Folks, I'm not going to respond to any more comments here. I'm working on an important post and I still have personal messages to respond to. I hope you understand.
He won't invoke the Insurrection Act because he is participating in an Insurrection right now with the help and complicity of his criminal cabinet. We need the Supreme Court to declare he be detained by a duly formed militia and then put him and his entire entourage on a plane to Guantanamo to await trial.
An excellent analysis, and convincing, although I think in chaos, and Despot Don is a chaos agent, anything can still happen. We have to be alert, while, as you said, still grounded and aware.
The theatrical authoritarian, that has a ring to it. A forbidding ring. You’ve captured something here.
How are border cities defined? Do they have to be adjacent to another country like Mexico or Canada, or are coastal cities also defined as border towns?
“Authoritarianism often advances in increments. The further it goes, the harder it is to push back.”
I wonder how capable Trump is of backing down. Clearly we have seen him do it in the past and recently as well, but he keeps coming back to his pet grievances and needs.
And I think he is less able to flex over time and about larger issues. He really wants to be king, our “Dear Leader.” He has seemed astonished that we don’t all love him and submit to his will.
When and how will we know that the storm not just threatening, but is upon us, and what do we do then? How do we push back against an outright takeover, not just these incremental acts of aggression?
I don’t expect you to have all the answers, but you see very clearly and I thought I might put the questions out there.
Re 'When and how will we know that the storm not just threatening, but is upon us, and what do we do then? How do we push back against an outright takeover, not just these incremental acts of aggression?'
You need foresight for this Michael. I can tell you from my own personal experience that foresight isn’t something you're born with but something you train. It starts not with predicting the future, but with learning to read the present more clearly.
In my experience, this means:
Noticing what others dismiss. Paying attention to the things that seem small or peripheral, especially when they repeat. Authoritarianism rarely arrives in one sweeping motion. It seeps in—through language, through exceptions, through shifts that feel like background noise. Foresight starts with refusing to tune those things out.
Asking: what would have to be true for this to become normal? If someone proposes something outrageous today, ask what might need to happen—legally, culturally, emotionally—for people to accept it tomorrow. You’re not saying it will happen. You’re just walking the road ahead a few steps.
Studying patterns. The playbook for democratic decline, for example, is painfully consistent. The more you understand how similar patterns have played out elsewhere, the easier it becomes to spot when something familiar is beginning again.
Practicing “what if” thinking without spiralling. You start with: If this trend continues… what else becomes more likely? What infrastructure would be needed to support it? What laws, or what narrative? And from there, you’re not panicking—you’re preparing.
Detaching from wishful thinking. For me, this has been the hardest part. Having foresight often means seeing things you wish weren’t true. It means sitting with discomfort instead of dismissing it. But there is an upside to that discomfort, in that it so often serves as an early warning.
For me, learning to balance my nervous system/ overcome the inbuilt fear response was essential. It's why I'm sharing the series "In Uncertain Times, This is Where you Start". It is not simply a way to stay calm, but the foundation for navigating your way through this. Because a calm mind is a clear mind and able to focus, to learn, to notice. And when your gut isn't clenched in anguish, you can more readily tune into that 'discomfort' I mentioned earlier, and then use your clear mind to figure out what it's telling you.
That's how you find your way through whatever's coming Michael. That's how you know what to do next.
Re 'how capable Trump is of backing down'. I think the stakes are higher this time around for Trump. If he fails in his current attempts, he won't get another crack at it, and the team of people around him are all on the same page. I suspect — and will share my reasoning in future posts — that what happens in the US will move elsewhere around the globe (and indeed, is already in play around the globe in countries we little suspect) so I doubt he'll truly back down. He'll keep repositioning himself until he's fully ready to make his move.
Re 'how are border cities defined' —you're so right to highlight this Michael, but it's not so much border cities you need to be concerned about as the whole 'border zone'.
In the context of US border enforcement, border cities are those located directly along land borders with another country. They lie typically within a designated distance from an international land boundary and — for readers who aren't aware — are subject to unique jurisdictional powers, such as those exercised by Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
The zone within this designated distance (100 miles) is deemed the 'border zone'. Broader immigration enforcement is allowed within this zone than would typically be permissible further inland.
