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    24Jul, 2025
    Erosion of Democracy?

    Ok, I know you’re frustrated. Maybe even confused. You’ve read the headlines, heard the soundbites, and sat through the hearings—and you’re still wondering:
    How did Trump get away with welcoming foreign help in 2016? Why wasn’t he impeached then? And why, even now, with multiple indictments, does it still feel like justice is stalled?

    You’re not alone. Millions of Americans struggle to understand how our laws and systems have failed to hold a man accountable who openly invited foreign interference—and continues to manipulate the system.

    The Beginning of a Dangerous Pattern

    This didn’t start with the Capitol riot or “Stop the Steal.” It started in 2016, when a major party candidate publicly said, “Russia, if you’re listening…” and then accepted stolen data from a hostile foreign government. That moment should have disqualified him. Instead, it became his blueprint.

    The Mueller Report detailed extensive contacts between Trump’s campaign and Russian operatives. It outlined possible obstruction of justice. But prosecution required a high legal bar. The political will to act was low. Mueller’s chilling conclusion: “If we had confidence the president did not commit a crime, we would have said so.” Yet, nothing happened.

    Playing Loopholes, Not by the Rules

    These people don’t play by rules—they play loopholes. They don’t need to break the law outright when they can lean on ambiguity, delay, and chaos. It’s not about truth. It’s about distraction. If you flood the field with lies and spin, the public grows numb. The system overloads. Consequences fade.

    Despite damning reports, accountability has remained elusive. Trump’s team walks a tightrope—skirting prosecutable law, using misdirection and delay to escape full consequence. What happened in 2016 wasn’t just oversight failure—it was deliberate erosion of democratic principles. It set the tone for his post-presidency and current agenda.

    Where Things Stand Now

    As of July 2025, Donald J. Trump faces four active criminal cases:

    • Federal Election Interference (Special Counsel Jack Smith): Attempts to overturn the 2020 election.
    • Federal Classified Documents (Mar-a-Lago): Willful retention of national defense materials and obstruction.
    • Georgia Election Interference (Fulton County): Conspiring to overturn 2020 Georgia results, charged under RICO.
    • New York Hush Money Case: Falsifying business records to cover hush payments during 2016.

    These cases are historic. Yet trials face delays and appeals, pushing them past the 2024 election. This stalling is strategic—a legal chess game eroding public trust.

    The Epstein Files and the Shell Game

    Trump is also under scrutiny for another reason: in May 2025, former Attorney General Pam Bondi privately told him his name appears multiple times in DOJ files related to Jeffrey Epstein. These mentions are unverified and shrouded in secrecy because the DOJ refuses to release the files, citing victim privacy and the presence of child pornography in the records. Trump denies wrongdoing and is suing the Wall Street Journal for reporting this.

    But this isn’t just about allegations or court battles. It’s about distraction. As media and public attention zero in on Epstein’s shadowy files and Trump’s involvement, it gives space for other agendas to move forward quietly—laws get passed, policies shift, and powers consolidate while eyes are elsewhere.

    This is the shell game Trump excels at. Keep the public chasing one story, while the bigger, more dangerous plays happen behind the curtain. Whether it’s rolling back voting rights, weakening oversight, or reshaping institutions to his advantage, the Epstein files story diverts critical scrutiny away from ongoing threats to democracy.

    We can’t fall for this again. We have to look beyond the distractions, ask the tough questions, and demand transparency—not just about Trump, but about what else is being pushed through while our attention is stolen.

    Why This Matters

    This is not normal. This is not just politics. This is calculated manipulation—blurring legality and morality enough to get away with both.

    We are living through a historic moment of democratic erosion. Whether we stand by or stand up will define what comes next.

    23Jul, 2025
    Protect & Serve – Who? Yourselves? Not McNeil.

    When Compliance Isn’t Enough: A Call for Accountability and Protection

    I just watched the deeply disturbing video out of Jacksonville, Florida, from February 19, 2025, where 22‑year‑old Black student William McNeil Jr. was violently pulled from his vehicle and beaten—all after he calmly asked to speak with a supervisor and questioned why he was being pulled over.

