At 11:51 this morning, Donald Trump, Xi Jinping, and both of their wives arrived at the National Archives in Washington, D.C., and began walking up the steep red-carpet-lined stairs to the entrance. Without looking back at the others, Donald Trump took the lead, stopping on the first landing for pictures as his mouth worked hard, opening and closing to take deep enough breaths to continue climbing the rest of the stairs. After a long pause, he gave a thumbs up to the cameras, appeared to mumble “okay” as he turned around, signaling it was time to keep moving. Now at the top of the stairs, he paused for one last awkward picture before they all disappeared into the building.
At 11:54 am they were seen walking directly over to the Declaration of Independence. Three minutes after that, they were standing in front of the US Constitution. Minutes later, the president came over to the waiting press and explained how China’s Communist leader and the President of the United States were comparing China's founding documents to America's, saying: "We're just comparing. Ours goes 250 years. Which is great, and we're proud of. Theirs goes 6,000 years. So there's a little difference between 6,000 and 250. But we're very proud of our 250."
I am deeply concerned about what Trump will do to keep Dems from winning the midterms. We all know he will stop at nothing. I just don’t know if Americans are prepared to stand against what may come at us. Are we willing to die for our country, for our freedom, for democracy? Because it very well may come to that. Or are we so used to things working like they always have that we are caught off guard and unable or unwilling to react timely? He staged a coup before. He will do it again, but this time HE has nothing but sycophants surrounding him. and in control of ICE, his personal militia armed to fight against Americans who protest. I’ll be 80 next year and I’m grateful for that. Growing up in this country I always found it curious how newsmen made such a big deal during every telecast of a change in the WH about the PEACEFUL transfer of power. Now I know. It is the thing that sets democracies apart from other forms of government. I took that so for granted, it seemed silly to make a big deal about political rivals greeting each other on the steps of the WH as one moved out and the other moved in. Donald Trump did not greet Biden and had the front door locked as a welcome. He is such a deeply flawed, petty, and pathetic individual.
Kathryn, Yes, We ALL need to be Concerned and PREPARED. What we don’t know is if our Democratic Reps and others are Prepared?
Right now, so many people are even unaware of much that is going on behind the scenes, Project 2025, etc.
We have a fully armed force of former J6’ers, now ICE Gestapo and well…so many dog whistles already as the Nazi, fascist, sociopath trump and his Regime are taking over and do NOT care one iota if they break the law.
I agree…they have ZERO intentions of handing over power Peacefully, AGAIN…Jan.6-2.0?
We NEED PEOPLE to get informed and ANGRY and prepare for the worst.
It's been apparent from the time he took office the second time that Trump will do anything and everything to prevent free and fair elections, both for the mid-term elections and the 2028 presidential election. If that means that, as commander in chief, he orders the military to attack US citizens, that's what he'll do. The question is when, if ever, will the people in our government who have the power to stop Trump will do so, as he clearly won't honor the will of the people. I'm not holding my breath.
Kathryn, I feel exactly as you do. Reading Heather’s post today just made me face this fact. He will stop at nothing to maintain power and avoid being held accountable for his atrocities. If we win, accountability will begin and the criminality of this regime will be prosecuted. They are infinitely more powerful than on Jan 6. ICE is poised and ready to attack dissenters. I am angry, but I am also concerned and afraid. Expecting criminals to behave according to the law is stupidity.
Kathryn, and others…here is another article I wanted to share earlier…it’s a Masterclass by Lance Rosen…it truly is a MUST READ and SHARE…he and his wife are lifelong Civil Rights activists and warned about trump before his first term and Jan.6, 2021 amongst other things.
PLEASE READ and SHARE…he’s a must add to your reading lists…I PROMISE!❤️🩹
I just subscribed to another independent journalist. I do this once a month after I pay off my credit card. It’s all I can afford, but along with some other modest efforts at resistance, I feel that I am at least not fiddling while Rome burns.
