true that large lobbying blocs with deep pockets have controlled the narrative for quite some time. But I think what this article is pointing out is that this narrative is being shredded by street-level action and the power of people unconnected with any organized group, Democrat *or* Republican. Politicians are exquisitely sensitive to optics. My social media feeds are filled with lists of who showed up, who remained silent, who supported, who decried. These things do not go unnoticed. Democratic leadership is now playing catch-up on Capitol Hill as I type.
4
Without a doubt a positive and growing check on Trump's actions.
That said, until he is out of office, he and the Republican Congress will still continue to wield political power without mercy. If anything, the Republican Party expects to be unpopular, since they gain power by convincing they are for the common man and women, when they are in reality shills for the 1% and the businesses they own. So they wield power without restraint or concern when they have it, knowing that the ride won't last forever.
So as important as it is to have an emerging coalition of protesters communicating by social media and united in putting a hot spotlight on Trump, there is still a lot of work to be done in the traditional political arena before the midterm elections of 2018 -- a mere 20 months from now -- if the progressive left is to have any shot at taking back one or both houses of Congress.
That said, until he is out of office, he and the Republican Congress will still continue to wield political power without mercy. If anything, the Republican Party expects to be unpopular, since they gain power by convincing they are for the common man and women, when they are in reality shills for the 1% and the businesses they own. So they wield power without restraint or concern when they have it, knowing that the ride won't last forever.
So as important as it is to have an emerging coalition of protesters communicating by social media and united in putting a hot spotlight on Trump, there is still a lot of work to be done in the traditional political arena before the midterm elections of 2018 -- a mere 20 months from now -- if the progressive left is to have any shot at taking back one or both houses of Congress.
34
I am reminded of two quotes by Ronald Reagan.
"If you can't make them see the light, make them feel the heat."
"Facts are stubborn things."
"If you can't make them see the light, make them feel the heat."
"Facts are stubborn things."
15
The article says, "The movement is new and possibly fragile; it could dissipate..."
Ye of little faith. The media just doesn't seem to get it. The Silent Majority Roared on when the U.S. House tried to stifle ethics control, it Roared on January 21st, it Roared again yesterday over the immigration policy and just watch it tomorrow when The Con Don "names" his nomination to OUR U.S. Supreme Court.
The Sleeping Giant has awakened and it will not rest until we take back full democracy in America.
Ye of little faith. The media just doesn't seem to get it. The Silent Majority Roared on when the U.S. House tried to stifle ethics control, it Roared on January 21st, it Roared again yesterday over the immigration policy and just watch it tomorrow when The Con Don "names" his nomination to OUR U.S. Supreme Court.
The Sleeping Giant has awakened and it will not rest until we take back full democracy in America.
97
The movement should be called "The Resistance" and the members "resisters". Not too unlike the brave people who worked to defeat Nazi Germany. I think they'd be honored.
4
Remember Kony 2012?
Didn't think so.
Didn't think so.
In addition to resisting via marches, posting online, etc., I think it is high time to use money as a tool of leverage.
If and when I find out that a certain business supported Trump, I'm taking a hike. I will not give a penny to the idiots who have brought this monster to power.
Just not going to support those who would reduce the United States of America to a third-world country.
If and when I find out that a certain business supported Trump, I'm taking a hike. I will not give a penny to the idiots who have brought this monster to power.
Just not going to support those who would reduce the United States of America to a third-world country.
69
There's an app for that, mentioned in the Huffington Post: Boycott Trump.
1
I will not visit or spend money in any red state, period.
1
The movement has a name. We are The Resistance.
To reclaim the great man, Churchill, shambolically appropriated by the fascists on the right recently:
Even though large tracts of America and many old and famous States have fallen or may fall into the grip of the white nationalists and all the odious apparatus of alt-right rule, we shall not flag or fail. We shall go on to the end, we shall fight in Europe, we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our land, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender...
To reclaim the great man, Churchill, shambolically appropriated by the fascists on the right recently:
Even though large tracts of America and many old and famous States have fallen or may fall into the grip of the white nationalists and all the odious apparatus of alt-right rule, we shall not flag or fail. We shall go on to the end, we shall fight in Europe, we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our land, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender...
36
Trivia: when Churchill finished the Fight them on The Beaches speech you reference, he turned to his Foreign Secretary and mumbled
"And we shall fight them with the stubby end of beer bottles, because that's all we've bloody well got".
"And we shall fight them with the stubby end of beer bottles, because that's all we've bloody well got".
4
Winston Churchill's historical reputation got a lucky break with Hitler. His 60 years before the mid-1930s were, um, less inspiring.
1
Thank you, Emma-Jayne!
Power to the people.
Not just pretty words from the 1960s, anymore.
Not just pretty words from the 1960s, anymore.
31
I would like to nominate the moniker THE MOVEMENT.
It carries more power than Trump's self-reverent: "I'M MAKING AMERICA GREAT AGAIN".
An obvious contrast.
It carries more power than Trump's self-reverent: "I'M MAKING AMERICA GREAT AGAIN".
An obvious contrast.
2
To those of you who thought it would be cool to have a "CEO President" - you know that CEOs are basically dictators, answerable only to a small group of advisors - right?
77
I disagree. A CEO like Elon Musk would actually be a great leader. Bold and innovative, and prudent and judicious, where and when you need to be so.
I'll say:Trump, I know (quite a bit about) Musk. You are no Musk.
I'll say:Trump, I know (quite a bit about) Musk. You are no Musk.
3
They are going to figure that out now. But first it has to hit them upside the head.
Start with deleting Uber on you smart phone. Hit them where it hurts, pocket book.
22
Delete your account not just the app. That will communicate your message.
3
Remember what Putin has done he limits access to Social Media.
5
Call me a Resister. I like “The Resistance.” I also considered “The Churchill Movement,” as in “... never give up.” The latter is important, and I would like to see much more about a Tax Day gathering in DC - I will go. When I first moved to Florida, and there had been some disruptive local politics, the mantra was “be polite.” That only goes so far, and if urged to strongly and without nuance, become a request for a gag order. We do not need to be polite. We do need to be forceful, but not name-callers. We need to “out” the truth, and counter Trump supporters claim that “this [extreme vetting] has been needed for a long time” with good, strong evidence that we have been carefully vetting “risky” people for longer than that. Not just today, and not just tomorrow, but be forceful “for a long time."
12
Great piece. Instead of alt - this and that, let's just refer to the rise of this truly patriotic movement as All-American!
24
The majority is not going to be silent anymore. Its about time.
34
What amazes me is how many times I have heard someone say (after marching, calling a representative, going to a community meeting); "I have never done anything like this before, but I can't let this (Trump action) stand."
64
The writer is a bit history-challenged. Protests against the war in Iraq may not have changed policy but remember the civil rights protests and the Vietnam War protests which forced the resignation of a president.
28
Not every old fogey supports Trump or the GOP. As a veteran of the Vietnam war protests I am happy to support this new mass movement. Perhaps not physically any more but I am glad to contribute to organizations like the ACLU and candidates in 2018 who will also fight back.
1
YES. And we aren't going away.
29
I oppose the travel restrictions, and think they were ill conceived, over reactive and foolish.
I am tired of all the pronouncements made by the administration to justify their actions.
But , I have equal disdain for the media. The media has abandoned all pretense of reporting news objectively. Instead, they have taken on the role of prosecutor, judge and jury. When I read 11 articles on the home page in one day opposing the administration I become convinced that the media has taken on a mission to oppose whatever the administration does. I oppose many of those same policies. That's my job and responsibility. In coming to conclusions, I try to evaluate facts, which aren't easy to come by no matter who you listen to.
I tune out the administration, and unfortunately I tune out most media. Both sources are predictable. Both sources have agendas. Neither source is a useful factual reference.
I fault the media more. They are supposed to rise above the partisan onslaughts of the government. Insted, they provide equal and opposite partisan pronouncements. For example, the headline in this article identifies protestejrs as a "majority" . What evidence supports this conclusion ? Nobody got a majority of votes in the election, nor is there any evidence whatsoever to suggest that the "majority" is protesting. Misuse and exaggeration of figures is no less heinous when done by a journalist..Sadly, the media took the bait and stooped to Its own low level.
I am tired of all the pronouncements made by the administration to justify their actions.
But , I have equal disdain for the media. The media has abandoned all pretense of reporting news objectively. Instead, they have taken on the role of prosecutor, judge and jury. When I read 11 articles on the home page in one day opposing the administration I become convinced that the media has taken on a mission to oppose whatever the administration does. I oppose many of those same policies. That's my job and responsibility. In coming to conclusions, I try to evaluate facts, which aren't easy to come by no matter who you listen to.
I tune out the administration, and unfortunately I tune out most media. Both sources are predictable. Both sources have agendas. Neither source is a useful factual reference.
I fault the media more. They are supposed to rise above the partisan onslaughts of the government. Insted, they provide equal and opposite partisan pronouncements. For example, the headline in this article identifies protestejrs as a "majority" . What evidence supports this conclusion ? Nobody got a majority of votes in the election, nor is there any evidence whatsoever to suggest that the "majority" is protesting. Misuse and exaggeration of figures is no less heinous when done by a journalist..Sadly, the media took the bait and stooped to Its own low level.
10
Hilary Clinton got the majority of the votes. The majority of Americans think illegal and unconstitutional action by the POTUS is wrong.
So how is the media biased? They write what his supporters and administration believe. And this article describes the intense concern on social media and desire to reject these policies .
What is it you want ?
So how is the media biased? They write what his supporters and administration believe. And this article describes the intense concern on social media and desire to reject these policies .
What is it you want ?
2
I have to agree with Gene G. Unless it is specifically the Opinion pages, the first rule of a journalist is to show; not tell. Instead, for example, we have an article in the A section of the paper yesterday by Caitlin Dickerson with a title including "Far Right Media" and then labeling certain web-sites "ultraconservative." This is telling/lecturing the reader and putting the journalist's personal opinion and spin instead of showing/reporting the facts and letting the reader judge for themselves.
The NY Times has gone so far off the deep end in this manner that they now function as little more than a slightly more sophisticated/intellectual version of a Fox News for the Democrats and the Left. Independents and centrists have no where to go but must read 5 to 6 news sources across the entire ideological spectrum now to get a glimmer of the truth.
The NY Times has gone so far off the deep end in this manner that they now function as little more than a slightly more sophisticated/intellectual version of a Fox News for the Democrats and the Left. Independents and centrists have no where to go but must read 5 to 6 news sources across the entire ideological spectrum now to get a glimmer of the truth.
1
Beth, Hillary Clinton DID NOT get the majority of the votes. She got roughly 48 %. There were two other third party candidates who received votes. Your incorrect reply is a perfect example of how both sides don't check their facts.
1
It's not the "alt majority", it's the REAL MAJORITY! Alt is for the fake majority that is out to prove that Trump won the majority vote. He and his followers live in the alt world of alternative facts. Live REAL!
48
I wish to call this THE MOVEMENT, to own and identify our great crowds and majority voices. Real simple. Just like the American values expressed in our Constitution.
3
As Americans, it is our duty to safe guard our civil rights and our constitution. Before social media, this was more difficult, but now, we're empowered. So, Mr. Trump, we are the majority, and if you abuse your position, we will make your road bumpy, if not absolutely impossible.
254
if by empowered you mean: "noticed" then yes.
If by empowered you mean" in control," that your policies are the ones that operate in society, your values are the guiding moral force -- then, no, anti-social media will not bring that about. Ask any Egyptian....
If by empowered you mean" in control," that your policies are the ones that operate in society, your values are the guiding moral force -- then, no, anti-social media will not bring that about. Ask any Egyptian....
1
When you see great wrongs being perpetrated by your government, your duty as a citizen is to protest. We can no longer choose, because each day is another outrage. Lack of protests will be taken as approval, so with the help of the media, the world will see who we are, and what we stand for. We are saying no, we are not Trump, we are Americans, and we are here to deny his hate.
Government of the people and by the people shall not be trumped.
41
Alt-left, alt-majority....
Let's call the protestors "AMERICAN."
I was a child of the 60s and thus missed the protests then -- and longed to be a part of a movement. Now here we are: I've already marched on Washington and perhaps I'll go to the Science March.
Let's keep gathering in BIG CROWDS, too big for even Trump to attempt counting.
We are AMERICANS.
Let's call the protestors "AMERICAN."
I was a child of the 60s and thus missed the protests then -- and longed to be a part of a movement. Now here we are: I've already marched on Washington and perhaps I'll go to the Science March.
Let's keep gathering in BIG CROWDS, too big for even Trump to attempt counting.
We are AMERICANS.
74
I am confident that the movement Mr. Manjoo describes will last. This is not merely a movement against a vicious, self-satisfied president although that expression is crucial. This is also a movement against a system that ignored the expressed wishes of Americans' voting majority -- by more than 2.8 million ballots.
57
Anyone too ignorant to comprehend how the Electoral College works might be happier in a smaller, less meaningful country where taxation will occupy their mind instead of things every one of the last SEVEN Presidents did to keep us safe.
"Vigilance is the price of Democracy!" - Thomas Jefferson
25
Unlike many presidents before him, Mr. Trump is doing exactly what he said he was going to do when he was on the campaign trail. These demonstrations are organized and populated by folks like George Soros whos candidate lost the 2016 election and now this is therapy for them. The recent executive action protects all Americans and specifically states that anyone who will not respect the lifestyle of gay people will not be allowed into the country. (The media conveniently leaves that part out). Mr. Obama restricted travel from Iraq for six months. This travel ban of seven countries is for ninety days until better vetting systems can be put into place. Although the left wing extremists are wetting their pants, this is how you protect a nation.