While coastal cities like Los Angeles, New York City, or Miami are not typically referred to as border cities but are considered port cities, they lie within the border zone. In fact, all U.S. coastlines, including ports of entry, shipping harbours, and international airports lie within the border zone.
Thank you so much, Lori. It was of particular interest to me because one of my kids as well as myself live in one of those cities and my other child lives in the zone.
I will dive into the link later in the morning when I’ve had some sleep.
I've saved you til last Michael, because I had to let your questions percolate for a while, and now I'm out of energy. Sorry! I'll revert back tomorrow, if I may?
As someone who suffers not only from pain, but from the government response to pain treatment...
Yes, there is fentanyl coming over the Mexico/US border, but very little, and almost entirely in large quantities. (And even less over the Canada/USA border. Too bad Trump killed the grant that would have purchased 100 fentanyl sniffing devices.)
Most fentanyl comes from China, and travels to American cities. Why would China send fentanyl by ship or plane to Mexico and then have human mules carry it over the border, a slow process that requires that eyes be off the product for up to several days? Then, once in America by way of the Mexico/USA border, there is still the matter of transportation to the destination city.
Again, other than rare instances of bulk shipments, this simply makes no sense economically.
What happens is the product is sent by air on numerous human mules. (And for a product of this value, a human mule can be cost effective, even if some are caught.) Within hours of leaving China, the product is in the desired location city, without eyes ever leaving the product.
Surely by now there are few people in America (other than cultists) that believe the lie about Trump caring at all about fentanyl, much less that it's a border or tariff issue. Still, it would be nice to see this lie debunked more in media. Those of us being treated for chronic pain have been a consequence of this sort of misinformation for years now...
"I Beg You To Consider Reading What I Desperately Hope Won’t Be My Last MEDIUM Article"
(My circumstances are better, at least for now, but it was desperate time for me and millions of America pain sufferers, many ending their own lives due to DEA neglect and cruelty. No quiz, I promise!)
Thank you so much for taking the time and the energy to write. I read both your message and your article with deepening respect, and a heavy heart. What you’re living with, and what so many others are being forced to endure in silence, is so unjust.
You’re absolutely right in saying that the fentanyl narrative is being twisted in ways that not only mislead the public but actively harm people already suffering. The fact that people like you with legitimate pain needs have become collateral damage in a war on 'optics' is horrific, and deserves far more attention than it gets. I’m sorry that telling that story has fallen on the people like you, who pay the price.
It takes clarity, dignity and generosity to write about this kind of pain—not just physical, but political and emotional—and to keep fighting for visibility when the systems around you have failed so completely. Your voice matters, and as ever, it stays with me.
Please— as you care for your mum, take good care of yourself, even in small and gentle ways. You’ve reminded me (and many others, I’m sure) why it’s so important to keep looking past the official lines and listen to those living the truth on the ground.
Fantastic! Another dose of context and wisdom to connect your lived experience with our daily awareness and actions. Thank you for stepping into our community at Gifted Professionals & Communicators. I'm getting deep thinking response to the article this week and would cherish your two cents worth -- Professions Facing Extinction https://georgiapatrick.substack.com/p/professions-facing-extinction
Your analysis seems spot on. I've also wondered if he k do what he's doing in the South on the US side of the Canadian boarder as another incremental step. Of course those governors aren't as friendly to him, but ad large.
If would be an order of magnitude harder than the Mexican border. There's too much area to cover. The Canadian border is about 2,000 miles long and much of it is essentially wilderness. It would be extremely hard to police it even with drones. They could cover the border crossings at/near the major urban areas, but not the whole border.
Very Poingant commentary, Lori. and thank you.. April 5th in Tennessee...the National Guard laid their Shields on the Ground and Stood with the Protesters... Their Oath is to the Constitution...as all Military, Congress, Department heads IS... Trump's Cabinet will stand before the International Criminal Court...just like Hitler 's minions did... POWER TO THE PEOPLE 🇺🇸☮️🫂🇺🇸
Folks, I'm not going to respond to any more comments here. I'm working on an important post and I still have personal messages to respond to. I hope you understand.
He won't invoke the Insurrection Act because he is participating in an Insurrection right now with the help and complicity of his criminal cabinet. We need the Supreme Court to declare he be detained by a duly formed militia and then put him and his entire entourage on a plane to Guantanamo to await trial.
Agreed.
