Since you mentioned the bill, the President gave a speech in Iowa last night in which he announced that he hates all Democrats. I’m in Canada today so I can’t link to the Guardian article, but this is the quote from his speech: “ Democrats say the bill will take food and healthcare from the poor while handing billions to the rich. But Trump complained bitterly that their unified opposition was personal: “Only because they hate Trump. But I hate them too, you know that? I really do. I hate them. I cannot stand them because I really believe they hate our country.”
Lyz, I also had hip flexor pain; turns out my vitamin D was really low. If you haven't already you may want to get your levels checked; we Iowa women often don't get enough of that vitamin.
Lyz you capture my utter disgust at the selfish cowardice that passes for Republican legislators today. Profiles in intellectual weakness, accommodation and self-serving rationalization. The whole GOP caucus took the first plane for Cancun when Trump's thugs started calling with primary threats.
Does anyone realize the implication of an ICE with a budget the size of the US Army's?
Our national arc is taking a sinister and cruel turn that I sense will largely be met for the time being by an American shrug. How ignorant we are. There are tragic stories of young Germans who tried vainly after 1938 to protest brutal Nazi policies and were summarily tried and executed. We're not there yet, but we're following a well-worn trail.
Yes the 150 billion for I c e to wield against whoever they decide is a threat is by far the most scary part of the bill to me. And the thing we will see
I understand unmarked cars, face masks and backwards-facing baseball caps are expensive.
And yes, those anonymous thugs are SO un-American. And no-one will be safe when the government can decide it doesn't like you so it will threaten, intimidate and shut you down - as Trump is doing with the media and with big law firms and now Elon Musk. No-one is safe.
Re: Murkowski, I thought about the contrast with McCain saving the ACA in 2017. You made an impressive list of analogies to the Murkowski "cave." Perhaps "doing a Murkowski" will enter the political lexicon as not having the courage of your convictions.
I REALIZE we’re not supposed to comment on people’s appearance but Murkowski looks like a pissed off turtle coming out of its shell. Which maybe isn’t such a diss after all, and besides, she deserves it.
Almost 12 is the same age as a smart, resourceful protagonist of LM Bujold’s Cryoburn, from a techno feminist sci-fi series that always considers moms’ and kids’ needs and has fantastic characterization besides. A deeply humanistic and yet escapist beach read.
We’re celebrating with neighbors today but it’s about community, not about this country. RIP USA 1776-2025
Such an easy and obvious choice - the perfect summer dingus! I have to admit, though, that I found this one a little harder to laugh at, not because your comments weren't hilarious, but because what she did was SO despicable - more like the Ipecac of the week.
My favorite line has to be 'I never thought a man talking for eight hours would be a good thing, but it's 2025'. And I am fully aware of the irony of leaving a comment saying so! :)
I was born in Sheboygan but have lived in Madison since I was four and a half, so I know these Wisconsins of which you speak. So glad you had a good time and please come back soon. We'd all best enjoy whatever time we have left as we watch the world die.
"It was really, really hard and she doesn't like it but she went ahead with it anyway. Like, ma'am, you aren't describing see with your husband on a Friday night". 🤣🤣
Last night, at 1025 pm EDT, I got an email from the Social Security Administration praising the passage of the bill. It included this quote from an aspiring dingus:
“This is a historic step forward for America’s seniors,” said Social Security Commissioner Frank Bisignano. “For nearly 90 years, Social Security has been a cornerstone of economic security for older Americans. By significantly reducing the tax burden on benefits, this legislation reaffirms President Trump’s promise to protect Social Security and helps ensure that seniors can better enjoy the retirement they’ve earned."
Ugh I got that one too. Blatant Hatch Act violation. I work for the Feds and in normal administrations, we’d never be able to send out something that politicized.
I can’t speak for all agencies, but anything from specific offices (Office of Nuclear Energy, for example) at mine (Energy) is still written by sane people. But yeah, a lot of the official accounts are straight up propaganda now.
Me also. Quiet as a pin drop but to me, it's the sound of our democracy hitting the ground after being thrown out a window. But hey, happy Fourth... I guess half a Roman Republic is all we get.
I pray that once we begin to see the results of the ‘big fucking ugly ass bill” the true revolutionary spirit of the American people will rise to meet this challenge to human decency and their freedoms to happiness and the well being of all people who live here.
Fucking A Right
Since you mentioned the bill, the President gave a speech in Iowa last night in which he announced that he hates all Democrats. I’m in Canada today so I can’t link to the Guardian article, but this is the quote from his speech: “ Democrats say the bill will take food and healthcare from the poor while handing billions to the rich. But Trump complained bitterly that their unified opposition was personal: “Only because they hate Trump. But I hate them too, you know that? I really do. I hate them. I cannot stand them because I really believe they hate our country.”
I would also like to recommend Ruth Whippman’s newest essay here: https://ruthwhippman.substack.com/p/bang-bang-youre-alive?utm_source=post-banner&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=posts-open-in-app&triedRedirect=true
Lyz, I also had hip flexor pain; turns out my vitamin D was really low. If you haven't already you may want to get your levels checked; we Iowa women often don't get enough of that vitamin.
