Yes -- STAY ON MESSAGE! “We should never become comfortable with the National Guard walking our streets in a time of peace.”
When I first heard DC Mayor Muriel Bowser praising Trump for deploying troops into the District, I thought it had to be fake news. How could she applaud such an intrusion, especially when the District has filed suit against Trump (District v. Trump, Cmplt 2025.08.15 final.pdf)?
Perhaps she is bracing for the inevitable, given that Trump threatened that she “better get her act straight or she won’t be mayor very long.” Although DC residents elect their mayor under Home Rule, Congress still holds ultimate oversight of the city. If Trump seizes full control, DC is in peril.
This is not speculation—it is lived reality. While watching Native Land Pod, I saw a Black woman manhandled by several officers at the Galleria Subway Station for an alleged unpaid fare, denied even the chance to show proof of payment. The footage also showed a Black attorney detained "allegedly" for no cause, recording for his own safety. Angela Rye and Tiffany Cross became visibly emotional as they described the fear hovering over DC residents, particularly Black residents.
Reports are mounting, racial profiling is rampant, residents can be stopped without cause, and judges are refusing to follow through on indictments brought by prosecutors. This is not about crime. This is systemic oppression. This resembles apartheid.
With the Annual Congressional Black Caucus convening later this month, the treatment of Black Americans in the nation’s capital is alarming, unconstitutional, and deeply troubling, and it demands urgent attention.
Ms Ifill, this essay is like “getting a good talking to.” The kind of talk that comes out of deep concern and love- in this case, for our country and people. Calling out the reality of hustle and lies by stating the truth of their consequences- time to get on the ball and get going before it’s too late!
Excellent analysis and inspiration to refocus on the power grab and non-existent, fabricated “emergencies.” Shared and credited you on social media. Thanks. 😊
Thank you! So much in agreement with what you have said. How can we help more people recognize the phenomenon described so clearly here? Calling out legacy media for leading us down these rabbit holes and failing to keep focus on what's really important could be a start.
You comment, correctly, that “people want to feel safe.” Paul Krugman cites statistics indicating that people for the most part do feel safe where they are, but they believe that people are unsafe generally, or in some other place. This a kind of zombie premise, this generalized sense of crime and risk - somewhere.
Whining about Trump with zero leadership isn’t going to win the midterms. Trump’s approval rating isn’t declining, it has been steady at 44%, higher than his first term. Republican fundraising is much higher than Democratic fundraising this year. The only bright spots are AOC and Mamdani. Our leadership is out of touch and not up to the job.
"Trump pulls the fire alarm when there’s no fire so that he can take over the empty building. We end up talking about fire-preparedness." - A powerful analogy and calling-out to stay focused on the resistance. Thank you Dr. Ifill for your work
Please note there needs to be a correction - Colorado has a Democratic governor, Governor Jared Polis. I believe he is the first openly gay state governor to boot.
Yes -- STAY ON MESSAGE! “We should never become comfortable with the National Guard walking our streets in a time of peace.”
When I first heard DC Mayor Muriel Bowser praising Trump for deploying troops into the District, I thought it had to be fake news. How could she applaud such an intrusion, especially when the District has filed suit against Trump (District v. Trump, Cmplt 2025.08.15 final.pdf)?
Perhaps she is bracing for the inevitable, given that Trump threatened that she “better get her act straight or she won’t be mayor very long.” Although DC residents elect their mayor under Home Rule, Congress still holds ultimate oversight of the city. If Trump seizes full control, DC is in peril.
This is not speculation—it is lived reality. While watching Native Land Pod, I saw a Black woman manhandled by several officers at the Galleria Subway Station for an alleged unpaid fare, denied even the chance to show proof of payment. The footage also showed a Black attorney detained "allegedly" for no cause, recording for his own safety. Angela Rye and Tiffany Cross became visibly emotional as they described the fear hovering over DC residents, particularly Black residents.
Reports are mounting, racial profiling is rampant, residents can be stopped without cause, and judges are refusing to follow through on indictments brought by prosecutors. This is not about crime. This is systemic oppression. This resembles apartheid.
With the Annual Congressional Black Caucus convening later this month, the treatment of Black Americans in the nation’s capital is alarming, unconstitutional, and deeply troubling, and it demands urgent attention.
I was very concerned when Mayor Bowswer made those remarks.
I was too. But I think she did it for the good of DC. Look at her face and her composure. It tells a different story.
I agree with you. Mayor Bowser is in a very difficult position.
She will be fine. It's DC residents I'm concerned about.
News Alert: Mayor Bowser "Welcomes federal law enforcement presence indefinitely." See the article link below. Again, read her face:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/bowser-welcomes-federal-law-enforcement-presence-indefinitely/ar-AA1LJDV9?ocid=winp2fptaskbar&cvid=a2879dac14ce40549a16ab0477fc1613&ei=6
Thank you very much for your assessment of the dangerous lies behind the 'emergencies.'
Ms Ifill, this essay is like “getting a good talking to.” The kind of talk that comes out of deep concern and love- in this case, for our country and people. Calling out the reality of hustle and lies by stating the truth of their consequences- time to get on the ball and get going before it’s too late!
Fantastic, yes! Btw, Colorado has Jared Polis, a Democrat, as governor.
Excellent analysis and inspiration to refocus on the power grab and non-existent, fabricated “emergencies.” Shared and credited you on social media. Thanks. 😊
Thank you Ms Ifill. You are a guiding light for us!
Thank you! So much in agreement with what you have said. How can we help more people recognize the phenomenon described so clearly here? Calling out legacy media for leading us down these rabbit holes and failing to keep focus on what's really important could be a start.
You comment, correctly, that “people want to feel safe.” Paul Krugman cites statistics indicating that people for the most part do feel safe where they are, but they believe that people are unsafe generally, or in some other place. This a kind of zombie premise, this generalized sense of crime and risk - somewhere.
Where are Schumer, Jeffries and Martin??
Whining about Trump with zero leadership isn’t going to win the midterms. Trump’s approval rating isn’t declining, it has been steady at 44%, higher than his first term. Republican fundraising is much higher than Democratic fundraising this year. The only bright spots are AOC and Mamdani. Our leadership is out of touch and not up to the job.
THANK YOU!! for your amazing clarity and force - I am BRACED for the day and hopefully to Go the Distance! Best, Kathleen
"Trump pulls the fire alarm when there’s no fire so that he can take over the empty building. We end up talking about fire-preparedness." - A powerful analogy and calling-out to stay focused on the resistance. Thank you Dr. Ifill for your work
Please note there needs to be a correction - Colorado has a Democratic governor, Governor Jared Polis. I believe he is the first openly gay state governor to boot.