Tuesday, June 17, 2025

Senator Mike Lee belongs in prison

Molly Sprayregan (LGBTQ NATION) reports on the Minnesota tragedy from the weekend:


On Sunday night, police arrested 57-year-old anti-LGBTQ+ evangelical Christian Vance Boelter for killing Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman (D) and her husband, Mark, and for allegedly shooting state Sen. John Hoffman (D) and his wife on Saturday morning.

[. . .]

Boelter’s arrest followed an intense manhunt. Police arrested him in the woods of Sibley County using surveillance drones and infrared technology to detect him, CNN reported. They found at least three AK-47 assault rifles, a 9-millimeter handgun in the suspect’s vehicle, along with a suspected hit list of 70 individuals, including Democratic lawmakers and supporters of reproductive choice and other liberal causes, The Washington Post reported.

Hortman’s final post on Facebook recognized Pride Month and said, “Republicans spent all session trying to erase LGBTQ+ equality laws. Democrats stopped them.” 

The post is of particular significance since Boelter recently delivered an anti-LGBTQ+ sermon in Africa, where he said, “There’s people, especially in America, they don’t know what sex they are — they don’t know their sexual orientation, they’re confused. The enemy has gotten so far into their mind and their soul.” He then proclaimed that God and the Bible can remove such “sin.”

Lee also has an anti-LGBTQ+ track record, with a score of nine out of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign’s Congressional Scorecard for LGBTQ+ support. In 2018, he fought the confirmation of Chai Feldblum, a gay woman, to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) because he claimed she wanted to “use the might of government to stamp out traditional marriage supporters.”

In a statement at the time, Lee said that Feldblum had “radical views on marriage“ because she signed a document in 2006 calling for the government to protect non-marital relationships like caregivers, domestic partners, and close friends and siblings who live together. Few states recognized marriage equality in 2006.

“Don’t think for a second that you, your family, and your neighbors will be left alone if Feldblum gets her way,” Lee wrote, saying that Feldblum will side with LGBTQ+ people even if someone who discriminates claims that they were motivated by their religion.


Senator Mike Lee and the killer are one and the same.  You can't draw a line between them.  Hate merchent Lee preached hate and violence towards LGBTQ+ people and did so in an environment where unbalanced people like Boelter pick up on the cues and act on them.


The senator is as responsible as the killer for Saturday's shootings.  

If you doubt it, grasp that when he could have shown leadership and called for peace and understanding, he instead doubled down and served up more hated.  He belongs in prison besides the killer. 



"The Snapshot" (THE COMMON ILLS):

Monday, June 16, 2025.  The fright wing shoots politicians, shoots and aims cars at protesters and nver forgt who has egged the mon from the start: Sourpuss whose birthday celebration bombed.



A little nobody in Utah wants to be somebody on the national stage and just knew a lie was the way to garner applause.  Isabel van Brugen (NEWSWEEK) reports:


Senator Mike Lee, a Utah Republican, is facing widespread backlash following posts about the targeted shooting of two Democratic lawmakers and their spouses in Minnesota.

The suspect, 57-year-old Vance Boelter, was arrested late Sunday following a nearly two-day statewide search. The Saturday morning shootings left State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, dead, and wounded State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette.

"This is what happens...When Marxists don't get their way," Lee posted on X (formerly Twitter), sharing a photo of Boelter wearing what appears to be a latex face mask.


Mike Lee is a liar.  On Saturday, a Chump supporter went beyond the constant talk of violence to go  on a shooting spree targeting Democratic Party officials in Minnesota.  Governor Tim Walz issued the following:

“Today Minnesota lost a great leader, and I lost a friend. A formidable public servant and a fixture of the state Capitol, Melissa Hortman woke up every day determined to make our state a better place. She served the people of Minnesota with grace, compassion, and tirelessness. Minnesota’s thoughts are with her loved ones, and my prayers are with Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette, who were shot and wounded and are being treated.

“We are not a country that settles our differences at gunpoint. We have demonstrated again and again in our state that it is possible to peacefully disagree, that our state is strengthened by civil public debate. We must stand united against all forms of violence – and I call on everyone to join me in that commitment.

“To the responding officers, thank you for your bravery and your swift action. A state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension investigation is underway, and we will spare no resource in bringing those responsible to justice. We will not let fear win.”


The shooter, identified as Vance Boelter, shot dead Democratic politician Melissa Hortman and Mark Hortman her husband and  Vance Boelter also shot Democratic state Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette on Saturday who appear to hopefully have survived.  Following the arrest of the shooter, Governor Walz issued another statement which included:

“As a country we cannot become numb to this violence. We are a deeply divided nation. That has become even more clear over the last two days. The way we move forward and solve the problems facing our nation is not through hate. It is not through violence. It is through humility, and grace, and civility.

“To Melissa and Mark’s family: I cannot fathom your pain, your grief. Let us take solace in their memory, in Melissa’s legacy of selfless, pragmatic, gentle public service. The state of Minnesota grieves with you.

“To John and Yvette: we’re excited to see you at the Capitol, and the bravery you and your daughter Hope showed saved countless lives and will not be forgotten.

“To our law enforcement officers: thank you for your courage, your service, and your professionalism. You have saved lives.

“As we heal, we will not let fear win. We must now move forward in Melissa’s honor with understanding, service, and above all, a sense of one other’s humanity.”


As Utah trash Mike Lee made clear, he's too busy lying to help anyone heal.  The shooter is MAGA.  And this MAGA member was egged on by the violent statements of Chump and others.  Trina covered this Saturday night and noted the report from Religious News Service:

Boelter identified himself on LinkedIn and other websites as the CEO and president of two security services companies, Praetorian Guard Security Services and Red Lion Group, the latter based in Congo, in western Africa. On his LinkedIn page, which shows that he worked as a general manager at 7-11 in Minneapolis until 2021, he lists himself as open to work.

But in a video dated February 2023, Boelter is seen preaching at La Borne Matadi, an evangelical church in Matadi, near the southern border in Congo. In one sermon he tells the audience that “people don’t know what sex they are” because the devil “has gotten so far into their mind and their soul.”

In another sermon at the church, one of three he gave from 2021 to 2023, according to Wired, Boelter said, “They don’t know abortion is wrong, many churches,” he told the audience. “They don’t have the gifts flowing. God gives the body gifts. To keep balance. Because when the body starts moving in the wrong direction, when they’re one, and accepting the gifts, God will raise an apostle or prophet to correct their course.


He was a hate merchant spewing hate and people like Chump and Vance and the entire administration has been spewing and sewing this hate.  They're responsible and they need to be held accountable for their statements.  To try to avoid that happening, Mike Lee shows up to lie and distract.  

Nut jobs abound and they love to lie and distract.   Josh Marcus (INDEPENDENT) reports on the crazy liars:


It didn’t take long for the conjecture to begin after the fatal shootings of state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, as well as the non-fatal shootings of state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, hit the headlines.

