Well, I live in Portland, we are under federal occupation every night.
Last night, City Commissioner (Council member) JoAnn Hardesty led a peaceful protest throughout downtown that was broken up by armed "federal" troops -- unmarked uniforms, etc, just like you've heard about on Chris Hayes' show, the Atlantic, and The Nation, as well as The Washington Post.
In response to Governor Kate Brown's request that the federal troops, who don't coordinate with the local cops and operate with unconstitutional impunity, leave Portland and leave Oregon, the Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Chad Wolf says, "We've got a mission, we're staying until that mission is complete."
Scary times here: pay attention, it'll be in your city next. Really.
Teddy, this is all very dangerous and it seemed to take the rest of the country by surprise. There weren't a lot of reports on it. I think it will backfire. Now we're seeing internal review showing they didn't have authority. Yes, everyone should pay attention.
At least last night it felt like we were finally getting news about Portland, it is outrageous!! My niece is in the state so I watch closely- and will continue to! Wondered aloud last night if these mystery troops would be used on folks protesting closures for public health? Frankly CA needs to be, the last roll back isn’t having much effect yet. Absolutely don’t like trump playing toy soldiers & it is illegal- someone needs to stand up to him NOW!
The same right wingers hollering about "death panels", "socialism", and 2nd amendment rights for the last 10 years seem to be awfully quiet now that there's an actual AMERICAN GESTAPO forming right before our eyes. Seems like a major disconnect, no? I'll be the millionth person to say this - but imagine if Obama were President and had federal police jumping out of rental vans, snatching tea party protestors off the street... I think the response would be *quite* different. They'd say things like, "if Obama's secret police come for me I'm ready to eXeRciSe muH sEcoNd aMeNdmeNt rIgHts!!@!@!@!@!"
One point our great governor, Kate Brown, made when Chris Hayes asked her about having local or state officers detain these stormtroopers -- Oregon is not getting the COVID supplies or financial support we need from the federal government. "We ask them for it, and they send us these troopers." I think she worried that if she took real action against these federales, the trickle of COVID support would be cut off.
Plus, frankly, our local PoPo likes working with these guys, and they make the usually despised local PoPo look better by comparison...?
I admired John Lewis and his commitment to civil rights and humanity, unlike, well, you know who. Makes me wonder if his generation of leadership is vanishing. Hope not!
Just want to add, living in southern California during this pandemic is problematic. In the Coachella Valley, most people seem to be wearing masks, but there are some stubborn folks. I'm nervous since Riverside County is having its problems with surging and losing hospital space. Having the military called in to help out at a Rancho Mirage hospital is a good thing, but concerning. I'm minding my space and always encouraging my family to do the same. Just wish Newsom hadn't listened or been swayed by those who let ignorance guide them instead of common-sense to open up. Look where we are now.
Totally agree- I’m in south Orange County which is original Reagan country & I had hope because we recently sent Katie Porter to Congress & many other Democrats, but the crazies have been stirring the pot and a lot of it seems to be in this area. Hadn’t gone out for a month till yesterday after & was amazed at how many cars were on the road & how busy parking lots are. Mask wearing seems 50-50 sometimes less. We are vulnerable so lay low but it frustrates me not to be able to take the road trips we had planned for retirement because so many places are not safe. We choose to error on the side of caution I am determined to live to see better days!
My sister lives in the valley. I havnt seen her in ages. I was hoping to visit this sept,,I’m so po’d and feel horrible my cali peeps. After so much early hard work a few bad oranges 🍊 had to spoil the whole damn bunch! Let this be a warning to north east. Keep vigilant!
John Lewis was an American treasure and those that went before him were there to greet him! Marco Rubio didn’t even know who he was with when he tweeted a pic of him with (wait for it) another American treasure Elijah Cummings. You can’t make this shit up with these ticks. I’m home self isolating (even though I only go out once a week for supplies) away from the morons in Tucson that STILL don’t mask up when going out, and not social distancing when out! It’s hotter than hell here so being in the cool, dark house is better than fighting with MAGAts. It’s mid July and 4 months ago I never thought March would end and we’re one day closer to November 3 when we get to vote that orange pos out of office. Love your show!
