Great article - and I agree. I have some close friends and family who are Trump supporters. And they are lovely people (that I can’t talk politics with).
One of my favorite signs from the protests was something like - “when cruelty becomes normal, compassion seems radical” - that repeated in my head a few times as I was reading this.
Doing the right thing is rarely the easy thing. I admire your journalistic integrity, Mr. Moran, and have for some time. I had not seen your colleague’s photo of the interaction between Tina Smith snd Mike Lee and am grateful you shared. The body language does not portray a “kumbaya” moment for Lee, however, who knows if Smith may have provided him with food for thought that will temper his future responses to sensitive situations. We must all honor our morals and guts and be fearless in engaging with others who hold different beliefs because we must find a way to coexist peacefully.
This was talked about in a discussion group with friends. We’ve acknowledged politics as a trigger point so that in particular is not discussed. Why? What difference does it make? Is it worth losing friends or family? The point is, when people, myself included, are not happy, angry inside about something, feeling no joy, there’s something in us that makes us feel cheated or left out and envious of those who are joyful, caring, content and compassionate. So, we want to lash out. We want others to be miserable, also. But strength will hold us back. Weakness will let it fly unless we are strong enough to stop and think; do I want to be the kind of person others enjoy being with or the kind of person I would avoid?
I hear Barbra Streisand in my head singing ‘People’ 🤦🏼♀️😁, but we really do need each other ❤️
You feel safe among these friends probably because your life and that of your family and friends are not being threatened. So you can all agree to not talk about the tough stuff.
Are there any recent immigrants who are people of color in your circle of friends? Any LGBTQIA+ folks who dare to live their lives boldly? Any friends who have minor children that are facing blocked medical care because they are trans? Any family members who have been denied decent healthcare as they experienced miscarriages or sought an abortion? Do you personally know anyone who has been mistreated by the police or immigration officials? Know any government workers who have lost their jobs because of capricious firings by DOGE and the current regime? Do you know anyone who has been physically harmed, threatened or harassed by people who should show human decency and uphold the basic tenets of our Constitution that say we are all have the right to life, liberty and the persuit of happiness?
Maybe if you, your family and friends had to face threats to your lives, something other than Barbra Streisand would be humming through your brain and you would not be so dismissively polite in agreeing to not discuss what is happening in our country just because it would affect your relationships. Those are either some shallow friendships or you are probably afraid of what those "friends" could do to you and the people you truly care about. Humming Streisand won't save those relationships if you are avoiding dealing with the vitriol and cruelty being done by folks who should be upholding the ideals of our Constitution. That's why I applaud Senator Smith for talking directly to Senator Lee about how his words pose a harm to her and everyone else. It shouldn't take the deaths and injuries of other politicians for folks to call out people who promote hate. Ignoring hate doesn't make it go away. Neither does humming Barbra, despite her beautiful voice and the powerful words of that song.
Are those people friends or are you codependents? What makes a friend? Usefulness? Proximity? Shared values? I believe people are deciding not only what is worth their time, presence, energy and money but also who is worth that to them and why. I believe that is what we are seeing.
Some people choose to be friends with people they do not share beliefs with, some don’t. Some require common core values and some don’t. Some are satisfied with a common trauma bond or a distraction and some aren’t. We can forgive but choose not to befriend a perceived enemy and we can forgive and have a conditional relationship and call that a friendship.
I definitely agree with Senator Lee’s approach, and her respectfulness in doing so. Throwing hate around only spreads it. But you’re way off base with your assumptions. I can say ‘yes’ to some of your above questions and ‘yes’ on behalf of friends and family to other questions. As a matter of fact, as a group, we can put a check mark by most, not all, but most of your questions. This commonality is partially what drew us together.
There should be a chasm, because "their votes brought this man into power." And, Trump should have been arrested and jailed because he is a traitor and a criminal. He planned and participated in an Insurrection in which 140 police officers were badly hurt and five ended up dying (including those who committed suicide). And, now, he has pardoned all the domestic terrorists who committed those crimes.
