The quip on the Insurrection Act is really alarming to me for one reason. Invoking it (for what I see is unwarranted) opens the door for declaring Marshal Law and leads the way to cancelled elections.
I like your idea about Mike Pence - even as a democrat. Pence is a good person and puts law and country before party.
The stance on Europe is the dictators plan to split the world into three areas:
1. USA - Western Hemisphere
2. Russia - Europe
3. China - Asia
Very alarming.
AS I SAY EVERY WEEK, YOUR SUMMARIES AND LINKS ARE FANTASTIC. WORKING IN TRUMP 1.0 MAKES YOU A PIVOTAL INDIVIDUAL WHO IS OBVIOUSLY IN THE KNOW!
The two words sound alike and both deal with matters military , but it's *martial* law, not marshal law. The word "martial" is derived from Mars, the Roman god of war. "Marshal," I just learned, is partly derived from "marah," an Old High German word for "horse" -- it was originally associated with cavalry.
Heading to DC today to visit family. Three out of four kiddos work in DHS, SEC and State Department...I pray for them everyday!
In the meantime, we watch the news, we write letters, we stay connected, we worry. My youngest is gay...he and his friends should not hav to live under constant worry. and stress.. but alas...
In the meantime...I have not heard about craftivism. What a wonderful idea. I have long lost my skills but perhaps it's time to dust off the crochet hooks! Thanks so much for sharing.
Wishing you and yours a Happy New year, full of hope and peace...
The Lord works in mysterious ways - I dusted off my crochet hooks about a year ago & am currently finishing a blanket for a friend who was diagnosed with cancer. Once that's finished, I just might have to find a hat pattern & get into my craftivism era! 🧶
"This isn’t about whether Trump invokes [the Insurrection Act] tomorrow. It’s about trajectory."
Thank you for this crucial observation, one that is too rarely made. We get caught up in events, punch and counterpunch, and lose the big picture -- or "trajectory," as you put it. To see or imagine that arc, we have to step back and consider the elements and forces at work, and their behavior patterns.
The Insurrection Act is not exactly inevitable, but, as you point out, it becomes more and more likely as Trump's legal options dwindle. The imperative for him (and MAGA) is survival -- which, by the zero-sum terms he himself has set, must equate with victory rather than compromise. That, ultimately, forces the issue and threatens a dark, if not inexorable, trajectory toward confrontation with deadly force. In light of which, Quantico can be seen as an opening move.
I can’t believe I’m rooting for Mike Pence. His wife and daughter seemed to truly respect and admire him when he was vp. I remain impressed by that. My big time concerns with him are with separation of church and state, LGBTQ rights, and DEI. So - leading a new conservative Heritage Foundation defector’s group - YAY; for 2028 - NO WAY.
Agreed, too much religion in government and not enough compassion for or understanding of the needs and systemic obstacles for "others" (i.e., not male, white, heterosexual, cisgender, and religious).
I think Mike would not be good in the Oval Office but as a protesting conservative he has credibility (except that he won’t make anti Trump sentiments public)
Focusing on #3 for a moment, I think this is important.
For better or worse, I admit to being a lifelong Democrat, who is very discouraged looking at what I see as a party that could very possibly blow a slam-dunk election opportunity in the upcoming months and years, because of short-sighted decisions about who should be allowed to run and who should not, based not on who has the right appeal and message, but on who is least offensive to the most of their supporter groups.
Pence establishing AAF as a home for "actual" Republicans is an excellent move. That he is attracting good talent indicates it is a needed move.
We need a similar home for "actual" Democrats, which I also feel is needed.
Now if intelligent "actual" Republicans and "actual" Democrats could only realize they must find common ground and move to save the nation and not just their particular party, there may be hope for our country.
This is an existential moment, and these groups must resist Trump's expert divisive techniques, unite and save the nation.
