OPINION: Little Pink Houses

OPINION: Little Pink Houses

 

OPINION: Little Pink Houses

Editor: Millions of people attended No King protests nationwide, and some experts believe that it may have been the largest single-day protest in U.S. history. Reports indicate that more than 5 million people attended the anti-Trump demonstrations in 2100 towns and cities nationwide.

By John Curran

In our little Mayberry sort of town we have protests too-against this idiot and all his corruption. And an outsider might be surprised because Josephine County, Oregon as well as adjacent counties in this part of the state are, and have been been for years very strongly Republican. The majority vote in the 2024 presidential election was a Trump landslide. At the time of the actual election and preceding it, you would see a lot of pro-Trump signs and endorsements in all its various, and at least here, peaceful forms. The killings ain’t got here, yet. But it is getting a little more tense.

We had our fourth major protest on Saturday; the day when the nation as a whole was saying,  Everywhere is protest. Everywhere is outrage. Everywhere the same desire, get the cancer out before it just destroys everything. And of course, easier said than done.

By legal, institutional means, the political system has been manipulated to enable this huge dysfunction to have achieved the position where it can begin to consume the host and that’s pretty galling if ya ask me. The fact that this monster has been created from within; is us, or at least a good portion of us, the worst of us, sickens me. The resulting power mad soulless Babylon becomes unsustainable for the majority where the ‘survival of the fittest’ mentality just leaves the sick, the disabled, and the less than perfect to die. And with that, it’s obvious they don’t care.

So, ok, and with that, our little town on Saturday June 14th, 2025, had its fourth big protest. What was so cool was that it was bigger, louder, and even more jubilant than ever; like minded people coming together, working for a common cause. A friendly smile, a big hug, we are all getting to know each other just a little bit through these protests. In a way, these protests are more like mass unstructured community outings, mostly people of like feelings, but also, just anybody who knows how to act somewhat normal is welcome. So far so good.

And of course it wouldn’t be a proper protest without a few anti-protesters, to keep it interesting. Before a few was all it had been but this time, it was more like Custer’s last stand with Custer telling the dozen or so assembled, “Get out there boys. Damn they’re back again talking all that stuff about rights, and No Kings and all the while criticizing our fearless and duly elected leader. So get your big trucks and your big boots and let’s make some noise.”

“But sir ….theys so few of us it seems, and theys so many of them.”

And damned if he didn’t hear that and think an actual thought….”Yeah, right, I hadn’t thought of that.”

Despite being outnumbered a few of them actually began walking amongst the crowd, but most were content to just drive by in their pickup trucks and blow black smoke and yell, “Fuck you” a lot. The ones walking through the crowd had put themselves out there,  however,  they mostly walked around smirking and saying cruel and demeaning things to people in wheelchairs, slow elderly people with their walkers, or just anybody, who wanted to question their motives. Motherfucker.

But they don’t really deserve any credit for mingling with the crowd. They weren’t really brave as they wanted us to think; ’cause they could pretty well figure that, even though greatly outnumbered they were not gonna be actually threatened or hurt in any way. They would have to be the ones to start it, cause that’s not who we are. Neither are we poor and pathetic, we’re more like powerful now, and getting more powerful everyday. Do you have to wonder why?

 

More of Trump’s Atrocities, Part 3

More of Trump’s Atrocities, Part 3

Trump is a destroyer not a builder

More of Trump’s Atrocities, Part 3

By Cate Rees-Hessel

 

More and more, day by day, “The Donald” is trying to destroy our nation with his selfish, chaotic  and self-serving behavior. Below are more of his narcissistic actions:

