Thank you Lynell ... while we're connecting with our reps, can we please slip these in ... I know it's a bit off topic for tonight, but this is imminent - just a tiny taste of the huge volume of issues our reps have to handle in the course of a day ... I don't know how they can keep track of it all!!
Representative Lauren Boebert’s bill, the “Trust the Science Act” (HR-764) seeks to strip gray wolves of federal Endangered Species Act protections nationwide.
This dangerous bill would allow states to set hunting and trapping seasons, resulting in cruel and senseless wolf killing as we’ve seen in Wyoming, Idaho and Montana. This bill could be heard by the full House of Representatives as early as April 29, 2024 and we need your support to stop its progress.
*****
TELL CONGRESS TO KEEP PROTECTIONS IN PLACE FOR WOLVES!
Even after the horror show in Wyoming, where Cody Roberts took advantage of the loss of federal protections for wolves and where Wyoming state lawmakers created a free-for-all kill zone across 85 percent of the state, U.S. House Republican leaders are bringing a bill to the House floor this week to remove federal protections for wolves across the remainder of wolf range in the lower 48 states.
If we don't act today, we may see a replay of what happened in Wyoming in other states, particularly in Wisconsin, where the legislature has mandated all sorts of Draconian policies to kill wolves if the species is removed from the federal protected list. State lawmakers have ordered the use of dogs to attack wolves, neck snares, night-time hunts with night-vision goggles, and more as soon as federal protections for wolves are lifted in the Upper Great Lakes region.
Please urge your U.S. Representative to oppose H.R. 764 and maintain federal protections that have been affirmed time and again by the federal courts. Complete these fields and we'll generate a letter on your behalf targeted directly to your U.S. representative and senators to ask them to oppose Rep. Lauren Boebert's H.R. 764.
Surely, there are better uses for tax dollars than killing native wildlife ...
*********
And while we're on the subject of caring over killing ...,
The Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act (S. 1723; H.R. 7227) has been re-introduced in both the Senate and House. We must now ensure the bill is passed in both chambers.
With the help of a pretty strange guy who's ran twice against Buck, got into a shouting match with him, was arrested for violating a court order and when the party wouldn't nominate him alone, went outside the delegation (as is his right) to get on the ballot in June with 1500 signatures. Prior to the vote to nominate candidates his campaign started a rumor that the popular democratic candidate wasn't elegible, which resulted in a lawsuit filed by a "Dem" to contest her eligibility, which was funded by republicans and thrown out last week.
So we have three democrats on the ballot to replace Ken Buck in June, and three running for the Democratic nomination for the general in November where save me baby Jesus Boebert will be the R nominee.
And this "Dem" has raised nearly a million bucks...wonder if it's Koch or Anschutz doing it. Or both.
You actually can, though. The process is called a discharge petition, and since the Affordable Connectivity Program Extension has a majority of the chamber listed as co-sponsors, if all co-sponsors were willing to sign a discharge petition, then we would be all hunky dory. The problem arises when the members of the Speaker's party that enjoy patting themselves on the back by "supporting" this measure that benefits their constituents are not willing to support it enough to use their signature to challenge the Speaker's judgement.
The discharge petition for Ukraine was my go-to for funding before the Speaker had a change of heart. I read somewhere early on that Republicans said they would support the supplemental as soon as there were 200 signatures on the discharge petition. We got to 195 where it stalled; and then the Speaker had an epiphany!
*Sigh* Mike Johnson did not have a change of heart. Sure, he *said* he did, but if anyone actually believes that I don't know what to tell you. Mike Johnson is a bad person who was and is one of the foremost proponents of the plan to end our democracy behind 1/6, is proudly allied with white Christian nationalists at home and abroad, and has done absolutely everything to avoid giving our allies the help they needed for half a year. Like any other politician of the slimy variety, he has an "epiphany" only when it becomes clear public pressure demands it, and the risk of a general election loss is greater than the risk of a primary loss. Period.
