Never underestimate the cruelty of Republicans

SHUT IT DOWN NOW!!!!!
INTERIM GOVERNMENT NOW!!!!!

Shut the government down COMPLETELY until we can figure out what the hell is going on!


SPECIAL ELECTION NOW!!!!!

TRUMP'S ACTIONS ARE UNACCEPTABLE!!!!!

REPUBLICANS' RULE-BREAKING IS UNACCEPTABLE!!!!!

DEMOCRATS' CAVING IS UNACCEPTABLE!!!!!

SHUT IT ALL DOWN NOW!!!!!

THIS IS NOT NORMAL
NEVER LET IT BECOME NORMAL
EVER!

DON'T GIVE UP
DON'T GIVE IN
STAY ANGRY
trump voters stayed angry for eight years,
which is why we are having this conversation.

STAY WOKE!!!!!
     

NOW!!!!!

*****

31 March 2017 update:

Friends, if you're in either West Virginia (Joe Manchin) or North Dakota (Heidi Heitkamp) or Indiana (Joe Donnelly) or Colorado (Mike Bennett)--I've been e-mailing and calling all of them, even though I am not one of their constituents because their decision in this matter affects us all--please send your senator this letter (drafted by the SOPROUD Rapid Response team) telling them to STOP Neil Gorsuch...

Senator, please do everything in your power to STOP Neil Gorsuch!

Your threat to support Gorsuch undermines the very legitimacy of our entire government by condoning Republican bad behavior in stealing Merrick Garland's SCOTUS seat. You are sending the clear message that it is ok for Republicans to break the rules whenever they feel like it--that you see nothing wrong with the anarchy and lawless that they are creating.

On top of that, the Trump administration is under FBI investigation for TREASON. For that reason, Trump is very likely already serving his last year in office--possibly his last few months outside of prison.

Do you REALLY think that Republicans would do as you propose to do--sit idly by and hold hearings for an illegitimate nominee from a potentially treasonous administration--if the perpetrator had been Hillary Clinton?

On top of that--yes, there's more!--Neil Gorsuch is the worst possible candidate for YOUR constituents. He has shown himself to be devoid of conscience or compassion, consistently twisting the law to rule in favor of the rich and powerful at the expense of his true employers--us ordinary Americans who need his protections the most. Gorsuch ruled against the "frozen trucker," against the little autistic boy receiving a decent education under the IDEA act, and in favor of torture--he conveniently forgot that he works for us, deciding instead that he worked for the Bush administration. Then, he again twisted the law and reneged on his role as public servant by advising Bush to sign the torture ban with a signing statement saying that the ban did not apply to him.

Nancy Pelosi was right when she said that Neil Gorsuch is dangerous to every American who eats food, drinks water, breathes air, takes medication, or interacts with the court system. He is dangerous to every woman, LGBTQ+, Black, Brown, worker--in short, every non-male/straight/rich/white/Christian/American person on the planet.

If Neil Gorsuch is so dangerous to our continued survival on this planet--and he is--then so are you for supporting him.

Please--do what's right for your constituents and for ALL Americans. STOP Neil Gorsuch!!!

...and don't forget to call them (Manchin: 202-224-3954; Heitkamp: 202-224-2043; Donnelly: 202-224-4814; Bennett: 202-224-5852) every day before the vote!

-- Dot Calm's shadow

***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****

30 March 2017 update:

Well, dear ones...I'm b-a-a-a-a-a-a-ack.

Didja miss me?

There's so much bad news that I'm just shaking my head.

I can't believe that so many Democrats are so complicit in letting comrade tRumPEWtin and the Republicans dismantle the country.

Is turning us into a pure, unmitigated oligarchy of such overarching importance to them--the systematic killing of the rest of us off expressly to fatten their own already-swollen wallets--that they really think that weakening America to the point of collapse is a good thing?!??

Because that, whether they admit it or realize it or not, is exactly what they are all doing.

Not that my fellow Americans' rampant greed--greed that overrides not only patriotism but even self preservation--is going to stop me from fighting for my country.

All it does is make me even angrier and even more determined to save this great nation so that it serves All of the People.

With that, allow me to slawg on with the blawg.

- Dot Calm's shadow

*****

Republican Insurance Plan = R.I.P.
...coincidence?
I think not!

*****

From the Mailbag

A member of the SOPROUD Rapid Response team wrote the following e-mail to Congress-vermin Devin Nunes:

Hi, Devin! I'm just an ordinary citizen, but it sounds like I know more than you do about Pravda, Carter Page, and Roger Stone. Would you like me to give you a tutorial so that you can fully investigate tRump's Russian ties and help keep us safe from our enemies? [phone number redacted]. Call me!

...Hehe!

***

From HuffPo's Ryan Grim:

The collapse of Obamacare repeal means that the choice for the American public going forward is no longer Obamacare yes-or-no, it is: do we have Obamacare, or do we have something better? A bill to create a single payer system in New York state (!) just took a significant step forward, picking up the full support of the 8-member Independent Democratic Caucus in the state Senate. The story is here, and a big thanks to Bad News reader Barbara Estrin for suggesting I take a look at the issue.

If you have a moment, Khazar Fatemi, who has done some documentary work for us in the past, went to Kabul recently to catch up with survivors of the attack on the American University of Afghanistan. Here's her video dispatch she sent on a law student named Breshna who's ready to go back to school now that it's finally reopening.

And North Carolina is becoming the focus of the resistance in the South. A dispatch from Julia Craven. (When she went down to North Carolina to report this story out, I asked readers of this email for suggestions of where she should go or who she should meet, and lots of folks were super helpful -- even got her invited to a little activist pot luck. So a big thank you. Your reward is her piece.)

New York State Inches Closer To Single-Payer Plan With Pickup Of New Support

By Ryan Grim, Daniel Marans and Jeff Young

The push to implement a “Medicare for all”-type system in New York state just took a significant step forward Wednesday. Sen. Jeffrey Klein, who heads the Independent Democratic Caucus in the state Senate, plans to co-sponsor the measure, and will bring along the remaining holdout in the caucus, his spokeswoman Candice Giove told The Huffington Post.

That gives the measure the unanimous support of the IDC, a crucial, and often recalcitrant, bloc of lawmakers. “All members of the independent caucus will become cosponsors of that bill,” Giove said.

The New York Senate is a strange place. With 63 seats, 32 senators are needed for a majority. Republicans have only 31, but an additional Democrat, Sen. Simcha Felder, caucuses with Republicans, giving them control of the chamber. Meanwhile, the eight members of the IDC do not caucus with the rest of the Democrats.

Sen. Michael Gianaris, the deputy leader of the state Senate’s mainstream Democratic conference, welcomed the IDC’s support, even as he lamented that their collaboration with Republicans helped prevent the bill’s passage.

“It’s nice that they are putting their names on the bill, but their partners in government are the ones with the power to prevent it from seeing the light of day,” Gianaris said.

Although Republicans have the majority without the IDC, thanks to Felder, Gianaris believes the breakaway caucus has made the problem worse.

“With the Democrats being divided in the Senate, we lose the ability to pressure Felder to come back or grow the conference in other ways, because we’re too busy dealing with each other,” Gianaris said.

But the support of the IDC is a critical development in the push for single-payer health care, as the state assembly is expected to easily pass its version of the bill in April or May, said one of the bill’s lead backers, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, who represents the northwest Bronx.

The New York Assembly, the state’s lower legislative chamber, passed the same measure in 2015 and 2016, but it wasn’t considered in the state Senate, which Republicans control with the support of the Independent Democratic Caucus.

Despite being within striking distance of passing the single-payer bill in the New York Senate, victory for its proponents seems unlikely given GOP opposition. Rallies are planned in support of single-payer health care in New York City Saturday and Albany, the state capital, Tuesday.
   

It is not clear why IDC members chose this time to get behind legislation introduced by Sen. Gustavo Rivera, a member of the mainstream Senate Democratic caucus ― particularly since Republican control of the chamber forecloses the bill’s passage.    

There are signs that the IDC is feeling pressure from a progressive Democratic base newly energized by Trump’s election. Over 100 protesters booed Sen. Jose Peralta for his IDC membership outside a February town hall in Queens. Anti-IDC activists have even formed their own group, “No IDC NY,” to oppose the renegade Democrats.

“The IDC has been feeling enormous pressure since the inauguration from voters in their districts who were shocked to find out the Democrats they elected have been propping up Trump Republicans in the state Senate,” Bill Lipton, the Working Families Party’s New York director, said in a statement. “Now they’re backing legislation that their own support of Republican leadership ensures will never even make it to the floor. That’s the height of cynicism and just more evidence of the heat they are feeling from the resistance.”

Whatever the outcome in New York, the failure of President Donald Trump and House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) to repeal the Affordable Care Act and replace it with an alternate plan that would increase the number of uninsured Americans by 24 million has given a boost to progressives seeking to go beyond Obamacare.

Legislators in California have launched a new push to implement a single-payer program in the most populous state in the nation, although Democratic Gov. Jerry Brown hasexpressed misgivings about its cost.

The Affordable Care Act contains a provision that would allow states to make sweeping changes to their health care markets, including instituting a single-payer program that would replace the current private system, so long as the state programs cover as many people with equivalent benefits at no additional cost to the federal government. Vermont worked for several years after the Affordable Care Act’s passage to design a single-payer program, but abandoned the effort over its expense.    

Excluding the IDC, the mainstream Democrats hold 22 seats in the New York state Senate and will soon hold 23 once a special election is held in a Democratic district.

But even with all mainstream Democrats and the IDC on board, they would remain one vote short, meaning Democrats need to either pick up a seat before 2018, persuade a Republican or win the chamber outright in 2018. This being New York, a Republican senator was coincidentally indicted just last week, so it’s always possible a new seat could become available.

If not, said Dinowitz, his hope is that the newfound energy among grassroots Democrats can translate into some Senate seat pickups in 2018. “We need to add one more person. I believe the only way to get to 32 is through the election process,” Dinowitz said. “There is a lot of energy now in my area and other areas. Meetings are attracting huge numbers of people, and a lot of people are coming out, most of whom have never been involved in this way. If it’s sustained it could really change the dynamics of the elections come 2018.”

Controlling the chamber is also crucial because the party in power controls the floor schedule. Even if Democrats persuaded a Republican to sign on, they’d need to similarly persuade the Republican leadership to allow a vote.

Dinowitz said that groups affiliated with Indivisible, a grassroots activism network that arose after the election, have been particularly active on the single-payer issue, and that in meetings with new activists, the number one issue they care about is health care, followed closely by immigration.

“In the wake of Trump being elected, the issue of health care has moved to the top of the agenda for a lot of people. If people think we can rest on our laurels because repeal of Obamacare collapsed, they’re mistaken. Obamacare was a compromise of a compromise,” Dinowitz said, noting that not only was it not the single-payer system many prefer, but the public option was traded away.

If both California and New York can implement a single-payer heath care system in the next few years, he added, something like a fifth of the country will be covered just by those two states.

   

*****

 

 

*****

Moar Petitions!

I saw this petition mentioned in CADOF or CCC this morning and hunted it down and signed it immediately, denying myself the pleasure of signing it when it arrived in my inbox...! Hey, orange twAtler claims to be a multi-billionaire, so he should pay his own expenses in NY and Florida instead of foisting himself upon us taxpayers. Did you know that he IS collecting his "presidential" salary paychecks, despite having promised to donate them? Yeah, I'm not surprised, either....
-- Dot Calm's shadow

 

 

There's a new petition taking off on Change.org, and we think you might be interested in signing it.

Petitioning U.S. Senate, Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren Make Melania Trump stay in the White House or pay for the expenses herself Petition by Doug Caruana United States 278,418 Supporters Sign Doug’s petition The U.S. taxpayer is paying an exorbitant amount of money to protect the First Lady in Trump Tower, located in New York City. As to help relieve the national debt, this expense yields no positive results for the nation and should be cut from being funded. Sign Doug’s petition



 

***

From Justice Democrats: tell Dems to fight for single payer!

Justice Democrats and Brand New Congress have joined forces with the formidable National Nurses United calling for nationwide movement toward Medicare for All. Already, over 26K people signed our petition to support universal health care. Help us get to 1 Million.

 

Sign our petition and tell Congress to support the House and Senate bills before them for single-payer health care.

 

Rep. John Conyers (D-MI) introduced his bill for Medicare for All back in January. So far, only 72 of 193 Democrats have joined Conyers and taken a public stand for universal healthcare. Today, Bernie Sanders is set to introduce a Senate bill calling for the same. Bernie introduced similar bills in 2013 and 2011, but Democrats ignored the writing on the wall.

 

Help us send a message to Congressional Democrats: It’s time to lead. Fight for Single Payer.

 

The Republican plan to repeal Obamacare is in shambles, and Democrats are doing a victory lap for having saved Obama’s signature legislation. But this is no time to celebrate -- it’s time to fight. The cracks are showing in the Republican opposition. Trump won, in part, by stumping for health care legislation that would “cover every single person.” Two weeks ago Bernie had a hall full of West Virginia Trump voters cheering for single-payer.

 

We need 1 Million signatures to send a LOUD message to Congress to deliver what the American public actually wants -- health care guaranteed as a human right.

 

Obamacare showed us how broken our healthcare system was, but it did not fix the underlying problem: For-profit health care keeps people sick and broke.

 

Medicare is one of the most effective and popular government programs of all time. The right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness is inseparable from the right to quality health care.

 

America is ready. Tell Congress to get with the program and give us Medicare for All.

 

Yours for the revolution,

 

The Justice Democrats

***

Moar from Justice Democrats: fight Democrats voting badly!

