Chit-Chat: The Feels

[fastiller]

19 minutes ago, Dimity said:

My husband is expecting them to say cigarettes are now fine, smoke'em if you got 'em. Forget handicapped parking - if you can get out of your house you can get into the store,  and seatbelts? Come on!    Oh and car seats, give me a break, what's with the mollycoddling.

Speed limits?   We don't need no stinkin' speed limits!
 

[tres bien]

The US Marine Band (the president’s own band) has cancelled a concert that was to feature high school musicians of color in accordance with an executive order targeting DEI initiatives 

In collaboration with Equity Arc the students compete for spots to perform with the US Marine Band

😕 this is so heartbreaking for these kids. My younger daughter started playing violin at age 5. She played throughout her school years and through college.  As many of you can relate it’s so exciting to see your child playing in an orchestra or band. At age 32 she still plays in quartets and her bass guitar in a band 

Kids don’t deserve this hateful shit. I hope it catches up to his voters in a painful way

[bluegirl147]

My state wants to forbid SNAP beneficiaries from buying candy and soda. They also passed a law to allow more vaccine exemptions for school children.  

[lookeyloo]

5 minutes ago, tres bien said:

The US Marine Band (the president’s own band) has cancelled a concert that was to feature high school musicians of color in accordance with an executive order targeting DEI initiatives 

In collaboration with Equity Arc the students compete for spots to perform with the US Marine Band

😕 this is so heartbreaking for these kids. My younger daughter started playing violin at age 5. She played throughout her school years and through college.  As many of you can relate it’s so exciting to see your child playing in an orchestra or band. At age 32 she still plays in quartets and her bass guitar in a band 

Kids don’t deserve this hateful shit. I hope it catches up to his voters in a painful way

Awful.  We got to see the US Marine Band here in Atlanta several years ago.  Fabulous.  It was a beautifully diverse group.

[bluegirl147]

13 minutes ago, tres bien said:

The US Marine Band (the president’s own band) has cancelled a concert that was to feature high school musicians of color in accordance with an executive order targeting DEI initiatives 

Discrimination by any other name is still discrimination.  

[isalicat]

On 2/25/2025 at 1:21 PM, Ohiopirate02 said:

Let me guess, she was an Evangelical Protestant before converting, my least favorite type of Catholic.

I just saw this...what? There is a litmus test on who gets to convert to Catholicism? Who knew? (As a full blooded Jew who was baptized into the Episcopal Church at age 21 and then became a Roman Catholic at age 40, am I a "type" of Catholic and if so, good or bad?) Is this thread degenerating into criticism of people's faith choices now?

[fastiller]

Oh FFS.  

Utah poised to become the first state to ban fluoride from water systems

[tres bien]

The the FL county we live in during the winter they eliminated fluoride from the water on January 1st

In the county next door they’re going to vote on it soon

I’m armed with my ACT Restoring 

Edited February 26 by tres bien

[suomi]

Using the Marine Corps hymn, no less. He deserves it.

 

Edited February 26 by suomi

[isalicat]

29 minutes ago, fastiller said:

Oh FFS.  

Utah poised to become the first state to ban fluoride from water systems

Google is your friend:

Why is fluoride banned in Europe?

AI Overview

Fluoridation is controversial in Europe, and some countries have stopped adding fluoride to drinking water due to health and environmental concerns. 

Health concerns

Dental fluorosis: Too much fluoride can discolor tooth enamel, causing white or brown spots. 

Skeletal fluorosis: Long-term exposure to high levels of fluoride can weaken bones, leading to joint pain and fractures. 

Other health problems: Some studies have linked fluoridation to osteoporosis, irritable bowel syndrome, and other health problems. 

Environmental concerns 

Fluoride's impact on the environment: Some studies have raised concerns about the environmental impact of fluoridating agents.

Other reasons

Fluoride as medication

Some European countries object to fluoridation because they believe that drinking water is not the appropriate place for medical treatment. 

Lack of knowledge

Some European countries stopped fluoridation because they didn't know enough about long-term effects. 

Some European countries, like Ireland, still fluoridate their water. Other countries, like Spain, have pockets of fluoride uptake. Many European countries also add fluoride to salt or milk.

