this is the fourth year I have posted this Independence Day message — and every year, the job ahead of us gets harder. but fight we must. hope your 4th is a good one, everyone
I literally just told the front desk lady this like 10 minutes ago. "I know it's fourth of July and stuff and I'm clearly American, but to be clear, I fucking hate our leader and so does the majority of our country." She was like, "I know. We hate him too. The world does." She's my friend. Heh..
I then apologized for the language and she said, "No need."
Everyone is feeling the same....we need to stay positive and fight back. What scares me is that I don't see the fight in people. They seem to be just rolling with whatever comes......I say the day the Dam will break will be Voting Day in November and the few days following. We might have to really fight!!
You're not looking in the right places. DON'T worry - it's there. It was there last night in an Opera House in the heart of Philadelphia (the oldest one, I believe?) where some of our usual hosts from MSNow hosted a PACKED full house of people of ALL shades, sizes and ages to talk about the dangers and what to do: Rachel Maddow~who admits to being terrified onstage yet does an admirable job and is FUNNY...Jen Psaki~far 'looser' but even more divulgent of her years in the White House and Ali Velshi who got roaring applause (he now has the 11th hour show replacing Stephanie Ruehl who moved to a morning gig). Ali did THE most amazing and factual breakdown of how this America was formed: Thomas Jefferson finalizing the words: 'we hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal' WHILE his 14yr old 'property' of a slave who couldn't read helped him get ready. Ali told more about that young boy purchasing his freedom with the help of a Doctor, going on to marry and raise a family. He told ALL about the continuation of racism right up to today. The audience loved every second of his so-forceful listing of how WE came about and how badly it was done, showing photos of an elderly black woman who simply wanted to walk again across the Edmund Pettis Bridge (where she'd had here head broken decades earlier), now being pushed in a wheelchair at over 100(!) by our first Black President. She died 3 months later. There were so many other incredible moments: Gwen Ifyll (still don't know if I'm spelling her name correctly, but she's magnificent). WE the People turned out in that place on a HOT July 3rd to help save our Country. They're not alone. I'm sure there's a video somewhere of it? And of Nicolle Wllace's terrific interview of Jack Smith the day before. WE the People are fighting back, just as Minesotans did. Some of us will be murdered, no doubt. Are we ready for that outcome?
Marlene - it was magnifique! and YOU are equally so to gently correct my mangling of this brilliant woman's name. I seem to be sticking the 'y' into her surname instead of where it belongs. Hopefully I'll remember from now on! Agree - she should be on Scotus!
Elizabeth, her cousin was Gwen, who was an outstanding reporter for NPR and PBS for so many years. She died way too young of breast and endometrial cancers at the age of 61.
And now for something completely different. Some of us subscribe to the Wonkette substack, which is ALWAYS FREE TO READ. The subscription monies support Wonkette. Its motto includes the phrase "You CAN handle the truth!". I am begging all good people who have $12 a year to spare to please, please go over to Wonkette and subscribe for ONE DOLLAR PER MONTH. If enough enlightened, intelligent, empathetic people do this, you will help to save a beloved voice in the truth-telling business that I think has been around since 2011, if not longer. Can't do one dollar a month? How about $6/year? Jeff will attest to what I am saying, if you do not believe me.
PLEASE HELP KEEP WONKETTE ALIVE. Thank you so much and enjoy your holiday.
I, for one, am very grateful to have your perspective to take the edge off the pain, anxiety, irritation, and fear this administration engenders in all of us!
Which ones do you use if you don't mind my asking? I've tried various ones - those he likes the best (and takes without question) have hemp and I call his 'greenies'. My elderly dog must be losing his hearing since he doesn't react to any of the noise but it takes a good long while before the melatonin/hemp relaxes Luka even a bit - and I can't overdose him. He gets SO frantic, even peeing in his crate just to get out of it - but can't find another place to hide (he usually loves his crate - it's 'his space'.) I'm hoping those around here ran out of their fireworks last night (past midnight) - so hopefully they'll settle for the 'official' display down by the Patchogue water. It's far enough away not to drive Luka insane.
Have you tried a "thunder jacket?" It can be just an old t-shirt. We give our 2 heelers prescription calming pills from our vet and put their "bathrobes" on them at around 8:30 pm. We stay home with them because we simply won't leave them alone when they are exhibiting so much anxiety. The thunder jacket / bathrobe / t-shirts seem to have a profound calming effect.
