WaPo: María Corina Machado, Venezuelan Opposition Leader, Wins Nobel Peace Prize
“The Norwegian Nobel Committee on Friday awarded its 2025 Peace Prize to María Corina Machado, the Venezuelan opposition leader who has become a symbol of democratic resistance against an increasingly authoritarian regime, even as she has been forced into hiding and barred from holding public office.”
Further down in the article, WaPo quotes the Nobel citation, which sounds uncannily descriptive of the United States currently:
“’Democracy is a precondition for lasting peace. However, we live in a world where democracy is in retreat, where more and more authoritarian regimes are challenging norms and resorting to violence,’ the Nobel citation stated. ‘The Venezuelan regime’s rigid hold on power and its repression of the population are not unique in the world. We see the same trends globally: rule of law abused by those in control, free media silenced, critics imprisoned, and societies pushed towards authoritarian rule and militarization.’”
Thanks Miles for an excellent post. I admire you for always speaking truth to power without fear or favor. I admire you so very much for your courage. Always keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Miles, your conclusion about some of these people signing on for the purpose of being the king’s pawn is perfect. What a victory it would be to have changed even one of their minds. We are with you I. Vermont.
Miles, what baffles me is that these people you are writing to, perhaps some of them former colleagues, are not idiots. Just as you mention in this piece, they have studied history or at least, know basic information regarding past events. Why, how to they think it will turn out differently for them in the end ? What’s the saying about insanity? Same method but expecting different results. How pathetic and dreadful these people are! Is there a fund for your legal expenses I can contribute to when the time comes? Thank you for your character and integrity for standing for truth and the right side of history.
This is such a vital message to an audience that needs to be disrupted and made uncomfortable at every possible turn.
It runs in parallel with an exchange Mark Elias and Lisa Rubin had at Nicolle Wallace's desk yesterday. Elias fiercely called out DOJ staff at the offices responsible for these recent prosecutions of Comey and Tish James, saying they were complicit and should make their exits. Rubin agreed with the sentiment but defended staffers out of sympathy for their lack of better professional options.
While I respect Rubin, there's a serious piece missing to her argument, which is that those staff members who haven't left because they haven't found comparable work are still missing the point. They are prioritizing their comfort and privilege over their commitments to law and country. They are unwilling to forego incomes and connections that cover private school tuition, vacations, and separate bedrooms for everyone, plus a guestroom and a den. That $700+/ month leased car.
I try not to judge. I understand wanting to provide as much as you can for your family, but I also want to scream, "People! Get your heads out of your assess! You think providing a top-tier lifestyle for your kids will make up for what's coming for them when everything fully implodes?! How are you going to explain your complicity to them 10 or 20 years from now? This is war, and you know it, and you're still willingly abetting the enemy just to protect your comfortable lifestyle. Wake up. Take the slightly lower paying job. Move out of NY or DC if you have to, but please stop making excuses and grow a pair."
Well said! I especially like "You think providing a top-tier lifestyle for your kids will make up for what's coming for them when everything fully implodes?!" The answer is "Don't make me think!"
This goes for the climate catastrophe which is already upon us.
But going back to our beginnings we are a society that is All About Money, and showing it off. It's all about balance, and we're overbalanced.
Point 2: For decades we have made "judging" a very negative thing. But how are we supposed to navigate through life if we don't Evaluate what's going on around us? As Oscar Wilde is reputed 😉😉 to have said, "Be open-minded. But not so open your brains fall out."
Thank you for your post and for your continued efforts to make people understand the dangers this president presents to democracy. Your courage is amazing. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Miles thank you for your courage and your candor! Even if you get through to one person, that is a WIN! The time for capitulation is over if we want to save our democracy and the rule of law! You inspire me! Take good care, Kim Huber
Thank you for sharing what you and your family are going through. It is heartbreaking. Stay strong and know we all support you through these difficult times.
Miles, I am so sorry for what you have gone through and are going through. Anyone who cares for this Country, should not cow to Trump. Get another job protecting its citizens. KEEP THE FAITH. BLESS YOU.
Your courage is inspiring, Miles. You and your family have been and will continue to be in my prayers. Many people believe in you and God will keep you in His protective care. Please be safe.
WaPo: María Corina Machado, Venezuelan Opposition Leader, Wins Nobel Peace Prize
“The Norwegian Nobel Committee on Friday awarded its 2025 Peace Prize to María Corina Machado, the Venezuelan opposition leader who has become a symbol of democratic resistance against an increasingly authoritarian regime, even as she has been forced into hiding and barred from holding public office.”