In regards to Hortman, right-wing conspiracy theorist Mike Cernovich wondered aloud on X, “Did [Minnesota Governor] Tim Walz have her executed to send a message?”

Fellow fabulist Alex Jones, meanwhile, used a Saturday broadcast to make a variety of unfounded implications, including that Hortman was killed because she was considering switching parties and joining Republicans, and that suspect Boelter was a “high-level” Walz appointee and “No Kings” protest organizer.

Jones capped off the a misinformation session by reading from a social media post from a seemingly random, pseudonymous account that called the shooting a “professional hit.”

 Such claims reached thousands of people, even as they defied common sense and all evidence that eventually became available about the shootings.


It's never about what actually happened with these losers.  It's about them trying to put into some sort of propaganda model that pushes their lies and justifies their ugly behavior.  

They're liars, idiots and damn fools.  Don't try to spare their egos.  We've given these nut jobs far too many participation trophies for the nonsense they've added to the public discourse.  Reality and facts are beyond their comprehension so they need to go back to dealing with nothing more important than Saturday morning cartoons.


Instead of advancing hatred and lies, Utah's Mike Lee might try observing the death of 39 year old Arthur Folasa Ah Loo who was shot dead in Salt Lake City on Saturday.  You can check his Twitter feed, you can check is press releases, you will find that while Mike Lee made time to spread lies about Minnesota, he never once took a moment to note his own constituent Arthur Folasa Ah Loo who was shot dead Saturday.  That tells you everything you need to know about Mike Lee's priorities.

The nation made clear their priorities on Saturday.  You could attend Chump's Oh-come-let-us-adore-me military birthday celebration in DC or you could gather around the country at one of the many No Kings protests.

A few thousands showed up for Chump's birthday.  Dementia Donald saw about 10,000 people show up for his parade and b-day celebration.  "This was probably the most humiliating day in Donald Trump's whole life," Ben Meidas observes in the video below.


 

The elderly man, even with his dementia getting worse, was able to grasp that the country turned their back on him and he was left looking like he was about to break out in tears.  



No Kings was so popular that it's now said to be the largest single day protest in the United States ever.  James Powel (USA TODAY) notes:


The American Civil Liberties Union, a part of the coalition that put on the demonstrations, said in a late Saturday, June 14 statement that more than five million people participated in over 2,100 rallies and protests.

Political organizing group Move On, who was a partner in the "No Kings" rallies, echoed the 5 million person estimate in a fundraising email.


Will Neal (DAILY BEAST) also notes the four to six million turnout for the No Kings protests across the country.  It was hugely successful.  

 

A day where America turned out.  Marc Levy, Claudia Lauer and Jim Vertuno (AP) report, "Masses of demonstrators packed into streets, parks and plazas across the U.S. on Saturday to protest President Donald Trump, marching through downtowns and small towns, blaring anti-authoritarian chants mixed with support for protecting democracy and immigrant rights."  And Pride.  Ben Thorp and Jill Sheridan (Indianapolis' WFYI) note:


  Thousands of people took to the streets of Indianapolis Saturday as protests and pride collided.  The annual Indy Pride celebration and the ‘No Kings’ protest were held back to back and people showed up.

Attendees with signs, costumes, and megaphones at both events chanted “This is what democracy looks like”.

Indy Pride is celebrating 30 years in Indianapolis. The city was also one of roughly 2,000 across the country to mark ‘No Kings Day’ day with protests planned in response to the Trump administration’s military parade in Washington, D.C. 

But Indiana 50501 Organizer Scott Johnson said the movement is bigger than that. “This is a generalized protest that is around the idea that what is going on in America today is wrong,” he said.

Johnson, who started by marching in Indy Pride before heading to the statehouse, said the combination of both was important. 

"Pride is celebrating this particular avenue of American rights," he said. "50501 is about all the rest of it."


PBS' THE NEWSHOUR reported on the millions turning out today across the nation.



AP offers a photo essay here and NPR has a photo essay here.


They turned out in Nashville. Cynthia Abrams (WPLN) explains, "Thousands gathered at Bicentennial Mall before dispersing to Jefferson Street and Rosa Parks Boulevard, holding signs and chanting call-and-response phrases like 'What do we want? Democracy! When do we want it? Now!'" Sara Streigel tells Abrams, "I came out today because I am just terrified for our country.  Seeing the way that ICE is being used to oppress our immigrants and the way that it’s not safe to be a person of color. As a brown woman and a child of immigrants, it’s terrifying to think that the rule of law is no longer in place."


That's Tennessee.   Idaho was present.  Clark Corbin (IDAHO CAPITAL SUN) notes:


Waving American flags and carrying homemade signs, thousands of people took part in a “No Kings Day” protest Saturday afternoon at the Idaho State Capitol in Boise. 

The crowd covered the Capitol steps, filled the section of Jefferson Street in front of the building and stretched deep and wide throughout nearby Cecil D. Andrus Park as people chanted “No more kings” and “Love, not hate, makes Idaho great.”

Tammie Baker was one of thousands who attended the protest. She carried a homemade sign that read “I prefer my ICE crushed” and said her concern over the Trump administration’s policies motivated her to attend her first political protest since the 1970s.

“There is only one reason,” Baker said. “ Enough is enough of everything. This is out of control.”

 

Texas showed up.   Berenice Garcia, Carlos Nogueras Ramos and Ayden Runnels (TEXAS TRIBUNE) report of McAllen:



Michelle Choi (KHOU) reports from Houston:

Thousands of people packed downtown Houston Saturday as part of nationwide ‘"No Kings" protests.

Houston City Hall transformed into a sea of signs and chants.  From immigration fears to cuts in federal aid and Medicare and SNAP, protesters rallied against policies they say are hurting working families.

The chants echoed through downtown Houston as a massive, peaceful show of resistance.

Organizers say 26,000 people filled the steps and streets around City Hall.

“So my sign says ‘El pueblo unido jamás será vencido’” said protestor Jacob Torres. “It means if we’re all united, we won’t get defeated.”

Torres came to speak for someone who couldn’t.

“Most of my family is undocumented, especially my mom, and that’s who I’m here for,” he said. “People who can’t stand up for themselves.”


KXAN reports from  Austin:



Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch, CEO of immigration law firm Lincoln-Goldfinch Law, gave the crowd an update on deportations in Texas.

“State troopers are pulling over immigrants and colluding with ICE to disappear people from their families,” the attorney said. “They want to drive immigrants further underground.”

The children of one of her clients joined her at the podium.

“Their father was taken in a surprise attack,” she said. “They will spend tomorrow (Father’s Day) missing him.”

A chant of “F— ICE” rose from the crowd in response.

Nichole, one of the children, spoke next. She gave a message to the crowd and another message in Spanish, directed to her father.

Melody Tremallo, transgender woman and HOCTX lead organizer, spoke. She referred to herself as “a canary in a coal mine” who is “actively dying.”

“When they came after immigrants and trans kids, there was hardly any push back,” she said. “Fascism withers when we stand up together. We should have stopped them when they were at their weakest, before they could eat the least among us.”