5
I've marched three times in January and I don't know who George Soros is. He must be some amazing magician pulling the strings unbeknownst to all of us stupid people fighting for the values we were told by our parents were the foundation of America. Silly us! Oh well, I'll continue to march and organize with my friends even if this George Soros character is pulling the strings. Oh and by the way, when you decide to come out of your right-wing media conspiracy fog, we will still be marching for America. Thank you for reminding us that Obama was not nearly as liberal as he needed to be, and he actually HAD a mandate. We're all watching now, though. Congratulations to President Trump for doing what his minority base elected him to do. He's teaching the democratic base a very valuable lesson about holding our leaders accountable. Since these leaders actually do represent the majority, we shouldn't have a problem moving forward. Oh, and are we vetting Mike Pence for his anti-gay views? Perhaps we need to send him out of the country for a little while and make sure he can only get back in when he proves that he "respects the lifestyle of the gay people." There's something we can all agree on!
30
We ask why anyone would support Trump who is a bald-face liar at every turn, a child in an adult body, petulant and unbelievably childish, a tax cheat and a serial molester. And the answer is like Pete NJ, they are just like him, dishonest, vulgar, classless and reprehensible.
16
"this is how you protect a nation". How laughable! The nations the 9/11 hijackers lived in aren't even included in the Executive Order! Here are the facts, from the conservative Cato Institute:
The number of people killed in the US by the 7 countries banned, between 1975-2015:
-Iraq: 0
-Iran: 0
-Syria: 0
-Libya: 0
-Sudan: 0
-Yemen: 0
-Somalia: 0
That same statistic from countries in the region not on the list, where Donald Trump has real estate or business interests:
-Egypt: 162 Americans killed
-UAE: 314 Americans killed
-Saudi Arabia: 2,369 Americans killed
Feel safer now?
The number of people killed in the US by the 7 countries banned, between 1975-2015:
-Iraq: 0
-Iran: 0
-Syria: 0
-Libya: 0
-Sudan: 0
-Yemen: 0
-Somalia: 0
That same statistic from countries in the region not on the list, where Donald Trump has real estate or business interests:
-Egypt: 162 Americans killed
-UAE: 314 Americans killed
-Saudi Arabia: 2,369 Americans killed
Feel safer now?
13
This is very powerful. One of the biggest "reasons" for The March was to signal to the silent majority that there is strength in numbers.
Folks should share this article as it reaffirms that the good guys are winning more than they may realize.....
Folks should share this article as it reaffirms that the good guys are winning more than they may realize.....
17
-- And, I would say, the protests signal to our elected officials that an awful lot of voters have a clear understanding of democratic principles, and of what personal liberties and protections are at risk. The polls may be closed for many months or years, but the people are speaking.
13
So the white house comment line is no longer functional? WELL. If you go to
whitehouseinc.org and enter your phone number, you will be called back with a connection to the altwhitehouse..a random trump property. Ignore the desire of the answering person to take your reservation for a tee time, or whatever, and explain that you are calling re; official business and proceed to express your concerns. HAHAHAHAHA.
whitehouseinc.org and enter your phone number, you will be called back with a connection to the altwhitehouse..a random trump property. Ignore the desire of the answering person to take your reservation for a tee time, or whatever, and explain that you are calling re; official business and proceed to express your concerns. HAHAHAHAHA.
7
If you are going to protest, you'd better go big. What we've gotten used to is a handful of people chanting worn out slogans and posing for their own social media streams. They get a ticket for blocking the street and then everyone goes home, the protesters feeling smug and the cops with fatter wallets from the overtime pay.
The rest of us are left inconvenienced and perplexed because no one is doing any outreach or organizing.
Also, the solution to every problem isn't to go out and block traffic. I talked to a guy who claimed to be part of "black" lives matter and said that the guy stuck in traffic a mile from the protest doesn't know what's going on and the few that do know what's going on will be alienated.
He didn't care...he thought he was "disrupting" the system.
I said, no, he was just being a jerk.
The rest of us are left inconvenienced and perplexed because no one is doing any outreach or organizing.
Also, the solution to every problem isn't to go out and block traffic. I talked to a guy who claimed to be part of "black" lives matter and said that the guy stuck in traffic a mile from the protest doesn't know what's going on and the few that do know what's going on will be alienated.
He didn't care...he thought he was "disrupting" the system.
I said, no, he was just being a jerk.
12
I guess you missed the Women's March. Largest protest day in the history of the U.S.
4
Yes. Thank you, Beth, for woman-splaining things for me. Your condescending tone is greatly appreciated. Your march was an outlier and the exception that proves my point.
There are four marches coming up:
National Pride March
People's Climate Movement 2017
Scientists' March On Washington
and Tax March, April 15th
National Pride March
People's Climate Movement 2017
Scientists' March On Washington
and Tax March, April 15th
29
Thank you for this list!
2
Not My President Day March, on Presidents' Day, at Trump Tower NYC.
1
According to a study by the Cato Institute, a conservative Think Tank, the likelihood that an immigrant engages in terror is 1 in 3.6 Billion. This is much lower than the likelihood that Mr. Trump would assault yet another woman. Who should be banned?
96
Doddy chooses to forget San Bernardino shooter Tasheen Malik,
the Tsarnaev brothers, Chattanooga Recruiting Center shooter, Mohammad Youssuf Abdulazeez,
Ohio State University attacker Abdul Razak Artan, NYC bomber Ahmad Khan Rahimi, and Minnesota mall attacker Dahir Adan. Why? Don't or didn't they exist?
the Tsarnaev brothers, Chattanooga Recruiting Center shooter, Mohammad Youssuf Abdulazeez,
Ohio State University attacker Abdul Razak Artan, NYC bomber Ahmad Khan Rahimi, and Minnesota mall attacker Dahir Adan. Why? Don't or didn't they exist?
4
That he got 40 up votes for that stat from the Cato Institute means America needs many more Chinese math whiz immigrants.
L’Osservatore - Right wingers refuse to acknowledge all of the shootings done here in the U.S. by American born white men. Why is that?
2
Trump is used to running Hotels, not a Country.
He'll eventually learn that running the United States is a little more complicated than simply turning on the 'No Vacancy' sign.
He'll eventually learn that running the United States is a little more complicated than simply turning on the 'No Vacancy' sign.
29
Protesting in the USA is a protected right, but common decency has taken a back seat to thuggish behavior that harms other citizens...from destruction of property to harming the affairs of commerce.
The protesters should have done their homework. The 7 countries are but 12.2% of the Muslim countries around the globe. This is not a ban based on religion...it is based on the same data that the Obama administration used in 2p15 to flag these same countries BUT they did nothing. This is a great 1st step...I applaud you Mr President.
Chili pills being dispensed post-haste!
The protesters should have done their homework. The 7 countries are but 12.2% of the Muslim countries around the globe. This is not a ban based on religion...it is based on the same data that the Obama administration used in 2p15 to flag these same countries BUT they did nothing. This is a great 1st step...I applaud you Mr President.
Chili pills being dispensed post-haste!
7
I've been to two extremely large demonstrations in Boston so far and there have been no, I repeat, no disturbances. If you know of any in any other city, please be more specific. If you are referring to Trumps inauguration, and if you're insinuating that they are somehow like the rest of us were demonstrating, then you're wrong.
17
However, the ban singles out Muslim countries despite no one from those countries ever having been involved in the attacks on American soil and it gives a preference for non-Muslims in the rule regarding case-by-case exceptions.
2
Glenn Kessler of the Washington Post has analyzed claims about the alleged equivalence of Obama's and Trump's actions:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/fact-checker/wp/2017/01/29/trumps-fa...
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/fact-checker/wp/2017/01/29/trumps-fa...
1
We have a community to call on, which seems wonderfully comforting.
14
And if there was a terror attack in a big city of the USA all the commentators here will be saying Trump did not do enough
9
Wrong-O, Joe,
If there is a terror attack in a big city of the USA, all the commentators here will be correct in saying that Trump's crass hastiness (the bumbling idiocy of his executive order) will have done TOO much -- by provoking the enemy.
If there is a terror attack in a big city of the USA, all the commentators here will be correct in saying that Trump's crass hastiness (the bumbling idiocy of his executive order) will have done TOO much -- by provoking the enemy.
11
We've had lots of attacks since 9/11. And ALL by people already here. Mostly lone wolves or people related to each other.
8
No. It'll obama'a fault for doing zero, nada to protect our country b
I don't think the make up and energy of this resistance came out of no where. I actually think it embodies many of the ideals supported by the Bernie Sanders campaign and the movement surrounding it. The collective voice of protesters seems to reject the watered down moderate politics of the democratic establishment, has an energy and urgency that Clinton's campaign completely lacked, is centered on social justice issues and human rights, and is calling for a complete overhaul of this broken political system. I think Trump's presidency and the failure of Clinton's campaign has made more people realize that this is the direction we must go in as we move forward. We need to acknowledge that Sanders helped start this movement and continue to mobilize with the support of leaders like him.
225
Seeds of this go back to Howard Dean. To Obama. And yes, Sanders as well. That's just this century. For the Anti-War movement against the Vietnam War and the Civil Rights movement also play a role.
It has no one precursor. And no one Name.
Nevertheless: RESIST!
Today, as I picked up my new glasses, I passed a couple of young black women as I, and old white lady, walked to my car. I said to them, in passing: "Resist Injustice!" I'm gonna do that more.
It has no one precursor. And no one Name.
Nevertheless: RESIST!
Today, as I picked up my new glasses, I passed a couple of young black women as I, and old white lady, walked to my car. I said to them, in passing: "Resist Injustice!" I'm gonna do that more.
18
Clinton won many more votes that Trump, and even more than that over Bernie. Let's not forget that antipathy against Clinton was drummed up by the Sanders campaign, and that is one of the reasons we have the president we do now. The solution is not Bernie, it's to get demagoguery out of American politics.
5
I agree with you in part. But Sanders joined the fray (overtly) a little later in the process. The credit goes to Occupy Wall Street and Black Lives Matter for opening the door to radical street protest and illuminating the fear it induces in the regime.
2
Rather than call this group the "Alt-Left" or the "Alt-Majority," how about this catchy title: The Majority.
53
How about " the majority Americans" like to see mr. Trump attacking that.
Actually- Mr. Manjoo you are witnessing a millennial phenomenon of anarchy propelled with the assistance of social media that has engulfed the planet, Middle East, Canada, and Europe - where a 'call to action' provides the needy millennial crowd who wants desperately to 'belong' to any group. We see the crowd wanting to participate in cohesion with a crowd to achieve the "good" feeling they don't experience at home or in school. Hence the purpose of chanting and shouting in unison providing the false sense of linkage and cohesiveness with the majority. . you will find then standing side-by-side supported and encouraged by their parents (i.e. Obama's daughter in North Dakota). By the way are the taxpayers paying for her FBI and Secret Service protection? Who set up her tent?
1
"millenial phenomenon"??? "anarchist"???
I'm a 72 year old lady!
You don't get it!!!
I'm a 72 year old lady!
You don't get it!!!
20
That is inaccurate. I have been to these protests and ALL ages are represented. The marchers are democrats, republicans and independents, men and women. They come from all races and ethnic groups. There is, however, one important thing that they all share: a belief in the power of participatory democracy.
And, as far as protection is concerned, the only real fear the marchers have is that the government will follow the example of a real dictatorship and take aim at its own. It sounds terribly dark but, sadly, there is precedent in this very country.
And, as far as protection is concerned, the only real fear the marchers have is that the government will follow the example of a real dictatorship and take aim at its own. It sounds terribly dark but, sadly, there is precedent in this very country.
17
What about the tea party? They aren't millennials. What on earth are you talking about ?
I'm way beyond a millennial but I'm with them, children, middle aged protesters and the elders in spirit in these marches . In fact , I'm part of the spirit.
I'm way beyond a millennial but I'm with them, children, middle aged protesters and the elders in spirit in these marches . In fact , I'm part of the spirit.
2
I meant to include the name of the old chicago community organizer who developed the "flood the system" strategy. It was Saul Alinsky, who would love what is being done against dt with dt's beloved twitter..and other outlets. Right on, Saul.
7
#realdonaldtrump
Simple solution. I will sign and the Republicans will enact a constitutional amendment repealing the "right to assemble" except at my rallies.
Done. Crybabies. Sad!
Simple solution. I will sign and the Republicans will enact a constitutional amendment repealing the "right to assemble" except at my rallies.
Done. Crybabies. Sad!
3
Social media is great because leftists will no longer be able to rely on mainstream media outlets to shill for them--thus cornering opinion. Social media can and is being used to counter the intolerant and fascist left.
7
You have it all backwards.
16
Pot. Kettle. Black.
9
"Fascist left" is an impossibility, by definition.
fascism / noun: an authoritarian and nationalistic right-wing system of government and social organization.
fascism / noun: an authoritarian and nationalistic right-wing system of government and social organization.
15
My senator is Lindsey Graham. I write and call him each week to give him encouragement to keep fighting and taking the moral high ground. All of us need to be active and informed citizens. Do more than just post on social media. Show up. Write your representatives. Donate to organizations that are fighting this demagogue and his associates.
50
Unfortunately, Graham needs to START fighting. It's great that he speaks up, but without action his words are hollow and useless. Where are his votes against this attack on our democracy?
Inspired by Mel Brooks here, I'd like to make a suggestion. Whenever Trump speaks, wherever he shows up, just laugh at him. Laugh loud and long and keep laughing over every word he says. Do it publicly, do it in private, do it in front of friends and enemies alike. The more we quail and fear him, the more important he'll feel. If we laugh, he'll realize how insignificant he really is.
38
As H.L. Mencken said, one horselaugh is worth 10,000 syllogisms.
