I almost spit out my covfefe when I read Dr. Oz will be in charge of Medicare. Talk about a circus, and the world wrestling woman as the Secretary of Education. If you don't hand in your homework, there will be a smackdown. Well, DT probably promised her this, and then, of course, after she is confirmed, he will dismantle it. And she'll be out on her ear. As for me, I am buying all the fluoride toothpaste I can (I'll send you some if you run low.) Got my Covid and flu shots, and making doctors' appts like crazy. Who knows what will be covered (if anything) and what won't. I am also buying up my favorite wine that comes from Argentina in preparation for the tariffs, and stocking up our apocalyptic shelves in case my social security gets cut. As far as penises in the bathroom... with the war in Ukraine, and climate change scorching the land, that's the least of our worries now.
It has been suggested that the Democrats should be doing everything possible to vet Trump’s nominees in the time we have left before he takes office. How do we do that, as ordinary citizens? I don’t know. I am assuming there is much infighting going on on Capitol Hill about these nominees and the ensuing confirmations. I have to hope that Dems are doing all that they can.
1. Insist on and share information with decision-makers
There is another battle going on on Capitol Hill about bathrooms, because Sarah McBride will be the first openly transgender person in the House when she is sworn in next year. New restrictions, backed by Speaker Johnson, state that single-sex facilities in the Capitol and House office buildings would be available only to those of that biological sex. This was put foward by Representative Nancy Mace of South Carolina, and backed by Republican women. Mace said to a reporter, “There will be no penises in the women’s bathroom.”
2. What, there are no bathroom stalls in women's bathrooms? Give me a break Bovine biolsolids move.
The House Ethics Committee is at a deadlock as to whether to release the investigation of sexual misconduct and illicit drug use allegations against Justice Dept nominee Matt Gaetz. Some Republicans and Democrats in the Senate want the report to be released in an effort to vet Mr. Gaetz before confirmation. Gaetz resigned last week, so technically the report does not have to be released, but it should be. Both sides of the aisle could supoena the release and I hope they do.
3. They spent the public's money--let's see the fruit of their labor.
Trump pledged to end the Department of Education, but today he nominated Linda McMahon, former chief executive of World Wrestling Entertainment. She has no experience in education.
4. A sign he cares nothing for education. Big surprise. Show us your transcripts. Prove you have degrees!
He also nominated Dr. Mehmet Oz, a longtime TV personality, to run the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. From the NY Times: “His nomination has alarmed some doctors and those who work in public health. “I just don’t know what side of Dr. Oz we’re going to see,” said Dr. Pieter Cohen, a physician and associate professor at Harvard Medical School who studies supplements. “I hope we see the meticulous cardiothoracic surgeon, and I hope we don’t see the promoter of unproven botanicals.”
5. Dr. Oz is a descendant of the Wizard of Oz--both humbugs--but the Wizard was infinitely wiser.
Trump is selling bibles and guitars, and has an increasing stake in crypto, according to CNN’s Jake Tapper. So far, Trump is not appearing to make any effort to divest in order to avoid any conflict of interest in all his ventures.
6. He doesn't care. And enjoys throwing it in our faces. Mink.
In a 2020 video unearthed by Bulwark, RFK Jr. implied today that covid was planted by the US government.
7. Science is allergic to RFK Jr. So am I.
In another piece in the Bulwark, the writer makes an interesting suggestion of what President Biden could do in the time he has left.
“For starters, the White House could use its famous lectern adorned with the presidential seal to educate the American public about the rule of law.
8. Replace the Seal with a picture of Goofy. But that's an insult to Goofy.
No, the Constitution’s mandate that cabinet appointees get through Senate confirmation as a check on the president’s power is not designed to be optional.
9. Mouth 1 thinks he's playing checkers. See education. And imaginary wealth built on the backs of the rest of us ordinary folks.
No, the law does not allow Trump to invoke the military against peaceful protesters and “blue” cities (the Posse Comitatus Act forbids it).
10. See definition of imaginary thinking.
No, Trump can’t just abolish the Department of Education or manufacture a Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) for Musk’s use as a playground—both houses of Congress would have to agree to do those things, including a supermajority in the Senate.
11. Imaginary thinking again.
No, bullying the media into submission is not legal—it actually gets a special shoutout under the First Amendment.
12. More imaginary thinking (boy howdy, he's not an original thinker, is he?)
No, Trump can’t just fire the federal workforce on Day One. Biden implemented a rule in April protecting federal workers from mass terminations, and although Trump could reverse it, Democrats in Congress could still at least try to push that into law.
13. Even more imaginary thinking (apparently a well with no bottom) Now it's a trend :D
Biden could invite governors to Washington, D.C., for a summit to devise a plan to protect the states—and the nation—against the worst of what Trump has in store for us all.”
