And so it begins …
Thanks to AIMN regular Kronomex for bringing this to our attention.
Trump silences government scientists with gag orders
Trump Administration Puts Gag Order on Several Government Agencies
Employees at several federal agencies including the Department of Agriculture have been barred by the Trump administration from making any statements, or providing any documents to the public or journalists, according to published reports.
The Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Health and Human Services are also impacted by the orders, which were reportedly handed down this week, and include a prohibition against some of the agencies posting on social media.
It’s not clear how long these gag orders will remain in place, or whether they are simply designed to freeze activity until President Trump’s hand-picked staff can issue new regulations for those agencies for posting on social media and interacting with the public. The EPA has also been ordered to freeze all grants, contracts and other agreements until further notice, according to numerous reports.
A memo sent to EPA staff said that there should be no press releases sent to “external audiences” and that “no social media will be going out,” according to a report by The Hill. The memo also says that a digital strategist will be coming in to oversee the agency’s social-media policies, and that “existing, individually controlled social-media accounts may become more centrally controlled.”
The memo also ordered that no new posts be made to any agency blogs, that staff send a list of any external speaking arrangements, that no new documents be uploaded to any public website, and that “incoming media requests will be carefully screened.”
14 Defining Characteristics of Fascism
- Powerful and Continuing Nationalism
- Disdain for the Recognition of Human Rights
- Identification of Enemies/Scapegoats as a Unifying Cause
- Supremacy of the Military
- Rampant Sexism
- Controlled Mass Media
- Obsession with National Security
- Religion and Government are Intertwined
- Corporate Power is Protected
- Labor Power is Suppressed
- Disdain for Intellectuals and the Arts
- Obsession with Crime and Punishment
- Rampant Cronyism and Corruption
- Fraudulent Elections
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74 comments
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Kaye Lee -
Freethinker -
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Kaye Lee -
Jexpat -
Rossleigh -
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MichaelW -
Miriam English -
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Carol Taylor -
Max Gross -
Alan Baird -
Annie B -
Robert G. Shaw -
Deanna Jones -
Kaye Lee -
Kaye Lee -
Möbius Ecko -
Kaye Lee -
Terry2 -
245179 -
Miriam English -
Salina Florek -
Kyran -
helvityni -
Robert G. Shaw -
Roswell -
Kaye Lee -
Kaye Lee -
Harquebus -
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Terry2 -
Kronomex -
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delightedtobe -
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corvus boreus -
Möbius Ecko -
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Robert G. Shaw -
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wam -
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Terry2 -
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Annie B
Return to home pageAmerica calls themselves the home of the brave and the land of the free
Milton Mayer wrote a book about another people who thought they were free
“This separation of government from people, this widening of the gap, took place so gradually and so insensibly, each step disguised (perhaps not even intentionally) as a temporary emergency measure or associated with true patriotic allegiance or with real social purposes. And all the crises and reforms (real reforms, too) so occupied the people that they did not see the slow motion underneath, of the whole process of government growing remoter and remoter.
“To live in this process is absolutely not to be able to notice it—please try to believe me—unless one has a much greater degree of political awareness, acuity, than most of us had ever had occasion to develop. Each step was so small, so inconsequential, so well explained or, on occasion, ‘regretted,’ that, unless one were detached from the whole process from the beginning, unless one understood what the whole thing was in principle, what all these ‘little measures’ that no ‘patriotic German’ could resent must some day lead to, one no more saw it developing from day to day than a farmer in his field sees the corn growing. One day it is over his head.
“How is this to be avoided, among ordinary men, even highly educated ordinary men? Frankly, I do not know. I do not see, even now. Many, many times since it all happened I have pondered that pair of great maxims, Principiis obsta and Finem respice—‘Resist the beginnings’ and ‘Consider the end.’ But one must foresee the end in order to resist, or even see, the beginnings. One must foresee the end clearly and certainly and how is this to be done, by ordinary men or even by extraordinary men? ”
http://press.uchicago.edu/Misc/Chicago/511928.html
Principiis obsta and Finem respice indeed.
This what the dictators or totalitarian governments are using. I hope that I am wrong but IMO this is the beginning of a very turbulent times in USA and the world.
I just red in the news that Trump will give directives to star the construction of the wall between Mexico and USA.
I am trying to not read much because I am worry to finish with a case of mental depression,
Well, the Australian government has been doing the same thing- in some instances predating Trump’s action by years, so it might be a good idea to at least recognise and include those (as in: the general principles at stake) lest one be predictably called out for getting up on a partisan, hypocritical high horse.
On a similar note, I heard some folks today (who ought to know better) cheering and laughing about the fundy nutter- and NSW MLC Fred Nile being denied entry into the US, reportedly on security grounds. This is also a two edged sword- and the next time it could well be used to prohibit a Green or Labor party member from entry- or visa versa, prohibit someone Oregon Senator Jeff Merkely coming here to show us how we might reform the sorry state of land use planning in any of several Australian states.
Jexpat, I have been pointing out the similar tendencies in the Australian government for years. No high horse here.
I had personal dealings with Fred Nile. I wouldn’t have him in my house either but I guess that’s kinda irrelevant. Was it anti-abortion stuff that had him banned?
EDIT: I googled…no explanation beyond security risk given but….
In 2015, Mr Nile called for the public to donate to the Assyrian Christian Militia, a group devoted to fighting ISIS in northern Iraq after meeting members of the group in Sydney. He denied that call violated prohibitions against Australians to fight or provide funding to either side of the armed conflict in Syria or Iraq.
“They’re seeking to defend their towns and villages; they need our prayers and support,” he said in a 2015 interview with 6PR a radio station owned by Fairfax Media.
“A Christian militia is not a terrorist organisation. It’s a defensive [outfit]. They’re Christians not Muslim terrorists.”
Kaye Lee:
Understood, just sayin’ …
I too have had dealings with Fred Nile group members (although thankfully: with my condolences, never one on one with old fundy Fred himself).
Apparently, this has to do with support for a group called the “Assyrian Christian Militia.” According to Fred, they’re Christians not Muslim terrorists.”
Even so, the doddering old fool is hardly a security risk. At least, not to the US.
Nile did say that he’d replied to Trump’s email and offered him advice…
Perhaps, that’s now considered blasphemy.
Next wave of refugees….scientists from America. We should snap them up.
I can only assume this is a temporary measure from Trump. You cannot keep the scientific community quiet.
Kaye Lee I hope your right. “..You cannot keep the scientific community quiet..”
How’s your new super duper nbn going by the way? Or is that a sore subject. All I’ve heard is horror stories, leaving my changeover until the last minute , quite happy with adsl, dreading changing over after most of the people I have spoken to have said it is slow, when it works, great, sometimes it works, mainly pathetic…
Trump lives in a delusional world of his own. I would not be at all surprised if he was able to keep the scientific community quiet.
