As the government shutdown drags on, more evidence emerges that President Trump’s inner circle indeed collaborated with Russians, and attacks on our institutions and media have become commonplace - it’s no question democracy is being tested. The midterm elections offered a sigh of relief for many Americans, and a glimmer of hope that Congress will … Continue reading Beware the Pendulum Swinging Too Far Left: It’s What Our Adversaries Want
Category: Democracy
With a “State of Emergency”, Trump is Playing with Fire
What does Trump's "State of Emergency" really mean for America? "A state of emergency is a situation in which a government is empowered to perform actions that it would normally not be permitted. A government can declare such state during a disaster, civil unrest, or armed conflict. Such declaration alerts citizens to change their normal … Continue reading With a “State of Emergency”, Trump is Playing with Fire
On Her 4th Day in Office, Katie Hill Flies Home, Hosts a Town Hall
Updating constituents about the shutdown, the new House Rep in CA-25 moves quickly to connect and communicate. While most freshman House members stayed in Washington, D.C. for additional orientation and education sessions last weekend, CA-25’s newly-inaugurated Rep. Katie Hill caught a red-eye flight back to her Southern California district to brief constituents on the status … Continue reading On Her 4th Day in Office, Katie Hill Flies Home, Hosts a Town Hall
Early Communication from New House Reps Bodes Well for Accessibility
Katie Hill's open communication as Congressmember-elect has CA-25 constituents excited about her first term as their Representative.
Tomorrow is “D” Day and Trump Should be Scared “Schittless”
Background on the five Dem Committee Chairs who are going to be all up in Trump's business.
Russia Targeted African Americans in its Plot to Undermine Democracy & Help Trump Steal the 2016 Election.
Two explosive reports detail how Russia interfered in the 2016 presidential election to support Donald Trump.
Swing State Saga: How We Fought on the Midterm Battleground
Keener political hands than mine have noted that election night was cruel for Democrats in the Eastern Time Zone. Especially those of us who’d incautiously raised our hopes a bit high. Here in Ohio,we longed for redemption. In downtown Bowling Green “No Massacre Here,” dozens of volunteers, local committee members, and a few candidates gathered … Continue reading Swing State Saga: How We Fought on the Midterm Battleground
DemLabs’ Tech Solution for Reporting Voting Issues Set a Precedent in November
DemLabs' SeeSay experiment showed how we can crowdsource election integrity reporting.
“Weekend At Bernie’s III”
Bernie Sanders is going to run. Unfortunately, he has pissed off the largest Democratic demographic...35+ Black Women, and we aren't having it!
What Will it Take to Impeach & Remove President Trump?
The House impeaches, but the Senate convicts & removes a president - requiring a 2/3 majority. Twenty Republicans would have to vote against Trump. Don't hold your breath.
New Dissident Movements in Russia have Christian Roots
This piece was originally published in The Integrity Initiative There were famous religious dissidents in the former Soviet Union. New Christian opposition organizations have sprung up to continue their legacy, Kseniya Kirillova writes. A new Russian “socio-political club” called The New Orthodoxy was announced in Moscow in October. Its founders assert that the name originates … Continue reading New Dissident Movements in Russia have Christian Roots
How We Got Here: A Decade of Sabotage by the Wisconsin GOP
The assault on voting rights in Wisconsin has been devastatingly effective. A rundown of what the GOP has done and how to mitigate the damage.
Crossing The Line: The Necessity of Civil Disobedience In The Age of Trump
We are enabling our amoral, unboundaried, aspiring dictator of a President as we go about our daily lives, staying inside the lines, refraining from committing civil disobedience.
How to Pick a Speaker of the House
A good Speaker can make all the difference in the US House. Here are some critical variables that factor in to making the right pick.
Mississippi Deserves Better Than Cindy Hyde-Smith
Comments and actions by Hyde-Smith betray her faulty character and deeply racist attitudes. Mississippi should elect Mike Espy to the Senate on Tuesday.
