12/14/24 - 12/22/24

* I'm cutting this off here before the new firehose drowns me. (I remember when I got a couple of weeks this time of year to post history and archaeology round up. Sigh). I have a bunch of prepped links I didn't post yet. Hopefully next edition.

* Please tell the White House anything you want them to do while there is still time: https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/

* "Resources for helping Gaza, Sudan and Congo:" https://www.tumblr.com/swallowedabug/758070860436439040?source=share

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* "Israel plans to double population on occupied Golan, citing threats from Syria:" https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-sees-increased-threat-syria-despite-moderate-tone-rebel-leaders-2024-12-15/

* "Syria's de facto leader not interested in new conflicts despite Israeli attacks:" https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/syrias-de-facto-leader-not-interested-new-conflicts-despite-israeli-attacks-2024-12-14/

* "Israeli forces carry out air, ground attacks in Gaza; dozens dead:" https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-troops-kill-20-gaza-strip-attack-school-sheltering-displaced-2024-12-15/

* Dignity Kits Explainer: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/G6zclWviF-Y

"Make a gift to deliver Dignity Kits and reproductive healthcare to women and girls in Gaza and around the world. :" https://www.usaforunfpa.org/?form=FUNCMSFXVBM&utm_source=ads_acq_goodinfluence_24n062_241217_donations_us

******

* "UN chief says Israeli air strikes in Syria must stop:" https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/un-chief-says-israeli-air-strikes-syria-must-stop-2024-12-19/

* "UN extends peacekeeping mission between Syria, Israeli-occupied Golan Heights:" https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/un-extends-peacekeeping-mission-between-syria-israeli-occupied-golan-heights-2024-12-20/

* "‘The Bibi Files,’ with leaked Netanyahu footage, can't be seen in Israel. Israelis are finding ways:" https://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory/bibi-files-leaked-netanyahu-footage-israel-israelis-finding-116753786

******

* "Russian missiles batter Ukraine's embattled power grid:" https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-launches-large-scale-missile-attack-ukraine-energy-facilities-kyiv-says-2024-12-13/

* "Russian rush-hour missile strike on Kyiv kills one, damages embassies:" https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/russian-missile-attack-kyiv-injures-two-damages-buildings-officials-say-2024-12-20/

* "Ukrainian man fleeing war rescued with his kitten on a perilous journey through Romanian mountains:" https://apnews.com/article/romania-ukraine-draft-cat-rescue-mountain-war-8e57bc8b07a2ec80ea16ca9cd09450b3?

******

* This is Türkiye, so I'm sorting it into miscellaneous armed conflicts instead of including it with Israel's war of conquest in the south of Syria. "Thousands take to the streets in northeast Syria in support of Kurdish-led force:" https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20241219-thousands-take-to-the-streets-in-northeast-syria-in-support-of-kurdish-led-force

* "Bloody siege ends Myanmar army control of western border:" https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/bloody-siege-ends-myanmar-army-control-of-western-border/ar-AA1vLL0q

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* "Germans mourn the 5 killed and 200 injured in the attack on a Christmas market:" https://www.npr.org/2024/12/20/nx-s1-5235508/christmas-market-germany-car-magdeburg

"Describing himself as a former Muslim, the suspect appears to have been an active user of the social media platform X, sharing dozens of tweets and retweets daily focusing on anti-Islam themes, criticizing the religion and congratulating Muslims who had left the faith.

He also accused German authorities of failing to do enough to combat what he referred to as the "Islamification of Europe.""

This is already getting simplified in Islamophobic ways.

* "Germany on path for early election after Scholz requests confidence vote:" https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/germanys-scholz-requests-confidence-vote-path-election-2024-12-11/

* We're openly hugging literal NAZIs now. After all Elon Musk is basically setting policy for Trump now.
"Backlash builds as Elon Musk endorses Germany’s far right
“Only the AfD can save Germany,” said the key Donald Trump ally.:" https://www.politico.eu/article/elon-musk-endorses-germanys-far-right/

* "Son-in-law of top foe of Venezuela’s president sentenced to 30 months on money laundering charge:" https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-pdvsa-money-laundering-maduro-stepsons-c632f499b1248390b064d0438e1c3ed0

* "Smooth end to Syria sanctions would help address immense needs, says UN envoy:" https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/smooth-end-syria-sanctions-would-help-address-immense-needs-says-un-envoy-2024-12-17/

* "France to host Syria meeting, cautious on aid, sanctions lifting:" https://www.reuters.com/world/france-host-syria-meeting-cautious-aid-sanctions-lifting-2024-12-18/

* "Assad's final hours in Syria: Deception, despair and flight:" https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/assads-final-hours-syria-deception-despair-flight-2024-12-13/

* "One week into post-Assad rule in Syria - a view from Damascus:" https://www.npr.org/2024/12/14/nx-s1-5229003/one-week-into-post-assad-rule-in-syria-a-view-from-damascus

