Money doesn’t buy everything

Hopefully today marks a turning point in American politics. Of course there have been many in just over 70 days since the Trump government was elected and most of them…not good. Today was different.

I could point to the seemingly endless ways Trump is trying to upend democracy and the rule of law, or the callous and arrogant way he is dealing with [former] allies, or the cutting of foreign aid that saved lives, including the lives of children in poverty stricken nations that rely on American dollars in life and death situations.

Or we could discuss the hundreds of thousands of civil servants who were, and will be, tossed aside on the scrap heap by DOGE, mocked and ridiculed at the maniacal chainsaw wielding, clown show, put on by Trump mega donor and oligarch Elon Musk who just happens to make billions off taxpayer funded, government contracts. The irony is deep and rich indeed.

Just last week we all witnessed incredible and unprecedented security breaches by Trump’s Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Security Advisor Mike Walz who posted strike plans on commercial app Signal hours before the attack, putting pilots and field agents in grave danger.

Perhaps threats to invade neighbours and sovereign countries, abandon Ukraine and Europe or make Taiwan pay for defence against behemoth China is all in a day’s work for this current US government…constant drama, headlines, fear mongering…all in the short span of just over two months.

But today was different. Today was a turning point when we witnessed voters disregard Maga populist rhetoric and the lure of millions of dollars, to cast their ballot for the candidate who couldn’t be bought and send a powerful message to the oligarchs that democracy is not for sale. In Wisconsin, state Supreme Court judge Susan Crawford won her election against Brad Schimel in a race awash with big money donations that shattered spending records.

This included Elon Musk’s donation amounting to $20 million to Schimel and his attempts to repeat his 2024 election ‘lottery’, a thinly disguised attempt to ‘buy’ a Wisconsin Supreme Court seat. Why?

According to the New Yorker Musk’s company Tesla filed an application with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation to open four dealerships in the state. The State denied the application due to a law which bars car manufacturers from selling directly to consumers. “A week before Musk first posted about the race, Tesla filed a suit challenging the law.”

Just before the election Musk appeared at a rally for Schimel, appearing in a triangular cheese shaped hat, apparently invincible, sure that his status as the richest man in the world (apparently), meant he could do anything he wanted with impunity. He was attempting the unthinkable, trying to buy a state Supreme Court seat seemingly to influence his own affairs.

However the electorate had other plans. In unprecedented voter turnout, the Liberal leaning judge Susan Crawford won election despite Musk’s money and influence. The voter turnout was so strong, they ran out of ballots at one point.

”Today Wisconsinites fended off an unprecedented attack on our democracy, our fair elections and our Supreme Court,‘’ Crawford said in her victory speech. ‘’And Wisconsin stood up and said loudly that justice does not have a price, our courts are not for sale,” judge Crawford said.

Wisconsin, a swing state, also sent a message, loud and clear, to the Trump government which has been surrounded by Musk and big money since election day: hands off our democracy.

It’s the tip of the iceberg of course. Money in politics is the norm regardless of Musk…indeed every country has its oligarchs closely aligned with governing power. Nevertheless today in Wisconsin marked a shift and showed a glimpse of awareness that populism is often the oligarchy revving up the masses only to profit themselves off the people they’ve conned.

Let’s hope this is the start of something big, a groundswell that enlightens and inspires rather than disappoints and deflates. Democracy depends on those willing to vote for it.

74 comments

  1. Thank you for your insightful observations, Maryann…a tiny slice of light in America’s tumultuous period of darkness.

  2. Oh such a relief! The good people of Wisconsin saw right through musk and his bribery. Thank you Maryann for (always) giving us such a great synopsis of our current events.

  5. MaryAnn, reading the flow of your words is like floating on a magic carpet woven with many hues of cashmere. While reading this I remembered how the energy felt yesterday, there was a deep shifting and a deeper sense of hope, within my heart & soul. Defeating felons efforts to buy another election was electrifying and drew a line in the sand that WE ARE BACK. While that was taking place a favorite Senator took the floor and wove a tapestry of meaningful stories he has collected around the country, illustrating the why & the what of the stabilizing value of veterans benefits; SNAP for our starving poor; the priceless value of MEDICAID & Medicare; and the lives of elders dependent upon Social Security. Senator Cory Booker had been fasting since Saturday which was sacred Armour, strengthened him to deliver 25 hours & 5 minutes of his MOUNT Sinai. Yesterday was a huge turning point for all of us.

    NAMASTE,

    Theresa

  7. Cory Booker changed the narrative with the most inspiring 25 hours of speeches. He organized other senators to speak, as well and he gave us encouragement and hope with his passion, love, and words. I listened for 15 hours yesterday. It was an amazing experience. And everything is on the congressional record. I feel like this is the fire we need! AOC and Bernie are out there doing similar things. But Booker had a different platform and reached more people. This have me hope.

  9. Excellent article! I grew up in Wisconsin. Our school was not far from our home, so even on snowy cold days, we kids had to walk to school. Our mother said it was good for our complexions. Wisconsonites are tough! Can’t push us around!! Ha!

