Just after 1 p.m. this afternoon, Tom Homan, Donald Trump's "Border Czar," adjusted his suit jacket, unbuttoned the top button, and walked directly toward the press gathered on the "Pebble Beach" area of the White House North Lawn driveway. He was there to get ahead of two stories rapidly consuming the day's headlines: the morning attack outside New York's 26 Federal Plaza, home to an ICE field office, and the growing scrutiny surrounding a series of fatal ICE shootings that have sparked new questions about the agency's tactics, training, and accountability.
When asked whether ICE needed to change the way it trains its agents, Homan brushed aside the question with a lengthy response, eventually insisting, "All they had to do is simply comply with law enforcement," referring to the men killed during recent ICE encounters.
During the 13 minutes and 27 seconds that Homan spent speaking to the press, he grew visibly more agitated with every question until he could no longer keep the conversation focused where he wanted it. He eventually became overwhelmed by his emotions and blurted out, "I can't even go get a quart of milk at a grocery store without a security detail. Why? Because I'm enforcing laws of this country. It's pathetic, and it's disgusting," before abruptly walking away without so much as a glance back at the reporters still waiting to ask more questions.
Some days are harder than others to hold on to hope...the corruption is so widespread and the lives damaged are so many. How are we to reverse and heal the gaping wounds this administration has made to our country, our democracy and our people...when there remain 20-30% who still support the carnage and cruelty?
It's a fool's errand to think we'll ever convince all of the grossly uninformed or just plain haters of the rest of us. Trump brought out this angry attitude in people who want to emulate him. Just let's work hard to get the majorities we need locally, statewide and federal government especially our Congress. If you want to keep expressing woe about the truly devoted to Trump's ideas, you won't have the energy needed to participate when we do win. Please stop.
Bingo, Heather, on the chain of command leading to Miller and Trump, via abuse of proper law enforcement. We are so grateful for your tenacity in sustaining hope in America.
Unfortunately for me a lot of the items reported here don't express a lot of hope. They're definitely the truth about what's happening but resistance and actions mean more.
Many years ago I worked in the gift shop of a small local museum . I began to talk to two women who were browsing and suggested toy soldiers as a gift for her great grandson at home in Germany.
' Oh no liebchen, not soldiers, I don't like uniforms and soldiers' I was interested and asked her did she have a personal reason.
She said nothing but rolled up the sleeve of her blouse and showed me the inside of her arm, on the inside ,on the skin , there was a number tattooed .
'Bergen-Belsen liebchen, Bergen -Belsen'
Overcome, I grasped her hand and asked 'How ? how did you survive that ? Her answer will stay with me forever.
' Hope, we kept the hope, that it would end, that they would be held to account and we had to live to testify, we had to believe that ,when they came for us , we had to believe that they would be held to account and it would end and we would survive '
Thankyou everyone over there in the U.S.A for what you are trying to do, you will win.
What a heartbreaking story. Who could have imagined that it would happen again, even less imagine it would be happening in apparently, the most democratic country in the world.
I remember the first time I saw that mark was in my early 20's, and I stopped at a Jewish bakery in KC and the lady behind the counter handed me what I had purchased and on her forearm was the mark.................I've never forgotten that encounter only her name.
Edit: After I posted this this morning I did a little GTS (Google that shit) and here is the web site for the M&M bakery <https://www.mmbakerydeli.com> if anyone is curious to read about it. The proprietor's name was Bronia Roslawowski that I met probably around 1974.
Think many Americans figured out long ago that Stephen Miller is the architect. Tom Homan is the enforcer. And Markwayne Mullin, like Kristi Noem before him have been just the yes men… We just needed to hear it from at least one of them.
As Homan remarked on people getting killed by ICE — “It comes down to one simple fact -- these people failed to comply with law enforcement ... all they had to do is comply. If they did, they'd be alive today."…. He said it out-loud.. Admitted it..
That sentence, statement should send chills up the spine for every person in this country. Don’t care if your family’s ancestors came over on the Mayflower.. — If you don’t comply with law enforcement you will be dead. Reread Homan’s statement if needed.
Now these law enforcement personnel don’t use any red or blue lights flashing on their vehicles indicating they are law enforcement. These individuals do not have any badges readily visible or any markings on their apparel indicating they are law enforcement as ICE — “Immigration Custom Enforcement” No telltale signs of any kind that these individuals in their vehicles or on their bodies remotely indicating they are law enforcement. In fact they have masks on their faces so what’s the first thing that goes through anyone’s mind… This person isn’t a good guy.. A robber maybe, with other people possibly in the vehicle..
What’s even better yet that should settle in your frontal lobe is all of these individuals are being told “They have immunity” for every action, behavior and shooting. Feel free to let this really sink in..
Now some white folk may be not considering they are the ones who are the “target” — Well what color skin did Renee Good and Alex Pretti have? Then some white folk will think and say those were the exceptions. So all us white folks here’s a question you need to ask yourself — Are you willing to be the next “exception” to be shot dead?
What should be going through all our minds is — Didn’t know that being shot was the punishment for not obeying..