Rubio is beyond reprehensible. He has sweat headed -dry mouthed- flip flopped so many times on so many issues w record contradictory speed I DONT KNOW WHO HE IS!
Insert Pic: of your favorite white weasel here. Lol
I see plenty of idiots with masks pulled down under their noses or no mask at all. What do you say to these fools? How about, I thought you might be a patriot and love your country until I saw you without a mask? Being a patriot means considering our fellow citizens, not just thyself.
Ever since Trump, the delusional have mixed freedom with just being a self centered asshole draped in a flag! Where would our country be if our grandparents had those values?!
Hi Michael. This is Toni from Cincinnati soon to be from Arizona. We are currently visiting our son in Cincinnati area this weekend and I can not believe the number of subdivision parties that are going on in his sub. They are not wearing masks. Are they NUTS.... What is wrong with people? We are still living with our other son in Michigan and it is not any better there either..... My Cincinnati son has a 5 year old daughter and will not be sending her to school this fall. His mother in law is banned from his house because she is not wearing a mask. It is crazy.....
Where exactly in Cincinnati? I ask because I live here, but not downtown. I work at the casino in the downtown area. Masks are mandatory in Hamilton county businesses, but not everyone is complying. Maybe I'll call you tomorrow Michelangelo about how it is working in the human petri dish....
My brother & sister in law live in Pittsburgh have similar stories. Both teachers w kids and the kids don’t seem to care. Even my brother is down playing the “severity” of “this” strain, or not as many deaths bla bla bla ,, we are screwed and the country obviously has a death wish.
The Three Horsemen of the Klu Klux Klan went golfing today, while the nation mourning the passing of a true American hero. Lady G needs to outed for the disgusting disgrace that she is. Give her the white hood, she earned it and take away her toaster oven.
Highly recommend watching “Finding Your Roots” on PBS streaming episode with John Lewis. Fascinating story. His emancipated great great grandparents got married right after the 13th amendment was passed and his gg grandfather then voted. Things then went downhill from there until 1965. We need a new Voting Rights Act.
Also I too am in the Coachella Valley. Seems like our worst offenders are tourists. But agree we opened too soon. Frankly I wish we would have another full lockdown for 2-3 weeks. Can only hope. Our hospitals are at capacity for staff.
I loved this man. Even more in recent years as I learned more and more about him each time he got my attention w a pointed direct comment keeping it REAL amongst a changing congress full of swamp water tea baggers. Congressman John Lewis represented in deed. America’s better half. Rep Lewis, take solace knowing your lifetime of fighting injustice is informed by and continues today in part BECAUSE of you.
Thank you for making America and the world a better place to live while we all must coexist here. RIP Hero Lewis. Can’t wait to rename that bridge in Alabama for you!
The Federal goon squad in Portland, sure makes me worry. Are they training for some type of Marshall Law that Cadet Bone Spurs may eventually enact. Citizens rights are being violated. The acting Sec. of Homeland Security is totally shameless and a disgrace. I live in a small county in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The last I knew this county had 5 cases of COVID reported. The county I grew up in only has 1 reported case up until now. Mask wearing is about 50/50, sometimes more, sometimes less. I think it depends what type of business you're going into. Will this shit ever end? Love your show.
Another update from Houston, Texas. I’m still bartending in Galveston and mask wearing is happening but there’s still so many people I wonder what they’re all doing on the island. Even with cheaper hotel rooms it still seems silly to vacation during a pandemic. I travel a great deal and I can’t imagine getting on a plane or going to a tourist hotspot right now.
I have to say I saw something that defied all reason at my bar this weekend. A family of four wearing masks made out of lace. That’s not a typo. It looked like they cut up some doilies and made masks out of them. I guess it was their way of giving a middle finger to the mask order while still technically complying. I also had two guests in Q Anon shirts. They didn’t even bother with masks. The trump masks make me laugh because trump won’t wear one anyways but he’ll make a buck off his cult members buying them.
Even though it would hurt me financially I wish Gov Abbott would close restaurants again. We need another shutdown. I’ve been tested three times now and thankfully all of my tests have been negative. But people I know are testing positive. My mother tested positive. She lives in north Texas. Louie Gohmert is her congressman so I think that says enough about where she lives. She’s a week into her diagnosis and her symptoms have remained relatively mild. Right now all I can really be thankful for is that no one I know has died but it’s really only a matter of time. Keep up the good work Michelangelo and stay safe.
