View Full Version : Government Coup
Things are moving so fast that it is hard to keep up. All of it is very concerning to me. I'm posting something I saw today:
https://roberthubbell.substack.com/p/call-it-by-its-name-a-coup?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Things are moving so fast that it is hard to keep up. All of it is very concerning to me. I'm posting something I saw today:
https://roberthubbell.substack.com/p/call-it-by-its-name-a-coup?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Yes, that is right.
Thank you for posting this. Please contact your representatives and spread the word.
I read about the payment thing in the NYT yesterday. Very concerning.
I am particularly pleased that important data I need to carry out my duties running my community's medical/rescue agency are no longer available. (Apparently if you don't track a disease, it doesn't exist...)
Good luck to you all.
iris lilies
2-1-25, 5:53pm
This is a strong call to action, but I will reserve my reserve my concern for the things that really matter.
if it is true that Musk somehow controls treasury, that is a giant big deal.
It is critically important to focus on the things that really matter, as this author says.
That is not Elon’s accused Roman salute, the fact that the U.s.flag went up on Inauguration
day from half-mast for Jimmy Carter, Ivanka Trump deliberately channeling Handmaids’ Tale clothes, etc…. These things are not important.
Pleade do not fill the airwaves with perceived micro-aggressions. We all need to keep our eye on the ball. I find the hysteria of others to get in my way of figuring out what really is happening.
But of course that’s the real issue, identifying what really is happening.
Exactly, IL. I am focused on the unprecented power grab by an unelected billionaire. Also concerned about the efficacy of the FAA, as I will be flying to St. Louis in a few weeks. It's hard not to feel a little spooked by the plane crashes.
I find it baffling that there are not republican congressmen speaking up against what's wrong or false. Of course many of them are riding the coattails of being in control, but among them there only seems like a minor few willing to speak up. I would just guess that eventually some of the challenges will come to the Supreme Court and any more I'm not even sure they will defend the intentions of the constitution.
I can't walk out or boycott anything that would matter and I would have to consider the real value of any protests, although I've not heard of any. I do have a little extra income and have upped the anti to a couple of legal defense funds and public radio, which seems to be somewhat out of the reach of the media oligarchs so far.
if it is true that Musk somehow controls treasury, that is a giant big deal.
Yes.
I have just had two different lectures I was going to attend canceled due to the federal agency freeze. Both environmental groups. It was stated that they didn't know how to proceed with events until further notice.
iris lilies
2-1-25, 7:27pm
I have just had two different lectures I was going to attend canceled due to the federal agency freeze. Both environmental groups. It was stated that they didn't know how to proceed with events until further notice.
Is this the grant funding freeze?
yesterday there was much groaning about St. Louis’s best festival, Festival of Nations, reporting they stopped taking vendor applications, I think because their funding is insecure. This festival relies on some government grant funding.
I notice there aren't many details in all the accusations and speculation going around recently. From what I've heard so far this all seems to me that an external audit has met the entrenched resistance. I guess time will tell what's really happening.
gimmethesimplelife
2-1-25, 8:03pm
Exactly, IL. I am focused on the unprecented power grab by an unelected billionaire. Also concerned about the efficacy of the FAA, as I will be flying to St. Louis in a few weeks. It's hard not to feel a little spooked by the plane crashes.I would not fly an American based carrier at the moment. Suddenly it seems far too risky. There are numerous foreign airlines with stellar service vs what you endure on an American based airline in the name of corporate profit. Domestically I'd Amtrak it if possible or Flex Bus if possible (I'd also avoid Greyhound). Rob
I would not fly an American based carrier at the moment. Suddenly it seems far too risky. There are numerous foreign airlines with stellar service vs what you endure on an American based airline in the name of corporate profit. Domestically I'd Amtrak it if possible or Flex Bus if possible (I'd also avoid Greyhound). Rob
Sounds like you’d be happiest on the Soviet-era Aeroflot.
I don't have the time nor inclination to take a more than 2,000 mile train or bus ride to St. Louis and back so I will take my chances on a cramped economy flight which was booked two months ago. But what I will do is bring my own snacks per usual becuase it really angers me how much food & drink is in the airports. I bring sliced apple, walnuts, raisins, beef or turkey jerky and buy one bottle of water after going through the TSA line. I just refill the bottle at the drinking fountains as needed.
But I digress from my original post. This is from WaPo (I discontinued my subscription but still have access until March). What I haven't seen anywhere in legacy media is any sort of pushback about this. Has anyone else?
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2025/02/01/elon-musk-treasury-payments-system/
There’s an article in the NYT. I first read about it in Wired, which is actually a great source.
Check out the Reddit subreddit Fednews for what is happening as it is happening. People are linking legacy media coverage and communications from people like Congressmen and union leadership. You'll be seeing what they are sending out to the legacy media in hopes that they will report these stories.
Yeah, that FedNews is some interesting reading.
I would not fly an American based carrier at the moment. Suddenly it seems far too risky. There are numerous foreign airlines with stellar service vs what you endure on an American based airline in the name of corporate profit. Domestically I'd Amtrak it if possible or Flex Bus if possible (I'd also avoid Greyhound). Rob
Flying a non-US carrier in the US with our shitty ATC system isn’t going to do shit.
The DC accident happened due to the helicopter flying too high. If you had actually bothered to read about the unique situation with DC Reagan airport, you would have seen that. There have been warnings from pilots and ATC for years about the amount of flights AND all the helicopters. It’s also a tough airport to fly into/out of due to the closed airspace over the Mall, Capital, White House, etc.
I would not fly an American based carrier at the moment. Suddenly it seems far too risky. There are numerous foreign airlines with stellar service vs what you endure on an American based airline in the name of corporate profit.
Your theory is that foreign airlines are not run by corporations, for profit?
ToomuchStuff
2-2-25, 10:01pm
Your theory is that foreign airlines are not run by corporations, for profit?
Think his theory is the Airlines of this country, are run with a death count in mind, like trains to concentration camps.
Nothing to do with profit, or air traffic controllers on the civilian end (who have no access to the military aircraft side).
gimmethesimplelife
2-3-25, 9:19am
Your theory is that foreign airlines are not run by corporations, for profit?bae, you could simply do.some basic internet research and quickly learn how much better reputed certain foreign airlines are....examples would be EVA, Emirates, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines for starters. If you'd get educated here perhaps you yourself would not shortchange yourself by tolerating American aviation service standards. You too deserve better! Rob
gimmethesimplelife
2-3-25, 9:22am
Sounds like you’d be happiest on the Soviet-era Aeroflot.No....just on one of the many better reputed/proven over time better airlines. Simple internet research would prove my point. Examples of much better tham US airlines - EVA, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Emirates. You too deserve better than US aviation service standards! Rob
No....just on one of the many better reputed/proven over time better airlines. Simple internet research would prove my point. Examples of much better tham US airlines - EVA, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Emirates. You too deserve better than US aviation service standards! Rob
Airlines don’t mean shit with our stretched too thin ATC system.
gimmethesimplelife
2-3-25, 11:27am
Airlines don’t mean shit with our stretched too thin ATC system.And you just gave a very good reason NOT to fly domestically within.the US period. It's just too risky now.....but I would fly the aforementioned carriers OUT of the US. Rob
And you just gave a very good reason NOT to fly domestically within.the US period. It's just too risky now.....but I would fly the aforementioned carriers OUT of the US. Rob
I’ve never liked flying. The whole effing experience is miserable. Road trips, on the other hand, are fabulous.
I am glad to see that after the weekend that FINALLY the mainstream news organizations found it worthy to mention that Musk and his Gen Alpha team suceeded to get into the Treasury Dept's payment system, all courtesy of the Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant and blessed by Trump. The only way I found out about it was by watching independant news media as it was happening. Then on Sunday morning there was brief mention of it as if it was a totally normal thing to have an unelected billionaire in a fake government department get handed the keys to the United States checkbook...
If this isn't a coup and a constitutional crisis I must not understand the meaning of these things.
iris lilies
2-3-25, 12:32pm
I am glad to see that after the weekend that FINALLY the mainstream news organizations found it worthy to mention that Musk and his Gen Alpha team suceeded to get into the Treasury Dept's payment system, all courtesy of the Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant and blessed by Trump. The only way I found out about it was by watching independant news media as it was happening. Then on Sunday morning there was brief mention of it as if it was a totally normal thing to have an unelected billionaire in a fake government department get handed the keys to the United States checkbook...
If this isn't a coup and a constitutional crisis I must not understand the meaning of these things.
Not to take away from the potential seriousness of this issue, we have to remember that unelected bureaucrats have had their hands on these financial systems forever. Some go thru Congress for the Big Jobs but most do not.
They don’t have “the keys to the checkbook”. They just get to peek at the register.
It's not so much that Musk gets access, but in the age of department and personnel eliminations and punishments, one would guess it will be used to get rid of people and potentially pursue retributions. What ever it is, he's not just peeking a look.
bae, you could simply do.some basic internet research and quickly learn how much better reputed certain foreign airlines are....examples would be EVA, Emirates, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines for starters. If you'd get educated here perhaps you yourself would not shortchange yourself by tolerating American aviation service standards. You too deserve better! Rob
I don't think you have a clue about what I know about aviation.
I also don't think you understand what the word "research" means. Do some "internet research" yourself, and you may find that I ran an airport, right on the border, in one of the more complicated airspaces around. And I fly 3-4 times a week, commercially, in this airspace, and get great service. Dock-to-dock sometimes even.
I would fly the aforementioned carriers OUT of the US.
Please do so.
If you want to know what is happening, please visit the subreddit feddiscussion.
"REPORTER: Why is it important for Elon Musk to have access to the payments systems at Treasury?
TRUMP: Well, he's got access only to letting people go that he thinks are no good, and it's only if we agree with him"
“A witch hunt has begun at the FBI. Employees are required to provide information by Tuesday and are being encouraged to report on their coworkers. The FBI questionnaire asks agents about their roles in various cases, including whether they made arrests or appeared in court, among other details.”
Posted today 2/3/25 at 11:25am from the Alt National Park Service blue sky account. https://bsky.app/profile/altnps.bsky.social/post/3lhbxfsy4zk27
Yesterday afternoon the FBI Agents Association sent employees a message on how to handle the 12-question survey many employees have received about their role in the January 6 investigations. According to NBC (https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/national-security/agents-started-pack-desks-fear-fbi-mass-firings-swirls-rcna190342), here is what the message advised agents to do:
Respond with the following wording: "I have been told I am ‘required to respond’ to this survey, without being afforded appropriate time to research my answers, speak with others, speak with counsel or other representation."
Also write: “To the best of my ability and belief, I have performed my duties in accordance with the Constitution of the United States."
Finally, “Do NOT resign or offer to resign.” If you are terminated, "you need to be clear that your removal is not voluntary"
If you are terminated, "make sure you get the termination notice in writing and forward it to us [the FBI Agents Association] ASAP." This applies to you no matter what your position is (agent, support,, etc.)
Best of luck to all of you. Hold the line."
Behind DOGE’s Standoff at USAID: Desk Searches and Elon Musk Calling - Bloomberg (https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-02-03/behind-doge-s-standoff-at-usaid-desk-searches-and-elon-musk-calling?accessToken=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6Ik pXVCJ9.eyJzb3VyY2UiOiJTdWJzY3JpYmVyR2lmdGVkQXJ0aWN sZSIsImlhdCI6MTczODYwMjU3MiwiZXhwIjoxNzM5MjA3MzcyL CJhcnRpY2xlSWQiOiJTUjQwRFhEV1gyUFMwMCIsImJjb25uZWN 0SWQiOiIyQjE3NzFFOTlEODc0QzRDOTY1Njg1RTZBQkJGM0QwR CJ9.EJFs84O-BxRxxaCqapC1hHwp_8hlRZRnOuYOMZ25TtU&leadSource=uverify%20wall)
I would post more but this is making me physically ill.
Here is a post made by Darren Beattie:
https://i.redd.it/9ds7kou5p1he1.jpeg
Darren Beattie, a former White House speechwriter in the first Trump administration who was fired for attending a white nationalist gathering, was named (https://www.semafor.com/article/02/02/2025/maga-intellectual-darren-beattie-will-fill-key-state-department-role) acting undersecretary of state for public diplomacy and public affairs — a role that includes overseeing “messaging to counter terrorism and violent extremism,” according to the State Department’s websit (https://www.state.gov/about-us-under-secretary-for-public-diplomacy-and-public-affairs/)e
iris lilies
2-4-25, 9:56am
Who is Darren Beattie, I mean is he a government official?
Rubio named him acting undersecretary of state, see post.
iris lilies
2-4-25, 10:27am
Rubio named him acting undersecretary of state, see post.
Oh sorry, missed that.he is a jerk.
Last night all CIA employees received the resignation letter. As someone on Reddit said, where did they get the names--PLTR?
In other news, the FBI turned over details on 5000 agents that were tasked with the Jan 6 investigation:
FBI turns over details of 5,000 employees who worked on January 6 cases to Trump Justice Department, as agents sue | CNN Politics (https://www.cnn.com/2025/02/04/politics/fbi-employees-tuesday/index.html)
I see where the IT youngsters who helped Elon are being referred to as Musk-rats. I wish I could be confident that the information won't be used for nefarious purposes or to profit Elon. Without a big knowledge base of computer skills I could assume that copies could be made and stored in Trumps bathroom or access could extend beyond his term of office for private uses.
I see where the IT youngsters who helped Elon are being referred to as Musk-rats. I wish I could be confident that the information won't be used for nefarious purposes or to profit Elon. Without a big knowledge base of computer skills I could assume that copies could be made and stored in Trumps bathroom or access could extend beyond his term of office for private uses.
