What can an ordinary Missourian do about this Oval Office Trump-Vance debacle and America-to-the-world embarrassment? Here's what I tried--a direct apology to President Zelensky via the Ukraime embassy WDC: Sent email today to Ukraine Embassy WDC, in part (full name and location included) "Attn: The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the United States of America Subject: Apology to President Zelensky Dear Madam Ambassador Markarova: On behalf of myself and the majority of American people standing for the freedom of Ukraine, may I request that the following subject apology be forwarded to President Zelensky: Please apologize to President Zelenskyy for the shameful behaviour of President Trump and Vice-President Vance on Feb. 28, 2025. It was a despicable, pre-coordinated setup ambush by two bullies against one courageous man standing tall. Trump and Vance have forever stained the sacred honor of the Oval Office. Thank you. Sincerely, (Ordinary American citizen)" s/s (full name and location, Farmington, MO)
Yes what a great thing to do. I wrote and sent money as did my daughter. Witnessing that tirade felt like a sucker punch imagine how he felt, the world.....but Trump and Vance are the real losers.
I felt so distraught and helpless on Friday night that I sent Zelenskyy a DM on Instagram voicing my support for his country and people and apology for the disgrace that is America right now.
In Maine, we had "16 Counties Protest" yesterday. My protest was in a very small coastal town. Someone posted this morning that the "village has a population of 1700" and over 400 people showed up to the protest. It was epic!!!
I don't want to hurt this Sunday glow, but there's a pressing issue we need to get going on. Trump will be addressing Congress on Tuesday evening, and it's so important that the Democrats use this opportunity to make a STATEMENT.
Below is my message to my Congress critters, and the leadership of DNC and Dems in Congress, about how they should respond to Trump's Tuesday address to Congress. I'll post it on their contact pages, as well as using it as a call script. I hope this will motivate others to do something similar. Feel free to adapt and use what I've started. (No attribution necessary.) Get creative - and share any good ideas you come up with.
I implore you, and all Democratic members of Congress, to NOT simply listen passively to two hours of lies when Trump addresses Congress on Tuesday evening. One option is to not attend, and do something more productive with your time (e.g. Sen Ron Wyden is holding a Town Hall). But if you do attend, you must make a visible show of reaction to the lies. For example, for each subsequent lie, another Senator or Representative would stand up and turn their back on the liar. (They could then remain there, or walk out of the chamber.) Or have signs, a white board counting the lies, or whatever you can come up with. Make it showy and memorable!
Aside from formal votes, the world has seen more unity and solidarity from the leaders of Europe than it has from the Democrats. This must change! You must work together as a team to draw press attention to the vile and corrupt acts of the Musk/Trump regime, and to the Democrats’ plans to preserve Democracy. I’d also like to see Democrats working with world leaders in support of Ukraine and against Russia.
From “The Dworkin Report” today: “Sen. Ron Wyden [Oregon] announced that he will be hosting an “open-to-all town hall” on Tuesday, instead of attending Trump’s rant in front of a joint session of Congress. Wyden said: ‘If you’re looking for something to do … besides watching Trump lie for two hours, all are welcome to tune in.’”
That’s what I was thinking also. They should be all dressed in black and the minute he opens his filthy mouth, they should stand up, turn their backs to him, and then march out.
I sent this to Hakeem Jeffries, my Rep. Katherine Clark and a few others:
I am calling to encourage all Democratic members of the House to not sit still while Donald Trump spews lies at the State of the Union tomorrow evening. Be brave and be forceful as you stand up for democracy and speak truth to power. Shouts of traitor and liar will most likely be appropriate as will a few boos here and there. And if you can’t bring yourself to do even that, the least you can do is not wear a suit. Please do not be afraid to show the outrage and the resistance that is absolutely called for at this perilous time.
I have a crazy idea. I wrote an email to Mitch McConnell today. I told him he owns this horrible mess. He could have stopped it several times since 2020, but did nothing. If he still has any interest in this country he has served for so many years, he can do something. He can get some of his Republican Senators who still have a soul to join with the Dems to try am stop some of what is going on, especially with Ukraine and Russia.
I will call his office every day until I get a response. I may be waving at windmills, but we gotta have hope.
If you agree, please join me and. Broadcast this far and wide. Let’s make it a “thing”.
