July 2, 2022

I'm writing to President Biden. Will you?

Fellow DU'ers. I have posted positive GOTV and "help others" messages here, been pro-zactive to the Debbie Downers and posted "Let's Kick Some Ass" pix all over. That's doing what I can.

https://www.democraticunderground.com/100216868660
Donate, Volunteer, Help Voters Register, Write Postcards, Phone-bank
https://www.democraticunderground.com/100216497648
Links for Ukraine Humanitarian Relief
and messaging:
https://www.democraticunderground.com/100216777247
Every Accusation is a Confession.

For matters beyond my control, I am asking the President to take decisive action now.
I'm going to sit right down and write the Pres. a letter.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/

Feel free to do so in your own words, and ask friends to do so. Thousands, millions?
To show our concern and support.

Without further ado:
Dear President Biden,

It is clear to citizens that while legislators and DOJ investigate a failed coup attempt at the Capitol, a successful coup has overtaken the USSC, which is dismantling the Constitution in a concerted effort by right-wing domestic terrorists, members of the Republican party, oligarchs, Christian Nationalists (Christian in name only) and others, a Mitchavillian (!) scheme that follows the Russian strategy to divide and destroy the United States,.

Normalize hate and violence
Stochastic terrorism
Bring down elected government and democratic processes.

This was also seen in 30’s Germany,
We are in a state of emergency, and are today divided into slave and free states.
We have the rare opportunity to stop tyranny in its tracks, and must.

This calls for extraordinary measures, some of which may be available to you in the expanded executive powers granted since 2001.They may include executive orders, expanding the USSC, ending the filibuster “rule” or others more potent. Why extraordinary? Because actions to destroy our democracy are going on right now, and are extreme, as in the sedition known as the civil war.

Many of us see your primary job as halting a foreign-supported civil war, already begun.

The abortion issue is just the first volley. They have others at the ready, and are working top-down and bottom-up to destroy constitutional rights, the constitution and the country.

Through some miracle, yet to be unraveled, the former guy was somehow unable to declare martial law. That kind of extreme. He wanted to; we know it.

Please don't wait for a 9/11-style concentrated terrorist attack. A nationwide distributed terrorist attack is under way now, with many more casualties suffered, including school children.

Take strong and decisive, extraordinary action to protect our country now. Your detractors will always detract. There is nothing to gain by placating them or even thinking about them. Americans want action, since we are already this day divided into slave and free states.

We citizens will do all we can to deliver “54 or more” in the Senate and expand our majority in the house. That might be too late to undo the daily damage, which is like a neutron bomb.

We must stop the “distributed civil war”. one which was declared, and which stinks of Russian tactics and influence. These remedies should not need the patient investigative and legal processes which might be rendered moot by a rogue court of ideologues and traitors to the constitution. What is the definition of sedition again?

You have a vast base of support, larger since the recent ruling. Do not act on the basis of polls. Polls are backward-looking and change is made in the here and now, and requires bold action.

The suspected instigator and supporter, Russia, has proven itself to be a third-rate power, relying on agents within the U.S. to bring about destruction, agents who declared war on the U.S. with acts of terrorism, insurrection and sedition.


Slow and steady wins the race
TO HELL

------------------------
Thank you for reading.
Don't reply to me.
I need a break.
JUST WRITE

June 30, 2022

KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE PRIZE

When bad news is assaulting you like ants at a picnic, focus on what you have control of --- YOU.
Donate, Volunteer, Write Postcards, Phone-Bank
https://democraticunderground.com/100216868660

We are attracted to scary stories, and it's important to know what's happening.
But that must not detract from TAKING ACTION

The Buddha tells a parable of a man who is shot by a poisoned arrow, but before the injured man will allow a doctor to remove the arrow, he insists on knowing the name of the archer, where the archer was from, what was the caste of the archer's family, where the arrow was made, what type of wood was used to form the arrow, etc. Such a man, the Buddha said, would die before learning the answers to his questions.

