Bill Cassidy (R) from LA is apparently on the fence with RF Kennedy Jr nomination. Cassidy is a gastroenterologist and he knows you never admit a doctor to hospital staff if there is any doubt, because it is nearly impossible to get them off if it was a mistake. This is the same scenario. Flood his offices, FB, Instagram, phone, email, with messages to unequivocally vote NO for JFK Jr. https://www.facebook.com/billcassidy, https://www.instagram.com/senbillcassidy/, DC (Phone: (202) 224-5824, Hours: M-F9-5:30pm) etc. Some of his sites are down; I hope from public flooding.
Because you like someone doesn't mean they are right for the job. If he votes for him because he knows him to have a level of excellence that works, that is fine by me. But if he ignores his conscience and goes the way of the Good Ol' Boys, shame on him.
Did no one listen to Caroline Kennedy, his cousin? How hard it must have been for her denounce someone in her family who, like her, lost their father to an assassin. Yet she did in no uncertain terms, and I hope you'll listen to her read the letter. She called him a predator, pretty strong language from a Brearley graduate.
I read Caroline‘a denunciation of her cousin, Bobby (RFK,Jr.) She called him a predator. She went on to say that he would put baby chicks and mice into a blender to feed his hawks that he kept as pets. People who do such things to animals while growing up generally do not turn out to be good people. RFK, Jr. is another example of a rich kid, whose family wealth shields them from consequences. 45 is a similar type of rich kid.
Not only shame on Senator Whitehouse if he votes to put such an unqualified, immoral and dangerous person in such an important office as head of HHS.
But Senator Whitehouse will do great damage to his own reputation if he votes for JFK Jr. The senator has been leading the charge to force the Supreme Court in general and Clarence Thomas in particular, to adopt rules of conduct that every other judge in this country has to follow.
I've been very impressed and grateful to Senator Whitehouse for continuing to point out the rampant corruption indulged in by Republican members of the Supreme Court, particularly Clarence Thomas.
If Senator Whitehouse votes to make JFK Jr. head of HHS, he will reveal himself to be another two-faced politician...holier than thou about the disgusting misconduct of Republican Supreme Court Justices, but willing to subject America to dangerous and very likely long lasting trauma and sickness, by allowing a totally unqualified and immoral friend to lead a critical department of our government.
I really hope Senator Whitehouse votes against JFK Jr. and has some other reason why he isn't revealing his vote at this point. As others here have said, he doesn't seem like the kind of person who would vote to allow such an unqualified candidate to take such an important job.
I really do not think Whitehouse will vote for him. That’s my opinion, of course, but friends can disagree with one another and in this case, Whitehouse knows he’s batshit crazy!
I have always thought of Senator Whitehouse as a Senator I have respected. I will have to rethink my opinion if he votes to confirm RFK Jr. because they were roommates in Law school. I will be watching this Senator closely.
I'm with you on this one. I know that Whitehouse is really good with financial stuff, and I've always known him to be on the side of truth. If he is a caring person, I can't fathom how he could vote for RFK Jr., just because they were roommates. It doesn't fit with the picture I've always gotten of him.
I agree, and I would think that anyone who knew him in college would have even more reasons to be concerned given what I've heard about his drug dealing and drug using.
After reading your comment, I found a video from NPR on YouTube showing Senator Whitehouse's statement during his questioning time of Kennedy. Wow, in the video, Whitehouse seems really hot about unfair government medical payments and impractical end-of-life care that cheat Rhode Islanders. You can see he doesn't seem to have a high regard - or even a friendly feeling - for his old law school roommate. He doesn't seem to believe Kennedy would be able to help him get fair CMS payments for Rhode Island. I think that would be the only issue that could make Whitehouse vote for him but it doesn't look like he's thinking that way from this video. Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0OhJ2CxAKvE
It seems to have started with Talking Points Memo. Not a source that I'm familiar with. But it's made it's way into RI newspapers and elsewhere.