Hitler was considered a joke. People laughed at him and didn’t take him seriously.
Trump now thinks he owns USA and if people didn’t attend his coronation then he will have his revenge. If there’s one thing we do know about Trump, it’s that he obsesses about revenge.
Kaye Lee: “Next wave of refugees….scientists from America. We should snap them up.”
Why on earth would scientists come here?
What would be the pitch?
We’re– going to– refund CSIRO? Adequately fund our universities?
Please.
Yes, it’s a good thing that Alan Mackay-Sim is getting Australian of the Year Honours- but beyond that, this nation has shown itself- despite every advantage, to be little more than a third world backwater that tries-desperatly, to recruit the likes of Bjørn Lomborg.
Sorry to have to deliver that dose of contemporary reality, but that is- and will be the reality for at least the next several years- and probably beyond.
Thank you Kaye for another illuminating article. I should like to amplify point 9 concerning the protection of corporations.
A key feature of classical fascism was the binding together of corporations and the state under a politico-military dictator. The state was dominant. Fascism’s high point was exemplified by 1930’s corporatism in Italy and Germany. Under these and other totalitarian regimes such as the USSR there was no separation of powers and all public information was state propaganda.
Contemporary fascism only differs in that multinational corporations take precedence over the the state under a politico-corporate dictatorship. Instead of corporatism based on the nation state or empire we have a global corpocracy able to manipulate nations.
Jexpat, I was also thinking similar, that Trump was “doing an Abbott” but on a far grander scale.
The USA and fascism were always a natural fit…
Yeah, there are quite a few governments at large that tick the Right Boxes for Fascism. Why, our own home grown mob could easily tick quite a few. I find it fascinating that there are STILL commentators who insist on calling Russia communist. Putin ticks a huge majority of Fascist boxes including the religious tie up and they’re all probably part of the reason why Trump smiles upon Vlad, although I have weird suspicions about Trump’s wife’s Slavonic background being connected as well, Russia continuing to look at Eastern Europe (including Yugoslavia) in a similar way as US looks upon Latin America as its own little bunch of bananas. Trump is showing all the signs of “growing in the job” as Kevin Rudd hoped, sensibly studying Tony Abbott’s non-stop-brain-disengaged-style of erratic (and sometimes batshit crazy) leadership. He’s learnt well and increasingly His staff struggle with explanations of what the Boss means and try to explain why everybody in the media (with the Honourable exception of the Murdochracy) is against Him. This is what causes terms like “alternative facts” to emerge as a kind of desperate lowbrow genius. This is the country that had a section of its Army personnel stare (with hatred) at goats to see if they got ill (and died), the theory being they could do the same with people. The goats kept contentedly chewing grass in blissful ignorance. Only in the USA… And just as Tone was a boon to the humour industry, Trump will hopefully mature (pron: “matooer”) into a worthwhile clown without accidentally obliterating the world. Trump’s continuing insistence on the election STILL being rigged could be fixed simply by running THE WHOLE THING AGAIN, NOW, without further ado, with a quick vote. Bet that’d cause a RAPID reversal of the Trump tactic.
Lots I could say – just don’t know how to say it. Would probably use some ultra dark language, for which I would be removed from AIMN ( & rightly so ).
Kaye – thank you ( I think ). The entire outrageous fiasco has been horrid from the get-go, but this latest caper of his – beggars belief.
“no social media will be going out,”. Wonder if that includes the tweeting emporor himself.
Max Gross (12.22 a.m. ) hit the nail on the head in his one line comment. Fascism & U.S.A. – a natural fit.
Have always mistrusted the American collective mindsets and their complex ( and ridiculous ) political situation. Also wondering how ‘his’ party ( the Reps. ) will attempt to handle him. ?? Actually, they can’t as he is strengthening his own party – that being himself. Is he really a tyrant – a despotic ruler, or is this some kind of muscle flexing – done to cover his own deep seated inadequacies.
God Bless America ??? ( on so many emails I receive ).
Suggest it be “God Help America” … and the rest of us.
🙁
https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2017/01/mexico-city-policy/514010/
Isn’t it a shame the Woman’s March came after the election?
Republican Party – business as usual. This is what Democratic smugness, arrogance, and complacency has cost woman all throughout the world.
Let’s hope they’ve got a better strategy that having Madonna screech ‘f*ck you’ in front of a million women.
Truly chilling times. According to the Guardian, he actually is building the wall.
He keeps signing these executive orders but he has no idea how they are going to be achieved. Surely you do the planning part first….get a bit of advice from experts?
“We will be in a form reimbursed by Mexico, which I’ve always said,” the president said. “All it is, is we’ll be reimbursed at a later date from whatever transaction we make from Mexico. I’m just telling you there will be a payment. It will be in a form, perhaps a complicated form. What I’m doing is good for the United States. It’s also going to be good for Mexico. We want to have a very stable, very solid Mexico.”
MichaelW, re the NBN…I am still going through the business loss claim that I submitted after being without EFTPOS for two months. The ombudsman is overwhelmed with complaints. The fax at work drops out all the time. The NBN at home has daily dropouts which means phone and internet gone and it is slow as a wet week.
FttN SUX
Jexpat and Carol,
Quite right. No jobs for scientists here either. Europe? China? It is so infuriating watching this happen.
More chilling is the fact he’s gagged all government departments from speaking to the media and on social media, especially Twitter, except for himself. He can still Twit lies and nonsense to his heart’s content.
The only facts that will come out of a Trump government are his alternative ones.
The border with Mexico is roughly 1,900 miles long and spans fours state: California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas.
There is already roughly 700 miles of fence along the border – the remainder is either open, nearly impossible to actually build on or impassable.
Mr Trump has said his wall will cover 1,000 miles, with natural obstacles protecting the rest of the border.
The existing border fence cost about $2.4 billion. Building the rest of it would cost between $15 billion and $25 billion, with an annual maintenance cost of $700 million, according to an estimate by Marc Rosenblum, the deputy director of the US Immigration Policy Program at the nonpartisan Migration Policy Institute, who is cited in a report in January last year.
“It’s a lot more expensive than we expected when we started, and it was much more difficult,” said Ronald Vitiello, deputy chief of border patrol for the US Customs and Border Protection, at a Senate Committee hearing in May 2015.
He is also expected to order a multi-month ban on allowing refugees into the United States except for religious minorities escaping persecution, until more aggressive vetting is in place.
Another order will block visas being issued to anyone from Syria, Iraq, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen, the unnamed aides and experts told Reuters.
