Fighting Hard, Fighting Smart - Notes On Becoming An Effective and Ferocious Opposition

In my new video I offer some ideas about he need to approach this challenging moment in our history. Please watch and share with others you think might be interested. For more commentary like this hit subscribe and join me at www.hopiumchronicles.com. Keep working hard all - S

[@marianne5565]

Thank you, Simon. You have been a guiding force amid this chaos, providing important information, actionable steps, and a sense of hope and purpose. We are grateful.

[@MySearcy]

Thank you for the update! I appreciate the info on the protests by sponsors...and knowing them. Thank you for your hard work!

[@TheresaMynatt-m4j]

I’m watching this on Saturday morning. Thank you Simon, I needed this. I’m having trouble with anger. I don’t feel fear .

[@BluePatriotWinner]

Me too. Fury, outrage, anger. 🤬

[@rochcarothers-ts3jx]

Ok,keep your BP down, stay healthy, save your energy & money & resources. You will be needed :)

[@bluelady549]

I was so uplifted when I volunteered with my local Dems before the election. That came from the people I worked with. We were focused, and together, we were strong. I'm looking forward to continuing the fight. I see exactly what we're facing, but i dont let that get to me (too often). Your advice and your expertise are invaluable tools for all of us. Thank you, Simon, for your commitment and compassion.

[@lynwilson4773]

Thank you Simon, for your tireless work in supporting our TATTERED democracy. HOPIUM is still my daily mantra!🦅🇺🇸💙

[@tinamartinez5943]

Thank you for your words Simon. 2 nights ago I was afraid from the news. I mean end of times, pack a go bag afraid. Listening to you and other independent news channels I’m back and ready to fight.

[@joanholloway1746]

I appreciate your willingness to help share with us your words of wisdom and advice. 💙

[@tamborahh]

Thank you.

[@ReadMoreHistory-v9u]

Pod Save America did a live show with several Dem Senators today. Highly advise watching. Elissa Slotkin talked a lot about the calls and what works/what doesn’t. She made a point to say don’t just calls Dems but Republicans in Congress too. Really helpful info! Again, highly advise.

[@cassandratq9301]

If you have a Republican Representative, call them first! They are afraid of MAGA. If it makes sense in your state, re-register as a Republican ( they check when you call) so they know that there are primary voters that AREN'T MAGA. (They are being threatened by Musk with primaries from the right.)

[@pmcallister]

This is by far the most insightful assessment and prescription I’ve seen. Thank you. I will be investing more in this community.

[@kristihare4424]

❤thank you!!! You are helping!!!

[@brianentz2785]

As always, the voice of informed reason.

[@joep5337]

Simon, I'm an old fellow who participated in the protests against the Vietnam war. I think your warning about protests gives the impression people should be afraid of being arrested. I think no one should fear arrest. We should only fear participating in violence. We should be ready to protest even if mass arrests are promised. MLK Jr's movement would have died if they didn't protest when arrests were promised. In fact, the more good people are victimized by the government the more appalled the ambivalent will become. It won't happen overnight, but eventually the movement will grow larger and larger. Sometimes when I marched against the Vietnam War some assholes would start breaking store windows and stealing stuff. They represented less then 1% of the protesters. The rest of us would move away from the thugs and tell the cops about them when we encountered them. We must understand that fighting totalitarianism will involve risk, and patriots will proudly bear the risk. But always be peaceful. Always.

[@melissalayson7275]

I think Simon is concerned about Trump using Martial Law to become a dictator. This could happen if the protests become anything like 1968. Just be careful.

[@thisishappening7273]

I agree with what you’re saying about being arrested but it’s important to keep in mind that Fox and Twitter only need a handful of videos and images to create the “cities are burning” narrative. In the 60s you couldn’t create such a thing because social media didn’t exist. Bad faith Fox News didn’t exist, and foreign countries couldn’t reach in and damage our information spaces with disinformation the same way. Also J6 hadn’t happened either.. they would LOVE to turn that around on the rest of us. That makes care about violence even more important. There’s already a few unhinged people and astroturfing calling for violence in online spaces. So in that sense the organization is really important because an official organization can get permits and be able to say “that’s not us”

[@ivykaminsky]

In my opinion, it doesn't matter if we organize and demonstrate peacefully if the other side injects violence and property damage into the mix..this would give Donald Trump an excuse to declare martial law... martial law = putting a stop to elections and allowing the military to shoot civilians

[@Gods1andonly]

Dear God, it's only been 17 days. Everyday its something different! I'm already exhausted! His mind is a Weapon of Mass Distraction! Dear God if DJT is gone before I wake, I pray to God the news isn't fake!

