The conscious, willful destruction of democracy by the Trump administration is beyond shocking! I wished that legacy media would make this point crystal clear! But in the meantime reporters like you Olivia are keeping this debacle before our eyes. Local level resistance that you describe can lead to change that recovers democracy. Michael Ignatieff’s book Ordinary Virtues addresses the importance of local action (well worth the read too). As he clearly says, the existence of democracy is not guaranteed apart from local action to preserve it. Keep up the good work Olivia!
I appreciate how you frame the quiet and steady resistance that held the line. That’s so affirming. Oftentimes I read frustration from others, especially other countries, yelling at Americans to do something. To march in the streets and shut down the economy. On and on. Change doesn’t always work that way, though.
There is a grassroots movement of quiet resisters who have restructured their lives through purposeful, systematic and permanent boycotts of companies and products that contribute to destructive capitalism. I have and that is my contribution to resistance. And adopting an anti-consumerism stance. Buy for life practices. Zero waste efforts. It’s taken me 2 full years to develop and continue to practice this type of quiet resistance.
Thank you for this retrospective view to help us focus on moving forward. Also, thanks for the link to the event… at least it clarified the timing. Those of us who aren’t in the area need to plan!
Again thank you for your strength and clarity on what is and has has been happening. Your strength is a guide to all of us to keep the fight for our democracy and rule of law.
I’ve been listening to Rachel Maddow’s podcast series BurnOrder. Excellent research and writing. I encourage everyone to hear how 80 years ago some bad actors were able to grab loyal American citizens and immigrants and paint them as a threat, while the real threat were the heavily armed radical
Nazi sympathizers organizing against our government.
Thank you, clearly defined. And thank you for letting me who doesn't pay for read, so many others don't and it feels so dang elitist. We have had enough of that.
Olivia, what is the actual law regarding the postal service and the stamping of dates on the mail? they say they will withhold the date stamp on ballots, to deny their validity. and 11 states have Only vote by mail. so perturbing. thx always for your clarity and insight.
If we are exhausted by crisis and chaos then the actions in Venezuela this morning should be raising emotions far beyond exhaustion. We have no time for exhaustion. Maduro is a bad man, yes. Trump is also a bad man plus he's crazier than hell.
Thanks Olivia. Resistance is durable! We'll keep it going until the good policies are restored. When Congress & government reform the process FOR the PEOPLE, we'll have that "more perfect union."
Again, thanks for your wisdom Olivia. I do believe that the apathetic Americans are waking up, and are realizing that 'we the people' have the power. If each participant in the last 'No Kings Day' would bring along just one body besides their own to the next one, we'd DOUBLE our numbers and have great showing to thwart the rise of authoritarianism.
The conscious, willful destruction of democracy by the Trump administration is beyond shocking! I wished that legacy media would make this point crystal clear! But in the meantime reporters like you Olivia are keeping this debacle before our eyes. Local level resistance that you describe can lead to change that recovers democracy. Michael Ignatieff’s book Ordinary Virtues addresses the importance of local action (well worth the read too). As he clearly says, the existence of democracy is not guaranteed apart from local action to preserve it. Keep up the good work Olivia!
"That spirit isn’t fragile. It’s durable. And as long as people keep choosing one another, it can’t be extinguished."
Well said, thank you for the excellent work.
See you on the 6th 🥳
I appreciate how you frame the quiet and steady resistance that held the line. That’s so affirming. Oftentimes I read frustration from others, especially other countries, yelling at Americans to do something. To march in the streets and shut down the economy. On and on. Change doesn’t always work that way, though.
There is a grassroots movement of quiet resisters who have restructured their lives through purposeful, systematic and permanent boycotts of companies and products that contribute to destructive capitalism. I have and that is my contribution to resistance. And adopting an anti-consumerism stance. Buy for life practices. Zero waste efforts. It’s taken me 2 full years to develop and continue to practice this type of quiet resistance.
Looking forward to Jan 6th event. Thank you for all you do !
Well done, Olivia!
Thank you for this retrospective view to help us focus on moving forward. Also, thanks for the link to the event… at least it clarified the timing. Those of us who aren’t in the area need to plan!
Great piece. I am always amazed at hyou ability to analyze the scene.
Again thank you for your strength and clarity on what is and has has been happening. Your strength is a guide to all of us to keep the fight for our democracy and rule of law.
I’ve been listening to Rachel Maddow’s podcast series BurnOrder. Excellent research and writing. I encourage everyone to hear how 80 years ago some bad actors were able to grab loyal American citizens and immigrants and paint them as a threat, while the real threat were the heavily armed radical
Nazi sympathizers organizing against our government.
Too many echos of current policies.
Thank you for your writing Olivia.
Thank you, clearly defined. And thank you for letting me who doesn't pay for read, so many others don't and it feels so dang elitist. We have had enough of that.
This is so, so good!
Thank you Nancy. I had been thinking about all of this the past couple of days as we kick off 2026...
Olivia, what is the actual law regarding the postal service and the stamping of dates on the mail? they say they will withhold the date stamp on ballots, to deny their validity. and 11 states have Only vote by mail. so perturbing. thx always for your clarity and insight.
If we are exhausted by crisis and chaos then the actions in Venezuela this morning should be raising emotions far beyond exhaustion. We have no time for exhaustion. Maduro is a bad man, yes. Trump is also a bad man plus he's crazier than hell.
With Trumpf, it's the corruption, simply.
Thanks Olivia. Resistance is durable! We'll keep it going until the good policies are restored. When Congress & government reform the process FOR the PEOPLE, we'll have that "more perfect union."
Again, thanks for your wisdom Olivia. I do believe that the apathetic Americans are waking up, and are realizing that 'we the people' have the power. If each participant in the last 'No Kings Day' would bring along just one body besides their own to the next one, we'd DOUBLE our numbers and have great showing to thwart the rise of authoritarianism.
Will your thing on the 6th be live anywhere? Would love to watch.