Indulging ourselves today in future fantasies, fancies and fallacies.
Example One:
Attribution: Future Scenario by Terry Mosher, The Montreal Gazette
Example Two: What if from now to April 15th no one files their 1040 form?
Example Three: What if the congressional GOPer majority grows a spine?
as Trail friend Ivy reminded us yesterday, here’s another what if in case we can’t escape drumpfism
The patriotic song from Cabaret, in the Biergarten in pre-war Nazi Germany, sung by the Arian Hitler youth. You see many young and old people getting taken up by the song, but you can also see the old man who remembers WWI and knows what will happen.
Anything made from metal is about to cost a lot more but the Trump administration insists his tariff strategy isn’t chaotic, and the president defended the unlawful detention of Columbia University student Mahmoud Khalil by threatening to arrest many more people without due process.
what if the good judge closes down Ellen and her musketeens
Judge orders Elon Musk and Doge to produce records about cost-cutting operations | Trump administration | The Guardian
also in today’s Guardian
‘Guess what? You don’t matter’: what Trump’s war on DEI means for every American who’s not a straight white man | Donald Trump | The Guardian
What if Democrats let Republicans shut down the government tomorrow? I think I’m for it.
Republicans want to break Social Security so they can “fix” it by turning it over to Wall Street.
Nonsensical internal logic alert!
The Senate Dem plan: Securing a vote on their preferred 30-day stopgap bill in exchange for helping the House bill, which funds government through September, clear the 60-vote filibuster hurdle even if they ultimately oppose it on final passage
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/03/12/chuck-schumer-shutdown-mess-democrats-00227772
How about a little blood moon watch tonight?
This will be a good one.
Dem leadership maybe to doing the sit and fret, unable to get up and in front of people to fight back against the facists, but there are a few doing the opposite. AOC has been a leader from the start. Even after being pushed down by former Speaker Pelosi, she has been a bright star. Then the ever reliable Bernie Sanders has gotten his voice and road trips going. Now Tim Walz is starting his road trip.
We finally are having powerful Dems, even if detested by repubs and magats, going out and talking to the people. Not talking above them, but with them. Getting some fight, even if it is prelude to the 2028 presidential elections, is wonderful to see. There are even videos showing up of an occasional Congress person fighting in committees. It is time to bring the working people back into the Dem party, where they belong.
It won’t be easy, but flip a few thousand votes and kick the magats out of government.
Redrawing lines:
Alaska is annexed by Canada. You can’t get there by land without entering Canada.
Hawaii volunteers to host the snowbirds. They were robbed of sovereignty originally and Canadians are politer guests.
The nice blue states of Washington, Oregon, and California can sing Oh Canada! Hollywood is already working out of Canadian studios. Bring along the Baja for more whale watching and cruising the sea of Cortez.
Arizona and New Mexico might want to join the exodus
The bill keeping the govt “open” contains a clause which makes legal anything Leon Skum wants to do. Any democrat who votes for that is a Republican.
[Expletive not deleted].
what if the press expanded coverage to include what else is happening, particularly Indepth behind the scenes GOPer fusses in congress?
“There are even videos showing up of an occasional Congress person fighting in committees.”
BB, from what I hear there have been quite a few dems speaking up rather forcefully but NOT being covered by a media that finds it easier to pick the lower hanging rotting fruit of the Dodo tree. What used to be journalists now don’t have to think, ask questions, explain things — just point the camera and click on the audio and cover the WH clown circus.
patd – media coverage is a problem, even larger with the WashPoo turning into a right wing rag. I don’t have answers and I don’t see a way out.
Anyone in Congress, Dem or Repug/MAGAt who votes for a bill giving the South African n@zi free rein, is also a n@zi.
Watching Kara Swisher on The View; she wanted to buy WaPo from Bezos, but now may start a new paper since WaPo is dying.
She’s on the Pivot podcast. Her take on tech bros: “Often wrong, but never in doubt.” Her take on tRUMP: “We have a coin-operated President.”
Bull / Bear
About Walt Handelsman – A two-time liberal Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist and animator for the New Orleans Advocate, Handelsman’s wry sense of humor and clear-cut commentary help readers grasp the issues before they fall to the ground laughing. Tribune Content Agency
Fingers crossed!