  1. Attacking SNAP, nutrition assistance needed by many families to put food on the table. He will single handedly cause a hunger crisis in America. We must resist and impeach Trump…
  2. Trump’s tariffs are driving up prices on food and many other items, cost of living increases are hurting middle class Americans, and destroying those in lower income brackets. We must resist and impeach Trump…
  3. Attacking Medicaid for those unable to afford health insurance. Necessary health care for millions, including preventive care, is under attack and potentially on the chopping block. This action can result in deaths for many people in our nation. We must resist and impeach Trump…
  4. He already reversed the $35.00 insulin cap for seniors – diabetics rely on this medication to stay alive and healthy. We must resist and impeach Trump…
  5. He has insulted the new Pope Leo XVI, as he also insulted our dearly departed Pope Francis, two Godly men of peace and inclusion. We must resist and impeach Trump…
  6. Trump’s tax breaks for billionaires that need to pay their fair share are completely unfair and unjustified. We must resist and impeach Trump…
  7. He pardoned reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley, calling their daughter at Sam’s Club to announce his gesture. We must resist and impeach Trump…
  8. Trump “worked” at a McDonald’s during his campaign and is a Big Mac-aholic but can’t even spell the word hamburger. We must resist and impeach Trump…
  9. The orange imbecile thinks windmills cause cancer. We must resist and impeach Trump…
  10. Trump wants to spend an estimated $95 million on a dictator style military parade to celebrate and commemorate his birthday when the average American can barely afford to buy necessities. This money could save Medicare and SNAP benefits for those in need. We must resist and impeach Trump…
  11. Trump’s attack on Social Security. Seniors and disabled individuals rely on SS. I must point out Social Security is our money, not the governments. We earned it and paid into the system for our retirement. We must resist and impeach Trump…
  12. I will let Trump’s horrific 2025 Memorial Day “X” message speak volumes for itself here – this comes from the devil that called out military suckers and losers. The only monsters are Trump and his cronies. Ending his rant with God bless America is disgusting and blasphemous.

“OUR COUNTRY THROUGH WARPED RADICAL LEFT MINDS, WHO ALLOWED 21,000,000 MILLION PEOPLE TO ILLEGALLY ENTER OUR COUNTRY, MANY OF THEM BEING CRIMINALS AND THE MENTALLY INSANE THROUGH AN OPEN BORDER THAT ONLY AN INCOMPETENT PRESIDENT WOULD APPROVE, AND THROUGH JUDGES WHO ARE ON A MISSION TO KEEP MURDERERS, DRUG DEALERS, RAPISTS GANG MEMBERS, AND RELEASED PRISONERS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD, IN OUR COUNTRY SO THEY CAN ROB MURDER, AND RAPE AGAIN-ALL PROTECTED BY THESE USA HATING JUDGES WHO SUFFER FROM AN IDEOLOGY THAT IS SICK, AND VERY DANGEROUS FOR OUR COUNTRY HOPEFULLY THE UNITED STATES SUPREME COURT, AND OTHER GOOD AND COMPASSIONATE JUDGES THROUGHOUT THE LAND. WILL SAVE US FROM THE DECISIONS OF THE MONSTERS WHO WANT OUR COUNTRY TO GO TO HELL, BUT FEAR NOT, WE HAVE MADE GREAT PROGRESS OVER THE LAST 4 MONTHS AND AMERICA WILL SOON BE SAFE AND GREAT AGAIN and HAPPY AGAIN  MEMORIAL DAY, AND GOD BLESS AMERICA”

We must resist and impeach Trump…

Part 3-Trump Racism is Bad for America

Part 3-Trump Racism is Bad for America

Part 3-Trump Racism is Bad for America

 

By T.K. McNeil 

I ended Part 2 of Trump Racism Is Bad For America worried that immigrants were being transferred from the United States to foreign prisons without due process. I worried aloud about death squads, concentration camps, and gas ovens. Trump racism is obvious for anyone with eyes, ears, or an X account. We are rocked out of our beds daily by angry and racially inflammatory 2 a.m. Tweets. Trump uses a practiced, coded language of dog whistles and red meat taunts that he pitches regularly to his MAGA hatted support base. The intent, an obviously planned effort to keep them frothing at the mouth, agitated, and ready for action.

Protests and resistance.  I can hear the audible gasps and protests. I say, better to think it a possibility than to refuse to face the possibility. Trump’s racism has already led to the separation of children from their parents at the Mexican border. He is now sending immigrants to foreign prisons without due process. He has stated flatly soldiers will have his permission to shoot asylum seekers that might potentially hurl rocks at the soldiers. I’m just going to let that percolate amidst your neuron receptors for a couple of minutes.

History must be studied.  There is this tendency to fall in love with the past and wish for life as it once was. For those of you who are not old enough to have reached that stage of your life let me assure you, beware, nostalgia is a load of crap. If in 40 years time there are Americans wishing for the good old days when Donald Trump was in power, let me warn you, you are in a world of trouble. Chances are, there will no longer be a United States if people are longing for a president who resembles Fat Bastard more than he does the leader of the free world.

The emergence of Barack Obama:  When Barack Obama came into office there was a hope from many sides, particularly moderates that there would finally be that emergence of a color blind America. Unfortunately there was an angry element of the population that was not ready or willing to accept such an outrage. My God in Heaven, there is a black family living in the ‘nation’s house.’ “We” must “do something.” A backlash of white vs all those “uppity” POC quickly coalesced on the alt-right. It quickly became their central purpose to undermine and dismember a hoped for mending of our national division.