She asked if the crowd would stand up for transgender rights. The crowd cheered back “Yes!”

Tremallo estimated the crowd at 20,000 in her speech.

Austin Mayor Pro Tem Vanessa Fuentes spoke. Austin Council Members Jose “Chito” Vela & José Velásquez were with her as she gave her remarks. She noted that the three of them represent the Austin City Council’s Latino caucus.

“This response is the most patriotic thing we can do,” Fuentes said. “In America, we don’t believe in dictators, we don’t believe in authoritarianism.”

After Fuentes, Vela and Velásquez both spoke.

A UT Austin student spoke, followed by a veteran involved with grassroots group Common Defense.

“Marines are being used as political tools while our leaders cut funding for Veterans’ Affairs,” the veteran said. A veteran and Native American spoke next.


They turned out in Dallas.




Kelly O'Brien (WMUR) notes Concord, New Hampshire:

Organizers estimated there were between 5,000 and 8,000 in Concord for the peaceful protest.

"I'm hoping that they understand throughout the nation. None of us want this, but none of us wants the chaos," said Elly Henderson. 

For hours, up and down Main Street in Concord and on the state house lawn, signs were up in the air, flags were waved and chants echoed in the air, "enough is enough."

People said they are against mass deportations, against attacks on civil rights and don't want to see the military being used against its own people. 


In San Francisco?



We were out at Civic Center Plaza by City Hall in the afternoon while earlier we were on the beach. Sam Mauhay-Moore (SAN FRANCISCO GATE) reports:


Hundreds of people gathered at Ocean Beach in San Francisco on Saturday morning to protest the Trump administration by forming a massive human banner. 

The banner read, “NO KING!” in reference to the “No Kings” protests taking place on Saturday across the country. The protests coincide with both President Donald Trump’s birthday and his approximately $45 million military parade taking place in Washington, D.C. The parade has been billed as part of a 250th birthday celebration for the Army, though it also fulfills a desire Trump has had since his first term to parade American military might through city streets.

 

In Los Angeles, Lily Dallow and Vivian Chow (KTLA) report:

A day of peaceful protests in downtown Los Angeles took a turn late Saturday afternoon when law enforcement began ordering the thousands of demonstrators to disperse from the area surrounding the L.A. Federal Building complex.

Officers deployed flashbangs and tear gas, and Sky5 captured the moment officers on foot and horseback moved into the large crowd. The L.A. Police Department reported that some protesters were “becoming increasingly unruly” and that people were throwing rocks, bricks, bottles, and other objects.

The dispersal order covered Alameda Street between Aliso and Temple, and Los Angeles Street between Aliso and Temple. Additionally, the LAPD stated that all on- and off-ramps of the 101 Freeway would remain closed between Alameda Street and the 110 Freeway. 


NBC Los Angeles' Tracey Leong and Karla Rendon report on Long Beach:


As thousands of demonstrators descended upon Long Beach on Saturday to denounce President Donald Trump’s policies as part of a nationwide movement dubbed the “No Kings” protests, a local family is left reeling after being directly impacted by the president’s administration.

Loved ones of Rosario Gonzalez, 50, say they’re heartbroken after the family patriarch was detained by immigration officers during a raid outside a Home Depot in Whittier. Going against his family’s wishes, Gonzalez went to the Home Depot in search of work since he is the main provider for his family. He was one of several individuals who were detained during the raid.

“I just want to say I love him, and I hope he comes back,” Yamilet Gonzalez, Rosario’s 18-year-old daughter, said. “I know he will, and that we are all waiting for him to be here.”

A tearful Yamilet said if she could, she would reassure her father of the family’s resilience and wellbeing as they navigate through his absence.

“I would tell him I am fine, and that I know once he’ll come back, I will tell him about how my day went and about how my graduation was,” the man’s daughter said. “And I’ll tell him I took a lot of videos so he could feel like he was there, even though he couldn’t be.”


Georgia turned out:


    • Protests labeled "No Kings" rallies are taking place across metro Atlanta as part of a national day of action against the Trump administration.
    • Other Georgia cities participating include Tucker, McDonough, Fayetteville, Athens, Valdosta, and Woodstock, with events organized by Indivisible, 50501 Movement, and Stand Up America.
    • Most rallies were peaceful around the metro, according to FOX 5 crews, but police used tear gas to break up one protest in Doraville. 8 people were arrested there after an "unlawful assembly" was declared by police.


 Ross Williams (GEORGIA RECORDER) adds:


Minutes after Atlanta’s “No Kings” protest began Saturday outside the state Capitol, organizers announced that the venue’s 5,000-person capacity had been reached.

[, , ,]

“It fills my heart. I’m so glad that people are here,” said Adam Zarett, an IT professional from Atlanta. “I’m glad to see so many people here standing up for our constitutional rights, making our voices heard. Like John Lewis, good trouble.”

Zarett said he wasn’t much for protests until recently.

“I didn’t even care about politics before Trump came into office the first time, and it stung then, and it is so much worse now,” he said. “It has just ignited a fire inside me that says you can’t just sit behind a keyboard and complain on Facebook all day. That just doesn’t do much. Sometimes it feels good, but it doesn’t do much.”

Now, Zarett says he’ll be back.

“I absolutely will. As many protests as there are, as many gatherings as there are, the people need to be heard,” he said.


Alaska?  Elizabeth Harball, Zaz Hollander, Lizzy Hahn (ANCHORAGE DAILY NEWS) report:


Thousands of demonstrators jammed sidewalks Saturday in downtown Anchorage, chanting and waving signs in protest of President Donald Trump.

The “No Kings” protest was one of many taking place across the U.S. on Saturday, coalescing around frustration and anger with the Trump administration. The demonstrations were planned the same day as the president’s military parade in Washington, D.C., to mark the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army. June 14 is also Trump’s birthday.

Peaceful protests — and counterprotests — were held in a number of other Alaska communities Saturday, including Homer, Sitka, Seward, Fairbanks, Nome and Palmer.


What about Maryland?  Tori Yorgey (WBALTV) answers that question:

Thousands of Marylanders joined protesters across the country on Saturday, taking part in "No Kings Day."

Demonstrators converged across Maryland, from the Patterson Park Observatory in Baltimore, to Annapolis, Columbia, Catonsville, Bel Air and more, all in opposition to President Donald Trump's administration.

"We're here specifically today to deliver a message to our congressman, Andy Harris, that we tolerate no Kings in this country," said DeLane Lewis, who is president of Together We Will, a Harford County organization that led the protest in Bel Air. "This country does not tolerate kings, our individual voice matters, and that's why we are here today, because every voice here matters."

The No Kings Protest in Patterson Park saw nearly 5,000 people, according to organizers. 


Amy-Xiaoshi DePaola and Celine Stevens (KGW8) cover Oregon and Washington:


Across the U.S., including in the Portland metro area, thousands crowded to peacefully protest President Donald Trump's administration in a nationwide "No Kings" movement Saturday. "No Kings" organizers said millions participated in hundreds of events. 

