Well, a marine after all.... I was army but for a while was detached to the navy and I must say they were the most creative in producing swearing alliterations. Marines were more to the point.
I could more easily give up coffee than swearing, and I will not give up either.
I have a friend who is spinning Lent a different way: She is making it her mission to buy from only local, small store, sole proprietor markets/vendors.
An excellent idea. Skip the franchise businesses . I prefer local women and minority owned whenever I can. They make you feel better just being there and I have never been disappointed.
Thank you TC for reporting the 5-4 SCOTUS Order to release USAID finds quickly. I took a screen shot of the Chief Judge & Justice Sotomayor walking into the capitol chamber together.
Sotomayor had a pained look on her face & her eyes closed which I will not post. The decision was straightforward U.S. Administrative Law -- a no brainer. We are missing 4 brains.
You have to be buying yourself a colossal headache every day reporting on the absurd and frankly scary situation the US finds itself in today. Thank you for diluting our daily pain as you pass it on to us, Tom.
As for SCOTUS refusing to let Krasnov withhold funding, Roberts was stuck because he has made past pronouncements about the illegality of impoundment. Comey-Barrett may have gone along because Roberts is still the alpha male there, something radical Catholic women are expected to do.
I am encouraged by the Gen-Zs because I see more of them engaged in politics and current events. Things have been moving too rapidly and will continue to do so for the likes of Grassley, Shummer, even Pelosi to absorb. The 2025ers wind up the key on Krasnov's back every day to keep him peddling their plan, lying, and threatening Democrats and former allies, part of the plan to make us all irrelevant so only the oligarchs will not just be totally in charge, but will be the only ones to matter. All Krasnov is still adept at is the grift, and that's because there are too many willing --nay, eager--marks among the magas.
Finally, as for Ron Johnson, yes, indeed he knows the tariffs imposed on Canada and Mexico are going to be disastrous, not just for the stock market, as he states, but for his state, Wisconsin, and for mine, Michigan, because our energy costs are going to zoom upward, just after one of our major providers just received authorization for a rate hike. Wisconsin's dairy industry is going to be hit hard. And before any of this ever affects Godfather Krasnov, it will land one on Johnson's chin.
Maine only shares one border with another state--otherwise we are bordered by Quebec and New Brunswick. We get most of our commercial gas via Canada and 90%+of our heating oil as well...also we get a lot of power from HydroQuebec. We import a huge amount of dimension lumber and other wood products such as pellets (pellet stoves) from both New Brunswick and Quebec.
So, gee, thanks ever so much, Krasnov. Aroostook Country Krasnov supporters are feeling a "bit" betrayed, dontcha know. Krasnov may not find them quite as gullible or enthusiastically supportive from now out.
Senator "Always Concerned" Collins may get this on the chin, too.
One thing I'm not clear about. Why are assorted people "resigning" instead of saying "fire me." Are their pensions at risk if they are fired? Their health benefits? Do retired government employees GET health benefits if they retire before 65?
I absolutely LOVE the 'notice of new evidence." The DOJ lawyers are going to have to say trump lied to Congress. (I've heard that remaining DOJ lawyers are complaining because there aren't enough of them; I've always figured they would be very thinly spread out. I wonder even if the "loyalists" will stick around, tired to having to say to the court about simple facts "gee, I don't know." )
In my experience with California government, the personnel office told me that resigning as I did was protection of any benefits still remaining (not many). Being fired carries the connotation of some form of wrongdoing and does (in California govt) result in loss of benefits. I'd think the Feds operate similarly.
I just figured out the right question to ask Google. The pension benefits are called FERS and combine a pension, social security (which you pay into) and a fund like a 401K. Once the benefits have vested, being fired except for dire things like treason does not lose you the benefits. The pension is an annuity based, I think, on your three highest earning years. You have to work 5 years for anything to vest.
I assume health benefits would cease if you quit or are fired--no sure about retirement before Medicare age. Looks like there is the equivalent of Cobra.
Difficult to tell how much courage it would take for any employee to stand their ground without knowing more about their finances than we are likely to know.
I keep thinking the long plan is to crash the systems of government, then use that and the subsequent protests as an excuse to declare martial law. Even if the military wasn’t cooperating (a big “if”), Krasnov effectively controls private militias in the form of the Proud Boys, Oathkeepers, etc. In addition, Eric Prince - he of Blackwater hired-goon fame - has already proposed the government hire his group to serve as private “security “. I truly hope I’m overthinking this, but I fear not.
