Tariffs and Wall Street

 Pause!  Will tariffs go away?  Will Wall Street rebound? Will the world trust us again? We are watching because this affects all of us in the U.S. and around the world.  Meanwhile, don't forget all the rest: USAID, World Health Organizations, climate crisis, Gulf of Mexico, take over of Panama Canal, Greenland, Canada, vaccines, research on diseases, social security, veterans. deportations, and, and, and.   

Hands Off

 Hands off Mason City. People gathered in Central Park and then walked with their signs through downtown.  Over 200.  We were part of the millions who marched in thousands of cities and towns throughout all 50 states.

Tariffs

 Tariffs are causing trouble. Yes, everything from coffee beans to washing machines will cost more. Beyond that, the stock markets are down meaning people are losing their savings in their 401K accounts. Globalization will continue, but the U.S. is isolating itself. Foolish decisions--there are only penguins on Heard Island and McDonals Islands, (Does the president even know world geography?) Perhaps worst of all, some of the poorest nations are being hit the hardest: Thailand, recently hit with a 7.7 hurricane, 36% Madagascar 47%. People will suffer. Who will care?

Booker

 Senator Cory Booker just finished his 25 hour speech, standing the entire time. He is courageous and wise. And he listens. What a speaker, what a leader!

ME and Long COVID

 The Office of Long COVID Research and Practice at the Department of Health and Human Services is closing this week. This office included research on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, the chronic illness with which I have lived for many decades. , “Long COVID and ME impacts every facet of somebody’s life — their ability to go to school, their ability to take care of their children, their ability to go to work and get health care…So it’s not just clinical trials that need to happen. How does somebody who can no longer take care of themselves, and there’s no medical solution yet, how do they live a life?”

The decisions being made by the Department of Health and Human Services (RFK Jr) are affecting so many of us. Funding for research on many diseases is being halted. Sad, very sad. 

Mother 125

Today my mother would have been 125 years old. My father died 75 years ago this year.  I lived with my mother in Des Moines and Mason City, Iowa, until I finished college. Then I lived in Missouri, Indiana, Michigan, and Connecticut for 20 years. Our family moved back to Iowa in 1979 one year after Mother died.

Post Office Support

 Save the U.S. Post Office! People in Mason City, Iowa, who are able will be gathering at Central Park this Sunday at 1:00 to show support for the United States Postal Service with signs, and then move to the Post Office a few blocks away.  This is a National movement. The Post Office serves everyone as it has since 1775. Benjamin Franklin was appointed our first Postmaster General.  

Spring

Spring has begun.

 

Names erased

 Arlington Cemetery website has erased all information on Navajo, Black, Hispanic and Female honors and burial sites.

White men only remain.

1/3 to 1/2 people killed

One third to one half of all people killed by police in the US have a disability. Often this is because police are not trained in what to do when someone with autism, of someone having a seizure is having a problem in public. A friend of mine has an adult son with schizophrenia. My friend is glad they live in a town of only 12,000 people because the police know Jason. They see him around town, and have regular encounters with Jason. They know what to do. They do not call for more police, force him to the ground, or shoot him. The police simply calm Jason down, and either let him go on his own or take him home. All law enforcement people need to be trained, so people with a neurological disability do not die.

Voice of America

 For the first time in 83 years, the Voice of America is being silenced," The Trump administration has placed on leave virtually the entire staff of Voice of America—more than 1,300 journalists, producers and support staff. The VOA is especially critical today, when America's adversaries, like Iran, China, and Russia, are sinking billions of dollars into creating false narratives to discredit the United States."

VOA first began broadcasting in 1942 and reaches an audience of 361 million worldwide in 49 languages. This is another example of the U.S. "losing soft power" to Russia and China. VOA is the best way to explain official policies and why democracy is the best political system to foreign audiences who do not understand English." 

March Madness

 Basketball! Great!  But we have a new kind of March Madness this year. Thousands being fired, many from very important federal jobs. The madness of sending troops to take over Panama. The plan to own Greenland and make Canada the 51st U.S. state. The hurtful madness of stopping USAID, and medicaid, and reducing Social Security recipients. What will you do this second half of March? Enjoy the basketball, and work to stop the new March Madness!

Girls' Basketball

It's Iowa High School Girls' Basketball time! The first Iowa state tournament was held in 1920, 52 years before Title IX. The tradition held in Des Moines each year is wonderful. Each year h.s. boys in tuxedos sweep the floor at half-time. There are 5 classes depending on school size. Friday night we saw the Class 5A and 3A. Today will be Classes 1A, 2A and 4A beginning at 2:30 on Iowa Public Television.