What appeared to be the largest Portland area demonstration at Tom McCall Waterfront Park highlighted recent detainments of asylum seekers and undocumented immigrants; women's and LGBTQ+ rights; the Ukraine-Russia War; Palestine; and Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security cuts as key issues. 

Many who attended the Portland and Vancouver rallies spoke out against the administration's treatment of immigrants. Carmen Solorio, who moved from Los Angeles to Oregon, referenced the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids and protests happening back in Southern California, with Trump deploying the National Guard and U.S. Marines in response.

"It just hurt so much to see my hometown community going through that struggle, and that’s why I knew I had to be here today," Solorio told KGW at the Portland rally. 

Pam Maldonado, who was visiting her kids from Florida and decided to join the Vancouver rally, had similar reasons. 

“I know somebody personally who has been picked up and is about to be deported there; he’s in a jail in a correction facility now in Arizona and probably will be shipped out pretty soon," Maldonado said. "It’s just the cruelty, the inhumanity... I mean, this is not who we are. I am afraid it is who we’re becoming, but this is not the United States I know.”


Iowa?  KCII notes:


On Saturday, thousands of Iowans across several communities joined in on the nationwide "No Kings" protests.

Organizers of the "No Kings" demonstrations, in opposition of President Donald Trump, said millions had marched in hundreds of events nationwide. Governors across the U.S. had urged calm and vowed no tolerance for violence, while some mobilized the National Guard ahead of marchers gathering. Confrontations were isolated.

[. . .]

Thousands of protestors gathered on the steps of the Iowa State Capitol in downtown Des Moines. The crowd chanted and gave speeches to express their dissatisfaction with the Trump administration. Some people tell KCCI they specifically came out for those who could not.

"We're here supporting our families that can't be here; that don't have a voice," said Grace, a protester. "Mainly for my mother because I am a proud daughter of immigrant parents. That's why I'm here today." 



Peaceful protests apparently anger MAGA trash which is why one hate merchant attempted to run over and kill in Virginia. 



THE USA TODAY's Jonathan Limehouse reports:


Authorities in Virginia arrested a 21-year-old man they said intentionally drove an SUV through the crowd at the town's "No Kings" day event.

Culpeper police officers arrested Joseph R. Checklick Jr., of Culpeper, on June 14, at the conclusion of the demonstration. Participants were leaving the area and crossing through a business's parking lot when an SUV drove "recklessly through the crowd of pedestrians," the department said in a news release.

Culpeper Police charged Checklick with reckless driving, according to the release. He appeared before a magistrate and was ordered to be held without bond at the Culpeper County Jail.


Click here to read FOX NEWS 5 DC's  Elissa Salamy's report on Checklick Jr.'s assault on protesters.  


Sunday in Los Angeles, a woman has been hospitalized after being run over while she was protesting -- at this point, no one knows if it was intentional or an accident.  But we know Checklick Jr. ran his car into people intentionally. 


No one wants to point out that Florida's governor was talking on TV about running over protesters mere days ago.  Ron DeSantis was saying it was okay.  Friday, NBC Miami noted:


Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said on a podcast this week that drivers in Florida who encounter protesters and feel threatened have a right to hit them with their cars.

“If you are driving on one of those streets and a mob comes and surrounds your vehicle and threatens you, you have a right to flee for your safety, and so if you drive off and you hit one of these people, that’s their fault for impinging on you," DeSantis said on an episode of the Rubin Report podcast that aired on Wednesday night.


These statements got a lot of attention   Charles Rabin (MIAMI HERALD) wrote Friday:


Gov. Ron DeSantis said that drivers will not be at fault if they hit protesters that block roadways in a clip that took social media by storm. Interviewed on a Reuben Report podcast episode released Wednesday, he said “you have a right to defend yourself in Florida.”

[. . .]

As for Jones’ concern about drivers being able to legally mow down protesters, that’s not the case, said Alana Greer, director of the Community Justice Project. What the Legislature did was enable a driver who hits someone during a riot to basically claim Stand Your Ground in a civil lawsuit only.


People need to start being held accountable when they promote violence.  That would include Chump and MAGA's inflammatory rhetoric that led a Chump supporter in Minnesota to go on a shooting spree. 


But I had to laugh darkly Saturday evening as I saw many conservatives on social media, prominent and not, try to locate an aha! moment in the fact that Vance Boelter, the Minnesota suspect, was appointed to a state advisory board by two Democratic governors. Please. He was targeting abortion providers. His neighbor said he was a Trump voter.

As for violence at the No Kings marches—there was a little. But the most notable instance was the man driving his car into a group of anti-Trump protesters in Culpeper, Virginia. Gee, I seem to remember another man in Virginia who drove his car into a phalanx of protesters, killing one of them. Which side was he on again?

“The left,” very broadly defined, engages in some acts of violence. Sure. But America’s culture of violence is driven by the right. And here’s the important point. This broadly defined “left” includes people and groups that despise the Democratic Party as much as or even more than they do Republicans. Antifa activists weren’t racing to the polls to vote for Kamala Harris, I assure you. Whereas on the right, the extremists worship Trump. He is their avenger. No Democratic presidential candidate would welcome the support of violent extremist groups (not that they would even offer it). Trump has. Repeatedly. They were at the U.S. Capitol for him on January 6, 2021, ready to administer a little street justice to his vice president in his name and in order to keep him in office illegally.



Kat's "Kat's Korner: Garbage shines, Joe Jonas deepens" went up Sunday.  The following sites updated:





Sunday, June 15, 2025

Chump was premature yet again

 

How embarrassing for Donald Chump.  In her report, C.I. reports from around the country about the millions and millions turning out for the No Kings protests but no one wanted to show up for Chump:


We could continue state by state but people turned out across the country everywhere.


Well . . .


Almost everywhere.  


In DC?  Dementia Donald saw about 10,000 people show up for his parade and b-day celebration.  "This was probably the most humiliating day in Donald Trump's whole life," Ben Meidas observes in the video below.



That video helped Mike select Chump Idiot of the Week -- see his "Idiot of the Week -- and also, Jen Psaki, cut the crap."  Kat's "Judy Garland, Lena Horne, Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire and Lana Turner" and Ruth's "Alec Baldwin's NEVERTHELESS: A MEMOIR" -- they aren't showing as posted in the blogroll to the left but three posts are showing up:


How hilarious that Chump flamed out.  I wish Barbra Streisand were more active online and was dashing off a short minute or two where she updates FUNNY GIRL's "Don't Rain On My Parade" to something like "Everybody laughs at you and your parade."


Let me note a Barbra song since I brought her up.  One of my favorite songs she did in the 70s would be one few seem to remember, "Prisoner (Love Theme from THE EYES OF LAURA MARS)."

 



I was not a BROADWAY ALBUM fan.  I saw that, actually, as the end of the hits and her retiring from pop.  If she'd brought with it the adventure from her finest album (THE SECOND BARBRA STREISAND ALBUM), that return might have been okay.  But instead it was toned down and sedated.  As were her songs.  I liked when she used to try to sing Laura Nyro, Stevie Wonder, Carole King, etc. "Prisoner" has more life and adventure in it than anything from the post-BROADWAY ALBUM period. 