    He was sitting with his hands visible, asking innocent questions—until officers escalated the situation: one smashed open his driver-side window, punched him in the face, and, along with others, dragged and beat him on the ground. There was no immediate threat, no weapon brandished, but the punches came anyway. AP News

    These actions go beyond enforcement—they’re outright aggression. They reflect a dangerous eagerness, a cavalier use of force that in any other context would be condemned. From my half‑white, half‑privileged viewpoint, it’s clear: this was excessive—and unacceptable.

    🔍 Here’s what happened with McNeil:

    • McNeil questioned why his headlights were off (it was daylight); the officer demanded he exit. McNeil asked for a supervisor and locked his door. CBS News
    • After three minutes of resisting exit, the officer smashed the window and used closed-fist strikes. McNeil was handcuffed, suffering a chipped tooth, stitches, and a concussion. People.com
    • Investigations followed: the State Attorney found no criminal wrongdoing, though administrative reviews are underway and one officer was suspended. AP

    To every person of color—and to everyone who cares about them:

    If dash cams and interior car cameras are within reach, get one. If you know someone who might benefit, this makes a powerful gift. These devices don’t lie—they capture truth when words fail.

    To car manufacturers:

    Let’s talk innovation. Outfitting side‑view or rear‑view mirrors with built‑in, high‑quality cameras is no longer optional—it’s essential. Vehicles equipped this way could offer critical evidence during interactions that escalate without justification.

    Because the system won’t always police itself, we must. We the people—with our cameras, our voices, our demand for transparency—will insist on accountability. One camera. One recorded moment. One truth. At a time when authority meets violence, it’s us who must hold the lens.

    In Solidarity always,

    -Judy T.

    22Jul, 2025
    The High Cost of the Spotlight

    How Trump’s Own Cameras Keep Betraying Him

    Fame is a tricky currency. It inflates egos, fuels ambition, and—if you’re not careful—documents every lie you’ve ever told. Donald Trump understood this early on. Long before reality TV or presidential campaigns, he paid the National Enquirer to publish salacious stories about his affairs. This wasn’t just about scandal—it was a calculated move to promote his name, his wealth, and his image to the masses.

    From those early tabloid gambits to gold-plated elevator announcements, Trump has relentlessly built a persona fueled by spectacle. However, when your life is a performance, every slip, contradiction, and untruth becomes permanent record. For a man obsessed with image, this has become a haunting reality.

    Chasing Fame, Forgetting Consequences

    Donald Trump didn’t stumble into fame—he pursued it relentlessly. From The Apprentice to a presidential campaign launched amid golden elevators, Trump has built his persona on bold declarations and brash theatrics. Yet, he never seemed to grasp that cameras don’t just capture moments—they preserve history.

    Fame isn’t free. It holds receipts.

    Lie #1: “I Don’t Know Who She Is”

    In 2023, a jury found Trump liable for sexually abusing E. Jean Carroll and defaming her afterward. Trump denied any relationship, claiming not to know her.

    Photographic and testimonial evidence show Trump and Carroll socialized publicly for years. The inconsistencies in his statements severely damaged his defense.

    Lie #2: “I Never Asked for Loyalty”

    Then-FBI Director James Comey testified Trump asked for “loyalty” in 2017 before firing him. Trump denied this, but multiple accounts and the released testimony support Comey’s claim, fueling the Mueller investigation.

    Lie #3: “The Election Was Stolen”

    Trump claimed widespread voter fraud in 2020, but his Attorney General William Barr stated the DOJ found no evidence of fraud affecting the election outcome.

    Additionally, transcripts and interviews reveal Trump privately admitted he lost the election.

    Lie #4: “I Took the Pandemic Seriously”

    Trump publicly downplayed COVID-19, but secretly admitted to Bob Woodward that the virus was dangerous and deadly.

    The Epstein Files: The Ultimate Lie of Denial

    Trump’s shifting stories about Jeffrey Epstein contradict decades of photos and flight logs showing their close association. Epstein’s “black book” and various investigations place Trump in Epstein’s circle multiple times.

    Trump’s claims the “Epstein Files” are a hoax clash with an overwhelming body of evidence.