He keeps issuing these Executive Orders and then what happens. Do they just keep passing them down the line until some poor tradie out of the blue gets an order to build a wall or construct a pipeline.
The makings of a comedy movie are all there and the script is already written.
Controlling 1000 + miles of open border 24/7…….big ask. Reduce that in part by building a string of walls and the “gaps” easily monitored. We’ve got front row seats here, going to be quite a show. ( may well take the attention off our own crazyness, hello canberra )
I hate to say it, but the massive public works project of building the wall could actually help the USA economy and the less well off in USA. Of course it’s like paying people to dig ditches and then paying them to fill them in again, but at least it does inject some funds into USA workers.
Trump is darkly disturbing. I think the people of USA are going to regret this so deeply they’ll change the rules so it can never happen again. It’s not like those embarrassing idiots Bush Jr and Reagan. This is an uncontrollable, malevolently crazy person with just enough sanity to make him really dangerous.
I keep remembering the article I read written by a taxi driver who was driving a German student to the airport because his parents had phoned him, told him to pack his bags immediately and get back home because USA has already died — not, is going to die, or is dying, but has already died.
Just saying… if he refuses entry to all those seeking entry from all those other tormented countries , the only other place for them would be Europe with all the consequences that would bring… we are all connected you see
His reinstatement and expansion of the Mexico City Policy surely ticks #2, 3, 5, 8 and 12. The ‘Global Gag Rule’ on abortion was first introduced by raygun in 1984. The rights fought for, and won, through the Helms Amendment in 1973, were eroded by the Hyde Amendment of 1976. They were utterly trashed by raygun’s Mexico City policy in 1984. As always, one step forward, two steps back, the conservative way.
Whilst that policy has been rescinded by every Democrat president, it has been reinstated by every Republican president. Trump didn’t just reinstate it though, he expanded it.
It had previously been applied to family planning groups (largely NGO’s). Trump has expanded it to include any foreign department or agency that receives US health assistance.
It had previously been used to deny any funding for abortions, but “health providers receiving U.S. aid were permitted to provide patients with information regarding safe abortion practices, or fund abortion services with money from other sources. Now the gag order threatens to strip all U.S. funding from any health organization that provides abortions using outside funds, or even consults patients on the option of abortion.”
As Jexpat pointed out, Australia is not exempt from this nonsensical approach of applying extremist Christian morals to the practice of otherwise Christian principles – foreign aid.
Our very own little johnnie introduced similar restrictions on AusAid funding in 1996. If memory serves me right, it was announced by Julie Bishop, that warrior for women’s rights. It left Australia with the dubious distinction of being the only country on the planet to follow the precedent. Whilst Rudd got into power in 2007, it took two years for the policy to be amended through the AusAid Family Planning guidelines (2009).
We all know talcum would never countenance the reintroduction of such nonsense. We also all know that he is completely and utterly beholden to the extremist Christians he is surrounded by.
One step forward, two steps back. The conservative way.
Thank you, Ms Lee and commenters. Take care
Kaye Lee, not so fast…”Next wave of refugees….scientists from America. We should snap them up.”
We have to check them carefully; there might be some brown, yellow, or god forbid, even black ones, amongst them….
Let’s send Ms Hanson to take a look at them first….
There should have been no surprises that Trump would reinstall Mexico City Policy. Every Republian since Reagan has done so (after each Democratic presidents rescind order).
What is the surprise, one among a hundred, is that there was no real concerns as to it ever being reinstalled. I mean, the Democrat position was always “he’ll never win”.
It appears as though millions of people, at home and abroad, are now going to pay dearly for the Democrats (Left) hubris.
Abortion first.
Environment second.
Healthcare third.
I wonder if Ashley Judd will read another poem…..and make it all go away?
Or perhaps Madonna has a plan to blow something up?
Who knows?
Robert Shaw, it seems that you don’t like people protesting, which they have a democratic right to do (for now).
I fully agree with you that the Dems stuffed this one up good and proper. Perhaps some people need to turn their anger towards them (which I’m sure that they did – by casting their votes ‘elsewhere’).
But these people who attend rallies and read poetry, sing songs, hold hands or whatever, have nothing to do with any corruption in the Dems. It’s hardly their fault. Granted, you never said it was. They are making their voices heard, and I can’t see that as a bad thing.
Trump tweeted Wednesday morning: “I will be asking for a major investigation into VOTER FRAUD, including those registered to vote in two states, those who are illegal and even, those registered to vote who are dead (and many for a long time). Depending on results, we will strengthen up voting procedures!”
Tiffany Trump is registered to vote in two states, New York and Pennsylvania, The Washington Post reported.
His campaign chief Stephen Bannon registered in both Florida and New York, The Sarasota Herald-Tribune reported on Tuesday.
And Trump’s Treasury Secretary nominee Steve Mnuchin is registered to vote in two states as well, CNN reported.
I wonder what Trump’s ideas about ‘strengthening up voting procedures” are – men with guns outside every polling booth?
http://www.smh.com.au/world/donald-trump-calls-voter-fraud-probe-but-daughter-tiffany-registered-in-two-states-20170125-gtys7r.html
IN A rare move, China has reportedly taken the dramatic step of deploying one of the most advanced intercontinental ballistic missile systems to its border with Russia, in what is being viewed as a poignant message to US President Donald Trump.
The ballistic missile system in question is known as The Dongfeng (“East Wind”) 41 missile, or DF-41 and can carry long range nuclear warheads. China claims it has the longest range on any nuclear missile system in the world.
http://www.news.com.au/technology/innovation/inventions/chinese-state-tabloid-sends-nuclear-message-to-trump-administration/news-story/da2bc3b09a000f0147d95d306439c36a
Some ship rats are a bit quicker on the uptake than others.
“Thiel, a billionaire who currently serves on President Donald Trump’s transition team, isn’t the only mega rich businessperson staking out a claim in New Zealand.”
https://gizmodo.com/peter-thiel-gains-new-zealand-citizenship-as-tech-elite-1791550567
Robert G Shaw, and your highly practical reaction is to insult women. Such a strong man!
Just on that ‘refugee’ thing, helvityni, we have that ‘thing’ Dutton hitting the media saying that he does not consider the ‘refugee swap’ is in any danger. Whilst details appear to be excluded from much reporting, there have been sporadic reports of Department of State officials having visited Nauru and Manus since November to assess potential ‘candidates’. That’s the euphemism used for asylum seekers or refugees. A bit like ‘clients’ being used by Centre Link as a euphemism for goodness knows what.
Notwithstanding the discrepancy in senior government miniatures description of the current state of play of the TPP, the most accurate description was provided by one of the Labor polly’s, parodying the Monty Python skit. ‘It’s not resting, it’s dead.” Only talcum could try and deliver CPR to a parrot that is clearly deceased, expired, no longer in working order.
