“I think it is a retribution presidency.” ~ John Bolten, August 2025
Resistance x2: Not on our watch!
Two, frankly, inspiring conversations from The Contrarian. Jen Rubin gets the legal (non)basis for Trump’s use of National Guard and federal officers in DC from former general counsel of the FBI, Andrew Weissman. Then Maryland Governor Wes Moore shares his response should Trump try to federalize the MD Guard. In a word, “No.” He’s also signed a bill banning book-banning in the state!
Podcast, The Contrarian, Aug. 16, 2025
Music to Keep on Marching By
A new two-volume album of original Woodie Guthrie songs has just been released. It includes some never heard till now. We’ve been including a song to march by in the monthly DAGR newsletter this year. Dan Rather got us started, and we thought, yeah, good idea! The sign on Guthrie’s guitar tells it all: This Machine Kills Fascists.
The Contrarian weekly wrap-up, Aug 16, 2025
How the U.S. Just Handed the Renewable Future to China
Ferrell usually doesn’t go political. He sticks to the science. But this one combines the two, because the WH has abandoned science in favor of insider trading and other grifts. Will the US now fall behind in renewable tech?
Matt Ferrell, Undecided, Aug 18, 2025
Is the Conservative Map Expanding? Not on Joe Kennedy’s Watch
Joe Kennedy talks with Marc Elias about why formerly steady Dem districts have been sliding Republican. This talk is NOT about gerrymandering but about the party not ‘solving problems’ that voters face. Video 47 minutes and worth every one!
Democracy Docket, YouTube, Aug 20, 2025
Wrap Up on Authoritarian Take-Over Trump-Style
This installment catches the day more National Guard are called to patrol cities, a political opponent’s home is raided, the intelligence experts charged with ferreting out foreign influence in US affairs are cut, and the village idiot fires the director of the DIA. The ‘read more’ section at the end is almost as long as the column itself. Both are credible and on-point as usual.
Heather Cox Richardson, Letters from an American, Aug 22, 2025