Tag: NJ

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Day 34 TRANSGENDER RIGHTS

DT rescinded federal protection laws protecting transgendered students from using the bathroom of their choice—WHY? because he is a gigantic D-Bag!

I can’t mince words over this one. Fear—-Fueling HATE!

What role did his administration play–they are all intertwined. Sessions forcing DeVos who had to approve the move as head of the Department of Education–they must all be held accountable. Many news sources reported her original hesitancy, until she was instructed to fall into line–and she did.

“The New York Times reported Wednesday that DeVos was concerned about the level of harm that transgender students could face without the instructions in place. Attorney General Jeff Sessions and President Trump reportedly pushed DeVos to get on board. White House spokesman Sean Spicer pushed back on that story, saying there is “no daylight” between the President and his Cabinet.” (1,2)

This lead to a bus stop chat with my youngest this morning about civil rights, humanity and doing the right thing. Even my 14 year old could easily conclude that—-Standing up for others is not always an easy thing to do but it is ALWAYS the right thing to do.

Mother of 3

Nurse

Colts Neck, NJ

Resource

Trump Rescinds Rules on Bathrooms for Transgender Students, https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/22/us/politics/devos-sessions-transgender-students-rights.html?_r=0

Education Secretary Betsy DeVos Said Old Transgender Guidelines Were ‘Overreach’, http://time.com/4680861/betsy-devos-transgender-students-overreach/

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Day 33 REFUGEES NOT WELCOME

ref·u·gee
ˌrefyo͝oˈjē/
noun
  1. a person who has been forced to leave their country in order to escape war, persecution, or natural disaster.
    “tens of thousands of refugees fled their homes”
    synonyms: émigré, fugitive, exile, displaced person, asylum seeker;

    “collecting blankets for the refugees”

For my religious friends (any religion), my ethical friends, my spiritual friends, my educated friends, my Fellow Americans–RISE UP!

Mother of 3

Nurse

Colts Neck, NJ

Activists place ‘Refugees Welcome’ banner on Statue of Liberty pedestal, http://thehill.com/homenews/news/320535-activists-place-refugees-welcome-banner-on-statue-of-liberty-pedestal

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Day 32 FEAR MONGERING – HATE

I wrote the following poem after the election when hate crimes started to rise, a direct reflection of DT’s direction and leadership. As a result of the desecration of over 100 Jewish cemetery headstones in St. Louis and the bomb threats called into Jewish Community Centers, I wanted to revisit the issue of fear mongering and its outcomes.

FOX news panders to a fan base that runs on fear and generates hate. As a result the news it churns out, the propaganda it spews, intolerance grows. Who is FOX’s fanbase? White supremacists, bigots, anti-muslims, anti-blacks, antisemitics–some would argue this includes older, white, typically men, typically less educated as its majority and I don’t think I could argue against that point. Now, I am not saying ALL FOX viewers are older, white and uneducated or that all DT supporters are “Deplorables” but those supporters who are xenophobic, homophobic, white supremacists, bigots, misogynists, etc–well, they are DEPLORABLE without exception.

When a leader leads with a fear mongering tactic or uses a media source, in this case FOX, whose entire spiel is fear mongering, the end goals is always HATE. Fox has created a fan base that HATES and this is not acceptable and a leader who believes their rhetoric is a dangerous, ignorant leader.

Written after the election in response to rise in hate crimes:

Racism here, racism there, racism everywhere–on a plane, in a store, you can see it more and more. Leaders, will you not lead, protect the people must we plead, but you are busy, that we know, ranting on twitter putting on a show.

Everyday we cannot believe the way you behave, we cannot conceive. However, day by day, it becomes more clear that you will deliver on the hate you heave. Spreading lies, cronies in tow, to those concerned, it is such a blow.

Achieving greatness was your goal…but alas it seems, this, we must forego.

