So, this has been up for 40 minutes and I'm getting flooded with emails expressing support. I'm going to have to pin a blanket THANK YOU up here at the top of the comments, because I'm not going to be able to write back to everyone. Please know that I am reading your emails, and your replies here, and they are making cry. Please don't tell anyone about that. I have an image as a cynical political satirist to maintain. Seriously, though, my heartfelt thanks to all of you! (Also, if you send me an email, please do not include attachments. I delete such emails with extreme prejudice.)
7:45 CET - I'm really overwhelmed by everyone's generosity and support ... thank you! Also, I know some people are having trouble with international bank transfers because their banks want my home address, which I can't share publicly. I'm working on a solution to that. I'll keep you posted here, and update the original post when I get something worked out.
short and simple way, go to your substack acct with CJ and change your subscription to add whatever amt you wish to your subscription. I did it and it prorated my current subscription with the addition of my contribution
“The @CJ Hopkins case is the equivalent of the Assange case for satirists. If Germany succeeds in imposing this Sophie’s choice of a 60-day incarceration or 3,600 euros fine for TWO BLOODY TWEETS, that is the end of satire as we know it—at least in Germany and other countries that have weaponized ‘hate’ speech laws against those courageous enough to expose the authoritarian practices of their governments. For daring to draw valid historical comparisons with present-day policies and trying to STOP the advance of fascism, CJ is being charged with furthering ‘the aims of a former National Socialist Organization.’
“We must stand with CJ just as we must stand for Assange (https://margaretannaalice.substack.com/p/ode-to-a-whistleblower) as their persecution is not only about the vilification of innocents for daring to speak out but threatens the future of satire, journalism, and free speech for all human beings on this increasingly tyrannical planet.”
#IStandWithCJ
——
CJ, I know when I asked you about this when it first came up, you felt creating graphics for sharing on social media was a bit much for you :-) Are you okay with using the #IStandWithCJ hashtag?
Also, you may want to consider setting up a Ko-fi account (https://ko-fi.com) for donations. They don’t take any fees, although Stripe takes its usual cut. Since Substack already uses Stripe, it may be a better option than PayPal, where you risk unpersoning like happened to me last year (https://margaretannaalice.substack.com/i/71065626/paypal-unpersoned-me).
Thanks so much, Margaret! Honestly, the #IStandWithCJ thing makes me feel embarrassed. I get it when it comes to Assange, but I'm not Assange. His case is so much more significant. That said, I'm not going to police what people who are supporting me do. Please do what you feel. I will be grateful for whatever anyone does, however they want to do it.
Haha, thank you, CJ. I honestly think you are underestimating the importance of this case. The extreme ludicrousness of the scenario could shake people awake to the degree to which fascism has taken hold in New Normal Germany and may even make people think twice about the laws that enable such an injustice to occur.
MAA/CJH, I would love to design a graphic if either of you would give me some ideas on how it should look, exactly what it should say (I imagine his face and the text “#IStandWithCJ?). I have time to do it today. Please let me know... ✨🙏🏾✨
That is so thoughtful of you :-) I had offered to do exactly that (using the template I created for #IStandWithSucharit: https://margaretannaalice.substack.com/i/51525642/istandwithsucharit) when the case first came up, but CJ felt it was a bit much for him, so that's why I asked here if it was okay to use the hashtag at least :-)
I read from this sentence "I'm not going to police what people who are supporting me do. Please do what you feel. I will be grateful for whatever anyone does, however they want to do it." that he wouldn't mind. :)
If you would rather do it, I can leave it to you. Otherwise I would love to do it, as unfortunately I can't contribute monetarily. Please email me on sane francisco 415 @ gmail (no spaces) if so, thank you!
I got the impression that was about the hashtag, but maybe he's more open to graphics now—I wouldn't want to do that without his okay as I don't want to make him uncomfortable, but if he's open to it, we could do something. If he does approve it, I would probably make ones in the same style as Sucharit's for consistency, but I don't want to stop you from creating your own if you're inspired :-)
Is it time to consider an ongoing "legal defense fund", administered by someone we trust (like Catherine Austin Fitts) to fund this case and any important subsequent cases, as required? CJ may be the first but he is unlikely to be the last. Anyone who is willing to follow the legal process all the way through for any free speech, medical or other non-compliance issue should be backed all the way.
I keep asking the question, what is our Plan B? What do we do when our respective countries require Substack to crack down on free speech. It WILL happen, but do we have a contingency? Are we willing to organise pro-actively for what probably comes next? A fighting fund would be a good start.