  10. Appreciate you speaking out on this victory. I am from Illinois, born in Chicago. Wisconsin is neighbors to Illinios and we lovingly called them Cheeseheads because Wisconsin is known for its cheese, beer and bratwurst. Wisconsin is also home to the Greenbay Packers football team. Illinois and Wisconsin have a long standing football rivalry with the Packers and the Bears.

    Folks there are pretty much working class or rural. Madison is liberal with the university there.

    I am so proud and greatful to the Wisconsin voters. They came thru for the country! I have a close friend who lives there and my cousins & their families. They are democrats. I will be sending them a heartfelt thank you!

    I am concerned though that with this victory, the likes of Musk will try and come up with other ways to influence the election outcomes going forward.

    Thank you for all you do!

  11. It was a good day, indeed! It gave some of us hope that democracy isn’t quire gone, and not everything is for sale.

  12. I couldn’t be prouder of my neighboring state. With our governor Pritzker here in IL, the Midwest is shoring up its People Power! No doubt there will be hell to pay, but I believe we’ll stand strong. Thank you, Mariann, for all you do ❤️

  13. Thank you, Maryann!
    Yes, more and more evidence things are changing!

  14. Thank you Mariann for your concern over my Country. I am appalled with what T is destroying with glee. I watch every YouTube reading and you bring hope to a desperate situation. Understanding everything happens for a reason, I think the lesson should be over and my county learned from this. Thank you

  15. I am so thrilled with the Wisconsin election results. The time for all Americans to wake up and realize what the MAGA party is doing o long overdo . We must stand up and fight for our democracy. After this nightmare is over, we must NEVER FORGET how easily democracy can be destroyed. I thought history would have taught us this already. Apparently, humans have short memories and don’t care to learn from past mistakes.

  16. Good for you Wisconites, I am so proud of you all. This is a first step to bringing us all back into alignment. Stand your Ground !

  17. The people will unite against this disgusting administration. It will be sooner than later. Thank you Maryann for your gifts you share with us! ♥️♥️♥️

  18. Great summary and I did not know that Musk had other plans for his cars in Wisconsin and was thwarted early on. His agenda seems to be all about him!

  20. Fortunately people came out this time en masse to vote and showed they won’t be bought. It was still a close race so people will have to stay vigilant but definitely something to cheer for.

  22. Thank you Maryann. As a Canadian living in the US, these times are hard to stomach but you’ve been a source of hope and intelligence.

  23. what a lovely and invigorating post to wake up to this morning! Thank you, Maryann. Am so grateful for you and your readings. XOXO

  24. Dear Maryann
    Thank you so much for this news. I just woke up to see this and I was so happy beyond happy. Maybe just maybe we can finally start getting our government back and this time for the people.
    Your constant kindness and thought provoking information has been a God sent to myself and others. It has been a true blessing.
    May you and your family be well and your hands continue to heal.
    Much love
    Kathy

  25. It is a great day! To see the Wisconsin Voters turn out enmass and to see Cory Booker stand for 25 hours delivering passionate intelligent speech about the state of our nation and the corruption of MAGA politics! Thank you for celebrating and supporting- it is not about left or right, it’s bout right or wrong!!!

  28. So proud of the voters in my home state of Wisconsin! You beat down the Muskrat! GO BADGERS!

  29. Just so you know there was a huge protest of Musk in Green Bay AND I just found out that EVERY COUNTY in Wisconsin swung to the left in our Supreme Court election!!

  32. Thank goodness! Hurray! Finally a little bit of relief for our American friends. I’m sure MAGA will downplay it or claim it was rigged. What else is new!! 😉 The only downside is that it falls the day before 47 takes the stage with all of his ridiculousness re: tariffs therefore, the Wisconsin and FL stories will not remain in the new cycle for long.
    FYI only – Suggesting listening to Heather Cox Richardson on YouTube who is a very knowledgeable historian and also often describes some other smaller positive steps occurring that we do not necessarily hear about in the news or other podcasters.

  33. What a glorious newsletter! I flew our flag for the first time, since I think the horrid election. I got up at 5:00 am to put it out so that all the passersby’s could see — I live in a red state.
    Don’t count us out yet good people! My Dad served in the Second World War. I’m remembering him and all the other men and women who fought for freedom and liberty NOT lies and corruption.
    As always thank you Maryanne. 😊

  35. The election in Wisconsin and the Booker filibuster are rays of hope at last!

  36. Thank you so much for your message. I listened all day yesterday to Senator Cory Booker giving his extended speech and felt something had shifted indeed. The victory by Susan Crawford capped a day when it felt as if Americans are waking up to all the destruction of the oligarchy propping up 47. Now I am turning toward being part of the national mass demonstrations here in the US. My hope is that millions of others will join in AND our media will cover the demonstrations adequately. Thank you for all you do to lovingly shine a light in these difficult times, Maryann.

  37. Thank you, Maryann, for your insight and perspective. You are spot on! It’s a glimmer of hope. We can only hope Bernie and company can keep the message going.

  38. Wisconsin is A Star of Hope in this bleak landscape. Ironic in a way because they played such a pivotal part in getting Trump the presidency in 2016.

