Wonderful. Another distraction.

I thought this might make a good bumper sticker:

Fidelity. Bravery. Integrity.
Exactly what the Republicans don't have.

There's been a movement among Dems to boycott SOTU, but here's an argument for why you should not:

Given the lack of professionalism, care, and integrity shown by some Congressional Repubs over the past year, what this nation needs right now is a show of that professionalism, care, and integrity by the opposing party. "Two wrongs don't make a right" (and other cliches) notwithstanding, Dems at this time need to show some class and need to show us that they're doing the jobs they were elected to do.

Fine, take some anti-nausea meds before you go, or take airsickness bags, and gag, retch, and hold it in during the speech, and run like hell to the nearest bathroom afterwards, but attend the speech and show us that you're doing your job. Show us that you're not lowering yourselves to the level of repugnant kids who are willing to hold their breath until they turn blue if they don't get what they want. Show us that sticking to your oath of office isn't an option but a solemn trust.

Then -- then, because you're politicians -- grab the opportunity to get interviewed afterwards and express your opinion. Because you were there and heard it first hand. Because you stuck up for your nation and your voters. Because you're doing your job regardless of the nausea. Because you care about this nation.

What kind of response do you typically get?

I can't expect these people to personally read or respond to thousands (?) of letters, emails, and so forth, but I would think they have staffs who go through the stuff and at least tally it up somehow. All I've ever received back were form letters or emails "thanking" me for expressing my views -- and sometimes asking for a donation.

What's your experience with this? I'm thinking about a letter or email campaign to a couple of Congresspeople, but want to get a handle on the best way to get their attention.

are sucking up to Trump, being assholes, and all that. I totally agree. But, after hanging out here in DU for a few weeks, I just can't buy the usual explanation that they're just assholes or traitors or whatever. It's not enough for me.

They have to WANT something. There has to be a REASON for doing what they're doing. So...

Are they being blackmailed by [insert your favorite villain]?

Are they being paid gobs of money by [insert your favorite villain]?

Are they tired of government service and just don't give a shit anymore?

Are they protecting Trump because they feel they can do whatever they want with him in office?

I don't have a clue, and I'm sure there are lots of opinions. So please jump in with yours. What do they want?

I've been wanting to get involved in something and looking for Dem associations online, but most of them just seem to want to talk at you and ask for donations. I even looked at local Dem Party units.

Are any of you involved in a group that actually does something besides social activities and talk? Any suggestions?

I've only seen a little bit on this story so far, and I think it's beyond reprehensible and way beyond bullshit, but I do have to wonder why, in thirty years, he didn't do anything about "becoming legal."

Is there some law that doesn't let illegals become legal?????

I'm guessing there will be more on the story, so I'll watch out for it.

Don't know if this has been discussed here, but I just found two interesting articles:

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/jul/17/made-in-america-week-donald-trump-businesses

which states that T clothing is made, among other places, "in Bangladesh, Honduras and Vietnam. And China."

and that Ivanka's clothing is made in "Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia and Vietnam"

then there's

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/trump-made-in-america_us_596f9be6e4b01696c6a24918

which states that T's suits are made in Mexico and, reportedly, Indonesia.

There are several other articles, including one from the Washington Post.

Fascinating reading. Does that mean that T wants people from some countries to stay home so they can make stuff for him to sell?

We were out having lunch and watching a bit of the game, when, just before a commercial break, this graphic flashed on the screen. I only saw it for a split second, but it said:

Offensive line of the year

Sorry, couldn't resist.

back on January 4 got me thinking...

People like her are probably the reason we are bombarded with idiotic signs and disclaimers all the time. Two of my recent favorites:

At Ikea, just last week, there was one of those 400 square foot "model apartments." The place actually looked nice and livable for people who don't have a lot of accumulated stuff. But there in the bathroom, right under the toilet seat and big as life, was a sign saying something like "for display only." I saw the same sign on several other toilets.

At Safeway, there was this area consisting of a counter backed by a wall display, all full of nuts. Nuts: all kind of nuts. Even overhead there was a sign saying nuts. And on the counter was a very small, nicely made sign that said, "Caution: products in this area contain nuts." I asked the clerk behind the counter about it, and all she could do was roll her eyes.

I understand a lot of it is the fear of getting sued, but it makes me wonder how far this "dumbing down" will go.