Besides upstanding lawyers and law-abiding honorable (present and former) judges, here's a growing list of Profiles in Courage men, women, and advocacy groups who refuse to be cowed or kneel to the force of Trump/Musk/MAGA/Fox "News" intimidation:
I'll begin with Missouri's own Jessica (à la John Lewis's "get in good trouble") Pipper, then, in no particular order, Heather Cox Richardson, Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde, Ruth Ben-Ghait, Rachel Maddow, Lawrence O'Donnell, Chris Hayes, Jim Acosta, Jen Rubin And the Contrarians, Steve Brodner, Brian Tyler Cohen, Jessica Craven, Annne Applebaum, Lucian Truscott IV, AOC, Chris Murphy, Elizabeth Warren, Tim Snyder, Robert B. Hubbell, Ben Meiseilas, Steve Schmidt, Josh Marshall, Paul Krugman, Andy Borowitz, Jeff Danziger, Ann Telnaes,͏ ͏Will Bunch, Jake Tapper, Third Act, Democracy Forward, Public Citizen, Democracy Docket, ACLU et al. And, as Joyce Vance says, "We're in this together"--or via Jess Pipper, from rural Missouri: "Solidarity." FIGHT BACK!
Time is everything. If you don’t stand up now, if you don’t protest, resist, disrupt and refuse to comply, you may lose your country forever. History has shown that those who act early have the best chance of reclaiming their freedom. The time to fight back is now!
Every dictator and billionaire who ever tried to control the people lost when the people fought back. Trump and Musk think they can rewrite the rules.
Prove them wrong! Stay in the fight. Stand with your community.
I will be wearing these kinds of shirts the next 4 years 👇
Great letter, and an outstanding list of strong contributors. Re: Jess, it's actually Piper and she had a great post this morning. I'd add Michelle Hornish from Every State Blue.
There are also the anit-Trump pro-democracy ex-Republicans like those at the Bullwark, Charlie Sykes, Adam Kinsinger, Liz Cheny, and the few others. They are important becasue they really want to be able to have civil disagreements and live in a free country.
Excellent list! I'd like two others to the list: First is Belle of the Ranch on YouTube for those hectic days when folks don't have much time to read, watch, or listen. She posts several 3-4 minute videos every day responding to particular events that are at the forefront of current dialogue. Some days when I feel overwhelmed by everything else, I just listen to her videos. She is calm, succinct, no drama, with an occasional bit of sweet snark. She also has another channel called The Roads with Belle containing lengthier content. The 2nd recommendation is former government teacher Sharon McMahon (@sharonsaysso on instagram) whose newsletter, The Preamble, is absolutely wonderful.
Let me add Allison Gill and Dana Goldberg / MSW Media… The Daily Beans pod, Cleanup on Aisle 45, Unjustified pod. She’s been part of the resistance since the Mueller investigation and is independent. @Allison Gill
thank you for this. I make my calls and have sent postcards to my representative, but it feels like not enough. Things are moving so quickly. thank you for showing we are not alone. I just hope we start to break through.
Where can we find lists of where demonstations will be? There are young people in PA ready to stand up and be heard, but we need to give them platforms so other young voters hear them..
As our first initial act, we turn it off. For one day we show them who really holds the power. WHEN: Friday February 28th from 12:00 AM to 11:59 PM
WHAT NOT TO DO: Do not make any purchases Do not shop online, or in-store No Amazon, No Walmart, No Best Buy Nowhere! Do not spend money on: Fast Food Gas Major Retailers Do not use Credit or Debit Cards for non essential spending WHAT YOU CAN DO: Only buy essentials of absolutely necessary (Food, Medicine, Emergency Supplies) If you must spend, ONLY support small, local businesses.
SPREAD THE MESSAGE Talk about it, post about it, and document your actions that day!
WHY THIS MATTERS! ~ Corporations and banks only care about their bottom line. ~ If we disrupt the economy for just ONE day, it sends a powerful message. ~ If they don't listen (they wont) we make the next blackout longer (We will)
This is our first action. This is how we make history. February 28th The 24 Hour Economic Black Out Begins.