Mitch McConnell allowed Trump to run in 2024 by opposing his impeachment after the January 6 Insurrection. That's what McConnell will be remembered for. The Roberts Court, that granted Trump sweeping criminal immunity, will be remembered as the worst Supreme Court in US history, with John Roberts' name forever associated with the immunity decision, Dobbs, and many more horrible decisions.
This is the most horrifying post I ever seen from you. DT and his crooked sycophants are beyond redemption. How on earth has this happened? Where is the accountability? The Supreme Court are supposed to be upholding the law, not conniving against it. It's like being in a dystopian nightmare.
But, dear Heather, with your dedicated writing and hope in the majority of Americans, I'm very happy to subscribe. I ask other Brits to also subscribe - this affects the entire word. I wish I could vote!
Heather, thank you again for gifting us with a comprehensive report on Trump’s behavior, and his efforts to destroy everything good that we covet.
For me, a hopeful note and lesson, is Melania’s refusal to hold his hand while Peng Liyian smiles comfortably, holding the hand of her powerful husband.
Does Trump even recognize the significance of his wife's gesture. Does he know that more of that behavior is coming for him -- not only from his spouse, but from every human with a brain and heart --every rotten day left in his term of office?
Our imitation president should take a cue from his wife’s behavior. Soon, maybe right now, more Americans are refusing to come near him, let alone hold his hand.
Prayerfully soon, he will be reaching our for hands to shake, to hold, to steady himself and they will all be gone.
And then, our smiles, and likely those of citizens of countries he has attempted to ruin with his gluttony, will be smiling. Like Peng Llyan, but with more of an American sincerity.
I wake up just before 3am ET and look for your daily article. It’s how I start my day. I appreciate your work and your strength. And I share your writing often.
Largely because of you I’ve knocked doors for Janelle Stelson to displace Scott Perry for the 10th Congressional district of PA. And I’m prepared to respond further and in kind to whatever stupidity comes our way from this bankrupt administration. And I believe your followers have your back. I do.
James, Heather is my 1st go-to read in the morning as well. You have inspired me to knock on doors/get more involved. We all can do more than just challenge the MAGA CULT family/friends/neighbors.
with a particularly foul mouth (or pen, or keyboard). I don't think a presidential press officer for any president of any party has ever been as gross and insulting in his language. Just one recent example: referring to Georgia Senator John Ossoff as a cuck, and messing with his name.
During the 2024 campaign, I read the awful and juvenile statements coming from Cheung and Karoline Leavitt, and I thought, "Where do they find these people? Who else but Trump would hire for the job?"
Heather, your posts are great, thank you. You wrote these words:
“…while seeing our fellow Americans encourage and support the destruction he is overseeing…”
This is what eats at me. I know these people, I’m related to some of them, I live as a neighbor to others, and I’m trying not to loathe them but I believe my efforts not to loathe are failing and what saddens me is that I don’t think I care. Character is important to me, these people voted for an adjudicated rapist who has cheated on all three of his wives. I do not believe there will be a void in my life as my contact with them intentionally decreases. I smile, say hello when necessary, and leave.
The depth of your commitment, understanding and ability to chart an American course to counter this extreme deranged threat is absolutely appreciated - Nov 3 is another independence day
I am as frightened as I have never been before. I have known this was coming for a long time, it had to. I had hoped it would come sooner, when I was younger and had more physical strength. The best I can do now is give financial support to “independents”, write letters, postcards and call my representatives and voice my concerns. I like when you post pictures of the things that make you happy. Here are five of mine: 🌲 trees make me happy. A really good cup of coffee ☕️ makes me happy. Having a cat 🐈 makes me happy. Laundry 🧺 dried on a clothesline makes me happy. Even the smallest gesture of kindness ❤️ makes me happy.
I know how you feel Harriet. Here in the UK I'm so tired of the political parties that I wouldn't trust for a minute. I hate their rhetoric and the promises that will come to nothing. I'm trying to get on with my life - painting, seeing friends, reading etc. My little cat Dooley cheers me up every day and also, I love seeing the laundry blowing in the breeze! 🤭
The world has changed beyond recognition; the shops have gone, everything is online. I miss choosing in person. I think COVID destroyed the world we knew. Anyway chin up, keep the faith and vote accordingly! You are not alone!