  39. Bravo for Wisconsin voters. May this awakening of the people continue until democracy and rule of law is once again restored and respected.

  41. Thank you for this positive news, written in a clear concise way.
    Another example of how you’re keeping me informed and hopeful!!

  43. Tomorrow is the national day of rallies. Our small group expected maybe 25 people to sign up for our Hands Off rally but as of this morning we are over 150 sign ins. It should be an amazing day.

  45. For the first time since last November, I feel some hope that we will stem the tide of destruction that’s happening here in the US. Your shows are a lifeline. Thank you so much. ❤️

  47. Thanks for posting this. There is hope for us!! Each day I look for one sign of hope, however small. You have been so helpful as a friend to us in these difficult, scary times. Many thanks and God bless you!

  48. Best outcome for WI. There is a lot more work ahead to take our country off the brink of disaster,

  50. You are so right, Mary Ann. When combined with Senator Booker’s 25+ filibuster and the huge swing (though sadly not enough) in the Florida races it clearly demonstrates to this American that the tide is turning.

  52. Amen Maryanne!!!! Lived the Midwest (Northern Illinois) for 34 years after high school graduation and am so happy that Wisconsinites are standing their ground!!!!
    Worked and retired from Illinois Bell Telephone Company and return to my beloved home state of Texas. If everyone would vote we would turn blue!!! Keep up your amazing work Maryanne!! I love it!!
    Irene M.

  53. Thank you for sending this email. There’s so much daily bad news. It was awesome to get good news and feel proud of Wisconsin! 💜

  54. Thank you, Maryann. The way you share your gift-infused, work-based skill set is much appreciated. You make a positive difference. Blessings

  55. Well done Wisconsin for having the fortitude and courage to stand up and say a resounding “NO” that showed categorically that this State cannot be bought. I hope others see the light. We all must find the courage to say “NO” to authorities and institutions that try to persuade us that ‘RIGHT’ is wrong. There is only ONE TRUTH, and no so called versions of the truth are acceptable.

  56. So proud of my home state bringing in a victory for the Democrats

  57. God, Goddess and the Force bless you, Maryanne! I watch every new reading, not so much because I understand the Tarot or astrology, but because you are so kind and loving and yet – across the world – supporting American Democracy. I’m one of those terrified elderly hoping I won’t lose my disability, health care, and my husband won’t lose his SSI. THANK YOU for your support.

  58. So proud of my home state coming out for the Democrats! ON WISCONSIN

  59. Well said, MaryAnn! This is giving me hope again also. Thank you 🙏 💖🙏

  60. Thank you Maryanne. I like the astrology readings and the Tarot readings. Its better than having the media Blah Blah Blah. Honestly I view the T.V about 6 hours over 7 days.
    That is usually the weather forecast. Since we have gone Digital, the spot where my 3rd eye is located. Vibrates when something on the TV doesn’t sound right.
    ( yes I bought your book & read it) Stay well. Lets get these worthless ppl out of
    Government & get ppl in who want to serve the people. Davey g x

  61. Thank God – Everyone NEEDS to stand up against the current illegitimate and grossly incompetent narcissists that is disgustingly the administration right now!!!!! Thank you Maryann !!!!!!!!!

  62. Maryann, Thank you so much. Between watching Cory Booker’s speech ( only a few hours of it, but enough to be moved to tears several times) and Ms Crawford, I have hope for my grandchildren for the first time in months. Other than those two monumental things, you’ve been the only light I cd find. Thank you so much for what you give and ALL the time you spend doing a great job! We are blessed.

  63. Wow, Maryann, thank you!! I did not know that backstory on Tesla dealers Mr. M wanted. He’s lost a historic number of sales as we all know so seems he’s you-know-whatting-himself in the foot. Not sure certain words work anymore. The man’s display of arrested development is probably the most public since King George and HE had a diagnosis. We think.

  64. Power to the People!! Democracy in action. Thank you Maryann for your journalism skills and keeping us informed, and may all journalists be allowed to speak freely🦋

  66. Thank you Maryann for this insightful analysis of the American political clown show. Your brave coverage is a great contribution to the defence of democracy.

  68. Totally agree with you Maryanne. Let’s hope the rest of the US populace follows suit in upcoming elections. Even F45’s base must see the light bulb eventually. Love your work.

  69. Hi Maryann. Things do feel differently! These past months I’ve been asking where’s Corey Booker? My question has been answered and I couldn’t feel prouder!

  70. Let’s hope it is. Didn’t Trump win Wisconsin? The two seats in Florida have been won by Republicans so those in Florida are ok with what Trump is doing. With all this stuff going on, sending refugees and those seeking a better life in America being sent back home and to El Salvatore, Florida is the State to watch as they have a new law going through their Parliament about Child Labour. This will be the way they deal with the shortage of labour that is being created right now. In many cases this will probably mean black and brown children will fill this gap. This will be a very sad development!

  72. Thank you Mary Anne for your clear and informative update.
    Living in Australia I feel fortunate that we do not have such a terrible leader.
    Take care 😘

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