Dehumanizing the target is goal one. “Birtherism” bubbled up through the conspiracy theorists. The theory postulated that 50 or so years ago, an all-knowing “group” of Democrats probably funded by George Soros met to bestow false citizenship on a mixed race kid in Kenya who would eventually be smuggled into Hawaii and who would go on to become president of the United States.  Such crazy over the top nonsense was fully embraced and pushed with ceaseless passion for more than 8 years by Donald J. Trump. The endless campaign driven by Trump and other alt-righters had the desired results of casting doubt on President Obama’s legitimacy to rule the country. Effectively undermining our first black president was accomplished. Sadly, a repeated lie often becomes a malignancy on the perceived character of the target.

Other factors.  Despite the constant attack from the right Barack Obama left office as one of the most popular presidents in American history. A fact that enrages Donald Trump. The fact that the first black man elected president of the United States was to be followed in succession by the most openly racist president in American history is sad and deeply troubling.

Plenty of blame.  The 2016 election became a disaster of Godzilla proportions. It would have taken a series of monumental political catastrophes to elect Trump. Unfortunately for the United States that’s exactly what happened. Russian interference, Wikileaks email drops, walking pneumonia, Weiner porn texts, a rogue FBI Director, the first woman candidate of a major American political party, a reality TV has-been all converged together to make the 2016 campaign and election results both  extraordinary and  unprecedented.

Political infighting.  In the final analysis, I blame the Democrats for Trump’s two election victories. The DNC decided to rig their primary process long before the Russians or Comey got involved. The party bypassed a forward thinking man like Bernie Sanders who connected with the future voters of America for a political wife, turned candidate who the GOP had convinced half the country she was the devil incarnate. Bill and Hillary called in a lot of IOU’s to make this outrage happen. HRC was a flawed candidate from the start. As a result of the DNC betrayal, we as a nation have been burdened with Agent Orange and his team of rich and corrupt bullies. The 2016 election of Trump led to a rapidly accelerating  radicalization of American politics. Trump’s 2024 win was in many ways a repeat of the DNC betrayal of the primary process. This time, the anointing of Kamala Harris, by Joe Biden. This kind of crap needs to stop. Let the process run its course. Maybe he or she will lose, but at least that person was the choice of the majority of Democrats.

Moving where? Today, May of 2025, we are moving backwards at a neck breaking speed; on more levels than there is room to cover in this space. In 2016, Trump was on a steroid driven attack on the legacy of his predecessor. I see this as vindictive but also as racially motivated. As Trump has gone to great lengths to undo the forward progressive thinking of the Obama administration what has been the positive result?  In all areas of policy from abortion, to gay rights, to environmental protections, to civil rights protections are being rolled back. Do you think the LGBTQ community embraces Trump? Women? Minorities? The poor? The sick? The Non-Evangelicals? I don’t think I need to give the answer, because it is an obvious and resounding, no.

Lots of show and theatrical ballyhoo. Despite what he wants us to believe, Donald Trump connects with about 35% of our populace. Yet, because of many voters disillusioned by the rhetoric and high prices decided to stay home and not participate in 2024. And because enough Americans had been convinced the caravans of immigrants would soon overwhelm our southern border Trump won again. And because we were not careful, we are once again suffering under his rule. Using the power of the Executive Order Trump is with each day sweeping away protections for more and more citizens, while attempting to erase DEI and other beneficial programs.

Executive Orders. Trump & choir are ramping up the rhetoric to eliminate the 14th Amendment. He claims he can Executive Order it right out of existence. The question then becomes, if the Supreme Court supports his power to eliminate amendments does that mean he can begin writing new constitutional amendments? Sounds crazy but that’s how dictatorships are born. It’s time to wake up America you are watching the actions of a classic racist demagogue.

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Thoughts on 4/5/2025-HANDS OFF !! Protest

Thoughts On 4/5/2025:

HANDS OFF!! Protest

 

Thoughts on 4/5/2025:

HANDS OFF !! Protest

 

By D. S. Mitchell

Making Signs

The alarm woke me at 4 a.m. I was up and out of bed in a flash. I was excited. The protest was scheduled to start at 11:30 and I still had signs to make.  “RESIST MAGA,” “HANDS OFF!! EVERYTHING,” “Radio Free America, 2025” and “Musk to Mars”. The “Musk to Mars” sign was quite distinctive;  big, bold letters on a field of white. It was definitely my favorite. All four signs only took me a couple of hours with poster board and project markers, but I thought they made a big statement.