Yes, we should all be concerned, and they are already doxxing people from what they found, and firing people who donated to the Democratic party. It's all being played out in real time.
"We must, indeed, all hang together or, most assuredly, we shall all hang separately."
--Benjamin Franklin
6219
I notice there aren't many details in all the accusations and speculation going around recently. From what I've heard so far this all seems to me that an external audit has met the entrenched resistance. I guess time will tell what's really happening.
Can you tell us more about these "external audits?" Since your plugged into magaville I assume you have a better read on this.
Massive protests today in ALL 50 states denouncing trump’s illegal actions in trying to destroy our democracy!
Massive protests today in ALL 50 states denouncing trump’s illegal actions in trying to destroy our democracy!
They didn’t seem to amount to the massive crowds the promoters were hoping for. The “Resistance” seems more muted than during Trump v.1.
I went to the one in Santa Fe yesterday. I correctly estimated about 400 people. I have to admit I was a little disapointed at the seeming lack of organization though I knew it was going to be fairly organic FaceBook -Social Media thing with the lack of actual planning. I kept wishing for someone (or someones) with a loud bullhorn to lead the people into something that looked a bit more formidable. There was a lot of just milling about somewhat aimlessly. There were several different types of protests going on: The "Hey Hey Ho Ho Elon Musk Has Got To Go" group (me), the Dump Trump faction, LBGTQ & Trans group and a loud Free Palestine contingent (who I heard protests every Wednesday at the RoundHouse).
It's just so hard to know how to be even the least little bit effective when we are up against so much that is out of our control. I decided to go basically to lend my physical body to help show that a lot of people are very against what is going on. I hope these protests keep growing each week. Santa Fe is a small blue city in a small population state. Protesting is much different in a large city, or a large red city in a large red state.
My husband spoke on the bullhorn yesterday at ours in Augusta. Good for you for going, Siouz.
It was 17 yesterday and people were so bundled up-- really impressive that people show up. I hope your Santa Fe protests keep growing, too. 6220 You know who would have gone yesterday? Jane. RIP.
They didn’t seem to amount to the massive crowds the promoters were hoping for. The “Resistance” seems more muted than during Trump v.1.
Depends where you look. Massive crowds in a number of locales!
Depends where you look. Massive crowds in a number of locales!
They certainly didn’t seem to move the media coverage needle that much. Certainly not enough to merit a “!”. The weather wasn’t in their favor in many places; and holding it on a Wednesday would force prospective protestors to decide if it was worth burning a vacation day.
EVERY state protested! You sound like trump… worried about crowd size?
iris lilies
2-6-25, 5:51pm
My husband spoke on the bullhorn yesterday at ours in Augusta. Good for you for going, Siouz.
It was 17 yesterday and people were so bundled up-- really impressive that people show up. I hope your Santa Fe protests keep growing, too. 6220 You know who would have gone yesterday? Jane. RIP.
sorry but there’s no way Jane would’ve gone in actuality, although yes in spirit.
EVERY state protested! You sound like trump… worried about crowd size?
It makes a difference if you’re trying to get media attention, of which not much was garnered yesterday.
It makes a difference if you’re trying to get media attention, of which not much was garnered yesterday.
You obviously weren’t looking. The media outlets you are viewing could be the start of the new administration’s manipulation of what they want seen?
This one from Joe Scarborough really shocked me, although I guess I need to stop being shocked:
"Some members of Congress that I've spoken to said, 'Listen, it's not just the primarying that we have to worry about,'" said journalist Katty Kay. "'It's actually our own personal safety that we now have to worry about. I have to worry about the safety (https://www.rawstory.com/trump-threats-to-journalists-npr/?utm_source=msn) of my spouse, the safety of my children if I defy Donald Trump,' and when you've got Don Jr. coming out very forcefully and saying, 'We want all of these to be a yes,' there is no exception for Tulsi Gabbard. There is no exception for Bobby Kennedy.
"He is speaking for the MAGA base, and literally I've had members of Congress say, 'Look, you know, you do have to worry in this day and age, you have to worry about your own safety, as well — it's not just the primary factor."
You obviously weren’t looking. The media outlets you are viewing could be the start of the new administration’s manipulation of what they want seen?
My worries about a rabidly pro-Trump media rank slightly behind a zombie apocalypse or space lizard invasion. As to the ripples emanating from Wednesday’s activities, it wasn’t exactly a political turning point.
My worries about a rabidly pro-Trump media rank slightly behind a zombie apocalypse or space lizard invasion. As to the ripples emanating from Wednesday’s activities, it wasn’t exactly a political turning point.
CBS news reports:
Trump fires archivist of the United States, official who oversees government recordsBy Kathryn Watson (https://www.cbsnews.com/team/kathryn-watson/?ftag=CNM-00-10aab4i)
Updated on: February 7, 2025 / 9:50 PM EST / CBS News
President Trump has fired Archivist of the United States Colleen J. Shogan, the government official responsible for preserving and providing access (https://www.cbsnews.com/news/presidential-records-national-archives-60-minutes/?ftag=CNM-00-10aab4i) to government records.
R/fednews on Reddit is a good place to read about what’s going on from the federal employee viewpoint. Very interesting reading.
This may sound weird, but don’t discount the Orange One’s many unofficial minions online.
I’ve been posting on FB about the challenges of the tariff changes this past week. We had ONE business day. Posted articles to education about the de minimis thing with eCommerce packages from China. Anyway, several “friends” whose political leanings I was unaware of decided to start making threats about going to Customs and having my license yanked because I wasn’t supporting the new prez.
I blocked these “friends” and decided to scrub my friends list of people I don’t interact with at all. FB account is otherwise locked down. I don’t have a LinkedIn account (closed it a while back as the site is a mess). I don’t have my employer’s name anywhere on social media or elsewhere online. I deleted all the articles and posts about the tariff stuff from the last week.
I worked too hard for my license and I’m not risking it. This gives you an idea of the Trumpers.
This may sound weird, but don’t discount the Orange One’s many unofficial minions online.
I’ve been posting about the challenges of the tariff changes this past week. We had ONE business day. Posted articles to education about the de minimis thing with eCommerce packages from China. Anyway, several “friends” whose political leanings I was unaware of decided to start making threats about going to Customs and having my license yanked because I wasn’t supporting the new prez.
I blocked these “friends” and decided to scrub my friends list of people I don’t interact with at all. FB account is otherwise locked down. I don’t have a LinkedIn account (closed it a while back as the site is a mess). I don’t have my employer’s name anywhere on social media or elsewhere online. I deleted all the articles and posts about the tariff stuff from the last week.
I worked too hard for my license and I’m not risking it. This gives you an idea of the Trumpers.
Oh Tradd, stay safe.
Congressional phone lines have been overwhelmed by people calling in with concerns. I don’t have time during the day to even attempt to call, so I’ll email.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/07/us/politics/congressional-phone-lines-trump-musk.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare
Tradd, that is horrible!!!! Trump is sanctioning threats on every level.
early morning
2-8-25, 5:04pm
Tradd, that beggars belief. Hard to think people would stoop so low. We are ALL in danger -as individuals and as a democratic society- with these horrible people in charge. Not to mention all the apologist "not quite" trumpers assuring us it's not so bad, we should wait and see, blahblahblah. I am beyond sickened.
Tradd, that beggars belief. Hard to think people would stoop so low. We are ALL in danger -as individuals and as a democratic society- with these horrible people in charge. Not to mention all the apologist "not quite" trumpers assuring us it's not so bad, we should wait and see, blahblahblah. I am beyond sickened.
It might be useful for these apologists to read over this material about what the Nazis did to everyday German life and everyday Germans, just see if they see any comparisons:
Everyday life – The Holocaust Explained: Designed for schools (https://www.theholocaustexplained.org/life-in-nazi-occupied-europe/controlling-everyday-life/)
I have older friends who lived in the Soviet Union and Eastern European countries under Communism.
This has also been going around lately.
https://www.cia.gov/stories/story/the-art-of-simple-sabotage/
These might be interesting or helpful to some on protecting yourself from government surveillance.
https://www.eff.org/pages/surveillance-self-defense
https://www.wired.com/story/the-wired-guide-to-protecting-yourself-from-government-surveillance/
gimmethesimplelife
2-9-25, 8:19pm
This may surprise all of you - protests have come to Phoenix and SO and I have sat them out. We are both a bit concerned though have escape plans in place. He is naturalized and married to a known dissident. I may be deported for all I know. Nothing would surprise me at this point. I honestly don't know what I would do without SO in these trying times. Rob
+
This may surprise all of you - protests have come to Phoenix and SO and I have sat them out. We are both a bit concerned though have escape plans in place. He is naturalized and married to a known dissident. I may be deported for all I know. Nothing would surprise me at this point. I honestly don't know what I would do without SO in these trying times. Rob
+
Suggest you look at the EFF Surveillance Self Defense material and put it in action. It’s very doable.
More duties coming soon, just a matter of when.
Suggest you look at the EFF Surveillance Self Defense material and put it in action. It’s very doable.
I took a short look, but concluded I really don't have anything to hide other than being a Democrat. I suspect Elon has already harvested all my medical and financial information.
A bigger concern for me is what is being withheld, censored, or cancel cultured. I noticed today Trump has ending funding for the National Nature Assessment. Admittedly it was started only recently, but it does seem important. What we don't know about the drill baby drill and roll back of regulations effects won't hurt us.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/10/climate/nature-assessment-trump.html
I see a latest is Trump ordered the treasury to stop making pennies. Probably an idea that started with Elon.
All the protests in the world will probably have less impact that a flagging economy and a declining stock market and 401Ks. Tariffs can do that. It's rather ironic, a medium sized steel plant in my state that was once the towns bread basket is still up and running at a lower production rate. Steel tariffs may help keep people employed, but it's well known that the company, through a bunch of complicated corporate organizations, is owned by a Russian conglomerate. At a time when sanctions were imposed by Biden it was up for sale, but I don't think anything went through. The same town also has once of the largest Vesta wind turbine plants, which no doubt will suffer.
This is really bad:
CFPB Shutdown — Bluesky (bsky.app) (https://bsky.app/profile/trending.bsky.app/feed/82215175)
the bigger picture:
Are you feeling demoralized, traumatized, or demonized? Because you should know that that is actually the goal.
This is based on an older ProPublica article (October 2024), but I hadn’t seen it before and it shocked me to learn that harming you emotionally is actually part of the plan:
“Put Them in Trauma”: Inside a Key MAGA Leader’s Plans for a New Trump Agenda
Article highlights:
premeditated plan to deploy the military in response to domestic unrest
defund the EPA and other federal agencies
put career civil servants “in trauma”
demoralizing federal workers to the point that they don’t want to do their jobs
embracing a wartime footing on the southern border
rolling back transgender rights
building a “shadow” Office of Legal Counsel to help Trump steamroll the internal opposition he faced in his first term
“defund” certain independent federal agencies and demonize career civil servants, which include scientists and subject matter experts
I took a short look, but concluded I really don't have anything to hide other than being a Democrat. I suspect Elon has already harvested all my medical and financial information.
A bigger concern for me is what is being withheld, censored, or cancel cultured. I noticed today Trump has ending funding for the National Nature Assessment. Admittedly it was started only recently, but it does seem important. What we don't know about the drill baby drill and roll back of regulations effects won't hurt us.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/10/climate/nature-assessment-trump.html
I see a latest is Trump ordered the treasury to stop making pennies. Probably an idea that started with Elon.
All the protests in the world will probably have less impact that a flagging economy and a declining stock market and 401Ks. Tariffs can do that. It's rather ironic, a medium sized steel plant in my state that was once the towns bread basket is still up and running at a lower production rate. Steel tariffs may help keep people employed, but it's well known that the company, through a bunch of complicated corporate organizations, is owned by a Russian conglomerate. At a time when sanctions were imposed by Biden it was up for sale, but I don't think anything went through. The same town also has once of the largest Vesta wind turbine plants, which no doubt will suffer.
The EFF thing was for Rob.
gimmethesimplelife
2-10-25, 7:21pm
I have been in touch with an immigration attorney in Ecuador to get a grasp if our appliacations for permanent residency would have a chance. I seriously question the wisdom of remaining in the US if not necessary, esp with this concentration camp revving up at Guantanamo. I'm not of Austrian descent for nothing - that there is a flee the country human rights offense. We'll see how this goes, and I will update soon as I know anything.
Pro tip - supposedly sexual orientation will not work against me with Ecuadorian bureaucracy....we'll see. Rob
gimmethesimplelife
2-10-25, 7:23pm
Suggest you look at the EFF Surveillance Self Defense material and put it in action. It’s very doable.I will look into this, Thank You, Tradd. I am also using Whats App more as I understand that it's end to end encrypted. Rob
I will look into this, Thank You, Tradd. I am also using Whats App more as I understand that it's end to end encrypted. Rob
Signal is even better.
Signal is even better.
Signal is considerably better than WhatsApp.
Signal is considerably better than WhatsApp.
Yes, however, WhatsApp is very heavily used in MX. So really no way around that if people won’t switch.
Update on the threats from FB stuff:
I got a call from Customs today. They said they had gotten several calls from people complaining about me. I’ve worked with that specific Customs contact for ages. When she told me what the complaints were about, we both laughed.
iris lilies
2-11-25, 2:53pm
Update on the threats from FB stuff:
I got a call from Customs today. They said they had gotten several calls from people complaining about me. I’ve worked with that specific Customs contact for ages. When she told me what the complaints were about, we both laughed.
yikes! I’m glad that went well.
Who again is complaining about you? I don’t get it. by this, I mean, I’m shocked that customs department has enough people to respond to complaints from random citizens.
