Weekend Open Thread

Good Morning. I hope that you are enjoying this weekend, fully vaccinated and boosted, with family and friends. That new booster shot has been approved and is coming out soon..be sure to get it.

Order your free COVID Tests., if you still can.


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Open Thread | Trump Guts LBJ Civil Rights Executive Order

Trump rolls back bedrock civil rights measure in sweeping anti-DEI push
Russell Contreras
Emily Peck

President Trump issued a sweeping executive order revoking decades of diversity and affirmative action practices in federal government.

Why it matters: This takes the current pushback on diversity, equity and inclusion into the next stratosphere — abolishing decades of government standards on diversity and equal opportunity, and seeking to crack down on the same in the private sector.

Zoom out: Trump’s order revokes one that President Johnson signed on September 24, 1965, more than two years after the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. gave his “I Have A Dream” speech at the Lincoln Memorial.

LBJ’s order gave the Secretary of Labor the authority to ensure equal opportunity for people of color and women in federal contractors’ recruitment, hiring, training and other employment practices.
It required federal contractors to refrain from employment discrimination and take affirmative action to ensure equal opportunity “based on race, color, religion, and national origin.”
The order came more than a year after Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and just months after he signed the Voting Rights Act following violent attacks on voting rights advocates in Selma, Ala.

Where are the Blacks for Trump? Where are the Coons for Trump?
What say you, now?

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Open Thread | So, This Happened Yesterday

Before we get into what happened yesterday, I just want to comment on this tweet:

chris evans (@notcapnamerica) posted at 11:18 PM on Mon, Jan 20, 2025:
The guardrails failed because the founding fathers didn’t anticipate one political party would be so partisan that they’d completely abdicate their duty to the people in service of one politician and their cult followers. It was never built to withstand this level of sycophancy
(https://x.com/notcapnamerica/status/1881572040857235538?t=mXi01xTpeNbkgpBpacnucw&s=03)

ICAM
I have said for years that the Founding Fathers saw Trump coming, and had solutions for him.
What they never accounted for was an entire political party turning on their oath to the Constitution.
THAT is what they didn’t see coming.

So…
Back to yesterday…

philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) posted at 7:21 PM on Mon, Jan 20, 2025:
Trump: “It’s a phenomenal location … on the sea, the best weather, some beautiful things could be done with it. Some fantastic things could be done with Gaza.” https://t.co/hIa5cDHXPY
(https://x.com/Phil_Lewis_/status/1881512380133454049?t=G4jl8dBNpnE50fchihEfmw&s=03)

Tim 🇺🇸 (@trouble_man90) posted at 7:29 PM on Mon, Jan 20, 2025:
Gaza will be wiped clean off the map. Every single leftist is personally responsible for whatever happens next. And it is our job to remind them every single minute of every single day for the next four years.
(https://x.com/trouble_man90/status/1881514368241901674?t=okUZYssh4EQLyVDeDja-qg&s=03)

ICAM.
When Jared came out and said…
GAZA = BEACHFRONT CONDOS…

THAT was them telling you what their intentions were. How could it not be obvious?
That the leftists spent all their time with their nonsense and no nuance with regards to this issue.
Congratulations. You played yourselves and the Palestinian people.
Just horrific what’s about to play out.

And, THIS

Norman Ornstein (@NormOrnstein) posted at 7:56 AM on Tue, Jan 21, 2025:
The blanket pardons and commutations for the most violent offenders, 600 of whom assaulted police officers, leading to horrific injuries and deaths, is chilling. Even more chilling: no police unions condemning it, no Republicans in Congress who were there on J6 saying anything.
(https://x.com/NormOrnstein/status/1881702355047170488?t=-X7Y-29jOjXsLB-epT05Xw&s=03)

The silence is deafening.

Olga Lautman 🇺🇸🇺🇦 (@OlgaNYC1211) posted at 8:19 PM on Mon, Jan 20, 2025:
Just in case people don’t fully grasp it. The pardoning of insurrectionists is Trump’s way of building loyalty from militias and domestic terrorists to carry out unofficial acts for him
(https://x.com/OlgaNYC1211/status/1881527084436365585?t=E8G5olcY6QC7kdN17Kz17Q&s=03)

YEP

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Happy Birthday, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Today is the official celebration of the birthday of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

A Look Back-1965 Selma March

This is my favorite section from

“Letter from a Birmingham Jail [King, Jr.]”

We know through painful experience that freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed. Frankly, I have yet to engage in a direct action campaign that was “well timed” in the view of those who have not suffered unduly from the disease of segregation. For years now I have heard the word “Wait!” It rings in the ear of every Negro with piercing familiarity. This “Wait” has almost always meant “Never.” We must come to see, with one of our distinguished jurists, that “justice too long delayed is justice denied.”