Maybe that’s how Nazi Germany got away with the “Brownshirts" the Sturmabteilung (SA), translated as "Storm Troopers" or "Assault Division”. Then there are those “Blackshirts” in Italy. They were the Milizia Volontaria per la Sicurezza Nazionale (MVSN), or the Voluntary Militia for National Security. They began as the Squadristi (Fascist squadristi), a violent paramilitary wing of Benito Mussolini's National Fascist Party.
They all got away with all their actions, behaviors and shootings…
You know those visitors that attended the World Cup here in our nation they enjoyed the people of this country and we enjoyed them all and at least they got out..they were able to get home to their own home countries, as far as we know.
Who knows what it will be like come the Olympics in July 2028… Possibly it could be very similar to the summer of 1936 in Germany…
Want to know why the Midterms are extremely important? Maybe if you sit back and really let this sink in you may come to the answer. If you vote for no changes to the Congress both the House and Senate then we all suffer the consequences, including you. There really are no “exceptions” to what ICE can be unleashed to do. If you want changes to Congress, both bodies to start legislating and being the check to the executive branch then vote accordingly..
The people of those two nations, Germany and Italy back in the 1930’s up to the end really didn’t have a Congress to hold either of those two who were reigning.
Consequences of Voting, making your voice heard. If you don’t Vote and making your voice heard, silence and complicity is also a consequence..
Stay safe and healthy only 104 days till Midterms. In the meantime do what you can do from donating time or money if you can, organize, make a plan.
I wonder if the boost to ICE numbers, are actually to ensure that at the mid-terms, will be enough ICE-icles to chill most if not all the polling booths. I guess it gives the expression "Put you on ice" - a rather different slant.
Wouldn’t doubt that’s the reason for the increase in numbers. The bottom of the barrel is being scraped as to who is wearing that gear.. Yep a different slant indeed..
Anyone who spreads further fear by the words you are doing is not contributing to hope ONLY to fear. Shame on you and don't say it's being realistic. It's fear monger attitude 101.
While appreciate your comment. Do not see any comment as spreading fear. Just more of a landscape view and being more aware of the surroundings or possible situations. The more information the better we become prepared. Don’t see that providing a viewpoint from all their experiences as stocking fear. Just a heads up. We all have done it. We tell our coworkers that the boss may be in a mood and to stay clear. We still are at work and doing our jobs but remain maybe a touch more quieter.
We are all in this together the more information and possible insight sometimes helps.. stay safe and healthy - there’s always hope even with fear…
Reread the comment from Hugh Spencer! And my point is none of you seem to say anything about what if anything you are actually doing to make sure that people are registered, get to the polls, support a specific person in your state for a bigger Democratic/Independent presence in the CONGRESS! You are content to read this SUBSTACK and embellish what is said with your words but no action indicated among you! Then read the comment following from Shelly Rellim M. Sharing articles talking about Shoot to Kill etc. THAT is not positive and repeating scary stuff might make people NOT SHOW up to VOTE when our votes are our power and our voices! GEEZ
Carol okay so let me share some items. I’m working at the polls. Have done this for over 30 years. Am that person who smiles, takes your info and hopefully gives you some ease when you may need it. Also organize protests, volunteer for candidates campaigns in red state of Ohio. In the area residing it’s what some people who consider “cherry red”. During the last months of school a group of us put together information and did a 5 to 8 minute presentation for high school students coming of age to register to vote. We did this at over 23 high schools. Then we did the same presentations at colleges. We all drove for miles to assist the younger people as to how and the ease of registering to vote. To be engaged, to have hope. Now do I expect all others to do the same. Absolutely not. Am retired as the other individuals are that we got together and partnered with Ohio Organizing Collaborative (OOC), a grassroots group focused on voter registration and progressive civic engagement. You may want to research what has transpired for some in that grassroots organization. So fear have experienced…
We all do what we can. Now some may just send a dollar or two to a campaign if they can afford. Some will donate a few hours of their time, because that’s worth more than the dollars or two. Some may go out and protest. You get the idea…
We’re in this together that’s my point.. and have much hope and trust me reserve that we will come out of these dark days.. am a grandmother and will be a great grandmother in a few months… there are days that is what keeps the feet moving..
Well said, TJ. It’s a death sentence no matter what they/you choose in regards to ICE Gestapo. Flee, stay in your car-“it’s a weapon, ALL “justifications to shoot to kill, “ comply-go to an inhumane Concentration Camp and be mistreated, murdered, illegally deported, sex trafficked, raped, disappeared.
All actions are therefore, according to Stephen Miller, Homan, Mullin are a death sentence, especially for people of color, but now to anyone anti-MAGA/MAWA, anti-trump, anti-A.I., Communist, ANTIFA, Social Democrats, Democrats, etc.
TJ, Lance Rosen just wrote a piece on the continuing targeting of Pope Leo, especially by Thiel at his Dialogue KKKlub meeting, calling him the Antichrist.
Do you really care what Peter Thiel who has totally moved to Argentina says? Do you really think Pope Leo cares either? Maybe you should care about who gets elected in your state assuming you do live in the USA? That will matter in the long run than what Thiel says! Get out and raise some Good Trouble,! AND be sure you are registered to vote!
BTW Peter Thiel and His husband moved to Argentina with their adopted children more than likely because they see the writing on the Supreme Court wall is the reexamining of same sex marriage. Clarence Thomas has been pushing for this!
