Timothy Snyder posted on BlueSky yesterday that "Something is shifting....people are starting to realize that there is no truth here beyond the desire for personal wealth and power." (https://bsky.app/profile/timothysnyder.bsky.social/post/3lirihxoyyc24) Do you agree? If so, what do you think happens next and how can we, the average citizen, support whatever is necessary to make lasting change?
I’m a veteran & trump’s decapitation strike against military leadership combined with hegseth’s comment about the firings being necessary so the military can “deal with anything that happens” has me pissed beyond belief. I did not serve this country for ten years (Army paratrooper) so it could be led by sexual predators, traitors and fascists.
I wonder how many active duty personnel and those in the various Guard and Reserve units remember every word of the oath they took. Especially this part “…I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic…”.
Nancy Pelosi and Schumer have been toxic forces enabling billionaire power to coalesce and infect the Democratic Party for years. Pelosi hand picked the feckless Hakeem Jeffries to replace her and she sidelined the dynamic AOC from the Oversight Committee. And Schumer seems to be going nowhere.
Is there any sign the Democrats are rejecting the Pelosi/Schumer lock on Dems?
Pelosi was always complicit in keeping trump in power. She’s a Corporate Democrat and ruled by her ego and greed. The proof? Her record and her silence against everything that has happened since the election and especially since the inauguration.
What is the hold that Trump has over the Republicans? It has to be more than simply the threat of a primary. Do you think it involves threats of violence? It's a mystery to me what could be so frightening that this large group of people would forsake their country.
There are multiple reasons. Greed, power (even perceived power by being nearing actual power), the perks of staying in office (medical coverage better than any of us have for one), sharing trump’s beliefs (racism, bigotry, misogyny…) and cowardice. These are the basics.
If you research Cults 101 - how they are formed & maintained - that’s another reason by itself.
I was at a movie a couple nights ago in a theater built in the 1930’s, for a much needed break. In the upstairs bar, people were doing the usual chatting and drinking. It felt very surreal and I felt truly uncomfortable, thinking this could have been Germany as Hitler rose to power. What will it take to get more Americans aware that fascism is at our doorstep? Witness the terrifying incident in Coeur d’Alene this weekend.
When do you know it is time to leave the country. My partner is a US citizen. I live in Canada. I’m worried about her eventual safety both as a woman and as a masculine presenting member of the LGBTQ2S community. Do you anticipate violence between MAGA and those population groups who Trump is trying to erase ? He seems to be sending the message that violence in his name is condoned.
It’s more complicated than that. Getting into Canada is not easy. Her four daughters and her grandchildren live in the US . Her social security will be affected if she retires early.
I have two questions: (1) The use of private security (read: paid thugs) to cart out that woman in Idaho at a GOP town hall, as well as Elon’s private security being deputized by the FBI (I think), strikes me as the beginning of what we’ve been fearing all along, which is essentially an army of brownshirts enlisted to do Trump and Elon’s bidding and removing dissent. Literally. How likely would it be that governors or even private citizens could muster a class action lawsuit that would sue the government for using them? And even if it was deemed unconstitutional, could it be enforced? And (2) now that ex-KGB outed Trump as a Russian asset since 1987 (quel suprise!!), what more evidence does our Congress need to bring him up on treason charges? Is it a fools errand to do so since the Democrats don’t have the votes? Or will it literally come down to a French Revolution style uprising—heck, even a Ukrainian-style uprising—to oust him?
So many people have already written some questions I have for you! So here’s a new one: Judith Levine’s editorial in the Guardian last week stated, “It’s time for Americans to withhold their taxes.” This has been on my mind as a form of resistance—I can’t stand the idea of funding these robber barons. Any thoughts on this?
Also, assuming Trump is in Putin's pocket (per your earlier books), what will Putin do if Trump doesn't deliver Ukraine to him? Not sure what to expect--whether consequences will be personal or affect all of us.
Looking forward to your book. Hope your book tour comes to my town—DC! Yes, the former capital of the free world.
Do you think an unforeseen turn, or multiple turns, could come in which Musk's and Trump's and others' actions actually backfire sooner rather than later and hurt them and their plans? For example in the area of inflation, foreign policy, or even changed MAGA perceptions, like people not receiving their tax refund, Medicare payments and services, etc., or in other areas - and this, in combination with the majority already opposed to them, uniting and rebelling unexpectedly in effective ways and sooner rather than later? (I keep thinking the whole destructive situation is like an addict who has to hit their low before turning it all around.) Thank you for offering these Q&A's.