* "Thousands scour Syria’s most horrific prison but find no sign of their loved ones:" https://apnews.com/article/syria-saydnaya-prison-assad-families-search-9f533d54b4df72f97416f90921dd2a9c

* "Concern over Syria’s chemical weapons stockpile triggers emergency meeting of global monitor:" https://apnews.com/article/syria-chemical-weapons-opcw-stockpiles-chlorine-assad-e195ca88035fc2ae1feb9e9106191329

* "In Nigeria’s lithium boom, many mines are illegal and children do much of the work:" https://apnews.com/article/lithium-mining-energy-transition-child-labor-nigeria-africa-22155590dddf7ecc0b9fd55b221c6d9f

* "Canada Post union head in Hamilton warns of 'race to the bottom' after back-to-work order ends strike:" https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/cupw-local-548-president-after-strike-1.7414221

* "Biden approves $571 mln in defense support for Taiwan:" https://www.reuters.com/world/us/biden-approves-571-mln-defense-support-taiwan-2024-12-21/

* "Ex-FBI informant accused of lying about Bidens pleads guilty:" https://www.reuters.com/legal/ex-fbi-informant-accused-lying-about-bidens-pleads-guilty-2024-12-16/

* "Biden administration abandons efforts to protect transgender student-athletes from discrimination:" https://www.advocate.com/politics/biden-title-ix-transgender-athletes

"abandoning the rule out of fear the next administration could weaponize certain proposed language."

I feel like this is of a piece with the Christopher Wray thing. Fix the language. Make him counter it. Obeying in Advance is a terrible idea.

* Pipeline Action Item.: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/d-hzGKyygdI

Please tell the White House anything you want them to do while there is still time: https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/

* I suspect Trump will reverse it. "FTC announces final rule banning junk fees on tickets and hotels:" https://www.nbcnews.com/business/business-news/ftc-rule-bans-junk-fees-tickets-hotels-rcna184539

* "Supreme Court agrees to review TikTok ban-or-sale law:" https://www.npr.org/2024/12/18/nx-s1-5233027/supreme-court-to-review-tiktok-ban

* Remember: All judges are subject to extremely strict ethical standards, except the Supreme court Judges who have decided they don't need any enforceable ethical standards at all because they are to important and powerful for petty concerns like not being wildly corrupt and/or biased. "Judge's criticism of US Supreme Court's Alito over flags is deemed improper:" https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/judges-criticism-us-supreme-courts-alito-over-flags-is-deemed-improper-2024-12-17/

* "US appeals court judge rescinds retirement after Trump's win:" https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-appeals-court-judge-rescinds-retirement-after-trumps-win-2024-12-15/

* I support the strike. "Amazon faces multiple pickets as union targets holiday shopping rush:" https://www.npr.org/2024/12/19/nx-s1-5233832/amazon-union-teamsters-strike

* "US Senate advances massive defense bill, despite transgender provision:" https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-senate-advances-895-billion-defense-policy-bill-voting-continues-2024-12-16/

* "President Biden Must Veto Defense Bill Attacking Military Families with Transgender Youth:" https://www.aclu.org/press-releases/president-biden-must-veto-defense-bill-attacking-military-families-with-transgender-youth

Remember how we spent all last year and the early part of this one fighting this sort of thing where they slip anti-bodily autonomy stuff into must pass funding bills?

Our only hope of stopping this is Presidential veto. https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/

* "Dwarfed by China in shipbuilding, US looks to build its defense base to fend off war:" https://apnews.com/article/china-shipbuilding-us-defense-base-2a24238bdbf255bac821145d7b299d8d

* I have no words that aren't profanity. "Sinema Finally Shows Up to Work to Deal One Last Blow to Labor Rights:" https://newrepublic.com/post/189270/manchin-sinema-labor-rights-nlrb-vote

* "8 policies stripped from GOP bill after Trump, Musk rebellion:" https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/politics/2024/12/20/8-policies-stripped-from-gop-bill-after-trump-musk-rebellion/77104450007/

A budget is a moral document. Elon Musk and the republicans want you to know that making sure kids die of cancer is good for insurance companies and that money would be better used for tax cuts to billionaires.

They also want you to know that keeping deepfake revenge porn legal is essential for... reasons.

* "Trump, Musk co-losers as united Democrats prevent government shutdown:" https://www.msnbc.com/alex-wagner-tonight/watch/trump-musk-co-losers-as-united-democrats-prevent-government-shutdown-227645509800

* "Elon Musk or Donald Trump? After government shutdown fiasco, it’s an open question of which one is in charge:" https://www.msnbc.com/ayman-mohyeldin/watch/elon-musk-or-donald-trump-after-government-shutdown-fiasco-it-s-an-open-question-of-which-one-is-in-charge-227673669890

* "‘Weak leader’: Trump ‘hemorrhaging political capital,’ says Hayes:" https://www.msnbc.com/all-in/watch/-weak-leader-trump-hemorrhaging-political-capital-says-hayes-227640901635

* "Democrats avert a 'Trump-Musk shutdown' just hours ahead of deadline:" https://www.msnbc.com/all-in/watch/democrats-avert-a-trump-musk-shutdown-just-hours-ahead-of-deadline-227640389700

* This, like cancelling pediatric cancer research is the hill President Elect Musk chose for the Republicans to die on.