Macroeconomics in as Tariff Stupidity spreads, Hang with the Federal Reserve publishes a "Beige Book" 8 times a year. Each Federal Reserve reports on sectional insights.
St Louis Federal Reserve Beige Book entry today, March 5:
"Contacts noted that they were holding OFF investments due to policy uncertainty & indicated that tariffs would result in higher prices".
I read a book during the Address to Congress then turned the TV on just in time to catch all but the first minute or two of Elissa Slotkin's rebuttal which was excellent - direct, tight and hit all the most essential points.
The young folks who voted for the orange fuckface do not have two neurons firing simultaneously in their skull. They thought the orange thug will give them more opportunity to make a life than the dark-skinned, amazingly well qualified, public servant for life woman? They will never vote for anyone but the Rs no matter what happens to their shifty life. Time to move on and figure out how we can convince the folks who did not vote to vote and vote for their self interest.
It may well be worse than any of us is willing to admit. As some of you know, I subscribe to videos put out by Peter Zeihan, who has been a successful geopolitical analyst for over 25 years. He just dropped a jaw-dropping video report (Patreon so I cannot share it now) discussing the actions of the Trump administration that benefit Russia and Putin, and he has come to the conclusion that there is a real chance (that must be considered) that Russia has penetrated the White House to direct the actions of the United States government to benefit Russian interests.....make of that what you will, but he is not a conspiracy theorist and he has been in his business for over 25 years.....
Ah, yes—let the red-hatted imbeciles reap what they sow. Fire up the draft! Ship them out! Send their bloated, chest-thumping carcasses straight into the meat grinder of war they cheered from the safety of their recliners, mouths stuffed with processed cheese and Fox-fed propaganda. Let them be the first to crawl through the mud, screaming for their mamas as enemy mortars turn their patriotic fantasies into pink mist. No flags, no folded condolences—just a pair of scorched dog tags rattling in a box, delivered to the doorstep of some slack-jawed grandparent still gibbering about “American greatness.”
Poetic justice, wrapped in a body bag.
"...a monthly poll at SocialSphere tracking attitudes of voters under the age of 30, a group Democrats traditionally depended on in presidential elections, but that Kamala Harris failed to win by a large enough margin to put her in the White House. The main reason? Younger men broke decisively to Trump, by 14 points"
Thanks, Tom for listening to trumpslime's current odyssey into fantasy land. I neither listened nor watched - no need to sicken myself. Glad to hear Roberts and Barrett are beginning to uphold the
Arne, I cannot read the 5-4 opinion this morning but the 5 votes constitutional administrative law analysis may cited in the battles dead ahead. I will check it out but, cannot do so today. Regards.
The Founder of SCOTUSblog, AMY HOWE.,had a good piece on her "Emergency Docket' this morning at 3/5/25 9:45 AM today, "Supreme Court denies Trump's request to block 2 $Billion foreign aid Payment".
And the Dems' response for our side was holding up little signs like they were attending a gd auction or something. Geez! After reading the terrific speech you wrote as a guide to how Dems should respond, I was looking for something creative, dramatic and effective. Now the opportunity is past. Our people just don't know how to play this game, do they.
I did not watch any of that speech. I'd be more descriptive with that comment, but I decided to give up swearing for Lent.
Ah the devil does tempt! I thought the evil one had red skin and a tail. My bad, it's ORANGE SKIN and a reeeeeaaaaalllly long red tie.
I don't know how you can give up swearing. I now use fucks like they were commas.
Thank You, Paul! That's exactly it! I shall continue "to use fucks like they were commas"!
I wish I could, but my partner--a former marine, for goodness sake--disapproves. I still use fucks but mostly online.
Well, a marine after all.... I was army but for a while was detached to the navy and I must say they were the most creative in producing swearing alliterations. Marines were more to the point.
That's good point!😏😆
LOL, good comment!
I'm trying, but I confess, here it is Ash Wednesday and about 5 pm I slipped up. :-(
You are fucking forgiven my dear.
;-D
I could more easily give up coffee than swearing, and I will not give up either.
I have a friend who is spinning Lent a different way: She is making it her mission to buy from only local, small store, sole proprietor markets/vendors.
