Keith Rutter

Increasing Oversight of the Relief of Military Leaders Congress can stop the politicization of the armed services and reverse the defense secretary’s abuse of power.

Pete Hegseth "is removing capable military leaders for political theater rather than actual performance concerns": @pogo.org Senior Defense Policy Analyst Virginia Burger explains why Congress must strengthen oversight of the removal of senior military officers www.pogo.org/analysis/inc...

Happiness is seeing a late Great Blue Heron flying at dusk to their roosting spot

Exactly!

On this morning’s walk every tree was filled with Robins

You apparently have a reputation. 🤪

New month. All new birds!

A huge flock of about 90 Robins flew by this morning. Just an amazing site.

BTW they were flying north which cracked me up.

I haven’t checked my records but it seems like the Chipping Sparrows are sticking around the neighborhood longer this year. I appreciate them, but am curious as to why.

Hermit Thrush in the backyard makes getting up before dawn worth it

🚽

Pentagon Press Restrictions – Experts Weigh In A Pulitzer Prize-winning Pentagon reporter and former USMC press officer reflect on the latest restrictions from Hegseth’s DOD.

Must-read analysis from two POGO experts:

Pulitzer-winner Mark Thompson and former USMC press officer @virginiajburger.bsky.social reflect on the latest restrictions from the DOD⬇️

At Blue Mash this evening the pond that some birders call Big Louie was very dry. Only 30% full.

Early October and already a Creeper and Red-breasted Nuthatch show up in the neighborhood.

On this morning’s walk around the neighborhood the big dogs were out - had a Barred Owl, Red-shoulder, Coop, and a Raven. All by 7:30

By 7 am I had 3 new birds for my day list. Great birding day so far. Either that or I previously haven’t got out much on Oct 1. 🤪

First Golden-crowned Kinglet of the season this morning

Great story! Congrats

bsky.app/profile/mdhe... are you working on something like this? (Please do)

That’s Veery interesting indeed

Neighborhood walk this morning turned up a cuckoo, 2 green herons- twice the fun, and a great blue heron - flyover, but it still counts. 🤓

🎉

Spokane ICE protesters arrested by federal agents Federal agents on Tuesday morning arrested and searched the homes of multiple people who took part in a June 11 mass protest against immigration enforcement in Spokane.

The former city council president, Ben Stuckart, was charged with conspiracy, as were all but two of the other named defendants. (Hatfield and Silva also were charged with assault).

Excellent coverage at The Spokesman-Review, but it didn't have the document: www.spokesman.com/stories/2025...

Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: Training: Advocacy & The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting. The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is an annual law that Congress passes to appropriate funding and establish policies for national defense. It covers things like: the Department of Defense...

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Also found a hatcher year Phoebe on the walk this morning. Good luck lil buddy

Got a Warbling Vireo for the first time in the neighborhood. :)

We just had a Chat at a local park. I definitely should have played the lottery today.

A cuckoo in the neighborhood this morning is exciting

While this ruling takes no clear position on the constitutionality of the admin's birthright citizenship EO, it's still dangerous.

Limiting ways people can be protected from authoritarianism facilitates the very trampling of the Constitution #SCOTUS has a duty to stop

THIS! On top of today’s Senate Judiciary hearing where judicial nominee Emil Bove is alleged to have encouraged DOJ to defy court orders. The Administration’s efforts to delegitimize the courts is breathtaking. And is a classic authoritarian move.

Iran and the War Powers Problem The Constitution gives Congress – not the president – the power to declare war.

The strikes against Iran are the latest in a series of presidential power grabs that threaten to not only contradict the Constitution, but to condemn “We The People” to spectator status. Here's what Congress must do now:
www.pogo.org/analysis/ira...