Lots of websites have been taken down by the ISP just taking their web address away. Storm Front and the strategic culture websites have been targeted. Storm Front has the information on this.
It’s just as bad as banks closing accounts with no warning. This could happen to substack any day too. CJ is right. The PTB are getting very nasty in the fight for truth.
I note that one of their email addresses ends in .ru. Does this mean that they are getting themselves hosted through Russia now? Is that a backup plan that Substack could have - if banned in the western world, could they avoid "fines" if they were hosted through Russia? I have no idea, and no idea what steps I should take to ensure I keep getting uncensored information.
I just subscribed to your substack to help you fight the anti-Nazi neo-Nazis that are out for your head "pour encourager les autres". We are all "les autres" now, and your willingness to fight this fight not only for yourself but for the rest of us is both admirable and encouraging to those of us out here in Kafkaville. May God bless you and sustain you in this fight.
Hi CJ. Since I am currently subscribed, I just increased the amount thru substack and it worked. I also would suggest perhaps Give Send Go, not the woke Go Fund Me where people donating to Canadian truckers discovered their censorship. Don't really know how it works, since you're in Germany but possibly worth an investigation.
Even though I do not know you personally, much of your writing does speak to me. I am sure we have our differences (which we could learnedly or not so learnedly debate) but much of our core thoughts would intersect. And isn't that how human discourse should function without recriminations, judgment or cancel-culturing? Unfortunately, that's not the current climate. We're heading for that dystopian Orwellian world that most probably over 90% of the population would not want if they could see the end result. I am constantly amazed at the total lack of understanding people have of the consequences of their world views. But then it has probably been that way throughout history.
It is painful to see this all playing out. The injustices are piling up faster than we can react to them. Our representatives are failing us regardless of where we live. Money, power and control are the be-all and end-all. And the workers of the world are threatened with their livelihoods if they resist. But then, changing jobs in a free country has always been a right. Now, I am not sure.
I hope to meet you some day and have that drink, preferably drinks. Love the beer and wine there. My best to you
I would like to donate, but I boycott PayPal (because they censor free speech). I don't want to do an annual subscription but instead just donate a one-time amount to you. Can you possibly set that up in your "upgrade to paid" options? Or could you set up a "Buy Me A Coffee" where I can periodically donate? Good luck, C.J. I look forward to donating to your future "get out of Germany" fund as well.
I share your posts where I can, which is limited because one finds oneself in a sea of ignoramuses, nonintrrested, dissent haters or just insifference(!), that's not to mention the nonsympatjy if not apathy, even caustic sarcastic antipathy of exactly the Jewish liberal Dem or just TDS set I left behind. But finances or not, THIS Ami in Berlin and his Berliner wife stand 100% with and behind you. €50,- are going out today to your fund. Gott stehe Dir bei.
I hereby pledge 100 euros. I am 'enjoying' a small but steady pension, at least as long as those blasted CBDC's woin't go into effect. I'll make the payment by Sept 1st.
We met all to briefly in Berlin, but it was worth it nonetheless.
"N.B. If the balance of my Legal Defense Fund somehow ends up exceeding my legal costs at the end of the day, the surplus will be reallocated to my “Get the Hell out of Germany” Fund."
Finally. Get the **** out of Germany now, before it's too late. How sad for you personally, and how revolting to watch the Germans make the same mistakes they made almost a century ago.
"Of course, there’s a chance I could prevail, but, the way things are going, it seems pretty clear that the German authorities are determined to make an example of me, the rule of law be damned."
Duh. Funny how quickly the self-proclaimed Defenders Of Human Rights jettison Muh Rule Of Law that they so claim to treasure.
For that matter, swastikas aplenty can be found among the neonazi paramilitaries fighting for the Kiev regime, but Germany pays these swastikas no mind. To be fair, they recently did have to remind these Stalwart Defenders Of European Values that they weren't supposed to display their nazi regalia openly while on training with the Bundeswehr.
The level of irony of the charges is beyond my ability to satirize, but that's your shtick and I'm glad you're shticking to it. I'm sure your readers understand the irony. Sadly, it's all part of the New Normal. I was hoping for this post, as I was wanting to assist in some fashion. It's great that Matt and company are willing to cover the fine, though I hope you beat the rap in the end. My reason for helping is personal: I have family in Germany, and I like visiting them, and I want Germany to be a place I don't mind visiting. They'll likely be there for many more years, so this is also for them. Your willingness to take the fight to the State warrants all the help it can get. I will do what little I can to support your defense and/or relocation fund.