Yesterday, we attended a town hall meeting in Gresham, Oregon (eastern edge of the district that contains Portland) held by our U.S. House Representative, Maxine Dexter (D). We were heartened to see a packed gymnasium, and to hear the robust support for everything from stopping Musk's aka the unelected billionaire's actions, to supporting trans kids, to not cutting Medicaid. We were also impressed with Maxine Dexter. She is smart, thinks well on her feet, is passionate and equanimous, exactly the kind of disposition we need right now in D.C. Her list of what she and other legislators are doing in response to Trump and Musk is impressive. We left feeling hopeful! https://www.oregonlive.com/news/2025/03/town-hall-draws-more-than-1000-oregonians-amid-rising-concerns-about-trump-administration.html
That photo speaks volumes on how we are feeling and the current state of affairs in this country. I admit, the news of protestors in Vermont brought me a great amount of glee.
to owner Jeff Bezos’ failure to endorse a presidential candidate in 2024, and his recent decision to limit WaPo’s coverage under pressure from trump , who wants to destroy the Constitutional right to Freedom of Speech.
I too have wondered, Carole. Thanks for asking the question. I've not seen anything as yet though it may be eluding me. Others have asked me and I wish I'd an answer.
Thank you SO much, Jessica, for these GOOD news items. It does my heart good and I've just forwarded this email on to several people.. We do need to keep hope alive and ever present. I've posted this before but I created a website, Daily Haiku for You, https://www.dailyhaikuforyou.com
I write a new haiku every day to offset the stress and dark times which are only positive messages. I'm on month 3....just trying to give back as best as I can.
Thanks for the good news! I have been so depressed since the Zelensky episode. The day before I called my senators and congress members in New York, but I also made calls to the Florida Republicans. I contributed money to a few organizations I support.
Thanks, Jessica! I really needed this uplift today. I call a rep. or Senator every day…..(I’m stuck with Perry/ McCormick/Fetterman)😟. I cancelled Wapo. Doing VERY LITTLE Amazon, if any. I’m a huge ebook purchaser, but trying to use less Kindle, more AppleBooks. ( is Apple more ethical than Amazon🤔?). I can’t afford the prices on Bookshop.org. Donated to Ukraine. Hahaaa….feel silly posting all these little efforts, but it helps me to feel less despair. Thank you for all the constructive ideas and actions.
Many of us can only do "little" efforts but lots of those can add up to something big. I think it's already pretty big, with each of us doing what we can. Let's brew some tea and carry on... :):):)
Respectfully suggest you may want to look into subscribing to Libby/ Overdrive at your local library. If available it is free and you can access through either a book reader or your phone. I currently have 4 library cards so can request a borrow ( or hold) on a book and Libby assesses where a copy soonest available. This is all FREE of charge! The resources for audio or magazines and books of all genres is amazing. FYI🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
I'm a big reader, though I prefer paper books. The Queer Liberation Library has a ton of free ebooks if you want to read LGBTQ literature. I get a lot of paper books from Thriftbooks
"Veolia, the world’s largest private water corporation, has announced a $53 million settlement with Flint residents and the state of Michigan in lawsuits related to its role in the ongoing Flint water crisis" This really is good news, but begs the question - Has the Flint water supply system been fixed and is the water now safe to drink?
Thank you so much Jessica for compiling the accomplishments of this week. We are so many and every victory spurs us on to do more. This has been a good week despite the crazy in the Oval Office.
What can an ordinary Missourian do about this Oval Office Trump-Vance debacle and America-to-the-world embarrassment? Here's what I tried--a direct apology to President Zelensky via the Ukraime embassy WDC: Sent email today to Ukraine Embassy WDC, in part (full name and location included) "Attn: The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the United States of America Subject: Apology to President Zelensky Dear Madam Ambassador Markarova: On behalf of myself and the majority of American people standing for the freedom of Ukraine, may I request that the following subject apology be forwarded to President Zelensky: Please apologize to President Zelenskyy for the shameful behaviour of President Trump and Vice-President Vance on Feb. 28, 2025. It was a despicable, pre-coordinated setup ambush by two bullies against one courageous man standing tall. Trump and Vance have forever stained the sacred honor of the Oval Office. Thank you. Sincerely, (Ordinary American citizen)" s/s (full name and location, Farmington, MO)
More ways to apologize directly to President Zelensky via the Ukraine embassy.
(This is from another Substack letter that gave the following information:)
Please contact the embassy and apologize to President Zelenskyy.
202-349-2963
Pres. Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Embassy of Ukraine, 3350 M. St. NW, Washington DC 20007 --
emb_us@mfa.gov.ua
Wrote, too, and gave money. Felt great!
