74 thoughts on “Foundering Fathers”

  1. Barry Blitt’s “You’re Fired!” | The New Yorker

    For the March 3, 2025, cover, Barry Blitt depicts Alexander Hamilton, Benjamin Franklin, and James Madison ejected from their offices—a startling representation of the chaos and mass layoffs of federal workers that have engulfed America since Donald J. Trump took office for the second time. “We should all be thankful the Founding Fathers never had to deal with the likes of Elon Musk and his DOGE ilk,” Blitt remarked, “or else there would be no country to be taken away from us now.”

  3. more humor from the March 3rd issue of The New Yorker
    Shouts & Murmurs

    You Have Reached the U.S. Government

    By Patricia Marx
    https://media.newyorker.com/photos/67b50662bb5ae3ae97445248/master/w_2560%2Cc_limit/r45639.jpg

    You have reached the U.S. government. We are currently unable to answer your call, because everyone has been fired except Bob. If you would like to leave a message, listen carefully, as most of our menu options have been fed into the wood chipper.

    Please note that this call is being recorded so that we can use it against you.

    For your safety, do not press the number 9. It is a trigger number for President Trump. That’s as much as we can say about that.

    If this is Melania, press 183 if you wish to accept the buyout.

    […]

    If this is an emergency, do not call FEMA. The agency is installing more fountains near the seventeenth hole of the Trump International Golf Club in Dubai and moving the Persian Gulf in order to create the biggest and best views ever seen in history.

    To leave a message for Bob, press 24. He can’t talk right now, because he’s a cat.

    If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands, but also stay on the line so a representative can take your address. We’d like to send you a complimentary MAGA hat.

    If you are still waiting for Bob to return your call, don’t hold your breath. He was just laid off, along with all the other D.E.I. hires with dark fur. ♦

  4. sturge, as our resident erudite of all things literary, would “floundering” rather than “foundering” in thread title be a better choice?


  5. The real head of DOGE has been revealed and it’s not Elon Musk, President Trump is wresting control of the press pool away from the White House Correspondents Association, and the U.S. may soon offer green cards to anyone able to afford a five million dollar fee.

  6. I dearly love a whole’s fried flounder.

    Foundering as a podcast 
    A serialized podcast from Bloomberg Technology that explores high-stakes dramas in the technology industry

  7. daily show’s take on the kabinet klatch

    Desi Lydic tackles Trump’s first cabinet meeting, which included Elon Musk accidentally canceling Ebola prevention and RFK Jr. downplaying the measles outbreak. Meanwhile, Trump announces $5M “gold card” for wealthy immigrants.

  10. The government is both foundering and floundering. Foundering and coming apart on the rocks of Trump & Muskrat while floundering in confusion while struggling mentally.

  14. “Agencies to deliver large-scale RIF plans in two weeks. The Trump administration is directing federal agencies to move swiftly to lay off broad swaths of their workforces”.
    https://www.govexec.com/workforce/2025/02/agencies-deliver-large-scale-rif-plans-two-weeks/403303/

    I see a couple of ways this gets bogged down:
    — Even OMB acknowledges they can’t get rid of jobs required by statute, but they’re defining that more narrowly than what the courts will probably allow.
    — I don’t think they’re going to get away with unilaterally switching some of the higher level civil service slots to political without passing a law.

  15. It is bothersome that none of the higher ranked Republican senators are on Blue Sky. I hope they are just hiding out under other names rather than ignoring the opinions of 50% of the population due to terror of Trump.

  19. i like how one dumb guy on tiktok conceives a performative boycott idea and liberals are so rudderless they adopt it for lack of anything better

    i don’t even know why i’m supposed to be boycotting Walmart, for instance

    any consumption i avoid for 24 hours will be compensated by consumption the day before or the day after

    Jeff Bezos is so unconcerned he published a notice of it in his own media outlet, what does that tell you?

