#French Senate President

[girlactionfigure]

Only in Israel.

While taking shelter in a stairwell during a Hamas rocket attack on Tel Aviv, opposition leader Yair Lapid explains (via a translator) to the visiting president of the French Senate why Europe must stop sending money to the Palestinians.

[redroomreflections]

PRESIDENTIAL AU TIDBITS

this is all just for fun for the time being. I'm also watching scandal

The heels of your pumps clicked against the marble floors as you strode down the hallway, your assistant barely keeping pace beside you, rattling off the day’s remaining tasks. You scrolled through your Blackberry to get through as many emails as possible as you headed through the West Wing toward the Oval Office.

“Senator Hughes wants a call before the end of the night, your briefing with the Joint Chiefs has been moved up to seven-thirty, and the French ambassador is still requesting a follow-up—”

Behind you, a few agents followed in silence. You had a handle on multitasking as you shook your head.

"Tell Senator Hughes I'm busy, reschedule the Joint Chiefs for eight, and tell the ambassador to send an official request."

You rounded the corner and passed through security, where agents were scanning the room before moving on.

"And the Canadian prime minister?"

"Cancel."

She nodded, writing down the messages as you walked. Your mind was on the rest of the day, already calculating the best course of action. As you neared the Oval Office, Janie glanced down at her notes and hesitated for half a second before speaking again.

“Oh, and the press office wants to know if you’re available for a soft feature on ‘A Day in the Life of the President.’”

You scoffed, not even looking up from your Blackberry. “Sure. Let’s start with ‘watching government officials ignore basic logic in real-time.’ Think that’ll make the cut?”

Janie bit back a laugh, shaking her head. “I’ll let them know you’re considering it.”

You smirked, finally glancing up. “Good. And tell them if they ask again, I’ll be sure to schedule it right after my deep dive into international debt reform. Should be riveting content.”

Janie chuckled under her breath but quickly straightened when she noticed you raising a brow.

"Who's this?" You gestured to Natasha with a thumb over your shoulder.

"This is your new agent, Natalie Rushman," Janie replied, flipping through her notes without missing a beat. "Former U.S. Army, served three years, transferred to the Secret Service after a stint in counterterrorism. Black belt in karate and jiu-jitsu, fluent in five languages, advanced marksmanship, defensive driving, explosives training—”

You exhaled sharply, giving the woman in question a once-over. She was composed, standing with perfect posture, expression unreadable.

“Impressive,” You admitted, crossing your arms. “And finally, some more estrogen on the team. It’s about time.”

Janie smirked, but Natasha didn’t so much as blink. You continued walking as Janie spouted off more things on your to do list.

"No, reschedule," You shook your head. "No, no, yes, no," you muttered, walking faster. You turned around, striding in the other direction.

“And,” Janie's assistant continued, flipping through her notes, “Sophia’s on line two.”

That gave you pause. “My Sophia?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

You sighed, rubbing the bridge of your nose. “Alright, I’ll take it in the Oval.”

By the time you stepped inside of the office, you had already slipped off your blazer and were rolling up your sleeves. You pressed the blinking line on your desk phone, trusting that someone else would close the door.

"Sophia?” You called. "Hi, baby, how are you?"

A dramatic sigh came from the receiver. “Oh, so you do remember I exist.”

You pinched the bridge of your nose again. “It’s been a day, sweetheart.”

“Yeah, well, it was a day for me too,” Sophia said. “Specifically, a day where you forgot I had my orchestra concert. Again.”

Shit.

Before you could apologize, Sophia kept going.

“It’s fine, it’s fine. You were probably off saving the country or whatever. Meanwhile, I had to play the first chair with zero moral support—do you know how stressful that is?—and then Mellie had the audacity to say—”

Your daughter’s voice dropped into a furious rant about her classmate, and that’s when the expletives started. Creative ones. Vivid ones. Ones you were certain Sophia did not learn in your household.

"She's such a stupid bitch, and—don't tell me not to call her that, she is—and it's just not fair. Why can't people be nice for once, instead of being mean, or annoying, or rude, or—"

You let her vent for a while, nodding as she rambled. You pressed the button to switch from speaker to receiver and pressed the phone to your ear.

“—an absolute, delusional, gaslighting little—”

“Sophia.”

“What?”

Your voice flattened. “Language.”

Sophia scoffed. “Oh, now you want to parent me.”

You sighed, dragging a hand down your face. “I’ll make it up to you, alright? Dinner on me, of course. Tomorrow night at eight. And we’re having a conversation about your vocabulary.”

A pause.

“Fine,” Sophia muttered. “But I want sushi. And not the cheap kind.”

You rolled your eyes but couldn’t help the small smile. “Noted. Now go do your homework.”

“Okay, get off my back," You could practically hear the eye roll.

"I love you, Sophia," You said.

"Love you too, Madam President,"

You hung up, tossing the phone onto your desk.

"Is something funny, Janie?"

"No, m'am," Janie quickly shook her head. Your eyes glanced over to the new agent. Natalie was still stone faced but something in her look told you she agreed with Janie.

"Natalie?" You asked

“Your daughter has exceptional tactical vocabulary, ma'am."

Janie bit back a laugh. Your glare snapped to your assistant, but there was no real heat behind it.

"Get out," You ordered, trying to hide your own smile.

Janie cleared her throat, collected her files, and headed toward the door.

"Yes, m'am," She grinned. "Though you should know Quinn and Joseph are on their way in less than..."

Before she could finish, the twins burst through the Oval Office, making a beeline for you.

Quinn clutched a well-loved stuffed pig in her arms, her determined steps making it clear she had a mission. Joseph trailed close behind. Their nanny barely managed to keep up, looking apologetic as she hovered in the doorway.