My question is whether you support this, and what about your lovely Trump-supporting friends? Do you and they support Project 2025, which Trump is following in order to destroy our democracy and create an imperialistic presidency? Do you know that all of this was planned by Kevin Roberts, CEO of the Heritage Foundation and mastermind of Project 2025. And, it is funded by people like Leonard Leo, Chair of the Federalist Society, who has spent 30 years changing our judicial system, and he stacked SCOTUS with six conservative Catholic justices, so they would overturn Roe v Wade, among other things. In 2021, he was given $1.6 billion dollars to extend his reach, and he wishes to criminalize abortions throughout the country, and birth control as well. And, according to Roberts, JD Vance is a leader of their movement.
I am providing this information, because I have been stunned by what I have read by Terry, and in your comments. And, I promise not to return here. But, I want to ask you if this is the country in which you want to live? Will you feel the same way when Trump sends troops to your city as he has sent to mine? Because if you do, then continue to believe that neither you nor your lovely Trump-loving friends will be at fault, when they take away your Social Security money, and your Medicare, and arrest the people you love.
Right, they should not be forgiven for exercising their constitutional right to vote for a candidate supported by the majority of its citizens. We really should only allow intellectuals like Eva Porter the right to vote. She knows with 100% conviction what’s best for all of us.
I had a similar experience with a friend. After she barraged me with emails saying horrible things about George Floyd, the penny dropped, and I realized that her negative comments about President Obama when he was president were less about politics and more about race. It was not possible to have a rational conversation with her, so we too stopped talking.
I've stopped talking with 2 long time female friends. I'm sad but I can't risk my mental health dealing with the personas they revealed when mr trump came back in '24.
#45 and #47 gave the ok to the underbelly of America that cruelty and bigotry to marginalized groups of people was now ok. tRump didn’t create these ppl or their depraved mentality, he just okayed them to remove their masks. Except for ICE. They still need them.
I can appreciate those on the left extending the olive branch to MAGA friends and fam. With #47, I find doing such next to impossible unless it is strictly work related. Politics, federal civil services, and how our government operates affects every person in this country. How the right and the left socialize without something related to everyday life in America coming up that is not influenced by something political is beyond me. Maybe I’m just used to something a little more deep than shallow conversation. Those are reserved for work.
I know the feeling. My cousin has always been a Republican but his wife is so much more outspoken. I was shocked when, at a family function, she said she wants all the "illegals" out. Who does she think cleans the rooms of the resorts they stay at? My cousin and I used to talk Politics and disagree but since Trump, it's no longer possible.
Yes, there are some things that cannot be relegated to the "agree to disagree" column, racism is one of those. I to have a few friends that support trump, I will never understand it, but I can respect their choice. However, if they ever expressed bigoted beliefs that friendship would be over.
Use/share this spreadsheet as a resource to call/email/write members of Congress, the Cabinet and news organizations. Reach out to those in your own state, as well as those in others. Use your voice and make some “good trouble” ❤️🩹🤍💙
Well, yes, all good, Megan, but I also think what Terry Moran has to say here is what I plan to work on as well. My nice neighbor, who voted for Trump, could use a hand across the great divide. We’ll see, but I’m up for it.
If everyday just a miniscule 100 people reach out to someone like you are, then our country changes for the better, one person at a time. They don't need to become Democrats. If they become critical thinkers, mission accomplished. That goes for all of us too.
I agree. Last year I slipped on ice and broke my ankle. Six months later I fell off my ebike and shattered my wrist. Who brought me flowers and put chicken salad in my fridge then followed up with rides? My Trump voting friends. And we all know that politically we have divergent view points. But they showed up. I will remember their compassion.
This is what people tell me to do… however, when Mike Lee is one of your Senators (as he is mine), it is so disheartening. The only one I ever hear from is our junior Senator, John Curtis, who actually showed a modicum of class, writing the other day, “…There is no justification - ever - for political violence… Violence doesn’t just harm individuals-it erodes trust in our democracy and tears at the values that hold this country together.”
I mean, was that so hard to write? I’m sure Mike Lee has someone in his office who could have come up with something similar.
PLEASE VOTE HIM OUT!!! He also wants to sell of 120 MILLION acres of public land. Do you imagine he has some deal in the works??? It includes 11 western states (except Montana, apparently that A hole is in on the deal). Imagine not being able to hunt, fish, hike, camp on OUR public lands because they are sold off!
Are you from Utah? If you saw the land he wants to sell off you would die. It includes popular recreation areas that even the staunchest of MAGAts would probably be upset about. (Am I talking too much on this comment thread? I hope not. I’m really interested in what people are saying here and literally have no one in Utah to talk to about these things.)