Well said Harriet. I cling to the everyday little things which really are the big things. Like you, I am retired and too old to run or fight. Support to independents, writing to or calling your representatives and speaking up are all valuable. Focusing on time in nature, gardening, cooking simple nutritious meals, a good cuppa tea and a good book , quiet conversations with good friends, poetry, sunsets, birds and my cat are those little things with great meaning now. Best to you.
Demoralizing predictions. And, yes; and yet all of us dedicated to voting FOR our democracy, as tattered as it seems to be, must muster and prevail.
I worry that what I consider well-founded concerns seem to not register with any heft at my county elections office. Idk how to explain or understand this
The cacophony of voices that rise above the “rotor blades” seem full of dire warnings. The Atlantic reports imminent “two-year tantrum”. Susan glasser in the New Yorker questions whether this period really is the demise of MAGA. Hundreds and hundreds of millions of dollars are leveraged to elect the most egregious candidates. On and on.
I also believe that this election will not go off as normal and uneventful. Whether chaos is injected before, during, or after—maybe all three—the election, I think he will try anything to hold power. His remaining unaccountable for anything depends on it. His bulging pocketbook depends on it. He has an army of sorts ready to go. I will walk in and vote this coming Monday. I'm hoping we are strong enough to withstand this.
Excellent post as usual. Revealing things we were not meant to know or see. This administration and its captain are sinking and no one is coming to the rescue, certainly not “ We the people”.
So many MAGA crewmen are jumping ship but forgetting to put on their life jackets . The lifeboats are all leaking like the WH. Accountability and consequences await.
I am deeply concerned about what Trump will do to keep Dems from winning the midterms. We all know he will stop at nothing. I just don’t know if Americans are prepared to stand against what may come at us. Are we willing to die for our country, for our freedom, for democracy? Because it very well may come to that. Or are we so used to things working like they always have that we are caught off guard and unable or unwilling to react timely? He staged a coup before. He will do it again, but this time HE has nothing but sycophants surrounding him. and in control of ICE, his personal militia armed to fight against Americans who protest. I’ll be 80 next year and I’m grateful for that. Growing up in this country I always found it curious how newsmen made such a big deal during every telecast of a change in the WH about the PEACEFUL transfer of power. Now I know. It is the thing that sets democracies apart from other forms of government. I took that so for granted, it seemed silly to make a big deal about political rivals greeting each other on the steps of the WH as one moved out and the other moved in. Donald Trump did not greet Biden and had the front door locked as a welcome. He is such a deeply flawed, petty, and pathetic individual.
Kathryn, Yes, We ALL need to be Concerned and PREPARED. What we don’t know is if our Democratic Reps and others are Prepared?
Right now, so many people are even unaware of much that is going on behind the scenes, Project 2025, etc.
We have a fully armed force of former J6’ers, now ICE Gestapo and well…so many dog whistles already as the Nazi, fascist, sociopath trump and his Regime are taking over and do NOT care one iota if they break the law.
I agree…they have ZERO intentions of handing over power Peacefully, AGAIN…Jan.6-2.0?
We NEED PEOPLE to get informed and ANGRY and prepare for the worst.
Here’s an article by Lance Rosen…https://lancefrosen.substack.com/p/what-will-trump-do-to-steal-the-midterms-835?r=71veyx&utm_medium=ios
Adding another of Lance’s because it just made it to Substack….IT IS A MUST READ AND SHARE…https://lancefrosen.substack.com/p/what-i-saw-in-their-faces-at-the?r=71veyx&utm_medium=ios
It's been apparent from the time he took office the second time that Trump will do anything and everything to prevent free and fair elections, both for the mid-term elections and the 2028 presidential election. If that means that, as commander in chief, he orders the military to attack US citizens, that's what he'll do. The question is when, if ever, will the people in our government who have the power to stop Trump will do so, as he clearly won't honor the will of the people. I'm not holding my breath.
