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gwydion* Wisconsin and People in Florida Do NOT forget to vote!
* "Trump on Putin: ‘I don’t think he’s going to go back on his word’:" https://www.politico.com/news/2025/03/30/trump-vladimir-putin-russia-ukraine-00259985
This happened After him briefly pretending to be angry at his Handler/Puppet-master.
* "2025 Australian federal election: experts explain the key issues:" https://www.sydney.edu.au/news-opinion/news/2025/03/28/2025-australian-federal-election-experts-explain-key-issues.html
* "Iran's Missiles 'Loaded onto Launchers' After Trump Threat:" https://www.newsweek.com/iran-missiles-loaded-launchers-trump-bombing-threat-2052848
* "Trump says he ‘couldn’t care less’ if foreign automakers raise prices due to tariffs:" https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/trump-says-couldnt-care-less-automakers-raise-prices-tariffs-rcna198731
* "Why Trump Says He’s ‘Not Joking’ About a Third Term:" https://archive.ph/Zrx6X
It's unconstitutional, but that won't stop him. He's been floating this idea since his first term. It's likely a way of priming his next coup.
* "Taxpayers' Tab For Trump's Second-Term Golf Excursions Crosses $26 Million Mark:" https://www.huffpost.com/entry/trump-golf-again-26-million_n_67e6c885e4b0f69ef1d3886c
It seems to me that things like these and all the sweetheart deals Elon Musk is giving himself is the real government waste. Let's save things like teacher education and measles vaccinations instead of spending it on crap like this.
* On a related note. "Kristi Noem refused to say who financed some of her travel. It was taxpayers who were on the hook:" https://apnews.com/article/noem-travel-taxpayers-south-dakota-homeland-security-c2655e00a16d44bba46c60a14a638f5d
* I'm putting this here because of the way it lies on the intersection of possible corruption and a complete lack of empathy. "How Kristi Noem’s $50,000 Rolex in a Salvadoran prison became a political flash point
The high-end Swiss watch lent a striking contrast to her tour of a notoriously overcrowded mega-prison in one of Latin America’s poorest countries.:" https://archive.ph/CS8AL
* "DOGE Plans to Rebuild SSA Code Base in Months, Risking Benefits and System Collapse:" https://www.wired.com/story/doge-rebuild-social-security-administration-cobol-benefits/
* "DOGE Plans to Rewrite Entire Social Security Codebase in Just ‘a Few Months’: Report:" https://gizmodo.com/doge-plans-to-rewrite-entire-social-security-codebase-in-just-a-few-months-report-2000582062
Do you trust them not to steal the data, given how at least one of the hackers he hired has a history of working with cyber criminals and another was fired from a company because he leaked information?
Do you think people claiming to be so incompetent at their job that they lied and are still lying that COBOL error messages are somehow proof of massive fraud on a large scale to update a program written in COBOL?
Do you trust them not to completely fuck up the new website either through incompetence or on purpose as a way to steal people's benefits, maybe declare people dead or delete them for "fraud" if they don't like their last names or where they live?
Do you think using AI in code that is vital to the survival of so many Americans is a good Idea?
From the article:
"The DOGE team has already been reportedly running highly sensitive government data through AI, as the Washington Post reported last month, so why not use it to cheat-code your way to a more modern programming language? The reason, of course is the risk of cascading failures during any rush-job that might mean missed payments or beneficiary information getting wiped from the system entirely."
This is utterly terrifying, especially given the fact that they've already completely funked up Social Security phone service. How do I know? Just over a month ago, I called to do the quick phone tree to get a proof of income from them, something I have to do multiple times a year because various programs want them and they need to be very recent. The phone tree had been noticeably improved since last time I'd used it in the fall. When I called today 3/31/25, they had completely removed all the quick phone tree options.
They took a service that was completely automated in the last ten years, and thus super cheap and already in place, for people with a bunch of routine, common, queries and yanked all that out, requiring people to get in line for a live person. Last time I needed live agent service it took about five hours to get back to me.
They are lying that this is about efficiency and saving money. Leaving the automated system in place is dramatically cheaper than paying people to answer, especially at a time they are firing people.
This is meant to break the system and force the people who need their benefits the most out of the system.
Musk has given the goal of stealing Social Security benefits away from people who earned the benefit and actually need it:
"“In fact, what we’re doing will help their benefits,” Musk said. “Legitimate people, as a result of the work of DOGE, will receive more Social Security, not less. I want to emphasize that. As a result of the work of DOGE, legitimate recipients of Social Security will receive more money, not less money.”"
The only way that happens is to take it away from the majority of recipients. You know the people Lutnick claims are fraudsters if they complain at the theft of their rent and electricity bill money recently.
Have something you want to tell your Congress Critters?
If you can't safely contact them in person, here are some other options:
Five Calls to your critters: https://5calls.org/
Here is one that will send your reps a fax: https://resist.bot/
Scream loudest at republican Critters. Those are their voters Musk is trying to kill, but whatever critters you have, stay noisy. We have until 4/14 to stop them.
* "Social Security: Senator Warns Elon Musk, Trump Can Make 'Backdoor' Cuts:" https://www.newsweek.com/elizabeth-warren-doge-social-security-warning-2052170
* "Trump Declares War On Lawyers:"
* "Federal Investigators Were Preparing Two Texas Housing Discrimination Cases — Until Trump Took Over:" https://www.propublica.org/article/trump-hud-texas-housing-discrimination-cases-dallas-houston
* "RFK Jr. Moves to Close Administration For Community Living
The shutdown, part of wider cuts, will mean “more people forced into institutional settings.”:" https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2025/03/rfk-hhs-acl-community-living-shutdown/
"A central part of ACL’s purpose has been oversight of state protection and advocacy agencies for disabled people, providing grants for approved independent living centers, support for employment programs for disabled people, and assistance with adult protective services—all with the goal of helping disabled and aging people live successfully within their communities, rather than in institutions."