"Whitehouse isn’t the only Democratic senator not firmly locked down. There are also concerns about John Fetterman (D-PA) and Bernie Sanders (I-VT). But observers seem fairly confident that both will oppose Kennedy.
I would be shocked. The story seems to have started with Talking Points Memo.
"Overall, we rate Talking Points Memo (TPM) Left Biased based on story selection and editorial positions that frequently favor the left. We also rate them Mostly Factual in reporting due to proper sourcing of information and one failed fact check."
Even his cousin Caroline knows he shouldn’t be confirmed. Hopefully Whitehouse will look beyond his earlier friendship with Kennedy. As Caroline said, he can be charismatic.
In addition to rejecting these insane candidates who will be minding the asylum so to speak, we have to keep our eyes on the topic that turns us into the Nazis if we don't care to insist on humane treatment for human beings.
Here is lawyer Leeza Miller laying out what is going on with immigration right now very clearly and thoroughly in less than 30 mins, ignore Lumens ad.
Bill Cassidy is NOT a Senator and only Senators get to vote on appointed positions. Our 2 Senators are Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff. neither will vote in favor of Patel, or Kennedy
Apologies if you have heard this before, but it's more relevant than ever. Another thing the loyal opposition does is an idea Timothy Snyder (who wrote On Tyranny) has been pushing for a People's (shadow) cabinet. Imagine if we had Pete speaking as people's transportation sec today, or AOC as people's attorney general, or pick-your-favorite as people's health sec!
If anyone feels like it, you can sign this petition and repost the following:
Democrats, we must get louder to respond forcefully to the administration and make them own their unpopular actions. Let's form a Democratic People's Cabinet, our best folks speaking out. Please sign and repost!
I called Ted Budd’s office today to tell him to vote NO on RFK, Jr. I tried to send an email on his website, but there was no SUBMIT button to click to send my email form. I have already contacted Tom Tillis about RFK, Jr. and Tulsi Gabbard. I doubt they’ll listen, but I tried.
I just checked and there a Submit button on the contact via message space when checking on my phone. This is that page. https://www.budd.senate.gov/contact/
We need a spokesperson, not 50 senators that most people never heard of or 200 representatives that even their consitutents probably don't know. We need a shadow press secretary who is everywhere everyday. If the DNC spent 1/10 as much on messaging as they do asking for money (every day?) we'd make some progress.
If you get on Instagram, you keep seeing polls and "educational opportunities" from Hillsdale College and a dozen other right wing fountains. It's sickening.
In the US, you have to have a primary to pick a representative of the party.
In Britain, you have to pay a fee to become a party member, and then they have a party conference where the leader of the opposition is chosen. Kind of like the Iowa caucus.
Good point- we’d have to figure out how to choose our people’s cabinet. There were a lot of good ideas floating around about how to do Democratic party elections in a hurry when people were talking about a “mini-primary”
Hell, I somehow got one their list for mail! I sent everyone of them back and told them to take me off of their mailing list immediately because I did not agree with any of their stances!
I'm up for that. and I think it would be a great way to address the daily insults about things like today's diatribe against the FAA being corrupted by DEI or the notion of reclaiming the Panama Canal. It might also be a sneaky way to teach a little American history.
Joyce - in an upcoming newsletter could you write about things we can actively do to make a difference, and affect change? Staying informed and engaged is great, but simply screaming into the void of social media for the last 8 years did nothing to keep this all from happening again.
Go to the Substack page “Chop Wood, Carry Water.” Every day Jessica Craven gives you all the info you need about current legislation, who to call and what to say. If everyone followed her direction our elected “leaders” might start thinking twice about going against the wishes of their constituents. They need to hear from us - loudly and clearly! Calls from constituents are required to be tallied. Our voices MATTER!
Hi James, what I am understanding is change is needed on the local level. Yes, Democrat lawmakers need to implement minute to minute social media rebukes from their offices, something a lower level staffer can do. If all MOC do this, the constant
barrage of flak coming out of Trump will be countered throughout the day.
