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Jean Montanti's avatar

Stop supporting Network TV, all social media, and all politicians who don't take a stand like Adam Schiff. Support Public TV and NPR. Support the ACLU, not the Universities that caved to Trump's demands (this includes my alma mater, Columbia University). Stop buying from places like Amazon and Walmart. In essence, grow a spine and stand up to the demons. And while you're at it, protect your brown skinned neighbors from ICE. If I can accomplish these few things at 84, you youngsters can certainly contain this horror.

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Jean Montanti's avatar

Senator Schiff: I loved you when you represented me in the House, and more so now that you represent me and the rest of California in the Senate. Your voice is crystal clear, as are your opinions. Thank you.

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David Downie's avatar

Bless you!

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Jean Montanti's avatar

Bless Adam Schiff!

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Jack Harris's avatar

YES!❤️

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Jack Harris's avatar

Hello Jean and right you are. I have been reiterating this same message for some time now. I myself have taken some steps in the right direction and need to do more. We habituate to easy, cheap, and convenient in virtually everything.

Most people do care but it seems to me, people lack the cohesiveness and centralized force to effectively boycott. We the people have the power as consumers to flip them on their asses but people either don't know how to address it, or are to apathetic to motivate. Are you aware of any consumer groups spearheading progressive ideas that people can engage with? I and others would be interested to know. Good luck in your efforts. ✌️

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Laurie Cannon's avatar

Check out your local Indivisible chapter. Right now, US Indivisible—the nationwide founding organization—is leading a seminar that teaches us how to resist this creeping dictatorship. The program, virtually streamed on Zoom, is called One Million Rising, and you should be able to register if you search Indivisible and look for it there. Part 2 is tomorrow, July 30 at 8 PM EST, or 5 PM if you’re on the West Coast.

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Jack Harris's avatar

Thanks for this Laurie. I've started my quest by reading the Guardian's May 2025 article about the inception of Indivisible and efforts by Levin & Greenberg towards it's growth. I'm impressed. I submitted my email and zip code on the Indivisible website. Let the games begin! 😆 I wish you well in the days to come despite the incessant push from this administration to hold us asunder. Keep up the good fight. ✌️💙

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Jean Montanti's avatar

I signed up and look forward to learning more.

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Jean Montanti's avatar

I will take your advice. Thank you.

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Jean Montanti's avatar

At your suggestion, Laurie Cannon, I signed up for Indivisible yesterday and received a very disappointing and lame message from that organization. The suggestion is to call my Senator and Congressperson to ask them to stop the US from supporting Israel's starvation of the people in Gaza. If only it were that simple. As I live in California, I don't have to bother with such an inane request; I am already represented by capable people who are against Israel's genocide. If this is the best idea they can come up with, the people of Gaza are as doomed as we are.

Maybe some pressure should be put on the manufacturers of weaponry that we send to Israel to destroy Gaza, starting with General Dynamics. Where are those tariffs when we need them?

The leadership of Israel is responsible for the starvation of all those children. Sad to say, but even Hitler was ultimately more humane than Netanyahu.

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Jean Montanti's avatar

Thanks for your comment and encouragement, Jack. I had not been aware of any concerted effort to learn resistance techniques before Laurie Cannon mentioned Indivisible, but I will look into it.

I started by examining the activities of my everyday life and made minor adjustments. I had already started backing away and changing my buyer/user patterns during Trump's first White House occupation and the horrors of the COVID pandemic.

The first thing I did was cancel my Facebook account. I found it insulting to be blackballed by Facebook for having strong anti-Trump opinions. I did not need Facebook in my life. No one does.

I cancelled my Twitter account as soon as the company was acquired by Musk.

I canceled my Washington Post subscription, as Jeff Bezos began to replace the people I admired, like Jennifer Rubin.

I recently cancelled my NY Times subscription as I found the articles too often "sane-washed" the behavior of Trump and the GOP. Instead, I subscribe to the Substacks of Robert Reich, Paul Krugman, Ann Telnaes, Heather Cox Richardson, and Jennifer Rubin. I still get the front page of the NY Times, and if an article interests me, I find the details of it on The Guardian, to which I have a yearly subscription.

Over time, I stopped buying products from Amazon and bought directly from the individual manufacturers. Many also had free postage.