This is intended to stop elderly people and people with disabilities living with dignity in their homes so that he can force them into institutional settings where they will die so much faster.
Do you remember how fast disease rips through nursing homes? How many die with each wave.
This is about cruelty and eugenics.
If he cared about health, he wouldn't be doing this.
I beg of you all to please complain.
* "Why We Can’t Have Nice Things with Ezra Klein:" https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-we-cant-have-nice-things-with-ezra-klein/id1583132133?i=1000701030294
* "Over 160 Civil Liberties, Labor, Education Groups Urge House to Vote No on H.R. 32:" https://www.aclu.org/press-releases/over-160-civil-liberties-labor-education-groups-urge-house-to-vote-no-on-h-r-32
“Congress should not pass legislation handing the Trump administration vast and vaguely worded authority it may use to further intimidate, coerce and inflict chaos on schools, hospitals, local police, and other institutions that our communities rely on,” the letter states. “Nor should Congress, through this legislation, concede its ‘power of the purse’ — a vital aspect of our constitutional balance of powers that is perhaps more important than ever.”
Quick Explainer: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/p2TfyEb8OA4
* 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
* "Democracy 2025:" https://www.democracy2025.org/?utm_source=df-ad&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=21912407002&utm_content=721373734297&source=df-ad-gs&gad_source=1
* "Resisting Fascism in 2025 and Beyond:" https://www.prideandpagesbookclub.com/resisting-fascism-in-2025-and-beyond
* If you can't safely contact them in person, here are some other options for contacting your Congress Critters:
Five Calls to your critters: https://5calls.org/
Here is one that will send your reps a fax: https://resist.bot/
"Congress. gov:" https://www.congress.gov/
ACLU advice for writing to your Critters: https://www.aclu.org/writing-your-elected-representatives
Script to complain about Elon Musk/DOGE. I also suggest contacting your AG about data privacy. "Introducing Red State Scripts, Vol. 1:" https://homewiththearmadillo.blog/2025/02/10/introducing-red-state-scripts-vol-1/
* This tracks legislation: https://www.govtrack.us/
* "Vote Smart:" https://justfacts.votesmart.org/
* Useful organizing links and resources: https://www.tumblr.com/gwydionmisha/771859083592613888/hater-of-terfs-ive-already-reblogged-a-link-to?source=share
* 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
* Avoiding Activist Burnout: https://www.tumblr.com/veluigi/771755723969478656/on-twitter-im-seeing-dozens-of-threads-from-black?source=share
* "ICE Raids Toolkit: Defend Against ICE Raids and Community Arrests:" https://www.immigrantdefenseproject.org/raids-toolkit/
* Contains a raid tip hotline amoung other things. "Know Your Rights
LEARN HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY:" https://wearecasa.org/know-your-rights/
* Free Bystander training amoung other useful things. "Right to Be Training:" https://righttobe.org/upcoming-free-trainings/
* "Elon Musk says Wisconsin Supreme Court race could affect the ‘entire destiny of humanity’:" https://www.wpr.org/news/elon-musk-wisconsin-supreme-court-race-green-bay-visit-million-dollar-checks
* "Elon Musk hands out $1 million payments after Wisconsin Supreme Court declines request to stop him:" https://apnews.com/article/wisconsin-supreme-court-musk-million-dollar-giveaway-cdea66e0dcbaa53dd183e1d10bee2b35
Do you really want to let a cheater win? Please vote. Get everyone you can to vote in the April 1 Election. Musk is getting the Republicans out to vote against Democracy and bodily autonomy. Please save yourselves from letting Musk buy your state as he has the Federal government.
* "Why Is Elon Musk Trying to Buy a Wisconsin Supreme Court Seat?:" https://www.newyorker.com/news/the-lede/why-is-elon-musk-trying-to-buy-a-wisconsin-supreme-court-seat
* "Protests held in Green Bay outside of Elon Musk's town hall ahead of state Supreme Court race:" https://www.wbay.com/2025/03/30/protests-held-green-bay-outside-elon-musks-town-hall-ahead-state-supreme-court-race/
* "‘We Are in an Emergency’: Progressive TikTok Star Launches Bid to Unseat Old-Guard Dem: The Democratic district where Kat Abughazaleh is running hasn’t had a competitive primary in decades:" https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-features/kat-abughazaleh-congress-1235301996/
* "Illinois returns stolen land to Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation:" https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/illinois-returns-stolen-land-prairie-band-potawatomi-nation-120144789
* "Exclusive: Intelligence Dossier Compares Luigi Mangione to ‘Robin Hood’:" https://prospect.org/justice/2025-03-27-intelligence-dossier-compares-luigi-mangione-robin-hood/
* "The Human Cost of Jeff Landry’s Drive to Resume Executions:" https://boltsmag.org/the-human-cost-of-jeff-landrys-drive-to-resume-executions/
* "A “Goofy” DJ’s Secret Life at the Center of an Online Terrorism Network:" https://www.propublica.org/article/matthew-allison-dj-terrogram-collective-boise-dallas-humber
* CW: Rape. "Religious Sect That Took Over a Midwestern Town:" https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-features/perfect-church-oregon-illinois-controversy-1235290819/
* "Can I Age In Peace? Aging vs Social Media:"
* "We Need To Talk About The “Queer Elder” Crisis:"
* "Are you unknowingly hurting your LGBTQ+ child??:"
* "Expert has shocking conclusion on transgender athletes: "Trans women are not biological men":" https://nextimpulsesports.com/politics/transgender-athletes-expert-biological-men/
I don't understand how it's that shocking as it's in line with previous reputable studies, just with more data covering more areas, but it's absolutely necessary and important to keep doing these kinds of studies. I'm just grumpy at the headline pretending the previous science didn't exist.