My husband and I are both Americans living in Germany. I don’t even know if you are fluent in German, but if you need help here, I can give you my details. Could we message you by Twitter…or would you like to give us your email address? The whole situation is outrageous
Done. Been a paid subscriber to your writings even pre-Substack. As an older American who lived in Germany for years, I've always held that there is something about the German people, some unspeakable cultural trait, a low threshold to resist the call to conformity and capitulation. Oh, it's here too in the US, but the Germans have it much worse. So well educated, so creative, so freaking scary sometimes! God bless you and don't stop writing.
So, this has been up for 40 minutes and I'm getting flooded with emails expressing support. I'm going to have to pin a blanket THANK YOU up here at the top of the comments, because I'm not going to be able to write back to everyone. Please know that I am reading your emails, and your replies here, and they are making cry. Please don't tell anyone about that. I have an image as a cynical political satirist to maintain. Seriously, though, my heartfelt thanks to all of you! (Also, if you send me an email, please do not include attachments. I delete such emails with extreme prejudice.)
7:45 CET - I'm really overwhelmed by everyone's generosity and support ... thank you! Also, I know some people are having trouble with international bank transfers because their banks want my home address, which I can't share publicly. I'm working on a solution to that. I'll keep you posted here, and update the original post when I get something worked out.
I subscribe already. I detest PayPal. Maybe activate the "Buy me a coffee" feature on your substack?
I'm in a similar position. I already subscribe to CJ, and PayPal unpersoned me last year.
I suggested he set up a Ko-fi account (https://ko-fi.com) because they don't take a fee, whereas Buy Me a Coffee takes a hefty cut.
short and simple way, go to your substack acct with CJ and change your subscription to add whatever amt you wish to your subscription. I did it and it prorated my current subscription with the addition of my contribution
Wow, I didn't know that was possible. Thanks for the tip, Steve!
GiveSendGo?
Hi, sent £50 = €56.71. Only a modest amount but you bloody deserve it.
My UK bank app autopopulated a different address for the German bank - Weerthstrasse 3-5 Berlin 12489. I checked thoroughly the IBAN.
If it's not received please let me know.
You're right up there with the best, CJ. An inspiration.
As I wrote in my Note (https://substack.com/@margaretannaalice/note/c-38899653) about this travesty:
“The @CJ Hopkins case is the equivalent of the Assange case for satirists. If Germany succeeds in imposing this Sophie’s choice of a 60-day incarceration or 3,600 euros fine for TWO BLOODY TWEETS, that is the end of satire as we know it—at least in Germany and other countries that have weaponized ‘hate’ speech laws against those courageous enough to expose the authoritarian practices of their governments. For daring to draw valid historical comparisons with present-day policies and trying to STOP the advance of fascism, CJ is being charged with furthering ‘the aims of a former National Socialist Organization.’
“Anyone who has read even a single column by CJ knows the opposite is emphatically the case, as is made crystal-clear in my Dissident Dialogues interview (https://margaretannaalice.substack.com/p/dissident-dialogues-cj-hopkins) with him from last year.
“I have written repeatedly about the weaponization of the ‘anti-semite’ label to silence dissidents because it is such a danger to those seeking to expose totalitarianism and has been used to crush innocents like poor Clemens Arvay (https://margaretannaalice.substack.com/p/requiem-for-a-smear-victim-clemens) and threaten credible scientific voices like Prof. Dr. Sucharit Bhakdi (https://margaretannaalice.substack.com/p/profiles-in-courage-prof-dr-sucharit).
“We must stand with CJ just as we must stand for Assange (https://margaretannaalice.substack.com/p/ode-to-a-whistleblower) as their persecution is not only about the vilification of innocents for daring to speak out but threatens the future of satire, journalism, and free speech for all human beings on this increasingly tyrannical planet.”
#IStandWithCJ
——
CJ, I know when I asked you about this when it first came up, you felt creating graphics for sharing on social media was a bit much for you :-) Are you okay with using the #IStandWithCJ hashtag?
Also, you may want to consider setting up a Ko-fi account (https://ko-fi.com) for donations. They don’t take any fees, although Stripe takes its usual cut. Since Substack already uses Stripe, it may be a better option than PayPal, where you risk unpersoning like happened to me last year (https://margaretannaalice.substack.com/i/71065626/paypal-unpersoned-me).
P.S. Herzlichen Glückwunsch zum Geburtstag :-)
Thanks so much, Margaret! Honestly, the #IStandWithCJ thing makes me feel embarrassed. I get it when it comes to Assange, but I'm not Assange. His case is so much more significant. That said, I'm not going to police what people who are supporting me do. Please do what you feel. I will be grateful for whatever anyone does, however they want to do it.