We have waited for more than 340 years for our constitutional and God given rights. The nations of Asia and Africa are moving with jetlike speed toward gaining political independence, but we still creep at horse and buggy pace toward gaining a cup of coffee at a lunch counter. Perhaps it is easy for those who have never felt the stinging darts of segregation to say, “Wait.” But when you have seen vicious mobs lynch your mothers and fathers at will and drown your sisters and brothers at whim; when you have seen hate filled policemen curse, kick and even kill your black brothers and sisters; when you see the vast majority of your twenty million Negro brothers smothering in an airtight cage of poverty in the midst of an affluent society; when you suddenly find your tongue twisted and your speech stammering as you seek to explain to your six year old daughter why she can’t go to the public amusement park that has just been advertised on television, and see tears welling up in her eyes when she is told that Funtown is closed to colored children, and see ominous clouds of inferiority beginning to form in her little mental sky, and see her beginning to distort her personality by developing an unconscious bitterness toward white people; when you have to concoct an answer for a five year old son who is asking: “Daddy, why do white people treat colored people so mean?”; when you take a cross county drive and find it necessary to sleep night after night in the uncomfortable corners of your automobile because no motel will accept you; when you are humiliated day in and day out by nagging signs reading “white” and “colored”; when your first name becomes “nigger,” your middle name becomes “boy” (however old you are) and your last name becomes “John,” and your wife and mother are never given the respected title “Mrs.”; when you are harried by day and haunted by night by the fact that you are a Negro, living constantly at tiptoe stance, never quite knowing what to expect next, and are plagued with inner fears and outer resentments; when you are forever fighting a degenerating sense of “nobodiness”–then you will understand why we find it difficult to wait. There comes a time when the cup of endurance runs over, and men are no longer willing to be plunged into the abyss of despair. I hope, sirs, you can understand our legitimate and unavoidable impatience. You express a great deal of anxiety over our willingness to break laws. This is certainly a legitimate concern. Since we so diligently urge people to obey the Supreme Court’s decision of 1954 outlawing segregation in the public schools, at first glance it may seem rather paradoxical for us consciously to break laws. One may well ask: “How can you advocate breaking some laws and obeying others?” The answer lies in the fact that there are two types of laws: just and unjust. I would be the first to advocate obeying just laws. One has not only a legal but a moral responsibility to obey just laws. Conversely, one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws. I would agree with St. Augustine that “an unjust law is no law at all.”

Now, what is the difference between the two? How does one determine whether a law is just or unjust? A just law is a man made code that squares with the moral law or the law of God. An unjust law is a code that is out of harmony with the moral law. To put it in the terms of St. Thomas Aquinas: An unjust law is a human law that is not rooted in eternal law and natural law. Any law that uplifts human personality is just. Any law that degrades human personality is unjust. All segregation statutes are unjust because segregation distorts the soul and damages the personality. It gives the segregator a false sense of superiority and the segregated a false sense of inferiority. Segregation, to use the terminology of the Jewish philosopher Martin Buber, substitutes an “I it” relationship for an “I thou” relationship and ends up relegating persons to the status of things. Hence segregation is not only politically, economically and sociologically unsound, it is morally wrong and sinful. Paul Tillich has said that sin is separation. Is not segregation an existential expression of man’s tragic separation, his awful estrangement, his terrible sinfulness? Thus it is that I can urge men to obey the 1954 decision of the Supreme Court, for it is morally right; and I can urge them to disobey segregation ordinances, for they are morally wrong.

I have written that 2025 is about Fascism for White people, because Black people in America have experienced American Fascism. It was called Jim Crow, and my ancestors lived with it for about a century.

A great number of people in this country are in for a rude awakening. For those who just couldn’t find a way to go vote for the Vice-President in November… a very rude awakening.

I remember a post over at DailyKos, where a Black young man, got into an argument with his father about MLK. His father told him point blank – MLK and the movement he led, stopped random White people from being able to terrorize them without impunity. As someone who grew up with that – THAT was the greatest gift MLK gave to the ‘Negro’. And, if you’ve never lived under that kind of oppression, you can’t possibly understand what it means to be relieved of that pressure.

Yes, we have to continue on to right, because progress is always a fight. Going forward always costs and is always a battle.
Dr. King made all of our boring lives, if you’re a Black person in America, possible. All the ‘ choices’, he made possible. All the education you do or do not get, he made possible. We are our ancestors’ wildest dreams, and his fight for us should never be diminished or disrespected.

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Posted in activism, Black Excellence, Black History, Civil Rights, Jim Crow laws, Justice, Open Thread, Politics | Tagged , , , | 12 Comments

Weekend Open Thread

Good Morning. I hope that you are enjoying this weekend, fully vaccinated and boosted, with family and friends. That new booster shot has been approved and is coming out soon..be sure to get it.

