Such a sobering article on the serious peril that we are facing as a country. In less than a year, these criminals have destabilized our financial, societal, and mental wellbeing! I so miss President Joe Biden! He was a decent and honorable man, not An F’n felon criminal!
We're watching this unfold in real time, knowing full well the intended end result. Is there anything we can do about it? Sure, we can join the protests, and at some point, you can count on them using the military against the protesters. It seems like the only way to resist is for the courts and/or the military to say "enough already".
Perhaps Governor Pritzker could deploy non-Federalized Illinois National Guard troops to Chicago before the Federalized troops get there. He could have them set up a bivouac and do nothing except to be there when the Federalized troops arrive. While this might risk a military confrontation, it would also bring more clarity to the whole situation.
Olivia, I called both my senators this morning to demand that they act in checking and balancing the executive branch and its lawless deployment of the military--both in Chicago and other U.S. cities and against alleged drug runners in boats in the Caribbean. This has got to stop now. If it doesn't, I fear we have totally lost our republic.
Chilling and yes, sobering, as some of the comments say. Your description of Stephen Miller's glowing head...wow.. In all my 67 years, the first time I was ever afraid to be in a protest was June's No King's Day, but it was a refreshing antidote since all went well. I feel even more concerned about 10/18, but I'll be damned if that will keep me home. New Yorkers are tough.
I find it so difficult and disappointment for this administration's actions that degrades this country's hard earned and respect for value system and democratic principles like Law and Order, the constitution - a remarkable achievements and envy of the world. For an example, as Olivia mention the tragic case for Afghan people who helped our troops putting their lives at stake and as a favor what did we do? Nothing, let them behind, even after promising that we will get them back here to safety. The country boasting and professing of championing morality and humanity has sunk to such an unbelievable low level.
This was sobering yet so important to hear from someone who was in the room!! I'm thinking of sharing this message with some of my closest family and friends who voted and support this regime. Interesting, now when I ask, did you watch the speech to the generals, instead of the usual defense they have said, nope didn't have time to watch it, but how's the stockmarket 🙄🤔
I've given up on presenting facts to MAGA's. I used to think that if I presented someone on the conservative side like Olivia , they'd pay attention, but we're so far beyond that. We're clearly in Orwellian territory already. 2+2 will never again equal 4 to some people
Little wonder that Vladimir Putin spent so much time and resources in helping this wannabe dictator into office! And Trump and his MAGAts call that a "hoax" and a "witchhunt"! These brown-shirt goons are cruising toward a comeuppance.
What is going on with the courts and the National Guard deployments? One day it they are blocked, then the next day they are cleared. Rinse and repeat. What does it take to get a clear decision on the big picture... does the president have permission to do this or not?
You ask: "So what happens when people stop believing the law protects them? When law enforcement becomes a force to fear instead of one that serves?" Black people have been living with that reality since the founding of the Republic. So have other people of color, including especially Native peoples. So have white immigrants from Europe who happened to be Catholic. So have white people who organized labor unions, supported civil rights in the South, etc.
IOW, this is not a hypothetical question, though it might be new to those who've managed to stay on the right side of the law for whatever reason. So far.
It’s all too much. I turned the TV on at noon, saw Bondi’s smug face, heard the hearings were pretty much a sh*t show, so instead I’ll continue reading Kamala’s book 107 Days on this gorgeous fall afternoon. What a nightmare…
Such a sobering article on the serious peril that we are facing as a country. In less than a year, these criminals have destabilized our financial, societal, and mental wellbeing! I so miss President Joe Biden! He was a decent and honorable man, not An F’n felon criminal!
Even at President Biden's advanced age, he was a better man than this. He cared about all of us.
Thank you, Olivia, for your important update on the crisis this country is facing!
We're watching this unfold in real time, knowing full well the intended end result. Is there anything we can do about it? Sure, we can join the protests, and at some point, you can count on them using the military against the protesters. It seems like the only way to resist is for the courts and/or the military to say "enough already".