No, Colorado and before that South Dakota. In CO it's almost 4 million acres. Luckily my Senators are Democrats and are NOT for the big UGLY bill at all! I believe you that is includes beautiful recreation areas. I've driven through Utah many times and love it! (I'm thinking of Robert Redford's area too, of course!).
all of these support small businesses that will be gone if the land goes to the oil and lumber industries which is probably what will happen - the total amount was 3.5 million acres and then Lee and the senator Danes from MT added 1.5 million more! That's why MT was left out of this piece. They added the additional land last night hoping no one would notice. BTW the first 3.5 million is about the size of Connecticut and is in many more states. Start calling and writing. Former Sen Tester was on Heather Cox Robinson last week talking about this.
I don’t think we’ll see many big waves (like a major MAGA Congress member changing their opinions), however I think we can cause little ripples. I’m thinking staff members who hear the same thing over and over via voicemail, phone calls, letter after letter, email after email - maybe they’ll be a little more receptive each time they hear from us. Maybe they’ll talk more about our talking points to friends and family, maybeeee they’ll vote differently (if we get to vote again). I think we can cause ripples to push news organizations to be more honest and maybe even a bit accusatory about what’s happening. As a collective, our volume matters. And, at the end of the day, if we just annoy and overwhelm some staffers working for people hurting the average American, I’m ok with that too 🙃
Exactly and the fact is it is their job to answer their constituents. I do not care who I annoy, if a person chooses to work for immoral elected officials, that is on them. It is volume as you say. It all has to be counted and is.
I have one like that and I still call every week and email at least 2 times per week. It does not mater if they respond, just keep up it up and speak your mind. they want you to lose heart, please do not!!!!
Yes! I always heard from Romney and I always hear back from Curtis. I never hear back from my representative, Mike Kennedy either. Our system for electing these guys sucks, and it’s complete cronyism in Utah. Our governor has completely lost his mind and turned into a stumper for Trump. I’m in awe about what has happened to our country.
I do this 3 times a week at least and call. Rep Congressman never responds to anything directly, but I still keep at it. Thankfully here in AZ, we have amazing Senators Mark Kelly and Reuben Gallegos, but still call with concerns.
You're fortunate to have those well-respected Senators. I've been stuck for years with Cruz and Cornyn who seems more reasonable but he'll be threatened next election by Paxton who was impeached but sadly not convicted by his "peers". When I moved to Texas 50 years ago, Texans soon elected a smart, liberal governor in the great Ann Richards but that didn't last. The present governor thinks like mr. trump and wants to be governor for life.
I feel badly for you, Cruz-ugh total sell out and your governor..shameful It took years but AZ turned blue even with the tons of MAGA folks here. Governor, Attorney General who is amazing, Secretary of State and Phoenix Mayor, Hopefully that will stand.
Beautiful article. We can't control how others behave, yet we are certainly responsible for our own responses and how we show up. You can't out-mean mean. Mean is mean whether it's red or blue. And there is always middle ground. We need to look for it. So much at stake these days. BTW, I repeatedly write to MO senate and congress and zero response. More events like Saturday so that we can remind the "leaders" that they work for us. I have to add, kudos to Senator Tina Smith for having the courage and vulnerability to have the conversation in a calm, honest way. Better to talk to than talk about.
But yet they voted for this cruelty. They knew who he was. He's shown his hate, his racism, his sheer delight in punching down, for many years. If they voted for him in 2016 and STILL voted for him in 2024, they didnt learn anything. They CHOSE cruelty and hate. They don't get a pass from me. They've shown who THEY are by voting for this....person.
I feel the same way, I tolerate maga coworkers because I have to but outside of that and that includes family, anyone who voted for him is irrelevant to me. I want nothing to do with them.
I have talked carefully with many neighbors. I'm surrounded by so many that only voted blindly with their hands over their hearts.
Some are oblivious still. Some are coming around because they feel a sense of betrayal and guilt because you-know-who isn't who they just thought would be "republican".
They are the ones I plant gentle seeds of reality in. I suggest places like Groundnews, as a safe place to get good Information from. Anything to get them away from FOX.
I back off strategically after giving incredulous questions and statements about you-know-who. Planting doubts.
