We're Having A Coup: How Are You?

Heather Cox Richardson and I discuss the fact that we are currently in the midst of a coup -- which needs to be said out loud and bluntly -- and what that means.

[@joecrowaz]

The question isn't who will let me. The question is who will stop me - Ayn Rand

[@belladonnatook8851]

@@joecrowaz Better to ask forgiveness than to ask permission!

[@Elmer_Gantry]

@@belladonnatook8851 I see what you did there.😆 Frank Luntz: Have you ever asked God for forgiveness? [Audience laughs a little.] Trump: 60 seconds of rambling about how entrancing DOCTOR Norman Vincent Peale was. Frank Luntz: But have you ever asked God for forgiveness? [Audience bursts out laughing.] Trump: I'm not sure I have. I just try to go and do a better job from there. I don't think so. I think I, if I do something wrong, I try to make it right. I don't bring God into that picture. I don't." Family Leadership Summit 2015

[@belladonnatook8851]

@@Elmer_Gantry 😆

[@GoldbrickOrange]

@@Elmer_Gantry the same setting at which Trump refused to call a hero a POW who refused to take advantage of his father's position to be sent back home ahead of POWs captured before him

[@lm9753LyndaAnn]

Thank you for the quote. Yes.

[@lindabruce4899]

I have contacted my senators and the representative and told them to get Elon out of my information and DO THEIR JOB! I am SO disgusted with this situation!

[@joscherer6696]

me too

[@loricusenza4887]

Me three

[@Brandolinis_Law]

I got an email back telling me to "rest assured," so that's what I'm doing.

[@alro11]

RESIST! It’s a coup - get in the streets !💪🏼

[@msvulcanspock]

Folks are on the streets! Corporate media is not reporting the protests! But they are happening!

[@cestmoifu1406]

Thats what my whole channel is about!

[@LeaC-lw8xl]

Jamie Raskin said no. He said it gives trmp a way to declare martial law. Besides. No rally or march has ever changed anything since Vietnam

[@18_rabbit]

@@LeaC-lw8xl And?? are u drunk on depressant drugs like pot? ffs, wake up! The vietnam marches which i was in as a toddler on my dad's back in '72, is why we need to do this now, obviously! This is not complicated and is simpler than back then, simpler than vietnam and the social issues then. The aggressive neoreactionaries don't have much social real power here in the U.S. These are bloviating politicians who are now apparently afraid of their own extremists. It takes basic strong dem /liberal leadership to get this ball rolling, and civil society needs to wake the fk up! Our system is designed to rely on the gvt to be informed by the ppl directly if necessary! Mass protests, NV civil disobedience, and general strikes if ncessary. We have no choice now

[@Ranis-o1k]

Huge protests happening across ALL 50 States on Wednesday the 5th!

[@deborahchristian2318]

Great and intelligent conversation, ladies! My question is who do you think Democrats in Maine should put forth against Susan Collins in two years? Calling her, writing her, showing up at her office is to no avail. Tulsi Gabbard and RFK, Jr, just for starters. She has become a complete sham and a stain on our state. Thanks.

[@evedillingham6847]

Susan has been shamming for years.

[@GottaDance56]

As Heather always says, "I'm not a politician, I'm a historian."

[@itsmommy100]

She's been everything you said for at least ten years that I'm aware of from Ohio, and keeps getting reelected. I should add, Ohio now has two awful Senators after we lost Sherrod Brown in November.

[@JeanneGolliher]

​@@itsmommy100Cincinnati here. I still can't believe Sherrod lost his seat to a slimy car dealer. I am ashamed of our state. Did you hear that yesterday JD Vance's half-brother announced he will be running for mayor next year? Cincinnati has not elected a Republican mayor for generations, and 9/9 city council members are Democrats. Maybe he enjoys humiliation and pain? The alternative, which is actually quite terrifying, is that he'll get a boatload of tech and crypto bro dark money and mount a brutal misinformation campaign against our incumbent, who is running for re-election. I do trust that our citizens are too smart to fall for dirty tricks and manufactured scandals.