* "Mainstream media paved the way for Trump’s anti-trans policies:" https://xtramagazine.com/power/politics/donald-trump-executive-order-trans-270855
* "Beyond long COVID — how reinfections could be causing silent long-term organ damage:" https://www.cbc.ca/radio/quirks/beyond-long-covid-1.7485888
* "The Science on Weight and Health Is More Complicated Than You Think:" https://www.self.com/story/weight-and-health-is-more-complicated-than-you-think
* "World's glaciers are losing record ice as global temperatures climb, U.N. says:" https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/worlds-glaciers-are-losing-record-ice-global-temperatures-climb-un-says-2025-03-21/
* "Growth in global energy demand surged in 2024 to almost twice its recent average:" https://www.iea.org/news/growth-in-global-energy-demand-surged-in-2024-to-almost-twice-its-recent-average
* "Sudan's RSF squeezing relief supplies as famine spreads, aid workers say:" https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/sudans-rsf-squeezing-relief-supplies-famine-spreads-aid-workers-say-2025-03-25/
* "In pictures: Los Angeles continues cleanup after Palisades fire:" https://www.reuters.com/pictures/pictures-los-angeles-continues-cleanup-after-palisades-fire-2025-03-18/?
* "The Last Drops of Mexico City:" https://mexicocitywater.longlead.com/
* "Some New York City water could be undrinkable in 80 years due to upstate road salt:" https://www.timesunion.com/hudsonvalley/news/article/new-work-reservoirs-salt-undrinkable-20234117.php
* "The Cult Of The American Lawn:" https://www.noemamag.com/the-cult-of-the-american-lawn/
* "Why so many New York City sidewalks are covered in scaffolding:" https://thehustle.co/originals/why-so-many-new-york-city-sidewalks-are-covered-in-scaffolding?
* "GPS, a system we rely upon every day to navigate by plane, car or at sea, is vulnerable.:" https://news.sky.com/story/pull-up-pull-up-who-is-messing-with-gps-signals-used-by-passenger-planes-and-why-13331351
* It is amazing to me that the Rocket didn't blow up going up or down like recent previous ones. "NASA astronauts 'Butch and Suni' return to Earth after drawn-out mission in space:" https://www.reuters.com/technology/space/nasa-astronauts-head-home-spacex-capsule-after-drawn-out-space-station-stay-2025-03-18/
* "Dark energy is weakening and the universe could (eventually) collapse, study says:" https://www.npr.org/2025/03/20/nx-s1-5333843/dark-energy-weakening-universe-collapse-desi
* "History of Cats 1: God’s Fluffy Murder Machines | World History | Extra History:"
* "Ancient Greek and Roman Statues Were Not Only Beautiful, but Also Smelled Nice, Too:" https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/ancient-greek-and-roman-statues-were-not-only-beautiful-but-also-smelled-nice-too-180986280/
* "Tudor French Hoods || Researching and Making a More Accurate French Hood:"
* "Dress Historian Recreates Margaret Tudor's French Hoods:"
* "Answering Your Questions About The Suffragettes:"
* "How did they afford houses 100 years ago? The history of homeownership is CRAZY:"
* "Who Gave Away the Skies to the Airlines?:" https://www.thenation.com/article/society/airline-deregulation-carter-neoliberalism/
* CW: Animal Death, Sexual Assault. "A 1990s History of Scandals:"
* "Graffiti Limbo: A University of Virginia professor enlisted students to document the messages—profane, hopeful, despairing—left on library carrels by previous generations.:" https://daily.jstor.org/graffiti-limbo/?preview_id=321790
* "America's Most Unhinged Judges:"
* Easy to use graffic. "Guide to Stir frying:" https://www.tumblr.com/vaspider/779433224700067840/brinconvenient-theres-a-total-of-like-6-steps?source=share
* "Wicked ~ Lost in Adaptation (The Musical):"
* "Group Chat Cold Open - SNL:"
*****
* 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.
* "Nationwide Economic Blackout: Boycott Dates for Target, Amazon, Others:" https://www.newsweek.com/nationwide-economic-blackout-boycott-dates-target-amazon-others-2037986
* How to fight your insurace company when they insist you take meds that don't work instead of a more expensive one that does: https://steptherapy.com/step-therapy-legislation-by-state/
* "Find Non-US Alternatives: Discover alternatives to the mainstream products, services, and companies typically found in the United States and Russia, sourced from other regions.:" https://www.bankrupttrump.org/
* Indigenous led organizationtrying to save endangered species that just lost Federal funding. "The Buffalo Nations Grasslands Alliance:" https://www.bnga.org/
* What to do if you are an adult who is losing your gender affirming care from your physician: https://www.tumblr.com/anonymousalchemist/774948824033673217
* Help Lambda Legal Continue their fight: https://support.lambdalegal.org/site/Donation2;jsessionid=00000000.app30130a?df_id=6680&mfc_pref=T&6680.donation=form1&NONCE_TOKEN=D3311163DF16F06EEA5520010BAF90B5&_gl=1*n53ras*_gcl_au*MTMxNDYxNjc0LjE3MzgxODExMzg.*_ga*MTY0NDY4OTM4NC4xNzM4MTgxMTM4*_ga_290ZG8GMP3*MTczODE4MTEzOC4xLjEuMTczODE4MTIwMi41OC4wLjA.