A Lawless Operation

Despite all my frenzied activity I was still mad as hell. The Hands Off !! protest was my first protest march since 1968. A lot has happened since those days. I’m now grey-haired, and older than the Ten Commandments, but I’m pissed off. I’m so pissed off I’d even called a couple of friends and we agreed to do the protest together. Strength in numbers. The Trump Administration is running a lawless operation out of the White House and I wanted to let those a-holes know that me and a majority of Americans want it stopped. I  could spend the next 1,000 words ranting against the Musk/Trump policies, but I won’t. Instead I want to tell you about my Hands Off!! protest experience.

Deep Red

First of all, let me make it clear. I live in deep red, Trump country. More specifically, Grants Pass, Josephine County, Oregon. Josephine County hasn’t voted Democratic since 1930 something.; that’s nearly a 100 years, it’s that red.  However, over the last month, as the darkness of Trump’s agenda has emerged, I have seen fewer Trump yard signs, some of which have been in the ground since 2020. Furthermore, there is a significant drop in the pickup trucks with the giant American flags and mammoth Trump banners parading up and down the main street of our little town.. That boiling pot of MAGA outrage seems is cooling, while the Dems and the Independents are blue with rage.

Fingers Crossed

There were about 500 people at Oregon Senator(D) Jeff Merkley’s Town Hall a couple weeks ago. I hoped the Hands Off !! protest would draw at least as many. I had my fingers crossed. While I worried about attendance, I also fretted about parking. With one of my gang in a wheelchair and me using a walker; ease of parking was a priority. With that in mind, we headed out about 10 o’clock and easily found parking across the street from the courthouse.  I high-fived my comrades and with help unloaded first the rollator and next the wheelchair and headed to the front of the Josephine County Court House on 6th street.

Drum Roll, Please

I was surprised to see such a large crowd an hour and a half before the scheduled event. It looked like people were fired up. I could hear the sound of a cow bell, a chorus of drum beats, and a megaphone shouting encouraging chants. People were flowing in from all directions, waving signs. The diversity was striking. The grievances many. There was a sizeable group of boomers, many like us using walkers and wheelchairs. I was happy to see a large turnout of all age groups. Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z; everybody was there.  There was also a sizeable group of young folks flying the flag of many colors.

Too Many Problems

There were as many concerns as there were people. Women’s rights, Democracy, due process, Trump’s Imperial presidency, DOGE, corruption, the reckless gutting of essential government services like Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare, Veterans benefits. complaints. Despite the anger and outrage all the participants I encountered were respectful and even smiling and good natured, happy to be with a group of supporters and proud to be speaking out.

Democracy in Action

Peaceful protest is Democracy in action. We as citizens of this great democracy are expected to dissent when we see injustice. It is our duty as thinking, caring human beings to speak out. Right now, our country’s government is working against the many for the benefit of the few.  The Trump administration is a disaster for the average working person. It is critical that the citizens of this country express their shared outrage over the direction Trump and his cronies are pushing the country. And people are speaking up. They are making signs, putting on their sneakers, and hitting the pavement. I hope the White House is listening. We want no kings here.

The Few Against the Many

The crowd stretched about three blocks up and down NW 6th Street. From my vantage point, it was hard to estimate the size of the crowd. With that said, I would guess that there were at least 1,200 Americans on the street making their voices heard. This was a very well-organized and well-attended event. Organizers repeatedly stressed that the 4/5/2025 Hands Off protests would be peaceful and non-violent. Respect and tolerance was the organizing message, and the crowd did not disappoint.  At no time did I see any confrontations or disputes of any kind between the 3 Trump supporters and the 1200 gathered in opposition to him.

There is nothing more inspiring than taking action against injustice. Resist MAGA.

National Day of Action: 4/5/2025

HANDS OFF!

4/5/2025 National Day of Action

Elon Musk.

HANDS OFF!

4/5/2025 National Day of Action

By D.S. Mitchell

Chainsaw Maniac

If you don’t like what you are seeing from chainsaw wielding unelected billionaire Elon Musk, and golf-absorbed semi-retired president, Donnie Dumpster, then mark this Saturday, April 5th, 2025 as a National Day of Action. Nearly every community in the country has something planned. Whether young, old, big, small, male, female, able or disabled, each protestor is important and is needed. Time to rock their boat-and push back against the oligarchs’ brazen power grab. The 1% are bent on destroying services that millions of elderly, disabled, Americans depend on; SNAP, Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare, Obama Care, HHS, and the VA; to pay for their budget busting tax cuts. We can’t let this travesty continue. Last time I heard Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, and their ilk already pay less taxes than the average secretary in America. If that isn’t an outrage I don’t know what is. It is time to push back against the destruction of federal agencies. and the firing of federal employees.