Also, the Israel aid had become a big demand for a good chunk of evangelicals, and there is no way that was passing the Senate without Ukraine aid. Oh, and I'm sure the defense contractors and their lobbyists started making more calls. That too!
Yes, Will. Mike is as bad as they get. He should have been prosecuted for his role in the "coup" attempt.
Part of Johnson's "epiphany" was that Trump "allowed" him to bring the bills to a vote. Trump reads the tea leaves and knows that support for Ukraine is right up there with reproductive rights.
It is ALWAYS going to be about Trump, his popularity and his re-election strategies. Observe the "new RNC" and how funding is being stripped away from down ballot contests and funneled to guess who (and his defense expenses).
But back to Johnson. He flies an "Appeal to Heaven" flag outside of his office that proudly refers to his membership in the New Apostolic Reformation — "which is hell-bent on turning America into a religious state".
I also think he waited long enough to do real damage to Ukraine and set them up to not be able to return from the blow no matter what they are supplied with (still slow in coming from all allies), unless is is manpower. I see Russia taking Africans and forcing them into the military. We could consider funding independent contractors from countries in Africa too, with the opportunity to get Ukrainian citizenship from that, with a longer term prospect of EU citizenship.
Having a democracy does not mean we win all the time; it means we get to have a say. Since I am not likely to be protesting in the streets, contacting my representatives in Congress is how I have my say.
Yes, but, in this case My Congressman, Dr. Ami Bera, is one of the 228 in favor. We need to get rid of the damned rule that gives so much power to a single person in the House of
Representatives and in the Senate. I could email Ami every day and get the same reply, as soon as the bill comes to the floor I'll vote yes. Same with Alex Padilla in the Senate. Those rules have to go. There is an alternative - if they get enough signatures they can force a vote. The problem here is the 228 in favor includes up to 20 Republicans. They are so fearful of Trump coming after their election chances in November, they are unwilling to vote against the magats, as long as the vote isn't made public.
"We need to get rid of the damned rule that gives so much power to a single person in the House of Representatives and in the Senate."
I share your frustration. I am the staunchest advocate you will find here for reforming the rules of Congress, many of which which are archaic to a degree that is insulting to every voter. However, the idea that the majority leader of each chamber of Congress decides what goes up for a vote is less a rule and more... uh... simply the only way this could work. Literally every organization with more than a few people needs a boss to moderate and organize. There are thousands of proposals made in Congress each year, many/most of which could theoretically pass a vote, but all of them being thrown onto the floor would be abject chaos. I understand why we are inclined to be uncomfortable with someone having that much power, but we have already accepted the notion that the President can veto any law and hires everyone charged with executing them. Kind of a lot of power for one person, right? But it was decided that having an executive with power was necessary, right? And the legislative branch is actually Article 1, so why would legislative leaders be any less powerful, right?
Look, just as a Presidential veto is rarely overridden but can be, a Speaker can be removed or have their priorities overridden by a majority of legislators. But if that Speaker wasn't admired/respected/feared by the other party members that picked them then they would not have risen to the top of the ladder in the first place, so it is unlikely for their judgement to be rebuked in such a way.
The only way to not have an issue with this is to make sure the people you prefer are in the majority of both chambers of Congress. It doesn't really get any simpler.
My rep, Jennifer Wexton, is also among the 228 in favor. The latest ask of her was to put pressure on the Speaker to bring the bill to the floor. I made the same ask to my Dem Senators.
Getting rid of the rules in both houses of Congress will be an uphill battle and likely to go on for years. I'm up for putting the pressure on when it comes to that. Exhausting? Yes, but, as I see it, a necessary part of the democratic process!
I have tried communicating with the representative who has an "R" after their name that lives just north of where my district is. I remind her she is a state representative and even though I do not live in her district, she does represent my state.
