Looking together in the same direction.
Sea otters hold hands while they sleep so they don't drift apart.
Tuesday, January 31, 2017
"Dear World, From America"
Dear World,
We felt we needed to say something while saying something is still allowed.
We know many of you have lived under malevolent, unhinged Dictators before, but this is new for us. For its history our nation has been led by men who, despite their varying flaws and deficiencies, some of which were quite disturbing—were by and large, normal human beings. Whatever darkness in them, they had at the very least, a baseline of humanity and decency that more often than not insured rational behavior.
This man is not normal.
He is unstable, malignant, devoid of integrity—and he does not speak for us.
Please understand that nearly three million more people voted for his opponent Hillary Clinton than for him. (Yes, we realize this is completely screwed-up). Millions more voted for other candidates, and sadly nearly 90 million of our people did not vote at all. The point is, the vast majority of Americans are not with him. He does not speak for us. His America is not our America.
Over the past week, we’ve watched long erected pillars of our Republic bulldozed in the stroke of a madman’s pen. We’ve seen the very hallmarks of who we are as a nation tossed in the garbage; the celebration of diverse coexistence, the open welcome to the oppressed, the guarantee of inalienable rights for every person, the same access to health and opportunity and safety afforded to everyone, the freedom to speak without censor or restraint. At this moment these are all in great jeopardy.
Things we took for granted in our leadership: things like goodness, wisdom, and basic truthfulness are no longer in play, and as things are eroding quickly, we wanted to let you know that we’re sorry.
We’re sorry that our apathy and laziness have yielded such a reckless, impulsive, small man to steward this nation.
We’re sorry for the jagged, bitter ugliness that is characterizing us in these moments.
We’re sorry to those suffering greatly, who have braved such peril to seek refuge here and who’ve now been turned away based on the faith they profess.
We’re sorry to our Mexican neighbors who’ve been fashioned into convenient villains for erecting a grandiose, wasteful display of false protection that we do not want.
We’re sorry to Muslims everywhere who’ve been used as pawns to generate irrational fear among those already susceptible to bigotry and discrimination.
We’re sorry to the leaders of the world, who instead of being met by level-headed, measured, intelligent dialogue, are now greeted with the social media rantings of a furious child.
We’re sorry to those who now experience the Christian faith as a racist, nationalistic bully pulpit wielded with malice toward the very diverse humanity Jesus lived and died for.
We’re sorry to people everywhere whose lives are made more tenuous, more violent, less safe, less secure than it has been before.
We want you to know that this is not who we are. It may be who this man is. It may be who those sharing power with him are. It may even be the tens of millions who originally voted for him (though that support is vanishing quickly among those who not among the religious zealots and extremists).
But this is not America. It is not the steady, strong beacon of freedom that it was intended to be. It is not the America our people have fought and died for. It is not the one first formed in the crucible of oppression and cast into the words of our ever-disregarded Constitution.
This is not our America. Our America affirms the inherent, priceless beauty of every human being. Our America declares that no person is ascribed less value because of their skin color, religion, gender, financial means, sexual orientation, nation of origin, or any other variable. Our America is home for those seeking hope and joy and rest.
And we are going to fight for this America. Through political channels and through grassroots activism, through the use of our Press and of our personal voices, we’re going to expose this man’s incompetence, call out his heart sickness, and condemn every violent, reckless, vicious act when it does not reflect our hearts and our will. Please do your best to disregard anything that comes from his mouth or those loudly and continually parroting his propaganda. They have proven themselves mortally allergic to the truth.
And we hope that in whatever way you can, that you will stand with us. We know that we have made this mess ourselves. We understand that you have your own problems to contend with, some far more urgent and pressing than this, but we believe that we are a single community; that we are tethered together in our Humanity, that we are in real-time crafting the life our children and their children will inherit.
Dear World, we’re sorry and we hope you’ll endure these days with us.
With Despair and Hope in equal measure, in Peace and Unity with you,
The American Majority
--JANUARY 28, 2017 / JOHN PAVLOVITZ--
Monday, January 30, 2017
We have no rights.
Denver Police to protestors at DIA: "stop doing any thing that could be construed as free speech without a permit. No carrying a copy of the Constitution without a permit." (includes video proof).
http://www.rawstory.com/2017/01/denver-police-to-protesters-stop-doing-anything-that-could-be-construed-as-free-speech/
The inevitability of impeachment. Please, NOW.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/the-inevitability-of-impeachment_us_588e8d52e4b0b065cbbcd09f
http://www.rawstory.com/2017/01/denver-police-to-protesters-stop-doing-anything-that-could-be-construed-as-free-speech/
The inevitability of impeachment. Please, NOW.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/the-inevitability-of-impeachment_us_588e8d52e4b0b065cbbcd09f
Don't be like Nero
Here is a very important article....trial balloon for a coup. It is a must read.
https://medium.com/@yonatanzunger/trial-balloon-for-a-coup-e024990891d5#.b20v5tqvn
Please get politically active, if you haven't yet. Be informed, make your voice heard to your lawmakers. Re-read that article "trial balloon for a political coup."