An excellent analysis, and convincing, although I think in chaos, and Despot Don is a chaos agent, anything can still happen. We have to be alert, while, as you said, still grounded and aware.
The theatrical authoritarian, that has a ring to it. A forbidding ring. You’ve captured something here.
How are border cities defined? Do they have to be adjacent to another country like Mexico or Canada, or are coastal cities also defined as border towns?
“Authoritarianism often advances in increments. The further it goes, the harder it is to push back.”
I wonder how capable Trump is of backing down. Clearly we have seen him do it in the past and recently as well, but he keeps coming back to his pet grievances and needs.
And I think he is less able to flex over time and about larger issues. He really wants to be king, our “Dear Leader.” He has seemed astonished that we don’t all love him and submit to his will.
When and how will we know that the storm not just threatening, but is upon us, and what do we do then? How do we push back against an outright takeover, not just these incremental acts of aggression?
I don’t expect you to have all the answers, but you see very clearly and I thought I might put the questions out there.
Re 'When and how will we know that the storm not just threatening, but is upon us, and what do we do then? How do we push back against an outright takeover, not just these incremental acts of aggression?'
You need foresight for this Michael. I can tell you from my own personal experience that foresight isn’t something you're born with but something you train. It starts not with predicting the future, but with learning to read the present more clearly.
In my experience, this means:
Noticing what others dismiss. Paying attention to the things that seem small or peripheral, especially when they repeat. Authoritarianism rarely arrives in one sweeping motion. It seeps in—through language, through exceptions, through shifts that feel like background noise. Foresight starts with refusing to tune those things out.
Asking: what would have to be true for this to become normal? If someone proposes something outrageous today, ask what might need to happen—legally, culturally, emotionally—for people to accept it tomorrow. You’re not saying it will happen. You’re just walking the road ahead a few steps.
Studying patterns. The playbook for democratic decline, for example, is painfully consistent. The more you understand how similar patterns have played out elsewhere, the easier it becomes to spot when something familiar is beginning again.
Practicing “what if” thinking without spiralling. You start with: If this trend continues… what else becomes more likely? What infrastructure would be needed to support it? What laws, or what narrative? And from there, you’re not panicking—you’re preparing.
Detaching from wishful thinking. For me, this has been the hardest part. Having foresight often means seeing things you wish weren’t true. It means sitting with discomfort instead of dismissing it. But there is an upside to that discomfort, in that it so often serves as an early warning.
For me, learning to balance my nervous system/ overcome the inbuilt fear response was essential. It's why I'm sharing the series "In Uncertain Times, This is Where you Start". It is not simply a way to stay calm, but the foundation for navigating your way through this. Because a calm mind is a clear mind and able to focus, to learn, to notice. And when your gut isn't clenched in anguish, you can more readily tune into that 'discomfort' I mentioned earlier, and then use your clear mind to figure out what it's telling you.
That's how you find your way through whatever's coming Michael. That's how you know what to do next.
Thank you, Lori. Working through the what ifs without spiraling is exactly what I need to do.
Re 'how capable Trump is of backing down'. I think the stakes are higher this time around for Trump. If he fails in his current attempts, he won't get another crack at it, and the team of people around him are all on the same page. I suspect — and will share my reasoning in future posts — that what happens in the US will move elsewhere around the globe (and indeed, is already in play around the globe in countries we little suspect) so I doubt he'll truly back down. He'll keep repositioning himself until he's fully ready to make his move.
It’s upsetting to read your reply, but I agree with you.
Get some sleep Michael!
I’m going to try shortly!
Re 'how are border cities defined' —you're so right to highlight this Michael, but it's not so much border cities you need to be concerned about as the whole 'border zone'.
In the context of US border enforcement, border cities are those located directly along land borders with another country. They lie typically within a designated distance from an international land boundary and — for readers who aren't aware — are subject to unique jurisdictional powers, such as those exercised by Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
The zone within this designated distance (100 miles) is deemed the 'border zone'. Broader immigration enforcement is allowed within this zone than would typically be permissible further inland.
While coastal cities like Los Angeles, New York City, or Miami are not typically referred to as border cities but are considered port cities, they lie within the border zone. In fact, all U.S. coastlines, including ports of entry, shipping harbours, and international airports lie within the border zone.