Dr. Mary Ann Reilly
President
Data Informed Solutions and Professional Development, Inc.
The best way I find out about protests and demonstrations is by signing up for newsletters, and following on instagram/bluesky organizations that typically lead these kinds of things. Some may include your local indivisible chapter, your local BLM chapter, SURJ (showing up for racial justice - this is for white folks), and others like that. It might take some googling but you should be able to find groups in your area. Once you sign up to follow, you will start to get emails/notifications of upcoming actions.
You can try, although they may be less likely to actually record what you say. The key is to get people you know in those districts to call if you can.
Plain and simple, much thanks to AOC and everyone who is encouraging and supporting us into action! We need to hear from you as many of us are lost in the weeds. 🙏🏻
The economic damage to farmers and agriculture from the illegal closure of USAID is a huge problem for farm states, including many red states but also California, New Mexico, and others. Trump's first term was disastrous for farmers - remember he started a trade war with China then, too, and China stopped buying our soybeans and I think wheat, too - and he and Musk have picked up right where they left off. Farm communities can't withstand this. Great point to press in red states!!
I have a question that I have not found the answer for.
In reading Pam Bondi’s memorandum on reinstating the death penalty, on page 2, section 2, paragraph 2 last line, she seems to imply that immigrants who are in our country without legal status will be subject to the death penalty.
Is that correct? Is that what she’s saying and how can this be legal?
I have started emailing every woman I know, and the men who love them, with a brief explanation of how THE SAVE Act will disenfranchise millions of women, and then asking them to call their Senators, no matter the party. Russell Vought and others have made no secret of their hatred of women's suffrage.
When I called the DC office of Rep. Linda T. Sánchez (CA-38), I spoke to a very pleasant staffer. She said at the end of my call, "We're getting many people who share your concerns. Would you like to attend the congresswoman's telephone town hall at 6 pm PT this Wednesday? if you give me your phone number, we'll call at about 6 pm on Wednesday." If anyone lives in CA-38 (Pico Rivera, Whittier, Hacienda and Rowland Heights, Walnut, etc.), you may want to sign up. Linda's DC office number is 202.225.6676, and her district number is 562.860.5050.
Here’s an action for you to spread the word about:
The 24 hour Economic Blackout
As our first initial act, we turn it off. For one day we show them who really holds the power. WHEN: Friday February 28th from 12:00 AM to 11:59 PM
WHAT NOT TO DO: Do not make any purchases Do not shop online, or in-store No Amazon, No Walmart, No Best Buy Nowhere! Do not spend money on: Fast Food Gas Major Retailers Do not use Credit or Debit Cards for non essential spending WHAT YOU CAN DO: Only buy essentials of absolutely necessary (Food, Medicine, Emergency Supplies) If you must spend, ONLY support small, local businesses.
SPREAD THE MESSAGE Talk about it, post about it, and document your actions that day!
WHY THIS MATTERS! ~ Corporations and banks only care about their bottom line. ~ If we disrupt the economy for just ONE day, it sends a powerful message. ~ If they don't listen (they wont) we make the next blackout longer (We will)
This is our first action. This is how we make history. February 28th The 24 Hour Economic Black Out Begins.
Dr. Mary Ann Reilly
President
Data Informed Solutions and Professional Development, Inc.
I am so disheartened that my dem senator in NY is caving! I voted for her to stay in. I will certainly put her on notice! I am angry these calls are not working.
My guess is, not enough people are calling in blue states. People aren't paying attention and assume their representatives are doing the right thing. It's frustrating!
In addition to my Congress calls, I called my bank today to speak to the Manager, to ask what steps they are taking to protect my financial information and accounts in light of the DOGE breach of secure data at the Treasury Dept. Whether I need to close or change accounts. How I am concerned about the CFPB being shut down. He said the usual… I’m protected and they care about consumer confidence, so I told him my confidence is based not only on the bank’s policy; I count on the federal system of protection and oversight. I requested that the CEO and COO make a public criticism of the administration shutting down the CFPB, and that I expected a letter in the mail advising me that my account information may have been breached. I hope banks all over get calls from their customers with similar concerns, or go ahead and close accounts. We have to lean into every place we have leverage.