Aww - I'm SO glad there are more people out there just like me, lol. I can't leave them alone either. We'd only occasionally go to a friend;s home for a very quiet barbecue and swim - mostly before Luka's advent into my life. Back Then I still had Kaya - the sweetest pup whose life was precrious due to a werd disease, plus all of 'her' kitties. When I got Koda, I tried wht you did - once he'd lost weight, bought him the original thundershirt which he tolerated but did nothing...so then creatd my own 'version' with an old and smalll sweatshirt (during the winter). When Luka arrived he'd rip at it as he does all fabrics: his towels, beds, etc. Koda is littler than him. I gues he didn't 'approve'? He's disintegrated his drying towel, ripping it apart until it's more holes than material, but still dragging it around. When I caught him actually EATING a piece of it the other day, out it went (into the garbage). He has others. Occasionally he allows me to drape him in one IN his bed but only for a few minutes and it must be on HIS terms. He's super intelligent and very, very stubburn. When groomers cut Koda's coat much too short, leaving HIM freezing in a particularly cold Winter with lots of ice and snow, I searched to find a 'suit' which also covered his legs. Luka wouldn't allow his 'brother' to be strapped into it. Something about the strange fabric between them? HE has no issues with racing around in the snow (where he vanishes) but then fully expects me to dry and warm him. My 'job', lol. I don't dare use that towel for any other purpose, though. It would work for most dogs - except this character of mine and I SO ap0reciate your input.
A friend gave them to me so I don’t know, but I’ll find out. My dog is presently under my bed because I only have one chew and I’m hoarding it until the evening gets really bad. Only a few have gone off but that’s enough to send her over the edge.
My little girlie scooted right behind me as I sat i n the kitchen nook. i was surprised that she didn't shake as she normally does. guess my butt heat was good enough for her. :)
Ha! He doesn't 'quite' do this (have always wanted to build a nook - have the perfect place for one which would work for me and the dogs...but Luka shakes too. He's on full alert when those 'bangs' begin, starts yelling/screaming, but when I pet him to soothe him, he's literally vibrating. SO awful to realize how much he's been through.
Aww, the poor wee girl. I SO hope it worked for her (it's now after 4 in the morning and I'm totally exhausted, having been dealing with the nonstop BANGS which sound as though we're at war right here and send Luka into a frenzy. I'd already given him 2 'greenies' a couple of hours apart which didn't do much at the time but he's now sleeping like a baby. We'd gotten him to go into the laundry room (with a direct open door to the outside when there was a brief lull, but the bangs began again so he raced in and HURLED himself at the full-glass door (an inside door, not a storm door), so hubby's afraid it'll end up shattered on the floor. Luka will only allow me to touch him when he's in this state ...spent most of the day squished under my legs AT my desktop (I'm in a computer armoire) so he's under the wheels of my chair with his long hair, so I can't move an inch for fear of running him over. He's VERY reactive to even the tiniest bit of pain, but I understand why. :'(
ETA: I suppose I should enclose at least a little content, "And of course, I cannot celebrate this as the 250th anniversary of the US, because the United States that I loved, the democratic constitutional republic that millions fought, bled, and died to pass down to us, died at 248 1/2, and I am doubtful whether it can be resurrected. The Presidency is vacant, the Congress has abdicated, and the Supreme Court is treasonous, which is to say that the Constitution is not operable any longer. Some think it is extreme to say so: but this is why I say that Donald Trump this time around is not a President..."
Jeff, I am seeing the cracks in MAGA. I am well and as I will turn 70 this year, I am actually in better physical, mental shape and financial shape and stronger than I was at 50. Over the years, we had times of financial stress and I learned frugality and the difference between wants and needs when I was forced to. This taught me valuable lessons that have made a huge difference since I retired. We are weathering the storm well, with enough to help out those less fortunate. If only we had Harris at POTUS, life would be very good indeed. But still, I refused to let MAGA steal my humanity, and I refuse to let it rob me of my optimism.
Stay strong everyone, and enjoy the 250th as best you can, as most of us won't be here for the 300th.
Hope you have a lovely day today, Jeff, as well as some good food someone else cooks for you. :) We've never had a July4th barbecue/cook out. Not for lack of patriotism - we're both Naturalized Citizens and deeply love this Country but July 4th to us always meant having to rescue terrified animals, sigh. We'd sometimes spend it at friends' homes where THEY cooked, but always hurrying home for the fur babies. Just the way it works once you make the choice to be a pet parent. As for those so lovely photos of Claudia - it's astonishing how relaxed a feeling they give me. I believe that's HER gift to you - and all of us. It's obvious she would NOT want you to be unhappy. Very special Lady.
"The founders opened the Declaration of Independence with the sentence that matters most, the one that comes before the grievances. Governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed. Not from a private equity office, a mansion, or a massive yacht. Not from a black robe or from a white sheet. Not from a six to three order signed at midnight. From “We the People.”
