Turmoil here. Crisis there. Leadership no where. The opposition is all talk, no action. Something needs to be done. We're working on it!
As the Trump injustices keep “flooding the zone,” there’s no shortage of material to write about. In fact, I have drafts of two new Around the Block stories waiting for me to finish. But there’s a problem — another endeavor is taking up almost all my time and energy.
I first outlined that other endeavor in the May 27th Around the Block titled, REPULSIVE!!!.
As I wrote in that post, my partner and I are building a new grassroots movement for people who want action, not just words. Action that goes beyond the words. Action that goes beyond constant fundraising emails, vague promises, and zero follow-through. A movement driven by one overriding mission:
Real power to the people.
We’re organizing to take back our democracy. We’re tired of waiting for leadership that never arrives. We’ve had enough.
We are DONE WAITING.
Getting this together has been a full-time job. The good news? We’re getting closer. We’re nearly ready to launch.
In the meantime, it’s been increasingly difficult to stay silent as the chaos around us intensifies. So instead of staying quiet, I want to amplify the voice of someone who says it better than most: Dana Milbank.
His latest op-ed in The Washington Post — “War with Iran? Let’s run it up the flagpole! — is a masterclass in exposing Trump’s dangerous absurdities.
Here’s the AI summary:
Trump’s inconsistent statements on Iran, ranging from threats of war to invitations for negotiations, have left the public and allies uncertain about his intentions. This indecisiveness, coupled with his erratic behavior in domestic affairs, has heightened anxiety among Americans and even some of his supporters. Amidst economic concerns and global conflicts, Trump’s leadership style, characterized by impulsivity and a lack of a clear plan, continues to be a source of worry.
Milbank captures it all: the chaos, the narcissism, the sheer incompetence. Just yesterday, Trump offered his usual “two weeks” timeline for resolving a serious global conflict — a meaningless promise he’s repeated for years. And then he rhapsodized for 45 minutes, with the entire press corps on hand, about his installaton of two new two new flagpoles on the South Lawn of the White House.
“These are the most magnificent poles made.”
“They’re about the largest you’ll ever see, and they’re tapered.”
“These are the best poles anywhere in the country — or in the world, actually.”
Yes, you can’t make this up. And yes, Trump is ripe for satire. But as the leader of the free world his job isn’t to provide fodder for late night comics.
Milbank’s column is exactly why we’re doing what we’re doing. Exactly why we refuse to sit this out. Exactly why this movement must rise — now.
We are DONE WAITING.
Stay tuned.
The '2 week notice', and various, often conflicting,options, is one of trump's typical transactional,
real estate-like approach. Try to get and keep your 'opponent' off balance, and uncertain what you'll do, and either give in to your offer or make a foolish move. If it doesn't work, you either bring suit / take legal action ... or just walk away and look for the next potential patsy.
That approach won't work in international politics, you can't just 'walk away' without causing (potentially existential) danger.
The hollowing out of the Intelligence community, and ignoring those who remain, puts The US in a vulnerable and dangerous situation. 🫤
Re your 'Talk and Action' project ... now is the time, a critical moment, to use all your terrific resources, Ted. Their 'messaging' and 'media / marketing' bona fides are slam dunks. It will ultimately come down to our 'actions' ... civil demonstrations, civil disobedience, 'lobbying' government and NGOs, 'social' clubs (e.g. Rotary, Kiwanis, Lions, Optimists), enlisting business leaders, local politicians and judiciary ... the list goes on, and should be exhaustive. Get the messages out, go to where the attacks are, where the battle is being fought ... and whether you like social media or not, that's where much of the gaslighting is happening. We need to be smarter, do a much better job there. Social media is where many Americans get 'informed' about all manner of 'stuff'.
And then, if ultimately necessary, 'storm the Bastille'. That's the way it's always been! Each generation declares they're different ... but no. History may not exactly repeat itself, but it clearly rhymes (see: Santayana, George). America was borne of revolution. In the end (and if you believe in MLK's 'Arc of justice...'), we'll likely 'get them', but how long will that take, and how much damage,will be done?
Was just reading a piece about the UK, and why so many people, old and young, are seriously considering leaving for more affordable and 'comfortable' places.
https://youtu.be/U0CiNrlQBNc?si=oesf9jC3IeJrtAzu
Actions (e.g. Brexit) have consequences, some significant and long-term.
So much more to say ... and we need to keep saying it.
Thanks Teddy ... keep on keepin' on. 🙂❤️