Leader of the Free World

 It's not just about avocados. (We love avocados). It's about health care, medicaid, social security, and so much more. It about whether this country will continue to be a democracy or become an authoritarian dictatorship. We can't wait for elections in 2026 and 28. We must stop this complete turn about now. We will no longer be the leader of the free world. Perhaps we are no longer that now. It's about our being one nation about all nations--United Nations.

AP Banned

 In a free country, leaders must not be able to choose their own press corps! The Associated Press has been banned from the White House and Air Force One. Why? Because they refused to call The Gulf of Mexico "The Gulf of America" A press that is allowed to use only the words the president allows them to use is like the Kremlin. The First Amendment says that Congress shall pass no law "abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press."

What we can do

 I've been posting "No" to Donald Trump and Elan Musk. But what else can I (we) do? We can join the protests around the country--all 50 states. We can ask questions and speak out to our congressional representatives. We can call the US. capitol and ask to speak to a senator or representative: 202-224-3121.  In Iowa "Lutheran Day on the Hill" will be at the State Capitol in Des Moines from 8:30 to 3:00 on March 11.  What else?

Chainsaw

No, Elan Musk. You can't use your chainsaw to destroy U.S.Democracy!  Are you enjoying it?  Are you proud of yourself? Or is it all about those billions of dollars in government contracts you have gained? 

 No, Donald! (That's what Vladimir calls him).  It is wrong for you to disrupt our relationships with our NATO and EU friends. Putin will cheer and do anything he wants to.

Power to interpret laws

 No, Mr. Trump. You and the attorney general should not have the sole power to interpret laws.  

Ukraine

No, President Trump, Ukraine did not start the war. Russian invaded Ukraine almost 3 years ago, Feb. 2022. 

Empire

 Elan Musk won't rest until he is in charge of a global Financial Empire. Donald Trump wants to be Emperor. What do we want the United States to be? What do we want a president to be?

Why are Trump's approval ratings high?

 A new CBS News/YouGov poll found that 53% of U.S. adults approved of Trump’s overall job in office so far. 

Most respondents said they would describe the 78-year-old Trump as “effective,” “focused,” “tough,” “competent” and “energetic,” 

But presidential orders have already affected many people, and will affect everyone soon.  Cutting back health research will affect all of us, and not just those living with a chronic illness. Eliminating The Federal Consumer financial protection bureau will hurt all of us. Cutting back public school funding for children and youth with disabilities will hurt our entire communities. When will people finally realize what living under a dictator means?

Burton and Norma

 I have not posted a picture of us for awhile.  Here are Burton and Norma now--at ages 86 and 87.

USAID and Musk

 Do not shut down USAID. The US Agency for International Development provides assistance to countries recovering from disaster and trying to alleviate poverty. It combats the spread of disease and promotes democratic reform. USAID programs aim to support economic growth, combat the spread of disease, promote democratic reform, and address food insecurity. The agency also provides assistance to countries recovering from disaster, trying to alleviate poverty, and emerging from periods of conflict. Elan Musk insists USAID is a "criminal organization. It must die."  He also insists, along with Trump that the Federal Department of Education be dismantled. This will mostly hurt youth who live with a disability and schools in low-income neighborhoods. Elan Musk is not co-president. Is money the only reason he has so much power?

The day before, Musk wrote on X that USAID is a "criminal organization."

"It needs to die," he wrote. 

He also insists, along with Trump that the Federal Department of Education be dismantled. This will mostly hurt youth who live with a disability and schools in low-income neighborhoods. 

Elan Musk is not co-president. Is money the only reason he has so much power? 

Cancellation of MLK Day, Junteenth and Black History month

 In response to President Donald Trump's banning diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, the Pentagon's intelligence agency will not be celebrating programs and events, related Juneteenth, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, (both Federal holidays), and Black History Month which begins today. We in Mason City, Iowa, will hold a community-wide celebration of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Black History month February 16th at 4:00 p.m. at 1st Congregational UCC Church. All are welcome.

Blame people with disabilities

 You know my heart,friends. And how upsetting it is to see members of the disability community spoken of this way by anyone.

Trump took aim at DEI as the problem when an American Airlines flight and an Army helicopter collided and crashed Wednesday night into the Potomac River near Reagan National Airport. Miles O'Brien is an independent American broadcast news journalist specializing in science, technology, and aerospace who serves as national science correspondent for PBS NewsHour. O'Brien, himself an amputee said, there is no factual evidence to say people with disabilities cannot perform at the same level as able bodied people. To say that is a further part of the  tragedy. 