They didn’t like my comments on FB last week about the new 10% China duties. My mentioning the fact that we had one business day to prepare for it didn’t go over well with some Trump unofficial online minions. They actually called Customs to complain about me.
gimmethesimplelife
2-11-25, 3:00pm
They didn’t like my comments on FB last week about the new 10% China duties. My mentioning the fact that we had one business day to prepare for it didn’t go over well with some Trump unofficial online minions. They actually called Customs to complain about me.I know we haven't always seen eye to eye but Tradd.....please be careful. The Nazis pulled such games on Austrian civil servants suspected of being Jewish sympathizers, of course leading to their rapid deaths, right after Anschluss. I get that you think this won't happen here - I don't care to debate - I'm just saying please be careful. History seems to be repeating itself here. Rob
I know we haven't always seen eye to eye but Tradd.....please be careful. The Nazis pulled such games on Austrian civil servants suspected of being Jewish sympathizers, of course leading to their rapid deaths, right after Anschluss. I get that you think this won't happen here - I don't care to debate - I'm just saying please be careful. History seems to be repeating itself here. Rob
I’m not risking my livelihood. There’s a reason I recommended that govt surveillance stuff to you. I’ve already done a lot of it. I’ve cleaned the suspects who were involved in this off my FB friends list. Cleared off the posts and other ones as well.
yikes! I’m glad that went well.
Who again is complaining about you? I don’t get it. by this, I mean, I’m shocked that customs department has enough people to respond to complaints from random citizens.
I’ve worked with this particular civilian employee for years. I think I was only called due to the long term working relationship.
There is a very good Atlantic article on how Hitler dismantled a democracy in 53 days. I have access to it from my Apple News+ subscription
frugal-one
2-12-25, 7:30am
There is a very good Atlantic article on how Hitler dismantled a democracy in 53 days. I have access to it from my Apple News+ subscription
Finally coming around to believe we have a hitler wannabe! The writing was on the wall long ago as I warned.
With all the legitimate criticism of Trump available in the real world, why is so much effort flowing into this weird fixation with Nazi porn?
frugal-one
2-14-25, 4:16pm
With all the legitimate criticism of Trump available in the real world, why is so much effort flowing into this weird fixation with Nazi porn?
You need to read up … check the Atlantic article for starters.
Read Reddit Feddiscussion and decide for yourself:
https://i.redd.it/qfyfib8e05je1.jpeg
It was ugly. One of the prosecuting attorneys who resigned said it would take a fool or a coward to dismiss charges. It sounds like they may have found someone.
ToomuchStuff
2-14-25, 11:50pm
With all the legitimate criticism of Trump available in the real world, why is so much effort flowing into this weird fixation with Nazi porn?
Haven't heard anything about Eva Braun dirty movies. :confused:
It’s not a mainstream publication, but Wired magazine is doing a bang up job of covering the fed mess. I’m not sure how much of their website is accessible without a subscription, but it’s only $12/year. Constantly updated. It’s the publication that broke the news with six identities of the kids who had access to Treasury’s systems.
With all the legitimate criticism of Trump available in the real world, why is so much effort flowing into this weird fixation with Nazi porn?
I've mostly thought of the Nazi analogies to be extreme beyond reason. Mostly thinking of the Holocaust and indications of genocide and the brown shirts. I have to say as the 2025 plans are unfolding, a Nazi-like fascist regime with some sort of global domination aren't out of my realm of possibilities. Vance's speech in Germany concerned me, as well as the German Chancellor.
My version is more like Orwell's 1984 and the Ministry of Truth.
iris lilies
2-15-25, 10:52am
I've mostly thought of the Nazi analogies to be extreme beyond reason. Mostly thinking of the Holocaust and indications of genocide and the brown shirts. I have to say as the 2025 plans are unfolding, a Nazi-like fascist regime with some sort of global domination aren't out of my realm of possibilities. Vance's speech in Germany concerned me, as well as the German Chancellor.
My version is more like Orwell's 1984 and the Ministry of Truth.
I am more on board with the Orwellian theory since that is what I’ve been seeing in our political climate in the past few years. Subverting language to the point of compelled speech. Intimidating and firing people for wrongthink. Creating an official Federal government bureau of misinformation. Subverting scientific inquiry when it doesn't meet political criteria and favored narratives.
It does not matter which “side” the regime is on. It’s all the actions of an authoritative, overreaching government. The groundwork was already there and the Trump team is moving it along at breakneck speed.
Here is a link from the AFL CIO, check it out:Department of People who Work for a Living (deptofpeoplewhowork.org) (https://deptofpeoplewhowork.org/?source=website)
I've been wondering if many people actually depend on "X" for relevant political news or if it's just a sounding board for politicians to quibble? Although it seems common, today my legacy news reported on Pence getting after Trump of Ukraine, it seems like Zelensky chimes into the fray sometimes and Musky touts conspiracy theory just for fun. I admittedly have a small social circle but do not know of anyone who uses X for news items. It doesn't seem like a reliable way to get a comprehensive view of the issues and is more suited for doom scrollers, gossip mongers, and people with short attention spans and small cell phone screens. But I am probably in a different generation. I almost get the impression that the politicians who use it have too much free time and are doing their own doom scrolling. I'm probably the eternal luddite and some things I don't get.
And Truth Social is a whole 'nother ball of wax.
I know a fair number of people who use X for breaking news type stuff then then go to regular news sources for more info.
Personally I'm comforted by the fact that LDAHL convinced me that there would be no difference between a trump and a Harris presidency. Three weeks of the trump presidency has proven that he's an expert predictor. I'm sure the next several years will be completely fine. I hope we all live through the fourth turning that LDAHL doesn't think is happening despite all the obvious evidence that it is.
gimmethesimplelife
2-20-25, 11:51am
Personally I'm comforted by the fact that LDAHL convinced me that there would be no difference between a trump and a Harris presidency. Three weeks of the trump presidency has proven that he's an expert predictor. I'm sure the next several years will be completely fine. I hope we all live through the fourth turning that LDAHL doesn't think is happening despite all the obvious evidence that it is.Something that's helping me get through these insane times beyond taking steps - FINALLY - to get out of this country - is the following:
I figured out that this country is not worth fighting for for many of us. Reason being, like it or not - more voters voted in this insanity than did not. That is a fact that is not going to change nor disappear no matter how you wish to wrap it up, package it, or spin it away. For many of us, there's no real reason to be here as we have no real representation under the current oppressive and on a daily basis, unconstitutional regime. Rob
Something that's helping me get through these insane times beyond taking steps - FINALLY - to get out of this country - is the following:
I figured out that this country is not worth fighting for for many of us. Reason being, like it or not - more voters voted in this insanity than did not. That is a fact that is not going to change nor disappear no matter how you wish to wrap it up, package it, or spin it away. For many of us, there's no real reason to be here as we have no real representation under the current oppressive and on a daily basis, unconstitutional regime. Rob
Can you give us a few examples of oppression and/or unconstitutional acts you're referencing?
early morning
2-20-25, 12:11pm
Can you give us a few examples of oppression and/or unconstitutional acts you're referencing? I for one would say: birthright citizenship. I think the Constitution is much clearer on that than the way people interpret the second amendment. And I think there's a pretty clear argument to be made that monies approved by Congress need to be removed by Congress. The Orange One and President Musk could get Congress to approve their (IMO unethical and completely egregious) blanket freezes on already appropriated monies, but can't be bothered. Which makes one wonder why? Why should an unelected immigrant who was, for a time, in this country illegally, be allowed to access data from government entities, fire people at will (Oh, wait, that's what we DO in corporate Amerika) and do everything in his power to make us a weaker and even more divided nation? What's the end game here? I'm not seeing anything better than what we had, and it's looking a whole lot WORSE than what we had before. Personally, I'm becoming really glad that I'm old, and that my kids had the sense to not procreate. The world of the future looks like the more distant past, where life was short and brutal, except for the elete.
Personally, I'm becoming really glad that I'm old, and that my kids had the sense to not procreate. The world of the future looks like the more distant past, where life was short and brutal, except for the elete.
Early morning It is all a game with worldwide consequences...
early morning
2-20-25, 12:52pm
it's a game for those who have money, and power. for the rest of us, it's not a game at all. though it's clear we're the pawns....
gimmethesimplelife
2-20-25, 12:57pm
it's a game for those who have money, and power. for the rest of us, it's not a game at all. though it's clear we're the pawns....It IS possible to change the board on which your game is being played to one that works better for you - as I am trying via working towards moving to Ecuador - but it IS a game nonetheless in which we are the pawns, yes, I could not agree more. I'd be happy at this point just to be on playing board that worked better for me - maybe such is the best we can hope for in this world? Rob
iris lilies
2-20-25, 2:12pm
I don’t mind examining the “birthright” part of citizenship, it is time. HOW that is being done could be disparaged, though.
Birthright citizenship is mainly a thing in the Americas. Europe doesnt have it.
https://maint.loc.gov/law/help/birthright-citizenship/global.php
Personally I'm comforted by the fact that LDAHL convinced me that there would be no difference between a trump and a Harris presidency. Three weeks of the trump presidency has proven that he's an expert predictor. I'm sure the next several years will be completely fine. I hope we all live through the fourth turning that LDAHL doesn't think is happening despite all the obvious evidence that it is.
I thought and still think that the difference between a a Trump and Harris administration would equate to the difference between a cyanide kombucha and a strychnine smoothie.
I also thought and still think the US constitutional order is robust enough to survive either. I’m sorry that incenses you so badly. But the good news is that all that has to happen for you to be proven right is for the Republic to fall in the near future.
As far as the deterministic fortune-telling being promoted by that hedge fund consultant, I think the “obvious evidence” you and Steve Bannon see are the result of subjective cherry-picking of events that soothsayers and millenarian cults have indulged in forever.
ToomuchStuff
2-21-25, 2:00pm
If you could only close up the coup and keep all the politicians locked up in it, all those eggs they keep laying, just bringing the cost of eggs down.:laff:
early morning
2-21-25, 6:29pm
Alan didn't ask what we THOUGHT about unconstitutional actions, he just asked what we thought they were. I agree that birthright citizenship is something that could be/should be up for discussion. But it's a constitutional right. Not something to be removed by executive fiat. I don't really care who has/does not have it. It's in the constitution, we have ways to amend said document, they are not being used. Ergo, unconstitutional action.
Alan didn't ask what we THOUGHT about unconstitutional actions, he just asked what we thought they were. I agree that birthright citizenship is something that could be/should be up for discussion. But it's a constitutional right. Not something to be removed by executive fiat. I don't really care who has/does not have it. It's in the constitution, we have ways to amend said document, they are not being used. Ergo, unconstitutional action.
The judge who blocked that EO referred to it as “blatantly unconstitutional”. I’m inclined to agree with him.
So proud of Gov. Mills today and so glad to have voted for her. We need more people with her kind of courage.
iris lilies
2-22-25, 8:06pm
So proud of Gov. Mills today and so glad to have voted for her. We need more people with her kind of courage.
Are you talking about the “boys in girls sports” issue?
No, I am talking about the rule of law issue.
early morning
2-23-25, 10:19am
[QUOTE][No, I am talking about the rule of law issue./QUOTE] +1
The rule of law is getting trampled underfoot far too often.
[QUOTE][No, I am talking about the rule of law issue./QUOTE] +1
The rule of law is getting trampled underfoot far too often.
Here is the video of him threatening our state and threatening her personally:
Bing Videos (https://www.bing.com/videos/riverview/relatedvideo?q=janet%20mills%20to%20trump%20video&mmscn=stvo&mid=3C4E41422F98841812C23C4E41422F98841812C2&ajaxhist=0)
Check it out.
And here's her statement yesterday:
Governor Mills' Statement on President's Threat to Withhold Education Funding from Maine
February 21, 2025
Washington D.C. -- Governor Janet Mills issued the following statement today regarding the President's threat to withhold Federal education funding from Maine:
"If the President attempts to unilaterally deprive Maine school children of the benefit of Federal funding, my Administration and the Attorney General will take all appropriate and necessary legal action to restore that funding and the academic opportunity it provides. The State of Maine will not be intimidated by the President's threats."
iris lilies
2-23-25, 11:57am
[QUOTE=early morning;443595]
Here is the video of him threatening our state and threatening her personally:
Bing Videos (https://www.bing.com/videos/riverview/relatedvideo?q=janet%20mills%20to%20trump%20video&mmscn=stvo&mid=3C4E41422F98841812C23C4E41422F98841812C2&ajaxhist=0)
Check it out.
And here's her statement yesterday:
Governor Mills' Statement on President's Threat to Withhold Education Funding from Maine
February 21, 2025
Washington D.C. -- Governor Janet Mills issued the following statement today regarding the President's threat to withhold Federal education funding from Maine:
"If the President attempts to unilaterally deprive Maine school children of the benefit of Federal funding, my Administration and the Attorney General will take all appropriate and necessary legal action to restore that funding and the academic opportunity it provides. The State of Maine will not be intimidated by the President's threats."
Is this the “rule of law” challenge you are talking about? How are you interpreting this Executive Order effect on
Maine's schools?
from Executive order https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/02/keeping-men-out-of-womens-sports/
(b) All executive departments and agencies (agencies) shall review grants to educational programs and, where appropriate, rescind funding to programs that fail to comply with the policy established in this order.
iris lilies
2-23-25, 12:02pm
[QUOTE][No, I am talking about the rule of law issue./QUOTE] +1
The rule of law is getting trampled underfoot far too often.
I think there are some real serious concerns about upholding the rule of law in this Administration. Real serious.