Republicans think if your EBT gets stolen you deserve to starve."Red Hook Residents See Rash of Stolen Food Stamps, As Reimbursement Funds Expire:" https://citylimits.org/2024/12/19/red-hook-residents-see-rash-of-food-stamp-thefts-as-reimbursement-funds-set-to-expire/

* "U.S. House members want answers on Texas’ decision to not review maternal deaths after near-total abortion ban:" https://www.texastribune.org/2024/12/19/texas-congress-maternal-mortality/

* "Laphonza Butler, first Black lesbian U.S. senator, steps down from office for Adam Schiff:" https://www.advocate.com/politics/laphonza-butler-farewell-senate-speech

* I have had massive respect for her since the Iraq war vote, which is when I first noticed her. Her record and her perseverance are impressive. "Progressive trailblazer Rep. Barbara Lee bids farewell to Congress: 'Public service is in my DNA':" https://www.msnbc.com/jonathan-capehart/watch/progressive-trailblazer-rep-barbara-lee-bids-farewell-to-congress-public-service-is-in-my-dna-227126341801

* Nancy Pelosi sabotaged Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, even though she would be better for the party. "Democrats elect Rep. Gerry Connolly over progressive star AOC for top Oversight Committee post:" https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/gerry-connolly-beats-aoc-key-vote-oversight-ranking-member-rcna184427

* "‘Madness’: Democrats still aren’t taking the age issue seriously, says Hayes:" https://www.msnbc.com/all-in/watch/-madness-democrats-still-aren-t-taking-the-age-issue-seriously-says-hayes-227340869810

* "Angie Craig elected first woman and first LGBTQ+ ranking member of House Agriculture Committee:" https://www.advocate.com/politics/angie-craig-agriculture-house

* "Ethics Committee secretly voted to release Gaetz report:" https://www.politico.com/news/2024/12/18/ethics-votes-release-matt-gaetz-report-00195090ethics

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* Our job for the next two years is to survive, to build grassroots resistance, to do all in our power to slow the republican Christo-fascist agenda, and to prepare for 2026 in case there is still Democracy.

We are trying to build a good list of resistance resources.

Please add more below if you have them.

Trump 2.0 Indivisible Guide.  https://indivisible.org/resource/guide

Have something you want to tell your Congress Critters? If you can't safely contact them in person, here are some other options:

Call the Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and ask to be connected to the representative of your choice.
Here is one that will send your reps a fax: https://resist.bot/
To get your Critters' numbers to call direct: https://www.congress.gov/members/find-your-member

Run for Something: https://runforsomething.net/

How to render emergency aid in a riot: https://riotmedicine.net/static/downloads/riot-medicine_a5.pdf

"How to Safely and Ethically Film Police Misconduct:" https://www.teenvogue.com/story/how-to-film-police-safely

*****

* "'Fake electors' from 2020 are casting 2024 votes for Trump while facing felony charges:" https://www.npr.org/2024/12/17/nx-s1-5225588/trump-electoral-college-vote-nevada-fake-electors-michigan

* "Winsome Earle-Sears: The anti-LGBTQ+ ultraconservative Republican trying to replace Virginia's governor:" https://www.advocate.com/politics/winsome-earle-sears-virginia-governor

* "Toni Atkins on running to become California's first lesbian governor (exclusive):" https://www.advocate.com/politics/toni-atkins-victory-fund-endorsement

* "Meet Bobbie Simpson: California’s first out trans school board member:" https://www.advocate.com/politics/bobbie-simpson-california-first-out-trans-school-board-member

* "Missouri Republican proposes $1,000 bounty program to turn in undocumented immigrants:" https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article296685389.html

* "120 anti-trans bills have already been filed across the United States before 2025 has even started:" https://www.advocate.com/politics/120-anti-trans-legislation-2025

* "Florida Republican wants to ban Pride flags in public buildings:" https://www.advocate.com/politics/florida-randy-fine-pride-flags

* She's been such a disappointment. "Kathy Hochul vetos financial protection bill introduced after murders of gay men:" https://www.advocate.com/politics/kathy-hochul-veto-gay-murder-victims

* "Moms For Liberty co-founder elevated as vice chair for Florida Ethics Commission:" https://www.advocate.com/moms-for-liberty-leader-florida

* "Rumble Video Platform Sues California Over Anti-Deepfake Law:" https://news.bloomberglaw.com/litigation/rumble-video-platform-sues-california-over-anti-deepfake-law

* "Far-right Republican Mark Robinson must pay $35,000 for campaign finance violations:" https://www.advocate.com/politics/mark-robinson-campaign-finance-violations

* "First Democratic senator joins Truth Social:" https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2024/12/11/congress/truth-social-trump-john-fetterman-00193755

* "Pete Hegseth meets with Democrat John Fetterman, other Trump picks make rounds:" https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/tulsi-gabbard-kash-patel-trump-picks-make-rounds/story?id=116724775

* "John Fetterman says Hunter Biden, Trump both deserve pardons after 'politically motivated' trials:" https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/john-fetterman-says-hunter-biden-trump-both-deserve-pardons-politicall-rcna183094

* "Democrat Andy Beshear sides with Republicans, says he doesn't support gender-affirming care for inmates:" https://www.advocate.com/politics/andy-beshear-gender-affirming-care-inmates

Oh look! Another Quisling.