Contact Government

Feel like there's nothing you can do? Pause on Federal grants, deportations, executive orders! One simple direct action is to call the Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121 and tell them which representative or senator for whom you want to leave a message.  Call the White House to leave a message for the president at 202-456-1111 between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. Their staff counts messages for or against an issue or action. Personally and together we can make a difference.

Laughter

 In the midst of many complex issues that trouble us, we have many challenges to face.  We also need to find joy and laughter.  Here is a picture of son Joel laughing until he cried and of Burton similarly laughing his head off. Our family was playing Fictionary on Christmas, including son Kirk on Factime from Texas. 

Gloria Steinem

Gloria Steinem is 90 years old. At for she was asked how she kept looking so young. So now, a half century later, as reporters have switched from primarily commenting about Gloria’s youthful appearance to asking the venerable activist, “Who will you be passing your torch to?” Gloria continues to respond in a way that will help educate and empower others: “I’m not giving up my torch, but using it to light the torches of others, because if we each have a torch, there’s a lot more light.” 

Executive Orders 2

 People say it's too much to deal with.  But he told it this was coming. ICE raids. Deportations. Rolling back DEI. Eliminating FEMA. Cutting funding for research for cures for cancer and other dread diseases. That affects all of us. We have choices.  We could just turn off the news and pretend it isn't this bad. But that won't make this go away.  Or, we can speak out, gather together.  Some of us can work on some things and some on others--together. We still have voices. Most of us do not need to fear going out in public. (But some now do.) We must use the freedoms was still have!

Rachel Maddow interviews Bishop Budde

 Last night Journalist Rachel Maddow interviewed Episcopal Bishop of Washington Mariann Budde about her "ministry" to preach to the president. The bishop in a gentle voice: "It was my vocation to speak directly to the president" She said that in light of Trump's words to seek unity, we also need to offer mercy, empathy and compassion to those who are hurting. Maddow asked about the role of churches now, citing Roman Catholics, Episcopalians and [ELCA] Lutherans have offered themselves as sanctuary. The bishop has received much criticism and death threats. Trump himself, after the service rerated her as a "co-called" bishop.  Maddow commended the bishop for her ministry of teaching and leading. 

Executive Orders 1

 Retribution, fear, danger! Add to that, the Executive Order for the U.S. to leave the World Health Organization. The WHO is an agency of the United Nations, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. It's mandate is to promote health and safety worldwide. It's purpose includes controlling epidemics, teaching and training in public health. The WHO played a leading role in the eradication of smallpox and near eradication of polio. It advocates for food security and universal health care. With the withdrawal of the U.S. from the WHO and an "America First" doctrine, the world will be endangered, and that includes the U. S. 

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

 Monday, Jan. 20 is a national holiday because it is Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Quotes: "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that." "I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear."

Carter Funeral and Fires

 With heavy hearts we say good-bye to 39th President of the U.S., Jimmy Carter.  We give thanks for his life of faith and service. May we continue to learn from him of how to make a difference in this world.  Also, we have heavy hearts for the people of Southern California living in the midst of catastrophic fires. May we care for each other now and into the future.

Insurrection and Epiphany

 December 7, 9/11, January 6: all days that will live in history. On Dec. 7, 1941 and September 11, 2001, the United States was attacked by outside forces.  On January 6, 2001, people from inside this country attacked the U.S. Capitol. Insurrection! We dare not forget that day or pretend it did not happen.  Epiphany! We who are Christians celebrate the coming of the Wise Men seeking to find the child. There will always be Herods who in fear of losing their power will want to do away with people. We follow the Star and do not help Herod do his awful will.

Nativity Set 35

The final day of Christmas. Monday will be Epiphany.  The light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not overcome it.  

Nativity Set 34

 A nativity set within an egg.  This manger is small, but the message is huge. Christ changes lives, builds us into community--the body of Christ--and is with us in the most difficult of times.

Sunday will be the last of the 12 days of Christmas.

Nativity Sets 31, 32, 33

 

Christmas continues. Winter white. May you all be blessed on this cold winter day.

Nativity Set 29 and 30

January 2. Four days until Epiphany. Because we now live in an apartment, we do not put up a tree, but do enjoy putting all of these nativity sets around every room. When we lived in East Dubuque, Il, there was a tree farm just across the road.  We would cut our own tree and bring it home. One year we did the "traditional Christmas card scene" and took our sled to bring our tree home.  The only problem was that the road was a highway!