[@social_ghost]

Trump spreads so much fake info I'm not sure I will even be able to believe his obituary.

[@NMR-3586]

Good one thank you for the laugh. I do too...

[@PlumLeaf76]

Thank you, Simon! We are encouraged and we'll keep fighting

[@buriedbits6027]

Great point on the protests and understanding the sponsors.

[@jmh-1002]

YOU continuously give me hope. Thank you for what you do.

[@richelechi5683]

I left Rep CA Ken Calvert a message today to save Medicaid. I will die without it

[@SusanHudson-f8v]

Thank you

[@riasherman4571]

I'd like to see a documentary about El0n's family ties to USAID. That is news to me. I think that would connect some dots for Joe Public.

[@Andrea-nd8zu]

I agree. I knew he was slimy, but I didn't know his ancestoral sliminess.

[@NMR-3586]

Hopefully PBS Frontline will produce

[@glencro2331]

@NMR-3586didn’t Project 25 include dismantling PBS?

[@pamponsart]

Thank you for your pep talk. And, thank you for what you do on behalf of all of us, Simon. ❤

[@ayrezazu6267]

Very informative. Thank you.

[@tamborahh]

I just have to say thank you again and give a more detailed reason. I've felt the discord from the disappointment and with the democrat party. My mind became overwhelmed and exhausted from the Chaotic madness of whqt is happening. "Physiological warfare- So yes, thank you for your information and the legal steps that are being taken and what we can do as citizens to make a difference. Its important

[@stephenstahley3197]

Thank you, Simon for your guidance and leadership during these perilous times. Keep up the great work and keep going.

[@BaileyQuince]

We will continue defend the rule of law.

[@1MAnniversaries]

Thank you, Simon. Guantanamo worries me because I wonder if it is a place where people can disappear from judicial jurisdiction if you oppose trump.

[@thisishappening7273]

That’s what they want you to fear so you’ll be silent. This is what we mean by “do not obey in advance”

[@samanthavuignier2019]

You give me a strategy for where to expend my resources and you bolster my will to fight by making me feel I’m not alone and together we can protect our democracy. Thank you. ❤

[@Amberdevon8789]

Simon, I really appreciate your honesty and for keeping me sane. I look forward to donating to your organization. Thank you for all you do!

[@mjf3810]

I appreciate your call guidance. I started communicating with state senators and representatives during the first Trump admin, even though I live in a "red" state. Believe that if they don't hear from constituents, they'll assume that everything is fine. IT IS NOT! Learned by doing and never sure if I was "doing it right." Your suggestions really help!

[@cassandratq9301]

Identify yourself as a constituent + voter, and, if applicable, as registered with the party of the representative. This is important, because the Republicans especially are afraid of being primaries. If you are shy, you can usually call after hours + leave a VM message. ( Sometimes the VM system is full.)

[@damonbernard2802]

Thank you, Simon I agree, we have to be careful protesting

[@monikarathbone3478]

Simon it is tough to fight the noise - hang in there, I need you with HOPEium

[@BaileyQuince]

Thank you!! Not Republican Democrat thing. It’s about democracy.

[@riasherman4571]

What do you think about Tim Snyder's suggestion of a shadow cabinet?

[@marybrown7203]

Love it. I also like the idea of a d war room.

[@linmasters]

LOVE YOUR WORK. I DO THINK WE SHOULD ALL BEGIN TO SEE THE SIGNS OF DEMENTIA. IT CAN ONLY GET WORSE.

[@ChildPerson]

Thank you!!!

[@carolglen2965]

🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@cassandratq9301]

The three specials are so critical. With the IRL events unfolding, we can't get at least one? I totally respect your opinion on this matter, and I will follow your advice on this.

[@terrynorthern38]

Agreed on defensive move

[@shelly1179]

Awesome advice about the PROTESTS be safe people!!

[@WackadoodleMalarkey]

I admit that it's hard. I'm sore and beaten. But we're hanging tough and unbroken!

[@jadwigapaliwoda5748]

❤😊

[@monikarathbone3478]

Thank you Simon for all your work 💙👍

[@deborahlukovich8006]

Agreed. Don’t obey in advance.