Again appreciate your comment and getting out there raising “Good Trouble”. We all hopefully are doing our part to achieve a changing of course in this nation. Live in Ohio and was aware that Thiel gave at least $15 million to Vance to achieve his win for that Senate seat. To be honest very few people were aware of this at the time. It came out more after the election. At the time Vance was way behind in campaign funds and behind in polls against Tim Ryan. We all know how that turned out.
Now am aware that Musk has donated over $5 million in Ramaswamy’s campaign. Ramaswamy is behind or even in the poll ratings. Am I sounding an alarm, yes because Musk as Thiel have skin in The game to end what may be considered a democracy. More of an oligarchy..
This statement, written by Peter Thiel in a 2009 essay for the Cato Institute, wrote “I no longer believe that freedom and democracy are compatible.” It’s one of his most famous and foundational comment regarding democracy. If this man no longer believes in democracy and has the capabilities to donate millions to a campaign in a democracy then it’s well worth being aware.
Again just a heads up. We are all in this together.. the more information and possible insight sometimes helps.. stay safe making that good trouble head on a swivel as my mom tells me-
And I repeat PETER THIEL IS NOT IN THE USA and he cannot back VANCE except with money. WHAT are you doing in OHIO to get a Democrat into the governor's mansion or the SENATE? No you are just repeating stuff you found to make you look smart! INFORMATION is not worth anything without action!
Why don't you lay off of TJ, and start your own thread of things people should ignore, and what they should do instead? You're choosing to be divisive here, over a simple opinion - yours, namely.
Thank you for the information and what Lance wrote will read it today. Stay safe and healthy.
Organizing with others for a protest come Aug 8 in our town. We are getting a lot of people wanting to turn out for this. Honestly the women get it, nothing against men but the women have that extra something..
Here is the information if interested or what to pass on to others.
Long day and Thanks for pointing to Rosen’s article did look at the article and a few others this one from CNN that outlined a touch more..
So Thiel believes that Pope Leo is “working for the Chinese Communists.” Because he is sounding the alarm about the use of AI and to be careful with moving forward with technology that could cause harm. As well Thiel has argued that the “Antichrist” could manifest not as an individual but as a world government that seizes power by promising to protect humanity against existential threats such as AI or global warming. So ultimately he’s calling Pope Leo the “antichrist”.
During this Aspen Ideas festival. Political scientist Francis Fukuyama argued that the greatest danger is abandoning institutions that have sustained democracy. Fukuyama’s work—particularly in The Origins of Political Order—emphasizes that a stable society requires a strong, capable state balanced by the rule of law and democratic accountability. He has frequently raised concerns regarding how unchecked technological disruption, economic inequality, and online polarization undermine trust in public institutions and erode democratic cohesion. That there is fragility of tech disruption into governments that could negatively affect the people and the governments themselves.
Thiel countered this by arguing that those institutions themselves have become engines of paralysis, and that decades of technological stagnation have pushed Western politics toward greater instability. So AI in his mind is going to stabilize governments?
Thiel’s take on the Declaration of Independence and Constitution is quite bizarre..
Thiel said. He framed the American Revolution not as a campaign against King George III, but as a revolt against an all-powerful British parliament, whose lawmakers exercised “totalitarian” control. In Thiel’s telling, the US Constitution was designed as a corrective to Britain’s “tyrannical rule of lawyers,” with a presidency, he said, built to be “more powerful than King George III.” He contrasted the United States’s constitutional system with that of today’s European Union, which he described as a stagnant, rule-bound bureaucracy, under which people are “NPCs” — non-player characters in video games — with no power to make decisions. The EU is rule of law,” as in conclusion Thiel said. “It is like bad AI.”
Thiel’s political views are a total distrust in democratic institutions and has an enthusiasm for elite-led governance that just amount to a form of “techno-authoritarianism.”
Think Thiel is way out there. Rich and powerful and quite frankly nuttier than a fruit cake… What’s concerning is the primary hacker of JD Vance…. Always good to be informed and have this somewhere on file in the mind…
I did read more of some of that information you stated about Thiel’s. I think Lance added a link plus I read another one after their Dialog KKKlub met.
He is no doubt a fanatical Technofascist, Eugenics, Nazi, sociopath.
He owns Vance, so even when trump is dethroned by whatever way it happens, we know the machinery is still in place, just not the same strong KKKult of MAGA/MAWA under their “leader” trump.
Yes tomorrow is another day to hit the floor running.. Have no idea how I accomplished stuff while working… Thought retirement was to do more relaxing and putting your feet up… oh well never was a person to just do nothing.. have a good night. Going to get caught up on some writing on Substack..
I’m back to the details of the depth of reporting Heather does. This essay is another summarized report of complex yet the simple plans of Miller’s involvement in overseeing serious policy that changes countless lives, but elected to nothing . We knew but we need to see the dots between policy and implementation. It’s how history gets written because you need to connect power to the direct action that results come from, ‘results’ being subjective to the control of the narrative.
History will take care of itself long after many of us are gone. Thing is, I want these bastards accountable today, NOW. How many times in history have psychopaths like Miller found their way into power circles or direct to power itself? How have these kind of humans played out in whatever their place in time was? Far as I understand never a good result if morality is included.