It has been difficult to watch the slow steady decline of decency in this country. When I think back to the early political scandals of the 90’s and 00’s they seem like such trivial moments in time. But they got the ball rolling - and it has been gaining speed exponentially to the point where people can and do say anything they want not only with complete disregard for the feelings of others but as you’ve said to actually demean, debase and dehumanize (and any other de word) fellow Americans. It sickens me to the core. And we are raising a generation of young people where this is normal. There may be no going back to goodness. But I take heart from how you’ve been treated and hope we all take the time to appreciate everyone who shows us common courtesy and in the increasingly rarer instances of genuine kindness and consideration we say thank you.
Great article - and I agree. I have some close friends and family who are Trump supporters. And they are lovely people (that I can’t talk politics with).
One of my favorite signs from the protests was something like - “when cruelty becomes normal, compassion seems radical” - that repeated in my head a few times as I was reading this.
Doing the right thing is rarely the easy thing. I admire your journalistic integrity, Mr. Moran, and have for some time. I had not seen your colleague’s photo of the interaction between Tina Smith snd Mike Lee and am grateful you shared. The body language does not portray a “kumbaya” moment for Lee, however, who knows if Smith may have provided him with food for thought that will temper his future responses to sensitive situations. We must all honor our morals and guts and be fearless in engaging with others who hold different beliefs because we must find a way to coexist peacefully.
Mike Lee, we are all here for a short time and all deserve our space. I think you need to say to yourself, “There but for the grace of God go I.”
One more thing, if I was your wife, partner, SO, your clothes would be cut up and on the front lawn.
If I was his wife, they would already be on the lawn
And burning!
And I'd be proud and grateful that I'd found a thoughtful soul to spend my life with.
But she’s leaving the Senate because the fear is too strong. We need leaders to stay.
Yes, we do need our leaders to stay.
This is a time of peril and of crisis, and we all need to stay the course of endurance, patience, and courage — together.
She was planning to leave before this weekends tragic events,
She got Al Frankens hard fought seat. Too many Democrats are giving up and quitting their seats.
Sadly I don't think Lee eats real food. He's too busy eating vitriolic stuff he laps up from Trump's leftovers.
The gentle cords of love binding humans together
This was talked about in a discussion group with friends. We’ve acknowledged politics as a trigger point so that in particular is not discussed. Why? What difference does it make? Is it worth losing friends or family? The point is, when people, myself included, are not happy, angry inside about something, feeling no joy, there’s something in us that makes us feel cheated or left out and envious of those who are joyful, caring, content and compassionate. So, we want to lash out. We want others to be miserable, also. But strength will hold us back. Weakness will let it fly unless we are strong enough to stop and think; do I want to be the kind of person others enjoy being with or the kind of person I would avoid?
I hear Barbra Streisand in my head singing ‘People’ 🤦🏼♀️😁, but we really do need each other ❤️
You feel safe among these friends probably because your life and that of your family and friends are not being threatened. So you can all agree to not talk about the tough stuff.
Are there any recent immigrants who are people of color in your circle of friends? Any LGBTQIA+ folks who dare to live their lives boldly? Any friends who have minor children that are facing blocked medical care because they are trans? Any family members who have been denied decent healthcare as they experienced miscarriages or sought an abortion? Do you personally know anyone who has been mistreated by the police or immigration officials? Know any government workers who have lost their jobs because of capricious firings by DOGE and the current regime? Do you know anyone who has been physically harmed, threatened or harassed by people who should show human decency and uphold the basic tenets of our Constitution that say we are all have the right to life, liberty and the persuit of happiness?
Maybe if you, your family and friends had to face threats to your lives, something other than Barbra Streisand would be humming through your brain and you would not be so dismissively polite in agreeing to not discuss what is happening in our country just because it would affect your relationships. Those are either some shallow friendships or you are probably afraid of what those "friends" could do to you and the people you truly care about. Humming Streisand won't save those relationships if you are avoiding dealing with the vitriol and cruelty being done by folks who should be upholding the ideals of our Constitution. That's why I applaud Senator Smith for talking directly to Senator Lee about how his words pose a harm to her and everyone else. It shouldn't take the deaths and injuries of other politicians for folks to call out people who promote hate. Ignoring hate doesn't make it go away. Neither does humming Barbra, despite her beautiful voice and the powerful words of that song.