Thanks, Pat. I forget what I was remembering, but what if we send Elon up to Mars and forget to bring him back?
That didn’t take long
His Space Tesla is a piece of junk still floating out there. Time for him to go up after it in one of his Cyber trash trucks.
today’s meme…
When they’re destroying the economy is not the best time to privatize Social Security. You’ll be sorry, folks.
Trump Loses It After Wall Street Journal Trashes His Economic Policies
https://newrepublic.com/post/192708/donald-trump-wall-street-journal-economic-policies
Hide and Seek or Monkey in the Middle?
We have suffered krasnov and muskovite for about two months, the damage is significant. In spite all their efforts to destroy the U.S. government, the success is lacking. Efforts to disrupt the world seem slightly better. Of notice was the lack of visibility of a certain russian (maybe agent) yesterday.
I am considering my guess that he would be gone by summer is off. I think he will be moved out of Con One and the Oval Office much sooner, perhaps by time the Cherry Blossoms are full, or about three weeks.
meme #2…
… and he’s handing out pardons like Easter candy.
“Well, how were the stuffed peppers?”
…for dinner tonight, we’ll see!
so, i predicted this reality (was really hoping i was wrong) so watching it happen is so depressing i’m having a hard time doing so
forcing myself to read trailmix to stay a little informed
“… and he’s handing out pardons like Easter candy.”
He’s a fucking mafioso crime boss, what the fuck have we done?!
and not a smart one!
can president fuckhead maybe possibly meet with the Senate in a closed session on Saturday? Toga-casual dress code??
From RBC Ukraine:
Uh-oh, angry Truth (/s) Social rant to follow…
im wondering what that medallion Skum wears around his neck is, ill bet if i look it up it’s something nazi
NYT informs me. Trailmix reassures me.
From the New Republic:
He can pick ‘em can’t he? He knows spiritual advisors, and in fact they have a lot in common.
https://abcnews.go.com/US/hundreds-protesters-stage-trump-tower-sit-calling-release/story?id=119762664
“At least 98 people were arrested Thursday at a protest in the lobby of Trump Tower in Manhattan that called for the immediate release of Mahmoud Khalil — the pro-Palestinian activist and green card holder arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement this week.”
The test case for fascism isn’t going so well. Marco Rubio’s grandparents would be so ashamed of him.
Tomorrow, there are to be veterans marching in every state, and big march starting at noon.
Martial law? Don’t think so. Folks are remembering (or being reminded) that their oath is first to the US Constitution. Honestly, if Hegseth isn’t taken down by his own troops, I’ll be surprised.
Poobah or Pat, Does the site automatically block comments that have quotes from NYT? I just posted one that evaporated.
bId – I was over at the Naval Academy commissary and there were people informing everyone of the march tomorrow. A lot of veterans do their shopping at the commissaries, so if the recruiters are active at the other military bases around D.C. it should be a good turnout.
https://newrepublic.com/post/192660/trump-fbi-charge-climate
The FBI is moving to criminalize groups like Habitat for Humanity for receiving grants from the Environmental Protection Agency under the Biden administration.
Citibank revealed in a court filing Wednesday that it was told to freeze the groups’ bank accounts at the FBI’s request. The reason? The FBI alleges that the groups are involved in “possible criminal violations,” including “conspiracy to defraud the United States.”
The FBI has told Citibank that recipients of EPA climate grants are being considered as potentially liable for fraud. That is, the Trump administration wants to criminalize work on climate science and impacts,” the @capitolhunters account wroteWednesday on X. “An incoming administration not only cancels federal grants but declares recipients as criminals. All these grantees applied under government calls FOR ENVIRONMENTAL WORK, were reviewed and accepted. Trump wants to jail them.”
What if Jimmy Carter haunts Kash’s sorry backside?
https://azdailysun.com/news/local/sen-kelly-introduces-legislation-to-re-staff-forest-service-and-national-parks/article_d2baa35e-fec6-11ef-81e9-bf5d30d2fccb.html
Sen. Kelly introduces legislation to re-staff Forest Service and national parks
The “Save Our Forests Act” and “Protect Our Parks Act” would direct the Secretary of Agriculture and Secretary of Interior to rehire any employees fired between Feb. 4-Feb. 25, and to increase staffing as necessary to “sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of National Forest System land” and “ensure that the units of the National Park System are fully staffed to ensure visitor safety and enjoyment.”