I don’t consider the threat to hold back educational dollars from Maine to be one of them. But I do understand a threat to 10% of the Maine public schools’ education budget isn’t peanuts.
Perhaps they could just, ya know, keep boys out of girls sports. Do the right thing.
catherine
2-23-25, 12:46pm
I am coming to the conclusion that all this craziness going on is actually by design by the oligarchy. There is something about the players--Musk, Thiel, Trump, Vance--well-supported by other corporate heads who have have the financial clout and the will to buy political power. Here's are quotes that were used in an article I read. This is not the only article I've read, but to me it's plausible that we are, as many others believe, having the rug of democracy ripped from underneath us.
https://substack.com/home/post/p-157052044?source=queue
“I no longer believe that freedom and democracy are compatible.” - Peter Thiel
“Democracy is done.” – Curtis Yarvin
"If Americans want to change their government, they're going to have to get over their dictator-phobia." - Curtis Yarvin
I also read this article (https://www.vox.com/future-perfect/395646/trump-inauguration-broligarchs-musk-zuckerberg-bezos-thiel), and I clicked on the link in it called The Techno-Optimist Manifesto (https://a16z.com/the-techno-optimist-manifesto/). This manfesto+Proect 2025, both already carefully crafted, and within the reach of the rich and powerful to execute--scary stuff.
Call me a conspiracy theorist or a left wing nut, but Trump may not be a lone nut in this wheelhouse.
I am coming to the conclusion that all this craziness going on is actually by design by the oligarchy. There is something about the players--Musk, Thiel, Trump, Vance--well-supported by other corporate heads who have have the financial clout and the will to buy political power. Here's are quotes that were used in an article I read. This is not the only article I've read, but to me it's plausible that we are, as many others believe, having the rug of democracy ripped from underneath us.
https://substack.com/home/post/p-157052044?source=queue
“I no longer believe that freedom and democracy are compatible.” - Peter Thiel
“Democracy is done.” – Curtis Yarvin
"If Americans want to change their government, they're going to have to get over their dictator-phobia." - Curtis Yarvin
I also read this article (https://www.vox.com/future-perfect/395646/trump-inauguration-broligarchs-musk-zuckerberg-bezos-thiel), and I clicked on the link in it called The Techno-Optimist Manifesto (https://a16z.com/the-techno-optimist-manifesto/). This manfesto+Proect 2025, both already carefully crafted, and within the reach of the rich and powerful to execute--scary stuff.
Call me a conspiracy theorist or a left wing nut, but Trump may not be a lone nut in this wheelhouse.
I believe you are exactly right, that democracy is being ripped from us. This administration is now stealing from the American people.
rosarugosa
2-24-25, 8:09am
Watching a video clip of Musk prancing around with his chainsaw made me wonder: is this governance or reality TV? I guess it is the governance you get when a reality TV star is in charge of the country.
My second thought was that Musk reminded me of Leatherface from the Texas Chainsaw Massacre, only thankfully, with sunglasses instead of a mask made from human flesh. I guess we have to be grateful for these little things. I do occasionally like horror movies, but the running of the country should not be one of them.
I saw a quote from James Carville, the Democratic strategist, that he predicts the current administration will implode from within. Best strategy is to sit back and watch for now. I recall in the last Trump admin that he was firing his sidekicks quite frequently.
iris lilies
2-24-25, 2:53pm
I saw a quote from James Carville, the Democratic strategist, that he predicts the current administration will implode from within. Best strategy is to sit back and watch for now. I recall in the last Trump admin that he was firing his sidekicks quite frequently.
Yeah, Carville’s predictions are worth what we’ve paid for. he was adamant Trump would not win this time. This Trump administration is not the clown show that we saw in 2016.
I saw a quote from James Carville, the Democratic strategist, that he predicts the current administration will implode from within. Best strategy is to sit back and watch for now. I recall in the last Trump admin that he was firing his sidekicks quite frequently.
I think it's generally helpful to put things into perspective whenever possible. I think the gist of Carville's oratory was to tell Democrats to stop all the non-stop histrionics and hyperbole as they are doing nothing to stop Trump and are likely inflating the general public's approval of Trump policies. Better to maintain a low profile and let some of the efforts fail naturally, which may or may not happen organically, but certainly won't if Democrats foolishly help keep them popular in the eyes of the majority of citizens.
frugal-one
2-25-25, 5:14am
I think it's generally helpful to put things into perspective whenever possible. I think the gist of Carville's oratory was to tell Democrats to stop all the non-stop histrionics and hyperbole as they are doing nothing to stop Trump and are likely inflating the general public's approval of Trump policies. Better to maintain a low profile and let some of the efforts fail naturally, which may or may not happen organically, but certainly won't if Democrats foolishly help keep them popular in the eyes of the majority of citizens.
Not true… seeing polls showing trump has the worse ever rating of any president at this early stage of governance!
Yesterday, atop El Capitan at Yosemite National Park, a US flag was hung upside down … a signal of a country in distress! There is no doubt! Again, multiple protests around the country where mainstream media is not covering.
I saw a quote from James Carville, the Democratic strategist, that he predicts the current administration will implode from within. Best strategy is to sit back and watch for now. I recall in the last Trump admin that he was firing his sidekicks quite frequently.
One should not discourage positive thinking.
My crystal ball says we are on the road to an economic contraction, and that will be what bites Trump. Some of it has to do with deportation and the shrinking of government, but also an AI bubble not unlike the dot com bubble, vastly over priced stocks, deregulation of the financial industry, failing consumer confidence due to economic uncertainty, and persistent inflation with higher interest rates.
Contrary to DT's propaganda, the stock market and economy have both been on a relative roar for several years and those things seem to go in cycles.
People vote with their wallets.
Words from our governor:
“No President – Republican or Democrat – can withhold Federal funding authorized and appropriated by Congress and paid for by Maine taxpayers in an attempt to coerce someone into compliance with his will. It is a violation of our Constitution and of our laws, which I took an oath to uphold.
“Maine may be one of the first states to undergo an investigation by his Administration, but we won’t be the last. Today, the President of the United States has targeted one particular group on one particular issue which Maine law has addressed. But you must ask yourself: who and what will he target next, and what will he do? Will it be you? Will it be because of your race or your religion? Will it be because you look different or think differently? Where does it end? In America, the President is neither a King nor a dictator, as much as this one tries to act like it – and it is the rule of law that prevents him from being so.
“I imagine that the outcome of this politically directed investigation is all but predetermined. My Administration will begin work with the Attorney General to defend the interests of Maine people in the court of law. But do not be misled: this is not just about who can compete on the athletic field, this is about whether a President can force compliance with his will, without regard for the rule of law that governs our nation. I believe he cannot.”
iris lilies
2-25-25, 4:15pm
Words from our governor:
“No President – Republican or Democrat – can withhold Federal funding authorized and appropriated by Congress and paid for by Maine taxpayers in an attempt to coerce someone into compliance with his will. It is a violation of our Constitution and of our laws, which I took an oath to uphold.
“Maine may be one of the first states to undergo an investigation by his Administration, but we won’t be the last. Today, the President of the United States has targeted one particular group on one particular issue which Maine law has addressed. But you must ask yourself: who and what will he target next, and what will he do? Will it be you? Will it be because of your race or your religion? Will it be because you look different or think differently? Where does it end? In America, the President is neither a King nor a dictator, as much as this one tries to act like it – and it is the rule of law that prevents him from being so.
“I imagine that the outcome of this politically directed investigation is all but predetermined. My Administration will begin work with the Attorney General to defend the interests of Maine people in the court of law. But do not be misled: this is not just about who can compete on the athletic field, this is about whether a President can force compliance with his will, without regard for the rule of law that governs our nation. I believe he cannot.”
This stuff has to be adjudicated in court so Maine might as well step forward. It seems to be a conflict of the State of Maine’s Human Rights Act versus Title IX of the Federal Civil Rights Act. The threat to withhold educational funding is just a tool to get it into court.
My guess is the majority of Maine citizens think boys should not be allowed in girls sports, and besides, it is just WRONG despite any popular sentiment. But I accept the courts will have to determine the legitimacy of this concept. All of the bloviating noise governor Mills makes may not serve her political career well. I guess she is obligated to defend her state’s Human Rights Act but she could do it recognizing it’s an issue with nuance. I don’t see any recognition of nuance in her statement. The trans issue took down Nicola Sturgeon in Scotland.
The Roberts’ Court ruled in the Bostock case recently that Title VII protects gay and transgender individuals from employment discrimination. So, it is not too much of a stretch in the legal mind of Iris Lilies that they will draw the same conclusion about Title IX, The Education section of the Civil Rights Act.
If that’s how the court rules it is too bad so sad for women’s sports. Write it all off and close it down. Eventually all sports records and top scholarships in women’s sports will go to natal men. But this is what we get when we allow a tiny minority of loudmouth activists to subvert our language so that the biological reality of sex takes on different meanings.
Trans women are not women. This concept has far reaching legal consequences.
iris lilies
2-25-25, 4:35pm
Adding to Maine’s story, the trans high school pole vaulter John-now-Katie Spencer was, when he participated as a man, 5th place in the state of Maine for his sport.
Now participating as a women, she (Trans Katie) easily won first place, vaulting 6” more than her nearest competitor. This is a huge difference, the 6” inches. This happened last week. No doubt it will be the state’s top vaulting record until the next man comes along to replace it in this women’s sport.
Adding to Maine’s story, the trans high school pole vaulter John-now-Katie Spencer was, when he participated as a man, 5th place in the state of Maine for his sport. This happened last week.
Now participating as a women, she (Trans Katie) easily won first place, vaulting 6” more than her nearest competitor. This is a huge difference, the 6” inches. No doubt it will be the state’s top vaulting record until the next man comes along to replace it in this women’s sport.
Just for the record, I agree with you on this topic. I don't think it makes sense for anyone AMAB who transitioned after puberty to compete with females. Not sure how to handle it, though.
Adding to Maine’s story, the trans high school pole vaulter John-now-Katie Spencer was, when he participated as a man, 5th place in the state of Maine for his sport.
Now participating as a women, she (Trans Katie) easily won first place, vaulting 6” more than her nearest competitor. This is a huge difference, the 6” inches. This happened last week. No doubt it will be the state’s top vaulting record until the next man comes along to replace it in this women’s sport.
I agree with the concept. I wonder if it falls into the "get off my lawn" philosophy. Stay out of my state's issues. In the age of autocracy, I'm a fan of state's rights as a remanent bastion from control, and it seems like a small issue compared to the government coup anyway. I don't get why trans people in sports is even a federal issue other than to marginalize the trans community.
The Minnesota AG has said that Executive Orders do not supersede state law that prohibits discrimination based on gender. I guess we will see in court? It seems a kin to sanctuary city protections?
I was doing some foot tapping to this one which fit with the coup. Burning Down the House
Talking Heads - Burning Down the House [HD] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zfr3L0drhS8)
iris lilies
2-25-25, 7:45pm
I agree with the concept. I wonder if it falls into the "get off my lawn" philosophy. Stay out of my state's issues. In the age of autocracy, I'm a fan of state's rights as a remanent bastion from control, and it seems like a small issue compared to the government coup anyway.
I was doing some foot tapping to this one which fit with the coup. Burning Down the House
Talking Heads - Burning Down the House [HD] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zfr3L0drhS8)
But you do understand that state law cannot supersede Federal law, right? And that’s what will be determined in court, does Title IX really protect women’s rights to play women’s sports in women’s spaces against other women, and are those rights violated by men in all their forms when men invade those sports and spaces? If the Courts decide Title IX does harbor those protections, Maine’s law is in violation of Title IX.
To repeat: state law cannot supersede federal law.
Of course Governor Mills has the choice to say “too bad so sad” to schools and forget about collecting those sweet Federal dollars and all the boys in the world can play all of the girls’ sports they want in Maine. But she won’t turn down the cash because she is up on her high horse about “targeted” minorities and Constitutional rights and the looming threat to the world.
But really, it is about men who invade women’s sports, Governor Mills. Get a grip.
IL, You may be totally correct. However that is not the case being argued and what the courts will decide. What ever the courts decide, I still think the feds have better issues before them, that it's micro controlling states issues, and it's part of their cancel culture of DEI. It's certainly not even near the top of my concerns over the EO's Burning Down the House.
As I understand the argument in the PDF, an executive order is different from a federal law. Perhaps you can enlighten me on that, as I'm not sure. If rump ordered a ban on abortion, would it be federal law? And in the instance of my state, voters approved an amendment to the state constitution supposedly protecting the right to abortion. How would an executive order affect that?
"Minnesota State High School League: Executive Order 14201 does not preempt Minnesota law. Prohibiting students from participating in extracurricular activities consistent with their gender identity would violate the Minnesota Human Rights Act."
https://www.ag.state.mn.us/Office/Opinions/1035-20250220.pdf
iris lilies
2-25-25, 9:39pm
IL, You may be totally correct. However that is not the case being argued and what the courts will decide. What ever the courts decide, I still think the feds have better issues before them, that it's micro controlling states issues, and it's part of their cancel culture of DEI. It's certainly not even near the top of my concerns over the EO's Burning Down the House.
As I understand the argument in the PDF, an executive order is different from a federal law. Perhaps you can enlighten me on that, as I'm not sure. If rump ordered a ban on abortion, would it be federal law? And in the instance of my state, voters approved an amendment to the state constitution supposedly protecting the right to abortion. How would an executive order affect that?
"Minnesota State High School League: Executive Order 14201 does not preempt Minnesota law. Prohibiting students from participating in extracurricular activities consistent with their gender identity would violate the Minnesota Human Rights Act."
https://www.ag.state.mn.us/Office/Opinions/1035-20250220.pdf
oh an executive order is absolutely positively definitely different and has less force than law made by Congress. And maybe this conflict is only executive order versus state law. But I don’t think so.