Kathryn, I feel exactly as you do. Reading Heather’s post today just made me face this fact. He will stop at nothing to maintain power and avoid being held accountable for his atrocities. If we win, accountability will begin and the criminality of this regime will be prosecuted. They are infinitely more powerful than on Jan 6. ICE is poised and ready to attack dissenters. I am angry, but I am also concerned and afraid. Expecting criminals to behave according to the law is stupidity.
Kathryn, and others…here is another article I wanted to share earlier…it’s a Masterclass by Lance Rosen…it truly is a MUST READ and SHARE…he and his wife are lifelong Civil Rights activists and warned about trump before his first term and Jan.6, 2021 amongst other things.
PLEASE READ and SHARE…he’s a must add to your reading lists…I PROMISE!❤️🩹
https://lancefrosen.substack.com/p/what-i-saw-in-their-faces-at-the?r=71veyx&utm_medium=ios
I just subscribed to another independent journalist. I do this once a month after I pay off my credit card. It’s all I can afford, but along with some other modest efforts at resistance, I feel that I am at least not fiddling while Rome burns.
Thank you, Heather. You write with a clarity that makes it obvious where this wannabe dictator wants to take our country.
January 6, 2021 should have disqualified him from ever holding any political office again.
What we are witnessing is America’s failure to hold him accountable.
He has proven he will do anything to stay in power.
The only thing that can stop him now is an overwhelming blue wave on November 3rd.
I hope that people realize that this upcoming election will be the most important election in our lifetime, because our democracy depends on it.
Mitch McConnell allowed Trump to run in 2024 by opposing his impeachment after the January 6 Insurrection. That's what McConnell will be remembered for. The Roberts Court, that granted Trump sweeping criminal immunity, will be remembered as the worst Supreme Court in US history, with John Roberts' name forever associated with the immunity decision, Dobbs, and many more horrible decisions.
Dear Heather,
This is the most horrifying post I ever seen from you. DT and his crooked sycophants are beyond redemption. How on earth has this happened? Where is the accountability? The Supreme Court are supposed to be upholding the law, not conniving against it. It's like being in a dystopian nightmare.
But, dear Heather, with your dedicated writing and hope in the majority of Americans, I'm very happy to subscribe. I ask other Brits to also subscribe - this affects the entire word. I wish I could vote!
Love from the UK.🇬🇧🇺🇸
Heather, thank you again for gifting us with a comprehensive report on Trump’s behavior, and his efforts to destroy everything good that we covet.
For me, a hopeful note and lesson, is Melania’s refusal to hold his hand while Peng Liyian smiles comfortably, holding the hand of her powerful husband.
Does Trump even recognize the significance of his wife's gesture. Does he know that more of that behavior is coming for him -- not only from his spouse, but from every human with a brain and heart --every rotten day left in his term of office?
Our imitation president should take a cue from his wife’s behavior. Soon, maybe right now, more Americans are refusing to come near him, let alone hold his hand.
Prayerfully soon, he will be reaching our for hands to shake, to hold, to steady himself and they will all be gone.
And then, our smiles, and likely those of citizens of countries he has attempted to ruin with his gluttony, will be smiling. Like Peng Llyan, but with more of an American sincerity.
Thanks Heather . Another excellent article .
I kept looking to see if one of the stole the constitution and carried it out 🥺
I wake up just before 3am ET and look for your daily article. It’s how I start my day. I appreciate your work and your strength. And I share your writing often.
Largely because of you I’ve knocked doors for Janelle Stelson to displace Scott Perry for the 10th Congressional district of PA. And I’m prepared to respond further and in kind to whatever stupidity comes our way from this bankrupt administration. And I believe your followers have your back. I do.
James, Heather is my 1st go-to read in the morning as well. You have inspired me to knock on doors/get more involved. We all can do more than just challenge the MAGA CULT family/friends/neighbors.
I’ve got your back too, Dave!
https://monicaandreasen.substack.com/p/roy-cohn-broker-of-impunity?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=pam5b
Another very interesting take on events as the world turns I look forward to reading daily.
