Sent the message to my state rep., my state sen., my federal rep., and my two federal senators. I think I sent it to some people before—didn’t you send the information out once before? Anyway, I never heard back from anyone, so sent it again. Thanks for giving us concrete tasks to do. I don’t always have time or energy to do them, but I try to follow through as often as possible. I really believe in what you are doing.
It makes a difference, it really influences things even if we can't see it on the surface or we may not know exactly where or when the breaking point will happen.
I'm working on an article right now about how we build these calls to action and I think it will be illuminating for folks like yourself about what's behind the who, what, when, where, and how of frequent, persistent, effective influential activism.
Chris, I live in Texas and I’m already afraid. My wife and I have been looking into different states but it will be hard. I wish some blue states would set up a refugee system, so people can find places to go and jobs and support systems
I’ve muttered to myself and a few close friends for a few years now that we are headed for another civil war, and I’d much prefer to just “seceed from the union” as it were, and have the red states (and the blue) that wanted to, form our own union, and go from there. That’s IF our democracy does collapse, and I really do think that it’s headed in that direction.
Better to also stay ahead of the game so that whatever does come (being an emergency manager I do that anyway) I’m hopefully ready.
The article reaffirms my belief that the central, federal government just doesn’t work anymore. Our only hope is to work around it at the local and state level and then to, hopefully rebuild another federal structure which will serve us again. How did we get to the point that when we use the term “lunatic ravings” we all know who’s speaking?
I find approval numbers to be entirely useless because of the state of the two-party system. Anyone who is asked "do you support the President", when they believe that the only possible alternative is Democrat rule, could simply mean "I don't want something even WORSE".
Regardless of whether you personally feel that would be worse or not, the fact is that many, many, many people do, and that means that the *actual* approval numbers for Trump—the number of people who really do like what he's doing—could be as low as 5~10%, perhaps even lower. Phrasing it as "30 to 40 percent of the country approves of what is going on" is disingenuous and fans the flames of partisanship, which will only serve to break our country faster.
We have never in this country *had* an alternative to either Republican or Democrat rule. We can change that, but only if we stop treating each other like the enemy.
The treating eachother like the enemy is a tribal thing. Most all sports are binary, "Us vs Them". The blame game and the ideologies that are customized in everyones view differently makes for caos. It seems to me to be created by the laziness to think or be responsible. The idols in the media have a given visual appearance, people mock these features and repeat the quips said by them that are a replacement for critical thinking. I think this is why hipocraicy is soo prevelant. Conflicting ideologies are held by people that think they themselves actually think for themselves when the very thoughts they proclame define contradiction.
When the POTUS owns a site called "Truth Central" and at same time is known, and even liked by some as being the biggest lier of all politicians. The bar for the definition of "truth" has left the building. The speech last night was a perfect example of lie/denial gumbo. As well causing a deeper plunge for the definition of reason or truth.
As a culture, we have decayed, as a country we have decayed, it seems that wealth is the problem, who has it and how they got it, and how they keep it and how they use it.
It is a tribal thing, for sure! It's not laziness, though, far from it: it's fear, and it's quite intentional. The DNC and the RNC have been fanning the flames of partisan hatred for decades, and we've gotten so used to it that we join in without even realizing were doing it.
Take these "approval numbers", for example. What would happen if liberal news outlets reported that he had an approval down in the single-digit range? Democrats would breathe a sigh of relief, and they would stop feeling like things are quite so awful, because obviously the country is going to go totally blue in November, and then most of them won't go out to vote, and then the country goes red.
How about if the conservative news outlets reported disastrously low approval? Well then, the HUGE mass of Republicans that hate what's going on would realize that most of the other Republicans ALSO hate what's going on, and the GOP would collapse in its entirety, and the country goes blue.
But no, the approval ratings have been hovering right around "a little over half of the Republican party", and so conservatives say "the people who have my priorities mostly agree with me", and liberals say "30 to 40 percent of the country like what's happening", which makes all of us hate each other even more.