Sunday, January 29, 2017
Shared from FB
Please read this post if you care about what's happening to detained travelers right now. Per Mitch Ryan -- a friend working with Stephen Rooke and Stef Coyle at JFK -- says CBP agents are putting travelers (mothers, students) back on planes in defiance of the court's stay. Mitch's report is stunning.
From Mitch Ryan:
"Hi everyone,
I just returned from JFK and want to give everyone an update on the current situation before I crash.
i.) There is still a decent number of individuals with valid visas being detained by CBP -- although they refuse to tell us how many are detained or who they are. More are expected to be detained as flights begin coming in this morning and throughout the day.
So many of these stories are both heartbreaking and enraging. Yesterday I worked with an individual who had emigrated from one of the banned countries a decade ago and has served in the U.S. military for several years (and is still active duty now). His elderly mother was finally approved for permanent legal resident status, and he flew to New York to meet her when her plane landed in America. But he has not seen her. Instead, she has been detained and told she will be sent back to her country. The court order stopped her from being put on a flight back to the Middle East last night, but her situation is still very much up in the air.
Let that sink in. This person has given years of service to our country, and his own mother is being detained and turned away from the country he has fought for. Even though the United States has already approved her visa.
ii.) Unfortunately, U.S. Customers and Border Protection is frequently ignoring the federal injunction staying deportation of the detainees. There are a number of detainees who have been told they will be put on flights this morning to depart the United States.
And last night, after earlier assurances from the Terminal 7 CBP supervisor that he had personally read Judge Donnelly’s order and that CBP would ensure that they complied with it, Terminal 7 CBP forced a PhD student from a NYC college who was legally present in the U.S. with a valid F-1 Visa to board a midnight flight to Ukraine against her will. Thanks to some miraculous emergency lawyering by a team that leapt into action, they were able to compel the plane to abort its takeoff while on the tarmac and return to the gate to allow the student to de-plane into CBP’s custody. She is now back in detention at JFK; given CBP's prior conduct, it's anyone's guess for how long.
iii.) All yesterday and throughout last night, CBP officers have been pressuring detainees, for many of whom writs of habeas corpus have already been submitted, to sign documents abandoning their attempts for admission to the U.S. without allowing the detainees to speak to their attorneys. This is completely unacceptable.
------------
Unfortunately folks, this battle is just starting. It is not going to be easy, and it is not going to be quick. A huge thank you to so many of you across the country who have already answered the call for attorneys, including Stef Coyle, Stephen Rooke, Leah Casto, Caitlin Annatoyn, and anyone else I missed or who is signed up to do so soon.
For anyone looking for ways you can help further, here are a couple suggestions:
1.) If you are an attorney near an airport with detainees and you are able to assist, please sign up with IRAP to volunteer (let me know if you need the link). Anyone who can speak Arabic or Farsi would be incredibly helpful, but no language skills are necessary at all. If you are in NYC and are admitted to EDNY, that would also be very helpful. If you have immigration experience, that would be super helpful (but again, not necessary).
If you do join, please be sure to bring your computer, a charger, and a power strip (if possible) with you.
2.) Many people have already mentioned this, but IRAP and the ACLU (along with countless other organizations) have done absolutely miraculous work over the past 24 hours spearheading the on-the-ground efforts at airports across the country. They are fighting tooth and nail for these detainees. They are fighting for all of us who believe that this nation of immigrants is better because of it. There will be many more detainees to come, and their detention at the airport is just the first step. These organizations need whatever support you can offer.
IRAP: https://refugeerights.org/donate
ACLU: https://action.aclu.org/secure/donate-to-aclu
3.) Please call your elected representatives and any other officials who have not spoken out forcefully against the implementation of this executive order. Detaining and denying entry to individuals who hold valid immigration visas, all of whom have been thoroughly vetted and many of whom have already made lives here for years, should never, ever, ever be a partisan issue. Nor should CBP's failure to comply with the federal court order staying deportations.
4.) Please keep speaking out publicly and on social media. If there are marches forming today, please consider attending; if there is not one near you, consider starting your own.
We cannot relent or become complacent in the days to come. Right now there are many detainees and their families and friends who are sleeping in American airports waiting for loved ones who may never come. Your public support for these detainees is invaluable, greatly needed, and greatly appreciated."
From Mitch Ryan:
"Hi everyone,
I just returned from JFK and want to give everyone an update on the current situation before I crash.
i.) There is still a decent number of individuals with valid visas being detained by CBP -- although they refuse to tell us how many are detained or who they are. More are expected to be detained as flights begin coming in this morning and throughout the day.
So many of these stories are both heartbreaking and enraging. Yesterday I worked with an individual who had emigrated from one of the banned countries a decade ago and has served in the U.S. military for several years (and is still active duty now). His elderly mother was finally approved for permanent legal resident status, and he flew to New York to meet her when her plane landed in America. But he has not seen her. Instead, she has been detained and told she will be sent back to her country. The court order stopped her from being put on a flight back to the Middle East last night, but her situation is still very much up in the air.