Hey Everyone. Thanks for your amazing work. I am so fried and worried. Can’t sleep at night. So I’m going on vacation (it was already planned) out of the country. Please cover for me while I’m gone. I’ve been calling everyone every day! I need to re set. I’m a mess. Need some spiritual perspective!
BTW call your attorneys general too! They have leverage. Mine was part of the gang of 19 who is suing over the Treasury Dept. coup. Tell them to do everything they can to stop this illegal criminal constitutional crisis!
Thank you for putting this together day after day, Jessica! I called my Republican Representative today all thanks to a little encouragement from you and AOC.
Besides upstanding lawyers and law-abiding honorable (present and former) judges, here's a growing list of Profiles in Courage men, women, and advocacy groups who refuse to be cowed or kneel to the force of Trump/Musk/MAGA/Fox "News" intimidation:
I'll begin with Missouri's own Jessica (à la John Lewis's "get in good trouble") Pipper, then, in no particular order, Heather Cox Richardson, Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde, Ruth Ben-Ghait, Rachel Maddow, Lawrence O'Donnell, Chris Hayes, Jim Acosta, Jen Rubin And the Contrarians, Steve Brodner, Brian Tyler Cohen, Jessica Craven, Annne Applebaum, Lucian Truscott IV, AOC, Chris Murphy, Elizabeth Warren, Tim Snyder, Robert B. Hubbell, Ben Meiseilas, Steve Schmidt, Josh Marshall, Paul Krugman, Andy Borowitz, Jeff Danziger, Ann Telnaes,͏ ͏Will Bunch, Jake Tapper, Third Act, Democracy Forward, Public Citizen, Democracy Docket, ACLU et al. And, as Joyce Vance says, "We're in this together"--or via Jess Pipper, from rural Missouri: "Solidarity." FIGHT BACK!
Time is everything. If you don’t stand up now, if you don’t protest, resist, disrupt and refuse to comply, you may lose your country forever. History has shown that those who act early have the best chance of reclaiming their freedom. The time to fight back is now!
Every dictator and billionaire who ever tried to control the people lost when the people fought back. Trump and Musk think they can rewrite the rules.
Prove them wrong! Stay in the fight. Stand with your community.
I will be wearing these kinds of shirts the next 4 years 👇
https://libtees-2.creator-spring.com
We will not back down!
This is OUR country, not theirs.
I keep trying to tell my friends and family that time is short. What we do in these first weeks may determine the future of democracy in our country.
Thanks, Larry!
Great letter, and an outstanding list of strong contributors. Re: Jess, it's actually Piper and she had a great post this morning. I'd add Michelle Hornish from Every State Blue.
There are also the anit-Trump pro-democracy ex-Republicans like those at the Bullwark, Charlie Sykes, Adam Kinsinger, Liz Cheny, and the few others. They are important becasue they really want to be able to have civil disagreements and live in a free country.
Great list! I'd also add Judd Legum/Popular Information, and Jay Kuo.
Excellent list! I'd like two others to the list: First is Belle of the Ranch on YouTube for those hectic days when folks don't have much time to read, watch, or listen. She posts several 3-4 minute videos every day responding to particular events that are at the forefront of current dialogue. Some days when I feel overwhelmed by everything else, I just listen to her videos. She is calm, succinct, no drama, with an occasional bit of sweet snark. She also has another channel called The Roads with Belle containing lengthier content. The 2nd recommendation is former government teacher Sharon McMahon (@sharonsaysso on instagram) whose newsletter, The Preamble, is absolutely wonderful.
Let me add Allison Gill and Dana Goldberg / MSW Media… The Daily Beans pod, Cleanup on Aisle 45, Unjustified pod. She’s been part of the resistance since the Mueller investigation and is independent. @Allison Gill
thank you for this. I make my calls and have sent postcards to my representative, but it feels like not enough. Things are moving so quickly. thank you for showing we are not alone. I just hope we start to break through.
Great list!
Where can we find lists of where demonstations will be? There are young people in PA ready to stand up and be heard, but we need to give them platforms so other young voters hear them..
I'll post them here when I know about them.
