Episode 50 | Blatant Corruption
If we are being honest, I think we all know what’s going on here. The overt corruption carried out by the Trump administration—from the billions pocketed by his family from cryptocurrency, social media, and presidential merch to stripping away human rights and launching an unprovoked war—is so blatant. If we ignore or wave it away at this point, we are responsible for enabling it. While I think some are weirdly excited by a strong-man, balls-to-the-wall approach to the presidency, it seems the majority of us are not. So it is truly on us to stand up for the rights we have left before any remnants of democracy completely fall by the wayside.
Specifically, if you are a White voter, it is your moral obligation to be an ally and protect the rights of Black and Brown voters, who are the ones most squeezed by newly gerrymandered maps. If you are a male voter, it is your moral obligation to stand up for your female family members’ right to vote. They are coming for those, too. We’ve said before that Trump telegraphs his every move. We should not be surprised but utterly sober and awake to what is happening.
Check our various resources, and stay informed and aware of what you can do.
https://campaignlegal.org/exposing-president-trumps-pay-to-play-administration
Episode 49 | Gutting the Right to Vote
The conservative Supreme Court has once again sliced up the 1965 Voting Rights Act. Regardless of whether you identify as Conservative or Liberal, Democrat or Republican, or somewhere in between, we should all be horrified by the efforts to manipulate and deny individuals’ right to vote. There is no doubt that Trump and his buddies are feeling their unpopularity and trying to do everything to hang on to power. Too many people have fought long and hard to win their right to vote. It is an insult ot democracy to erase the political power of the voting populace. Hopefully, we will use this alone as motivation to vote—perhaps not simply along party lines, but in favor of preserving whatever remnants of democracy we have left to work with.
It will take years to rebuild and improve upon what has been broken in the last 19 months, but the only way we can recalibrate is to show up at the polls.
The conservative Supreme Court has once again sliced up the 1965 Voting Rights Act. Regardless of whether you identify as Conservative or Liberal, Democrat or Republican, or somewhere in between, we should all be horrified by the efforts to manipulate and deny individuals’ right to vote. There is no doubt that Trump and his buddies are feeling their unpopularity and trying to do everything to hang on to power. Too many people have fought long and hard to win their right to vote. It is an insult ot democracy to erase the political power of the voting populace. Hopefully, we will use this alone as motivation to vote—perhaps not simply along party lines, but in favor of preserving whatever remnants of democracy we have left to work with.
It will take years to rebuild and improve upon what has been broken in the last 19 months, but the only way we can recalibrate is to show up at the polls.
Resources:
https://substack.com/home/post/p-197076970
Episode 48 | Violence begets More of the Same
Let it be said very clearly that political violence does not belong in a functioning democracy. Let it also be said that if our democracy were functioning, it would neither be fomented nor tolerated.
What happened at the White House Correspondent’s dinner was wrong. And how might we examine it as a shadow aspect of what happens when unchecked anger guides our behavior? James Baldwin once wrote, “To be a Negro in this country and to be relatively conscious is to be in a state of rage almost all of the time.” How that applies today is that if we are relatively conscious, we likely feel some rage at what is happening in our country. Anger can be informative and activating, but as we have seen, it can also be dangerous.
It feels more important than ever to greet our anger with curiosity and compassion, to let it fuel desires for change in positive ways rather than destructive ones.
For further reading:
Episode 47 | The Paradox of Tolerance
In this episode, we talk about the war on Iran and Trump’s declining support; how no one seems to stand up to Trump from within his own party, even though they are against his policies; the problem with political pawns; and holding the tension of something as wondrous as Artemis 2 alongside the depravity of our political situation.
In this episode, we talk about the war on Iran and Trump’s declining support; how no one seems to stand up to Trump from within his own party, even though they are against his policies; the problem with political pawns; and holding the tension of something as wondrous as Artemis 2 alongside the depravity of our political situation.
Resources:
Episode 46 | The Coup Playbook
Last week, Timothy Snyder published a Substack on the five things we need to watch for in anticipation of Trump trying to manufacture a coup to prohibit November elections. While some of them may seem far-fetched, I honestly would not put anything past this administration to hold tight to power. We walk through the scenarios and give our own take.