“Mom!” Quinn called, ignoring every ounce of decorum the room demanded as she rounded the desk. Joseph followed suit, reaching for your hand as soon as he was close enough.

You sighed, but there was no real exasperation behind it. “I thought it was bedtime?”

Quinn clambered into your lap without hesitation, clutching her stuffed pig like a battle companion. “We tried. Didn’t stick.”

Joseph, slightly more diplomatic, rested his chin on your desk. “We missed you.”

Your features softened as you smoothed a hand over Quinn’s hair and gave Joseph’s cheek a quick kiss. "Two executive orders just walked into the room." You said.

"Mama, can you read us to bed tonight?" Joseph asked.

"Yes, Mom," Quinn looked up, batting her eyelashes.

"Bribery is a form of coercion," You said.

"So is lying," Joseph said.

"And cheating."

"And stealing."

"And killing people," Quinn added.

"Okay, okay," You held up your hands, laughing. "Point taken. I cannot read you a story tonight. I still have a few things to do."

"Aww," Quinn groaned, pouting. "Do they have to do with the big secret thingy?"

"The 'secret thingy'?" You raised a brow.

"Yeah, the thingy we're not supposed to talk about because of national security and stuff," Quinn nodded.

"Quinn, I know you've heard the word 'secret' before, so maybe you could elaborate?"

"No, that's a good explanation," Joseph said. "'Secret' means no one should know about it."

You smiled, brushing the hair out of Joseph's face. "Well, this 'secret thingy,'" You used finger quotations for the phrase. "Is just some boring adult stuff."

"But Sophia's not an adult, and she knows," Quinn said.

"Sophia knows nothing," You denied. "Now, I want you two to meet my new agent. She'll be with us for the foreseeable future."

The twins' heads snapped around, looking at the new agent for the first time.

"She's pretty," Quinn said. "Doesn't look mean either."

"You can't just say that," Joseph scolded.

"Why not? It's true."

"I'm sorry about them," You addressed Natasha. Natasha only nodded. "You can talk to me, Natalie. I don't have a stick up my behind despite the rumors."

"Yes, ma'am." Natalie nodded. "Nice to meet you both." She said rather stiffly but not unfriendly.

Quinn narrowed her eyes, sizing Natasha up with the intensity of a pint-sized interrogator. “So, where are you from?”

“New York,” Natasha answered evenly.

Joseph crossed his arms. “Have you ever had to jump in front of a bullet for someone?”

Natasha tilted her head slightly. “Not yet.”

Quinn leaned forward, her stuffed pig tucked under one arm. “Can you do karate?”

“Yes.”

“Like, really good karate?”

“Yes.”

Joseph gasped. “Can you throw someone through a window?”

Natasha’s lips twitched. “Depends on the window.”

The twins exchanged looks, clearly impressed. Quinn gave a solemn nod. “Okay. I guess you can stay.”

Before they could continue their interrogation, you raised a hand. “Alright, that’s enough. This is not a Senate hearing.” You turned to Natasha, shaking your head. “I swear they get it from their sister.”

Natasha gave a slight shrug, but you noticed her eyes crinkle.

[charlesoberonn]

A quick alternate history scenario I made for the r/AlternateHistory subreddit:

In 1796, George Washington reluctantly runs for a third term as president to prevent Jefferson and the Democratic-Republicans from taking hold of government. His third and final term is more rocky than the first two, with the south being especially unhappy with some of his reforms, though they associate them with his vice-president John Adams and Secretary of State Alexander Hamilton. On December 14th, 1799, George Washington dies in office. The nation is in turmoil and mourning. The Democratic-Republicans call for a special election, but vice-president John Adams is declared president instead. On Christmas 1799 a protest march on DC turns violent when federal forces clash with protestors and revolutionary war veterans. Jefferson declares Adams an illegitimate usurper. Adams calls off next year's election. Several state legislatures , especially in the South, declare Jefferson as a provisional emergency leader for the purpose of ousting the Federalist regime. The American Civil War has begun. On January 15, with DC about to be overtaken, an internal vote within the Federalist war cabinet decide to oust Adams and appoint his vice president and war hero Alexander Hamilton as president instead. The tide of the war turns, with the Federalist forces able to protect the north and much of their territory, but it is short lived. The Federalist are forced to abandon DC on April and retreat to New York City as a provisional capital. Hamilton himself refuses to go. He is captured by the Democratic-Republicans along with Adams. Jefferson is appointed president on April 19th. In July, Senator Gouverneur Morris is appointed as temporary leader of the Federalist forces in New York. The war stalls for several months as the Democratic-Republican forces fail to make inroads into the north. Meanwhile Jefferson's administration is poorly received and he is compared poorly to the Reign of Terror in France, especially after the public executions of Adams and Hamilton, and after the French Revolutionary government acknowledges him as the legitimate president. The British back Morris and the Federalists and provide military assistance in return for territorial concessions out west. Despite the Democratic-Republicans trying to paint Morris as a traitor for his British support, the public hates Jefferson more, compounded by a series of military defeats. On December 14th, during a public memorial service for the 1 year anniversary of Washington's death, Jefferson presents himself as the true heir to the venerated general. This creates outrage and leads to a 6 days siege of the White House, at the end of which Jefferson is dragged out and beaten to death by the public and some of his own soldiers. The Democratic-Republican forces subsequently surrender and the capital is captured by Federalist and British forces. Morris is appointed president and his first act is to call in a new Constitutional Convention in order to draft a new constitution, one with the primary aim of preventing another civil war.

