I think that the popularity of Mamdani in the NY mayoral race is a good example of what you are saying. Neither Democratic or Republican parties support him but he is speaking to and for the general public. He listened to voters concerns and answered them. Are all of his policies viable, probably not but enough are to most likely get him elected. This is what we need politicians who listen and respond instead of dictating party approved policy.
Thank you for your well thought out message. I agree with you. I’m retired so have more time to listen to MSNBC. Substack, you tube posts etc. but of late, like yourself I tire of all the opinions, panels etc. choose to read a book, or take a long walk, invite friends for dinner-
Government insiders are quietly warning that every household should immediately prepare 10–30 days worth of non-perishable food, clean water, essential medications, and daily necessities.* The Price of Freedom: A Nation's Stand
My fellow Americans,
We stand at a precipice. The very foundation of our democracy, the principles that define us as a nation – freedom, justice, and the power of the people – are under siege. A regime has taken root that seeks to dismantle these ideals, to centralize power, and to silence the voices of ordinary Americans.
This is not a drill. This is not a partisan debate. This is a battle for the soul of our nation, and we, the American people, are the last line of defense.
To reclaim our democracy, we must face an uncomfortable truth: we must halt the engine that fuels this regime. We must, together, choose to disrupt the very systems it relies upon. This means a collective act of non-cooperation. It means temporarily stopping the flow of productivity that empowers those who seek to undermine us. It means, for a time, accepting financial pain.
I understand the gravity of these words. I know the fear and uncertainty that such a prospect evokes. Families will struggle. Businesses will face hardship. But I ask you: what is the cost of losing our democracy? What is the price of living under a system where our rights are eroded, our voices are silenced, and our future is dictated by a few? That cost, my friends, is far greater and far more enduring than any temporary economic pain we might endure.
Think of those who came before us – who risked everything, who shed blood and treasure, to establish and preserve this nation. They endured famine, war, and unimaginable sacrifice for the promise of a free society. Are we, in this generation, less capable of defending that legacy?
This is not about surrender. This is about strategic withdrawal of our energy and resources from a system that has become weaponized against us. By stopping our collective productivity, we starve the regime of its power. We deny it the resources it needs to perpetuate its control. We create an undeniable crisis that forces a reckoning.
This will be painful. There is no sugarcoating it. But we are a resilient people. We are ingenious. We will organize. We will support each other through community, through shared resources, and through the unbreakable bonds of our common purpose. We must prepare for this pain, knowing that it is the necessary path to a greater good.
The choice before us is stark: a brief, intense period of shared hardship for the promise of a free future, or a slow, agonizing slide into authoritarianism with consequences that will echo for generations.
Let us rise to this challenge. Let us stand together, united in our resolve. Let us choose freedom, no matter the cost. Our democracy, our future, depends on it.
Our forefathers were actually afraid a 2-party system would form and knew how bad that would be. They envisioned politicians and voters making decisions on each issue. They would agree on some and disagree on some. They were against party platforms that force you to take lol or none. And I believe issues were treated separately for much of our history, sometimes more or less. But since the Reagan started the Republican Party of Billionaires and Citizens United killed actual Democracy, the two party system has become the two America’s system. And we all want our Great Country back!
In my county, families are asked to designate someone who will take care of their children if they're abducted by ICE. I live in Massachusetts. Secret police and concentration camps are kitchen table issues.
With a highly controlled media, owned by oligarchs and hedge funds, the narrative and what is reported reflects their priorities and power. This is why it is critical to read David and like-minded commentator-analysts.
A couple of years ago I was on vacation in South Lake Tahoe and roomed next door to an Idaho separatist; one who didn't believe in government, had his own power and oil supply; the whole nine yards. One wouldn't think that he and I, a progressive (former) New Yorker would have anything to discuss. And yet we were able to be civil and agreed that the wealthy have too much money and too much control and power over us. That is the overriding thing that unites most Americans. But the wealthy have control over everything and lead the conversation to keep that control. We waste time on five transgender women athletes and miss the bigger picture. 2.5 million people watch Fox; probably a bigger number listen to RW radio but it's still a small group relating to the actual number of Americans. How do we get out the word when the elite control everything? Your Substack is nice but how many people actually read it?
Very interesting (and hopeful) perspective. Thank you so much. You’re helping drag me out of the bog.
I think that the popularity of Mamdani in the NY mayoral race is a good example of what you are saying. Neither Democratic or Republican parties support him but he is speaking to and for the general public. He listened to voters concerns and answered them. Are all of his policies viable, probably not but enough are to most likely get him elected. This is what we need politicians who listen and respond instead of dictating party approved policy.