Last week, Timothy Snyder published a Substack on the five things we need to watch for in anticipation of Trump trying to manufacture a coup to prohibit November elections. While some of them may seem far-fetched, I honestly would not put anything past this administration to hold tight to power. We walk through the scenarios and give our own take. They are:
Promoting the need for a “steady hand” during wartime, which involved prolonging the war in Iran.
Bonapartism, which refers to how Napoleon used might abroad to rally support even as he crumbled freedoms at home.
Bismarckian Unification, which refers to the forced unification of outside countries while continuing to make a tiny elite powerful at home.
Fascist Sacrifice. It sounds exactly like what it is and may be the least likely scenario, but again…I wouldn’t put anything past this guy.
Exploitation of Terror, which involves drumming up fear of a real or manufactured terrorist attack on the United States. Prevention of this one relies on cooler heads prevailing, and I am wondering where those cool heads are.
It’s important that we stay aware of these plays, that we anticipate them so that we are better able to resist them. Remember: a democracy is only ever as strong as our participation in it. Stay engaged, y’all.
Resources:
Episode 45 | “The Ministry is Interfering at Hogwarts”
We are a nation at war.
We are a nation whose democratically elected president is actively trying to undermine and downright take away the vote of millions of people.
ICE is in the airports, and some analytical readers of Project 2025 say it was always part of the design.
We have primaries and elections coming up in every state.
What can we do about any of it? Well, we can show up locally. We can raise our voices, call our representatives, protest on March 28, send letters, and vote. We are not powerless even if it takes longer than we would like.
The title comes from Hermione Granger in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix when the cruel and sadistic Delores Umbridge takes over the school of witchcraft and wizardry. My guess is most of you are like, “Well, duh. It’s been taken over.” And you would be right. If we aren’t currently feeling government interference in our lives, then I have to wonder what rock we’re living under.
We are a nation at war.
We are a nation whose democratically elected president is actively trying to undermine and downright take away the vote of millions of people.
ICE is in the airports, and some analytical readers of Project 2025 say it was always part of the design.
We have primaries and elections coming up in every state.
What can we do about any of it? Well, we can show up locally. We can raise our voices, call our representatives, protest on March 28, send letters, and vote. We are not powerless even if it takes longer than we would like. Today Heather Cox Richardson did a live post about what is at stake is her usal, measured way. You can listen here.
Other Resources:
Episode 44 | a One Way War
The current administration got us into a war that some members of the armed forces, our allies, and US citizens oppose. It’s a war of one-sided aggression and totally unnecessary. It was never about supporting Iranians protesting their regime. It was always about a strongman hitting hard and first. Journalists and political analysts are questioning whether there is any strategy or plan, as Trump is surrounded by people with little experience or international credentials. Each day seems to bring a video game type choose-your-own-adventure, accompanied by spliced-together movie scenes, making the whole thing seem rather juvenile.
The current administration got us into a war that some members of the armed forces, our allies, and US citizens oppose. It’s a war of one-sided aggression and totally unnecessary. It was never about supporting Iranians protesting their regime. It was always about a strongman hitting hard and first. Journalists and political analysts are questioning whether there is any strategy or plan, as Trump is surrounded by people with little experience or international credentials. Each day seems to bring a video game type choose-your-own-adventure, accompanied by spliced-together movie scenes, making the whole thing seem rather juvenile.
The war in Iran is a distraction from both the Epstein Files and the SAVE America Voting Act. The latter is a bill intended to prevent as many people as possible from voting in upcoming elections so that the House and Senate don’t turn blue. Supporters are suggesting that the Republicans enact a Senate floor takeover in order to pass it. Taking away the legal and fair right to vote is the very antithesis of a functional democracy, and every marginalized group of people in this country has fought hard to earn that right. A little hint: they wouldn’t be doing this if they weren’t very afraid of losing.
There is much to repair in this country, but right now I think our shared goal ought to be to preserve what can be fixed rather than give it over to a wannabe dictator and his sycophants.
Resources:
Episode 43 | The Stakes are High
This week, we choose to address the wide-ranging tentacles of the Epstein Files, their relationship to Iran, and the importance of voting. These three are interconnected. Trump and his loyalists keep trying to obfuscate the channels of justice. They refuse to release the full files and keep distracting attention away from their far-reaching crimes by creating chaos in our country and around the world. He is all but broadcasting that he plans to meddle in the November elections for fear of losing his base, and bombing Iran creates the conditions for him to issue a state of emergency and cancel elections. He will try it. So it is more important than ever for us to stay engaged in whatever ways we can—voting, speaking out, upholding the constitution, creating, organizing…it all belongs.