14. He could. But he'd be better to canvass the participants first.
These are great suggestions. Biden did the right thing by meeting Trump in the Oval Office, as hard as it is to say that. But he could do some key teaching and warning, and help Americans know what to do to protect ourselves. In fact, many key leaders could be doing that, in both parties.
15. Agreed.
Remember the police officer in the Capitol who held off and diverted the violent mob on January 6th? His name is Eugene Goodman, and he is a hero. I did a drawing of him at the time it was happening as I watched on TV. I thought I’d share it as a reminder of what a hero is.
Here’s to the heroes! A story in today’s Boston Globe says that T’s immigration czar—Hoban?—tried to bully Mayer Wu, who refused to cooperate. Here’s to the heroes. 🪖
Thanks Liza for your important questions, concerns, worries and aspirations. These will be difficult days and yes, Trump's cabinets sounds like the clowns I used to see at the circus as a kid.
We can and must gather cooperatively and forge the future that is already in our hearts and lives. DC's police officer Eugene Goodman deserves our deepest praise of course. And there are many more who stand ready to build a cooperative future. Princeton's superb Professor Eddie Glaude [sp] reminds us: "we are the heroes we are looking for..." Rosa Parks was an active member of the NAACP and Mandela of the African National Congress---and both had been preceded by many other brave and strong citizen leaders in Africa's Robben Island and Alabama's segregated buslines.
We will see new leaders emerge from our families, neighborhoods and community organizations. In Vermont we are welcoming homeless into our lands and homes and pledging to impede federal officials who might seek to deport our many dairy workers/community members.
The future is ours--only if we build it together. We must gather and bridge and never allow hate to guide our hearts and lives.
You are amazing! Thank you for all you’ve pointed out. I appreciate you and feel better knowing such a bright light, you, is shining through the darkness.
I think of all the times the lines for the ladies' room was sooooo long and the line to the men's room was non-existent - how many times did we, The Ladies, take over the men's room just so we could get back to the show before intermission ended. Or the tour bus left.
It's time to deluge our representatives and Senators with clear, articulate demands for upholding the rule of law and the guarantees, checks and balancing of our constitution. Not asking once, but being a clear, constant, civil voice for democracy.
As far as the restroom goes, I recommend visitors put on blindfolds so they don't have to see those who are just there to pee.
I contacted my congressman. Feels very inadequate.
I can imagine, sadly.
I almost spit out my covfefe when I read Dr. Oz will be in charge of Medicare. Talk about a circus, and the world wrestling woman as the Secretary of Education. If you don't hand in your homework, there will be a smackdown. Well, DT probably promised her this, and then, of course, after she is confirmed, he will dismantle it. And she'll be out on her ear. As for me, I am buying all the fluoride toothpaste I can (I'll send you some if you run low.) Got my Covid and flu shots, and making doctors' appts like crazy. Who knows what will be covered (if anything) and what won't. I am also buying up my favorite wine that comes from Argentina in preparation for the tariffs, and stocking up our apocalyptic shelves in case my social security gets cut. As far as penises in the bathroom... with the war in Ukraine, and climate change scorching the land, that's the least of our worries now.
I’m with you sister, except for the wine.
It has been suggested that the Democrats should be doing everything possible to vet Trump’s nominees in the time we have left before he takes office. How do we do that, as ordinary citizens? I don’t know. I am assuming there is much infighting going on on Capitol Hill about these nominees and the ensuing confirmations. I have to hope that Dems are doing all that they can.
1. Insist on and share information with decision-makers
There is another battle going on on Capitol Hill about bathrooms, because Sarah McBride will be the first openly transgender person in the House when she is sworn in next year. New restrictions, backed by Speaker Johnson, state that single-sex facilities in the Capitol and House office buildings would be available only to those of that biological sex. This was put foward by Representative Nancy Mace of South Carolina, and backed by Republican women. Mace said to a reporter, “There will be no penises in the women’s bathroom.”
2. What, there are no bathroom stalls in women's bathrooms? Give me a break Bovine biolsolids move.
The House Ethics Committee is at a deadlock as to whether to release the investigation of sexual misconduct and illicit drug use allegations against Justice Dept nominee Matt Gaetz. Some Republicans and Democrats in the Senate want the report to be released in an effort to vet Mr. Gaetz before confirmation. Gaetz resigned last week, so technically the report does not have to be released, but it should be. Both sides of the aisle could supoena the release and I hope they do.
3. They spent the public's money--let's see the fruit of their labor.
Trump pledged to end the Department of Education, but today he nominated Linda McMahon, former chief executive of World Wrestling Entertainment. She has no experience in education.
4. A sign he cares nothing for education. Big surprise. Show us your transcripts. Prove you have degrees!
He also nominated Dr. Mehmet Oz, a longtime TV personality, to run the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. From the NY Times: “His nomination has alarmed some doctors and those who work in public health. “I just don’t know what side of Dr. Oz we’re going to see,” said Dr. Pieter Cohen, a physician and associate professor at Harvard Medical School who studies supplements. “I hope we see the meticulous cardiothoracic surgeon, and I hope we don’t see the promoter of unproven botanicals.”