On the local level, I met with a couple in NJ who meet likeminded people each week
at a local coffee shop to plan strategy. Two are already running for local D positions,
and the others continue to engage more people in joining. I think this is such a wise
way of resisting because people have a job to do. Rallies are fine but the micro level
needs attention now. It is tough because we are all so exhausted from His first term.
After one week of the mess, I’m ready for a break. But that break won’t come unless we gather in our communities and fight the bastards.
Great question, James. Connect with your local Indivisible group and join in for the national Indivisible zoom calls every Thursday. They are giving us great support on strategy and effective action opportunities.
"Control tower at National Airport understaffed before deadly collision.
Two of Reagan National Airport’s air traffic controllers were doing double duty Wednesday night."
How tragically appropriate that this crash happened at Reagan National Airport. Ever since Ronald Reagan broke the union, air traffic controllers have worked under duress.
Trump says you need 'very special geniuses' to do the job. And you need enough of them working in reasonable conditions. And we need government regulatory agencies. Not at all what Trump, the GOP, Project 2025, and Elon Musk have in mind.
My heart goes out to those working the tower that night.
Please phone all the Senators on the Budget Committee. Say No to Vought.
Thx for the info and the contact info, lin. I'll be calling tomorrow. I'm still thinking about the 17 fired IG's. I doubt trump's going to replace them. He doesn't want a free method of challenging what goes on at "his" agencies. Chuck Grassley needs to know people are still watching and wanting to know when he'll call a hearing.
The funding freeze was rescinded and stayed by judges, but friends of mine at FDA and NSF say they are still not being allowed to pay their vendors and grantees. I fear for the rule of law when political appointees can just ignore court decisions and order agencies to do the same.
Now is the time to get involved. We need to be the resistance. Email or call your Senators and tell them to VOTE NO on the confirmations. The Cabinet is supposed to make us feel secure. don-old has picked only what he considers his strongest maga cultists who will defend him above anyone else. The worst thing we can do is to obey in advance by doing nothing. We are strong. There are 500,000 of us subscribing to Joyce’s Substack and for a reason. Thank you Joyce for your information and explanations.
These 3 DO NOT represent the best that America has to offer. Neither does the man at the top. What a disgrace he made of himself today. Sadly, it will not be the last time, but hopefully people will start to see what he really is.
Exactly, that's why he wants to get rid of DEI. It's heartening to see a list of large companies that refuse to dismantle their DEI initiatives. Turns out, you get a better workplace when everyone has an equal chance to be hired and to move up in the company.
Another great resource is Chop Wood, Carry Water. On that Substack you can get the numbers for your senators and representative, with a script to make sure you hit all the important boxes to have your voice count. It takes 5 mins or less and they do count them. If you like them, give them a compliment. Just let them know you are watching. Make it a habit, that is what I am doing.
Thanks Martha, I love to hear all the things people do to contact their Senators and Reps. I also contact my state and federal legislators. Also, I contact publications to ask them to remember to cover certain stories. With trump intentionally blitzing us, it's going to take all of us remembering these issues and keeping them alive with our reps and in the public eye with the media. I just subscribed to the Chop Wood, Carry Water substack earlier this evening- it looks fantastic.
The three nominees in hearings today are completely unqualified for the positions they have been nominated for. Every single ?Senator knows that unless they have some kind of comprehension problem. However, I suspect no more than 3 of them will object because then Vance can break the tie because he puts as little effort into thinking as the rest of the Republicans. When Republicans in elected office are so tied to their leader they can't live their oath of office and would rather serve him than the American people, it is clear that political party and its inhabitants are no longer worthy of the office they hold. Now, how do we get the American people to care enough to vote them out of office when they only see the "R" when they are voting and care nothing for whoever wears the "R." Then there are the oligarchs who can spend as much money to buy candidates as they wish with no penalties, no accountability, nothing. We are in trouble, but we need to do everything we can to stop them, let as many people as possible know what they can do to make their voice heard. It would be powerful for the Senate if Republicans actually grew up at least for a few days and voted all 3 of these inappropriate lying jerks down and demanded better nominees. I do not see that happening because Republicans have decided being toddlers following a toddler-bully is a good thing.