Shoes and Signs

Take a few minutes and look up the activities being held around your area and make a pledge that you will be putting on a pair comfy shoes, dusting off the old 2016 Resistance sign, and get your butt out on the street. Make your voice heard. You have power, but only if you exercise it. Time to protest the policies of the oligarchs and dictators. It is clear that this group of rich men are ready for an outright assault on our democratic government, our legal system, our economy, and our basic rights.

Schedule a Protest

As recently as Wednesday there were nearly a 1,100 protest events have sprung up across the nation, organized by a grassroots coalition of progressive groups and nonprofits. Organizers are urging protestors to commit to nonviolent action, and when necessary, to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who may disagree with them.

Hands Off!

How To Be a Lady and a Feminist

How To Be a Lady and a Feminist

How To Be a Lady and a Feminist

Editor: As Women’s History Month fades into memory, Cate offers another one of her tongue-in-cheek suggestion lists for the feminist in each of us.

By Cate Rees-Hessel 

 

As Woman’s History Month draws to a close, let’s talk about how a lady with feminist pride acts. I’m laughing uncontrollably as I speak those words. Of course, well-behaved women rarely make history, but there are feminine ways to take a stance. As the notorious RBG said, “There is strength in numbers. When fighting for what we believe, we should always aim to inspire and empower those around us.” and “Fight for things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.”

Fun is certainly okay; Gloria Steinem reminds us, “So whatever you want to do, just do it… Making a damn fool of yourself is absolutely essential.” Ladies should always have an excellent sense of humor. Shirley Chisholm told us, “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair” (mine is pink). But remember, queens, we must always remain regal in any circumstance:

Tips on how to do it: 

  1. Unwashed is unacceptable for you or your clothes. Always be well groomed, bathed, shampooed, combed, with neat, clean fingernails and do not forget those toenails, you never know when you may have to kick off your shoes.
  2. Speak clearly and avoid trash talk, however, every now and again, an interesting word just might escape our perfectly glossed lips.
  3. Remember that everyone loves a lady – use manners in all circumstances; shrill screaming is not an attractive look for anyone.
  4. Intelligence is sexy; don’t act stupid or like a bimbo – it’s not attractive. Smart attracts smart.
  5. Dress appropriately – sexy does not have to be trashy. I have been told the sexiest outfit I own in a pale blue turtleneck sweater and perfectly fitted leggings. Plunging necklines are fine in certain circumstances, with proper undergarments, of course.
  6. If you are wearing a dress or skirt, please sit with your legs together – no one needs to know the color of your lingerie. Well said, sister.
  7. If you like those mid-thigh miniskirts, please wear panties and rise from a seated position carefully – extremely carefully.
  8. Keep your under and outer layers clean, free of stains, rips, and tears. I know there are a whole lot of torn jeans being worn everywhere, but, if you’re trying for a lasting impression forgo the ripped jeans and T’s.
  9. Accessories can make an ensemble, but it is important that they are appropriate and not over done. Twentieth century fashion icon Coco Chanel used to advise removing one piece of jewelry before walking out the door.
  10. This should not even need to be said, but here goes; never, I said never, make a play for another woman’s spouse or significant other.
  11. Ladies cover your mouth when you yawn, no one wants to look down your throat. Sneeze into your elbow, and cover a cough.
  12. “Please” and “Thank You” do exist in today’s world – use them often.
  13. Take care of your body: shave, use deodorant, and lotion. Have a skin care regimen – cleanse, tone, moisturize. If you need long term protection, there are now products that claim 72 hour odor defense. Oh, my.
  14. Mani-pedis can really polish off your look.
  15. Get dressed for that midnight ice cream run – never go out in your pajamas, robe, or slippers. Remember flat tires and stalled cars aren’t planned events.
  16. Ladies do not belch or have gastric disturbance in public – head to the ladies room. If an unfortunate noise escapes, please look at the dog and then skyward before suggesting a change of diet for your pet.
  17. Use excellent table manners: napkin on your lap, use silverware whenever possible. Gently pat your lips with a napkin. Finger foods should be consumed daintily, not inhaled. Never chew with your mouth open. Do not speak with your mouth full. Use the correct fork and avoid phrases like “Pardon my boarding house reach” – politely ask for food to be passed.
  18. A lady can be just a bit naughty – if it’s light and fun.
  19. Accept a compliment with humility; yet with enthusiasm – say thank you and flash that beautiful smile.
  20. Speaking of smiles. Take care of your teeth: brushing, flossing, and regular cleanings are extremely important. Utilize mouthwash and mints.
  21. Be an Elle Woods: “What, like it’s hard?”
  22. Take Gloria Steinem’s advice, “Don’t think about making women fit the world – think about making the world fit women.”
  23. Remember the words of Eleanor Roosevelt, “No one can make you feel inferior without your permission.”
  24. Feminist pride means holding your head up high and being heard…