The executive order uses as its basis Court interpretations of Title IX. That’s why Tirle IX, a federal Act, figures in my discussion.
But later tonight or tomorrow I’ll read this Minnesota piece because I’m interested to see what the Minnesota Attorney General has to say about it. He has a leeeetle more training in the law than I have. ��
no matter how this is argued in court, I think the trans lobby will win for the reason I gave, prior Supreme Court decision. I hope I’m wrong.
And the next time someone complains about how conservative the Roberts court is, I’ve got a trans case to show you otherwise.
"Maine may be one of the first states to undergo an investigation by his Administration, but we won’t be the last. Today, the President of the United States has targeted one particular group on one particular issue which Maine law has addressed. But you must ask yourself: who and what will he target next, and what will he do? Will it be you? Will it be because of your race or your religion? Will it be because you look different or think differently? Where does it end? In America, the President is neither a King nor a dictator, as much as this one tries to act like it – and it is the rule of law that prevents him from being so."
It's not about trans, it's not about women's rights. It's a money grab. It's a power grab. It's like Richie Aprile said to Tony Soprano, "What's mine is not yours to give me."
gimmethesimplelife
2-26-25, 10:00am
"Maine may be one of the first states to undergo an investigation by his Administration, but we won’t be the last. Today, the President of the United States has targeted one particular group on one particular issue which Maine law has addressed. But you must ask yourself: who and what will he target next, and what will he do? Will it be you? Will it be because of your race or your religion? Will it be because you look different or think differently? Where does it end? In America, the President is neither a King nor a dictator, as much as this one tries to act like it – and it is the rule of law that prevents him from being so."
It's not about trans, it's not about women's rights. It's a money grab. It's a power grab. It's like Richie Aprile said to Tony Soprano, "What's mine is not yours to give me."I owe Maine an apology. I've always reduced it to LL Bean and the ferries to a better country (Canada). Clearly there is substance to Maine and I stand corrected. Much respect to the Governor! Rob
iris lilies
2-26-25, 11:15am
regarding SS:
6253
Out of curiosity, what do all of the jargony acronyms mean?
VERA = The Voluntary Early Retirement Authority (VERA) offers federal employees an opportunity to retire early while still receiving significant benefits.
ACOSS= acting commissioner of Social Security
Apparently to a post from someone who works at SS this was announced on a phone call yesterday.
See Feddiscussion at Reddit and Fednews at Reddit where people are posting in real time.
[QUOTE=early morning;443595]
I think there are some real serious concerns about upholding the rule of law in this Administration. Real serious.
I don’t consider the threat to hold back educational dollars from Maine to be one of them. But I do understand a threat to 10% of the Maine public schools’ education budget isn’t peanuts.
Perhaps they could just, ya know, keep boys out of girls sports. Do the right thing.
Like a baby taking his first unsteady steps, the Democrats are moving haltingly toward a basic appreciation of federalism. After all those years of using the income tax and Commerce Clause to muscle the states, they are seeing the other side of the equation. Can a grasp of checks and balances or judicial restraint be far behind?
early morning
2-26-25, 2:33pm
JUST TO BE CLEAR - the post quoted above by LDAHL is NOT mine! :~)
flowerseverywhere
2-26-25, 3:19pm
I spoke last night to a niece who is a physician at a VA. She is getting contacted by headhunters and considering some positions. She said it was total chaos and uncertainty as many support people are being fired. Morale is down the tubes. I wonder how many other workers will lose staff that will their job impossible to do efficiently. Now Trump is directing department heads to make a list of 50% of people to reduce in force (ie. fire) by March 13. Does anyone here think mass firings done to probationary employees, those taking early retirement and 50% of the rest is not going to cause dysfunction and Chaos? Maybe he should fire 50% of his secret service, white house staff, his traveling, the capitol police, housekeeping, food and cleaning staff and the staff of all his cabinet members. It’s only fair, right?
iris lilies
2-26-25, 9:21pm
IL, You may be totally correct. However that is not the case being argued and what the courts will decide. What ever the courts decide, I still think the feds have better issues before them, that it's micro controlling states issues, and it's part of their cancel culture of DEI. It's certainly not even near the top of my concerns over the EO's Burning Down the House.
As I understand the argument in the PDF, an executive order is different from a federal law. Perhaps you can enlighten me on that, as I'm not sure. If rump ordered a ban on abortion, would it be federal law? And in the instance of my state, voters approved an amendment to the state constitution supposedly protecting the right to abortion. How would an executive order affect that?
"Minnesota State High School League: Executive Order 14201 does not preempt Minnesota law. Prohibiting students from participating in extracurricular activities consistent with their gender identity would violate the Minnesota Human Rights Act."
https://www.ag.state.mn.us/Office/Opinions/1035-20250220.pdf
I read through the Attorney General’s opinion about Minnesota’s Human Rights act that protects transgender persons from discrimination, meaning they are allowed to participate in any sport they choose. It does seem to be a simple case of executive order versus state statuettes and state statuettes always prevail,
so it does look as though the Maine Human Rights Act which seems similar to the Minnesota Human Rights Act allow boys to do whatever they like. I think that is unfortunate.
flowerseverywhere
2-27-25, 6:42am
Stories like these are why democrats are where they are
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/gov-jb-pritzker-s-budget-plan-includes-no-new-taxes-would-cut-healthcare-for-immigrant-adults-without-legal-status/ar-AA1zotq5?ocid=iehps&apiversion=v2&noservercache=1&domshim=1&renderwebcomponents=1&wcseo=1&batchservertelemetry=1&noservertelemetry=1
Illinois had a healthcare plan for adults illegally in the country, paid for by taxpayers, while the schools have a budget crisis. And I am 100% sure that tax paying people are seeing their food become more expensive, and know American citizens who have no or subpar expensive health insurance.
all these things add up, like this ongoing discussion of biological men competing against women, and housing illegal people in hotels when many Americans can’t afford to visit NYC.
I certainly do not support what Trump/Elon are going about this, but many Americans are fed up as they see it getting harder for them to get by. It is shortsighted to think cutting half the federal workforce indiscriminately, as well as “entitlements” like social security and Medicare won’t drastically affect them.
flowerseverywhere
2-27-25, 6:47am
Also, if this is true, we should all be outraged
https://www.foxnews.com/us/doge-says-texas-nonprofit-former-biden-transition-member-reaped-millions-operating-empty-facility
millions spent per month on an empty facility.
I read through the Attorney General’s opinion about Minnesota’s Human Rights act that protects transgender persons from discrimination, meaning they are allowed to participate in any sport they choose. It does seem to be a simple case of executive order versus state statuettes and state statuettes always prevail,
so it does look as though the Maine Human Rights Act which seems similar to the Minnesota Human Rights Act allow boys to do whatever they like. I think that is unfortunate.
That's the way I read it, too. But as Donald said, we'll see you in court. Sometimes what's right and what's legal are not the same, but I do support the rights of the state to determine certain issues. Since Congress, the President's cabinet, and probably much of the judicial system seem to be under Donald's control, it's at least good to know there are some defenses against his EOs.
My morning news says that Trump plans to fire 65% of the EPA and possibly 40% of the Fish and Wildlife Dept. There may be some waste in every government department, but that's' just very sad and will not come without a loss of intrinsic national value.
I could see cutting back on the payrolls and benefits of Congress as they appear to just be doing what ever Trump says.
Edit to add a link to an op-ed article by Bill Reilly who was head of the EPA under four presidents from both sides of the aisle. I'm anticipating taking a news-cation for a couple of days. This is just disturbing.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/27/opinion/epa-staff-cuts-doge.html
My morning news says that Trump plans to fire 65% of the EPA and possibly 40% of the Fish and Wildlife Dept. There may be some waste in every government department, but that's' just very sad and will not come without a loss of intrinsic national value.
I could see cutting back on the payrolls and benefits of Congress as they appear to just be doing what ever Trump says.
It is part of his plan to sell off public lands. First he wrecks it, then he sells it off. He is doing this with every aspect of government.
catherine
2-27-25, 12:30pm
It is part of his plan to sell off public lands. First he wrecks it, then he sells it off. He is doing this with every aspect of government.
That's what I see, too.
On another note, have you seen that unbelievably garish and in-very-poor-taste video he posted on Truth Social? He actually got a ton of pushback from it from his Christian base.
That's what I see, too.
On another note, have you seen that unbelievably garish and in-very-poor-taste video he posted on Truth Social? He actually got a ton of pushback from it from his Christian base.
The weird one with the golden statue of himself?
catherine
2-27-25, 12:58pm
The weird one with the golden statue of himself?
Yeah, that's the one.
I could not believe it wasn't a hoax, actually.
This man is insane.
The creepiest part was the little children grasping at money falling down from the sky.
Sick.
gimmethesimplelife
2-27-25, 1:04pm
I spoke to Astrid in Vienna yesterday. My family in Austria is VERY relieved that I am at least slowly starting the process of leaving the United States. As her husband (who has relatives in England, point being his English is probably better than mine) said to me - What is there to gain by staying in the United States? What purpose is served?
Very wise words as far as I am concerned. I pass these words on to you - if for no other reason, this is reality for most of us in the United States. Exactly what is gained, what purpose is served by remaining in the United States at this point, given the givens of what this administration is all about/what they are doing on a daily basis? I'm nothing but someone else seeking out, you needn't answer to me - you should be answering this one to yourselves. Rob
I could not believe it wasn't a hoax, actually.
This man is insane.
The creepiest part was the little children grasping at money falling down from the sky.
Sick.
Take a look at this article and read the comments he received--(may be hard to read without blowing them up a little, but worth it.) Hopefully that gold is going to tarnish quickly in the eyes of his base.
https://shanealmgren.substack.com/p/jesus-vs-trump
iris lilies
2-27-25, 2:18pm
Take a look at this article and read the comments he received--(may be hard to read without blowing them up a little, but worth it.) Hopefully that gold is going to tarnish quickly in the eyes of his base.
https://shanealmgren.substack.com/p/jesus-vs-trump
Ok, you forced me to complete the cumbersome Substack registration process. God that was annoying. But I had been meaning to do it for past several days after giving up in frustration last week.
Anyway, before I read the piece about Golden Donald I ran across this little ditty from Richard Dawkins:
In my opinion Donald Trump is a loathsome individual, utterly unfit to be President, but his statement that “sex is determined at conception and is based on the size of the gamete that the resulting individual will produce” is accurate in every particular, perhaps the only true statement he ever made.
Wow, what a great article, and what comments! I particularly liked the juxtaposition of the quotations.
It also made me realize I have to pray and pray to not become the evil that I am witnessing, as I am so angry about what I am seeing.
The press coverage of the oval office meeting with Donald and Zalinski was one of the most egregious public displays from Trump I've seen, although some of his policies have been equally outrageous. Trump and Vance got poor Zalinski in a virtual corner and were screaming at him in a double team. Russia is probably celebrating today. I think of my father who was in the service during world war two and his reaction after defending Europe. Not my president.
gimmethesimplelife
2-28-25, 8:00pm
The press coverage of the oval office meeting with Donald and Zalinski was one of the most egregious public displays from Trump I've seen, although some of his policies have been equally outrageous. Trump and Vance got poor Zalinski in a virtual corner and were screaming at him in a double team. Russia is probably celebrating today. I think of my father who was in the service during world war two and his reaction after defending Europe. Not my president.I heard about this infamous meeting. All I can say is I'm humiliated to hold this Wal Mart of the developed world citizenship. Especially given that I have family in the European Union. Rob
frugal-one
2-28-25, 8:19pm
I heard about this infamous meeting. All I can say is I'm humiliated to hold this Wal Mart of the developed world citizenship. Especially given that I have family in the European Union. Rob
Quit bitchin and leave!
The press coverage of the oval office meeting with Donald and Zalinski was one of the most egregious public displays from Trump I've seen, although some of his policies have been equally outrageous. Trump and Vance got poor Zalinski in a virtual corner and were screaming at him in a double team. Russia is probably celebrating today. I think of my father who was in the service during world war two and his reaction after defending Europe. Not my president.
They're bullies, plain and simple. So sickening. And perverse.
catherine
2-28-25, 11:03pm
Vance definitely instigated it--it was almost like a set-up. He just passed the ball to Trump, who carried it down the court. Unbelievable. Just because Zelenskyy wouldn't kiss his a**.
Vance definitely instigated it--it was almost like a set-up. He just passed the ball to Trump, who carried it down the court. Unbelievable. Just because Zelenskyy wouldn't kiss his a**.
I thought Trump and Vance came across as incredibly rude bullies. It was really disturbing to watch. I do think that Zelenskyy should have been prepared to do a bit more ass-kissing, because there was so much at stake for him, and that's the way Donald rolls.
gimmethesimplelife
3-1-25, 10:06am
Quit bitchin and leave!I'm working on it. Rob
I'm working on it. Rob
Rob, I was wondering why you are leaning towards Ecuador and not Mexico or Austria. Or Canada?
frugal-one
3-1-25, 11:13am
Vance definitely instigated it--it was almost like a set-up. He just passed the ball to Trump, who carried it down the court. Unbelievable. Just because Zelenskyy wouldn't kiss his a**.
Yes. Russian media was there!
iris lilies
3-1-25, 11:26am
Rob, I was wondering why you are leaning towards Ecuador and not Mexico or Austria. Or Canada?
Why do you think Rob could get into Canada? It requires youth, money, and/or high end skills in demand.
