Good Morning Kossacks and Gnusies!! I am excited to bring another roundup of news to you. I am relived to see that EU and NATO leaders have stepped into the breech and provided military assistance to Ukraine- in the absence of the US aid due to the Republican resistance to both Ukraine itself and to the failure of a bipartisan “agreement” on US border controls and the linked military assistance for Israel & Ukraine. I have no clue if that “deal” will be passed in this Congress.
The DC District Court of Appeals has dealt TDFG a very hard blow today, finally!! Leaning heavily on Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, this absolutely spells a lot more trouble, and FAFO, for the former President. That is excellent news for Democrats and believers in the rule of law. And with that said, on with the show!
Regular Scheduled Programming
(A Repeat of chloris creators credo!)
No one here is naïve; we are aware of the many who are fighting to destroy our country. Some of us expected it: the cheating, the lying, the chaos, and yes, even the attempts to cling to power despite the clear will of the people. But we are here to read the efforts and the positive results of those (including us and our fellow gnus) who are working so hard to save our country from those very bad people. We are furious with them for what they are doing and we are letting them know. Remember:
💙 There are more of us than there are of them.
💛 They are terrified when we organize. THERE IS LOTS OF EVIDENCE THAT THEY ARE TERRIFIED!
💔 They want us to be demoralized. The best way to keep up your spirits is to fight. So, take the time to recharge your batteries, but find ways to contribute to the well-being of our country and our world.
*** Opening Music for the heart & soul
*** Quotes on Optimism
- “Optimism is a happiness magnet. If you stay positive, good things and good people will be drawn to you.” – Mary Lou Retton
- Optimism is essential to achievement and it is also the foundation of courage and true progress.” – Nicholas M. Butler
- “Choose to be optimistic. It feels better.” – Dalai Lama
- Man often becomes what he believes himself to be. If I keep on saying to myself that I cannot do a certain thing, it is possible that I may end by really becoming incapable of doing it. On the contrary, if I have the belief that I can do it, I shall surely acquire the capacity to do it even if I may not have it at the beginning.” – Mahatma Gandhi
- “Optimism is a strategy for making a better future. Because unless you believe that the future can be better, you are unlikely to step up and take responsibility for making it so.” – Noam Chomsky
***** Updated: 12 Reasons Trump is Toast.
Note: I published this in a GNR on Jan 3, 2024. It was one of my most recc’d GNRs, reflecting a very high interest in the big question of whether, and to what degree, TDFG is still a truly viable candidate. Certainly he is, at this moment, the standard-bearer for the Republican Party. But at the same time, some very big cracks have been revealed in the Rep Party apparatus. Simultaneously, the candidate himself is revealing some very big cracks- or vulnerabilities. So let’s take a closer look.
**Breaking News: “Trump Not Immune from Election Subversion Charges, US Appeals Court Rules!! Reuters, Tues., 2-6-’24
“A Federal Appeals Court ruled Tuesday that Trump does not have immunity from charges that he plotted to overturn his 2020 election defeat, bringing the former President a step closer to an unprecedented criminal trial.”
“A three-judge panel of the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia rejected Trumps claim that he cannot be prosecuted because the allegations relate to his official responsibilities as President”.
** It is not immediately clear to me what this means for his other cases, but is most certainly really bad news for the BLOATTM (Biggest Liar/Loser of All Time).
All I know for sure that this is a BFD for him, and for Dems, and for the Rep Party!!
* It may also impact the imminent SCOTUS Hearing on the 14th Amendment of the Constitution, Section 3, on whether a person may or should be barred from serving in the government if he/she has engaged in Insurrection.
**** More breaking News: Ronna McDaniel resigning as Chair of the RNC!!
www.meidastouch.com/…
In a shocking turns of events, Trump rewards obsequiousness with scorn and betrayal. Who could have seen that coming?
The New York Times is reporting that Trump is likely to replace McDaniel with Michael Whatley, who is Chair of the North Carolina GOP. Trump reportedly likes Whatley because he is a true believer in Trump's election fraud conspiracies.
