Occupy Democrats
Donald Trump just got brutal news regarding his upcoming inauguration ceremony and parade. He’s going to be absolutely LIVID!
UNDER CONSTRUCTION - MOVED TO MIDDLEBORO REVIEW 3 https://middlebororeviewandsoon.blogspot.com/
Donald Trump just got brutal news regarding his upcoming inauguration ceremony and parade. He’s going to be absolutely LIVID!
DON'T FORGET THE ANIMALS!
THANK YOU!
He was asking a firefighter for help — and now he's helped so many other dogs 💙💙💙 Special thanks to Gabe, Christopher and firefighter Slater Lee. Follow Gabe @gabeecortez and Christopher @klutch_k9 on Instagram And thank you to @ABCNews for covering this story
Over 50,000 scientists and supporters called on Congress to "defend against Trump's anti-science actions."
With a president-elect who has called the climate crisis a "hoax" and vowed to gut fossil fuel drilling regulations poised to take office in one week, more than 50,000 scientists and advocates on Monday implored U.S. lawmakers to consider the incoming administration's "respect for science" as they vote on Cabinet nominees and provide oversight of the Trump White House over the next four years.
Organized by the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS), a petition signed by 50,588 scientists and experts was sent to every member of Congress, asking them to "defend the science and scientists that keep Americans safe" after President-elect Donald Trump takes office on January 20.
The Republican leader's agenda, and the policies outlined in the right-wing policymaking plan Project 2025, threaten to "eviscerate the protections that Americans count on and support," reads the petition.
During his first administration, Trump rolled back the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) ability to develop regulations under the Clean Air Act and repealed the Clean Water Rule, and he and his nominee for secretary of health and human services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., have signaled they would purge the ranks of the Food and Drug Administration. Researchers at the EPA are also bracing for a "swift and unprecedented" upheaval, with Trump expected to repeal vehicle and methane emissions regulations.
During his presidential campaign, Trump asked oil executives for $1 billion in donations, promising to repay them by gutting President Joe Biden's climate regulations.
"Rolling back science-based policies and silencing scientists has the potential to turn back the clock on the immense progress science has made over past decades, jeopardizing public health, economic stability, national security, and the future livability of the climate."
"The reason behind the Trump administration's radical proposals to sideline science and scientists is crystal clear: Science stands in the way of polluters and special interests unleashing unprecedented amounts of pollution that would put short-term profits over people, no matter the cost to current and future generations of Americans," reads the petition sent to Congress.
The petition calls on lawmakers to:
The letter, also sent Monday and signed by a coalition of 28 organizations, calls on senators to "ensure nominees are only confirmed if they have the necessary qualifications to succeed in their roles, do not have conflicts of interest, accept established science related to their agency's mission, and value the role of rigorous science, free from political interference, in government decision-making."
Trump's nominees including former North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, an oil drilling proponent, for interior secretary; fracking firm CEO Chris Wright for energy secretary; and former Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-N.Y.), who repeatedly voted against Clean Air Act standards, as EPA administrator.
"Agency leaders must respond effectively to a variety of threats, from cyberattacks to hurricanes and pandemics," reads the letter, signed by the Endangered Species Coalition, Greenpeace USA, and the National Resources Defense Council. "To do so, they must value science and consider evidence that can help them make well-informed decisions. Our organizations urge you to consider nominees' respect for science in confirmation hearings and votes."
The groups called on senators to only confirm nominees who are free of conflicts of interest and who have relevant qualifications, such as "academic degrees and respect for the mission of the agency or program they are nominated to lead."
Agency leaders, they said, should also demonstrate respect for scientific integrity: "the adherence to professional practices, ethical behavior, and the principles of honesty and objectivity when conducting, managing, using the results of, and communicating about science and scientific activities."
The idea of allowing scientists to work without fear of political interference "has long had bipartisan support," noted the groups, which quoted Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.) as saying at a hearing on the Scientific Integrity Act in 2019, "Scientific findings are often relied upon by policymakers to make important decisions that affect the lives of millions of Americans... To maintain the public's trust, there must be a high degree of integrity and transparency in the scientific process."
Agency leaders who interfere with scientific research or who allow their conflicts of interest to interfere with regulating the oil and gas industry, Big Pharma, and public health agencies "would be disastrous for our nation," said the groups, as they would be likely to ignore or misrepresent "scientific evidence in order to make it appear that an appointee's preferred course of action is the clear solution."