[@JoyceSagulla]

SUSAN COLLINS...WHAT A THOUGHTFUL AND MORALLY UPSTANDING YOUNG PUSSY FROM THE STARE OF MAINE!!!WHAT A WORLD 🌎 ♥️ 🎶 👌 😆 😄 🌎 ♥️ 🎶 👌 😆 😄 🌎 ♥️ 🎶 👌 😆 😄 🌎 ♥️ 🎶 👌 😆 😄 🌎 ♥️ 🎶 👌 😆 😄 🌎 ♥️ 🎶 👌 😆 😄 🌎 ♥️ 🎶 👌 😆 😄 🌎 ♥️ 🎶 👌 😆 😄 🌎 ♥️ 🎶 👌 😆 😄...

[@lindagarland5223]

One of our two Senator 's AND Coongressional District Representative hosted a Town Hall on Sunday. 500 people showed! Standing room only. Smart questions were asked.❤

[@cmac2375]

What state?

[@akeating1969]

& that’s why they want to abolish the Department of Education. It’s been going on since Reagan- Control requires ignorance. God help all of us!

[@cmac2375]

Agree strongly, so concerned about the rewriting of and changing our historical facts.

[@TerriK-b9z]

I have been calling and emailing my senators and representative daily since the felon tried to freeze federal funding, sometimes more than once a day. There is so much going on and they need to hear about it and be reminded that they work for us.

[@dianadickerson749]

So have I, getting busy signals, full mailbox, I mean real what the heck did those fools think would be our reactions? We are not going to be dumbed down from the politicians to the "legacy" news. Need to stay on the front of this. They are scared shite less, truly hope those are removed, better yet jailed.

[@shawnaleewhitney6630]

People need to hear Greg Palast's analysis on the impact of voter suppression.

[@msvulcanspock]

His documentary "Vigilantes Inc" is briliant! And freely available on KZbin.

[@18_rabbit]

voter intimidation effect was real and massive for liberal trending ppl during election period. That's why millions were 'missing', apparently.

[@Ranis-o1k]

And the military cybersecurity data fella, Nathan from #DireTalks, is doing some incredible work! #VerifyTheVote

[@clover3309]

​@@Ranis-o1k Stephen Spoonamore. Duty to warn letter to VP Harris..?

[@bethconey8421]

Yes, that was excellent

[@HoneyBadger80886]

Elon no need compliance when he Holds The Levers of Power. Get Elon Out Of the TREASURY.

[@TheJandlea]

Heather, I am responding here because I couldn't on the other video. The economic cost of a nursing home closing isn't just the effects of a closed business, with job loss but if people have to quit their job to take care of Mom, Dad or Auntie at home that is an economic cost in the millions per individual.

[@csikathy]

Another way to take women out of the work force

[@Mr512austintexas]

Thank you so much for this conversation. I think what Dr. Freeman said about making the call/sending the email in spite of the expectation that it will fall on deaf ears IS THE POINT. Since I'm in Texas I have two of the most entrenched MAGA senators in the country ~ Ted Cruz and John Cornyn ~ but my wife and I both sent emails this morning. We've got to do what we can, do all we can, to fight back against this COUP!

[@71suns]

We are MANY. THEY ARE FEW. It is THEY who should be frightened.

[@dannettevasquez695]

So many people called yesterday that the switchboard crashed.

[@karenkaren3189]

Two intelligent, strong and beautiful women, What a relief to see ladies who don’t dye their hair, load up their faces with chemicals and surgeries or plaster on makeup. Women get stronger and stronger as they get older. We are at the point of life when we don’t give any effs about stupid stuff

[@cbakerpt]

I live in a red state and I have been making calls; started encouraging others in Ohio as well. I'm so happy Joanne has a new bird and Heather has a good connection!

[@ForestDaughtersJournals]

Isn’t it illegal for a citizen to walk into the Treasury building and lock the doors. Can we not get him for trespassing and put him in jail?

[@UkeCan1]

Technically we can. But who's going to do it?

[@sueunderwood5479]

since Trump has given Musk carte blanche access he then can authorize these college kids doing whatever he tells them o do

[@carolhartley5982]

And the cabinet guy, Scott B seems to have been there, authorising everything on the hoof. He's the political head of the department, so does have power. I don't know how that would have played out if the police/FBI had turned up.