Let that sink in. This person has given years of service to our country, and his own mother is being detained and turned away from the country he has fought for. Even though the United States has already approved her visa.
ii.) Unfortunately, U.S. Customers and Border Protection is frequently ignoring the federal injunction staying deportation of the detainees. There are a number of detainees who have been told they will be put on flights this morning to depart the United States.
And last night, after earlier assurances from the Terminal 7 CBP supervisor that he had personally read Judge Donnelly’s order and that CBP would ensure that they complied with it, Terminal 7 CBP forced a PhD student from a NYC college who was legally present in the U.S. with a valid F-1 Visa to board a midnight flight to Ukraine against her will. Thanks to some miraculous emergency lawyering by a team that leapt into action, they were able to compel the plane to abort its takeoff while on the tarmac and return to the gate to allow the student to de-plane into CBP’s custody. She is now back in detention at JFK; given CBP's prior conduct, it's anyone's guess for how long.
iii.) All yesterday and throughout last night, CBP officers have been pressuring detainees, for many of whom writs of habeas corpus have already been submitted, to sign documents abandoning their attempts for admission to the U.S. without allowing the detainees to speak to their attorneys. This is completely unacceptable.
------------
Unfortunately folks, this battle is just starting. It is not going to be easy, and it is not going to be quick. A huge thank you to so many of you across the country who have already answered the call for attorneys, including Stef Coyle, Stephen Rooke, Leah Casto, Caitlin Annatoyn, and anyone else I missed or who is signed up to do so soon.
For anyone looking for ways you can help further, here are a couple suggestions:
1.) If you are an attorney near an airport with detainees and you are able to assist, please sign up with IRAP to volunteer (let me know if you need the link). Anyone who can speak Arabic or Farsi would be incredibly helpful, but no language skills are necessary at all. If you are in NYC and are admitted to EDNY, that would also be very helpful. If you have immigration experience, that would be super helpful (but again, not necessary).
If you do join, please be sure to bring your computer, a charger, and a power strip (if possible) with you.
2.) Many people have already mentioned this, but IRAP and the ACLU (along with countless other organizations) have done absolutely miraculous work over the past 24 hours spearheading the on-the-ground efforts at airports across the country. They are fighting tooth and nail for these detainees. They are fighting for all of us who believe that this nation of immigrants is better because of it. There will be many more detainees to come, and their detention at the airport is just the first step. These organizations need whatever support you can offer.
IRAP: https://refugeerights.org/donate
ACLU: https://action.aclu.org/secure/donate-to-aclu
3.) Please call your elected representatives and any other officials who have not spoken out forcefully against the implementation of this executive order. Detaining and denying entry to individuals who hold valid immigration visas, all of whom have been thoroughly vetted and many of whom have already made lives here for years, should never, ever, ever be a partisan issue. Nor should CBP's failure to comply with the federal court order staying deportations.
4.) Please keep speaking out publicly and on social media. If there are marches forming today, please consider attending; if there is not one near you, consider starting your own.
We cannot relent or become complacent in the days to come. Right now there are many detainees and their families and friends who are sleeping in American airports waiting for loved ones who may never come. Your public support for these detainees is invaluable, greatly needed, and greatly appreciated."
So the ACLU sued and the Federal courts granted a temporary injunction against trumps unconstitutional ban on refugees entering this country....even the return of those with green cards and homes in America. That was yesterday....good news.
Today, Dept of Homeland Security is ignoring this injunction by Federal Courts!!!!!!!
https://www.dhs.gov/news/2017/01/29/department-homeland-security-response-recent-litigation
And trump added Steve Bannon, while removing the director of National Intelligence and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, from the National Security Council.
Please, be scared and do something.....speak out.....make your voice heard while you still can.
Saturday, January 28, 2017
Amerithon update
Still doing my virtual run/walk across the USA. Here is the newest badge earned in Northern Oklahoma. Almost 1500 miles to go.
Here is the link for the Rogue POTUS staff on twitter.
https://twitter.com/roguepotusstaff/status/825043009435738117
"Dear World, We felt we needed to say something while saying something is still allowed."
http://johnpavlovitz.com/2017/01/28/dear-world-from-america/?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=facebook_page&utm_medium=John+Pavlovitz&utm_content=Dear+World%2C+From+America
Garrison Keillor: Trump is what he is and God help us now.
http://www.tulsaworld.com/opinion/opinionfeatured/garrison-keillor-trump-is-what-he-is-and-god-help/article_55b67934-d55d-52d8-86ca-51a8977e0d0b.html
http://seekershub.org/blog/2015/09/home-warsan-shire/
"the world is preparing for war"---
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/world/mikhail-gorbachev-world-preparing-war-article-1.2957136
http://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/ex-soviet-leader-mikhail-gorbachev-world-preparing-war-n712891?cid=sm_fb_msnbc
Charlie Chaplin, Final Speech from the Great Dictator
Friday, January 27, 2017
Today's Daily Action: Tell your Rep. to support HR 669, Sen. Markey and Rep. Lieu's Trump-proof anti-nuclear bill
Call 844-241-1141 and enter your zip code to be connected to your rep.