America’s Rural/Urban Divide: Spotlight Oregon
The cultural gap between urban and rural Oregon is at the heart of political differences in the state, as is the case across the US.
Let’s Talk About Nancy: Why Democrats Must Rally Around Leader Pelosi
It's time to support Nancy Pelosi - LOUDLY and PROUDLY.
Acting AG Matt Whitaker Can’t Run The Mueller Investigation
Call your Senators and Representative and urge them to demand that Acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker recuse himself.
The State of Veterans Affairs in America
This Veterans Day, let's take a look at the current state of the largest health care system in the United States: The Department of Veteran Affairs.
No Rest for the Wave: Massive Nationwide Protests Thursday at 5pm
The timing of Jeff Sessions' forced resignation is purposeful: we're tired. But now more than ever, we have to show Trump that our Resistance is relentless.As a highly engaged Blue Wave activist, I woke up the morning after Election Day looking forward to a slight smidgen of normalcy. Kiss the kids. Drink some coffee. Have … Continue reading No Rest for the Wave: Massive Nationwide Protests Thursday at 5pm
Think Like A Black Woman…Too
An Opinion on How to Save American Democracy In 4 Days #BallotsNOTBullets Let me start off by saying, that I'm not discrediting any other race here, I'm only stating what I know from personal experience, as a black woman in America. I'm 42 years old, I am educated with a degree from Franklin University in … Continue reading Think Like A Black Woman…Too
The Putin regime uses blackmail against its people and the West
As its confrontation with the West grows, Russia's use of the elements of blackmail, both veiled and direct, in its diplomacy is increasing.
Multi-Task: Prepare for the Lame Duck Session While You Get Out the Vote
Can we multi-task? Yes we can. Just look at the last two years.
Bringing Constituent Services into the 21st Century
Daryl Boling, Democrat for PA District 152, describes how he wants to set a new standard for accessibility as a state representative.
Chronicles of an Outsider: Volume 4
As I move through America and share my stories with you as an openly gay man of color, I have the great fortune to learn and grow from the many reader comments I receive. It has been both cathartic and inspiring to see messages telling me that these chronicles are helping some people learn, while … Continue reading Chronicles of an Outsider: Volume 4
The Top 10 Reasons to Just Say No to Knute Buehler for Oregon Governor
Knute is anti-vaccination. He's anti-immigrant. He earned an 'F' from the League of Conservation Voters. He won't share his complete tax returns. Just Say NO to Knute. Republican Knute Buehler, a physician and two-term state representative, is running against Oregon’s current Governor, Kate Brown. Brown and Buehler offer a stark contrast for Oregon’s future. Buehler … Continue reading The Top 10 Reasons to Just Say No to Knute Buehler for Oregon Governor
What If…
Contributor J.L. Whitehead ponders a scenario where Democrats lose this November.
Act Now: We Have Until Monday 10/15 to Protect Our Right to Protest
Trump doesn't like protests outside the White House, so the admin is trying to impede our right to peaceably assemble. There are 3 days left to comment. Do it. While you still can.
It’s Deja Vu All Over Again
Anita Hill. Murphy Brown. The "Year of the Woman". Is it 1992? It feels like it. But there are some important differences.
The Mercers, Cambridge Analytica, and Putin’s Internet Research Agency: A Timeline
The Mercers & Steve Bannon formed Cambridge Analytica in June 2014, the exact same month that the Internet Research Agency changed their US influence campaign to include interfering in the US presidential election. In May 2014, Kremlin-backed troll farm, the Internet Research Agency, discussed efforts to interfere in the 2016 U.S. presidential election and began … Continue reading The Mercers, Cambridge Analytica, and Putin’s Internet Research Agency: A Timeline
With Kavanaugh, We Have a Chance to Learn from Our Mistakes
In the era of #MeToo, Brett Kavanaugh needs to submit to a lie detector test along with new Senate questioning. Christine Blasey Ford, a college professor at Palo Alto University, has mounted a damning accusation against Supreme Court Nominee Brett Kavanaugh. She alleges that in the early 1980's, Nominee Kavanaugh pinned her to a bed … Continue reading With Kavanaugh, We Have a Chance to Learn from Our Mistakes
Profiles in Cowardice: Republicans Dodge Debates as Midterms Approach
From coast to coast, Republicans are refusing to debate their Democratic opponents. A race-by-race rundown of the most egregious cases of debate-dodging.