You speak eloquently about what you want but are you actively doing anything about it other than talk. There's time to get people registered to vote so those actions you want will really occur.
"The men and women of ICE"? I can't be recall a single instance of ICE atrocities where a woman agent was involved, nor have I seen any in the videos. Are there any women in the field, or has the boys club closed ranks there?
I would guess that they are all white men who are too cowardly for the army and to dumb for the police force . Probably many with domestic violence convictions and little education.
Oh yes there are women that were in Minnesota for sure. They were often sent in to places to order fast food since many places refused to provide food no matter the amount offered. There's some rough females among them.
Those men may not have Presidential immunity, but before this is all over, they and everyone else in this administration will have Presidential pardons, all the way up to J.D. Vance. Trump will then resign, Vance will take the oath of office, and Vance will immediately pardon Trump of all federal offenses, including income tax evasion. Our only hope for justice lies with the states.
Trump has already said he will pardon anyone who has come within 250 feet of the Oval Office..then he changed the number to 500. They all think they have a Get Out Of Jail Free card…we shall see.
Carol, or other Pollyanna types. What are you going to do? Look closely at my avatar, that is my service dog Tommy, he goes with me everywhere. Many people ask what does FDT stand for. I tell them most walk away saying what a cute dog. He’s feisty and pissed off. I protested the Vietnam war and was gassed and shot with rubber bullets, you know how that ended. 🔥🐕🖕
I am definitely NOT a POLLYANNA or I would not be asking who is doing what! SO you protested at the VietNam war, so did I! We are long past the Viet Nam war with an even more STUPID war. There are people in wheelchairs and walkers protesting. They are getting out and doing something whether working at a food bank to feed the families of the people being deported; transporting people to get registered to vote; going to high schools to register 18 year olds to vote and informing them of civics lessons they are no longer getting. And many more activities all of you could join! EVEn at my age I am not just going to sit back and let others do the work.
Nobody I see on here is just wringing their hands and most certainly NOT giving up. I post every day what we must do to get the country back into the people's hands IDK what you're reading
BTW...I marched against Viet Nam..saw MLK in DC and was very active in Women's Liberation for years until we overturned Roe and got credit in our names I'm 77 years old and am STILL protesting when it's necessary so no hand wringing from me.
I agree they have seen the pardons already, bank on it. The States will never see any evidence to prosecute these vile criminals. The FBI has no oversight anymore. The apparatus is investigating itself. Explain why I should be hopeful. Game over, pour the gasoline 🔥
You are confusing getting justice for unlawful conduct with getting power back. The fact that America may never see justice done has nothing to do with getting Congressional power back. Justice would only come after a return to power in any event but is unlikely given the current disregard for ethical and lawful conduct and the current extensive use of the pardon power, which obviously needs to be curtailed.
Most of the pardons have come to those who haven’t kept their noses clean. Quite the opposite. Example, those who beat on police during the Jan. 6 riot on the capitol. The pardoning clause will have to be redefined before every Trumpian killer/enabler can be exonerated by a presidential pardon from any wrong doings.
Thank you Heather for all the work you do reporting-you are one of the few believable reporters!!! I wish that maga people would pull their heads out of their asses see what is going on.
Don’t doubt for a second - they will come for all of us. Last Thursday’s unhinged speech by the criminal-in-chief told us what comes next. Anyone who does not support this brutal regime and its unconstitutional agenda is not a political opponent to them, they are “the enemy.” The penalty for opposition was just laid out in plain English: “Comply or die.”
How long will it take congress to get to the heart of the Trump regime and dissect Steven Miller and those running their agenda, project 2025? These goals are running without any accountability or consequences. Trump is the willing and enabling vessel but the evil brutality of Miller at the pinnacle, is actually the Trump whisperer pulling the strings. He lurks in the shadows, but wields all the power of a Joseph Goebbels during the Hitler reign. RIP him out and the head has lost its brain.
This is so heartbreaking. As I was reading, I imagined myself as one of the human beings being targeted and kidnapped (and worse) just because I’m seeking a better life for myself and my family in the country that I thought was a safe place to live. I’m so worried that they will find a way to cheat at future elections. I have many bad feelings about all of this, but no more words.
Remember this: "Stephen Miller, Tom Homan, Markwayne Mullin, and the others do not have presidential immunity. None of the people executing this operation, setting the quotas, stripping the oversight, and sending people to foreign torture prisons do. None of them are protected by the shield that covers the presidency." Their reckoning is coming.
Some days are harder than others to hold on to hope...the corruption is so widespread and the lives damaged are so many. How are we to reverse and heal the gaping wounds this administration has made to our country, our democracy and our people...when there remain 20-30% who still support the carnage and cruelty?
I’d say much lower, 10-15% and millions of Resisters. Time to join us! 💪❤️🔥🗽❤️🔥🫶🏼🇺🇸💜💪❤️🔥
It's a fool's errand to think we'll ever convince all of the grossly uninformed or just plain haters of the rest of us. Trump brought out this angry attitude in people who want to emulate him. Just let's work hard to get the majorities we need locally, statewide and federal government especially our Congress. If you want to keep expressing woe about the truly devoted to Trump's ideas, you won't have the energy needed to participate when we do win. Please stop.
