346 Comments
User's avatar
Pam's avatar

Our local activism group here in NJ marched in the local gay pride parade and we each carried a letter that spelled out JOIN THE RESISTANCE. We got very loud cheers all along the parade route.

Expand full comment
The Illusion of Justice's avatar

The first words that came out of my statistics professor’s mouth were, “Lies, damn lies, and statistics.” He was talking about how some unscrupulous actors would cherry-pick statistical data to manipulate their target audience. He could have just as well been talking about the American political system.

The truth of the matter is that both parties are corrupt. Heck, we don’t even have two political parties. There is just one gigantic ongoing criminal enterprise. Republican or Democrat, they’re always going to do exactly what their biggest “donors” want them to do and this will never change until we collectively demand an end to the system of legalized bribery that is the cause of all the problems in the world.

The Republicans and Democrats are using your tax dollars to fund, arm, and provide political cover for genocide—the worst crime known to man. To add insult to injury, these heinous war criminals say that they support Israel’s right to defend itself—like slaughtering thousands of innocent children could ever be considered self-defense. If this is not enough of a reason to withdraw your support from these two horrifically corrupt political parties—what the hell would be?

What if I told you that I could prove the leaders of the Republican and Democratic parties have been conspiring together to subvert the rule of law? You know, conspiring together to strip away everyone’s constitutional rights--including yours. Would proof of treason be enough of a reason to withdraw your support from these two bought and paid for political parties? Well, I have that proof. I put it in a book. All you have to do is read it. Go to my Substack for a FREE digital copy of my book: The Illusion of Justice.

Expand full comment
Vicky McKinley's avatar

Neither political party is blameless, and both are subject to the influence of big money donors and lobbyists. But saying that they are equally corrupt, and equally to blame for the current wealth disparity in the US is just not true.

Expand full comment
The Illusion of Justice's avatar

I'm not saying they are equally corrupt. I'm saying they are conspiring together. The corruption is blatant, documented, and plain for all to see.

I have a question for you: why would anyone summarily declare something not to be true without looking at the evidence presented?

Expand full comment
Sean Shealy's avatar

That would be a big claim and require big evidence. I mean do you have Schumer and McConnell on videotape discussing this conspiracy in detail? I'm open to seeing that.

But is any evidence you're going to offer possibly better explained by 'America is diverse and democracy is messy'?

Expand full comment
The Illusion of Justice's avatar

You don't have to read my book to know something is up. Go to my Substack and read the two page introduction letter. Schumer and the other Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee repeatedly ignored documented proof of widespread systemic corruption in the federal judicial system in clear violation of their oath to "support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic."

If you are really open to seeing the evidence, I suggest you start by reading the amicus brief by former Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Richard Posner. (It's posted on the Supreme Court's website and I tell you how you can find it in my Substack introduction letter.)

Expand full comment
Doc Blase''s avatar

I don't know how accurate this analogy might be; but for years it has resembled "professional" wrestling a bit too much for comfort.

With a nod and a wink, one side could agree to lose and let the other win, while each pretend to be fighting it out.

I don't think that model works anymore. Today we have a régime that's literally hell bent on a monarchy, a dictatorship, and another which suffers from a severe shortage of spine and guts.

To equate them in June of 2025 would be to say a shaving nick is on par with having one's foot in a bear trap.

Expand full comment
The Illusion of Justice's avatar

The Democrats don't suffer from "a severe shortage of spine and guts." They are pretending to be opposed to the "Republican" agenda. Think good cop--bad cop. They take bribes from the same corporate criminals as the Republicans. The only difference between the two political parties is the rhetoric.

I personally gave Senator Chuck Schumer and the other Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee irrefutable evidence of judicial misconduct by Amy Coney Barrett at her Supreme Court confirmation hearing. They refused to use it!.

These scurrilous bastards then ran on protecting a woman's right to choose when they were clearly responsible for letting Barrett on the Supreme Court in the first place. You can read about the Democrats' disgraceful conduct in the postscript of my book. Go to my Substack for a FREE digital copy. (There is a link in the two page introduction letter.)

Expand full comment
Marian Gillis's avatar

If you live in a building that recycles cardboard boxes, pull one out and make a sign.

Mine says:

Healthcare

Our

Right To Life

Expand full comment
Nancy P's avatar

Sooooo love and respect your new allegiance. Thank you for all your thoughts and concerns. We love you....

Expand full comment
Annie Bachmann's avatar

Thank you… there are endless things we can do each day, and each one of them as important as brushing our teeth!