I agree with you, Ruth. I also wonder what godawful excuse for a human, trump would then put in as an alternative? Now that matt gaetz isn't employed as a congressman, he's decided he'll run for Gov here in FL. At least, for now, he isn't in a national position.
Thank you, Joyce, for calling us to action by contacting our representatives. A critical mass of constituent voices will be heard. It’s getting that critical mass…….
Well, I've called my representative 4 times since last week. Yes, FOUR times! I've told them that I would be a pest. I also told them that I really try to limit my calls to something really critical. Turns out 3 days in a row I called my representative. Only draw back is that he's a Democrat so he already knows the problems & is against this ridiculous administration. But every time I call I tell them that I expect to see Democrats to be in front of a microphone whenever they can find one. I insist on that. So even if you have a Democratic representative impress on them the need for them to speak out loudly & often.
They are starting to do that now & we MUST encourage them!!!
Thank you to everyone who is posting phone numbers for Congressional and Senatorial offices. Email addresses, though less effective, would be good, too, as they constitute a record that can be more readily shared.
Most of them have form letters on their website rather than an email you can use, but their aides do read the letters. So calling and writing is important to have your voice heard. Save the comment before you send it.
After Trump's disgusting address to the nation this morning about the tragic air crash last night, including his opinion as to who is/are at fault, and listening to bits and pieces of confirmation hearings for Kennedy, Gabbard, and Patel, I have only one comment: We have now beheld the TRUMP CAVALCADE OF PIGS.
Bill Cassidy (R) from LA is apparently on the fence with RF Kennedy Jr nomination. Cassidy is a gastroenterologist and he knows you never admit a doctor to hospital staff if there is any doubt, because it is nearly impossible to get them off if it was a mistake. This is the same scenario. Flood his offices, FB, Instagram, phone, email, with messages to unequivocally vote NO for JFK Jr. https://www.facebook.com/billcassidy, https://www.instagram.com/senbillcassidy/, DC (Phone: (202) 224-5824, Hours: M-F9-5:30pm) etc. Some of his sites are down; I hope from public flooding.
Unfortunately Democrat Sheldon Whitehouse is also on the fence. He and RFKJr have been friends since they were roommates in law school.
Phone: (202) 224-2921
Because you like someone doesn't mean they are right for the job. If he votes for him because he knows him to have a level of excellence that works, that is fine by me. But if he ignores his conscience and goes the way of the Good Ol' Boys, shame on him.
Did no one listen to Caroline Kennedy, his cousin? How hard it must have been for her denounce someone in her family who, like her, lost their father to an assassin. Yet she did in no uncertain terms, and I hope you'll listen to her read the letter. She called him a predator, pretty strong language from a Brearley graduate.
I read Caroline‘a denunciation of her cousin, Bobby (RFK,Jr.) She called him a predator. She went on to say that he would put baby chicks and mice into a blender to feed his hawks that he kept as pets. People who do such things to animals while growing up generally do not turn out to be good people. RFK, Jr. is another example of a rich kid, whose family wealth shields them from consequences. 45 is a similar type of rich kid.
Hawks eat those things whole. Were they alive when they went into the blender?
Not only shame on Senator Whitehouse if he votes to put such an unqualified, immoral and dangerous person in such an important office as head of HHS.
But Senator Whitehouse will do great damage to his own reputation if he votes for JFK Jr. The senator has been leading the charge to force the Supreme Court in general and Clarence Thomas in particular, to adopt rules of conduct that every other judge in this country has to follow.
