I totally agree that Congress is not doing its job. While the Republicans are pushing for a bill that makes cuts to the poorest in our country and giving massive tax benefits to the rich, (adding to our enormous debt) the Democrats make speeches that will not have any meaningful impact--because Republicans can pass their bill anyway. So--what can the Democratic Representatives/Senators do? They can join the rest of us in the only thing that will now change anything--a massive, massive, massive resistance movement in the streets! Please, stop your platitudes and walk out of the Congress and go into the streets.
Very well said! I wrote my R representative that if he keeps voting for Trump's agenda because he's afraid of him, he needs to step down. We need courageous representatives at this time so make room for them. I also told him not to respond if he's going to say gibberish about how good Trump's agenda is. Haven't heard back from him so I assume he's all in for Trump. I will write to my newspaper closer to the election election next year to try to get voters see who this guy is.
Congress was designed to be a co-equal branch of government—but today, it often fails to check the power of the Executive. It’s not one single issue, but a perfect storm of dysfunction.
Gerrymandered districts create safe seats, so politicians fear primary challengers more than losing a general election. Closed primaries push candidates to the ideological edges. Add in the influence of big money, partisan media, and misinformation, and you get members more loyal to their party base than to constitutional oversight.
Meanwhile, Congress itself has ceded power—delegating war powers, emergency authorities, and trade policy to the presidency. Party leaders control fundraising and committee assignments, tightening their grip. The result? Less independence. Less courage. Less accountability.
When voters reward loyalty over integrity, the constitutional balance of power collapses.
well some international students are being forced to leave. You're right moral courage is lacking in Congress. I'm sorry to hear that the current president attacked you by name on his social media platform. You must be doing something right. Even though it is a terrible thing to be attacked and probably his followers joined in.
Yes - but the Democratic Party is in disarray and dysfunctional. Enough posing and posturing. Get things done!
The problem: so far Dems have proven nearly incapable of effective governance. Gov. Newsom said: “…the Democratic Party brand is toxic.”
“Abundance”
“…[the] new progressivism has ended up empowering an especially hidebound kind of conservatism: an enervating “procedure fetish” within government, combined with a hydra-head “vetocracy” outside. This combination has saddled us with a woefully underperforming public sector generally ….”
“This is why the three states that lead the nation in homelessness … Hawaii, New York, and California…where Democrats control the levers of power. This is why California’s high speed rail project has spent billions for decades on an invisible monument to state incapacity — while China has laid down over 23,000 miles of high-speed rail over the same period …And this is why the Biden administration’s big infrastructure bill committed $7.5 billion to build a nationwide network of 500,000 charging stations for electric vehicles — and only seven new stations were in operation two years later.”
“The inability of progressives, particularly in the Portland metro area, to deal with the nitty-gritty of governing and to get something done is just staggering, People are much more interested in ideology than in actual results.” (Representative Earl Blumenauer, Democrat)
…”too often we offer a version of progressivism that doesn’t result in progress. We accept a yawning gulf between our values and our outcomes.”
Nicholas Kristof “What Have We Liberals Done to the West Coast?”
“…since losing 2024 election? … focused on revamping their public image and messaging strategy. “…
“Democrats didn’t lose in 2024 because they needed to do more outreach to disadvantaged communities or interest groups. Nor were they a few podcast appearances or viral stunts away from victory. They lost because voters could tell that over the course of several years, the party drifted far out of line with the public on a number of highly salient issues. Democrats became the party of nags, aggressively scolding anyone who didn’t speak the correct woke parlance. Joe Biden presided over a genuine border crisis and a broken asylum system that he was far too slow to address. Movements like Defund the Police and the pro-Palestine campus protests originated from the far left, leaving even moderate Democrats associated with policies that were deeply unpopular with voters. And, in the midst of trying to defend losing cultural positions, the biggest Democratic-run cities and states were often poorly governed, suffering from pervasive homelessness, public disorder, and untenable costs of living.”…
“…Democrats do need to change. They can get visibly tougher on illegal immigration while still advocating for more legal pathways and the fair treatment of immigrants. They can focus on the LGBT rights that matter like non-discrimination in the workplace, non-discrimination in housing, and access to health care—rather than dying on dubious and unpopular niche issues like trans athletes in women’s sports. They can loudly denounce the excesses of DEI (such as mandatory diversity statements for technical STEM research) while preserving diversity and inclusion ideas that still make sense (such as honoring civil rights heroes like Jackie Robinson). They can advocate for intelligent police reforms while still taking a hard stance against public disorder, crime, and anti-social behavior.
…They need to become a party that actually cares about the cost of living, the housing crisis, and clean energy. If they want voters to trust them, Democrats must show that they can effectively run the cities and states they govern locally.
All these ideas require real policy change. It is likely to piss off several entrenched interest groups inside the party. Democrats should do it anyway.”
Dem leaders are often too old. Too much focus on WOKE, trans, diversity, identity politics and immigration. These have been loser policies for Dems. Avoid radical appearing policies.