She barely won and it was because voters here in Marion County did not vote for McLeod-Skinner. We see lots of political ads about the D who will be her likely opponent and who has already beaten her in some political contests. In the meantime McLeod-Skinner acts as if she is already the D candidate. I do hope that she will get behind Bynum who likely be the D candidate unlike the DINO Schraeder who did not support M-S. Hopefully, in our district, the 6th, Salinas can prevail again.
Democracy means you can't always get what you want, but you still should be able get what you need. Repubs want to make it winner takes all; when even when somebody wins, they retain responsibilities to the whole society.
What is astonishing is not necessarily how they are still touring at 80, or that they are reportedly still so excellent, but that they are still ALIVE AT ALL after the activities and substances that were partaken in such large quantities over such a long period of time! Maybe the whole getting paid zillions to do your favorite thing has something to do with it? Whoda thunk?
Sort of like the Cato Institute suggestion to use Leninist tactics that I believe came out as the Newt Gingrich/Frank Luntz GoPac memo "Language: A Key Mechanism of Control."
I didn't leave the party as soon as it was published, incorrectly thinking they would come to their senses and reject the denigrating everything the opposition said, tried to accomplish, or derived any credit for even if it was exactly what they would do as long as they got the credit for it (usually with a name change if nothing else). I don't know how well Lenin's soft sabotage of programs compared to my old parties but the idea seemed to slowly smother the opposition without drawing too much unproductive opposition that could make the sabotage less effective.
It seems rather stupid that they are taking something Trump could have received some credit for and cutting it off but then it seems it might have just been like Lucy letting Trump kick the ball half way down the field, but pulling it back so no opposition could keep it moving down the field (favoring Putin's team over our team).
Thank you, Fay, but I'm just sorry about the indignity of having to point out such demeaning truths.
We can only stand by what we truly are and, if others choose to debase their humanity, that must be their problem. We can pity suchlike, we must do all that it takes to defend ourselves from them and their evildoing.
Excellent news for the most part, Professor!
Contact your Senators to prioritize passing S. 3565, the Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act.
https://www.senate.gov/senators/senators-contact.htm
You can do the same for your House Rep for H.R. 6929.
https://www.house.gov/representatives
Thank you Lynell ... while we're connecting with our reps, can we please slip these in ... I know it's a bit off topic for tonight, but this is imminent - just a tiny taste of the huge volume of issues our reps have to handle in the course of a day ... I don't know how they can keep track of it all!!
Representative Lauren Boebert’s bill, the “Trust the Science Act” (HR-764) seeks to strip gray wolves of federal Endangered Species Act protections nationwide.
This dangerous bill would allow states to set hunting and trapping seasons, resulting in cruel and senseless wolf killing as we’ve seen in Wyoming, Idaho and Montana. This bill could be heard by the full House of Representatives as early as April 29, 2024 and we need your support to stop its progress.
*****
TELL CONGRESS TO KEEP PROTECTIONS IN PLACE FOR WOLVES!
Even after the horror show in Wyoming, where Cody Roberts took advantage of the loss of federal protections for wolves and where Wyoming state lawmakers created a free-for-all kill zone across 85 percent of the state, U.S. House Republican leaders are bringing a bill to the House floor this week to remove federal protections for wolves across the remainder of wolf range in the lower 48 states.
If we don't act today, we may see a replay of what happened in Wyoming in other states, particularly in Wisconsin, where the legislature has mandated all sorts of Draconian policies to kill wolves if the species is removed from the federal protected list. State lawmakers have ordered the use of dogs to attack wolves, neck snares, night-time hunts with night-vision goggles, and more as soon as federal protections for wolves are lifted in the Upper Great Lakes region.