I'm making a different choice, because if we can get the word out to enough people, we can flip the table on both of them and take America back for the people, not the corporations.
I think an increasing mass of Republicans understand that Donald is a destructive toddler with nuclear codes (as seen on the conservative side of X), I truly hope it has become a "huge mass". We do need everyone who can to understand the very high stakes.
It’s the product of Soviet subversion and it’s been deployed on us for over 30 years now. Subversion by which you cause an enemy to collapse at its own hands takes a generation.
Yes. Every Republican voter I've personally spoken with has said similar; this isn't the Republican party they grew up with or voted for, but that doesn't mean they hold any love whatsoever for the Democrats. That's why the movement I'm helping launch is completely nonpartisan: if we can get enough support behind it, we can amend the Constitution and kick *both* parties out of office, and that's a goal everyone can get behind.
The two-party system has not just failed us, it is actively destroying us. I'm doing everything I can to promote the No Confidence Amendment (https://UTW.vote/explainer) because I believe that we *can* save this country, once enough of us know that there actually is a viable third option out there.
I see the logic and execution of this soft secession but Americans are not wise, smart, aware enough to get behind this until everything else has been tried. That's what a democracy does! Americans are cats and herding them requires so much time, effort and great, powerful, simple delivery of concepts, ideas, actions, results etc. Majority of Americans are not interested in learning anymore. WE are in animal survival mode and self-centered. I hate that I think and feel these things in my bones. Thank you for persisting with your writing and educating. Best regards.
My full time job is promoting legislation that facilities this framework. Although you should be aware that this system is already in place. My work outlines the 5 postures that have been present within the federal/state relationship throughout US history, identifies them, and outlines how they can be more intentionally utilized for anti-authoritarian measures.
Everything that gives the states more power to keep the Federal Government in check brings more stability to this country. Thank you so much for all the work you're doing, Christopher. We need to be pursuing every possible avenue we can to bring our government back to a place where it is incentivized to make life better for the American people. ❤️
Well thank you for your excellent point about stability at the state level benefiting us all, and also thanks for being part of this whole saving the world thing, Danielle 🌲🌲🌲
Meanwhile, we continue to contact our state AGs and Electeds and ask them to take a stand and act, and we continue to reach out to friends with friends in other states encouraging them to speak up and reach out to their Electeds.
I was greatly impressed with Senator Cory Booker yesterday; he held his own and went on the offensive with Todd Blanche, speaking over TB when Blanche tried to worm his way out of answering. And then the GOP complained about “how rude” the Dems were being. Just taking a page from the Orange in Chief’s Playbook!
DO MORE. Time is of the essence. All of this is very scary. They’re planning on stealing our midterms. Stay strong. 💪🏼
Trump's speech last night was the same tired performance we've heard for years: grievance, whining, and the complaints of a perpetual sore loser. But beneath the self-pity was something more troubling—a familiar effort to plant doubt about the 2026 midterm elections before a single vote has been cast.
Here's the reality: the Constitution gives states—not the president—the primary responsibility for administering elections. Trump has no legal authority to seize control of state-run elections, no matter how many times he suggests otherwise. Americans should recognize this playbook by now, reject the fearmongering, and make their voices heard at the ballot box.
With this in mind I have sent the following letter to my Governor and Secretary of State
Subject: Immediate Action Required to Protect New Jersey’s November Elections
Dear Governor Sherrill and Secretary of State,
I am Expecting a clear and immediate response in writing of the steps being taken to protect New Jersey’s upcoming November midterm elections from any form of interference, intimidation, disruption, or manipulation.
Across the country, democracy is facing unprecedented challenges. Voters are being exposed to misinformation, election workers are facing threats, and there are growing concerns about attempts to undermine confidence in legitimate election results. New Jersey cannot afford to wait until a crisis occurs before taking action.
As state leaders responsible for protecting our elections, you owe New Jersey residents a detailed explanation of the safeguards currently in place, including:
What measures are being taken to protect voting systems, registration databases, and election infrastructure from cyberattacks or outside interference?
What protections are being provided to voters and poll workers against intimidation, harassment, or unlawful interference?
How are state and local officials preparing for attempts to disrupt polling locations or challenge legitimate results without evidence?
What coordination is taking place among the Governor’s office, Secretary of State, county election officials, and law enforcement agencies?
What steps are being taken to ensure that political pressure does not influence the certification of election results?
The right to vote is the foundation of our democracy. It is not enough to say that elections are secure; the public must see that every reasonable precaution is being taken and that officials are prepared to defend the will of New Jersey voters.
I expect a transparent response outlining the specific actions being taken to protect the November elections. The people of New Jersey deserve confidence that their votes will be counted accurately, fairly, and without interference from anyone seeking to undermine our democratic process.
The fact that 35 percent or more approve is ominous. Hitler only had a 30 something approval...tho he just grabbed dictatorial powers that the Reichstag GAVE him
I really hate how the media blows up statistically insignificant changes in Trump’s approval rating. A bad economy doesn’t change their minds, they just double down so they don’t have to face the fact that they made a bad decision. Or they rationalize that the inflation is worth achieving the goals they voted for whether it be immigration or something else. If they are rich they love the line going up in the stock market. The country will have to hit rock bottom; and even then I doubt they will change because it’s not just a voting choice it’s an identity.
I am 78 years young and autistic. Seventy five years ago I was reading Shakespeare and sixty years ago Jewish Vocational Services of Montreal told me the truth. I was functionally retarded.
I know Takoma Park and Hyde Park and have great respect for both Barack Obama and Jamie Raskin but they don't know history like Kamala Harris who went to school and lived in Cote des Neige and went to English Protestant public school.
An emolument is a profit. Your president is neither a prophet nor a profit he is just what the doctor ordered to purge your system. "Pride goeth before destruction; and a haughty disposition before a fall. Donald Trump is just what this doctor ordered to purge your poisoned stomach when he lived in Woodlawn next to the Obama museum in the 1990s. I remember the prophet Jeremiah saying the chickens have come home to roost. I don't know which came first the chicken or the egg but I know man not God created the chicken long after the flood.
It is time to celebrate 2026 things weren't that wonderful in the 18th century when 30 was old. In 1755, 1776, 1789 and 1946 and emolument was a profit and America is both morally and ethically bankrupt. I remember the story of Solon the philosopher king and the Musk FAMILY Foundation; mongers both hatred and fear of the other.
The Drumph's still monger whores on the way from the Klondike.
I'm at my budgeted limit of monthly subscriptions, so if I upgrade to paid here, I'll be dropping The Bulwark. I think The Bulwark is pretty big now and won't die without me. I haven't been reading their articles as much lately. Not bad but kind of a rehash of the news in many cases. JVL's Triad will be missed.
Sent the message to my state rep., my state sen., my federal rep., and my two federal senators. I think I sent it to some people before—didn’t you send the information out once before? Anyway, I never heard back from anyone, so sent it again. Thanks for giving us concrete tasks to do. I don’t always have time or energy to do them, but I try to follow through as often as possible. I really believe in what you are doing.
Thank you for acting, Deborah.
It makes a difference, it really influences things even if we can't see it on the surface or we may not know exactly where or when the breaking point will happen.
I'm working on an article right now about how we build these calls to action and I think it will be illuminating for folks like yourself about what's behind the who, what, when, where, and how of frequent, persistent, effective influential activism.
Thanks again for being here!
Chris, I live in Texas and I’m already afraid. My wife and I have been looking into different states but it will be hard. I wish some blue states would set up a refugee system, so people can find places to go and jobs and support systems
I believe red to blue state migration/red state refugee system's are far from impossible in the next decade.
Stay safe, Laurie.
Chris, the double negative is confusing
I’ve muttered to myself and a few close friends for a few years now that we are headed for another civil war, and I’d much prefer to just “seceed from the union” as it were, and have the red states (and the blue) that wanted to, form our own union, and go from there. That’s IF our democracy does collapse, and I really do think that it’s headed in that direction.
Better to also stay ahead of the game so that whatever does come (being an emergency manager I do that anyway) I’m hopefully ready.
Excellent summary of where we are, Christopher.
I think we are a hopelessly divided nation. The thought of where we would be now if Lincoln had simply let the South secede keeps coming to mind.
I have often wondered why so many died to keep us united. We have never been united.
The article reaffirms my belief that the central, federal government just doesn’t work anymore. Our only hope is to work around it at the local and state level and then to, hopefully rebuild another federal structure which will serve us again. How did we get to the point that when we use the term “lunatic ravings” we all know who’s speaking?
I find approval numbers to be entirely useless because of the state of the two-party system. Anyone who is asked "do you support the President", when they believe that the only possible alternative is Democrat rule, could simply mean "I don't want something even WORSE".
Regardless of whether you personally feel that would be worse or not, the fact is that many, many, many people do, and that means that the *actual* approval numbers for Trump—the number of people who really do like what he's doing—could be as low as 5~10%, perhaps even lower. Phrasing it as "30 to 40 percent of the country approves of what is going on" is disingenuous and fans the flames of partisanship, which will only serve to break our country faster.
We have never in this country *had* an alternative to either Republican or Democrat rule. We can change that, but only if we stop treating each other like the enemy.
The treating eachother like the enemy is a tribal thing. Most all sports are binary, "Us vs Them". The blame game and the ideologies that are customized in everyones view differently makes for caos. It seems to me to be created by the laziness to think or be responsible. The idols in the media have a given visual appearance, people mock these features and repeat the quips said by them that are a replacement for critical thinking. I think this is why hipocraicy is soo prevelant. Conflicting ideologies are held by people that think they themselves actually think for themselves when the very thoughts they proclame define contradiction.
When the POTUS owns a site called "Truth Central" and at same time is known, and even liked by some as being the biggest lier of all politicians. The bar for the definition of "truth" has left the building. The speech last night was a perfect example of lie/denial gumbo. As well causing a deeper plunge for the definition of reason or truth.
As a culture, we have decayed, as a country we have decayed, it seems that wealth is the problem, who has it and how they got it, and how they keep it and how they use it.
It is a tribal thing, for sure! It's not laziness, though, far from it: it's fear, and it's quite intentional. The DNC and the RNC have been fanning the flames of partisan hatred for decades, and we've gotten so used to it that we join in without even realizing were doing it.
Take these "approval numbers", for example. What would happen if liberal news outlets reported that he had an approval down in the single-digit range? Democrats would breathe a sigh of relief, and they would stop feeling like things are quite so awful, because obviously the country is going to go totally blue in November, and then most of them won't go out to vote, and then the country goes red.
How about if the conservative news outlets reported disastrously low approval? Well then, the HUGE mass of Republicans that hate what's going on would realize that most of the other Republicans ALSO hate what's going on, and the GOP would collapse in its entirety, and the country goes blue.
But no, the approval ratings have been hovering right around "a little over half of the Republican party", and so conservatives say "the people who have my priorities mostly agree with me", and liberals say "30 to 40 percent of the country like what's happening", which makes all of us hate each other even more.
I'm making a different choice, because if we can get the word out to enough people, we can flip the table on both of them and take America back for the people, not the corporations.
I think an increasing mass of Republicans understand that Donald is a destructive toddler with nuclear codes (as seen on the conservative side of X), I truly hope it has become a "huge mass". We do need everyone who can to understand the very high stakes.
It’s the product of Soviet subversion and it’s been deployed on us for over 30 years now. Subversion by which you cause an enemy to collapse at its own hands takes a generation.
I have personal experience with family who don't like what Trump’s doing, but have a visceral reaction to the idea of being governed by Democrats.
No matter the data I present to them, no matter the credibility or even a non-maga Republican.