It’s no secret that Democrats are taking a beating. The party has lost more than 1,000 seats nationally since 2008 and lost the presidency to the least popular candidate in modern history. Today, based on recent polling Democrats are less popular than the Republican Party, the media, even Donald Trump. Let that sink in...Donald Trump. The party must dramatically change course for their own survival and that of our country. Will you donate $35 to ensure that Justice Democrat's staff, volunteers, and nominees have the resources we need to transform the Democratic party in 2018? We’ve been monitoring Congress these first couple of months to see which Democrats learned from the party’s embarrassing defeat last November. We wanted to know who got the message? Who’s standing up for real people? The results are not encouraging.  Start with Sen. Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND). She sits on the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs yet turned her back on Standing Rock, calling the protests “not winnable,” and later called on the President to use federal forces to break up the camp. Heitkamp voted to confirm all but 6 of Trump’s cabinet appointments, including Rick Perry as Energy Secretary and former-ExxonMobil CEO Rex Tillerson as Secretary of State -- despite neither having any relevant experience for the job. Maybe it’s just a coincidence Heitkamp received over $260K in Oil & Gas donations in 2016? How about Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA)? Oil & Gas insiders consider him a “reliable ally” and have sent over $100K in donations his way since 2010. Warner has repeatedly introduced or co-sponsored legislation to expand offshore drilling and was one of 9 Senate Dems voting to override Obama’s veto of Keystone XL. Naturally, he also voted to confirm Perry and Tillerson. Then there’s Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-MO), another vote in Perry’s favor. She recently complained she may face a Tea-Party-like primary challenge in 2018 because she’s “not pure” enough for progressives. Well Senator, if the shoe fits. In the last few years McCaskill has voted to fast-track the TPP, repeatedly voted in favor of Keystone XL construction (joining Warner in voting to override Obama’s veto), blocked protections for landowners from eminent domain claims related to pipelines, voted to allow drilling on public lands and voted against transparency in corporate donation disclosures. Losing isn't working. Donate $35 to ensure that Justice Democrats are ready to take these incumbents on in 2018? But none compare to Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV). Multinational corporations don’t seem to invest much in West Virginia, the second poorest state in the nation, but they invest a lot in the senator. With over $1.4M in donations from Mining, Electric Utilities and Oil & Gas in his pocket, Manchin gleefully endorsed Tillerson and Perry, as well as Scott Pruitt for the head of the EPA. Nearly $1M in donations from the Finance, Insurance & Real Estate sectors seem to underwrite his support of Steve “The Foreclosure King” Mnuchin for Treasury Secretary. His glowing praise for Jeff Sessions is the final red flag. A token vote against Betsy DeVos doesn’t make up for being the only Senate Democrat to confirm the embattled Attorney General. Even so-called Progressives fail the test. Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) is currently the party favorite for 2020, and last month he drew fire by voting against the Sanders prescription drug amendment. Booker and 12 other Democrats voted against the largely ceremonial measure citing debunked safety concerns. It didn’t take anyone long to notice he’s received upwards of $350K in Big Pharma campaign cash. To his credit, it seems he listened to the fierce backlash, and he now supports a revised version of Sen. Sanders’ amendment. But we remain vigilant, Senator. Has your senator or representative been misbehaving? Tell us about it. The message for Democrats is simple: Lip service and identity politics won’t cover the stench of corporate cash anymore. We demand representatives who will serve us -- real people, not corporations. If you want a Congress that refuses dark money and represents your interests above multinational corporations, support the Justice Democrats. If they won’t represent us, we will challenge these sell-outs in their next primary. It’s time take over the Democratic Party and restore its purpose as a party for the people. Voters are watching. We are taking notes. And yes, Sen. McCaskill, we are coming for your seat. Yours for the revolution, The entire JD Team

***

From YouTuber DarkMatter2525 on the recent YouTube ad controversy:

DarkMatter2525 posted

Major YouTube Controversy

In mid-2014, YouTube changed its algorithm in such a way that it dramatically affected channels like mine, animators who could only upload shorter videos infrequently. At that time my income from ad revenue, which amounted to a middle-class income, dropped by around 50-60% to a lower-class income. Of course, I could keep posting, but not full time, which meant maybe only a couple animations per year. So, I decided to try Patreon, and that really saved my ability to keep regularly posting on YouTube. My income still isn’t what it used to be, but it wasn’t that far off - until now.

YouTube is currently undergoing an advertiser boycott because various news outlets, like Wall Street Journal, reported that the ads of major companies were being displayed alongside controversial content. Keep in mind that it wasn't customers complaining; it was old media, who have everything to lose from the growing popularity of new media and the empowerment of independent media creators like me. YouTube has responded with various steps, like adding a “Restricted Mode” which makes controversial channels like mine disappear when activated. They’ve also reduced or eliminated ad revenue to controversial channels. I guess they don’t want to take any risks with their coveted brands. This has taken effect for me within the last few days. My remaining ad revenue is virtually gone, maybe about 5% of what it was in 2014, when I had far fewer subscribers and content. In actuality, as my content and subscribers increase, so too should my income, but thanks to being lumped in with those who aren’t “advertiser friendly” I’ve taken a 95% pay cut - despite improving my animations, increasing my content, and growing my channel.

As of now, this Patreon account pretty much supplies all the income the DarkMatter2525 channel makes. I would like to keep making content, even if it means no money, but that’s just not sustainable. This takes too much time to be able to do that. So, I hope you’ll stay with me and/or consider increasing your pledge. I usually notice a big drop after Patreon pays out at the beginning of the month, but I hope those of you who were planning to do that will stay with me.

I’m going to keep using YouTube for now, but I’m also looking at other sites, because YouTube needs a serious competitor, and other sites could use large audiences like mine. Part of the problem is YouTube’s monopoly. For now, I’ve made an account on the vid.me video sharing site using the same name: https://vid.me/DarkMatter2525

I’ll keep brainstorming about what to do, and of course I’ll anxiously read though any suggestions/insights you might provide.

...Srsly, friends--it's worth making a Patreon account and supporting DM2525 to the tune of a buck o' five per video...his stuff is incredibly inventive and well crafted...if for no other reason than to support an artist who, by shining light on the ridiculous, can help you think seriously about the absurdity of religion.

-- Dot Calm's shadow

 

*****

Betty Bowers says,
"Jesus told me: 'If Melania Trump were in DC,

instead of NYC, FOR ONE DAY,

America would save enough

for Meals on Wheels to feed 120 poor seniors

FOR AN ENTIRE YEAR!'

Ugh, such a scold!"

 

*****

Moar Headlines!

No choo choo time today, so I'll instead regale you with a few whoppers from false prophet and semi-sentient colostomy bag Pat Robertson courtesy of Right Wing Watch (sorted in order of funneh):

MARCH 24, 2017 3:44 PM

Pat Robertson: Mark My Words, The GOP Health Bill Will Pass!
Pat Robertson, Who Said 'The Lord Told Me' that 'Romney Will Win,' Urges Viewers to Beware False Prophets

I wonder if Pat Robertson ever read his Bible:
“If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the Lord does not take place or come true, that is a message the Lord has not spoken. That prophet has spoken presumptuously. Do not be afraid of him” (Deut. 18:22)

FEBRUARY 1, 2017 2:57 PM

Pat Robertson: Climate Scientists Are Religious Fundamentalists

FEBRUARY 15, 2017 5:12 PM

Pat Robertson: People Who Oppose Trump Are Revolting Against God

FEBRUARY 27, 2017 1:28 PM

Pat Robertson: Stop Witches From Cursing Donald Trump
...BAAA-hahahahahahahaha!!!

Since Jesus failed to return in his kingdom while at least one of his immediate followers was still alive (Luke 9:27 and Matthew 16:28), that makes him a false prophet, too, and therefore not from God!

And you wonder why I'm an atheist?!

***

I know!

Let's waterboard all of the Republicans until we can figure out exactly what the hell is going on with all of their and comrade tRumPEWtin's Russian ties!

Like Devin Nunes.

Did you know that he has Russian connections, too?

Yup--the Russian distributor for Nunes's wine company makes the Kremlin's cognac!

I shit you not!!

***

DKos, ANet, DN!

Daily Kos Recommended

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Daily Kos Liberation League

The Daily Kos Liberation League features highly recommended posts about racial justice, gender equality, and LGBTQ rights.

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***

Are Congressional Republicans Ready to Dump Trump? By Jefferson Morley, AlterNet Three officials break ranks, as the Senate vows to take up charges of collusion and money laundering. READ MORE» The Trump Administration Just Took Its Climate Denialism to Dizzying New Heights By Kali Holloway, AlterNet If you don't say the words "climate change," this administration reckons, it isn't happening.  READ MORE» Trump Voters' Excuses for the President's Incompetence Leave CNN’s Alisyn Camerota Positively Dumbstruck By Alexandra Rosenmann, AlterNet A focus group seemingly doesn't care whether his claims are true or not.  READ MORE»

Robert Reich: What Trump Is Really Doing When He Makes His Preposterous Claims By Robert Reich, RobertReich.org It's all part of a larger strategy to envelop the truth in a dense fog. READ MORE» What a Brutally Violent ICE Raid Can Tell Us About Trump's Creeping Police State By Sarah Lazare, AlterNet A Chicago shooting shows immigration agents and police officers are part of the same violent apparatus.  READ MORE» Senator's Riveting Statement at Intelligence Committee Raises Fresh Questions About Trump and Russia By Travis Gettys, Raw Story The ranking Democrat wants to know why the president is so reluctant to investigate. READ MORE» Sean Spicer Owes April Ryan an Apology By D. Watkins, Salon This whole administration needs a crash course on treating people with respect and dignity. READ MORE» Samantha Bee Takes a Victory Lap After Trumpcare Crashes and Burns By Alexandra Rosenmann, AlterNet "Your bill was killed by friendly fire!" READ MORE» AlterNet Comics: Keith Knight on Buying Real Estate While Black By Keith Knight, AlterNet Despite the mountains of crap, he persisted. READ MORE»

People Don't Want to Come to Trump's America: The 'Trump Slump' in Travel Is Costing America Billions By Kali Holloway, AlterNet This is where all that nationalist nuttery gets you. READ MORE» Rev. William Barber: We Need a Third Reconstruction to Recover From American Slavery and Racism By Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II, Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove, Beacon Press From Martin Luther King Jr. to Moral Mondays protesting peacefully in North Carolina. READ MORE» Can the Science of Lying Explain Trump’s Support? By Jeremy Adam Smith, Greater Good Most people think lying is wrong—unless it’s for a “good” cause. This may explain why Donald Trump gets away with it. READ MORE»

Pushback from Women Key to Vexing Trump Administration Efforts to Quiet Russia Scandal By Adele M. Stan, The American Prospect An abruptly canceled hearing and the condescending treatment of a black woman reporter reveal the White House’s hysteria. READ MORE» 'It Is Pathetic': Bernie Sanders Slams Trump After ExxonMobil Urges White House to Abide by Paris Climate Accord By Sophia Tesfaye, Salon The largest oil company in the world understands more about climate change than the president of the United States. READ MORE» Syrian Refugees Are 'Left Out in the Cold' by the Biggest Arab States That Refuse to Welcome Them By Vijay Prashad, AlterNet Fighting inside Syria continues with grave implications for its population. READ MORE» Bernie Sanders Unloads on Trump's Rollback of Climate Protections: 'It's an International Embarrassment' By Alexandra Rosenmann, AlterNet The Vermont senator minces no words with the cast of "Morning Joe." READ MORE» Is Trump's Pledge to Make ObamaCare (the Law of the Land) Fail an Impeachable Offense? By William Boardman, Reader Supported News The Constitution seems clear on what the job of the president is, even if Trump doesn't understand it. READ MORE» Resist Trump Tuesdays Is Big Working Families Party Tactic to Hold Elected Officials Accountable By Ilana Novick, AlterNet As ICE raids destroy families, the idea is to put some major heat on elected officials. READ MORE» Undoing Obama's Work on Climate Change Won't Be as Easy as Trump Thinks By Amanda Marcotte, Salon Trump and Scott Pruitt aim to gut the EPA's climate regulations—but environmentalists promise to battle in court. READ MORE» Is the U.S. Becoming a Corporate Authoritarian State Like Singapore? By Jim Sleeper, BillMoyers.com The asylum case of an 18-year-old blogger could prove a grim preview of things to come. READ MORE» A Soulless Man Cannot Serve Justice By Leo Gerard, AlterNet Gorsuch's propensity to discount humanity disqualifies him for a seat on the highest court. READ MORE» Activist Finds the Perfect Way to Turn Tables on Lawmakers Who Voted to Repeal Internet Privacy Rule By Erin Corbett, Raw Story Get ready to explore your lawmakers' checkered search histories. READ MORE» When the U.S. Pretends It’s the Center of the Universe By Tamara Pearson, The Establishment U.S.-centric discourse, content, and attitudes make the U.S. the default or standard, and everyone else the Other — secondary, inferior. READ MORE»

Maxine Waters and April Ryan Are Not Alone - Misogynoir Is an Every Day Experience for Black Women By Kali Holloway, AlterNet Workday indignities are daily occurrences for black women.  READ MORE» Noam Chomsky: Trump's Threat to Human Civilization Is More Immediate Than We Realize By Jacob Sugarman, AlterNet The renowned political scientist on Republican radicalism, nuclear brinkmanship, American decline and more. READ MORE» Stephen Colbert Mocks Trump's 'Clean Coal' Plan With Hilarious New Cartoon By Alexandra Rosenmann, AlterNet "Clean coal sounds like an oxymoron... so does President Trump." READ MORE»

AlterNet Comics: Matt Bors on American's Devotion to Fake News By Matt Bors, AlterNet That mushroom cloud that's approaching? No worries, it's just special effects.  READ MORE» Hillary Clinton Takes on Spicer and O'Reilly's Sexist Remarks, Calls on Women to Challenge 'Everyday Sexism' By Alexandra Rosenmann, AlterNet "Women...have had a lifetime of practice taking precisely these kinds of indignities in stride."  READ MORE» People Want Melania Trump to Be Forced to Leave NYC By Kali Holloway, AlterNet A petition requests that she leave and save the city a ton of money.  READ MORE» First Republican Calls for Devin Nunes to Step Down for Coordinating With White House By Taylor Link, Salon A bombshell report says that Nunes' claims are coming from the White House, as his credibility is slipping. READ MORE»

Is Trump Waging a Stealth War of Retaliation Against Sanctuary Cities? By Sarah Lazare, AlterNet Evidence mounts that aggressive sweeps are aimed at jurisdictions that limit collaboration with federal immigration authorities. READ MORE» Behind Trump’s Bloody War in Yemen: A Saudi Offensive Against Iran By Jefferson Morley, AlterNet The president pursues Obama's policy, but without restraint. READ MORE» Golden Boy Tarnished: Trump Keeps Giving Jared Kushner More Jobs—but Is He Any Good at Any of Them? By Heather Digby Parton, Salon Does he wash the cars, too? Kushner apparently does everything in the Trump administration—when he's not skiing. READ MORE»