A Woman of a Certain Age: Political Edition

A Woman of a Certain Age :

                      The Political Edition…

 

A Woman of a Certain Age:

                     The Political Edition…

 

By Cate Rees-Hessel

  1. If you campaigned for Shirley Chisholm, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  2. If you know who Shirley Chisholm is…
  3. If you brought a folding chair to the table…
  4. If you campaigned for Mondale/Ferrara…
  5. If you’re not going back
  6. If you voted against Reaganomics…
  7. If you know what Reaganomics is,  just think “trickle down.”
  8. If you think President Biden is a hottie…
  9. If you think Donald Trump is a hottie, ewwwww – you actually need a comprehensive eye exam, at the very least…
  10. If you’re not going back…
  11. If you stood on street corners in the sun and rain to fight for ERA, reproductive freedom, going to bat for girls in sports…
  12. If despite your aches and pains, you are still willing to stand on street corners in the sun and rain again to fight for ERA, reproductive freedom, and girls/women in sports…
  13. If you can remember when women couldn’t get credit in their own names…
  14. If you voted for Jimmy Carter…
  15. If you’re not going back…
  16. If you subscribed to Ms. Magazine…
  17. If you know who Gloria Steinem is…
  18. If you’re old enough to be JD Vance‘s mother or grandmother, but glad you aren’t…
  19. If you thought we would finally see a women President after years of fighting for a female when Hillary Clinton and Kamala Harris gave it their all…
  20. If you’re not going back…
  21. If you want your daughters, granddaughters, and great-granddaughters to have equality and inclusion…
  22. If you quote Eleanor Roosevelt, Roslyn Carter, or Jackie Kennedy Onassis…
  23. If you think Lee Harvey Oswald did not act alone…
  24. If you remember that awful day in Dallas when President John Kennedy was assassinated…
  25. If you’re not going back…
  26. If you were a founding member of NOW…
  27. If you remember Watergate…
  28. If ever wore a POW/MIA bracelet…
  29. If you are a “childless cat lady”…
  30. If you have ever been barefoot and pregnant, but your daughters and granddaughters are wearing shoes because you fought for freedom…
  31. If you ever declared, “we are young, good looking, we’ll be there”, and you’re empowered because you were there…
  32. If you’re not going back…
  33. If you attended Woodstock or Live Aid…
  34. If you participated in Hands Across America…
  35. If you never joined a protest in your youth but felt compelled to do so during Trump’s original term, please do so again…
  36. If you campaigned against the swimsuit competition in the Miss America pageant…
  37. If you’re not going back…
  38. If you supported Vanessa Williams when the scandal broke…
  39. If you thought Party Hearst might have possibly been not guilty…
  40. If you feel “Hell no, we won’t go” bubbling from your soul, because we are “NOT GOING BACK”…

You Might Just Be A Childless Cat Lady

You Might Just Be A Childless Cat Lady

JD Vance's comments about childless cat ladies is abhorrent.

You Might Just Be a Childless Cat Lady

By Cate Rees-Hessel

We need the childless cat ladies’ vote in this important 2024 election. Here are twenty-four reasons you might just be one of us ladies:

  1. If you realize your own worth, you might just be a (childless) cat lady…
  2. If you own adorable feline(s) and/or canine(s) and treat them like children because they are your furbabies, you might just be a childless cat lady…
  3. If you show your love for children in other ways: auntie, teacher, foster parent and so forth, you might just be a childless cat lady…
  4. If you understand the pain of infertility but still support reproductive freedom, you might just be a childless cat lady…
  5. If you hiss, growl, and instinctively put claws out when you hear the names JD Vance or Donald Trump, you might just be a childless cat lady…
  6. If you proudly support Momola Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, you might just be a childless cat lady…
  7. If you realize what a complete moron JD Vance is, you might just be a childless cat lady…
  8. If you love a good cat reel or meme, you might just be a childless cat lady…
  9. If you dressed as Catwoman at the last costume party you attended, you might just be a childless cat lady…
  10. If you support animal welfare organizations, you might just be a childless cat lady…
  11. If you recognize locker room talk for the abuse it is, you might just be a childless cat lady…
  12. If you can’t be grabbed – we have claws and we’re not afraid to use them, you might just be a childless cat lady…
  13. If you will donate kitty litter to the next Trump rally, you might just be a childless cat lady…
  14. If you believe in woman’s rights, equal pay, ERA, you might just be a childless cat lady…
  15. If you despise sexism, you might just be a childless cat lady…
  16. If you want the world to be a better place for all daughters, you might just be a childless cat lady…
  17. If you believe in sisterhood, you might just be a childless cat lady…
  18. If you read Cat magazine, not National Affairs, you might just be a childless cat lady…
  19. If the sight of the Donald makes you want to cough up a hairball, you might just be a childless cat lady…
  20. If you want all children male or female to thrive, you might just be a childless cat lady…
  21. If you are a Democrat, you might just be a childless cat lady…
  22. If you wish you had a ball of string to strangle the Trumpy Bear that’s been advertised on television, you might just be a childless cat lady…
  23. If you bought a Trumpy Bear for your cat to use as a scratching post or chew toy, you might just be a childless cat lady…
  24. If you can be a playful kitty when the mood strikes, you might just be a childless cat lady…

Come on childless cat ladies, we can meow with the best of them. Our votes count, our lives have meaning, and frankly we are as cute as kittens…

Why I Am With Her

Why I Am With Her

The United States is a bi-racial country. The diversity is what makes us strong.

Why I Am With Her

By Cate Rees-Hessel with Wes Hessel

 

The Democratic National Convention has been celebrating all week in Chicago at McCormick Place and United Center.  A sincere thank you to President Biden for all he has done to heal and restore our nation, as well as giving us our first female VP. I stand with Kamala Harris and can’t wait to call her Madame President, since we were robbed of the opportunity in 2016 when Hilary Clinton won the popular vote. We fondly remember the legacy laid by Shirley Chisholm and Geraldine Ferraro as we move forward with this year’s election.

I feel a great sense of pride that my city is hosting the Democratic Convention. Especially this week we ladies are featuring pearls and Converse shoes. Of course, we also have to watch where we walk – there’s glass everywhere on our streets from another proverbial ceiling being shattered… So for the 2024 election, here are 24 reasons that I am with her, our Vice-President, as our candidate for President of the United States:

  1. To save social security, I am with her…
  2. To protect children, I am with her…
  3. To protect women’s rights, I am with her…
  4. To protect reproductive freedom – not because I want to see woman have abortions but because I want to protect both woman and children, I am with her…
  5. To preserve the middle class, so everyone can live with dignity, I am with her…
  6. To protect health care, I am with her…
  7. To cut down on crime, I am with her, the successful prosecutor…
  8. To pass common sense gun laws and prevent violence, I am with her…
  9. To put food on the table and in the mouths of children, I am with her…
  10. To continue the work of President Biden, I am with her…
  11. To continue the work of President Obama, I am with her…
  12. To protect unions, I am with her…
  13. To protect basic human rights, I am with her…
  14. To bring forth affordable housing, imagine 3 new housing units in four years, I am with her…
  15. To govern as a democracy, not a dictatorship, I am with her…
  16. To protect education-not student loans, I am with her…
  17. To prevent predatory lending practices, I am with her…
  18. To eradicate racism, I am with her…
  19. To stop sexism, I am with her…
  20. To stop antisemitism, I am with her…
  21. To serve the American people, not big business, I am with her…
  22. To address climate change, not pretend it doesn’t exist, I am with her…
  23. To prevent a convicted felon from stepping back in the Oval Office that he never belonged in to begin with, I am with her…
  24. To stand up to the orange haired monster and make history once again, I am with the intelligent, beautiful, strong and compassionate lady, Kamala Harris, in 2024…

Once again, we are reminded of the words the late Helen Reddy sang best:

“I am woman, hear me roar

In numbers too big to ignore

And I know too much to go back an’ pretend

‘Cause I’ve heard it all before

And I’ve been down there on the floor

And no one’s ever gonna keep me down again

 

Yes, I am wise

But it’s wisdom born of pain

Yes, I’ve paid the price

But look how much I’ve gained

If I have to, I can do anything

I am strong (strong)

I am invincible (invincible)

I am woman

 