Please urge your U.S. Representative to oppose H.R. 764 and maintain federal protections that have been affirmed time and again by the federal courts. Complete these fields and we'll generate a letter on your behalf targeted directly to your U.S. representative and senators to ask them to oppose Rep. Lauren Boebert's H.R. 764.
https://secure.everyaction.com/0l2dSxZSL0WLYb6AuiCrDQ2
https://action.wildearthguardians.org/page/66965/action/
Surely, there are better uses for tax dollars than killing native wildlife ...
*********
And while we're on the subject of caring over killing ...,
The Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act (S. 1723; H.R. 7227) has been re-introduced in both the Senate and House. We must now ensure the bill is passed in both chambers.
https://fcnl.quorum.us/campaign/44488/
https://www.fcnl.org/updates/2024-04/quaker-voices-truth-healing-and-justice-resources
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=cZNOJFqHDgs&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fcnl.org%2F&feature=emb_imp_woyt
*********
Ok thank you ... just had to jump in ... loose ends and all ... 🌊🐬✨🐳✨🐬🌊
So Booboo's bill is called "Trust the Science".
That's rich, coming from a Republican.
Geez, what is it with Republicans and cruelty to animals?!?
The cruelty is the point of everything they do...
Will do. Hate that she moved to an ultra conservative area here in CO. She may win again. Ugh
With the help of a pretty strange guy who's ran twice against Buck, got into a shouting match with him, was arrested for violating a court order and when the party wouldn't nominate him alone, went outside the delegation (as is his right) to get on the ballot in June with 1500 signatures. Prior to the vote to nominate candidates his campaign started a rumor that the popular democratic candidate wasn't elegible, which resulted in a lawsuit filed by a "Dem" to contest her eligibility, which was funded by republicans and thrown out last week.
So we have three democrats on the ballot to replace Ken Buck in June, and three running for the Democratic nomination for the general in November where save me baby Jesus Boebert will be the R nominee.
And this "Dem" has raised nearly a million bucks...wonder if it's Koch or Anschutz doing it. Or both.
Thanks, Kathleen! I'm all in to contact my reps about this and will do so.
The problem Lynell, We can't pass a law the House Speaker refuses to assign.
You actually can, though. The process is called a discharge petition, and since the Affordable Connectivity Program Extension has a majority of the chamber listed as co-sponsors, if all co-sponsors were willing to sign a discharge petition, then we would be all hunky dory. The problem arises when the members of the Speaker's party that enjoy patting themselves on the back by "supporting" this measure that benefits their constituents are not willing to support it enough to use their signature to challenge the Speaker's judgement.
The discharge petition did not go so well for Ukrainian Aid. So, while it exists we could see that in action it was hard to implement.
That needs to change. In too many instances a single individual has the power to gum up the works while the rest of the nation suffers.
"There is danger from all men. The only maxim of a free government ought to be to trust no man living with power to endanger the public liberty."
-John Adams (and yes, no woman with autocratic powers as well)
The discharge petition for Ukraine was my go-to for funding before the Speaker had a change of heart. I read somewhere early on that Republicans said they would support the supplemental as soon as there were 200 signatures on the discharge petition. We got to 195 where it stalled; and then the Speaker had an epiphany!
*Sigh* Mike Johnson did not have a change of heart. Sure, he *said* he did, but if anyone actually believes that I don't know what to tell you. Mike Johnson is a bad person who was and is one of the foremost proponents of the plan to end our democracy behind 1/6, is proudly allied with white Christian nationalists at home and abroad, and has done absolutely everything to avoid giving our allies the help they needed for half a year. Like any other politician of the slimy variety, he has an "epiphany" only when it becomes clear public pressure demands it, and the risk of a general election loss is greater than the risk of a primary loss. Period.
Also, the Israel aid had become a big demand for a good chunk of evangelicals, and there is no way that was passing the Senate without Ukraine aid. Oh, and I'm sure the defense contractors and their lobbyists started making more calls. That too!
Yes, Will. Mike is as bad as they get. He should have been prosecuted for his role in the "coup" attempt.