Thousands of fired federal workers must be rehired immediately, judge rules.
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/03/13/fired-federal-probationary-employees-court-ruling-00228721
Perfectly put
NEW Quinnipiac Poll–Bad news for Trump. Approval down to 42% (53% disapprove). Disapproval high on economy (54%), federal workforce (54%), Ukraine-Russia (55%), trade w/Mexico (56%), trade w/Canada (58%). 62% think supporting Ukraine is in our national interest. By 60% to 33%, respondents OPPOSE eliminating the Department of Education. By 57% to 35%, respondents think UNVACCINATED children should not be allowed to attend schools or childcare facilities.
https://poll.qu.edu/poll-release?releaseid=3921&s=09
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14488879/DOGE-cuts-enforcer-busted-secretly-filming-awkward-office-videos.html
DOGE cuts enforcer is busted secretly filming herself in VERY awkward office videos
McLaurine Pinover has been posting video after video not to justify mass layoffs but to moonlight as an aspiring Instagram fashion influencer to her 800 followers.
In dozens of videos filmed directly inside her official OPM office, Pinover can be seen modeling sleek blazers, $475 skirts, and $300 dresses, tagging posts with #dcstyle and #dcinfluencer, while also linking to commission-based clothing sites.
It appears Pinover has been posting videos of herself blowing kisses to the camera, twirling in ‘work looks,’ and marketing outfits, all from the agency headquarters leading the charge against government inefficiency.
Many of the posts appear to have been published on the very same days thousands of federal employees have been asked to justify their jobs or face termination.
Pinover has only been in her role as communications director for OPM for two months having been appointed in January but in that time she has been a lead voice backing Trump’s sweeping layoffs and buyout offers to tens of thousands of government workers.
Yet from in front of her desk on the fifth floor of OPM’s Washington, DC headquarters Pinover has been filming herself modeling outfits, applying makeup, and typing away on government computers in post after post.
Elon brought his waste and fraud with him.
Poobah, 😉
https://www.newsweek.com/nato-poland-wants-us-nuclear-weapons-2043946
Polish President Andrzej Duda has urged the United States to deploy nuclear weapons in his country.
Since the start of Vladimir Putin‘s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia has made repeated nuclear threats and deployed atomic weapons to its closest ally, Belarus, which borders Poland.
Duda told the Financial Times that NATO‘s borders moved eastwards in 1999, when Warsaw joined, so the bloc’s nuclear infrastructure should follow suit.
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2025/02/corruption-trump-administration/681794/
This makes Shutdown more likely?
Mark Warner: “Morning update: NO on cloture. NO on the CR. We’re fighting this bad bill that cuts Americans a terrible deal with everything we’ve got.”
I’m only going by my faulty memory, but all the previous shut-downs were Republican. Look where that got them. Back in power.
The clip of this scene yesterday infuriated me. The Dems including Sarah kept decorum. I would’ve jumped a lot uglier (and gotten in trouble.)
https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2025/03/13/congress/sarah-mcbride-rent-free-00228930
https://apnews.com/article/mass-firings-federal-workers-trump-administration-7cc7320f469cc65529367aaea2fd9dcb
Judge orders Trump to rehire probationary workers let go in mass firings across multiple agencies
“Democrat Representative John Larson of Connecticut blasted Republicans who serve with him on the House Ways and Means Committee for killing his effort to require answers from Donald Trump and Elon Musk on the actions taken that could cripple Social Security. Larson demanded to know why Republicans refuse to require Musk to appear and testify about what he and his DOGE crews have already done to fire Social Security workers, close offices and may be planning to do to Social Security.”
This is the fire we’ve been missing! Clip embedded in link.
Saw that one too, BID. More fire!