Thank you for your well thought out message. I agree with you. I’m retired so have more time to listen to MSNBC. Substack, you tube posts etc. but of late, like yourself I tire of all the opinions, panels etc. choose to read a book, or take a long walk, invite friends for dinner-
Government insiders are quietly warning that every household should immediately prepare 10–30 days worth of non-perishable food, clean water, essential medications, and daily necessities.* The Price of Freedom: A Nation's Stand
My fellow Americans,
We stand at a precipice. The very foundation of our democracy, the principles that define us as a nation – freedom, justice, and the power of the people – are under siege. A regime has taken root that seeks to dismantle these ideals, to centralize power, and to silence the voices of ordinary Americans.
This is not a drill. This is not a partisan debate. This is a battle for the soul of our nation, and we, the American people, are the last line of defense.
To reclaim our democracy, we must face an uncomfortable truth: we must halt the engine that fuels this regime. We must, together, choose to disrupt the very systems it relies upon. This means a collective act of non-cooperation. It means temporarily stopping the flow of productivity that empowers those who seek to undermine us. It means, for a time, accepting financial pain.
I understand the gravity of these words. I know the fear and uncertainty that such a prospect evokes. Families will struggle. Businesses will face hardship. But I ask you: what is the cost of losing our democracy? What is the price of living under a system where our rights are eroded, our voices are silenced, and our future is dictated by a few? That cost, my friends, is far greater and far more enduring than any temporary economic pain we might endure.
Think of those who came before us – who risked everything, who shed blood and treasure, to establish and preserve this nation. They endured famine, war, and unimaginable sacrifice for the promise of a free society. Are we, in this generation, less capable of defending that legacy?
This is not about surrender. This is about strategic withdrawal of our energy and resources from a system that has become weaponized against us. By stopping our collective productivity, we starve the regime of its power. We deny it the resources it needs to perpetuate its control. We create an undeniable crisis that forces a reckoning.
This will be painful. There is no sugarcoating it. But we are a resilient people. We are ingenious. We will organize. We will support each other through community, through shared resources, and through the unbreakable bonds of our common purpose. We must prepare for this pain, knowing that it is the necessary path to a greater good.
The choice before us is stark: a brief, intense period of shared hardship for the promise of a free future, or a slow, agonizing slide into authoritarianism with consequences that will echo for generations.
Let us rise to this challenge. Let us stand together, united in our resolve. Let us choose freedom, no matter the cost. Our democracy, our future, depends on it.
God bless America!
America's biggest entitlement program is for corporations and billionaires. Cut that program.
Our forefathers were actually afraid a 2-party system would form and knew how bad that would be. They envisioned politicians and voters making decisions on each issue. They would agree on some and disagree on some. They were against party platforms that force you to take lol or none. And I believe issues were treated separately for much of our history, sometimes more or less. But since the Reagan started the Republican Party of Billionaires and Citizens United killed actual Democracy, the two party system has become the two America’s system. And we all want our Great Country back!
Thanks for this.
On polls and pundits, I could not agree more.
In my county, families are asked to designate someone who will take care of their children if they're abducted by ICE. I live in Massachusetts. Secret police and concentration camps are kitchen table issues.
Bribery wins, though. Again and again we see this.
Brilliant and plainly true.
With a highly controlled media, owned by oligarchs and hedge funds, the narrative and what is reported reflects their priorities and power. This is why it is critical to read David and like-minded commentator-analysts.
Hi David,
Am enjoying your common sense articles, and totally agree with you...Thank you for painting a clearer picture.
By the way, I think you were in daughter Tobie's class at the Summit JCC...Barbara Stanger
One of your best essays. Thank you! I think James Talarico exemplifies the type of winner you are talking about.
If there was ever a Freudian slip that epitomizes the last decade; “Scream Time” could be it…
A couple of years ago I was on vacation in South Lake Tahoe and roomed next door to an Idaho separatist; one who didn't believe in government, had his own power and oil supply; the whole nine yards. One wouldn't think that he and I, a progressive (former) New Yorker would have anything to discuss. And yet we were able to be civil and agreed that the wealthy have too much money and too much control and power over us. That is the overriding thing that unites most Americans. But the wealthy have control over everything and lead the conversation to keep that control. We waste time on five transgender women athletes and miss the bigger picture. 2.5 million people watch Fox; probably a bigger number listen to RW radio but it's still a small group relating to the actual number of Americans. How do we get out the word when the elite control everything? Your Substack is nice but how many people actually read it?