[@manawari7]

Do Not Obey in Advance!!! Totally agree 💯‼️

[@psyfiles7351]

This is great I feel ready to do more we need easy access to lists of what those things we can do are to protest . I hope your wizard Orono image viral memes

[@riasherman4571]

Depends what the plan is. It's not about not giving, it's about picking wisely.

[@carolynmack4017]

Great information on Musk family history. Thank you!

[@michellegolesorkhi9247]

❤

[@christine1928]

Why hasn’t He been arrested? Where are the legal watchdogs of our nation. If anyone else broke into the capital they would be in jail.

[@NMR-3586]

Laid off...

[@melissalayson7275]

@christine Do want to save our democracy or do you just want to whine? We can worry about fixing the issues in the justice system when we take our country back from Trump and Elon. This should be the least of our concerns right now.

[@christine1928]

@@melissalayson7275 I thought I asked a legitimate question? I don’t underway Musk has not been arrested.

[@pmcallister]

@@christine1928 he hasn’t been arrested because the people who would do that have been captured by trump. It’s not complicated, which is why your question was met with some skepticism.

[@thisishappening7273]

You should be able to answer this question yourself. We don’t have a legitimate federal law enforcement body to arrest him. It’s that simple. Laws are only for regular people now, not the wealthy and well connected.

[@terrynorthern38]

Action taken, response after

[@tuttiflutes]

Cory Bookers last nights floor speech was VERY impressive and zero notes..Simon I'm afraid that elon has and has already done something bad with out social security numbers..I feel like we am going to lose everything..What do we do..?

[@melissalayson7275]

Jeff Bezos has gone silent recently. That is sign oligarchs weren't successful in purging our government.

[@LindaCarruthers-dg7gp]

Totally agree re Ken Martin. It’s not his job to be a spokesperson. He is the chief engineer of what should be a humming machine.

[@cassandratq9301]

If Ken Martin isn't supposed to be spokesman for the Dems, who is?

[@damonbernard2802]

Haven't seen you in a while, good to see u

[@BirthingBetterSkills]

Yes. My generation ... we lived through generations of 'working towards' and 'working for' Civil and Women's Rights. GENERATIONS! We did not 'fight' or 'fight against' because once you 'fight' then you are doing what Simon is telling you ... 'fighting' is not telling people what you are 'working for'.

[@massvt3821]

And....Miki Sherrill in NJ. Don't forget about her.....

[@ReadMoreHistory-v9u]

Yeah, I think she’s great.

[@corkson1744]

Dems., stay strong! Believe in the change we must make happen.

[@ivykaminsky]

Please come to Houston

[@cynthiayanez9218]

We also flip a couple seats, I can't remember the states though

[@cherylherr-rains7604]

Thank you. To add to what you said about defending the rules and laws as if they still exist, - "we the people" need the hope provided by seeing this action to push back. Also we need this to take up news space to take up the sound waves!. Story- I called my bank to ask what was being done to protect my account with Musk taking over and messing with the Treasury, ....and the clerk knew nothing about this,

[@cherylherr-rains7604]

P.S. I really love the KZbin episodes AOC made to calmly describe what is actually happening in DC and Treasury. More of that please.

[@cestmoifu1406]

It’s John fetterman that I think we should be allowed to criticize

[@ReadMoreHistory-v9u]

I know. He is a wild card. I think he is also trying to appeal to a lot of Republicans in PA. It sucks, I know, but I think that’s the reason. Today, though, he said he is not voting for Tulsi or RFK Jr and I was worried he would! So that is something good.

[@marybrown7203]

I have plenty of Republicans to condemn.

[@marybrown7203]

​@ReadMoreHistory-v9u I am satisfied believing it is strategic. The dems' votes made no difference in the outcome.

[@cestmoifu1406]

@@ReadMoreHistory-v9u they don’t need his vote anyways. Means nothing to me.

[@rhmendelson]

Thank you, your words are soothing and hopeful! Didn’t know this about Musk and his fascist family history!

[@cassandratq9301]

Ken was the obvious right choice for Chair of the DNC.

[@terrynorthern38]

If they cut off food and medicine over there they will do it here!

[@SpatialDragonfly]

Please help them figure out what to do to make phone banking worthwhile. We need to at least leave a voicemail

[@zoilymartinez3307]

Very good description of Trump

[@riasherman4571]

We could see the Vice Chairs being internet warriors...