"The Snapshot" (THE COMMON ILLS):

Friday, June 13, 2025. Senator Alex Padilla is assaulted by Kristi Noem and her goons, Pete Hegseth makes clear he is not fit to be Secretary of Defense, the press continues to cover for him and treat his repeated failures as though they are normal.  They are not.  One example, when you are four months late in submitting a budget and still haven't submitted it, that's not normal.


US House Rep Salud Carbajal:  It should come as no surprise that I have serious concerns with both the deployment of the National Guard and the Marines to Los Angeles.  I served in the Marine Corps.  We are trained to be war fighters not for crowd control.  Everyone here should be alarmed that the president has sent armed forces into a city against the wishes of the governor and mayor.  I am concerned this administration is purposely escalating the situation with this step and politicizing our armed forces in the process.  Let's call it for what it is:  It's political theater.  Hegseth, are the Marines in Los Angeles in order to protect property by any means necessary?

Secretary Pete Hegseth: Sir, I would say the ICE officers and the police officers being attacked is not political theater --

Police officers attacked?  Is that what the little Nazi just said?  The same one who refused all week to call out the insurrectionists that attacked the Capitol on January 6, 2021?  For three days this week, I've had to sit through that idiot avoiding reality in front of one Congressional committee after another.  On Tuesday, he lied to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense (see Wednesday's "The Snapshot" and Ava and my "Media: Lulu would explode Hegseth's head"), on Wednesday, he lied to  the Senate Appropriations Committee (see yesterday's "The Snapshot") and yesterday it was the House Armed Services Committee.  

Throughout it all, the liar invoked attacks on the police while pretending that January 6th didn't happen.  While lying nonstop.  He's just a cheap little liar.  As Betty noted this morning:


The police were under attack. 

Their lives were threatened by treason monkeys egged on by Chump.  They stood strong and brave and did everything any US citizen could have asked for them to do.

When Chump is finally out of the White House, I want the next president to have a ceremony to recognize these heroes.  I want it televised.  I want us to come together as a nation -- those with sanity -- and make clear that these people are heroes and that we are grateful to them.

They repelled the attack, yes.  But more than that, they stood up for and helped preserve freedom and democracy.

Chump and his minions are disgusting.  And they can rot in hell -- and I'm sure that they will. 


 
For three days, we've had to put up with Hegseth and his never ending lies.  He's sat with General Dan Caine and fat Bryn Woollacott MacDonnell (who used to work for US House Rep Calvart).  Caine, unlike Hegseth, could at least call out Hitler.  But with MAGA so rooted in Nazi love and with Hegseth's tattoos, Hegseth will never call out Hitler.  

For three days, we've had to put up with his overly made up face. We've learned that Lysine does actually reduce herpes sores around the mouth and reduced Hegseth's as the week progressed.  I'm told that he didn't worry about how much he consumed because it's supposed to all flush out in the urine.  Not a doctor, not giving medical advice just telling you it worked this week for Hegseth.  The foundation he wore?  A toss up.  By the third day, they selected one dark enough to almost completely conceal the Psoriasis (a journalist friend at Wednesday's hearing insists they look more a skin reaction to drinking too much alcohol) but it was a little too dark and emphasized the jowls.  A trade off?

What didn't work?

Is the little Nazi dressing himself?

He wore a tie that looked the same over and over -- and looked dirty at every hearing.  Too cheap to get your ties dry cleaned?  He had food on it, crusted food on it, one day.  And he wore that awful shirt every day unless he owns three that look exactly the same.


Someone needs to tell him that he's neither 7-years-old nor Sarah Jessica Parker.  At 45, he needs to learn to dress like a man.  If SJP wants to wear a little boy's shirt, she can pull it off.  She can.  She.  But a middle-aged man wearing a boy's shirt comes off more than a ltitle strange and pervy.

The hair -- like his personality -- got greasier each day.  

And just like the gook in his ugly hair increased each day, so did his anger. 


He tried to avoid every question.  He tried to run out the clock.  Over and over, he was told to answer the question.  On Tuesday, it started early on with the first questioning from a Democrat -- US House Rep  Betty McCollum had to repeatedly insist she was reclaiming her time and even the Republican chair had to note that Hegseth was not answering her.  Wednesday, Senator Jack Reed was the strongest in pointing out that Hegseth was not answering the questions.  Yesterday, it was probably US House Rep Salud Carbajal who was the most emphatic about pointing out Hegseth's non-answers -- "Just yes or no.  Can you just say yes or no?  This isn't FOX NEWS anymore.  Just yes or no."  In fact, let's note another time where Carbajal had to remind the Nazi that he was being asked a yes or no question. 


US House Rep Salud Carbajal:  Secretary, do you think the United States should continue supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russia -- a nation that is hostile towards the United States?

Secretary Pete Hegseth:  Well, as you know, sir, President Trump is committed to peace -- 

US House Rep Salud Carbajal: No, I just want a yes or no answer 

Secretary Pete Hegseth: -- the 

US House Rep Salud Carbajal:  Just yes or not.  Just yes or no.

Secretary Pete Hegseth: -- millions of dollars.--

US House Rep Salud Carbajal:  Yes or no. Can I get a yes or no out of you?

Secretary Pete Hegseth: We continue to send --


US House Rep Salud Carbajal:  Come on. 

Secretary Pete Hegseth:  -- central --

US House Rep Salud Carbajal: It's that easy.  Kindergardners could give me a yes or no.
  


The press seems to have missed this in its partial coverage so let's really underscore it.

Every one of the three hearings this week were about DoD's budget -- the 2026 Fiscal Year budget.  Hegseth is the Secretary of the Defense.  He is responsible for the department.  DoD has still not turned in a budget.  

The press doesn't seem to get that this is a problem.   US House Rep Betty McCollum was the first to point this out on Tuesday, "The point of this hearing is the President's 2026 Fiscal Budget Request and we don't have it.  It was due in February today is June 10th.  Four months from now is the end of the fiscal year and all we have is a very rough draft.  The DoD has failed to submit a complete request."



That's one more example of how he is avoiding questions and not doing his job. 

Or as Carbajal put it "Another b.s. answer."


All he's giving is b.s. answers.  And where is the damn press?  Why is this not a headline every day on the front page?  Every day at the top of any news broadcast?  Hegseth can't pull a budget request together.  That's big news.  This budget was the reason for all three hearings this week.  His hedging and evading on questions was just a smaller version his heading and evading his duty to submit a budget request.

At yesterday's hearing, US House Rep Maggie Goodlander pointed out:


You're required, under law, to submit this budget to Congress, because we've got the power of the purse, after all, no later than the first Monday in February. Here we are on the second Thursday in June. We don't have your budget, as the Chairman, the Ranking Member, and many of my colleagues on this committee have pointed out. You have testified that you want to be accountable for every dollar, every taxpayer dollar, and where it goes. We can't do our job without your budget. When can we expect your budget, Mr. Hegseth?