* Glad Law is fighting for trans service members. Want to help? https://givebutter.com/donatetoglad?utm_src=webheader&_gl=1*1qhxi1q*_ga*NDM3MjM0Mzk1LjE3NDEwMDk5NDA.*_ga_PCJHHSV2G7*MTc0MTAwOTk0MC4xLjAuMTc0MTAwOTk0MC4wLjAuMA..
* "Donate to the ACLU:" https://action.aclu.org/give/now
* "Vote Smart:" https://justfacts.votesmart.org/
* "Democracy 2025:" https://www.democracy2025.org/?utm_source=df-ad&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=21912407002&utm_content=721373734297&source=df-ad-gs&gad_source=1
* "Resisting Fascism in 2025 and Beyond:" https://www.prideandpagesbookclub.com/resisting-fascism-in-2025-and-beyond
* "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/
* "Palestine Children’s Relief Fund:" https://pcrf1.app.neoncrm.com/forms/gaza-recovery
* "The Black Consumer Advisory:" https://naacp.org/campaigns/black-consumer-advisory
* Want to help Virginia get a Democratic Governor? "Support Abigail's Campaign for Governor of Virginia!" https://secure.actblue.com/donate/blu-asfg-2025-gs-dd?refcode=BLU_ASFG_DD_GS_NT_NTL_Q1_01&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAt4C-BhBcEiwA8Kp0CcaXXWdWpVI1uyoauFCRFgrY9hsEMA4pbxF_TO6ZPHAdhNzOmcwHTxoC8lgQAvD_BwE
* Post Joann's fabric Resources: https://www.tumblr.com/omgthatdress/777133232259989504/quilted-twins-florida-based-quilting-shop-with-a?source=share
* What to do if you encounter an immigration official. "Know Your Rights:" https://unitedwedream.org/resources/know-your-rights/
* "ICE Raids Toolkit: Defend Against ICE Raids and Community Arrests:" https://www.immigrantdefenseproject.org/raids-toolkit/
* "ICE Watch Programs Can Protect Immigrants in Your Neighborhood — Here’s What to Know:" https://www.teenvogue.com/story/ice-watch-programs-immigrants-how-to-start
* "Legal Services for Your Reproductive Life:" https://reprolegalhelpline.org/
* "National Abortion Hotline:" https://prochoice.org/
* "Plan C: Abortion pills by mail in every state:" https://www.plancpills.org/
* "Resources for Accessing Abortion Care:" https://reproductivefreedomforall.org/resources/resources-for-accessing-abortion-care/
* "Contraception and Birth Control Resources:" https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/contraception/more_information/resources
* "Gynecologists who will perform a tubal sterilization:" https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Djia_WkrVO3S4jKn6odNwQk7pOcpcL4x00FMNekrb7Q/edit?gid=1318374028#gid=1318374028
* Useful organizing links and resources: https://www.tumblr.com/gwydionmisha/771859083592613888/hater-of-terfs-ive-already-reblogged-a-link-to?source=share
* "We have a right to safety, privacy, and protest. Say no to mask bans.:" https://www.stopmaskbans.com/
* "Trans Kids Deserve Better:" https://transkidsdeservebetter.org/support
* "World Central Kitchen:" https://wck.org/
* Trans support organization: https://www.pointofpride.org/
* "Transanta: An opportunity to directly support trans youth:" https://thisfinecrew.dreamwidth.org/291573.html
* Links for various Palestinian Aid Organizations: https://www.tumblr.com/gwydionmisha/750151174318112768?source=share
* "Black Alliance for Peace’s Atlanta Citywide Alliance:" https://linktr.ee/bapatlanta
* Map of Cop Cities planned or being built: https://isyourlifebetter.net/cop-cities-usa/
* Want to help Journalists without Borders? https://donate.rsf.org/us/donate/~my-donation
* How to donate to Doctors Without Borders: https://donate.doctorswithoutborders.org/secure/donate
* "The Rainbow Railroad:" https://www.rainbowrailroad.org/take-action
* "These Organizations Accept Donations To Help People in Ukraine:" https://www.snopes.com/news/2022/03/01/where-to-donate-help-ukraine/
* "Russia-Ukraine War: Info and ways to help:" https://ukrainewar.carrd.co/
* "Support OVD-Info:" https://beste-glatisant.tumblr.com/post/677388506851606528/hi-ive-donated-to-the-ukranian-refugees-and-now
* "War in Ukraine! Support LGBTQ people.:" https://secure.wayforpay.com/payment/s047412e502b6
* What to help fight for queer people in Africa? Try the Initiative Sankofa D’Afrique de l’Ouest www.ISDAO.org
* Organizations to help trans folk: https://gwydionmisha.tumblr.com/post/620857152453640195/about-us
* Indivisible Guide for Trump 2.0 "A Practical Guide to defeating MAGA:" https://indivisible.org/resource/guide
* This tracks legislation: https://www.govtrack.us/
* Have something you want to tell your Congress Critters? If you can't safely protest in person, here are some other options:
Five Calls to your critters: https://5calls.org/
Call the Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and ask to be connected to the representative of your choice.
Senate: https://contactsenators.com/senator-phone-numbers/
Congress in General: https://www.congress.gov/members/find-your-member
Here is one that will send your reps a fax: https://resist.bot/
* "DONATE TO EMILY'S LIST:" https://win.emilyslist.org/a/donate-to-emily
* What to help support all of us all here at the Cat Asylum? https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/Gwydion
* I admit to having a wicked good time tormenting myself and other history geeks with my polls: https://www.tumblr.com/gwydpolls
* "Trump on Putin: ‘I don’t think he’s going to go back on his word’:" https://www.politico.com/news/2025/03/30/trump-vladimir-putin-russia-ukraine-00259985
This happened After him briefly pretending to be angry at his Handler/Puppet-master.