[anotherhumaninthisworld]

Rare women have in ancient republics risen to the height of public virtues; they knew how to combine the modesty of their sex with the civic courage which is a duty for ours. Republican France, during the first storms of the revolution, saw these glorious examples multiply in its midst, a single one of which would have made another people proud. It crowned the heroines of October 5; it saw French women in popular societies, eager to hear, from the mouths of their brothers and their husbands, the interesting lessons of patriotism that they had to engrave in the souls of their children. The homeland, in the crises of liberty, smiled on the generous efforts of a few intrepid citoyennes. The cowardly architects of our discord have despised this type of merit; they wanted there to exist among us a permanent society of women clothed exclusively with the modest title of revolutionaries, nobly separated from the male sex, like long ago, in the mysteries of the good goddess. They reduced to silence the estimable citoyennes whom the love of the public good had led there, they entrusted the scepter to the hands of some female Demosthenes, inspired by these English and Austrian sylphs. Their primary occupation is to cry out for famine, to push the people into despair, to denounce the imperturbable friends of liberty. They are the ones who came in the wake of Jacques Roux and Leclerc, to insult the Mountain and the Jacobins, to insult and threaten the representatives of the people. They are responsible for teaching the universe that modesty is a prejudice, that the distinction between the talents and occupations of the two sexes is nothing other than an invention of the aristocracy; that men must abandon the tribune and the seats of the senate to women; and all men's clubs must appear before the tribunal of revolutionary presidents. Porcia was only an imbecile, with her virtue revered in Rome; she should have played the role of Cato. Cornelia only played a vulgar role, instructing her sons, still children, to defend the rights of the people; Cornelia should have mounted the rostrum for harangues: instead of offering their jewels to the homeland; they will not cry out when they learn of their glorious death: I had given birth to him to serve the homeland; this merit is too vulgar; they are sterile like vice; but on the other hand, they will declaim against the founders of the republic, and slander the representatives of the people. Such is the sublime instrument that the agents of the enemies of the homeland keep in reserve to incite trouble if necessary, at the first moment of embarrassment or disaster with which the republic would be threatened.

Rapport écrit de la main de Robespierre, sur la faction de l’étranger, cited in Pièces trouvées dans les papiers de Robespierre et complices (24 September 1794).

[stupittmoran]

Top 10 headlines the media didn't tell you this week, Repost & FoIIow for more.

Hunter Biden has been indicted in California on 9 charges.

Federal judge dismisses case to remove Trump from Arizona’s 2024 presidential ballot.

Facebook and Instagram enabled child sexual abuse, trafficking; companies boycotting 𝕏 have ads on both.

Speaker Mike Johnson tells the Biden administration no new funding for Ukraine without an audit.

French farmers sprayed manure on government buildings in protest of taxes and regulations meant to put them out of business.

Senator Rand Paul says he will debate the merit of sending our troops overseas.

University of Pennsylvania President told to resign by the board of Penn for refusing to condemn the genocide of Jews.

According to an Arizona Sheriff, illegal immigrants are being Handed $5,000 Visa gift cards, cell phones, plane tickets.

Elon Musk to bring Alex Jones back to 𝕏 after Tucker Carlson interview exposed what the establishment media, CIA have done to him.

Biden Administration's defense secretary threatens to send US families to fight in Ukraine if we do not send more aid.

Who else thinks it's time to audit the funds being sent overseas? 👀

If you appreciate this Top 10 recap, remember to Repost and FoIIow me for another week in a clown world 🤡🌎

TaraBull @TaraBull808 on Twitter/X

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Julia Carrie Wong at The Guardian:

At the dawn of the second Trump presidency, defiance has given way to compliance. While Donald Trump has rapidly and ruthlessly thrown the federal government into unprecedented chaos, the leaders of the Democratic party have offered up little more than limp banalities and platitudes. “Presidents come and presidents go. Through it all. God is still on the throne,” tweeted the House minority leader, Hakeem Jeffries, at the end of Trump’s first week in office. Asked who was leading the caucus’s pushback, the Senate minority whip, Dick Durbin, told Semafor on 23 January: “I can’t answer that. Give us a little time.” Another senator said, “We’re obviously in a bit of disarray,” though Senate Democrats have arrayed themselves enough to provide bipartisan support for a number of Trump’s cabinet appointees. For the leftists and liberals who had hoped to see the opposition party mount some kind of opposition to Trumpism, this spectacle of capitulation has inspired a new historical analogy, or at least a new insult. La Résistance is dead. Welcome to Vichy France.

“If you want an analogy for the present state of America it’s perhaps not an out-and-out fascist regime, but a Vichy regime,” wrote John Ganz, a left-leaning author, in a Substack newsletter on 21 January. “It’s partly fascist but mostly just a reactionary and defeatist catch-all. It’s a regime born of capitulation and of defeat: of the slow and then sudden collapse of the longstanding institutions of a great democracy whose defenders turned out to be senile and unable to cope with or understand modern politics.” Ganz was not the first to invoke the collaborationist regime that administered part of France after its rapid and spectacular defeat by Germany at the beginning of the second world war. In November, after Joe Biden welcomed Trump back to the White House and promised a “smooth transition”, the political cartoonist Ted Rall reimagined their Oval Office meeting as an updated version of the infamous handshake between Adolf Hitler and Philippe Pétain that marked the fall of France’s Third Republic and rise of the Vichy era.