1
It may also be time to seriously consider scrapping the Presidential system in favor of the Parliamentary one. Ours is breaking down, and is not recognizing the majority in 2 of the past 5 elections ( 40% ). The GOP should favor it , at this point in time. As I recall, they didn't want this guy, either.
12
Yes, please, give me a parliamentary system!
5
At a minimum, the parliamentary tradition of a question period, when the chief executive is put on the hot spot, would be most welcome.
2
I'm all for protest and for deposing the dear leader. But beware - the chaos he - or Bannon - creates might be quite intentional. Cause such a disruption and opposition that anything else he proposes after the heat of this one dies down will be seen as "reasonable" in comparison. He could be seeking to be seen as having listened and compromised and changed his position -- when in fact this new "offer" was what he wanted to get all along and it is still awful. Beware! This is his modus operandi.
18
Let's not forget actual networks, like television networks, which also can serve to mobilize protests for justice.
I am very glad actors and actresses are finally using awards shows, for example, to speak out en masse against the ugly and dark prejudicial impulses currently at the reins.
Hollywood is filled with the very people who are routinely castigated as weird, or freakish, or "other." Yet Hollywood also knows that no vile label changes the fact that the other-ized are people with kind hearts, families, challenges, and quirks, just like anyone else.
I didn't watch the SAG Awards, but I have been watching the protests and made a sizable donation to the ACLU. I encourage others to do the same, even if it's a few dollars. I am sure they will happily accept the help and the motivation behind it.
I am very glad actors and actresses are finally using awards shows, for example, to speak out en masse against the ugly and dark prejudicial impulses currently at the reins.
Hollywood is filled with the very people who are routinely castigated as weird, or freakish, or "other." Yet Hollywood also knows that no vile label changes the fact that the other-ized are people with kind hearts, families, challenges, and quirks, just like anyone else.
I didn't watch the SAG Awards, but I have been watching the protests and made a sizable donation to the ACLU. I encourage others to do the same, even if it's a few dollars. I am sure they will happily accept the help and the motivation behind it.
15
Will the Times fact check the claims about regulations stifling entrepreneurship and parse the EO about them or will you just keep re-running stories that whip up emotions? In the weeks after the election you flagellated yourself about getting it so wrong and wailing that you would always try to do the right thing in the future. I am not a fan of Bannon but his comment about the media being the opposition is sadly not untrue.
4
We had better get used to chaos -- at least until Trump leaves office.
13
An unnamed official from the Department of Homeland Security told both the New York Times and ABC News late Saturday that 109 travelers had been detained and denied entry into the United States after landing at a U.S. airport. Another 173 people had been denied entry to the country prior to boarding planes destined for the United States in foreign ports. The only chaos at the airports is being caused by the protesters, not the 109 travelers being detained.
9
Right, and that somehow gives Donald to put garbage on a paper and sign it as a presidential decree. Think, students with Visas. Other Muslims living in constant fear of when they'll be deported. Think, families with jobs, homes, lives that are dependent on the idea that America is a democratic country that doesn't discriminate based on religion. Now try writing the same same comment. If you still believe the ban doesn't affect people, then you need a civics lesson.
22
173 people is 173 people too many - asking people their view on Trump while in detention is a policy that smacks of Saudi not USA
12
JayB, sure glad your Mom wasn't one of the folks stopped illegally, unConstitutionally just because they weren't from Ireland or Saudi Arabia...
1
Donald J. Trump is ......an enemy of the USA.....he is....a despot...who is
mentally ill...and programmed by a brilliant fascist Steven Bannon who is
as close to Goebbels as one can imagine...
So..Bannon and friend Putin...have the ideal ...puppet to gain their goals..that
being Donald J. Trump who for the sake of sustaining his self-love...or extreme
mental disorder...give Trump his daily ego boost...and then issue forth
the orders that will be the downfall of our republic..
Now...try...just try to disagree...because I would like to read your rebuttals.
Bannon and Putin are playing Trump like a marionette ...yo yo...
Understand ..NOW ????
mentally ill...and programmed by a brilliant fascist Steven Bannon who is
as close to Goebbels as one can imagine...
So..Bannon and friend Putin...have the ideal ...puppet to gain their goals..that
being Donald J. Trump who for the sake of sustaining his self-love...or extreme
mental disorder...give Trump his daily ego boost...and then issue forth
the orders that will be the downfall of our republic..
Now...try...just try to disagree...because I would like to read your rebuttals.
Bannon and Putin are playing Trump like a marionette ...yo yo...
Understand ..NOW ????
29
THINGS WE HAVE LEARNED THUS FAR FROM DT.:
1. it is true that money can't buy happiness.
2. it is true that what goes around comes around. Do you know why? Because we create the ambiance of our lives and dt has created a life drowning in twitter.
3. the old chicago community organized was right when he devised his "flood the system strategy". Which is; take what the oppressor claims to value and give them so much of it they choke on it. You like twitter donny boy…we like it more.
1. it is true that money can't buy happiness.
2. it is true that what goes around comes around. Do you know why? Because we create the ambiance of our lives and dt has created a life drowning in twitter.
3. the old chicago community organized was right when he devised his "flood the system strategy". Which is; take what the oppressor claims to value and give them so much of it they choke on it. You like twitter donny boy…we like it more.
18
I wonder what the airing of the HBO documentary on Warren Buffett, a real billionaire, will do to the narcissist-in-chief's ego?
But on a more serious note, many people I know that were not active in politics before are asking how to get involved. I am optimistic for the future, if we can survive the short term. Remember, he now has the nuclear codes.
But on a more serious note, many people I know that were not active in politics before are asking how to get involved. I am optimistic for the future, if we can survive the short term. Remember, he now has the nuclear codes.
18
Apparently, Trumpf learned nothing from the Arab Spring. Social media was one of the key driving forces in the success of the demonstrations. Today we are witnessing a wonderful and heartwarming surge of awareness, unlike anything we've seen in some time. The new administration's callous behavior and, disregard for the principles on which this nation was founded.
With every gathering, every tweet and post, every homemade sign we the people are standing up to an authoritarian administration bent on altering over two hundred years of history.
Facebook and Twitter are the new sounding boards. And, though I hate to see certain friends and relatives upset over how political posts have become it is clear to me that this is the best way of building dissent. We now have a prez that seems to believe his only means of communication is Twitter so, it seems on fitting he is confronted in the same way.
With every gathering, every tweet and post, every homemade sign we the people are standing up to an authoritarian administration bent on altering over two hundred years of history.
Facebook and Twitter are the new sounding boards. And, though I hate to see certain friends and relatives upset over how political posts have become it is clear to me that this is the best way of building dissent. We now have a prez that seems to believe his only means of communication is Twitter so, it seems on fitting he is confronted in the same way.
16
Sad to say it, but -- You wish.
Trump's supporters (as well as paid operatives in Russia) are also very good with social media. And now their voices will be amplified by government agencies run by Trump. Even the Voice of America suddenly has young, Trump-campaign employees on its board.
I predicted Trump's win, and I believe that things in the United States will get much, much worse before they get better. If they get better.
When neo-Nazis join up with disaffected workers, who join up with the anti-birth control crowd, who are in turn supported by the Catholic hierarchy and every televangelist in creation, and then the grunt-guys who think it's fun to make fun of cripples swell the pro-Trump faithful, and then the anti-tax people, and the anti-regulatory crowd who don't mind a little air and water pollution to go with their cheap gas and their cheap goods, and the ranchers who want their cattle to graze on our national parklands, all of whom hate "intellectuals" and "elites," whatever that means . . . .
There are a lot of people like me, who aren't elite or particularly liberal but know a con-job by an ambitious, amoral playboy when we see one, but short of begging every billionaire with a conscience to fight the canny operator we have inhabiting the White House, we've got ourselves a system shortly to be rigged in a manner the Third Reich would envy.
Trump's supporters (as well as paid operatives in Russia) are also very good with social media. And now their voices will be amplified by government agencies run by Trump. Even the Voice of America suddenly has young, Trump-campaign employees on its board.
I predicted Trump's win, and I believe that things in the United States will get much, much worse before they get better. If they get better.
When neo-Nazis join up with disaffected workers, who join up with the anti-birth control crowd, who are in turn supported by the Catholic hierarchy and every televangelist in creation, and then the grunt-guys who think it's fun to make fun of cripples swell the pro-Trump faithful, and then the anti-tax people, and the anti-regulatory crowd who don't mind a little air and water pollution to go with their cheap gas and their cheap goods, and the ranchers who want their cattle to graze on our national parklands, all of whom hate "intellectuals" and "elites," whatever that means . . . .
There are a lot of people like me, who aren't elite or particularly liberal but know a con-job by an ambitious, amoral playboy when we see one, but short of begging every billionaire with a conscience to fight the canny operator we have inhabiting the White House, we've got ourselves a system shortly to be rigged in a manner the Third Reich would envy.
23
Call it Democracy - sort of like in 1776
14
The resident's actions are reminiscent of Mad King George III who was the object of the Declaration of Independence. DT swore on two Bibles that he would follow the United States Constitution but obviously never studied his history or the Constitution.
11
I would love to see a protest in Washington and all other cities on the 15th of April , our tax returns in hand and hand them over with the demand that Mr Trump leads the people by him handing over his tax return for 2016 and showing we the American people his return plus the preceding 9 years.
Let's see how transparent he and his administration is and show Ms Conway
Americans do care about his tax returns.
Let's see how transparent he and his administration is and show Ms Conway
Americans do care about his tax returns.
22
This is "We the People" in its purest form. The world is changing fast and it is the new media that is changing it.
Thank you for writing this inspiring article. I will email this to everyone I know.
Thank you for writing this inspiring article. I will email this to everyone I know.
11
I want to live in a nation with a bright and healthy future not built on fear but on the virtues of inclusion. A nation that builds a strong middle class that offers hope to it's citizens. It seems to me the only way that this is going to happen is if we #resist the social and economic policies of this administration by staying connected on social media so that we can mobilize, demonstrate and vote for the country we want to live in. Let us show them what real Democracy looks like!
12
So big tech and other industries are now concerned because they have large immigrant workforces. Otherwise they were neutral (amoral) on the subject until it hits their bottom lines. COURAGE.
Well, you've waited and seen. You've "given him a chance." How you liking it now? As for the GOP, they'll take a serious look at all this right after they get their tax cuts passed.
Well, you've waited and seen. You've "given him a chance." How you liking it now? As for the GOP, they'll take a serious look at all this right after they get their tax cuts passed.
8
Interestingly enough, the reason for this large immigrant workforce is that immigrants will work for less and are bound to their employers because of visas so they put up with a lot more crap than Americans - for a fraction of the cost.
4
This is exactly why I participated in the Women's March; not because of any one cause (there are too many to choose from), but because it allows "us" to stand up and be counted, to show that Trump's pronouncements of a electoral landslide are a ridiculous lie. Let's keep it up! Let's be the alt-majority. Let's keep talking about his tiny, tiny hands. Let's keep him and his minions distracted, using the same tools that he used so successfully throughout the election. Give him enough rope so he can continue to demonstrate how out of his depth he and his team are. We can block his edicts and bring the country back to sanity in 2018 and 2020 (I'd say impeach Trump, but then we'd be stuck with Pence).
19
It's definitely a new day here in my area of PA. People used to be pretty circumspect about voicing their political leanings. No more. People everywhere are talking about how awful Trump and his people are. Not just friends and acquaintances, but my librarian, my pharmacist, the attendance secretary at my kids' school. I'm stunned--and greatly heartened. Something is going on out here.
74
They voted for Trump recently. Your impressions are anecdotal feedback but that's what Hillary was getting during her false confidence. Trump people are silent and that's how polls missed them. Many do not like his
morals but did affirm several of his positions...and he wasn't running against Mrs. Clean.
morals but did affirm several of his positions...and he wasn't running against Mrs. Clean.
1
Agreed. 2017 is the first time I have heard politics discussed in the workplace ... since 2004. It is heartening.
6
Let's keep in mind, Trump DID NOT win the popular vote!
23
The best story I've read today!!
15
Trump and his band of close confidants, particularly Bannon who now sits on the national security council (while the chairman of the joint joint Chiefs of staff has been tossed go figure) have zero intention of doing anything other than obfuscating lying and attempting to throw half true or entirely false information into the fray in order to confuse the American people.
The morally empty Republicans who fear not hanging onto his coattails are supporting this ban on immigrants by explaining that it's a temporary time out. That's a bunch of hogwash – they are looking to calm down the protests and outrage in the hope that people will just go home and shut up as Steve Bannon has made it clear he wants everyone to do (not just the media by the way).
I agree with the writer that we should not allow this movement to be named alt anything because it is a vile connection. Many of us are now on text alerts to resist and gather where needed within hours. We're not going anywher. Repeat: we're not going away. Get used to it White House. You reap what you sow. And remember; the emperor has no clothes.
The morally empty Republicans who fear not hanging onto his coattails are supporting this ban on immigrants by explaining that it's a temporary time out. That's a bunch of hogwash – they are looking to calm down the protests and outrage in the hope that people will just go home and shut up as Steve Bannon has made it clear he wants everyone to do (not just the media by the way).
I agree with the writer that we should not allow this movement to be named alt anything because it is a vile connection. Many of us are now on text alerts to resist and gather where needed within hours. We're not going anywher. Repeat: we're not going away. Get used to it White House. You reap what you sow. And remember; the emperor has no clothes.
23
Live by the tweet die by the tweet.
17
If Congress does not step in and act immediately to suspend power from this dangerous and most irresponsible president, you will see social media and grassroots organization put together the largest national strike in our history.