* "2025 Australian federal election: experts explain the key issues:" https://www.sydney.edu.au/news-opinion/news/2025/03/28/2025-australian-federal-election-experts-explain-key-issues.html
* "Iran's Missiles 'Loaded onto Launchers' After Trump Threat:" https://www.newsweek.com/iran-missiles-loaded-launchers-trump-bombing-threat-2052848
* "Trump says he ‘couldn’t care less’ if foreign automakers raise prices due to tariffs:" https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/trump-says-couldnt-care-less-automakers-raise-prices-tariffs-rcna198731
* "Why Trump Says He’s ‘Not Joking’ About a Third Term:" https://archive.ph/Zrx6X
It's unconstitutional, but that won't stop him. He's been floating this idea since his first term. It's likely a way of priming his next coup.
* "Taxpayers' Tab For Trump's Second-Term Golf Excursions Crosses $26 Million Mark:" https://www.huffpost.com/entry/trump-golf-again-26-million_n_67e6c885e4b0f69ef1d3886c
It seems to me that things like these and all the sweetheart deals Elon Musk is giving himself is the real government waste. Let's save things like teacher education and measles vaccinations instead of spending it on crap like this.
* On a related note. "Kristi Noem refused to say who financed some of her travel. It was taxpayers who were on the hook:" https://apnews.com/article/noem-travel-taxpayers-south-dakota-homeland-security-c2655e00a16d44bba46c60a14a638f5d
* I'm putting this here because of the way it lies on the intersection of possible corruption and a complete lack of empathy. "How Kristi Noem’s $50,000 Rolex in a Salvadoran prison became a political flash point
The high-end Swiss watch lent a striking contrast to her tour of a notoriously overcrowded mega-prison in one of Latin America’s poorest countries.:" https://archive.ph/CS8AL
* "DOGE Plans to Rebuild SSA Code Base in Months, Risking Benefits and System Collapse:" https://www.wired.com/story/doge-rebuild-social-security-administration-cobol-benefits/
* "DOGE Plans to Rewrite Entire Social Security Codebase in Just ‘a Few Months’: Report:" https://gizmodo.com/doge-plans-to-rewrite-entire-social-security-codebase-in-just-a-few-months-report-2000582062
Do you trust them not to steal the data, given how at least one of the hackers he hired has a history of working with cyber criminals and another was fired from a company because he leaked information?
Do you think people claiming to be so incompetent at their job that they lied and are still lying that COBOL error messages are somehow proof of massive fraud on a large scale to update a program written in COBOL?
Do you trust them not to completely fuck up the new website either through incompetence or on purpose as a way to steal people's benefits, maybe declare people dead or delete them for "fraud" if they don't like their last names or where they live?
Do you think using AI in code that is vital to the survival of so many Americans is a good Idea?
From the article:
"The DOGE team has already been reportedly running highly sensitive government data through AI, as the Washington Post reported last month, so why not use it to cheat-code your way to a more modern programming language? The reason, of course is the risk of cascading failures during any rush-job that might mean missed payments or beneficiary information getting wiped from the system entirely."
This is utterly terrifying, especially given the fact that they've already completely funked up Social Security phone service. How do I know? Just over a month ago, I called to do the quick phone tree to get a proof of income from them, something I have to do multiple times a year because various programs want them and they need to be very recent. The phone tree had been noticeably improved since last time I'd used it in the fall. When I called today 3/31/25, they had completely removed all the quick phone tree options.
They took a service that was completely automated in the last ten years, and thus super cheap and already in place, for people with a bunch of routine, common, queries and yanked all that out, requiring people to get in line for a live person. Last time I needed live agent service it took about five hours to get back to me.
They are lying that this is about efficiency and saving money. Leaving the automated system in place is dramatically cheaper than paying people to answer, especially at a time they are firing people.
This is meant to break the system and force the people who need their benefits the most out of the system.
Musk has given the goal of stealing Social Security benefits away from people who earned the benefit and actually need it:
"“In fact, what we’re doing will help their benefits,” Musk said. “Legitimate people, as a result of the work of DOGE, will receive more Social Security, not less. I want to emphasize that. As a result of the work of DOGE, legitimate recipients of Social Security will receive more money, not less money.”"
The only way that happens is to take it away from the majority of recipients. You know the people Lutnick claims are fraudsters if they complain at the theft of their rent and electricity bill money recently.
Have something you want to tell your Congress Critters?
If you can't safely contact them in person, here are some other options:
Five Calls to your critters: https://5calls.org/
Here is one that will send your reps a fax: https://resist.bot/
Scream loudest at republican Critters. Those are their voters Musk is trying to kill, but whatever critters you have, stay noisy. We have until 4/14 to stop them.
* "Social Security: Senator Warns Elon Musk, Trump Can Make 'Backdoor' Cuts:" https://www.newsweek.com/elizabeth-warren-doge-social-security-warning-2052170
* "Trump Declares War On Lawyers:"
* "Federal Investigators Were Preparing Two Texas Housing Discrimination Cases — Until Trump Took Over:" https://www.propublica.org/article/trump-hud-texas-housing-discrimination-cases-dallas-houston
* "RFK Jr. Moves to Close Administration For Community Living
The shutdown, part of wider cuts, will mean “more people forced into institutional settings.”:" https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2025/03/rfk-hhs-acl-community-living-shutdown/
"A central part of ACL’s purpose has been oversight of state protection and advocacy agencies for disabled people, providing grants for approved independent living centers, support for employment programs for disabled people, and assistance with adult protective services—all with the goal of helping disabled and aging people live successfully within their communities, rather than in institutions."