We’re back after a few weeks due to Zoom or the Cloud eating one recording and traveling to an awesome concert with our oldest!
This week, we choose to address the wide-ranging tentacles of the Epstein Files, their relationship to Iran, and the importance of voting. These three are interconnected. Trump and his loyalists keep trying to obfuscate the channels of justice. They refuse to release the full files and keep distracting attention away from their far-reaching crimes by creating chaos in our country and around the world. He is all but broadcasting that he plans to meddle in the November elections for fear of losing his base, and bombing Iran creates the conditions for him to issue a state of emergency and cancel elections. He will try it. So it is more important than ever for us to stay engaged in whatever ways we can—voting, speaking out, upholding the constitution, creating, organizing…it all belongs.
If you are listening on March 3rd, go vote in your primaries!
Thanks for joining us.
——
Resources:
https://substack.com/home/post/p-189503340
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOtOKN0BvB0
https://www.bbc.com/news/live/ce94y2yykgrt
Episode 42 | Staying Engaged
Trump has already telegraphed his intent to take federal control over the 2026 midterm elections. He’s already gotten Texas to turn over its voter registration rolls and is browbeating others to follow suit. The administration continues to escalate ICE movements, especially in complicit states like Texas. Warehouses are being built, bought, and planned to hold hundreds of detained immigrants and citizens. An increasingly unpopular administration is gripping harder to control.
But let’s talk about what’s working. Protests are working. Going to city council meetings to refuse permits to privately run human warehouses works. Voting works. Calling your reps works. So does checking on your neighbor and documenting what you see. Shoot, we saw artwork in powerfully during the Super Bowl! We are far too creative a species to take this lying down!
ICE is overfunded and undertrained, and they don’t seem to be going anywhere, so we’ve got to employ some long game energy to keep resisting what’s being thrown at us.
Thanks for listening.
———
Resources
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/february-7-2026
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7160372/
https://youtu.be/V3mQLlrZBI8?si=ous5B96QUls75g9h
https://open.substack.com/pub/hollyhudley/p/no-3?r=57omf0&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Episode 41 | “Jesus Wept”
In an unconventional move, Judge Fred Biery wrote these words in his opinion ordering the release of Liam and Adrian Conejo Arias: “Jesus wept.” I don’t read it so much as an imposition of Christian values on the legal system, but as highlighting the moral depravity of an administration that is willing to detain children to prove a point. I’ll link to her commentary below, but a Lawyer and Mother wrote that his use of this verse speaks less to a political failing (though it is) and more to a spiritual failing. In its simplest form, religion, from the Latin relegare, means to bind together. To practice being bound to one another does not require a particular doctrine, only a belief that each person is worthy of dignity and reverence, and to treat them as such.
In an unconventional move, Judge Fred Biery wrote these words in his opinion ordering the release of Liam and Adrian Conejo Arias: “Jesus wept.” I don’t read it so much as an imposition of Christian values on the legal system, but as highlighting the moral depravity of an administration that is willing to detain children to prove a point. I’ll link to her commentary below, but a Lawyer and Mother wrote that his use of this verse speaks less to a political failing (though it is) and more to a spiritual failing. In its simplest form, religion, from the Latin relegare, means to bind together. To practice being bound to one another does not require a particular doctrine, only a belief that each person is worthy of dignity and reverence, and to treat them as such.
Many people with a more acute historical mind than I have are writing about how this moment has been building for decades. This fact should not make us complacent or indifferent. It should not make us less shocked or angry. it is so easy to look the other way or fall under the spell that “things aren’t so bad,” but what is happening right now is not normal in a democracy. we are needed to uphold a system run for the people, by the people.
I hope we are motivated to stay engaged, to lift our voices, and support our most vulnerable neighbors.
Thanks for listening.
Resources:
https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/26708008-us-district-judge-fred-bierys-opinion-ordering-release-of-5-year-old-liam-arias-and-father/
https://www.instagram.com/p/DUOXkrPDR6h/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
https://www.cnn.com/2026/01/27/us/video/mn-group-singing-resistance-ice-vrt-digvid
https://substack.com/@terileigh
Episode 40 | We Stand WIth Minnesota
The past week has brought an onslaught of events and emotions. We’ve seen ICE double down on Minnesotans, and we’ve seen these resolute midwesterners triple down en masse. It seems the whole state showed up for the protest on January 23. The very next day, we saw ICE brutally murder another citizen advocate, Alex Pretti. Minnesota hasn’t let up. Following the death of Alex Pretti, their National Guard was mobilized and armed with donuts, coffee, and cocoa for the residents they were called to protect. All of this in sub-freezing temps amidst one of the worst winter storms in recent history. I am both dismayed and inspired.