If Congress is too impotent and spineless to act, if the republicans cannot own up to their mistake and right the ship and if Donald Trump, unfit and unqualified for office, continues to simply run his businesses while Steven Bannon runs our country? The People of the United States will have no other recourse than to stop the country in protest. Bannon is an unfit, inexperienced avowed white nationalist who desires complete and total chaos and is already creating it.
Donald Trump has put our country in clear and present danger. Actions are already being proved by the court to be illegal and more will follow. But more importantly, he's acting irresponsibly and putting lives at risk. He's inciting racial hatred and religious violence, acting with executive authority in direct opposition to our country's own written tenets and the cornerstone of American beliefs.
Trump is a travesty. Congress must ACT. And social media: UNITE!
Congress has proven itself as ineffectual as the president has shown himself to be unqualified, irresponsible and incompetently dangerous.
If change is not effected immediately, the People can shut it down.
If Congress is too impotent and spineless to act, if the republicans cannot own up to their mistake and right the ship and if Donald Trump, unfit and unqualified for office, continues to simply run his businesses while Steven Bannon runs our country? The People of the United States will have no other recourse than to stop the country in protest. Bannon is an unfit, inexperienced avowed white nationalist who desires complete and total chaos and is already creating it.
Donald Trump has put our country in clear and present danger. Actions are already being proved by the court to be illegal and more will follow. But more importantly, he's acting irresponsibly and putting lives at risk. He's inciting racial hatred and religious violence, acting with executive authority in direct opposition to our country's own written tenets and the cornerstone of American beliefs.
Trump is a travesty. Congress must ACT. And social media: UNITE!
Congress has proven itself as ineffectual as the president has shown himself to be unqualified, irresponsible and incompetently dangerous.
If change is not effected immediately, the People can shut it down.
14
Many of us are using the Indivisible Guide (available at indivisibleguide.org) to form local groups and follow the guidelines within.
8
Why isn't the media reporting on the nearly 500,000 signatures to date demanding Trump's tax returns? They are being collected at www.petitions.whitehouse.org.
26
Because even 500,000 people can be wrong. His tax returns are protected private information. If you expect to see his private information then everyone of those signing the petition can post their own tax returns along with their signature for all to see.
3
He has revealed much about the size of hands, dating preferences, and his news channels he likes, more than information that half the country is asking for and could put him in serious jeopardy.
4
I'll be happy to show Trump mine if he shows me his.
1
Social networks are a "double edged sword". On the positive side, they enable people around the globe to share information quickly. The downside is knowing the veracity of the information being provided. The best guidance is that social networks are a "tool" to be used carefully.
5
I agree. Let's not forget that fake news stories on Facebook (“Pope Francis shocks world, endorses Donald Trump for president”) also "empowered" Trump's victory. http://www.vox.com/new-money/2016/11/16/13659840/facebook-fake-news-chart
3
We know his modus operandi, which is to sow chaos and confusion everywhere; so we must proceed to give him more trouble than he can handle.
The only effective way of dealing with him will be by the exercise of something close to total-across-the-board opposition to all of his executive actions and legislative proposals except for the ones that are reasonable, of which we can expect there will be few.
Many individual battles with him may be lost in the process, but swamping him in legal actions; media exposes; boycotts of his business supporters; government and private sector opposition at the local level; and protest marches will be our best hope of slowing him down and ultimately getting rid of him.
Our situation is truly growing more desperate by the day. Who could have imagined this would happen so soon?
The only effective way of dealing with him will be by the exercise of something close to total-across-the-board opposition to all of his executive actions and legislative proposals except for the ones that are reasonable, of which we can expect there will be few.
Many individual battles with him may be lost in the process, but swamping him in legal actions; media exposes; boycotts of his business supporters; government and private sector opposition at the local level; and protest marches will be our best hope of slowing him down and ultimately getting rid of him.
Our situation is truly growing more desperate by the day. Who could have imagined this would happen so soon?
342
I think a lot of us imagined this. I did.
6
"We know his modus operandi, which is to sow chaos and confusion everywhere; so we must proceed to give him more trouble than he can handle.
The only effective way of dealing with him will be by the exercise of something close to total-across-the-board opposition to all of his executive actions and legislative proposals except for the ones that are reasonable, of which we can expect there will be few."
Completely agree. Given Trump's centralized management style: The more fronts he's fighting on, the more scattered and diffused he will be, and the more his energy and spirits will be sapped.
This needs to be a battle of attrition.
The only effective way of dealing with him will be by the exercise of something close to total-across-the-board opposition to all of his executive actions and legislative proposals except for the ones that are reasonable, of which we can expect there will be few."
Completely agree. Given Trump's centralized management style: The more fronts he's fighting on, the more scattered and diffused he will be, and the more his energy and spirits will be sapped.
This needs to be a battle of attrition.
1
Many of your suggestions are exactly what our colonial patriots did to rid ourselves of King George. It worked.
2
Considering Trump called for a Muslim ban and read his "snake" allegory about refugees at rallies across the nation, I'm thinking that what we are seeing is more akin to pre-existing Trump opponents continuing to oppose Trump despite the election results.
Is there any evidence or polling that suggests Trump supporters didn't believe Trump would oppose admitting refugees into the U.S.?
Is there any evidence that there is a national consensus on admitting refugees now or are we still just as divided as on November 8th?
Is there any evidence or polling that suggests Trump supporters didn't believe Trump would oppose admitting refugees into the U.S.?
Is there any evidence that there is a national consensus on admitting refugees now or are we still just as divided as on November 8th?
3
I don't think a single Trump supporter is disturbed by this and the leftist media is driving more in that direction. But you must maintain your million readers.
2
Trump supporters don't tend to read or watch actual news. They probably don't know anything about it.
7
I don't know how Trump supporters are reacting to the protests but I know several Trump supporters who are reacting very negatively to his actions and rhetoric. My guess is that many of them will be marching in the next one.
I love The Resistance.
10
Back in olden hippie days when live rock concerts blissed everyone way out, the more mature and cynical among us would say, “Yeah, but what happens if you pull the plug?” That was a comment deriding packaged euphoria. Today in real time it rings different, an eerie reminder that Trump is quite capable of pulling the plug: in the wall, digital, wireless, the works. All that could be left media wise is a one way channel emanating his tweets. These grass roots protests are inspiring and beautiful. But remember: A resisting populace has to be heads up at all times and keep a eye out that the plug stays plugged in.
3
The republicans put their party over the country's best interests every time. Because they know that once they are decisively voted out, some of the rules of the game will be made more fair (electoral college and gerrymandering reform) -- and then they will never get back in power with their current policies of hate and division.
I'm hoping that this absolute train wreck of an administration, along with a strong opposition movement, will be enough to finally wake up the sleeping half of the electorate who doesn't typically vote. We need to decisively take out some congressional trash in 2018.
Hopefully Our reality TV prez won't get us all blown up before then.
I'm hoping that this absolute train wreck of an administration, along with a strong opposition movement, will be enough to finally wake up the sleeping half of the electorate who doesn't typically vote. We need to decisively take out some congressional trash in 2018.
Hopefully Our reality TV prez won't get us all blown up before then.
5
The process may make quick actions possible but at the very same time they make those actions and the people who participate less powerful. There was an article in the Times recently that discussed this. Basically the time it took to organize people and get them to a place at the same time before individual mass communication was possible also functioned as part of the process of learning the best ways to argue against the thing, and to get the people who come up to speed and fully engaged in the process. It took sacrifice and effort one had to deny ones self things in life to engage in the process of protest and demanding change for unfairness or whatever the cause I assume is about making life better for more people.
This required effort served to limit the numbers of protests as well as being a bar to superficial protests of people who do not know each other where degenerates like the Anarchist’s can just show up and join in as if they were part of the plan all along. People who know each other from organizing over time (there would be a hierarchy of people responsible for those they recruited) would not allow a bunch of masked vandals to be among them and hijack their hard work for another purpose. The whole protest would stop to grab those degenerates and have the police take them away instead of having the police attack everyone as if they are all anarchists.
This required effort served to limit the numbers of protests as well as being a bar to superficial protests of people who do not know each other where degenerates like the Anarchist’s can just show up and join in as if they were part of the plan all along. People who know each other from organizing over time (there would be a hierarchy of people responsible for those they recruited) would not allow a bunch of masked vandals to be among them and hijack their hard work for another purpose. The whole protest would stop to grab those degenerates and have the police take them away instead of having the police attack everyone as if they are all anarchists.
2
The anarchists have been fighting for your rights in the streets for years, Johnny Come Lately.
It was their resistance first.
It was their resistance first.
1
People who are breaking storefront windows aren't fighting for my rights or anyone else's.
5
People who whine about breaking storefront windows when people are suffering and dying due to the policies being protested aren't part of any sort of resistance at all.
I'm sick of spineless do-nothing's criticizing the people with the guts for action. This is not the time for wishy-washy fence sitting. If you're on the side of storefront windows over the side of human beings, then you're on the wrong side.
I'm sick of spineless do-nothing's criticizing the people with the guts for action. This is not the time for wishy-washy fence sitting. If you're on the side of storefront windows over the side of human beings, then you're on the wrong side.
2
In my lifetime, I've never seen anything like this.
My Facebook feed reveals that 80 of my friends marched last week.....all,over the country. People who are otherwise benign are sharing tips on using Malox to wash off tear gas.
The harm on an Untold number of relationships has yet to be measured. I don't know of a single person who has escaped unharmed. I've stopped talking to my friend of 30 years over this. Turns out that once seen, a person's true oral compass can't be unseen.
There is going to be immeasurable damage on the Republicsn party come 2018. In blue states, they are all but going to disappear. I know that this formerly independent stay-at-home mama is going to do all I can to defeat Rep Lance and keep the GOP the heck out of NJ across the board. In our town, the popular Republican major was boot d....it was guilt by association.
However, even in the red South, I see the stirrings of anger in men and women who've never expressed a political thought out loud. There is an enormous shift happening right now and the thunder from this storm will reverberated much louder and longer than any disenfranchised white voters. A sleeping giant has been woken....
I predicted Trump would win.......and now I predict this: the GOP will never recover from this debacle.
My Facebook feed reveals that 80 of my friends marched last week.....all,over the country. People who are otherwise benign are sharing tips on using Malox to wash off tear gas.
The harm on an Untold number of relationships has yet to be measured. I don't know of a single person who has escaped unharmed. I've stopped talking to my friend of 30 years over this. Turns out that once seen, a person's true oral compass can't be unseen.
There is going to be immeasurable damage on the Republicsn party come 2018. In blue states, they are all but going to disappear. I know that this formerly independent stay-at-home mama is going to do all I can to defeat Rep Lance and keep the GOP the heck out of NJ across the board. In our town, the popular Republican major was boot d....it was guilt by association.
However, even in the red South, I see the stirrings of anger in men and women who've never expressed a political thought out loud. There is an enormous shift happening right now and the thunder from this storm will reverberated much louder and longer than any disenfranchised white voters. A sleeping giant has been woken....
I predicted Trump would win.......and now I predict this: the GOP will never recover from this debacle.
29
And yet the republicans in congress continue to sit on their hands and do essentially nothing. Even the tepid statement by McCain and Graham was hardly a swat at what is happening out of the executive branch. Personally, I have no idea how a republican can leave the house without a newspaper covering their face or an outright bag over their heads.
But here they are, with one deplorable act after another. It's shamefully pitiful. And it's putting all kinds of lives at risk--as the hatred and intolerance ends in violence and mishaps.
But here they are, with one deplorable act after another. It's shamefully pitiful. And it's putting all kinds of lives at risk--as the hatred and intolerance ends in violence and mishaps.
5
We the people need to continue to stand up to the tin pot despot that Trump imagines he is. He has no mandate, no majority. He has a warped mind and a streak of autocratic meanness that will only endanger our well being and out institutions.
We the people need to find ways to remove his presence from the media. No video coverage, no sound bites, no mention of his tweets and no attention. We the people need to put coverage of him into a sensory deprivation tank.
And since calling the White House is no longer an option (calls are either not answered, or you get put into a menu of options that never leads to a human being) we the people need to call each and every Trump property or business to express our disgust with Mr. Trump and his policies.
We the people need to find ways to remove his presence from the media. No video coverage, no sound bites, no mention of his tweets and no attention. We the people need to put coverage of him into a sensory deprivation tank.
And since calling the White House is no longer an option (calls are either not answered, or you get put into a menu of options that never leads to a human being) we the people need to call each and every Trump property or business to express our disgust with Mr. Trump and his policies.
10
Go on line to whitehouseinc.org and they will connect you via phone to a random trump property where you can express your concerns to the poor person at the other end who is trying to book you a room, or tee time, or whatever.
2
A mentally ill person is in the White House. Let's not be weak and just complain. Let's honor our forefathers and all those who did and want to keep this a wonderful country. Let's not be apathetic, it will make you feel helpless. This IS OUR COUNTRY, NOT A LUNATIC'S.
Empower ourselves by doing and yes, it is OUR time do something for our country, protect it through our congressmen, senators and protest. One very sick man and his defenders are the ones who don't belong in this country.
Empower ourselves by doing and yes, it is OUR time do something for our country, protect it through our congressmen, senators and protest. One very sick man and his defenders are the ones who don't belong in this country.
10
"A mentally ill person is in the White House."
You'd like to think Trump mentally ill. He might be amoral, he might be piggish and impulsive; but you'd better bet that he knows what he's doing: that he hired operatives out of Eastern Europe to advise him, and encouraged neo-Nazis with barely veiled promises, that he used his daughter Ivanka and her husband to suggest a modicum of moderation, and that he has assembled anti-intellectuals, anti-choice figures and anti-regulatory types, the science deniers, and others, to help him get to where he is.
