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
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!
"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.
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.
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.
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. ❤️
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.
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.
Nice Doc!
This is another “first” Jeff. Do something for you. Read you later ❤️🩹.
And to you, Jeff. Let's hope that 250 is just another number, and maybe we can really celebrate the 251st or 253rd anniversary.
I appreciate it and appreciate you, Jeff.
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
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
Happy 4th everyone…We WILL stay positive! (damn it! lol). Claudia looks very relaxed and beautiful! Thanks Jeff!
YEAH! What Tess said! 😂😂✌️
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.
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.
Well stated. Thank you 😊🇺🇸
Thank you Hilary.
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.
Masterful George!
Thank you Frank!
Bravo, George! Very well-written--and so poignant on today, our country's 250th.
Thank you Michelle.
Excellent, George! Thank you and Happy 4th!
Thank you Gail.
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.
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
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.
Nice assignment Daniel! I love it!
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.
Happy 4th, everyone! May we all live to see the return of SANITY to this wonderful, diverse country.
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….❤️
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!
May this be the worst of 4ths to come. May we truly celebrate our Country on July 4, 2027 and well beyond. 🇺🇸
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
Happy 4th, Jeff and everybody. Try not to start any fires.