In any event, the first few days of the chump administration are clear examples of his intent to enact his pre election edicts, to the exclusion of all that preceded them. To the exclusion of logic, reason or anything even vaguely resembling humanity.
Bearing in mind scummo didn’t model the TPP exit scenario, notwithstanding his declaration that he expected chump to do it, what are the chances that that ‘thing’ has any plan ‘B’ for those in our ‘care’ when chump does what he has explicitly and repeatedly stated he will do in the lead up to his election?
talcum is left with two possibilities. Leave those poor souls incarcerated (without charge of any crime) in circumstances that defy any of the obligations Australia has agreed to through numerous human right’s charters, for the term of their natural lives. Or BRING THEM HERE.
Apologies for the rant, Ms Lee. It is not, however, a complete derailment of the thread. What we do now for these poor souls, will likely define what we think about fascism. March in March can’t come quick enough, IMO. Until then, we will be saturated by mindless gits issuing edicts and ignoring any opposition.
Thanks again, Ms Lee (and helvityni). Take care
Ashley Judd did much more than ‘read a poem’. That rap was a strong, articulate and powerful contribution to political discourse, that represented millions of women and will go down in history.
To describe it as the reading of a poem, makes me think Robert Shaw, that crashing bore, has not actually seen it. Either that, or the Judd rap, and the idea of millions of strong women rising up, has scared him into nervous hysteria, and he’s turning the colour of wisteria.
Kyran, thanks for your Keating quote on another tread, it had me chuckling, desperate for a bit of levity. It’s all so grim at the moment, both here and over there in the Trump land…
I can’t even afford to think about those poor innocent bastards locked up for life on some bird pooh island, it raises my blood pressure too much…
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=1JkDKxvNAng
Kyran
The ever helpful Barnaby Joyce said today :
“Barnaby Joyce has said it would not be the “end of the world” if the United States tears up a deal to resettle refugees in Australia’s offshore detention facilities on Manus Island and Nauru.”
I’m speechless !
Further insanity from The Donald – (taken from News.com, grain of salt time until verification from better sources becomes available).
http://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-updates/president-trumps-new-border-control-laws-could-see-aussie-tourists-have-to-sit-interviews/news-story/6253dcf811de4ccab4cef412ee764133
http://www.news.com.au/finance/work/leaders/donald-trump-may-be-seeking-to-reinstate-torture-methods-for-detained-terrorist-suspects/news-story/7d265cf92958ef86c9258391c60e6116
Indeed, helvityni. Levity is sorely required, and Mr Brisbane is a wonderful source. Whilst we are surrounded by manifestations of the Brothers Grimm and their terrifying tales (for children, ironically), I’m still hopeful. Young Cody’s words (through Ms Miller) are, to me, a reminder of the qualities of youth. They question ‘things’ and ask ‘why not?’, without the constraint of age. We seem to question ‘things’ and ask ‘why?’. (Apologies up front for assuming you are not a troubled teenager, helvityni.) The other significant difference is that our youth have the energy and the passion to bring on the change they seek. Hopefully, their energy and passion will outlast any of us that persist in asking ‘Why?’.
Terry2, that git has been out and about today. He want’s Australia day critics to crawl under a rock. Is he offering to share his abode? How un-Australian of him. Then comes a later announcement from our deer leader, talcum. He is, apparently, confident the US refugee ‘deal’ will go ahead. My revulsion at describing a ‘people swap’ as a ‘deal’, whilst using people smuggling as your motivation, cannot be expressed in any civil terms. Based on performance to date (all the way back to the republic referendum), if talcum is confident, it is dead in the water.
Thank you, helvityni and Terry2. Apologies again, Ms Lee. This rant was much closer to a derailment. Take care
Trumps terrible. We should try to be more like Sweden, Germany, France etc.. you know where rape pants are all the fashion.
Kyran, no one wants to be a teenager twice! ( The gravatar pic was four-year old grandson’s pick. 🙂 )
Lol, helvityni. I think that’s why the lad’s keep telling me to grow up. I’ve been more of a teenager (for my whole life) then they have been in theirs! The picture is Audrey Hepburn, isn’t it? Some of her quotes;
“Nothing is impossible, the word itself says ‘I’m possible’!”
“You can tell more about a person by what he says about others than you can by what others say about him.”
“The greatest victory has been to be able to live with myself, to accept my shortcomings… I’m a long way from the human being I’d like to be. But I’ve decided I’m not so bad after all.”
“On the one hand maybe I’ve remained infantile, while on the other I matured quickly, because at a young age I was very aware of suffering and fear.”
If I have picked the wrong avatar, my bad. The quotes are still worth a look. Take care
The more I see and hear of Trump’s Executive Orders and his flat, hollow delivery the more I am reminded of the movie The Manchurain Candidate where an American presidential nominee is brainwashed by a foreign power and the electorate is manipulated into voting him into office. Only difference is the the book and movie were fiction !
Terry2,
In Trumps more manic moments, I also see elements of presidential aspirant Greg Stillson from Stephen King’s “The Dead Zone”.
“Gonna go through ’em like shit through a canebreak!”
Trump’s achievements since becoming POTUS.
* On January 19th, 2017, DT said that he would cut funding for the DOJ’s Violence Against Women programs.
* On January 19th, 2017, DT said that he would cut funding for the National Endowment for the Arts.
* On January 19th, 2017, DT said that he would cut funding for the National Endowment for the Humanities.
* On January 19th, 2017, DT said that he would cut funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
* On January 19th, 2017, DT said that he would cut funding for the Minority Business Development Agency.
* On January 19th, 2017, DT said that he would cut funding for the Economic Development Administration.
* On January 19th, 2017, DT said that he would cut funding for the International Trade Administration.
* On January 19th, 2017, DT said that he would cut funding for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership.
* On January 19th, 2017, DT said that he would cut funding for the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services.
* On January 19th, 2017, DT said that he would cut funding for the Legal Services Corporation.
* On January 19th, 2017, DT said that he would cut funding for the Civil Rights Division of the DOJ.
* On January 19th, 2017, DT said that he would cut funding for the Environmental and Natural Resources Division of the DOJ.
* On January 19th, 2017, DT said that he would cut funding for the Overseas Private Investment Corporation.
* On January 19th, 2017, DT said that he would cut funding for the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
* On January 19th, 2017, DT said that he would cut funding for the Office of Electricity Deliverability and Energy Reliability.
* On January 19th, 2017, DT said that he would cut funding for the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.
* On January 19th, 2017, DT said that he would cut funding for the Office of Fossil Energy.
* On January 20th, 2017, DT ordered all regulatory powers of all federal agencies frozen.