This is a serious mental health issue, but also can cause permanent physical changes depending on medical history. Healthcare bans can cause real permanent damage to mind and body,

It's not like inmates can get medications for themselves. If they don't get it through the prison, they can't get it.

* "Sarah McBride gives moving farewell speech to Delaware Senate as she heads to D.C.:" https://www.advocate.com/politics/sarah-mcbride-farewell-speech-delaware-senate

* "Harris urges young supporters to 'stay in the fight' ahead of Trump's second term:" https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/kamala-harris/harris-urge-young-supporters-stay-fight-ahead-trumps-second-term-rcna184531

* "An emerging Texas megadonor just pledged $20 million to “expand a true Republican majority”:" https://www.texastribune.org/2024/12/17/alex-fairly-texas-republican-political-group/

* There's a lot to mull here. I'm not convinced I agree with everything in there, but it's really interesting. "How Democratic Backsliding Happens with Steve Levitsky:" https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-democratic-backsliding-happens-with-steve-levitsky/id1382983397?i=1000679858361

* "The Party of F--- You:" https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2024/12/14/2291979/-The-Party-of-Fuck-You

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* "Trump's army of loyalists has botched the party of Lincoln: Jonathan Capehart:" https://www.msnbc.com/jonathan-capehart/watch/trump-s-army-of-loyalists-could-unleash-an-imperial-presidency-jonathan-capehart-227091525980

* "The Legal Problems of Trump's Nominees ft. Liz Dye:"

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* "Trump drops pretense of concern about e-mail security; prioritizes fear of 'deep state' persecution:" https://www.msnbc.com/alex-wagner-tonight/watch/trump-drops-pretense-of-concern-about-e-mail-security-prioritizes-fear-of-deep-state-persecution-227649605582

* "Trump Said U.S. Subsidizes Canada With More Than $100M a Year — But He's Wrong:" https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/us-canada-100-million-subsidy/

* "Why Trump is backtracking on his pledge to lower grocery prices:" https://www.msnbc.com/jonathan-capehart/watch/trump-reneges-on-campaign-pledge-to-lower-cost-of-groceries-227094085663

* Republicans believe a contract with a rich person is carved in stone, but a contract with a union is written on water as workers have no rights those in power need respect.

"Key union vows to fight back after Trump says he would end remote work for federal employees
The president-elect said he would go to court to block the Social Security Administration's deal with over 40,000 unionized workers.:" https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/key-union-vows-fight-back-trump-says-end-remote-work-federal-employees-rcna184388

* "Can Trump Privatize The Postal Service? What To Know As President-Elect Says He’s ‘Looking At’ USPS Changes:" https://www.forbes.com/sites/alisondurkee/2024/12/16/can-trump-privatize-the-postal-service-what-to-know-as-president-elect-says-hes-looking-at-usps-changes/

Reminders:

1. Republicans under a previous administration forced them to fund retirement 80 years in advance for future workers who haven't been born yet in order to force it to run at a loss as an excuse to destroy it because it's cheaper and better for consumers than UPS and Fed Ex.

2. Ruining the post office harms small and micro-businesses that rely on cheap shipping, while helping UPS and Fed Ex , who are allowed to contribute to campaign coffers.

3. The USPS is a merit based diverse employers which still has excellent benefits, retirement, and decent pay. Republicans hate, hate, hate anything that is merit based and non-biased that also reminds workers in other fields they could have all those things.

4. It also proves how well the government can run things, so it's bad for their destroy the government and anything that is for the common good agenda.

5. The USPs is required to deliver to rural areas. Privatizing leaves elderly and disabled customers SOL for things they need like medications, etc.. Republicans would like elderly and disabled people to just die.

* Some of these are mostly focused on the national security implications of Musk, SpaceX, and Starlink, but the conflict of interest over things like Self driving cars matter too. It's a fundamental problem that Trump is basically letting Elon Musk make so many decisions for his own benefit.