June 30, 2022

Amazon bows to UAE pressure to restrict LGBTQ+ search results

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2022/jun/30/amazon-bows-to-uae-pressure-to-restrict-lgbt-search-results
Tech giant imposes restrictions on goods such as books and rainbow-coloured flags after threats of penalties

Amazon said that with stores around the world, ‘we must also comply with the local laws and regulations of the countries in which we operate’.

Julia Kollewe
Thu 30 Jun 2022 03.43 EDT
Last modified on Thu 30 Jun 2022 11.07 EDT

Amazon has bowed to pressure from the United Arab Emirates and restricted search results for LGBTQ+-related products such as books and rainbow-coloured flags on its website in the country.

The company decided to restrict the searches after being threatened with penalties by the UAE government, according to the New York Times which first reported the story.

The news comes as Pride month, designed to celebrate LGBTQ+ people around the world every year, comes to an end.

Homosexuality is illegal in the UAE, one of 69 countries in the world that have laws that criminalise being gay.

“As a company, we remain committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, and we believe that the rights of LGBTQ+ people must be protected,” an Amazon spokesperson told the BBC.

However, they added: “With Amazon stores around the world, we must also comply with the local laws and regulations of the countries in which we operate.”

Earlier this month, authorities in Saudi Arabia seized rainbow-coloured toys and children’s clothing, which they claimed encourage homosexuality, according to state TV Al Ekhbariya. It said commerce ministry officials removed a range of items from shops in the capital, Riyadh, including hats, skirts, T-shirts, hair clips and pencil cases.

Saudi Arabia has also banned films that depict, or even refer to, sexual minorities. In April, the kingdom said it had asked Disney to cut “LGBTQ references” from the Marvel film Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, but Disney refused.

Disney’s latest animation, Lightyear, which features a same-sex kiss, has also been banned in Saudi Arabia and more than a dozen other countries.

Don't want it to take hold here? GOTFV
https://democraticunderground.com/100216868660
Donate, Volunteer, Mail Postcards, Phone Bank

June 30, 2022

(Sarcasm) Will NASA and the Air Force now trash all records of

FLYING SAUCER SIGHTINGS in the DC area?

EDIT: I MEAN SAUCERS AS IN DINNERWARE.

June 29, 2022

Don't get angry, GET EVEN. GET EVEN MORE THAN 54 VOTES IN THE SENATE.

NO MORE PLAYING KETCHUP
My therapist (yours truly) adds: It's OK to get angry if you channel it into just causes.

Reposting for visibility, as requested.
Please reply with any additions or updates.

GOTV as if your life and the lives of many others depend on it
BECAUSE THEY DO

Donating to DNC is always effective, but there's always more to do. Here is a list of what I've found. Adding to it as I find actionable items.

VERY VERY LATEST!
Dems launch plan to elect thousands of local election supervisors
Protect Elections from thuggery.
DU post by mahatmakanejeeves
https://democraticunderground.com/10142905218
Politico article: https://www.politico.com/news/2022/04/18/democrats-recruiting-push-local-election-officers-00025733

A Democratic candidate recruiting group is pitching donors on an ambitious three-year program to find, train and support 5,000 candidates for local offices in charge of election administration, a sprawling national effort intended to fight subversion of future election results.

The program would recruit candidates in 35 states for everything from county probate judges in Alabama to county clerks in Kansas and county election board members in Pennsylvania — all offices that handle elections and will be on voters’ ballots between now and 2024.

RUN FOR SOMETHING:
https://runforsomething.net/
SIGN UP, AND RUN!
https://wherecanirun.org/

FIGHT FOR VOTING RIGHTS
After a year of assaults on American voting rights, the next steps are clear: end the filibuster and enact federal voting rights legislation that protects voters, no matter what state they live in.
https://naacp.org/campaigns/civil-rights-scorecard

VERY LATEST!
(updated June 20, 2022)
Omaha Steve has an updated list of all current ActBlue DU links for donations,
https://democraticunderground.com/100216821075
Includes Ukraine!
(see below for the first five I collected)

OTHER LISTS!
CrispyQ has assembled a great list here:
https://democraticunderground.com/100216548509

LATEST
Progressive Turnout Project is the largest voter contact organization in the country, specifically dedicated to mobilizing the Democratic Party and defending democracy.
Our mission: rally Democrats to vote.
https://www.turnoutpac.org/
From Wednesdays.