When can we expect your budget?

That should have been the  headline every day this week. 

And, as we noted earlier, it was pointed out in Tuesday's hearing.  And in Wednesday's hearing.  And yesterday.

At what point is the press concerned over Hegseth's failure to meet the February deadline?  Over his continued failure, all these months later, to meet the deadline?

This is a major story.  But we don't hear about that.  It's treated as normal but is dysfunctional and goes to how Hegseth was never qualified for this position. 

And that's there now in his refusal to answer questions -- again, he refused to condemn Hitler this week.  At a public hearing, he couldn't condemn Hitler.  Appearing before the Senate Appropriations Committee on Wednesday, he refused to condemn Hitler -- apparently afraid he might hurt Adolph's feelings?

None of this normal.  

And yet the press acts like it is.




The Signal scandal was raised in yesterday's hearing (more than once).  So we're all on the same page, this is WIKIPEDIA's overview of that scandal:


In March 2025, Jeffrey Goldberg, the editor-in-chief of The Atlanticreported that he had been accidentally included by Mike Waltz in a Signal group chat where Hegseth shared information about attacks in Yemen hours before they occurred.[113] The discussions involved U.S. officials, including Vance and secretary of state Marco Rubio. According to The New York Times, several officials with the Department of Defense expressed shock at the incident, while various former national security officials noted the potential for espionage amid ongoing efforts by China to obtain telecommunications records. A spokesperson for the National Security Council confirmed Goldberg's report and the authenticity of the messages. Hegseth rejected that war plans were shared and called Goldberg "deceitful" and a "discredited so-called journalist".[114][115] Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard said no classified information was shared and CIA director John Ratcliffe said Signal was authorized for the group chat.[116]

The incident distressed Hegseth, who threatened to use a polygraph on Christopher W. Grady, the acting chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.[117] Goldberg later published most of the Signal chat.[118] The chat showed that Hegseth posted information including the launch times of F-18 aircraft, MQ-9 drones and Tomahawk missiles, as well as the time when the F-18 aircraft would reach their targets, and the time when the bombs would land.[119][120] Hegseth commented on the chat, writing that there were: "No names. No targets. No locations. No units. No routes. No sources. No methods. And no classified information".[121] The incident led to criticism from both Republicans and Democrats.[122] After the Signal leak, media outlet Der Spiegel searched the Internet using a commercial information provider and password leaks, which revealed Hegseth's personal mobile number, personal email address and its password, and WhatsApp account.[123]

The Wall Street Journal reported that Hegseth had brought his wife to two meetings with foreign defense officials in which sensitive information was discussed, one meeting in February, at Brussels, with NATO officials, and the other in March, at the Pentagon, with British Defense Secretary John Healey.[124] Meanwhile, the Associated Press reported in March that Hegseth's brother, Phil, was listed by the Trump administration as a senior adviser to Hegseth, accompanying Hegseth to meetings, including in Congress, and on official foreign trips.[6] Phil, who previously worked in podcasting and media relations, was confirmed by Hegseth's office to be working in the Pentagon as a Department of Homeland Security liaison to the Department of Defense.[6] That month, The Washington Post detailed a memorandum written by Hegseth orienting the department towards deterring a potential invasion of Taiwan and supporting homeland defense by "assuming risk" in Europe. The document contained passages that were identical to those present in Project 2025.[125]

In April, the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General announced an inquiry into Hegseth's disclosure of classified information in the Signal chat.[126] That month, The New York Times reported that Hegseth had shared details on the attack in a second Signal chat with his wife, brother, and personal lawyer.[127] At the White House Easter Egg Roll, Hegseth suggested that the revelations were a coordinated smear campaign.[128] John Ullyot, the former spokesman for the Department of Defense, wrote in a Politico Magazine opinion piece hours later that the department was in a "full-blown meltdown" and warned that Hegseth was at risk of losing his position.[129]

According to NPR, the White House began looking for a secretary of defense to replace Hegseth the following day.[130] Nonetheless, he retained support from Trump,[131] who privately did not seek to relitigate a grueling Senate confirmation, enjoyed Hegseth's presence and appearance on television, and believed that firing him would lead to questions over Waltz's retention, while he publicly associated the controversy to "disgruntled employees" and boasted of Hegseth's work.[132][133] Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, stated that "the entire Pentagon is working against" Hegseth.[134] Representative Don Bacon became the first Republican House member to urge that Hegseth be fired.[135]

According to The Washington Post, Hegseth had Signal installed on his computer to circumvent cellular communication issues and to communicate with other Trump officials easier.[136] CNN later reported that Ricky Buria, a former aide to secretary of defense Lloyd Austin, had set up Signal on Hegseth's computer.[137] According to the Associated Press, the computer was on an unsecured internet line that was not using one of the Department of Defense's IP addresses.[138]

At least five political appointees within the Department of Defense resigned by April 24.[117] That day, Joe Kesper, Hegseth's chief of staff, resigned, but stated that he would remain at the department as a special government employee.[139] The firings and resignations led to a crisis within the Department of Defense that was described as a "free-for-all" by one employee who spoke to Politico.[140] Hegseth received criticism from Senate Democrats over alleged civilian deaths in the Yemen strikes.[141] In the same month, Sean Parnell, Justin Fulcher, Patrick Weaver, and Ricky Buria were announced as new senior advisers.[142]


Now let's go to yesterday's hearing.

US House Rep Salud Carbajal:  I'm going to beat this drum because you refuse to take responsibility.  Will you take responsibility for having made a mistake -- not to mention many people would say break the law -- in participating in the Signal group chat that included a journalist, your wife, your brother where classified information was shared? 

Secertary Hegseth: Sir, every way I communicate is authorized. 

US House Rep Salud Carbajal:  Oh, okay, if you want to say that.  I have called for your resignation.  I didn't think you were qualified before your confirmation and you have done nothing to inspire confidence in your ability to lead competently.  You broke the law in sharing classified information and, in doing so, endangered the lives of our service members that you are responsible for. Your inability to hold yourself accountable makes you incapable to lead. This alone makes you unfit to be the Secretary of Defense 

I want to go back to his confirmation hearing, to right after it when Senator Jack Reed issued a press release on that hearing which included:


Mr. Hegseth dodged and deferred questions about his conduct. He instead focused on complaining and calling our military weak and too “politically correct.” I am concerned that confirming Mr. Hegseth would send a message to our troops that they will be evaluated on political standards rather than merits, and that he will inject politics into a nonpartisan organization.

Further, Mr. Hegseth failed to convince us that he is capable of running any organization remotely as complex as the Department of Defense. He financially mismanaged two veterans' organizations and created a workplace culture of misconduct, including several incidents of public intoxication. This is unacceptable behavior for a Secretary of Defense nominee.

Further, he defended his recent statement that: “I’m straight up just saying we should not have women in combat roles.” 