[@claren4643]

One of the things that I wonder about is all of the living presidents and vice presidents coming together as a group to do a "special" on whatever comes closest to "all the channels" of the old days, and speak as specifically and factually as possible about what is happening and what it means to democracy. I know that people are waiting to let him do maximum damage to himself, but soon... And I think faith leaders should do the same. Action is happening in my denomination, for which I'm thankful. but there could be a huge "worship event" full of persons of faith who stand against this effort. It could to be organized by interfaith leaders & orgs. There are so many possibilities. And frankly, if people are to be arrested, they would include faith leaders from small to major... bad look. I am going to reach out to my own tradition's leaders to encourage this (or find out if it's already in process). I'm already communicating with my reps, but they're all blue. As always, listening and learning. Thank you.

[@CGMaat]

Could there be a list of telephones numbers to our officials so those who are not savvy participate in calls those who could have influence .

[@cassandratq9301]

I called and left a message with the DNC to join the lawsuits protecting Federal workers and protecting already appropriated Agency funds from being shut off. DNC should support with money, but it's important to have the DNC brand associated with those righteous causes.

[@gerrybaker7155]

Trumps governing paradiigm could be called an "Idiocracy"

[@CGMaat]

Exactly , why are democrats picking on themselves- honor all the good we do stand for .

[@joycebell6912]

Simon, did you hear about the film created by an investigative reporter with enormous abilities for mathematics his major in college…. The film is Vigilante Inc. if you don’t have time to see it give your new staff person a charge to see it because there is no way the Dems can win the House back unless these issues are delt with…. Good luck

[@buriedbits6027]

20:48 on musk.

[@infinitebreathyogatherapy]

Heard.

[@ivykaminsky]

You need a moderator to get rid of the trolls

[@massvt3821]

If you want to support any group, please consider helping the Democratic Attorneys General, who have been doing fantastic work so far. For individuals, I would say Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut, who has been doing everything... .

[@tuttiflutes]

How to call from abroad?.. Floridian living in Netherlands?

[@Amberdevon8789]

Hi Simon! I would like to support Opium. How can I?

[@deborahlukovich8006]

We don’t know what will happen. We can’t see what’s happening at the local level that might break through into consciousness. People are realigning and reorganizing and spending money differently.

[@user-gv5dq8gf5l]

I am concerned about election security in 2026. How can we ensure that there is no interference?

[@BluePatriotWinner]

Where are the democratic billionaires? Shouldn't they be supporting Ken Martin and DNC? I'm a senior on minimum social security, I gave more than I could to the dems and for Harris and Waltz. Who's gonna pay my bills with skyrocketing prices over the next few years?

[@neilbrubaker6096]

This is a class war in my opinion, and you can't fight a class war if you're taking money from the Oligarch class. I don't think you can so simply dismiss the cries to get big money out of the democratic party.

[@SimonWDC]

That's silly.

[@neilbrubaker6096]

@@SimonWDC Thanks for responding, I love you and your work btw. I am surprised, however, that you don't see a class dynamic when the new administration contains 13 billionaires with a combined wealth of $460 billion. I feel this could be potent vector of attack while building class solidarity.

[@catherinekasmer9905]

@@SimonWDC I happen to agree. Their aim is to destroy the social safety net and install oligarchs.

[@cestmoifu1406]

I’m sorry Simon. We are playing a new game now. New game. New rules. They don’t respond to the courts or law anymore. We have to stop bringing diced cucumbers to a bazooka fight. It’s makes no sense

[@SimonWDC]

They have actually complied with every Court decision so far.

[@cestmoifu1406]

@ Thank you for responding. I say that bc I hear that money is still frozen for some childcare businesses and others. I agree that every fight should be in the courts rn if we have compliance bc I want things to go back to norms but what I see is a rogue extremist movement bucking the system without consequences & if that’s the case at some point we need a new playbook but I respect you & hope that the answers to our problems are simply applying the law. I will stay in that lane until all HOPIUM is lost. Thank you.

[@catherinekasmer9905]

@@SimonWDCyes but they are literally destroying the fbi and cia. This is just a delay. They have said they won’t comply- so get ready for it.

[@cestmoifu1406]

@@SimonWDCthey are no longer compiling with the courts. What now?

[@catherinekasmer9905]

I seriously doubt that normal procedural or legal remedies will work. Too much damage has already been done.