  22. ok i already have a better idea than boycott day:

    subscribe to a newspaper day

    on a personal note i haven’t used amazon since the election and have replaced some of that consumption with…

    walmart’s website 😐

  23. Yes, Anon! In the past month I have subscribed to: The Guardian, Mother Jones and Rolling Stone — plus contributed to Pro Publica. They’re all protecting our freedoms against the fascists.

  24. if liberals really want to try an effective boycott they should look at Whole Foods specifically since they comprise a large portion of that clientele, like for months, and i’m still not sure what we would be trying to pressure Bezos to do besides be less of a tool

    you can live without overpriced millet

    ok bandwidth exceeded, i rely on all of your contributions so i don’t want to squeeze anyone out ✌️

  25. I have seen many stories, heard much conversation about Hackman’s best films, and through it all, no mention of “Scarecrow”, though Gene proclaimed it his favorite. It was my dad’s favorite, and mine, edging “Hoosiers”.
    The most haunting: “The Conversation”. One of the creepiest films ever. I remember when my ex-father-in-law asked me who my favorite actor was, I never hesitated: Gene Hackman. This was in 1973.
    Bezos has really hurt and upset those who relied on that formerly fine paper. Now, abandon ship. I quit when they refused to endorse our Kamala Harris.
    Kennedy is so out of touch, a mind corrupted by more than a brain worm. He states outright , obvious lies that just plainly offend us who follow news in even the least degree.
    It was reported by Dr. Peter Hotez that hundreds of children have been exposed by now in the Mennonite community in Texas and many more cases will appear in the next 2 weeks.

  26. https://www.newsweek.com/andrew-tristan-tate-us-romania-live-updates-2037151

    “Andrew and Tristan Tate have left Romania on a private jet bound for Florida after prosecutors lifted their travel ban, sources confirmed Thursday. The controversial brothers are set to return to Romania by the end of March to comply with legal obligations tied to their ongoing criminal case.”

    Florida. Now, who would they know in Florida?

    “The brothers, dual U.S.-British citizens with millions of followers, were arrested in late 2022 and indicted on charges of operating a criminal ring that exploited women. Andrew Tate also faces rape charges, which the brothers deny.”

    Are there any unfillef cabinet positions for these two ~dreamboats~?

    “Romania’s Foreign Minister denied U.S. pressure to lift the travel restrictions, despite reports of discussions at the Munich Security Conference.”

    The US has gone full Mafia.

  28. Well, strikes work in France…but they’re a reminder of a time when heads of the 1% literally rolled.

    There are lots of things going on:

  29. The general strike seems to be stalled, because it takes a certain percentage of folks to stay home to make things grind to a halt.

    Between Elon’s layoffs and potential job losses from Agent Orange’s tariffs, we might need fewer actually striking.

    One thing is certainly, (F)Elon is crashing the economy …and it’s intentional.

    Someone needs to intervene in a big way, because this involves the entire world. Start with Putin and the sweater unravels more quickly.

  33. My favorite Gene Hackman movie is The Bird Cage… also one of my favorite Robin Williams movies.

    BTW… the next primary for prez… I’m voting for a white male. I want to win…

  34. Craig – It’s eugenics. They want to kill off the chronically ill, the elderly, and anyone whose immune system isn’t up to snuff (because they have no idea how the immune system works), and then they can replace the dead bodies with little, white babies…who will become slave labor for the overlords, but who will not culturally rock the boat.

  37. Now is the time for all good military personnel to come to the aid of their country.

    Surely all active, reserve, and retired military see their benefits evaporating. It’s time to remember their oath to the US Constitution.

    BTW, anyone else starting to feel a draft?

  41. Based in that WSJ article, it sounds like Elon couldn’t pass a drug test to get a job as a federal worker.

    Cocaine and ecstasy and ketamine and shrooms, oh my. I dare him to take it all at once. I double-DOGE dare him.

  43. https://www.wired.com/story/doge-government-credit-cards/

    “Elon Musk’s so-called Department of Government Efficiency put a $1 spending limit on most credit cards belonging to employees and contractors of the General Services Administration—a critical agency that manages IT and office buildings for the US government—along with at least three other federal agencies. Similar restrictions are expected to roll out to the entire government workforce soon, according to several sources familiar with the matter.”