"This could take the form of cherry-picking evidence based on ideology or actively advancing misinformation, with potentially deadly results," wrote the groups. "For instance, if a vaccine were developed in response to a new pandemic, as it was during the triumphant Operation Warp Speed of the first Trump administration, an agency leader might hamper vaccine uptake by emphasizing the very small proportion of vaccine recipients who suffered a side effect serious enough to require medical attention without comparing it to the far larger number of severe illnesses averted."
At upcoming confirmation hearings, the groups urged senators to ask nominees whether they commit to: upholding scientific integrity, "ensuring that the findings of scientific research conducted by your agency will be communicated accurately," and using "the best available scientific evidence to inform decisions and evidence-based policies."
"Rolling back science-based policies and silencing scientists has the potential to turn back the clock on the immense progress science has made over past decades, jeopardizing public health, economic stability, national security, and the future livability of the climate," said Dr. Jennifer Jones, director of the Center for Science and Democracy at UCS.
"Protecting science means protecting people—full stop," said Jones. "The broad consensus among scientists demonstrates the urgency we all feel to protect independent science in government decision-making."
“I Do Solemnly Swear ... ”A historic oath that suddenly means nothing
The quadrennial celebration of our democracy, the inauguration of an incoming president, should instill pride in every American. But come Monday many will see more farce than fanfare. One week from today, January 20, 2025, at precisely 12 noon, the peaceful transfer of power will occur in Washington, D.C., when Chief Justice John Roberts reads and Donald Trump repeats these 35 words: “I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.” The Presidential Oath of Office can be found in Article II, Section I, Clause 8 of the Constitution. These exact words have been spoken by every president since George Washington nearly 236 years ago. The Constitution requires no elaborate ceremony, no parade, bands, or balls. It requires only a pledge by the incoming president to uphold the founding principles of our nation. In this case, that “pledge” will be made by a man who incited an insurrection against those very principles, and who has repeatedly said he will cherry-pick which constitutional principles to uphold. The idea that Trump will once again be the guardian of our democracy is no doubt weighing on many of the 75 million Americans who didn’t vote for him and perhaps some who did. The brief proceeding will begin with sharp irony as Chief Justice Roberts, whose Supreme Court has given the president immunity to act as he pleases, reads the oath. It will end with the absurdity of Trump responding that he will in fact preserve, protect, and defend a document that he has openly ridiculed. To wit: The Constitution prescribes that Cabinet officers must be confirmed with the “advice and consent” of the Senate. Trump has said he wants to bypass the confirmation process in favor of recess appointments, meaning no congressional oversight. The Foreign Emoluments Clause of the Constitution forbids the president from accepting money from foreign governments. According to a congressional investigation, Trump took in millions from other countries during his first term at his various properties. Don’t forget the disqualification clause in the 14th Amendment that forbids former federal officials from seeking office if they’ve taken part in an insurrection. Trump dodged that one after the Supreme Court tossed the case. Our founding document states that the president cannot repurpose money already approved by Congress. During his first term, Trump moved money appropriated for the military to build his border wall. The Constitution guarantees freedom of speech, which includes the right to openly criticize those with whom we don’t agree. Trump, who famously holds grudges against those who challenge him, does not interpret the First Amendment that way. For him, freedom of speech is reserved for those who support him. If you don’t, look out. Especially if you are a journalist. The First Amendment states that Congress shall make no law that restricts freedom of the press. Trump has talked of jailing journalists and revoking broadcast licenses. Then there is the freedom of assembly, such as the right to protest without fear of intimidation. Trump threatened to use the military to quell demonstrations after George Floyd was murdered. How about the right to fair trial? That’s found in the Sixth Amendment. Trump has repeatedly said he will seek revenge against his perceived political opponents. Jack Smith, Liz Cheney, and others will need preemptive pardons or good lawyers. The Constitution contains no laws, just the framework to make laws. It establishes three independent branches of government, each with its own powers, responsibilities, and checks on the powers of the other branches. For the next two years (at least), Trump will have control of both houses of a MAGA-led Congress that has not been shy in doing his bidding, even before he has taken the oath of office. These are all provisions laid out in the Constitution. What about the norms that almost all preceding presidents have followed? Those we should be even more worried about. The independence of the attorney general and choosing not to weaponize the Department of Justice to pursue a political agenda aren’t written anywhere and therefore not enforceable. They depend on the character of the president. Let’s also not forget a federal judiciary stocked with Trump appointees, many of whom regularly hand down political-inspired decisions to benefit the president-elect. Trump’s classified documents case was dismissed by a judge he appointed. The pomp and pageantry of our presidential inaugurations has always been emotional for me. After observing so much repression around the world, I was always proud to witness a peaceful and democratic transition of power here at home. That all changed four years ago when Trump incited a mob to overturn the election results, an action for which he will likely never be held accountable. A reminder: The 22nd Amendment states that a president can serve only two terms. Trump has made noises about ignoring this stipulation, saying that because his terms were not consecutive, he can run again. That argument is meritless. The Constitution is clear. Time to renew our hopes and prayers that our Constitution and our country survive a second and final Trump term.