Hi Sarah, would like to know where you think all this is going? Whether you believe we can successfully resist 47 and somehow get him removed? And what do you think is up with the secretary of defense “firing” all the generals and JAGS, making comments to the effect that experienced generals & JAGs were fired “in case anything happens” and they don’t want any interference with what they are doing? Should we feel intimidated or threatened?
Sorry, more that on question but any answer will be greatly appreciated.
I’m sorry to have to answer your question “should we feel intimated or threatened” this way but my answer, as a veteran, is “Yes”. That is one of their reasons for firing the JAG’s and the top military leaders. But, don’t let that stop you from resisting however that works for you.
Also, this is just my answer. Not Sarah’s. I look forward to hers on this subject.
Have been thinking about your phrase “stripping America for parts” nonstop watching this unfold. What should Congress be doing and what, if anything, should we be demanding of our elected representatives? Is there anything you recommend at the state / local level? I’m sadly not surprised by how aggressive Trump 2.0 is, but horrified and grieving none the less. Thank you as always for your work and clarity.
When Trump openly defies a court order either by explicitly saying so or by demonstrating it through revealing actions over time, this will be an ultimatum moment of Constitutional crisis *requiring* full compliance or the ensuing arrest of Trump.
Since AG Pam Bondi won’t likely do it, what other options might exist short of civil war?
Hi Sarah, just wondering what your take is on this whole Krasnov allegation (that Trump's a Russian operative who uses that name).
Normally, I would dismiss it as another wild conspiracy, but in the light of what's happening, it seems worth considering.
Thanks for posing this question. I’m curious too—seems like social media was eager to take down posts about this.
Yes—is this just more discord sown to muddy the waters, or is it so clear it's "hiding in plain sight"?
Timothy Snyder posted on BlueSky yesterday that "Something is shifting....people are starting to realize that there is no truth here beyond the desire for personal wealth and power." (https://bsky.app/profile/timothysnyder.bsky.social/post/3lirihxoyyc24) Do you agree? If so, what do you think happens next and how can we, the average citizen, support whatever is necessary to make lasting change?
Tim is smart. Good guy as well.
No question, just a heartfelt thank-you and a fist raised in solidarity.
I have recently become terrified that he will declare martial law. Do you see this as a likelihood? If so, how long do you think we have?
His recent stunt with the military has me very concerned.
I’m a veteran & trump’s decapitation strike against military leadership combined with hegseth’s comment about the firings being necessary so the military can “deal with anything that happens” has me pissed beyond belief. I did not serve this country for ten years (Army paratrooper) so it could be led by sexual predators, traitors and fascists.
I wonder how many active duty personnel and those in the various Guard and Reserve units remember every word of the oath they took. Especially this part “…I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic…”.
People are rising up. Not smart to push Americans. MAGA is a minority. A Civil War would be limited and wouldn’t last long. Think\ positive.
Nancy Pelosi and Schumer have been toxic forces enabling billionaire power to coalesce and infect the Democratic Party for years. Pelosi hand picked the feckless Hakeem Jeffries to replace her and she sidelined the dynamic AOC from the Oversight Committee. And Schumer seems to be going nowhere.
Is there any sign the Democrats are rejecting the Pelosi/Schumer lock on Dems?
Pelosi was always complicit in keeping trump in power. She’s a Corporate Democrat and ruled by her ego and greed. The proof? Her record and her silence against everything that has happened since the election and especially since the inauguration.
You are spot on about her, Jeffries and Schumer.
What is the hold that Trump has over the Republicans? It has to be more than simply the threat of a primary. Do you think it involves threats of violence? It's a mystery to me what could be so frightening that this large group of people would forsake their country.
There are multiple reasons. Greed, power (even perceived power by being nearing actual power), the perks of staying in office (medical coverage better than any of us have for one), sharing trump’s beliefs (racism, bigotry, misogyny…) and cowardice. These are the basics.
If you research Cults 101 - how they are formed & maintained - that’s another reason by itself.