David Hogg, et al
MAKE NEW OPERATING MODELS THE NORM
…”Ezra Klein has critiqued the left for adding too many policy priorities into the design of programs, like the requirements that companies applying for funding under the CHIPS and Science Act detail their plans to address climate, gender, economic equity, and other considerations. Klein called this tendency “everything bagel liberalism… tradeoff denial is far too common.”
…“ the steps outlined …represent the start of a different operating model for government, one that may feel new but is in fact far more consistent with the vision our Founders held. That vision has been blurred as the nation grew... The new operating model must leverage the tools and thinking of the digital age … that can connect across branches of government will be the work of more than one Congress, more than one presidential administration. It will require the leadership of more than one party. It should begin now.”
I appreciate your commitment and dedication to our democracy. I write over and over to my PA Senators, Fetterman and McCormick. Dave McCormick almost never responds and when he does it’s totally Trump speaking. With Senator Fetterman, his responses are very kind and thoughtful but his actions are senseless.…he doesn’t show up for votes, he’s more sensitive to Israel’s needs than his constituents. In addition, my Congressman, Fitzpatrick who claims to be bipartisan certainly isn’t.
it is the House of Representatives that needs to be dealt with. Two years is too short to term. Members of Congress spend their entire time running for reelection. Lobbies write their bills for them. What do we do to make them into a legitimate body?
Two is ENOUGH for these R congressman. We should be able to get rid of them next year! And having to always be running for Congress has nothing to do with the courage they need to stop Trump's agenda. Their weakness needs to be addressed by notifying and not voting for them.
As you are a high-up member of the US organization formed to create and brutalize/kill enemies of the US what do you think about Cuba. I see it as the great model, following upon the Russian revolution and subsequent liberation struggles.
Congress has no moral courage and they probably can’t spell it either
I totally agree that Congress is not doing its job. While the Republicans are pushing for a bill that makes cuts to the poorest in our country and giving massive tax benefits to the rich, (adding to our enormous debt) the Democrats make speeches that will not have any meaningful impact--because Republicans can pass their bill anyway. So--what can the Democratic Representatives/Senators do? They can join the rest of us in the only thing that will now change anything--a massive, massive, massive resistance movement in the streets! Please, stop your platitudes and walk out of the Congress and go into the streets.
Very well said! I wrote my R representative that if he keeps voting for Trump's agenda because he's afraid of him, he needs to step down. We need courageous representatives at this time so make room for them. I also told him not to respond if he's going to say gibberish about how good Trump's agenda is. Haven't heard back from him so I assume he's all in for Trump. I will write to my newspaper closer to the election election next year to try to get voters see who this guy is.
41K international students just in Pennsylvania. Re: today Philly Inquirer
We need to be writing every Senator that has the grit to stand up for Democracy and not killing our Republic.
Yes, but who are these mystery Senators?
Rand Paul from KY and Coryn from TX — Ted Cruz will be being stupid
There are NONE among the Republicans in Congress!
Congress was designed to be a co-equal branch of government—but today, it often fails to check the power of the Executive. It’s not one single issue, but a perfect storm of dysfunction.
Gerrymandered districts create safe seats, so politicians fear primary challengers more than losing a general election. Closed primaries push candidates to the ideological edges. Add in the influence of big money, partisan media, and misinformation, and you get members more loyal to their party base than to constitutional oversight.
Meanwhile, Congress itself has ceded power—delegating war powers, emergency authorities, and trade policy to the presidency. Party leaders control fundraising and committee assignments, tightening their grip. The result? Less independence. Less courage. Less accountability.
When voters reward loyalty over integrity, the constitutional balance of power collapses.
Check out my Substack:
https://substack.com/@philjaurigue?r=3hybe0&utm_medium=ios
Well said Sir!!!
well some international students are being forced to leave. You're right moral courage is lacking in Congress. I'm sorry to hear that the current president attacked you by name on his social media platform. You must be doing something right. Even though it is a terrible thing to be attacked and probably his followers joined in.
Your thoughts mirror mine, my friend.
Thanks Madam Secretary!
Yes - but the Democratic Party is in disarray and dysfunctional. Enough posing and posturing. Get things done!
The problem: so far Dems have proven nearly incapable of effective governance. Gov. Newsom said: “…the Democratic Party brand is toxic.”
“Abundance”
“…[the] new progressivism has ended up empowering an especially hidebound kind of conservatism: an enervating “procedure fetish” within government, combined with a hydra-head “vetocracy” outside. This combination has saddled us with a woefully underperforming public sector generally ….”