We, the other 75%, must ALL vote on November 5th.
Bingo, Heather, on the chain of command leading to Miller and Trump, via abuse of proper law enforcement. We are so grateful for your tenacity in sustaining hope in America.
Unfortunately for me a lot of the items reported here don't express a lot of hope. They're definitely the truth about what's happening but resistance and actions mean more.
Many years ago I worked in the gift shop of a small local museum . I began to talk to two women who were browsing and suggested toy soldiers as a gift for her great grandson at home in Germany.
' Oh no liebchen, not soldiers, I don't like uniforms and soldiers' I was interested and asked her did she have a personal reason.
She said nothing but rolled up the sleeve of her blouse and showed me the inside of her arm, on the inside ,on the skin , there was a number tattooed .
'Bergen-Belsen liebchen, Bergen -Belsen'
Overcome, I grasped her hand and asked 'How ? how did you survive that ? Her answer will stay with me forever.
' Hope, we kept the hope, that it would end, that they would be held to account and we had to live to testify, we had to believe that ,when they came for us , we had to believe that they would be held to account and it would end and we would survive '
Thankyou everyone over there in the U.S.A for what you are trying to do, you will win.
What a heartbreaking story. Who could have imagined that it would happen again, even less imagine it would be happening in apparently, the most democratic country in the world.
I remember the first time I saw that mark was in my early 20's, and I stopped at a Jewish bakery in KC and the lady behind the counter handed me what I had purchased and on her forearm was the mark.................I've never forgotten that encounter only her name.
Edit: After I posted this this morning I did a little GTS (Google that shit) and here is the web site for the M&M bakery <https://www.mmbakerydeli.com> if anyone is curious to read about it. The proprietor's name was Bronia Roslawowski that I met probably around 1974.
HOPE can come in continuing to connect with each other. “Look for the helpers” said Mr Rogers…and hold on.
Thank you Heather.
Think many Americans figured out long ago that Stephen Miller is the architect. Tom Homan is the enforcer. And Markwayne Mullin, like Kristi Noem before him have been just the yes men… We just needed to hear it from at least one of them.
As Homan remarked on people getting killed by ICE — “It comes down to one simple fact -- these people failed to comply with law enforcement ... all they had to do is comply. If they did, they'd be alive today."…. He said it out-loud.. Admitted it..
That sentence, statement should send chills up the spine for every person in this country. Don’t care if your family’s ancestors came over on the Mayflower.. — If you don’t comply with law enforcement you will be dead. Reread Homan’s statement if needed.
Now these law enforcement personnel don’t use any red or blue lights flashing on their vehicles indicating they are law enforcement. These individuals do not have any badges readily visible or any markings on their apparel indicating they are law enforcement as ICE — “Immigration Custom Enforcement” No telltale signs of any kind that these individuals in their vehicles or on their bodies remotely indicating they are law enforcement. In fact they have masks on their faces so what’s the first thing that goes through anyone’s mind… This person isn’t a good guy.. A robber maybe, with other people possibly in the vehicle..
What’s even better yet that should settle in your frontal lobe is all of these individuals are being told “They have immunity” for every action, behavior and shooting. Feel free to let this really sink in..
Now some white folk may be not considering they are the ones who are the “target” — Well what color skin did Renee Good and Alex Pretti have? Then some white folk will think and say those were the exceptions. So all us white folks here’s a question you need to ask yourself — Are you willing to be the next “exception” to be shot dead?
What should be going through all our minds is — Didn’t know that being shot was the punishment for not obeying..
Maybe that’s how Nazi Germany got away with the “Brownshirts" the Sturmabteilung (SA), translated as "Storm Troopers" or "Assault Division”. Then there are those “Blackshirts” in Italy. They were the Milizia Volontaria per la Sicurezza Nazionale (MVSN), or the Voluntary Militia for National Security. They began as the Squadristi (Fascist squadristi), a violent paramilitary wing of Benito Mussolini's National Fascist Party.
They all got away with all their actions, behaviors and shootings…
You know those visitors that attended the World Cup here in our nation they enjoyed the people of this country and we enjoyed them all and at least they got out..they were able to get home to their own home countries, as far as we know.
Who knows what it will be like come the Olympics in July 2028… Possibly it could be very similar to the summer of 1936 in Germany…
Want to know why the Midterms are extremely important? Maybe if you sit back and really let this sink in you may come to the answer. If you vote for no changes to the Congress both the House and Senate then we all suffer the consequences, including you. There really are no “exceptions” to what ICE can be unleashed to do. If you want changes to Congress, both bodies to start legislating and being the check to the executive branch then vote accordingly..
The people of those two nations, Germany and Italy back in the 1930’s up to the end really didn’t have a Congress to hold either of those two who were reigning.
Consequences of Voting, making your voice heard. If you don’t Vote and making your voice heard, silence and complicity is also a consequence..
Stay safe and healthy only 104 days till Midterms. In the meantime do what you can do from donating time or money if you can, organize, make a plan.
I wonder if the boost to ICE numbers, are actually to ensure that at the mid-terms, will be enough ICE-icles to chill most if not all the polling booths. I guess it gives the expression "Put you on ice" - a rather different slant.