Not the actions of a lunatic, but someone with an eye for good real estate; in this case, the White House.
Don't underestimate Trump. Germans made fun of Hitler too, for a while.
You'd like to think Trump mentally ill. He might be amoral, he might be piggish and impulsive; but you'd better bet that he knows what he's doing: that he hired operatives out of Eastern Europe to advise him, and encouraged neo-Nazis with barely veiled promises, that he used his daughter Ivanka and her husband to suggest a modicum of moderation, and that he has assembled anti-intellectuals, anti-choice figures and anti-regulatory types, the science deniers, and others, to help him get to where he is.
Not the actions of a lunatic, but someone with an eye for good real estate; in this case, the White House.
Don't underestimate Trump. Germans made fun of Hitler too, for a while.
I am thrilled and heartened to see the Resistance from ordinary Americans, lawyers, Civil Rights orgs, State Dept Diplomats and President Obama adding his assent.
Everywhere I go, the hearing aid guy, the eyeglass ladies, doctors, nurses, chaplains, people standing in line at CostCo - ordinary people - are so mad, so ready to speak out and stand up to all the outrageous and chaotic behavior coming from the White House.
For the flood of strange and upsetting edicts, photo-ops, tweets and press conferences is only fueling the resistance. All you need to do is drop a hint and out it comes!
We can't let up the pressure. But the more we press on, the greater the negative pressure increasing in that pressure cooker in DC and its insecure 'resident" in the White House.
I rejoice to see each homemade sign. Each lawsuit flowing forth. Each city at home and abroad where people are gathering to protest in their thousands and tens of thousands. The petition in the UK, to reject a Trump visit. Even if their Prime Minister does not rescind her invitation, perhaps Trump will cancel. Because something tells me the Brits are itching for an excuse to massively protest should he actually come.
From the bottom of my heart and with a mental hug for each and every one finding ways to protest and resist, I extend my deepest gratitude.
Never give up! Find ways to express your outrage. T-shirts. Armbands. Lawn or window signs. Bumper Stickers. Find your Voice! Go for it!
Everywhere I go, the hearing aid guy, the eyeglass ladies, doctors, nurses, chaplains, people standing in line at CostCo - ordinary people - are so mad, so ready to speak out and stand up to all the outrageous and chaotic behavior coming from the White House.
For the flood of strange and upsetting edicts, photo-ops, tweets and press conferences is only fueling the resistance. All you need to do is drop a hint and out it comes!
We can't let up the pressure. But the more we press on, the greater the negative pressure increasing in that pressure cooker in DC and its insecure 'resident" in the White House.
I rejoice to see each homemade sign. Each lawsuit flowing forth. Each city at home and abroad where people are gathering to protest in their thousands and tens of thousands. The petition in the UK, to reject a Trump visit. Even if their Prime Minister does not rescind her invitation, perhaps Trump will cancel. Because something tells me the Brits are itching for an excuse to massively protest should he actually come.
From the bottom of my heart and with a mental hug for each and every one finding ways to protest and resist, I extend my deepest gratitude.
Never give up! Find ways to express your outrage. T-shirts. Armbands. Lawn or window signs. Bumper Stickers. Find your Voice! Go for it!
745
There are still 62 million people that need convincing that they elected a most despicable human being to lead this country. Shame on them,
6
Most importantly, call your senators and representative regularly. Meet with them, go to town hall meetings, ask questions, hold their feet to the fire. (And have someone with a cell phone camera stationed at the back door in case they try to sneak out.)
1
Wonderfully stated! Thanks for the rays of sunshine!
My new normal is setting aside time each week to join a protest march and/or to contact my congressman.
Do Something! It will make a big difference.
And by the way - our voices are heard loud and clear by House Members and Senators. Trump is deaf.
Do Something! It will make a big difference.
And by the way - our voices are heard loud and clear by House Members and Senators. Trump is deaf.
134
Whatever it takes to stop a tyrant is fair game. Better social media to communicate a grievance than the end of a gun.
39
Dissipate? I hardly think so, many of us are getting organized, in small groups, aligning with other progressive groups, donating to orgs like the ACLU and Sierra Club. We are going to resist Trump and the GOP tooth and nail, and are already focused on the future, supporting progressive candidates and policy for upcoming elections, locally and nationally. We are not going to just stand around while our country is hijacked!
61
Even in little Syracuse, NY, about 1,000 people went to the airport to protest, including the city's mayor. The alt-majority is finding its voice.
62
Yes, very nice. This is all very fine for mobilizing the upper and middle classes and getting their concerns heard. But can social networking technologies be used to mobilize the poor and near-poor, Clinton and Trump's forgotten? Even now their voices dim.
5
We do it for All. For the Republic. The poor will join if they can. But many are too stretched simply trying to make ends meet. Not to worry. We do it for All.
4
Trump voters had no problem turning to social media and Faux News for disinformation, they choose to be lied to and it's up to them to make better choices. I'm tired of hearing excuses for these ignorant bigots.
6
Good you want to be inclusive, but assuming lower income folks aren't protesting may not be correct. Virtually everyone has cell phones, at least younger protesters sure do. Look carefully at the demonstrations. All walks of life are represented, outrage is shared by a vast and diverse population. Let's resist this Breitbart characterization of the opposition as "coastal elites." There are millions of plain working folk in every state who are patriotically resisting
We are legion. And we're coming over the walls.
We are legion. And we're coming over the walls.
6
I do worry that bannon (I say bannon and not trump because I don't thinks trump has the capability of remaining focused and setting policy; cannon is the puppet master here, trump Pinocchio) is a master of sleight of hand and finds issues and outrageous acts to distract while other more treacherous acts are unfolding. The Evangelical Christian Churches rightly denounced the immigration and Muslim band as immoral; might they be compromised to quiescence when a very conservative jurist is proposed for the Supreme Court. We must remain vigilant and flexible, recognizing that we protestors are a diverse group (a melting pot?) and we should protest that which we oppose, while not driving away others who agree with us about the big picture --bannon and trump need to go--but disagree sometimes on the individual issues. Our democracy and our future depend on cooperation.
14
Trump. This is how it works. First peaceful protest. At this stage all could be solved by a live and let live attitude. Do not oppress your citizens, and we'll let you be "president", all is good. Increased oppression will mean increased civil disobedience, and civil unrest. Naked tyranny will lead to American soldiers killing American citizens, just like your buddy Assad murders his people. Will it come to this? It won't if congress has the courage to act. And we will keep marching until they do!
44
If all the almost 3 million voters whose votes didn't count showed up marching, that would be fabulous.
5
Not quite like his totalitarian buddies, many Americans are armed. There are lots of idiots with guns, but also many normal people with guns who will protect themselves and their country from fascism. I hope it doesn't get to that point.
4
Labeling concerned citizens who take the trouble to turn out and make their voices heard with derogatory smear-terms like "snowflake" and "sore loser" does not change the reality that a rapidly growing number of Americans are outraged at the new President's flagrant disregard for core American values, international law, moral principles and the US Constitution, as witnessed by this latest policy debacle. For those who are still stuck in the us-versus-them rut of comparing Obama and Trump "scores," you might consider the difference in intention, scope and process. Any president can make policy errors, or take actions that seem like errors in retrospect. To take action is to risk making a mistake. But Trump did not consult anyone about his latest move, not even the agencies most concerned. Totally without relevant experience or knowledge himself, he simply played to his core audience, trying to score political points. He did not take legal, military or diplomatic advice from the most qualified sources or consult those who would have to implement the policy. Apparently he had no idea of the potential consequences or the potential collateral damage - there was no fact-based benefit vs. risk analysis. What is worse, nobody in his immediate circle of advisors had the sense to insist on due process either. It was not just wrong; it was stupid. We are in dangerous territory here.
176
Since he is a pathological narcissist, Rump just doesn't care about the consequences. The belligerence coming out of this regime is despicable.
2
College Prof: Great comment !
@ College Prof
Excellent points all.
In addition to the sheer stupidity involved, the arrogance and self-righteousness of this clan of criminals is staggering.
Excellent points all.
In addition to the sheer stupidity involved, the arrogance and self-righteousness of this clan of criminals is staggering.
1
"But the pictures and videos flooding across our social streams put the lie to Mr. Trump’s breezy pronouncements. Things at the airports weren’t working out very nicely; you could see it right there on Instagram."
What you describe are the effects of what is essentially sabotage and deliberate acts of disruption by reactionary mobs who act on misinformation. There is no Muslim ban. Only seven countries are involved and Obama gave Trump the list of those seven countries.
What puzzles me is how so many people from foreign nations have developed an entitled attitude about being allowed to live in the USA. I would not presume to think I was owed admission to any country not my own.
What you describe are the effects of what is essentially sabotage and deliberate acts of disruption by reactionary mobs who act on misinformation. There is no Muslim ban. Only seven countries are involved and Obama gave Trump the list of those seven countries.
What puzzles me is how so many people from foreign nations have developed an entitled attitude about being allowed to live in the USA. I would not presume to think I was owed admission to any country not my own.
7
Obama made exceptions to his ban. There was a humanitarian aid clause which allowed refugees to find sanctuary in the US.
Trump's ban is designed to keep refugees out.
Trump's ban is designed to keep refugees out.
4
Trump puts out his Executive Orders. The people can figure out for themselves what he meant. They see his words and they understand what is in his heart.
2
And Trump has already announced exceptions to what the media has been characterizing as a Muslim ban. Your trouble is that you don't go to the source document and get informed of the facts. You blindly accept the biased characterizations of a media reporter with an agenda who can't report objectively.
2
Turn the headlines against Trump's ego. Turn the headlines against Trump's brand. The best way to frustrate him may be to deny him gratification and profit.
51
The best way to frustrate him is in the courts and by impeachment. 2018 Dem House. See the DCCC for vulnerable Repugs who will feel our wrath.
9
Kudos to the Detroit Free Press for letting readers know about the protest at DTW on Sunday. Congratulations to DTW for hosting a great protest, all the workers were professional and helpful. Airline passengers were kind, and some joined in. The flush toilets were a dream come true!
Extra thanks to all the hardy souls who passionately supported each other and who are creating a movement against oppression. Lots of folks had joined their fellow church/mosque/synagogue goers, and lot of kids came too. Great crowd.
So what is next, general strike?
Extra thanks to all the hardy souls who passionately supported each other and who are creating a movement against oppression. Lots of folks had joined their fellow church/mosque/synagogue goers, and lot of kids came too. Great crowd.
So what is next, general strike?
34
Something’s happening out there,” Ana Navarro .. hardly what I would call an unbiased opinion
2
Ana Navarro is a Republican.
6
Aren't all opinions biased? Aren't biased opinions the ones that you have to pay attention to? It seems like a lot of biased people share Ana Navarro's opinion. In my opinion, that's a good thing for America.
1
So nothing is happening out there?
1
Long live the Resistance!
22
Now for shortcomings. Crowds cannot deliver the kind of explanations that require multiple paragraphs. Crowds can inspire anti-crowds as we saw today at fox videos wherein in the northwest, crowds cheered police who scattered traffic blockers and arrested some. Steven Bannon just might be angry because thou oh Times let writers introduce Trump's first special ops battle in Yemen as being mainly about the one seal who was killed ( war is about deaths on both sides)...or letting Mr. Krugman use 4.7% as the only relevant employment figure....(what happened to the millions either dropping out of the job search or the employed who are working two part jobs). Trump is dragging the NY Times down to his quickie level. Steven Bannon is not mentioning that though.
1
Live by Twitter; die by Twitter. It will be deliciously ironic if social media brings down Trump's presidency.
23
Trump can call protesters and those of us who resist his outrageous actions in the name of the United States anything he wants, but the fact is that we know more about what being an American is than he does and we are contemptuous of his crude efforts to undermine our democracy. We are not cowards, we are not going away, and we are not afraid: there is NOTHING he can do to us. He can no longer claim he is being undercut by the dishonest media or the elite or those he claims lost the election: he is being undercut by our resistance to policies we consider both unAmerican and anti-democratic.
40
"[T]here is NOTHING he can do to us."
Read history much? Or even the news? Several journalists were arrested while covering demonstrations in Washington during the inauguration.
Our so-called ally, Turkey, has for years been jailing political opponents, firing teachers, rounding up generals and journalists -- all those who oppose Erdogan's policies. And because he started slowly, and because Western powers were so invested in believing that Turkey was a moderate Muslim nation, they turned a blind eye to the persecution of his opponents.
Putin's Russia, too, has been years in the making. How many journalists and other citizens have mysteriously died by radiation poisoning?
There's a lot that can be done to you. Obviously, there must be resistance to this new world order of ours. But never underestimate the risks.
Read history much? Or even the news? Several journalists were arrested while covering demonstrations in Washington during the inauguration.
Our so-called ally, Turkey, has for years been jailing political opponents, firing teachers, rounding up generals and journalists -- all those who oppose Erdogan's policies. And because he started slowly, and because Western powers were so invested in believing that Turkey was a moderate Muslim nation, they turned a blind eye to the persecution of his opponents.
Putin's Russia, too, has been years in the making. How many journalists and other citizens have mysteriously died by radiation poisoning?
There's a lot that can be done to you. Obviously, there must be resistance to this new world order of ours. But never underestimate the risks.
4
I was never more proud of my country than when my son and I stood outside Trump's Hotel on Pennsylvania Ave. for two hours last Saturday watching a ceaseless stream of curb-to-curb Trump opponents voice their displeasure.
We will march every chance we get. We cannot be silenced. A sleeping beast has arisen, Herr Trump, and those placards may become torches and pitchforks in the coming days.
We will march every chance we get. We cannot be silenced. A sleeping beast has arisen, Herr Trump, and those placards may become torches and pitchforks in the coming days.