Mother of 3

Nurse

Colts Neck, NJ

Resources:

Vandals damage 100 headstones at Jewish cemetery, police say, http://www.cnn.com/2017/02/21/us/jewish-cemetery-vandalized/

Another Wave Of Bomb Threats Targets Jewish Community Centers, http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/02/21/516422832/another-wave-of-bomb-threats-targets-jewish-community-centers

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Day 31 NOT MY PRESIDENT

It has been 31 days since DT’s inauguration. I really feel as if I have remained in a state of shock since election night. I was so naive. I thought everyone saw his character flaws for what they were. I thought my friends and family could see through his facade of being a business man and instead see his inability to be a good business man. I thought he wore his failed business practices, lack of moral character and unintelligence as a suit that everyone could see. I kept waiting, waiting for them to see the light–to see that The Emperor was Naked and that suit was invisible. 

During the election, everyday I thought–this would be the day. The day when the world, the people saw him for what he was. Would it be when (not listed in chronological order, just as I remember them):

1) He claimed he saw thousands of Muslims celebrating in the streets after 9/11–and it was a LIE (1)

2) When he mocked a NYTimes reporter’s disability (1)

3) Called Mexicans rapists

4) Stated that he would build a wall and have Mexico pay for it (silly me, I thought this was ridiculous and never imagined 1) people would chant “Build a Wall” or 2) that anyone including DT planned on following through with this)

5) Hillary started the birther movement–Jeez Louise–I am convinced DT ran only because of Obama’s roast at the White House’s Correspondence Dinner (watch Trump’s face–can you see it; he is seething)

6) Saying he liked people who were not captured in war when talking about war hero, John McCain (this from a man who not only never served by repeatedly deferred his enrollment)

7) Said there was blood coming out of her wherever, when talking derogatorily about Megyn Kelly

8) Attacked celebrities and other females (Carly Fiona) physical appearance

9) Said, “I do not believe in climate change”

9) Declared he knows more about ISIS than a US General (no General in particular–all generals)

10) Declared Putin a better leader than Obama

11) A fan favorite: “I could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and shoot somebody and I wouldn’t lose voters.” (Rally in Iowa, January 23, 2016) [2]

12) Encouraged his supports to “knock the crap” out of people recalling the better days when you could just punch people–and he went on to claim he would cover their legal fees (that did not incite any violence….uhmm, yes, yes it did)

13) Endorsed Tump Tower but claiming Mexicans make the best taco bowel (a pitiful attempt to make amends for the “Mexicans are rapists” comment–to now suggest they all work in kitchens and make a mean taco bowel)

14) Called Warren, Pocahontas (a jeer he has since returned to post election)

15) I don’t think anyone cares about my tax returns (by the way, I DO and so do MILLIONS of others and I imagine so does the FBI at this point–hiding any Russian payments?)

16) Calling Hillary a NASTY WOMAN (which has since become a battle cry)

17)–I wil end at his Pussycat incident because I am running out of time; there are just too many offensive things to list.

You can find a list of all the other outrageous, ridiculous and downright absurd comments here, Politico or New York Magazine or Washington Post or just google away.

I thought everyone would choose the most qualified experienced candidate and put their personal feelings aside. I had one friend tell me that she could never vote for Hillary because of how she reacted with Bill’s infidelity when in office. The fact that DT has been married 3 times and had affairs on his wives and divorced them–not a problem but Hillary standing by Bill’s side when he was President enraged her. Many Americans judged Hillary through Bill and as I woman, as a married woman, I was baffled. Don’t my actions, my intelligence, my behavior matter. Will I, am I judged as an extension of my husband in business in life. My god! I love my husband but how he behaves, how he performs in his job, how he fathers–those are his actions. Ok–going off on a tangent here. I certainly want to return to this topic on another day but I will end here tonight.

Today was #NotMyPresident Day and I did not celebrate. I will continue to #Resist and I hope you will too.