Further down in the article, WaPo quotes the Nobel citation, which sounds uncannily descriptive of the United States currently:
“’Democracy is a precondition for lasting peace. However, we live in a world where democracy is in retreat, where more and more authoritarian regimes are challenging norms and resorting to violence,’ the Nobel citation stated. ‘The Venezuelan regime’s rigid hold on power and its repression of the population are not unique in the world. We see the same trends globally: rule of law abused by those in control, free media silenced, critics imprisoned, and societies pushed towards authoritarian rule and militarization.’”
I'm praying for you and your family! Thank you for your courage!
Thanks Miles for an excellent post. I admire you for always speaking truth to power without fear or favor. I admire you so very much for your courage. Always keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
There are many who are, immorally, “just doing their job” following the directives that point to discarding our democracy.
I hope that some of them will start saying that simple word, “no.” Our constitutional republic depends on it.
Well written, Miles.
Miles, your conclusion about some of these people signing on for the purpose of being the king’s pawn is perfect. What a victory it would be to have changed even one of their minds. We are with you I. Vermont.
Miles, what baffles me is that these people you are writing to, perhaps some of them former colleagues, are not idiots. Just as you mention in this piece, they have studied history or at least, know basic information regarding past events. Why, how to they think it will turn out differently for them in the end ? What’s the saying about insanity? Same method but expecting different results. How pathetic and dreadful these people are! Is there a fund for your legal expenses I can contribute to when the time comes? Thank you for your character and integrity for standing for truth and the right side of history.
🎯 Dear DJT's Thugs…
“Tasked with watching an American citizen for criticizing a president”
“When it's all said and done - and trust me, the truth will be said, and this mess will be done — you'll probably need a good lawyer.”
❣️🇺🇸 Thank you Miles Taylor
https://bsky.app/profile/kenaiseasky.bsky.social/post/3m2tppuwb7k2y
This is such a vital message to an audience that needs to be disrupted and made uncomfortable at every possible turn.
It runs in parallel with an exchange Mark Elias and Lisa Rubin had at Nicolle Wallace's desk yesterday. Elias fiercely called out DOJ staff at the offices responsible for these recent prosecutions of Comey and Tish James, saying they were complicit and should make their exits. Rubin agreed with the sentiment but defended staffers out of sympathy for their lack of better professional options.
While I respect Rubin, there's a serious piece missing to her argument, which is that those staff members who haven't left because they haven't found comparable work are still missing the point. They are prioritizing their comfort and privilege over their commitments to law and country. They are unwilling to forego incomes and connections that cover private school tuition, vacations, and separate bedrooms for everyone, plus a guestroom and a den. That $700+/ month leased car.
I try not to judge. I understand wanting to provide as much as you can for your family, but I also want to scream, "People! Get your heads out of your assess! You think providing a top-tier lifestyle for your kids will make up for what's coming for them when everything fully implodes?! How are you going to explain your complicity to them 10 or 20 years from now? This is war, and you know it, and you're still willingly abetting the enemy just to protect your comfortable lifestyle. Wake up. Take the slightly lower paying job. Move out of NY or DC if you have to, but please stop making excuses and grow a pair."
Well said! I especially like "You think providing a top-tier lifestyle for your kids will make up for what's coming for them when everything fully implodes?!" The answer is "Don't make me think!"
This goes for the climate catastrophe which is already upon us.
But going back to our beginnings we are a society that is All About Money, and showing it off. It's all about balance, and we're overbalanced.
Point 2: For decades we have made "judging" a very negative thing. But how are we supposed to navigate through life if we don't Evaluate what's going on around us? As Oscar Wilde is reputed 😉😉 to have said, "Be open-minded. But not so open your brains fall out."
Bingo.
Well said! Thank you for all you do and please be safe
Thank you for your post and for your continued efforts to make people understand the dangers this president presents to democracy. Your courage is amazing. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
This is an astounding piece of writing, and must and surely will, be shared far and wide. Eyes wide open. Thank you, Miles Taylor.
Miles thank you for your courage and your candor! Even if you get through to one person, that is a WIN! The time for capitulation is over if we want to save our democracy and the rule of law! You inspire me! Take good care, Kim Huber
Thank you for sharing what you and your family are going through. It is heartbreaking. Stay strong and know we all support you through these difficult times.
Miles, I am so sorry for what you have gone through and are going through. Anyone who cares for this Country, should not cow to Trump. Get another job protecting its citizens. KEEP THE FAITH. BLESS YOU.
You are a very courageous man, and you offer incisive commentary on our on-going crisis. I'm on your team.
Your courage is inspiring, Miles. You and your family have been and will continue to be in my prayers. Many people believe in you and God will keep you in His protective care. Please be safe.