“This is why the three states that lead the nation in homelessness … Hawaii, New York, and California…where Democrats control the levers of power. This is why California’s high speed rail project has spent billions for decades on an invisible monument to state incapacity — while China has laid down over 23,000 miles of high-speed rail over the same period …And this is why the Biden administration’s big infrastructure bill committed $7.5 billion to build a nationwide network of 500,000 charging stations for electric vehicles — and only seven new stations were in operation two years later.”
https://brinklindsey.substack.com/p/abundance-and-the-permanent-problem
Oregon…
“The inability of progressives, particularly in the Portland metro area, to deal with the nitty-gritty of governing and to get something done is just staggering, People are much more interested in ideology than in actual results.” (Representative Earl Blumenauer, Democrat)
…”too often we offer a version of progressivism that doesn’t result in progress. We accept a yawning gulf between our values and our outcomes.”
Nicholas Kristof “What Have We Liberals Done to the West Coast?”
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/15/opinion/progressives-california-portland.html?unlocked_article_code=1.0U0.UKjA.SsY5us8gRH6S&smid=url-share
“Democrats Need to Dig Deep”
“…since losing 2024 election? … focused on revamping their public image and messaging strategy. “…
“Democrats didn’t lose in 2024 because they needed to do more outreach to disadvantaged communities or interest groups. Nor were they a few podcast appearances or viral stunts away from victory. They lost because voters could tell that over the course of several years, the party drifted far out of line with the public on a number of highly salient issues. Democrats became the party of nags, aggressively scolding anyone who didn’t speak the correct woke parlance. Joe Biden presided over a genuine border crisis and a broken asylum system that he was far too slow to address. Movements like Defund the Police and the pro-Palestine campus protests originated from the far left, leaving even moderate Democrats associated with policies that were deeply unpopular with voters. And, in the midst of trying to defend losing cultural positions, the biggest Democratic-run cities and states were often poorly governed, suffering from pervasive homelessness, public disorder, and untenable costs of living.”…
“…Democrats do need to change. They can get visibly tougher on illegal immigration while still advocating for more legal pathways and the fair treatment of immigrants. They can focus on the LGBT rights that matter like non-discrimination in the workplace, non-discrimination in housing, and access to health care—rather than dying on dubious and unpopular niche issues like trans athletes in women’s sports. They can loudly denounce the excesses of DEI (such as mandatory diversity statements for technical STEM research) while preserving diversity and inclusion ideas that still make sense (such as honoring civil rights heroes like Jackie Robinson). They can advocate for intelligent police reforms while still taking a hard stance against public disorder, crime, and anti-social behavior.
…They need to become a party that actually cares about the cost of living, the housing crisis, and clean energy. If they want voters to trust them, Democrats must show that they can effectively run the cities and states they govern locally.
All these ideas require real policy change. It is likely to piss off several entrenched interest groups inside the party. Democrats should do it anyway.”
https://thedispatch.com/article/democrats-policy-not-messaging/
Dem leaders are often too old. Too much focus on WOKE, trans, diversity, identity politics and immigration. These have been loser policies for Dems. Avoid radical appearing policies.
David Hogg, et al
MAKE NEW OPERATING MODELS THE NORM
…”Ezra Klein has critiqued the left for adding too many policy priorities into the design of programs, like the requirements that companies applying for funding under the CHIPS and Science Act detail their plans to address climate, gender, economic equity, and other considerations. Klein called this tendency “everything bagel liberalism… tradeoff denial is far too common.”
…“ the steps outlined …represent the start of a different operating model for government, one that may feel new but is in fact far more consistent with the vision our Founders held. That vision has been blurred as the nation grew... The new operating model must leverage the tools and thinking of the digital age … that can connect across branches of government will be the work of more than one Congress, more than one presidential administration. It will require the leadership of more than one party. It should begin now.”
https://www.niskanencenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Niskanen-State-Capacity-Paper_-Jen-Pahlka-and-Andrew-Greenway-2.pdf December 2024
I appreciate your commitment and dedication to our democracy. I write over and over to my PA Senators, Fetterman and McCormick. Dave McCormick almost never responds and when he does it’s totally Trump speaking. With Senator Fetterman, his responses are very kind and thoughtful but his actions are senseless.…he doesn’t show up for votes, he’s more sensitive to Israel’s needs than his constituents. In addition, my Congressman, Fitzpatrick who claims to be bipartisan certainly isn’t.
it is the House of Representatives that needs to be dealt with. Two years is too short to term. Members of Congress spend their entire time running for reelection. Lobbies write their bills for them. What do we do to make them into a legitimate body?
Two is ENOUGH for these R congressman. We should be able to get rid of them next year! And having to always be running for Congress has nothing to do with the courage they need to stop Trump's agenda. Their weakness needs to be addressed by notifying and not voting for them.
What about when congressman are elected over and over again and there’s still nothing to show for it…two years seems too long!
We need benchmarks & accountability - and when it happens & have outside validation, you better know it if you’re a leader.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKdgRP7oNBa/?igsh=MW1oNjJydW1hdHM0cg==
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKfDbhYAw2w/?igsh=MTI4emVuemJvcmwxNA==
Insightful take:
As you are a high-up member of the US organization formed to create and brutalize/kill enemies of the US what do you think about Cuba. I see it as the great model, following upon the Russian revolution and subsequent liberation struggles.
Norma