Found out yesterday that I will be laid off at the end of July from my 2 and half year job as a research assistant. I was supposed to transition from a contractor to an employee in early 2020 but that didn't happen because of the pandemic so I will not be eligible for uneployment. I loved my job because we covered, in person, all the things that matter to our current situation like Roger Stone's trial, the inauguration protest prosecutions and every other trump related crime case that went on in DC. Also finding out finding out that the CDC is no longer involved and Roger Stone's best friend is now in control of the flow of information about the virus stats at HHS is pretty disturbing. My boss says we can talk again in November and I pray that he can bring me back on, but there is no guarantee. I have rheumatoid arthritis and hypertension so it's not like I can just go out and look for another job. Even though my area is not surging today when a friend brought my meds she said people in the building were not wearing masks and she had to keep waiting for the elevator to avoid them. I have been home for almost 5 months now and in a few weeks I won't even have work to occupy my time. I feel really frustrated at all these people that are willfully or even ignorantly refusing to take the pandemic seriously. Because of them I can't really leave my apartment safely and now I am facing trying to maintain without resources. I should be ok for a month or two but what comes after that? With or without pay I will not stop my examination of the corruption of the far right. I loved my job because it was my passion to know as much as possible about what they are up to. I am really ashamed of the Americans who just don't care and our government right now. Also if these were normal times and not a pandemic I might be one of the people being disappeared by secret federal "police" right now and everyone should be concerned that that is happening. Hope other people are faring better.
Kio, I'm so sorry to hear this. It's really disheartening, and my heart goes out to you. I hope something else comes up or that they bring you back. It sounds like you've been doing work that is very valuable to the cause and I wish you luck.
Thank you Michelangelo! I don't post much on any medium but I see that your platform encourages compassion and empathy so I thought I would reach out. Thank you for what you are doing and please keep it up. Your callouts of the trump cult members makes me feel better. I don't have the energy to argue with them
So many of us in your shoes Kio, I’ve got some temp work until September but then I’ll have to get creative. And I’m no spring chicken or the picture of perfect health but I’m not gonna waste my idle time this fall however. I’m gonna help the Trumps “find something new”. A JAIL CELL! Keep active my friend and stay in the game! Peace ✌🏻 from the east 😎
Thank you for your concern. I don't have any secret or non public information even though part of my assignment was to try to find that, but having access to the DC courts and attending every hearing about things related to the Trump administration corruption in the DOJ I do have first hand information about what went on in these prosecutions and most of it has not been publicly reported because of the profit model of our media. The problem with investigating secretive actors and organizations is that they are good at being secretive and the legal avenues of looking into what they are doing are limited.
Also just to clarify about the being snatched up by secret police comment, I meant that of it were safe for me to leave my apartment I would be someone who was there to witness and document the situation myself thus being at risk. It is my understanding that both here in DC and in whatever it is that is happening in Portland that they are not differentiating between media, legal observers, marchers or people looting. When the unmarked and unnacountable "police" were here prior and during the Lafayette Square incident occurred, neither Mayor Bowser or the MPD claimed to know who these groups were although we did not see the extrajudicial kidnapping of citizens at that time. We did however see targeted violence against journalists and activists especially shootings of people in the eye. It happened to my friend and former colleague.
Also I am not worried at the moment about political retribution for my work. I have effectively been neutralized with the cancellation of the projects I was working on. My boss was always more paranoid about retribution than I have been. Again I plan to continue my work whether I am paid or not. I just worry about becoming homeless and less protected from the virus in the next few months. I have just been grateful to be working from the beginning of the year. I pray I can get picked back up in the fall.
Well, I live in Portland, we are under federal occupation every night.
Last night, City Commissioner (Council member) JoAnn Hardesty led a peaceful protest throughout downtown that was broken up by armed "federal" troops -- unmarked uniforms, etc, just like you've heard about on Chris Hayes' show, the Atlantic, and The Nation, as well as The Washington Post.