Wouldn’t doubt that’s the reason for the increase in numbers. The bottom of the barrel is being scraped as to who is wearing that gear.. Yep a different slant indeed..
Anyone who spreads further fear by the words you are doing is not contributing to hope ONLY to fear. Shame on you and don't say it's being realistic. It's fear monger attitude 101.
While appreciate your comment. Do not see any comment as spreading fear. Just more of a landscape view and being more aware of the surroundings or possible situations. The more information the better we become prepared. Don’t see that providing a viewpoint from all their experiences as stocking fear. Just a heads up. We all have done it. We tell our coworkers that the boss may be in a mood and to stay clear. We still are at work and doing our jobs but remain maybe a touch more quieter.
We are all in this together the more information and possible insight sometimes helps.. stay safe and healthy - there’s always hope even with fear…
Reread the comment from Hugh Spencer! And my point is none of you seem to say anything about what if anything you are actually doing to make sure that people are registered, get to the polls, support a specific person in your state for a bigger Democratic/Independent presence in the CONGRESS! You are content to read this SUBSTACK and embellish what is said with your words but no action indicated among you! Then read the comment following from Shelly Rellim M. Sharing articles talking about Shoot to Kill etc. THAT is not positive and repeating scary stuff might make people NOT SHOW up to VOTE when our votes are our power and our voices! GEEZ
Carol okay so let me share some items. I’m working at the polls. Have done this for over 30 years. Am that person who smiles, takes your info and hopefully gives you some ease when you may need it. Also organize protests, volunteer for candidates campaigns in red state of Ohio. In the area residing it’s what some people who consider “cherry red”. During the last months of school a group of us put together information and did a 5 to 8 minute presentation for high school students coming of age to register to vote. We did this at over 23 high schools. Then we did the same presentations at colleges. We all drove for miles to assist the younger people as to how and the ease of registering to vote. To be engaged, to have hope. Now do I expect all others to do the same. Absolutely not. Am retired as the other individuals are that we got together and partnered with Ohio Organizing Collaborative (OOC), a grassroots group focused on voter registration and progressive civic engagement. You may want to research what has transpired for some in that grassroots organization. So fear have experienced…
We all do what we can. Now some may just send a dollar or two to a campaign if they can afford. Some will donate a few hours of their time, because that’s worth more than the dollars or two. Some may go out and protest. You get the idea…
We’re in this together that’s my point.. and have much hope and trust me reserve that we will come out of these dark days.. am a grandmother and will be a great grandmother in a few months… there are days that is what keeps the feet moving..
Well said, TJ. It’s a death sentence no matter what they/you choose in regards to ICE Gestapo. Flee, stay in your car-“it’s a weapon, ALL “justifications to shoot to kill, “ comply-go to an inhumane Concentration Camp and be mistreated, murdered, illegally deported, sex trafficked, raped, disappeared.
All actions are therefore, according to Stephen Miller, Homan, Mullin are a death sentence, especially for people of color, but now to anyone anti-MAGA/MAWA, anti-trump, anti-A.I., Communist, ANTIFA, Social Democrats, Democrats, etc.
This is also their training…”SHOOT to KILL.”
I’ll reshare Lance Rosen’s article…https://substack.com/@lancefrosen/note/c-290959835?r=71veyx&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=notes-share-action
TJ, Lance Rosen just wrote a piece on the continuing targeting of Pope Leo, especially by Thiel at his Dialogue KKKlub meeting, calling him the Antichrist.
https://substack.com/@lancefrosen/note/c-298615485?r=71veyx&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=notes-share-action
Do you really care what Peter Thiel who has totally moved to Argentina says? Do you really think Pope Leo cares either? Maybe you should care about who gets elected in your state assuming you do live in the USA? That will matter in the long run than what Thiel says! Get out and raise some Good Trouble,! AND be sure you are registered to vote!
BTW Peter Thiel and His husband moved to Argentina with their adopted children more than likely because they see the writing on the Supreme Court wall is the reexamining of same sex marriage. Clarence Thomas has been pushing for this!
Again appreciate your comment and getting out there raising “Good Trouble”. We all hopefully are doing our part to achieve a changing of course in this nation. Live in Ohio and was aware that Thiel gave at least $15 million to Vance to achieve his win for that Senate seat. To be honest very few people were aware of this at the time. It came out more after the election. At the time Vance was way behind in campaign funds and behind in polls against Tim Ryan. We all know how that turned out.
Now am aware that Musk has donated over $5 million in Ramaswamy’s campaign. Ramaswamy is behind or even in the poll ratings. Am I sounding an alarm, yes because Musk as Thiel have skin in The game to end what may be considered a democracy. More of an oligarchy..
This statement, written by Peter Thiel in a 2009 essay for the Cato Institute, wrote “I no longer believe that freedom and democracy are compatible.” It’s one of his most famous and foundational comment regarding democracy. If this man no longer believes in democracy and has the capabilities to donate millions to a campaign in a democracy then it’s well worth being aware.