    Including VA procurement cards. One dollar. One.

  44. Craig – Did you read my post on Cuban last night?
    Not a smooth ride for him, for sure, and isn’t everyone tired of billionaires? I mean, maybe one with experience like JB Pritzker.

    The thing that makes Cuban most attractive is his disdain for tRUMPsky.

    Between the toxic environment at the Mavs while he was full owner, and some of the absolute crap he used to spout off on his weekly TV show in Dallas (that’s right, he got himself/bought himself a local TV show and then became a national, reality show TV star), he’s gonna get hammered.

  45. BiD. Yes your thoughts on Cuban and his history well taken, as I know very little. What I’ve noticed is he has a mastery of the modern day conversational long form podcast persona that I’m looking for. Doesn’t sound like a politician.

    Still think Democrats should hold a midterm convention next summer 2026 to gather strength and showcase talent, include a straw poll.

  46. Hackman death getting very curious. No gas leak. Bodies in different rooms, discovered days later. Front door open. One dog dead. Two still alive.

  47. That Time Mark Cuban Managed a Dairy Queen for One Day

    “Having worked as a bartender and running his own business before becoming the owner of a professional basketball team Cuban likely had no trouble getting the job done and showing that he was more than up to the challenge. It doesn’t mean you have to like the guy, but unless he trips up there’s really no easy way to call him out on his words.”

    This was a fun event; Cuban used a tiff to market the Mavs and put his elbow grease where his mouth was. It was close to my office, at the time, so a bit of fun at lunchtime.

    That’s the thing, Craig. I’m sure he’s evolved as a human, becoming an actual, involved father, unlike MuskRat. And, he didn’t inherit his wealth. He’s actually smart and a good businessman. I do know that he’ll have to deal with everything he’s ever said or done, so if his family is no longer a no, maybe he gets out ahead of it all so if has time to dilute. I also wonder how well the thought of another billionaire will do.

    A midterm convention could be a good thing.

    I’ve noticed the Russian troll farm has amped back up this week.

  48. https://apnews.com/article/social-security-layoffs-doge-musk-trump-93efbed33957af5ec8ac37744d0592de

    “Social Security Administration could cut up to 50% of its workforce”
    Mess it up (with no regard to people’s lives) so that it needs to be fixed, so that it can be privatized aka the government taking your money and you never get anything back.

    https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2025/02/26/trump-postal-service-usps-history/80245177007/

    “According to Pew Research Centers, the USPS is among the most popular federal agencies: 75% of Americans have a favorable view of it. Only the National Park Service, at 76%, fared better.”

    My great-grandfather, and my great-great grandfather were both letter carriers.

    Just like the post office, with over half a million employees. Is a privatized company going to do the same job, even delivering to rural areas? Is a privatized company going to pay workers as well, with the same benefits?

    NOPE! This is a race to the effing bottom, brought to you by the red party & Red Square.

    I wish to heck that someone would do their job and arrest the traitors in this administration aka this administration.

  49. “[Cuban]‘s gonna get hammered.”

    we really gotta stop playing by then old rules starting yesterday

    Good posts today, btw 🫡

  51. They came for the Trans people first
    Texas has a bill in the hopper that bans Transgender people from the state. Specifically it is illegal to be Transgender in texas, if it passes and the court formerly known as supreme allows it to stand.

  52. https://www.vanityfair.com/news/story/trump-congress-political-violence

    “They’re Scared Shitless”: The Threat of Political Violence Informing Trump’s Grip on Congress
    “It’s tempting to compare Republicans to Prussian aristocrats in 1930s Germany. But Prussian aristocrats were more responsible. They were dealing with civil unrest and the threat of a communist takeover. Republicans today have historically low unemployment, a record stock market. What’s their excuse?”

    “They’re scared shitless about death threats and Gestapo-like stuff,” a former member of Trump’s first administration tells me.

