20 Comments

So if Musk has access to the Treasury payment system, that doesn't mean he can out spies and other classified individuals keeping us safe to his buddy Putin, right? They talk about the deep state and adore dictators, I think its safe to assume that's what's going on. Seems like all fire power and pressure should be focused on Congress to stop him while they still can.

Expand full comment

Thomas, thank you for your urgent call to arms! Our government is ripe for a take over -- and even so-called Democrats are looking like they'll simply wait out another catostrophic (though much worse) four years.

The obvious conclusion to Trump's hostile take over of our vital institutions is his claiming powers to control the presidency beyond January 2o28.

We are seeing the early efforts to steal our republic. This is NO time to wait and watch!

I will keep reading and am ready to help. Thank you

Expand full comment

Then, as feared, Musk has begun a coup, an overthrow of our government. I pray that I am wrong.

Expand full comment

There are at least six remedies that could potentially halt a hostile takeover of our federal government. These include:

1. Administrative Procedure Act (APA): Allows for judicial review of federal agency actions that are arbitrary or capricious, ensuring transparent rule making.

2. National Security Act: Protects classified information and can be invoked against unauthorized access to such information.

3. Privacy Act of 1974: Governs the protection of personal information by federal agencies and provides individuals with rights over their data.

4. Inspector General Act: Establishes independent oversight in federal agencies to prevent fraud, waste, and abuse—though it is worth noting that Trump has dismissed several inspectors general perhaps in anticipation of his questionable actions.

5. Whistleblower Protection Act: Safeguards federal employees who disclose violations or mismanagement within government agencies. Trump has threatened to fire any whistleblowers.

6. Ant deficiency Act: Prohibits federal agencies from overspending their appropriations and can be used to challenge unauthorized financial actions.

Collectively, these legal frameworks could prevent Trump and his entourage from undermining our country's democratic foundations and integrity. However, Trump now owns most of the necessary agencies. Our elected officials gave them to him. Let us hope we can still vote in the midterm!

Expand full comment

This article by Jay Kuo is a great explanation of the 4 roles for fighting back, who is & should do what:, and why: https://open.substack.com/pub/statuskuo/p/is-somebody-doing-something?r=3ht54r

Expand full comment

Someone in congress needs to stop Musk immediately. Don't see how anyone in any party thinks what he is doing is ok.

Expand full comment

As 1 pointed out here, the time for action was in November, VOTE, your vote chould have prevented this. Cause 12% didn't vote, we got what we are getting.

Expand full comment

The thing to do was vote. The GOP now owns every branch of federal government and has a perceived mandate from the people by winning the popular vote. All your calls to representatives and protests in the street won’t accomplish a damned thing.

Look around you. Your neighbors, colleagues, and friends chose this.

Expand full comment

You know Dan, your cynicism is comparable to Howard's. And I will do my best to counteract it.

It's nothing personal, but we must be together to overcome this incredible menace to America.

Expand full comment

"Put the BRAKES on them now;" they've had more breaks than they ever deserve.

Expand full comment

Can you please send your excellent column to NC newspapers as a Letter to the Editor? Really TIRED of seeing John Hood every week!

Expand full comment

I cut the N&O loose for that reason.

Expand full comment

Contacted all my state representatives this morning; Budd, Thillis and Rouzer. Not super confident that they will do anything, but feel now is the time to flood these guys with opposition.

Expand full comment

Completely agree; I phoned in the same message to my rep this weekend. But what about the Republicans? THEY need to act too!!!

Expand full comment

Can you put out some good numbers we can call? I e tried calling senators, house and senate finance committee #s and cannot get through. Emails do not go through either. I keep get the round and round wheel, then it times out. Responding to town hall idea. Yes! ASAP! We need the hackers to be apprehended immediately.

Expand full comment

This is a planned event for Raleigh tomorrow:

https://www.mobilize.us/bullcityindivisiblenc/event/752730/

Expand full comment

Ok. Well we are finding that the Budd and Tillis voicemails are barely audible and garbled.

FINALLY I reached someone someone who has some level of 'say' in Foushee's DC office.

Today I spoke to legislative aide Sarah. As with Hunter/Sammy in the office, she has an 👌 sense of humor. When I asked her if her name was with an H or A. She said H, 'for that is the correct way'.

She also took very seriously my suggestion (which I believe one of you posed) to conduct a town hall. Sarah said that is an excellent idea and she will immediately relay that to the communications director and their team.

Expand full comment

I should say I cut and pasted from a different forum so the townhall idea came from elsewhere.

Expand full comment

Thank you! Hope to see you there.

Expand full comment

Well she has to announce it! You're welcome to call DC and also suggest the idea.

Expand full comment