Again just a heads up. We are all in this together.. the more information and possible insight sometimes helps.. stay safe making that good trouble head on a swivel as my mom tells me-
And I repeat PETER THIEL IS NOT IN THE USA and he cannot back VANCE except with money. WHAT are you doing in OHIO to get a Democrat into the governor's mansion or the SENATE? No you are just repeating stuff you found to make you look smart! INFORMATION is not worth anything without action!
Why don't you lay off of TJ, and start your own thread of things people should ignore, and what they should do instead? You're choosing to be divisive here, over a simple opinion - yours, namely.
Thank you for the information and what Lance wrote will read it today. Stay safe and healthy.
Organizing with others for a protest come Aug 8 in our town. We are getting a lot of people wanting to turn out for this. Honestly the women get it, nothing against men but the women have that extra something..
Here is the information if interested or what to pass on to others.
August 8 (Nationwide): The League of Women Voters (LWV) hosts the "Unite & Rise for Voting Rights" Day of Action. Local chapters organize rallies and community actions to mobilize voters ahead of midterm elections. Virtual participation, including sending letters to representatives, is also available on the League of Women Voters (https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.lwv.org/riseforvotingrights&ved=2ahUKEwizi6XOzeGVAxVsN4YAHev1KJwQy_kOegoIAggACAAIDBAD&opi=89978449&cd&psig=AOvVaw0Fz-tFCJs55GeeJ55lgSZE&ust=1784648965334000) website.
Thank you! I will pass it along.
Stay safe.
Long day and Thanks for pointing to Rosen’s article did look at the article and a few others this one from CNN that outlined a touch more..
So Thiel believes that Pope Leo is “working for the Chinese Communists.” Because he is sounding the alarm about the use of AI and to be careful with moving forward with technology that could cause harm. As well Thiel has argued that the “Antichrist” could manifest not as an individual but as a world government that seizes power by promising to protect humanity against existential threats such as AI or global warming. So ultimately he’s calling Pope Leo the “antichrist”.
During this Aspen Ideas festival. Political scientist Francis Fukuyama argued that the greatest danger is abandoning institutions that have sustained democracy. Fukuyama’s work—particularly in The Origins of Political Order—emphasizes that a stable society requires a strong, capable state balanced by the rule of law and democratic accountability. He has frequently raised concerns regarding how unchecked technological disruption, economic inequality, and online polarization undermine trust in public institutions and erode democratic cohesion. That there is fragility of tech disruption into governments that could negatively affect the people and the governments themselves.
Thiel countered this by arguing that those institutions themselves have become engines of paralysis, and that decades of technological stagnation have pushed Western politics toward greater instability. So AI in his mind is going to stabilize governments?
Thiel’s take on the Declaration of Independence and Constitution is quite bizarre..
Thiel said. He framed the American Revolution not as a campaign against King George III, but as a revolt against an all-powerful British parliament, whose lawmakers exercised “totalitarian” control. In Thiel’s telling, the US Constitution was designed as a corrective to Britain’s “tyrannical rule of lawyers,” with a presidency, he said, built to be “more powerful than King George III.” He contrasted the United States’s constitutional system with that of today’s European Union, which he described as a stagnant, rule-bound bureaucracy, under which people are “NPCs” — non-player characters in video games — with no power to make decisions. The EU is rule of law,” as in conclusion Thiel said. “It is like bad AI.”
Thiel’s political views are a total distrust in democratic institutions and has an enthusiasm for elite-led governance that just amount to a form of “techno-authoritarianism.”
Think Thiel is way out there. Rich and powerful and quite frankly nuttier than a fruit cake… What’s concerning is the primary hacker of JD Vance…. Always good to be informed and have this somewhere on file in the mind…
https://www.cnn.com/2026/07/02/us/peter-thiel-aspen-pope-china-ai-cec?cid=ios_app
Long days!
I did read more of some of that information you stated about Thiel’s. I think Lance added a link plus I read another one after their Dialog KKKlub met.
He is no doubt a fanatical Technofascist, Eugenics, Nazi, sociopath.
He owns Vance, so even when trump is dethroned by whatever way it happens, we know the machinery is still in place, just not the same strong KKKult of MAGA/MAWA under their “leader” trump.
Thanks for the extra info. and link.
Tomorrow is another day to fight the good fight!
Yes tomorrow is another day to hit the floor running.. Have no idea how I accomplished stuff while working… Thought retirement was to do more relaxing and putting your feet up… oh well never was a person to just do nothing.. have a good night. Going to get caught up on some writing on Substack..
Yes. Every word. I’m with you!!
I’m back to the details of the depth of reporting Heather does. This essay is another summarized report of complex yet the simple plans of Miller’s involvement in overseeing serious policy that changes countless lives, but elected to nothing . We knew but we need to see the dots between policy and implementation. It’s how history gets written because you need to connect power to the direct action that results come from, ‘results’ being subjective to the control of the narrative.
History will take care of itself long after many of us are gone. Thing is, I want these bastards accountable today, NOW. How many times in history have psychopaths like Miller found their way into power circles or direct to power itself? How have these kind of humans played out in whatever their place in time was? Far as I understand never a good result if morality is included.
Awesome writing/reporting Heather.
You speak eloquently about what you want but are you actively doing anything about it other than talk. There's time to get people registered to vote so those actions you want will really occur.