“Unlike you fascists, we promise a smooth transition of power … to you fascists,” Biden/Pétain says to Trump/Hitler in the cartoon, titled Aloha to the Vichy Democrats. Indeed, “Vichy Democrats” has become an increasingly popular expression of disgust with the feckless opposition party, whether in viral tweets (“The Vichy Democrats are really proud of themselves for peacefully handing over the country to a person they said was a fascist,” wrote the X user SxarletRed in response to the California senator Adam Schiff’s boast that the Democrats had certified Trump’s election without launching a failed insurrection) or a headline by Esquire (“Vichy Democrats take note: the Republican Congress is coming for everything”). On the alternative social media site Bluesky, the senior US senator from Pennsylvania, best known for wearing gym shorts to Congress and his recent rightward shift, has been deemed “John Fetterman (D-Vichy)”. Others have used “Vichy” to denounce Jewel for playing at Trump’s inauguration (“Add one more to the Vichy list”), to characterize cooperation with immigration enforcement by a university (“This Vichy behavior should never be forgotten”) or as a sobriquet for entire institutions that are perceived as being collaborationist (“Vichy Twitter” or “Vichy media”).

Vichy France refers to the rump state that administered the unoccupied parts of France after the German invasion in 1940. France had defended itself doggedly in years of trench warfare during the first world war, so it was a huge shock when Hitler’s forces broke through the French defences in a matter of days and began to march on Paris. With the military on the verge of collapse and the government in crisis, some French leaders argued for a retreat to north Africa, from where the army could regroup and fight on, while others – believing German victory was inevitable – argued that an armistice would ensure the safety of the people of France and its captured soldiers. Ultimately, it was a beloved hero of the first world war, Marshal Pétain, who signed the armistice with Hitler. Under its terms, the southern half of France would remain free of German occupation and be administered by Pétain’s government from the spa town of Vichy. Though Germany eventually occupied France’s entire territory, Pétain remained the nominal head of the Vichy government until the end of the war, when he was arrested, tried and found guilty of treason.

This column about Democrats being Vichy collaborators to Trumpian authoritarianism in The Guardian is a solid on.

Democrats should be a real opposition party, not a collaborationist one.

[teecupangel]

What if we had an Assassin's Creed where it takes place in modern times where celebrities and politicians are part of the Templars?

I mean...

The comic uprising did had Berg say that the Templars had nothing to do with Trump's first foray to presidency and the Brotherhood thinks some billionaires are manipulating the world but they didn't explicitly said that those billionaires were Templars as well.

Honestly, in a world where Abstergo is trying to control the world and make a profit at the same time, someone like Elon Musk would be more like an enemy than an ally.

Elon Musk would totally shit on Abstergo and even go as far as make his own 'Animus' game console just to have a tech bro fight with Abstergo. XD

I will say that, in an international level, long political dynasties that have held onto their power (not even just the monarchs but families that have consistently 'produced' mayors, senators, etc) would have ties to the Templar Order. Whether they remain part of the Order, allies with Abstergo or actually branched off due to differing goals would be a case by case basis.

Also also... political dynasties from countries that have been colonized by the US, the British, the French and the Spanish have higher chance of being connected to the Templars as well.

(The voice actors/motion capture actors of the main characters may or may not be their character's descendants)

Melissanthi Mahut is definitely Kassandra pretending she's not immortal and taking a time off to be an actress for a bit

[reasonsforhope]

"Sanofi on Thursday said it’s planning to cut the U.S. price of its most popular insulin drug by 78% and cap monthly out-of-pocket costs at $35 for people who have private insurance starting next year. 

In addition to its widely prescribed Lantus, the French drugmaker will reduce the list price of its short-acting insulin Apidra by 70%. Sanofi already offers a $35 monthly cap on insulin for uninsured diabetes patients.

The company is the last major insulin manufacturer to try to head off government efforts to cap monthly costs by announcing its own steep price cuts for the lifesaving hormone. 

Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk made similar sweeping cuts earlier this month after years of political pressure and public outrage over the high costs of diabetes care. The three companies control over 90% of the global insulin market. 

... The change takes effect Jan. 1.

President Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act capped monthly insulin costs for Medicare beneficiaries at $35, but it did not provide protection to diabetes patients who are covered by private insurance.

Sen. Bernie Sanders, a Vermont independent and the chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, introduced a bill earlier this month that would cap the list price of insulin at $20 per vial.

Both the president and Sanders on Tuesday directly called on Sanofi to slash its prices after Novo Nordisk announced its own cuts that day.

Roughly 37 million people in the U.S., or 11.3% of the country’s population, have diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Approximately 8.4 million [U.S.] diabetes patients rely on insulin, the American Diabetes Association said."

-via CNBC, 3/16/23

[tenshiharmonia]

You know who is the unsung hero of Mastermind ? This guy :

In case you don't know, this is Adrammelech, a distinguished demon who - according to French occultist Collin de Plancy - is not only the president of the infernal senate, but also the chancellor of Hell, and most importantly, the supervisor of Satan's wardrobe. Which means that he is the one we have to thank for the King of Wrath's immaculate drip in the aforementioned episode !

(Now, the fun thing about Adrammelech is that he is often conflated with none other than Andrealphus, on account of their shared attributes. Obviously, I don't know if this also the case in the show's universe. Personally, I like to toy with the idea that Adrammelech is actually one of Andy and Stella's close relatives - maybe even their father or grandfather - and the head of their branch of the family. Still, this demonological syncretism makes for quite an amusing picture...)

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

JUSTICE

* * * *

THIS IS THE WORST DAY IN AMERICAN HISTORY

TCinLA

Nov 25, 2024

Donald Trump’s real reason for running for re-election in 2024 was to stay out of prison. He knew that only a return to the White House would prevent him standing trial for initiating the January 6 insurrection, and standing trial for the theft of top secret documents. Conviction in either case would mean he would end his days as a convicted felon, quite possibly dying in prison.

Mission accomplished.

