Dear Friends:
Is somebody doing something? Yes, and you can too.
I know it’s difficult to watch as every day the Musk/Trump administration continues to break our government. Destruction and irresponsibility are easy. Building and responsibility are not.
It can feel that there is no real opposition or much we can do, but there is. I recommend this article for some perspective; “Is Somebody Doing Something?!: Yes. Let me break it down for you.” Author Jay Quo tells us what people are doing, from Federal government security officials to Senators, and the filing of lawsuits to grassroots movements. I again recommend Andrea Pitzer for inspiration: “Incel Clown Posse: Seizing the Narrative from Musk and Trump.” Remember there are millions and millions of us who are appalled at what is happening. As the government ceases to function in more and more areas, we will be joined by others.
The Federal workers’ “Rally to Save the Civil Service” that I mentioned in my last blog did take place near the Capitol yesterday just before the snow storm. “… hundreds of federal workers and their supporters flocked to Upper Senate Park… in a bid to defend their work… The rally drew Democratic lawmakers, union leaders and federal employees from across the Washington region and beyond, with some flying in and bundled up amid the frigid February temperatures.”
Meanwhile, I also recommend this advice to State Department personnel. It’s usual for people who are overseas and may need to evacuate a country quickly to have a virtual Go Bag. This is a virtual file with all your important personal information, including Social Security and Medicare details, bank information, etc. As a “Boomer”, I’m in the habit of keeping paper records. I suspect my younger readers may not be because you can always just go on line and find it. But if it’s connected to the Federal government in some way, it is probably no longer wise to assume that you can always access that information. Keep important information where “Musk-ites” can’t keep it from you.
Thank you to those who have expressed support for this new blog I am doing. The whole new website should be live in a week or two. Also, I very much appreciate suggestions from readers. I’ll share one here for when you need a break. It’s a list of inspirational old movies about resisting. They are good reminders. We’ve been here before.
“Mr. Smith Goes to Washington,” starring James Stewart.
“Mr. Deeds Goes to Town,” starring Gary Cooper.
“Judgment at Nuremberg,” starring Spencer Tracy.
“Casablanca,” starring Humphrey Bogart.
Best,
Libby P.S. Here are some helpful resources for Federal workers provided by our Virginia Senators: Mark Warner and Tim Kaine.