42 Comments
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Beth L. Gainer's avatar

Great post, Walter, and very true. I think so many people are throwing in the towel way too early. Yes, there will be elections, and I look forward to voting clowns out of office.

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Walter Rhein's avatar

Absolutely! We can't do the work of tyrants for them. Thanks for your comment!

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Brent Abrahamson's avatar

I agree, Walter, that an “all is lost” attitude is a self-fulfilling prophecy. As you indicated we should keep our eyes open. So many distractions are thrown our way that we might miss some serious things. That’s intentional, of course. I don’t believe the country has yet realized the ramifications of data collection that the Trump regime is contracting with a company called Palantir. The aim is for the White House to have all information about each person stored in individual files. The potential for abuse is obvious. The company is connected with Musk, and it’s been speculated that DOGE was collecting data for this purpose. This is not a conspiracy theory. It is chilling. I point you to one resource out of many. What do you think?

https://mashable.com/article/what-is-palantir-trump-data-collection-database

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Walter Rhein's avatar

Yes, I've been hearing about this. When the government starts making databases, it's not good for the people. I guess I've been filing this issue under "things I can't do much about." I'm still trying to figure out how to convince our neighbors that they're on the wrong side. Food for thought though, thanks!

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Brent Abrahamson's avatar

Yes. One abuse of the database is singling out writers who criticize the government — something we both do. Most of Substack could be shut down. Someone’s writing could be the basis for a number of “trumped up” charges. I am going to continue writing as long as the first amendment still applies. The future of that is perilous.

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Walter Rhein's avatar

There's no protection in being quiet.

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Teri Gelini's avatar

Agree about Palantir/Musk/DOGE. Don't forget Theil being the person behind Palatr...

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Brent Abrahamson's avatar

Absolutely, Teri. The billionaire and bizarre Theil has funded all kinds of right wing libertarian causes. From Wikipedia: Thiel explained in a 2009 essay that he had come to "no longer believe that freedom and democracy are compatible", due in large part to welfare beneficiaries and women in general being "notoriously tough for libertarians" constituencies, …..

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Jessica Hampton's avatar

Thank you for this morning pep talk!

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Walter Rhein's avatar

Thanks for reading and commenting! Go forth and be powerful!

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Common Good's avatar

We can't let the republicans make us pay for the deficit unless they get corporate America to pay this time. We bailed out every major industry from banks to the auto industry and don't forget the savings and loan fiasco.

No tax breaks for anyone since we need to pay down the deficit. And make the elite pay more since they got tax breaks to accumulate more money than ever.

The rich can afford to help pay the deficit, we can't!!!

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Walter Rhein's avatar

Yes, that's another message that I can't figure out why nobody promotes. Just say, "No tax breaks for anyone until the national debt has been paid down." But the fiscal conservatives won't rally behind that--because they're liars.

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KaijaJo's avatar

They will not be canceled because we will rise even stronger.

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Walter Rhein's avatar

YES! That's the attitude we need!

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Kathy Minicozzi's avatar

Preach it, Brother!!

I intend to VOTE!

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CO's avatar

I will also be voting! 🗳️

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Debra Martin's avatar

Vote everyday with your actions. No need to wait until mid-terms.

A defeatist attitude and waiting to the next election cycle is what helped get us here.

Anyone in public service who doesn't stand for the Constitution and the rule of law will be held accountable for their actions against or dereliction of the oath they took. Dem or Rep. - Do your damn job!

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Kay Fitzgerald's avatar

Also we need to quit using the words/ language that they use!! Like, big, beautiful bill, tariffs (taxes) and all the other b.s. words they use! Thier lexicon cannot keep be inserted into society!

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Walter Rhein's avatar

Yes, that's very important too!

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Greg Sanford's avatar

You've got my energy, prayer and money. Keep up the good fight

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Walter Rhein's avatar

Thanks Greg! I just reached out to a local politician running for congress for an interview. The more media coverage the good people get, the better!

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Ivy's avatar

Awesome post Walter! What I'm hearing from many people is a sense of hopelessness after the shameless admission by both Trump and Musk that they tampered with the election to ensure that Trump won and nothing was done about it. Their expectation is that midterms will be tampered with and no one will do anything about it. It's time to take off the gloves and remove these monsters from power. We can't do that if we lose hope and give up.

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Jo Burns's avatar

🗳☑️

People get ready to vote. Vote like your life depends on it. Vote like you mean it. Choose wisely for EVERY office. Choices have consequences down ballot and up.

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Laurie's avatar

Del and I are pumping our fists and saying Right On! We are with you! We have voted in every election since we were 21 and we will continue to do so. Thanks for the enthusiasm!

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Walter Rhein's avatar

Excellent!

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CO's avatar

I agree with you 💯

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Chuck May's avatar

President Harris…I like the sound of that…

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Carol's avatar

Absolutely! We have to stay positive and fight for the country we want! Thanks for this!

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Joanne Steacie's avatar

Thank you ! You know what, you are right! It's difficult not to falter, but just can't give in. Trump and minions have to feel the opposition. They and their little secret plans won't last. Not on our watch!

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Walter Rhein's avatar

Absolutely!

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