I've been very impressed and grateful to Senator Whitehouse for continuing to point out the rampant corruption indulged in by Republican members of the Supreme Court, particularly Clarence Thomas.
If Senator Whitehouse votes to make JFK Jr. head of HHS, he will reveal himself to be another two-faced politician...holier than thou about the disgusting misconduct of Republican Supreme Court Justices, but willing to subject America to dangerous and very likely long lasting trauma and sickness, by allowing a totally unqualified and immoral friend to lead a critical department of our government.
I really hope Senator Whitehouse votes against JFK Jr. and has some other reason why he isn't revealing his vote at this point. As others here have said, he doesn't seem like the kind of person who would vote to allow such an unqualified candidate to take such an important job.
I do not think he will vote for him.
I really do not think Whitehouse will vote for him. That’s my opinion, of course, but friends can disagree with one another and in this case, Whitehouse knows he’s batshit crazy!
Whitehouse needs to be swamped with calls and messages from his constituents demanding he vote for competency, NOT FRIRNDSHIP.
That I find hard to believe. Did you watch the hearing today and Senator Whitehouse?
I have always thought of Senator Whitehouse as a Senator I have respected. I will have to rethink my opinion if he votes to confirm RFK Jr. because they were roommates in Law school. I will be watching this Senator closely.
I'm with you on this one. I know that Whitehouse is really good with financial stuff, and I've always known him to be on the side of truth. If he is a caring person, I can't fathom how he could vote for RFK Jr., just because they were roommates. It doesn't fit with the picture I've always gotten of him.
Whitehouse was a classmate of RFKJr. His roommate was Michael Kennedy, Bobby's younger brother.
Whitehouse was a classmate of RFKJr. His roommate was Michael Kennedy, Bobby's younger brother.
I agree, and I would think that anyone who knew him in college would have even more reasons to be concerned given what I've heard about his drug dealing and drug using.
Hey Vickie,
After reading your comment, I found a video from NPR on YouTube showing Senator Whitehouse's statement during his questioning time of Kennedy. Wow, in the video, Whitehouse seems really hot about unfair government medical payments and impractical end-of-life care that cheat Rhode Islanders. You can see he doesn't seem to have a high regard - or even a friendly feeling - for his old law school roommate. He doesn't seem to believe Kennedy would be able to help him get fair CMS payments for Rhode Island. I think that would be the only issue that could make Whitehouse vote for him but it doesn't look like he's thinking that way from this video. Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0OhJ2CxAKvE
Thanks for that. I watched it live. I still hold firm in my belief that Senator Whitehouse won’t vote to confirm him.
I truly hope you are right. It would be totally out of character for Whitehouse. I have followed him for years and he has been a star.
Yes he has been!
They were law school classmates, but Whitehouse was roommates with Bobby's younger brother, Michael.
I know. Whitehouse is a hero of the Senate.
It seems to have started with Talking Points Memo. Not a source that I'm familiar with. But it's made it's way into RI newspapers and elsewhere.
"Whitehouse isn’t the only Democratic senator not firmly locked down. There are also concerns about John Fetterman (D-PA) and Bernie Sanders (I-VT). But observers seem fairly confident that both will oppose Kennedy.
Whitehouse is the question mark."
https://talkingpointsmemo.com/edblog/dems-worry-sen-whitehouse-considering-vote-for-rfk-jr
Can’t trust Fetterman.
I would be shocked. The story seems to have started with Talking Points Memo.
"Overall, we rate Talking Points Memo (TPM) Left Biased based on story selection and editorial positions that frequently favor the left. We also rate them Mostly Factual in reporting due to proper sourcing of information and one failed fact check."
https://mediabiasfactcheck.com/talking-points-memo/
Friendships are not internal....
Even his cousin Caroline knows he shouldn’t be confirmed. Hopefully Whitehouse will look beyond his earlier friendship with Kennedy. As Caroline said, he can be charismatic.