The confirmation hearing was on US House Rep Jill Tokuda's mind as evidenced by this exchange in yesterday's hearing.


US House Rep Jill Tokuda: Mr. Secretary, during your confirmation hearing, you failed to deny the conclusion that you would carry out  an order to shoot protesters in the legs. So let me be direct, given what we're seeing across the country right now, would you carry out or issue an order by the President for our military to fire upon protesters actively engaging in their civil right to exercise free speech, their First Amendment rights, would you give that order from the President?

Secretary Pete Hegseth: I assume you're insinuating what's going on in Los Angeles.

US House Rep Jill Tokuda: Not just in Los Angeles, if you take a look at protests throughout the country, it's a simple question,


Secretary Pete Hegseth:  As you know and as this committee knows, we have standard rules of engagement that are in place that give guidance to our troops and they abide by them.
 

US House Rep Jill Tokuda:  I'm asking what you would do.  Again, you said you serve at the pleasure of the President, is that not true?

Secretary Pete Hegseth:  I do serve.


US House Rep Jill Tokuda: So if the President told you to shoot people in the legs, would you do so? Now, you failed to answer this question as well as at the confirmation hearing when asked by members of the Senate.


Secretary Pete Hegseth:  Because I refuse to accept a false hypothetical that's attempting to put me in a corner.


US House Rep Jill Tokuda:  At a time when we have more Marines and National Guard in Los Angeles than we do in Syria and [Iraq] alone, I don't think this is a hypothetical. This is an actual situation that we are dealing with right now.

 

Hegseth is unqualified and ignorant.  He's forever yammering on about the border, for example, but he doesn't have a clue as was made clear in the following exchange in yesterday's hearing.


US House Rep. Gabe Vasquez: Secretary Hegseth, do you know how many border miles there are in New Mexico?


Secretary Pete Hegseth:  I don't know.  Not the exact number of miles. 


US House Rep. Gabe Vasquez: Can you give me a round figure?


Secretary Pete Hegseth: Hundreds.


US House Rep. Gabe Vasquez:  180 miles.  Can you tell me where the border wall starts and ends on this map of New Mexico? 


Secretary Pete Hegseth: Not properly oriented to your map but I know fortunately because of the administration previous they did not have the opportunity to finish the border wall


US House Rep. Gabe Vasquez: Thank you, Secretary.  Thank you.  You have been to New Mexico.  Can you tell me where in New Mexico you've been to?


Secretary Pete Hegseth: I've been to the border twice to look at once our national security defense down there because, uh, I can't recall a time when a Secretary of Defense has gone down the first four or five months of his tenure --


US House Rep. Gabe Vasquez: Was that in an urban area or a rural area?


Secretary Pete Hegseth: Both areas.  Traversed rural areas and urban areas.


US House Rep. Gabe Vasquez: Okay, so you must be familiar with --


Secretary Pete Hegseth:  Some with walls.  Some without. 

US House Rep. Gabe Vasquez:  So --

Secretary Pete Hegseth:  President Trump -- 

US House Rep. Gabe Vasquez: Thank you, Mr .Secretary, I'm reclaiming my time.  The most remote part of New Mexico is called The Boothill.  And I'm not sure that you spent any time in The Boothill of New Mexico. Mr. Secretary, I was raised on the border.  I've lived there my entire life. I've worked alongside ranches, farmers, wild life biologists and other stakeholders for over a decade.  I headed a border security task force in my community before coming to Congress.  I've traveled with border patrols on ATVs, I've hunted the border on horseback and hiked dozens of miles in the most remote stretches of the border in this region.  Now do you happen to know why there hasn't been a border wall in The Boothill?


Secretary Pete Hegseth:  Well based on what you just described, you should be a big fan of what our administration just is --


US House Rep. Gabe Vasquez:  Well, Secretary, I'm asking why a border wall has not been built. Funds have been allocated for a border.


Secretary Pete Hegseth:  Here's what I know, our commanders on the ground and engineers and others would understand what goes where and why and where there should be a border wall there --


US House Rep. Gabe Vasquez: Okay, Secretary, are you with Animas Mountains, with San Luis Mountains, with Guadalupe Pass or Long Canyon?


Secretary Pete Hegseth: Again --


US House Rep. Gabe Vasquez: Critical border areas. 


Secretary Pete Hegseth: I'm aware that there are gaps in different places --


US House Rep. Gabe Vasquez: Thank you, Secretary, I appreciate your answer on that --


Secretary Pete Hegseth: -- where it makes the most sense --


US House Rep. Gabe Vasquez: Thank you, thank you, Secretary.  So you agree that a border wall doesn't make sense for the entire country?


Secretary Pete Hegseth: I-I think we need a border wall across our entire border.


US House Rep. Gabe Vasquez:  Okay, then you should know why it's almost physically impossible to build a border across the Animus Mountains and the terrain challenges that poses and the billions of dollars.  Do you know  if there's roads on those mountains currently?


Secretary Pete Hegseth: If we're going to spend money on --


US House Rep. Gabe Vasquez: Okay, I'll take that as a no  The point I'm trying to make, Mr. Secretary, is that if this is so important to the military than you as Secretary of the Dept of Defense should know more about the border.  Mr. Secretary, I urge you to skip the photo ops next time you go to a port of entry and spend time on the ground in places like Diamond Day Ranch.


Hegseth then exploded with nonsense and I've had enough nonsense this week.  It was so bad the Chair (a Republican) had to step in and note what Vasquez had already noted -- that Vasquez had "reclaimed my time" meaning: Shut up, you raving idiot.  Your angry outburst has nothing to do with reality or the question you were asked.


Hegseth started the hearing week on Tuesday cocky and full of s**t as he grinned and boasted in his opening remarks that he had killed DEI.  All he's killed is our national defense.  He's a raving loon who was never qualified for this job.  


Vasquez would go on to further reveal how the administration and Hegesth are uninformed and uneducated.  Vasquez was surprised that Hegesth didn't even know what an AST was.  Vasquez explained, "It's an Autonomous Surveillance Tower.  They're equipped with these advanced cameras that have the capability to relay critical information to border agents on the ground.  And this type of technology is badly needed on The Boothill and it's a much better expenditure than a border wall is."

After the hearing, US House Rep Gabe Vasquez issued a statement which included:


"Pete Hegseth couldn’t name how many miles of border exist in New Mexico. He couldn’t point to where the wall starts or ends. He couldn’t say whether there are roads in critical terrain. And he had no meaningful answer when I asked about surveillance technologies despite their clear value as modern, cost-effective alternatives to a border wall,” said Vasquez. “This is not just concerning—it’s disqualifying. The military doesn’t belong on our border.”


Again, this all goes to pattern, it all goes to how he was never qualified and still is not.  How long is the press going to continue to pretend that this is even functional?  Hegesth fails on every standard and needs to go.  The coverage of him needs to reflect all his failures including his ignorance, his arrogance and his inability to meet basic deadlines such as being months behind in submitting a budget request due in Febuary -- a budget request still not submitted despite the fact that Congress held three hearings this week on this topic.



