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As many of you probably know, I spent most of the fall campaigning for Kamala Harris. I did it not because I’m a Democrat, but because, like you, I’m a patriotic American. I believe in the Constitution, the separation of powers, the rule of law, and liberty and justice for all. Pretty basic American stuff.
Or so I thought.
A lot of MAGA folks believe they’re patriots too, but no American patriot would back this traitorous president, his corrupt administration, or the party that supports them. One of the Red Hatters’ favorite insults is that old standby—“commie”—and we heard that out on the trail with Vice President Harris from time to time. Nothing could be more ironic. Because here’s the reality: Donald Trump is not only trying to be a king, he’s using the Soviet playbook, and Republican electeds are cheering it on.
Let’s look at the facts:
Making the world safe for dictatorship
The Ukraine travesty makes my blood boil. First, Trump set up Volodymyr Zelensky so he could publicly bully him, and then he paused all military aid [ [link removed] ] to Ukraine, forcing it to comply [ [link removed] ] with him under the guise of “peace.” Trump stands AGAINST the free world. He’s on Vladimir Putin’s side and is doing his work. It’s shameful. And it’s ushering back in a world we haven’t known for over 30 years. Russia will not stop with Ukraine. The Balkans will be next. Back in the USSR, but this time, with the U.S.’s blessing and help. It’s a disgrace.
Quashing the First Amendment
There was no Bill of Rights in Soviet Russia, and that’s just how Trump likes it. In the past six weeks, he has explicitly threatened the press [ [link removed] ], religious freedom [ [link removed] ], speech [ [link removed] ], and assembly [ [link removed] ] under the guise of “liberty.” I’m the most pro-Israel guy out there, but the President of the United States has no right under our Constitution to do this.👇🏻
Destroying dissent and accountability
When Putin, the former KGB officer, took power [ [link removed] ] 25 years ago, the very first thing he did was eliminate any and all opposition within the ranks. Trump has done the exact same thing on hyperdrive under the guise of “transparency.” And he’s removing some of our best and brightest [ [link removed] ] from service to the nation under the guise of “efficiency.” What it really comes down to is this: there shall be no criticism of the Premier. His apparatchiks are just admitting it publicly:
Consolidating power
So much for limited government! Remember when Republicans wanted to reduce the power of the executive branch? Lol. Like the old Soviet Union, and present-day Russia as well, Trump’s aim is to reduce local autonomy by threatening to withhold federal funding [ [link removed] ] from states and local jurisdictions that don’t bend to his will—all under the guise of “democracy.” Our media isn’t state-controlled (yet), but he is bullying the media [ [link removed] ] to suppress dissent. And X/Twitter has become a virtual mouthpiece [ [link removed] ] for the administration.
Corruption everywhere
We’re all well aware by now of the oligarchy led by the likes of billionaire Elon Musk. The Putin government operates in much the same way. Putin’s wealthy pals have significant power and control over Russia's economy, having acquired vast fortunes through the privatization of state assets. A similar scheme here? The crypto reserve [ [link removed] ] Trump announced to benefit himself and his rich buddies at our expense under the guise of “capitalism.” Beyond economic corruption, the Russian oligarchs also exert considerable influence over state decisions. Sound familiar? There’s a very good reason those MAGA hats are RED, my friends. And we didn’t even get into his destructive economic policies [ [link removed] ].
It’s because of all of this that I believe EVERY DEMOCRAT SHOULD BOYCOTT Trump’s address to Congress tonight. Let his GOP comrades sit alone in their fucking shame. Don’t waste time with guests or stupid ploys. This is so much bigger than that. Give him empty seats. The commie wannabe deserves no less.
Check out my podcast from earlier today! Congressional Republicans Are Going to Try to Hide. Don’t Let Them [ [link removed] ]
I’ll be LIVE on Substack this week on Thursday at 8pm ET. See you then!
Good reads for this week:
Ukraine Is Being Punished Because Zelenskyy Did Not Buy Trump’s Superpowers [ [link removed] ] —The UnPopulist
From the Berghof to the Oval Office [ [link removed] ] —The Cosmopolitan Globalist
How Americans view economy, immigration and more as Trump addresses Congress [ [link removed] ] —Pew Research Center
S.V. Date: The American Press Corps Is Not Equipped for This Moment [ [link removed] ] —HuffPost
100 Ways to Make a Political Difference. Today [ [link removed] ] —Crash Course with Casey Burgat
In today’s Substack exclusive, I’m going to tell you a story. Democrats, pay attention…...
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