I WHOLEHEARTEDLY SUPPORT Rev. Senator Warnock!
Read the letter that Omaha Steve got from Senator Warnock. (GA)
https://democraticunderground.com/100216555367
AND KEEP THE SENATE BLUE AND TRUE
https://secure.actblue.com/donate/duforwarnock (Pinback's DU for Warnock site)
Senator Warnock's official campaign site:
https://warnockforgeorgia.com/

NEW OFFICIAL Democratic Underground for Beto O'Rourke Governor Texas 2022
Donate here: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/du4beto
(There are other Beto links below, FYI)

The DU has a new Stacey Abrams for Governor of GA ActBlue donation link!
Donate here: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/duforstaceyabrams

https://democraticunderground.com/100216519360
Carol Blood will be facing a hardline conservative for Governor of Nebraska.
Donate to Carol here: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/duforblood
Here is her site: https://www.electcarolblood.com/

UPDATED!
OFFICIAL DU ActBlue for Tim Ryan US Senate from Ohio
https://secure.actblue.com/donate/demsrule86forryan
OFFICIAL Democratic Underground for Ohio Senate 2022
https://secure.actblue.com/donate/duohiosenate22
Tim's page: https://timforoh.com/

NEW!
Courtesy of Tommymac
#GOTV2022 Resources:
https://runforsomething.net/
https://www.rockthevote.org/
https://swingleft.org/
https://events.democrats.org/
https://www.democratsabroad.org/voting_news
https://www.padems.com/
https://www.texasdemocrats.org/
https://vademocrats.org/
https://www.georgiademocrat.org/take-action/
https://www.floridadems.org/get-involved/
https://www.ncdp.org/resources/
Awesome.

NEW!
https://democraticunderground.com/100216468060
If you haven't attended any DNC organizing or training sessions, you're missing out!!!
And we need EVERYBODY. I just got done with a Social Media Ambassador training. They have AWESOME tools to use on social media.
Thank you, CousinIT!



NEW!
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2022/3/9/2084766/-To-elect-a-progressive-majority-we-need-to-flip-North-Carolina-s-open-Senate-seat
Want to end the filibuster? Then help this fantastic Senate candidate beat the GOP
Progressives have two goals when it comes to the Senate this year: preserving our current majority, and making sure our next majority supports reforming the filibuster. Fortunately, this year’s race in North Carolina gives us the chance to do both, which is why Daily Kos is proud to endorse former state Supreme Court Chief Justice Cheri Beasley in her bid to flip this open seat from the GOP.
ActBlue link
https://secure.actblue.com/donate/dkendorses2022beasley?refcode=20220309fpdn1foot

NEW!
https://democrats.org/act/?permalink=volunteer-to-protect-democratic-majorities
Volunteer To Protect Democratic Majorities (DNC)
DNC sent this list of items you can sign up to do. (I pasted a copy of it at the bottom of this post)

NEW!
https://m.dailykos.com/stories/2022/3/6/2083529/-Wasting-90-million-or-investing-90-thousand-How-to-win-in-every-corner-of-the-country
How to win in every corner of the country.

So we came up with a three-pronged strategy:

1) All Politics Are Local: ... it requires local control and a local touch on messaging and campaign infrastructure to truly be successful.

2) Training: We wanted to find grassroots activists and volunteers, to give them as much knowledge and experience as we could.

3) Unconventional campaigning: We knew we couldn’t win a toe-to-toe fight, so we had to take every weakness and make it a strength.