This is intended to stop elderly people and people with disabilities living with dignity in their homes so that he can force them into institutional settings where they will die so much faster.
Do you remember how fast disease rips through nursing homes? How many die with each wave.
This is about cruelty and eugenics.
If he cared about health, he wouldn't be doing this.
I beg of you all to please complain.
* "Why We Can’t Have Nice Things with Ezra Klein:" https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-we-cant-have-nice-things-with-ezra-klein/id1583132133?i=1000701030294
* "Over 160 Civil Liberties, Labor, Education Groups Urge House to Vote No on H.R. 32:" https://www.aclu.org/press-releases/over-160-civil-liberties-labor-education-groups-urge-house-to-vote-no-on-h-r-32
“Congress should not pass legislation handing the Trump administration vast and vaguely worded authority it may use to further intimidate, coerce and inflict chaos on schools, hospitals, local police, and other institutions that our communities rely on,” the letter states. “Nor should Congress, through this legislation, concede its ‘power of the purse’ — a vital aspect of our constitutional balance of powers that is perhaps more important than ever.”
Quick Explainer: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/p2TfyEb8OA4
* 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
* "Democracy 2025:" https://www.democracy2025.org/?utm_source=df-ad&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=21912407002&utm_content=721373734297&source=df-ad-gs&gad_source=1
* "Resisting Fascism in 2025 and Beyond:" https://www.prideandpagesbookclub.com/resisting-fascism-in-2025-and-beyond
* If you can't safely contact them in person, here are some other options for contacting your Congress Critters:
Five Calls to your critters: https://5calls.org/
Here is one that will send your reps a fax: https://resist.bot/
"Congress. gov:" https://www.congress.gov/
ACLU advice for writing to your Critters: https://www.aclu.org/writing-your-elected-representatives
Script to complain about Elon Musk/DOGE. I also suggest contacting your AG about data privacy. "Introducing Red State Scripts, Vol. 1:" https://homewiththearmadillo.blog/2025/02/10/introducing-red-state-scripts-vol-1/
* This tracks legislation: https://www.govtrack.us/
* "Vote Smart:" https://justfacts.votesmart.org/
* Useful organizing links and resources: https://www.tumblr.com/gwydionmisha/771859083592613888/hater-of-terfs-ive-already-reblogged-a-link-to?source=share
* 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
* Avoiding Activist Burnout: https://www.tumblr.com/veluigi/771755723969478656/on-twitter-im-seeing-dozens-of-threads-from-black?source=share
* "ICE Raids Toolkit: Defend Against ICE Raids and Community Arrests:" https://www.immigrantdefenseproject.org/raids-toolkit/
* Contains a raid tip hotline amoung other things. "Know Your Rights
LEARN HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY:" https://wearecasa.org/know-your-rights/
* Free Bystander training amoung other useful things. "Right to Be Training:" https://righttobe.org/upcoming-free-trainings/
* "Elon Musk says Wisconsin Supreme Court race could affect the ‘entire destiny of humanity’:" https://www.wpr.org/news/elon-musk-wisconsin-supreme-court-race-green-bay-visit-million-dollar-checks
* "Elon Musk hands out $1 million payments after Wisconsin Supreme Court declines request to stop him:" https://apnews.com/article/wisconsin-supreme-court-musk-million-dollar-giveaway-cdea66e0dcbaa53dd183e1d10bee2b35
Do you really want to let a cheater win? Please vote. Get everyone you can to vote in the April 1 Election. Musk is getting the Republicans out to vote against Democracy and bodily autonomy. Please save yourselves from letting Musk buy your state as he has the Federal government.
* "Why Is Elon Musk Trying to Buy a Wisconsin Supreme Court Seat?:" https://www.newyorker.com/news/the-lede/why-is-elon-musk-trying-to-buy-a-wisconsin-supreme-court-seat
* "Protests held in Green Bay outside of Elon Musk's town hall ahead of state Supreme Court race:" https://www.wbay.com/2025/03/30/protests-held-green-bay-outside-elon-musks-town-hall-ahead-state-supreme-court-race/
* "‘We Are in an Emergency’: Progressive TikTok Star Launches Bid to Unseat Old-Guard Dem: The Democratic district where Kat Abughazaleh is running hasn’t had a competitive primary in decades:" https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-features/kat-abughazaleh-congress-1235301996/
* "Illinois returns stolen land to Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation:" https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/illinois-returns-stolen-land-prairie-band-potawatomi-nation-120144789
* "Exclusive: Intelligence Dossier Compares Luigi Mangione to ‘Robin Hood’:" https://prospect.org/justice/2025-03-27-intelligence-dossier-compares-luigi-mangione-robin-hood/
* "The Human Cost of Jeff Landry’s Drive to Resume Executions:" https://boltsmag.org/the-human-cost-of-jeff-landrys-drive-to-resume-executions/
* "A “Goofy” DJ’s Secret Life at the Center of an Online Terrorism Network:" https://www.propublica.org/article/matthew-allison-dj-terrogram-collective-boise-dallas-humber
* CW: Rape. "Religious Sect That Took Over a Midwestern Town:" https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-features/perfect-church-oregon-illinois-controversy-1235290819/
* "Can I Age In Peace? Aging vs Social Media:"
* "We Need To Talk About The “Queer Elder” Crisis:"
* "Are you unknowingly hurting your LGBTQ+ child??:"
* "Expert has shocking conclusion on transgender athletes: "Trans women are not biological men":" https://nextimpulsesports.com/politics/transgender-athletes-expert-biological-men/
I don't understand how it's that shocking as it's in line with previous reputable studies, just with more data covering more areas, but it's absolutely necessary and important to keep doing these kinds of studies. I'm just grumpy at the headline pretending the previous science didn't exist.