[@carolhartley5982]

Today is Thursday 6 Feb., and there has been so much more public protest since than there was just 48 hours ago. I think the stun gun effect has worn off widely and people have moved from almost paralysing shock to using outrage as fuel for action. That's the constructive use of anger. Take care of people who are still in the grip of panic. They really need help.

[@carolhartley5982]

Come back soon!

[@simonebye6771]

(Aussie here) thank you for this! Love listening to two smart, funny women dissecting what’s going on. Watching on in horror from here and sending you all love & solidarity 🙌💪🏼

[@71suns]

Thank you for continuing to come alongside us in friendship during this very DIRE hour in our country.

[@NucleusStrength]

Love the Reunion. I miss their "Now and Then" Podcast Tremendously.

[@freerangemaker]

I have been observing, going into a state of shock, and explosive pain in my chest through this, as if my heart is breaking for the country, broken heart syndrome, and I wondered if oneʻs heart could break for oneʻs sense of country. I have been reading Heather Cox Richardsonʻs work, daily, then doing small things, such as writing to senators. It felt SO good to print it out, and send it via snail mail. It was small action. But SOMETHING. I actually used AI to help me by drafting my thoughts, giving AI the news through a blog post, and asking it to explain what is going on historically, and what action I could take. I found it help me work somehow. Use whatever tools work! ACTION more than TALK is my dinky contribution to the bigger picture.

[@starsiegeRoks]

Thank you. If millions of us do this, then a small dinky action becomes a roar.

[@jodydavison33]

I like the friendly relaxed style personally. I've never seen Joanne before but obviously you two go way back. If Heather trusts her, good enough for me. Much appreciate the sanity and perspective.

[@pauladufour7594]

Joanne and Heather have been together on podcasts and other media for a very long time. Joanne doesn't send out an email.

[@mrfranksan]

There are some minor audio glitches. Not a big deal. BUT this is the third video in two days that have had problems. I’ve been pondering what’s the equivalent in today’s autocratic take over to the necessity of controlling communication. A podcaster I follow broke into her own program to declare that if her channel goes dark, someone’s meddling because she will not be skipping her regular broadcasts.

[@terrilicht8714]

The daily beans? If others want another solid daily news source, the beans queens are amazing! They always share some good news and help you find some good trouble! News with swearing but also feeling.

[@dale9724]

Supposed to boycott American products but you are way too good to miss. Thank you for your good work. 🇨🇦

[@junglechick13]

Thank you for your support

[@Dmoller566]

Thank you. Those of us who are political scientists clearly understand what this is.

[@cynthiagair]

Very helpful - thanks! I've contacted my senators twice already this week. And it's only Tuesdsy,!

[@msvulcanspock]

Way to go! This makes a huge difference! Thank you!

[@debgallagher5709]

Thank you. We’re terrified and even though we’re doing what we can (calling congress critters every day, supporting friends, giving the few shekels I can to worthy groups), my actions fell tiny. But keeping up my fight is very important. Your thoughts are essential. Thank you. Please take care of yourselves.

[@timothywilliams2538]

Ms Richardson, I love listening to your Letters from an American. I am trying to get others to listen to or read them. Thank you for your involvement.

[@dariamid]

Thank you both for taking the time to chat! The reactions of the legacy media are alarming. Congrats on the new feathered friend!

[@dianebronowiczegelhoff9622]

Amen, Joanne!

[@cptcjldypyro]

There is a line from a Rush song that says that says if you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice

[@cptcjldypyro]

To clarify when Congress stands back and does nothing they clearly made a choice to allow it to go on. They are complicit and have abdicated their responsibility to protect the United States.

[@kimbrametaxas3340]

More of this please I miss you two together , we all need you ❤

[@unaturley3062]

Bullies always do their threat no matter how mush the threatened capitalates. I bet there is a Greek tale that tells that.

[@nancyseiler2844]

I finally hear it the way I needed to. She said it’s not about their listening/hearing you; it’s the numbers. First time I heard it that way - and I feel relieved of the responsibility of doing it perfectly. Thanks.