The Constitution cannot restrain this president. It is parchment and ink. What it can do, all it was ever meant to do, is divide power so that no one branch can seize it. Three branches, each built to check the other two, so that lawlessness in one would meet resistance in the others. That was the design. It is a good design. It requires only that the people running it do their jobs.
They didn’t. A feckless GOP-controlled Congress laid down its power of the purse. A captured Roberts Court handed him the agencies. Two branches that were built to stop a runaway executive instead cleared the road. The system did not break on its own. It has failed because people have abdicated their responsibility to defend the system.
The remedy the founders prescribed was never despair, and in 2026 it is not muskets. The remedy is the vote, which no shadow docket can quietly stay. The remedy is a free press, and in 2026 that means one too distributed to be bought, where the people write the grievances down and pass them hand to hand. The remedy is the freedom to assemble, so we are not alone with them.
Tomorrow the sky will light up. Families will gather and enjoy every minute, as they should. But do not mistake the fireworks for the point. The point was never the barbecue, the beverages, the sparklers. The point was the list. The point was the flat refusal to be ruled by a king of any kind, and least of all a corrupt, lawless, cruel one who happens to be a convicted felon."
Excellent, George. It's instructive and of course tragic to see how the conservatives have trashed the Constitution in order to retain power. The irony of how our origins have been subverted burns indeed.
Thank you. There’s no question they continue to devote themselves to concentrating wealth and consolidating power. They poured gasoline all over the system and billionaires lit the match.
The party of acquisition to the exclusion of all else. Power, influence, wealth, privilege, at the expense of compassion, tolerance, inclusivity, and the greater good. This is what we sought to escape. Instead we find ourselves back in a similar place.
Trump is a petty, petty little man. Even King George didn't spend time or treasure trying to convince his subjects he was the GREATEST KING of all time. "No one was ever a better king". King George spent his time fighting the French, suppressing rebellion in British colonies and other kingly matters.
Our guy organizes ridiculous events like a faux State Fair or a algea blooming swap.
The first sentence of the Declaration is one the current administration ought to pay attention to:
When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
Thank you Patrick. And my mind wanders with yours to the trail of tears, the horrors we’ve inflicted upon others, and the hope we can rise and together bend the long arc of the universe toward justice for all.
Took the opportunity to write our president at The White House to tell him he doesn’t own this day and we the people, the citizens and patriots of this country, will enjoy it in spite of him.
I did remind him of what he does own. January 6th, the Epstein Files and his past criminal and civil convictions.
Stay positive. Stay hydrated. Stay out of the heat. And, if you can, stay out of Washington, D.C. The air quality there today will be seriously unhealthy.
Love you and your cryptic , creative essays. Now, I have come to love hearing about and seeing photos of Claudia. I imagine a driving force and partner in your creativity.
Keep reminiscing and including your readers. Painful yes, but important
. The photo of Claudia in your warm, plant filled Winter season living room says it all.
The appropriate thing to do today is take a few minutes and read the Declaration of Independence. It's uncanny how many of the charges against King George III apply to Trump.
Since you began sharing Claudia with us I’ve been stricken by your taking so many opportunities to capture her in photographs just ‘being’ throughout your relationship. Your love for her is so evident. I mentioned this to my husband and I think he felt a bit guilty because he rarely takes my picture. I’m 76 now - I assured him that NO, I don’t want you to start now! 😩😆
Thank you for being by our sides through this debacle. ❤️
Happy fourth. I saw a funny meme with that last shot from Planet of the Apes where Heston is kneeling in the sand in front of the half-buried Statue of Liberty. The caption said AMERICA'S 251st ANNIVERSARY.
Let's hope it doesn't come to that. Tomorrow is another day.
I recommend everyone pick up a copy of Tad Stoermer's Resistance History at the local independent bookstore and read a little bit about what we might do in the future to save what's worth saving from this mess.
Interesting, I was just thinking of that last scene of the Planet of the Apes yesterday as I walked through the forest! That was one of the creepiest movies I ever saw. I was a young child and didn't quite understand what was going on, but that last scene always stuck with me.
Ya Dave, you’re right! And they’re grabbing their poop and throwing it at us so fast that all we’re managing to do is duct, and cover and groan without being able to manage a cohesive counter attack. We’re always on our heals thinking it can’t get any worse. And then it does.
Every day I read Substack. The one I never get tired of is this one. I have followed Jeff since he tweeted on the Old Twitter and then here. He made me laugh during my mourning when my husband passed, he made me laugh when I was going through Chemo and Radiation and he still makes me laugh one way or another everyday. If you’re offended by his wording, stop and think for a minute, of all the others his essays help.