I did and it only took a few minutes.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/669?r=33
Call 844-241-1141 and enter your zip code to be connected to your rep.
I did and it only took a few minutes.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/669?r=33
H.R.669 - To prohibit the conduct of a first-use nuclear strike absent a declaration of war by Congress.
This could potentially save 7.5 billion lives. trump has a world famous temper, favors nuclear weapons, and has a disregard for the Geneva Convention. If this bill is allowed to fail, he will consider it proof of support for his trigger-happy personality.
“Monsters exist, but they are too few in number to be truly dangerous. More dangerous are the common men, the functionaries ready to believe and to act without asking questions.” ~ Primo Levi
Today is International Holocaust Remembrance Day. We need to think about this. Please stay well-informed.
Here is a link about how trump is turning Voice of America radio into his personal propaganda outlet.
https://mediamatters.org/video/2017/01/25/rachel-maddow-details-how-trump-turning-voice-america-his-personal-propaganda-outlet/215135
Bill HR 193 calls for the US to sever all ties with the United Nations.
https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/us-bill-withdraw-un/?utm_source=Iterable&utm_campaign=iterable_campaign_US_Jan_26_2017_content_digest_actives&utm_medium=email
Bill HR 621, selling off federal lands, our greatest environmental treasures.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/621
6 reporters have been charged with felonies just because they covered inaugural protests. This is chilling!
http://secondnexus.com/politics-and-economics/despite-no-specific-allegations-six-reporters-arrested-covering-trumps-inauguration/?utm_content=inf_10_1164_2&tse_id=INF_e9f3ed80e49b11e6a03c354c456e1db2
Why it is vitally important to vote with your wallet....a 2 minute message.
https://www.davidwolfe.com/2-minute-message-woody-harrelson-wake-up-call/
The Mexican President has cancelled his US visit with trump. Germany has given up on trump.We are losing big allies and trading partners.
Here is a link about how trump is turning Voice of America radio into his personal propaganda outlet.
https://mediamatters.org/video/2017/01/25/rachel-maddow-details-how-trump-turning-voice-america-his-personal-propaganda-outlet/215135
Bill HR 193 calls for the US to sever all ties with the United Nations.
https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/us-bill-withdraw-un/?utm_source=Iterable&utm_campaign=iterable_campaign_US_Jan_26_2017_content_digest_actives&utm_medium=email
Bill HR 621, selling off federal lands, our greatest environmental treasures.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/621
6 reporters have been charged with felonies just because they covered inaugural protests. This is chilling!
http://secondnexus.com/politics-and-economics/despite-no-specific-allegations-six-reporters-arrested-covering-trumps-inauguration/?utm_content=inf_10_1164_2&tse_id=INF_e9f3ed80e49b11e6a03c354c456e1db2
Why it is vitally important to vote with your wallet....a 2 minute message.
https://www.davidwolfe.com/2-minute-message-woody-harrelson-wake-up-call/
The Mexican President has cancelled his US visit with trump. Germany has given up on trump.We are losing big allies and trading partners.
Thursday, January 26, 2017
He now wants to close down the internet.
http://money.cnn.com/2015/12/08/technology/donald-trump-internet/index.html
This after sending a memo to federal employees telling them they cannot communicate with congress.
Wow. He has really lost it big time.
Christians supporting Trump fail to comprehend that Jesus; a homeless, dark-skinned, middle Eastern man—would not be welcome in America now.
Well done.
John Pavlovitz
and a good response
They prefer the "alternative Jesus"'the one with blonde hair and blue eyes
Breaking news....bad for Americans.
The entire State Dept. Senior Management team has just resigned en masse. Unprecedented.
http://thehill.com/policy/national-security/316283-state-departments-senior-management-team-resigns-report
And I'm sure you've read about the rogue tweeters from the National Park Service and NASA who are still tweeting about climate change and science despite trump. Who knew park rangers and scientists would be leading the resistance.
Rogue NASA
https://twitter.com/RogueNASA/status/824609186285658113
Government employees know what is going on.
Wake up everyone! Shit's getting real 
😡
"From an EPA staffer:
😡"From an EPA staffer:
"So I work at the EPA and yeah it's as bad as you are hearing:
The entire agency is under lockdown, the website, facebook, twitter, you name it is static and can't be updated. All reports, findings, permits and studies are frozen and not to be released. No presentations or meetings with outside groups are to be scheduled.
Any Press contacting us are to be directed to the Press Office which is also silenced and will give no response.
All grants and contracts are frozen from the contractors working on Superfund sites to grad school students working on their thesis.
We are still doing our work, writing reports, doing cancer modeling for pesticides hoping that this is temporary and we will be able to serve the public soon. But many of us are worried about an ideologically-fueled purging and if you use any federal data I advise you gather what you can now.
We have been told the website is being reworked to reflect the new administration's policy.
We have been told the website is being reworked to reflect the new administration's policy.