You can’t be serious about Sheldon Whitehouse…
I don't know what to make of the reports. They seem to have one source - Talking Points Memo. And it is not a source I am familiar with.
It would truly shock me.
In addition to rejecting these insane candidates who will be minding the asylum so to speak, we have to keep our eyes on the topic that turns us into the Nazis if we don't care to insist on humane treatment for human beings.
Here is lawyer Leeza Miller laying out what is going on with immigration right now very clearly and thoroughly in less than 30 mins, ignore Lumens ad.
https://youtu.be/Ccwk8qvp14U?si=SKX9tztDrQL374Sx
Thx, Bonnie! Excellent idea. I am.
Bill Cassidy is NOT a Senator and only Senators get to vote on appointed positions. Our 2 Senators are Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff. neither will vote in favor of Patel, or Kennedy
I thought they only rescinded the freeze memo, it sounded like the freezing has remained?
Exactly
Where's the watchdog to make sure people actually get their money
https://joycevance.substack.com/p/what-the-loyal-opposition-does/comment/89955351
Apologies if you have heard this before, but it's more relevant than ever. Another thing the loyal opposition does is an idea Timothy Snyder (who wrote On Tyranny) has been pushing for a People's (shadow) cabinet. Imagine if we had Pete speaking as people's transportation sec today, or AOC as people's attorney general, or pick-your-favorite as people's health sec!
If anyone feels like it, you can sign this petition and repost the following:
Democrats, we must get louder to respond forcefully to the administration and make them own their unpopular actions. Let's form a Democratic People's Cabinet, our best folks speaking out. Please sign and repost!
www.change.org/shadowcabinet
(see https://snyder.substack.com/p/shadow-cabinet)
Snyders shadow cabinet is a brilliant idea. Get the very best messengers to be the point person on relevant issues.
After hearing Joe Neguse from Colorado speaking, he would be a good shadow cabinet member, alongside people like AOC and Elizabeth Warren.
And Pete B, and Jasmine Crockett among others.
Neguse is outstanding!
>> AOC as people's attorney general ????
The People's cabinet is a great idea, but AOC does not happen to be a lawyer. Gotta find another job for her!
Completely agree!
Neguse is wonderful!
I called Ted Budd’s office today to tell him to vote NO on RFK, Jr. I tried to send an email on his website, but there was no SUBMIT button to click to send my email form. I have already contacted Tom Tillis about RFK, Jr. and Tulsi Gabbard. I doubt they’ll listen, but I tried.
I just checked and there a Submit button on the contact via message space when checking on my phone. This is that page. https://www.budd.senate.gov/contact/
We need a spokesperson, not 50 senators that most people never heard of or 200 representatives that even their consitutents probably don't know. We need a shadow press secretary who is everywhere everyday. If the DNC spent 1/10 as much on messaging as they do asking for money (every day?) we'd make some progress.
If you get on Instagram, you keep seeing polls and "educational opportunities" from Hillsdale College and a dozen other right wing fountains. It's sickening.
Yes! Or maybe even a “Leader of The Opposition” like in other countries?
In the US, you have to have a primary to pick a representative of the party.
In Britain, you have to pay a fee to become a party member, and then they have a party conference where the leader of the opposition is chosen. Kind of like the Iowa caucus.
Good point- we’d have to figure out how to choose our people’s cabinet. There were a lot of good ideas floating around about how to do Democratic party elections in a hurry when people were talking about a “mini-primary”
Thanks for your comment about dens looking for dough instead of working for the people.
Hell, I somehow got one their list for mail! I sent everyone of them back and told them to take me off of their mailing list immediately because I did not agree with any of their stances!
I'm up for that. and I think it would be a great way to address the daily insults about things like today's diatribe against the FAA being corrupted by DEI or the notion of reclaiming the Panama Canal. It might also be a sneaky way to teach a little American history.
Agree! 100%
Thank you, Steve! Signed and donated!
Thank you for bringing attention to this - signed and donated!