Are those people friends or are you codependents? What makes a friend? Usefulness? Proximity? Shared values? I believe people are deciding not only what is worth their time, presence, energy and money but also who is worth that to them and why. I believe that is what we are seeing.
Some people choose to be friends with people they do not share beliefs with, some don’t. Some require common core values and some don’t. Some are satisfied with a common trauma bond or a distraction and some aren’t. We can forgive but choose not to befriend a perceived enemy and we can forgive and have a conditional relationship and call that a friendship.
If you cant talk politics with them, their loveliness is diminished
I definitely agree with Senator Lee’s approach, and her respectfulness in doing so. Throwing hate around only spreads it. But you’re way off base with your assumptions. I can say ‘yes’ to some of your above questions and ‘yes’ on behalf of friends and family to other questions. As a matter of fact, as a group, we can put a check mark by most, not all, but most of your questions. This commonality is partially what drew us together.
There should be a chasm, because "their votes brought this man into power." And, Trump should have been arrested and jailed because he is a traitor and a criminal. He planned and participated in an Insurrection in which 140 police officers were badly hurt and five ended up dying (including those who committed suicide). And, now, he has pardoned all the domestic terrorists who committed those crimes.
My question is whether you support this, and what about your lovely Trump-supporting friends? Do you and they support Project 2025, which Trump is following in order to destroy our democracy and create an imperialistic presidency? Do you know that all of this was planned by Kevin Roberts, CEO of the Heritage Foundation and mastermind of Project 2025. And, it is funded by people like Leonard Leo, Chair of the Federalist Society, who has spent 30 years changing our judicial system, and he stacked SCOTUS with six conservative Catholic justices, so they would overturn Roe v Wade, among other things. In 2021, he was given $1.6 billion dollars to extend his reach, and he wishes to criminalize abortions throughout the country, and birth control as well. And, according to Roberts, JD Vance is a leader of their movement.
I am providing this information, because I have been stunned by what I have read by Terry, and in your comments. And, I promise not to return here. But, I want to ask you if this is the country in which you want to live? Will you feel the same way when Trump sends troops to your city as he has sent to mine? Because if you do, then continue to believe that neither you nor your lovely Trump-loving friends will be at fault, when they take away your Social Security money, and your Medicare, and arrest the people you love.
Right, they should not be forgiven for exercising their constitutional right to vote for a candidate supported by the majority of its citizens. We really should only allow intellectuals like Eva Porter the right to vote. She knows with 100% conviction what’s best for all of us.
I had a similar experience with a friend. After she barraged me with emails saying horrible things about George Floyd, the penny dropped, and I realized that her negative comments about President Obama when he was president were less about politics and more about race. It was not possible to have a rational conversation with her, so we too stopped talking.
I've stopped talking with 2 long time female friends. I'm sad but I can't risk my mental health dealing with the personas they revealed when mr trump came back in '24.
#45 and #47 gave the ok to the underbelly of America that cruelty and bigotry to marginalized groups of people was now ok. tRump didn’t create these ppl or their depraved mentality, he just okayed them to remove their masks. Except for ICE. They still need them.
I can appreciate those on the left extending the olive branch to MAGA friends and fam. With #47, I find doing such next to impossible unless it is strictly work related. Politics, federal civil services, and how our government operates affects every person in this country. How the right and the left socialize without something related to everyday life in America coming up that is not influenced by something political is beyond me. Maybe I’m just used to something a little more deep than shallow conversation. Those are reserved for work.
I know the feeling. My cousin has always been a Republican but his wife is so much more outspoken. I was shocked when, at a family function, she said she wants all the "illegals" out. Who does she think cleans the rooms of the resorts they stay at? My cousin and I used to talk Politics and disagree but since Trump, it's no longer possible.
Yes, there are some things that cannot be relegated to the "agree to disagree" column, racism is one of those. I to have a few friends that support trump, I will never understand it, but I can respect their choice. However, if they ever expressed bigoted beliefs that friendship would be over.
Call. Write. Email. Protest. Unrelentingly.
Use/share this spreadsheet as a resource to call/email/write members of Congress, the Cabinet and news organizations. Reach out to those in your own state, as well as those in others. Use your voice and make some “good trouble” ❤️🩹🤍💙
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13lYafj0P-6owAJcH-5_xcpcRvMUZI7rkBPW-Ma9e7hw/edit?usp=drivesdk
Well, yes, all good, Megan, but I also think what Terry Moran has to say here is what I plan to work on as well. My nice neighbor, who voted for Trump, could use a hand across the great divide. We’ll see, but I’m up for it.