The Ugly Numbers of Trauma, Exile and Death Caused by U.S. Wars and Interventions in the Past 75 Years By John Dower, TomDispatch The casualty list is staggering. READ MORE» Big Pharma Company Lobbies Against Legal Weed—So It Could Market Its Own Synthetic Version By K.J. McElrath, Ring of Fire Insys Therapeutics gave $500,000 to help defeat an Arizona legalization initiative last year. Now, the FDA has just approved its marijuana-based drug. READ MORE» How the FBI Played a Central Role in the First ISIS Attack on U.S. Soil By Ben Norton, AlterNet Investigation finds an undercover agent encouraged a shooter in Garland to "tear up Texas." It gets worse. READ MORE» Trump Lawyer Claims the Constitution Prevents Ex-'Apprentice' Contestant From Suing the President By Brad Reed, Raw Story The Supreme Court ruled otherwise in 1997.  READ MORE» Danger, Yogi: Republicans Intentionally Make It Legal to Hunt Hibernating Animals By Sophia Tesfaye, Salon The NRA-backed bill overturns an Obama-era regulation meant to protect biodiversity in Alaska's wildlife refuges. READ MORE» How Burger King's Palm Oil Addiction Is Devastating Local Communities—and Planet Earth By Hannah Lownsbrough, AlterNet Burger King is at the front of the pack of corporations abusing human rights and the environment to satisfy its appetite for palm oil. READ MORE» What Will It Take to Defeat India's Hate Politics at the Ballot Box? By Teesta Setalvad, AlterNet The Uttar Pradesh elections underscore the urgency of uniting to defeat fundamentalism. READ MORE» Trump's Big Boost to Law Enforcement Won't Make Us Safer—It Will Make Corporations Richer By Emily Verdugo, AlterNet The Trump administration's recent steps backward provide us with a critical opportunity. READ MORE» Teenage Girl Shares Heartbreaking Story of Father's Capture by ICE: 'It Was the Hardest Thing to Watch' By Alexandra Rosenmann, AlterNet The 13-year-old speaks out at a press conference organized by Sen. Chuck Schumer. READ MORE» White Flight Followed Factory Jobs out of Gary, Indiana—Black People Didn't Have a Choice By Chris Arnade, The Guardian Residents who know the ugliness of racial politics all too well blame automation, not immigrants, for the destruction and despair that Trump promised to fix. READ MORE» Meet 9 Inspiring Women Taking the Climate Fight to Cities Around the Globe By Heather Clancy, GreenBiz "As women, we know all too well that the powerful often seek to silence our voices when we speak out to protect the most vulnerable in our communities." READ MORE» Beyond the Myths of Mandrake Root: Why Societies Across the Earth Have Valued This Herb By Harold Roth, Red Wheel/Weiser Countless folklores' different spins on this man-shaped root: Jewish fertility amulets, urine of hanged men, Joan of Arc's accoutrement... even genies' balls? READ MORE»

***

Stories Amnesty: Hundreds of Iraqi Civilians Killed in U.S. Airstrikes After Being Told Not to Flee Mosul The Iraq War started 14 years ago this month, and it is showing no signs of letting up. Since President Trump took office, the U.S. military has expanded its aerial ... Read More → U.N. Considers a Historic Ban on Nuclear Weapons, But U.S. Leads Boycott of the Talks Some 120 countries gathered at the United Nations this week to draft a treaty to ban nuclear weapons. But the United States is leading a boycott of the talks. ... Read More → Yemen: Trump Expands U.S. Military Role in Saudi War as Yemenis Brace for Famine The U.S. is also rapidly expanding military operations in Yemen. The U.S. has reportedly launched more than 49 strikes across the country this month—according to The ... Read More → Iona Craig on What Really Happened When U.S. Navy SEALs Stormed a Yemeni Village, Killing Dozens Independent journalist Iona Craig recently traveled to the Yemeni village where the U.S. Navy SEALs conducted a raid in January that left 25 civilians and ... Read More →

Headlines → Federal Judge Extends Hold on Trump Travel Ban LGBTQ Groups Reject "Repeal" of North Carolina Bathroom Bill Senate Intelligence Committee Opens Hearings on Russia Allegations Ivanka Trump Takes White House Job as Unpaid Federal Employee Chinese Firm Drops Real Estate Deal with Jared Kushner's Company White House Sends Mixed Signals on Future Healthcare Plans President Trump Proposes Deep Cuts to National Institutes of Health Gallup: Trump Approval Rating Plummets to Historic Low Senate to Vote April 7 on Neil Gorsuch for Supreme Court Justice Amid Civilian Deaths, Trump Cites "Very, Very Good" Results in Iraq State Department Seeks F-16s for Bahrain Despite Rights Violations Westinghouse Files for Bankruptcy, in Blow to Nuclear Power Industry California: Protesters Target Top Immigration Enforcement Official Seattle-Area "DREAMer" Released After 6 Weeks in ICE Detention Center Energy Department Office Bars Use of Term "Climate Change" Trump Seeks to End Funding for Corporation for Public Broadcasting In Separate Attacks, Two Mexican Journalists Targeted Within 24 Hours Puerto Rican Public University Students Strike Against Budget Cuts

Stories Trump Dismantles U.S. Climate Rules, Virtually Ensuring U.S. Will Break Paris Accord Promises President Trump signed an executive order Tuesday to dismantle a slew of climate rules established by President Obama. If carried out, the executive order will ... Read More → As Trump Complains About Alleged Surveillance, Republicans Gut Internet Privacy Rules On Tuesday, the House narrowly voted to allow internet providers to sell your web browsing history and other personal information. The vote will give companies like ... Read More → House Probe into Trump Campaign Ties to Russia in Turmoil as Chair Nunes Rejects Calls to Step Down On Capitol Hill, calls are growing for House Republican Intelligence Committee Chair Devin Nunes to step down from his committee's investigation into possible ... Read More → Jared Kushner & Paul Manafort Sought for Questioning over Russia But Will It Be Behind Closed Doors? President Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner has agreed to testify to the U.S. Senate committee investigating ties between the Trump campaign and Russia during the ... Read More →

Headlines → Trump Signs Executive Order Dismantling Rules to Curb Climate Change House Intelligence Committee in Turmoil as Nunes Refuses to Step Down Trump Lawyers Argue He's Immune from Civil Suit Because He's President Lawmaker: Treasury Sec. Mnuchin Broke Ethics Rules by Promoting Movie He Financed British Prime Minister Theresa May Formally Triggers Brexit Process General: U.S. "Probably Had Role" in 200 Casualties from Airstrike on Mosul VT: 2 Immigrant Rights Activists Released After ICE Arrests Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Death Row Prisoner Bobby Moore California: Anti-Choice Activist David Daleiden Charged with 15 Felonies Women's Hockey Players Win Stipends & Paid Travel from USA Hockey Olympic Gymnasts Testify to Congress About Sexual Abuse by Officials French Guiana: General Strike Continues as 10,000 March in Capital Civil Rights Activist, Journalist, Professor Roger Wilkins Dies at 85

*****

The Only Woman Mike Pence Is Allowed to Eat Alone With Is His Wife

penis pence also won't attend any event with alcohol unless his mother wife is glued to his hip.

Betty Bowers says,

"Goodness, and I thought Trump supporters

were against the encroachment in America

of Sharia law!"

I say,

"No wonder these deranged lunatic

Christo-fascists

don't trust women with their own bodies--

they don't trust themselves, either!"

-- Dot Calm's shadow

*****

Moar M00bies!

Hahahahahaha...

I think comrade tRumPEWtin refuses to throw out the first ball not only because he'd be roundly booed but because, with those tiny little hands of his, he throws like a flabby little schoolgirl. Also, he doesn't want to show off his camel-toe like fellow lard-ass Chris Christie did.

Welcome, Meal Team 6!

*****

 

 

***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****

28 March 2017 post:

Greetings, fellow Dot Calm Readers, Freedom Fighters, and Truth Crusaders! 

Friends, we only narrowly dodged the bullet that was trumpcare. You know they're coming back for us, starved, money-devouring zombies that they are...

And, although you and I and all compassionate Americans contacted our Congress critters and protested our little hearts out, I think the larger stumbling block for the tRump-Ryan bill was the Teathug Freedom Greedumb Caucus, for whom the bill wasn't nearly cruel enough.

I mean, it takes WORK to craft a "replace" bill that throws more people off insurance than "repeal" alone.

And then there's this meeting of comrade tRumPEWtin and penis pence meeting with the thirty-member Greedumb Caucus:

Conservative Clown Car's tongue-in-cheek reaction to this photo of all white, all men: “In Ryan's defense, who could get a group this diverse to agree on anything?” Democratic Underground ran a meme with voice bubbles mocking the photo--alas, they took it down before I could post it here--in which the meeting's leader asks, "Do any of you need maternity coverage?" and all the men respond, "Nope."

In my travels looking for the image, I found a rather jarring meme: if you're a millionaire, trumpcare gives you $50,000; if you're poor, trumpcare costs you $1,420.

 

Ouch.

And I have to run this again:

While it's clear that there's no limit to Republican cruelty, there's also no limit to Republican crookedness. They literally will do anything to keep their boi in the White House long enough to accomplish their agenda of handing the rest of the country over to the oligarchs who own them.

Take Devin Nunes

...please.

Srsly, Devin Nunes has destroyed all credibility of the House Intelligence Committee's investigation into tRump's Russian ties by running straight to tRump--the subject of the investigation--with committee findings and unilaterally canceling a key public hearing.

Remember, Nunes was on tRump's campaign, and he was in tRump's transition team.

He needs to recuse himself from the investigation!

But he won't because he'd rather jump through his own asshole to protect his fat orange boi.

That means that we have to demand our Congress critters force him out--and don't forget to call Paul Ryan, too...
Paul Ryan:
608-752-4050

The suppression of Sally Yates's testimony to the House Intel Committee may be the larger story than Nunes's sneaking onto White House grounds to snitch to tRump-penis and collect their "intel" to peddle to the committee...

Friends, between the Nunes debacle and Democrats actually holding hearings for Gorsuch to take the SCOTUS seat stolen from Merrick Garland, we are watching our government disintegrate right before our eyes.

There is no more rule of law, no decency, no compassion.

Just greed.

Just "I've got mine, and now I want yours."

Reprehensible.

And THIS is why we MUST continue to resist! Friends, this is OUR country--DON'T let the oligarchs steal it from us!

Want proof?

The New York Times is reporting over 200 civilian deaths in Mosul because

The pro-death cruelty flows downhill, people.

And, although I've been hearing tales of Senators like Pat Leahy wanting to confirm that monster Gorsuch (!!), Chuck Schumer and Bernie Sanders are calling to filibuster Gorsuch. So, at least we do have some Dems fighting for us. And Bernie is introducing legislation that would use our tax dollars wisely, cut out the profit middleman, and give us Medicare for all.

Oh, and Florida's inimitable Representative Lois Frankel has introduced the "MAR-A-LAGO" Act: a clever acronym for the "Making Access Records Available to Lead American Government Openness Act." This bill would publicize whom Trump is meeting with whether he is in the White House or in Florida. No more playing hookey for you, comrade tRumPEWtin!

I have some information for y'all today along with a few headlines and a bunch of m00bies, so sit down, strap on in, and get ready to roll...then get angry and GET BUSY!!!

But first, a little truth:

 

 

 

 

 

 

*****

Remember Ike's 90% income tax rate

on our nation's highest earners?

THAT was how we built

the interstates,

public schools that were

the envy of the world,

the space program,

and a democracy

that was NOT for sale.

***

Remember unions?

THAT was how we had

decent salaries

where a family of four

could live on one income,

vacations,

weekends and holidays,

workplace safety,

and a fighting chance

for the individual

to have representation

against the rich and powerful.

***

Republicans want us to FORGET

how we could and SHOULD live...

They don't want us to have nice things.

They want to keep all the goodies

for their fat, bloated, greedy, rich

selves.

DON'T LET THEM!!!!!

*****

Here--sign this!

Or kick in a buck o' five...

No re-election funds for any Senate Democrat who helps confirm Gorsuch

The petition to Democratic Senate Campaign Committee Chair Chris Van Hollen reads: “Refuse to allocate campaign funds to any Democratic senator who votes or strikes a deal to advance the confirmation of right-wing extremist Neil Gorsuch.” Add your name:

***

In 2O15 alone, nearly 3,OOO guns were sold to people who -- under current law -- should NOT be able to buy a weapon.

This loophole is what allowed the Charleston shooting to happen.

TELL CONGRESS: Act IMMEDIATELY to close the Charleston Loophole →

SIGN YOUR NAME >>

***

There's a new petition taking off on Change.org, and we think you might be interested in signing it.

Petitioning U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, Paul Ryan, Bernie Sanders, Donald Trump Remove health-care subsidies for Members of Congress and their families Petition by Daniel Jimenez Portland, Oregon 782,101 Supporters Sign Daniel’s petition Several years ago, my dad got the news that he had cancer. Sadly, he passed away. My dad had a job at the time, but his employer did not cover him, and without coverage, he avoided going to the doctor until it was too late. As Congress and President Trump try to pass a new healthcare law, I'm reminded of my father and whether he would have made it if he had early access to cost-effective health care. Affordable health care is in decline as premiums and health costs increase at exponential rates. Some politicians cannot relate to the cost burden experienced by families across the nation because they’ve historically received health benefits that most Americans have not. Like millions of people who are panicking about possible changes to their health insurance, I’m concerned the people elected to represent us won’t have to live with the consequences or expenses that the rest of us may have to face soon. I want lawmakers to commit to treating themselves just like those who will be impacted by ACA repeal or replacement. A lot of Members of Congress promote choice as an American value, which is all the more reason for them to have to continue to choose their own health coverage from the free marketplace. If private health care is good for the American citizen, it should also be good for the people that defend it. If Congress is willing to drastically cut healthcare subsidies for most people, are they willing to have the same rules apply to them and their families? Sign Daniel’s petition

***

From Justice Democrats

After stalling the AHCA vote, Donald Trump said this: “When they all become civilized and get together and try to work out a great health care bill for the people we’re totally open to it.” Now is the time for Democrats to do just that and push for a civilized health care bill. Luckily, a bill like this is already in the House. John Conyers' HR 676 would provide affordable health care coverage to every single American. Bernie Sanders is set to propose a similar bill in the Senate very soon. We need Congressional Democrats to get behind both bills.