Putin’s Information Operations Spread Discordant Ideologies Abroad
Russia doesn't really have a distinct ideology, instead appealing to base human feelings and instincts to evoke an emotional reaction and control the masses. Sound familiar? This piece was originally published in The Kyiv Post When speaking about modern Russian ideology, most experts agree that it, as such, simply does not exist. I have already noted … Continue reading Putin’s Information Operations Spread Discordant Ideologies Abroad
Call Senators & Tell Them to Postpone the Kavanaugh Vote
Your Action Call your Senators and tell them to insist a vote on the Kavanaugh nomination by the Senate Judiciary Committee be postponed until the sexual assault allegation can be fully evaluated. Background Everyone knew Brent Kavanaugh was an extremely conservative judge when he was nominated, raising serious questions about the future of Roe v. … Continue reading Call Senators & Tell Them to Postpone the Kavanaugh Vote
Black and White
With high-profile victories by African Americans in the Florida and Georgia Democratic gubernatorial primaries, and as the campaign season heats up – we grit our teeth with the knowledge that this could get ugly. Ron DeSantis and Brian Kemp are Republicans primed to run race-baiting campaigns against Andrew Gillum and Stacey Abrams. Hopefully the elections … Continue reading Black and White
How We Start Supporting Workers, Again
In this Labor Day Op-Ed, CA-39 Democratic nominee Gil Cisneros lays out his priorities intended to lift up the American worker. “It is one of the characteristics of a free and democratic modern nation that it have free and independent labor unions. . . When union workers assemble with freedom and independence in a convention like this, … Continue reading How We Start Supporting Workers, Again
Why Russian “Soft Power” is Much More Dangerous Than Western “Soft Power”
Analyzing Moscow's efforts to undermine Western democracies, we can identify its several main channels of influence. Among them are propaganda (both broadcasting their own media to foreign audiences and bribing the local media), bribing officials and politicians, building corrupt ties through business lobbies, and working with various segments of the population to exacerbate friction, dissatisfaction … Continue reading Why Russian “Soft Power” is Much More Dangerous Than Western “Soft Power”
Massachusetts: Vote Yes on 3 to Answer the Call of Equality and History
After the 2016 election, my wife and I did a lot of soul-searching, as did many Americans. The election results reminded us of the unpredictability of life and warned us not to take the future for granted. We acted on that and decided to finally move our family to Massachusetts. We wanted our sons to … Continue reading Massachusetts: Vote Yes on 3 to Answer the Call of Equality and History
Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can’t Lose: It’s Time to Focus on the Midterms
What can YOU do to impact the Special Counsel Investigation? Not much. What can YOU do to ensure that an opposition party gets elected to provide a check on Trump? Everything. Use your time wisely. Over the next 70 days, there will undoubtedly be a firestorm of news. Indictments. Denials. Disinformation. Indignation. Firings. Litigation. Subpoenas. … Continue reading Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can’t Lose: It’s Time to Focus on the Midterms
Dissent as a Patriotic Act of Faith
Throughout our history as a nation, when Americans realize the laws of our country and the values of our country do not coincide, we make our dissatisfaction known. This was true of the men and women who rebelled against the British Crown and remains a part of our cultural heritage to this day. Since the … Continue reading Dissent as a Patriotic Act of Faith
Urgent CTA: Protect Mueller – Reps Must Vote No on Rosenstein Contempt
Your Action Call your Republican representative and tell them to vote NO on Rosenstein contempt. Background Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA), Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) and Rep. Devin Nunes (R-CA) never expected their July threat to impeach Deputy AG Rod Rosenstein to succeed. It was a procedural move that didn’t require Speaker Paul Ryan’s (R-WI) consent. … Continue reading Urgent CTA: Protect Mueller – Reps Must Vote No on Rosenstein Contempt
The Trauma of Parental Separation Can Last a Lifetime
700 children are still separated from their families. The long-term impacts will devastate them. I know, because it happened to me. When I was a baby I was separated from my parents. The details of the story are lost, but I do know that when I was days or weeks old I was left in … Continue reading The Trauma of Parental Separation Can Last a Lifetime
Resistance Movements in Russia & the U.S.: Similarities and Differences
Russian journalist Kseniya Kirillova explores how vulnerabilities in the American resistance movement are similar to - and different than - those in Russia's opposition movement. This piece was originally published in The Loyal Opposition In 2015, I wrote an article in which I explored the primary methods that Russian propaganda uses to try to discredit the Russian opposition, … Continue reading Resistance Movements in Russia & the U.S.: Similarities and Differences
Want Better Government? Survey Says: Vote for Women.
