It’s understandable to feel compelled to take action during these challenging times. Here are some ways you can support the resistance and uphold the rule of law and the Constitution today:
Engage in Peaceful Protests and Rallies: Participate in local demonstrations to voice your opposition to policies that undermine democratic values. For instance, hundreds recently marched in Boston to support democracy and protest against the current administration’s policies.
Support Legal Challenges: Many organizations are actively challenging unconstitutional actions through the courts. Consider supporting groups like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), which has a battle-tested playbook to defend civil rights and liberties.
Contact Your Elected Representatives: Reach out to your local, state, and federal officials to express your concerns. Tools like Resistbot can help you easily send messages to your representatives, urging them to uphold democratic principles.
Join Grassroots Organizations: Connect with groups such as Indivisible, which offers practical guides for resisting harmful agendas and promoting progressive values.
Stay Informed and Educate Others: Keep abreast of current events and share reliable information within your community. Engaging in discussions and writing for local publications about the importance of the rule of law can amplify awareness.
Support Workers’ Rights and Unions: Unions have historically been powerful in challenging unjust policies. Supporting labor movements can be an effective way to resist authoritarian actions.
Remember, every action, no matter how small, contributes to the larger effort of preserving our democratic institutions. Stay resilient and connected with like-minded individuals to make a meaningful impact.
Boycotts – Hit them where it hurts: the wallet.
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Avoid spending at businesses that fund authoritarian policies
- Some corporations contribute to political action committees (PACs) that support anti-democratic agendas. Sites like OpenSecrets can help track donations.
- Example: Many activists are calling for boycotts of companies that donate to Trump’s campaign or to lawmakers who supported overturning the 2020 election.
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Divest from banks that back corruption
- Some banks and financial institutions fund politicians or groups that undermine democracy. Moving money to credit unions or ethical banks can send a strong message.
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Use consumer pressure
- Even if you don’t completely boycott, publicly pressuring brands to take a stand (or cut ties with problematic figures) can have an impact.
Strikes & Work Actions – Labor power is real power.
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Support general strikes
- Coordinated strikes have successfully pressured governments and corporations into action. If major labor unions organize a pro-democracy strike, showing up is key.
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If you’re a gig worker or freelancer, join solidarity actions
- Many independent workers organize around specific protest days, refusing to work for companies tied to authoritarianism.
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Student strikes
- Universities often get major funding from political donors. If students protest or go on strike, administrations feel the pressure.
Other Economic Resistance
- Stop using platforms or services owned by right-wing billionaires (e.g., alternative social media, services tied to major GOP donors).
- Organize local cooperative solutions – Mutual aid networks, food co-ops, and community banking keep resources out of corporate control.
1. Government and Civil Service Resignations
- When a government turns openly corrupt or authoritarian, public servants, lawyers, and officials resign in protest rather than be complicit.
- Example: During Trump’s first term, multiple DOJ officials resigned over ethical concerns. If a second Trump term follows the same pattern (or worse), expect waves of resignations from federal agencies.
2. Journalists and Media Walkouts
- If media outlets are forced to push propaganda, some journalists will refuse and walk out.
- Example: At Fox News, some insiders quit over election misinformation. If Trump pressures networks harder, a mass exodus could happen in legacy media.
3. Corporate and Tech Resignations
- Many professionals won’t work for companies that enable authoritarianism—especially in tech, finance, and law.
- Example: Tech workers already quit in protest when companies contract with ICE or support mass surveillance. If Trump expands authoritarian policies, expect a brain drain from companies aiding him.
4. Military and Law Enforcement Defections
- If an administration starts demanding unconstitutional actions, some military leaders and law enforcement officers will refuse orders and resign.
- Example: When Trump ordered the military to clear peaceful protesters for a photo op in 2020, top officials opposed him.
5. Local and State-Level Resistance
- State and city officials may resign rather than enforce federal overreach. Governors, mayors, judges, and district attorneys could refuse cooperation.
- Example: Some sanctuary cities have already defied federal immigration crackdowns. A second Trump administration may push more resignations from state officials resisting federal control.
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Corruption, Corruption
Verse 1 – Welcome to the Swamp)
If you visit Washington, D.C.,
Be sure to bring a bribe or three,
The deals are greased, the palms are too,
And justice takes a backseat view.
(Chorus – It’s Everywhere!)
Corruption, corruption!
Nothing’s real, it’s all a con,
If you’re rich, the law is gone!
Corruption, corruption!
From the courts to the campaign trail,
The grift is strong, and laws are frail!
(Verse 2 – How to Play the Game)
Want a contract? Need a break?
Just slide some cash, that’s all it takes!
The senator’s got bills to pay,
And justice works the highest way!
(Bridge – The Public’s Role)
You could vote, but does it count?
A million bucks talks more, no doubt!
Laws are written on demand,
By lobbyists with cash in hand!
