Michelle and I wanted to give Santa a hand passing out gifts for the holidays, so we made a stop at the @ComerChildrens Hospital. We hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday season. pic.twitter.com/sQ5XKsSbPp
This actually makes me happy. I’d rather see her get Trump first. That’s way more important now that a good governor is already in place. No way she could focus on that in the middle of a campaign. Plus that unfinished work would have hurt her campaign anyway. She’ll make a great governor later on.
They are such a generous and thoughtful couple, making the little ones happy for Christmas. Thank you POTUS and FLOTUS you inspire me. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 🎊🎈🎈🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽😇😇🌹🤗😍
Kate Aronoff:
“ALEC is declaring war on Critical Energy Theory to take on “wokeness” within the world’s largest financial institutions. Latest from me is a dispatch from their conference last week:
ALEC supported by KOCH fossil fuel industries…ALEC’s mission is “distribution in the states consistent with the Jeffersonian principles of free markets and federalism.” So they talk about the “inevitability” of climate change instead of halt and reverse.
‘The crisis we face is real’:
Blinken on why Biden is convening a Summit for Democracy
Antony J. BlinkenSecretary of State
“Democracy is facing a moment of reckoning.
For 15 years, global freedom has declined, according to the human rights organization Freedom House.
It’s happening in authoritarian countries, where rulers have restricted people’s freedoms, canceled and postponed elections, and cracked down on political opponents with increasing brutality – and in democratic countries,
where mis- and disinformation have eroded trust in public institutions, political polarization has widened,
and long-standing challenges like economic inequality and systemic sexism and racism have left many feeling like the system won’t ever work for them.
The COVID-19 pandemic has made these problems more acute. Unscrupulous leaders have seized the opportunity to crush freedom of assembly and crank up surveillance, and false information about the virus and vaccines has spread widely.
This is why President Joe Biden is bringing more than 100 governments together for the Summit for Democracy, which begins Wednesday.
And whether you live in a country where democracy is strong or where the chance of a free and fair election is nonexistent, this matters to you.
Commitments, accountability
Democracy and authoritarianism are global phenomena. They don’t stay contained within borders. Ideas spread. News travels.
Autocrats see how misinformation campaigns or sham trials worked in another country and try them at home. They point to divisions within democracies to make the case to their citizens that democracy is an inferior system that could never deliver for them.
Likewise, when democracies foster strong and inclusive economies, handle political disagreements without bloodshed, provide public safety without denying civil liberties, and maintain stability with free elections and peaceful transitions of power, others see those results and want them for themselves. In this way, what we do in our own countries shapes what other countries do in theirs.”
I love this! Forever POTUS and Mrs. O. make everything brighter! ❤️🎄
What does 44 hours with @BarackObama and @MichelleObama look like? Get a glimpse into their inspiring holiday visit to Chicago last week that included everything from intimate community conversations to passing out presents to spread some cheer. pic.twitter.com/ZnESG3Bjcl
This worries me. They didn't stop him right away??
USCP said that officers "spotted the image of a handgun in a bag on the x-ray screen" and the man, who was identified as 57-year-old Jeffrey Allsbrooks, was tracked down four minutes later and arrested.https://t.co/4gr5qrohWk
—-looks like exemplary straight talker Secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment has been pushed out of office. Meanwhile DeSantis’ pet ghoul surgeon general Lapadov (member of fringe group
‘America’s Frontline Doctors”) remains in office at vast expense to our lives and tax payer money.
FEC Sued For Failing To Investigate Illegal Trump/Russia Coordination
“The FEC has been sued in federal court by government watchdog groups for failing to investigate accusations of the Trump campaign’s coordination with Russia.”
Speaker Pelosi
Statement on Legislative Package to Hold Beijing Accountable for Human Rights Abuses
““The House will continue to demand that Beijing be held accountable for its abuses and repression, building on our legislative action including passage of the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act of 2020, the Tibetan Policy and Support Act and the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2019. If America does not speak out for human rights in China because of commercial interests, we lose all moral authority to speak out for human rights any place in the world.”