I did wonder if Austria, being the superior country it is, had some sort of native son program (for lack of a better term) for children of the native born, much like Switzerland has.
Mexico is a big country with many lovely places. I would think it would be first on his list.
Vance definitely instigated it--it was almost like a set-up. He just passed the ball to Trump, who carried it down the court. Unbelievable. Just because Zelenskyy wouldn't kiss his a**.
I actually suspect ambush strategy with Vance as the attack dog was discussed with Putin and had his input. This was a defeat for Trump and he holds a grudge. I wonder what was with the guy before the interview who asked Zelensky why he didn't wear a suit. Probably part of the theater.
My news never talked much about a proposed treaty. I'm guessing it involved the Ukraine giving Russia the territory it had acquired during the war and Ukraine promises the US 50% of it's mineral wealth for some sort of vague protection against further invasion. And Zelensky saying he won't seek membership in NATO. That's probably what Trump discussed with Putin beforehand and he figured he had Zelensky over a barrel and could bully him into agreement.
That guy is Marjorie Taylor Greene's boyfriend, a right wing "journalist" of some kind.
I actually suspect ambush strategy with Vance as the attack dog was discussed with Putin and had his input. This was a defeat for Trump and he holds a grudge. I wonder what was with the guy before the interview who asked Zelensky why he didn't wear a suit. Probably part of the theater.
My news never talked much about a proposed treaty. I'm guessing it involved the Ukraine giving Russia the territory it had acquired during the war and Ukraine promises the US 50% of it's mineral wealth for some sort of vague protection against further invasion. And Zelensky saying he won't seek membership in NATO. That's probably what Trump discussed with Putin beforehand and he figured he had Zelensky over a barrel and could bully him into agreement.
According to *obscure sources* a deal had been agreed upon by our State Department and Ukrainian officials, the exact details being somewhat cloudy outside the no security guarantees but would be detailed during the agreement signing. All officials involved were then surprised when Zelensky unexpectedly insisted on security guarantees such as western troops on the ground or acceptance into NATO during the 40 minutes of discussions leading up to the televised brouhaha.
*Obscure only because most news outlets and commentators limited themselves to the theater involved as theater always sells better than context.
littlebittybobby
3-1-25, 2:23pm
okay---I know ukrainia is you kidses' fav-O-rite country in the whole wide world, so yeah----maybe you could write the embassy and inquire about the possibility of relocating there. Be sure and list your skillset. Just think: yummy Chicken Kiev fer dinner, every night! Yup. There would no doubt be JOBS galore, helping to rebuild in the aftermath of a war. Get in on the ground floor of an opportunity, and get away from this miserable place(USA), as well. Hope that helps you some,. Thankk Mee.
According to *obscure sources* a deal had been agreed upon by our State Department and Ukrainian officials, the exact details being somewhat cloudy outside the no security guarantees but would be detailed during the agreement signing. All officials involved were then surprised when Zelensky unexpectedly insisted on security guarantees such as western troops on the ground or acceptance into NATO during the 40 minutes of discussions leading up to the televised brouhaha.
*Obscure only because most news outlets and commentators limited themselves to the theater involved as theater always sells better than context.
I'm willing to accept that version of agreements as much as any agreements with Putin. Since there is no apparent visibility to document those earlier meetings, one could also assume that it was Trump who changed the details or understanding of any previous meeting at the last minute as much as Zelensky. I don't think Trump calling Zelensky a dictator and claiming he started the war has helped trustworthy negotiations.
However, what I'm guessing what the public will focus on instead is the ruckus in the oval office as over shadowing it all. I suppose some will say it's a strong display of American power, and others like myself and conservative David Brooks will call it nauseating and weak. It seems like at some point our previous allies and international friends will turn on us in some manner or another and it will go poorly for everyone.
According to *obscure sources* a deal had been agreed upon by our State Department and Ukrainian officials, the exact details being somewhat cloudy outside the no security guarantees but would be detailed during the agreement signing. All officials involved were then surprised when Zelensky unexpectedly insisted on security guarantees such as western troops on the ground or acceptance into NATO during the 40 minutes of discussions leading up to the televised brouhaha.
*Obscure only because most news outlets and commentators limited themselves to the theater involved as theater always sells better than context.
This is what the NYT reported of the events leading up to the meeting. You might buy into that as much as I'd buy into you obscure sources. I don't trust the veracity of the administration and their Ministry of Truth.
But three people with knowledge of what took place beforehand said neither Mr. Trump nor Mr. Vance had been looking to blow up a deal for Ukraine’s mineral rights, which Mr. Zelensky had been expected to sign in Washington. Instead, they said, Mr. Zelensky seemingly triggered the two American leaders by not sufficiently thanking the United States for trying to end the war (which Mr. Trump wanted to hear) and by pressing for commitments to protect Ukraine from Russian aggression going forward (which Mr. Trump did not want to hear).
iris lilies
3-2-25, 12:47pm
Way to go, Vermont!
why, what did Vermont do?
My old home state of Iowa rescinded their “gender “protection in their state human rights act.
My personal prediction is that what each state does or does not do in this area is not going to matter much as our Supreme Court will be weighing in and it will NOT go the way I would like to see it.
Other than perhaps protections for minors in disallowing disfiguring drug routines and surgeries, I think boys in girls sports will be here to stay. Boys in sororities and women’s dorms, here to stay. Men in Le Leche League, here to stay. Men in women’s prisons and rape crises centers, lesbian dating spaces, here to stay. In other words, men swinging their dicks around in women’s faces, here to stay. So what else is new.
The only tool to fight this will be social censure which will of course be viewed as “hateful.”
littlebittybobby
3-2-25, 4:13pm
okay----here's another solution to you kidses' prollem.(see photo). But yeah---youwould not hafta worry about repulllicans any more, as it is a single-party system. See? Hope that helps you some.6260
iris lilies
3-2-25, 4:57pm
I heard about this infamous meeting. All I can say is I'm humiliated to hold this Wal Mart of the developed world citizenship. Especially given that I have family in the European Union. Rob
I asked ChatGPT about citizenship for you in Austria. Apparently it’s a possibility. Why aren’t you going to Austria?
This is not good. Credit card freeze.
https://www.wired.com/story/doge-elon-musk-spending-cuts-federal-workers/
This is not good. Credit card freeze.
https://www.wired.com/story/doge-elon-musk-spending-cuts-federal-workers/
We need as many of these as possible--real-life examples of the negative impacts of the MuskTrump capricious exercises in play-governing.
So guess who is writing resistance stuff on Substack? Vicki Robin! She's supporting shutdown315 and asking for people to join her in forming a group.
https://substack.com/profile/5663214-vicki-robin?utm_source=global-search
Unable to sleep because of the Martin O'Malley statement about social security. Here's today's nightmare:
Ford doubles down on threat to cut off energy to U.S. amid spectre of trade war | CBC News (https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ford-election-win-tariffs-eve-1.7472940)
Newly re-elected Premier Doug Ford doubled down Monday on his threat to cut off electricity flowing from Ontario to several American states if the U.S. moves ahead with tariffs.
"If they want to try to annihilate Ontario, I will do anything, including cutting off their energy — with a smile on my face," Ford said during his first news conference since winning a third majority last week (https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ontario-election-2025-results-ford-1.7470513). Ontario is a major electricity exporter to New York, Michigan and Minnesota.
"They need to feel the pain. They want to come at us hard? We've got to go back twice as hard," Ford continued.
Unable to sleep because of the Martin O'Malley statement about social security. Here's today's nightmare:
Ford doubles down on threat to cut off energy to U.S. amid spectre of trade war | CBC News (https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ford-election-win-tariffs-eve-1.7472940)
Newly re-elected Premier Doug Ford doubled down Monday on his threat to cut off electricity flowing from Ontario to several American states if the U.S. moves ahead with tariffs.
"If they want to try to annihilate Ontario, I will do anything, including cutting off their energy — with a smile on my face," Ford said during his first news conference since winning a third majority last week (https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ontario-election-2025-results-ford-1.7470513). Ontario is a major electricity exporter to New York, Michigan and Minnesota.
"They need to feel the pain. They want to come at us hard? We've got to go back twice as hard," Ford continued.
The WSJ has a front-page article today by the editorial board with the theme "if Trump wants a new world order, maybe he should tell the country". It really does seem like a unilateral government now, of a handful of people--not even a handful of actual governmental people. If any other person had won the election, Republican, Democrat, or Independent, we wouldn't be anywhere where we are right now in this domestic and global chaotic mess. This really is a case of "King Trump". Anyone who minimizes the impact he is having and will continue to have is drinking some serious Kool-Aid.
iris lilies
3-4-25, 10:26am
The WSJ has a front-page article today by the editorial board with the theme "if Trump wants a new world order, maybe he should tell the country". It really does seem like a unilateral government now, of a handful of people--not even a handful of actual governmental people. If any other person had won the election, Republican, Democrat, or Independent, we wouldn't be anywhere where we are right now in this domestic and global chaotic mess. This really is a case of "King Trump". Anyone who minimizes the impact he is having and will continue to have is drinking some serious Kool-Aid.
sigh. I know, I know.
I got an email back yesterday from Senator Angus King in response to my email. He writes:
"Dear ____,
I completely agree—the actions of President Trump and Elon Musk are illegal and unconstitutional and pose a grave threat to our national security, our democracy, and the rights of the American people. As I write this to you, our Constitution is under the most direct and consequential assault in our nation’s history—an assault not on a particular provision of that document but on the essential structure of the document itself.
Many of us across the country have spent the last few weeks shocked and angry and without a place for these emotions to go. It’s difficult to grasp the reality of this situation with all the events that have been swirling around us over the last several weeks since they’re coming from so many directions and so many different actors. When my colleagues and I began our careers in the Senate, we pledged an oath to the Constitution with the following words: “I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.”
We took this oath to support and defend the Constitution, and as it says, against all enemies, foreign and domestic. I’ve always thought it was interesting that the framers conceded that there might be domestic enemies to the Constitution. It’s a reminder that our oath was not to the Republican Party nor the Democratic Party—and it was certainly not to Joe Biden or Donald Trump. Our oath was to defend the Constitution and the very fragile institutions of our perfectly imperfect government. "
Quite something, that he is calling Trump and Musk domestic enemies of the Constitution.
It's at least good that the WSJ is criticizing Trump. I can guess it's more of a conservative influencer over his GOP followers than the NYT. Until there is more resistance coming form the GOP voters and congress all the protests are not without value, but can be just singing to the choir. I see where the NRCC chair told republican lawmakers to stop holding in person town halls due to the universal angry outrage. I suspect the outrage is mostly Democrats?
[QUOTE=Tybee;443944]I got an email back yesterday from Senator Angus King in response to my email. He writes:
That's a very good response. I have written our Democratic senators more than once. One has never responded and I get sort of luke warm conciliatory form letter from the other's office help. I have a couple of friends who write or call both of them nearly every day. I don't know if it helps or not since the senators are both Democrats and probably have the same concerns.
One thing I read suggested that people hold a "town hall" without the elected official and tape it, with questions and show it on social media. Call them out for NOT holding a town hall during their PAID RECESS.
iris lilies
3-4-25, 1:53pm
My Congressman, Bob Onder, who was just here in Hermann last week, sent an email today asking “what are you most concerned about? ”
so, I answered that he and Congress need to watch Presidential overstep and act accordingly. I also mentioned people are getting scared about Social Security and Medicare cuts.
My Congressman, Bob Onder, who was just here in Hermann last week, sent an email today asking “what are you most concerned about? ”
so, I answered that he and Congress need to watch Presidential overstep and act accordingly. I also mentioned people are getting scared about Social Security and Medicare cuts.
I'm surprised you didn't mention trans people in high school sports.
iris lilies
3-4-25, 8:24pm
I'm surprised you didn't mention trans people in high school sports.
Dude, he is a Republican congressman from Missouri. He will not let me down on that topic.:) No need to mention it, and anyway it has gone as far as it can go in D.C. until it gets to the courts.
Just checking:)
.... it has gone as far as it can go in D.C. until it gets to the courts.
Seems like a lot of things are that way these days.
https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:fv6eipdanrowz5wk4pollbuk/bafkreigeywkwau66bjwosldryq4hmakgdbfn7cjko6qyque6e b32ehjifu@jpeg
There is a Ukrainian Government site called United24 where you can enter a raffle for 100 black T-shirts with the words, "I'll wear the costume when the war is over" referring to the Oval Office remarks about his dress.
gimmethesimplelife
3-6-25, 12:33pm
Rob, I was wondering why you are leaning towards Ecuador and not Mexico or Austria. Or Canada?Hi Tybee! Sorry I am late responding to your post. Why Ecuador? Ecuador has a history of not being stingy with granting citizenship to folks such as myself who jump through their fairly minimal hoops with no issues - though will Trump's policies change this? Remains to be seen. Also the cities we have been looking into in Ecuador are fairly high in altitude so climate change will not be as obnoxious as it already is in Phoenix. Ecuador uses the US dollar and if one remains in the cities, quality health care is available and affordable - and you don't have to live in terror of health care as you do in the United States (another completely unacceptable feature of this substandard citizenship). Overall, so far, Ecuador checks of the right boxes and feels right - but no decisions until time spent there! And of course in my case, I have to look into sexual orientation - the protective laws are there, and unlike in Colombia, they are actually observed. It just seems to be a good deal overall - though of course there are downsides and it is not perfect. It does seem to offer protection against that which is completely and utterly inexcusable in the United States. Rob
gimmethesimplelife
3-6-25, 12:39pm
Why do you think Rob could get into Canada? It requires youth, money, and/or high end skills in demand.