* On January 20th, 2017, DT ordered the National Parks Service to stop using social media after RTing factual, side by side photos of the crowds for the 2009 and 2017 inaugurations.
* On January 20th, 2017, roughly 230 protestors were arrested in DC and face unprecedented felony riot charges. Among them were legal observers, journalists, and medics.
* On January 20th, 2017, a member of the International Workers of the World was shot in the stomach at an anti-fascist protest in Seattle. He remains in critical condition.
* On January 21st, 2017, DT brought a group of 40 cheerleaders to a meeting with the CIA to cheer for him during a speech that consisted almost entirely of framing himself as the victim of dishonest press.
* On January 21st, 2017, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer held a press conference largely to attack the press for accurately reporting the size of attendance at the inaugural festivities, saying that the inauguration had the largest audience of any in history, “period.”
* On January 22nd, 2017, White House advisor Kellyann Conway defended Spicer’s lies as “alternative facts” on national television news.
* On January 22nd, 2017, DT appeared to blow a kiss to director James Comey during a meeting with the FBI, and then opened his arms in a gesture of strange, paternal affection, before hugging him with a pat on the back.
* On January 23rd, 2017, DT reinstated the global gag order, which defunds international organizations that even mention abortion as a medical option.
* On January 23rd, 2017, Spicer said that the US will not tolerate China’s expansion onto islands in the South China Sea, essentially threatening war with China.
* On January 23rd, 2017, DT repeated the lie that 3-5 million people voted “illegally” thus costing him the popular vote.
* On January 23rd, 2017, it was announced that the man who shot the anti-fascist protester in Seattle was released without charges, despite turning himself in.
* On January 24th, 2017, Spicer reiterated the lie that 3-5 million people voted “illegally” thus costing DT the popular vote.
* On January 24th, 2017, DT tweeted a picture from his personal Twitter account of a photo he says depicts the crowd at his inauguration and will hang in the White House press room. The photo is curiously dated January 21st, 2017, the day AFTER the inauguration and the day of the Women’s March, the largest inauguration related protest in history.
* On January 24th, 2017, the EPA was ordered to stop communicating with the public through social media or the press and to freeze all grants and contracts.
* On January 24th, 2017, the USDA was ordered to stop communicating with the public through social media or the press and to stop publishing any papers or research. All communication with the press would also have to be authorized and vetted by the White House.
* On January 24th, 2017, HR7, a bill that would prohibit federal funding not only to abortion service providers, but to any insurance coverage, including Medicaid, that provides abortion coverage, went to the floor of the House for a vote.
* On January 24th, 2017, Director of the Department of Health and Human Service nominee Tom Price characterized federal guidelines on transgender equality as “absurd.”
* On January 24th, 2017, DT ordered the resumption of construction on the Dakota Access Pipeline, while the North Dakota state congress considers a bill that would legalize hitting and killing protestors with cars if they are on roadways.
* On January 24th, 2017, it was discovered that police officers had used confiscated cell phones to search the emails and messages of the 230 demonstrators now facing felony riot charges for protesting on January 20th, including lawyers and journalists whose email accounts contain privileged information of clients and sources.
And today: the wall and a Muslim ban.
Roswell, no, I very much like the idea, and would encourage it at every opportunity, for people to march and protest and register their grievance in a multitude of ways and means. It strikes me as odd that you would suggest otherwise.
Making voices heard is a wonderful thing. Unfortunately the important thing is to make your voice heard before an election.
Not after.
Miriam, don’t do that; don’t lie, don’t construct a deceit, or a strawman, and then attribute it me. I’m not insulting woman; I’m expressing my opinion that the Woman’s March was a failure on many fronts. To give you but 2 quick examples: the March succeeded in doing wonderful things – it was the largest organized event of its kind, and it took the spotlight off Trump, that preening dramaqueen, in what should have been his crowning media moment.
Yippeeee!
Great stuff!
Unfortuntely neither of those two successes will move legislation and policy one iota.
Not an atom’s worth.
It neither reversed Trumps subsequent Mexico CP, nor the Pipeline, nor gag order on the EPA.
I’m only interested in policy reversals Miriam.
Understand?
Policy reversals.
You can keep the feel good moments of the pussy hats, the crude placards, the aging millionaires like Madonna and Steinham telling ‘da sisters to keep it real’.
Keep it all.
It’s of no real use to anyone.
I’ll tell you something else now while i’m at it – what’s needed now is for everyone of those woman, every single one, to grassroots themselves: letters to their communities, letters to their Congressman, letters to their Senator, letters to their papers, 24/7 blog blitz, more marches that stop towns and cities where they live dead in the tracks, pamphleteering, and volunteer drives and pickets, school and uni education days.
All of it.
On the phone berating, cajoling, arguing, demanding, persuading, coaxing with anyone who’ll listen.
That’s what needs to happen right now to justify in real terms, the events of the day.
Will it happen?
Will it Miriam?
Is the revolution coming tomorrow?
No, I don’t think it will. Call me cynical. Call me old. Call me disillusioned with the sandpit politics. Call me an old Leftie who has seen more betrayals than you’ve had literary fantasies.
Deanna, the poem? the poems already forgotten. The March organizers are still bickering over bragging rights, and intersectionality feuds.
No one remembers the poem, least of all those at the pointy end of the policies that Trump just signed.
You? You’ll remember it. That’s because they’re only words. To you.
‘Nervous hysteria’? Oh dear me. You don’t need to scare me into nervous hysteria, you need to scare the Trump and his cabal.
And how’s that workin’ it for ya?
I’m sure I saw Trump’s pen quiver as he signed off a broad chunk of essential woman’s rights.
Yep, the man was shakin’.
These issues are important Deanna Jones. They will not be glossed over by the inane, nor will they be tempered by a morally right though politically impotent crowd of protesters.
Their real work starts now.
And where are they?
Why can I find not one morsel of news, not one word, outlining the substantial, direct and concerted action they are taking right NOW?
– You want to see what you’re, what we’re, up against?
Take a slow, a very slow and considered, read of Möbius’ list.
Now tell me about “poems” again, tell me about “strong, articulate, and powerful contributions to political discourse’ again?
Don’t make me laugh.
“It strikes me as odd that you would suggest otherwise”.
Robert, your response to Miriam would suggest otherwise.
Robert, I wasn’t actually thinking of your put-down of the march, I was reacting to your insulting comments about Ashley Judd and Madonna. Of course, the way you followed up by sneering at Deanna and me really drives your attitude home.
Roswell,
Suggests otherwise?
Hardly.
By all means protest.
Be unified in cause and purpose. This one wasn’t.
Speak the language of maturity, responsibility, morality, and political efficacy, and not the pop bytes of Madonna’s screed. It was an embarrassment. I saw people cringe. I saw the Right whoop with delight.