An excellent idea. Skip the franchise businesses . I prefer local women and minority owned whenever I can. They make you feel better just being there and I have never been disappointed.
Thank you TC for reporting the 5-4 SCOTUS Order to release USAID finds quickly. I took a screen shot of the Chief Judge & Justice Sotomayor walking into the capitol chamber together.
Sotomayor had a pained look on her face & her eyes closed which I will not post. The decision was straightforward U.S. Administrative Law -- a no brainer. We are missing 4 brains.
You have to be buying yourself a colossal headache every day reporting on the absurd and frankly scary situation the US finds itself in today. Thank you for diluting our daily pain as you pass it on to us, Tom.
As for SCOTUS refusing to let Krasnov withhold funding, Roberts was stuck because he has made past pronouncements about the illegality of impoundment. Comey-Barrett may have gone along because Roberts is still the alpha male there, something radical Catholic women are expected to do.
I am encouraged by the Gen-Zs because I see more of them engaged in politics and current events. Things have been moving too rapidly and will continue to do so for the likes of Grassley, Shummer, even Pelosi to absorb. The 2025ers wind up the key on Krasnov's back every day to keep him peddling their plan, lying, and threatening Democrats and former allies, part of the plan to make us all irrelevant so only the oligarchs will not just be totally in charge, but will be the only ones to matter. All Krasnov is still adept at is the grift, and that's because there are too many willing --nay, eager--marks among the magas.
Finally, as for Ron Johnson, yes, indeed he knows the tariffs imposed on Canada and Mexico are going to be disastrous, not just for the stock market, as he states, but for his state, Wisconsin, and for mine, Michigan, because our energy costs are going to zoom upward, just after one of our major providers just received authorization for a rate hike. Wisconsin's dairy industry is going to be hit hard. And before any of this ever affects Godfather Krasnov, it will land one on Johnson's chin.
Maine only shares one border with another state--otherwise we are bordered by Quebec and New Brunswick. We get most of our commercial gas via Canada and 90%+of our heating oil as well...also we get a lot of power from HydroQuebec. We import a huge amount of dimension lumber and other wood products such as pellets (pellet stoves) from both New Brunswick and Quebec.
So, gee, thanks ever so much, Krasnov. Aroostook Country Krasnov supporters are feeling a "bit" betrayed, dontcha know. Krasnov may not find them quite as gullible or enthusiastically supportive from now out.
Senator "Always Concerned" Collins may get this on the chin, too.
One thing I'm not clear about. Why are assorted people "resigning" instead of saying "fire me." Are their pensions at risk if they are fired? Their health benefits? Do retired government employees GET health benefits if they retire before 65?
I absolutely LOVE the 'notice of new evidence." The DOJ lawyers are going to have to say trump lied to Congress. (I've heard that remaining DOJ lawyers are complaining because there aren't enough of them; I've always figured they would be very thinly spread out. I wonder even if the "loyalists" will stick around, tired to having to say to the court about simple facts "gee, I don't know." )
In my experience with California government, the personnel office told me that resigning as I did was protection of any benefits still remaining (not many). Being fired carries the connotation of some form of wrongdoing and does (in California govt) result in loss of benefits. I'd think the Feds operate similarly.
I just figured out the right question to ask Google. The pension benefits are called FERS and combine a pension, social security (which you pay into) and a fund like a 401K. Once the benefits have vested, being fired except for dire things like treason does not lose you the benefits. The pension is an annuity based, I think, on your three highest earning years. You have to work 5 years for anything to vest.
I assume health benefits would cease if you quit or are fired--no sure about retirement before Medicare age. Looks like there is the equivalent of Cobra.
Difficult to tell how much courage it would take for any employee to stand their ground without knowing more about their finances than we are likely to know.
Fiduciaries duties (plural) require any lawyer to "stick around' & fight back.
Re: Alina Habba - you forgot to mention grossly incompetent.
I thought the "I won't forget" remark was a thank-you for keeping him out of jail. Sometimes those mob boss comments can be interpreted two ways.
That was also my first thought, until I saw the news about the court decision.
I keep thinking the long plan is to crash the systems of government, then use that and the subsequent protests as an excuse to declare martial law. Even if the military wasn’t cooperating (a big “if”), Krasnov effectively controls private militias in the form of the Proud Boys, Oathkeepers, etc. In addition, Eric Prince - he of Blackwater hired-goon fame - has already proposed the government hire his group to serve as private “security “. I truly hope I’m overthinking this, but I fear not.