In response to Governor Kate Brown's request that the federal troops, who don't coordinate with the local cops and operate with unconstitutional impunity, leave Portland and leave Oregon, the Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Chad Wolf says, "We've got a mission, we're staying until that mission is complete."
Scary times here: pay attention, it'll be in your city next. Really.
Teddy, this is all very dangerous and it seemed to take the rest of the country by surprise. There weren't a lot of reports on it. I think it will backfire. Now we're seeing internal review showing they didn't have authority. Yes, everyone should pay attention.
At least last night it felt like we were finally getting news about Portland, it is outrageous!! My niece is in the state so I watch closely- and will continue to! Wondered aloud last night if these mystery troops would be used on folks protesting closures for public health? Frankly CA needs to be, the last roll back isn’t having much effect yet. Absolutely don’t like trump playing toy soldiers & it is illegal- someone needs to stand up to him NOW!
The same right wingers hollering about "death panels", "socialism", and 2nd amendment rights for the last 10 years seem to be awfully quiet now that there's an actual AMERICAN GESTAPO forming right before our eyes. Seems like a major disconnect, no? I'll be the millionth person to say this - but imagine if Obama were President and had federal police jumping out of rental vans, snatching tea party protestors off the street... I think the response would be *quite* different. They'd say things like, "if Obama's secret police come for me I'm ready to eXeRciSe muH sEcoNd aMeNdmeNt rIgHts!!@!@!@!@!"
Good point!!!
Isn't there something that can be done to put a stop this criminal behavior??
Trump can not be allowed to continue go down his path of destroying our Democracy!
This is a TOTAL dry run. What can congress do? Why can’t the state raise holy hell and get more national attention to this?!!
One point our great governor, Kate Brown, made when Chris Hayes asked her about having local or state officers detain these stormtroopers -- Oregon is not getting the COVID supplies or financial support we need from the federal government. "We ask them for it, and they send us these troopers." I think she worried that if she took real action against these federales, the trickle of COVID support would be cut off.
Plus, frankly, our local PoPo likes working with these guys, and they make the usually despised local PoPo look better by comparison...?
Long Live John Lewis!
The most Honest man in the house is gone. The last of RFK era who made such a difference in our country.
I admired John Lewis and his commitment to civil rights and humanity, unlike, well, you know who. Makes me wonder if his generation of leadership is vanishing. Hope not!
Just want to add, living in southern California during this pandemic is problematic. In the Coachella Valley, most people seem to be wearing masks, but there are some stubborn folks. I'm nervous since Riverside County is having its problems with surging and losing hospital space. Having the military called in to help out at a Rancho Mirage hospital is a good thing, but concerning. I'm minding my space and always encouraging my family to do the same. Just wish Newsom hadn't listened or been swayed by those who let ignorance guide them instead of common-sense to open up. Look where we are now.
We're all still trying to figure out how California went from being model to no re-locking down. Newsom did move too soon.
It’s the ass holes in Orange County in SoCal according to my sis who lives nearby
So are some of us in OC- yet we can plainly see the problem!
Totally agree- I’m in south Orange County which is original Reagan country & I had hope because we recently sent Katie Porter to Congress & many other Democrats, but the crazies have been stirring the pot and a lot of it seems to be in this area. Hadn’t gone out for a month till yesterday after & was amazed at how many cars were on the road & how busy parking lots are. Mask wearing seems 50-50 sometimes less. We are vulnerable so lay low but it frustrates me not to be able to take the road trips we had planned for retirement because so many places are not safe. We choose to error on the side of caution I am determined to live to see better days!
My sister lives in the valley. I havnt seen her in ages. I was hoping to visit this sept,,I’m so po’d and feel horrible my cali peeps. After so much early hard work a few bad oranges 🍊 had to spoil the whole damn bunch! Let this be a warning to north east. Keep vigilant!
John Lewis was an American treasure and those that went before him were there to greet him! Marco Rubio didn’t even know who he was with when he tweeted a pic of him with (wait for it) another American treasure Elijah Cummings. You can’t make this shit up with these ticks. I’m home self isolating (even though I only go out once a week for supplies) away from the morons in Tucson that STILL don’t mask up when going out, and not social distancing when out! It’s hotter than hell here so being in the cool, dark house is better than fighting with MAGAts. It’s mid July and 4 months ago I never thought March would end and we’re one day closer to November 3 when we get to vote that orange pos out of office. Love your show!