Feel free to copy and paste, you all pay for the government and you should know what's going on. I am posting this as a fellow citizen and not in any sort of official capacity."
Wednesday, January 25, 2017
Nebraska State Senator Bill Kintner resigned today. The US will be cleaning house over the next 4 years.
It is only Wednesday and our country has regressed a full century.
The US is no longer considered a full democracy, but a flawed democracy according to the Economist Intelligence Unit. We have dropped to 21st place in the international rankings. This was as of 2016. Can you imagine where we would rank as of today?
http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/blog-summaries/316085-us-no-longer-considered-full-democracy
China has deployed an ICBM system and is ready to step in as world leader since the US is retreating from that role.
http://thefreethoughtproject.com/china-deploys-nuclear-icbm-system/
The Mississippi governor signed a law allowing businesses to refuse service to gay people. Mississippi does not follow the US Constitution or allow civil liberties for all.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/…/mississippi-governor-sig…/…
It is only Wednesday and our country has regressed a full century.
The US is no longer considered a full democracy, but a flawed democracy according to the Economist Intelligence Unit. We have dropped to 21st place in the international rankings. This was as of 2016. Can you imagine where we would rank as of today?
http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/blog-summaries/316085-us-no-longer-considered-full-democracy
China has deployed an ICBM system and is ready to step in as world leader since the US is retreating from that role.
http://thefreethoughtproject.com/china-deploys-nuclear-icbm-system/
The Mississippi governor signed a law allowing businesses to refuse service to gay people. Mississippi does not follow the US Constitution or allow civil liberties for all.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/…/mississippi-governor-sig…/…
"Nice people made the best Nazis. My mom grew up next to them. They got along, refused to make waves, looked the other way when things got ugly and focused on happier things than 'politics.' They were lovely people who turned their heads as their neighbors were dragged away. You know who weren’t nice people? Resisters." -Naomi Shulman
As seen on FB today
"The GOP is no longer a political party. It is a criminal organization."
I've spent the morning emailing my senators and congresspeople. If you are following news at all, you are very worried about democracy in America continuing to exist.
South Dakota is repealing the voter-imposed ethics law. No ethics in South Dakota.
trump has placed a gag order on all federal agencies. He is deleting science and climate change info in the EPA databases. The EPA cannot fund science anymore. He is going to make American taxpayers pay for his wall....which is just a symbol. That isn't how immigrants get into America. The border is already well guarded. No Muslim or Syrian Refugees allowed, either. Remember the picture of the little boy...the war-victim, sitting in an ambulance after losing his entire family? Yeah...let's keep him out.
Now off to buy postcards to mail follow up notes to all of these people as I doubt they are paying much attention to emails .
The Senate voted 51 to 48:
1. To end coverage for pre-existing conditions (which includes pregnancy, cancer, autism, osteoporosis, and so much more), veterans benefits, and aid to rural hospitals.
2. To remove discrimination protection for women in healthcare.
3. Against the provision allowing children to remain on their parent's insurance till the age of 26.
4. To cut off funding for the Child Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
5. Against ACA contraceptive coverage and maternity care provision.
6. To direct committees to send budget legislation to defund and repeal the Affordable Care Act.
For those who get health insurance through work, no pre-existing conditions. Lifetime caps for coverage are back for everyone.
Real actions are being taken that will affect more than just the 20-30 million people who will lose their health care coverage and the 3 million people who will lose their jobs.
Despite their assertions of this being an action to "repeal and replace," no viable alternative plan has been proposed.
As of this moment, no replacement exists.
Apparently, Speaker Ryan has had his phones cut off because of the volume of calls, so here is his mailing address:
1233 Longworth HOB
Washington, D.C. 20515
Fax: (202) 225-3393
Fascism is real, folks.
PS I don't care who you voted for or why. Don't ask...don't tell. You can be a closet republican as much as you want. We just need to get this administration out....now....together.
trump has a massive ego and will cause civil war by calling out federal troops on anyone at anytime...he is already threatening to do this in Chicago. He is intemperate and, if his ego is involved, I can even see him using nukes on Americans.
Please watch the following video. It is important.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/keith-olbermann-donald-trump-is-not-of-sound-mind-and-must-resign_us_58884d96e4b0441a8f71db51?
Tuesday, January 24, 2017
Social media is bringing the scum to the surface for all the world to see. Misogynists all and so out of the loop; and hopefully soon out of a job.
Senator Sandlin, Indiana
Senator Chris McDaniels, Mississippi
Nebraska State Senator Bill Kintner
There are some really good men out there. I have known and do know them. But many of the men in politics are out-of-touch with reality, and it is easy to forget that all men all not like the trumps, ryans, mcconnells, pences, sandlins, kintners, and mcdaniels of this world.
Good men out there....you need to step up, get involved, and get active. Your sons and nephews need to know that this behavior is not acceptable. It is not enough to raise strong daughters, but to also raise good men.