NEW!
https://betoorourke.com/
Beto For Texas

https://act.betoorourke.com/signup/bft-volunteer/
Volunteer

https://secure.actblue.com/donate/bft-website
Donate via ActBlue

https://democraticunderground.com/100216417431
10 Things You Can Do To Defend Democracy
Source: https://liberalarts.tamu.edu/blog/2022/02/28/10-things-you-can-do-to-defend-democracy/
General, but good.

https://m.dailykos.com/stories/2022/2/19/2081124/-Democrats-can-win-in-November-but-all-of-us-need-to-roll-up-our-sleeves-to-help-kick-some-GOP-butt
Democrats can win in November, but all of us need to roll up our sleeves to help kick some GOP butt

https://postcardstovoters.org

https://www.democraticunderground.com/100216345614
Don't just complain, do something. Help GOTV!

https://upload.democraticunderground.com/100216311744
We're Not Going To Win If We Keep Saying We're Losing

https://www.democraticunderground.com/100216219159
President Joe has me Fired up. I'm ready to get off my arse and GOTV for 2022 right now.

https://www.democraticunderground.com/100215975225
Doom posting is voter suppression.


ITEMS YOU CAN SIGN UP TO DO FROM DNC

How would you like to volunteer? (Check all that apply)
Become a social ambassador
Make calls
Host an event
Organize friends
Send texts
Organize in your community

• I am a Spanish speaker (Y/N)

If you'd like to organize around a specific community, select all that apply:
Black
Latino
AAPI
Native American
Women
LGBTQIA+
Youth
Disability
Rural
Small Business
Climate
Seniors
Veterans
Other

Guy Kawasaki, an early Apple employee, wrote an article entitled: Don't Kvetch, Kick Butt
I approve of his message.

June 29, 2022

Magic Garden near me

Some folks have a big old Victorian house, surrounded by some intense landscaping that I can only call a magic garden. It's like 8 or 10 little landscapes tucked into the area around the house. There's a big garden out back (with fences to keep the critters out) and the folks there sell iris bulbs. IIRC, the grounds are open twice a year, once to take orders and once to fill them.

The photos are downscaled to be DU-sized.
A-MAZING. Must have taken years and years.


home


stuff!


gate


flowers


bench


arbor


pond


lots and lots



garden

June 28, 2022

About the Secret Service

They withstood a battering to keep Frump away from Capitol Hill.
They shrunk from a tongue-lashing when trying to take Pence away from Capitol Hill.
Now, this is consistent with "safety" but each one had radically different meanings.

One can argue that the first was prudent, and the second was part of the "script", because the tradeoff was between caution and performance of duty (his, not theirs)

One can also argue that the big bad would-be dictator was the

kitty cat
and the "wimp" showed some spine. (perhaps once and never again)

Interesting.

June 27, 2022

Daisy with curly petals.

Some of the mule-ear daisies have curly petals. This is a good example, with a ladybug.

f/7.8 for some depth of field.
Enjoy!

June 26, 2022

Trusted sources for abortion information.

Search results and posts are often deliberate misinformation.

Short version:
Random sites are not to be trusted. They can be traps.
And they get indexed on google and other search sites.
See "KEEP YOUR INFORMATION PRIVATE" below.

FOR SENSITIVE INFORMATION QUERIES
USE TRUSTED WEBSITES that encrypt your sessions.
I am collecting a list, and will update it, unless someone else wants to.
You may copy and (please) verify any info here.

Article continues below the list.

Planned Parenthood
https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/abortion
(I add: if you visit a local office, if possible, use airplane mode on your phone (not foolproof) or other (TBD)

Here's a compilation from yourtango.
https://www.yourtango.com/news/resources-abortion-access-after-roe-v-wade-overturn

8 Vital Resources To Use If You Need An Abortion Or Want To Help Out Someone Who Does
Isaac Serna-Diez
1. INeedAnA.com
https://www.ineedana.com/

With a simple UI that looks similar to any normal Google Form, INeedAnA.com asks you 3 “non-personally-identifiable pieces of information (that we don’t collect or store),” and provides people with information about their closest abortion clinic while remaining entirely discreet.

They ask you to tell them how old you are, your zip code, and how many weeks it’s been since your last period.

“If you enter that you’re a minor in a state with parental consent laws, we show you that information too,” says the website’s “About” page.