* "Elon Musk, SpaceX face federal reviews over security, NYT reports:" https://www.reuters.com/technology/space/elon-musk-spacex-face-federal-reviews-after-security-reporting-failures-nyt-2024-12-17/

* "Elon Musk Under Federal Review for Brazen Flouting of Clearance Rules:" https://newrepublic.com/post/189501/elon-musk-federal-review-clearance-rules

* "Sen. Warren urges Trump to hold Musk accountable for conflicts of interest:" https://www.npr.org/2024/12/19/nx-s1-5232123/elizabeth-warren-trump-elon-musk-conflicts-interest-ethics-pledge

* "Tesla sued by deceased driver’s family over ‘fraudulent misrepresentation’ of Autopilot safety:" https://www.cnbc.com/2024/12/09/tesla-accused-of-fraudulent-misrepresentation-of-autopilot-in-crash-.html

* If there is no reporting there is no way to tell how un-safe self driving cars are. "Exclusive: Trump team wants to scrap car-crash reporting rule that Tesla opposes:" https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/trump-transition-recommends-scrapping-car-crash-reporting-requirement-opposed-by-2024-12-13/

* A more graphic explanation of why we need to monitor this. (Shows crashed cars, but not the bodies). It's from that time Tesla did deadly beta testing that killed and injured a bunch of people. "Better for the billionaire: Rachel Maddow on the fallout when the presidency caters to billionaires:" https://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow/watch/better-for-the-billionaire-rachel-maddow-on-the-fallout-when-the-presidency-caters-to-billionaires-227242053603

* "Gay CEOs Tim Cook and Sam Altman look to be already cozying up to Donald Trump:" https://www.advocate.com/politics/tim-cook-sam-altman-trump

* "Shmoozeonomics: Corporate big shots figure out getting cozy with Trump is the path to policymaking:" https://www.msnbc.com/alex-wagner-tonight/watch/shmoozeonomics-corporate-big-shots-figure-out-getting-cozy-with-trump-is-the-path-to-policymaking-227564613848

* "The criminal’s ‘go-to cryptocurrency’ has a new friend in the White House: Howard Lutnick has defended the stablecoin company which has been used by gangs and US adversaries:" https://www.ft.com/content/b3c5b67d-1df8-4417-8dd5-2c86d76d6392

* "'Firewall for freedom': The plan to protect U.S. democracy from Donald Trump:" https://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow/watch/-firewall-for-freedom-the-plan-to-protect-u-s-democracy-from-donald-trump-227240517833

* "Trump pushes for FBI probe of Republican Liz Cheney over Jan. 6 panel:" https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-pushes-fbi-probe-republican-liz-cheney-over-jan-6-panel-2024-12-18/

* "Liz Cheney slams ‘cowardly assault on the truth' after GOP targets her:" https://www.msnbc.com/all-in/watch/liz-cheney-slams-cowardly-assault-on-the-truth-after-gop-targets-her-227438149554

* "What Kash Patel has in common with J. Edgar Hoover:" https://www.msnbc.com/ayman-mohyeldin/watch/what-kash-patel-has-in-common-with-j-edgar-hoover-227091525820

* "Rachel Maddow on Tulsi Gabbard: Six things about Trump's pick for director of national intelligence:" https://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow/watch/rachel-maddow-on-tulsi-gabbard-six-things-about-trump-s-pick-for-director-of-national-intelligence-227549765688

* "Trump’s Cabinet And Key Jobs: Ric Grenell And Devin Nunes Are Latest Nominees:" https://www.forbes.com/sites/saradorn/2024/12/15/trumps-cabinet-and-key-jobs-ric-grenell-and-devin-nunes-are-latest-nominees/

* "Trump’s partisan army would end American military might: When political loyalty replaces merit for promotion and selection to key commands, effectiveness suffers.:" https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/trump-pentagon-hegseth-generals-brown-purge-rcna180179

As someone who adamantly opposed our invasions of Afghanistan, Iraq, etc., I have complicated feelings about the way the US uses it's military, but the plans to hollow it out, retaining only straight cis white men with no ethics and a willingness to use the full might of the Military against non-violent protesters in charge is a big fucking problem.

* "A Hegseth DOD comes with a battle against public school education:" https://www.politico.com/news/2024/12/15/trumps-defense-pick-pete-hegseth-has-an-opening-to-reshape-american-classrooms-00194364

* "Rachel Maddow on Kristi Noem: Five things to know about Trump's pick to be homeland security secretary:" https://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow/watch/rachel-maddow-on-kristi-noem-five-things-to-know-about-trump-s-pick-to-be-homeland-security-secretary-226927173554

* "Kristen Waggoner, the woman who helped overturn Roe v. Wade, is coming for LGBTQIA+ rights:" https://www.gaytimes.com/uncloseted/kristen-waggoner-overturn-roe-v-wade-lgbtq-rights/

* "RFK Jr.'s lawyer and top ally asked FDA to revoke approval of polio vaccine:" https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/rfk-jrs-lawyer-top-ally-asked-fda-revoke/story?id=116769906

I am old enough to have known people permanently disabled from polio. Some polio survivors are still alive right now. It killed and disabled so many children and adults.

The polio vaccine is so much safer than polio.

It is cruel to force us to go back to the death and horror of that time.