    When Fame and Lies Collide, Cameras Become Prosecutors

    Trump’s decades-long relationship with Epstein, documented extensively in photos and public records, stands as a monument to the perils of chasing fame without accountability. His repeated lies are desperate attempts to rewrite history under the unforgiving glare of media and public scrutiny.

    Yet many older articles exposing these lies have vanished from mainstream platforms. This pattern reveals Trump’s influence over media channels, where controlling the narrative is as important as shaping it.

    The cameras don’t lie—but if the footage disappears or the stories vanish, does the truth get a chance to live?

    Final Thoughts: The Price of the Spotlight

    There’s a high cost to fame lived in front of cameras: every lie, every misstep, and every denial remains on permanent display. For Trump, this cost is credibility, legacy, and trust.

    The Epstein files are the culmination of a lifetime of carefully constructed falsehoods, exposed in vivid detail. In a world where cameras never stop rolling, the truth is both the most dangerous adversary—and the ultimate judge.

    Closing Thoughts: When Media Control Silences Truth

    Over the course of writing this editorial, I sought to back every claim with credible, publicly accessible sources. However, I repeatedly encountered broken links, missing pages, and 404 errors from major news outlets. These vanished articles are more than inconvenient—they reveal the immense power that Trump and his allies wield over media narratives.

    By quietly erasing evidence, restricting access, and influencing platforms, they attempt to shield their stories from scrutiny. This makes uncovering truth harder, but not impossible. It also shows why it is critical to preserve and share verified facts widely before they disappear.

    Below is a list of key articles and sources I initially tried to reference, now mostly unreachable, highlighting the ongoing battle between transparency and media control.

    404 Errors: Not So Silent Censors

    1. https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/10/04/trump-e-jean-carroll-photo-deposition/
    2. https://www.npr.org/2017/05/11/527595272/trump-asked-fbi-director-james-comey-for-loyalty-sources-say
    3. https://www.politico.com/story/2017/05/11/trump-comey-loyalty-238440
    4. https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/justice-department/barr-says-no-evidence-widespread-voter-fraud-2020-election-n1259685
    5. https://www.cnn.com/2021/09/15/politics/jonathan-karl-trump-abc-interview/index.html
    6. https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2020/09/09/bob-woodward-trump-coronavirus/
    7. https://abcnews.go.com/US/times-trumps-appeared-epstein-files-doj-released/story?id=123848078

    By sharing this list openly, I emphasize that the battle to hold powerful figures accountable often includes a fight over which facts remain visible—and which are erased. Despite these obstacles, the truth behind the lies remains, waiting for those willing to seek it out.

    I hope you understand that this current President is a compulsive liar, who doesn’t take national security seriously. Just look at the reaction to “Signalgate”. It seems it’s all he knows how to do.

    -Judy T.

    21Jul, 2025
    Violence begets violence and other things to keep in mind

    Stokely Carmichael once said:
    “The problem with nonviolence is that we have never truly been violent.”

    He had a point when he said that. Although to me, the major hiccup with nonviolence was that we never really gave violence a fair shot—and history, with its twisted sense of humor, keeps nodding in agreement. I am in no way suggesting we become violent. However, when you look at all those times when “bad actors” took it upon themselves to spice up peaceful gatherings with a dash of uninvited violence against law enforcement, things go sideways fast. People who were just exercising their rights (legally, might I add) became targets immediately.

    Kent State: A Peaceful Protest Turned Tragedy

    Take, for example, the serene student protest at Kent State University on May 1st, 1970. It was all peace and love—until the National Guard thought it would be a stellar idea to turn a campus protest into target practice. The result? Four students dead and nine wounded.

    Let’s be honest: at the time those shots were fired, those infantrymen were about as threatened as a bear is by a goldfish. And later—big surprise—it turned out that opening fire was completely uncalled for. Why? Because “someone” threw a rock.

    We’ve Seen This Movie Before

    Here we are, years later, and it feels like we’re stuck in a rerun. With the number of actual threats to our rights out there, you’d think we’d have learned by now. You’d think we’d be smart enough to keep an eye out for those troublemakers who sneak into protests with the finesse of a bull in a china shop—just to get a rise out of law enforcement, then disappear and blame minorities.

    Because of course, it’s always easier to blame the Black and brown people who were just minding their own business. We need to be more observant, more attentive, and more diligent when it comes to participating. Always be aware of your surroundings. You may prevent a tragedy by doing so.