Rubio is beyond reprehensible. He has sweat headed -dry mouthed- flip flopped so many times on so many issues w record contradictory speed I DONT KNOW WHO HE IS!
Insert Pic: of your favorite white weasel here. Lol
I see plenty of idiots with masks pulled down under their noses or no mask at all. What do you say to these fools? How about, I thought you might be a patriot and love your country until I saw you without a mask? Being a patriot means considering our fellow citizens, not just thyself.
Ever since Trump, the delusional have mixed freedom with just being a self centered asshole draped in a flag! Where would our country be if our grandparents had those values?!
Hi Michael. This is Toni from Cincinnati soon to be from Arizona. We are currently visiting our son in Cincinnati area this weekend and I can not believe the number of subdivision parties that are going on in his sub. They are not wearing masks. Are they NUTS.... What is wrong with people? We are still living with our other son in Michigan and it is not any better there either..... My Cincinnati son has a 5 year old daughter and will not be sending her to school this fall. His mother in law is banned from his house because she is not wearing a mask. It is crazy.....
This doesn't sound good at all. And it's why we're seeing cases rise in Ohio and in Michigan. I fear this will happen everywhere.
Where exactly in Cincinnati? I ask because I live here, but not downtown. I work at the casino in the downtown area. Masks are mandatory in Hamilton county businesses, but not everyone is complying. Maybe I'll call you tomorrow Michelangelo about how it is working in the human petri dish....
My brother & sister in law live in Pittsburgh have similar stories. Both teachers w kids and the kids don’t seem to care. Even my brother is down playing the “severity” of “this” strain, or not as many deaths bla bla bla ,, we are screwed and the country obviously has a death wish.
The Three Horsemen of the Klu Klux Klan went golfing today, while the nation mourning the passing of a true American hero. Lady G needs to outed for the disgusting disgrace that she is. Give her the white hood, she earned it and take away her toaster oven.
Highly recommend watching “Finding Your Roots” on PBS streaming episode with John Lewis. Fascinating story. His emancipated great great grandparents got married right after the 13th amendment was passed and his gg grandfather then voted. Things then went downhill from there until 1965. We need a new Voting Rights Act.
Also I too am in the Coachella Valley. Seems like our worst offenders are tourists. But agree we opened too soon. Frankly I wish we would have another full lockdown for 2-3 weeks. Can only hope. Our hospitals are at capacity for staff.
I loved this man. Even more in recent years as I learned more and more about him each time he got my attention w a pointed direct comment keeping it REAL amongst a changing congress full of swamp water tea baggers. Congressman John Lewis represented in deed. America’s better half. Rep Lewis, take solace knowing your lifetime of fighting injustice is informed by and continues today in part BECAUSE of you.
Thank you for making America and the world a better place to live while we all must coexist here. RIP Hero Lewis. Can’t wait to rename that bridge in Alabama for you!
RIP John Lewis. You are a civil rights icon.
The Federal goon squad in Portland, sure makes me worry. Are they training for some type of Marshall Law that Cadet Bone Spurs may eventually enact. Citizens rights are being violated. The acting Sec. of Homeland Security is totally shameless and a disgrace. I live in a small county in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The last I knew this county had 5 cases of COVID reported. The county I grew up in only has 1 reported case up until now. Mask wearing is about 50/50, sometimes more, sometimes less. I think it depends what type of business you're going into. Will this shit ever end? Love your show.
Another update from Houston, Texas. I’m still bartending in Galveston and mask wearing is happening but there’s still so many people I wonder what they’re all doing on the island. Even with cheaper hotel rooms it still seems silly to vacation during a pandemic. I travel a great deal and I can’t imagine getting on a plane or going to a tourist hotspot right now.
I have to say I saw something that defied all reason at my bar this weekend. A family of four wearing masks made out of lace. That’s not a typo. It looked like they cut up some doilies and made masks out of them. I guess it was their way of giving a middle finger to the mask order while still technically complying. I also had two guests in Q Anon shirts. They didn’t even bother with masks. The trump masks make me laugh because trump won’t wear one anyways but he’ll make a buck off his cult members buying them.