 

We need 1 million Americans to sign this petition and pressure Democrats to make a stand on Medicare for all

 

Trump and Congressional Republicans have put Obamacare on the chopping block. But they can’t bring themselves to kill it because that would throw millions of their constituents off of health care.

 

This is no time to declare victory. It’s time for Democrats to stop leaning on the crutch of the ACA and start fighting for real health care reform, based on the needs of patients, families, and communities, not on corporate profits. It’s time for Medicare for all. Only 72 of the 193 House Democrats have signed on HR 676 as cosponsors.

 

Tell Congressional Democrats that it’s time to lead. Sign this petition to tell them to join our campaign for Medicare for all. Nothing less will do.

 

National Nurses United, one of many organizations who opposed the GOP bill, is on the front lines of our broken health care system. Like Justice Democrats and Brand New Congress, they know Medicare for all is the only solution.

 

Together, we issue this call to action: Democrats must stand with America’s healthcare professionals and fight for single-payer.

 

Sign it. Share it, and get everyone you know to sign it. We will hand-deliver your signatures to Congress -- and we’ll invite you to come along if you can make it to DC.

 

We are calling on all Democrats in the Senate and House to support Medicare for all legislation.

 

Justice Democrats and Brand New Congress are fighting to make Medicare for all the law of the land. If this Congress won’t do it, we’ll elect one that will.

 

Tell Congressional Democrats that it’s time to lead. Sign this petition to tell them to join our campaign for Medicare for all. Nothing less will do.

 

And, if you live in California, join the fight to establish a Medicare for all type system, SB 562, sponsored by the California Nurses Association/NNU, that is a model for the nation. Join us at http://www.healthycaliforniaact.org/

 

Yours for the revolution,

 

The entire team at Justice Democrats and BNC

***

URGENT PETITION: Ban Conversion Therapy! SIGN ON →

Vice President Mike Pence supports electroshock therapy to “cure” LGBT kids.

***

From 350.org--now that tRump has signed Keystone XL

This is game time -- not game over. Once the President signs, there will be demonstrations, comment periods, lawsuits and much more to stop this pipeline. We need to be ready for a full-scale mobilization against Keystone XL and every other project like it.

Can you make a $15 gift to 350.org to help us defeat Keystone XL and every other fossil fuel project like it?

We’re already planning to mobilize millions of Americans to send in comments and petitions against the project, support resistance along the pipeline route, push politicians during the April recess and beyond to come out against Keystone XL, and use the fight against the pipeline to fire up resistance to other fossil fuel projects across the country.

Keystone XL is an 800,000 barrel a day pipeline that would carry the world's dirtiest oil from Canada to the Gulf Coast for export. It would threaten land, water and Tribal rights, putting hundreds of communities at risk from toxic oil spills and refinery pollution. A pipeline of this size, with oil this dirty would be a disaster for the climate.

But it's not a done deal -- no matter what Trump signs. It still needs a permit from Nebraska where a huge resistance is underway -- and it lacks support from Indigenous communities along the route and at its source in Canada. Oil markets will make it difficult for TransCanada, the company behind it, to turn a profit no matter what.

How hard we fight will determine whether this tar sands oil stays in the ground. Can you help us prepare for the big actions it will take to stop Keystone XL and push back against the fossil fuel industry? Donate to support us here.

Big Oil thought this pipeline was a done deal when they proposed it way back in 2009. We've stopped it 3 times before - and there's no reason to think we can't do it again. They've cast their lot with a dangerous President who is losing political clout by the day. Anything could happen -- if we work for it.

Get ready,

Sara

***

Dear Maryland PIRG supporter,

If there is a silver lining to today's political climate, it is that more people are looking for ways to actively protect environmental and public health safeguards.

Concerned citizens are making calls to their representatives, joining demonstrations, and getting more involved in their communities. Maryland PIRG is in the state house and city halls all across Maryland, and working alongside its national network to get results at the federal level.

But there is another way to take action. That's why so many people are choosing to keep their investments out of the most dangerous environmental offenders, like the fossil fuel industry, and instead investing in the companies providing solutions to today's most pressing environmental challenges.

Download Green Century's free guide to responsible and fossil fuel free investing to learn how to get started.

For more than 25 years, Green Century has been helping individuals invest for the future while also making a difference. Through our three-pronged approach, Green Century offers investors the opportunity to make an impact in a way that no other mutual fund family can:

Investing in sustainable companies: Green Century investors are supporting companies leading the transition to a sustainable economy, like Vestas Wind Systems,* whose turbines account for more than 16 percent of global wind power production.

Leading a shareholder advocacy program: Green Century investors are pushing companies to improve environmental policies and practices. For example, our Forest Protection Campaign will keep at least 1.5 gigatons of carbon dioxide out of our air through the company zero-deforestation commitments we have secured.

Supporting environmental and public health non-profit organizations: Green Century investors know that 100 percent of the profits earned managing their funds go to support the environmental and public health work of our founders, the state Public Interest Research Groups (PIRGs).

And Green Century investors know that their investments are not supporting corporations with the worst environmental records, like fossil fuel corporations, factory farms and nuclear power.

You can put your money to work for you, and for your principles and values. Please consider joining the thousands of individuals that are investing fossil fuel free.

Sincerely,

Leslie Samuelrich
President, Green Century Capital Management

***

If you are having trouble reading this message, click here for the web version.

Join the March for Science - 22 April.

Spread the word.  Register at this link:
https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/44343
 

***

Bankers and their lobbyists have no shame. It hasn’t even been a decade since their greed blew up the global economy and we bailed them out to the tune of trillions of dollars. Now the American Banking Association is starting a candidate training school for bankers. They are organizing this camp to help bankers win seats at state and federal levels.

Our candidates will fight to limit, not expand, the power of big banking institutions. Make a $27 monthly contribution to help build our candidate training school.

 

It was the American taxpayer who bailed the bankers out. It was us that kept them from shutting their doors and allowed them to continue raking in billions of dollars in profits while we watched the middle-class disappear and our families and neighbors struggle to pay for basic necessities like food, medicine, and housing.

 

The Trump administration, despite campaigning to “drain the swamp” is installing bank execs from the cabinet to the Capitol. 

 

Big Banks are emboldened, and they’re ready to roll back what little regulation on the financial industry we have left.

 

Justice Democrats and Brand New Congress are working to build an organization that allows citizens without billionaire backing to compete with institutions like the ABA, DNC, RNC, and other Washington power brokers. Make a $27 monthly contribution to help make sure we're successful.

 

Wall Street wants to infiltrate every level of our government. They believe Congress is theirs for the taking. We won't sit by and let that happen.

 

Big Banks aren’t looking out for your best interests. You deserve a Congress that fights for you and your family.

 

Justice Democrats are ready to take on the banking lobby with incredible candidates and a platform that will transform this country for the better -- and we know we can win, with your help. Millions of people are more powerful than millions of dollars.

 

We’re up against something big here, so we need to be well-funded and organized, just like the Big Bank lobbies and their forthcoming candidate campaigns.

 

But what they don’t realize is that we’re several steps ahead of them. Our candidates and platform are what Americans want, need, and will vote for.

 

We have to act quickly, and we need your help. Stand with us with a $27 monthly donation and help elect candidates that will break up the big banks.

 

Yours for the revolution,

 

Justice Democrats

*****

Headlines

Choo choo time

It's all from The Guardian today, friends...

Trump's treasury secretary accused of ethics violation after Lego Batman plug
...This is worse than Kellyanne Conjob plugging Ivanka's plastic Chinese crap because Steve Mnuchin himself stands to profit from the plug.
   
A white supremacist slew a man in Manhattan. Why is the president silent?
...Duh, because the white supremacist was white, and the victim was Black. Srsly. You had to ask? Hey--how much you wanna bet that Mr. Whitey is a Christian? There's a better than 80% chance. CHRISTIANS ARE TERRORISTS!!!!!
   
Mosul residents were told not to flee before airstrikes that killed civilians
...As the image above illustrates, Iraqi forces assumed that comrade tRumPEWtin doesn't give a shit about human life, so they assumed that the rules of engagement had been relaxed. They knew that civilians were in the area because they told them not to evacuate...and they killed them, just like tRump would have wanted. I mean, hey, those civilians were probably Muslim, right? And Muslim = terrorist, right? And, as tRump spewed during his "campaign," you hafta kill their families, too, right? Friends, we all know how much tRump hates Muslims and wants them all dead...then again, he hates teh poorz, too, and wants them all dead...and he wants all Blacks dead, all Jews but his immediate family members dead, all Latinos dead, all LGBTQ+ dead...
    
Klieg lights on Kushner | The minute | US news
...Surprise, surprise, surprise! Son-in-law Jared Kushner is the latest tRump associate with Russian ties. But-but-but...Jared is tRump's newly minted "he went to Jared" fix-it man...tRump apparently realizes on some level that preznit'ing is complicated (who gnu!?), so now tRump wants Jared to wipe his fat orange ass cheeks every time he shits his diaper...
   
Top Democrats call for Devin Nunes to recuse himself from Trump-Russia inquiry
...Better yet--INVESTIGATE NUNES HIMSELF NOW!!!!!
    
Demonstrations matter – they create the kind of power politicians despise
    
America rose to defend healthcare. But Trump's attack on the poor is not over
    
After 9/11 politicians put their country above their parties. We must do so again
...Am I the only one who finds it amusing that the various factions within the Republican party, which refused wholesale to compromise with Democrats during Obama's presidency, can't even compromise among themselves to deliver on their seven-year-old promise--and tRump's First Big Law--to destroy Obamacare? Friends, there are only two things motivating the Republicans at this point: greed and sadism. They want YOUR money, and they WANT to see you suffer!
    
Protesters target Connecticut's uber wealthy with 'tax bills' in bid to end loophole
...Damn, son--if only it were that easy. If I have to pay my taxes--which I'm happy to do to support civil society, not empire and war--then so should comrade tRumpPEWtin and the rest of the greedy rich!
    
PBS is the only network reporting on climate change. Trump wants to cut it.
...Coincidence? I think not!
    
Transgender protections hang in the balance with healthcare's future cloudy
...Friends, I recently posted a link to an article describing some of the unique health challenges that trans people face. And Obama tried so hard to shield trans people from discrimination and danger. *sigh*
    
Lawmaker's 'peculiar midnight run' endangers Trump-Russia inquiry
...The lawmaker's initials are DEVIN NUNES.
    
The showdown that exposed the rift between Republican ideology and reality
...Ah, yes--we've known for the past 17 years at least that Republicans eschew reality. Republicans want to go back to the monopolies, trusts, abuses, and other business excesses of the roaring 1920s...only business back then was never exactly what they fondly misremember it to have been. But they're so wedded to this awful ideal (which starves everyone but the rich) that they apparently have zero chance of ever recovering their footing in reality again...
  
By dismantling domestic privacy laws, the US will lose control of the global Internet
...Ya think?!
    
The west condemned Russia's bombs, but now coalition attacks are killing civilians in Mosul
    
The lies of the right that debase civilised society | Nick Cohen
...For example, instead of using the least little issue to smear all Muslims as terrorists, maybe try to figure out how to treat them, oh, I dunno, civilly.
   
Nearly 15% of female undergraduates at UT Austin report being raped
...based on a survey of 7,600 students. Yikes!!
   
Eric Trump says he will keep father updated on business despite 'pact'
...What conflict of interest? What rules? Narcissist comrade tRumPEWtin thinks he's gawd and thus doesn't have to follow rules like we poor mortals do!
   
Trump tried to burn down Obamacare. He set his hair on fire instead.
...Too bad it's not literally as well as figuratively. It would be an improvement!
   
White veteran regards fatal stabbing of black man as 'practice' for larger attack
...Holy shit!!!!! Hey--how much you wanna bet that Mr. Stabby is a Christian? There's a better than 80% chance. I'm tellin' ya, CHRISTIANS ARE TERRORISTS!!!!!
    
Paul Manafort volunteers to speak to House Trump-Russia inquiry
...Maybe it's a race for who'll flip first--Mike Flynn or Paul Manafort. They're both in trouble up to their shoe-polish-black hair...but my money is on Flynn to flip first if he hasn't already--Manafort is not testifying under oath; nor is he testifying to the FBI (to whom lying is a federal crime...just ask Martha Stewart).
    
Trump's order signals end of US dominance in climate change battle
...Just as America has abdicated its role as leader of the free world to Angela Merkel, we've abdicated our role as leader in the battle against climate change--and we've decided that, just like the rest of our manufacturing jobs, we'd rather hand them to the Chinese than employ Americans here at home.

Star gymnasts testify to Senate judiciary committee about sex abuse scandal
...Apparently, America values its women so little that not even our star gymnasts are safe in their own female skins. I'm sure that the Republicans on the committee blamed the women--for being women!
   
Don't just defend Obama's legacy against Trump: fight for radicalclimate action
...Friends, let's take a page out of Bernie's playbook--when tRumpcare tanked, Bernie didn't waste a New York minute pitching Medicare for all. Let's do the same with a radical climate agenda, shall we? If we start locally and do what we can, we'll get the last laugh on tRump...and save our own asses in the process.
    
Senate Republicans pour cold water on talk of reviving healthcare bill
...But you know that that won't stop House Republicans from wanting to play with their favorite chew toy some more.
  

***

Daily Kos, AlterNet, and Democracy Now!

Daily Kos Recommended

• Trump's approval ratings have dropped to new low—like WAY low
  
  
• Trump's poll numbers hit new low
  
  
• Texas Republican did not expect a town hall like this
  
  
• We're just three weeks out from the first major congressional election of the Trump era. Chip in $5 to help Get Out The Vote for Democrat Jon Ossoff.
  
  
• Asked about a gay slur, Iowa Republican says 'anything you say to a gay anymore is a gay slur'
  
  
• Indian dignitaries surprise Kansas hero with $100,000 check
  
  
• Every time you think the infighting in the Trump White House can't get worse, it does
  
  
• The government will run out of funding in one month and the shutdown talk has already begun
  
  
• Leaked documents show the NYPD officer who killed Eric Garner should have been fired a long time ago
  
  
• Trump adviser Carl Icahn is advising government to cut the regulations that hurt his own companies
  
  
• Judge Neil Gorsuch has opposed reproductive freedom, LGBTQ rights, civil rights and workers’ rights. Call your senators: Tell them to block Trump's extremist Supreme Court nominee.
  