November 25, 2024, will be remembered in American history as the day the constitutional rule that no individual is above the law was ended.

Whether this leads to the end of the democratic constitutional republic - that has existed because of that rule - being overthrown by Donald J. Trump is unknown at this point, but it is at a minimum a severe blow to the foundation of that republic that will be difficult if not impossible to repair.

This morning, Special Counsel Jack Smith moved to drop both cases. This afternoon, that motion was granted in the case of the Seditious Insurrection by Juge Tanya Chutkan. The action was taken “without prejudice,” meaning that the charges could be brought again at some time in the future. Does anyone think that one of the first acts of Attorney General Pam Bondi will not be to drop the cases in such a way that they can never be reinstituted?

This is the worst defeat of the forces of democracy in the history of this country.

Two men are solely responsible for this outcome: President Joseph R. Biden and Attorney General Merrick Garland.

As productive as his presidency has been, Joe Biden suffered from the fatal flaw of being unable to see that his bedrock belief in “go along to get along” congressional bipartisanship had been decisively overthrown over the 20 years before he took office as president - something he hold have learned from his botched handling of the nomination of Clarence Thomas to the Supreme Court in 1991 - and was no longer an operating philosophy that could be successful. His Irish stubbornness led to his inability to see modern Republicans as the deadly enemy of everything he believed in that they were - which he only began to clearly see in the final two years of his presidency, when it was too late - was directly responsible for this defeat. His inability to take the kind of decisive action against that enemy - commencing the investigation and prosecution of the criminal Trump and his fellow conspirators on Day One of his term of office - meant that the enemy would be able to use the rights and privileges of a defendant when the investigation and prosecution was finally authorized too late, and defeat the system by retaking power, using the rules of the system to defeat it.

Biden’s inability to understand the true nature of the threat he faced was compounded by his decision to nominate the exact wrong candidate to be his Attorney General. Merrick Garland did not and does not have the heart of a fighter, which is the quality that was most needed in whoever took that office at that time. His judiciousness would have been excellent had he been able to become the Supreme Court Associate Justice President Obama nominated him to be. It is tragic that neither Garland - the victim of the “conservative movement” that had consumed the GOP - nor then-Vice President Biden who took part in making the nomination and was an eyewitness to the treason of Mitch McConnell as President of the Senate - took the proper understanding from what they had been part of.

Both men desperately held on to obsolete beliefs with the tenacity of French Generals who stared uncomprehendingly at the German panzers that thoroughly defeated them in 1940. They clung to the idea that they could “look forward” and ignore the Great Crime that had been committed, but this time papering over the recent past only made the defeat inevitable. How thorough this defeat will loom in the history of the United States cannot be known at this time, but it cannot be seen as anything other than the Major Defeat that it is. There is no argument to be made that it is anything other than a disaster.

Those who fail to understand when the knowledge on which they have based their lives becomes obsolete cannot end other than how Joe Biden and Merrick Garland have arrived at the end their careers. This failure will outweigh all their other successes, viewed with the 20-20 hindsight of history.

Joe Biden should have listened to the counsel of Alexander Solzhenitsyn, who said: “Let your credo be this: Let the lie come into the world, let it even triumph. But not through me.”

I would give anything not to have to write this.

[TCinLA]

[mydaddywiki]

Pierre Salinger

Physique: Husky Build Height: 5’ 6" (1.68 m)

Pierre Emil George Salinger (June 14, 1925 – October 16, 2004; aged 79) was an American journalist, author and politician. He served as the ninth press secretary for United States Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson. Salinger served as a United States Senator in 1964 and as campaign manager for the 1968 Robert F. Kennedy presidential campaign. After leaving politics, Salinger became known for his work as an ABC News correspondent.

An affable cigar smoker with his bushy eyebrows who he became the first presidential spokesman to become a celebrity in his own right. A piano prodigy, who spoke fluent French, had a zest for music, art, poetry, wine, women and fine food. A real cultured and classy guy who’d probably love to be broken down properly by an uncultured guy like me. And by “broken down properly”, I mean giving Salinger THE DICK. HARD. Because I so would.

Born, raised, and educated in San Francisco. He interrupted his undergraduate studies at San Francisco State College in 1943 to enlist in the U.S. Navy and command a "subchaser" in the Pacific Theater. After completing his service in 1946, he joined the editorial staff of The San Francisco Chronicle and the journalism faculty at nearby Mills College.

Married four times with four children (3 with his first wife and 1 with his third one), Salinger died from heart failure at the age of 79 on October 16, 2004 in Le Thor, Vaucluse, France. Apparently, President Kennedy and Salinger enjoyed a close relationship. Nothing salacious, but I like to image a sorid version where Kennedy was fucking Salinger on the DL.

[mariacallous]

Linda McMahon, a business and wrestling executive and major Republican donor, is likely to lead the Education Department, CNN reported Tuesday evening, citing four people familiar with the matter.

McMahon, a co-chair of President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team who has virtually no experience in education, served as director of the Small Business Administration in Trump’s first term. She left the administration in 2019 and went on to help create the American First Policy Institute, a pro-Trump think tank that’s been closely involved in planning for the second term. The Trump transition team did not respond to a request for comment about the selection.

McMahon is perhaps most known for her time as CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment, which she co-founded with her husband, Vince McMahon. Together, they built the company from a small regional corporation to a multinational public enterprise. She stepped down from the executive role in 2009. In 2010 and 2012, she ran unsuccessfully for U.S. Senate in Connecticut.

Although her experience in education is sparse, McMahon does have some ties. A New Bern, N.C., native, she graduated from East Carolina University in 1969 with a bachelor’s degree in French and certification to teach. She also served a one-year term on the Connecticut State Board of Education after being appointed by Republican governor Jodi Rell in 2009.