I also discovered Jeff on old Twitter - waaaay back when it was the real Twitter. I only followed three people-Jeff, Greg Olear, and Lakota Man. Greg made me think more deeply, Lakota Man made me feel more deeply BUT Jeff made me LAUGH more deeply! Laughter is the best medicine!
Perfect Gail! And along with laughter, ridicule is the best weapon against the tyrants. And Jeff is a master at both. Jeff is one of the reasons I look forward to the day Instead of dreading it.
I just want to jump into that cozy living room! As always, I love the pics of Mrs. Spouse. Happy 4th everyone! Maybe, by the 300th, this country will have its shit together
Stephanie, I love your positive thinking and Im trying real hard to match it and that’s hard; but, every little bit of positivity helps so I thank you.
I'm in mourning. Seriously. How can Americans possibly think of celebrating 'National Pride' with this gold-plated pile of ...poop, wearing a tin crown, and committing treason every 30 seconds? And putting his face, name, and hideous esthetics all over every damned thing?
Or maybe I'm just grumpy because it's 110° and I have a migraine.
Nah, it's trump. I'm wearing black and looking forward to a long nap.(I know from years of experience that my neighbors will have a truckload of fireworks to set off - not out of any particular patriotism, they just love fireworks.)
An antidote today is the Parade of Tall Ships in NY Harbor: beautiful ships from various countries, as well as an air show that includes other countries' flights (France sent the team that does the red, white, and blue jet trails). Packed with spectators.
It's a complete success, organized and executed by Sail4th250.
Joyce, I saw a flyover over I believe New York in the last day or two and it was our B-2 bomber with two strange looking swept back winged jets on either side that didn’t look like any U.S. jets that I’ve ever seen. In fact, they looked like Russian jets. I hope that’s not the case. Does anyone know if those are our jets? They looked big enough to be bombers as opposed to fighter jets. I hope we’re not cavorting with Putin and Russia, our enemy, while Putin is busily bombing the Ukrainians, our ally.
The admiral who was doing commentary and identifications on NBC said the various aircraft were US, France, United Arab Emirates, Canada, and Germany--the last might have been the ones accompanying the B-2, if I'm remembering correctly. Definitely nothing from Russia in any of the ships and planes.
this is the fourth year I have posted this Independence Day message — and every year, the job ahead of us gets harder. but fight we must. hope your 4th is a good one, everyone
"There's some good in this world. And it's worth fighting for!" --Sam Gamgee, The Two Towers, Peter Jackson's movie version
🙏🏼for this - it’s a gorgeous morning here in my little corner of the provinces
Refuse Fascism is holding an event at Ala Moana Park today- they advise everyone to bring water.
Not in Ala Moana, Waikiki, I take it
Nice Doc!
The most appropriate quote for THIS 4th I’ve seen… thx
And to you, Jeff. Let's hope that 250 is just another number, and maybe we can really celebrate the 251st or 253rd anniversary.
This is another “first” Jeff. Do something for you. Read you later ❤️🩹.
I appreciate it and appreciate you, Jeff.
Remember, I'm in Italy on vacation.
I literally just told the front desk lady this like 10 minutes ago. "I know it's fourth of July and stuff and I'm clearly American, but to be clear, I fucking hate our leader and so does the majority of our country." She was like, "I know. We hate him too. The world does." She's my friend. Heh..
I then apologized for the language and she said, "No need."
Everyone is feeling the same....we need to stay positive and fight back. What scares me is that I don't see the fight in people. They seem to be just rolling with whatever comes......I say the day the Dam will break will be Voting Day in November and the few days following. We might have to really fight!!
You're not looking in the right places. DON'T worry - it's there. It was there last night in an Opera House in the heart of Philadelphia (the oldest one, I believe?) where some of our usual hosts from MSNow hosted a PACKED full house of people of ALL shades, sizes and ages to talk about the dangers and what to do: Rachel Maddow~who admits to being terrified onstage yet does an admirable job and is FUNNY...Jen Psaki~far 'looser' but even more divulgent of her years in the White House and Ali Velshi who got roaring applause (he now has the 11th hour show replacing Stephanie Ruehl who moved to a morning gig). Ali did THE most amazing and factual breakdown of how this America was formed: Thomas Jefferson finalizing the words: 'we hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal' WHILE his 14yr old 'property' of a slave who couldn't read helped him get ready. Ali told more about that young boy purchasing his freedom with the help of a Doctor, going on to marry and raise a family. He told ALL about the continuation of racism right up to today. The audience loved every second of his so-forceful listing of how WE came about and how badly it was done, showing photos of an elderly black woman who simply wanted to walk again across the Edmund Pettis Bridge (where she'd had here head broken decades earlier), now being pushed in a wheelchair at over 100(!) by our first Black President. She died 3 months later. There were so many other incredible moments: Gwen Ifyll (still don't know if I'm spelling her name correctly, but she's magnificent). WE the People turned out in that place on a HOT July 3rd to help save our Country. They're not alone. I'm sure there's a video somewhere of it? And of Nicolle Wllace's terrific interview of Jack Smith the day before. WE the People are fighting back, just as Minesotans did. Some of us will be murdered, no doubt. Are we ready for that outcome?