I’m so thankful for you Olivia! You bring the truth to us with such clarity and help us to navigate the chaos which, unfortunately, has become a daily burden. I find inspiration, hope and determination reading your essays! 💕
Thanks Olivia : Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Yes Mike Pence could lead a few good folks back to an even keel. I don't trust Russell Vought , Brendan Carr and Stephen Miller. Project 2025, 319 objectives with approx 126 completed. Any benefits for the American folks yet?? The Insurrection Act can be initiated for the suppression of civil disorder or armed conflict. If the populace just stay peaceful and protest the ICE gestapo agents that should not be cause to bring out the act. The first amendment is not civil disorder. I suppose there will be court cases defining "civil disorder" I am a bit concerned how the three major powers , USA, Russia and China would like to divide the planet Russian & Europe , China & Asia , the US and the western hemisphere .
Sharing the One Stitch at a Time with my daughter, who does all kinds of thread crafts. This will absolutely appeal to her. After the rest of the gross news, that definitely helps my soul. Thanks, Olivia, for continuing to show up!!
Good for Mike Pence. He has name recognition - maybe he can be a big part of a force that advances the conservative principles which made the GOP appealing. I'm tired of this isolationist corrupt MAGA nonsense.
Not only do I greatly appreciate your articles this one was special, especially "Conservative Brain Drain" as if they have one to be drained. Keep it up as your impact is making a difference.
From France, I like all that you write and say Olivia ! We are appalled by whatTrump and his administration do, it is unbelievable. They do not consider Europeans as their allies any longer, and they side with Putin !!!
Olivia, did you see this story?
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/trump-hires-beauty-salon-owner-to-decide-who-to-ban-from-us/ar-AA1T4Yvo?ocid=BingNewsSerp
The quip on the Insurrection Act is really alarming to me for one reason. Invoking it (for what I see is unwarranted) opens the door for declaring Marshal Law and leads the way to cancelled elections.
I like your idea about Mike Pence - even as a democrat. Pence is a good person and puts law and country before party.
The stance on Europe is the dictators plan to split the world into three areas:
1. USA - Western Hemisphere
2. Russia - Europe
3. China - Asia
Very alarming.
AS I SAY EVERY WEEK, YOUR SUMMARIES AND LINKS ARE FANTASTIC. WORKING IN TRUMP 1.0 MAKES YOU A PIVOTAL INDIVIDUAL WHO IS OBVIOUSLY IN THE KNOW!
HAPPY NEW YEAR
The two words sound alike and both deal with matters military , but it's *martial* law, not marshal law. The word "martial" is derived from Mars, the Roman god of war. "Marshal," I just learned, is partly derived from "marah," an Old High German word for "horse" -- it was originally associated with cavalry.
Damn I always forget that spelling as Martial Law. Nevertheless, I see this coming esp with the midterms looming
It's a common mistake, like "gorilla warfare".
Heading to DC today to visit family. Three out of four kiddos work in DHS, SEC and State Department...I pray for them everyday!
In the meantime, we watch the news, we write letters, we stay connected, we worry. My youngest is gay...he and his friends should not hav to live under constant worry. and stress.. but alas...
In the meantime...I have not heard about craftivism. What a wonderful idea. I have long lost my skills but perhaps it's time to dust off the crochet hooks! Thanks so much for sharing.
Wishing you and yours a Happy New year, full of hope and peace...
Have a wonderful visit with your family in DC! Yes!!!🙌 Let me know if you get back into crochet.🧶
The Lord works in mysterious ways - I dusted off my crochet hooks about a year ago & am currently finishing a blanket for a friend who was diagnosed with cancer. Once that's finished, I just might have to find a hat pattern & get into my craftivism era! 🧶
“Conservative Brain Drain” now that is funny😂
😉
<snort>
This is an excellent article, Olivia! Thank you so much for sharing your truth and your perspective. 🥰✌🏽🙏🏽🤩❤️
"This isn’t about whether Trump invokes [the Insurrection Act] tomorrow. It’s about trajectory."
Thank you for this crucial observation, one that is too rarely made. We get caught up in events, punch and counterpunch, and lose the big picture -- or "trajectory," as you put it. To see or imagine that arc, we have to step back and consider the elements and forces at work, and their behavior patterns.