“If you click a button asking saying ‘How am I going to afford this?,’ we show you your state’s Abortion Funds and Practical Support Networks,” they add.

INeedAnA’s goal is to make it “as easy as possible for people to find the information and resources that apply to them,” as everyone’s situation is different and might require different resources.
2. AbortionFinder.org
https://www.abortionfinder.org/

Similar to INeedAnA, but boasts “the most comprehensive directory of trusted (and verified) abortion service providers in the United States.”

With a banner at the top that claims “laws may be in effect that restrict abortion access in some states” because of the SCOTUS ruling, they also inform visitors that it is still legal to travel across state lines to states with legal abortion access.

AbortionFinder.org provides visitors with a state-by-state guide that will assist anyone with ways to acquire access to an abortion, while also explaining the laws that may have gone into effect.

The website also features a search directory similar to the one found on INeedAnA.com and resources for financial assistance.

3. The Auntie Network on Reddit.
https://www.reddit.com/r/auntienetwork/

On Reddit.com, there exists a subreddit called “r/AuntieNetwork” that provides assistance to those who are in need of an abortion procedure or funds going toward access to an abortion.

Members of the Auntie Network are urged to donate funds that will go towards “nieces/nephews/siblings” who require assistance.

They provide creative ways for those who want to lend a hand to be able to assist others in need, while also providing those vulnerable groups with resources.

4. The National Abortion Federation Hotline.
https://prochoice.org/patients/naf-hotline

If posting your information online or using a shared device such as a computer isn’t possible, then the National Abortion Federation provides the option for a phone call in order to get you the resources necessary for your situation at ProChoice.org.

The “NAF Hotline” at 1-800-772-9100, provides people with options for those who require financial assistance, or access to their referral hotline.

If you want to be referred to providers of quality abortion care, use the direct “NAF Referral Line” at 1-877-257-0012.

The National Abortion Federation has a list of vetted providers on its site.
https://prochoice.org/patients/find-a-provider/

5. Planned Parenthood.
https://www.plannedparenthood.org/

With the emphasis that they are easily capable of helping minors despite parental consent laws, Planned Parenthood remains one of the best options for finding the necessary resources for those in need.

They provide you with information on where you need to go, whatever providers are in your area, access to financial resources, a state-by-state guide, and valuable information on the different kinds of abortions and what you can expect from them.

Their website (PlannedParenthood.org) also provides a chat system where you can talk to “trained sexual health educators or chatbot,” ensuring a free and private dialogue.

6. PlanCPills.org
https://www.plancpills.org/

At-home abortion pills have become much more popular in recent years, especially in light of the pandemic.

Dubbed “Plan C,” abortion pills are accessible and can be mailed to your residence to save you the trouble of needing to leave your home to find an abortion provider.

They even provide guides for those who live in states where abortion is restricted because of the recent ruling, informing visitors that they may be at risk of legal consequences if they decide to follow through with their decision.

7. ReproLegalHelpline.org
https://www.reprolegalhelpline.org/

The Repro Legal Helpline provides people with the legal information surrounding abortions and access to procedures on a state-to-state basis, if you don’t want your parents to know, the laws surrounding self-managed abortions (Plan C), or most importantly if you’re a minor.

Through a system called “judicial bypass,” it’s entirely possible to follow through with an abortion procedure without involving your parents in the process, and they help you understand what that process is and how to get it started.

They offer referrals to legal assistance, have a hotline that you can call for information if you can’t use your home computer, and believe that “everyone should be able to access abortion care if they want or need it.”

8. If you want to help, donate to local abortion funds.
https://secure.actblue.com/donate/supportabortionfunds

If you aren’t in need of abortion but wish to donate to the cause and help people get across state lines in order to access abortion providers, click the link here to donate.

ActBlue.com has compiled a list of more than 92 abortion funds that you can choose to donate to individually, or split your donation amongst.

“Abortion is essential,” they write in the tagline, adding that one of the most pivotal things you can do at the moment as an ally is to donate so that others can access the funds necessary to get them across state lines to get to an abortion provider or to afford the abortion procedure.