53
The Alt-Majority it is! The Alt-Majority gatherings will out number the puny trump crowds forever on forward till the day our so called President is removed from office. The tide has turned - trump has gone too far - enough is enough. Time to invoke the 25th Amendment.
6
Protests will not only focus upon Trump and the White House. Congressional Republicans who remain complicit with President Trump's shallow and dangerous proclamations and policy directives are, and will continue to, feel the heat.
24
Thank you so much for this article, coming from a trusted yet mainstream media such as the NYT that gives affirmation and reinforcement to the power of the private voice.
I do not believe that the private voice is always right, nor is this promoting private journalism... all i'm saying is that i'm grateful, grateful for this acknowledgement when it's difficult to see if what we do is making any difference.
When i donated to the ACLU on Sunday they had raised 10 million, in this article i saw they had raised 20 million and i teared up.
I saw MSNBC exclusive polls show even trump supporters acknowledging the scale of the women's march on Saturday in comparison to the inauguration.
The mainstream media in tandem with the private voice will help us through this hailstorm of lies and manipulation.
thank you.
I do not believe that the private voice is always right, nor is this promoting private journalism... all i'm saying is that i'm grateful, grateful for this acknowledgement when it's difficult to see if what we do is making any difference.
When i donated to the ACLU on Sunday they had raised 10 million, in this article i saw they had raised 20 million and i teared up.
I saw MSNBC exclusive polls show even trump supporters acknowledging the scale of the women's march on Saturday in comparison to the inauguration.
The mainstream media in tandem with the private voice will help us through this hailstorm of lies and manipulation.
thank you.
12
It's not actually a protest against Trump, he's too bored to stoop to actual governance. It's a protect against the edicts and control of the unelected psychopath-in-chief, Steve Bannon.
25
As the Marine who was quoted said, "I lock my doors at night, not because I hate the people outside, but because I love the people inside." A temporary ban
which other Presidents have used is smart-
perhaps he rushed it through, but
since ISIS themselves said they would get their message through refugees coming here, prudent. Just look at Europe to see how things are going...
which other Presidents have used is smart-
perhaps he rushed it through, but
since ISIS themselves said they would get their message through refugees coming here, prudent. Just look at Europe to see how things are going...
4
I'm afraid you are woefully ignorant. Nobody comes here from those countries, or as a refugee, without a legal U.S. visa or green card, which means they've already been thoroughly vetted. To dismiss the disruption to people's lives so cavalierly, shows you have no heart yourself. The issue with refugees to Europe was completely different, as nobody was initially vetted. As far as immigrants to Europe, many do not assimilate--completely different from the U.S. Rump's fear-mongering is insulting to us as Americans.
5
Bart Strupe says below that the election is over and the country is moving forward. Well, President Trump is certainly trying to move. Yet, when you’re the president it's nice to also continue to have the people behind you. Now-President Trump won his election with almost 50% of the votes, but many of those who voted for him were lukewarm for a number of reasons. So I thought he might work in these early days in office to solidify his support among these groups and possibly even begin to win over some of the Clinton supporters. But the actions he's taken, while appealing to his die-hard base, must certainly be alienating many of his less-than ardent supporters. It bugged him to see his approval ratings prior to his inauguration were only 40%; I'm curious as to what they'll be now. It will be tempting for him to say, "Hey, I the president now---so screw you!" Except that doesn't work so well. One reason is that for many things he needs the support of Congress, and if (when?) he becomes a pariah even the Republican congressmen may begin to distance themselves from him. And what this has to do with this article is that, as Mr. Manjoo says, the same social media forces that put President Trump in office may put him into a downward spiral. P.S. - Maybe picking a huge fight with the print and TV media wasn’t such a sharp idea either, as they now feel fine about coming after him with guns blazing.
18
The media is just calling him out on his propaganda and lies. Rump has brought it on himself. The media did too much false equivalency with Clinton's email server and helped (along with the Russians) to get a demagogue elected.
5
A few days before the Raleigh iteration of the Women's March, organizers expected a turnout of roughly 6,000 people. 17,000+ showed up to march and rally.
In the wake of President Trump's recent immigration ban, organizers were planning for yesterday's demonstration at RDU, the Triangle's major airport, and their permits anticipated 150 people. Local press is reporting over 1,000 showed up.
Some key barriers of entry between a citizen and political activism are: 1) knowing the logistics of an effort, 2) feeling comfortable (re: personal safety and ideology) with the organizers of an effort, and 3). having a catalyst to get them out the door.
Social media has proven a useful tool for guidance on #1 and #2. As for #3, it is becoming quite apparent that President Trump and his administration's language and policies are motivating masses to take to the streets.
In the wake of President Trump's recent immigration ban, organizers were planning for yesterday's demonstration at RDU, the Triangle's major airport, and their permits anticipated 150 people. Local press is reporting over 1,000 showed up.
Some key barriers of entry between a citizen and political activism are: 1) knowing the logistics of an effort, 2) feeling comfortable (re: personal safety and ideology) with the organizers of an effort, and 3). having a catalyst to get them out the door.
Social media has proven a useful tool for guidance on #1 and #2. As for #3, it is becoming quite apparent that President Trump and his administration's language and policies are motivating masses to take to the streets.
33
No taxation without representation - withholding tax returns maybe an appropriate way to protest on Tax Day.
11
If Turkey's Erdogan is a good reference, social media can be tamed. But then, it's America and Silicon Valley will not let it happen.money talks, money commands, so we can predict more and more of instant demonstrations, except as DC marches showed , there is a possibility to crack hard on the journalists and to scare people. How? Like in any dictatorship, by provoking violence. I'm afraid it will come soon, since the NSC is now part of Trump's sectoid apparatus
3
It is deeply offensive for Times columnist Farad Manjoo to label the protestors against the Trump administration's extremism as the "Alt-Majority." The "Alt-Right" is a racist, white supremacist, anti-Semitic, and deeply bigoted movement that represents the worst of our country. To pretend that the movement standing up for women's rights, for dignity, and against religious bigotry is somehow just the liberal equivalent of the Alt-Right is outrageous.
Further, the women's march did not "hijack" anything. The demonstrators exercised their rights as American citizens and stood up for what makes America a decent society.
Don't call these decent Americans "alt-left," or "alt-majority." The ugly racism belongs entirely to the Tea Party and Trump's Alt Right.
Further, the women's march did not "hijack" anything. The demonstrators exercised their rights as American citizens and stood up for what makes America a decent society.
Don't call these decent Americans "alt-left," or "alt-majority." The ugly racism belongs entirely to the Tea Party and Trump's Alt Right.
25
That is exactly the type of excessive punctilio that gives substance to the normally overused phrase "political correctness". "Alt-Majority" was meant to pun on phrases like "alt-right", the idea that it would somehow be just the liberal equivalent is overwrought.
Likewise, the use of the phrase "hijack" was clearly intended to mean that it took over Trumps media dominance. The idea that any sort of moral condemnation was involved is an overreaction.
There was nothing ugly or racist in this column.
Bill Maher is right on target on this sort of exercise.
Likewise, the use of the phrase "hijack" was clearly intended to mean that it took over Trumps media dominance. The idea that any sort of moral condemnation was involved is an overreaction.
There was nothing ugly or racist in this column.
Bill Maher is right on target on this sort of exercise.
1
. . . these crowds will grow. There will be more and more disenchanted Trump voters (I have encountered them already). Congress is paying attention. In California, you can be sure the Republicans in delegation will stand with the Democrats if he makes good on the 20% tax on Mexican imports--that includes food, by way, LOTS of food that the whole country eats. Wait until the mid-term elections. Angry losers? Just wait until you meet all the angry winners who will finally figure out that the various promises that Trump made are actually not going to turn into jobs or anything else that benefits them or anybody else but the same old 1% . . .
17
For all the explanations that Trump won the presidency, the most tragic is also the simplest - low voter turn-out (the lowest in 20 years). Voting is such a simple and profound act and yet almost half of Americans didn't bother, including I expect people now protesting in the streets.
Yes, protests will be an essential exercise for the next few years, but voting is more important. Vote! while you still can.
Yes, protests will be an essential exercise for the next few years, but voting is more important. Vote! while you still can.
14
While I am heartened to see there are still enough Americans who believe in values of decency, compassion, and civil liberties to make this happen, I am concerned that this will amount to nothing if it does not translate into results at the polls in 2018 and 2020. Trump's ban may have been temporarily stayed by a federal district court judge. But let's keep in mind Trump and his party will soon have the power to appoint the Supreme Court Justice who will likely be a deciding vote on a divided court.
The judiciary branch of our government still seems willing to stand up to Trump for now. But how about in six months when the highest court in the land will likely fall in line with the Trump administration?
The judiciary branch of our government still seems willing to stand up to Trump for now. But how about in six months when the highest court in the land will likely fall in line with the Trump administration?
11
I saw the many protesters in the Chicago, Many were illegals aliens who have every reason to be concerned. They say there are well over 12 million, in the country. So expect big turnouts.
2
How did you know they were illegal aliens just by looking at them?
You're basically using your own racism as a justification for your misguided worldview.
You're basically using your own racism as a justification for your misguided worldview.
8
rcamp35031 - How exactly were you able to ascertain the legal status of these protestors?
6
Thank goodness finally a political journalist who seems to understand that journalism never has been about he said/she said or false equivalents but about holding power accountable and leaders' feet to the fire. Mr. Manhood deserves to be above the "fold" every day. We are in need of fighting for our democracy every day! And how about having him do a full fledged truth telling article about Steve Bannon?
10
Sorry, I got the spelling wrong! Mr. Farhad Manjoo. Applause for Mr. Farhad Manjoo. And apologies for that typo.
Call it "We The People"
11
Well done Mr. Manjoo. It is not easy to write about an extremely important subject with a satirical undertone. Yes, the Social Media are indeed double-edge swords, and that is where the danger lies!
For the scientists who will be marching next week on WH, may I suggest carrying a banner referring to how smart Mr. Trump is, for his uncle once taught at MIT!
For the scientists who will be marching next week on WH, may I suggest carrying a banner referring to how smart Mr. Trump is, for his uncle once taught at MIT!
4
I find the same pictures of Muslim women wrapped with the US flag ambiguous and contradictory. This is not a good image to present publicly especially for women who are fighting for their rights. I find it offensive. This is not what the US flag stands for.
8
SCOTUS says "protected speech" makes you wrong, JG in Denver-
and the Tea Partiers and Trumpolini fans at his rallies were often covered with scarves, shirts, ties, etc. made of Old Glory. Check the pix and vids.
So be calm, be cool. We call this happy and somewhat silly-dressing place America the brave and we sing its song proudly, and wear its magic joyfully,
whether a head-scarf in Vietnam on a GI or a head-scarf on a Muslim gal in DC.
Come, join us, there's room for everyone..
and the Tea Partiers and Trumpolini fans at his rallies were often covered with scarves, shirts, ties, etc. made of Old Glory. Check the pix and vids.
So be calm, be cool. We call this happy and somewhat silly-dressing place America the brave and we sing its song proudly, and wear its magic joyfully,
whether a head-scarf in Vietnam on a GI or a head-scarf on a Muslim gal in DC.
Come, join us, there's room for everyone..
I beg to differ. This is exactly what the US flag stands for. Reread the base of the Statue of Liberty. Take a look at the pictures of the pro-life women using the flag as a scarf – or the "bikers for Trump." Do you find them equally offensive?
The U.S. finally got out from under the Viet Nam War after years of on-going, anti-war protests. It was the unceasing pressure from various and different anti-war groups that sucked the war mongering will out of a couple of administrations. During the months long build up to the Iraqi war there were huge demonstrations and marches in protest, but the Bush/Chaney crew ignored them and carried on full steam. What might have happened if the protests had continued on a regular basis after the war had commenced?
In this first week the alt-majority (I like this label) has shown real spunk. All will be in vain though if the pressure is not only continually applied but also increasingly expanded. Will a flash point be reached? Maybe. Letting trump off the hook down the road will assure that it go back to business-as-usual or worse.
Thanks to the true patriots for standing up to tyranny. Please, continue your actions — many of us (and, hopefully, more with time) will be right behind you.
In this first week the alt-majority (I like this label) has shown real spunk. All will be in vain though if the pressure is not only continually applied but also increasingly expanded. Will a flash point be reached? Maybe. Letting trump off the hook down the road will assure that it go back to business-as-usual or worse.
Thanks to the true patriots for standing up to tyranny. Please, continue your actions — many of us (and, hopefully, more with time) will be right behind you.
14
How's this for a name: Alt-Populist?
1
Um, that is Trump...
Imagine what it must be like to be a smart Republican. Not a single,reputable, newspaper or periodical endorsed Trump. Not a single intellectual, worthy of the name, thought a Trump presidency was a good idea. No serious political pundit, Republican or Democrat, could see the Clown Car crossing the finish line. Not out of a lack of imagination but out of a lack of knowing where the bottom was. I wonder if George Will or Charles Krauthiemer or Bill Kristol or, our own, Brooks and Doughut ever thought that, reaching the pinnacles of their careers, they would be ignored by the very people, they thought, they were leading. People get their news from facebook now. You and your opinions have no more weight than the person who has never thought philosophically, politically or existentially. Social networks lack your expertise and earned knowledge but they are the future. The scary, silly, stupid future.
1
I treasure the work true journalists are doing, and really appreciate this article - I'll be sharing it widely for certain. And I will (finally) get Twitter so I know where to be when to make my voice heard as well.
Thank you for this piece!
Thank you for this piece!
9
The Rise of the Rebel Alliance - Star Wars Episode 0
Or as Peter Thiel would say from "Zero to One"
We are the Alt-Majority and we are One.
