There’s noise in America right now. Donald Trump didn’t invent that racket, that chaos, but he sure as hell turned up the heat, cranked the burners, and walked away while the rest of us argued over who’s to blame for the smoke. Trump’s bet was loud and repeated that we were all small, that we were tribal, that we all would happily carve each other up into bite-sized resentments. But here’s the truth…Americans, for all our flaws, are a lot harder to reduce than that. We’re mutts, improvisers, stubborn bastards who, when it counts, tend to figure it out…sometimes late, sometimes messy, but rarely as dumb as Donald Trump thinks we are.
Two hundred and fifty years in, this whole experiment is still a high-wire act with no net, held together by people who don’t always like each other but understand, deep down, that the alternative is worse. Democracy isn’t a birthright you tuck in a drawer. American democracy is a job, the kind that ruins your shirt and keeps you up at night. Liberty costs something, it always has, and it always will, and every generation gets handed the tab whether they asked for it or not. So here we are, inheriting the mess and the miracle at the same time, tasked with carrying it forward for people we’ll never meet. Happy 250th, America. We are better, we are stronger, we are more resilient than Donald Trump will EVER give us credit for being.
As with Hitler's Olympic debacle, the World Cup is showing how rediculous the tRump/Stephen Miller regime's bigotry is. While tRump ridicules DEI, the World Cup shows that it is what makes nations string.
I love that the "minnow" countries are making a good show, sending off perennial favorites, demonstrating the importance of ambition and commitment, regardless of background - a complete rejection of Trumpism. I love that it's happening in our world, and that nations as different as Canada, USA, and Mexico are showing our moxie.
If only Trump were our only problem. It’s the network of oligarchs and billionaires who allow him to suckle in exchange for doing their bidding.That will allow greed of ALL the world’s riches to topple democracy. They have no love or allegiance to anything or anyone but self. Then they will feast on each other.
This is not a new thought but the World Cup is a great example that "there is more that unites than divides." If only we had leadership that focused on that life would be so much better. The World Cup also shows the joy in celebrating different cultures and peoples.
BTW, ABC has 24 hour coverage (going on now) of our 250th BirthdayCelebration of America! Very well done with great stories around the country and its people and hardly a mention of trump and his cult! Way to go ABC and Disney!
It’s unfortunate that Trump and his followers have tried to hijack our country and proclaim patriotism to their dystopian version, but I’m hoping that someday soon we’ll be able to retake what they’ve tried to strip away.
In Canada I've watched every World Cup game, some only parts while others I've watched the entire game. I've loved watching the teams and fans from other countries mingling together in joy and laughter but I have to laugh when you have Republicans or mainstream media saying it proves the US is not as bad as other countries think it is, of course it is but it's the Trump Regime not the people of the US. The way Trump treated the Iranian team and FIFA allowing it was despicable. Also the way they treated other teams and fans who of course were black or brown entering the US was disgusting.
It's the difference between the people and the regime. It's a hopeful sign that people around the world are able to make that distinction. It will take a long time to repair the damage Trump has done.
Trump’s relentless pursuit of division is a shame, especially considering the hardships faced by families and individuals struggling to make ends meet. His focus on self-aggrandizement at the expense of public welfare is disheartening.
If he fails to recognize the consequences of his actions, he will likely seek to claim credit for them. Distractions to run from the truth about the Epstein files will hunt him and this administration for life. We need to protect our victims and our children.
The United States will commemorate its 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, 2026. This occasion, coinciding with the World Cup, serves as a poignant reminder of the diversity that Trump is eroding.
We are stronger than he is, and I fervently hope that Congress and the Supreme Court will uphold due process and remove him from office. Such a move would be a much-needed gift to the world.
You want to know what it means to be an American. Read the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States. Whose ideals are founded on the creation of a more perfect union where all are equal and invited to be a part this work in progress. It means that we have shared values to freedom, but understand that with our freedom comes a responsibility to each other and the common good. Thank you Brian for all that you are doing to fight for our country. Happy 250th 4th of July to everyone.
And read Justice Jackson's concurring opinion in Trump v. Barbara (the birthright citizenship case) for further inspiration. Better yet, listen to Adam Klasfeld read it aloud on his Substack channel at 12:30 pm EDT today!
It will be interesting to see who and how many show up at the State Fair today to hear trump. (assuming it even happens). I'm guessing die hard Maga's, Trump sycophant politicians and perhaps some international tourists. Apparently security will not allow them to carry in their own water. 100 degree temps and they will HAVE to buy wtaer there. Someone should look into if perhaps trump or one of his kids is getting a cut from the water sales :) ? I wouldn't put it past these professional crooks.
There’s noise in America right now. Donald Trump didn’t invent that racket, that chaos, but he sure as hell turned up the heat, cranked the burners, and walked away while the rest of us argued over who’s to blame for the smoke. Trump’s bet was loud and repeated that we were all small, that we were tribal, that we all would happily carve each other up into bite-sized resentments. But here’s the truth…Americans, for all our flaws, are a lot harder to reduce than that. We’re mutts, improvisers, stubborn bastards who, when it counts, tend to figure it out…sometimes late, sometimes messy, but rarely as dumb as Donald Trump thinks we are.