* "Mainstream media paved the way for Trump’s anti-trans policies:" https://xtramagazine.com/power/politics/donald-trump-executive-order-trans-270855
* "Beyond long COVID — how reinfections could be causing silent long-term organ damage:" https://www.cbc.ca/radio/quirks/beyond-long-covid-1.7485888
* "The Science on Weight and Health Is More Complicated Than You Think:" https://www.self.com/story/weight-and-health-is-more-complicated-than-you-think
* "World's glaciers are losing record ice as global temperatures climb, U.N. says:" https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/worlds-glaciers-are-losing-record-ice-global-temperatures-climb-un-says-2025-03-21/
* "Growth in global energy demand surged in 2024 to almost twice its recent average:" https://www.iea.org/news/growth-in-global-energy-demand-surged-in-2024-to-almost-twice-its-recent-average
* "Sudan's RSF squeezing relief supplies as famine spreads, aid workers say:" https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/sudans-rsf-squeezing-relief-supplies-famine-spreads-aid-workers-say-2025-03-25/
* "In pictures: Los Angeles continues cleanup after Palisades fire:" https://www.reuters.com/pictures/pictures-los-angeles-continues-cleanup-after-palisades-fire-2025-03-18/?
* "The Last Drops of Mexico City:" https://mexicocitywater.longlead.com/
* "Some New York City water could be undrinkable in 80 years due to upstate road salt:" https://www.timesunion.com/hudsonvalley/news/article/new-work-reservoirs-salt-undrinkable-20234117.php
* "The Cult Of The American Lawn:" https://www.noemamag.com/the-cult-of-the-american-lawn/
* "Why so many New York City sidewalks are covered in scaffolding:" https://thehustle.co/originals/why-so-many-new-york-city-sidewalks-are-covered-in-scaffolding?
* "GPS, a system we rely upon every day to navigate by plane, car or at sea, is vulnerable.:" https://news.sky.com/story/pull-up-pull-up-who-is-messing-with-gps-signals-used-by-passenger-planes-and-why-13331351
* It is amazing to me that the Rocket didn't blow up going up or down like recent previous ones. "NASA astronauts 'Butch and Suni' return to Earth after drawn-out mission in space:" https://www.reuters.com/technology/space/nasa-astronauts-head-home-spacex-capsule-after-drawn-out-space-station-stay-2025-03-18/
* "Dark energy is weakening and the universe could (eventually) collapse, study says:" https://www.npr.org/2025/03/20/nx-s1-5333843/dark-energy-weakening-universe-collapse-desi
* "History of Cats 1: God’s Fluffy Murder Machines | World History | Extra History:"
* "Ancient Greek and Roman Statues Were Not Only Beautiful, but Also Smelled Nice, Too:" https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/ancient-greek-and-roman-statues-were-not-only-beautiful-but-also-smelled-nice-too-180986280/
* "Tudor French Hoods || Researching and Making a More Accurate French Hood:"
* "Dress Historian Recreates Margaret Tudor's French Hoods:"
* "Answering Your Questions About The Suffragettes:"
* "How did they afford houses 100 years ago? The history of homeownership is CRAZY:"
* "Who Gave Away the Skies to the Airlines?:" https://www.thenation.com/article/society/airline-deregulation-carter-neoliberalism/
* CW: Animal Death, Sexual Assault. "A 1990s History of Scandals:"
* "Graffiti Limbo: A University of Virginia professor enlisted students to document the messages—profane, hopeful, despairing—left on library carrels by previous generations.:" https://daily.jstor.org/graffiti-limbo/?preview_id=321790
* "America's Most Unhinged Judges:"
* Easy to use graffic. "Guide to Stir frying:" https://www.tumblr.com/vaspider/779433224700067840/brinconvenient-theres-a-total-of-like-6-steps?source=share
* "Wicked ~ Lost in Adaptation (The Musical):"
* "Group Chat Cold Open - SNL:"
*****
* 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.
* "Nationwide Economic Blackout: Boycott Dates for Target, Amazon, Others:" https://www.newsweek.com/nationwide-economic-blackout-boycott-dates-target-amazon-others-2037986
* How to fight your insurace company when they insist you take meds that don't work instead of a more expensive one that does: https://steptherapy.com/step-therapy-legislation-by-state/
* "Find Non-US Alternatives: Discover alternatives to the mainstream products, services, and companies typically found in the United States and Russia, sourced from other regions.:" https://www.bankrupttrump.org/
* Indigenous led organizationtrying to save endangered species that just lost Federal funding. "The Buffalo Nations Grasslands Alliance:" https://www.bnga.org/
* What to do if you are an adult who is losing your gender affirming care from your physician: https://www.tumblr.com/anonymousalchemist/774948824033673217
* Help Lambda Legal Continue their fight: https://support.lambdalegal.org/site/Donation2;jsessionid=00000000.app30130a?df_id=6680&mfc_pref=T&6680.donation=form1&NONCE_TOKEN=D3311163DF16F06EEA5520010BAF90B5&_gl=1*n53ras*_gcl_au*MTMxNDYxNjc0LjE3MzgxODExMzg.*_ga*MTY0NDY4OTM4NC4xNzM4MTgxMTM4*_ga_290ZG8GMP3*MTczODE4MTEzOC4xLjEuMTczODE4MTIwMi41OC4wLjA.