Monday, January 23, 2017
One more speech
from a talented actress and advocate for people with disabilities. She has young onset Parkinson's, but acts with the Phamaly Theater group.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQPapMfZfTg&feature=youtu.be
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQPapMfZfTg&feature=youtu.be
House republicans are beginning proceedings for the US to leave the United Nations. It is a peacekeeping force. Are you worried yet?
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2017/01/22/house-republicans-begin-process-to-withdraw-america-from-the-united-nations/
https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/193
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2017/01/22/house-republicans-begin-process-to-withdraw-america-from-the-united-nations/
https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/193
Trump supporters
Here is one of you. You must be so proud. No wonder you all hide your faces.
https://www.facebook.com/a.a.trawick/videos/vb.5256843/10108945872197253/?type=2&theater
https://www.facebook.com/a.a.trawick/videos/vb.5256843/10108945872197253/?type=2&theater
“To announce that there must be no criticism of the President, or that we are to stand by the President, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public.”
― Theodore Roosevelt
Sunday, January 22, 2017
I am watching speeches from the Women's Marches
I am in awe, and overwhelmed.
I saw someone's personal video from the Denver March. The speaker asked how many people in the audience had been a victim of, or knew someone who had been a victim of, sexual assault or rape. Nearly every hand went up!!! Every hand.
"This is what locker room talk looks like. This is the impact of boys will be boys. This is where it stops."
Gloria Steinem
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WT9MSGeyHm4
Ashley Judd
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffb_5X59_DA
I saw someone's personal video from the Denver March. The speaker asked how many people in the audience had been a victim of, or knew someone who had been a victim of, sexual assault or rape. Nearly every hand went up!!! Every hand.
"This is what locker room talk looks like. This is the impact of boys will be boys. This is where it stops."
Gloria Steinem
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WT9MSGeyHm4
Ashley Judd
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffb_5X59_DA
Daily Ear-worm
This represents the marchers yesterday. So many women, men, children, police, veterans, marching peacefully, to support human rights. It restores something lost when D was elected. I guess you could call it hope for humanity.
Women's March , "Same Shit, Different Century"
"This is what democracy looks like." Just imagine thousands of people chanting this together. It was powerful.
Here are pictures from marches around US and the world yesterday. An estimated 3.6 to 4.5 million people marched....the largest protest march in US history.
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/01/21/world/womens-march-pictures.html?smid=fb-share&_r=0
Denver's March was amazing. Estimates are that close to 200,000 people were there. I'm guessing that at least a quarter of them were men. There were lots of older (older than me, old is relative) veterans, as well. Yay for solidarity. It was peaceful, beautiful, and patriotic.
The march started at 9:30. When we left at noon, the march itself was still going on! There were so many people to get through the streets. It was just awesome to see that there is still actual goodness in the world. It is easy to listen to Trump and cohorts and forget that we are not actually living in a Nazi-ruled country, at least not yet. There is hope. Do you think he can hear us now?
Light-rail was overwhelmed.
This was a great sign. We all feel pity for the way Trump treats her. She is an accessory.
I also liked, "Without immigrants, Trump wouldn't have any wives."
"I see you've met my girl gang."
"Save the bears....no guns in schools."
"I could be sleeping, but you forced me to protest." (my friend Sue who came at my encouragement, said this could be her next sign---LOL)
“Nolite te bastardes carborundorum. Don't let the bastards grind you down.”--Margaret Atwood
"Soy Americano" (I am American)
Best photos, favorite policeman wearing a Pink Pussy Hat, and favorite marchers.
Saturday, January 21, 2017
Today is the Bigly Yuge day. Wish us all well.
Positive action and people are so necessary after yesterday's ugliness and the ugliness of the next 4 years. Now 46,000 people have rsvp'd "going" with another 33,000 interested maybes to Denver's March. I wonder if I will even be able to catch the light-rail due to crowds. We go high.
Bridges, not walls.
Speak the truth, even if your voice shakes.
I won't stop until it rains glass.
Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not.
Dr. Seuss
Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.
Helen Keller
When sleeping women wake, mountains move.
Chinese proverb
I remembered this one after I was already done with my "art"............................
“Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace
You may say that I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will be as one”
― John Lennon, Imagine
Bridges, not walls.
Speak the truth, even if your voice shakes.
I won't stop until it rains glass.
Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not.
Dr. Seuss
Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.
Helen Keller
When sleeping women wake, mountains move.
Chinese proverb
I remembered this one after I was already done with my "art"............................
“Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace
You may say that I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will be as one”
― John Lennon, Imagine
Friday, January 20, 2017
More memes shared from Women's March on Denver, plus Amerithon update
I earned my next Amerithon badge yesterday arriving at the Great Salt Plains Lake in Oklahoma. I will be continuing through Northern Oklahoma for the next segment. I'm doing more walking than running, but hey, miles are miles. My treadmill is acting weird. I hope it holds out for the duration, or until it is spring.
I should get a lot done today. Am staying away from all things inauguration-related, so no Facebook. If I had access to TV, I would run it all day on the weather channel or PBS or National Geographic.
Did you read that the GOP on Thursday introduced a plan to massively cut-back social security benefits? It takes a lot of money to maintain the lifestyle of the rich and famous, you know.