Two hundred and fifty years in, this whole experiment is still a high-wire act with no net, held together by people who don’t always like each other but understand, deep down, that the alternative is worse. Democracy isn’t a birthright you tuck in a drawer. American democracy is a job, the kind that ruins your shirt and keeps you up at night. Liberty costs something, it always has, and it always will, and every generation gets handed the tab whether they asked for it or not. So here we are, inheriting the mess and the miracle at the same time, tasked with carrying it forward for people we’ll never meet. Happy 250th, America. We are better, we are stronger, we are more resilient than Donald Trump will EVER give us credit for being.
Marat, this is brilliant: " American democracy is a job, the kind that ruins your shirt and keeps you up at night." Happy 250th to us!
So very well said, Marat - thank you!
My heart beats with this!!!!!
This we can celebrate: our
diversity and the things that bring us together!
As with Hitler's Olympic debacle, the World Cup is showing how rediculous the tRump/Stephen Miller regime's bigotry is. While tRump ridicules DEI, the World Cup shows that it is what makes nations string.
I love that the "minnow" countries are making a good show, sending off perennial favorites, demonstrating the importance of ambition and commitment, regardless of background - a complete rejection of Trumpism. I love that it's happening in our world, and that nations as different as Canada, USA, and Mexico are showing our moxie.
We are going to prosper despite the Trump administration. We are the melting pot of goodness.
If only Trump were our only problem. It’s the network of oligarchs and billionaires who allow him to suckle in exchange for doing their bidding.That will allow greed of ALL the world’s riches to topple democracy. They have no love or allegiance to anything or anyone but self. Then they will feast on each other.
This is not a new thought but the World Cup is a great example that "there is more that unites than divides." If only we had leadership that focused on that life would be so much better. The World Cup also shows the joy in celebrating different cultures and peoples.
BTW, ABC has 24 hour coverage (going on now) of our 250th BirthdayCelebration of America! Very well done with great stories around the country and its people and hardly a mention of trump and his cult! Way to go ABC and Disney!
I’m glad to hear that.
It’s unfortunate that Trump and his followers have tried to hijack our country and proclaim patriotism to their dystopian version, but I’m hoping that someday soon we’ll be able to retake what they’ve tried to strip away.
I live on an intercostal - boats go by all day! I am happy to report, since May, I have seen 2 trump flags on these boats! And this is floriduh!
I have given up msm and get my news from the internet but will tune in between the soccer matches to revive my hopes in the people.
Trump has the unique ability to wreck everything he tries to accomplish.
The Reflecting Pool and his State Fair are great symbols for his failing maladministration.
In Canada I've watched every World Cup game, some only parts while others I've watched the entire game. I've loved watching the teams and fans from other countries mingling together in joy and laughter but I have to laugh when you have Republicans or mainstream media saying it proves the US is not as bad as other countries think it is, of course it is but it's the Trump Regime not the people of the US. The way Trump treated the Iranian team and FIFA allowing it was despicable. Also the way they treated other teams and fans who of course were black or brown entering the US was disgusting.
It's the difference between the people and the regime. It's a hopeful sign that people around the world are able to make that distinction. It will take a long time to repair the damage Trump has done.
Trump’s relentless pursuit of division is a shame, especially considering the hardships faced by families and individuals struggling to make ends meet. His focus on self-aggrandizement at the expense of public welfare is disheartening.
If he fails to recognize the consequences of his actions, he will likely seek to claim credit for them. Distractions to run from the truth about the Epstein files will hunt him and this administration for life. We need to protect our victims and our children.
The United States will commemorate its 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, 2026. This occasion, coinciding with the World Cup, serves as a poignant reminder of the diversity that Trump is eroding.
We are stronger than he is, and I fervently hope that Congress and the Supreme Court will uphold due process and remove him from office. Such a move would be a much-needed gift to the world.
The Supreme Court has no such role, and THIS Congress has relinquished it. Let's see where we are after the midterms.
I am an American in Regensburg, Germany, today, where there is a cheerful Pride parade. Hurray for freedom for all.
You want to know what it means to be an American. Read the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States. Whose ideals are founded on the creation of a more perfect union where all are equal and invited to be a part this work in progress. It means that we have shared values to freedom, but understand that with our freedom comes a responsibility to each other and the common good. Thank you Brian for all that you are doing to fight for our country. Happy 250th 4th of July to everyone.
And read Justice Jackson's concurring opinion in Trump v. Barbara (the birthright citizenship case) for further inspiration. Better yet, listen to Adam Klasfeld read it aloud on his Substack channel at 12:30 pm EDT today!
It will be interesting to see who and how many show up at the State Fair today to hear trump. (assuming it even happens). I'm guessing die hard Maga's, Trump sycophant politicians and perhaps some international tourists. Apparently security will not allow them to carry in their own water. 100 degree temps and they will HAVE to buy wtaer there. Someone should look into if perhaps trump or one of his kids is getting a cut from the water sales :) ? I wouldn't put it past these professional crooks.
Brian, you give me Hope for our Country!
And God bless Americans who have avoided the Trump grift and charade at the Mall.
THIS! Thank you…