I tuned into that show. Everyone was terrific. Sherrilyn Ifill for Supreme Court!!
Marlene - it was magnifique! and YOU are equally so to gently correct my mangling of this brilliant woman's name. I seem to be sticking the 'y' into her surname instead of where it belongs. Hopefully I'll remember from now on! Agree - she should be on Scotus!
Elizabeth, her cousin was Gwen, who was an outstanding reporter for NPR and PBS for so many years. She died way too young of breast and endometrial cancers at the age of 61.
JEFF YOU ARE A NATIONAL TREASURE!
And now for something completely different. Some of us subscribe to the Wonkette substack, which is ALWAYS FREE TO READ. The subscription monies support Wonkette. Its motto includes the phrase "You CAN handle the truth!". I am begging all good people who have $12 a year to spare to please, please go over to Wonkette and subscribe for ONE DOLLAR PER MONTH. If enough enlightened, intelligent, empathetic people do this, you will help to save a beloved voice in the truth-telling business that I think has been around since 2011, if not longer. Can't do one dollar a month? How about $6/year? Jeff will attest to what I am saying, if you do not believe me.
PLEASE HELP KEEP WONKETTE ALIVE. Thank you so much and enjoy your holiday.
I, for one, am very grateful to have your perspective to take the edge off the pain, anxiety, irritation, and fear this administration engenders in all of us!
Thank YOU!
We’re bbq”ing and giving the dog calming chew treats. It worked really well last night
Which ones do you use if you don't mind my asking? I've tried various ones - those he likes the best (and takes without question) have hemp and I call his 'greenies'. My elderly dog must be losing his hearing since he doesn't react to any of the noise but it takes a good long while before the melatonin/hemp relaxes Luka even a bit - and I can't overdose him. He gets SO frantic, even peeing in his crate just to get out of it - but can't find another place to hide (he usually loves his crate - it's 'his space'.) I'm hoping those around here ran out of their fireworks last night (past midnight) - so hopefully they'll settle for the 'official' display down by the Patchogue water. It's far enough away not to drive Luka insane.
Have you tried a "thunder jacket?" It can be just an old t-shirt. We give our 2 heelers prescription calming pills from our vet and put their "bathrobes" on them at around 8:30 pm. We stay home with them because we simply won't leave them alone when they are exhibiting so much anxiety. The thunder jacket / bathrobe / t-shirts seem to have a profound calming effect.
Aww - I'm SO glad there are more people out there just like me, lol. I can't leave them alone either. We'd only occasionally go to a friend;s home for a very quiet barbecue and swim - mostly before Luka's advent into my life. Back Then I still had Kaya - the sweetest pup whose life was precrious due to a werd disease, plus all of 'her' kitties. When I got Koda, I tried wht you did - once he'd lost weight, bought him the original thundershirt which he tolerated but did nothing...so then creatd my own 'version' with an old and smalll sweatshirt (during the winter). When Luka arrived he'd rip at it as he does all fabrics: his towels, beds, etc. Koda is littler than him. I gues he didn't 'approve'? He's disintegrated his drying towel, ripping it apart until it's more holes than material, but still dragging it around. When I caught him actually EATING a piece of it the other day, out it went (into the garbage). He has others. Occasionally he allows me to drape him in one IN his bed but only for a few minutes and it must be on HIS terms. He's super intelligent and very, very stubburn. When groomers cut Koda's coat much too short, leaving HIM freezing in a particularly cold Winter with lots of ice and snow, I searched to find a 'suit' which also covered his legs. Luka wouldn't allow his 'brother' to be strapped into it. Something about the strange fabric between them? HE has no issues with racing around in the snow (where he vanishes) but then fully expects me to dry and warm him. My 'job', lol. I don't dare use that towel for any other purpose, though. It would work for most dogs - except this character of mine and I SO ap0reciate your input.
A friend gave them to me so I don’t know, but I’ll find out. My dog is presently under my bed because I only have one chew and I’m hoarding it until the evening gets really bad. Only a few have gone off but that’s enough to send her over the edge.