I saw placards as disgraceful as the man they were depicting.
I saw figureheads so meager for the occasion – Steinem, Davis, Judd, and Madonna?! (the list of other academics, celebrities, et al already forgotten).
Really?
The largest gathering the planet has seen and these were the showcase speakers to deliver the profound message, to stand as bulwark, of woman’s rights against the implacable conservative patriarchy?
I laughed for the mismatch.
I cried for the mismatch.
Do it right, or don’t do it at all.
Do it right so as to deliver a mortal blow to those that seek to diminish your human rights.
Do it right so as to not grant succor to the Right who are now beside themselves with lampoon, laughter, caricature.
Just do it right.
In my opinion this was a wonderful gathering of woman to register grievance at the upcoming policies of a Trump presidency.
Too little.
Too late.
My disappointment is matched by my frustration.
And that only matched by my anger.
Miriam, you threw the first personal stone.
Take some responsibility.
The same goes to Deanna.
Time stamps don’t lie.
So, Robert Shaw, you’re judging a few hundred thousand people on a person who reads a poem, or someone shouting, or on tasteless placards.
Don’t you think that’s being a bit subjective?
australian gov.does not order gags on public servants,just sacks them.
Actually… Patrick, I think the LNP have put a gag on public servants.
wow robert believe me i know drivel and you have it in bucket loads.
Miguel Carlos
“That a white millionaire huckster won the presidency on the back of racism, misogyny, breaking of treaties with natives, and media trickery is the most American thing to ever happen in America.”
If women become a political power the world will have to thank trump.
Robert, by all means, do check out those time stamps.
At 6:49 am you sniped at the Women’s March and Madonna, then after everybody ignored you, at 10:34 am you felt the need to sneer about the Democrats and further insult Ashley Judd and Madonna.
After that, at 12:07 pm I noted sarcastically how very practical your insulting women was and what a strong man that made you.
If you consider that casting the first stone then you have a very strange sense of what that means.
After you attempted to backpedal somewhat at 5:41 pm in a long piece (which actually painted you further into a corner rather than extricate you from it), I, at 7:38 pm, briefly clarified my original point. I should have known better and held my tongue. You are the worst kind of debater. You don’t care for truth or knowledge. You are in it merely to beat the other person. It would never occur to you to gracefully admit to a mistake. To you that means the other person wins! You can’t have that!
Robert, you’ll sit at your computer and insult people who actually get out there and inspire others and who actually stand up for something. You’ll do nothing at all but tear others down because you think it makes you look urbane and cool. You’re wrong Robert. It makes you look petty.
Practical solutions? Don’t look to Robert for them. They’re not part of his oeuvre. This poor bitter little man will sit in the shadows and snipe and whine, that’s all. What a waste, when he might actually do something useful.
Mobius Ecko’s litany of horrors (5.12 pm ) that Trump has put forward, signed off on, promoted, and threatened – in his first week as PotUS and before, is indeed a frightening read. .. It leaves us wondering “what will he do next” – which may I suggest, is the main thrust of his tweets, pronouncements, tweets, signings and tweets. He wants everyone to wonder – therefore, he wants all eyes on him, as that’s 100% what he gets off on. Publicity for D. J. Trump – no matter what it costs, or who it might hurt. The more excessive it is, the better he likes it.
Miriam …. I rarely, if ever, disagree with you. Your comments are always excellent and to the point. I do not disagree with anything you’ve said here, but would like to profer a suggestion, based around the reply you had to Robert Shaw – although, certainly not 100% to that.
Whether R. Shaw was denigrating the womens’ marches, or not I am not sure. … In some instances, yes – and in others, no. Cindy Lauper came out against Madonnas’ speech, mainly because of the language used, and because of the provocative comment about blowing up the White House. But – Madonna had every right to express herself as she saw fit – and to rise or fall because of it. We all do that. Ashley Judd was almost fearsome, and very passionate in her deliverance. All ok – but where is the impact now ?
Problem is, the marches – while productive at the time, did not last long as newsworthy. Their message ended not long after the end of the march. Mainstream media did not pick up on it largely – and when they did, it was only for a few minutes, for a day or so. It had no carry forward. Social media hammered it for a few days, but the marches news has now been replaced with other scintillating tid-bits to delight the avid ( and addicted ) consumers to Facebook ( in particular ) and other social media. ..
Someone, somewhere, has to start some move aimed at hitting at the most vulnerable spots of this draconian government, now in place in the U.S. and I would suggest the rawest nerve might be financial. … A self imposed 6 month household austerity programme might work. Would everyone join in that ? – I doubt it. i.e. – no incidental spending, unless absolutely, utterly necessary. e.g. heating of a home ( wherever ) … lessened by wrapping up in blankets, warm socks – layers of clothing and hats to watch TV or read a book – or even to complete household chores. I have actually done that myself, and it is not anywhere near as difficult as one might imagine.
Yeah, yeah – I know. I am harking back to the dim ages. Why ? – when we have so much on offer to buy, indulge in – would we want to ‘reduce’ ourselves to such a plight. Well – it might just be a plan, and better than one-off marches on particular days. And if it worked, it would not be a ‘reducing’ of ourselves, but rather something to be very proud of. …. and to learn from.
https://fee.org/articles/consumer-spending-drives-the-economy/ – this is not so much about consumer spending as it is about investment. But there is a ‘trickle up’ here. If the consumer does not spend, businesses are put on the back-foot. And a business not enjoying healthy growth, does not invite investment or backing. Large businesses ( e.g. banks ) rely to a degree on smaller businesses to survive. ( but it is much more complex than that ). So it must begin at the grass roots – the ordinary individuals, to cut their spending in order to attempt to bring about a downfall of the big-wig oligarchs currently ruling, or about to rule a country like the U.S.A. …. it could be done, but I doubt it would be. .. .Beyond that I have no other suggestions as to how to spring leaks in the pocket nerve of Trump and his off-siders…. Has anyone else here, have any further suggestions ?
The long winded point I am making, is that protest marches / placards / emphatic and passionate speakers are all well and good – excellent at the time, but fall in a heap if not followed up by affirmative action, towards their spoken goals.
Annie, yep, the march ended and the mainstream media stopped paying attention. That’s what happens with the MSM. At least the marches had some effect. They woke up some onlookers and made a lot of people in the marches realise they’re not alone.
There actually is followup. A lot of people are putting the Indivisible Guide into effect. (Oddly, they mostly seem to be women. That actually surprises me.) The Republicans tried to get rid of the Ethics Committee (which I think is hilarious — signalling to everybody that they’re unethical), but they backed down due to massive action from people using the techniques in the Indivisible Guide. This is really starting to be a thing. OR Books made Beautiful Trouble available for free for the Trump inauguration weekend. The Army Surveyors look like they’ll delay the pipeline through Indian land as long as they can.