I’ve been taking vitamin D supplements for the past two years. I guarantee you I’m just moving too much
Didn't you run across Iowa awhile back? Seems to me that would kick off the old hip flexors.
Lyz you capture my utter disgust at the selfish cowardice that passes for Republican legislators today. Profiles in intellectual weakness, accommodation and self-serving rationalization. The whole GOP caucus took the first plane for Cancun when Trump's thugs started calling with primary threats.
Does anyone realize the implication of an ICE with a budget the size of the US Army's?
Our national arc is taking a sinister and cruel turn that I sense will largely be met for the time being by an American shrug. How ignorant we are. There are tragic stories of young Germans who tried vainly after 1938 to protest brutal Nazi policies and were summarily tried and executed. We're not there yet, but we're following a well-worn trail.
Yes the 150 billion for I c e to wield against whoever they decide is a threat is by far the most scary part of the bill to me. And the thing we will see
most quickly. It’s immediate.
I understand unmarked cars, face masks and backwards-facing baseball caps are expensive.
And yes, those anonymous thugs are SO un-American. And no-one will be safe when the government can decide it doesn't like you so it will threaten, intimidate and shut you down - as Trump is doing with the media and with big law firms and now Elon Musk. No-one is safe.
I disagree with our arc 'taking' its turn, I think it is well around the bend.
But you really got me with "took the first plane for Cancun" such a metaphor! It could be a song title.
OMG the Sophie’s Choice analogy 🎯
Re: Murkowski, I thought about the contrast with McCain saving the ACA in 2017. You made an impressive list of analogies to the Murkowski "cave." Perhaps "doing a Murkowski" will enter the political lexicon as not having the courage of your convictions.
Dynamite!
1. Lisa Murkowski is the perfect dingus for this "I got mine, you get yours yourownself" country.
2. Two of your best music links!
3. I appreciate your avoidance of the obvious cliché, but I have no such reservations. To Dr. Phil: How's that workin' for you?
I REALIZE we’re not supposed to comment on people’s appearance but Murkowski looks like a pissed off turtle coming out of its shell. Which maybe isn’t such a diss after all, and besides, she deserves it.
Almost 12 is the same age as a smart, resourceful protagonist of LM Bujold’s Cryoburn, from a techno feminist sci-fi series that always considers moms’ and kids’ needs and has fantastic characterization besides. A deeply humanistic and yet escapist beach read.
We’re celebrating with neighbors today but it’s about community, not about this country. RIP USA 1776-2025
Your words and the music today— chef’s kiss. As Joni Ernst said, we’re all going to die.
Such an easy and obvious choice - the perfect summer dingus! I have to admit, though, that I found this one a little harder to laugh at, not because your comments weren't hilarious, but because what she did was SO despicable - more like the Ipecac of the week.
some words to reflect on today:
Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
“Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!” cries she
With silent lips. “Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”
—Emma Lazarus, “The New Colossus”
personally, i think that france should ask us to return lady liberty. we don't deserve her anymore.
My favorite line has to be 'I never thought a man talking for eight hours would be a good thing, but it's 2025'. And I am fully aware of the irony of leaving a comment saying so! :)
I was born in Sheboygan but have lived in Madison since I was four and a half, so I know these Wisconsins of which you speak. So glad you had a good time and please come back soon. We'd all best enjoy whatever time we have left as we watch the world die.
The trolley problem paragraph literally made me cry with laughter. Thank you.
"It was really, really hard and she doesn't like it but she went ahead with it anyway. Like, ma'am, you aren't describing see with your husband on a Friday night". 🤣🤣
Last night, at 1025 pm EDT, I got an email from the Social Security Administration praising the passage of the bill. It included this quote from an aspiring dingus:
“This is a historic step forward for America’s seniors,” said Social Security Commissioner Frank Bisignano. “For nearly 90 years, Social Security has been a cornerstone of economic security for older Americans. By significantly reducing the tax burden on benefits, this legislation reaffirms President Trump’s promise to protect Social Security and helps ensure that seniors can better enjoy the retirement they’ve earned."
🤯🤯🤯
Ugh I got that one too. Blatant Hatch Act violation. I work for the Feds and in normal administrations, we’d never be able to send out something that politicized.
And so the gaslighting is on overdrive. Got the same message from the Kool-Aid addled admin.
Me too. What is there left on the federal level that we can trust? It's all so sickening.
i got this too. disgusting
I can’t speak for all agencies, but anything from specific offices (Office of Nuclear Energy, for example) at mine (Energy) is still written by sane people. But yeah, a lot of the official accounts are straight up propaganda now.
Me also. Quiet as a pin drop but to me, it's the sound of our democracy hitting the ground after being thrown out a window. But hey, happy Fourth... I guess half a Roman Republic is all we get.
I pray that once we begin to see the results of the ‘big fucking ugly ass bill” the true revolutionary spirit of the American people will rise to meet this challenge to human decency and their freedoms to happiness and the well being of all people who live here.