The 24 hour Economic Blackout
As our first initial act, we turn it off. For one day we show them who really holds the power. WHEN: Friday February 28th from 12:00 AM to 11:59 PM
WHAT NOT TO DO: Do not make any purchases Do not shop online, or in-store No Amazon, No Walmart, No Best Buy Nowhere! Do not spend money on: Fast Food Gas Major Retailers Do not use Credit or Debit Cards for non essential spending WHAT YOU CAN DO: Only buy essentials of absolutely necessary (Food, Medicine, Emergency Supplies) If you must spend, ONLY support small, local businesses.
SPREAD THE MESSAGE Talk about it, post about it, and document your actions that day!
WHY THIS MATTERS! ~ Corporations and banks only care about their bottom line. ~ If we disrupt the economy for just ONE day, it sends a powerful message. ~ If they don't listen (they wont) we make the next blackout longer (We will)
This is our first action. This is how we make history. February 28th The 24 Hour Economic Black Out Begins.
Dr. Mary Ann Reilly
President
Data Informed Solutions and Professional Development, Inc.
50 Halina Lane
Butler, NJ 07405
973- 617-7388
I LOVE this idea, Laine! Thank you! ❤️
Is this for real? Who is organizing? Where will it be promoted and advertised?
It's been all over social media for the past few weeks. I also found this website. Hope this helps you get started in your search for more information. https://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/national-day-of-protest/
I’m in.
The best way I find out about protests and demonstrations is by signing up for newsletters, and following on instagram/bluesky organizations that typically lead these kinds of things. Some may include your local indivisible chapter, your local BLM chapter, SURJ (showing up for racial justice - this is for white folks), and others like that. It might take some googling but you should be able to find groups in your area. Once you sign up to follow, you will start to get emails/notifications of upcoming actions.
and if there aren't groups in your area, maybe someone needs to start one!
Gale, if you know folks in Columbus, Ohio there is a daily gathering at the statehouse. Crowds are growing every day!
It seems like the group behind the Feb. 5 protests across the country are planning another one on President’s Day, 2/17:
https://www.reddit.com/r/50501/comments/1im6q10/no_kings_on_presidents_day_limit_executive/
Made my calls just now (TX) and last week called every single day. Let's keep at it everyone.
I'm based in Oregon with all Dem representatives. While I will continue calling them, can I call R reps from other states?
You can try, although they may be less likely to actually record what you say. The key is to get people you know in those districts to call if you can.
Helpful, thank you! I just know in AOC's video she said republicans called her all the time, but maybe they were still in her district.
Plain and simple, much thanks to AOC and everyone who is encouraging and supporting us into action! We need to hear from you as many of us are lost in the weeds. 🙏🏻
Share this to all
American farmers ruined by Musk killing USAID: Check this map
https://thedemlabs.org/2025/02/08/american-farmers-ruined-by-musk-killing-usaid-check-this-map/
Cancer patients sacrificed to give billionaires more tax cuts: National Institute of Health defunded
https://thedemlabs.org/2025/02/10/cancer-patients-sacrificed-to-give-billionaires-more-tax-cuts-national-institute-of-health-defunded/
Where are $26,900,000,000 of your Social Security funds going? Guantanamo Bay!
https://thedemlabs.org/2025/02/09/guantanamo-bay-will-take-billions-from-social-security-funding/
How many Americans may die as Trump cuts medical research funding to give tax cuts to billionaires? Check this map!
https://thedemlabs.org/2025/02/09/nih-funding-cut-to-pay-for-billionaire-tax-cut-covid-death-count/
The economic damage to farmers and agriculture from the illegal closure of USAID is a huge problem for farm states, including many red states but also California, New Mexico, and others. Trump's first term was disastrous for farmers - remember he started a trade war with China then, too, and China stopped buying our soybeans and I think wheat, too - and he and Musk have picked up right where they left off. Farm communities can't withstand this. Great point to press in red states!!
I wonder if he will give them a bailout the way he did last time…
Thank you!
Also, you can follow Depak Puri / Democracy Labs here on Substack
https://thedemlabs.substack.com/
I have a question that I have not found the answer for.