Part of Johnson's "epiphany" was that Trump "allowed" him to bring the bills to a vote. Trump reads the tea leaves and knows that support for Ukraine is right up there with reproductive rights.
It is ALWAYS going to be about Trump, his popularity and his re-election strategies. Observe the "new RNC" and how funding is being stripped away from down ballot contests and funneled to guess who (and his defense expenses).
But back to Johnson. He flies an "Appeal to Heaven" flag outside of his office that proudly refers to his membership in the New Apostolic Reformation — "which is hell-bent on turning America into a religious state".
https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/political-commentary/mike-johnson-christian-nationalist-appeal-to-heaven-flag-1234873851/
I also think he waited long enough to do real damage to Ukraine and set them up to not be able to return from the blow no matter what they are supplied with (still slow in coming from all allies), unless is is manpower. I see Russia taking Africans and forcing them into the military. We could consider funding independent contractors from countries in Africa too, with the opportunity to get Ukrainian citizenship from that, with a longer term prospect of EU citizenship.
100%, Will. Oops, my snark was not evident. I should have put quotation marks around "change of heart" and "epiphany."
He's McConnell's successor waiting in the wings.
Having a democracy does not mean we win all the time; it means we get to have a say. Since I am not likely to be protesting in the streets, contacting my representatives in Congress is how I have my say.
Yes, but, in this case My Congressman, Dr. Ami Bera, is one of the 228 in favor. We need to get rid of the damned rule that gives so much power to a single person in the House of
Representatives and in the Senate. I could email Ami every day and get the same reply, as soon as the bill comes to the floor I'll vote yes. Same with Alex Padilla in the Senate. Those rules have to go. There is an alternative - if they get enough signatures they can force a vote. The problem here is the 228 in favor includes up to 20 Republicans. They are so fearful of Trump coming after their election chances in November, they are unwilling to vote against the magats, as long as the vote isn't made public.
"We need to get rid of the damned rule that gives so much power to a single person in the House of Representatives and in the Senate."
I share your frustration. I am the staunchest advocate you will find here for reforming the rules of Congress, many of which which are archaic to a degree that is insulting to every voter. However, the idea that the majority leader of each chamber of Congress decides what goes up for a vote is less a rule and more... uh... simply the only way this could work. Literally every organization with more than a few people needs a boss to moderate and organize. There are thousands of proposals made in Congress each year, many/most of which could theoretically pass a vote, but all of them being thrown onto the floor would be abject chaos. I understand why we are inclined to be uncomfortable with someone having that much power, but we have already accepted the notion that the President can veto any law and hires everyone charged with executing them. Kind of a lot of power for one person, right? But it was decided that having an executive with power was necessary, right? And the legislative branch is actually Article 1, so why would legislative leaders be any less powerful, right?
Look, just as a Presidential veto is rarely overridden but can be, a Speaker can be removed or have their priorities overridden by a majority of legislators. But if that Speaker wasn't admired/respected/feared by the other party members that picked them then they would not have risen to the top of the ladder in the first place, so it is unlikely for their judgement to be rebuked in such a way.
The only way to not have an issue with this is to make sure the people you prefer are in the majority of both chambers of Congress. It doesn't really get any simpler.
Either that or do what most countries do and have a prime minister instead of a president.
My rep, Jennifer Wexton, is also among the 228 in favor. The latest ask of her was to put pressure on the Speaker to bring the bill to the floor. I made the same ask to my Dem Senators.
Getting rid of the rules in both houses of Congress will be an uphill battle and likely to go on for years. I'm up for putting the pressure on when it comes to that. Exhausting? Yes, but, as I see it, a necessary part of the democratic process!
Good for you Lynell, I'll join you gladly and will email my Congressman and Senator too.
Good on you, Fay...Push! Push! Push!
Ah…Dem senators…a responsive Dem representative…I could only dream here in TN.
Small comfort, I know, ML, but I would contact them even if they had an R after their name. Wish I could say/do more.