I did wonder if Austria, being the superior country it is, had some sort of native son program (for lack of a better term) for children of the native born, much like Switzerland has.
Mexico is a big country with many lovely places. I would think it would be first on his list.One huge drawback to Austria - despite the fact that my Mother is from there, that yields me no pull in geting in, say as such would were my Mother from Germany instead. Were she from Germany, we'd be in Munich or Berlin right now - likely she'd be there too for Germany's incredible old age benefits package. Nothing against Mexico and it's not completely off the list - We are thinking of climate change and ease of acquiring passports to expand our human rights. Mexico is not completely ruled out at this point. Rob
Thanks, Rob, that sounds like a good fit. I was interested in Costa Rica til I looked at a map and realized how far away it was!
iris lilies
3-6-25, 1:50pm
One huge drawback to Austria - despite the fact that my Mother is from there, that yields me no pull in geting in, say as such would were my Mother from Germany instead. Were she from Germany, we'd be in Munich or Berlin right now - likely she'd be there too for Germany's incredible old age benefits package. Nothing against Mexico and it's not completely off the list - We are thinking of climate change and ease of acquiring passports to expand our human rights. Mexico is not completely ruled out at this point. Rob
I’m sure you have thoroughly investigated citizenship requirements for Austria for someone like you, born to an Austrian citizen.
I assume based on the information in the link below that because you were born before 1983, you are not eligible? Is that right? Was your father American? Were your parents married? It seems capricious to me that the superior country of Austria would make an arbitrary decision hinging on the year 1983. And sexist, to boot, when only your father‘s citizenship status counts prior to 1983.
But such are the superior citizenship rules for the superior country of Austria.
edited for accuracy
https://www.oesterreich.gv.at/en/themen/menschen_aus_anderen_staaten/staatsbuergerschaft/Seite.260410.html
gimmethesimplelife
3-6-25, 2:01pm
I’m sure you have thoroughly investigated citizenship requirements for Austria for someone like you, born to an Austrian citizen.
I assume based on the information in the link below that because you were born before 1983, you are not eligible? Is that right? Was your father American? Were your parents married? It seems capricious to me that the superior country of Austria would make an arbitrary decision hinging on the year 1983. And sexist, to boot, when only your father‘s citizenship status counts post in 1983.
But such are the superior citizenship rules for the superior country of Austria.
https://www.oesterreich.gv.at/en/themen/menschen_aus_anderen_staaten/staatsbuergerschaft/Seite.260410.htmlI'm not thrilled with Austrian immigration laws here, either, IL, but what can I do about it? And yes, it IS annoying that it's based on my father's citizenship status and not my mothers, but once again, what can I do? At least Ecuador seems more certain and is a better deal than the US AND SO does not have to deal with yet another language. Rob
iris lilies
3-6-25, 2:03pm
I'm not thrilled with Austrian immigration laws here, either, IL, but what can I do about it? And yes, it IS annoying that it's based on my father's citizenship status and not my mothers, but once again, what can I do? At least Ecuador seems more certain and is a better deal than the US AND SO does not have to deal with yet another language. Rob
I see.
Language familiarity is a big positive.
I noticed in trump's delivery to congress that Mike Johnson's tie is getting longer. I would have suspected his nose to grow, too.
I think trump has hated Zelensky ever since the Trump-Ukraine Scandal of 2019. Even if trump is not a Russian asset, which I'm starting to wonder, his deal with Zelensky may have as much to do with his obsession for vengeance as anything.
The Denver Post had a headline today something, like Coloradoans seek a plan B to relocate to other countries due to anxieties over his new policies. Since I don't subscribe I only got the headlines.
frugal-one
3-12-25, 8:45am
Stock market down over 9% since trump's "leadership", mega job losses ... don't imagine there will be a job report this month! Recession talk on the table. So many many more negatives. Is it time to wake up yet?
Stock market down over 9% since trump's "leadership", mega job losses ... don't imagine there will be a job report this month! Recession talk on the table. So many many more negatives. Is it time to wake up yet?
The BLS issued the February jobs report on Friday. 151,000 new jobs.
I used to hang out one place online that is mostly conservative. These are the type that are cheering for the federal job cuts. I popped in yesterday. There are multiple forum members who have lost their jobs in the fed cuts and they are actually saying they’re OK with it. They want SS to be stopped for current recipients. Unbelievable.
I used to hang out one place online that is mostly conservative. These are the type that are cheering for the federal job cuts. I popped in yesterday. There are multiple forum members who have lost their jobs in the fed cuts and they are actually saying they’re OK with it. They want SS to be stopped for current recipients. Unbelievable.
Yes, there's a lot of that going around, "I've got mine."
Yes, there's a lot of that going around, "I've got mine."
No, this is worst than that. There are conservatives who lost federal jobs who are OK with getting laid off. Said they don’t care if their families suffer for a while since it’s for the greater good. Brainwashed.
No, this is worst than that. There are conservatives who lost federal jobs who are OK with getting laid off. Said they don’t care if their families suffer for a while since it’s for the greater good. Brainwashed.
I'd like to think that talk is cheaper than the reality of being in financial straights. But that's pretty much what the president and the muskmellon are telling them. You've go to suffer to sing the blues.
iris lilies
3-12-25, 3:02pm
No, this is worst than that. There are conservatives who lost federal jobs who are OK with getting laid off. Said they don’t care if their families suffer for a while since it’s for the greater good. Brainwashed.
For conversation’s sake, would you consider me brainwashed if I agreed to a, say, 10% cut in income, assets, or both, in order to make significant headway in attacking this country’s deficits? 20%? Should I have to suffer at all in order to make the country’s finances better for the next generation? For future kids and grandchildren, do we need to be cognizant of their needs? I have no progeny so it doesn’t really bother me, but some people here do.
Should ANY austerity be part of the program to fix Congressional spending? Should it just be the 1% who we attempt to tax to the max (and the math tells us over and over they can’t save us) or should the pain reach into the middle class, especially middle class who are comfortable like me?
IL, I guess it would depend on how I felt about the "fairness" of any such program. I fundamentally do not believe that we have a Legislature that can craft such a program and apply it fairly. I also believe that every single government program could be managed more efficiently. (Retired from one of the best, IRS.)
Somebody (the infamous somebody) needs to decide exactly what the federal government "needs" to do. Example: Do we need to go to Mars? Some things are required to produce consistency throughout the states, such as interstate maintenance or the FAA. And there are programs that should be more efficient to do by one organization rather than 50 different states.
But what is happening now is ridiculous, inefficient, and producing unintended consequences hurting a lot of people.
iris lilies
3-12-25, 4:19pm
I would truly appreciate it if you left my kids and grandchildren out of your discussion, as they are my kids and grandchildren, and not rhetorical devices. Thanks!
I edited my post.
iris lilies
3-12-25, 4:26pm
IL, I guess it would depend on how I felt about the "fairness" of any such program. I fundamentally do not believe that we have a Legislature that can craft such a program and apply it fairly. I also believe that every single government program could be managed more efficiently. (Retired from one of the best, IRS.)
Somebody (the infamous somebody) needs to decide exactly what the federal government "needs" to do. Example: Do we need to go to Mars? Some things are required to produce consistency throughout the states, such as interstate maintenance or the FAA. And there are programs that should be more efficient to do by one organization rather than 50 different states.
But what is happening now is ridiculous, inefficient, and producing unintended consequences hurting a lot of people.
Well, see, in my view there is NO government program in existence that is entirely fair. There are winners and losers with each program because the rules for participation are arbitrary.
That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t have any government programs at all, it just means that looking for fairness is not realistic in my view ‘though we can strive for a general fairness if not the perfect fairness.
I also believe every single government program could be managed better, more efficiently.
So we agree on the goal, but how to get there is the problem. I find that ‘s true for most of our problems in this country.
I edited my post.
Thanks!
For conversation’s sake, would you consider me brainwashed if I agreed to a, say, 10% cut in income, assets, or both, in order to make significant headway in attacking this country’s deficits? 20%? Should I have to suffer at all in order to make the country’s finances better for the next generation? For future kids and grandchildren, do we need to be cognizant of their needs? I have no progeny so it doesn’t really bother me, but some people here do.
Should ANY austerity be part of the program to fix Congressional spending? Should it just be the 1% who we attempt to tax to the max (and the math tells us over and over they can’t save us) or should the pain reach into the middle class, especially middle class who are comfortable like me?
Well, these conservatives who lost their federal jobs said many were the sole breadwinner and they didn’t have a lot of savings. Saying you’re willing to let your family suffer when you have no other income, a bunch of kids, and little savings? You’re freaking crazy.
I would truly appreciate it if you left my kids and grandchildren out of your discussion, as they are my kids and grandchildren, and not rhetorical devices. Thanks!
Well, that was weird.
frugal-one
3-12-25, 7:39pm
The BLS issued the February jobs report on Friday. 151,000 new jobs.
Wait for this month. Saw trump today say he inherited a bad economy. BS … he inherited record high stock market and jobs … trump’s m.o. is to blame everyone but himself. We WERE the envy of the world. Now despised! All this chaos in only 2 months!
What about the protests in front of Trump Towers today? Protesting the detention of Mahmoud Khalil. Is this a free speech issue and therefore wrongful detention, or a US security issue and therefore his green card should be revoked? You probably know what I think.
What about the protests in front of Trump Towers today? Protesting the detention of Mahmoud Khalil. Is this a free speech issue and therefore wrongful detention, or a US security issue and therefore his green card should be revoked? You probably know what I think.
No sympathy for people of his ilk.
iris lilies
3-13-25, 1:46pm
What about the protests in front of Trump Towers today? Protesting the detention of Mahmoud Khalil. Is this a free speech issue and therefore wrongful detention, or a US security issue and therefore his green card should be revoked? You probably know what I think.
How would I know? And you don’t know either, but that won’t stop either one of us from having an opinion.
If this legal-resident-but-not-citizen (alien) is a mild mannered supporter of Hamas and he peacefully walks around with his protest sign in a public space, sure, I am concerned about targeting him and denying his free speech rights.
But if this alien engages in activity that could be considered terrorism, and this is on the table, then a court needs to hear that evidence and decide. While we’re doing that, let’s look at all of his activities to see if he’s participating in any illegal activity outside of the realm of terrorism because putting these all together might make a case for removing him from our country.
We get to decide who comes in and lives among us. Watch what is happening in the UK when they have turned a blind eye to this sort of thing. Immigrants there who do not value freedom of speech use it against UK government and citizens to terrorize UK citizens.
No sympathy for people of his ilk.
I have some due process concerns about what may have happened, but it will be a while before any of us have any reliable facts on that.
I did see there was mention that he’d had some sort of court hearing yesterday, so *some* process is going on.
We get to decide who comes in and lives among us. Watch what is happening in the UK when they have turned a blind eye to this sort of thing. Immigrants there who do not value freedom of speech use it against UK government and citizens to terrorize UK citizens.
I have spent a lot of time in the UK over the past 8 years or so. I'd encourage you to visit and observe with your own eyes and talk to the locals, rather than relying on media accounts.... The situation is nowhere as "bad" as what seems to be recounted by the talking heads.
Similarly, I was in Stockholm during the time of the horrible truck attack in downtown Stockholm. The location of the incident was ~1 block from my lodgings. At the time, American media was full of lurid descriptions of dangerous "no-go" zones in Stockholm. I went to those zones, observed the situation with my own eyes, talked to the residents - it was nothing like the media was reporting.
iris lilies
3-13-25, 9:09pm
I have spent a lot of time in the UK over the past 8 years or so. I'd encourage you to visit and observe with your own eyes and talk to the locals, rather than relying on media accounts.... The situation is nowhere as "bad" as what seems to be recounted by the talking heads.
Similarly, I was in Stockholm during the time of the horrible truck attack in downtown Stockholm. The location of the incident was ~1 block from my lodgings. At the time, American media was full of lurid descriptions of dangerous "no-go" zones in Stockholm. I went to those zones, observed the situation with my own eyes, talked to the residents - it was nothing like the media was reporting.
oh, I know media always paints it worse than it is. Putting aside terrorist acts in the UK for a moment (though there is plenty to discuss) there are issues going on there that I just haven’t heard about here in the U.S.
1) Intergenerational failure to assimilate into British culture
) rape squads made up of British Pakistani and Afghan men like the ones in Rochdale and Rotterdam that abused hundreds of girls, passing them around and raping them for years
2) cousins marrying cousins thst result in some societal problems issues
just to name a few
And more importantly, the failure of British law enforcement and government to act due to their fear of appearing to discriminate against minority populations…a big problem.
I think it is wild there are British comedians who make fun of everything in their dry way, saying that anything in life is up for grabs on the comedy stage, yet – – –
They will not utter the name of Mohammed in their comedy set. Why is that? It’s because somebody will come after them with a f**king bomb. They are afraid.
A fair number of states in the USA allow cousin-cousin marriages.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cousin_marriage_law_in_the_United_States
iris lilies
3-13-25, 9:17pm
A fair number of states in the USA allow cousin-cousin marriages.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cousin_marriage_law_in_the_United_States
yes, I know that, but the those advocating against it in the UK claim it’s a much higher percentage within distinct populations and that causes issues and problems.
yes, I know that, but the those advocating against it in the UK claim it’s a much higher percentage within distinct populations and that causes issues and problems.
I saw a fascinating article about the impact of the introduction of the bicycle into the UK on the genetic diversity of the rural population.
No sympathy for people of his ilk.
So you think that people who have green cards don't deserve first amendment rights? Can you expound upon that concept?
flowerseverywhere
3-15-25, 1:39am
https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/5188283-usda-local-food-banks-schools-free-meals-snap/
I just got an email on how my community is doing a big collection for local food banks. The usda cuts are for farmers to provide food to local schools and food banks. The main recipients all over Florida are seniors and children per local news alerts. And the local formers are being hurt.