Facts about Fluoridation

Fluoride is the only chemical added to drinking water for the purpose of medication (i.e. to prevent tooth decay).

[Anela]

1 hour ago, isalicat said:

I just saw this...what? There is a litmus test on who gets to convert to Catholicism? Who knew? (As a full blooded Jew who was baptized into the Episcopal Church at age 21 and then became a Roman Catholic at age 40, am I a "type" of Catholic and if so, good or bad?) Is this thread degenerating into criticism of people's faith choices now?

MAGA ramps up attacks on US Christian groups
https://baptistnews.com/article/maga-ramps-up-attacks-on-us-christian-groups/

Attacks on Catholics, Lutherans suggest new Trump approach on religion

Allies of the president are leveling attacks on religious groups, including Catholics and Lutherans, and questioning their efforts to help migrants.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2025/02/08/catholic-lutheran-vance-flynn-musk-trump/

this thread isn’t, but MAGA is.

Edited February 26 by Anela

[Dimity]

I did wonder how Vance felt about the Pope chastising the Trump campaign for their attacks on refugees.

My Mom used to describe her family as "Kennedy Catholics" and by that she meant you had a strong faith and one way you demonstrated that was by having concern for the poor and the less fortunate - and actually trying to do something about it.  Nowadays I guess this might be described as being a social justice warrior.  A term the MAGA would mock...of course.

[ProudMary]

5 hours ago, bluegirl147 said:

There are a lot of swing districts though. One reason Elise Stefanik hasn't had her confirmation hearing yet is Speaker Johnson and Senate Leader Thune know her seat could be filled with a Dem after a special election.  The Democratic party needs to start recruiting candidates for House seats in 2026 election.  And the Senate as well.  They need to start playing offense.

It's not just Elise Stefanik's seat. There are two other special elections in FL, both are being held on April 1st. One is Matt Gaetz' former seat. The other is the former seat of FL Rep. Michael Waltz, who was named WH National Security Advisor by DJT. All three of these are highly gerrymandered districts that are stronly Republican, but if we were able to flip these seats, the Dems would take the House! We should all consider phone or text banking for, and donating to these three candidates. If you're in or near one of these districts, please check in with the local Democratic Party and do some door-knocking! (See graphic below.)

4 hours ago, bluegirl147 said:

Wanna bet all the Senators who voted to confirm RFK are fully vaccinated with fully vaccinated kids?  They don't care if people they don't know die.  Collateral damage in their war against.......someone remind me what they are fighting this month.

RFK, Jr's kids are all vaccinated and he, himself, received the Covid vaccine. 😡

1 hour ago, bluegirl147 said:

Discrimination by any other name is still discrimination.  

It's much more than discrimination we are staring down in 2025. Their goal is re-segregation. 

[Annber03]

5 hours ago, peacheslatour said:

President Musk hold his first Cabinet meeting. From Forbes Feb. 26, 2025. 

In essence, Elon has found a way around the requirement that a POTUS should be a natural born US citizen. It only cost him $290 million.

 

Why can't someone just shove this asshole out the door already, for the love of god? Get him the hell out of there!

[Bastet]

2 hours ago, bluegirl147 said:

My state wants to forbid SNAP beneficiaries from buying candy and soda.

I bet those same legislators lost their minds when the Obamas worked to improve access to nutritional food, especially for kids, and encourage healthier eating, calling it government overreach, but now they want this straight-up prohibition.

[tres bien]

Did Bobby Jr do this:

Today the March 13 FDA vaccine committee on how to update next season’s flu vaccine was cancelled without explanation 

The meeting is a key step to allow influenza manufacturers enough time to prepare updated shots for the next flu season

ICYMT it was Bobby Jr’s interference in spreading conspiracy theories about the measles vaccine in American  Samoa that lead to 85 deaths including children 

[LexieLily]

23 minutes ago, Annber03 said:

Why can't someone just shove this asshole out the door already, for the love of god? Get him the hell out of there!

See, I "understand" why the GOP are terrified of Trump. (I don't understand or condone it, obviously, but I can see the thought process - thanks unhinged MAGA!). But I don't understand how and why that absolute refusal to do anything even pretending like their jobs and /or stand up for themselves and their constituents carries over to Musk, also.

[PRgal]

A child died of the measles in Texas.  I've heard that those most affected are from a religious community that doesn't typically vaccinate.  Can anyone clarify?

[Eri]

2 hours ago, ProudMary said:

It's not just Elise Stefanik's seat. There are two other special elections in FL, both are being held on April 1st. One is Matt Gaetz' former seat. The other is the former seat of FL Rep. Michael Waltz, who was named WH National Security Advisor by DJT. All three of these are highly gerrymandered districts that are stronly Republican, but if we were able to flip these seats, the Dems would take the House! We should all consider phone or text banking for, and donating to these three candidates. If you're in or near one of these districts, please check in with the local Democratic Party and do some door-knocking! (See graphic below.)

It's funny you say this, when DeSantis recently reappointed another woman to be head of the DCF (Department of Children and Families). Is that allowed??? Someone report him for DEI!!! 😄

Edited February 27 by Eri

[Makai]

10 minutes ago, PRgal said:

A child died of the measles in Texas.  I've heard that those most affected are from a religious community that doesn't typically vaccinate.  Can anyone clarify?

Who are the Mennonites in a Texas community where measles is spreading?

[Dimity]

We're having a boycott of American stores, restaurants etc here in Canada on the 28th so naturally the naysayers have come out in force to say how silly and pointless this is.  Well, maybe they're right.  But they're not understanding the rationale behind this for most who wish to participate.  Sure we want to show the US that our buying power impacts on them but more than that we're just beyond pissed right now.  We're not doing this to hurt the US economy we're struggling to have some control over a situation we never asked for and which seems to get worse every day.

[Makai]

3 hours ago, Dimity said:

We're having a boycott of American stores, restaurants etc here in Canada on the 28th so naturally the naysayers have come out in force to say how silly and pointless this is.  Well, maybe they're right.  But they're not understanding the rationale behind this for most who wish to participate.  Sure we want to show the US that our buying power impacts on them but more than that we're just beyond pissed right now.  We're not doing this to hurt the US economy we're struggling to have some control over a situation we never asked for and which seems to get worse every day.

I didn’t realize that had extended beyond the US. 
For anyone interested, it’s the first of several boycotts planned. 

 

Edited February 27 by Makai

[supposebly]

I've paused my Amazon Prime (will probably cancel) and cancelled Audible.

Once you put in a little bit of effort, it's not that hard for me using different places. I never shopped at Walmart but I will probably cancel Netflix too. What is General Mills?

[fairffaxx]

General Mills used to be cereal -- now, it's more than that.

[Dimity]

49 minutes ago, supposebly said:

I've paused my Amazon Prime (will probably cancel) and cancelled Audible.

This is the one I'm struggling with.  I have cancelled my kindle unlimited and haven't ordered anything, ebook, 'real' book or anything else in over a month.  But I haven't pulled the trigger on cancelling Prime yet.  Reading about Bezos and WaPo here earlier today is pushing me a little close though.

[nokat]

3 hours ago, Lantern7 said:

Throw him down as many stairs as it takes until he gets the message to go away. After that, we yell at Trump at the Oval Office, scream for him to stand in the corner, then take bets on when he breaks down in confusion.

That joke, stand in a corner in the oval office, might break him.

[Blergh]

6 hours ago, suomi said:

Using the Marine Corps hymn, no less. He deserves it.

 

Cute song with the new lyrics but it must be said that the original Marine Hymn is not without jingoism.

I mean' from the Halls of Monteczuma'- refers to when the Marines marched into Chapultepec in Mexico City which had once been the Aztec Emperor's retreat but had had a military academy built on it- and six teen  cadets of that military academy sacrificed their all rather than surrender to the invading US Americans under the command of General Winfield Scott in 1847  during the Mexican-American War and would become known as Los Ninos Heroes [' the boy heroes] with a statue built to honor them in Chapultepec Park.

[annzeepark914]

2 hours ago, Makai said:

I didn’t realize that had extended beyond the US. 
For anyone interested, it’s the first of several boycotts planned. 

Where can I find this so I can post on  Facebook? I didn't know about the ones after Feb 28th. Thanks!!

[andromeda331]

Poor Ukraine. Their going to end up screwed with the "deal" they give up millions of their stuff to the US and get nothing in return. No protection, no security, no NATO.

Oh good first death from measles. Completely prevented by vaccines. Don't worry. RFK Jr, who was able to get a word in during Musk's meeting doesn't care about something that had been eraticated. Of course not. Why would he?  

Firing FAA employees.  What a great idea. With all the crashes, near misses and other plane problems. That's a great idea. Also are the astronauts still stuck at the International Space Station ever coming home? 

So many people fired for no reason. So many agencies being gutted. It's only going to get worse. Sooner or later we're going to pay for the important agencies being gutted. 

The people who voted for Trump over egg prices. The price keeps going up. 

Edited February 27 by andromeda331

[Makai]

34 minutes ago, annzeepark914 said:

Where can I find this so I can post on  Facebook? I didn't know about the ones after Feb 28th. Thanks!!

I think this is the original source.

 https://www.instagram.com/p/DGNTLpsunwv/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Edited February 27 by Makai

[Soapy Goddess]

15 hours ago, Dimity said:

But that said anyone actually paying attention should have known he was lying. 

Speaking of lying, what do you think of the Dems biggest liar, Jake Tapper??

He swore up & down that Biden was perfectly fine/healthy, and now he's written a book about the lies he told regarding hiding Biden's descent into dementia.

14 hours ago, Absolom said:

People should have learned from his last tour.  Trump lies.  If you believe nothing else, Trump lies.  You can't trust a single thing he says unless he suddenly admitted you can't trust him.

 

And apparently you can't trust anyone on Biden's side either (see above).

13 hours ago, Dimity said:

 

 

  The richest man is the world isn't stealing anything and doesn't need to.

  The absurdity of that meme...what exactly would he do with them?

[Soapy Goddess]

12 hours ago, bluegirl147 said:

Wanna bet all the Senators who voted to confirm RFK are fully vaccinated with fully vaccinated kids?  They don't care if people they don't know die. 

Not true. All of my Rep friends had their shot plus boosters. I can't speak for others, but the folks I know were raised on vaccines.

10 hours ago, bluegirl147 said:

My state wants to forbid SNAP beneficiaries from buying candy and soda

IMO, that's a good thing. We shouldn't be giving them money to buy pure sugar because that can/will lead to dental issues (more money for DDS), as well as health issues such as diabetes.  

[Soapy Goddess]

8 hours ago, Dimity said:

one way you demonstrated that was by having concern for the poor and the less fortunate - and actually trying to do something about it. 

And on the other hand you can lie and cheat on your spouse repeatedly, and even leave the scene of a crime that led to death!  Including MM if the rumors are true.

6 hours ago, PRgal said:

A child died of the measles in Texas.  I've heard that those most affected are from a religious community that doesn't typically vaccinate.  Can anyone clarify?

No, but the Jehovah Witness group/religion is against all "medical intervention".

[suomi]

The New York Times identified 45 people within the so-called Department of Government Efficiency, a group formed by Elon Musk that in a short few weeks has radically upended federal agencies. Few members have formal Washington experience. Many are software engineers. All seem to have a clear mandate: Shrink and disrupt the federal government.

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/02/27/us/politics/doge-staff-list.html

[tres bien]

According to Speaker Johnson the democrats are to blame for disrupting republican town halls 

So. If you’re a democrat living in a republican district (like I do for 6 months) I’m not invited or not allowed to ask questions or speak?

Edited February 27 by tres bien

[nokat]

2 minutes ago, tres bien said:

According to Speaker Johnson the democrats are to blame for disrupting republican town halls 

So. If you’re a democrat living in a republican district (like I do for 6 months) I’m not invited or not allowed to ask questions or speak?

Nope, you're supposed to sit back and say nothing, while you get blamed for everything bad that is the republican's fault.

[bluegirl147]

1 hour ago, suomi said:

The New York Times identified 45 people within the so-called Department of Government Efficiency, a group formed by Elon Musk that in a short few weeks has radically upended federal agencies. Few members have formal Washington experience. Many are software engineers. All seem to have a clear mandate: Shrink and disrupt the federal government.

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/02/27/us/politics/doge-staff-list.html

And if our personal data ends up for sale on the dark web well dems the breaks.

If MTG really believes this then she should get rid of her staff.  I'm sure she is capable of doing all the work they do since she says federal workers are useless and contributes nothing.

https://www.cnn.com/2025/02/25/politics/video/marjorie-taylor-greene-federal-workers-doge-trump-musk-ebof-digvid

1 hour ago, tres bien said:

According to Speaker Johnson the democrats are to blame for disrupting republican town halls 

So. If you’re a democrat living in a republican district (like I do for 6 months) I’m not invited or not allowed to ask questions or speak?

He also believes it was Democrats who actually did the attempted insurrection on January 6th. Guess all the people Trump just pardoned have really committed to their role as a Democrat impersonating a MAGA.

[tres bien]

MAGA’s are delusional 

[bluegirl147]

13 hours ago, Eri said:

It's funny you say this, when DeSantis recently reappointed another woman to be head of the DCF (Department of Children and Families). Is that allowed??? Someone report him for DEI!!! 😄

He also wants his wife to be the next governor of Florida. Didn't he get the memo that women are supposed to be back in the kitchen?

7 hours ago, Soapy Goddess said:

IMO, that's a good thing. We shouldn't be giving them money to buy pure sugar because that can/will lead to dental issues (more money for DDS), as well as health issues such as diabetes.  

If they were really concerned about anyone's health or dental care they would want health insurance and/or dental insurance/care be more accessible and affordable.  Otherwise this looks like another way to punish and control poor people.

[tearknee]

28 minutes ago, bluegirl147 said:

He also wants his wife to be the next governor of Florida. Didn't he get the memo that women are supposed to be back in the kitchen?

 

Hello, Lurleen!
(her doctor told George but not *her*)

Edited February 27 by tearknee

[Dimity]

1 hour ago, bluegirl147 said:

If they were really concerned about anyone's health or dental care they would want health insurance and/or dental insurance/care be more accessible and affordable.  Otherwise this looks like another way to punish and control poor people.

Anyone else remember the "ketchup as a vegetable" controversy that happened under Reagan's watch?  What it boiled down to was another example of Republican indifference to the well being of poor kids.  Nothing's changed.

 

1 hour ago, bluegirl147 said:

He also believes it was Democrats who actually did the attempted insurrection on January 6th. Guess all the people Trump just pardoned have really committed to their role as a Democrat impersonating a MAGA.

Which shows, really, that they know perfectly well what happened on January 6th but they even have to lie to themselves.

[tres bien]

But when Michelle Obama wanted to make school lunches more healthy the republicans hair went on fire

And her White House vegetable garden was mocked 

[Dimity]

5 minutes ago, tres bien said:

But when Michelle Obama wanted to make school lunches more healthy the republicans hair went on fire

Republicans always remind me of the ex-husband of a friend of mine who figured he should be able to drop off a loaf of bread and a jar of peanut butter once a week and that would be his child support sorted. 

I am sure they would love nothing more than to be able to micro-manage every cent that someone on benefits receives.  What a lot of the electorate may soon learn, to their dismay, is that things like Social Security are also considered to be "hand outs" and if Musk has his way (assuming they still even receive their SS) there will be many strings attached.

 

[nokat]

3 minutes ago, Dimity said:

Republicans always remind me of the ex-husband of a friend of mine who figured he should be able to drop off a loaf of bread and a jar of peanut butter once a week and that would be his child support sorted. 

I am sure they would love nothing more than to be able to micro-manage every cent that someone on benefits receives.  What a lot of the electorate may soon learn, to their dismay, is that things like Social Security are also considered to be "hand outs" and if Musk has his way (assuming they still even receive their SS) there will be many strings attached.

 

No transparency for them, though. How did you spend that billion we gave you, Lyon  Elon?

[Ohiopirate02]

There's also prepared foods not being covered by SNAP at the grocery store. I know some states have changed this because it is beyond asinine that you can use your benefits to buy a whole raw chicken using your benefits but not the precooked rotisserie chickens. This is one of the reasons why so many low income people eat an unhealthy diet. The deck is stacked against them. Unhealthy foods are quick, easy, and covered by the meager benefits they do get. Healthy foods will always cost more when you factor in the time it takes to make them.

[tearknee]

13 minutes ago, Dimity said:

Republicans always remind me of the ex-husband of a friend of mine who figured he should be able to drop off a loaf of bread and a jar of peanut butter once a week and that would be his child support sorted. 

I am sure they would love nothing more than to be able to micro-manage every cent that someone on benefits receives.  What a lot of the electorate may soon learn, to their dismay, is that things like Social Security are also considered to be "hand outs" and if Musk has his way (assuming they still even receive their SS) there will be many strings attached.

 

There was elderly relative in my childhood usually got things like a store-bough roast chicken and carton of milk as his 'reward' for being 'allowed' to have the much-enjoyed experience of his own granddaughter staying at his house in the week between Christmas and New Year.

Yet another way that the adult woman in question was a Debra McCurdy

[bluegirl147]

10 minutes ago, Ohiopirate02 said:

There's also prepared foods not being covered by SNAP at the grocery store. I know some states have changed this because it is beyond asinine that you can use your benefits to buy a whole raw chicken using your benefits but not the precooked rotisserie chickens. This is one of the reasons why so many low income people eat an unhealthy diet. The deck is stacked against them. Unhealthy foods are quick, easy, and covered by the meager benefits they do get. Healthy foods will always cost more when you factor in the time it takes to make them.

Back in the mid 90s I was a single mother going to cosmetology school and I received SNAP, back then it was called food stamps. There was a 7/11 beside the school so sometimes at lunch I would go there and buy something. If after buying something I wanted to use their microwave to heat it up I was told I cannot do that.  But someone paying with cash or card could.  I argued with the clerk it was not cooked when I bought it but she would still tell me I had to leave.  Sometimes the cruelty is the point.

Years ago there was a story that went viral about a woman standing in line at a grocery store who loudly complained about a woman in front of her using SNAP to buy a birthday cake.  The woman buying the birthday cake responded on social media saying she was the woman buying the birthday cake and it was for her daughter who was dying and this would most likely be her last birthday.  I don't know if that story was true but it's a good lesson on how to mind your own business and don't judge other people.

41 minutes ago, Dimity said:

Anyone else remember the "ketchup as a vegetable" controversy that happened under Reagan's watch?  What it boiled down to was another example of Republican indifference to the well being of poor kids.  Nothing's changed.

I've looked at my granddaughter's school menus and they are nothing like I grew up with.  Very skimpy and not a lot of variety. I was lucky enough to go to a school (K-8th) that did the cooking on site.  I can't be certain but I'm pretty sure they made up their own menus and either didn't receive or didn't follow menus from the county board of education.  We were definitely spoiled because when we went to high school we were like WTF is this stuff?

[Dimity]

33 minutes ago, Ohiopirate02 said:

Healthy foods will always cost more when you factor in the time it takes to make them.

Like many others I try to pick up a few items for the Food Bank whenever I do my groceries and I've been trying to get away from the "cheap but filling" items like pasta and baked beans as I've read these are the items that the Food Banks get aplenty.

One thing I read was that while it's great to donate things like boxed macaroni and cheese in order for someone to use it they need access to milk and margarine which, of course, are perishable and getting pricier and pricier.

[peacheslatour]

9 minutes ago, Dimity said:

Like many others I try to pick up a few items for the Food Bank whenever I do my groceries and I've been trying to get away from the "cheap but filling" items like pasta and baked beans as I've read these are the items that the Food Banks get aplenty.

One thing I read was that while it's great to donate things like boxed macaroni and cheese in order for someone to use it they need access to milk and margarine which, of course, are perishable and getting pricier and pricier.

I also add baby formula and pet foods. I never had any milk of my own when my son was a baby and due to allergies, he had to have soy formula. It's pretty expensive so I always add a few of those in  with a bag of dog or cat food. It's important to remember that pets are important for many people's mental health.

[DanaMB]

So Trump got Andrew Tate released from Romanian custody and he’s on his way to Florida. Disgusting. 

Edited February 27 by DanaMB