Wiley Nickel of NC has also promoted this.
Yes- he’s seen the petition and is supportive!
I would choose Dr.Ashish Jha for HHS secretary. And Jasmine Crockett for AG.
There is an Alt National Park Service and Alt CDC on Blue Sky
They (democracy leadership, if you will) seemed more organized doing this the last time around
Excellent idea
Thanks for sharing
Signed and supported!
Joyce - in an upcoming newsletter could you write about things we can actively do to make a difference, and affect change? Staying informed and engaged is great, but simply screaming into the void of social media for the last 8 years did nothing to keep this all from happening again.
Go to the Substack page “Chop Wood, Carry Water.” Every day Jessica Craven gives you all the info you need about current legislation, who to call and what to say. If everyone followed her direction our elected “leaders” might start thinking twice about going against the wishes of their constituents. They need to hear from us - loudly and clearly! Calls from constituents are required to be tallied. Our voices MATTER!
Great idea, Jan! I just took a look at Jessica's substack and you're right, it's great. I subscribed. Thx for the great idea.
Hi James, what I am understanding is change is needed on the local level. Yes, Democrat lawmakers need to implement minute to minute social media rebukes from their offices, something a lower level staffer can do. If all MOC do this, the constant
barrage of flak coming out of Trump will be countered throughout the day.
On the local level, I met with a couple in NJ who meet likeminded people each week
at a local coffee shop to plan strategy. Two are already running for local D positions,
and the others continue to engage more people in joining. I think this is such a wise
way of resisting because people have a job to do. Rallies are fine but the micro level
needs attention now. It is tough because we are all so exhausted from His first term.
After one week of the mess, I’m ready for a break. But that break won’t come unless we gather in our communities and fight the bastards.
Great question, James. Connect with your local Indivisible group and join in for the national Indivisible zoom calls every Thursday. They are giving us great support on strategy and effective action opportunities.
"Control tower at National Airport understaffed before deadly collision.
Two of Reagan National Airport’s air traffic controllers were doing double duty Wednesday night."
How tragically appropriate that this crash happened at Reagan National Airport. Ever since Ronald Reagan broke the union, air traffic controllers have worked under duress.
Trump says you need 'very special geniuses' to do the job. And you need enough of them working in reasonable conditions. And we need government regulatory agencies. Not at all what Trump, the GOP, Project 2025, and Elon Musk have in mind.
My heart goes out to those working the tower that night.
Please phone all the Senators on the Budget Committee. Say No to Vought.
Please call everyone on the Budget Committee:
.https://www.budget.senate.gov/about/committee-members.
Chair Lindsey Graham
.https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/.
Washington, DC 20510
Office: (202) 224-5972
His DC phone mail box may be full, call other offices
Ranking Member Jeff Merkley
.https://www.merkley.senate.gov/connect/office-locations/.
Phone: (202) 224-3753
Senate Switchboard (202) 224-3121.
I agree with all that you said.
Thx for the info and the contact info, lin. I'll be calling tomorrow. I'm still thinking about the 17 fired IG's. I doubt trump's going to replace them. He doesn't want a free method of challenging what goes on at "his" agencies. Chuck Grassley needs to know people are still watching and wanting to know when he'll call a hearing.
The funding freeze was rescinded and stayed by judges, but friends of mine at FDA and NSF say they are still not being allowed to pay their vendors and grantees. I fear for the rule of law when political appointees can just ignore court decisions and order agencies to do the same.
Now is the time to get involved. We need to be the resistance. Email or call your Senators and tell them to VOTE NO on the confirmations. The Cabinet is supposed to make us feel secure. don-old has picked only what he considers his strongest maga cultists who will defend him above anyone else. The worst thing we can do is to obey in advance by doing nothing. We are strong. There are 500,000 of us subscribing to Joyce’s Substack and for a reason. Thank you Joyce for your information and explanations.