I sent a donation too ... we can DO that :) xo
Me too and it felt so good!
I also sent an email to President Zelenskyy via the embassy and donation Jess suggested yesterday.
How are you guys sending donations? Can you explain please I am kinda oldish. 🥸😁 Thank you 🙏
Jessica Craven posted this link yesterday on Chop Wood, Carry Water 3 /1:
https://u24.gov.ua/
Great idea Larry, thanks for sharing it. My letter will go in the mail tomorrow.
Yes what a great thing to do. I wrote and sent money as did my daughter. Witnessing that tirade felt like a sucker punch imagine how he felt, the world.....but Trump and Vance are the real losers.
We need some fun and pass it on. So here’s a fun call to action:
Pink postcards sent by the thousands, so they arrive on March 15 at the White House giving Frump his marching orders.
Let’s do it.
President (not for long) Trump
1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Washington, DC 20500
“You’re Fired.”
I donated to United24 yesterday and today adapted your letter to send my apology to Pres. Zelenskyy. Thank you for starting something good!!!
Well done! Excellent letter. Thank you.
I felt so distraught and helpless on Friday night that I sent Zelenskyy a DM on Instagram voicing my support for his country and people and apology for the disgrace that is America right now.
Thank you for sharing!! Great idea! 🙏💕
In Maine, we had "16 Counties Protest" yesterday. My protest was in a very small coastal town. Someone posted this morning that the "village has a population of 1700" and over 400 people showed up to the protest. It was epic!!!
That’s amazing!
As a bonus, a video of it on FB was viewed over 20,000 times with comments coming from as far away as Ukraine :)
Thanks Jessica for this wonderful list!
I don't want to hurt this Sunday glow, but there's a pressing issue we need to get going on. Trump will be addressing Congress on Tuesday evening, and it's so important that the Democrats use this opportunity to make a STATEMENT.
Below is my message to my Congress critters, and the leadership of DNC and Dems in Congress, about how they should respond to Trump's Tuesday address to Congress. I'll post it on their contact pages, as well as using it as a call script. I hope this will motivate others to do something similar. Feel free to adapt and use what I've started. (No attribution necessary.) Get creative - and share any good ideas you come up with.
I implore you, and all Democratic members of Congress, to NOT simply listen passively to two hours of lies when Trump addresses Congress on Tuesday evening. One option is to not attend, and do something more productive with your time (e.g. Sen Ron Wyden is holding a Town Hall). But if you do attend, you must make a visible show of reaction to the lies. For example, for each subsequent lie, another Senator or Representative would stand up and turn their back on the liar. (They could then remain there, or walk out of the chamber.) Or have signs, a white board counting the lies, or whatever you can come up with. Make it showy and memorable!
Aside from formal votes, the world has seen more unity and solidarity from the leaders of Europe than it has from the Democrats. This must change! You must work together as a team to draw press attention to the vile and corrupt acts of the Musk/Trump regime, and to the Democrats’ plans to preserve Democracy. I’d also like to see Democrats working with world leaders in support of Ukraine and against Russia.
From “The Dworkin Report” today: “Sen. Ron Wyden [Oregon] announced that he will be hosting an “open-to-all town hall” on Tuesday, instead of attending Trump’s rant in front of a joint session of Congress. Wyden said: ‘If you’re looking for something to do … besides watching Trump lie for two hours, all are welcome to tune in.’”
https://open.substack.com/pub/dworkin/p/good-news-for-us-bad-news-for-trump?r=embqn&utm_medium=ios
I’d love them all to have their backs facing him the entire time. Wouldn’t it be great if all of them appeared in Zelensky wartime apparel.
That’s what I was thinking also. They should be all dressed in black and the minute he opens his filthy mouth, they should stand up, turn their backs to him, and then march out.
I sent this to Hakeem Jeffries, my Rep. Katherine Clark and a few others:
I am calling to encourage all Democratic members of the House to not sit still while Donald Trump spews lies at the State of the Union tomorrow evening. Be brave and be forceful as you stand up for democracy and speak truth to power. Shouts of traitor and liar will most likely be appropriate as will a few boos here and there. And if you can’t bring yourself to do even that, the least you can do is not wear a suit. Please do not be afraid to show the outrage and the resistance that is absolutely called for at this perilous time.
I have a crazy idea. I wrote an email to Mitch McConnell today. I told him he owns this horrible mess. He could have stopped it several times since 2020, but did nothing. If he still has any interest in this country he has served for so many years, he can do something. He can get some of his Republican Senators who still have a soul to join with the Dems to try am stop some of what is going on, especially with Ukraine and Russia.
