From The Peace Walk To The Shutdown: Why This Valentine’s Day Is About Relentless Resistance, Re-Raising Pride Flags, and Giving Trump The Legislative Heartbreak He Truly Deserves

Roses are red, violets are blue, resistance is winning and Trump is unglued

Happy Valentine’s Day! Instead of flowers and candy, I have something better for you—news that proves people everywhere are organizing, fighting back, and taking a stand against this unhinged regime.

Thanks for being here. Let’s dive in.

BUDDHIST MONKS COMPLETE THE JOURNEY

A group of Buddhist monks completed their 2,300-mile, 110-day Walk for Peace as they journeyed from Fort Worth, Texas, to the DC-area.

They were led by Venerable Bhikkhu Paññākāra, who walked part of the trip barefoot. They stopped in ten states—through snow and rain, often sleeping outside. They inspired millions with the message that peace is possible.

It was amazing to see it all unfold. Members of our community here told me they saw the monks in person and were moved by the power of their presence. In a time of performative outrage and algorithm-controlled rage bait, these monks chose something different—they just kept walking. And they inspired more with their silence than a clown like Trump ever could.

SENATE DEMS STAND GROUND

On Thursday, Senate Democrats blocked two funding bills for the Department of Homeland Security, while Republicans still refuse to negotiate on ICE reform. As a result, parts of DHS shut down early this morning.

Sen. Chris Van Hollen said: “Clearly, the White House and Republicans are not serious about reform. If they continue down this path, then they’re the ones deciding that there will be no additional funds for this year.”

Republicans act like it’s political theater, but this is what real accountability looks like. And Democrats absolutely cannot fold this time, since it might be the last bit of leverage they have left before the midterms.

After the destruction this regime has caused, the Americans they’ve killed, and the lives they’ve shattered—Democrats must hold the line.

VIRGINIA MOVES FORWARD

On Thursday, the Virginia Supreme Court approved a special election for April 21 where voters will decide a proposal to temporarily redraw congressional districts. This is a direct response to Republican gerrymandering nationwide.

The new map could result in Democrats gaining up to four seats and flipping control of the House.

Sen. Mark Warner made it clear: “No one wanted to take this step, but with so many states trying to stack the deck, Virginia has a responsibility to act to ensure our voters’ voices aren’t drowned out.”

Republicans have spent decades cheating and now Democrats are using every legal remedy available to fight back. California voters already signed off on this route, and in a few months I bet Virginia will too.

STONEWALL’S PRIDE FLAG RETURNS

Earlier this week, the National Park Service took down the rainbow Pride flag from the Stonewall National Monument in New York City. They said only congressionally authorized flags are allowed to be flown.

NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani wasn’t having it, saying he was “outraged” and that “no act of erasure will ever change, or silence” what he called the birthplace of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement.

Following the flag’s removal, protesters began holding massive demonstrations directly in front of Stonewall. And within 72 hours, they re-raised the flag. Not because the Trump regime stepped in and made it right—but because New Yorkers showed up and refused to be silent.

DATA CENTER RESISTANCE

A Dutch company plans to build an enormous data center in Independence, Missouri, near two elementary schools and a community college. The company would consume up to 80% of the power generated in the city. So the people are fighting back.

Over the course of one month, thousands of people joined a group called “Stop the AI Data Center in Independence,” holding their first organizing meeting this week. Hundreds of people showed up to a local church to make their voices heard and find out how they could push back.

Co-founder of the group, Rachel Gonzalez, stated: “I talked to several of my neighbors who’ve lived there for 30, 40 years. But they are seriously considering moving because they are worried about the constant light, and noise, and the pollution this data center would give off.”

On March 2, the city council will vote on tax breaks for the data center—and if they approve it, the group will submit a petition to force a public vote on the matter.

That’s grassroots organizing in action—and you’re part of it too. Just this week, our advocacy arm flooded Congress with thousands of calls and letters, while trending two hashtags internationally—exposing Trump’s failure to lower prices and his attack on voting rights through the SAVE Act.

We’re building real momentum—and it’s thanks to the fact we only answer to you, not advertisers or billionaires. Every campaign we run, every story we break, every bit of pressure we put on this regime is funded entirely by readers who believe independent journalism is worth fighting for.

If you haven’t yet, please join us as a paid subscriber today:

Onward!

Scott

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I have three questions for you today:

Did Dems do the right thing holding the line on DHS funding over ICE?

What’s your take on the monks’ Walk for Peace?

Thoughts on the Pride flag returning to Stonewall?