Haha, thank you, CJ. I honestly think you are underestimating the importance of this case. The extreme ludicrousness of the scenario could shake people awake to the degree to which fascism has taken hold in New Normal Germany and may even make people think twice about the laws that enable such an injustice to occur.
PS. aspect ratio/dimensions too... I'm working on this now but can easily modify
MAA/CJH, I would love to design a graphic if either of you would give me some ideas on how it should look, exactly what it should say (I imagine his face and the text “#IStandWithCJ?). I have time to do it today. Please let me know... ✨🙏🏾✨
That is so thoughtful of you :-) I had offered to do exactly that (using the template I created for #IStandWithSucharit: https://margaretannaalice.substack.com/i/51525642/istandwithsucharit) when the case first came up, but CJ felt it was a bit much for him, so that's why I asked here if it was okay to use the hashtag at least :-)
I read from this sentence "I'm not going to police what people who are supporting me do. Please do what you feel. I will be grateful for whatever anyone does, however they want to do it." that he wouldn't mind. :)
If you would rather do it, I can leave it to you. Otherwise I would love to do it, as unfortunately I can't contribute monetarily. Please email me on sane francisco 415 @ gmail (no spaces) if so, thank you!
I got the impression that was about the hashtag, but maybe he's more open to graphics now—I wouldn't want to do that without his okay as I don't want to make him uncomfortable, but if he's open to it, we could do something. If he does approve it, I would probably make ones in the same style as Sucharit's for consistency, but I don't want to stop you from creating your own if you're inspired :-)
Assange is being unjustly prosecuted for what he actually DID. You are being unjustly prosecuted for the EXACT OPPOSITE of what you actually did.
No, you're not Assange. There is NO argument for the position that you are supporting Nazism. They're simply making it up.
At least for Assange, there is a wrong-headed, immoral, but PLAUSIBLE argument against him.
Please take our money and use it to speak. There is no shame in that, it's instead a way for US to speak also. You're doing us a favor.
It may be advisable to look into using a Bitcoin Lightning wallet such as Muun or Strike or CashApp to accept donations.
Just signed up as a paid subscriber. Let's all support independent journalists like CJ!
Is it time to consider an ongoing "legal defense fund", administered by someone we trust (like Catherine Austin Fitts) to fund this case and any important subsequent cases, as required? CJ may be the first but he is unlikely to be the last. Anyone who is willing to follow the legal process all the way through for any free speech, medical or other non-compliance issue should be backed all the way.
I keep asking the question, what is our Plan B? What do we do when our respective countries require Substack to crack down on free speech. It WILL happen, but do we have a contingency? Are we willing to organise pro-actively for what probably comes next? A fighting fund would be a good start.
Lots of websites have been taken down by the ISP just taking their web address away. Storm Front and the strategic culture websites have been targeted. Storm Front has the information on this.
https://southfront.press/southfront-org-blocked-by-u-s-controlled-global-internet-supervisor/
It’s just as bad as banks closing accounts with no warning. This could happen to substack any day too. CJ is right. The PTB are getting very nasty in the fight for truth.
I note that one of their email addresses ends in .ru. Does this mean that they are getting themselves hosted through Russia now? Is that a backup plan that Substack could have - if banned in the western world, could they avoid "fines" if they were hosted through Russia? I have no idea, and no idea what steps I should take to ensure I keep getting uncensored information.
Though I cannot donate, I have requested to Kontrafunk radio that they do a Reportage on your case!
I just subscribed to your substack to help you fight the anti-Nazi neo-Nazis that are out for your head "pour encourager les autres". We are all "les autres" now, and your willingness to fight this fight not only for yourself but for the rest of us is both admirable and encouraging to those of us out here in Kafkaville. May God bless you and sustain you in this fight.
Hi CJ. Since I am currently subscribed, I just increased the amount thru substack and it worked. I also would suggest perhaps Give Send Go, not the woke Go Fund Me where people donating to Canadian truckers discovered their censorship. Don't really know how it works, since you're in Germany but possibly worth an investigation.
Even though I do not know you personally, much of your writing does speak to me. I am sure we have our differences (which we could learnedly or not so learnedly debate) but much of our core thoughts would intersect. And isn't that how human discourse should function without recriminations, judgment or cancel-culturing? Unfortunately, that's not the current climate. We're heading for that dystopian Orwellian world that most probably over 90% of the population would not want if they could see the end result. I am constantly amazed at the total lack of understanding people have of the consequences of their world views. But then it has probably been that way throughout history.