Yes. Every Republican voter I've personally spoken with has said similar; this isn't the Republican party they grew up with or voted for, but that doesn't mean they hold any love whatsoever for the Democrats. That's why the movement I'm helping launch is completely nonpartisan: if we can get enough support behind it, we can amend the Constitution and kick *both* parties out of office, and that's a goal everyone can get behind.
The two-party system has not just failed us, it is actively destroying us. I'm doing everything I can to promote the No Confidence Amendment (https://UTW.vote/explainer) because I believe that we *can* save this country, once enough of us know that there actually is a viable third option out there.
I see the logic and execution of this soft secession but Americans are not wise, smart, aware enough to get behind this until everything else has been tried. That's what a democracy does! Americans are cats and herding them requires so much time, effort and great, powerful, simple delivery of concepts, ideas, actions, results etc. Majority of Americans are not interested in learning anymore. WE are in animal survival mode and self-centered. I hate that I think and feel these things in my bones. Thank you for persisting with your writing and educating. Best regards.
My full time job is promoting legislation that facilities this framework. Although you should be aware that this system is already in place. My work outlines the 5 postures that have been present within the federal/state relationship throughout US history, identifies them, and outlines how they can be more intentionally utilized for anti-authoritarian measures.
Everything that gives the states more power to keep the Federal Government in check brings more stability to this country. Thank you so much for all the work you're doing, Christopher. We need to be pursuing every possible avenue we can to bring our government back to a place where it is incentivized to make life better for the American people. ❤️
Well thank you for your excellent point about stability at the state level benefiting us all, and also thanks for being part of this whole saving the world thing, Danielle 🌲🌲🌲
I'll admit my motives are selfish on that last bit! I keep all my stuff in this world 😂
Christopher, I think you're talking sense. It's a heavy lift to implement but not acting takes down a really bad road.
Meanwhile, we continue to contact our state AGs and Electeds and ask them to take a stand and act, and we continue to reach out to friends with friends in other states encouraging them to speak up and reach out to their Electeds.
I was greatly impressed with Senator Cory Booker yesterday; he held his own and went on the offensive with Todd Blanche, speaking over TB when Blanche tried to worm his way out of answering. And then the GOP complained about “how rude” the Dems were being. Just taking a page from the Orange in Chief’s Playbook!
DO MORE. Time is of the essence. All of this is very scary. They’re planning on stealing our midterms. Stay strong. 💪🏼
YES!
Trump's speech last night was the same tired performance we've heard for years: grievance, whining, and the complaints of a perpetual sore loser. But beneath the self-pity was something more troubling—a familiar effort to plant doubt about the 2026 midterm elections before a single vote has been cast.
Here's the reality: the Constitution gives states—not the president—the primary responsibility for administering elections. Trump has no legal authority to seize control of state-run elections, no matter how many times he suggests otherwise. Americans should recognize this playbook by now, reject the fearmongering, and make their voices heard at the ballot box.
With this in mind I have sent the following letter to my Governor and Secretary of State
Subject: Immediate Action Required to Protect New Jersey’s November Elections
Dear Governor Sherrill and Secretary of State,
I am Expecting a clear and immediate response in writing of the steps being taken to protect New Jersey’s upcoming November midterm elections from any form of interference, intimidation, disruption, or manipulation.
Across the country, democracy is facing unprecedented challenges. Voters are being exposed to misinformation, election workers are facing threats, and there are growing concerns about attempts to undermine confidence in legitimate election results. New Jersey cannot afford to wait until a crisis occurs before taking action.
As state leaders responsible for protecting our elections, you owe New Jersey residents a detailed explanation of the safeguards currently in place, including:
What measures are being taken to protect voting systems, registration databases, and election infrastructure from cyberattacks or outside interference?
What protections are being provided to voters and poll workers against intimidation, harassment, or unlawful interference?
How are state and local officials preparing for attempts to disrupt polling locations or challenge legitimate results without evidence?
What coordination is taking place among the Governor’s office, Secretary of State, county election officials, and law enforcement agencies?