[@allupinthecomments_AUITC]

I think I know what he’s doing? I got an ID watchdog alert yesterday that a few of the data bases I use (for work & personal) have had a data breach. It’s the fElon.

[@71suns]

Unbelievable

[@diashelle]

It’s comforting to see you together again.

[@Dmoller566]

I will add that although the Musk involvement provides some cover, there are in fact laws/regulations that govern who can access and how you can access federal data. I would also add that it is quite clear that the GOP is complicit. As was said, they don’t have the votes to do this legally and constitutionally so they’re fine just standing by because they’re doing what they want.

[@yvettewilson7008]

I agree cause he should not be doing this and no one is stopping 😂him which is the biggest surprise like the government has no power.

[@AllisonSchmitt-vr2te]

I was just thinking how much I wish the two of you were still doing a podcast to put current events into historical perspective -- and here you are! Can't have a coup without Heather and Joanne! 😂

[@cafiend]

The Loophole Coup of 2025.

[@HoneyBadger80886]

11:10 REVENGE is a primary driver of All Malignant Narcs. And narcs no need Any Offense to RAGE ! THEY'RE SICK

[@71suns]

Thank you for speaking the truth

[@belladonnatook8851]

Trump is a psychopath.

[@fireball03sf]

I’ve missed you both since your podcast ended. So glad to have these conversations.

[@anacisewski7703]

MSNBC, NBC are covering it. NPR / PBS are covering it. AP, Washington Post & NYT, Politico have printed articles. AP has also covered in videos, seen it KZbin.

[@margaretcameron1275]

@anacisewski7703 Many independent news channels are covering it too!!

[@26skogen]

I just had a fried tell me posting on FB doesn't work. It is my way of fighting back, and I am finding it does help. I am getting questions back in IM for more info.

[@belladonnatook8851]

It's not one thing or another. It must be a concerted effort of multiple things to apply maximum pressure.

[@gingermcintosh6545]

Building community and sharing information always helps, IMO. Some of us are old and disabled, and we do what we can.

[@bobgrygo1500]

Thank you, ladies, for standing up for our country. I hope it is not too late.

[@rediviva]

A good Manhattan is a necessity these days!! Lovely to see you both, even tho the circumstances are trying.

[@msvulcanspock]

I can't wait until you are livestreaming on KZbin! Thanks!

[@thehoaofcoronadoplace2801]

This is not gray to me. It is wrong and dangerous.

[@18_rabbit]

yep, middle aged man centrist and increasingly liberal and i wont accept this. Literally won't. So we know what's coming if law does not work: protest en masse, do NV civil disobedience which is how civil rights got done and how Vietnam ended. And if necessary, general strike. If all fails, we can physically surround the WH with tens of K's of ppl weeks on end. The constitution require the ppl to stop obvious blatant corruption that any reasonably educated person can easily see now. ONE 25y.o. man who would not identify himself had sole control of and change code of Treasury's payments system WITHOUT the staff being able to see/know what he did ! Live changes, not tested first! It's blatant reckless and he would not identify himself! That is coup behavior, duh. It's illegal and unamerican and will be met appropriately as any redblooded person knows who has been here in america for a long time or not so long but has learned things. FAFO if they are 25 and defy our nation to our faces!

[@Chevalier69]

Please, please continue to do these!! You both are so clear about the reality in which we find ourselves now. And, how each of us can respond, eating away our individual and collective feelings of helplessness.

[@househacker7102]

What is happening is so overwhelming that it is difficult to acknowledge without experiencing hopelessness. I really appreciate that you both are keeping the conversation going.

[@kwfogle01]

Thank you. I love having the historian perspective.

[@willbephore3086]

Thank you, highly informed and highly intelligent conversation to share.

[@rvrgrrl]

Trump prepped for this in 1.0. Every time he violated a norm and we all wrung our hands and asked, “Can he DO that?!” and realized that norms are not laws. Then he appointed all of those “acting” heads of this or that, and kept them there for years. And he placed his own unelected family members in sensitive positions within the gov’t, in charge of policy. Sure, some of his behavior was corralled by the judiciary, but he did a lot of damage and when he left, he and his sycophants understood how the system worked. They spent the intervening four years preparing for what we see right now. They said they would begin on Day 1, and they have. imo the ONLY way this stops is if WE get in the streets, and not like we did during BLM. This needs to be a true coalition of all Americans determined to save our country, for ALL of us. Will we bend the knee?