I've tried to attach a map to this comment, but couldn't. You can find more information in this Bloomberg article. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-05-14/mapping-who-lives-in-border-patrol-s-100-mile-zone
Thank you so much, Lori. It was of particular interest to me because one of my kids as well as myself live in one of those cities and my other child lives in the zone.
I will dive into the link later in the morning when I’ve had some sleep.
I've saved you til last Michael, because I had to let your questions percolate for a while, and now I'm out of energy. Sorry! I'll revert back tomorrow, if I may?
Of course and thank you.
Good morning, Lori,
As someone who suffers not only from pain, but from the government response to pain treatment...
Yes, there is fentanyl coming over the Mexico/US border, but very little, and almost entirely in large quantities. (And even less over the Canada/USA border. Too bad Trump killed the grant that would have purchased 100 fentanyl sniffing devices.)
Most fentanyl comes from China, and travels to American cities. Why would China send fentanyl by ship or plane to Mexico and then have human mules carry it over the border, a slow process that requires that eyes be off the product for up to several days? Then, once in America by way of the Mexico/USA border, there is still the matter of transportation to the destination city.
Again, other than rare instances of bulk shipments, this simply makes no sense economically.
What happens is the product is sent by air on numerous human mules. (And for a product of this value, a human mule can be cost effective, even if some are caught.) Within hours of leaving China, the product is in the desired location city, without eyes ever leaving the product.
Surely by now there are few people in America (other than cultists) that believe the lie about Trump caring at all about fentanyl, much less that it's a border or tariff issue. Still, it would be nice to see this lie debunked more in media. Those of us being treated for chronic pain have been a consequence of this sort of misinformation for years now...
"I Beg You To Consider Reading What I Desperately Hope Won’t Be My Last MEDIUM Article"
https://medium.com/@foofaraw/i-beg-you-to-consider-reading-what-i-desperately-hope-wont-be-my-last-medium-article-bf5cb5052a2c
(My circumstances are better, at least for now, but it was desperate time for me and millions of America pain sufferers, many ending their own lives due to DEA neglect and cruelty. No quiz, I promise!)
foofaraw & Chiquita,
Thank you so much for taking the time and the energy to write. I read both your message and your article with deepening respect, and a heavy heart. What you’re living with, and what so many others are being forced to endure in silence, is so unjust.
You’re absolutely right in saying that the fentanyl narrative is being twisted in ways that not only mislead the public but actively harm people already suffering. The fact that people like you with legitimate pain needs have become collateral damage in a war on 'optics' is horrific, and deserves far more attention than it gets. I’m sorry that telling that story has fallen on the people like you, who pay the price.
It takes clarity, dignity and generosity to write about this kind of pain—not just physical, but political and emotional—and to keep fighting for visibility when the systems around you have failed so completely. Your voice matters, and as ever, it stays with me.
Please— as you care for your mum, take good care of yourself, even in small and gentle ways. You’ve reminded me (and many others, I’m sure) why it’s so important to keep looking past the official lines and listen to those living the truth on the ground.
As ever,
Lori 🙏
Thank you, Lori.
I know it seems small compared to the millions now suffering globally, but it just feels so simple.
Thank you, Emma.
Fantastic! Another dose of context and wisdom to connect your lived experience with our daily awareness and actions. Thank you for stepping into our community at Gifted Professionals & Communicators. I'm getting deep thinking response to the article this week and would cherish your two cents worth -- Professions Facing Extinction https://georgiapatrick.substack.com/p/professions-facing-extinction
Your analysis seems spot on. I've also wondered if he k do what he's doing in the South on the US side of the Canadian boarder as another incremental step. Of course those governors aren't as friendly to him, but ad large.
If would be an order of magnitude harder than the Mexican border. There's too much area to cover. The Canadian border is about 2,000 miles long and much of it is essentially wilderness. It would be extremely hard to police it even with drones. They could cover the border crossings at/near the major urban areas, but not the whole border.
Neither linked resource is available today.
Thanks for the heads-up Steve — both are now working.
Thank you Lori. ❤️🦉✊
Very Poingant commentary, Lori. and thank you.. April 5th in Tennessee...the National Guard laid their Shields on the Ground and Stood with the Protesters... Their Oath is to the Constitution...as all Military, Congress, Department heads IS... Trump's Cabinet will stand before the International Criminal Court...just like Hitler 's minions did... POWER TO THE PEOPLE 🇺🇸☮️🫂🇺🇸