It is painful to see this all playing out. The injustices are piling up faster than we can react to them. Our representatives are failing us regardless of where we live. Money, power and control are the be-all and end-all. And the workers of the world are threatened with their livelihoods if they resist. But then, changing jobs in a free country has always been a right. Now, I am not sure.
I hope to meet you some day and have that drink, preferably drinks. Love the beer and wine there. My best to you
Trust me. You trial will be over before we have access to the Gestapo files from the Landesarchiv NRW. So you, as the (the follwoing IS sarcasm!) sodded feregnor that you are, will feell the full brunt of the German legal system. Whereas someone like Günter Hellwing, head of the Gestapo in Marseille, responsible for the death of thousands and the destruction of the old city center of Marseille, after WWII head of the Kriminalpolizei in Mühlheim an der Ruhr, sentenced to death in absentia in 1954 by military tribunal in Marseille, member of the Landtag in NRW and in 1958 member of the federal committee of the SPD, can be sure that his membership files to the Gestapo will be blocked from public view until 2036! And no, the part about Günter Hellwing is not a joke. See here: https://www.archive.nrw.de/archivsuche?link=VERZEICHUNGSEINHEIT-Vz_e779ed00-0145-4a5e-803f-faff7f959ff9 (also here: https://archive.org/details/nrw-archiv-gestapo-akten-gesperrt-bis-2036) but also here: https://www.landtag.nrw.de/home/der-landtag/abgeordnete-und--fraktionen/die-abgeordneten/ehemalige-abgeordnete/abgeordnetendetail.html?k=00452
I would like to donate, but I boycott PayPal (because they censor free speech). I don't want to do an annual subscription but instead just donate a one-time amount to you. Can you possibly set that up in your "upgrade to paid" options? Or could you set up a "Buy Me A Coffee" where I can periodically donate? Good luck, C.J. I look forward to donating to your future "get out of Germany" fund as well.
I share your posts where I can, which is limited because one finds oneself in a sea of ignoramuses, nonintrrested, dissent haters or just insifference(!), that's not to mention the nonsympatjy if not apathy, even caustic sarcastic antipathy of exactly the Jewish liberal Dem or just TDS set I left behind. But finances or not, THIS Ami in Berlin and his Berliner wife stand 100% with and behind you. €50,- are going out today to your fund. Gott stehe Dir bei.
Hallo CJ, or Christopher,
I hereby pledge 100 euros. I am 'enjoying' a small but steady pension, at least as long as those blasted CBDC's woin't go into effect. I'll make the payment by Sept 1st.
We met all to briefly in Berlin, but it was worth it nonetheless.
Pim
It was a pleasure meeting you and Rene ... many thanks for your support!
"N.B. If the balance of my Legal Defense Fund somehow ends up exceeding my legal costs at the end of the day, the surplus will be reallocated to my “Get the Hell out of Germany” Fund."
Finally. Get the **** out of Germany now, before it's too late. How sad for you personally, and how revolting to watch the Germans make the same mistakes they made almost a century ago.
"Of course, there’s a chance I could prevail, but, the way things are going, it seems pretty clear that the German authorities are determined to make an example of me, the rule of law be damned."
Duh. Funny how quickly the self-proclaimed Defenders Of Human Rights jettison Muh Rule Of Law that they so claim to treasure.
For that matter, swastikas aplenty can be found among the neonazi paramilitaries fighting for the Kiev regime, but Germany pays these swastikas no mind. To be fair, they recently did have to remind these Stalwart Defenders Of European Values that they weren't supposed to display their nazi regalia openly while on training with the Bundeswehr.
The level of irony of the charges is beyond my ability to satirize, but that's your shtick and I'm glad you're shticking to it. I'm sure your readers understand the irony. Sadly, it's all part of the New Normal. I was hoping for this post, as I was wanting to assist in some fashion. It's great that Matt and company are willing to cover the fine, though I hope you beat the rap in the end. My reason for helping is personal: I have family in Germany, and I like visiting them, and I want Germany to be a place I don't mind visiting. They'll likely be there for many more years, so this is also for them. Your willingness to take the fight to the State warrants all the help it can get. I will do what little I can to support your defense and/or relocation fund.
My husband and I are both Americans living in Germany. I don’t even know if you are fluent in German, but if you need help here, I can give you my details. Could we message you by Twitter…or would you like to give us your email address? The whole situation is outrageous
Done. Been a paid subscriber to your writings even pre-Substack. As an older American who lived in Germany for years, I've always held that there is something about the German people, some unspeakable cultural trait, a low threshold to resist the call to conformity and capitulation. Oh, it's here too in the US, but the Germans have it much worse. So well educated, so creative, so freaking scary sometimes! God bless you and don't stop writing.