If everyday just a miniscule 100 people reach out to someone like you are, then our country changes for the better, one person at a time. They don't need to become Democrats. If they become critical thinkers, mission accomplished. That goes for all of us too.
I agree. Last year I slipped on ice and broke my ankle. Six months later I fell off my ebike and shattered my wrist. Who brought me flowers and put chicken salad in my fridge then followed up with rides? My Trump voting friends. And we all know that politically we have divergent view points. But they showed up. I will remember their compassion.
I wish you luck. I tried and tried but my best friend was still making excuses and justifying tRump’s actions after J6. On that I drew the line.
Yes I 100% agree as well
This is what people tell me to do… however, when Mike Lee is one of your Senators (as he is mine), it is so disheartening. The only one I ever hear from is our junior Senator, John Curtis, who actually showed a modicum of class, writing the other day, “…There is no justification - ever - for political violence… Violence doesn’t just harm individuals-it erodes trust in our democracy and tears at the values that hold this country together.”
I mean, was that so hard to write? I’m sure Mike Lee has someone in his office who could have come up with something similar.
PLEASE VOTE HIM OUT!!! He also wants to sell of 120 MILLION acres of public land. Do you imagine he has some deal in the works??? It includes 11 western states (except Montana, apparently that A hole is in on the deal). Imagine not being able to hunt, fish, hike, camp on OUR public lands because they are sold off!
Are you from Utah? If you saw the land he wants to sell off you would die. It includes popular recreation areas that even the staunchest of MAGAts would probably be upset about. (Am I talking too much on this comment thread? I hope not. I’m really interested in what people are saying here and literally have no one in Utah to talk to about these things.)
No, Colorado and before that South Dakota. In CO it's almost 4 million acres. Luckily my Senators are Democrats and are NOT for the big UGLY bill at all! I believe you that is includes beautiful recreation areas. I've driven through Utah many times and love it! (I'm thinking of Robert Redford's area too, of course!).
Most likely he does have clandestine reasons for his position.
all of these support small businesses that will be gone if the land goes to the oil and lumber industries which is probably what will happen - the total amount was 3.5 million acres and then Lee and the senator Danes from MT added 1.5 million more! That's why MT was left out of this piece. They added the additional land last night hoping no one would notice. BTW the first 3.5 million is about the size of Connecticut and is in many more states. Start calling and writing. Former Sen Tester was on Heather Cox Robinson last week talking about this.
I don’t think we’ll see many big waves (like a major MAGA Congress member changing their opinions), however I think we can cause little ripples. I’m thinking staff members who hear the same thing over and over via voicemail, phone calls, letter after letter, email after email - maybe they’ll be a little more receptive each time they hear from us. Maybe they’ll talk more about our talking points to friends and family, maybeeee they’ll vote differently (if we get to vote again). I think we can cause ripples to push news organizations to be more honest and maybe even a bit accusatory about what’s happening. As a collective, our volume matters. And, at the end of the day, if we just annoy and overwhelm some staffers working for people hurting the average American, I’m ok with that too 🙃
Exactly and the fact is it is their job to answer their constituents. I do not care who I annoy, if a person chooses to work for immoral elected officials, that is on them. It is volume as you say. It all has to be counted and is.
I have one like that and I still call every week and email at least 2 times per week. It does not mater if they respond, just keep up it up and speak your mind. they want you to lose heart, please do not!!!!
I have two Senators like this…although my Senior Senator from Texas shows a LOT more decorum.
Yes! I always heard from Romney and I always hear back from Curtis. I never hear back from my representative, Mike Kennedy either. Our system for electing these guys sucks, and it’s complete cronyism in Utah. Our governor has completely lost his mind and turned into a stumper for Trump. I’m in awe about what has happened to our country.
I do this 3 times a week at least and call. Rep Congressman never responds to anything directly, but I still keep at it. Thankfully here in AZ, we have amazing Senators Mark Kelly and Reuben Gallegos, but still call with concerns.
Thank you for speaking up right now! I’ve branched out to committee members based on a topic I have concerns about too.
