Californians resisting Trump’s authoritarian takeover attempt
This is a break-up song that the late, great Nanci Griffith used to double as a political protest song, like in this video.1 If she were still with us, I’m sure she would be applying it to protests against Trump’s second attempt at a violent coup, now playing out in California:
I woke up this morning hearing this speech that Gavin Newsom gave Tuesday evening California time.2
Before the last week, I didn’t have a whole lot good to say about Gavin Newsom. He’s been a real Mugwump in his politics. But the last few days, he’s been taking the kind of stand that pro-democracy politicians need to take against anti-democracy movements who use xenophobia to try to do away with democratic government and the rule of law.
Keir Starmer? Friedrich Merz? Pay some attention to what Newsom is doing right now!
Bernie Sanders also weighs in3:
One of the more bizarre moments of the Trump regime’s response to pro-democracy/pro-rule-lf-law protesters was the ridiculous clown Kristi Noem, the Director of Homeland Security (!?!) – also known as ICE Barbie (which is kind of an insult to Barbie) – is making false accusations against Mexican President Claudia Scheinbaum.
Mexico’s president has rejected an unfounded allegation by a senior US official that she encouraged demonstrations against immigration raids in Los Angeles, saying it is “absolutely false”.
Claudia Sheinbaum responded on social media after Kristi Noem, Donald Trump’s homeland security secretary, accused her of “encouraging violent protests”.
Sheinbaum reposted a video of her daily news conference the previous day, in which she had condemned violent demonstrations and urged Mexicans living in the United States “to act peacefully”.
“We have always been against” violent protests, she wrote on Twitter/X.
“On the other hand, our position is and will continue to be the defense of honest, hardworking Mexicans who support the United States economy and their families in Mexico,” she added.4
Kristi Noem vs. Claudia Sheinbaum is about as uneven a comparison as we could imagine.
Sheinbaum is a serious, experienced politician, and a very popular one in her country at the moment.
Kristi Noem enjoys shooting puppies. She also seems to be auditioning for the starring role in Ilsa, She-Wolf of the DHS.5
Since assuming office, Noem has played a starring role in the second Trump administration, executing the White House’s immigration agenda with fierce loyalty and an eye for the television cameras.
The former South Dakota governor has toured the southern border on horseback, dressed in tactical gear to accompany agents on a raid in New York and posed in a notorious Salvadorian prison with a $50,000 Rolex on her wrist.
Nanci Griffith-- "Hell No (I'm Not Alright)". TheNanciGriffith YouTube channel 01/07/2012. (Accessed: 2025-11-06).
EXCLUSIVE: Governor Newsom ADDRESSES State and Nation LIVE. YouTube channel 06/10/2025 (Accessed: 2025-11-06).
My thoughts on what’s going on in Los Angeles. Senator Bernie Sanders YouTube channel 06/09/2025. (Accessed: 2025-11-06).
‘Absolutely false’: Mexico president denies encouraging LA protests against Ice raids. Guardian 01/10/2025. <https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jun/10/claudia-sheinbaum-la-protests-response> (Accessed: 2025-11-06).
Ibid.
Mugwump? I learn something new every time I read you, Bruce.
Nanci Griffith was a gem of a singer and musical storyteller.