Triza Katengeza feels very lucky that she will be able to finish high school in Malawi
thanks to your contributions to Kids in Need of Desks. The Kids in Need of Desks (K.I.N.D.) campaign,
launched by the UNICEF USA and msnbc’s Lawrence O’Donnell, aims to change that by delivering desks to hundreds of schools. K.I.N.D. also provides secondary school scholarships to Malawian girls most in danger of missing out on an education.”
(https://www.unicefusa.org/mission/protect/education/kids-need-desks-kind)
If the NY AG wants to depose Trump it’s because they’ve already assembled their case — Trump’s testimony would just be the icing. You don’t go after the CEO until you’ve already gotten all the other evidence. The case is 90%+ built.— Tristan Snell (@TristanSnell) December 9, 2021
‘An urgent matter’:
Biden warns democracy is under threat at summit
President opens two-day summit with 80 world leaders as experts warn democratic rights are under assault
in the US
‘Biden cited studies that found that global freedom has now been in retreat for 15 consecutive years
and that more than half of all democracies experienced a decline in the past decade.
He acknowledged that one of those countries in democratic decline was his own.”
North Carolina Supreme Court Delays 2022 Primary Elections
In response to lawsuits over North Carolina’s political maps, the justices issued an order on Wednesday pushing back the state’s primaries from March to May.
“n a state split almost evenly between Republican and Democratic voters,
the new maps give Republicans a sweeping political advantage.
The new House map, for example, would all but ensure victory for G.O.P. candidates in 10 of the 14 districts,
with a decent shot at winning an 11th seat.”
Speaker Pelosi’s Remarks at Press Event on the Protecting Our Democracy Act
“It’s by coincidence that today we’re taking up this bill in the same day that the President is having his Democracy Forum at the White House – virtually, over 100 leaders from around the world participating as we talk about democracy versus autocracy and the erosion of democracy in some countries.
We have to say that often in our very own country.
This legislation ensures that no one, not even a president, no matter who he or she may be, is above the law. One of our Founders, George Mason, warned during the Constitutional Convention: ‘Shall any man be above justice? Shall that man be above it, who can commit the most extensive injustice?’
No, addressing presidential abuse, therefore, goes to the very heart of the very survival of our democracy. ”
( https://www.speaker.gov/newsroom/12921-4)
This framework will set the United States on course to meet its climate goals, create millions of good-paying jobs, enable more Americans to join and remain in the labor force, and grow our economy from the bottom up and the middle out.
President Biden Elevates Democracy As A Value To The Chagrin Of China, Russia
“Timothy Snyder, author of “On Tyranny,” talks with Rachel Maddow about how democracies and supporters of democracy can work together to can work together to turn back the rising tide of authoritarianism around the world.”
Timothy Snyder:
“What Mr. Biden has done has been to take away this idea that democracy is just there, that it’s just passive, that democracy is just something that takes itself for granted. For the past couple of decades the Chinese and the Russians have done very well attacking democracy as a kind of sitting target…
And essentially for the last couple of decades we’ve treated democracy as something that defends itself.
What this summit does is it presents democracy as a value, as something to aspire towards.
It is a summit for democracy. And that’s a problem for Russia and China because democracy becomes a value, as soon as it starts to defend itself rather than just be a sitting target, they may have to change their tune.”
The Texas law is a model for how to undermine constitutional rights—and the conservative majority on the Supreme Court has once again shown that it is willing to allow even facially unconstitutional laws to remain intact when the laws align with certain ideological preferences.
Brennan Center For Justice:
Annotated Guide to the For the People Act of 2021
SUMMARY:
The For the People Act would transform our democracy by making it fairer, stronger, and more inclusive.
The Brennan Center explains the key provisions of this historic bill.
…modify it…do something…
If S & M don’t want to pass Voting Rights and keep our representative democracy, let them come out
with it, quit dragging it out, take responsibility for the giant fallout, and be clear who they’re working for.
Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney
H.R. 314, a bill to protect our democracy by preventing abuses of presidential power, restoring checks and balances, and accountability, and transparency in government, and defending elections against foreign interference, and for other purposes.”
House Session, Dec 09 2021
The House considers legislation to prevent abuses of presidential power and protect against foreign interference in elections.
JUST IN: President Biden has ordered an immediate end to federal support for coal plants and other carbon-intensive projects overseas. This is a major US policy shift that will fight climate change and accelerate renewable energy worldwide. (per @bpolitics)— No Lie with Brian Tyler Cohen (@NoLieWithBTC) December 10, 2021
208 House Republicans Voted Against
Bill Requiring Russian Election Interference Be Reported To The FBI
The act would also strengthen the Constitution’s previously obscure ban on presidents taking emoluments, or payments, by extending anticorruption prohibition to commercial transactions. Mr. Trump’s refusal to divest from his hotels raised the question of whether lobbyists and other governments that began paying for numerous rooms at Trump resorts — and sometimes not using them — were trying to purchase his favor.
The bill would also require campaigns to report any offers of foreign assistance to the FBI — a proposal that resonates with episodes unearthed in the Russia investigation, such as when Donald Trump Jr. and other senior campaign officials met at Trump Tower with Russians they were told had dirt on Hillary Clinton.
imo,
clearly trumpQ is aligning us with Russia.
Fox talking heads increasingly pro-Putin.
Their party wants a permanent authoritarian head of government,
a weak Congress,
take our safety nets,
freedom to pollute
a roll back of human rights,
protections against criminal activity,
make being the ultra-rich tax free,
and be able to fleece everybody. To trumpQ we are all suckers.
Brian interviews Pennsylvania’s Democratic candidate for the US Senate, John Fetterman, about Dr. Oz jumping into the race for Republicans and the need to eliminate the filibuster before it’s too late.
With exception to the filibuster, senators open an important door
Sen. Elizabeth Warren is right to note that it’s “possible to create exceptions to the filibuster and move forward when it’s important.”
“In a newly passed bill, there’s a special provision that will allow the Senate — just this once — to extend the debt ceiling with a simple majority. The filibuster won’t be an option.
And this temporary carveout to the institution’s filibuster rules apparently gave Sen. Elizabeth Warren an idea.
The Massachusetts Democrat wrote on Twitter yesterday:
“Let’s be clear what this is: an exception to the filibuster. Today’s vote is proof that it’s possible to create exceptions to the filibuster and move forward when it’s important. We did it this time, let’s do it again.”
None of this was lost on Republican Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, who told NBC News a day earlier that this filibuster carveout creates a “disturbing precedent,” which “opens the door for Democrats to try to do that in the future”
on other issues.
“What this argument tends to overlook
is the fact that the Senate already makes all kinds of exceptions to the filibuster rule.
The 60-vote threshold doesn’t apply, for example, to budget bills. Or judicial nominees.
Or executive branch nominees. Or the War Powers Resolution.
Or the Congressional Review Act. Or trade promotion authority. Or the latest bipartisan debt-ceiling fix.
Or last week’s continuing resolution amendment that GOP senators liked.
All of this is true, and the Senate has not collapsed. Political ruin has not overcome Capitol Hill.”
(Steve Benen)
The next Trump coup will be staged from outside, but don’t count on its failure just because he won’t have the powers of an incumbent president. Coup 2.0 will be better prepared, funded, and organized. We’ll need to work like hell to combat it. https://t.co/BIYWdNJ3Qb
🧵 And now back to the program… Peggy Noonan and the unrelenting hit job that she & the GOP right wing are trying to put on VP @KamalaHarris . And before I hear the M. Obama quotes… had y’all properly checked this in the 80s I wouldn’t have to in ‘21.. so don’t want to 👂 it. https://t.co/s3vGYKX2VP
President says he intends to visit tornado-ravaged #Kentucky, but adds “I don’t want to be in the way.” Says “My heart aches for those people right now.” On #Ukraine, was asked why he took the idea of sending U.S. troops off the table: “They never were on the table”
— West Wing Reports (by Paul Brandus) (@WestWingReport) December 11, 2021
If the press cannot call out the Republican Party as anti democracy…if the press cannot say that if you oppose voting rights you are anti democratic…Then they are complicit…There are no sidelines…you are either in the Fight for freedom and democracy or NOT.