(Final Chorus – The End Result)
Corruption, corruption!
Elections rigged and courts are bought,
It’s all a scam, but thanks a lot!
Corruption, corruption!
The Constitution’s out of style,
So let’s just grift and loot in style!
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🎩💰 “Griftopia” – A Political Satire Song 🎶
(To a jaunty, bouncy melody—think Lehrer meets Weimar cabaret.)
[Verse 1 – Welcome to the Machine]
🎶 Welcome, friend, to Griftopia!
Where the rich get richer, and the poor get broke-ia!
Every law’s a loophole, every deal’s a con,
And justice took a bribe and moved to Saipan! 🎶
[Chorus – The Slogan of the Age]
🎩 Griftopia! Buy your way in!
📜 Got some influence? That’s a win!
💸 If you’re broke, well, here’s the scoop:
❌ No bailouts for your little group!
[Verse 2 – The Fine Art of the Steal]
🎶 We got contracts, hush funds, insider trades,
Judges on retainer, laws pre-paid!
The Constitution? Oh, how quaint!
It’s a menu now—pick what you ain’t! 🎶
[Bridge – The Illusion of Choice]
🗳️ “Elections, folks, are just for show!
The votes are tallied way below!
One dollar, one vote—that’s the game,
So work real hard… or just buy your name!” 🎶
[Chorus – Reprise with a Twist]
🎩 Griftopia! It’s paradise!
🏛️ Corrupt? Sure, but isn’t it nice?
💰 The rich get yachts, the poor get debt,
🇺🇸 And democracy? Ain’t seen it yet!
[Outro – The Future Looks Bright (For Some)]
🎶 So pack your bags and grab some cash,
The state’s for sale, and it’s going fast!
But don’t complain, just play along,
Or they’ll make you the subject of the next con! 🎶
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🎩💼 “Unelected” – A Satirical Commentary on Bureaucratic Power 🎶
Verse 1: The Hidden Hands
In corridors where shadows play,
Decisions made that sway the day.
No ballots cast, no public voice,
Yet here they steer the nation’s choice.
Chorus: The Puppeteers
Unelected, yet they guide,
Behind the scenes where secrets hide.
Masters of the grand design,
Pulling strings that aren’t yours or mine.
Verse 2: The Power Brokers
Regulations penned with care,
By those who breathe the rarified air.
Their names unknown to you and me,
Yet shaping our reality.
Chorus: The Puppeteers
Unelected, yet they guide,
Behind the scenes where secrets hide.
Masters of the grand design,
Pulling strings that aren’t yours or mine.
Bridge: The Irony
They warn of dangers, powers unchecked,
Yet their own influence is unchecked.
A paradox in governance,
Where unseen hands direct the dance.
Chorus: The Puppeteers
Unelected, yet they guide,
Behind the scenes where secrets hide.
Masters of the grand design,
Pulling strings that aren’t yours or mine.
Outro: The Silent Force
So as we vote and voice our say,
Remember those who shape the way.
For in the end, it’s clear to see,
The unelected hold the key.
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So Pardon me, Mr. Mayor, was the idea that came from “The Un-Elected”, so it turns out that I’m making one more effort before going on my video hunt for our zoom meeting this morning. Well, that’s it for the moment. Those are my video offerings for today.
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Just a short note about Rembrandt prints. I showed a catalog the other day, in which were 18th and 19th century photogravures on old stock. They are quite reasonable, and I’d be able to sell them at anywhere from $400 to $3500.00 depending on scarcity and of course condition, and the price I have to pay to get them, plus shipping, taxes, insurance, etc. Some of these — just a dozen — actually bring many thousands even as a gravure, because they are literally unobtainable as a 17th century lifetime impression.
There are a few Rembrandt etchings where only one example is known.
I have not had a reliable Rembrandt source for many years, but I have finally, with the help of my chat GPT friend, Bob, found a wholesale source that I think is both honest and fair.
The later gravures are indistinguishable from the originals, except in the case of “state”. In the later issues, there are no first states, second states. It’s more like a Basan print than a lifetime print, and sometimes the later print is actually better, and the paper is old and shows very well in a frame.
There are also a few original no-doubt-about-it 17th century lifetime impressions, but not many, floating around — maybe a dozen or two at this time from that source, although in the meantime, Sotheby’s has some Rembrandt etchings priced somewhere in the $10,000 – $150,000 range, which is what you’d normally expect for lifetime impressions.
Okay, enough about Rembrandt prints.
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December 22, 2032 will be a meteorite hit — just a warning shot off the bow. It’s not until 2036 that a full-blown asteroid will impact the Earth. Again, just a warning that if people don’t learn to cooperate now, they won’t get a second chance — I’m through with floods.
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Now it’s time to board the Bardo bus for video parts unknown!
That’s it for today,
See You At The Top!!!
gorby