Even though it would hurt me financially I wish Gov Abbott would close restaurants again. We need another shutdown. I’ve been tested three times now and thankfully all of my tests have been negative. But people I know are testing positive. My mother tested positive. She lives in north Texas. Louie Gohmert is her congressman so I think that says enough about where she lives. She’s a week into her diagnosis and her symptoms have remained relatively mild. Right now all I can really be thankful for is that no one I know has died but it’s really only a matter of time. Keep up the good work Michelangelo and stay safe.
Charles
Found out yesterday that I will be laid off at the end of July from my 2 and half year job as a research assistant. I was supposed to transition from a contractor to an employee in early 2020 but that didn't happen because of the pandemic so I will not be eligible for uneployment. I loved my job because we covered, in person, all the things that matter to our current situation like Roger Stone's trial, the inauguration protest prosecutions and every other trump related crime case that went on in DC. Also finding out finding out that the CDC is no longer involved and Roger Stone's best friend is now in control of the flow of information about the virus stats at HHS is pretty disturbing. My boss says we can talk again in November and I pray that he can bring me back on, but there is no guarantee. I have rheumatoid arthritis and hypertension so it's not like I can just go out and look for another job. Even though my area is not surging today when a friend brought my meds she said people in the building were not wearing masks and she had to keep waiting for the elevator to avoid them. I have been home for almost 5 months now and in a few weeks I won't even have work to occupy my time. I feel really frustrated at all these people that are willfully or even ignorantly refusing to take the pandemic seriously. Because of them I can't really leave my apartment safely and now I am facing trying to maintain without resources. I should be ok for a month or two but what comes after that? With or without pay I will not stop my examination of the corruption of the far right. I loved my job because it was my passion to know as much as possible about what they are up to. I am really ashamed of the Americans who just don't care and our government right now. Also if these were normal times and not a pandemic I might be one of the people being disappeared by secret federal "police" right now and everyone should be concerned that that is happening. Hope other people are faring better.
Kio, I'm so sorry to hear this. It's really disheartening, and my heart goes out to you. I hope something else comes up or that they bring you back. It sounds like you've been doing work that is very valuable to the cause and I wish you luck.
Thank you Michelangelo! I don't post much on any medium but I see that your platform encourages compassion and empathy so I thought I would reach out. Thank you for what you are doing and please keep it up. Your callouts of the trump cult members makes me feel better. I don't have the energy to argue with them
So many of us in your shoes Kio, I’ve got some temp work until September but then I’ll have to get creative. And I’m no spring chicken or the picture of perfect health but I’m not gonna waste my idle time this fall however. I’m gonna help the Trumps “find something new”. A JAIL CELL! Keep active my friend and stay in the game! Peace ✌🏻 from the east 😎
PS: Micheal bring Kio onto your show to discuss the corruption leads and coverups she “was” investigating. I’m concerned for this person
Thank you for your concern. I don't have any secret or non public information even though part of my assignment was to try to find that, but having access to the DC courts and attending every hearing about things related to the Trump administration corruption in the DOJ I do have first hand information about what went on in these prosecutions and most of it has not been publicly reported because of the profit model of our media. The problem with investigating secretive actors and organizations is that they are good at being secretive and the legal avenues of looking into what they are doing are limited.
Also just to clarify about the being snatched up by secret police comment, I meant that of it were safe for me to leave my apartment I would be someone who was there to witness and document the situation myself thus being at risk. It is my understanding that both here in DC and in whatever it is that is happening in Portland that they are not differentiating between media, legal observers, marchers or people looting. When the unmarked and unnacountable "police" were here prior and during the Lafayette Square incident occurred, neither Mayor Bowser or the MPD claimed to know who these groups were although we did not see the extrajudicial kidnapping of citizens at that time. We did however see targeted violence against journalists and activists especially shootings of people in the eye. It happened to my friend and former colleague.
Also I am not worried at the moment about political retribution for my work. I have effectively been neutralized with the cancellation of the projects I was working on. My boss was always more paranoid about retribution than I have been. Again I plan to continue my work whether I am paid or not. I just worry about becoming homeless and less protected from the virus in the next few months. I have just been grateful to be working from the beginning of the year. I pray I can get picked back up in the fall.