* "RFK Jr.'s Lawyer Opposes the Polio Vaccine!:"

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* Now it's 2024, and I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around has mass murdered children before and is openly promising to mass murder them on a even grander scale not being universally considered disqualifying, but here we are in the bad timeline looking at senators on both sides of the aisle being okay with the mass murder of children thing.

* "“thoroughly and properly studied”:" https://solarbird.dreamwidth.org/2020270.html

* "Rachel Maddow on Matt Whitaker: Six things to know about Trump's pick to be NATO ambassador:" https://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow/watch/rachel-maddow-on-matt-whitaker-six-things-to-know-about-trump-s-pick-to-be-nato-ambassador-226920517597

* The Republican War on the Planet waged on behalf of massive corporations continues. "Exclusive: Trump transition team to roll back Biden EV, emissions policies:" https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/trump-transition-team-plans-sweeping-rollback-biden-ev-emissions-policies-2024-12-16/

* On Project 2025, Theocracy, and Censorship. "This Channel May Not Exist Next Year. This is Why.:"

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* A broken clock is right once a day. "Trump wants to turn the clock on daylight saving time:" https://apnews.com/article/trump-daylight-saving-time-36ccbf61bea70aaac0f5c43b8029957c

(I thought it over before posting and picked the 24 hour clock with the little AM/PM flippy thing on the grounds that twice is wildly unlikely given the quality of his ideas in general.)

* "Donald Trump makes up 'special envoy' position for MAGA gay Richard Grenell:" https://www.advocate.com/politics/richard-grenell-trump-special-envoy

* "Trump attends Army-Navy football game with GOP allies, nominees and Daniel Penny:" https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/trump-attends-army-navy-football-game-with-gop-allies-nominees-and-daniel-penny

* "‘The FCC has no business threatening to take away broadcast licenses’:" https://www.politico.com/news/2024/12/16/rosenworcel-trump-fcc-agency-decisions-00194458

* "ABC agrees to give $15 million to Trump's presidential library to settle lawsuit:" https://www.npr.org/2024/12/14/nx-s1-5229089/abc-e-jean-carroll-trump-george-stephanopoulos

ABC's decision to fold in a case they were likely to win if we still have rule of law is complying in advance that leaves less powerful news media dangerously exposed. I'm furious.

* "The Real Danger of ABC News Settling Its Lawsuit With Donald Trump:" https://theintercept.com/2024/12/17/abc-news-trump-lawsuit-settlement/

* "‘Chilling’: Chris Hayes and Ari Melber talk MAGA’s war on the free press:" https://www.msnbc.com/all-in/watch/-chilling-chris-hayes-and-ari-melber-talk-maga-s-war-on-the-free-press-227331653843

* "Trump sues Iowa pollster over survey that showed Harris ahead:" https://www.politico.com/news/2024/12/17/trump-ann-selzer-lawsuit-iowa-poll-00194807

* "After ABC settlement, emboldened Trump goes after Iowa pollster Ann Selzer:" https://www.msnbc.com/the-reidout/reidout-blog/abc-settlement-trump-ann-selzer-rcna184444

* "Trump exposes his real motivation with ill-considered lawsuit against newspaper:" https://www.msnbc.com/alex-wagner-tonight/watch/trump-exposes-his-real-motivation-with-ill-considered-lawsuit-against-newspaper-227355205565

* I hate linking to the Hill, but I think we ought to make a not that he's suing Woodward for publishing the truth. "Judge denies Trump’s request to advance suit against Bob Woodward:" https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/5044528-trump-lawsuit-bob-woodward/

* "Fani Willis is disqualified from prosecuting Trump election case in Georgia, appeals court rules:" https://www.politico.com/news/2024/12/19/fani-willis-is-disqualified-from-prosecuting-trump-election-case-appeals-court-rules-00195323

* "New York judge says Trump is not immune from hush money conviction:" https://www.npr.org/2024/12/16/g-s1-38540/new-york-judge-says-trump-not-immune-from-hush-money-conviction

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* "Michigan man pleads guilty to plotting mass shootings targeting gay people:" https://www.advocate.com/crime/man-guilty-gay-mass-shooting

* "Police identify Wisconsin school shooting suspect as a 15-year-old female student:" https://www.npr.org/2024/12/16/g-s1-38488/madison-wisconsin-school-shooting-abundant-life-christian

* "​Gay Dem who represents district of Wisconsin school shooting demands action, not just ‘thoughts and prayers’:" https://www.advocate.com/news/mark-pocan-abundant-life-school

* "Matt Gaetz can 'f**k off' for alleging Wisconsin shooter was transgender, gay Rep. Mark Pocan says:" https://www.advocate.com/politics/mark-pocan-matt-gaetz-idiot

* This is some bullshit. "Florida woman charged for threatening health insurance company: 'Delay, deny, depose' Briana Boston said she was denied a medical claim with Blue Cross Blue Shield.:" https://abcnews.go.com/US/florida-woman-charged-threatening-health-insurance-company-delay/story?id=116748222