My little girlie scooted right behind me as I sat i n the kitchen nook. i was surprised that she didn't shake as she normally does. guess my butt heat was good enough for her. :)
Ha! He doesn't 'quite' do this (have always wanted to build a nook - have the perfect place for one which would work for me and the dogs...but Luka shakes too. He's on full alert when those 'bangs' begin, starts yelling/screaming, but when I pet him to soothe him, he's literally vibrating. SO awful to realize how much he's been through.
Aww, the poor wee girl. I SO hope it worked for her (it's now after 4 in the morning and I'm totally exhausted, having been dealing with the nonstop BANGS which sound as though we're at war right here and send Luka into a frenzy. I'd already given him 2 'greenies' a couple of hours apart which didn't do much at the time but he's now sleeping like a baby. We'd gotten him to go into the laundry room (with a direct open door to the outside when there was a brief lull, but the bangs began again so he raced in and HURLED himself at the full-glass door (an inside door, not a storm door), so hubby's afraid it'll end up shattered on the floor. Luka will only allow me to touch him when he's in this state ...spent most of the day squished under my legs AT my desktop (I'm in a computer armoire) so he's under the wheels of my chair with his long hair, so I can't move an inch for fear of running him over. He's VERY reactive to even the tiniest bit of pain, but I understand why. :'(
Thanks, Jeff. It very much helps that you continue to do this and project the voice of all of us.
Everywhere is scorching and I'm sitting in a freezing cold fog bank right now! Cold, cold, cold. We're so lucky here in San Francisco.
Happy birthday to me? https://roberteckert.substack.com/p/sestercentennial?r=88u93l&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
ETA: I suppose I should enclose at least a little content, "And of course, I cannot celebrate this as the 250th anniversary of the US, because the United States that I loved, the democratic constitutional republic that millions fought, bled, and died to pass down to us, died at 248 1/2, and I am doubtful whether it can be resurrected. The Presidency is vacant, the Congress has abdicated, and the Supreme Court is treasonous, which is to say that the Constitution is not operable any longer. Some think it is extreme to say so: but this is why I say that Donald Trump this time around is not a President..."
Jeff, I am seeing the cracks in MAGA. I am well and as I will turn 70 this year, I am actually in better physical, mental shape and financial shape and stronger than I was at 50. Over the years, we had times of financial stress and I learned frugality and the difference between wants and needs when I was forced to. This taught me valuable lessons that have made a huge difference since I retired. We are weathering the storm well, with enough to help out those less fortunate. If only we had Harris at POTUS, life would be very good indeed. But still, I refused to let MAGA steal my humanity, and I refuse to let it rob me of my optimism.
Stay strong everyone, and enjoy the 250th as best you can, as most of us won't be here for the 300th.
It’s my birthday 🎂 too
Happy birthday!
Hope you have a lovely day today, Jeff, as well as some good food someone else cooks for you. :) We've never had a July4th barbecue/cook out. Not for lack of patriotism - we're both Naturalized Citizens and deeply love this Country but July 4th to us always meant having to rescue terrified animals, sigh. We'd sometimes spend it at friends' homes where THEY cooked, but always hurrying home for the fur babies. Just the way it works once you make the choice to be a pet parent. As for those so lovely photos of Claudia - it's astonishing how relaxed a feeling they give me. I believe that's HER gift to you - and all of us. It's obvious she would NOT want you to be unhappy. Very special Lady.
I will be celebrating you and warriors like you who fight for us every day. Oh, and the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Little Big Horn.
We must continue to resist! Happy 4th of July, Jeff.
Happy 4th everyone…We WILL stay positive! (damn it! lol). Claudia looks very relaxed and beautiful! Thanks Jeff!
YEAH! What Tess said! 😂😂✌️
Happy 4th to you both! 🇺🇸❤️🤍💙
You too Susan! Charcuterie and a martini here. 👏👏👏👏👏 💙❤️✌️
Just a martini!🍸😎
I’ve missed you guys.
LOL!
Thanks Susan! Wine being consumed at the moment!
Hugs Tess. I didnt do one damned thing today-never left the house! I'm almost proud of myself! 😂😂😂
Thank you Jeff.
For the 250th -I released a new article, "Once Upon a Time We Fired a King" into the wild:
https://bomdia.substack.com/p/once-upon-a-time-we-fired-a-king?r=1p3r9&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Here's an excerpt:
"The founders opened the Declaration of Independence with the sentence that matters most, the one that comes before the grievances. Governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed. Not from a private equity office, a mansion, or a massive yacht. Not from a black robe or from a white sheet. Not from a six to three order signed at midnight. From “We the People.”
The Constitution cannot restrain this president. It is parchment and ink. What it can do, all it was ever meant to do, is divide power so that no one branch can seize it. Three branches, each built to check the other two, so that lawlessness in one would meet resistance in the others. That was the design. It is a good design. It requires only that the people running it do their jobs.