[@PureAlto]

He's not random. He's a billionaire. They have been running things a long time. Only now, have we reached a point where they have so much reach that they no longer care if the public knows, and are doing exactly what they want.

[@NellieRLucas]

Media outlets are afraid of getting zapped by Starlink.

[@taritabonita22]

We have to March 🇺🇸 This is a coup.

[@2Shyeyes.]

By Congress not acting is aiding the enemy which is Treasonous

[@CarolynNess-x7o]

So important to inform people..most people really don’t understand what is happening. Thank you both for caring and informing us. ❤️

[@user-dc2dt2ts4b]

But you were ok with UNELECTED Czars under Obama and then under Biden.

[@ihrescue]

Thank you all. And the angels sing.

[@cynthiamoon4315]

Feels like a coup to me 100%.

[@sufranklin4439]

No, I remember discussion of the Imperial Presidency in the 1970s, under Nixon. This goes way back.

[@Puzekat2]

If you get to read this comment, Nixon was implementing this, but then he had to resign. Reagan laid the foundation and it’s taken all this time for them to do the final strike. Our United States is now bankrupt because it no longer values its citizens, one of its largest assets beyond land and resources. This has been a 55 year plan.

[@nikabeautyqueensbag6725]

Thank you for doing this…I need sound and trusted sources. So grateful ❤

[@The-Central-Scrutinizer]

I'm frustrated because they told us what they would do. They are doing it and peoples reactions are like they didn't know this is exactly what would happen and begin preparing for it in November 2024.

[@71suns]

Oh what's occurring has been prepared by the ultra right-wing extremist authoritarian fascists behind the curtain decades ago. Since Reagan.

[@robynrains7252]

Thank you both 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@JD-xu2vr]

So disappointed that our gov would do this.

[@71suns]

TBOT account

[@sharonroberts411]

One thing I disagree with is that Trump doesn't seek revenge because he takes everything personal to him. Even if it's not done directly to him, the fact that you undermine or disagree or question him is perceived as a personal attack against him and he will seek revenge. He's held onto a grudges against people for the 4 years he wasn't in office only to get his revenge when he got back in.

[@marilyn8490]

I miss "Now and Then". Glad to hear from both of you together. Disturbing events afoot, for sure.

[@BRealBStrong]

My goodness i miss Now & Then. Im so glad we got this conversation

[@ptgal220]

Yes, @15 min. I was a high school freshman when Ronald Regan was elected. I did not understand the why behind my observation after our mock election and Regan's victory, that the adults were no longer in the room, that the children were in charge. It was the air, a palpable shaking and uneasiness in the core of my being that has been on my mind for the past few years. Thank you Heather, Joanne.

[@robellis9511]

THANK YOU

[@cdorman11]

"the man who bought Trump the presidency" Putin: "Man"? Singular? What am I? Chopped liver?

[@user-dc2dt2ts4b]

But you were ok with UNELECTED Czars under Obama and then under Biden.

[@CopperA]

I called my R Representative to tell him how alarmed I was over Musk. He told CPR that his district is concerned about public safety and water rights. Today, I am committed to finding callers to flood his phones. I had a conversation with a medical admin person regarding the profound fear in our Hispanic community. I left in tears over the suffering of these families, who are an integral part of our community. Thank you so much, ladies. I am on fire to find numbers today. Wish me luck❤

[@jc.1191]

Thanks for speaking about what is going on. And better that it's from those most educated on historical parallels.

[@debandrews7415]

Please do more! Love you both.

[@lindagarland5223]

@debandrews7415 ! What are YOU doing?

[@d.rabbitwhite]

@@lindagarland5223 Do more team ups, conversations between these two women.

[@brianlewis5319]

Thank you to you both!!!❤❤❤

[@MaryTlamsa]

Thank you ❤ 🙏 ❤

[@Nan-59]

“We” aren’t giving him power, TRUMP IS GIVING ELON THE POWER!!

[@louiseneuman-qv4rd]

Thank you for your sound reasoning, Heather. This is truly serious. Dr. J., please stay calm.