— PrettyFoot💃🏾 is vaxed-boostered-wears a mask😷 (@PrettyFootWoman) December 12, 2021
If states can shield their laws from review by federal courts, then CA will use that authority to help protect lives.We will work to create the ability for private citizens to sue anyone who manufactures, distributes, or sells an assault weapon or ghost gun kit or parts in CA. pic.twitter.com/YPBJ00vN6z— Office of the Governor of California (@CAgovernor) December 12, 2021
People of America…tragic day for so many families. I am at DCA airport flying to meet @WCKitchen team in Kentucky responding to the tornadoes. We are working with chefs…food trucks & have WCK teams now in many communities… Will update from the ground soon. #ChefsForKentuckypic.twitter.com/jX04Bbqakw
Thank you isn’t enough for the goodness you and your team bring to the world. May the small donation I make today be a ripple in an ocean of support. God Bless You All! 🙏🏾
— THEE Dudette is Vaxxed, Boosted & Masked 😷💛🐝 (@Dudette9t9) December 12, 2021
In a statement on the company’s website this weekend, Troy Propes wrote:
“Our Mayfield, Ky., facility was destroyed Dec. 10, 2021, by a tornado, and tragically, employees were killed and injured. We’re heartbroken about this, and our immediate efforts are to assist those affected by this terrible disaster.”
—Apologies, so sorry, didn’t know about this when i shared the above drama story.
Fresh meals heading out in Kentucky today! Working with local partners, our team is going into communities hit hard by the tornadoes with lunch for anyone in need. Thanks to LEE Initiative, Ramiro’s, Biscuit Love & Big Al’s Deli for jumping in to support! #ChefsForKentuckypic.twitter.com/VMLmVdhX7W
A couple days ago, VP @KamalaHarris and SG Emhoff invited schoolchildren to the VP’s residence to help decorate for the holidays. Here is @VP meeting young scholar, Keshawn Jones. She’s so good with kids, and they love her! 🥰 🥰 pic.twitter.com/NHAo8iURSa
— Madam Vice President Harris is THEE GOAT! (@flywithkamala) December 13, 2021
The Obama Diary 
Good West Coast Thursday morning (yes, it’s still morning) Nerdy & TOD family 😎🌟
The Obama’s are true Leaders. They enjoy doing things that have proven to bring smiles to people. 💖🎅🏾
Yes they indeed are…however, i do not know how we work around this……it is hard not to feel depressed about it
https://mobile.twitter.com/kateneuropsych/status/1468970953283489796
When the Black leaders stop in-fighting and get on the same page, they will be able to fight these County bigots.
It’s sad that while the GOP band together to cheat, the Dems are busy fighting one another.
Lawsuits.
Yes, she needs to stay in her present position.
This actually makes me happy. I’d rather see her get Trump first. That’s way more important now that a good governor is already in place. No way she could focus on that in the middle of a campaign. Plus that unfinished work would have hurt her campaign anyway. She’ll make a great governor later on.
Congrats, Gail! The Obamas and kids bring smiles to everyone with a heart!