  
• Roger Stone's defense on everything is that he was lying the last time
  
  
• Thanks to these computer developers, when Trump tweets, the ACLU gets a donation
  
  
• Donald Trump plans to make Jared Kushner America's unelected, unapproved, uncontrolled CEO
  
  
• The stock market giveth and the stock market taketh away ... either way, Trump sucks
  
  
• Drop in mortality among whites linked to joblessness, low wages, and despair
  
  
• Special committee or special prosecutor—Devin Nunes can not be trusted to investigate Trump

Daily Kos Recommended

• America's dumbest congressman* is at it again
  
  
• Donald Trump has used Twitter to lie, harass and spread hate. And now that he’s President, his tweets are a national security risk. Tell Twitter to remove Trump’s account.
  
  
• If Democrats fail to fight Gorsuch, they look weak and share the blame for future decisions
  
  
• Voter suppression and anti-union laws work in tandem when the GOP takes over a state's government
  
  
• The blindness of anti-Trump Republicans
  
  
• Joy-Ann Reid: A Cruelty to this bill apparent even to Republican voters who were shocked
  
  
• Cartoon: Poor Trump voter
  
  
• The real reason why Obamacare now has a 54% approval rating
  
  
• Trumpcare in red and blue
  
  
• Not-so-blind: Eric Trump says he'll be keeping his father regularly updated on the family business
  
  
• Republican Congressman fesses up that Trumpcare was just a tax cut scheme
  
  
• Cartoon: So many distractions
  
  
• Donald Trump plans to make Jared Kushner America's unelected, unapproved, uncontrolled CEO
  
  
• Want to fight back against Trump and scare the hell out of congressional Republicans? Chip in $5 to Democrat Jon Ossoff and help win the special election to replace Trump's anti-Obamacare hatchet man in Congress.
  
  
• Trump presented German leader Angela Merkel a printed 'invoice' for what he thinks they owe NATO
  
  
• For Team Trump, it's a long weekend of bitterness and golf
  
  
• Signs of hope for Democrats in 2018? A cautious yes

Daily Kos Recommended

• Steve Bannon is cleaning house: He posted a 's*it list' in White House war room
  
  
• GOP congressman admits all those repeal votes were a fraud
  
  
• If terrorist is white, then it's all right: Trump tweets about London victim, not black New Yorker
  
  
• It's March 26 and Daily Kos is still $28,279.68 away from our March goal. Can you chip in $1 to support the team that brings progressive news to your inbox every day?
  
  
• Democratic senator: Trump is dragging us into another war and no one is talking about it
  
  
• Conservative pundit unloads on Trump and GOP
  
  
• Judge who blocked Muslim ban is receiving death threats and receiving 24-hour protection
  
  
• Donald Trump indeed wanted procession of military vehicles for his inauguration parade
  
  
• The return of hope
  
  
• Why Obama succeeded on health care while Trump is a miserable failure ... in just 99 words
  
  
• Donald Trump's budget includes eliminating the Meals on Wheels program. Sign if you are outraged. We must stop this
  
  
• Russia could have more tricks up their sleeve
  
  
• A requiem for Trumpcare, celebrated in tweets
  
  
• Nonpartisan government workers are under attack by the far-right media
  
  
• Self-driving cars will kill a lot of jobs. What then?
  
  
• Global goals on climate change may be attainable after all, due to rapid collapse of coal
  
  
• A Republican failure. A people's victory. Grassroots resistance energizes the next healthcare fight.
  

Daily Kos Recommended

• Hillary Clinton's Tweetstorm on Obamacare is a beauty to behold!
  
  
• "Hillary Clinton’s stunning campaign statement about Trump’s ties to Russia"
  
  
• The lawsuit that could potentially bring down the Jerry Falwell empire
  
  
• Daily Kos needs to raise $57,113 to reach our March goal. Can you chip in $1 to support the team that brings progressive news to your inbox every day?
  
  
• One of the best tweets of the day: Hey Donald Trump, we're not tired of winning yet!
  
  
• The Twitter-Verse rejoices, mocks Trump/Ryan beautifully.
  
  
• Watch the moment that changed the healthcare debate
  
  
• Trump reacts to failure: We were so close, it's all the Democrats' fault, and Obamacare is exploding
  
  
• Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI) has seen 'damning evidence' of Trump-Russia collusion in classified reports
  
  
• RNC hired Russia-connected intelligence firm in effort to dig up dirt on Hillary Clinton
  
  
• Trump's Supreme Court pick has long history of siding with corporations over everyday Americans. We need a justice that will stand with the people. Add your name to help block him.
  
  
• CELEBRATE A FEW HOURS. Then come back and read this.
  
  
• Nancy Pelosi responds to epic failure of Paul Ryan and Donald Trump
  
  
• A new poll gives Jon Ossoff a runoff lead!
  
  
• Republicans lose big league, and immediately start pointing fingers at one another
  
  
• It's time to thank House Democrats for standing up against the Trump-Ryan-GOP health care fiasco
  
  
• Arctic, Antarctic clock record lows in sea ice extent. We're in 'uncharted territory' scientist says

Daily Kos Breaking News
Breaking news from Washington:

• EPIC FAIL: Trumpcare vote pulled
  
  
• Paul Ryan holds press conference on Trumpcare failure
  
  
• Republicans have no idea how to govern. Break the GOP majority: Chip $1 each to Democrats running in special congressional elections this spring.
  
  
• This is a breaking news story. Check out dailykos.com for further developments.

Daily Kos Recommended

• 'A loser president'—Dan Rather hits him where it hurts
  
  
• Trump's adviser now says that yes he is a member of Nazi-sympathizer org, just not a full member
  
  
• Congressman says we may have an 'illegitimate president,' calls for immediate halt of Trump agenda
  
  
• The House will vote on Trumpcare TODAY. Sign and send the petition to your congressperson: REJECT Trump and Ryan's American Health Care Act.
  
  
• Dear America, Donald Trump is completely insane
  
  
• Washington Post calls for House investigation to be stopped, Nunes to be investigated
  
  
• Lawrence O'Donnell: Paul Ryan told GOP House intelligence chair to take 'incidentally collected information' to Trump
  
  
• Are you effing kidding? Some Democrats considering a deal to confirm Gorsuch
  
  
• Here's a room full of men cheering their plan to strip maternity and newborn care
  
  
• Dear Mom—about your 50 year nursing career & Medicaid ... Woman's post PLOWS the GOP
  
  
• Donald Trump is under FBI investigation. E-mail your U.S. Senators, and urge them to postpone any hearings for Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch until there's been a complete, independent investigation of the Trump-Russian scandal.
  
  
• Republican senators vote to repeal all of our broadband privacy rights
  
  
• For millions of cancer survivors, this senator's joke about losing mammogram coverage will enrage
  
  
• GOP Intelligence Committee chair thinks his first duty is to Trump, not the truth
  
  
• Trumpcare gives new moms on Medicaid 60 days to find a job—or risk losing coverage
  
  
• Republican chaos puts Trumpcare in jeopardy
  
  
• It's do or die day for Trumpcare in the House

***

Why a Staggering Number of White Working-Class Americans Are Succumbing to 'Deaths of Despair' By Sarah Lazare, AlterNet A pair of pioneering Princeton researchers makes sense of a growing epidemic. READ MORE» A Handful of Trump Voters Are Coming to the Painful Realization That They've Been Had By Jacob Sugarman, AlterNet The vast majority are still buckled in on the Trump train. Some are looking for the emergency breaks. READ MORE» America's Health Illiteracy: How Easy It Is to Buy into Health Myths By Larry Schwartz, AlterNet Survey shows some of the medical facts that are far from true. READ MORE»

Authentic Populist vs. Bulls**t Artist: Why Bernie Sanders Is So Popular and Donald Trump Isn’t By Conor Lynch, Salon He couldn't win the Democratic nomination, but Sanders has emerged as the authentic voice of populist resistance. READ MORE» Inside the Secretive Trump Lobby That Wants to Profit From the Breakup of Iraq By Nafeez Ahmed, AlterNet A network tied to Cambridge Analytica, Islamist insurgents, ExxonMobil and Koch convinced Trump to let go of Iraqi unity. READ MORE» Military Experts Issue a Warning Climate Skeptics Won't Want to Hear By Alexandra Rosenmann, AlterNet A gripping new documentary explores the link between climate change and violent conflict. READ MORE» The Life Cycle of a Donald Trump Lie By Matt Gertz, MediaMatters A pattern is emerging. READ MORE» Trump's Budget Endangers Those it Claims to Help The Most By Leo Gerard, AlterNet Americans balk at a budget that renders them less safe in their homes and workplaces. READ MORE» Analysis Shows Pot Will NOT Kill You, But Cops Arresting You For It Definitely Can By Claire Bernish, The Free Thought Project At least 20 civilians and 4 cops have been killed in gung-ho marijuana SWAT raids in the last six years alone.  READ MORE» Jane Mayer on Robert Mercer & the Dark Money Behind Trump and Bannon By Amy Goodman, Democracy Now! Mercer out-Koched the Koch brothers in 2016. READ MORE» The Hour of the Attorneys General By Rachel M. Cohen, The American Prospect State Democratic AGs have assumed new importance in the effort to contain the Trump presidency. READ MORE» Geert Wilders, the 'Dutch Donald Trump,' Tries to Mainstream Far-Right, Anti-Muslim Policies By Ben Norton, The Real News Network Anti-Muslim demagogue Geert Wilders is a key figure in Dutch politics — and is part of a larger wave of far-right movements across the globe READ MORE» ‘You Don’t Know Anything’: Chris Hayes Smacks Down Conservative’s Ignorance on Muslims in Heated Maher Panel By Tom Boggioni, Raw Story Host Maher argued with British journalist Louise Mensch about the impact of Muslims in her home country. READ MORE» Too Much Stuff: Capitalism in Crisis As Evidence of Global Warming Grows By Kozo Yamamura, Policy Press For the Paris Agreement to be meaningful, shortsighted self-interest must give way to pro-environment investments. READ MORE»

Paul Krugman Exposes the Biggest Con Artist in American Politics This Side of Donald Trump By Jacob Sugarman, AlterNet The New York Times columnist had Paul Ryan pegged from the start. READ MORE» Trump's Budget Director Has Some Deeply Distressing Advice to Americans Worried About Their Health Benefits By Sophia Tesfaye, Salon Are we supposed to find this reassuring? READ MORE» Bernie Sanders Shares His Blueprint for Resisting Trump By Alexandra Rosenmann, AlterNet The Vermont senator attributes the failure of Trumpcare to civic engagement. READ MORE»

Trump Approves Keystone XL Pipeline, Groups Vow 'Fight Is Not Over' By Lorraine Chow, EcoWatch Secretary of State Rex Tillerson's former company stands to make a fortune. READ MORE» 'I Want to Have My Voice Heard': Oklahoma Woman Confronts Senator About Trumpcare During Domestic Flight By Sarah K. Burris, Raw Story The chance encounter was captured in a series of tweets. READ MORE» WATCH: Jimmy Kimmel Hilariously Skewers Trump's Deranged Time Magazine Interview By Alexandra Rosenmann, AlterNet "'I'm president, and you're not.' I mean, who says that?"  READ MORE» Alaska's Wolf Pups and Hibernating Bears Are Fair Game for Hunters in Trump's America By Samantha Miller, The Humane Society of the United States Every animal lover in the country should be outraged. READ MORE» AlterNet Comics: Matt Bors on How Trump's Been Playing The Media for Decades By Matt Bors, AlterNet The leaks are real, the news is fake.  READ MORE»

5 Key Questions About the FBI's Trump-Russia Investigation By Jefferson Morley, AlterNet It’s all about oligarchs, sanctions, and a multibillion-dollar privatization scheme, says Democrat Adam Schiff. READ MORE» Republicans Can't Agree on How Much They Want Do Destroy Our Health Care System, Delay Congressional Vote By Steven Rosenfeld, AlterNet Ryan and Trump fail to cut deal, but they'll try again Friday. READ MORE» Hard Right Targeting Its Fury Over Botched Health Care Bill at Trump Official By Sophia Tesfaye, Salon Breitbart and talk-radio hosts are finding a new target for their Trumpcare rage. READ MORE»

White Supremacist Who Traveled to New York to Murder Black Men Followed Extremist Racist On-Line Groups Who Support Trump By Ben Norton, AlterNet His YouTube subscription list is a who's who of alt-right figures. READ MORE» Is Wisconsin the Pin in the Hand Grenade for a Billionaire- and Corporate-Funded Coup to Rewrite the Constitution? By Jacob Sugarman, AlterNet The Wisconsin GOP is calling for a constitutional convention. They need just five more states to make it happen. READ MORE» How One Activist Is Recruiting Diverse Candidates to Continue the Vision Started by Bernie Sanders' Campaign By Ilana Novick, AlterNet "I went from someone who was completely apathetic to someone who's totally all in." READ MORE» Dark Data: Trump Backers Bankroll Firm Developing Psychological Profiles of Every U.S. Voter By Amy Goodman, Democracy Now! Robert Mercer, Cambridge Analytica, and how billionaires are profiling voters.  READ MORE» 'There Is No Other Word for It': Former Bush Ethics Czar Says FBI Uncovering Evidence of 'Treason' By Travis Gettys, Raw Story "Congress has no credibility in undertaking the Trump-Russia investigation." READ MORE» Who's Running America While Donald Trump Tweets? By D. Watkins, Salon Trump's fights with celebs like Colin Kaepernick and Snoop Dogg aren't just unpresidential; they're unproductive.  READ MORE» Selling Dog and Cat Meat Is Still Legal in Most of U.S.—but a Federal Ban Could Soon Be in Place By Nina Jackel, AlterNet Forty-four states have no law standing between the family dog and the dinner plate. READ MORE» 6 Charts That Illustrate the Divide Between Rural and Urban America By Brian Thiede, Lillie Greiman, Stephan Weiler, Steven C. Beda, Tessa Conroy, The Conversation A tale of two countries, with data. READ MORE» Gorsuch Sides With Right-Wing Justices Who Brush Off Big Money's Utter Corruption of Political System By Allie Boldt, Demos.org He stands by 1970s law that started the mess empowering the Koch brothers and Mercers today. READ MORE» The Best Recipe for Ethical Chocolate By Simran Sethi, Yes! Magazine Keeping chocolate production near cocoa cultivation empowers farmers and supports local economies. READ MORE»