I was at a movie a couple nights ago in a theater built in the 1930’s, for a much needed break. In the upstairs bar, people were doing the usual chatting and drinking. It felt very surreal and I felt truly uncomfortable, thinking this could have been Germany as Hitler rose to power. What will it take to get more Americans aware that fascism is at our doorstep? Witness the terrifying incident in Coeur d’Alene this weekend.
When do you know it is time to leave the country. My partner is a US citizen. I live in Canada. I’m worried about her eventual safety both as a woman and as a masculine presenting member of the LGBTQ2S community. Do you anticipate violence between MAGA and those population groups who Trump is trying to erase ? He seems to be sending the message that violence in his name is condoned.
If your partner’s intent is to leave and join you I would not put it off.
It’s more complicated than that. Getting into Canada is not easy. Her four daughters and her grandchildren live in the US . Her social security will be affected if she retires early.
What's been your favorite car to drive on those long Midwestern road trips?
How do you find the positive. I hate it here with them in charge. The psychological warfare is unbearable sometimes. Thank you for all you do.
I have two questions: (1) The use of private security (read: paid thugs) to cart out that woman in Idaho at a GOP town hall, as well as Elon’s private security being deputized by the FBI (I think), strikes me as the beginning of what we’ve been fearing all along, which is essentially an army of brownshirts enlisted to do Trump and Elon’s bidding and removing dissent. Literally. How likely would it be that governors or even private citizens could muster a class action lawsuit that would sue the government for using them? And even if it was deemed unconstitutional, could it be enforced? And (2) now that ex-KGB outed Trump as a Russian asset since 1987 (quel suprise!!), what more evidence does our Congress need to bring him up on treason charges? Is it a fools errand to do so since the Democrats don’t have the votes? Or will it literally come down to a French Revolution style uprising—heck, even a Ukrainian-style uprising—to oust him?
Hi, Sarah—
So many people have already written some questions I have for you! So here’s a new one: Judith Levine’s editorial in the Guardian last week stated, “It’s time for Americans to withhold their taxes.” This has been on my mind as a form of resistance—I can’t stand the idea of funding these robber barons. Any thoughts on this?
Also, assuming Trump is in Putin's pocket (per your earlier books), what will Putin do if Trump doesn't deliver Ukraine to him? Not sure what to expect--whether consequences will be personal or affect all of us.
Looking forward to your book. Hope your book tour comes to my town—DC! Yes, the former capital of the free world.
I have been advocating this since the election, particularly those of us in Blue states that provide the bulk of the federal tax revenue.
The economy is a powerful card we hold.
Do you think an unforeseen turn, or multiple turns, could come in which Musk's and Trump's and others' actions actually backfire sooner rather than later and hurt them and their plans? For example in the area of inflation, foreign policy, or even changed MAGA perceptions, like people not receiving their tax refund, Medicare payments and services, etc., or in other areas - and this, in combination with the majority already opposed to them, uniting and rebelling unexpectedly in effective ways and sooner rather than later? (I keep thinking the whole destructive situation is like an addict who has to hit their low before turning it all around.) Thank you for offering these Q&A's.
Hi Sarah, would like to know where you think all this is going? Whether you believe we can successfully resist 47 and somehow get him removed? And what do you think is up with the secretary of defense “firing” all the generals and JAGS, making comments to the effect that experienced generals & JAGs were fired “in case anything happens” and they don’t want any interference with what they are doing? Should we feel intimidated or threatened?
Sorry, more that on question but any answer will be greatly appreciated.
I’m sorry to have to answer your question “should we feel intimated or threatened” this way but my answer, as a veteran, is “Yes”. That is one of their reasons for firing the JAG’s and the top military leaders. But, don’t let that stop you from resisting however that works for you.
Also, this is just my answer. Not Sarah’s. I look forward to hers on this subject.
Have been thinking about your phrase “stripping America for parts” nonstop watching this unfold. What should Congress be doing and what, if anything, should we be demanding of our elected representatives? Is there anything you recommend at the state / local level? I’m sadly not surprised by how aggressive Trump 2.0 is, but horrified and grieving none the less. Thank you as always for your work and clarity.
When Trump openly defies a court order either by explicitly saying so or by demonstrating it through revealing actions over time, this will be an ultimatum moment of Constitutional crisis *requiring* full compliance or the ensuing arrest of Trump.
Since AG Pam Bondi won’t likely do it, what other options might exist short of civil war?