✅🌟
They are such a generous and thoughtful couple, making the little ones happy for Christmas. Thank you POTUS and FLOTUS you inspire me. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 🎊🎈🎈🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽😇😇🌹🤗😍
Kate Aronoff:
“ALEC is declaring war on Critical Energy Theory to take on “wokeness” within the world’s largest financial institutions. Latest from me is a dispatch from their conference last week:
“Conservatives have a new Bogeyman:
Critical Energy Theory”
(https://newrepublic.com/article/164641/conservatives-new-bogeyman-critical-energy-theory)
ALEC supported by KOCH fossil fuel industries…ALEC’s mission is “distribution in the states consistent with the Jeffersonian principles of free markets and federalism.” So they talk about the “inevitability” of climate change instead of halt and reverse.
2021 “Summit for Democracy”
Day 1: Opening Remarks by President Biden – 8:00 AM
‘The crisis we face is real’:
Blinken on why Biden is convening a Summit for Democracy
Antony J. BlinkenSecretary of State
“Democracy is facing a moment of reckoning.
For 15 years, global freedom has declined, according to the human rights organization Freedom House.
It’s happening in authoritarian countries, where rulers have restricted people’s freedoms, canceled and postponed elections, and cracked down on political opponents with increasing brutality – and in democratic countries,
where mis- and disinformation have eroded trust in public institutions, political polarization has widened,
and long-standing challenges like economic inequality and systemic sexism and racism have left many feeling like the system won’t ever work for them.
The COVID-19 pandemic has made these problems more acute. Unscrupulous leaders have seized the opportunity to crush freedom of assembly and crank up surveillance, and false information about the virus and vaccines has spread widely.
This is why President Joe Biden is bringing more than 100 governments together for the Summit for Democracy, which begins Wednesday.
And whether you live in a country where democracy is strong or where the chance of a free and fair election is nonexistent, this matters to you.
Commitments, accountability
Democracy and authoritarianism are global phenomena. They don’t stay contained within borders. Ideas spread. News travels.
Autocrats see how misinformation campaigns or sham trials worked in another country and try them at home. They point to divisions within democracies to make the case to their citizens that democracy is an inferior system that could never deliver for them.
Likewise, when democracies foster strong and inclusive economies, handle political disagreements without bloodshed, provide public safety without denying civil liberties, and maintain stability with free elections and peaceful transitions of power, others see those results and want them for themselves. In this way, what we do in our own countries shapes what other countries do in theirs.”
(https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2021/12/08/president-biden-hosting-democracy-summit-here-why/6418307001/)
I love this! Forever POTUS and Mrs. O. make everything brighter! ❤️🎄
Summit for Democracy,
Day Zero – December 8, 2021 – 6:00 AM
(Day Zero was added on to the summit due to lots to cover. Happened yesterday.)
A STAFFER?????
Lee Norman steps down as Kansas health secretary, months after internal dispute
Governor’s chief of staff blocked Norman from public briefings after comments on emergency declaration in June
(https://kansasreflector.com/2021/11/19/lee-norman-steps-down-as-kansas-health-secretary-months-after-internal-dispute/)
—-looks like exemplary straight talker Secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment has been pushed out of office. Meanwhile DeSantis’ pet ghoul surgeon general Lapadov (member of fringe group
‘America’s Frontline Doctors”) remains in office at vast expense to our lives and tax payer money.
Stop the trumpQ steal of American lives!!
FEC Sued For Failing To Investigate Illegal Trump/Russia Coordination
“The FEC has been sued in federal court by government watchdog groups for failing to investigate accusations of the Trump campaign’s coordination with Russia.”
(https://www.politicususa.com/2021/12/08/fec-sued-for-failing-to-investigate-illegal-trump-russia-coordination.html
Research Shows Fox News Is Killing Republicans With COVID
“Research has connected viewing Fox News with taking the pandemic less seriously, getting sick, and dying.”
(https://www.politicususa.com/2021/12/08/research-show-fox-news-is-killing-republicans-with-covid.html)
—thus…
Welp.
Speaker Pelosi
Statement on Legislative Package to Hold Beijing Accountable for Human Rights Abuses
““The House will continue to demand that Beijing be held accountable for its abuses and repression, building on our legislative action including passage of the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act of 2020, the Tibetan Policy and Support Act and the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2019. If America does not speak out for human rights in China because of commercial interests, we lose all moral authority to speak out for human rights any place in the world.”