***

Stories Local Lawmakers Fight Back Against AG Sessions's Threats to Cut Funding to Sanctuary Cities The Trump administration has unveiled its latest attempt to target sanctuary cities that are refusing to help federal agents detain and deport undocumented ... Read More → ICE Retaliates Against Immigrants in Austin After Sheriff Limits Cooperation with Federal Agents Texas U.S. Magistrate Judge Andrew Austin said in open court that federal agents had alerted him that ICE would be targeting the area of Austin, Texas. The raids ... Read More → Rebecca Solnit on Climate Change, Resistance, Misogyny and The Mother of All Questions President Trump is expected to sign an executive order Tuesday to dismantle a slew of climate rules put in place by President Obama. The executive order marks ... Read More → As ICE Retaliates Against Austin, Learn How New Haven Fought Back Against a 2007 ICE Crackdown In 2007, the New Haven City Council and mayor agreed to adopt the first municipal ID card in the nation. The move sparked fierce backlash from federal immigration ... Read More → Immigrant Communities in Fear as Trump Ups ICE Raids Targeting Sanctuary Cities Philadelphia City Councilmember Helen Gym and Austin City Councilmember Gregorio Casar talk about fear spreading in immigrant communities, as well as the ... Read More →

Headlines → Democrats Call for Nunes to Step Down as House Intelligence Chair Trump Son-in-Law Kushner Met with Head of U.S.-Sanctioned Russian Bank Mayors Vow to Fight Sessions's Threat to Cut Funding from Sanctuary Cities Chicago: ICE Agent Shoots and Injures Father During Home Raid Trump to Sign Executive Order Dismantling a Slew of Climate Rules U.S. Leads Boycott of U.N. Talks on Outlawing Nuclear Weapons U.S. to Send More Troops to Iraq, as Pentagon Probes Reports of Hundreds of Civilian Casualties WSJ: Trump Increasing Military Support for Saudi-Led War on Yemen N. Korea Launches Rocket Engine Test as U.S. & S. Korea Conduct Military Drills Hong Kong Charges 9 Activists for 2014 Pro-Democracy Protests Peru: Death Toll from Worst Flooding in Decades Rises to 90 French Guiana Rocked by General Strike to Protest Unemployment, Lack of Services Michigan to Pay Nearly $100 Million to Flint to Replace Water Lines White Supremacist Charged with Murder as Terrorism for Killing Black Man with Sword Colorado: Residents Rally to Support Vandalized Fort Collins Mosque Anti-Apartheid Activist Ahmed Kathrada Dies at Age of 87

Stories Medicare for All? Sen. Bernie Sanders Poised to Push for Single Payer After GOP Plan Falls Apart On Friday, House Republicans failed to muster enough support to pass the GOP healthcare plan, which some call Trumpcare. In response, Vermont Senator Bernie ... Read More → More Than 1,000 Civilians Killed by U.S.-Led Airstrikes in Iraq & Syria as Trump Expands War on Terror Details are emerging about U.S.-led coalition airstrikes that are believed to have killed over 200 people in a single day in Iraq. The U.S.-led coalition has admitted ... Read More → Bill McKibben: Trump May Have Approved #KeystoneXL, But People Will Stop This Pipeline Again The Trump administration has approved a permit allowing TransCanada to build the Keystone XL pipeline, which would transport 830,000 barrels of crude every ... Read More → After Republican Infighting Dooms GOP Healthcare Plan, Trump Vows to Let Obamacare "Explode" Under President Obama, House Republicans voted more than 50 times to repeal or rewrite the Affordable Care Act. But on Friday, the House couldn’t muster the votes ... Read More →

Headlines → Republicans Pull Healthcare Bill After Failing to Muster Enough Votes Reports: U.S.-Led Coalition Airstrikes Killed 200+ in West Mosul Yemen: Tens of Thousands Protest U.S.-Backed, Saudi-Led Bombing 5th Round of Syrian Peace Talks Begin as 16 Civilians Killed in Damascus Airstrike Russia: 600+ Protesters Arrested at Anti-Corruption Demonstrations Belarus: Hundreds of Protesters Arrested Opposing Tax on Unemployed Jared Kushner: "Government Should Be Run Like a Great American Company" Democrats Demand Publication of White House & Mar-a-Lago Visitor Logs California: Trump Supporters Attack Anti-Trump Protesters SC Sen. Lindsey Graham Booed at Angry Town Hall Senate Moves to Dismantle Internet Privacy Protections Washington, D.C.: 1,000+ Jewish Activists Protest AIPAC Conference Chile: Massive Nationwide Protests Demand End to Privatized Pension System Argentina: Demonstrations Mark 41st Anniversary of 1976 Military Coup Colombia: Town Votes Against Plans for Massive Open-Pit Gold Mine South Korea: Prosecutors Seek to Arrest Fmr. President Park Geun-hye London: Crowds Protest Brexit Plans to Leave European Union Ohio: 1 Dies in Shooting in Cameo Nightclub in Cincinnati Mexican Journalists Protest Murder of 3 Reporters in March

Stories Will House Republicans "Jump Off the Cliff" and Cut Healthcare for 24 Million Americans? As President Trump and House Speaker Paul Ryan face a showdown with Republicans, both moderate and conservative, on whether to repeal Obamacare, the party ... Read More → Attorney for "Frozen Trucker": Neil Gorsuch May Have Been Most Hostile Judge I've Ever Encountered As confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch wrap up and Senate Democrats vow to filibuster his nomination, we look at Gorsuch's ruling in a ... Read More → Watch: Sen. Al Franken Grills Neil Gorsuch on Frozen Trucker Case in Extended Questioning We feature an extended excerpt of Senator Al Franken (D-MN) grilling Supreme Court nominee Judge Neil Gorsuch during his Supreme Court confirmation hearing ... Read More → Florida's First Black State Attorney Faces Death Threats After Refusing Death Penalty for Cop Killer A battle over the death penalty is brewing in Florida, where Orange-Osceola State Attorney Aramis Ayala has announced her office will no longer seek the death ... Read More →

Headlines → GOP Delays Healthcare Vote as President Trump Issues Ultimatum Police Arrest 24 at Healthcare Protest Outside White House House Intel Committee Democrat: More Evidence of Trump-Russia Ties House Intel Committee Chair Devin Nunes Under Fire for Wiretap Claims Senate Minority Leader Plans Filibuster of SCOTUS Nominee Neil Gorsuch State Department Tightens Visa Rules for Some Travelers Death Threats Target Federal Judge Who Ruled Against Trump Travel Ban Hundreds of Migrants Feared Dead After Boats Capsize in Mediterranean Britain: Police Identify Assailant in Attack Near Parliament Video Shows Israeli Police Officer Assaulting Palestinian Driver Israel Accused of "Dirty Tricks" in Arrest of Palestinian Activist Israel Arrests Jewish Teen for Bomb Threats Against Jewish Centers Ousted Dictator Hosni Mubarak Released from Egyptian Prison GOP Congressmember Duncan Hunter Faces DOJ Corruption Probe La Jornada Reporter Miroslava Breach Gunned Down in Mexico Chicago Officer Draws Additional Charges in Laquan McDonald Killing Trump Issues Keystone XL Pipeline Permit to TransCanada Scientists Report New Record Low for Sea Ice in Winter RIP: Bob Lee aka Robert Alwalee, Black Panther Activist & Community Organizer

     

*****

SCROTUS and TURDleman
agree:

NO SCOTUS for SCROTUS

because 
it's SCROTUS's LAST YEAR &
SCROTUS IS CAMPAIGNING! 

*****

M00bies

Friends, this is just wild...

Friends, you need to watch this and the Rachel Maddow vid above. Lots of connected dots!

*****

Don't forget to read Dot Calm's shadow's favorite independent sources of news and information:
  
Michael Moore's FB page -- go here first and do whatever activism he suggests
Daily Kos
AlterNet
Democracy Now!
Democratic Underground
Boing Boing
Vox
Conservatives are Destroying our Future
Conservative Clown Car
God, the Good Lord Above
...skip the media outlets in the boycott list unless you want trump propaganda. And TELL their advertisers WHY you are boycotting those media outlets!

On the lighter side:
McSweeney's Internet Tendency
      
And check out these great channels:

Randi Rhodes Air Force
Keith Olbermann: The Resistance
Thom Hartmann
Late Night with Seth Meyers
LastWeekTonight
Secular Talk
The Young Turks
The Thinking Atheist
MisterDeity
NonStampCollector

...or, if you just want something mindless and fun, try Tested

Peas, friends. Take care of yourselves for me. Trust me--you're worth it! And go have a Fireball and some chocolate while you still can, will ya? Time is short now that the mouth of trump hell has opened...
  

- Dot Calm's shadow

Consider the preemptive Blogger phuqued-up phormatting disclaimer to be in effect. Grrr.
-- Dot Calm's shadow
    

       

*****

 

 

******************************************** 

SOPROUD: TDL

(Save Our Planet--Resist Orange Ugly donald: To-Do List)

    
Until further notice, the purpose of this blog is to provide tools to help protect and preserve our rights, our liberties, and our country from the wrinkled fat orange clusterfuck that is Donald "dickless LOSER" trump. As I track down more information, I will continue to refine these tools.

If you value my work, please support me on Patreon: just point your browser to https://www.patreon.com/ and type "Dot Calm's shadow" into the search box at the top--thank you! Even a dollar a month from 20 people would really help right now--it would cover part of my Internet. Show me that there's more out there than just a lonely chorus of crickets!
    
Action List

PROTECT yourself financially, reproductively, and medically.

1. If you need a loan, get it NOW--rates have already gone up; they went up at least three times the first week or two after the election. MOVE your retirement out of the stock market and into a stable fund that is guaranteed NOT to lose your principal--if you're not risk averse, keep your money in stocks until after the inauguration...but move it out ASAP afterward because, once chump and the teathuglikkkants deregulate Wall Street, we are in for a bust that makes chimp's Great Recession look like O'Bama's recovery. Thom Hartmann, Randi Rhodes, and their guest speakers agree that the Rethugs and chump will crash the economy by deregulating the stock market so quickly our haids will spin. The boom-bust cycle repeats every 80 years or so--as long as it takes for the last people who remember what a depression was like and fight the greedsters to die off. We're phuqued.

2. If you're a woman of reproductive age or a man who knows and loves women of reproductive age, stock up on as much "Plan B" (the "morning after" pill) as you can afford NOW. Plan to take one pill either immediately after unprotected sex or the morning after unprotected sex, and plan to take another pill 24 hours later. No matter what else you do, STOCK UP NOW on Plan B because even the best contraceptives fail, and you won't be able to get an abortion once chump and the teathuglikkkants take over. Men, get yourself snipped while you still can, too.

3. If you're a woman of reproductive age and don't already have an IUD or contraceptive implant, get yours NOW. Mirena has progestin, not estrogen, and can reduce your period; the copper ones without hormones (like Paragard) can cause cramping and heavy bleeding that doesn't go away until the device is removed (think having the second day of your period for a year at a clip). Of these two IUDs, women seem to prefer Mirena, but the device can still fall out. Cosmopolitan has a great discussion on these and other IUDs, what's involved with getting one (not a big deal, but you'll bleed for at least a week afterward), what's involved with having one removed (also not a big deal, but you'll bleed for at least a week after). "Managing Contraception" has an article on Mirena (not scary). If I were you, I'd skip the Skyla--it only lasts 3 years, so you wouldn't even be done with the orange fuckwad's first term if you get one. Planned Parenthood has a video about contraceptive implants and great information about all forms of contraception. And if you think you might need a do-it-yourself abortion some time in the future, go talk to Planned Parenthood NOW and see if you can stock up on mifepristone now--the options for DIY abortions at home using substances like vitamin C seem promising to desperate women but don't have any scientific backing. You can also try womenonwaves.org and womenonweb.org.

4. Don't take any new drugs approved after 2016 without doing your own research into whether they're safe and effective. Republicans are weakening the FDA to the point that it will no longer be able to verify that new drugs will work and not harm us.

Now, do your daily actions, make your daily calls, and do the rest...

DAILY ACTIONS!

Go to Michael Moore's FaceBook page and do whatever is on his to-do list:
https://www.facebook.com/mmflint/

Here's a list of short-term actions you can take right now!

1. If you can, sign up for the 29 April 2017 People's Climate March. I called into the telecon Monday evening and found it very useful. Two things stuck out: People's Climate Movement is rather new, so it's small and not yet well funded. However, they're working with the other climate organizations to build the movement and fight trump's disastrous Big Oil, Big Destruction, Big Money, Big Death agenda.

2. If you can't make the climate march but can come out a week earlier--Earch Day, 22 April 2017--then please sign up for the March for Science. The climate telecon had nearly a thousand callers-in, some of whom lamented that it would be really difficult to attend both marches. I know it took me a week to recover from the Women's March, and I'm local. PCM suggested combining with the science march, but the science march wasn't interested, seeing the protection of science as a separate issue. I disagree in the sense that we have trump's disastrous Big Oil, Big Destruction, Big Money, Big Death agenda BECAUSE of all the climate SCIENCE DENIAL. So, I'll be one of the many PCM callers-in contacting the science march people to try to get them to combine with the climate march.

3. Go help NASA archive their data--wiki wiki! (Read about it here and click through to the links if you're too lazy to check the archive of this blawg for a direct link.)

4. Go call trump's businesses and make them pass along your comments to him! Here's the link: https://whitehouseinc.org/...have fun, kidz!

5. Contact Nordstrom's and Neiman Marcus and THANK them for dumping trump! Amazon may be caving, too, to pressure to ditch Breitbart, so keep bugging Amazon and the rest of 'em to do what's in EVERYONE's best interests--not just in the best interests of white supremacists, haters, bigots, and racists--by signing this petition and boycotting the offending advertisers:  https://actions.sumofus.org/a/amazon-stop-investing-in-hate/?source=taf

6. If you haven't already, go check out the Indivisible guide: https://www.indivisibleguide.com/. As always, the very best thing you can do is GO IN PERSON to your elected officials' offices and TALK to them. Failing that, PHONE them. If you can do neither, then FAX them--better, if it-snot urgent, then WRITE them a personal, signed letter. Failing all of those, then e-mail them. The guide has moar ways to get involved and stop trump the chump!