They didn’t. A feckless GOP-controlled Congress laid down its power of the purse. A captured Roberts Court handed him the agencies. Two branches that were built to stop a runaway executive instead cleared the road. The system did not break on its own. It has failed because people have abdicated their responsibility to defend the system.
The remedy the founders prescribed was never despair, and in 2026 it is not muskets. The remedy is the vote, which no shadow docket can quietly stay. The remedy is a free press, and in 2026 that means one too distributed to be bought, where the people write the grievances down and pass them hand to hand. The remedy is the freedom to assemble, so we are not alone with them.
Tomorrow the sky will light up. Families will gather and enjoy every minute, as they should. But do not mistake the fireworks for the point. The point was never the barbecue, the beverages, the sparklers. The point was the list. The point was the flat refusal to be ruled by a king of any kind, and least of all a corrupt, lawless, cruel one who happens to be a convicted felon."
Excellent, George. It's instructive and of course tragic to see how the conservatives have trashed the Constitution in order to retain power. The irony of how our origins have been subverted burns indeed.
Thank you. There’s no question they continue to devote themselves to concentrating wealth and consolidating power. They poured gasoline all over the system and billionaires lit the match.
The party of acquisition to the exclusion of all else. Power, influence, wealth, privilege, at the expense of compassion, tolerance, inclusivity, and the greater good. This is what we sought to escape. Instead we find ourselves back in a similar place.
Trump is a petty, petty little man. Even King George didn't spend time or treasure trying to convince his subjects he was the GREATEST KING of all time. "No one was ever a better king". King George spent his time fighting the French, suppressing rebellion in British colonies and other kingly matters.
Our guy organizes ridiculous events like a faux State Fair or a algea blooming swap.
Happy 4th everyone.
He is the king of debt and corruption.
Exceptional. Thank you.
Thank you Vicki.
And we need the remedies NOW! Great post George!
Thank you Tess!
Exactly!
The first sentence of the Declaration is one the current administration ought to pay attention to:
When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
Bravo, George! Very well-written--and so poignant on today, our country's 250th.
Thank you Michelle.
True dat George… my mind wanders to tribal lands, the ones wealthy-privileged white men stole on this day…but you nailed it!
Thank you Patrick. And my mind wanders with yours to the trail of tears, the horrors we’ve inflicted upon others, and the hope we can rise and together bend the long arc of the universe toward justice for all.
Yes...we just have never been a nice country.
True Marlene. Many, like us, aspire toward our potential to be a better one.
Masterful George!
Thank you Frank!
Excellent, George! Thank you and Happy 4th!
Thank you Gail.
Well stated. Thank you 😊🇺🇸
Thank you Hilary.
We need a Parliament!
Thank you so much for sharing this!
Thank you Beth. Grateful for all who read, like, and share!
Took the opportunity to write our president at The White House to tell him he doesn’t own this day and we the people, the citizens and patriots of this country, will enjoy it in spite of him.
I did remind him of what he does own. January 6th, the Epstein Files and his past criminal and civil convictions.
That’s concise and true and exactly all.
Bravo!!! Or Brava, if you prefer! Either way, right on!!! 👏🏻🇺🇸👏🏻
Stay positive. Stay hydrated. Stay out of the heat. And, if you can, stay out of Washington, D.C. The air quality there today will be seriously unhealthy.
Certainly tonight.
Went to the DC Stars women’s soccer game last night. It was unbearably hot, but enjoyed seeing my first professional soccer match.
Physicians have said that air quality will be bad for DAYS.
You’re right James. And it’s been unhealthy for quite a while now
And what about the masked "patriots", donning Nazi-like gear, showing up in DC today? Losers just like the fair!
Love you and your cryptic , creative essays. Now, I have come to love hearing about and seeing photos of Claudia. I imagine a driving force and partner in your creativity.
Keep reminiscing and including your readers. Painful yes, but important
. The photo of Claudia in your warm, plant filled Winter season living room says it all.
A loving cocoon.
Keep writing and including reflections
Inspirational for your readers
Totally agree about that living room (and the rest of your comment). Made me want to be adopted by Jeff and Claudia.
Get in line Jacqueline! And no cutting!
Well said!🥰
You and Ms. Spouse had the coziest of cozy places and filled it up with love and memories. Nice guitar!
The appropriate thing to do today is take a few minutes and read the Declaration of Independence. It's uncanny how many of the charges against King George III apply to Trump.
Daniel, that is really all citizens need. Read it follow it digest it then love it today. Our book assignment.
Nice assignment Daniel! I love it!
Ann Telnaes included this link to the entire document as it appears in the archives: https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript
I did, indeed, read the whole thing and found it both powerful and oh-so familiar. Déjà vu much, America?