* "Briana Boston case: How would attorneys defend against threat accusation?:" https://www.wfla.com/news/polk-county/briana-boston-case-how-would-attorneys-defend-against-threat-accusation/

* "How UnitedHealth’s Playbook for Limiting Mental Health Coverage Puts Countless Americans’ Treatment at Risk:" https://www.propublica.org/article/unitedhealth-mental-health-care-denied-illegal-algorithm

* "UnitedHealth Is Strategically Limiting Access to Critical Treatment for Kids With Autism:" https://www.propublica.org/article/unitedhealthcare-insurance-autism-denials-applied-behavior-analysis-medicaid

* "Are We Allowed To Laugh When A CEO Dies?:"

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* "When Does Murder Amount To Terrorism?:"

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* "Why the Fraudulent 'Broken Windows' Theory of Policing Refuses to Die:" https://www.currentaffairs.org/news/why-the-fraudulent-broken-windows-theory-of-policing-refuses-to-die

* "‘Not true:’ Chris Hayes on the reality of the massive crime drop in America:" https://www.msnbc.com/all-in/watch/-not-true-chris-hayes-on-the-reality-of-the-massive-crime-drop-in-america-227545157964

* "The Prison Rodeo at the Heart of Legal Enslavement:" https://www.thenation.com/article/society/angola-prison-rodeo/

* We need to be better than this. "Black students sue New York school after teacher asks if they are 'pure-bred':" https://www.advocate.com/news/black-students-sue-school-racism

* On Censorship. "This Channel May Not Exist Next Year. This is Why.:"

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* Florida wants you to upload your ID to companies that can be hacked or subpoenaed. "Lawsuit filed against Florida law requiring age verification to access porn in 2025:" https://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/politics/2024/12/17/lawsuit-contests-florida-law-requiring-porn-age-verification-in-2025/77044752007/

* "Pornhub Will Soon Be Shut Off in Florida, on Top of These 12 States:" https://people.com/pornhub-shut-off-florida-12-other-states-8764866

This is a major privacy issue. It's a major identity theft risk and it lets the government track your porn watching with a subpoena. Reminder Banning porn is a major Republican christo-fascist agenda item, like divorce bans and abortion bans.

* "Ken Paxton sues New York doctor accused of prescribing abortion pills to Texas woman:" https://www.texastribune.org/2024/12/13/texas-paxton-abortion-pill-mail-lawsuit/

* "Kate Cox’s case reveals how far Texas intends to go to enforce abortion laws:" https://www.texastribune.org/2023/12/13/texas-abortion-lawsuit/

* ""THAT'S ABUSE!": How The Internet Infantilizes Kinky, Queer & Trans People [BDSM]:"

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* CW: Extreme Domestic Violence. "Edwin Chiloba's killer sentenced to 50 years in prison for murdering the LGBTQ+ activist:" https://www.advocate.com/crime/edwin-chiloba-killer-sentenced

* "The transgender Americans lost to violence so far this year:" https://www.advocate.com/crime/transgender-americans-killed-2024#rebelltitem1

* "Black trans woman Cameron Thompson, 18, shot to death in Alabama:" https://www.advocate.com/crime/trans-woman-cameron-thompson-killed

* "Judge denies 'Stand Your Ground' claim from Florida man accused of homophobic murder:" https://www.advocate.com/crime/judge-denies-stand-your-ground-florida

* "L.A. deputy sheriff pleads guilty to viciously assaulting transgender man:" https://www.advocate.com/crime/sheriff-deputy-assault-transgender-man

* "Gay police officer sues California city, claims colleagues put rotting food in his belongings and more:" https://www.advocate.com/news/california-police-officer-sues-discrimination

* "Maui prep school considers policies that effectively ban transgender students:" https://www.advocate.com/news/maui-school-anti-trans-policies

* "Tennessee pizzeria faces backlash for refusing to cater same-sex weddings:" https://www.advocate.com/news/pizzeria-same-sex-wedding-discrimination

* "Controversy brews on Bluesky after users complain about anti-trans podcaster:" https://www.advocate.com/business/bluesky-jesse-singal

* "Disfigurement, disgust, and the dark side of pretty privilege:"

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* "The Astounding Physics of N95 Masks:"

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* "COVID-19 Affects Memory and Cognition Long After Infection, Study Warns:" https://www.newsweek.com/covid-memory-cognition-infection-coronavirus-1958042

* "COVID-19 Sharply Boosts Risk for Blood-Fat Disorders:" https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/covid-19-sharply-boosts-risk-for-blood-fat-disorders-302294323.html

* "Some Boston doctors are starting to unravel the mysteries of long COVID and find improved treatments for patients:" https://web.archive.org/web/20241002213357/https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/10/02/metro/long-covid-treatments-diagnosis-brigham-and-womens/