I have not been connected to Network TV news since Trump's last stint in the White House, and my cardiologist measures the positive effect on my blood pressure.

I also subscribe to MHZ, a streaming service on AppleTV that provides me with entertainment from Europe and Scandinavia, et.al. This also has the hidden benefit of increasing my language skills in Italian, French, and German.

I am fortunate to live in Los Angeles, where one can find farmers' markets every day of the week. I don't shop the middle aisles of the grocery store very often, and rarely buy packaged, pre-made, and over-processed items. I try to keep my diet simple: fruit, vegetables, grains, fish, and some chicken. I do most of my food shopping online and have it delivered. This reduces those impulse buys we all make.

I no longer support my alma mater. The leaders of Columbia University are IMHO spineless. I send my dollars to the ACLU instead.

As I was born before the US was involved in WWII, I well remember the sacrifices we all made to support the war effort. This is just another "war," but the enemy this time is our government.

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Leigh Hamilton's avatar

I do one thing that you haven't mentioned:

I don't give any money to any politicians - even the Democrats - until they step up and start calling what's happened in this country what it is; a coup. We aren't "in danger" of losing our Democracy, we have lost it. The Trump administration has no intention of following the rule of law or the Constitution. And as long as all politicians continue to get our contributions, they'll continue - business as usual.

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Jean Montanti's avatar

Thanks, Leigh, I didn't mention it because I do not respond to the hundreds of pleas I receive by email and text from people calling themselves Democrats. These missives are beyond annoying, and I automatically dismiss them. I will financially support any individual I choose as I see fit. I agree with you that we are no longer a Democracy. Sadly, over time, many Democrats have become their own worst enemy.

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Jack Harris's avatar

I'm so glad your still "kicking it" in high fashion Jean. Hold tight to your progressive ideals. I believe we are kindred in spirit and I would find it a privilege to continue communicating with you. Some food for thought...🤔✌️

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Jean Montanti's avatar

I am indeed fortunate, Jack, and I enjoy sharing ideas. Let's keep the dialogue open and ongoing.

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Potter's avatar
7dEdited

Jennifer Rubin resigned.. was not "replaced", meaning fired. That is my understanding. And Bravo for her. She and many others have been released and are thriving.

Regarding Amazon- it's too much to ask people to boycott Amazon, though of course you can advocate that, because Amazon, true to it's name, has everything practically, at good prices ( competitive) and has eaten up many local stores where you could not find all that you needed anyway and had to go around looking- or looking on the internet elsewhere ( also a problem) plus shipping, returns etc. So good for you and good for those who can do this. And to punish who? Jeff Bezos? Ha! Or the many people who now have employment, including the van drivers and small shops that have wide exposure? Amazon even helps climate change because people drive around less.

As for the NYTimes- our one independent legacy newspaper/source- we are keeping it. They have faults, which I will not get into, but the reporting and other info and also opinion/comments-pushback there is valuable and has been great. The headlines/ editorial choices are often terrible.. granted. But they have the dialogue going. WAPO we were on the verge of quitting when we were offered a greatly reduced deal ( as they are losing readers) BUT their reporting is solid and also valuable... needed. Substack (and Bluesky) is a boon. The SubStacks refer to these media, read them, use/link them, respond/push back to them.

Admittedly it costs us more, those who care/are concerned enough to additionally support independents, especially those here. Those you mention particularly are great, but more and more others. Jay Kuo, Jim Acosta, and others. This is a great development-- a thousand blossoms blooming.

I agree about Twitter ( never used) Facebook ( never used). Many did and still do regardless. People do not care- a fact.

As well you cannot avoid corporatism altogether. But I agree we have a voice and should use it with our actions intelligently.

Bravo for the rest you mention at the end, including ACLU and many other causes. Not everyone can do this. This is a list for the well off.

I have hope though. This will not cement in this country. Not here. There are too many of us. And now we are still waking up.

Mindfulness and awareness of reactions to what is happening, taking break getting involved in a lot else there is in life helps a lot. I talk to myself but this is difficult for everyone. Those of us who have lived long have a lot to say and should not lose hope... (I go to Robert Hubbell for a peptalk )

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Jean Montanti's avatar

Thank you, Potter, for your thoughtful reply.