Since you began sharing Claudia with us I’ve been stricken by your taking so many opportunities to capture her in photographs just ‘being’ throughout your relationship. Your love for her is so evident. I mentioned this to my husband and I think he felt a bit guilty because he rarely takes my picture. I’m 76 now - I assured him that NO, I don’t want you to start now! 😩😆
Thank you for being by our sides through this debacle. ❤️
I don’t like my picture taken- I’m either eating or doing what I don’t know….❤️
Happy 4th, everyone! May we all live to see the return of SANITY to this wonderful, diverse country.
Have the best day Ye can Jeff. I’m sure it’ll be hard on Ye without Claudia. (Lovely photos) Take Care
Happy fourth. I saw a funny meme with that last shot from Planet of the Apes where Heston is kneeling in the sand in front of the half-buried Statue of Liberty. The caption said AMERICA'S 251st ANNIVERSARY.
Let's hope it doesn't come to that. Tomorrow is another day.
I recommend everyone pick up a copy of Tad Stoermer's Resistance History at the local independent bookstore and read a little bit about what we might do in the future to save what's worth saving from this mess.
Interesting, I was just thinking of that last scene of the Planet of the Apes yesterday as I walked through the forest! That was one of the creepiest movies I ever saw. I was a young child and didn't quite understand what was going on, but that last scene always stuck with me.
Great flick - then they ruined it by coming out with about 5 more of them — and the Apes have definitely taken over
Ya Dave, you’re right! And they’re grabbing their poop and throwing it at us so fast that all we’re managing to do is duct, and cover and groan without being able to manage a cohesive counter attack. We’re always on our heals thinking it can’t get any worse. And then it does.
May this be the worst of 4ths to come. May we truly celebrate our Country on July 4, 2027 and well beyond. 🇺🇸
To David Healy
Every day I read Substack. The one I never get tired of is this one. I have followed Jeff since he tweeted on the Old Twitter and then here. He made me laugh during my mourning when my husband passed, he made me laugh when I was going through Chemo and Radiation and he still makes me laugh one way or another everyday. If you’re offended by his wording, stop and think for a minute, of all the others his essays help.
That’s all I ask.
I also discovered Jeff on old Twitter - waaaay back when it was the real Twitter. I only followed three people-Jeff, Greg Olear, and Lakota Man. Greg made me think more deeply, Lakota Man made me feel more deeply BUT Jeff made me LAUGH more deeply! Laughter is the best medicine!
Perfect Gail! And along with laughter, ridicule is the best weapon against the tyrants. And Jeff is a master at both. Jeff is one of the reasons I look forward to the day Instead of dreading it.
Well said Nightmaher!
I just want to jump into that cozy living room! As always, I love the pics of Mrs. Spouse. Happy 4th everyone! Maybe, by the 300th, this country will have its shit together
Stephanie, I love your positive thinking and Im trying real hard to match it and that’s hard; but, every little bit of positivity helps so I thank you.
Like Lord of the Rings — there is a chance
Believe me, Frank, I’m not as positive as I sound. But you know, “fake it til you make it” and all that!
Sometimes that’s what you’ve got to do. No shame there
I'm in mourning. Seriously. How can Americans possibly think of celebrating 'National Pride' with this gold-plated pile of ...poop, wearing a tin crown, and committing treason every 30 seconds? And putting his face, name, and hideous esthetics all over every damned thing?
Or maybe I'm just grumpy because it's 110° and I have a migraine.
Nah, it's trump. I'm wearing black and looking forward to a long nap.(I know from years of experience that my neighbors will have a truckload of fireworks to set off - not out of any particular patriotism, they just love fireworks.)
Stay cool, my friends!
An antidote today is the Parade of Tall Ships in NY Harbor: beautiful ships from various countries, as well as an air show that includes other countries' flights (France sent the team that does the red, white, and blue jet trails). Packed with spectators.
It's a complete success, organized and executed by Sail4th250.
Joyce, I saw a flyover over I believe New York in the last day or two and it was our B-2 bomber with two strange looking swept back winged jets on either side that didn’t look like any U.S. jets that I’ve ever seen. In fact, they looked like Russian jets. I hope that’s not the case. Does anyone know if those are our jets? They looked big enough to be bombers as opposed to fighter jets. I hope we’re not cavorting with Putin and Russia, our enemy, while Putin is busily bombing the Ukrainians, our ally.
The admiral who was doing commentary and identifications on NBC said the various aircraft were US, France, United Arab Emirates, Canada, and Germany--the last might have been the ones accompanying the B-2, if I'm remembering correctly. Definitely nothing from Russia in any of the ships and planes.