Perhaps Governor Pritzker could deploy non-Federalized Illinois National Guard troops to Chicago before the Federalized troops get there. He could have them set up a bivouac and do nothing except to be there when the Federalized troops arrive. While this might risk a military confrontation, it would also bring more clarity to the whole situation.
The courts, at least outside of the U.S. Supreme Court, have resisted, much to their credit.
And most service personnel, especially at the senior officer level, will not obey unlawful orders, although some unquestionably will.
Everyone who is anti-MAGA has to resist. It has to be an all hands on deck thing to save American democracy.
Then there is this, from the article:
"A federal judge just declined to block President Trump’s order to deploy National Guard troops to Illinois."
That sounds like permission to do it to me.
If you read the order you will see that it does not say that.
Please tell Olivia. That is what she wrote; I only quoted it from the article.
Thank you Olivia. It’s hard to read so giving the information to us, must be very difficult. I appreciate all you do. Please stay safe.
Olivia, I called both my senators this morning to demand that they act in checking and balancing the executive branch and its lawless deployment of the military--both in Chicago and other U.S. cities and against alleged drug runners in boats in the Caribbean. This has got to stop now. If it doesn't, I fear we have totally lost our republic.
Chilling and yes, sobering, as some of the comments say. Your description of Stephen Miller's glowing head...wow.. In all my 67 years, the first time I was ever afraid to be in a protest was June's No King's Day, but it was a refreshing antidote since all went well. I feel even more concerned about 10/18, but I'll be damned if that will keep me home. New Yorkers are tough.
I find it so difficult and disappointment for this administration's actions that degrades this country's hard earned and respect for value system and democratic principles like Law and Order, the constitution - a remarkable achievements and envy of the world. For an example, as Olivia mention the tragic case for Afghan people who helped our troops putting their lives at stake and as a favor what did we do? Nothing, let them behind, even after promising that we will get them back here to safety. The country boasting and professing of championing morality and humanity has sunk to such an unbelievable low level.
This was sobering yet so important to hear from someone who was in the room!! I'm thinking of sharing this message with some of my closest family and friends who voted and support this regime. Interesting, now when I ask, did you watch the speech to the generals, instead of the usual defense they have said, nope didn't have time to watch it, but how's the stockmarket 🙄🤔
I've given up on presenting facts to MAGA's. I used to think that if I presented someone on the conservative side like Olivia , they'd pay attention, but we're so far beyond that. We're clearly in Orwellian territory already. 2+2 will never again equal 4 to some people
Uninformed, and they care about no one but themselves. I have family members who support this mess and don't know the actual facts.
Scary times. This is how Hitler started, vilifying populations of people. Never thought I'd ever see that happen here.
Little wonder that Vladimir Putin spent so much time and resources in helping this wannabe dictator into office! And Trump and his MAGAts call that a "hoax" and a "witchhunt"! These brown-shirt goons are cruising toward a comeuppance.
Thank you for keeping us informed with your concise, calm, compassionate writing.
What is going on with the courts and the National Guard deployments? One day it they are blocked, then the next day they are cleared. Rinse and repeat. What does it take to get a clear decision on the big picture... does the president have permission to do this or not?
You ask: "So what happens when people stop believing the law protects them? When law enforcement becomes a force to fear instead of one that serves?" Black people have been living with that reality since the founding of the Republic. So have other people of color, including especially Native peoples. So have white immigrants from Europe who happened to be Catholic. So have white people who organized labor unions, supported civil rights in the South, etc.
IOW, this is not a hypothetical question, though it might be new to those who've managed to stay on the right side of the law for whatever reason. So far.
Why is Steven Miller so evil???
Matt Miller and Charlie Sykes kicked that around this morning. No real answers to that one.
Thanks for your perspective based on your up close experiences.
How does this end?
It’s all too much. I turned the TV on at noon, saw Bondi’s smug face, heard the hearings were pretty much a sh*t show, so instead I’ll continue reading Kamala’s book 107 Days on this gorgeous fall afternoon. What a nightmare…