You can bend but never break me

‘Cause it only serves to make me

More determined to achieve my final goal

And I come back even stronger

Not a novice any longer

‘Cause you’ve deepened the conviction in my soul

 

Yes, I am wise

But it’s wisdom born of pain

Yes, I’ve paid the price

But look how much I’ve gained

If I have to, I can do anything

I am strong (strong)

I am invincible (invincible)

I am woman

 

I am woman, watch me grow

See me standing toe to toe

As I spread my lovin’ arms across the land

But I’m still a little embryo

With such a long, long way to go

Until I make my brother understand

 

Oh yes, I am wise

But it’s wisdom born of pain

Yes, I’ve paid the price

But look how much I’ve gained

If I have to, I can face anything

I am strong (strong)

I am invincible (invincible)

I am woman…”

So this November 5th, or sooner in many districts,  we need a blue wave across the nation, like we did in 2020. President Biden received then the highest number of popular votes in any presidential election in history, which removed Donald Trump from his desecration of the office. We must never let Trump set foot in the White House again; a convicted felon belongs behind bars.

Walz In With Harris

Walz In With Harris

Harris and Walz are igniting the Democrats

Walz In With Harris

By Wes Hessel with Cate Rees-Hessel

 

A Man of Service

 Our Madame President candidate has chosen Minnesota Governor Tim Walz to be her Vice Presidential partner. The two-term leader of the Land of 10,000 Lakes is also a retired National Guard veteran, a former factory worker, a high school social studies teacher and football coach, and a six consecutive term Congressional Representative. He is originally from the northwest part of Nebraska, then moved with his family to far north central Butte, NE, where they were closer to relatives, after his father’s lung cancer diagnosis. Mr. Walz would graduate from Chadron State College with a bachelor’s in social science education.

 A Teacher

After a year as an instructor in Guangdong, China, through WorldTeach, his first teaching job in  the U.S. was back in northwest Nebraska at Alliance. Here he met Gwen Whipple, a fellow teacher, marrying her in 1994. Together then they helmed an organization called Educational Travel Adventures, arranging high school student educational summer trips to China, until 2003. In 1996, the couple relocated to Mrs.’ Walz’s home state of Minnesota, settling in Mankato. Tim received his educational leadership masters there in 2001.

A Veteran

In the meantime, Mr. Walz had been in the National Guard since he turned 17. In 2001 he reached 20 years of service and intended to retire, but re-enlisted after the September 11 attacks. As part of Operation Enduring Freedom, he deployed to Italy with his unit for a posting as part of the European Security Force. Command Sergeant Major Walz was for a short time the senior enlisted member of his 1st Battalion of the Minnesota National Guard’s 125th Field Artillery Regiment. He retired in May 2005 with the rank of master sergeant.

A Six-Term Congress Member…

His 2005 retirement was in anticipation of his run for Congress. His decision to run for office came after he worked as a volunteer for the presidential campaign for John Kerry. In February 2005, Mr. Walz filed to run for Minnesota’s 1st Congressional District House seat. In 2006,  Walz beat six-term entrenched Republican Gil Gutknecht  and was off to Congress. Tim Walz was the highest ranking (retired) non-commissioned service member to ever enter Congress.

Multiple Significant Committees

One month into his first term, Congressman Walz became a member of the Agriculture Committee, the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, and the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. This required a special waiver from then-Speaker Pelosi, exempting Tim from the rule preventing most freshman representatives from serving on more than two congressional committees. Later that same year he added the Armed Services Committee to his responsibilities. After twelve years of service as a member of Congress, he was the ranking member of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, where he was continually working hard for our veterans.  It was then that Walz returned home to Minnesota and throw his hat into the governor’s race. In 2022, he beat his Republican opponent by nearly 8 percentage points.

A Governor

During his most recent term as Minnesota’s governor, he signed into law bills which provided students with free lunches (a program he wants to make national), instituted universal gun background checks, codified abortion rights, and implemented free college tuition for low-income families. His policy positions have been described as ranging from moderate to progressive.

A Family Man

Personally, Tim and Gwen have a daughter Hope, who is a social worker for a homeless shelter, and a 17 year old son, Gus, who has, as they told People Magazine, “…a non-verbal learning disorder, ADHD and an anxiety disorder — all conditions that they call his ‘secret power.’” Mr. Walz has been a hunter since high school, and is a gun owner, but is a strong advocate for gun control.

An Awesome Vice Presidential Candidate

Walz is a stellar candidate for the office of Vice-President of the United States of America. We all need to strive to elect Kamala Harris and Tim Walz this coming November. Vote Blue.