WAPO, not unlike the NYT, made it clear to their opinion writers what was expected when the essence of their pieces was severely edited. Paul Krugman made a similar decision when he left the NYT.

I see the use of Amazon differently than you do. The products may be cheaper for the buyer, but at the expense of the seller's margins, even in an expanded market. Sellers are negatively impacted by Amazon's extraordinary seller fees. I believe they also constrain their employees and try to stop Unionization whenever they can. My choice not to use Amazon is neither a punishment nor a reward; it is merely a preference, as I prefer to shop locally when I can or directly with the seller's organization. I don't need Amazon.

FYI: I had been a reader of the NYT since the early 1950s. I miss the publication it once was. The only part I subscribe to now is GAMES.

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Potter's avatar

Thank you for your response. There are pros and cons to all we are talking about. Sellers have to make their own decisions- ie larger market vs margins. I can only make my own as a buyer regarding availability of what I need ( not just what I would like) and how much effort I have to make in that regard as well as, yes price. I don't like Bezos, but you did not address how this is really impacting him personally - given his level vs, as I said, those who need jobs and are happy to have them. You are lucky to be able to shop for what you need locally. (I live well outside the big city and many do.) Increasingly we have lost this ability due to large corporations buying smaller ones, including mom and pops, malls closing etc. That includes even your local veterinarian, drugstore, hardware store.

Krugman and others are really liberated by leaving corporate media and it's wonderful. Yeah me too about the NYT since the 50's. Today for a variety of what they are serving as I choose but too to see what they headline which is still meaningful to many others. The comments are very good when they allow. But of course the NYT no longer a steady diet- and this is good. Best Wishes.

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Jean Montanti's avatar

In answer to your query, if many people did as I do and stopped using Amazon, it would eventually affect their bottom line and stock price. Bezos does not need to rip off anyone to provide service to the people living outside the major cities. It is his greed that bothers me. Best wishes to you as well.

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Leigh Hamilton's avatar

Well, if I were you, I'd go ahead and send Trump a campaign contribution.

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Potter's avatar

You are a good example of those who are so off the deep end & ineffective (if you understood what I wrote) that you are the one that is supporting the views of those who end up picking Trump actually.

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Potter's avatar

Snarky..and dumb.

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Leigh Hamilton's avatar

Ya got me on “snarky”.

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Nancy's avatar

🌈🙏💥🇺🇸

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Lisbeth Applefield's avatar

BRAVO 👏

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Carl Selfe's avatar

Now is our moment—take action against this harmful government. Covering up a pedophile ring. Ignoring court orders. Blatant corruption. The poor, the needy, and children are being abused—by our government. In the streets we must protest outright crooks and the pedophiles until after the shooting starts. Stand strong there until we go down or we oust tyrants. I made 54 protest signs, and will make many more to share. You will see something different in these signs! Help yourself to this second batch, and share them as far as you can. https://hotbuttons.substack.com/p/free-protest-signs?r=3m1bs

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Jack Harris's avatar

Thanks for your efforts Carl. It speaks volumes.✌️

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virginia arthur's avatar

That is exactly what trump is trying to do to America. We can protest, make calls and send letters to our senators and congressmen, but what else can we do? We must vote ALL Republicans out of office! They have all been complicit in Trump’s tearing down our democracy.

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Heather.B's avatar

Remember when they mocked us for saying Trump is a wannabe dictator who will always put himself above the Constitution?

If you did NOT vote for Kamala Harris you are fully responsible for everything that Trump MAGA GOP dictatorial regime is doing. Period.

No one elected Trump for economic reasons. They voted for him for: hatred, fascism, racism, sexism, gender discrimination, etc. That's it.

MAGAs don't care about lies or Trump's incompetency or that he could care a fig about them, they support him no matter what! This is a cult. That's why I wear these kinds of t-shirts in front of them everywhere I go 👇

https://libtees.dashery.com/t-shirts

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Cynthia's avatar

Sen. Schiff - Thank you for explaining what's going on in Hungary under Viktor Orban. The parallels are indeed frightening. I am so glad you are fighting for us, our democracy, our laws, and our Constitution. Very scary times. :(

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Teryl S.'s avatar

Thank you for this opportunity to become for informed and to galvanize the citizens to open their eyes and ears to what the play book is all about. Some of us can see the play, but others really need to hear it explained. Some folk learn by reading, some by watching, and some by hearing. Your voice is the calm voice of reason that I know I need to hear and then begin to understand where the threats to our country is, but most importantly who to call out to in order that they may be stopped. The USA citizens must be galvanized to fight for our rights and freedoms!

