Here at JFK airport and I have to admit, the line isn't that bad.

I mean, the line STARTS at LaGuardia, but still.

Next week we’ll also be holding our first Virtual Town Hall featuring @leavingmaga.bsky.social about rebuilding connections in our communities.

www.eventbrite.com/e/principles...

Mimi Rocah: "Find fun ways to educate yourself" YouTube video by Principles First Academy

"The separation of powers and the three branches and how they check each other...those are all things I hope students can find fun ways to educate themselves about." – @mimirocah1.bsky.social

Thanks for chatting with us, Mimi! youtube.com/shorts/Q6jMo...

How law firms targeted by Trump are responding to White House pressure | 60 Minutes YouTube video by 60 Minutes

There are no leaders coming to save us. It's up to you and me–it's up to us.

It's up to us.

/end

60 Minutes segment:
youtu.be/U1QSDSnX8Rw?...

I will continue to update you on our work in the coming weeks. For now, I encourage you to watch the 60 Minutes segment (link below). Then, if you are able, come to our NYC event this Thursday. Finally, to learn more, visit us at www.principlesfirst.us . /5

Thousands of members from all across the political spectrum–Republicans, Democrats, Independents, and former MAGA-Americans–have joined us, because they know the current moment demands unity. Principles First meets that moment. /4

We provide a political home for the more than 43% of Americans who don’t strongly align with either major political party—citizens who are increasingly disillusioned by the hyper-partisan, performative politics that dominate today’s landscape. /3

Principles First is a grassroots, volunteer-led group committed to defending the core values of American democracy: the rule of law, checks and balances, and the separation of powers. /2

On @60minutes.bsky.social last night, Scott Pelley began by saying "it was nearly impossible to get anyone on camera for this story–because of the fear". Is it any surprise that one of the people NOT afraid also happens to be speaking at our @principlesfirst.bsky.social event in NYC on Thursday? /1

Yesterday, in Canada, they elected a leader with degrees from Harvard and Oxford. He has a PhD in economics. He led two different major banks through times of unprecedented crisis.

Today, in America, we were treated to this.

First they came for the penguins, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a penguin.

Get involved w/group of volunteers who stand for principles instead of cowering in fear. @principlesfirst.bsky.social @davethul.bsky.social @elainewithredhair.bsky.social @charliesutkamp.bsky.social @heathmayo.bsky.social @ravikamble.bsky.social @principles1dmv.bsky.social @dfkpgh.bsky.social

I’ve been targeted for death in a bomb threat received at the Principles First Summit where I spoke today. To be clear, I’ve been threatened by far more capable people during my career. It won’t stop my advocacy for democracy and the Constitution: x.com/Acosta/statu...

The main idea: stop the “this is preposterous!” interviews for cable news. Take Trump’s plans seriously. Don’t just explain why they are bad on TV. Show why they are bad for people in real life—literally go find those Americans, stand beside them, and champion their cause.

Says the convicted felon.

10/10 You may, rightly, want to question MY motivations. It's a fair ask. My only answer to that, is this:

I am not saying believe me. I am asking you NOT to believe me. I am also asking you NOT to believe him. Question...everything.

Would Elon say the same?

9/10 America is at an inflection point right now, and things are moving extremely quickly. It is an absolute strategy by those in power to do so much, so fast, that people eventually throw their hands up in the air and give up. I implore you not to.

8/10 Now, it could be a total coincidence that Musk's actions on the US government just so happen to align with China's interests. But, that is exactly the point of highlighting conflicts of interest--we simply do not know, nor will we ever know, his true motivations.

7/10 What is BEYOND debate, however, is if USAID goes away, then China--who would gladly fill the void for these countries if America pulls out--would be extremely happy.

6/10 In broad strokes, the mission of USAID is to assist countries in need, thereby deepening our relationships with and establishing America as the global leader. We can debate whether or not USAID has been efficient in that goal.

5/10 To do so, he secured $4 billion in loans from Chinese government-controlled banks to build Tesla's Shanghai Gigafactory, which now accounts for more than half of Tesla's global deliveries. This makes it a cornerstone of Musk's business empire.

One of Musk's frequent targets recently is USAID.

4/10 At the same time, Musk has no fewer than six huge conflicts of interest with the US government: Tesla, SpaceX, X, xAI, Neuralink, and cryptocurrency. Here's one example: as Tesla sales slow in the U.S., Musk is betting big on the Chinese market.

3/10 These ads will presumably reveal data he has "uncovered" via his work with DOGE--although if past behavior is any indication, there will be no verifiable evidence to corroborate it.

2/10 There are rumors--and to this point, they are only rumors--that Elon Musk will be spending $40 million dollars on Super Bowl ads talking about government waste.

1/10 For the record, I am 100% against waste, fraud and abuse.

So already, you and I agree.

However, to get there, we need transparency. And to get transparency, there can be no conflicts of interest.

This is genuinely an important article. The two main lessons from Hungary appear to be:

DO NOT WAIT

DO NOT UNDERREACT

Authoritarians like Orban and Trump rely on opposition being unwilling to believe that what is happening is actually happening. That’s their window.
www.vox.com/politics/398...

In fairness, Trump said he'd lower prices on day one. He said nothing about days 2 - 1461.

Oh, and also: we're in a coup

Exclusive | The Trumps Are in Talks to Reclaim Their Prized D.C. Hotel The family firm is looking for a hotel in Washington as Trump prepares to return to the White House.

Weird how Trump is only interested in owning this White-House-adjacent hotel when he has the ability to dole out political favors www.wsj.com/real-estate/...