DAILY CALLS!

CALL your U.S. Senators and Representatives DAILY at their LOCAL offices. SHOW UP in person if you can. Call each day with ONE issue--and KEEP CALLING. The staffers track your calls by issue, so don't give in to the temptation of giving them the whole laundry list all at once. Here is our list of demands:

0. Call your members of Congress now and demand they block trump's cabinet of swamp monsters in its entirety (from The New York Times):

D.N.I.

Dan Coats

U.S. Trade Rep.

Robert Lighthizer

State

Rex W. Tillerson

Interior

Ryan Zinke

Energy

Rick Perry

Labor

Andrew F. Puzder

Small Business

Linda McMahon

E.P.A.

Scott Pruitt

Homeland Security

John F. Kelly

Defense

James N. Mattis

Treasury

Steven Mnuchin

Transportation

Elaine L. Chao

Health

Tom Price

Commerce

Wilbur Ross

Education

Betsy DeVos

U.N.

Nikki R. Haley

Housing

Ben Carson

C.I.A.

Mike Pompeo

Attorney General

Jeff Sessions

Do not require Senate confirmation

Senior Adviser

Jared Kushner

Appointed

Homeland Security Adviser

Thomas P. Bossert

Appointed

Counselor

Kellyanne Conway

Appointed

Trade Czar

Peter Navarro

Appointed

Regulatory Czar

Carl Icahn

Appointed

Press Secretary

Sean Spicer

Appointed

White House Counsel

Donald F. McGahn II

Appointed

Nat. Sec. Adviser

Michael T. Flynn

Appointed

Chief of Staff

Reince Priebus

Appointed

Chief Strategist

Stephen K. Bannon

Appointed

Senior Adviser to the President

Appointed

A senior member of the White House staff who serves as a confidant in the president’s inner circle.

Jared Kushner Mr. Trump has named his son-in-law to a senior White House role. The appointment of Mr. Kushner, a major real estate developer in New York who is married to Mr. Trump’s daughter Ivanka, could test anti-nepotism laws. He's being/been pushed out by Alcoholic Steve Ban'em, and we hear he's pretty pissed about being denied the reins of power....       

Director of National Intelligence

Requires Senate confirmation

The person who holds this post is the president’s principal adviser on intelligence and oversees the entire military and civilian intelligence apparatus. The coordination between the intelligence agencies of the military and civilian wings will be vital for the war on the Islamic State.

Dan Coats Mr. Trump has picked the former Indiana senator. Mr. Coats, who served on the Senate intelligence and armed services committees, would be stepping into a position that some in Mr. Trump’s orbit believe is superfluous.

U.S. Trade Representative

Requires Senate confirmation

The president’s chief trade negotiator will have the odd role of opposing new trade deals, trying to rewrite old ones and bolstering the enforcement of what Mr. Trump sees as unfair trade, especially with China.

Robert Lighthizer Mr. Trump has chosen the international lawyer who served as a trade official under President Ronald Reagan. Mr. Lighthizer has been harshly critical of China, and in a 2010 Op-Ed article in The New York Times, he presaged some of Mr. Trump’s talk on trade.

Homeland Security Adviser

Appointed

A position that will be equal in status to national security adviser, it will focus on homeland security and counterterrorism.

Thomas P. Bossert Mr. Trump’s choice was a top national security aide to President George W. Bush. Mr. Bossert runs a risk management consulting firm in Washington and is a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council research institution, working on its Cyber Statecraft Initiative.

Counselor

Appointed

A close adviser who will help set the president’s agenda and formulate his message.

Kellyanne Conway Mr. Trump’s choice is his former campaign manager, confidante and spokeswoman. Ms. Conway also has a pollster background and therefore may rely on this skill set to keep tabs on public sentiment. --Sewer Rat Propaganda Barbie looks like a barely-revived corpse lately...all that lying must be taking a toll on what little is left of her dying humanity....       

Director of Trade and Industrial Policy

Appointed

A new position that will oversee trade and industrial policy in the White House and direct an internal council that will run alongside the National Security Council, the National Economic Council and the Domestic Policy Council.

Peter Navarro Mr. Trump’s choice is a professor at the University of California, Irvine, who holds a doctorate from Harvard and is the only credentialed economist in Mr. Trump’s inner circle. Mr. Navarro has been a staunch critic of current Chinese economic policies.

Special Adviser on Regulatory Reform

Appointed

This new position will oversee the president’s promised effort to unwind as many regulations on business as he can.

Carl Icahn Mr. Trump has appointed Mr. Icahn, a billionaire investor and famed “corporate raider” who buys large stakes in companies and then forces policy changes to benefit shareholders. Mr. Icahn, who was an economic adviser during the campaign, is a longtime friend of Mr. Trump.

Press Secretary and Special Assistant to the President

Appointed

The press secretary is the face of the White House and representative for the president, framing messaging, responding to stories of the day and briefing the press.

Sean Spicer Mr. Trump chose the longtime spokesman for the Republican National Committee and top aide to Reince Priebus, who is the incoming chief of staff and pressed for his selection. While Mr. Spicer will be the face of the communications team, he will work with Jason Miller, director of communications, and Hope Hicks, director of strategic communications. --Spicey Sphincter (owie!) will never live down the fact that we'll only ever think of Melissa McCarthy whenever we see his mug, hehe!     

Secretary of State

Requires Senate confirmation

Whether Mr. Trump picks an ideologue or a seasoned foreign policy hand from past Republican administrations, his challenge will be that the State Department is the centerpiece of the post-1945 experiment of alliance-building and globalism, which Mr. Trump said he would dismantle.

Rex W. Tillerson Mr. Trump’s choice is the president and chief executive of Exxon Mobil, whose ties with Russian President Vladimir V. Putin may draw scrutiny during the confirmation process. --We MUST PRIMARY Senator Mark Warner and all the other fascist DINOs who voted TO CONFIRM this fascist piece of shit!       

Interior Secretary

Requires Senate confirmation

The Interior Department manages the nation’s public lands and waters. The next secretary will decide the fate of Obama-era rules that stop public land development; curb the exploration of oil, coal and gas; and promote wind and solar power on public lands.

Ryan Zinke Mr. Trump has selected Montana’s freshman representative, a former Navy SEAL commander who was an early supporter of the president-elect and ran for office largely on a national security platform.

Energy Secretary

Requires Senate confirmation

Despite its name, the primary purview of the Energy Department is to protect and manage the nation’s arsenal of nuclear weapons.

Rick Perry Mr. Trump has selected the former Texas governor, who in 2011 proposed scrapping the Energy Department while he was seeking the Republican nomination for president. --What a mor00n! Will someone please tell this jerk that glasses do NOT make him c-a-t smart?!?? If you're not abjectly terrified that THIS gormless buffoon is in charge of the nuclear arsenal, you should be!!!!!       

Labor Secretary

Requires Senate confirmation

The Labor Department enforces rules that protect the nation’s workers, distributes benefits to the unemployed and publishes economic data like the monthly jobs report. The new secretary will be in charge of keeping Mr. Trump’s promise to dismantle many Obama-era rules covering the vast work force of federal contractors.

Andrew F. Puzder Mr. Trump’s expected choice is the chief executive of CKE Restaurants — and a donor to his campaign — who has criticized the Obama administration’s labor policies. HAHA, PUZDER YOU LOSER! We won, you lost! You DON'T get to fuck with American workers and give OUR hard-earned money to your richie-rich asshole buds, Puzder you gutter slime! Too bad you're such a hateful abuser. I'm glad for your ex-wife that she kicked your sorry ass to the curb, asshole. I'm only sorry you felt the need to be such an abusive bully about it, you stinking asswipe shitstain. Good riddance!!!       

Small Business Administration

Requires Senate confirmation

The agency guarantees loans for small businesses, helps them get government contracts and supports their interests on Capitol Hill.

Linda McMahon Mr. Trump has selected the former chief executive of World Wrestling Entertainment to lead the agency. Ms. McMahon, a failed Senate candidate from Connecticut, was with her husband, Vince, one of Mr. Trump’s biggest donors.

E.P.A. Administrator

Requires Senate confirmation

The Environmental Protection Agency, which issues and oversees environmental regulations, is under threat from the president-elect, who has vowed to dismantle the agency “in almost every form.”

Scott Pruitt Mr. Trump has selected the Oklahoma attorney general, who is a close ally of the fossil fuel industry. --These greedy fucking idiots think that their money will somehow protect them from the wrath of a hurting, angry planet trying to get itself back into balance... 

Homeland Security Secretary

Requires Senate confirmation

The hodgepodge agency, formed after the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, has one key role in the Trump administration: guarding the United States’ borders. If Mr. Trump makes good on his promises of widespread deportations and building a wall, this secretary will have to carry them out.

John F. Kelly Mr. Trump has named the retired four-star Marine general, whose son was killed in combat in Afghanistan.

Defense Secretary

Requires Senate confirmation

The incoming secretary will shape the fight against the Islamic State while overseeing a military that is struggling to put in place two Obama-era initiatives: integrating women into combat roles and allowing transgender people to serve openly. Both could be rolled back.

James N. Mattis Mr. Trump announced at a rally that he had selected General Mattis, who led a Marine division to Baghdad during the 2003 invasion of Iraq and led the United States Central Command from 2010-13. General Mattis, now retired, has been a critic of the Obama administration. He would need a waiver from Congress to lead the Pentagon because he has been out of uniform for less than seven years. --Being arguably the best of a bad lot isn't saying much. Mattis committed WAR CRIMES. They call him "mad dog" for a reason, duh.     

Treasury Secretary

Requires Senate confirmation

The secretary will be responsible for government borrowing in financial markets, assisting in any rewrite of the tax code and overseeing the Internal Revenue Service. The Treasury Department also carries out or lifts financial sanctions against foreign enemies — which are crucial to President Obama’s Iran deal and rapprochement with Cuba.

Steven Mnuchin Mr. Trump has selected Mr. Mnuchin, who served as his campaign finance chairman. Mr. Mnuchin, a former Goldman Sachs executive, has deep roots in Hollywood but no government experience. --Hey, trumpkins--how's that swampy drainy thing working for ya?       

Transportation Secretary

Requires Senate confirmation

The next transportation secretary will oversee Mr. Trump’s campaign pledge to increase infrastructure funding to rebuild America's roads, bridges, airports and transit systems.

Elaine L. Chao Mr. Trump has selected Ms. Chao, the labor secretary under President George W. Bush. Ms. Chao, who is married to the Senate majority leader, Mitch McConnell, has been a fixture of the Republican establishment in Washington. --Way to bribe/blackmail TURDleman, preznit ban'em--just give his wifey a plum job!       

Health and Human Services Secretary

Requires Senate confirmation

The secretary will help Mr. Trump achieve one of his central campaign promises: to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. The department approves new drugs, regulates the food supply, operates biomedical research, and runs Medicare and Medicaid, which insure more than 100 million people.

Tom Price Mr. Trump has selected Mr. Price, a six-term Republican congressman from Georgia and orthopedic surgeon who has led opposition to the Affordable Care Act. Mr. Price has said the law interferes with the ability of patients and doctors to make medical decisions. --If you ever had any doubt that orange twAtler hates women, sick people, and poor people, Tom Price is your answer. If you ever had any doubt that hair furor [sic] is corrupt, Tom Price and his infamous insider trading is your answer. Friends, we MUST PRIMARY ANY Democratic senator who voted to confirm this--or any other of orange twAtler's--piece of shit nominee!       

White House Counsel

Appointed

As the president’s adviser on legal matters, the White House counsel may have an unusually daunting job in the Trump administration, given Mr. Trump’s far-reaching business empire and potential conflicts of interest.

Donald F. McGahn II Mr. Trump has chosen Mr. McGahn, who served as general counsel for the Trump campaign. Mr. McGahn, a Washington lawyer who pushed to deregulate campaign finance and election laws, served on the Federal Election Commission for five years.

Commerce Secretary

Requires Senate confirmation

The Commerce Department has been a perennial target for budget cuts, but the secretary oversees a diverse portfolio, including the census, the Bureau of Economic Analysis and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Wilbur Ross Mr. Trump has selected Mr. Ross, an investor whose fortune is estimated by Forbes to be $2.9 billion. Mr. Ross has said the United States must free itself from the “bondage” of “bad trade agreements,” and has advocated threats to impose steep tariffs on China. --PRIMARY Senator Mark Warner and all the other fascist DINOs who voted TO CONFIRM this fascist piece of shit!       

Education Secretary

Requires Senate confirmation

Mr. Trump has said he wants to drastically shrink the Education Department and shift responsibilities for curriculum research, development and educational aid to state and local governments.

Betsy DeVos Mr. Trump has selected Ms. DeVos, a former chairwoman of the Michigan Republican Party and an education activist who is a passionate believer in school choice, as his nominee. --If you ever doubted that the BEST way to get a job in cheeto benito's so-called administration is to BUY it and all the Republican senators on the committee, this mor00n is proof. There's a rumor that chump, spicy sphincter, and the rest of the blithering idiots were all home schooled by this brainless god-botherer.No wonder they're all inarticulate and illiterate...no wonder chump can't read! (Hehe!)  For some humor that's almost too true to be funny, go check out...this: https://www.mcsweeneys.net/articles/betsy-devos-delivers-the-morning-announcements

U.N. Ambassador

Requires Senate confirmation

Second to the secretary of state, the United States ambassador to the United Nations will be the primary face of America to the world, representing the country’s interests at the Security Council on a host of issues, from Middle East peace to nuclear proliferation.

Nikki R. Haley Mr. Trump has selected Ms. Haley, the governor of South Carolina, as his nominee. The daughter of immigrants from India, she was a prominent and frequent critic of Mr. Trump early in his run.

Secretary of Housing and Urban Development

Requires Senate confirmation

The secretary oversees fair-housing laws, the development of affordable housing and access to mortgage insurance. As a real estate developer, Mr. Trump is attuned to the tax breaks for housing development.