WH Comms Dir Stephen Cheung is a lying fascist scumbag.
with a particularly foul mouth (or pen, or keyboard). I don't think a presidential press officer for any president of any party has ever been as gross and insulting in his language. Just one recent example: referring to Georgia Senator John Ossoff as a cuck, and messing with his name.
He’s nothing but a mafia thug.
During the 2024 campaign, I read the awful and juvenile statements coming from Cheung and Karoline Leavitt, and I thought, "Where do they find these people? Who else but Trump would hire for the job?"
The satisfaction of seeing him desperate but the fear it brings as his madness accelerates. Thanks for another great article. 💫
Heather, your posts are great, thank you. You wrote these words:
“…while seeing our fellow Americans encourage and support the destruction he is overseeing…”
This is what eats at me. I know these people, I’m related to some of them, I live as a neighbor to others, and I’m trying not to loathe them but I believe my efforts not to loathe are failing and what saddens me is that I don’t think I care. Character is important to me, these people voted for an adjudicated rapist who has cheated on all three of his wives. I do not believe there will be a void in my life as my contact with them intentionally decreases. I smile, say hello when necessary, and leave.
The depth of your commitment, understanding and ability to chart an American course to counter this extreme deranged threat is absolutely appreciated - Nov 3 is another independence day
I am as frightened as I have never been before. I have known this was coming for a long time, it had to. I had hoped it would come sooner, when I was younger and had more physical strength. The best I can do now is give financial support to “independents”, write letters, postcards and call my representatives and voice my concerns. I like when you post pictures of the things that make you happy. Here are five of mine: 🌲 trees make me happy. A really good cup of coffee ☕️ makes me happy. Having a cat 🐈 makes me happy. Laundry 🧺 dried on a clothesline makes me happy. Even the smallest gesture of kindness ❤️ makes me happy.
I know how you feel Harriet. Here in the UK I'm so tired of the political parties that I wouldn't trust for a minute. I hate their rhetoric and the promises that will come to nothing. I'm trying to get on with my life - painting, seeing friends, reading etc. My little cat Dooley cheers me up every day and also, I love seeing the laundry blowing in the breeze! 🤭
The world has changed beyond recognition; the shops have gone, everything is online. I miss choosing in person. I think COVID destroyed the world we knew. Anyway chin up, keep the faith and vote accordingly! You are not alone!
Love from the UK.🇬🇧
Well said Harriet. I cling to the everyday little things which really are the big things. Like you, I am retired and too old to run or fight. Support to independents, writing to or calling your representatives and speaking up are all valuable. Focusing on time in nature, gardening, cooking simple nutritious meals, a good cuppa tea and a good book , quiet conversations with good friends, poetry, sunsets, birds and my cat are those little things with great meaning now. Best to you.
Demoralizing predictions. And, yes; and yet all of us dedicated to voting FOR our democracy, as tattered as it seems to be, must muster and prevail.
I worry that what I consider well-founded concerns seem to not register with any heft at my county elections office. Idk how to explain or understand this
The cacophony of voices that rise above the “rotor blades” seem full of dire warnings. The Atlantic reports imminent “two-year tantrum”. Susan glasser in the New Yorker questions whether this period really is the demise of MAGA. Hundreds and hundreds of millions of dollars are leveraged to elect the most egregious candidates. On and on.
Thanks for your stamina heather
Thank you Heather.
I also believe that this election will not go off as normal and uneventful. Whether chaos is injected before, during, or after—maybe all three—the election, I think he will try anything to hold power. His remaining unaccountable for anything depends on it. His bulging pocketbook depends on it. He has an army of sorts ready to go. I will walk in and vote this coming Monday. I'm hoping we are strong enough to withstand this.
Excellent post as usual. Revealing things we were not meant to know or see. This administration and its captain are sinking and no one is coming to the rescue, certainly not “ We the people”.
So many MAGA crewmen are jumping ship but forgetting to put on their life jackets . The lifeboats are all leaking like the WH. Accountability and consequences await.