What steps are being taken to ensure that political pressure does not influence the certification of election results?
The right to vote is the foundation of our democracy. It is not enough to say that elections are secure; the public must see that every reasonable precaution is being taken and that officials are prepared to defend the will of New Jersey voters.
I expect a transparent response outlining the specific actions being taken to protect the November elections. The people of New Jersey deserve confidence that their votes will be counted accurately, fairly, and without interference from anyone seeking to undermine our democratic process.
Sincerely,
I shamelessly copied and lightly edited your letter to send to my people in New York. Thanks for the inspiration!
Love it! Thanks for your actions activism, Pamela 🌲 🌲 🌲
The fact that 35 percent or more approve is ominous. Hitler only had a 30 something approval...tho he just grabbed dictatorial powers that the Reichstag GAVE him
Impressive historically-grounded creative problem-solving for our strange time in history. You’re an incredible writer and thinker.
I really hate how the media blows up statistically insignificant changes in Trump’s approval rating. A bad economy doesn’t change their minds, they just double down so they don’t have to face the fact that they made a bad decision. Or they rationalize that the inflation is worth achieving the goals they voted for whether it be immigration or something else. If they are rich they love the line going up in the stock market. The country will have to hit rock bottom; and even then I doubt they will change because it’s not just a voting choice it’s an identity.
Thank you thank you thank you,
I am 78 years young and autistic. Seventy five years ago I was reading Shakespeare and sixty years ago Jewish Vocational Services of Montreal told me the truth. I was functionally retarded.
I know Takoma Park and Hyde Park and have great respect for both Barack Obama and Jamie Raskin but they don't know history like Kamala Harris who went to school and lived in Cote des Neige and went to English Protestant public school.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protestant_School_Board_of_Greater_Montreal
I failed High school but I know what the constitution means and they don't use dictionaries they imagine shit.
https://www.alice-in-wonderland.net/resources/chapters-script/through-the-looking-glass/chapter-6/
An emolument is a profit. Your president is neither a prophet nor a profit he is just what the doctor ordered to purge your system. "Pride goeth before destruction; and a haughty disposition before a fall. Donald Trump is just what this doctor ordered to purge your poisoned stomach when he lived in Woodlawn next to the Obama museum in the 1990s. I remember the prophet Jeremiah saying the chickens have come home to roost. I don't know which came first the chicken or the egg but I know man not God created the chicken long after the flood.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicken
https://biblehub.com/proverbs/16-18.htm
It is time to celebrate 2026 things weren't that wonderful in the 18th century when 30 was old. In 1755, 1776, 1789 and 1946 and emolument was a profit and America is both morally and ethically bankrupt. I remember the story of Solon the philosopher king and the Musk FAMILY Foundation; mongers both hatred and fear of the other.
The Drumph's still monger whores on the way from the Klondike.
https://johnsonsdictionaryonline.com/views/search.php?term=emolument
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solon
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/jul/11/elon-musk-family-foundation-took-tommy-robinson-to-russia-says-musks-father
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/trump-canada-yukon-1.3235254
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJNZwuamwj0&list=RDyJNZwuamwj0&start_radio=1
Please check the SSRN link. It does not work for me.
Will now, thanks
It seems the update isn’t posted yet. A search on the title brings up April submission on SSRI.
https://hq.ssrn.com/submissions/AbstractComments.cfm?AuthorID=10726499&AbstractID=6416178
That's the date of the first upload but since then I've updated the revisions and those are listed and dated in the note history for the submission.
Thanks for your interest.
I'm at my budgeted limit of monthly subscriptions, so if I upgrade to paid here, I'll be dropping The Bulwark. I think The Bulwark is pretty big now and won't die without me. I haven't been reading their articles as much lately. Not bad but kind of a rehash of the news in many cases. JVL's Triad will be missed.
I'd forgotten about another subscription I cancelled recently so now subscribed to The Existentialist Republic and The Bulwark.
Appreciate it!
Love that photo, a pure ass@£@#
Downloaded and will share in PA.