Full: (https://www.speaker.gov/newsroom/12721-4)
K.I.N.D. Student: ‘I Am Lucky’ For Scholarship
Triza Katengeza feels very lucky that she will be able to finish high school in Malawi
thanks to your contributions to Kids in Need of Desks. The Kids in Need of Desks (K.I.N.D.) campaign,
launched by the UNICEF USA and msnbc’s Lawrence O’Donnell, aims to change that by delivering desks to hundreds of schools. K.I.N.D. also provides secondary school scholarships to Malawian girls most in danger of missing out on an education.”
(https://www.unicefusa.org/mission/protect/education/kids-need-desks-kind)
https://www.pbs.org/wnet/gperf/san-francisco-symphony-performs-esperanza-spalding-c6uqhn/13273/
Hey Gazelle,
https://www.pbs.org/wnet/gperf/san-francisco-symphony-performs-esperanza-spalding-c6uqhn/13273/
I’ll get this right – eventually LOL!
GG-Goaaal! ⚽⚽ You go! Much love to ya! 💞💞
Much love to you Gazelle! GOOAAAAL ⚽💝🙋🏾♀️
Oh Gail, that is such a beautiful way to start my Monday. Thank you!
You’re very welcome Marilyn 🥰
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Happy Friday Everybody! #GetBoosted 😁
LIVE NOW
‘An urgent matter’:
Biden warns democracy is under threat at summit
President opens two-day summit with 80 world leaders as experts warn democratic rights are under assault
in the US
‘Biden cited studies that found that global freedom has now been in retreat for 15 consecutive years
and that more than half of all democracies experienced a decline in the past decade.
He acknowledged that one of those countries in democratic decline was his own.”
(https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/dec/09/joe-biden-summit-for-democracy)
North Carolina Supreme Court Delays 2022 Primary Elections
In response to lawsuits over North Carolina’s political maps, the justices issued an order on Wednesday pushing back the state’s primaries from March to May.
“n a state split almost evenly between Republican and Democratic voters,
the new maps give Republicans a sweeping political advantage.
The new House map, for example, would all but ensure victory for G.O.P. candidates in 10 of the 14 districts,
with a decent shot at winning an 11th seat.”
(https://www.nytimes.com/2021/12/08/us/politics/north-carolina-primary-elections-redistricting.html)
Floor Speech on H.R. 5314, the Protecting Our Democracy Act
(https://www.speaker.gov/newsroom/12921-5)
Speaker Pelosi’s Remarks at Press Event on the Protecting Our Democracy Act
“It’s by coincidence that today we’re taking up this bill in the same day that the President is having his Democracy Forum at the White House – virtually, over 100 leaders from around the world participating as we talk about democracy versus autocracy and the erosion of democracy in some countries.
We have to say that often in our very own country.
This legislation ensures that no one, not even a president, no matter who he or she may be, is above the law. One of our Founders, George Mason, warned during the Constitutional Convention: ‘Shall any man be above justice? Shall that man be above it, who can commit the most extensive injustice?’
No, addressing presidential abuse, therefore, goes to the very heart of the very survival of our democracy. ”
(
https://www.speaker.gov/newsroom/12921-4)
Remarks By President Biden At The Summit For Democracy Opening Session
(https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2021/12/09/remarks-by-president-biden-at-the-summit-for-democracy-opening-session/)
The Build Back Better Framework
This framework will set the United States on course to meet its climate goals, create millions of good-paying jobs, enable more Americans to join and remain in the labor force, and grow our economy from the bottom up and the middle out.
(https://www.whitehouse.gov/build-back-better/)
—-I believe this is a new website. One can follow along in pictures as well as read a clear summary = fab.
so now we just need flashy BBB Ads nationwide about what Democrats are doing and what’s coming.