[@sandicampbell3252]

Great to see two together again. The Alqonquin - I love that place! Love Dorothy Parker, too.

[@SusanShamblin-wn7gf]

I’ve so been hoping for this. I love both of you and am so thankful for both of you. You two together is wonderful. Thank you!!!

[@Ska5000]

I have missed you two together!! Let’s have Bourbon and History Happy Hours! ❤

[@michaellanoue9156]

Citizens need to show up at city halls, state capitols, and Congress to protest this usurpation of American right to privacy and requiring free and transparent access to how government operates.

[@lynlavalight]

Love you both! thank you for everything you do. 💙💚💛

[@mbwatson03]

Call 3 / tell 3 Call your 3 congressional representatives and leave a message in their voicemail box Then tell 3 friends to do the same

[@26skogen]

I also think Republicans would care and speak up if and when their constituents are hurt enough, and that they feel their jobs are in jeopardy.

[@71suns]

No chance. Not going to happen. What evidence would you be depending on for such a notion? HOW FAR BACK?

[@26skogen]

@ not going far back at all. All in Congress want to keep their jobs and it takes the voters to do that. If people get hit hard in the pocket book, or loose medical, Medicaid, SSI, Head Start, SNAP, etc. They will protest and vote them out. People I know in southern states thinks none of this will affect them. Once it does they will not just sit there and roll over.

[@burle1cm]

Thank you! 😊 💙

[@colleenc5008]

Yes, more please! Loved hearing from you two. ❤

[@Ildy04]

No one can say 'I like what he's doing' because no one actually knows what Elon is doing.

[@ThereseMurphy-q3t]

It's not accurate to call it legacy media, it's corporate, compromised media.

[@joycemcgary7224]

Thank you, thank you ladies! Yes, please do them more often!

[@vmaxwell]

I take issue with trump 'liking' musk. He loves musk's money.

[@JaneneM3399]

But Congress is supposed to work for US, the PEOPLE???

[@differentstones]

Thank you, you two! Really appreciate you sharing these conversations. Congrats, Joanne on your new birdie friend-thank you for giving her a home! 🐥

[@debstewart669]

At what point is an appropriate response not filing a federal tax return?

[@carolynmckee4295]

Boy, have I missed you two together! ❤❤❤❤❤

[@SusanStratton-x7u]

Extra-Constitutional

[@heathercrim4882]

THANK YOU!!! I have missed the two of you together

[@jillmcaboy7000]

Yes, more please.

[@hawksnestvision]

Wings is a nice name too. My parakeet flew away by accident when i lived in CA. Her name was Genvieve... I loved her so. She couldn't figure out how to fly down to me... For weeks I walked around calling her. sometimes she'd show up. Sometimes not. Sweet girl. Oh and I had found her in front of my trailer. I had a stunning location in Topanga ... Enjoy her!

[@sammonicuslux]

OMG...I love seeing you both together. Sorry for the circumstances, though.

[@wendyvanhorn6386]

Thank you for your insights! 👏

[@chanapua]

You guys make me happy when skies are grey.

[@alicedavi1747]

Let me help you- it’s LAWLESSNESS.

[@P_wren]

Why don't some dems walk into the offices where they are?

[@lindagarland5223]

We are! Town Halls took place in Oregon this past weekend!! SRO

[@carolglynn8260]

They blocked the doors with couches & the cop on the door doesn't want to lose his job. Take a breath, they want you freaking out - all you can do is make calls to Republicans & hold them accountable & stay calm.

[@P_wren]

@carolglynn8260 the coup happened because we couldn't get past a couch and locked door. I'll take a breath when it's over

[@18_rabbit]

many have been trying to and some were barred or turned away

[@P_wren]

@18_rabbit I would love to see the reliable accounts. "We couldn't get past the couch"

[@doshiepowers7716]

I just don't understand how these guys can just waltz into a building with some kind of official approbation and thieve data, the nation's checkbook, issue directives as though they're running things. Who is allowing them in?

[@cherylsibson2529]

hey, ladies, you're old enough to remember, that women built air planes in th 1950's build them a plane and send them to Mars!