The Insurrection Act is not exactly inevitable, but, as you point out, it becomes more and more likely as Trump's legal options dwindle. The imperative for him (and MAGA) is survival -- which, by the zero-sum terms he himself has set, must equate with victory rather than compromise. That, ultimately, forces the issue and threatens a dark, if not inexorable, trajectory toward confrontation with deadly force. In light of which, Quantico can be seen as an opening move.
I've written on this dynamic in greater detail: https://whowhatwhy.org/politics/us-politics/the-dictators-doom-loop-revisited-trump-wont-go-gentle/ and https://whowhatwhy.org/politics/us-politics/as-his-popularity-tanks-donald-trump-turns-to-power/ are two examples.
I hope more Republicans choose to align themselves with Mike Pence!
I can’t believe I’m rooting for Mike Pence. His wife and daughter seemed to truly respect and admire him when he was vp. I remain impressed by that. My big time concerns with him are with separation of church and state, LGBTQ rights, and DEI. So - leading a new conservative Heritage Foundation defector’s group - YAY; for 2028 - NO WAY.
Agreed, too much religion in government and not enough compassion for or understanding of the needs and systemic obstacles for "others" (i.e., not male, white, heterosexual, cisgender, and religious).
I think Mike would not be good in the Oval Office but as a protesting conservative he has credibility (except that he won’t make anti Trump sentiments public)
Thank you Olivia. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year.
Thank you for another excellent column.
Focusing on #3 for a moment, I think this is important.
For better or worse, I admit to being a lifelong Democrat, who is very discouraged looking at what I see as a party that could very possibly blow a slam-dunk election opportunity in the upcoming months and years, because of short-sighted decisions about who should be allowed to run and who should not, based not on who has the right appeal and message, but on who is least offensive to the most of their supporter groups.
Pence establishing AAF as a home for "actual" Republicans is an excellent move. That he is attracting good talent indicates it is a needed move.
We need a similar home for "actual" Democrats, which I also feel is needed.
Now if intelligent "actual" Republicans and "actual" Democrats could only realize they must find common ground and move to save the nation and not just their particular party, there may be hope for our country.
This is an existential moment, and these groups must resist Trump's expert divisive techniques, unite and save the nation.
Thank you again.
Great last Covfefe of 2025. Thank you for your insight and clear writing. Looking forward to reading more!
I’m so thankful for you Olivia! You bring the truth to us with such clarity and help us to navigate the chaos which, unfortunately, has become a daily burden. I find inspiration, hope and determination reading your essays! 💕
Thanks Olivia : Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Yes Mike Pence could lead a few good folks back to an even keel. I don't trust Russell Vought , Brendan Carr and Stephen Miller. Project 2025, 319 objectives with approx 126 completed. Any benefits for the American folks yet?? The Insurrection Act can be initiated for the suppression of civil disorder or armed conflict. If the populace just stay peaceful and protest the ICE gestapo agents that should not be cause to bring out the act. The first amendment is not civil disorder. I suppose there will be court cases defining "civil disorder" I am a bit concerned how the three major powers , USA, Russia and China would like to divide the planet Russian & Europe , China & Asia , the US and the western hemisphere .
Thank you,
Thank you for everything you do! 👊
👊 Appreciate you!
Sharing the One Stitch at a Time with my daughter, who does all kinds of thread crafts. This will absolutely appeal to her. After the rest of the gross news, that definitely helps my soul. Thanks, Olivia, for continuing to show up!!
Good for Mike Pence. He has name recognition - maybe he can be a big part of a force that advances the conservative principles which made the GOP appealing. I'm tired of this isolationist corrupt MAGA nonsense.
Not only do I greatly appreciate your articles this one was special, especially "Conservative Brain Drain" as if they have one to be drained. Keep it up as your impact is making a difference.
From France, I like all that you write and say Olivia ! We are appalled by whatTrump and his administration do, it is unbelievable. They do not consider Europeans as their allies any longer, and they side with Putin !!!