5. Dr. Oz is a descendant of the Wizard of Oz--both humbugs--but the Wizard was infinitely wiser.
Trump is selling bibles and guitars, and has an increasing stake in crypto, according to CNN’s Jake Tapper. So far, Trump is not appearing to make any effort to divest in order to avoid any conflict of interest in all his ventures.
6. He doesn't care. And enjoys throwing it in our faces. Mink.
In a 2020 video unearthed by Bulwark, RFK Jr. implied today that covid was planted by the US government.
7. Science is allergic to RFK Jr. So am I.
In another piece in the Bulwark, the writer makes an interesting suggestion of what President Biden could do in the time he has left.
“For starters, the White House could use its famous lectern adorned with the presidential seal to educate the American public about the rule of law.
8. Replace the Seal with a picture of Goofy. But that's an insult to Goofy.
No, the Constitution’s mandate that cabinet appointees get through Senate confirmation as a check on the president’s power is not designed to be optional.
9. Mouth 1 thinks he's playing checkers. See education. And imaginary wealth built on the backs of the rest of us ordinary folks.
No, the law does not allow Trump to invoke the military against peaceful protesters and “blue” cities (the Posse Comitatus Act forbids it).
10. See definition of imaginary thinking.
No, Trump can’t just abolish the Department of Education or manufacture a Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) for Musk’s use as a playground—both houses of Congress would have to agree to do those things, including a supermajority in the Senate.
11. Imaginary thinking again.
No, bullying the media into submission is not legal—it actually gets a special shoutout under the First Amendment.
12. More imaginary thinking (boy howdy, he's not an original thinker, is he?)
No, Trump can’t just fire the federal workforce on Day One. Biden implemented a rule in April protecting federal workers from mass terminations, and although Trump could reverse it, Democrats in Congress could still at least try to push that into law.
13. Even more imaginary thinking (apparently a well with no bottom) Now it's a trend :D
Biden could invite governors to Washington, D.C., for a summit to devise a plan to protect the states—and the nation—against the worst of what Trump has in store for us all.”
14. He could. But he'd be better to canvass the participants first.
These are great suggestions. Biden did the right thing by meeting Trump in the Oval Office, as hard as it is to say that. But he could do some key teaching and warning, and help Americans know what to do to protect ourselves. In fact, many key leaders could be doing that, in both parties.
15. Agreed.
Remember the police officer in the Capitol who held off and diverted the violent mob on January 6th? His name is Eugene Goodman, and he is a hero. I did a drawing of him at the time it was happening as I watched on TV. I thought I’d share it as a reminder of what a hero is.
16. God Help Us All. Love this. Many thanks
Well done!
Here’s to the heroes! A story in today’s Boston Globe says that T’s immigration czar—Hoban?—tried to bully Mayer Wu, who refused to cooperate. Here’s to the heroes. 🪖
Thank you Eugene Goodman.
Thanks Liza for your important questions, concerns, worries and aspirations. These will be difficult days and yes, Trump's cabinets sounds like the clowns I used to see at the circus as a kid.
We can and must gather cooperatively and forge the future that is already in our hearts and lives. DC's police officer Eugene Goodman deserves our deepest praise of course. And there are many more who stand ready to build a cooperative future. Princeton's superb Professor Eddie Glaude [sp] reminds us: "we are the heroes we are looking for..." Rosa Parks was an active member of the NAACP and Mandela of the African National Congress---and both had been preceded by many other brave and strong citizen leaders in Africa's Robben Island and Alabama's segregated buslines.
We will see new leaders emerge from our families, neighborhoods and community organizations. In Vermont we are welcoming homeless into our lands and homes and pledging to impede federal officials who might seek to deport our many dairy workers/community members.
The future is ours--only if we build it together. We must gather and bridge and never allow hate to guide our hearts and lives.
YES.
You are amazing! Thank you for all you’ve pointed out. I appreciate you and feel better knowing such a bright light, you, is shining through the darkness.
Thank you!
It’s the worst of the worst the people he’s coming up with. A CRIMINAL GANG is taking over our country.
I think of all the times the lines for the ladies' room was sooooo long and the line to the men's room was non-existent - how many times did we, The Ladies, take over the men's room just so we could get back to the show before intermission ended. Or the tour bus left.
It's time to deluge our representatives and Senators with clear, articulate demands for upholding the rule of law and the guarantees, checks and balancing of our constitution. Not asking once, but being a clear, constant, civil voice for democracy.
“There will be no penises in the women’s bathroom.” If feminists can’t get behind that, what is feminism for…?
I sure hope they are working hard between the scenes. As the numbers continue to roll in the margin becomes smaller and smaller.
Yes!