Thursday, January 19, 2017
“Nothing is impossible, the word itself says 'I'm possible'!” ― Audrey Hepburn
We all need to remind ourselves of this daily! I know I do.
PS, Update, for the Women's March on Denver on Satuday, 34,000 people have RSVP's that they are going, and another 31,000 are interested. Making our voices heard. Hear us roar!
PS, Update, for the Women's March on Denver on Satuday, 34,000 people have RSVP's that they are going, and another 31,000 are interested. Making our voices heard. Hear us roar!
Wednesday, January 18, 2017
Important memes shared from Women's March on Denver
Did you read that the leader of the Nazi-founded Austrian Neofascist political party has been invited to the inauguration of he-who-must-not-be named? Does it remind you of this scene from "The Producers?"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHmYIo7bcUw
Tuesday, January 17, 2017
Making waves
I saw this well written article on FaceBook today, and the author noted it was fine to share.
I am still thinking of what slogan to put on my poster for Saturday's march. (It is too snowy/icy to justify going out just for posterboard so contemplation is as far as I've gotten.) Here are more options:
Whenever one person stands up and says, "wait a minute, this is wrong," it helps other people do the same.....Gloria Steinem
I'm one of 65,844,610 against him
Still I rise
Woman up
Science is real
We cannot walk alone (MLK, Jr)
We may have all come on different ships, but we're in the same boat now. (MLK, Jr)
Strong women. Be them. Know them. Raise them.
Give peace a chance.
Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.
I alone can't change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples. (Mother Teresa)
When they go low, we go high.
This march will be BIGLY YUGE.
I am still thinking of what slogan to put on my poster for Saturday's march. (It is too snowy/icy to justify going out just for posterboard so contemplation is as far as I've gotten.) Here are more options:
Whenever one person stands up and says, "wait a minute, this is wrong," it helps other people do the same.....Gloria Steinem
I'm one of 65,844,610 against him
Still I rise
Woman up
Science is real
We cannot walk alone (MLK, Jr)
We may have all come on different ships, but we're in the same boat now. (MLK, Jr)
Strong women. Be them. Know them. Raise them.
Give peace a chance.
Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.
I alone can't change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples. (Mother Teresa)
When they go low, we go high.
This march will be BIGLY YUGE.
Monday, January 16, 2017
“The Time is Always Right to Do What's Right.”--Martin Luther King Jr.
Happy MLK day. Keep up the good fight for human rights for all.
I'm still thinking about what slogan to put on my poster for the Women's March on Denver on Saturday. So far I've got:
I will no longer accept the things I cannot change. I will change the things I cannot accept.
Be the change you want to see in the world.
Stronger together. Hear us roar.
They tried to bury us. They didn't know we were seeds.
Think. Resist. Be.
I've got your back.
We are the wall.
I'll probably go with the last one. It is short, sweet, and I'm not very artistic.
The Women's March has gone global. It will take place in DC and 200 other American cities, plus 50 cities in at least 30 additional countries, and more are organizing.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/how-the-womens-march-on-washington-has-gone-global_us_586e342be4b021b75256f0f1
Here is a good summary of recent political events this past week of which to be aware.
https://medium.com/@Amy_Siskind/week-9-experts-in-authoritarianism-advise-to-keep-a-list-of-things-subtly-changing-around-you-so-4bc574668100#.ki48k1xwd
And here is something non-political and beautiful for a good start to your day.....90 year old Angela Lansbury singing at Lincoln Center. This is sure to bring a smile to your face and a tear to your eye.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOy7eVjz-2I
I'm still thinking about what slogan to put on my poster for the Women's March on Denver on Saturday. So far I've got:
I will no longer accept the things I cannot change. I will change the things I cannot accept.
Be the change you want to see in the world.
Stronger together. Hear us roar.
They tried to bury us. They didn't know we were seeds.
Think. Resist. Be.
I've got your back.
We are the wall.
I'll probably go with the last one. It is short, sweet, and I'm not very artistic.
The Women's March has gone global. It will take place in DC and 200 other American cities, plus 50 cities in at least 30 additional countries, and more are organizing.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/how-the-womens-march-on-washington-has-gone-global_us_586e342be4b021b75256f0f1
Here is a good summary of recent political events this past week of which to be aware.
https://medium.com/@Amy_Siskind/week-9-experts-in-authoritarianism-advise-to-keep-a-list-of-things-subtly-changing-around-you-so-4bc574668100#.ki48k1xwd
And here is something non-political and beautiful for a good start to your day.....90 year old Angela Lansbury singing at Lincoln Center. This is sure to bring a smile to your face and a tear to your eye.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOy7eVjz-2I
Sunday, January 15, 2017
Always remember that you are absolutely unique. Just like everyone else.----Margaret Mead.
How can both of these quotes, above and below, be so true? But they are.