Order your free COVID Tests..

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Posted in Weekend Open Thread | Tagged , , , | 8 Comments

Open Thread | Latest Awardees of the Presidential Medals of Freedom

President Biden Awarded some Presidential Medals of Freedom

January 04, 2025
President Biden Announces Recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom

Today, President Biden named nineteen recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the Nation’s highest civilian honor, presented to individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavors.

President Biden believes great leaders keep the faith, give everyone a fair shot, and put decency above all else. These nineteen individuals are great leaders who have made America and the world a better place. They are great leaders because they are good people who have made extraordinary contributions to their country and the world.

The awards will be presented at the White House on January 4, 2025. The following individuals will be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom:

José Andrés

José Andrés is a renowned Spanish-American culinary innovator who popularized tapas in the United States. His World Central Kitchen provides large-scale relief to communities affected by natural disasters and conflict around the world.

Bono

Bono is the frontman for legendary rock band U2 and a pioneering activist against AIDS and poverty. He brought together politicians from opposing parties to create the United States PEPFAR AIDS program, and is co-founder of campaigning organizations ONE and (RED).

Ashton Baldwin Carter (posthumous)

Ash Carter served as the 25th Secretary of Defense and devoted his career to making the nation safer for all. Throughout his career, he served under 11 Secretaries of Defense in both Democratic and Republican administrations.

Hillary Rodham Clinton

Secretary Clinton made history many times over decades in public service, including as the first First Lady elected to the United States Senate. After serving as Secretary of State, she became the first woman nominated for president by a major United States political party.

Michael J. Fox

Michael J. Fox is an actor who has won five Emmy Awards, four Golden Globe Awards, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and a Grammy Award. He is a world-renowned advocate for Parkinson’s disease research and development.

Tim Gill

Tim Gill is a visionary entrepreneur whose work has advanced LGBTQI rights and equality. After transforming the publishing industry through groundbreaking software, he leveraged his success to secure key victories in the fight for marriage equality and anti-discrimination protections.

Jane Goodall

Dr. Jane Goodall is a world-renowned ethologist and conservationist whose research transformed our understanding of primates and human evolution. She is a passionate advocate for empowering individuals and communities to protect and preserve the natural world.

Fannie Lou Hamer (posthumous)

Mrs. Fannie Lou Hamer transformed the struggle for racial justice in America. As a founder of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party, she challenged the exclusion of Black voices in the political system and laid the groundwork for the 1965 Voting Rights Act.

Earvin “Magic” Johnson

Earvin “Magic” Johnson is a legendary retired basketball player who led the Los Angeles Lakers to five championships. Off the court, he is a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist who supports underserved communities through his Magic Johnson Foundation.

Robert Francis Kennedy (posthumous)

Robert Francis Kennedy is remembered as an Attorney General who fiercely combatted racial segregation, and as a United States Senator who sought to address poverty and inequality in the country. His legacy continues to inspire those committed to justice, equality, and public service.

Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren is a fashion designer who redefined the fashion industry with a lifestyle brand that embodies timeless elegance and American tradition. He has influenced culture, business, and philanthropy, notably in the fight against cancer and the preservation of the Star-Spangled Banner.

Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi is the most decorated player in the history of professional soccer. He supports healthcare and education programs for children around the world through the Leo Messi Foundation and serves as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.

William Sanford Nye

Bill Nye has inspired and influenced generations of American students as “Bill Nye the Science Guy.” His dedication to science education continues through his work as CEO of the Planetary Society and as a vocal advocate for space exploration and environmental stewardship.

George W. Romney (posthumous)

George Romney was a businessman who served as the chairman and president of American Motors Corporation. A public servant, he later served as both the 43rd Governor of Michigan and the 3rd Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

David M. Rubenstein

David Rubenstein is co-founder and co-chairman of The Carlyle Group, where he built one of the most successful global investment firms. He is renowned for his philanthropy and generous support for the restoration of historic landmarks and the country’s cultural institutions.

George Soros

George Soros is an investor, philanthropist, and founder of the Open Society Foundations. Through his network of foundations, partners and projects in more than 120 countries, Soros has focused on global initiatives that strengthen democracy, human rights, education, and social justice.

George Stevens, Jr.

George Stevens, Jr. is an award-winning writer, director, author, and playwright. His career has been dedicated to preserving and celebrating the best of American film and the performing arts, including by founding the American Film Institute and creating the Kennedy Center Honors.

Denzel Washington

Denzel Washington is an actor, director, and producer who has won two Academy Awards, a Tony Award, two Golden Globes, and the 2016 Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award. He has also served as National Spokesman for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America for over 25 years.