I can’t believe at this time of food inflation and layoffs this is an immediate priority.
It makes me so very sad. I can’t imagine watching my kids go hungry. Some of the stories have people in Trump voting areas in disbelief this will affect them. I guess it’s survival of the fittest.
flowerseverywhere
3-15-25, 1:46am
I saw a fascinating article about the impact of the introduction of the bicycle into the UK on the genetic diversity of the rural population.
so interesting. Amazing the changes in the last 125 years. I remember a local project when money for bicycles was raised for small African villages with no local water supply. Instead of walking miles each way, small carts allowed communities to have water, go to school, and expand life outside of their local area. Huge consequences just with some bikes.
So you think that people who have green cards don't deserve first amendment rights? Can you expound upon that concept?
People of his ilk referred to his religion.
iris lilies
3-15-25, 10:15am
I saw a fascinating article about the impact of the introduction of the bicycle into the UK on the genetic diversity of the rural population.
I can see that changing genetics amoung nearby villages.. But I bet the car made a huge impact because the car came pretty fast after horses. I’m not sure bicycles were ever a realistic motive transportation for most people, it was horses-then-cars.
I can see that changing genetics amoung nearby villages.. But I bet the car made a huge impact because the car came pretty fast after horses. I’m not sure bicycles were ever a realistic motive transportation for most people, it was horses-then-cars.
Bicycles were absolutely *huge* in the UK for many decades.
Might be worth a visit, talk to some folks there, look at some city/transport planning history of the UK. Where the modern bicycle was basically invented, and where it revolutionized life for the working class.
Road improvements in the UK were driven by the bicycle initially, before autos were a thing.
Even today, you may notice that most public transport in the UK has overhead bins capable of holding the very British folding Brompton bicycle, and you'll see businessmen getting off the train, unfolding their bikes, and riding to work/home. You can rent Bromptons at many public transport centers from vending kiosks.
I agree that bicycles were, and still are for the most part, really big for utilitarian uses, not just pleasure-riding. In the Netherlands, too, the numbers of people who ride bikes to get to town and buy groceries and other things is very high--at least when I went there I was amazed at how many bikes with baskets being ridden by people of all ages there were. Europe never really got into building suburbs the way we did-so their "small cities" never changed, and there was never much of a push to prioritize cars over bikes. They have integrated nicely through the years, at least in the places that I've seen.
iris lilies
3-17-25, 8:37am
Ah, I stand corrected about my idea of bicycles in the UK. I’ve been there many times. I just don’t remember bicycles being that big of a presence, but I guess I was off looking at ancient piles I’m not paying attention to how the locals got around.
My brief take on bikes in early England was that a lot of rural farmers and residents were poor and did not even have horses and wagons in the late 1800s, unlike our American farmers. So they were popular among young people then for a number of reasons. Canoodling being one possible incentive.
Rather ironic that Pam Bondi is referring to the attacks on Tesla dealers as "domestic terrorism", while the rioters involved in the 1/6 insurrection were given pardons.
Funny how Teslas have morphed from expensive virtue signaling totems to performative hate objects at the flip of a switch.
https://media.townhall.com/cdn/hodl/cartoons/sk031725dAPC-800x0.jpg
Maybe now there will be a boom in cybertruck sales to show you’re an Elon patriot. Although I’d not want to own Tesla stock right now
iris lilies
3-21-25, 1:27pm
Maybe now there will be a boom in cybertruck sales to show you’re an Elon patriot. Although I’d not want to own Tesla stock right now
A gun to my head probably couldn’t get me to buy one of those strange creatures.
Maybe now there will be a boom in cybertruck sales to show you’re an Elon patriot. Although I’d not want to own Tesla stock right now
In a climate where people believe they’re striking a blow for freedom by smearing their feces on the product or torching charging stations, I doubt that sales will improve.
I could see looking into this in a couple of years if it proves out. "Telo" EV truck. The size of a mini cooper with the bed of a Tacoma. None of that manly bullet proofing and trawler boat size of the Cybertruck that Muskovians might like to express their power.
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None of that manly bullet proofing and trawler boat size of the Cybertruck that Muskovians might like to express their power.
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Nice, but it won't pull one of these. Some of us need something a little beefier to express our power.
https://scontent-det1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/468936890_10227209296153528_3300655830199354925_n. jpg?stp=cp6_dst-jpg_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=127cfc&_nc_ohc=GzH5vYD1DcgQ7kNvgFPKV7P&_nc_oc=AdkQUtdhf_DdAt6Fyd7fm8oEbZ0wNJln5OnxFtd-QkcJTZTCsJdhojQu1zJm579l7Cc&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-det1-1.xx&_nc_gid=QK-YI2tvAKVDUhykVWZw9Q&oh=00_AYHD9f1vN3ifs9yjObv0U64I4FdbcENd4bR4x-YLIWk-bw&oe=67E3C5C2
Nice, but it won't pull one of these. Some of us need something a little beefier to express our power.
Yes, I think your locked into the maga sized pickup for the near future, although I'd not call it "zippy". On the other hand there are people with the big pickups here in the city that don't get much real work and are kept very clean.
iris lilies
3-21-25, 7:29pm
Alan, are you saying that Cybertruck thing could not pull your R.v? What good is it then? Other than scaring people because it is so damn weird.
Our Hermann neighbor has one, and one evening at dusk it was heading toward me on the Highway and it was creepy.
Yes, I think your locked into the maga sized pickup for the near future, although I'd not call it "zippy". On the other hand there are people with the big pickups here in the city that don't get much real work and are kept very clean.
Well, to be honest I only use mine for real work about 3 months each year. The other 9 months it's just something for others to point at while they question my motives. That's OK though, you get used to it.
Alan, are you saying that Cybertruck thing could not pull your R.v? What good is it then?
No, the cybertruck can tow up to 11,000 lbs and my camper is right at 10,000 lbs dry. I was just pointing out lots of folks "express their power" in a literal sense rather than figuratively, despite the impressions of onlookers.
I bought this new in 1999, still have it, still use it for Needful Things.
Some folks in my local community feel compelled to hassle me about it, apparently it's Evil somehow. In the early 2000s, I suffered some vandalism. I guess some folks don't like wildfires getting fought, and technical rescue efforts.
It's also one of the few vehicles I have access to that can launch a boat off my beach without getting stuck in the ball-bearing-sized beach rock layer that is many feet deep.
https://i.imgur.com/9sCpYX3.jpg
Those cybertrucks look like badly designed aluminum breadboxes of an indeterminate era to me. There's one that drives around Santa Fe and it's just so ugly.
Since you showed me yours, I'll show you mine. I've had smaller pickups since I think 1983. This was the best. Fairly nimble in the city and easy to park, got me to many camping, fishing, hiking and hunting spots in all sorts of weather and rough roads. Hauled firewood, mulch, furniture, building supplies, and was popular when friends moved. Bench seat with 4 cyl. manual transmission. Basically problem free for 12 years. They don't make em like that any more unfortunately. Sort of a simple living pickup? I'd like to downsize from my current Tacoma to a smaller pickup.
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iris lilies
3-21-25, 10:23pm
Since you showed me yours, I'll show you mine. I've had smaller pickups since I think 1983. This was the best. Fairly nimble in the city and easy to park, got me to many camping, fishing, hiking and hunting spots in all sorts of weather and rough roads. Hauled firewood, mulch, furniture, building supplies, and was popular when friends moved. Bench seat with 4 cyl. manual transmission. Basically problem free for 12 years. They don't make em like that any more unfortunately. Sort of a simple living pickup? I'd like to downsize from my current Tacoma to a smaller pickup.
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I said this earlier when we were talking about small trucks but I’ll repeat it: we are now officially babying DH’s 2009 Ford Ranger because he can’t go out and get another one like it. He now uses our other car whenever possible for short hops, and even longer hops when he clears it with me that I won’t need that car.
it’s really too bad.
Yes, I remember earlier discussions about your husband and maybe Bea thinking they would like a smaller pickup, which is one reason why I put up the Telo pickup photo. I'm looking at the little Ford Maverick as my Tacoma replacement. Seems that the auto industry recognized a market for the smaller compact pickups and there are a few new things in the works with rumors of Toyota and other places coming out with new smaller models. Reports I've seen say that the big pickups are not selling well these days, although the F-150 will probably always be a favorite?
early morning
3-22-25, 9:53am
WarningL just a ramble. If I have a real point, I don't know exactly what it is... other than truck size is sometimes just a happenstance, not social commentary! When we went looking a few years ago for a "normal" sized used pickup in our (quite low) price range, we were really discouraged by the offerings and prices. We ended up with a giant F350 extended bed/cab that is waaayyy too much for our needs but so affordable as to make that moot. It's also pretty ugly with a few dents, and we are pretty "meh" about transport vehicle looks, so... Around here we see a lot of big pickups. Not many small ones. Haven't seen a cyber truck here other than passing through. DH likes his big truck, whilst I would appreciate one that will fit into a single parking space and navigate coffee drive-thrus! The Telo is cute, but out of our budget, and I'm frankly not convinced that an electric vehicle would serve us well. We can stockpile some gas against an emergency, but we can't stockpile electric. I know it's possible with solar/wind and batteries, but again, not us, not now. IL, I'm wondering why would a 2009 truck needs babied? Our Ford is a 1998, has over 300K miles (brought it from a carny) and runs just fine. No snark there, and I know the 350 is built to do serious crap. But I would (quite possibly erroneously) think that Ford trucks used for their intended purpose should have similar life-spans. But I'm not a car/truck person, in general, so what do I know?
Our GMC Sonoma lasted 23 years...a 2020 model and we donated it to company that refurbishes them and sells low to working people in need. Replaced it with a Honda ridgeline- much bigger than I thought but the Ranger felt cheap. The sonoma was Posh for us, but had a stick shift. We use the Ridgeline as our main car and baby the 2007 Ford Focus Station wagon. it has 190,00 miles and our mechanic thinks it has another hundred thou. in it, but dumb stuff is breaking- door handles etc.
Well, as I've mentioned before, DH has a 2004 Avalanche that we bought in 2019. He would never buy a new pick-up because then you're freaking out every time you load it up with brush and tools.
There is serious cognitive dissonance, however, that occurs when people meet DH and then see his truck. DH is very, very dapper, especially by Vermont standards--pea coats and boat shoes, and starched cotton shirts. Conversely, his truck can't even get inspected in Vermont because of the rust. The windows work sometimes. The 4-wheel drive works when it feels like it. The passenger window never works. The right rear door never works. Jed Clampett would turn down the chance to buy that truck.
DH knows he has a reputation for having an ego and he plays to that. One time he was talking with a friend of his from church, and he said playfully, "It's hard to be humble when you're as great as I am." And his friend replied, "No, it isn't. I've seen your truck."
early morning
3-22-25, 2:45pm
Jed Clampett would turn down the chance to buy that truck. Ya, we've had a couple of those. Our first truck (in the late 70s) was an early 60s dodge crew cab in bright orange - the bits that weren't rust, at least -, with flapping fenders and a stick shift that had no second gear. First was fine, third was fine, you had to get the RPMs up in first and pop it into third, and it was good to go. We used that to set up at antique shows for several years, until the gas tank could no longer be repaired and the holes in the floorboards threatened to eat one of the children, and we sold it on. catherine, your DH sounds pretty cool.
iris lilies
3-22-25, 4:53pm
Ya, we've had a couple of those. Our first truck (in the late 70s) was an early 60s dodge crew cab in bright orange - the bits that weren't rust, at least -, with flapping fenders and a stick shift that had no second gear. First was fine, third was fine, you had to get the RPMs up in first and pop it into third, and it was good to go. We used that to set up at antique shows for several years, until the gas tank could no longer be repaired and the holes in the floorboards threatened to eat one of the children, and we sold it on. catherine, your DH sounds pretty cool.
The first thing we ever bought for our Victorian house project Victoria house renovation project was a used garage door. That was ridiculous, we didn’t know any better but it was really cheap. We bought that in 1989 and we didn’t get a garage until 2005. By then the garage door was long gone
But the second thing we bought was an old rusty yellow Toyota truck, and that was a useful purchase.
I guess we are babying this Ford truck because we don’t know how long it’ll go. We don’t have a good track record with vehicles over 100,000 miles and it’s at 100,000 miles. It is already been in one car crash, and it was “totaled “by the insurance company but we had the frame straightened and have been driving it for several years.
When we were only 23, we bought a 1903 Sears catalog house in downtown San Antonio with the naive hopes of restoring it. During that time, DH bought a used bright yellow Toyota truck with black accents that we called the Bumblebee. Memories of vehicles past...he wants a truck so much now but not one of the behemoth ones. A little one...there is such a market but not much choice.
I guess we are babying this Ford truck because we don’t know how long it’ll go. We don’t have a good track record with vehicles over 100,000 miles and it’s at 100,000 miles.
I think "Nelly Belle" (DH's nickname for the Avalanche) has 240,000k. I swear the Prius is going to be the last car I ever own. It has 155,000. I only drive about 5-6k miles a year, so that can easily get me 10 more years, and by then the kids will be demanding I give up my keys. We'll see how that goes. As you mentioned, I don't really have much control over accidents, at least the ones that I'm not to blame for. So a little good luck is taken for granted here. But I really don't want to buy another car for myself. I'm pretty sure a replacement for Nelly Belle is in DH's future, however.
iris lilies
3-23-25, 9:54am
Catherine, that is so funny about your dapper husband and his beat up truck. In a way that cements his mystique, That dichotomy.
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