Cheryl, you are thinking exactly right. I'll ask my Proud Boy neighbor if he has any travel plans.
Lucky you, MaryPat. Let us know if he says something interesting!
Scariest night of my life was January 5th, 2021, since I knew what was coming in the morning.
Macroeconomics in as Tariff Stupidity spreads, Hang with the Federal Reserve publishes a "Beige Book" 8 times a year. Each Federal Reserve reports on sectional insights.
St Louis Federal Reserve Beige Book entry today, March 5:
"Contacts noted that they were holding OFF investments due to policy uncertainty & indicated that tariffs would result in higher prices".
That's Fed Speak for we are fucked.
Thank you for the translation, Counsellor.
Of cores, Sheriff.
Thanks Tom for taking one
for the TAFM crew with
Kraznov last night. I was
re-reading John Lee Carre's
Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, SPY. I
Thoughts kept drifting to
Kraznov and Russia. 😉
I watched a Hallmark always-a-happy-ending movie instead of the trumpfuckup. Then cheered my Senator Elissa Slotkin's fabulous speech!
I read a book during the Address to Congress then turned the TV on just in time to catch all but the first minute or two of Elissa Slotkin's rebuttal which was excellent - direct, tight and hit all the most essential points.
The young folks who voted for the orange fuckface do not have two neurons firing simultaneously in their skull. They thought the orange thug will give them more opportunity to make a life than the dark-skinned, amazingly well qualified, public servant for life woman? They will never vote for anyone but the Rs no matter what happens to their shifty life. Time to move on and figure out how we can convince the folks who did not vote to vote and vote for their self interest.
It may well be worse than any of us is willing to admit. As some of you know, I subscribe to videos put out by Peter Zeihan, who has been a successful geopolitical analyst for over 25 years. He just dropped a jaw-dropping video report (Patreon so I cannot share it now) discussing the actions of the Trump administration that benefit Russia and Putin, and he has come to the conclusion that there is a real chance (that must be considered) that Russia has penetrated the White House to direct the actions of the United States government to benefit Russian interests.....make of that what you will, but he is not a conspiracy theorist and he has been in his business for over 25 years.....
To think that Doug Ford was once laughed at. He sobered up and got smart.
Ah, yes—let the red-hatted imbeciles reap what they sow. Fire up the draft! Ship them out! Send their bloated, chest-thumping carcasses straight into the meat grinder of war they cheered from the safety of their recliners, mouths stuffed with processed cheese and Fox-fed propaganda. Let them be the first to crawl through the mud, screaming for their mamas as enemy mortars turn their patriotic fantasies into pink mist. No flags, no folded condolences—just a pair of scorched dog tags rattling in a box, delivered to the doorstep of some slack-jawed grandparent still gibbering about “American greatness.”
Poetic justice, wrapped in a body bag.
"...a monthly poll at SocialSphere tracking attitudes of voters under the age of 30, a group Democrats traditionally depended on in presidential elections, but that Kamala Harris failed to win by a large enough margin to put her in the White House. The main reason? Younger men broke decisively to Trump, by 14 points"
Thanks, Tom for listening to trumpslime's current odyssey into fantasy land. I neither listened nor watched - no need to sicken myself. Glad to hear Roberts and Barrett are beginning to uphold the
Constitution once again.
Sorry to say, it's only temporary. Roberts will definitely fold. Barrett is a slightly wild card.
Arne, I cannot read the 5-4 opinion this morning but the 5 votes constitutional administrative law analysis may cited in the battles dead ahead. I will check it out but, cannot do so today. Regards.
Thanks, Bryan. Whenever you get to it, we will appreciate your insights.
The Founder of SCOTUSblog, AMY HOWE.,had a good piece on her "Emergency Docket' this morning at 3/5/25 9:45 AM today, "Supreme Court denies Trump's request to block 2 $Billion foreign aid Payment".
USAID payment will be made shortly!
And the Dems' response for our side was holding up little signs like they were attending a gd auction or something. Geez! After reading the terrific speech you wrote as a guide to how Dems should respond, I was looking for something creative, dramatic and effective. Now the opportunity is past. Our people just don't know how to play this game, do they.
I wish I had written that. It was the great Greg Olear who did that - I reposted it.
Yes, realized that after I hit send. You both are our heroes.