    The Usual Suspects

    From the more recent chapters of our history, it’s clear we’ve got guests at our peaceful protests who love nothing more than to provoke and then watch the chaos unfold. Would you believe—some of them are even cops in disguise? Or day-tripping white supremacists who thought it would be fun to turn a peaceful march into their own version of demolition derby during the George Floyd protests.

    Walk Carefully, March Smarter

    With this enlightening perspective, it seems our community needs to handle protest participation like handling a porcupine. When you do hit the streets, maybe do it with more caution. Thoroughly vet who you’re marching with. Vet the individuals you support. And for heaven’s sake, keep your own nose so clean it sparkles.

    Why? Because progressives are a finicky, nit-picky bunch. They’ll split their allegiances from an organization or individual because you personally turned 18 a month before your girlfriend in high school—or because you posted a pic in support of that person or group. You don’t want to be the reason for that crossfire—or get caught in it.

    – Shade B.

    19Jul, 2025
    Why PBS Needs Stephen Colbert Now

    In today’s media landscape, public trust is crumbling. Traditional fundraising models are falling short. Meanwhile, PBS continues to rely heavily on pledge drives and telethons to stay afloat. But what if there were a better way—one that merges entertainment, civic engagement, and fundraising power?

    It’s time to make the case for Stephen Colbert on PBS.

    Colbert Nation: A Loyal Audience That Gives

    Stephen Colbert has built something few entertainers ever achieve—a deeply loyal and action-ready fanbase. Known as Colbert Nation, this audience doesn’t just watch passively. They donate. They show up. They care.

    Back in 2010, Colbert raised over $773,000 for public school classrooms through DonorsChoose.org. Around the same time, when the U.S. Speedskating Team couldn’t afford to attend the Olympics, Colbert stepped in. His fundraising efforts helped send American athletes to the world stage.

    Additionally, let’s not forget the brilliance of his satirical Super PAC, Americans for a Better Tomorrow, Tomorrow. Incredibly, it raised over $1 million, all while educating the public on how campaign finance really works. Colbert didn’t just entertain—he educated, activated, and transformed viewers into donors and doers.

    Through it all, Colbert proved that comedy can be more than entertainment—it can be fuel for civic action.

    PBS Fundraising Could Be Transformed

    PBS is respected for its integrity, mission, and educational value. Yet year after year, it must rely on pledge drives to stay funded. Telethons are nostalgic but increasingly outdated. The audience is aging, and younger generations are tuning out.

    This is where Stephen Colbert could make all the difference.

    He’s not just a household name. He’s a trusted voice with a track record of mobilizing action. By bringing him to PBS, fundraising would no longer rely solely on nostalgia or repeated pleas for donations. Instead, the platform could evolve—modernize—while staying true to its public mission.

    To highlight that transition, it’s worth remembering how we got here.

    A Nod to Jerry Lewis — and a Way Forward

    Before digital fundraisers and online platforms, telethons were the gold standard. Jerry Lewis, in particular, set that bar. His decades-long commitment to the Muscular Dystrophy Association raised over $2 billion. More importantly, his marathon broadcasts became a cultural staple and showed America the power of performance-driven generosity.

    However, times have changed.

    What Jerry Lewis achieved through hours of emotional appeal, Stephen Colbert can now accomplish in minutes—using satire, sharp commentary, and digital reach. His presence on PBS could revive the spirit of those iconic moments, but with a voice and tone that resonate today.

    This isn’t a replacement for history. It’s a continuation—reimagined for the times.

    Bringing Colbert to PBS would breathe life into fundraising. He’s not just a celebrity—he’s a proven fundraiser, civic advocate, and national treasure. With his voice leading campaigns, telethons could shrink. Donations could rise. Younger viewers might tune in again, and a new generation could be introduced to the power of public media.

    A Chance to Say What Corporate Media Won’t

    Recently, CBS—like many corporations—buckled under political pressure. As a result, Colbert’s platform vanished. But he didn’t. He never backed down. He called out falsehoods, challenged propaganda, and stayed true to his values.

    PBS doesn’t need to follow in corporate footsteps. It has the power to elevate a truth-teller where others tried to quiet him.

    Colbert represents the very values PBS claims to champion: public service, education, humor, and integrity. This is more than a ratings boost. It’s a signal that PBS stands for something.

    His exact mix of intellect, humor, and moral clarity embodies the best of public broadcasting. Inviting him in isn’t just smart—it’s a statement of purpose.

    The Final Word

    Stephen Colbert has already proven his impact. Colbert inspires people to care. Amazingly, he raises millions for good causes. He teaches through comedy and moves audiences to act.

    Two birds, one stone.

    So, if you’re not ready to welcome him to PBS?
    Fine.

    Let’s just nominate him for President and see how quickly that rattles the fragile ego currently occupying the White House.

    Sources

    13Jul, 2025
    Our First Q&A – Trump’s Legacy

    Recently, someone asked me on my personal Bluesky account: What do I believe are the long-term consequences of President Trump’s time in office for our country’s political integrity?

    Let’s quickly define the word “integrity”:

    Trump’s legacy will shape American politics for decades. He didn’t invent division, but he pushed it into the mainstream. By breaking norms, he proved that misinformation and anger can win elections. His legacy will test our democracy in three big ways.

    First, extremism is now mainstream. Trump’s legacy gave far-right ideas a bigger stage. As a result, more candidates reject election results and use lies as strategy. Polarized primaries will keep fueling this. (Source: Pew Research Center, 2021)

    Second, our institutions are weaker. He attacked courts, elections, and the press. That playbook stays in politics. Future leaders may bend rules if no one stops them. (Source: Brookings Institution, 2022)

    Third, the public holds the line. Trump’s legacy makes clear: democracy only works if we defend it. Voters must demand truth, protect elections, and hold leaders accountable. (Source: Brennan Center for Justice, 2023)

    Trump’s legacy shows how fragile democracy is. Whether we let it crack further — or rebuild trust — is up to us.

    Thanks for asking me something other than if I am single or other personal questions that shouldn’t be asked right off the bat on a first message to someone. It is appreciated.

    If you wish to ask a question, feel free to tag me in a bluesky post or email me directly at: judy@rescueourdemocracy.com!

    Rescue our democracy, TOGETHER!

    Judy T.

    7Jul, 2025
    Subversive Nature

     If there’s anything we’ve mastered as people of color over centuries of systemic oppression, it’s the art of the clandestine hustle. Nothing like spending 400 years perfecting the craft of slipping through the cracks of institutions that were never designed for us in the first place. It’s practically a cultural heritage at this point, this inherited savvy to access the freedoms casually handed to others. Let’s just tap into that ancestral strategic finesse, shall we?

    First I want you to understand what the actual word “subversive” means.

    Subversive [adjective]

    Seeking or intending to subvert an establishment, institution, or system.

    With that you also have to understand the word Nature in this context.

    Nature [adjective form]

     being used in adjective form means an inherent quality, feature, or aspect.

    When you put the 2 words together you get a descriptive statement “Subversive Nature”.

    This usually is a tendency to destroy systems, establishments, or governments.

    Ok, now to the grit

    Now that we understand the terminology, let’s look at how it applies to our everyday lives. We have to use everything at our disposal to further our resistance when possible. For some the most radical acts of resistance start when deciding on the latte or the espresso in the corporate break room, while for others it’s choosing which cleaners to use before mopping the floor. In a security briefing I learned that the most dangerous person in any facility is the janitor. However by the same token, an executive assistant takes all the notes and does all the dirty work for the “executive” is equally dangerous. 

    Both have unlimited access combined with very little vetting, and no one questions what they are doing as long as the have a broom,or a clipboard, So, when you’re not too busy climbing the capitalist ladder or ensuring it’s sparkling clean, take a moment to channel your inner whistleblower. Document everything and relay that information to a reputable source. but do so anonymously so you can remain a viable resource. navigating this labyrinth might get a tad more complex with time, but let’s face it, what’s a revolution without a little inconvenience? After all, you’re not just gathering intelligence; you’re craftily weaving the very fabric of change. Go ahead, be the Rebel Without A Pause.

    Know all, trust few.

    In this battlefield, information isn’t just good, it’s the freaking gold standard. Leveraging the cracks and crevices of our circumstances to siphon off details, insights, and swaying decisions is the art of war in the modern age. Got someone meddling against your mission? Don’t cower from engaging them, keep your foes close but their secrets closer, drip-feeding them only scraps that won’t trip you up. But remember, this two-way street is lined with mines; they’ll be playing you just the same.

     Here’s a wake-up call: treat your allies with the same calculative coldness. Those cozy chatters willing to spill their guts at the drop of a hat? Yeah, they’re blabbermouths to the enemy too. 

    Malcolm Nance (Youtube Channel) and Andrew Bustamante (Youtube Channel) are  former CIA agents who now do freelance reporting and pod casts. I follow them on almost every platform of social media I’m on personally (Which is only 2) while I don’t agree with everything they say, the accuracy of the information they provide is influential, and if you understand nuance, you will understand them clearly.

    Never take unwarranted actions or risks

    We all know acting recklessly without any thought to consequences is the hallmark of sound strategy. However, If you can’t give a good reason for your actions, probably best to sit this one out, champ as to avoid that dreaded exposure— Keep your moves to what’s absolutely critical, because success is so much more likely when you’re not jumping on every shiny thing like a cat chasing a laser pointer. If things get to hot, just chill. Take up birdwatching, but study the flock you’re trying to blend in with. Eventually you’ll see a risk-free opening, but remember the goal is to protect your secret identity. And if things start to smell fishy, remember, it’s not giving up if you bail—it’s strategically retreating. There’s always another chance around the corner, because life is just brimming with low-risk opportunities.

    Be prepared to act and react accordingly and proportionately

    Before you take any action, preparation is a necessity. I know, I know – it sounds excessive, but trust me, planning every step down to the letter is critical for success. Allow for some flexibility and variance, sure, but having a basic plan to follow? That will almost always bump up your chances of success. Once you’ve got the patterns and behaviors down, mentally rehearsing will also help you get cozy with executing your plans and spotting where you need to tweak things. Keep in mind acting accordingly proportionately means removing one’s capacity to retaliate in every way shape and form. So what ever actions you take need to be planned out, thought through, and rehearsed, prior to any execution. You must have your resources, supplies, transportation, communication, backup plan and exit strategy in place and readily available to be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice, so you are ready when opportunities present themselves.

    This is your country, do not give it away freely or easily.

    For over 400 years, we have been warriors and peacemakers for our country. Imagine! People of color have been the underdogs, the scapegoats, and then risen as unbeatable, world-renowned American heroes. What a rollercoaster! And now, we’re stepping into an incredible era of opportunity.

    Right now, folks across the globe are getting it twisted. They think people of color in America are just kicking back, comfortable or indifferent to the whirlwind happening in our homeland. The narrative being spun to them non-stop? It’s a flashy, superficial reel showcasing sexual promiscuity, athletic prowess, entertainment genius, and financial whims—broadcasted so widely, it’s practically drowning us. But let’s clear the air: those facets have their moments of glory, sure. But when that’s all the world sees, it’s no wonder we’re struggling to be taken seriously. And let me tell you, being taken seriously is non-negotiable.

    Our every move needs to be strategic, captured, and shared far and wide, with tactful anonymity if needed. And if a plan doesn’t pan out? We play it cool publicly, dive deep into a strategic review behind the scenes, and come back stronger. We’ve seen it before: conservative media flipping the script, turning what should be a setback into a rally cry. They’ve mastered the art of turning the tide in their favor—proof that the right spin can make or break public perception. 

    When it comes to reshaping the narrative

    It’s time to get crafty—not just in how we change the story directly but in the subtle, everyday choices we make. Perhaps our wallets aren’t overflowing, but we can still be fierce in deciding where to spend our hard-earned cash. Choosing to support businesses that stand with our community isn’t just a statement—it’s a move towards the unity and strength we desperately need. In this pivotal moment, we must set aside old grievances and build bridges. Even a simple partnership, wisely chosen, is a step towards the monumental triumphs we’re aiming for. Let’s rise together, stronger and undeniably united!