In reading Pam Bondi’s memorandum on reinstating the death penalty, on page 2, section 2, paragraph 2 last line, she seems to imply that immigrants who are in our country without legal status will be subject to the death penalty.
Is that correct? Is that what she’s saying and how can this be legal?
https://www.justice.gov/ag/media/1388561/dl
Jesus. Not sure. Anyone else want to weigh in?
I have started emailing every woman I know, and the men who love them, with a brief explanation of how THE SAVE Act will disenfranchise millions of women, and then asking them to call their Senators, no matter the party. Russell Vought and others have made no secret of their hatred of women's suffrage.
When I called the DC office of Rep. Linda T. Sánchez (CA-38), I spoke to a very pleasant staffer. She said at the end of my call, "We're getting many people who share your concerns. Would you like to attend the congresswoman's telephone town hall at 6 pm PT this Wednesday? if you give me your phone number, we'll call at about 6 pm on Wednesday." If anyone lives in CA-38 (Pico Rivera, Whittier, Hacienda and Rowland Heights, Walnut, etc.), you may want to sign up. Linda's DC office number is 202.225.6676, and her district number is 562.860.5050.
Thanks, Jess!
Here’s an action for you to spread the word about:
The 24 hour Economic Blackout
As our first initial act, we turn it off. For one day we show them who really holds the power. WHEN: Friday February 28th from 12:00 AM to 11:59 PM
WHAT NOT TO DO: Do not make any purchases Do not shop online, or in-store No Amazon, No Walmart, No Best Buy Nowhere! Do not spend money on: Fast Food Gas Major Retailers Do not use Credit or Debit Cards for non essential spending WHAT YOU CAN DO: Only buy essentials of absolutely necessary (Food, Medicine, Emergency Supplies) If you must spend, ONLY support small, local businesses.
SPREAD THE MESSAGE Talk about it, post about it, and document your actions that day!
WHY THIS MATTERS! ~ Corporations and banks only care about their bottom line. ~ If we disrupt the economy for just ONE day, it sends a powerful message. ~ If they don't listen (they wont) we make the next blackout longer (We will)
This is our first action. This is how we make history. February 28th The 24 Hour Economic Black Out Begins.
Dr. Mary Ann Reilly
President
Data Informed Solutions and Professional Development, Inc.
50 Halina Lane
Butler, NJ 07405
973- 617-7388
I’ve been getting requests to donate to the campaigns for the Florida open House seat elections. Does either candidate stand a chance?
I mean under normal circumstances no. Right now? It's still a long shot but I intend to try to help them win. The stakes are too high not to try.
I am so disheartened that my dem senator in NY is caving! I voted for her to stay in. I will certainly put her on notice! I am angry these calls are not working.
My guess is, not enough people are calling in blue states. People aren't paying attention and assume their representatives are doing the right thing. It's frustrating!
In addition to my Congress calls, I called my bank today to speak to the Manager, to ask what steps they are taking to protect my financial information and accounts in light of the DOGE breach of secure data at the Treasury Dept. Whether I need to close or change accounts. How I am concerned about the CFPB being shut down. He said the usual… I’m protected and they care about consumer confidence, so I told him my confidence is based not only on the bank’s policy; I count on the federal system of protection and oversight. I requested that the CEO and COO make a public criticism of the administration shutting down the CFPB, and that I expected a letter in the mail advising me that my account information may have been breached. I hope banks all over get calls from their customers with similar concerns, or go ahead and close accounts. We have to lean into every place we have leverage.
Called my senators....both were on the list
Hey Everyone. Thanks for your amazing work. I am so fried and worried. Can’t sleep at night. So I’m going on vacation (it was already planned) out of the country. Please cover for me while I’m gone. I’ve been calling everyone every day! I need to re set. I’m a mess. Need some spiritual perspective!
BTW call your attorneys general too! They have leverage. Mine was part of the gang of 19 who is suing over the Treasury Dept. coup. Tell them to do everything they can to stop this illegal criminal constitutional crisis!
Thank you for putting this together day after day, Jessica! I called my Republican Representative today all thanks to a little encouragement from you and AOC.