Mother of 3

Nurse

Colts Neck, NJ

Resources:

1 Video, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PX9reO3QnUA

2 The 155 Craziest Things Trump Said This Election, http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2016/11/the-155-craziest-things-trump-said-this-cycle-214420

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Day 30 BEING RUDE

There was a wonderful story in the NY Times magazine this morning, The Age of Rudeness. For me it really hit home. I have been thinking a lot about peoples’ perception of rudeness ever since the election. Although my parents never specifically told me that “talking politics” was rude and I consider myself to be a “Free to Be You and Me” kind of girl (raised in the 70s), the fact is–politics were not spoken in my little world. I was under the impression that talking politics was inappropriate and should be avoided in any social situation. You may offend someone and that would be rude.

It is this offense that prevented me against speaking out during the elections. Prevented me from declaring LOUD & PROUD that #IAmWithHer. The same feeling that prevented me from speaking out against DT and his many character flaws and bad behavior. What if I offended a friend? I don’t want to make anyone feel bad. I have always been driven by my empathy for others and respecting their feelings.

The irony is, the same thing that prevented me from speaking out during the election is the very reason I am speaking out now. I am concerned about others. I am concerned about the culture of hate DT and his administration promote. I want to protect all religions (not just Christianity-and I recognize that Melanie speaking the Lord’s prayer before DT’s ego rally yesterday excluded all the other American’s that do not hold the same faith or have no religion), all people regardless of ethnicity, sexual identity, and socio-economic backgrounds. I want to protect the climate and environment and all species on the planet. I do not want to put my needs and wants ahead of anyone else’s.

My willingness to stand for everyone is American and I refuse to apologize or remain silent for the sake of maybe offending someone. My silence, my politeness is one of the reasons we are where we are today. I will stand up. I am not afraid. I will not sit silently by as civil liberties, basic human decency and Democracy are threatened.

This is a defining time in history. Where do you stand?

Mother of 3

Nurse

Colts Neck, NJ

Resources:

The Age of Rudeness; As the social contract frays, what does it mean to be polite? https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/15/magazine/the-age-of-rudeness.html?_r=0

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Day 29 REPORTERS NOW FREEDOM FIGHTERS

Lies = Alternative Facts

Fake News = REAL news

People who do not agree with Trump = Enemies

Enough of the 1984 Doublespeak—I for one need reliable news and guess what folks, that does NOT include FOX. I agree that every media organization may have a “lean” to the right or to the left but a reputable source will do its best to eliminate that lean, maintain neutrality and stick to the facts. FOX for years has pandered to its base and leans so far to the right that it fell off the map of reputable news media sources long ago. When we look back to identify the divide in America, we will need to identify the role that FOX played. How it set the stage for Doublespeak and defining of “fake news”. FOX for years has played around with a role in propaganda and seems to be embracing its influence over redefining reality.

FOX news IS the fanbase that elected DT and it is the main news source of DT supporters. So denying it played a role in election outcomes or it’s role in creating the culture of the DT fan base would be denying reality.

(source from NYT, 1)

Since his campaign DT has focused on the media and what he calls failing or “fake” news and he willingly throws this term out, labeling any media outlet that does not buy into his crazy, that does not paint him the way he wants, that focuses on facts and not his administrations’ “alternative facts” –as failing or “FAKE NEWS” . In the case of CNN at the press conference this week he went a step further with a combative and vindictive approach, “Very Fake News.” Here is a transcript of the exchange:

QUESTION: Just because of the attack of fake news and attacking our network, I just want to ask you, sir…

TRUMP: I’m changing it from fake news, though.

QUESTION: Doesn’t that under…

TRUMP: Very fake news. (3)

This is not funny. His war with the media highlights a big issue. Bigger than where does he get his news (because I am pretty sure FOX & Friends is his main news source) but when he casts doubt on all other sources, his base is only exposed to what media he determines as “real”. There is no accountability and we truly become the 1984 society, Orwellian society.

His tweet yesterday—ignoring its implications is dangerous. By discrediting all sources he does not agree with or sources who do not promote his propaganda—as fake sources and now ENEMIES is fascism at its finest. It does help us normal folks, identify the news sources we should be watching NYT, CNN, NBC (he actually deleted this tweet–only to add more news sources to his enemy list). Thanks, DT.