The past week has brought an onslaught of events and emotions. We’ve seen ICE double down on Minnesotans, and we’ve seen these resolute midwesterners triple down en masse. It seems the whole state showed up for the protest on January 23. The very next day, we saw ICE brutally murder another citizen advocate, Alex Pretti. Minnesota hasn’t let up. Following the death of Alex Pretti, their National Guard was mobilized and armed with donuts, coffee, and cocoa for the residents they were called to protect. All of this in sub-freezing temps amidst one of the worst winter storms in recent history. I am both dismayed and inspired.
No matter where you live, it’s time to take some of the lessons from the good folks of Minnesota and apply them to our own cities. Where can you stand up? What resources do you have available to you to chip away at the brutality this administration is so willing to mete out? Where will you place your body and make “good trouble” so that the fragments of democracy may be preserved? If you have money to give, click HERE to help fund community organizers and legal advocacy in Minnesota.
Check out some of these resources below:
https://www.texastribune.org/2026/01/19/texas-immigration-ice-arrests-raids-police/
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/19/opinion/trump-minneapolis-ice.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share
https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/new-hampshire-bishop-warns-clergy-prepare-new-era-129330353
for information on “Reviving the American Family” and what Project 2025 is trying to do next.
Episode 39 | Our Single Garment of Destiny
We recorded on MLK day in the US, and we end this podcast by reading one of his well known quotes from his “Letter from a Birmingham Jail.” It reads, “In a real sense all life is inter-related. All men are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”
The US has all but forgotten this truth of reality. We are all the faces of this country. I would ask each of us to examine the face we are showing and how we are using our power and privilege in such a time as this.
We recorded on MLK day in the US, and we end this podcast by reading one of his well known quotes from his “Letter from a Birmingham Jail.” It reads, “In a real sense all life is inter-related. All men are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”
The US has all but forgotten this truth of reality. We are all the faces of this country. I would ask each of us to examine the face we are showing and how we are using our power and privilege in such a time as this.
Trump is threatening to employ the Insurrection Act against Minnesota without consent or request, essentially committing an act of war against our own people. We attached Governor Walz’s response to everything that has gone on, but suffice to say that nonviolent protest is powerful and needed wherever we are.
We also emphasize the importance of local elections—the Trump administration is looking to install its allies as county clerks and other local officials to influence the implementation and, presumably, the outcome of the upcoming elections. We cannot let this happen. Be aware of what is happening in your areas and get involved. Don’t be afraid to be a non-violent nuisance!
Check out the references below for some further reading and information. And stay engaged!
———
Resources:
Gov. Tim Walz: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGTsYXBWQgU
https://www.state-elections.org
https://www.newyorker.com/podcast/political-scene/a-stark-warning-about-the-2026-election-with-robert-kagan
Episode 38 | We Are In A Bad Way
We address three topics this week: what we are learning about Venezuela, ICE actions against Renee Good in Minnesota, and voters’ privacy in the upcoming election cycle.
As crazy as it seems, there are parallels between what Trump says his purpose was in Venezuela and what occurred in Minnesota. The abduction of Maduro was not about holding him accountable or limiting his power; it was about mimicking it. Days after criticizing Maduro for actions against his own people as a way to justify actions taken by the US, Trump justified ICE’s killing of Renee Good. Get this through your heads — the president of the United States is justifying the killing of an unarmed civilian and citizen. The administration is denigrating the victim, calling her a left-wing terrorist, and protecting its paramilitary. Trump is not interested in removing a dictator from power. Just look who he instated as the substitute! He is interested in minimizing his competition and asserting his own authority.
As my friend Jimmy Patterson says in his Substack, “Some Grace Maybe,” our best recourse is to protest peacefully. This podcast is our form of peaceful protest. What is yours? The other recourse we have is to participate in elections and demand better. As we stand, our glorious state of Texas has handed over a complete list of registered voters to the DOJ. DNC litigators argue this violates federal election law and risks using the information to manipulate outcomes. Gov. Abbott is also trying to take control of Harris County elections — the largest Democratic stronghold in the state. All the more reason why we must vote and protest against the loss of freedoms.