President Biden Elevates Democracy As A Value To The Chagrin Of China, Russia
“Timothy Snyder, author of “On Tyranny,” talks with Rachel Maddow about how democracies and supporters of democracy can work together to can work together to turn back the rising tide of authoritarianism around the world.”
Timothy Snyder:
“What Mr. Biden has done has been to take away this idea that democracy is just there, that it’s just passive, that democracy is just something that takes itself for granted. For the past couple of decades the Chinese and the Russians have done very well attacking democracy as a kind of sitting target…
And essentially for the last couple of decades we’ve treated democracy as something that defends itself.
What this summit does is it presents democracy as a value, as something to aspire towards.
It is a summit for democracy. And that’s a problem for Russia and China because democracy becomes a value, as soon as it starts to defend itself rather than just be a sitting target, they may have to change their tune.”
https://www.stonekettle.com/2021/12/recap-december-9-2021.html
🕊🕯💜🌟💜🕯🕊
Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jen Psaki and National Economic Council Director Brian Deese,
December 9, 2021
(https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/press-briefings/2021/12/09/press-briefing-by-press-secretary-jen-psaki-and-national-economic-council-director-brian-deese-december-9-2021/)
THE FOR THE PEOPLE ACT
Brennan Center For Justice:
Annotated Guide to the For the People Act of 2021
SUMMARY:
The For the People Act would transform our democracy by making it fairer, stronger, and more inclusive.
The Brennan Center explains the key provisions of this historic bill.
(https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/policy-solutions/annotated-guide-people-act-2021)
Congresswoman Jackson Lee to Chris Hayes : The filibuster is not working.
—-how more urgent could it be to press to end it.
…modify it…do something…
If S & M don’t want to pass Voting Rights and keep our representative democracy, let them come out
with it, quit dragging it out, take responsibility for the giant fallout, and be clear who they’re working for.
H.R.5314 – Protecting Our Democracy Act
Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney
H.R. 314, a bill to protect our democracy by preventing abuses of presidential power, restoring checks and balances, and accountability, and transparency in government, and defending elections against foreign interference, and for other purposes.”
House Session, Dec 09 2021
The House considers legislation to prevent abuses of presidential power and protect against foreign interference in elections.
Here: (https://www.c-span.org/video/?516524-1/house-session&live)
Much love & happiness to DrJillFlotus! 💞
LIVE NOW:
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
In case you’d like a Soba Zen moment:
*Sona* not Soba. She was told as a young girl that only men can play the Kora. She persisted & is producing beautiful Kora!
Thank you very much, Gazelle, a perfect close to this day, song from a gifted young woman, to wear in my Heart!
Goodnight {{{TOD}}}
🕊🕯🪔🕯🕊
Awww! She’s stellar! 😘💞
PAPER & GLUE
on
MSNBC now.
Begins with JR in the Supermax prison…explaining the project.
208 House Republicans Voted Against
Bill Requiring Russian Election Interference Be Reported To The FBI
The act would also strengthen the Constitution’s previously obscure ban on presidents taking emoluments, or payments, by extending anticorruption prohibition to commercial transactions. Mr. Trump’s refusal to divest from his hotels raised the question of whether lobbyists and other governments that began paying for numerous rooms at Trump resorts — and sometimes not using them — were trying to purchase his favor.
The bill would also require campaigns to report any offers of foreign assistance to the FBI — a proposal that resonates with episodes unearthed in the Russia investigation, such as when Donald Trump Jr. and other senior campaign officials met at Trump Tower with Russians they were told had dirt on Hillary Clinton.
(https://www.politicususa.com/2021/12/10/208-house-republicans-voted-against-bill-requiring-russian-election-interference-be-reported-to-the-fbi.html)
imo,
clearly trumpQ is aligning us with Russia.
Fox talking heads increasingly pro-Putin.
Their party wants a permanent authoritarian head of government,
a weak Congress,
take our safety nets,
freedom to pollute
a roll back of human rights,
protections against criminal activity,
make being the ultra-rich tax free,
and be able to fleece everybody. To trumpQ we are all suckers.