Anna Wintour

Anna Wintour is a renowned fashion icon who has led Vogue as editor-in-chief since 1988. A champion for philanthropic causes, she is also the leading architect behind the annual Met Gala fundraiser and chief content officer of Condé Nast.

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Open Thread | President Biden’s Final Address to the Country

President Biden…being a patriot until the very end.

President Biden sits down with LarryO

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Posted in 2024 Elections, Democracy, Democracy vs Fascism, Open Thread, Politics, President Joe Biden | Tagged , , , , | 6 Comments

Open Thread | The Undercurrent of Sexism, and The Anger of Men

I read this Twitter thread and thought that it hit on something.

Magdi Jacobs (@magi_jay) posted at 0:59 PM on Sun, Dec 29, 2024:
Maybe this is obvious, but I see few people saying it: the rise of Trumpism/MAGA-fascism, combined with other factors, is correlated with what feels like an increase in a darker undercurrent of sexism. Not like the pure objectifying sexism of the 90s/2000s. It’s darker. Angrier.

Magdi Jacobs (@magi_jay) posted at 1:02 PM on Sun, Dec 29, 2024:
I’m not sure how to describe it w/ regards to other periods I’ve lived through other than “angrier.” It was miserable to grow up a girl in the 90s/2000s b/c of the objectifying sexism. Men/boys could be quite callous about who girls/women were. Don’t want to say it was “ok.”

Magdi Jacobs (@magi_jay) posted at 1:03 PM on Sun, Dec 29, 2024:
I mean, I was raped during this period. It wasn’t sunshine & roses, by any means. But I still think something is different now. There are sub-groups of American boys & men who are very angry at American girls & women.
(https://x.com/magi_jay/status/1873444724943790506?t=fAMMYi875gbHjZBTtSTjlQ&s=03)

I didn’t disagree with her.

Where do you think

‘ YOUR BODY, MY CHOICE’ comes from?

I’ve seen the articles about the ‘ loneliness epidemic’ of men.

We are at a point in society where it’s not enough for a man to have a job and he’ll automatically be rewarded with female companionship.

The argument about the man vs. bear , where women are willing to take their chances with the bear.

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Open Thread | President Biden’s Last Foreign Policy Speech As President

Thank you, Mr. President.

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Posted in Foreign policy, Open Thread, Politics, President Joe Biden | Tagged , , , , | 14 Comments

Open Thread | She is Not Your Mammy

Liberal Librarian, over at The Establishment Bar, wrote this brilliant piece last week:

She’s not your mammy
Posted by Liberal Librarian
January 08, 2025

I’m officially fed up, and I don’t know how much more of this bullshit I can take.

On Jan. 6, 2025, as her duty as the Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris presided over the certification of the Electoral College results.

One would think she had herself voted for Donald Trump.

Social media erupted, calling Democrats and Mrs. Harris “weak,” “not up to the times,” “giving in to fascism.”

Let us be clear. President Joseph Robinette Biden, Jr., was the sitting president, and candidate of the Democratic Party. He had one bad debate, and the usual sectors pushed him out. Vice President Harris took on the party’s standard, and in a one-hundred day campaign came close to being the first Black, female president of the Republic. She did what she was called upon. She met the moment. She hammered every day on the hustings just what a Donald Trump re-election would mean. She and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, spared no words in telling voters what was at stake. No candidate for president has had the time constrains foisted upon VP Harris.

This country let her down. This country voted for the horror show through which we’re about to go. This country disdained her warnings. This country thought it knew better. It again rolled the dice and took a chance on a bet it knew was a losing bet. Those of us who knew the assignment, and those in the rest of the world who had no say on the matter, will now pay the price.

But the election is over. Trump won. There was no hacking. There were no millions of missing votes. The only “missing votes” were of those who decided to stay home, because “they’re not into politics.” Vice President Harris had one more obligation to fulfill, and that was to certify the Electoral College vote, which she did.

Her role was not to refuse to certify. Her role was not to declare herself president. Her role was not to give a speech calling on her supporters to storm the Capitol. She did her job. We didn’t.

She’s not our mammy. She’s not our Magic Negress. She presented a choice, and this country chose, badly. And I will keep saying this: a majority chose this, either by voting for Trump, or staying home.

THANK YOU.
The Vice President did her job. She did what she was supposed to do – according to the Constitution.

Stop blaming her because YOU, the voter, didn’t do YOUR JOB.

There was a choice in November.
If you didn’t vote, or voted third party, STFU. Nobody wants to listen to you and you don’t get to whine. I do hope that you get everything you voted for.

Posted in 2024 Elections, Breaking News, Open Thread, Politics, Vice-President Kamala D. Harris | Tagged , , , , | 25 Comments