Is it possible that Whatley can do worse than McDaniel in fundraising? Better yet, will he be able to divert vast sums of money to personal favorites, or the Master Grifter of MAGA??
*** OK, back to the “12 reasons Trump is Toast” :
1) Trump already proved in 2020 that he cannot win against Biden-Harris.
Despite some very early polling favorable to Trump, it's a long way to election day 2024, more recent poll's are more favorable to Biden.
2) Election results in 2022 strongly favored Dems, not Reps.
This was especially true of those endorsed by Trump, or those denying the 2020 win by Biden.
3) Incumbency is always a formidable advantage for an elected official.
Nothing has changed on this point.
4) His legal problems will only continue to get worse- in my opinion.
Trump entered the year facing 7 (seven) trials. Four of them are criminal trials, and 3 of them are civil trials/lawsuits. The NY Fraud trial has concluded, but the verdict is delayed. It is widely expected to result in a big civil penalty against the Trump organization, perhaps in the range of $350 million in penalties, as well as loss of the Orgs. ability to buy & sell real estate in New York.
Also concluded is the E Jean Carroll trial, which reiterated the validity of the rape/sexual assault conviction of DJ Trump. In addition, Judge Engeron approved the jury determination of $83 million in civil damages to Carroll, which is in addition to the $5 million awarded last spring in 2023.
Four of the remaining five cases are criminal trials, with 91 felony counts. Though he is fighting
mightily about every conceivable element of each trial, his prospects- legally speaking- have Not improved!
5) Trump the candidate- and the Quarterback of his campaign- is his own worst enemy!
This will probably not surprise anyone following either DK or the mass media. Questions about his mental state are getting increasingly sharp and critical.
For example, from Nikki Haley:
“In a recent seismic interview on "The Breakfast Club," a popular radio show known for its candid political and social discussions, Nikki Haley, the last Republican standing next to the f frontrunner, delivered a scathing critique of former President Donald Trump. This interview, highlighted on MSNBC, presents a moment of unequivocal clarity in American politics' chaotic and tumultuous landscape. And Trump took the brunt of it.”
“Haley's critique of Trump is unrelenting and multifaceted, highlighting his chaotic leadership, self-absorption, and disregard for the American populace. She highlights the $8 trillion debt incurred under Trump's administration, a staggering figure that lays bare his tenure's financial irresponsibility and mismanagement. The assertion that Trump has made politics about himself rather than the people he was elected to serve is a powerful indictment of his leadership.”
** I’ll return to the issue of TDFGs mental health and his cognitive decline et al in an upcoming GNR, most like March 6th. In the interim, listen for TDFG speech/language foibles and factual blunders!
6) Gen Z has already signaled that they will be out in force in 2024.
Though little is really new here, there is slightly more evidence that Youth Voters are very concerned by and energized for the ‘24 elections. Some recent polls have taken a closer look
at how the Youth Voters feel about the Presidential election as well as issues like support for
Israel versus Palestinians. We also know that Dems have received more than $250 million in PAC funds for ‘24, with a large portion allocated to voter recruitment & voter education in the swing states.
On a related note, Republicans are furious about the role of FBI Psy-ops Agent Taylor Swift in getting voter-eligible Youths to register to vote!! This should be a joke, but of course it is Not. The only parts clear are that 1: Taylor Swift is not an agent of the Fed Govt., and 2: she has been very effective at getting her “Swifties” to register to vote! Lots more in coming GNRs...
7) Abortion Rights is a losing issue for Trump and the Repub. Party in 2024
Not much news on this point, but it's worth noting that in 8 state-wide elections in 2023, all 8! of those elections were won by the Dems & abortion rights activists!!
Again, nothing I have heard or read recently has refuted the idea that this a very potent element in shaping the '24 elections.
8) The Republican Party is a Dumpster Fire colliding with a train Wreck of radioactive waste!
