Betsy B

Democracy lives!

Hildegard’s teachings point the way to our celebration of clean energy on Sun Day on Sept 21.

On Not Writing A confession and links to some opportunities to engage in good work

On Not Writing
My first post in a while: a reflection / confession about obstacles to writing now, followed by links to some bright spots. Skip to the latter if you need bright spots today!

YouTube video by MSNBC The CDC is being 'transformed into a weapon': Top doctor exits CDC with a warning

Dr. Demetre Daskalakis is a hero. What he reveals about this administration’s belief in eugenics is chilling.

youtu.be/FQCPteMy70E?...

Fear Is Not a Strategy for Safety Today, Bishop Budde, Dean Hollerith, and other DC-based religious leaders have written a statement calling for honesty and collaboration among our civic leaders so that safety, justice, and compassion...

I’m grateful for this witness from Bishop Budde and other religious leaders in DC.

edow.org/2025/08/13/f...

Scientists decry Trump energy chief’s plan to ‘update’ climate reports: ‘Exactly what Stalin did’ Ex-fossil fuel executive Chris Wright said administration is reviewing national assessments made by past governments

‘Asked about Wright’s comments on the national climate assessment reports, respected climate scientist Michael Mann said in an emailed comment to the Guardian: “This is exactly what Joseph Stalin did.”’
I’m grateful to the Guardian for making the 2023 report easily accessible.

E.P.A. Is Said to Draft a Plan to End Its Ability to Fight Climate Change

“If the Trump administration is able to repeal the endangerment finding, it would not only erase all current limits on greenhouse gas pollution from cars, factories, power plants and other sources. It would prevent future administrations…trying to tackle climate change, with lasting implications.”

E.P.A. Says It Will Eliminate Its Scientific Research Arm

Vile. Beyond ignorance and stupidity.

The end of everything is the end of everything. That's where we are headed ... for civilization, for so many creatures big and small, and for this once amazing moment in our planet's history.

And paying attention has its costs.

It's just another very sad day. F&%king sad.

Reimagining God's Dream for America Sermon from Br. James Dowd

I commend these thoughtful and ultimately hopeful words from my friend @brotherjamesdowd.bsky.social

Trump admin tries to kill the most indisputable evidence of human-caused climate change by shuttering observatory | CNN The Mauna Loa laboratory in Hawaii has measured atmospheric carbon dioxide, which — along with other planet-warming pollution — has led directly to climate change, driving sea level rise, superchargin...

No words

Surprise Tax in G.O.P. Bill Could Cripple Wind and Solar Power

The motive for choosing short-term per$onal gain over life baffles me. Cynicism? Willful ignorance?

Trump Justice Dept. Pressuring University of Virginia President to Resign

Just when it’s a Friday evening in late June and my friends in academia think they can relax a bit…Chilling news.

Kennedy’s New Advisers Rescind Recommendations for Some Flu Vaccines

Kennedy’s New Advisers Rescind Recommendations for Some Flu Vaccines

“As a physician and scientist who has devoted my entire career to vaccines and preventing and treating infections, this meeting has been devastating to watch,” said Dr. Panagiotakopoulos, an expert on vaccines.

1) Lord, have mercy on us all.
2) Congress? Are you there?

On Democracy, Liberated Energy, and the Perfect Moment Working on Winning the Climate Fight

I hate to say it, but the hideous attack on Sen. Padilla came at just the right moment. If you had any doubt about why No Kings Day was so necessary...
billmckibben.substack.com/p/on-democra...

As an older American, I’m so grateful to be part of Third Act.

National Climate Assessment Authors Are Dismissed by Trump Administration (Gift Article) The Trump administration told researchers it was “releasing” them from their roles. It puts the future of the assessment, which is required by Congress, in doubt.

When your cruelty extends to all living things…
www.nytimes.com/2025/04/28/c...

I appreciate Andrew Weissmann’s clear analysis of this case and the (limited) options for justice.

Winner-take-all bill stalls in Nebraska Legislature, a blow to governor • Nebraska Examiner The Nebraska Legislature killed a bill seeking to alter how the state awards Electoral College votes for president after a filibuster.

I’m proud of the Nebraska Unicameral!

At Third Act, we believe it’s never too late to become a powerful organizer. Join Heather Booth & @billmckibben.bsky.social for Organizing 101, a two-part training designed for elders ready to take action.

🗓 March 17 & March 25
⏰ 5 PM - 6:15 PM ET
🔗 Sign up now: thirdact.org/events/third...

What to Expect When You’re Expecting Catastrophe And What to Do. A guest essay by Laurie Winer

Helpful.

E.P.A. Plans to Close All Environmental Justice Offices An internal memo directs the closure of offices designed to ease the heavy pollution faced by poor and minority communities.

““If anybody needed a clearer sign that this administration gives not a single damn for the people of the United States, this is it,” Matthew Tejada, a former E.P.A. official who is now a senior vice president for environmental health at the Natural Resources Defense Fund…”
Heartsick at this.

A wilderness of disappearing butterflies A Lenten letter in a time of profound loss

What does it mean to observe Lent when butterfly populations, polar sea ice, and our democracy are shrinking rapidly? What’s the temptation to watch out for?

Good News For Us, Bad News For Trump Onward.

JD Vance went on a ski trip to Vermont this weekend, where hundreds of people lined the streets with pro-Ukraine and anti-Trump/Musk/Vance signs. Protesters gathered at the resort where Vance was staying—before he moved to an undisclosed location.

Yes. Denial so deep that it’s a total detachment from reality.

Washington Post Opinion Editor Exits as Bezos Steers Pages in New Direction (Gift Article) Jeff Bezos, the owner of The Post, said that the newspaper’s opinion section would focus on “personal liberties and free markets.”

Another chilling - and big - step in a frightful direction.

The Contemplative Underground An Invitation

My friend Brother James Dowd brotherjamesdowd.bsky.social has a new Substack newsletter. Check out the Contemplative Underground.
I’m delighted to have this resource for the days ahead!

They Broke It. They Own It. How to hold GOP accountable

Where the acquiescence of the GOP Congress has brought us. I’m struck by how the Nihilists in Chief and their enablers don’t seem to realize that everything in an economy or an ecosystem is connected, and it could now all fall down.

USDA accidentally fired officials working on bird flu and is now trying to rehire them An Agriculture Department spokesperson told NBC News that officials are "working to swiftly rectify the situation."

This story can't be repeated enough. The GOP is lined up behind the guy who is so incompetent that his quasi-gov't agency did this. They're confirming his highly questionable nominees & hurting the American people.

And "accidentally"? It was stupidity, not accident. www.nbcnews.com/politics/dog...