I have tried communicating with the representative who has an "R" after their name that lives just north of where my district is. I remind her she is a state representative and even though I do not live in her district, she does represent my state.
She barely won and it was because voters here in Marion County did not vote for McLeod-Skinner. We see lots of political ads about the D who will be her likely opponent and who has already beaten her in some political contests. In the meantime McLeod-Skinner acts as if she is already the D candidate. I do hope that she will get behind Bynum who likely be the D candidate unlike the DINO Schraeder who did not support M-S. Hopefully, in our district, the 6th, Salinas can prevail again.
I’ve donated to Byrum.
Democracy means you can't always get what you want, but you still should be able get what you need. Repubs want to make it winner takes all; when even when somebody wins, they retain responsibilities to the whole society.
My favorite Stones song!!
Responsibilities without accountability. Thanks, JL.
Just read this yesterday (?) about their latest tour: https://apnews.com/article/rolling-stones-tour-houston-f0de46c85a29d132e716009f927d6431 Hmmm…what is all that kerfuffle about “old” people not being competent?
What is astonishing is not necessarily how they are still touring at 80, or that they are reportedly still so excellent, but that they are still ALIVE AT ALL after the activities and substances that were partaken in such large quantities over such a long period of time! Maybe the whole getting paid zillions to do your favorite thing has something to do with it? Whoda thunk?
Willie Nelson is doing festival shows this year again... at 90! Ridley Scott (86) just finished directing his 4th big-budget film in 3.5 years, with 3 more projects in development. Then you get this guy: https://www.muscleandfitness.com/athletes-celebrities/news/100-year-old-man-breaks-5-olympic-world-records/
These people are obviously outliers, but it really is just a number.
I heard the tune in my head!
me too.
...but when you heard it in your head, did you hear Mick's parts or the freaky children's chorus from the opening?
Not the children!!!
👏👏 Lynell ! And it only takes minutes, far less time than it takes me to read and comment here.😉
Love your point of view, Kathy...thanks!
The party of sabotage-it-then-complain-it-doesn't-work...
I always find it hard to believe that so many people haven’t figured out their game!
Sort of like the Cato Institute suggestion to use Leninist tactics that I believe came out as the Newt Gingrich/Frank Luntz GoPac memo "Language: A Key Mechanism of Control."
I didn't leave the party as soon as it was published, incorrectly thinking they would come to their senses and reject the denigrating everything the opposition said, tried to accomplish, or derived any credit for even if it was exactly what they would do as long as they got the credit for it (usually with a name change if nothing else). I don't know how well Lenin's soft sabotage of programs compared to my old parties but the idea seemed to slowly smother the opposition without drawing too much unproductive opposition that could make the sabotage less effective.
It seems rather stupid that they are taking something Trump could have received some credit for and cutting it off but then it seems it might have just been like Lucy letting Trump kick the ball half way down the field, but pulling it back so no opposition could keep it moving down the field (favoring Putin's team over our team).
Great name and description Peter
Thank you, Fay, but I'm just sorry about the indignity of having to point out such demeaning truths.
We can only stand by what we truly are and, if others choose to debase their humanity, that must be their problem. We can pity suchlike, we must do all that it takes to defend ourselves from them and their evildoing.
Thank You, Lynell!
Both bills have bipartisan support:⬇️
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/3565/cosponsors
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/6929/cosponsors
📲Please call your elected officials and Mike Johnson’s office : (202) 225-4000
My elected officials are all GOP/MAGA and I’ve had only pleasant exchanges.
“YOU CAN'T WRING YOUR HANDS AND ROLL UP YOUR SLEEVES AT THE SAME TIME.”
Patricia Schroeder '64, Former United States Representative
💙
Thanks for the detail, Kathy, and Speaker Johnson's phone number...
Love that quote, she said as she was rolling up her sleeves!
Done. Thank you, Lynell.
😉