As I noted previously, do I really have to explain this one??
There are a few recent news bits on this issue, of course, because it’s a deep systemic problem and therefore an ongoing set of problems.
For example, several state R Party Organizations are in deep trouble financially, including Michigan and Arizona. This will affect their ability to support Rep candidates in their respective states. In addition, the RNC under Rhonna McDaniel has been historically (hysterically?) ineffective at raising funds for her Party, unlike skilled fundraiser Kevin Mccarthy.
Another example is that the main plank of the R Party, (after No more Abortion Rights), is that the “World is on Fire!” Speaking only for myself, sure, I am tempted on many days to crawl under my bed. But I haven’t so far. And is that an inspiring slogan, or what???
Finally, because I don’t want to dwell on the topic, look at how much the Rep Party has done in the US House & Senate for America! OK, that was a dig, but even Chip Roy agrees with me on this; as he says, “Show me one thing, one thing, just one! that we have done to campaign on in 2024!!” He is pissed at his own House members, and so am I, BTW!!
9) Swing states look stable or better as we enter 2024.
Polling in the battleground states has been wobbly, both pro-Biden and anti-Biden. The better news recently is 1) Huge amounts of Dem funds going to the battleground states and 2) Many state Dem organizations are working to put abortion rights measures on state ballots to boost Dem voter turnout. Nine states are currently targets for having abortion rights measures on the ballot, incl. Missouri, S. Dakota, and Nebraska.
10) Polls of Candidates this far out are even less predictive than those a few weeks out.
While this is historically true, it’`s an article of faith for most of us to take all polling with a grain (or a spoonful) of salt. Polling now is far less accurate than previously, partly due to changes in home phones and cell phone use, and partly due to distrust in politics and polling.
11) Major donors to the Rep party are sitting tightly on their money
This is still the case. Let’s see if the big donors decide to commit in ‘24!
12) It’s the economy, stupid!!
Since my last GNR, the economy has continued to improve! Goodie (GoodNewsRoundup) has covered this in recent posts, like this: www.dailykos.com/… “The Dark Brandon Economy is Remarkably Strong!!
In addition, about “73% of civilian workers are eligible to participate in employer retirement [plans], with 56% of workers participating in those plans”. (US BLS, 9-29-2023)
If any voter reads or watches the news, it’s hard to miss the magnitude of the good news on the US economy in particular. And if a person has a 401-K or other work-based plan, they are probably seeing some better news about growth of their retirement savings.
*** Conclusion There are a lot of points against TDFG being re-elected in 2024. But I am most definitely Not saying we should relax, take it easy, it’s all over. On the contrary, both TDFG and the Rep Party are engaging in an unprecedented style of attack on the American political system. So keep fighting in the usual ways; donating, Writing Postcards & Letters to Voters, Volunteering with groups and Dem candidates, and anything else you are willing to do!!!
Animals in Action- a Gratuitous Addition
**** Commit like a snow leopard. https://t.co/K5DIa2aq3Y H/T to BeeD. Dedicated to Dems preparing for the 2024 elections!! But please do not take it too literally!
— Dr. Waitman W. Beorn (@waitmanwbeorn.com 🟦)🇺🇦 (@waitmanb) February 4, 2024
***83.3 million dollars! H/T to BeeD!
Trump is FUCKED!
pic.twitter.com/VOTHuPCzzG
*** 😂😂😂😂😂😂 #TrumpIsALoser https://t.co/By3dxi2Big
— (((Tara Dublin))), Rock Star Author 📚❤️🔥🤘🏻 (@taradublinrocks) January 27, 2024
— Joe G 🟧 (@EastEndJoe) January 26, 2024 (Another! H/T to BeeD)
** H/T to Nanny Ogg -for a very good clip of Big Kittehs!
Musical break to help you “Shake it Off”
Pretty good singing, dancing, music, and choreography for a federal agent, right?? /s
*** Poll Results from my question (on Jan 3rd, ‘24), “Will Trump beat Biden-Harris in 2024?”
1747 people responded to my poll. Here are their answers:
1) Biden-Harris will absolutely crush TDFG in 2024 39%
2) There’s a very slim chance TDFG wins 23%
3) Not a snowballs chance in Hell that TDFG wins this year 22%
4) I think it’s 50/50 that Trump beats Biden 9%
5) Pie upon you- this is completely unknowable 7%
6) Something else you forgot to consider- see comments 1%
***So, that’s what GNR readers were thinking on Jan 3rd, 2024. I’ll repeat that poll in
3-4 months.