She’s a longtime supporter of and board member at Sacred Heart University, a private Roman Catholic institution in Fairfield, Conn. In 2012, Sacred Heart’s student commons was named after McMahon, who gave $5 million to support capital projects at the university, according to The Register Citizen.

Picking McMahon, a wealthy executive with little experience in education, is a move reminiscent of Trump’s first term, when he appointed Betsy DeVos as education secretary. DeVos, a billionaire philanthropist known for her support of school choice, voucher programs and charter schools, was a controversial candidate whose confirmation required then–vice president Mike Pence to cast a tie-breaking vote in her favor.

McMahon will be the second consecutive education secretary with ties to Connecticut—current secretary Miguel Cardona grew up in the state and served as commissioner of the Connecticut State Department of Education from 2019 to 2021.

McMahon’s name was not one of those thrown out as a potential candidate to lead the department, though The Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday that she was in the running for education secretary or U.S. ambassador to the United Kingdom, citing people familiar with the matter. McMahon was up for the position of commerce secretary, CNN reported, though that job went to Howard Lutnick, also a co-chair of the transition.

Candidates whom some lobbyists and experts considered likely to be on the short list included Ryan Walters and Cade Brumley, the state superintendents of Oklahoma and Louisiana, respectively; Tiffany Justice, a co-founder of Moms for Liberty; and Christopher Rufo, a board member at New College of Florida and senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute for Policy Research.

If confirmed by the U.S. Senate, McMahon will take over a department that Trump has repeatedly said he wants to get rid of. But doing so will require an act of Congress. Some policy analysts have said Trump and his allies are more likely to leverage the department’s power to reshape the higher education system. Trump himself has pledged to fire accreditors in order to reclaim colleges from the “radical left” and proposed creating a free online university funded by taxes on wealthy private colleges.

McMahon penned an op-ed for The Hill in September supporting the Workforce Pell Act introduced by congressional Republicans in 2023, offering a rare glimpse into her potential education policy agenda.

The bill, which would expand eligibility for federal Pell Grants to students enrolled in short-term credential programs, was blocked by Democrats but faces a much easier path to becoming law in the new Congress. Critics worry that in lieu of increases in overall Pell funding, expanding the program would deplete funds for students pursuing four-year degrees.

In the Hill piece, McMahon argued that Pell funding for credentials like coding boot camps would “create high-paying jobs for more Americans.” A report published Monday on a federal short-term Pell pilot program found that it did not lead to higher employment or earnings for participating students.

“Half a century ago … colleges were focused on preparing students for professional roles at the highest levels of government, science, business and the arts,” she wrote. “Today, however, many degree programs have lost sight of their mission … Our educational system must offer clear and viable pathways to the American Dream aside from four-year degrees.”

Career Education Colleges and Universities, a national trade association representing for-profit technical institutions, endorsed Trump’s reported pick in a statement Tuesday evening.

“Linda McMahon has extensive experience that positions her well to address many of the key areas that will be education priorities in the new administration,” CECU said in the statement. “We look forward to working with the new secretary and the team assembled around her. Under her leadership, we are confident that the new Department of Education will take a more reasoned and thoughtful approach in addressing many of the overreaching and punitive regulations put forth by the Biden administration, especially those targeting private career schools.”

[bulletin-attal-sejourne]

A Oui for Stephane; the Nons for Gabriel

When the executive head met the parliament head in Brussels and Paris, respectively. It's interesting how the roles of the duo have switched ever since Q3 2024.

Time: 241125 - 241127

Bonjour à tous! It's Wednesday, 27 November 2024, a big day for the Eurocrats as the MEP voted for the European Commission for a very slight margin; Meanwhile, the budgetary tightrope walk in Paris could boil down to a motion of censure thus the downfall of the government

Welcome to BAT, for the mid-week recap of manoeuvres, and challenges of the former couple at the heart of power.

STEPHANE SEJOURNE

This morning, the European Parliament has just given Ursula von der Leyen's new Commission the green light. That's...that's it. Regardless of how marginal the approval votes was, after weeks of nail-biting hearings, France's very own Stéphane Séjourné is officially part of the team.

Big shoes to fill. The real challenges begin after the appointment, as Séjourné steps into the crucial role of overseeing Europe's industrial strategy. It's a high-stakes game with Russia, China, and the US all jostling for position. Delivering on VDL's promise of a "holistic simplification" approach (with the sheer annoying amount of Euro-red-rapes we have) and making Europe a global industrial powerhouse (our version of MEGA but less toxic), will not be an easy job.

Green industry is the name of the game. Séjourné will work closely with Spain's Teresa Ribera, the new competition and green transition chief. Together, they'll need to find a way to balance economic growth with climate ambitions, all while navigating the tricky waters of EU competition policy. Expect fireworks! (And not the romantic and fun one this time.)

Speaking of (unromantic) fireworks, some MEPs weren't too thrilled with the Commission's rightward tilt. French Socialists voted against the entire college, protesting the inclusion of Italy's far-right Raffaele Fitto as one of the vice presidents. Not a good sign for the future 5 years of cooperation, really.

Again, this is just the beginning. Séjourné has a busy 100 days ahead of him. He'll need to craft a plan to boost Europe's digital startups and help the continent secure its supply of critical raw materials. Plus, there's that little thing about making sure Europe's car industry stays in Europe. He really needs to get it working, with no effort spared, as he claims so!

(I just realised these three sources are written in 3 different languages. Speaking of European diversity!)