Expand full comment
Susan Snow's avatar

Thank you Michael - I love the new pledge of Allegiance! I’ll say it every day with you - like a prayer 👍💕🙏🏻

Expand full comment
Paul's avatar

I always like the New Mexico state pledge- I salute the flag of the state of New Mexico, the Zia symbol of perfect friendship among united cultures. Saludo la bandera del estado de Nuevo México, el símbolo zía de amistad perfecta, entre culturas unidas

Expand full comment
nancy almand's avatar

I'm sorry, but we don't need any more pledges and oaths and other hollow symbols that are meaningless and manipulated. "Instead of teaching kids to respect flags, symbols and anthems . . .Let's teach them to respect justice, tolerance, diversity and humanity." Mohamad Safa

Expand full comment
Deborah Neher's avatar

Did you read it?

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE

TO THE PEOPLE

OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

AND TO THE DEMOCRACY

FOR WHICH WE ALL STAND:

It's a pledge of allegiance to people and to democracy. Not to a flag, or to citizens, not "under God"....

Expand full comment
nancy almand's avatar

Look at what people do; not what they say.

Expand full comment
Jared Kieling's avatar

Nancy, I don't blame you for seeing oaths as hollow, especially if you're thinking of our elected representatives and Trump's lawless cabinet members, who violate their oath of office hourly. They also violate the Constitution, which is more consequential than any symbol.

That's why groups nationwide launched #PeoplesOath2025 to the Constitution, which has gone viral nationally. It’s being movingly recited at rallies. It's intentionally modeled on the federal oath of office that so many in Congress and the Cabinet are ignoring.

"I do solemnly swear (or affirm)

that I will support and defend

the Constitution of the United States; 

that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; 

and that I will well and faithfully 

discharge the civic responsibilities 

expected of every American.”

(#PeoplesOath2025)

Our Constitution is far more potent than any flag, any chant, or partisan sign. MAGA has no answer to this.

Watch it at work:

https://bsky.app/profile/indivistwincities.bsky.social/post/3lq5ytujdts23

https://bsky.app/profile/skycastle914.bsky.social/post/3lqnqcb5prc2j

https://youtu.be/k4oRrbVF4f4?si=T4ekprrahQVX-V0I

Expand full comment
nancy almand's avatar

That's even worse. Rote reciting and chanting is very dear leader-esque. This practice, as well as oath taking, begins in a religious context, a covenant. Yet another reason not to use them. Oaths often mean nothing, as we are seeing. It is not a strong bond. But disregarding all that: look at what people do; not what they say.

Expand full comment
Priscilla Phelps's avatar

It should say something about our respect for immigrants and others living among us who are not citizens.

Expand full comment
suzaroo's avatar

Good revision of pledge - long overdue!

Though I’m 68 and can barely walk, I make sure I attend a protest every week. I alternate between a group advocating for peace in Palestine and a pro democracy/anti-Trump group.

A thought….if I was a disabled vet, I’d make sure we were included in Trump’s vanity parade. If not, clog the route - face it down.

Expand full comment
Kaye Stone's avatar

Join a protest! Find your local "No Kings Day" protest on June 14th! (If violent plants show up, drop to the ground and put your sign down)

Expand full comment
Sky Blue's avatar

On June 14th, Pope Leo XIV is doing a rally at Rate Field in Chicago. Watch him and give respect for goodness and community!

Expand full comment
Annette's avatar

I’m certain the Pope Leo will draw a bigger crowd than Felon47’s birthday parade

Expand full comment
Joy in HK fiFP's avatar

Call on the newly elected, US, Pope Leo XIV to do whatever it takes to save Gaza and stop the bombing, and end the starvation. Let him go to Gaza and stand with the suffering people who are being massacred by Israel and the Western posers. Is there anything more important in today's world than this?

https://chng.it/gkvBfY44rq

Please sign the petition and share widely.

Expand full comment
Diana Merenda's avatar

You nailed it. Until America stops using our tax dollars to arm Israel to ANNIHILATE and entire population and STARVE THEM we have lost ourselves.

STOP GENOCIDE APARTHEID ETHNIC CLEANSING STARVATION DEGRADATION OF A PEOPLE AND THEN JUST MAYBE, MAYBE, WE GET OUR SOUL BACK AS A NATION

Expand full comment
The Illusion of Justice's avatar

Protesting is good! But, instead of trying to pressure demonstrably corrupt politicians to change their bought and paid for positions, why don’t you try demanding their resignations for flagrantly violating their oath to uphold the Constitution of the United States?