Or as Peter Thiel would say from "Zero to One"
We are the Alt-Majority and we are One.
We in the Resistance are horrified at the bad character who has slipped into the White House with the help of the Russians and right wing extremists in the FBI and we will not rest until Fate has removed him and his stain from the people's house and government -- and we do not care how Fate removes him. We will oppose him and every un-American policy he and his white supremacist sidekicks conjure up.
12
Good Lord, take a breath. Not everything is black and white. Oh wait, you must be a SJW...
1
The tea party didn't go away and neither will we.
8
The protests will have an effect at least by the elections of 2018. Legislators who ignore the protests now and in the next two years are at risk to be voted out of office unless they visibly stand up to Trump when he lies and violates the constitution. No series of his executive orders can stop the effectiveness of social media. Your thoughts on social media enlighten us not only on how technology improves our lives, but also how it can be harnessed to save our democratic institutions. I hope to be at the scientists' march, and am avidly watching the internet for more details.
16
I think it's very important to understand that this isn't a Democrat v. Republican movement, this is far more important than just partisan politics. The movement, which appears to be gaining the name "The Resistance", transcends party politics and has become a fight for the fundamental values of this country. To put it another way, if for example Marco Rubio, Jeb Bush or John Kasich had been elected President we wouldn't be having these marches or wondering on a daily basis what direction this country is going. Sure, there would be disappointed voters, and no doubt there would be legitimate policy disagreements, but there wouldn't be this sense that the moral fabric of the country is being ripped apart.
1133
Yes it is. Democrats are fighting back against Trump, while Republicans are rooting him on every step of the way. The Democratic Party leadership might not be out front on this, but make no mistake: Republicans are enabling Trump.
Trump is a Republican. That party is to blame.
Trump is a Republican. That party is to blame.
6
Sorry, but if the GOP sides with Trump, he will be there doing immense damage for at least 4 years. So yes, it is a Republican movement.
5
I"ve been saying along, this is not normal and we can just wait four years for a change or there will be nothing left
1
Hoping this is a miracle movement to force Congress to notice what is going on outside of their safe sanctuary and do something.
18
1. If it were the majority, then you would've won the presidency or any of the two houses of Congress
2. You, as a millennial, are making one huge but common mistake here. You're assuming that the majority f voices are the ones screaming the loudest, in your case, that the majority of voices are either celebrities, or the millennials taking to the streets and social media literally because they have enough free time to do so.
Open your eyes and look at demographics. The people that are protesting are already the people you had on your side to begin with and they are not enough, and if they were you wouldn't be in this perceived mess. Just because you've managed to convince yourself that most of everyone, or most of everyone that matters are the people in your echo chamber that have agreed with your views just because those are the people you've chosen to surround yourself with or the people that the media chooses to report about doesn't mean that's the truth. Look at the presidential polls. You're making the same mistake again and you'll keep making it until you realize how devastatingly wrong this assumption is.
2. You, as a millennial, are making one huge but common mistake here. You're assuming that the majority f voices are the ones screaming the loudest, in your case, that the majority of voices are either celebrities, or the millennials taking to the streets and social media literally because they have enough free time to do so.
Open your eyes and look at demographics. The people that are protesting are already the people you had on your side to begin with and they are not enough, and if they were you wouldn't be in this perceived mess. Just because you've managed to convince yourself that most of everyone, or most of everyone that matters are the people in your echo chamber that have agreed with your views just because those are the people you've chosen to surround yourself with or the people that the media chooses to report about doesn't mean that's the truth. Look at the presidential polls. You're making the same mistake again and you'll keep making it until you realize how devastatingly wrong this assumption is.
8
I'm 38.
11
Uh... it IS the majority, by millions of votes. Won the vote but not the election, due to the Electoral College and gerrymandered districts.
11
The new American movement for freedom and democracy is listening to the echo chamber of history.
1
Keep covering those protests and broadcast them live on the homepage, if you can. To me they are like balm for a troubled soul. A reminder that there are still good people out there. They hold forth the hope that we may soon be rid of this dangerous crackpot and all he stands for. And that maybe the people who blithely voted for him in protest of Hillary will learn something from their mistake.
555
I agree. If nothing else these protests have restored some faith in the American people and their support of our shared values to a large extent.
5
At the same time, this mass opposition movement cannot allow itself to be a diversion and obscure what's going on behind the scenes at the White House. Steve Bannon, Jared Kushner and their ilk are more than content to let demonstrations like these suck attention, scrutiny and the mainstream and social media narratives away from their puppeteering from the shadows. We have to relentlessly keep them in the glare of the spotlight until exposed for what they really are and finally forced from power and influence.
148
You are spot on. Let's keep our eyes on Bannon, Kushner, and Conway. Spicer, too, I guess. Is it me or does he seem more and more like a hostage reading his crazy captor's manifesto at those press conferences?
In an amazing turn around, it is no longer all about Trump controlling the message nor, apparently, will it be as long the crowds continue to gather, to support one another and, most importantly, to communicate where peacefully they next intend to gather, post or parade. It is called fighting fire with fire.
28
This article is a very important piece of journalism...couldn't be more timely!
3
Social Networks should also inform the misinformed "sheep" of the following:
Below are Obama’s actions:
— July 25, 2011. Barred those under a UN travel ban, or who broke 29 executive orders covering transactions with terrorists.
— Aug. 4, 2012. Banned anybody involved in war crimes, or just about any other crime including human rights violations.
— April 23, 2012. Barred those helping Syria or Iran, or involved in human rights abuses for those governments.
— May 1, 2012. Another block on those helping Iran and Syria.
— April 3, 2014. Banned anyone known to threaten South Sudan.
— March 6, 2014 . Barred entry of those claiming government authority in the Crimea region of Ukraine, presumably on behalf of Moscow.
White House documents also show that former President Bill Clinton issued six immigrant bans; George W. Bush six immigrant bans; and former President Ronald Reagan four. And in 1980, former President Jimmy Carter banned Iranians after Tehran seized the U.S. embassy.
Informed New Yorker!
Below are Obama’s actions:
— July 25, 2011. Barred those under a UN travel ban, or who broke 29 executive orders covering transactions with terrorists.
— Aug. 4, 2012. Banned anybody involved in war crimes, or just about any other crime including human rights violations.
— April 23, 2012. Barred those helping Syria or Iran, or involved in human rights abuses for those governments.
— May 1, 2012. Another block on those helping Iran and Syria.
— April 3, 2014. Banned anyone known to threaten South Sudan.
— March 6, 2014 . Barred entry of those claiming government authority in the Crimea region of Ukraine, presumably on behalf of Moscow.
White House documents also show that former President Bill Clinton issued six immigrant bans; George W. Bush six immigrant bans; and former President Ronald Reagan four. And in 1980, former President Jimmy Carter banned Iranians after Tehran seized the U.S. embassy.
Informed New Yorker!
10
Your comment proves the insanity of Trump's dumbly written order. Obama's policy was tailored to threats and behaviors, not over broad classes of people. Stop trying to whitewash king trump.
5
If one takes the time to reach the background on each of the actions cited above, one will find: targeted to achieve specific goals, and taken in consultation with the consequences of any such action; and taken in consultation with all agencies of the US government involved in "national security"....just to name a few of the considerations which this trump fiasco failed to do. Their incompetence is breathtaking. Their hubris is breathtaking. Bannon and Flynn's plan to provoke their "clash of civilizations" agenda is abhorrently and breathtakingly transparent.
5
The informed are few and far between on this Liberal-Left site. The ignorance and outright stupidity on view from the Trump-hating Left is truly amazing.
3
We should call it the angry loser movement. Maybe the snowflake movement? Whatever they best stay peaceful and not destroy public or private property.
11
More like a blizzard, it looks like...
8
It's the American movement. It began in 1776. It's a movement for freedom and democracy. It doesn't lose.
9
I would call it the educated citizen movement.
9
Lesson for trump and the right: there is only so much bull shite Americans and many around the world will take. Saturation levels reached.
103
I am so weary from this scorched earth approach. Of course, it takes knowledge and thoughtfulness to use a scalpel. But no one has ever accused Trump of being a deep thinker-so blow torch away! We need to resist with the same scorched earth energy. Thankfully, that is happening!
1
Including American expats all around the world. We can use Skype and call our representatives from anywhere, and we are doing so. We have credit cards and we can use them to subscribe to trustworthy publications like the NYT and support important organizations like the ACLU, and we are doing so. We can read the news in other languages and we know that the rest of the world is terrified right along with us. We are resisting, too.
"We’re witnessing the stirrings of a national popular movement aimed at defeating the policies of Mr. Trump. It is a movement without official leaders. In fact, to a noteworthy degree, the formal apparatus of the Democratic Party has been nearly absent from the uprisings."
Which is bad news. Internet-inspired protests do not leadership make. Ask the Egyptians. The danger is that we're entering a phase of headless protest and counter-protest. It will certainly disrupt—perhaps for now, that's good enough. But sometime soon, there needs to be real leadership, with real faces, running for real offices, backed by actual votes. From within the system. That's what the Tea Party did.
Or else we only will see Mubarak replaced by Morsi—not a restoration of democracy.
Right now, my meager donation funds are better invested by sending them to the ACLU than the Democrats. That speaks volumes.
Which is bad news. Internet-inspired protests do not leadership make. Ask the Egyptians. The danger is that we're entering a phase of headless protest and counter-protest. It will certainly disrupt—perhaps for now, that's good enough. But sometime soon, there needs to be real leadership, with real faces, running for real offices, backed by actual votes. From within the system. That's what the Tea Party did.
Or else we only will see Mubarak replaced by Morsi—not a restoration of democracy.
Right now, my meager donation funds are better invested by sending them to the ACLU than the Democrats. That speaks volumes.
9
We had plenty of leaders speaking to us at the Woman's March. You'll need to disabuse yourself of the notion we do not have leaders.
2
Are people still protesting on a Monday? Don't they have jobs?
3
apparently not these people .. another good reason to cut back unemployment and social security benefits .. get a job!
1
'Are people still protesting on a Monday? Don't they have jobs?'
This highlights the moral integrity of the protesters, to give up a paycheck for your belief in equality, justice and ultimately Americanism. Wish more politicians would follow their lead.
This highlights the moral integrity of the protesters, to give up a paycheck for your belief in equality, justice and ultimately Americanism. Wish more politicians would follow their lead.
7
Some of us get sick days.
6
Trump has NO mandate WHATSOEVER! Stop w the false equivalences, the people spoke Loud and Clear. Way, way more, millions more people voted for his opponent. More Places voted for Trump. So legally he won. It was NEVER a mandate.
As for craven, spineless, odious Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell. History has its eyes on them and on all the power hungry Rs in the thrall of this madman.
To peaceful Muslims everywhere: we are so sorry for this disgraceful despot that is our President. #PresidentEpicFail
As for craven, spineless, odious Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell. History has its eyes on them and on all the power hungry Rs in the thrall of this madman.
To peaceful Muslims everywhere: we are so sorry for this disgraceful despot that is our President. #PresidentEpicFail
200
Had Trump known that the popular vote would determine the winner, he would have campaigned differently to that end and might have won within those parameters also. He focused on the electoral college vote because that alone determines the winner.
2
@William Bannon
You should explain that to Trump; he's spending a lot of time trying to delegitimize Clinton's vote plurality for something that doesn't count.
You should explain that to Trump; he's spending a lot of time trying to delegitimize Clinton's vote plurality for something that doesn't count.
5
Yes because he noticed that very intelligent journalists had taken a clandestine oath to never mention his original explanation...which he gave in the beginning and I repeated above. When truth doesn't work, Trump tries other avenues. That is partly his fault and partly the fault of the main media.
Majority in your own mind. The country is moving forward, with or without you. Elections have consequences!
4
It's called math. More people voted for HRC than Trump.
12
Yeah Bart,
You haven't seen anything yet. This is only beginning.
You haven't seen anything yet. This is only beginning.
6
Two years ago I saw this coming whereas my NY counterparts did not.
The only thing anyone needs to remember is the Donald's behavior is that of a classic sociopath.
By Trump's actions, his blatant disregard for the Constitutional Law of the United States of America, he is clearly leading all of the citizens of the United States of America into a very dangerous dark corridor by overstepping his bounds, creating chaos, pain and horror.
He is the President and he needs to serve all the people. But a sociopath doesn't follow the rule of law, nor respect governance.
To the Republicans: please back the Emuloments Lawsuit, and start proceedings for impeachment. Only you have the power to help us.
The only thing anyone needs to remember is the Donald's behavior is that of a classic sociopath.
By Trump's actions, his blatant disregard for the Constitutional Law of the United States of America, he is clearly leading all of the citizens of the United States of America into a very dangerous dark corridor by overstepping his bounds, creating chaos, pain and horror.
He is the President and he needs to serve all the people. But a sociopath doesn't follow the rule of law, nor respect governance.
To the Republicans: please back the Emuloments Lawsuit, and start proceedings for impeachment. Only you have the power to help us.
81
So are the protests made up of people who have an affinity for protest in general as just another social phenomenon or is there more to it than that?
3
I never protested before in my life. Nor did my sister or my adult son. All three of us, without consultation in advance, spontaneously went to the Women's Marches in our respective areas. In my solidly red area, the organizers who were organizing busses to take people to the local march started with a 14 person van and had to add a 41 person bus and another van due to the demand. We stopped in a retirement community on the way to pick up up another whole contingent. Everyone I met in the march was a real person with a real and deep patriotic concern for the future of this country. These are not recreational protesters or people who turn out for everything, far from it.
9
The usual virtue signaling selfie crowd that arrive en masse in NYC to disrupt the commutes of people who actually work for a living.