Stay informed and stay engaged, y’all. We got work to do!
We address three topics this week: what we are learning about Venezuela, ICE actions against Renee Good in Minnesota, and voters’ privacy in the upcoming election cycle.
As crazy as it seems, there are parallels between what Trump says his purpose was in Venezuela and what occurred in Minnesota. The abduction of Maduro was not about holding him accountable or limiting his power; it was about mimicking it. Days after criticizing Maduro for actions against his own people as a way to justify actions taken by the US, Trump justified ICE’s killing of Renee Good. Get this through your heads — the president of the United States is justifying the killing of an unarmed civilian and citizen. The administration is denigrating the victim, calling her a left-wing terrorist, and protecting its paramilitary. Trump is not interested in removing a dictator from power. Just look who he instated as the substitute! He is interested in minimizing his competition and asserting his own authority.
As my friend Jimmy Patterson says in his Substack, “Some Grace Maybe,” our best recourse is to protest peacefully. This podcast is our form of peaceful protest. What is yours? The other recourse we have is to participate in elections and demand better. As we stand, our glorious state of Texas has handed over a complete list of registered voters to the DOJ. DNC litigators argue this violates federal election law and risks using the information to manipulate outcomes. Gov. Abbott is also trying to take control of Harris County elections — the largest Democratic stronghold in the state. All the more reason why we must vote and protest against the loss of freedoms.
Stay informed and stay engaged, y’all. We got work to do!
Resources:
https://www.democracydocket.com
https://www.texastribune.org/2026/01/09/texas-voter-roll-trump-administration-justice-department-democrats-dnc/
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c77krp7m362o
https://www.irishstar.com/culture/entertainment/fox-news-trump-ice-shooting-36528168
https://substack.com/@snyder?utm_source=global-search
Episode 37 | A Week in…
…and many are asking for a refund on 2026 already! Shortly after midnight on January 3, the Trump administration took military action against Venezuela, which resulted in the extradition of Maduro and his wife to the US to be accused and tried for drug trafficking. All of this was performed without congressional approval. Strangely, Trump let Fox and Friends know before informing our elected officials! While there is a precedent for not obtaining approval for military action, the event underscores the broadening authority modern presidents exercise over military force. The jury is out on whether the actions taken were illegal, though many say they were a violation of international law. We’ll see how the UN responds.
What a way to start the New Year. Trump continues to show that he is willing to exploit the law to achieve power and usurp constitutional law. Our civic leaders are violating the ethics of their professions to appease a feckless leader. This story is still unfolding, and we will continue to follow it.
———
Resources:
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/fact-checking-trumps-claims-after-u-s-strike-on-venezuela-and-capture-of-maduro
https://www.brookings.edu/articles/making-sense-of-the-us-military-operation-in-venezuela/
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/january-3-2026
Episode 36 | the Multi-Headed Hydra
One of the things we talk about in this episode is stamina - how do we keep pressing for the kind of change we need to see in this country? How do we swing back toward democracy? Many are turning a blind eye to the lack of legal processes in our country right now, not least of all the Supreme Court. They are playing to a bully, but they are also getting a taste of power. We are a split population, but there is evidence that the bullies are losing popularity. There is evidence that we are chipping away at the hydra. Deep change ultimately calls for long game energy, where short-term wins are achieved bit by bit. It took almost 15 years to oust Ferdinand Marcos, Sr. from power in the Philippines, but it was the people on the ground who played the long game. This is what we need right now so that we do not casually and passively slide further away from a government for the people by the people. Do we have it in us?
One of the things we talk about in this episode is stamina - how do we keep pressing for the kind of change we need to see in this country? How do we swing back toward democracy? Many are turning a blind eye to the lack of legal processes in our country right now, not least of all the Supreme Court. They are playing to a bully, but they are also getting a taste of power. We are a split population, but there is evidence that the bullies are losing popularity. There is evidence that the hydra is being chipped away. Deep change ultimately calls for long game energy, where short-term wins are achieved bit by bit. It took almost 15 years to oust Ferdinand Marcos, Sr. from power in the Philippines, but it was the people on the ground who played the long game. This is what we need right now so that we do not casually and passively slide further away from a government for the people by the people. Do we have it in us?