GABRIEL ATTAL

Sainte-Catherine agricultural fair! It was Monday, November 25th. While the budget brouhaha continues to consume the Parisian political class, the former Prime Minister and current Renaissance maestro, might as well recharge himself and ventured into the heartland of France, the Orne region to be precise. Was it a desperate attempt to escape the censure storm brewing in the capital or a cunning move to woo the rural vote? Let's examine the evidence, shall we?

The Scene: Attal arrived fashionably late, a mere 45 minutes behind schedule, but hey, even in the world of cattle auctions, a bit of Parisian flair is to be expected. Upon arrival, he was greeted with the full pomp and ceremony befitting a political heavyweight: local officials beaming, senators nodding sagely, a "parade of television cameras" jostling for the best angle, and the local député, Jérôme Nury, looking particularly pleased with himself1.

The Gifts: Attal was showered with local delicacies: a charming basket of regional produce from the mayor and, the pièce de résistance, a vintage bottle of calvados from Nury, who quipped: "It's the Élysée's official supplier, you need to start getting used to it". Was Nury hinting at Attal's presidential ambitions? ●

The People's Champion: Attal worked the crowd like a seasoned politician, charming the locals with selfies and fielding questions from farmers with ease. Whispers of "You're handsome," "He's so good looking" and "He's really young" followed him as he navigated the fairgrounds. Even the normally stern-faced president of the FNSEA Normandie, Anne-Marie Denis, seemed to soften in his presence.

Master of the Moment: Attal showed a willingness to engage with the issues that matter to rural voters, discussing bovine tuberculosis, agricultural regulations, and the ever-controversial Mercosur trade deal. He even tried his hand at the traditional Sainte-Catherine game of guessing the weight of an ox, displaying a playful side that likely resonated with the fairgoers.

Verdict: The mayor of Briouze, Jacques Fortis, who had previously threatened to resign over the town's exclusion from a rural revitalisation scheme, seemed positively smitten with Attal. He declared the streets "full" for Attal's visit and described the former PM as "very friendly, very simple". High praise indeed from a mayor who, just a few months ago, was ready to walk away from it all.

So, was Attal's agricultural adventure a success? Judging by the smiles, the selfies, and the mayor's glowing review, it seems the former PM made a positive impression. Whether this translates into actual votes in future elections remains to be seen. But one thing's certain: Attal is a master of the political stage, and he knows how to play to his audience of Norman farmers.

It is however a bit more complicated when he is playing 3D chess with a broken board – battling rebels in his own camp, haggling over budget crumbs, and trying to keep a government that looks shakier than a Jenga tower in a windstorm. Former pals? They're already plotting their great escape, eyeing up alternative political real estate. Another day, another drama for our young maestro of mayhem! To let us understand the complexity we shall begin with the topic flying all over TV and newspaper headlines:

Budget Battleground

We need to save!: Prime Minister Michel Barnier, facing a record deficit and mounting debt, has proposed a budget characterized by austerity measures. These include cuts to public spending and, most controversially, a reduction in employer contribution relief.

Opposition from All Sides: The budget has been met with fierce opposition from various political factions. The left, led by the Socialist Party and La France Insoumise, condemns it as "austeritarian" and damaging to social welfare. Meanwhile, even members of Barnier's own "socle commun" coalition, particularly Gabriel Attal's EPR group, are pushing back against specific measures.

Sounds boring right?: Well, let's talk about the stakes. The budget fight goes beyond mere numbers. It represents a struggle for political power and a clash of ideologies. The outcome will have a significant impact on France's economic trajectory and the social well-being of its citizens.

The Censorship Sword

Threat of a No-Confidence Motion: The left has explicitly threatened to table a censure motion if Barnier fails to address their concerns regarding the budget. This motion, if successful, could lead to the government's collapse and potentially trigger early elections.

Marine Le Pen's Crucial Role: The outcome of the censure motion hinges on the stance of RN, which holds the largest opposition bloc in the Assembly. Le Pen has expressed strong criticism of Barnier's budget, threatening to vote against it. Her decision could make or break the government.

A High-Stakes Gamble for Everyone: The censure threat creates a complex strategic dilemma for all parties involved. For the left, it's an opportunity to topple the government and potentially gain power. For Le Pen, it's a chance to assert her influence and advance her own agenda. For Barnier, it's a battle for survival, requiring him to carefully navigate the demands of his opponents and his own allies.

Attal's Role: While Attal is primarily seeking concessions, not a government collapse, the line between the two is blurry. His aggressive stance could be interpreted as a calculated gamble: pushing Barnier to the edge to extract maximum concessions, but risking a censure motion that could empower the RN. Adding to the complexity, Attal needs to manage internal disagreements within EPR. Some members are eager for a showdown with Barnier, while others are more cautious. A misstep could alienate potential allies and weaken his leadership. The management of disagreements is particularly essential when he is facing this problem of:

The traitors

A Resignation With a Message: Martine Madelaine and Sélim Denoyelle, former leaders of the Renaissance party in Charente-Maritime, resigned, citing the movement's "rightward shift." They specifically objected to the government's policies on pensions and immigration, arguing that these measures betrayed the party's original values. This resignation highlights the growing discontent among some Macronists who feel the party has abandoned its centrist platform in favour of a more right-wing agenda.

Minister of Ocean Seeking a New Horizon: Hervé Berville, who served as Secretary of State for the Sea in both the Borne and Attal governments, is also charting a course away from the Macronist core. While he maintains loyalty to Macron, he's looking beyond the current administration, expressing a desire to return to his social-democratic roots. Berville has reportedly been in contact with former President François Hollande and former Prime Minister Bernard Cazeneuve, figures associated with the traditional left and plotting for a solid left wing presidential movement in 2027. He's openly critical of the Macronist alliance with the right, particularly on the budget, which he sees as a drift towards "an Orléanist and bourgeois right."