**** it with fire
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/government-shutdown-2025-senate-democrats-vote/
Senate Democrats are considering a plan that would pave the way for a GOP bill to keep the government fundedfor six months in exchange for a doomed-to-fail vote on their own 30-day alternative, facing an uncomfortable choice between allowing the Republican measure to pass or letting the government shut down.
The plan would call for Democrats to provide the votes needed to advance the GOP bill in exchange for a vote on an amendment with their own one-month stopgap measure, which would almost certainly fail.
Democrats who oppose the GOP version could then vote against its final passage. Some members see it as a way to save face while also avoiding a shutdown.
“I think we’re going to all be ‘no’ on cloture unless we get an agreement to propose at least this 30-day clean [continuing resolution] amendment and maybe a couple of others,” Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia told reporters Thursday morning. “So we’ll be ‘no’ on cloture unless we get an agreement to do that. I’m not aware of whether the Republicans have agreed to that yet, but we’ll be ‘no’ on cloture if we don’t get it, and I think that’s a unified position.”
SHUT IT DOWN!
While Republican Town Halls are being cancelled because of constant verbal brickbats, Bernie Sanders drew thousands to a speech a few days ago, and Democrats are going into purple and red areas to tell truths. We knew Trump and Musk are what they said they were. Republicans voted for Trump because they also knew it, but were not going to stand for a multi-racial woman President. Egad! Oh no! I hope they all go broke as their 401Ks fall to earth in a scorching flame.
https://www.cnn.com/2025/03/11/politics/government-funding-bill-spending/index.html
Overall, the measure would boost defense spending by $6 billion compared to fiscal year 2024 and decrease nondefense spending by $13 billion.
The $13 billion decrease in nondefense spending – which Republicans are touting as $13 billion in savings – would stem from the removal of projects or one-time initiatives funded by lawmakers, known as earmarks, in fiscal year 2024, according to a House Appropriations Committee spokesperson.
Meanwhile, Democrats in the House and Senate have slammed the legislation, saying it would give more leeway to President Donald Trump and Elon Musk to redirect funding as they see fit – a charge the GOP denies.
However, the measure contains some Trump administration requests, including an additional $485 million for Immigration and Customs Enforcement to help boost deportations.
The bill also includes a provision that effectively neuters lawmakers’ powers to force a vote on whether to terminate a president’s ability to impose tariffs. That would help Republican members avoid a politically painful up-or-down vote on ending Trump’s tariffs on Canada and Mexico.
Democrats are taking issue with the GOP’s move to fund the government through the end of the fiscal year with a continuing resolution, arguing that the package does not provide the specific funding directives for many programs and priorities that would be laid out in a negotiated full-year spending bill.
The lack of these directives would make it harder to challenge the Trump administration’s actions in court, Murray and Rep. Rosa DeLauro, ranking member on the House Appropriations Committee, said in separate fact sheets.
Plus, the legislation would reduce support for the rural broadband Community Connect program by $30 million, cut nearly $800 million from Veterans Affairs facility construction, eliminate up to $40 million in election security grant funding and trim assistance to farmers to improve their lands and participate in conservation activities by $30 million, according to the Democratic appropriations leaders.
Also, the package would not provide additional funds for the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s disaster relief fund, which will need more money before the end of the fiscal year, Murray and DeLauro said.
The legislation also would reduce some funding for Department of Health and Human Services divisions that run community health centers and other programs and that help people with mental health and substance abuse issues, said Bobby Kogan, senior director of federal budget policy at the left-leaning Center for American Progress. Also, money could be cut for children and family services programs, as well as for aging and disability services programs.
SHUT IT DOWN!
No FEMA money + Elon downsizing NOAA + tornado alley + Santa Ana winds + hurricane season = nothing good
Ivy – I am very happy that the Trans people elected to the state and federal legislatures are calm, cool and collected. I am sure that if I had been in her shoes and that jerk did that to me the video would go viral, but for a much different reason. Decorum aside, he would have been carried out on his back following his gender change.
Folks in NC are lining up for 3 hours to yell at Republicans…
https://x.com/ColMoeDavis/status/1900287208340222430?t=0Wb9uHYv9dxz3kCfZmcTlA&s=19
Sign at NC Town Hall
Some Republicans are doing virtual town halls, pre-screening attendees, and still not getting the MAGAtized results that they expect.