The time to stand up and act is now, and if you don’t want to join the people in the streets protesting the SCOTUS ruling, then you can help at home by spreading the word about the resources available to those in need or donating to those resources yourself.

BREAKING: Lars39 via Botany just posted these.
https://www.democraticunderground.com/100216851688

https://apiaryps.org/pso-list

https://abortionfunds.org/funds/

https://www.nationaladvocatesforpregnantwomen.org/

HELPFUL INFO
The Supreme Court Just Overturned Roe V. Wade. Now What?
https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/skbaer/how-get-abortion-overturned-roe

“All abortion providers across the country, whether it be Planned Parenthood or independent providers, are prepared for this.”

Abortion is still legal in at least 16 states and the District of Columbia, and medication abortions, which have grown to account for more than half of all abortions in the US, also continue to be an option early in pregnancy. But with anti-abortion lawmakers passing or contemplating even more restrictions and penalties for traveling out of state or using mail-order pills to end a pregnancy, it may be confusing to know whether you could face any legal risks for having an abortion.

BuzzFeed News talked to five legal experts and reproductive rights advocates about how to get an abortion in a post–Roe world and what you should know about the potential legal risks of ending a pregnancy in a state where the procedure is outlawed or severely restricted. (more ... )

MAIN ARTICLE.
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-abortion-misinformation-and-disinformation-spread-online/

Research has made clear that much of the content people find online about abortion is not reliable, and commonly includes disinformation that seeks to misinform and thwart abortion access. ... Antichoice websites regularly publish intentionally misleading or false information about abortion in a manner that presents as objective in an effort to mask the fact that it’s antiscience. And depending on several factors, search engines sometimes push these sites to the top of result pages over more evidence-based ones.

So use trusted organizations and sites with encrypted sessons ( 🔓 ) rather than search.

KEEP YOUR INFORMATION PRIVATE

Also, use safe browsing. Delete cookies and history.


CousinIT posts:
https://www.democraticunderground.com/100216852751#post6
Seeking an abortion? Here's how to avoid leaving a digital trail. PASS ON. SHARE WIDELY.
Everything you should do to keep your information safe, from incognito browsing to turning off location tracking
Very short summary:

Limit who you tell
Chat on a secure, encrypted messaging app
Protect your devices
Browse the internet securely
Lots more at CousinIT's post and here:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2022/06/26/abortion-online-privacy/

https://www.democraticunderground.com/109530163
Digital Security and Privacy Tips for Those Involved in Abortion Access
I am sure that any questions can be answered in the computer support group (not speaking for the group)
https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=forum&id=1095

ADDITIONS AND CORRECTIONS WELCOME!

See also my GOTV page:
https://www.democraticunderground.com/100216821536
and Ukraine Relief page.
https://www.democraticunderground.com/100216497648

June 25, 2022

Post Removed

Yes, friends, you can reply to this.
I most strongly recommend safety glasses and safety shoes for post removal.

How many times have I thought up a really nice reply, but not fast enough to beat the gong.

Blamers, you get the gong, you're projecting.

We have strong leadership, just not charismatic leadership.

Do you know who finishes the job they started?





KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE PRIZE.

https://www.democraticunderground.com/100216821536
Donate money, time, write postcards, make calls like your life depends on it, because it does, and so do millions of others.

Every Accusation is a Confession
https://www.democraticunderground.com/100216777247

The "Election Integrity" grift is pure felony theft.
https://www.democraticunderground.com/100216813088

These, and the fake elector plan might peel some people loose from the "Party of Nothing"
Some Republicans felt ‘duped’ by Team Trump’s fake electors plot
And they may pay a price for their complicity.
https://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/maddowblog/republicans-felt-duped-team-trumps-fake-electors-plot-rcna34780

“We were kind of useful idiots or rubes at that point,” said Robert Sinners, a former Trump campaign staffer, adding he now feels he was misled about the effort. “I’m angry because I think, in a sense, no one really cared if people were potentially putting themselves in jeopardy.”