(Source 2)

Our reporters are now our FREEDOM FIGHTERS and soldiers against the administration’s movement away from reality and the blind acceptance of the bull$*** DT, Spicer, Miller and Conway (although, she may be gone–have not seen much of her this week) are shoveling.

This week in San Antonio, Tx, at a PBS station we can see a clear example of how the administration tried to silence free press and almost succeeded (4).

“The story began with a Jan. 24 speech that Representative Lamar Smith, Republican of Texas, gave on the House floor regarding what he described as the unfair way the national media was covering President Trump. He said for instance that the media ignored highs in consumer confidence, which of course it did not. And he ended with an admonition for his constituents: “Better to get your news directly from the president. In fact, it might be the only way to get the unvarnished truth.” (4)’

Two scary things are happening here: 1) discrediting the news media, following DT’s lead and 2) suggesting his constituents get their news directly from the 1984 Big Brother aka DT. WOW! Do I smell fascism here? What other governments suggests getting news only from “the leader”? North Korea, Nazi Germany, Italy under Mussolini…..my god, did an elected public official actually suggest this? The terrifying thing is that many of DT’s followers believe it, believe that mainstream media is “fake”.

So a broadcaster, Rick Casey, picked up on the absurdity of the comment and the far reaching implications and created a commentary piece that included a reference to North Korea (which was an easy association by anyone who heard Rep. Lamar Smith’s original comment) [5]. Good ole’ Lamar got wind of the segment via Facebook and called the station manager and chief operator, Arthur Rojas Emerson and next thing you know the piece was pulled [5]. Pulled most likely for a few reasons 1) DT’s admin is pushing for defunding of PBS (more on this later) and 2) Emerson and Smith had an old working relationship (5). Thankfully when people caught wind of the cancellation Emerson ended up doing the right thing and letting it air at a later date but you can see how making decisions about what news to air based on government funding or government retribution means the news is no longer neutral and freedom of the press is revoked.

NPR released an interesting post today about a potential lawsuit by The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel in Colorado (5).

“The dispute began with an opinion column in the newspaper supporting a bill that would give journalists and others greater access to public records. Scott, who represents Grand Junction and serves as assistant majority leader in the state Senate, postponed a hearing and vote on the bill (5)”

Senator Ray Scott then posted this to his Facebook page:

“The very liberal GJ Sentinel is attempting to apply pressure for me to move a bill. They have no facts, as usual, and tried to call me out on SB 40 know as the CORA bill. They haven’t contacted me to get any information on why the bill has been delayed but choose to run a fake news story demanding I run the bill (5).”

I for one, hope they do file the lawsuit or better yet, I hope CNN files a defamation lawsuit against DT and his administration–maybe go after Spicey Spicer first, the weak link. This would set a precedent and put an end to the slander… or at least try.

For now, folks, Fake News = REAL NEWS and DT’s enemies aka reporters should be recognized as the freedom information fighters that they are. Stand tall reporters, focus on the facts and do not fall prey to the propaganda that DT and his administration push. We, the public,  are relying on you. #RESIST

Mother of 3

Nurse

Colts Neck, NJ 

Resources:

1 Here’s why Trump’s attacks on ‘fake news’ succeed, https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2017/02/17/heres-why-trumps-attacks-on-fake-news-succeed/?utm_term=.7aa144c72b5a

2 Trump Calls the News Media the ‘Enemy of the American People’, https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/17/business/trump-calls-the-news-media-the-enemy-of-the-people.html?smid=fb-nytimes&smtyp=cur&_r=0

3 Full Transcript and Video: Trump News Conference, https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/16/us/politics/donald-trump-press-conference-transcript.html?_r=0

4 In Trump Era, Censorship May Start in the Newsroom, https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/17/business/media/trump-era-media-censorship.html

5 When A Politician Says ‘Fake News’ And A Newspaper Threatens To Sue Back, http://www.npr.org/2017/02/17/515760101/when-a-politician-says-fake-news-and-a-newspaper-threatens-to-sue-back