Next Saturday is the Women's March on Denver. Unless the weather is truly awful, I will be there. So far 24000 people are going, 29000 interested, and I'm sure a lot of others who haven't RSVP'd will be there. I have my marching shirt. Now I need to make a poster but haven't yet decided what to put on it. I'm trying to keep my slogan positive, but that is not easy after what has happened in government in even just the past week.
Monday, January 9, 2017
A resolution to work toward.....
I'm home from weekend travels including 2 days of road trip. It was great seeing everyone, though, and well worth all the time on the highways!
My new year officially starts today. I have errands to run after last week's blizzard plus a dog to pick up from the kennel, overdue library books to return, and healthy food to buy from the grocery store. Maybe I'll even get around to taking down my Christmas tree and putting all the Christmas decorations away. But then I will return to healthier eating and more exercise after 6 weeks of slacking from Thanksgiving to New Years. This will be hard. No more excuses.
Friday, January 6, 2017
David Whyte
I'm still contemplating over this one....
BE COURAGEOUS
See with every turning day,
how each season wants to make
a child of you again, wants you to become
a seeker after rainfall and birdsong,
watch how it weathers you to a testing
in the tried and true, tells you
with each falling leaf, to leave and slip away,
even from the branch that held you,
to go when you need to,
to be courageous,
to be like that last word
you’d want to say
before you leave the world.
…
how each season wants to make
a child of you again, wants you to become
a seeker after rainfall and birdsong,
watch how it weathers you to a testing
in the tried and true, tells you
with each falling leaf, to leave and slip away,
even from the branch that held you,
to go when you need to,
to be courageous,
to be like that last word
you’d want to say
before you leave the world.
…
Excerpt from ‘Coleman’s Bed’ in ‘River Flow:
New and Selected Poems’
©David Whyte and Many Rivers Press
Currently minus 2 degrees out. Wind chills today of up to 18 below zero. I have to walk the dog and then road trip!!! I hope the roads aren't too icy. It'll be brisk and windy at those I-80 rest stops.
New and Selected Poems’
©David Whyte and Many Rivers Press
Currently minus 2 degrees out. Wind chills today of up to 18 below zero. I have to walk the dog and then road trip!!! I hope the roads aren't too icy. It'll be brisk and windy at those I-80 rest stops.
Thursday, January 5, 2017
Be aware....a new study shows major molecular differences between GMO and non-GMO corn.
They are not substantially equivalent as claimed.
http://sustainablepulse.com/2016/12/19/new-study-shows-major-molecular-differences-between-gmo-and-non-gmo-corn/#.WGZ7RdIrKpr
And
There are GMO industry ties at the National Academies of Sciences.
http://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/news/new-york-times-confirms-gmo-industry-ties-national-academies-sciences
http://sustainablepulse.com/2016/12/19/new-study-shows-major-molecular-differences-between-gmo-and-non-gmo-corn/#.WGZ7RdIrKpr
And
There are GMO industry ties at the National Academies of Sciences.
http://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/news/new-york-times-confirms-gmo-industry-ties-national-academies-sciences
Commonplace Books
I just learned that there is a name for what I have always done.....keeping quotes, ideas, notes, poems, bits of lyrics, and information that I like, for personal use, in a notebook. It is called keeping a commonplace book, and the practice has been around since antiquity.
http://ocp.hul.harvard.edu/reading/commonplace.html
Daughter Kate got me started one Christmas by giving me a blank book with a few of her favorite quotes to get me going.
Who knew that it was such a common practice, that it had a name, and that people have been doing it forever, or at least as long as there has been writing. There really is nothing new under the sun.
http://ocp.hul.harvard.edu/reading/commonplace.html
Daughter Kate got me started one Christmas by giving me a blank book with a few of her favorite quotes to get me going.
Who knew that it was such a common practice, that it had a name, and that people have been doing it forever, or at least as long as there has been writing. There really is nothing new under the sun.
Wednesday, January 4, 2017
Amerithon virtual challenge update
1-4-17 I just reached Dodge City today. I'm behind where I would like to be thanks to the holidays. 154 miles to the next landmark, the Great Salt Plains Lake in Oklahoma.
“And now I understand something so frightening & wonderful-how the mind clings to the road it knows, rushing through crossroads, sticking like lint to the familiar.” ~ Mary Oliver
I just discovered the above quote by my favorite poet. Doesn't it remind you of "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost? We need to slow down at the crossroads, and really consider the roads less traveled; to stop sticking like lint to the familiar. A new year is a crossroad. 2017....life with gusto.
I then had to re-read and share a few more of her quotes. There is so much wisdom in her poetry.
“And that is just the point… how the world, moist and beautiful, calls to each of us to make a new and serious response. That’s the big question, the one the world throws at you every morning. “Here you are, alive. Would you like to make a comment?” ~ Mary Oliver
“You must not ever stop being whimsical. And you must not, ever, give anyone else the responsibility for your life.” ~ Mary Oliver
“Keep some room in your heart for the unimaginable.” ~ Mary Oliver
“As long as you’re dancing, you can break the rules. Sometimes breaking the rules is just extending the rules. Sometimes there are no rules.” ~ Mary Oliver
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