Go to my Substack for a free digital copy of my book: The Illusion of Justice. It contains incontrovertible proof that the leaders of the Republican and Democratic parties have been conspiring together to pack the courts with corrupt judges who have nothing but contempt for the rule of law. If this is not enough of a reason to throw these bastards out of office, what the hell would be? Besides, whether you realize it or not, this is how they have been getting away with everything you have ever protested.

Expand full comment
Catherine Burke's avatar

Right on! The new pledge of allegiance is excellent. Calling your Member of Congress and your two Senators takes little time but it does have an impact. Calls are easy and if you do it every day, they will know what is important to you. Each day comment on different parts of the law—you’ll never run out of things that should be stopped or be done.

Expand full comment
Denise Donaldson's avatar

I admire your optimism, Catherine, but calling my two rethug Ohio senators has zero impact. I've tried them a dozen times. With one of them, no person ever answers the phone, and the automated system will only accept a callback number; of course, there's never a return call. With the other, only one of his offices has anyone answering the phone....sometimes. Sending a contact form results in, sometimes, getting a canned email that doesn’t address any issue. Reaching out is a total waste of time with them.

Expand full comment
The Illusion of Justice's avatar

I assure you, they don't give a damn what you think! Every position is bought and paid for. Instead of trying to pressure demonstrably corrupt politicians to change their positions, why don’t you try demanding their resignations for flagrantly violating their oath to uphold the Constitution of the United States?

Go to my Substack for a free digital copy of my book: The Illusion of Justice. It proves that the leaders of the Republican and Democratic parties have been conspiring together to pack the courts with corrupt corporate judges--conspiring together to commit treason. If this is not cause enough to throw these criminals out of office, what the hell would be? Besides, whether you realize it or not, this is the only way you will every get rid of these bastards.

Expand full comment
Priscilla Phelps's avatar

And please please please put audio on your posts so those of us who are visually impaired can better enjoy your posts!

Expand full comment
maudo's avatar
3dEdited

I call & write my GOP congressman several times a week, protest at every March I can get to-doing my 8th one on 6/14, donate, joined a local group to write letters & postcards to voters from other states-& I will say your pledge! Even with all the activities I do, I so often feel angry and hopeless. This needs to stop!

Expand full comment
Linda Sullivan's avatar

Thank you. I just called my representative. Will keep calling. Have already attended 2 protest marches in Fort Myers.

Expand full comment
Janice Campbell's avatar

How about each taxpayer ending their tax withholding in blue states and those states setting up an escrow account, so our money won't be flowing to millionaires and to the poor red Southern and Midwestern states.

Expand full comment
Kiwi Rebel's avatar

Actions that take guts: write a Substack post against the racism, sexism and corruption of your government. Repost it on Facebook and send it to your family, friends, journalists and representatives.

Expand full comment
Sky Blue's avatar

REAL COURAGE is about being afraid of something but doing it anyway! WE all need REAL COURAGE NOW MORE THAN EVER BEFORE and so do our politicians!!!

Expand full comment
Gail Shields's avatar

You will probably end up being taken off Facebook for that!

I was thrown off three times over a decade or more!

Expand full comment
Kiwi Rebel's avatar

Bring it on, Zuch!

Expand full comment
Bellavita's avatar

I’ve been posting on Substack and subscribed to a couple of them. But I don’t agree with the costs of accumulated ongoing donations. I’m retired on Social Security.

Expand full comment
Kiwi Rebel's avatar

Lots of us have free plans

Expand full comment
Julie Chay's avatar

Im ready! It feels so right. Warms my heart!

Expand full comment
Jared Kieling's avatar

If you attend a protest, you may also have an opportunity to join in a mass recitation of #PeoplesOath2025 to the Constitution, which has gone viral nationally. It’s being movingly recited at rallies. It's intentionally modeled on the federal oath of office that so many in Congress and the Cabinet are violating and ignoring.

People saying it report being stirred and empowered:

“I do solemnly swear (or affirm)

that I will support and defend

the Constitution of the United States 

against all enemies, foreign and domestic; 

that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; 

and that I will well and faithfully 

discharge the civic responsibilities 

expected of every American.”

( #PeoplesOath2025)

Expand full comment
Lowena House Stories's avatar

Thanks Michael. When faced with a government that seems hell bent on excluding so many different groups from their rights as citizens.

The only way is positive, non-violent resistance.

Be a Resistor!

Expand full comment