Thanks for listening!
Episode 35 | The Christian Thing To Do?
Though it’s been a couple of weeks, the Trump administration keeps on providing plenty of fodder for podcasts. The whole “let’s strike every boat coming out of Venezuela” strategy seems a great distraction to Trump’s growing unpopularity. When six democratic lawmakers pleaded to the military to remain faithful to the Constitution rather than a despot, Trump called for these people to be executed. Ummmm, what do we call an act of sedition called for by the president himself?? This is from the playbook of Christian Nationalism, an underlying philosophy of Project 2025. They call for political violence in the name of religion and patriotism. Looks to me like idolatry.
Though it’s been a couple of weeks, the Trump administration keeps on providing plenty of fodder for podcasts. The whole “let’s strike every boat coming out of Venezuela” strategy seems a great distraction to Trump’s growing unpopularity. When six democratic lawmakers pleaded to the military to remain faithful to the Constitution rather than a despot, Trump called for these people to be executed. Ummmm, what do we call an act of sedition called for by the president himself?? This is from the playbook of Christian Nationalism, an underlying philosophy of Project 2025. They call for political violence in the name of religion and patriotism. Looks to me like idolatry.
The vast difference between the response of the Church - from idolatry and violence to resistance and protest - is amazing to me. Some clerics are upholding the golden rule of love the stranger and do unto others as you would have them do to you, while others openly preach against our immigrant population and for political violence. Both are expressions of Christianity, albeit they range from unhealthy to healthy. I’ll let you guess which one we think is healthy!
Episode 34 | The Saga Continues
Amidst a democratic victory in the special elections, the current elected Democrats joined with Republicans to reopen the government, with the promise of a vote on healthcare forthcoming. While SNAP benefits have been restored, the rollout is slow and varies by state. ICE continues to rampage cities and traumatize residents. Amidst all of this, a push to release the complete Epstein files continues. While we recorded, Trump issued a statement to the Republicans to release them, which implies that his name has been redacted by some of his cronies thumbing through them over the last months. This administration sows chaos as a distraction and then plays the hero by “rescuing” us from the chaos they created.
Amidst a democratic victory in the special elections, the current elected Democrats joined with Republicans to reopen the government, with the promise of a vote on healthcare forthcoming. While SNAP benefits have been restored, the rollout is slow and varies by state. ICE continues to rampage cities and traumatize residents. Amidst all of this, a push to release the complete Epstein files continues. While we recorded, Trump issued a statement to the Republicans to release them, which implies that his name has been redacted by some of his cronies thumbing through them over the last months. This administration sows chaos as a distraction and then plays the hero by “rescuing” us from the chaos they created.
Trump is on the defensive, quite like a wounded animal. However, the wounded animal is sometimes the most dangerous. Stay alert, connected, and present to what is going on. Demand the release of the files to your reps and be an ally to those whose lives are shaken by this administration’s cruel policies.
Thanks for listening.
———
https://www.theroot.com/telltale-signs-that-trump-is-quickly-running-out-of-tim-2000073298/slides/9
https://www.axios.com/2025/11/14/government-shutdown-snap-benefits-november-payments
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/nov/17/trump-administration-news-updates-latest
Episode 33 | “The Cruelty is the Point”
“The cruelty is the point" was coined by Adam Serwer, a staff writer for The Atlantic Magazine, in his October 2018 essay of the same name. It became a widely used catchphrase to describe the political approach and policies of the Trump administration.
Defunding food programs for the poor, withholding pay from government employees, especially the ones the president doesn’t like, and limiting asylum to a few thousand people a year is cruel. There is a delight this administration takes in punishing its “enemies” as well as the poor and dispossessed. Sociologist Robert Bellah encouraged us to dig deep into shared cultural values beyond the self to create a moral society with a shared set of values. This is what he called a civic religion. Right now, however, it seems we are driven by capitalism and competition rather than collaboration. It is difficult for an individualistic society to make a shift toward collectivism. Still, I think a second music is playing, “one below the other…lower, steady, perhaps more faithful for being less heard yet always present” (Annie Lighthart). Let’s tune into it and beat our drums to the sounds of freedom and compassion.
“The cruelty is the point" was coined by Adam Serwer, a staff writer for The Atlantic Magazine, in his October 2018 essay of the same name. It became a widely used catchphrase to describe the Trump administration's political approach and policies.