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Pat's avatar

Thank you for this. It explains clearly what is at stake for Americans if swift and decisive action is not taken now. My hope is that Americans see what is right in front of them, and they can depend on the Democratic party for support and guidance to turn this corrupt monstrosity around to the fair and balanced democracy built for all the people.

I am Canadian and saw the wolf at the door last summer. IMO Trump was running again to fill his pockets, an opportunity he missed in his first term. This time its no holds barred. And he has an army of enablers pushing him through the progression of steps toward the completion of Project 25. And they planned a backup, JD Vance, to take over once Trump has outgrown his usefulness.

Best wishes and Godspeed America. Noone is coming to rescue you until you put the GOP in its place, expose all those responsible for the pain and suffering. Your people need justice, a confirmation that their country is better than that.

We are hoping the Hague trials will be broadcast.

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Megan's avatar

This will be an ongoing fight throughout the world, including Canada. They get defeated and keep on trucking with their lies and propaganda.

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Pat's avatar

I dont disagree. I was directing my comment to America because that was the topic. Canada is not perfect. Each country has their challenges be they monetary or political. If you took my remarks as an attack or rude, you have my true Canadian apologies. I’m sorry.

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Megan's avatar

Absolutely! I was agreeing with you. Sorry if it came off as anything but just trying to add that we will all be fighting against a form of maga for the rest of our lives.

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Lyn M. Anton's avatar

I am so glad Sen. Schiff is doing this. He fills out issues making them more understandable and given his work, we’re getting potentially inside info. Nice!

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Terry S.'s avatar

Excellent post re American parallels to Hungary. 'Pillaging' is truly the name of the game Senator. Stealing is the word. My tax dollars are getting stolen to pay for the destruction of Democracy. The administration must all be IMPEACHED and REMOVED. I do not understand what's taking so long.

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Lynda Phoenix's avatar

We cannot afford to vote for anyone with an R next to their name. Sad to say that even if they seem like good and decent people, the Republican regime will just steam roll them into complacency. And why would they support a party obviously giving a pass to women and child abusers and highway robbers who are not only stealing our tax payer dollars but also our health care?

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Laurie Cannon's avatar

One of our Dem Senators emerged from a meeting last week and gushed that the Republicans “are behaving like they’re supposed to! They’re talking to us, being nice!” I let her know that, like the pundit who said that it only takes one chaotic, four-year US political cycle to wipe out the global community’s trust, I will never trust those turncoat, two-timing Republicans again, and please don’t try to sell them to us. I asked her if perhaps their instructions had changed, and if now they were trying to present well ahead of the 2026 elections. F them!

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Jean Montanti's avatar

Indeed, don't be fooled. The GOP is MAGA, as in Morons Are Governing America.

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Lynda Phoenix's avatar

Thank you Senator Schiff for your wise words. It's important to expose the blatant disregard the right has for anything humane (or legal for that matter). This regime has got to fall, our very lives, as well as our democracy depends on it!

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Terrie's avatar

Thank you Mr. Schiff. Succinctly explained. It’s time to fight back without mercy against the Trump regime.

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Steve Jensen's avatar

THANK YOU SENATOR!

Keep on fighting for us, we appreciate your effort.

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Megan's avatar

Thank you Senator! You are doing something right because he consistently attacks you.

Orban visited him right after he won and he said they have plans. Yes, he’s gotten the playbook from Orban and here we are. Between his revenge and constant attacks and the P2025 actions, it’s going fast.

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Carrie Ferguson's avatar

It is very concerning that this is the model. We will have to fight this for years to come UNLESS we take down all supporters of the Felon. He, (the Felon) is not as smart as Orban, but there are folks in the GOP are sadly, intelligent, corrupt, and ruthless. We simply must demand accountability.

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Google user's avatar

Excellent and important communication. Thank you, Adam Schiff.

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KSD's avatar

Thank you Senator Schiff!!!

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