Brian interviews Pennsylvania’s Democratic candidate for the US Senate, John Fetterman, about Dr. Oz jumping into the race for Republicans and the need to eliminate the filibuster before it’s too late.
With exception to the filibuster, senators open an important door
Sen. Elizabeth Warren is right to note that it’s “possible to create exceptions to the filibuster and move forward when it’s important.”
“In a newly passed bill, there’s a special provision that will allow the Senate — just this once — to extend the debt ceiling with a simple majority. The filibuster won’t be an option.
And this temporary carveout to the institution’s filibuster rules apparently gave Sen. Elizabeth Warren an idea.
The Massachusetts Democrat wrote on Twitter yesterday:
“Let’s be clear what this is: an exception to the filibuster. Today’s vote is proof that it’s possible to create exceptions to the filibuster and move forward when it’s important. We did it this time, let’s do it again.”
None of this was lost on Republican Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, who told NBC News a day earlier that this filibuster carveout creates a “disturbing precedent,” which “opens the door for Democrats to try to do that in the future”
on other issues.
Well, yes, actually that’s right.”
(https://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/exception-filibuster-senators-open-important-door-n1285744)
“What this argument tends to overlook
is the fact that the Senate already makes all kinds of exceptions to the filibuster rule.
The 60-vote threshold doesn’t apply, for example, to budget bills. Or judicial nominees.
Or executive branch nominees. Or the War Powers Resolution.
Or the Congressional Review Act. Or trade promotion authority. Or the latest bipartisan debt-ceiling fix.
Or last week’s continuing resolution amendment that GOP senators liked.
All of this is true, and the Senate has not collapsed. Political ruin has not overcome Capitol Hill.”
(Steve Benen)
thx jer44, we have to.
Now it’s on us to go after THEM with the same gusto, think out of the box, be previous, and put them on the back foot at every possible turn.
My niece doing her fab thing! Yet another reason music has to stay in schools & beyond!
She’s great!!
Love her spirit! Against all odds she stuck to it! 💞
Beautiful!! Another link to add to my collection!
Again, goodnight joy to life up our dreamlife!
🕊🕯🪔💕🪔🕯🕊
😽
*Light up our dream life (someone was tired!)
🌟
I kinda like the “Life up” part! 😜💞
I know what you mean, Gazelle!! 💗🏹
Wonderful!
Gazelle, she is fabulous!
MT, I love her unassuming spirit in light of her awesomeness! Strong doesn’t have to showoff, eh? 😇💞
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An interesting conversation. Just food for thought.
Does she realize who was in charge in 2020?
Heh!
Forever FLOTUS is out here looking fine and having fun! I never knew there was a Vogue Knitting magazine. She looks great on the cover. ❤️
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I love Gavin! Go get those gun nutz who the Corp/GOP owned SCOTUS protect.
There are angels on earth.
José feeds everyone and it is beautiful. As he says, in the shops and streets let’s all be good to each other.
imo but politically we’ll have to turn the tables on trumpQ because we have a democracy to lose.
What Do You Need To Say – 어떤 말이 필요하니
이준호 Junho
그냥 사랑하는 사이
His song for “Rain or Shine”/Just between lovers”….in which he gives a stunning acting performance.
Story is about the aftermath of a building collapse, working ppl, gritty and real…love that.
놀라운 성능에 감사드립니다.
더 기대됩니다…
In a statement on the company’s website this weekend, Troy Propes wrote:
“Our Mayfield, Ky., facility was destroyed Dec. 10, 2021, by a tornado, and tragically, employees were killed and injured. We’re heartbroken about this, and our immediate efforts are to assist those affected by this terrible disaster.”
—Apologies, so sorry, didn’t know about this when i shared the above drama story.
WELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!
The arrogance of asking this question…
Morning everyone
As far as the bimbo goes… there’s more! She’s never t finished showing the world how stupid she is
New post.