Ben Carson Mr. Trump has selected the former neurosurgeon and presidential candidate to be his nominee to lead HUD. Mr. Carson had previously said he did not want to work in government. --Good ol' Indiana Carson, who thinks that the biblical Joseph built the pyramids to store grain during the famine and who said himself that he's NOT qualified for a cabinet post! What on FSM's green earth made him think he'd be qualified to be PRESIDENT if he knows he's too st00pit to run a lowly cabinet?!?? Not to mention...Carson's a total hypocrite for denying his JEEzus by acting as if the brain is the seat of thinking and emotion when the bible CLEARLY says that it's the HEART. And what a hypocrite for going against his God's will that people suffer and die as punishment for their and their parents' and ancestors' sins (don't believe me--read the goddamned bible for yourself). At least Carson's not a hypocrite in one sense: he's a true Republican in that, once he got HIS help from the system, he now wants to burn the ladder behind him so that no one else who needs such help can get it. Friends, these people are cruel, hateful pieces of shit...no matter how pious they pretend to be.       

C.I.A. Director

Requires Senate confirmation

Mr. Trump takes over at a time of diverse and complex threats to American security. The new C.I.A. director will have to decide whether to undo a C.I.A. “modernization” plan put in place this year by Director John O. Brennan, and how to proceed if the president-elect orders a resumption of harsh interrogation tactics — critics have described the tactics as torture — for terrorism suspects.

Mike Pompeo Mr. Trump has selected Mr. Pompeo, representative of Kansas and a former Army officer, as his nominee. Mr. Pompeo is a member of the House Intelligence Committee and was a sharp critic of Hillary Clinton during the congressional investigation into the 2012 attack on the American diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya.

Attorney General

Requires Senate confirmation

The nation's top law enforcement official will have the authority for carrying out Mr. Trump's “law and order” platform. The nominee can change how civil rights laws are enforced.

Jeff Sessions Mr. Trump has selected Senator Sessions, of Alabama, as his nominee. Mr. Sessions is a strong proponent of strict immigration enforcement, reduced spending and tough-on-crime measures. His nomination for a federal judgeship in 1986 was rejected because of racially charged comments and actions, which are very likely to become an issue as he faces another set of Senate confirmation hearings. --I wonder what all the actual Blacks who voted for chump think about this. Are they glad that chump was the last vote they'd ever be allowed to make? 

National Security Adviser

Appointed

The national security adviser, although not a member of the cabinet, is a critical gatekeeper for policy proposals from the State Department, the Pentagon and other agencies, a function that takes on more importance given Mr. Trump's lack of experience in elective office.

Michael T. Flynn Mr. Trump has selected the retired Army lieutenant general and former director of the Defense Intelligence Agency. General Flynn has been outspoken about his view of the threat posed by Islamist militancy and was an ardent supporter of Mr. Trump during the campaign. This TRAITOR, who sold America out to PEWtin, was fired/resigned IN SCANDAL and DISGRACE, February 2017!!! And more filth is trickling in on this piece of shit, who apparently was a foreign agent for Turkey but LIED during his confirmation hearings about it...oops. Being fired is too good for this TREASONOUS TRAITOR--LOCK HIM UP!!! STRING HIM UP!!!!! And then LOCK UP AND STRING UP trumppence, who both knew about all of it all along!       

White House Chief of Staff

Appointed

The chief of staff manages the work and personnel of the West Wing, steering the president's agenda and tending to important relationships. The role will take on outsize importance in a White House run by Mr. Trump, who has no experience in policy making and little in the way of connections to critical players in Washington.

Reince Priebus Mr. Trump announced on Nov. 13 that he had chosen Mr. Priebus, the chairman of the Republican National Committee. --Many people call him "rancid penis." That works for me. If you're in a more polite mewd, you can call him "blather, reince, repeat."       

Chief Strategist

Appointed

Stephen K. Bannon was also considered for chief of staff, but Mr. Trump instead named him chief strategist and senior counselor in the White House, saying that he and Mr. Priebus would be “working as equal partners” in the administration.

Stephen K. Bannon Also on Nov. 13, Mr. Trump announced the appointment of Mr. Bannon, a right-wing media executive and the chairman of the president-elect’s campaign. Many have denounced the move, warning that Mr. Bannon represents racist views. --Ah, yes...alcoholic voldemort himself. Many people are saying that ban'em, as the actual acting president, is PEWtin's American puppet master pulling the strings of the fat-assed, loofah-faced orange shit-gibbon marionette.       

Just call and tell your elected representatives to denounce and block ALL of trump's appointments because they're all reality-denying bigots who hate so many actual Americans that they are unfit to serve all Americans.

1. DEMAND they support Barbara Boxer's bill to ABOLISH the Electoral College--popular vote only. DEMAND paper ballots only, and DEMAND audit trails be published in local papers. DEMAND they LET ALL Americans vote (undo voter roll purges and other Black voter suppression) and MAKE Election Day a national holiday for all. And STOP gerrymandering.

2. Demand that your elected officials FILIBUSTER ALL trump's SCOTUS appointments. Supporting Citizens United or opposing the rights of women, immigrants, non-whites, non-Christians, LGBTQ+, and the poor are UNACCEPTABLE. This is NON-NEGOTIABLE.

3. DEMAND trump's impeachment--DEMAND he be investigated NOW for corruption and conflict of interest. DEMAND to see his taxes. trump has already committed impeachable offenses, so DEMAND that he be held accountable NOW.

4. REMIND them THEY'RE FIRED if they don't obstruct, obstruct, obstruct trump and the Republicans from Day 1. If they resist, REMIND them that Hillary WON the popular vote by nearly 3 million.

5. DEMAND restoration of the Fairness Doctrine--DEMAND fair, fact-based, accurate media free from the false equivalencies and unchecked free coverage that foisted trump on us.
    
6. DEMAND that they UPHOLD AND EXPAND on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and Dodd-Frank legislation. BRING BACK Glass-Steagall!
 
7. DEMAND that trump undergo psychological evaluation for fitness for office. Known narcissist, Dr. Sam Vaknin, explains that trump is a narcissist--and that DISQUALIFIES him for the presidency--in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5he5hXp-rU.
    
8. DEMAND a SPECIAL PROSECUTOR to investigate FBI director James Comey and Donald trump for interfering with the election.
 
9. DEMAND the Army Corps of Engineers go to Flint to dig up and replace all the poisoned pipes.

10. PRIMARY ANY AND ALL fascist Democratic DINOs who vote FOR ANY of chump's nominees. NO EXCEPTIONS!!!!!

AND THE REST!!

SIGN UP for daily headlines from Daily Kos, AlterNet, and "Democracy Now!" SIGN petitions. ATTEND town halls and protests. The Guardian is independent news you can use; Jeremy Scahill's publication "The Intercept" is another high-quality resource of investigative reporting you'd be hard pressed to find elsewhere. GET INFORMED and GET INVOLVED!

If or when trump really does set up his Muslim registry, SIGN UP! Trevor Noah suggested this to be funny, but it's gone viral because the racist bigoted assholes can't deport us all, now can they? If I can do it as a proud anti-theist atheist, then so can you as whatever religion or lack thereof that you are. Keystone Progress has a page where you can pledge to sign up: Pledge to register as a Muslim if Trump creates a registry.

VOLUNTEER for and DONATE to all the organizations that D. LOSER trump is targeting. Get on their mailing lists and donate as much time and money as you can to Planned Parenthood, NRDC, American Civil Liberties Union, and causes that matter to you. Change your cell phone carrier to CREDO, which is a Sprint re-seller that supports blue causes. Planned Parenthood is especially important to support right now--women will die if we don't. You can also donate to WomenOnWeb, who help women get safe abortions online.

ORGANIZE to TAKE OVER the Democratic Party: FIGHT trump and the Republicans, CLEAN UP Democratic Party failures, WIN the midterms, and apologize to Bernie and America for failing. Today, that means signing up for the JUSTICE DEMOCRATS and volunteering and donating whatever time and money you can!

PROTEST all media that inflicted trump on us--BOYCOTT their advertisers and TELL them why. This includes FUX Noise.

GRAB the pussy-in-thief by the wallet: BOYCOTT businesses that sell trump products and TELL them why.
   
JOIN SOPROUD by joining organizations working to protect our future! SIGN UP at http://workingfamilies.org/ and find an emergency meeting near you! DOWNLOAD and FOLLOW the Indivisible Guide for instructions how best to resist trump by interacting with your elected officials in ways that will get their attention.

And don't forget to SUPPORT those in The Resistance who support YOU (like me)! If we all chip in a buck o' five, WE CAN DO THIS THING!!!!!
    

*****

    
Boycott List

Boycott media!

Don't bother with these media outlets any more unless you want trump propaganda--these media outlets have whored themselves out to trump for access for the low, low price of "fancy" cocktails and a "fancy" dinner, consisting of Donald's shriveled orange acorn dick, at chump's "fancy" (aka FAKE PLASTIC, just like everything else about trump and his FAKE PLASTIC family) "resort" in Florida. What an upstanding, responsible response to trump's denying press conferences since 27 July 2016...retch. So much for comforting the afflicted, afflicting the comfortable, and speaking truth to power to keep that power reined in and in check...!

• Axios
• Bloomberg
• Breitbart because duh--according to AlterNet, Howard Dean Lends Voice to Consumer Activist Group Hitting Breitbart in the Wallet—And It's Working
• CNN
• FOX because of course
• MSNBC (includes Joe Scarborough, but Rachel Maddow and Chris Hayes may still be OK as long as their corporate overlords allow it)
• NBC (they also have the reality TV show conflict of interest--and they just hired a couple of FUX Noise escapees, so beware a hard swing to the far, far right)
• POLITICO--their top editor(s) went and paid to party with trump, so now more and more trump propaganda has been showing up there, to my infinite disgust

Don't forget to contact these media outlets and their ADVERTISERS and TELL them all why you're boycotting them! So what if we spend a little less money overall? The money we save now may give us enough breathing room to jump ship before trump crashes the economy.

Boycott vendors that support trump, sell trump shit, and otherwise pander to hate!

Boycott Victoria's Secret--they kick out shoppers who are guilty of shopping while Black!
   
Here's a twofer: let's save our money for when dump tanks the economy and grab the trumpussy grabber-in-thief where it hurts most--by his wallet!

Want to boycott trump? There's an app for that!

And here's a list of trump companies.

There's also a spreadsheet of trump supporters and vendors that carry trump merch that includes the vendors below.
Don't forget New Balance, who praised and supported trump: 1 (800) 595-9138.

Here's the list from Mindy Fischer, featuring 28 vendors that sell trump merchandise. BOYCOTT them all and TELL them why!

6pm
Contact info: (888) 676-2660, HQ- (702) 943-7777
cs@6pm.com

Amazon--pressure them to DUMP BREITBART, while you're at it!
Contact info: (888) 280-4331 HQ- (206) 266-1000
https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/contact-us/general-questions.html?skip=true

Belk
Contact info: (866) 235-5443 HQ- (704) 357-1000
http://www.belkfeedback.com/(X(1)S(sbbxm3z11e1guxbtctk2wdkc))/Index.aspx?AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1

Bloomingdale's
Contact info: (800) 777-0000 HQ- (212) 705-2000
http://survey.medallia.com/?blm-tuwyt-com

Bluefly
Contact info: (877) 258-3359 HQ- (212) 944-8000
flyrep@bluefly.com

The Bon-Ton
Contact info: (800) 233-7626 HQ- (800) 937-5449
http://investors.bonton.com/contactus.cfm

Bed Bath and Beyond
Contact info: (800) 462-3966 HQ- (908) 688-0888
https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/selfservice/ContactUs?…

Burlington Coat Factory
Contact info: (855) 355-2875 HQ- (609) 387-7800
http://www.burlingtoncoatfactory.com/contactus.aspx

Carson's
Contact info: (800) 945-4438 HQ- (317) 971-6200
http://investors.bonton.com/contactus.cfm

Century 21 department store
Contact info: (877) 350-2121 HQ- (888) 221-2551
https://www.c21stores.com/contact

Dillard's
Contact info: (800) 345-5273 HQ- (501) 376-5200
http://www.dillards.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ContactUs

DSW Shoes
Contact info: (866) 379-7463 HQ- (614) 237-7100
http://www.dsw.com/dsw_shoes/customer_service/send_email.jsp

Hudson’s Bay
Contact info: (800) 521-2364 HQ- (800) 521-2364
https://www.thebay.com/webapp/wcs/stores…

HSN
Contact info: (800) 284-3900 HQ- (727) 872-1000
https://www.hsn.com/cs/email_us/default.aspx

Jet
Contact Info: (855) 538-4323 HQ- (844) 538-2255
help@jet.com

Joss & Main
Contact info: (866) 263-8325 HQ- (617) 532-6100
https://www.wayfair.com/help/faq.php

Lord & Taylor
Contact info: (800) 223-7440 HQ- (212) 391-3344
https://www.lordandtaylor.com/webapp/wcs/stores…

Macy’s
Contact info: (800) 289-6229 HQ- (513) 579-7000
http://survey.medallia.com/?mcy-tuwyt-com

Marshalls and TJ Maxx
Contact info: (888) 627-7425 HQ- (508) 390-1000
https://www.marshallsonline.com/contact-us

Neiman Marcus WE WON! Needless Mark-up DUMPED TRUMP, w00t!
Contact info: (888) 888-4757 HQ- (562) 463-9333
https://www.neimanmarcus.com/assistance/contactUs.jsp

Nordstrom WE WON! Nordstrom DUMPED TRUMP, w00t!
Contact info: (888) 282-6060 HQ- (206) 628-2111
https://nordstrom.custhelp.com/app/ask/incidents.c$sent_queueid/12

Overstock.com
Contact info: (800) 843-2446 HQ- (801) 947-3100
https://help.overstock.com/app/ask

Perfumania
Contact info: (866) 557-2368 HQ- (800) 228-3489
http://perfumaniaholdings.com/contact

Saks Off Fifth
Contact info: (877) 551-7257 HQ- (212) 320-4700
https://www.saksoff5th.com/contactus

Stein Mart
Contact info: (888) 783-4662 HQ- (904) 346-1500
http://ir.steinmart.com/contactus.cfm

Wayfair
Contact info: (866) 263-8325 HQ- (617) 532-6100
https://www.wayfair.com/help/faq.php

Winners
Contact info: (514) 788 4949 HQ- (905) 405-8000
https://www.winners.ca/en/contact

Zappos
Contact info: (800) 927-7671 HQ- (702) 943-7777
https://secure-www.zappos.com/contact

Zulily
Contact info: (877) 779-5615 HQ- (206) 724-0500
http://www.zulily.com/contacts

OK, friends--let's get busy!