Take it to DC please. No one works there.
Take it to DC please. No one works there.
There is a populist name for this movement: We call it the Resistance. I hope we are all prepared to keep it up and protect our democracy as best we can.
77
People need to do things that hurts Trump's softest part. His colossal ego.
How about calling him with an Alternate Acronym ... i-POTUS. As in "Illegitimate-POTUS".
How about calling him with an Alternate Acronym ... i-POTUS. As in "Illegitimate-POTUS".
33
I'm letting my representatives know that the more they accommodate this president the more they weaken my support for them. The more they resist him--and the appointment of his wildly inappropriate cabinet nominees--the more political energy they build on the left. They each of them have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to become a true leader of a movement--and of their party.
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You can let any and all of our Congressional representatives know about it. Living in one place you can still support candidates who defend freedom and democracy around the country!
2
You're right--I'll broaden my scope!
I am with you. I am so disappointed in how weak and ineffectual our Congressional Democrats have been in the face of this nightmare. Other than our calling their offices, I don't know how we can shake them out of their complacency?
Make America America again.
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Great idea, Bill.
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Social-media-inspired protest is interesting, and perhaps important (we'll see), but it doesn't have extra super powers because it may stem from social media. Protest must be turned into new votes which result in the election of state and federal representatives who concretely oppose Trump's complained-of policies to have effect. Occupy Wall Street looked like the beginning of something, but if it did I missed that development. So momentum must be created, fed, kept up, and built on for the next 21 months and reach a crescendo on the day of the November 2018 mid-term elections. You need good candidates and money--lots of money. The Koch political network will spend 300 to 400 million dollars over the next 21 months. Refugees and other non-Americans are not constituents--they can't vote. I suspect they don't have a lot of money to contribute. So others will have to contribute their money, raise money from others, get registered to vote, and go vote. Do liberals have that long of an attention span, even with a motivator like Trump?
12
Pro America - Anti Trump
Only 10 days in office.
Trump does not understand that as President he must accept the ultimate responsibility for those decisions. He is trying to be the "pass the buck" president.
Trump is the author of poorly written and poorly conceived executive orders.
I have always thought that any President (from Reagan to Obama) who abuses his executive order authority undermines the constitutional separation of powers.
Trump has only exercised this limited power and has not engaged in any of his other responsibilities as the president.
Only 10 days in office.
Trump does not understand that as President he must accept the ultimate responsibility for those decisions. He is trying to be the "pass the buck" president.
Trump is the author of poorly written and poorly conceived executive orders.
I have always thought that any President (from Reagan to Obama) who abuses his executive order authority undermines the constitutional separation of powers.
Trump has only exercised this limited power and has not engaged in any of his other responsibilities as the president.
3
"Call it the alt-left, or, if you want to really drive Mr. Trump up the wall, the alt-majority."
We are not alt-anything.
WE ARE THE *REAL* MAJORITY - AND THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING.
We are not alt-anything.
WE ARE THE *REAL* MAJORITY - AND THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING.
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Maybe the majority of those who choose to vote. There are millions out there that we really haven't ever heard from.
Note to Trump: Twitter works both ways!
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Great article and you brought up his inaugural crowds again to goad him. Off to my second rally in a few minutes against the Muslim ban.
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Please don't call it the alt- anything—the suggestion is neither funny nor cute. The prefix has become thoroughly tainted by its association with Stephen Bannon's white-supremacist extremism. There's nothing extremist or fringe about the people protesting the alt-right policies of Trump. These are ordinary Americans reacting with utter revulsion to the alt-alt-alternate truths of the extreme right-wing cabal that is trampling on our constitutional democracy.
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On the other hand, the right has been adept at coopting labels. Note how "liberal" became a dirty word over time. Maybe this time we'd do well to consider not surrendering labels to them. For example there's an alt national park service now that's refusing to accept Trump directives on climate change.
Well Said!
Thank you! it made my stomach lurch too. Just seeing that syllable ALT is revolting
Sadly, the leftist demagogues are happy to feed the people half-truths in order to agitate and create chaos.
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"Leftist demagogues"? "Half-truths"? LOL, and how ironic, coming from a supporter of a totalitarian demagogue who operates most of the time with zero truth at all.
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The president is feeding the people. No opposition needs to intervene . I don't care who you voted for, please watch the actions being taken. Ask yourself if they are good for our country and follow your heart.
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"Sadly the RIGHTIST demagogues are happy to feed the people half-truths in order to agitgate and create chaos."
Fixed that for you, as the kids on social media say.
I am making two points with this. First, all you are doing is repeating the classic Trump trick of accusing anybody of contradicting him of lying. But that will only get you so far. What's happening in airports - refugees being denied entry on our doorsteps, lawful immigrants with green cards being detained - it is being experienced by real people who have spoken out, and is being witnessed by lawyers, journalists, and lots of average Americans. Breitbart and other fake news sites may have had their day, but the truth will out.
Second, Trump and his sycophants have been agitating and chaos since the very first day of their campaign. They have preached hate. Turning Americans against Americans, Americans against the world, and the world against Americans. They have been preaching fear, telling the American people to be scared of foreigners, to be scared of Muslims, be scared of Mexicans, and that they live among "American carnage" when there has been hard-won but steady progress since the massive recession caused by the last Republican President.
Fixed that for you, as the kids on social media say.
I am making two points with this. First, all you are doing is repeating the classic Trump trick of accusing anybody of contradicting him of lying. But that will only get you so far. What's happening in airports - refugees being denied entry on our doorsteps, lawful immigrants with green cards being detained - it is being experienced by real people who have spoken out, and is being witnessed by lawyers, journalists, and lots of average Americans. Breitbart and other fake news sites may have had their day, but the truth will out.
Second, Trump and his sycophants have been agitating and chaos since the very first day of their campaign. They have preached hate. Turning Americans against Americans, Americans against the world, and the world against Americans. They have been preaching fear, telling the American people to be scared of foreigners, to be scared of Muslims, be scared of Mexicans, and that they live among "American carnage" when there has been hard-won but steady progress since the massive recession caused by the last Republican President.
22
I love every second of the protests, but...Trump has only been in power for a little over a week. Imagine what he can do in four years. There just won't be enough days in the week to protest all of the half-baked, ill-conceived, poorly-executed ideas that Trump will propose over four long years.
Maybe that's his plan: tire us all out in the beginning with spur-of-the-moment whims he doesn't really care about, so we won't have it in us later to protest the things he actually does want to accomplish.
Maybe that's his plan: tire us all out in the beginning with spur-of-the-moment whims he doesn't really care about, so we won't have it in us later to protest the things he actually does want to accomplish.
25
There is, in fact, a really solid argument for wearing out the populace before the worst is passed through. Emotional exhaustion is very real, and a loss of hope can be terrifying. However, the social reality of online media is, I suspect, one of the most sustaining elements of protest for people of similar minds and hearts.
14
Remember the Viet Nam War protests and the Civil Rights movement: when the cause is fundamental to our democratic society, we do not tire. I have great hope.
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Regina, I admire your optimism. But I'm not sure how analogous those movements were to today - those were both monolithic causes that took years to grow into an effective movement, not an unconnected grab-bag of offenses-of-the-day. I just don't know if we have it in us to mount an effective resistance in an era of "alternative facts." I guess we'll see.
2
We have had the alt-right, alt-facts and now the alt-majority. How about an alt-POTUS?
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Craig, I think we already have one. His name is Steve Bannon.
19
His plan is to create as much chaos as possible. That way we will be all bewildered and confused at what is actually going on.
We will be going to streets every day to protest this or that, while he is starting his clandestine wars. Remember: to make sure that he gets re-elected, he needs to be "a war president".
We will be going to streets every day to protest this or that, while he is starting his clandestine wars. Remember: to make sure that he gets re-elected, he needs to be "a war president".
2
What I hope is that moderate republicans and deomcrats ban together to do what is best for the country and stop Trumps despicable actions. Trump is sowing chaos and disbanding democracy.
This country is a democracy and not run by one person. Trump, Pence, Ryan have to be removed from power before any more damage to this country and to democracy is done.
This country is a democracy and not run by one person. Trump, Pence, Ryan have to be removed from power before any more damage to this country and to democracy is done.
500
Moderate republican what is that.
6
"Real American Majority"....take back your country, wrap yourselves in American Flags, stand for what it represents: the goals of the Enlightenment as contained in the Constitution. Say it loud, say it proud, never back down from nationalist, supremacist thugs and purveyors of lies, the manipulation of truth and propaganda. Don't be "alt" anything...be Real.
9
Governor Charlie Baker of Massachusetts (and other MA Republicans).
Welcome to the American Spring
#resist
#resist
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I have the pictures, those dictators fly out their countries after Arab Spring and resistance movement.
You may have idea where he may fly to and which country may offer him to stay.
You may have idea where he may fly to and which country may offer him to stay.
Whoa, remember Occupy Wall Street and how fast they fizzed out? This is a movement that has to continue until this mentally challenged-in-chief is impeached.
1
Remember how the Arab Spring worked out?
How ironic is it that social media is being used to take down Trump, when he is using it to push his propaganda. What's good for the goose, is good for the gander.
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google "Saul Alinsky" who had this idea years before social media and called it"flooding the system".
Thanks but I know about Saul. I'm from that era. Studs Terkel was a big influence as was the prophetic Orwell
1
"The protesters seem to drive him crazy." I"m afraid he already is...
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Excellent observation! Exactly what is needed, to steal Mr. Trump's thunder and place bright light on the shameful, rushed policies that are unAmerican and on the wannabe cabinet members who aren't qualified.
Please everyone, demand to see his tax returns. Let's put those in the light!
BTW, I voted and I marched.
Please everyone, demand to see his tax returns. Let's put those in the light!
BTW, I voted and I marched.
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Have you and all your like minded friends signed the petition?
https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/immediately-release-donald-tru...
As I write almost 450,000 people have signed. It would be wonderful if tens of millions did so. According to the rules (will they be honoured now?) the White House must respond within 30 days if there are more than 100,000 signatures. That would be Feb 19.
https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/immediately-release-donald-tru...
As I write almost 450,000 people have signed. It would be wonderful if tens of millions did so. According to the rules (will they be honoured now?) the White House must respond within 30 days if there are more than 100,000 signatures. That would be Feb 19.
3
More than 1 million Brits have signed a similar petition on their government website to ban dt* from entering the country.
2
"I voted and marched" -- THANK YOU for both! But especially the former. The demonstrators who didn't bother to vote are the most irksome.
1
i mentioned once b4 that a key reason the U.S. gov't caved in and granted scientology religious tax exempt status is that scientology filed perhaps thousands of lawsuits and the gov't catered under that pressure.
why not file thousands of lawsuits - file suits for every possible violation of the constitution - regardless how small each may seem - overwhelm them.
combine this with social media action and relentless press challenges and holding accountability and progress may be made.
why not file thousands of lawsuits - file suits for every possible violation of the constitution - regardless how small each may seem - overwhelm them.
combine this with social media action and relentless press challenges and holding accountability and progress may be made.
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Implacable, relentless opposition to everything. This is straight from the right-wing playbook and it works, the only question is whether Democrats have finally learned how to show some backbone.
13
Maybe now we can stop disparaging Millenials for being addicted to their phones?
More than ever we need to quickly speak truth to power (and alternative facts).
More than ever we need to quickly speak truth to power (and alternative facts).
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It's not just "millennials" out there. Not about phone addiction.
Have you been out yet?
Have you been out yet?
19
Let's see if the millenials will have the courage and intestinal fortitude to stick it out for the long run. Time will tell.
I am 70 and have been out with the folks from 2 to 82 of all colors, ages and genders who love freedom and believe in our nation of laws
1
Here's a suggestion for a name for this emerging movement: The Resistance. And those who consider themselves part of it could call themselves Resisters.
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It's already being employed. The symbol for the movement and its participants is the simple zigzag line used in circuitry diagrams to represent the presence of a resistor. No electrical circuit can function successfully with resistance!
The beauty of this symbol (like the simple but powerful pink hats) is that it can be interpreted and applied by individuals who adopt them in very personal and unique ways allowing people of many backgrounds and views to feel unified despite their differences.
The beauty of this symbol (like the simple but powerful pink hats) is that it can be interpreted and applied by individuals who adopt them in very personal and unique ways allowing people of many backgrounds and views to feel unified despite their differences.
25
How about calling them the sane ones.
2
Some of us techies might call ourselves "transistors." Resisters are passive devices. Transistors are active devices. There are also capacitors (which I do not think anyone will call themselves), and then there are inductors.
Maybe we should call the people in the Trump administration indictees. May that day only come soon.
Maybe we should call the people in the Trump administration indictees. May that day only come soon.
Thank you for writing this. I appreciate the hard work you and colleagues are doing right now!
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vox populi: the people are speaking and it will drive our new president to an absurd distraction. may we all stay safe as he proceeds.
fasten your seat beats, kittens: the night gets bumpier and bumpier.
fasten your seat beats, kittens: the night gets bumpier and bumpier.
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Thank God. This is quite possibly the only good thing to come out of the Trump presidency--but it's a really good thing to know that Americans have awakened. Finally, we're going to stand up and call out the thin-skinned tyrant for what he is--a shallow, inept cretin at best; a treacherous, unpredictable menace at worst. I am so proud of the protestors. I am right there with you!
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Seconded.
One other good thing that might come out of the Trump catastrophe: We might finally kill off the stupid notion that America would be better run "like a business" "by businesspeople."
One other good thing that might come out of the Trump catastrophe: We might finally kill off the stupid notion that America would be better run "like a business" "by businesspeople."
80
Good. Now we have to call the miscreants in the GOP and convince them to impeach Trump.
3