More on It’s the economy...
** Consumer sentiment soared 13% in January to reach its highest level since July 2021
Over the last two months, sentiment has climbed a cumulative 29%, the largest two-month increase since 1991 as the First Gulf War and a recession ended. Sentiment has now risen nearly 60% above the all-time low measured in June 2022 and is now 7% shy of the historical average reading since 1978.
“Over the last two months, consumers have finally felt assured that their worst fears for the economy would not come to pass."
There was a broad consensus of higher sentiment across age, income, education and geography.
Over half of consumers expect their incomes to grow at least as fast as inflation, the highest share since July 2021. H/T to T Maysle for this piece!
*** Good News for the Environment
** CNN —
Tardigrades, also known as water bears, commonly survive in some of Earth’s most challenging environments. The microscopic animals are so extraordinary that they have even traveled to the International Space Station for research.
When the going gets rough, the astonishingly hardy creatures are capable of entering a form of suspended animation, called the “tun state,” for decades. Now, researchers say they have unlocked the mysterious mechanism that activates the animals’ survival mode — and the work could have implications for humans — according to a new study.
** Last month marked the 50th anniversary of the US Endangered Species Act. For decades it has protected nature with bipartisan support, rescued hundreds of species of animals and plants from annihilation, transformed the US Fish and Wildlife Service from a wildlife killing service to a wildlife recovery service, and helped birth the global science of restoration ecology. Time
** Mexico has announced 20 new protected areas, which will cover roughly 23,000 km2, stretching across 12 states and both the Gulf of Mexico and the Gulf of California. The areas will preserve critical land and marine habitats for species including whale sharks, Mexican prairie dogs, and jaguars. Mongabay
** How JGI teamed up with HP and the Arbor Day Foundation to plant a million native trees in the past year to restore vital ecosystems.
In a world filled with environmental challenges, it’s important to highlight positive developments that bring hope and promise through action. In just one year, the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI), HP, and the Arbor Day Foundation have planted one million native trees in forests of great need around the world! The collaboration not only inspires us to take steps towards a more sustainable future, it’s making real progress to improve vulnerable wildlife habitat. Find out how our work together is making a difference.
** In a groundbreaking study published this week in Nature, scientists revealed that the return of sea otters to their former habitat in a Central California estuary has slowed erosion of the area’s marsh banks by up to 90%.
** An Ancestral River Runs Through It
A rural Montana county has found a unique and forward-thinking way to share its groundwater.
** Shopping “Wonky” keeps imperfect goods from going to Waste
Buying non-perishable products like tea, cookies, chocolate and soap from UK online retailer Love Health, Hate Waste has not only saved eco-conscious shopper Sylvia Tillman nearly $320 over the past year, but buying products that would otherwise go to landfill also puts her mind at ease.
** Australia's Wollemi Pine was long thought extinct. Now experts are trying to regrow the tree in top secret locations.
www.abc.net.au/...
*** Good news in Health
** In 2008, India recorded over 33,000 cases of a brutal disease called visceral leishmaniasis (black fever). Left untreated, 95% of cases are fatal. In 2023, provisional government data showed just 520 cases nationwide, putting India on the verge of becoming the second country to eliminate this disease. DW
** Scientists have shown that tomato juice kills a particular bacteria responsible for Typhoid fever, a debilitating tropical disease, in addition to other bacteria that can harm people’s digestive and urinary tract health.