Studies, real-life experience show that more women in power equals better leadership, better policy, better outcomes. The numbers are nigh unto astonishing. Women, reported FiveThirtyEight.com on Aug. 10, are competing in 69 percent of open Democratic Congressional primaries this year (races in which there’s no incumbent Democrat). As of that date, women had won 65 … Continue reading Want Better Government? Survey Says: Vote for Women.
#StandOnEveryCorner Launches National Website
Americans Go Offline, Embrace Neighborhood Democracy Movement 13: Practice corporeal politics Power wants your body softening in your chair & your emotions dissipating on the screen. Get outside. Put your body in unfamiliar places with unfamiliar people. Make new friends & march with them. - Timothy Snyder - On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons I believe the … Continue reading #StandOnEveryCorner Launches National Website
PODCAST – The Constitution Demands It: The Case for Impeachment, w/ John Bonifaz (Two Broads Talking Politics, Ep. 109)
Kelly and Sophy talk to John Bonifaz, Co-Founder and President of Free Speech For People, and Co-Author of The Constitution Demands It: The Case for the Impeachment of Donald Trump. In the book, Bonifaz, and co-authors, Ron Fein and Ben Clements, lay out the grounds for impeaching Trump now, and explain why we should not wait for … Continue reading PODCAST – The Constitution Demands It: The Case for Impeachment, w/ John Bonifaz (Two Broads Talking Politics, Ep. 109)
Free-College-For-All Would Benefit the Capitalist System
Equal access to the employment marketplace through educational access would help maximize free-market competition. Very few people ever have the privilege to work for the sake of pleasure or passion. Work is something we pursue in order to sustain society and life, and in most systems this pursuit is considered a virtue. Realistically, this is … Continue reading Free-College-For-All Would Benefit the Capitalist System
Dismantling Republican Faux-Patriotism
One of the more common tropes in modern American politics is the claim that the Republican Party has a monopoly on patriotism. A flag flying in front of a home or a “Support Our Troops” bumper sticker is often assumed to signify the right-wing political affiliation of its owner. However, it’s clear upon deeper reflection … Continue reading Dismantling Republican Faux-Patriotism
PODCAST: Bryce Tache & #StandOnEveryCorner – Two Broads Talking Politics, Ep. 105
Sophy and Kelly speak with activist Bryce Tache, who started the Stand On Every Corner movement to encourage regular American citizens to protest the Trump regime in their home neighborhoods regularly. He has protested in a park near his Minneapolis home every evening 6-7PM for 46 days. At least 40 of these have popped up … Continue reading PODCAST: Bryce Tache & #StandOnEveryCorner – Two Broads Talking Politics, Ep. 105
Dear Voters of All Affiliations: Thank You For Participating in Democracy
I am about to say something that will make my campaign manager need an aspirin, but: You should always vote for the candidate who YOU believe is the best choice for the office. Always. Even if it is an alternative-party candidate with little chance of winning the election. Because.... Firstly, I am an idealist who … Continue reading Dear Voters of All Affiliations: Thank You For Participating in Democracy