Okay, we have to get this up.  I was trying to wait so anyone posting this morning -- community members -- could be noted. I can update that after the snapshot goes up.  Senator Alex Padilla was attacked by Kristi Noam and her goons yesterday.  It was outrageous and offensive.  Heads should roll.  It was a topic in the roundtable for the gina & krista round-robin -- the longest roundtable we've ever done.  Most went to sleep after and were planning to blog this morning.  A few have but let's get this up.  


First, here's the statement from the senator's office:

Statement on Sen. Padilla’s Forcible Removal from DHS Press Conference in Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES, CA — Today, the Office of U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, released the following statement after Padilla was forcibly removed from Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem’s press conference while performing Congressional oversight in Los Angeles:

“Senator Padilla is currently in Los Angeles exercising his duty to perform Congressional oversight of the federal government’s operations in Los Angeles and across California. He was in the federal building to receive a briefing with General Guillot and was listening to Secretary Noem’s press conference. He tried to ask the Secretary a question, and was forcibly removed by federal agents, forced to the ground and handcuffed. He is not currently detained, and we are working to get additional information.”

###


Next, here is speaking about it on MSNBC.



And reactions from other members of Congress.









 This is a good time to again note that Saturday will see protests.   Donald Chump's going to strap on the catheter and bask in his urine and fascist soaked Depends to have a military parade in his order and, yes, tanks will rumble in US streets.  Counter-protests will take place to remind him that he is not a king.  Or for that matter, not a functioning president.  Khaleda Rahman (NEWSWEEK) reports that the protests will take place across the country but not in DC::



Here's a look at one event happening in each state. To see all the events taking place, visit the "No Kings" website.

Montgomery, Alabama: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Alabama Department of Archives and History, 624 Washington Ave.
Homer, Alaska: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at WKFL (Wisdom, Knowledge, Faith & Love) Park, 580 E Pioneer Ave
Phoenix, Arizona: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Arizona State Capitol, 1700 W Washington St, Wesley Bolin Plaza
Little Rock, Arkansas: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Broadway Bridge
San Diego, California: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Civic Center Plaza, 1200 Third Ave.
Boulder, Colorado: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the grassy area along Canyon between the Boulder Library and Municipal Building, 1777 Broadway
New Haven, Connecticut: 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at New Haven Green, Church St. and Chapel St.
Wilmington, Delaware: 9 a.m. to 10:20 a.m. at North Bancroft Parkway & Pennsylvania Avenue
Tallahassee, Florida: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Florida Historic Capitol, 400 S Monroe St
Atlanta, Georgia: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Liberty Plaza, Capitol Ave SW
Honolulu, Hawaii: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Hawaii State Capitol, 415 S Beretania St.
Boise, Idaho: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Idaho State Capitol, 700 W Jefferson St.
Chicago, Illinois: 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Daley Plaza, 50 W Washington St.
Indianapolis, Indiana: 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Indiana Statehouse, 200 W Washington St.
Davenport, Iowa: 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at MLK Interpretive Center, 501 N Brady St.
Wichita, Kansas: 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at East Douglas Ave. and North Broadway St.
Louisville, Kentucky: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Metro City Hall, 527 W Jefferson St.
New Orleans, Louisiana: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 2400 Decatur St.
Portland, Maine: 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Lincoln Park, Pearl St.
Annapolis, Maryland: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Maryland State House, 100 State Cir
Brookline, Massachusetts: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Beacon St. and Harvard St.
Detroit, Michigan: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Clark Park, 1130 Clark Ave.
St. Cloud, Minnesota: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Courthouse Square
Jackson, Mississippi: 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Southside, 400 High St.
St. Louis, Missouri: 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Kiener Plaza Park, 500 Chestnut St.
Helena, Montana: 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Montana State Capitol, 1301 E 6th Ave.
Omaha, Nebraska: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 1 at Tom Hanafan River's Edge Park, 4200 Avenue B
Las Vegas, Nevada: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Federal Courthouse at 333 S Las Vegas Blvd
Concord, New Hampshire: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at New Hampshire State House, 107 N Main St.
Trenton, New Jersey: 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at State House Annex, 125 W. State St.
Albuquerque, New Mexico: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Mariposa Basin Park, 4900 Kachina St. NW
New York, New York: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Bryant Park, 5th Ave. and East 41st St.
Durham, North Carolina: 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at CCB Plaza, 201 Corcoran St.
Bismarck, North Dakota: 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Bismarck State Capitol grounds, North 6th St. and East Boulevard Ave.
Akron, Ohio: 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at John F. Seiberling Federal Building and United States Courthouse, 2 S Main St.
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at City Hall Park, 109 N Hudson Ave.
Portland, Oregon: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Battleship Oregon Memorial in Tom McCall Waterfront Park, 221 SW Naito Pkwy and SW Pine St.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Love Park, Arch St. and North 16th St., marching to the Philadelphia Museum of Art
Providence, Rhode Island: 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Rhode Island State House, 82 Smith St.
Charleston, South Carolina: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Hampton Park, 30 Mary Murray Dr.
Sioux Falls, South Dakota: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 300 N Minnesota Ave.
Memphis, Tennessee: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at North East corner, Poplar Ave. and South Highland St.
Houston, Texas: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Houston City Hall, 901 Bagby St.
Salt Lake City, Utah: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Pioneer Park, 350 W Broadway
Montpelier, Vermont: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Vermont State House, 115 State St.
Charlottesville, Virginia: 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at The Shops at Stonefield, 2025 Bond St.
Seattle, Washington: 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Cal Anderson Park, 1635 11th Ave.
Huntington, West Virginia: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Heritage Station, 210 11th St.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin: 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Cathedral Square Park, 520 East Wells
Cheyenne, Wyoming: 12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at 200 W 24th St.



-----------------------
Added four minutes after this posted.  Wednesday, this went up at this site.

Wednesday, June 11, 2025

WATCH: 'I Know I'm A Woman': GOP Members Groan After Sánchez Accuses Be...


"That is not the title!" insisted an angry e-mailer.  No, it isn't.  The title was "WATCH: 'I Know I'm A Woman...': Audience Groans After Sánchez Accuses Bessent Of Interrupting Her."  I have no idea why FORBES titled it that.  I was present and she was not booed by audience members.  She was booed by Republicans on the Committee.  I do not knowingly put false things up here.  I scan a great deal and might miss something.  I rush and might miss something.  And I certainly do not know everything and miss a lot as a result.  But I was at that hearing this week -- and I know and like Linda and her sister Loretta -- so I wasn't going to post the FORBES video with a lie in the title.  I was right, FORBES was wrong.  Again, I was there.  But if that's not good enough for you, you can refer to Tommy Christopher's MEDIAITE report on the incident.


----------------------

Isaiah's THE WORLD TODAY JUST NUTS "Kristi Noem Invited MAGA To Follow Her To Hell" went up last night.  The following sites updated:


UPDATED: All community sites that usually post on Thursday night have now posted: