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Chit-Chat: The Feels

CM-BlueButterfly

By CM-BlueButterfly
in Everything Else

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Annber03
Annber03

And yet the same people who are awed by his celebrity are also the ones talkng about how celebritees need to stay out of politics. You'll pardon me if I can't take their critiques all that seriously. 

Annber03
Annber03

For as long as I live, I will never understand the hold this guy has over people. 

Annber03
Annber03

Everything I want to say would be a string of curse words at this point.  Hope you're happy, people who decided to be all precious with your votes or who felt this guy deserved another chance aft

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bluegirl147

bluegirl147

21 minutes ago, tres bien said:

I’m not a political scientist or political reporter but all those predicating that the senate map looks tricky for the democrats in 2026, they aren’t the party that will be defending Trump’s record and Project 2025

They probably won’t win back control but hopefully they’ll maintain what they have

And this is why I predict it's going to be radio silence from Republican senators up for reelection.   There is the threat from Musk to fund primary challenges against Reps who don't support Trump's  Musk's agenda and if things get worse the threat of voters voting them out.  This is what happens when you make a deal with the devil.  You end up in hell.

16 minutes ago, Cementhead said:

Aw, poor Susan.  Remember how she voted no on impeaching Trump because she believed "he learned his lesson?"  That will forever go down as one of the cringiest things I have ever heard in politics. 

She also voted to confirm Kavanaugh because she was reassured he would respect precedent and not overturn Roe. Either she is an idiot or a liar.

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Dimity

Dimity

9 hours ago, anony.miss said:

But for millions of people, it is. 

I was thinking about the post you responded to (my quote feature wouldn't include it for some reason), anyway someone saying  "It's not about me or you" reminds me all too vividly of this written by Pastor Martin Niemöller :

Quote

First they came for the Communists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Communist
Then they came for the Socialists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Socialist
Then they came for the trade unionists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a trade unionist
Then they came for the Jews
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Jew
Then they came for me
And there was no one left
To speak out for me

I cannot believe we've reached a point where this is all too relevant.  But we have.

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PRgal

PRgal

I have a feeling this is all going to blow up before the end of the year.  Something's going to happen that will change.  I hope so for you guys, anyway.  In any case, up here, the possibility of a majority Conservative government is much lower now than it was just weeks ago, based on polls.  Now as for Ontario, I don't know.  I don't even know how high the voter turnout is going to be, considering that they pulled a fast one on us rather than waiting until the end of the year.  As for the whole pronouns thing:  the camp really should have had the option of not putting anything down.  And regarding the parent billing thing:  you can only register online, so it would go to whichever parent's name is on the credit card.  They would just address me by my name.

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bluegirl147

bluegirl147

1 hour ago, Dimity said:

I was thinking about the post you responded to (my quote feature wouldn't include it for some reason), anyway someone saying  "It's not about me or you" reminds me all too vividly of this written by Pastor Martin Niemöller :

I cannot believe we've reached a point where this is all too relevant.  But we have.

All of these Trump sycophants and those tasked with carrying out his agenda better remember what happened to those close to Hitler.  Same with Nixon.  At some point the ship manages to right itself.

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suomi

suomi

(edited)

And the photo is to die for. Bless their hearts, at The Guardian.

According to the Associated Press, the administration is facing at least 70 lawsuits nationwide covering actions from the attempted elimination of birthright citizenship to the freezing of federal grants and funds – and the accessing of sensitive computer systems and data by unofficial entities.

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/feb/16/trump-napoleon-judges-government-firings

 

Edited by suomi
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peacheslatour

peacheslatour

25 minutes ago, suomi said:

And the photo is to die for. Bless their hearts, at The Guardian.

According to the Associated Press, the administration is facing at least 70 lawsuits nationwide covering actions from the attempted elimination of birthright citizenship to the freezing of federal grants and funds – and the accessing of sensitive computer systems and data by unofficial entities.

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/feb/16/trump-napoleon-judges-government-firings

 

Oh, if only I was a political cartoonist! It wouldn't take much to turn that waving tie into a swastika.

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bluegirl147

bluegirl147

21 minutes ago, suomi said:

And the photo is to die for. Bless their hearts, at The Guardian.

According to the Associated Press, the administration is facing at least 70 lawsuits nationwide covering actions from the attempted elimination of birthright citizenship to the freezing of federal grants and funds – and the accessing of sensitive computer systems and data by unofficial entities.

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/feb/16/trump-napoleon-judges-government-firings

 

Guess he doesn't know what happened to Napoleon.

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Bastet

Bastet

29 minutes ago, suomi said:

Bless their hearts, at The Guardian.

I love The Guardian -- independent journalism free for all to access.  They always have a blurb at the end of the articles about how you can support them, and after Trump took office they changed it to this:

Quote

Why you can rely on the Guardian not to bow to Trump – or anyone

I hope you appreciated this article. Before you move on, I wanted to ask whether you could support the Guardian’s journalism as we begin to cover the second Trump administration.

As Trump himself observed: “The first term, everybody was fighting me. In this term, everybody wants to be my friend.” 

He’s not entirely wrong. All around us, media organizations have begun to capitulate. First, two news outlets pulled election endorsements at the behest of their billionaire owners. Next, prominent reporters bent the knee at Mar-a-Lago. And then a major network – ABC News – rolled over in response to Trump’s legal challenges and agreed to a $16m million settlement in his favor.

The Guardian is clear: we have no interest in being Donald Trump’s – or any politician’s – friend. Our allegiance as independent journalists is not to those in power but to the public. Whatever happens in the coming months and years, you can rely on the Guardian never to bow down to power, nor back down from truth.

How are we able to stand firm in the face of intimidation and threats? As journalists say: follow the money. The Guardian has neither a self-interested billionaire owner nor profit-seeking corporate henchmen pressuring us to appease the rich and powerful. We are funded by our readers and owned by the Scott Trust – whose only financial obligation is to preserve our journalistic mission in perpetuity.

What’s more, we make our fearless, fiercely independent journalism free to all, with no paywall – so that everyone in the US can have access to responsible, fact-based news.

With the new administration boasting about its desire to punish journalists, and Trump and his allies already pursuing lawsuits against newspapers whose stories they don’t like, it has never been more urgent, or more perilous, to pursue fair, accurate reporting. Can you support the Guardian today?

 

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suomi

suomi

What has been overlooked in discussions about Mr. Kennedy’s future agenda is one key fact: Vaccines remain enormously popular. Given this broad support, politicians should think twice about targeting something so widely valued.

Unlike children, who typically have regular checkups and managed vaccination schedules through their pediatricians, many adults don’t have a doctor checking in with them on immunization. Yet nearly eight in 10 adults have still received at least one Covid-19 vaccination. Four in 10 get the annual flu vaccine, which prevents severe illness but not infection. That number rises to 70 percent among older adults, the population most at risk. While there is room for improvement, these numbers are solid indicators that vaccines are in good standing.

That vaccines are popular should not dilute the importance of encouraging people to get them. Infectious diseases remain an important cause of preventable death. Measles, for example, is the most contagious virus known to humanity. An outbreak in West Texas has already put more than a dozen people in the hospital. And Covid-19 continues to kill hundreds of Americans each week, despite the availability of annual shots that remain very effective in preventing severe illness.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/16/opinion/kennedy-vaccines-children-immunization.html

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ProudMary

ProudMary

We've discussed boycotts and how to hit companies financially who've reversed themselves on DEI programs. The NAACP is giving all of us, regardless of background, a blueprint to work from.

NAACP lists companies that dump DEI in its tactical spending guide for Black Americans

https://apnews.com/article/black-consumers-dei-buying-guide-naacp-34664d8af92e2dc1ba787a498348b7a4

Black Consumer Advisory

https://naacp.org/campaigns/black-consumer-advisory

Keisha Bross, an economic strategist at the NAACP, says they are not calling for a “boycott” of companies but instead encourage consumers to “buy-in” on companies that back their values. People of all backgrounds are encouraged to use the Black Consumer Advisory. (^^^ Link)

The NAACP is speaking with executives at companies named in the advisory for reversing their DEI policies — including Lowe’s, Target, Walmart, Amazon, Meta, McDonald’s, and Tractor Supply — and will update its guidance as companies roll back or reaffirm commitments to DEI.

The advisory praises Costco for standing by previous commitments, as well as Apple, Ben & Jerry’s, Delta Airlines, e.l.f. Cosmetics and JPMorgan Chase & Co.

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PRgal

PRgal

I'm beginning to get stressed out regarding the do not buy list.  I'm still buying SOME US-based brands (mostly skin-care related, but some foods as well.  I'm avoiding clothing and most foods, but I'm not really shopping for clothes for me anyway and it's easy to get Canadian brands for my son) because I have health issues related to ingredients (as in some scents/ingredients can trigger seizures!!!) and researching a whole new line of product takes up a lot of time.  A lot of the extremeness of this kind of shopping is extremely ableist.  I'm also keeping any shares of US companies I already own.  Selling would just be too much effort.  Plus I don't want to sit on liquid cash.

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Dimity

Dimity

3 minutes ago, PRgal said:

I'm beginning to get stressed out regarding the do not buy list. 

I think the best advice is to buy Canadian when you can and to minimize buying US.  It would be impossible to go with never.  What I am finding tricky is deciding whether Made in Canada is ok if the company is American - I mean we're supporting Canadian jobs so that's good, but the profit is going to the US, so that's bad.  Definitely a judgement call for me there. 

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PRgal

PRgal

(edited)
14 minutes ago, Dimity said:

I think the best advice is to buy Canadian when you can and to minimize buying US.  It would be impossible to go with never.  What I am finding tricky is deciding whether Made in Canada is ok if the company is American - I mean we're supporting Canadian jobs so that's good, but the profit is going to the US, so that's bad.  Definitely a judgement call for me there. 

It’s still a lot of research for some people and I am beginning to feel sick from all of that.  And worried about the shaming from the extreme left.  One reason to do more shopping online.  I was already shamed for shopping at Weston branded stores during the boycott even though the store I frequent the most is a franchise. 

Edited by PRgal
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Dimity

Dimity

2 minutes ago, PRgal said:

And worried about the shaming from the extreme left.

 I've been heartened to see the way people in stores are taking this seriously and scrutinizing labels etc.  What I've never seen, so far, is anyone taking it upon themselves to second guess the contents of someone else's shopping cart.  Maybe living in the heartland of a conservative rural area rather the big city is a good thing after all. 

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DXD526

DXD526

Quote

Susan Collins is another one.  Worried about Maine.  Did her and Murkowski think their states would be exempt from it all?

Everyone should be aware by this point, even if they've never seen one, leopards are native to every state.

Quote

So it is my duty to fill my freezer with Ben & Jerry's ice cream -- I'm on it!

This was my reaction, as well. I want to do my part. 🍦

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Absolom

Absolom

4 minutes ago, PRgal said:

I was already shamed for shopping at Weston branded stores during the boycott even though the store I frequent the most is a franchise. 

We've lost a precious part of life that people should mind their own business.  You need to develop a cranky face and remark such as mind your own business, you do you, or one my favorites is a blank huh? 

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PRgal

PRgal

2 minutes ago, Dimity said:

 I've been heartened to see the way people in stores are taking this seriously and scrutinizing labels etc.  What I've never seen, so far, is anyone taking it upon themselves to second guess the contents of someone else's shopping cart.  Maybe living in the heartland of a conservative rural area rather the big city is a good thing after all. 

The plus side is that my neighbourhood isn’t exactly NDP central federally (though we were provincially) but I have social media friends, including the woman I used to host a podcast with who believe that I’m some sort of crazy snob.  Maybe I am to them but  there’s no reason to shame me. 

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kittykat

kittykat

(edited)

I do my part to boycott brands I don't like (fuck Nestle) but try not to shame those who can't do the same.  Not everyone can shop local or organic.  I hate Walmart but to some demographics it's the only option.  We all try to do our little part in protesting bad businesses.  Chick Fil A and Hobby Lobby will never see my shadow, yet I still order and get Amazon packages so I'm hardly a beacon of a virtuous consumer.

Oh darn Ben and Jerrys will have to get my money.  Sorry waistline

 

Edited by kittykat
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Dimity

Dimity

(edited)
4 minutes ago, kittykat said:

I still order and get Amazon packages so I'm hardly a beacon of a virtuous consumer.

Same.  I will not be travelling to the US as long as That Man is in the oval office and I am doing my best to buy Canadian, or at least buy any country other than the US, but I do love my kindle.  Although if things get worse (could they get worse?  Of course they could) then Amazon is on the discard pile.

Edited by Dimity
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peacheslatour

peacheslatour

6 minutes ago, Dimity said:

Same.  I will not be travelling to the US as long as That Man is in the oval office and I am doing my best to buy Canadian, or at least buy any country other than the US, but I do love my kindle.  Although if things get worse (could they get worse?  Of course they could) then Amazon is on the discard pile.

I'd hate to have to give up Amazon. I'm disabled and I use it for tons of things but I will if they cut things like Social Security and Medicare. And Medicaid, if they cut Medicaid millions of Americans could potentially die.

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Eri

Eri

(edited)
1 hour ago, ProudMary said:

We've discussed boycotts and how to hit companies financially who've reversed themselves on DEI programs. The NAACP is giving all of us, regardless of background, a blueprint to work from.

NAACP lists companies that dump DEI in its tactical spending guide for Black Americans

https://apnews.com/article/black-consumers-dei-buying-guide-naacp-34664d8af92e2dc1ba787a498348b7a4

Black Consumer Advisory

https://naacp.org/campaigns/black-consumer-advisory

 

 

This list of companies all have something in common - they think they're too big to fail. McDonald's can do this because they think people will go there anyway. Smaller companies wouldn't survive a boycott. 

What's so disappointing with Target is that many black entrepreneurs relied on them as a platform to sell their products (hair care, coffee, candles, etc.), as it provides them with a steadier income flow compared to selling on personal websites with sporadic sales.  Running a two-week ad in Target can be quite costly, often amounting to thousands of dollars. One of their DEI programs helped make those expenses more manageable for first time entrepreneurs. You can only do so much when your competitors are companies like P&G or Unilever. I've had to see black-owned businesses "closing" on their websites and/or having clearance sales as they scramble to find ways of keeping their businesses alive since the decision. As always, they can't catch a break.

Target had a choice and they chose wrong!

Edited by Eri
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bluegirl147

bluegirl147

3 minutes ago, Absolom said:

We also have to acknowledge that there are some people who don't think that way and completely separate their shopping and political views.  It's hard for some people to understand, but they exist.  

It always makes me shake my head when I see people post rainbow flags in support of Pride month when I have previously seen them post how much they like Chick Fil A.

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PRgal

PRgal

34 minutes ago, Dimity said:

Same.  I will not be travelling to the US as long as That Man is in the oval office and I am doing my best to buy Canadian, or at least buy any country other than the US, but I do love my kindle.  Although if things get worse (could they get worse?  Of course they could) then Amazon is on the discard pile.

Plus we can't give up our phones.  

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peacheslatour

peacheslatour

7 minutes ago, Eri said:

This list of companies all have something in common - they think they're too big to fail. McDonald's can do this because they think people will go there anyway. Smaller companies wouldn't survive a boycott. 

What's so disappointing with Target is that many black entrepreneurs relied on them as a platform to sell their products (hair care, coffee, candles, etc.), as it provides them with a steadier income flow compared to selling on personal websites.  Running a two-week ad in Target can be quite costly, often amounting to thousands of dollars. One of their DEI programs helped make those expenses more manageable for first time entrepreneurs. You can only do so much when your competitors are companies like P&G or Unilever. I've had to see black-owned businesses "closing" on their websites and/or having clearance sales as they scramble to find ways of keeping their businesses alive since the decision.

Target had a choice and they chose wrong!

I hate that Target bent the knee. We've been boycotting McDonalds since Trump pulled that weird stunt there, not that we ever ate there more than once every five years, lol. Chick fil A and Hobby Lobby have never been places we ever patronized. I've never been in a Wal Mart in my life, I don't even know where there is one around here. Other than Amazon what else can I dump?

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Annber03

Annber03

1 minute ago, bluegirl147 said:

Not that it matters to anyone but me but I don't listen to any musicians that support Trump.  I do my best to avoid TV and movies that star actors that support Trump.  They will never know nor care but it makes me feel good. 

I'm fortunate in that my favorite musicians and actors have made their political views abundantly clear for some time already in general, and very clearly do not support Trump besides, so no worries there on my end :p. 

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peacheslatour

peacheslatour

7 minutes ago, bluegirl147 said:

Not that it matters to anyone but me but I don't listen to any musicians that support Trump.  I do my best to avoid TV and movies that star actors that support Trump.  They will never know nor care but it makes me feel good. 

I dislike country music and rap so I'm pretty safe in my musical choices. I liked Tom Selleck when he was on Friends but I will never watch Blue Bloods. 

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tres bien

tres bien

Yes Target is so disappointing. I’ve boycotted them before.

Target was started in a St Paul MN suburb in 1962 and soon other stores in the Twin Cities were opened. We shopped there when I was a kid 

They have backtracked their bad decisions in the past after feeling the heat from the locals. I hope they see the light soon 

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Anela

Anela

8 minutes ago, peacheslatour said:

I dislike country music and rap so I'm pretty safe in my musical choices. I liked Tom Selleck when he was on Friends but I will never watch Blue Bloods. 

I've just read that he didn't praise Trump, it was Jon Voight? I haven't watched Blue Bloods, for years, but I would be sad if he was a trump supporter. 

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Bastet

Bastet

8 minutes ago, Anela said:

I've just read that he didn't praise Trump, it was Jon Voight?

Yes, PolitiFact fact-checked, and during Trump's first term a conservative blog misattributed quotes from a Breitbart interview with Voight in claiming Selleck as one of MAGA's own.  Selleck has done interviews with conservative media, was an NRA board member for years, and identifies as libertarian.  He's said he didn't vote for Trump or Clinton in 2016, opting for a write-in candidate. 🙄  A brief search didn't turn up anything about this election.  So, he's not my kind of guy, but he didn't say what has been attributed to him.

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Anela

Anela

22 minutes ago, Bastet said:

Yes, PolitiFact fact-checked, and during Trump's first term a conservative blog misattributed quotes from a Breitbart interview with Voight in claiming Selleck as one of MAGA's own.  Selleck has done interviews with conservative media, was an NRA board member for years, and identifies as libertarian.  He's said he didn't vote for Trump or Clinton in 2016, opting for a write-in candidate. 🙄  A brief search didn't turn up anything about this election.  So, he's not my kind of guy, but he didn't say what has been attributed to him.

I thought he resigned from the NRA board, too. It's disappointing that he wrote someone in, in 2016.

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ProudMary

ProudMary

Several years ago, there was a boycott announced for products from companies in which the Koch Brothers had a stake. (Of course, there's only one Koch Brother now.) I've continued to boycott the few products we actually can. So many of their products are for construction, textiles, plastics, coal, wood. It's hard to boycott those, but I never buy any of their paper products.

Here are a list of companies and industries in which the Koch brothers own a stake:

https://insteading.com/blog/koch-brothers-products/

Paper Products: Angelsoft, Brawny, Dixie, Mardi Gras, Quilted Northern, Soft n Gentle, Sparkle, Vanity Fair

Wood: Georgia-Pacific (largest plywood manufacturer in US – also owns most of the paper companies above).

Textiles & Plastics: Polarguard, Stainmaster, Dacron, Lycra, CoolMax/SolarMax, Thermolite, and more.

Chemicals, Coal, & Oil: Crude oil processing, Flint Hills Resources, lots of other commodities handled.

Nitrogen: One more reason to make your own fertilizer – Koch Industries produces many synthetic fertilizers

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