Trump is going to have a fight all the way. He has alienated most of the country. Sure, most people are reluctant to get involved, but when you hurt people suddenly a lot of that inertia vanishes. And Trump is threatening to hurt a lot of people. Women are half of the country. Black people make up 13%, Hispanics and Latinos 17% — that’s 30% of the population right there he’s spit upon. LGBT people roughly 10%, but then you have to add all the friends and family who stand with them. Many of the poor were (inexplicably) for him, but now they’re finding he’s played them for fools and they’re going to lose their health cover and their jobs.
I actually don’t think Trump will last. But then Pence will step into the position, and he’s even scarier than Trump.
I have a suggestion Annie, (I am afraid that it may come across as too simplistic.. but, ay)..anyhoo… here we go,…
Walk the Talk….think Global….act Local…take ‘in’ the small picture…DO where you live.
Be it a social service or an environmental service…or an ‘justiice’ service….do….walk ….and talk….and chew gum at the same time if that is your want…but act….
If not now…then when?? ❓
@Mo, that list makes me wanna scream ..HELP.. and/or WTF…..?
…poor fella..my planet ?
Miriam, unlike you I’m not playing to or for an audience.
I’m expressing my open and honest opinion regardless of the consequences, as should be clearly evident to anyone here. Remember me? I’ve been labeled a 5%er.
If all you can take from my posts is the ‘insult’ to Madonna (and congratulations for successfully diverting the larger question to this pitiful molehill – fairly standard tactic around here) then I feel sorry for your demonstrated inability to discern the wheat from the chaff.
And you wonder why I critique the efficacy of the Woman’s March.
Well Miriam, wonder no more.
‘Sneer at the Democrats’
You damn right! Sneering is the most polite response I can muster at this stage. Look at Möbius’ list. Ask yourself how we got here. Ask yourself. Then ask yourself again. And again. And again.
Then talk to me about ‘sneering’.
‘Admit a mistake’
I’m no mind reader Miriam, don’t hold me responsible for your clumsy expression. I suggest a more direct approach; eschew ambiguity.
“Practical solutions”
As far as I can see I’m the only one whose offered them. All you’ve offered is an embarrassing display of teenage psychologising. That, and some cuddly feel good bits about ‘inspiring others’. Oh, you’ve also offered something else, your regular display of woeful comprehension skills – I said ‘first personal stone’ – unless of course you’re secretly Madonna, given up your day job and moved to the dangerous cutting edge world of political activism – blogging.
Grow up Miriam, discuss the issues, the important ones, and leave off the distractions and pitiful red herrings.
You’ve not uttered one word to the core of my critique.
Not one.
And that silence speaks volumes.
——-
Annie B.
Thank you.
It appears we share similar views regarding the crucial importance of ‘carry forward now’. To me it will be the real test of both the commitment of Woman’s Marchers and their willingness to do what is necessary to affect change.
History tells us a sorry, cynical tale of spent energy, of exhausted passions, and I’m afraid that’s what will happen here. Even some of the responses here, full of fury, but with nothing practical to say, only seem to confirm that view.
Never before in my memory can I think of a more pressing time for activism; for some deep, rumbling, and immense, tsunami to wash over the policy makers in Washington. Never before have I seen such a threat countered with such light puffy nonsense.
I could not believe it when i saw the celebrities wheeled out in light of the drubbing that particular tactic received during Clinton’s campaign when she stood alongside such sociopolitical luminaries like Jay-Z, Katy Perry and Leo DiCaprio. Half of America recoiled in disgust, and said so in the loudest terms possible. Yet here we are at the signature protest movement of this young century and we have Madonna offering to blow up the white house! You would think, wouldn’t you, that after her pre election promise to fellate every man who voted for Hillary, that the Democratic minders would have learnt something. I mean, one would think that. Right?
Apparently not.
Annie, the only recourse now, for affecting any sort of change, is the total commitment of every single Marcher, and their supporters, to the hard grind of grassroots activism.
If they can stitch pink pussy hats, then they call their congressman 24/7.
Anything else is a betrayal and worthy of nothing more than blog comment.
Ah, I get it, it’s all the Democrats fault. Let’s forget those many disenchanted conservatives who voted Trump because he wasn’t Republican.
Half of America, or do you mean half of the Americans who bothered to vote, not the majority who didn’t bother for whatever reason, the base reason the list I posted has come about.
I think I’m beginning to understand. Whenever the right fail then it’s the lefts fault.
Democrats foisting a thoroughly tainted product with a long-tarnished name upon a totally jaded electorate; foolish hubris.
Many registered voters opting to show their disdain by not bothering to even cast a ballot; contemptible but understandable.
Endorsing a presidential candidate who openly displayed so many different layers and facets of patent unsuitability for public office, even bragging of an ability to commit public murder with electoral impunity; deranged stupidity.
Ps, I would add that the majority of the participants in other ‘woman’s marches’ held across the ‘rest of the world’ would be in that huge demographic of people who had no sway over the US elections but will undoubtedly suffer the consequences.
Pps, The pop singer Madonna (author of ‘like a virgin’ and ‘spank me’) is not someone I would have personally chosen to articulate the collective concerns of a serious cause.
Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto said on Thursday he had scrapped plans to meet Donald Trump next week after the US president tweeted Mexico should cancel the meeting if it was not prepared to pay for his proposed border wall.
“If Mexico is unwilling to pay for the badly needed wall, then it would be better to cancel the upcoming meeting.”
http://www.smh.com.au/world/mexicos-president-cancels-us-visit-after-donald-trump-baits-him-over-wall-20170126-gtzl9z.html
Diplomacy, or lack thereof, via twitter. What a world.
I think the gist of Robert’s long-winded waffling is “you feminists are doing feminism all wrong”.
Going back to the early stages of the primaries, I was surprised that John Kerry didn’t have another run at the presidency particularly as he was much better known by the electorate after his term as Secretary of State. I have never thought that a Clinton dynasty (or a Bush equivalent) held any attraction.
So true, Deanna. I read something this morning that fits Robert’s attitude nicely. Suzanne Moore, in the Guardian, in her article Patriarchy is the sea in which Trump and his sharks gather.
I blame myself for taking the bait in replying to Robert. He wants a fight. Stupid me. I gave him one. No more.
😉
The White House says Donald Trump wants to hit Mexican imports with a 20 per cent tariff, after Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto cancelled a scheduled trip to the White House over an escalating dispute over the proposed border wall.
Trump said that “unless Mexico is going to treat the United States fairly, with respect, such a meeting would be fruitless, and I want to go a different route. We have no choice.”