* Glad Law is fighting for trans service members. Want to help? https://givebutter.com/donatetoglad?utm_src=webheader&_gl=1*1qhxi1q*_ga*NDM3MjM0Mzk1LjE3NDEwMDk5NDA.*_ga_PCJHHSV2G7*MTc0MTAwOTk0MC4xLjAuMTc0MTAwOTk0MC4wLjAuMA..
* "Donate to the ACLU:" https://action.aclu.org/give/now
* "Vote Smart:" https://justfacts.votesmart.org/
* "Democracy 2025:" https://www.democracy2025.org/?utm_source=df-ad&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=21912407002&utm_content=721373734297&source=df-ad-gs&gad_source=1
* "Resisting Fascism in 2025 and Beyond:" https://www.prideandpagesbookclub.com/resisting-fascism-in-2025-and-beyond
* "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/
* "Palestine Children’s Relief Fund:" https://pcrf1.app.neoncrm.com/forms/gaza-recovery
* "The Black Consumer Advisory:" https://naacp.org/campaigns/black-consumer-advisory
* Want to help Virginia get a Democratic Governor? "Support Abigail's Campaign for Governor of Virginia!" https://secure.actblue.com/donate/blu-asfg-2025-gs-dd?refcode=BLU_ASFG_DD_GS_NT_NTL_Q1_01&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAt4C-BhBcEiwA8Kp0CcaXXWdWpVI1uyoauFCRFgrY9hsEMA4pbxF_TO6ZPHAdhNzOmcwHTxoC8lgQAvD_BwE
* Post Joann's fabric Resources: https://www.tumblr.com/omgthatdress/777133232259989504/quilted-twins-florida-based-quilting-shop-with-a?source=share
* What to do if you encounter an immigration official. "Know Your Rights:" https://unitedwedream.org/resources/know-your-rights/
* "ICE Raids Toolkit: Defend Against ICE Raids and Community Arrests:" https://www.immigrantdefenseproject.org/raids-toolkit/
* "ICE Watch Programs Can Protect Immigrants in Your Neighborhood — Here’s What to Know:" https://www.teenvogue.com/story/ice-watch-programs-immigrants-how-to-start
* "Legal Services for Your Reproductive Life:" https://reprolegalhelpline.org/
* "National Abortion Hotline:" https://prochoice.org/
* "Plan C: Abortion pills by mail in every state:" https://www.plancpills.org/
* "Resources for Accessing Abortion Care:" https://reproductivefreedomforall.org/resources/resources-for-accessing-abortion-care/
* "Contraception and Birth Control Resources:" https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/contraception/more_information/resources
* "Gynecologists who will perform a tubal sterilization:" https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Djia_WkrVO3S4jKn6odNwQk7pOcpcL4x00FMNekrb7Q/edit?gid=1318374028#gid=1318374028
* Useful organizing links and resources: https://www.tumblr.com/gwydionmisha/771859083592613888/hater-of-terfs-ive-already-reblogged-a-link-to?source=share
* "We have a right to safety, privacy, and protest. Say no to mask bans.:" https://www.stopmaskbans.com/
* "Trans Kids Deserve Better:" https://transkidsdeservebetter.org/support
* "World Central Kitchen:" https://wck.org/
* Trans support organization: https://www.pointofpride.org/
* "Transanta: An opportunity to directly support trans youth:" https://thisfinecrew.dreamwidth.org/291573.html
* Links for various Palestinian Aid Organizations: https://www.tumblr.com/gwydionmisha/750151174318112768?source=share
* "Black Alliance for Peace’s Atlanta Citywide Alliance:" https://linktr.ee/bapatlanta
* Map of Cop Cities planned or being built: https://isyourlifebetter.net/cop-cities-usa/
* Want to help Journalists without Borders? https://donate.rsf.org/us/donate/~my-donation
* How to donate to Doctors Without Borders: https://donate.doctorswithoutborders.org/secure/donate
* "The Rainbow Railroad:" https://www.rainbowrailroad.org/take-action
* "These Organizations Accept Donations To Help People in Ukraine:" https://www.snopes.com/news/2022/03/01/where-to-donate-help-ukraine/
* "Russia-Ukraine War: Info and ways to help:" https://ukrainewar.carrd.co/
* "Support OVD-Info:" https://beste-glatisant.tumblr.com/post/677388506851606528/hi-ive-donated-to-the-ukranian-refugees-and-now
* "War in Ukraine! Support LGBTQ people.:" https://secure.wayforpay.com/payment/s047412e502b6
* What to help fight for queer people in Africa? Try the Initiative Sankofa D’Afrique de l’Ouest www.ISDAO.org
* Organizations to help trans folk: https://gwydionmisha.tumblr.com/post/620857152453640195/about-us
* Indivisible Guide for Trump 2.0 "A Practical Guide to defeating MAGA:" https://indivisible.org/resource/guide
* This tracks legislation: https://www.govtrack.us/
* Have something you want to tell your Congress Critters? If you can't safely protest in person, here are some other options:
Five Calls to your critters: https://5calls.org/
Call the Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and ask to be connected to the representative of your choice.
Senate: https://contactsenators.com/senator-phone-numbers/
Congress in General: https://www.congress.gov/members/find-your-member
Here is one that will send your reps a fax: https://resist.bot/
* "DONATE TO EMILY'S LIST:" https://win.emilyslist.org/a/donate-to-emily
* What to help support all of us all here at the Cat Asylum? https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/Gwydion
* I admit to having a wicked good time tormenting myself and other history geeks with my polls: https://www.tumblr.com/gwydpolls