* "From COVID to Cognition | Kentucky researchers find COVID-19 could lead to Alzheimer's:" https://www.wdrb.com/steam/from-covid-to-cognition-kentucky-researchers-find-covid-19-could-lead-to-alzheimers/article_e26b00f0-78f2-11ef-ad8b-6f1e4b24f769.html

* "Long COVID inflammation damages heart cells:" https://www.earth.com/news/long-covid-inflammation-damages-heart-cells/

* "What Is a 'Lung Float' Test Exactly?:" https://www.youtube.com/shorts/PCz63prFlwY

* "Rural Cosplay is, Unfortunately, A Thing:"

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* "Opioids Ravaged a Kentucky Town. Then Rehab Became Its Business.:" https://longreads.com/2024/12/12/opioids-ravaged-a-kentucky-town-then-rehab-became-its-business/

---

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* "South Texas groups sue TCEQ for temporarily allowing SpaceX to discharge industrial water without a permit:" https://www.texastribune.org/2024/12/18/texas-space-x-lawsuit-tceq-pollution/

* "The Starliner Astronauts Will Be Stranded Until March:" https://www.wired.com/story/boeing-starliner-astronauts-stranded-until-march-nasa/

* "New radar, identifying tools deployed to address drone concern as public communication falls short:" https://www.msnbc.com/alex-wagner-tonight/watch/new-radar-identifying-tools-deployed-to-address-drone-concern-as-public-communication-falls-short-227354693926

* "Gene behind orange fur in cats found at last: After 60 years, scientists know why gingers, calicos, and tortoiseshells look the way they do:" https://www.science.org/content/article/gene-behind-orange-fur-cats-found-last

* "Galapagos giant tortoises are restoring their own ecosystem:" https://www.popsci.com/environment/galapagos-giant-tortoises-ecosystem-conservation/

* "“Truly Astonishing” – Discovery of 500-Million-Year-Old “Pompeii” Trilobite Fossils Shake Up Scientific Understanding of the Long-Extinct Group:" https://scitechdaily.com/truly-astonishing-discovery-of-500-million-year-old-pompeii-trilobite-fossils-shake-up-scientific-understanding-of-the-long-extinct-group/

* "‘Enigmatic’ cave art was made by ice age children:" https://www.science.org/content/article/enigmatic-cave-art-was-made-ice-age-children

* "The Pazzi Conspiracy 1: The Pope’s Plot | Italian History | Extra History:"

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* "How Victorian Workhouses Changed Charity | European History | Extra History:"

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* "The Debunked History of (women's) Credit Cards:"

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* "The Unlikely Career of Pet Shop Boys & "It's a Sin" I New British Canon:"

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* It's hard to explain to people born later how important this was to me and so many people like me. ""Smalltown Boy", Bronski Beat & Being Openly Gay in Eighties Pop | New British Canon:"

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* "'Sesame Street' isn't renewed and everyone's worried about Bert & Ernie's future:" https://www.advocate.com/arts-entertainment/sesame-street-canceled

* "The wife of a Wisconsin kayaker who faked his own death moves to end their marriage:" https://apnews.com/article/kayaker-wisconsin-faked-death-borgwardt-marriage-87b937bb47d07dc83958541070f73f55

* Rent is paid as of last Sunday night. Bills are up to date as of Saturday night.

* Meanwhile in making tea at home news: Suspicion confirmed: Russian Caravan and chestnut praline syrup compliment each other. The smokiness hints at "Roasting over an open fire.

* "The Picture of Dorian Gray (1945) feat. Amanda Jane Stern:" https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-picture-of-dorian-gray-1945-feat-amanda-jane-stern/id1449041559?i=1000644455509

* "Office Christmas Party Extravaganza - SNL:"

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* "Grandpa's Magic Car - SNL:"

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* "A Horny Twist On A Holiday Classic:"

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* "Buy These NEW Exciting Products From The Late Show Band:"

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* "Sunday Sweets Savors The Moment:" https://www.cakewrecks.com/home/sunday-sweets-savors-the-moment-2024

*****
* Full list of Resistance and charity links has been migrated to my profile as it was getting out of hand.

The help links are at the bottom under the cut.

* Ethical Elephant sanctuary disaster relief: https://www.tumblr.com/veluigi/769847233453719552/emergency-flood-relief?source=share

* "Trans Kids Deserve Better:" https://transkidsdeservebetter.org/support

* "Here are 26 organizations fighting Donald Trump that you can donate to:" https://www.advocate.com/politics/anti-donald-trump-charities

* Run for Something: https://runforsomething.net/

* "LGBTQ+ Victory Fund:" https://victoryfund.org/

* "Buy Native List:" https://www.beyondbuckskin.com/p/buy-native.html?m=1

* Natural fiber fabric sources to buy from for sewing: https://www.tumblr.com/gwydionmisha/768880596478984192?source=share

* "Palestine Children’s Relief Fund:" https://pcrf1.app.neoncrm.com/forms/gaza-recovery

* Disaster Preparedness stuff from the US Government: https://www.ready.gov/publications

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