White House press secretary Sean Spicer said Mr Trump was calling for a 20 per cent tax in imports to pay for the southern wall.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-01-27/enrique-pena-nieto-cancels-talks-with-donald-trump-over-wall/8216322
People are sooner or later going to realise that the price of everything is going to go up in the US to pay for Trump’s threats.
@Mobius,
“Democrats fault”
Yep.
When Clinton ordered the buses back from their rescue mission, buses full of union members on their way to Michigan to help out the volunteers there staring into the abyss, wide eyed and frozen, pleading for help, she lost the election.
You can chase the disenfranchised Republican votes all you want. It’ll just take you further from understanding the cause and the culprit of this catastrophe.
Any view, and I really don’t care how oblique, that doesn’t posit the Democrats as front and centre for their loss, and for the elevation of Trump to the presidency, isn’t worthy of serious consideration.
“the base reason”
wasn’t voters indolence as such, it was Democrat arrogance and complacency. That arrogance and complacency, it could be argued in support of your claim, was one reason voters didn’t bother to turn out.
“Hillary’s gonna win”, they were lead to believe.
“Comfortably”, they were reassured.
So comfortable in fact that they needn’t bother themselves with spending more in Wisconsin and Michigan, which were need to win, than in Florida and North Carolina, which weren’t (needed to win).
Do you know the spend difference?
97%.
Yep, 3% of what was spent in Florida and North Carolina was spent in Wisconsin and Michigan.
And you don’t want to blame the Democrats?
You go ahead with that line of thought Möbius.
See how far that epiphany will get you come mid-terms.
@Corvus,
Yes, to all.
@Deanna,
I’ll make my response shorter so as not to tax your limited capabilities.
“I think the gist of Robert’s long-winded waffling is “you feminists are doing feminism all wrong”.
If by way of feminism you mean offering “blowjobs”, screaming “f*ck you” and wearing pussy hats.
Then yes, something like that. Call me crazy.
You can stick to the, what did you call it? “strong, articulate and powerful contribution to political discourse, that represented millions of women and will go down in history” that was littered with inanities like this, “as a man who looks like he bathes in Cheeto dust”, “as your own daughter being your favourite sex symbol—like your wet dreams infused with your own genes”, “I am nasty like the blood stains on my bed sheets”, “Is your erection really more than protecting the sacred messy part of my womanhood?”.
You stick with that.
I’d rather you, (they) take Michael Moore’s advice: “On Monday, call (202) 225-3121. Call your representative and your two senators, and, number one, we do not accept Betty DeVos as our secretary of education”.
But I guess that’s where we’re different.
Thank God for that!
I hope that wasn’t too many words for you.
@Miriam,
you didn’t “give me a fight”.
You gave me your usual piffle, slur, and misunderstandings.
Six to fourteen million US jobs (depending on whose figures you use) depend on trade with Mexico.
Donald is opening a can of worms here. He doesn’t understand the trade figures.
And so it begins….
https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/national/challenges-building-border-wall/
Crashing hard onto Thursday’s crucial call.
http://edition.cnn.com/2017/01/25/politics/neil-gorsuch-supreme-court/
Scientists are getting ready for a march on Washington to make known their anger at the gag orders.
Their facebook page has grown by 60,000 people in just a day or so. They have an information website already.
The National Parks Service has started up an “Alt” social media presence after having their official one banned by Trump and they’ve made their response to climate change downloadable “before it gets taken down”.
Trump issued an Australia Day statement which included…
“The United States has no better friend than Australia, and our longstanding alliance is a force for stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region and around the globe.”
I am getting very worried that we are going to be in the middle of a stoush between Trump and China. Time to back away….
Yet surpringly, Kaye, he wants to cancel the visa waiver program that Australians currently enjoy.
Kaye – ” He doesn’t understand the trade figures.”
“I am getting very worried that we are going to be in the middle of a stoush between Trump and China. Time to back away…. ”
Trump doesn’t understand much about anything frankly – watching a man blather on the way he does – and proudly showing as some monument to himself, the already enlarged and framed photographs of not just his anauguration, but the focus of ‘how many people were there’ ( to a reporter being given a ‘tour’ of the White House by the new occupier – think it was on the ABC ). Many cards short of a deck ??
I am worried too – have long wished we’d have backed away from them, long before now …. but they have military boots on the ground here now – with more to come ( apparently ) … don’t have a link about it, that I can post at the moment.
Miriam – “There actually is followup. A lot of people are putting the Indivisible Guide into effect.”
and – “The National Parks Service has started up an “Alt” social media presence after having their official one banned by Trump and they’ve made their response to climate change downloadable “before it gets taken down”. Had a look at the Indivisible Guide site – downloaded it and will read it shortly – it is very long and thanks for that. Also notice that a couple of other agencies now have gone the “Alt” route with their sites – …. Trump, in shutting down these agencies, is in effect, fiddling with the First Amendment of their own Constitution. Even if for a day, that is just not right. He seems to believe he is infallible. Suffers from a God complex.
Mobius and Corveus … “or do you mean half of the Americans who bothered to vote, not the majority who didn’t bother for whatever reason…..” – – – – ” Many registered voters opting to show their disdain by not bothering to even cast a ballot; contemptible but understandable.” Herein lies the main problem. And dare I suggest it is in fact undemocratic to leave over half the voting population to decide not to vote. The results rest with those who get out and vote – and that is not a majority situation whichever way one would like to spin it. Perhaps the logistics of making voting mandatory by all is too much – not enough venues ? But oh dear – it would be all way too difficult. 22 countries have mandatory voting – the biggest voting populations are Brazil and the U.S.’ current BFF 😉 – Mexico.
Deanna – “I think the gist of Robert’s long-winded waffling is “you feminists are doing feminism all wrong”. …. Bottom line is – I believe there are very few men on this earth who have any idea whatsoever, of what feminism really is. Most don’t want to know, for many and varied reasons. A lot of men would see it as emasculating themselves. … if they attempted to understand a womans’ point of view – on much. ….. But not all men …. just too many ? 😉
Lovo – your suggestion is not simplistic. It’s sensible. I am sure many people are in fact doing a lot of talking – and hopefully it is not just to spread fear, but to do some kind of planning to bring this farcical situation to a close somehow, beginning with fixing up our own house – putting Australia into order. …
** Correction ** to previous post. Trump is not shutting down agencies – he is forbidding them to issue any form of reports via media and social media ( except of course for his own twitterings ). – there still is no indication as to how long these restraints will remain.
Mind you, if Trump can be impeached in some way – it leaves the way open for Pence who is not much better, in a different way. Damned if they do, damned if they don’t. …. I feel anarchy is looming over there.