Welcome to the first of an irregular series of Questions and Answers here at the Home Front. I want to thank the folks who joined the Chat!
Without further ado, let’s get into it.
Elizabeth asks:
How do we stop Congress from sending aid to Israel? And send more to Gaza and Ukraine ? How do we prevent and roll back these wholly inadvisable and detrimental tariffs? Finally, any way to impeach Pam Bondi and remove her from office? Kash Patel? Emile Bove?
I think the national mood is turning on Gaza. When Marjorie Taylor Greene calls it a genocide, you start to believe in the Horseshoe Theory of Politics. Republicans will continue to fund Netanyahu and a lot of enough Democrats will, too. This is a reality of politics in America today.
On tariffs, a combination of pressure by the bond market, and fear on the part of Republican House members is the two-step needed on tariffs. Both of these are not quick or immediate fixes, however. You can read my post on how to attack tariffs below.
Impeachment is dead end. Even if you could get it through the US House (which you can’t) the Senate wouldn’t convict them. However, keeping pressure on MAGA to demand more answers on Epstein might be the most effective tactic right now.
Michael asks:
I am still shaking my head that the president was allowed to accept a gift plane and then be spending millions upon millions of our dollars to upgrade it. Then yesterday the Congress was going to allow him to take it home with him. Where are we as a country?
Where are we as a country? Michael, that is the $64,000 question. We are at the tail end of an era half the country grew up in and in which the other half is coming of age. Why aren’t people freaking out about a $400 million bribe? Because too few people are surprised, and given the firehose of insanity, we all instinctively reserve our outrage and energy for the things we feel like really matter.
From my perspective, we need to look beyond Trump, to what the world will look like 3.5 years from now when he leaves office (God willing.) If things are bad and upside down now, they will be worse then. What kind of world to we want to build in the wake of this 15 year period? If we don’t have a plan, the Republicans will be in charge for a lot longer.
Diana asks a two-parter:
1. Where best to focus and win what needs winning in next 12 months to hold against breaking so bad it will be difficult to recover? 2. Recommendations to Levin and 50501 organizations on how to get EVERY [r]ally attendee into a local activist group that assists (1)? I re[a]d ben Rhodes book (after the fall) that this is effective against orban which is where Trump intends to take us.
If you want to really make a difference, get involved in your community. It can be a voter registration drive, a women’s shelter, or working a shift at the local library. Get off the phone and off the couch. The GOP is in charge at the Federal level, and in many states. Collective local action will be the most effective way to (1) protect your friends and neighbors (2) recruit activists for the long-haul. And this is a long, long fight. Watch my incredible interview with Sarah for more on this type of work and why the No Kings rallies won’t be truly effective until and unless they are asking people to take further steps to protect the country.
READ THIS BOOK :: Part 1 of My Interview with Sarah Stein Lubrano
I read a lot of books, but the most impactful of the year is Sarah’s latest, Don’t Talk About Politics. It is an incredible read and kills many of our political sacred cows: Demonstrating doesn’t change minds (either yours or your opponent’s,) debating is fun to watch but doesn’t sway viewers, and action is the best way to change behavior and belief.
READ THIS BOOK! (PART II) My Conversation with Sarah Stein Lubrano
Join me and Sarah for Part 2 of our conversation about her new book, Don’t Talk About Politics. In this segment, we discuss the idea of ‘deep canvassing’ and why building relationships with people, and voters, is the fastest (but most difficult) way to sway their opinion on an issue.
Joan asks:
How do we get Dan Osborne to run for President? I saw your interview with him. He’s the real deal! We need to get the whole country in on this. He is wise, honest and sincere. Nebraska is lucky to have him!
Let’s let Dan win the Nebraska Senate race first! He is a terrific guy and will be a great candidate against Pete Ricketts next year. Let’s do the first things first: Find more candidates like Dan (Democrat or Indpendent) who truly represent the states and districts in which they’re running and do all we can to help them win.
Declaring Independence with Nebraska US Senate Candidate Dan Osborn
Join us on this episode of the Home Front as I sit down with Dan Osborn, a former union leader and independent candidate for the U.S. Senate in Nebraska. Dan shares his journey from the Kellogg plant picket lines to the political arena, highlighting the fight for fair wages and benefits amidst corporate greed.
Thanks again to everyone for asking and reading. Head on over to the Home Front Chat to get involved!
Thanks, Reed.
This is a great format, Reed; thx. My head is so gobsmacked by every latest piece of crap news that I couldn't piece together anything intelligent to ask. Will next time.
Oh that conversation we had recently about Margaret Hoover? She had DR. OZ on last Sunday??? WTAF. Normalizing, normalizing, normalizing...
Liked the question and answer. I agree. Let Dan Osborn win Nebraska. Volunteer locally. Forget about impeachment. Liked two discussions with Sarah Stein Lubrano. Particularly connecting with someone with different view. Listen to them as the explain their views. Let them speak. Perhaps present your view. etc. Need to get them speaking until they convince themselves that maybe they should question what is happening. This las part seems tricky, but doable. Thanks Reed and Thanks to Sarah. Take care.