Meanwhile…
Bernie Sanders to the crowd shouting his name: “It’s not Bernie. If there was ever a time in American history where it’s not one person but millions of people, this is that time.”
Nate Silver: “This is getting to be a reasonably fast decline. We launched last week, and Trump’s approval was +0.5, now it’s -1.7.”
I love that Senator Elizabeth Warren has branded the bill properly!
“I’m voting NO on the Republican shutdown bill.”
“NO on handing Donald Trump and Elon Musk a blank check to spend your taxpayer money however they want.”
“NO on cutting funding that helps families put food on the table and crack down on wealthy tax cheats.”
“We need to push back.”
Making room for Putin’s thugs. ‘Highly unusual’: White House halts FBI background checks for senior staff https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/white-house-orders-halt-fbi-background-checks-senior/story?id=119735530&cid=social_twitter_abcn&s=09
https://www.cnn.com/2025/03/13/politics/alien-enemies-act-deportation-consideration?cid=external-feeds_iluminar_yahoo
“Trump expected to invoke wartime authority to speed up mass deportation effort in coming days”
The little-known 18th-century law, the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, gives the president tremendous authority to target and remove undocumented immigrants, though legal experts have argued it would face an uphill battle in court.
The law is designed to be invoked if the US is at war with another country, or a foreign nation has invaded the US or threatened to do so. Legal experts say it would be difficult for Trump to use the act when the US isn’t being attacked by a foreign government, even if the administration does cite threats from gangs or cartels.
The primary target remains Tren de Aragua (TDA), a Venezuelan organized crime group that is now operating in the United States and other countries.
The Alien Enemies Act has been invoked three times in US history – all during war – according to the Brennan Center. During World Wars I and II, it was used to justify detentions and expulsions of German, Austro-Hungarian, Italian and Japanese immigrants. The law played a role in the infamous US policy of Japanese internment during World War II, according to the non-partisan law and policy institute.
The use (abuse) of this law would grow, of course.
“Mahmoud Khalil is not the last. He is the test run. The Alien Enemies Act is not just about immigrants-it’s about whether the government can declare entire groups of people as threats and erase them from public life.” Nebraska State Senator Megan Hunt
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Gl863mlWIAAICy5?format=jpg&name=4096×4096
Schumer just announced he will support the CR, framed it as voting for CR keeps Trump and Musk from having too much control during a shutdown.
FFS! Chuck! Not a smart move, but a Dem move.
Fire him. Dems need leadership. The CR gives everything to let krasnov and muskovite loose without controls and restrictions. Where do Dems go when there is no party?
I called Fetterman & Slotnik yesterday, as they seemed the shakiest. Just a few more Dem dominoes to fall & we are cooked.
meanwhile, dems are dropping like flies.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/raul-grijalva-dies-after-cancer-battle/
Chuck & the dumf&ks! This was our ONLY leverage! A vote for this bill is a vote to take away benefits from veterans, children, and seniors.
“I hope Senate Democrats understand there is nothing clever about setting up a fake failed 30 day CR first to turn around & vote for cloture on the GOP spending bill. Those games won’t fool anyone.” AOC
Once again, Dems snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.
The entire breakfast menu going up? Maybe we should become a Canada province.
Dodo doesn’t give a shit about disabled veterans, or any disabled. “Nobody wants to see that.” ADA next on the chopping block? He wants to park his Tesla in that handicapped spot.
Chuck and the Dumb Fucks! Great band name, BID❗️
News Alert: Trump asks Supreme Court to allow him to end birthright citizenship
President Trump asked the Supreme Court in a series of emergency appeals Thursday to allow him to move forward with plans to end birthright citizenship, elevating a fringe legal theory that several lower courts have resoundingly rejected.
In a series of emergency appeals, the Trump administration argued that lower courts had gone too far in handing down nationwide injunctions blocking the controversial policy, and it asked the justices to limit the impact of those orders.
More: Trump asks Supreme Court to allow him to end birthright citizenship | CNN Politics
“Your failure to plan is not my emergency.”
schumer is the new Lieberman.