[@cassandratq9301]

Can you organize Dems in PA to get Fetterman back in line by flooding the office with phone messages?

[@cestmoifu1406]

Ok. It’s been confirmed by a judge now that indeed they ARE defying the judges orders. What do you propose we do from here? Like I said… we are playing a new game now. We gotta stop bringing these damn diced cucumbers to this bazooka fight. I really would like to hear what you have to say. IMO, we cannot play nice anymore.

[@monikarathbone3478]

How can we get ready to fight corrupt opponents, it's difficult of earnest polititions who are working within the legal frames of the constitution to fight a lawless will supported by the Supreme court⁉⁉

[@TheresaMynatt-m4j]

There are 330 million people in the US. We need a big government. I don’t see the problem for a country that is obsessed with bigger anything and everything. THAT is the problem with Americans.

[@maypanah5880]

Simon, I think Democrats should not follow the law in you this emergency case, when you see someone putting you house on fire you need to stop him right there, instead of calling 911.

[@varab6287]

He is committing treason in view.

[@user-gv5dq8gf5l]

Can we find sponsorship for an anti-Elon Musk rally?

[@jonathanrossddsmhs1271]

Simon, I think you need to find a new synonym for “conservative”. These days it means stupid, not creative, backwards Luddite. How about “judicious”?

[@robinlgood]

Here’s the deal. You want us to ‘teach’ but you don’t want us to voice our displeasure. The shaming continues. Is there a place for non corporate Progressives in this party? I don’t see that with the latest person elected as chair. In his acceptance speech, how many times did he utter the name of T. (Which I won’t write out here) we don’t have a message if we are just ‘the opposition to T! We need a progressive (capitalist?) message that has nothing to do with that baboon. Our own identity! Anyone whose been in an abusive relationship knows there is a danger of losing your own identity and only seeing yourself in terms of the abuser. I would recommend NEVER speaking his name, instead, what do the Dems really REALLY stand for? Is it the working person? Or is it culture wars? Owning MAGA? In my opinion you lost millions of voters when you dismissed Bernie Sanders, not once, but twice! And when his name comes up he is dismissed out-of-hand like some crackpot nut job. That really broke the Dems BAD. You really want to win? Be unapologetically pro common man! Common problems that govt tax dollars can fix! SMART goals. The best I can say about how I see the Dems is that they turned away their chance to win or even to learn from Bernie. They tried to adopt some of his lines, but it just doesn’t seem so authentic when you are courting big corps and not saying the truth. Truth is that we have GOT to get money OUT of politics. NOW. The corruption is on full display. Appeal to common people. Inspire them with positivity, not hate, to common people, healthcare for all is not a bridge too far. For common people we are affected by the VIOLENCE of the system every. Single . Day. Ease that pain! Violence from healthcare, financial, education, and yes, media. Grief and Grievance are not that far apart, when you look at the hatred of T voters, if you look deeply, what you really see is GRIEF. They are grieving, deeply. Anyways, this is too long. Check the shame, listen to our grief. Give our grief a voice. Get money out of politics so you can. That is step 1. Until we do that, we won’t progress. I also want to say thank you for the work you are doing.

[@user-gv5dq8gf5l]

How do we get Democrats to do a criminal referral?

[@jentihom]

1939 again...what will you do this time ? Let him destroy the world?

[@tamarafoster3397]

Are they going to investigate djt cheating?

[@jonnieinbangkok]

Fifty-Seven percent disfavorable rating 🤣 🤣 🤣

[@ryansteve2893]

The smugness and eliteness just oozes from this guy. No wonder the Dems lost the blue collar vote.

[@llkellenba]

Troll elsewhere

[@ryansteve2893]

@ You think this guy persuades blue collar voters to vote democrat? Good luck in 2028.

[@ryansteve2893]

@ You think this guy helps pull blue collar votes? Have fun in 2028.

[@ryansteve2893]

You think this guy helps pull blue collar votes? Have fun in 2028.

[@TheresaMynatt-m4j]

I’m still paying for the donations I gave Kamala. It will take me time.

[@TheresaMynatt-m4j]

How do we get the old people out of the spotlight. The idea that Jerry conally thinks it’s “his turn” is the stupidest most self serving selfish thing I’ve heard come fron the mouth of a politician is ludicrous. I’m angry about that. Chuck Schumer is an embarrassment. They are not serious people. I’m 69 years old and speak from experience.