These 3 DO NOT represent the best that America has to offer. Neither does the man at the top. What a disgrace he made of himself today. Sadly, it will not be the last time, but hopefully people will start to see what he really is.
Gee, and Trump says that white men are the only citizens that are qualified to do anything.
Exactly, that's why he wants to get rid of DEI. It's heartening to see a list of large companies that refuse to dismantle their DEI initiatives. Turns out, you get a better workplace when everyone has an equal chance to be hired and to move up in the company.
You are so correct.
It is time to stand and be counted. History is watching.
Another great resource is Chop Wood, Carry Water. On that Substack you can get the numbers for your senators and representative, with a script to make sure you hit all the important boxes to have your voice count. It takes 5 mins or less and they do count them. If you like them, give them a compliment. Just let them know you are watching. Make it a habit, that is what I am doing.
Thanks Martha, I love to hear all the things people do to contact their Senators and Reps. I also contact my state and federal legislators. Also, I contact publications to ask them to remember to cover certain stories. With trump intentionally blitzing us, it's going to take all of us remembering these issues and keeping them alive with our reps and in the public eye with the media. I just subscribed to the Chop Wood, Carry Water substack earlier this evening- it looks fantastic.
Congratulations Joyce. Well deserved milestone.
The three nominees in hearings today are completely unqualified for the positions they have been nominated for. Every single ?Senator knows that unless they have some kind of comprehension problem. However, I suspect no more than 3 of them will object because then Vance can break the tie because he puts as little effort into thinking as the rest of the Republicans. When Republicans in elected office are so tied to their leader they can't live their oath of office and would rather serve him than the American people, it is clear that political party and its inhabitants are no longer worthy of the office they hold. Now, how do we get the American people to care enough to vote them out of office when they only see the "R" when they are voting and care nothing for whoever wears the "R." Then there are the oligarchs who can spend as much money to buy candidates as they wish with no penalties, no accountability, nothing. We are in trouble, but we need to do everything we can to stop them, let as many people as possible know what they can do to make their voice heard. It would be powerful for the Senate if Republicans actually grew up at least for a few days and voted all 3 of these inappropriate lying jerks down and demanded better nominees. I do not see that happening because Republicans have decided being toddlers following a toddler-bully is a good thing.
You are so correct in all that you said.
I agree with you, Ruth. I also wonder what godawful excuse for a human, trump would then put in as an alternative? Now that matt gaetz isn't employed as a congressman, he's decided he'll run for Gov here in FL. At least, for now, he isn't in a national position.
Thank you, Joyce, for calling us to action by contacting our representatives. A critical mass of constituent voices will be heard. It’s getting that critical mass…….
Well, I've called my representative 4 times since last week. Yes, FOUR times! I've told them that I would be a pest. I also told them that I really try to limit my calls to something really critical. Turns out 3 days in a row I called my representative. Only draw back is that he's a Democrat so he already knows the problems & is against this ridiculous administration. But every time I call I tell them that I expect to see Democrats to be in front of a microphone whenever they can find one. I insist on that. So even if you have a Democratic representative impress on them the need for them to speak out loudly & often.
They are starting to do that now & we MUST encourage them!!!
Thank you to everyone who is posting phone numbers for Congressional and Senatorial offices. Email addresses, though less effective, would be good, too, as they constitute a record that can be more readily shared.
Most of them have form letters on their website rather than an email you can use, but their aides do read the letters. So calling and writing is important to have your voice heard. Save the comment before you send it.
You can copy and paste it into a word doc then save that.
After Trump's disgusting address to the nation this morning about the tragic air crash last night, including his opinion as to who is/are at fault, and listening to bits and pieces of confirmation hearings for Kennedy, Gabbard, and Patel, I have only one comment: We have now beheld the TRUMP CAVALCADE OF PIGS.
The number of great writers and qualified experts is outstanding. So glad to have found Joyce here in Alabama.
https://hotbuttons.substack.com/p/substack-media-nirvana?r=3m1bs