You're fortunate to have those well-respected Senators. I've been stuck for years with Cruz and Cornyn who seems more reasonable but he'll be threatened next election by Paxton who was impeached but sadly not convicted by his "peers". When I moved to Texas 50 years ago, Texans soon elected a smart, liberal governor in the great Ann Richards but that didn't last. The present governor thinks like mr. trump and wants to be governor for life.
75206! waiting on said governor to sent the Texas National Guard to BLUE 🏙️ cities.
I feel badly for you, Cruz-ugh total sell out and your governor..shameful It took years but AZ turned blue even with the tons of MAGA folks here. Governor, Attorney General who is amazing, Secretary of State and Phoenix Mayor, Hopefully that will stand.
Thanks, Megan. This is incredibly helpful x
You’re welcome! Thanks for speaking up right now!
This is amazing! Thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome! I’ve been working on it for the past 3 months and sharing as much as I can!
Thank you for speaking up right now!
Fantastic ! Put it on Facebook! It is such a valuable tool
Thank you for helping share it! I figured if all the information was in one place it’d be easier for people to speak up 🤞💙
Thank you Megan. I will share this with my friends and relatives. Red and Blue. They are all good people.
Love this!
Thank you, Terry. I will miss you on ABC, but am grateful for your speaking the truth. And I will welcome your informed opinions and insight.
Beautiful article. We can't control how others behave, yet we are certainly responsible for our own responses and how we show up. You can't out-mean mean. Mean is mean whether it's red or blue. And there is always middle ground. We need to look for it. So much at stake these days. BTW, I repeatedly write to MO senate and congress and zero response. More events like Saturday so that we can remind the "leaders" that they work for us. I have to add, kudos to Senator Tina Smith for having the courage and vulnerability to have the conversation in a calm, honest way. Better to talk to than talk about.
You really do find out who your friends are. All best to you, Terry.
But yet they voted for this cruelty. They knew who he was. He's shown his hate, his racism, his sheer delight in punching down, for many years. If they voted for him in 2016 and STILL voted for him in 2024, they didnt learn anything. They CHOSE cruelty and hate. They don't get a pass from me. They've shown who THEY are by voting for this....person.
I feel the same way, I tolerate maga coworkers because I have to but outside of that and that includes family, anyone who voted for him is irrelevant to me. I want nothing to do with them.
Love this column. I am heartened by your support. Still baffled by how people don’t see the real luck laster leader.
Those last few words may have been a typo but it rings true!!
Enjoyed your very candid interview with Tim Miller.
I second that. Loved it! It got me here Terry. You are articulate and a person of principle. As Scott Galloway puts it, we are raging moderates.
Me too. Loved it!
I do agree Terry.
I have talked carefully with many neighbors. I'm surrounded by so many that only voted blindly with their hands over their hearts.
Some are oblivious still. Some are coming around because they feel a sense of betrayal and guilt because you-know-who isn't who they just thought would be "republican".
They are the ones I plant gentle seeds of reality in. I suggest places like Groundnews, as a safe place to get good Information from. Anything to get them away from FOX.
I back off strategically after giving incredulous questions and statements about you-know-who. Planting doubts.
They need encouragement from us. Not FAFO.
He just looks pissed someone confronted him.
So well put, Terry. I'm glad your reasoned thoughts and opinions are available to us!
Keep it up. Voices like yours are needed.
Beautiful piece. You are right it is still a wonderful country full of good people. The other stuff are lies. God bless you for speaking the truth!
Trump and his disciples are doing their best to try to normalize the lack of empathy. We must be better than them and not fall into their traps.
Thanks for the show of YOUR HUMANITY,
It has been difficult to watch the slow steady decline of decency in this country. When I think back to the early political scandals of the 90’s and 00’s they seem like such trivial moments in time. But they got the ball rolling - and it has been gaining speed exponentially to the point where people can and do say anything they want not only with complete disregard for the feelings of others but as you’ve said to actually demean, debase and dehumanize (and any other de word) fellow Americans. It sickens me to the core. And we are raising a generation of young people where this is normal. There may be no going back to goodness. But I take heart from how you’ve been treated and hope we all take the time to appreciate everyone who shows us common courtesy and in the increasingly rarer instances of genuine kindness and consideration we say thank you.
All the best to you. I stand with Terry Moran.