One of the NC town hallers asked the GOP rep to list “5 things you did last week”
Answer:
Screwed over constituents
Ignored oath to the US Constitution
Supported fascism
Followed WH/Kremlin talking points
Pretended to be a Christian on Sunday
Republicans always have the upperhand in these showdowns because they don’t give a shit about governing, and Democrats do.
Democrats Prepare To Fold
https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-hill-leaders-e1b4a900-0037-11f0-875e-d560fc548bda.html?chunk=1&utm_term=twsocialshare#story1#axioshillleaders
Republicans poured the last glass of water from the bubbler & poisoned it. Dems want everyone to drink it, rather than be thirsty until the Osaka guy shows up.
Poor analogy, but this is poor legislative maneuvering.
Peppers were good, not so special to be worth publishing, i’ll keep tweaking
Unless trump fucks everything up in the meantime
OH WAIT
https://taskandpurpose.com/news/arlington-cemetery-scrubs-website-dei/
Arlington Cemetery website drops links for Black, Hispanic, and women veterans
But in recent weeks, the cemetery’s public website has scrubbed dozens of pages on gravesites and educational materials that include histories of prominent Black, Hispanic and female service members buried in the cemetery, along with educational material on dozens of Medal of Honor recipients and maps of prominent gravesites of Marine Corps veterans and other services.
Cemetery officials confirmed to Task & Purpose that the pages were “unpublished” to meet recent orders by President Donald Trump and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth targeting race and gender-related language and policies in the military.
Gone from public view are links to lists of dozens of “Notable Graves” at Arlington of women and Black and Hispanic service members who are buried in the cemetery.
*I hope the turnout for tomorrow’s veterans march is enormous.
standby for the recipe for my crabgrass-stuffed imaginary peppers with dirt garnish, coming 2026
They were that tasty, huh.
OK, call the Senators who seem stupidly bendy. Ask them why they’d vote for a bill that sets up a slush fund for tRUMP & Musk.
JD Vance booed tonight at Kennedy Center..
Ahhh, the Capitol switchboard is crap tonight.
Usha Vance is part of the board appointed by tRUMP to de-woke the performances. Need to see who hasn’t cancelled. Probably depends on how badly they need money and how their contract is written.
Back to dialing for dipsh/ts.
“They were that tasty, huh”
i dont make great food but i never make bad food 🤷♂️
everything vegan seems to lean on tomato is the problem
you know it’s not some genius political gamesmanship to lose all power and then do nothing
Dem leadership needs to resign- that new DNC chair, Schumer, Jeffries, hell even Slotkin with her antiquated bullshit speech, go away
your liberal political leadership is incompetent and lazy folks
Cool. The good Moon Lunar Eclipse just hit totality over East Bumfuck. Not as dramatic as the last solar eclipse, but still very cool.
Jamie,
That’s the new legal strategy – ignoring the merits of the suit and challenging the jurisdiction of district courts, bypassing the circuit courts. It’s cynical bullshit, at least in my humble opinion.
AOC might just primary Chuck. Dems are as ticked off at him as MAGAts are ticked off during Republican town halls.
Do you hear the people single?
Yep, Pogeaux, the eclipse was cool. I set an alarm. The burn pile was still going, too. So many limbs from last week’s wind.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/scoop-trump-crafts-plan-cut-spending-without-congress-after-shutdown-averted
SCOOP: Trump crafts plan to cut spending without Congress after shutdown is avertedTrump and his allies believe the Impoundment Control Act is unconstitutional
But the promise of Trump using Congress’ funding allocations as a ceiling and not a floor ultimately played a big part in convincing conservatives.
“We appropriate, that’s an important principle. But then the chief executive can make decisions below that spending level. The chief executive can say, ‘Hey, this isn’t the best use of money,'” Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, told Fox News Digital in an interview this week.
EVERYONE! Please call Schumer’s office at 8am, and Fetterman, Slotkin, and anyone else who seems like a dolt. Schumer doesn’t have voicemail.
OK, I’ve called my Senators, Fetterman & Slotkin. And, yes, I asked Republicans to vote NO on their own party’s bill because tRUMP is going to go around Congress and the Constitution to subvert the will of the people if DEMS let him.