Salmonella Typhi is a human-specific pathogen often transmitted in food that not only causes all the symptoms of food poisoning but the potentially deadly Typhoid fever, which even after decades of medical advancement is still a major worldwide public health concern.
** Traditional Chinese Herb Delivered via IV Improves Stroke Victims’ Recovery, Shows Large Scientific Study*
A traditional Chinese herbal remedy made from one of the oldest living tree species was shown to aid in the recovery of stroke victims, according to a new study.
The large randomized controlled study found that active components in ginkgo biloba could improve early recovery of thinking skills after a stroke caused by a blood clot.
** Unlocking the fountain of youth: the remarkable role of sleep in longevity:
In this article, we reveal centenarian secrets to longevity, including eating habits, daily activity, and more. Dr. Seema Bonney, founder of the Anti-Aging & Longevity Center of Philadelphia, adds a crucial element to the mix: “If there’s any one positive thing we can do in terms of slowing down the aging process, sleep is really up there.” (From The Optimist Daily)
** People have the potential to rise above tribalist tendencies and significantly increase their ‘moral circle’ of care, according to new research.
Tribalism exerts a potent grip on us primitive humans, compelling us to place loyalty and familiarity above reason and compassion in all sorts of ways. It can be harmless and even fun, like supporting a beloved sports team, but the so-called culture wars have shown how people can be pushed into tribal corners with much more ominous results. (From Positive News)
*** Good News in People:
** Kevin Ford, the Burger King veteran who went viral for never missing a day of work in 27 years and inspired folks from all over the world to donate hundreds of thousands of dollars to him, just bought a house using those funds.
On Dec. 29, Ford posted a video update on TikTok and Instagram with details about the house he just closed on in Western Nevada.
** www.foxnews.com/… Massachusetts police K9 tracks scent for over 2 miles to find missing 12-year-old in freezing cold
** We can end mass atrocities in Gaza and beyond
Ordinary people can fix the broken postwar international system and deliver global justice to Palestinians and oppressed people worldwide.
** How older climate activists helped win the fight over LNG exports
Third Act organizer B Fulkerson discusses the successful #StopLNG campaign, the power of nonviolent direct action, listening to youth and not wasting time.
***************************
How to help humanitarian efforts in Israel and Gaza H/T to arhpdx!!
There are good people working for peace on both sides of this terrible conflict. Here are some organizations that get top ratings from Charity Navigator, in alphabetical order:
Donate to Leaders We Deserve
David Hogg, one of the heroes of the Parkland shooting, started this political action fund. Here’s how he describes their mission:
Young Progressive candidates face systemic barriers. At every level of government, the average politician is older than the average American. Our political system is stacked against young people – in favor of those who are older, wealthier and white. In 2020, Millennial and Gen-Z individuals only held 21% of State Legislative seats despite representing 45% of the electorate.
Leaders We Deserve is a grassroots organization dedicated to electing young progressives to Congress and State Legislatures across the country to help defeat the far-right agenda and advance a progressive vision for the future. Our mission is to identify and elect more trailblazers – youthful, audacious, and charismatic leaders who aren’t afraid to challenge the status quo. We pledge to stand with them, equipping their campaigns with the tools to succeed: from fundraising and messaging to scheduling and budgeting. We’ll raise the banner of their cause, rallying funds online and in person.
Donate to Voters of Tomorrow
From the Voters of Tomorrow website:
We are led by young activists, strategists, and policy wonks. We know best how to turn out our own generation best at the ballot box.
Reminder: Goodie has set up a Biden donation page just for Gnusies!
We blew through the original goal of $10,000 and raised $13,000 as of yesterday, 13% of our new $100,000 goal. Congratulations, and let’s keep going!
Let's take back the House by targeting the 6 most vulnerable CURRENT Democrats and the 18 districts that Biden won in 2020 that have R reps! That brings us 24 in 24!
One final thought- this gnusie needs more snoozie. You know what to do!
❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️
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