Jeff

Went to a rally which was very civil. May be unique, but attendance was down and most were over 60. Sad as many current policies (Climate, civil rights, women, labor, inflation... ) hurt the future of Gen Z and younger. We need to do better informing all that the future quality of life is at stake.

It's been a day since this attack and the video looked unlikely anyone survived and Trump said all were killed. Regardless, if the military had survivors who support Trump's story, both Hegseth and Trump would be broadcasting that everywhere and showing them off. Their silence says otherwise.

We will be going to our 6th protest and all will be fine. As a retiree, in addition to the many imperious acts, we should also protest for what will make the next generations lives better than ours. They are the future and more should be in our coalition to change the direction of the country.

People forget the 1980s when HIV-AIDS was so awful. As said in January, the US taking PEPFAR away with no notice or transition was cruel. To see how quickly this is deteriorating is devastating. As the US won't, The UN or others must step up for African nations to continue these programs.

Before Alaska Flooding, E.P.A. Canceled $20 Million Flood Protection Grant

Doge thought this was ‘wasteful DEI spending’ for a Native American community. Mother Nature thought otherwise.

Before Alaska Flooding, E.P.A. Canceled $20 Million Flood Protection Grant www.nytimes.com/2025/10/14/c...

If Republicans are attacking Obamacare as a "sinkhole", "boondoggle" and 'can't be saved', do you think they'll negotiate in good faith on the subsidies after a shutdown? Now is the time to fix subsidies. They lost that fight before and when we enroll costlier health insurance, they'll lose again.

Optimistic headline. This survey is a consensus average so there's no detail. It was done before the shutdown, new tariffs and expanded trade tensions. As 2/3+ of the growth is from AI, the rest of the economy looks flat. With inflation and tough job market, It's why the country feels pessimistic.

WSJ reports 'AI is juicing the economy' but 'AI economics are brutal'. Sounds like possible warning clouds.

We can give $20B to Argentina to benefit Trump and Bessent's friends but not to federal workers working but not being paid, no federal disaster declaration for Alaska yet, reduced children benefits in the BBB.... Doesn't sound like America First.

The economy is 'resilient' for the banks but not necessarily for small business or farmers. Historically the spread between bank loan interest rates and savings account is high and fees are increasing. Business is good at the top for those with influence, but looking broader gives a different view.

Please watch. Dr Wright is asking the right question - why isn't this being covered more by the national media? Is it because the dead and missing are indigenous people? (and yesterday was Indigenous peoples Day!) At a time when we send $20B to Argentina, shouldn't we be helping our citizens more?

Can't think of much else that would be better to grip a nation. Just wish it was a big part of news cycle here in the US. Regardless I'll be streaming this through the month.

Several things are disturbing and not unique. For Schiffman to say speaking with AI is akin to talking to God, must be able to lead one astray to be human-like and then launch a product with "plenty of issues" is a problem. AI needs regulation to be successful and not let this approach hold it back.

A good read on the many hurdles to navigate over the next few years. As the pre-eminent military power in the region, the onus falls on Israel to limit its use of power. The US must lead the diplomatic efforts to curb Israel's desire to expand and use force. Whatever that takes needs our support.

Agree and the Republicans have done similarly before. It's reasonable for the Democrats not to sign on to a CR that not only could be reneged on by Trump with rescissions but also doesn't address the increase in healthcare costs. No hostage situation here.

Just underscore the need to release the Epstein files now. To many rich and powerful men were part of this and must be held to account. It's long overdue and the victims deserve this. Shameful that US leadership slowdowns the process to seat elected officials to do this.

The problem on healthcare is timing. Republicans want to hold hearings on excess spending, fraud, immigrants, market distortion as well as subsidies and we're out of time. Enrollment starts in 3 days and those issues will take months. Pressure's needed to resolve Healthcare and end the shutdown now.

Black Unemployment Is Surging Again. This Time Is Different.

Elections do have consequences. In 8 short months a 35+% black unemployment increase. Watch health, inflation and other areas to come. Shudder to think what this may be in 3 years.
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/12/b...

Air Traffic Controllers Reject Credit for Ending the Last Shutdown

This was the only article today in the NYT on the shutdown and it's on 2018. For an event with millions unpaid and a standoff where Democrats believe shutting down the government is worth protecting health insurance for 20MM+, you'd think it would have more coverage.
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/12/u...

Coupled with the delayed Jobs Report and Inflation data, now may be a good time to wait and see on the economy. In addition to political uncertainty, this will also be the first full quarter of higher tariffs. Expect more uncertainty and large moves like this over through the end of the year.

In 2002 with Enron scandal the Justice Dept. prosecuted executives and effectively shut down Arthur Andersen. Now we allow retirement accounts to be invested in these private credit lenders. The DOJ must hold these firms to account as before to protect people. Will this DOJ do this? I fear not.

Great listen. Interesting how Israel's bombing of Qatar led to events from the UN General Assembly to this week creating the setting for peace. Shows the impetus of collective action and key allies (the US with Israel - Egypt, Qatar and Turkey with Hamas) to raise pressure at once to achieve peace.

MJT is right. Trump, Johnson and Thune agree healthcare premiums are a big problem and say they'll negotiate later. But we have to decide next month on health insurance and they want to decide by the end of the year. We can't make good decisions like that. GOP makes no sense and voters know it.

CBS' FBI show does a better job of securing crime scenes and processing data than the real FBI did here. For all the notoriety of Epstein, there is no good excuse for this. For the FBI to repair their image, all of Epstein's "suicide" investigation must be released with the complete Epstein files.

This is great news. Credit Trump and others for seizing a small opening to create this moment. While Israeli cabinet approval and much diplomacy remains, to succeed we must stay engaged. There will be issues and investigations, but it's good to see the Israelis and Gazans celebrate this first step.

How Trump Is Using the Justice Department to Target His Enemies President Trump has long spoken of seeking vengeance against his political enemies. Here’s a list of whom he is targeting.

Supports why the Human Rights Watch has placed the United States is on its Monitor Watchlist for a "rapid decline in civic freedoms" and other concerns. www.nytimes.com/interactive/...

This is a complex deal. These countries have involved histories and need Trump's plan to succeed. Further, the pressure on all to achieve peace now could fade quickly and US is vital for his plan to work. We should send experienced diplomats for the best chance of success. I fear we have not.

China's not unique. When Biden asked social media to block users during the Pandemic, it was assailed by the right as cancel culture. Common in BRICs countries Trump has applauded, he now threatens broadcasters and tech companies similarly. All while the right remains largely muted. All are wrong.

Surprised how easy it can be for Trump to order troops to states. And more distressing some lawyers and judges state Trump alone can define what is a 'rebellion' or 'insurrectionist'. Noting Trump and others repeatedly use those terms, expect more troops in cities and SCOTUS to support that. Sad.

Encouraging people to deny their actual selves has many issues. These can lead to life-long adverse impacts including suicide. Children should be encouraged to lead their best lives and counseling should help accomplish that and be open to all things, not focused on one particular outcome.