    4Jul, 2025
    Independence Day: A Celebration That No Longer Feels Like Freedom

    I used to love Independence Day. It was my favorite holiday outside my Christian observances — Maundy Thursday and Easter anchor my soul, but the Fourth of July always lifted my spirit.

    I remember waking early to prep the yard. Lugging coolers packed with sodas and salads across dew-wet grass. The pop and hiss of the grill firing up. Kids darting through sprinklers while grown-ups lounged on folding chairs, sunburnt and smiling. At dusk, we’d pass out sparklers and gather on blankets to watch the night sky crackle with reds, whites, and blues.

    One year, I even got married on July 3rd — so our wedding night could end with fireworks. I wanted my own piece of that freedom, my own celebration of hope under a bursting sky.

    This Year, The Fireworks Feel Empty

    But this year, Independence Day feels empty. It feels stolen. The country those fireworks once represented doesn’t exist for millions of us anymore.

    How do you wave a flag for liberty when people can’t decide what happens to their own bodies? When our highest court rips away privacy and bodily autonomy while pretending they’re protecting freedom?

    How do you cheer for freedom when libraries face book bans, truth is scrubbed from history classes, and entire communities are told they can’t exist as they are? From drag bans to bathroom bills to hateful rhetoric, our LGBTQ+ neighbors are under siege — again — by people who claim to stand for “family values.”

    Well look at that! Our red, white, and blue being marred by orange…

    Hatred Has Found a New Home

    We used to call America a “melting pot.” We took pride in it — even as we tried to forget that this country was built on stolen land, on the backs of enslaved people, on broken treaties with Indigenous nations. We boasted that we welcomed “the tired, the poor, the huddled masses yearning to breathe free.”

    Now, hatred has found a home here again — loud and unashamed. People of color, immigrants, LGBTQ+ families, the unhoused, the poor, the sick, the veterans who served — all branded expendable by a regime that would rather import wealthy South Africans to replace the very people America once promised to lift up.

    That’s the plan: swap out the dreamers for the donors. Trade community for cruelty. Strip away the melting pot and serve up a gated community for the powerful few.

    Independence Day For Whom?

    So today, I sit here — alone, like so many others — wondering: who is Independence Day really for now? Who gets to claim freedom? Who’s invited to the backyard cookout?

    It’s not me. It’s not the single mom choosing between rent and groceries. It’s not the kid too scared to come out at school. It’s not the immigrant who crossed oceans for hope only to find a locked door. It’s not the veteran sleeping in a tent while billionaires buy up farmland for profit. It’s not the seniors who are being threatened to lose everything, that they already paid for.

    France’s 2025 gift for our Independence Day…This is what people voted for…the world to see us ashamed.

    I Am Ashamed, But I Am Not Done

    I am ashamed of this America. Ashamed that hatred is now policy. Ashamed that we are watching rights crumble while we clap for fireworks. Ashamed that our leaders lie to our faces and dare call it freedom.

    But I am not done with her. Not yet.

    Independence was never given to us. It was fought for. It was defended. It was demanded — and it must be demanded again. So I won’t light a sparkler tonight. I will light something bigger in my heart: the will to stand up, to speak out, to remind us all that freedom is not a promise — it’s a fight.

    So if you feel alone tonight, know you are not. If you feel ashamed of this America, know you are not alone in that either. The dream isn’t dead. But it is up to us to resurrect it.

    Happy Independence Day — if you can find it. If not, help me build it back.

    -Judy T.

    P.S. Please comment below, sharing your favorite 4th of July memory!

    References

    22Jun, 2025
    🕰️ Was War with Iran Planned Since February?

    A Timeline from Map to Missiles

    A theory…

    When Prime Minister Netanyahu met with Donald Trump in February 2025 and reportedly showed him a map of Iranian nuclear sites, it raised eyebrows. Now, with missiles flying and American forces engaged, it looks more like the first move in a long game. Here’s a step-by-step timeline of how this conflict may have been coordinated from the start:

    📆 Timeline: From “Intel Briefing” to U.S. War Entry

    📍 February 4, 2025 – Netanyahu Shows Trump the Map

    • Netanyahu meets Trump at the White House.
    • He presents intelligence visuals and satellite maps of Iranian nuclear development.
    • Sources later confirm he urged Trump to act before Iran became untouchable.