    “…North Carolina senator Thom Tillis told people that the FBI warned him about “credible death threats” when he was considering voting against Pete Hegseth’s nomination for defense secretary. Tillis ultimately provided the crucial 50th vote to confirm the former Fox & Friends host to lead the Pentagon. According to the source, Tillis has said that if people want to understand Trump, they should read the 2006 book Snakes in Suits: When Psychopaths Go to Work. (When asked for comment for this story, a spokesperson for Tillis said it was false that the senator had recommended the book in that capacity. The FBI said it had no comment.)”

    Yeah, there’s not a Navalny in the bunch. Not even Kitzinger. Call up the military, you chickensh/ts!

    “January 6 further catalyzed GOP fear of Trump-inspired violence. Romney told his biographer, McKay Coppins, that an undercurrent of anxiety thwarted Republican efforts to formally punish Trump for his role in inciting the riot. “One Republican congressman confided to Romney that he wanted to vote for Trump’s second impeachment, but chose not to out of fear for his family’s safety,” Coppins wrote in his book. “When one senator, a member of leadership, said he was leaning toward voting to convict, the others urged him to reconsider. You can’t do that, Romney recalled someone saying. Think of your personal safety, said another. Think of your children. The senator eventually decided they were right.”

    What about everyone else’s family?

    It’s not going to get any better. Once Putin & Agent Orange are done with you, Congress will be history. Heck, I wouldn’t bet on Adolf not calling for the dissolution of Congress at the SOTU next week.

  61. Spending a billion to bring down egg prices is ridiculous, especially if they kick the elderly out of their nursing homes. My grandma died 20 years ago, but the state took her house when she had to go to a nursing home. Nobody can afford nursing home care for long, unless you can also afford long-term care insurance.

  62. The link I shared was a story about a local GOP delegate who said that Hitler was a hero and the holocaust didn’t actually happen according to the Red Cross.

  64. https://abcnews.go.com/US/fbi-director-kash-patel-bring-ufc-fbi-sources/story?id=119255318

    “FBI Director Kash Patel wants to bring the UFC to the FBI”

    “Newly-installed FBI Director Kash Patel, whose proclaimed plans to overhaul the nation’s premier law enforcement agency have rattled many within the bureau, has proposed enhancing the FBI’s ranks with help from the Ultimate Fighting Championship, the martial-arts entertainment giant whose wealthy CEO, Dana White, helped boost President Donald Trump’s reelection, according to sources who were told of Patel’s proposal.”

    The US is a frigging joke!

  69. it’s just really tone-deaf to tell a family, for instance, to not buy anything on a certain day, as if the kids give a shit

    and for no expressed reason

    can we do better? we need to cuz these people have detailed plans, we have half-baked ideas

  71. https://www.newsweek.com/top-doj-spokesperson-resigns-citing-toxic-work-environment-report-2037495

    “Top DOJ Spokesperson Resigns, Citing ‘Toxic Work Environment’: Report”

    “In fact, it has been an honor to serve this department under multiple administrations led by both Republicans and Democrats, each of whom have previously treated career staff with respect and dignity,” he said. “It is heartbreaking to see that basic decency come to an end,” he said.

    “Simply put, I cannot continue to serve in such a hostile and toxic work environment, one where leadership at the highest levels makes clear we are not welcome or valued, much less trusted to do our jobs.”

    Why would you not stay and be that b/tch? Hum up the works, make them miserable, make them fire you, but why give in? That’s what they want. Make them work for it.

  72. Well, we’ll see how the boycott goes & if it gets any attention from the powers-that-be-even-if-they-weren’t-elected. There’s another total boycott on April 18th. (There are rolling bothers every week, which I don’t understand.). What we need is a strike…but unemployment is growing.

  73. I went to Indiana University at Fort Wayne on the GI Bill for a while. I have a friend who played on the Fort Wayne Rugby Club , not a college team.
    Mark Cuban went to IU Bloomington where he played on IU’s rugby club team, but played on the Fort Wayne Rugby Club after he graduated and before struck it rich. My friend says they called him “KOO-bah”.

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