Defunding food programs for the poor, withholding pay from government employees, especially the ones the president doesn’t like, and limiting asylum to a few thousand people a year is cruel. There is a delight this administration takes in punishing its “enemies” as well as the poor and dispossessed. Sociologist Robert Bellah encouraged us to dig deep into shared cultural values beyond the self to create a moral society with a shared set of values. This is what he called a civic religion. Right now, however, it seems we are driven by capitalism and competition rather than collaboration. It is difficult for an individualistic society to make a shift toward collectivism. Still, I think a second music is playing, “one below the other…lower, steady, perhaps more faithful for being less heard yet always present” (Annie Lighthart). Let’s tune into it and beat our drums to the sounds of freedom and compassion.
———
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2018/10/the-cruelty-is-the-point/572104/
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/oct/30/trump-refugee-restrictions-white-south-africans
https://www.texastribune.org/2025/10/28/texas-snap-food-stamps-federal-shutdown-explained-2/
Episode 32 | A Broken House
In the language of dreams, houses symbolize the dreamer’s psyche or inner world. The state of the house — be it chaotic, old, in disrepair, clean, bright, or dark — reflects what might be going on for the dreamer. If we externalize this symbol into the waking world, we might say our house is broken. Quite literally, the White House, a symbol of democracy, has been busted open, and its gilded power has been expanded without process or approval. Dump trucks are carrying debris from the grounds early or late in the day. The whole thing is happening without photos or reportage. A secret project we all know is happening.
In the language of dreams, houses symbolize the dreamer’s psyche or inner world. The state of the house — be it chaotic, old, in disrepair, clean, bright, or dark — reflects what might be going on for the dreamer. If we externalize this symbol into the waking world, we might say our house is broken. Quite literally, the White House, a symbol of democracy, has been busted open, and its gilded power has been expanded without process or approval. Dump trucks are carrying debris from the grounds early or late in the day. The whole thing is happening without photos or reportage. A secret project we all know is happening.
The symbolism is not lost on me. What was covert — abuses of power and privilege — has been made overt. The grabs at power are not in the dark. Our house is broken. We’re past the point of being able to say, “Well, surely it’s not that bad.” We are witnessing a president who has no plans to leave his broken house. Wherever we are, we need to speak truth to power, to challenge and stand up for what is being lost. We want to remind you that we aren’t powerless — however small the action is. Your efforts matter whether you do something in your neighborhood, city, state, or country.
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https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/2025/10/east-wing-rubble/684703/
https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2025/10/24/the-us-warships-off-venezuela-arent-there-to-fight-drugs
https://news.gallup.com/poll/696722/congress-job-rating-sinks-trump-steady.aspx
Episode 31 | No Kings
On Saturday, October 18, around 7 million (MILLION!) people marched around the country to support “No Kings Day.” Whether we realize it or not, the protests stretch all the way back to England circa 1215. King John signed the Magna Carta in Runnymede in support of the principle that everyone, including the king, was subject to the law. It introduced key concepts like the right to a fair trial, due process, and protection from arbitrary rule that would inform the US Constitution a few centuries later. Meanwhile, we’ve got a president who fancies himself above the law, so people took to the streets.
On Saturday, October 18, around 7 million (MILLION!) people marched around the country to support “No Kings Day.” Whether we realize it or not, the protests stretch all the way back to England circa 1215. King John signed the Magna Carta in Runnymede in support of the principle that everyone, including the king, was subject to the law. It introduced key concepts like the right to a fair trial, due process, and protection from arbitrary rule that would inform the US Constitution a few centuries later. Meanwhile, we’ve got a president who fancies himself above the law, so people took to the streets.
In this podcast, we talk about the ingredients of activism, from doing, to learning, to being. How do we live out our everyday lives in accordance with our values? How can we contribute to change in big and small ways? We can first look to our communities to take up the issues closest to home. Tiny movements ripple outward to create great change.
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Learn more from the following links:
https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2025/11/autocracy-resistance-social-movement/684336/
https://www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-news/texas-governor-calls-removal-rainbow-crosswalks-calling-safety-issue-rcna236929
https://youtu.be/1XyhGq2QUjE?si=zkloUzzr9xOgvR8e
https://www.npr.org/2025/10/19/nx-s1-5579042/no-kings-protests-takeaways