|
|
Let's work to elect candidates like JOSH WEIL who will work for YOU & speak out when it matters! For numerous reasons, PETE HEGSETH is unqualified.
Donald Trump’s pick for Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, continues to push for honoring Confederate generals on military bases.
|
I’m committed to a future where we focus on real issues like healthcare, education, and rebuilding our communities, not revisiting a painful past. But I can’t do it alone. Combatting the renaming of our bases to unethical names, such as those of slave owners, is a task to be done as a community.
|
If you've saved your payment information with ActBlue Express, your donation will go through immediately: |
If Trump’s picks are going backwards, it is up to US to go forwards.
Thank you,
|
AS CALIFORNIA BURNED, THESE REPUBLICANS WERE CAVORTING WITH TRUMP IN MAR-A-LARDO:
California Representatives Jay Obernolte, Tom McClintock, Kevin Kiley, Doug LaMalfa, Darrell Issa, Ken Calvert, Vince Fong, and Young Kim.
VOTE THEM OUT IN MID-TERMS 2026!
THANK YOU REP. DAVID VALADAO:
ONLY GOP Rep. David Valadao DID NOT ATTEND MAR-A-LARDO FEST!
CALIFORNIA BURNS & REPUBLICANS PARTY!
IF YOUR GOP ELECTED OFFICIALS IS PARTYING, RE-THINK YOUR VOTE!
REP. KEVIN KILEY IS APPALLNG!
California Republicans Flee to Mar-a-Lago as LA BurnsInstead of providing leadership, they decided to kiss Trump’s ring
As wildfires rage across California, several of the state’s Republican lawmakers are facing sharp criticism for abandoning the state during a time of crisis. Instead of staying to address the unfolding emergency, they opted to join Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago this past Saturday. MeidasTouch has confirmed that the entire California House GOP delegation attended the event—except for Rep. David Valadao, who voted to impeach Trump after January 6th. They were joined by representatives from New York and New Jersey to discuss the SALT deduction and mingle at Trump's exclusive members-only club in Palm Beach, Florida. Among those spotted in a photo with Trump this weekend were California Representatives Jay Obernolte, Tom McClintock, Kevin Kiley, Doug LaMalfa, Darrell Issa, Ken Calvert, Vince Fong, and Young Kim. KEVIN KILEY IS JUST ANOTHER BRAIN DEAD MAGA! VOTED AGAINST HIGH SPEED RAIL...P.S. KEVIN: LOOK AT THE REST OF THE WORLD! While California communities grappled with devastating fires, these lawmakers chose to prioritize a political meeting with Trump over offering leadership or assistance to their constituents. Even if the fires aren’t in their districts, their absence sends a troubling message about their priorities. It also exposes their hypocrisy in their attacks against Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who was overseas when the fires broke out, but immediately rushed home to deal with the emerging crisis. MAYBE YA SHOULDA STAYED HOME INSTEAD OF PARTYING WITH THE ORANGE TURD! Instead of coordinating aid, providing a reassuring presence, or using their platforms to advocate for those affected, these California Republicans opted to align themselves with Trump in Florida. Their decision raises serious questions about their commitment to serving Californians during a time of urgent need. As the wildfires continue to devastate lives and property, Californians are left to wonder: will these elected officials ever put the needs of their state above political maneuvering? Meidas+ is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. |
Today in Politics, Bulletin 50. 1/17/25 Ron Filipkowski Jan 18 ∙ … MAGA supporters in DC for the inaugural are upset about Trump’s announc...