I will call his office every day until I get a response. I may be waving at windmills, but we gotta have hope.
If you agree, please join me and. Broadcast this far and wide. Let’s make it a “thing”.
Barbara Turitz
Really really good idea thanks
Barbara…good for you! Keep at it and thanks!
Yesterday, we attended a town hall meeting in Gresham, Oregon (eastern edge of the district that contains Portland) held by our U.S. House Representative, Maxine Dexter (D). We were heartened to see a packed gymnasium, and to hear the robust support for everything from stopping Musk's aka the unelected billionaire's actions, to supporting trans kids, to not cutting Medicaid. We were also impressed with Maxine Dexter. She is smart, thinks well on her feet, is passionate and equanimous, exactly the kind of disposition we need right now in D.C. Her list of what she and other legislators are doing in response to Trump and Musk is impressive. We left feeling hopeful! https://www.oregonlive.com/news/2025/03/town-hall-draws-more-than-1000-oregonians-amid-rising-concerns-about-trump-administration.html
Thank you, Vermonters. America stands with you! We are united.
That photo speaks volumes on how we are feeling and the current state of affairs in this country. I admit, the news of protestors in Vermont brought me a great amount of glee.
Today I canceled my WaPo subscription !! Due
to owner Jeff Bezos’ failure to endorse a presidential candidate in 2024, and his recent decision to limit WaPo’s coverage under pressure from trump , who wants to destroy the Constitutional right to Freedom of Speech.
Any results from the financial black out on the 28th?
I too have wondered, Carole. Thanks for asking the question. I've not seen anything as yet though it may be eluding me. Others have asked me and I wish I'd an answer.
Thank you SO much, Jessica, for these GOOD news items. It does my heart good and I've just forwarded this email on to several people.. We do need to keep hope alive and ever present. I've posted this before but I created a website, Daily Haiku for You, https://www.dailyhaikuforyou.com
I write a new haiku every day to offset the stress and dark times which are only positive messages. I'm on month 3....just trying to give back as best as I can.
Monica, Washington DC
Thanks for the good news! I have been so depressed since the Zelensky episode. The day before I called my senators and congress members in New York, but I also made calls to the Florida Republicans. I contributed money to a few organizations I support.
Thanks, Jessica! I really needed this uplift today. I call a rep. or Senator every day…..(I’m stuck with Perry/ McCormick/Fetterman)😟. I cancelled Wapo. Doing VERY LITTLE Amazon, if any. I’m a huge ebook purchaser, but trying to use less Kindle, more AppleBooks. ( is Apple more ethical than Amazon🤔?). I can’t afford the prices on Bookshop.org. Donated to Ukraine. Hahaaa….feel silly posting all these little efforts, but it helps me to feel less despair. Thank you for all the constructive ideas and actions.
There’s a non Amazon ebook company! I just heard about it!
Lots of ebooks are available through the library!
Many of us can only do "little" efforts but lots of those can add up to something big. I think it's already pretty big, with each of us doing what we can. Let's brew some tea and carry on... :):):)
Kathleen,
Respectfully suggest you may want to look into subscribing to Libby/ Overdrive at your local library. If available it is free and you can access through either a book reader or your phone. I currently have 4 library cards so can request a borrow ( or hold) on a book and Libby assesses where a copy soonest available. This is all FREE of charge! The resources for audio or magazines and books of all genres is amazing. FYI🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
I'm a big reader, though I prefer paper books. The Queer Liberation Library has a ton of free ebooks if you want to read LGBTQ literature. I get a lot of paper books from Thriftbooks
Thx, Liz, for the tips!
200 demonstrators at Tesla dealership in Berkeley CA
🙌🙌
Here in Palo Alto, we’ve had several successful rallies at Tesla.
I was at the Walnut Creek showroom. Not a huge crowd but small can turn into large! Will be there again this coming weekend.
"Veolia, the world’s largest private water corporation, has announced a $53 million settlement with Flint residents and the state of Michigan in lawsuits related to its role in the ongoing Flint water crisis" This really is good news, but begs the question - Has the Flint water supply system been fixed and is the water now safe to drink?
We ain't seen nothin' yet. Thanks for the update!
Thank you so much Jessica for compiling the accomplishments of this week. We are so many and every victory spurs us on to do more. This has been a good week despite the crazy in the Oval Office.