"The men and women of ICE"? I can't be recall a single instance of ICE atrocities where a woman agent was involved, nor have I seen any in the videos. Are there any women in the field, or has the boys club closed ranks there?
I would guess that they are all white men who are too cowardly for the army and to dumb for the police force . Probably many with domestic violence convictions and little education.
Wrong there's a large contingent of mixed races and Hispanic members. Read the names of some in the reports for DC and California and In Maine.
They proved that in Maine.
Oh yes there are women that were in Minnesota for sure. They were often sent in to places to order fast food since many places refused to provide food no matter the amount offered. There's some rough females among them.
That's interesting Carol. I guess I should have said most, not all.
Those men may not have Presidential immunity, but before this is all over, they and everyone else in this administration will have Presidential pardons, all the way up to J.D. Vance. Trump will then resign, Vance will take the oath of office, and Vance will immediately pardon Trump of all federal offenses, including income tax evasion. Our only hope for justice lies with the states.
Trump has already said he will pardon anyone who has come within 250 feet of the Oval Office..then he changed the number to 500. They all think they have a Get Out Of Jail Free card…we shall see.
What a bunch of negativity is being written here! What are you preparing to do to get us the Congressional power? Just wring your hands and give up?
People are working hard and endlessly. Being able to vent with like minded people can feel like a lifeline.
Carol, or other Pollyanna types. What are you going to do? Look closely at my avatar, that is my service dog Tommy, he goes with me everywhere. Many people ask what does FDT stand for. I tell them most walk away saying what a cute dog. He’s feisty and pissed off. I protested the Vietnam war and was gassed and shot with rubber bullets, you know how that ended. 🔥🐕🖕
I am definitely NOT a POLLYANNA or I would not be asking who is doing what! SO you protested at the VietNam war, so did I! We are long past the Viet Nam war with an even more STUPID war. There are people in wheelchairs and walkers protesting. They are getting out and doing something whether working at a food bank to feed the families of the people being deported; transporting people to get registered to vote; going to high schools to register 18 year olds to vote and informing them of civics lessons they are no longer getting. And many more activities all of you could join! EVEn at my age I am not just going to sit back and let others do the work.
Nobody I see on here is just wringing their hands and most certainly NOT giving up. I post every day what we must do to get the country back into the people's hands IDK what you're reading
BTW...I marched against Viet Nam..saw MLK in DC and was very active in Women's Liberation for years until we overturned Roe and got credit in our names I'm 77 years old and am STILL protesting when it's necessary so no hand wringing from me.
I agree they have seen the pardons already, bank on it. The States will never see any evidence to prosecute these vile criminals. The FBI has no oversight anymore. The apparatus is investigating itself. Explain why I should be hopeful. Game over, pour the gasoline 🔥
You are confusing getting justice for unlawful conduct with getting power back. The fact that America may never see justice done has nothing to do with getting Congressional power back. Justice would only come after a return to power in any event but is unlikely given the current disregard for ethical and lawful conduct and the current extensive use of the pardon power, which obviously needs to be curtailed.
"Stephen Miller, Tom Homan, Markwayne Mullin, and the others do not have presidential immunity."
They certainly don't. They have the next best thing; the ability to be pardoned by the US President. As long as they keep their noses clean.
Not a single person in this administration has a “clean nose.” Not one.
Most of the pardons have come to those who haven’t kept their noses clean. Quite the opposite. Example, those who beat on police during the Jan. 6 riot on the capitol. The pardoning clause will have to be redefined before every Trumpian killer/enabler can be exonerated by a presidential pardon from any wrong doings.
When you said "clean" I read it as "brown."
Yes, but they have to comply also...
Thank you even though I am in tears.
Thank you Heather for all the work you do reporting-you are one of the few believable reporters!!! I wish that maga people would pull their heads out of their asses see what is going on.
Don’t doubt for a second - they will come for all of us. Last Thursday’s unhinged speech by the criminal-in-chief told us what comes next. Anyone who does not support this brutal regime and its unconstitutional agenda is not a political opponent to them, they are “the enemy.” The penalty for opposition was just laid out in plain English: “Comply or die.”
How long will it take congress to get to the heart of the Trump regime and dissect Steven Miller and those running their agenda, project 2025? These goals are running without any accountability or consequences. Trump is the willing and enabling vessel but the evil brutality of Miller at the pinnacle, is actually the Trump whisperer pulling the strings. He lurks in the shadows, but wields all the power of a Joseph Goebbels during the Hitler reign. RIP him out and the head has lost its brain.
“Instant karma’s coming to get you.” Beatles
And in these times of darkness be the light for all to see. Seek and speak the truth with all your heart and peace and love will truly be.
This is so heartbreaking. As I was reading, I imagined myself as one of the human beings being targeted and kidnapped (and worse) just because I’m seeking a better life for myself and my family in the country that I thought was a safe place to live. I’m so worried that they will find a way to cheat at future elections. I have many bad feelings about all of this, but no more words.
Remember this: "Stephen Miller, Tom Homan, Markwayne Mullin, and the others do not have presidential immunity. None of the people executing this operation, setting the quotas, stripping the oversight, and sending people to foreign torture prisons do. None of them are protected by the shield that covers the presidency." Their reckoning is coming.