    🤝 April 2025 – Diplomacy or Delay?

    • The U.S. opens a 60-day negotiation window with Iran.
    • Publicly, Trump pushes for a “peaceful deal.”
    • Privately, Israeli forces prepare for military options, possibly with U.S. coordination.

    ❌ June 9, 2025 – Iran Rejects the Deal

    • Trump announces Iran’s refusal of the multinational offer to limit uranium enrichment.
    • The diplomatic window closes. Pressure builds.

    🚨 June 11–12, 2025 – Red Alert Mobilization

    • The U.S. pulls embassy and civilian staff from key embassies in the Middle East.
    • Israel receives quiet approval to move forward.
    • Operation Rising Lion enters final prep.

    💣 June 13, 2025 – Israel Strikes

    • Israel hits nuclear and military sites in Iran.
    • Trump calls it “a sovereign decision,” neither endorsing nor condemning.

    🟥 June 17–18, 2025 – Trump Greenlights Further Israeli Strikes

    • Trump reportedly tells Netanyahu: “Keep going.”
    • U.S. surveillance and logistics quietly support Israel.

    🔥 June 20, 2025 – U.S. Directly Enters the War

    • Trump orders U.S. air support and drone strikes to “protect regional allies.”
    • American aircraft strike Iranian radar and anti-aircraft positions.
    • This marks the U.S. official entrance into the war.

    🧠 What This Timeline Tells Us

    This wasn’t spontaneous. This was planned, paced, and politically packaged. The map Netanyahu handed Trump may have been the opening move in a playbook months in the making.

    While the public was distracted by political theater, the machinery of war was turning.

    🚨 Now What?

    We’re in a war we didn’t debate. We’re in a war that wasn’t transparent. We’re in a war that may have been pre-approved months ago.

    If we don’t speak out, we’ll get dragged deeper.

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    21Jun, 2025
    The President’s War Powers: What You Need to Know Right Now

    He has now led the nation into war with Iran—an action he may initiate unilaterally for 30 days—aligning the United States with escalating violence rather than diplomacy, without meaningful debate, transparency, or regard for public opinion.

    This moment demands that we understand the War Powers Resolution of 1973—a law meant to limit exactly this kind of unchecked presidential action. But does it really work?

    What Is the War Powers Resolution?

    The War Powers Resolution (or War Powers Act) was passed to prevent presidents from dragging the country into war without Congress’s consent. It requires the President to notify Congress within 48 hours of sending troops into conflict.

    Once troops are deployed, the President can only keep them there for 60 days without Congress’s approval. After that, the troops must come home unless Congress authorizes continued military action.

    Why Isn’t This Law Enough?

    In theory, the War Powers Act should protect democracy by ensuring elected representatives decide on war. In practice, presidents from both parties have sidestepped or challenged it.

    They delay notifications, use vague language, or claim Commander-in-Chief authority to bypass Congress. Meanwhile, Congress often fails to assert its power.

    The result? The President can effectively wage war—like with Iran—without meaningful public debate or approval.

    What Are the Real Risks When War Powers Are Enacted?

    War is deadly. But beyond that, unchecked executive war powers open doors to greater abuses:

    • Suppressing protests
    • Limiting due process rights
    • Curtailing freedoms of speech and assembly
    • Expanding secretive surveillance
    • Shutting down communications

    These are not hypothetical threats—they are documented realities when emergency powers pile up unchecked.

    What Can We Do?

    Our democracy depends on transparency, debate, and accountability. We need to demand that:

    • Congress immediately assert its constitutional authority to approve or reject military actions.
    • The President fully comply with the War Powers Resolution’s notification requirements.
    • The public stay informed and vocal—because public opinion matters.

    If we stay silent, war powers can become tools for unchecked presidential control—not protection of our security.

    The Bottom Line

    The War Powers Resolution exists to stop presidents from waging war on a whim. Yet today, it’s failing.

    We must hold our leaders accountable before our rights and lives become collateral damage. Understanding the War Powers Act—and demanding Congress enforce it—is essential to rescuing our democracy.

    If you want to join the fight for accountability and peace, Join our Storm @ RescueOurDemocracy.com and get involved!

    –Shade B.