Your ex's bestman, The Justice Crusader: Gone were the days in the Moines Oyster yard, now Sacha Houlie, still invited Stephane Sejourne as his bestman on his own wedding, emerged as the lead dissenter of the formerly Renaissance AN group, and sat as an independent (after the failed attempt to pull more deputies from EPR) and voiced strong opposition to Gabriel Attal's proposed law on juvenile justice, calling it a "very bad text" that undermines the principles of specialized justice for minors. This time, he was successful. With EPR elected officials Stéphane Travert, Belkhir Belhaddad and Lionel Causse, he significantly amended the text in commission, aligning himself with the left and pushing for a more preventative approach, a move that dealt a major blow to Attal and the EPR group, when the person concerned, very interestingly, was not present in thorough the voting process...

Gabriel Attal would like to make this text a marker. He himself did not show up to defend it. 

And why betray? As the saying goes, "There are no permanent friends or enemies; only permanent interests." Some started with genuine convictions, believing in a transformative vision, but found themselves gradually disillusioned. Others, always pragmatic, view political parties like career elevators – when one falls, they're quick to find a more promising route.

A classic cocktail blend of opportunistic moves with genuine ideological differences. For our future RE Secretary General, the challenge is clear: craft a compelling vision that speaks to the post-Macron era. It's about creating a narrative and direction that resonates with current members and potentially attracts new supporters. The goal is to provide enough clarity, inspiration, and strategic direction to keep the party united and motivated through this transitional period...And possibly even for a new presidency.

fin.

[empiredesimparte]

Presenter Julien: A week after the celebrations, it's time to take stock of the festivities for Their Majesties' wedding. Presenter Sophie: This is the third imperial wedding in Francesim history. A rare and grandiose event, which heralds the splendor of the next coronation.

Presenter Sophie: His Majesty the Emperor married Empress Charlotte, a love affair born of a long childhood friendship. The young couple were married by His Holiness Pope Benedictus XIX, the Emperor's godfather. Welcome to Mr. Arthur Thomas, our specialist on crowned heads…

Journalist Arthur: Thank you, Sophie. Presenter Julien: What should we take away from this imperial wedding, Arthur?

Journalist Arthur: A lot! First of all, Empress Charlotte has once again won over the French. She's a charming, well-educated young woman who, above all, knows the Emperor by heart. She has mastered imperial protocol to perfection this day, and I'd go so far as to say, better than the Emperor!

Journalist Arthur: Indeed, the image that amused the entire empire was His Majesty's discreet micro-nap during the mass following the Pope's blessing. If this royal somnolence amused the majority of spectators, some of us hope that the Pope or the Empress didn't take offense at such a lack of control.

Journalist Arthur: Speaking of control, as far as foreign personalities are concerned, Madame Royale de Thornolie has once again distinguished herself by her perfect self-control. The sharpest tongues may regret the usual over-rigor displayed by Her Royal Highness at every public appearance.

Presenter Julien: Isn't she nicknamed the Ice Princess back in Thornolia? I think that at a wedding, Madame Royale could have shown more sympathy for our young Emperor…

Presenter Julien: ...By contrast, the Duke of Rothsey, who had been repeatedly refused attention by the imperial family, was very smiling and exemplary. In fact, he attended the imperial banquet with the Emperor.

Journalist Arthur: Indeed, many fans were delighted to see Oliver and Hortense together again. The two lovebirds gave each other several glances during the ceremony. Is this a sign of things to come? It probably does!

Senator Aimery: I believe so too, Francesim needs to reunite around the Imperial family after these difficult times. What's more, Their Imperial Majesties have Madame Hortense's well-being at heart.

Presenter Sophie: Thank you, Senator. We'll now give the floor to Madame Gérard, president of the opposition Third Party…

Opponent Madame Gérard: Thank you for your invitation. Presenter Sophie: What do you think of His Majesty's marriage? Opponent Madame Gérard: We have great hopes for His Majesty Emperor Napoléon V. We must (…)

Napoléon V: I'm sorry about the nap, I was… Charlotte: I know, you were tired. It's all right, Louis.

⚜ Le Cabinet Noir | Emperor's private jet, 29 Prairial An 230

Beginning ▬ Previous ▬ Next

Napoléon V and his wife Charlotte leave for their honeymoon. During the trip, they watch a live broadcast reviewing the imperial wedding.

(Oliver is from @officalroyalsofpierreland, Eleanor (Madame Royale) from @theroyalthornoliachronicles, we also see Queen Viviane II of Iona from @funkyllama. Thank you! <3)

⚜ Traduction française

Napoléon V et sa femme Charlotte partent en lune de miel. Durant le voyage, ils suivent une émission en direct faisant le bilan du mariage impérial.

Présentateur Julien : Une semaine après les célébrations, il est temps de dresser un bilan des festivités données pour le mariage de Leurs Majestés. Présentatrice Sophie : Il s'agit du troisième mariage impérial célébré dans toute l'histoire de la Francesim. Un événement rare et grandiose, qui annonce le faste prévu lors du prochain couronnement.

Présentatrice Sophie : Sa Majesté l'Empereur a épousé l'Impératrice Charlotte, un amour issu d'une longue amitié d'enfance. Le jeune couple a été marié par Sa Sainteté le pape Benedictus XIX, parrain de l'Empereur. Bienvenue à M. Arthur Thomas, notre spécialiste des têtes couronnées...

Journaliste Arthur : Merci Sophie. Présentateur Julien : Que faut-il retenir de ce mariage impérial, Arthur ?

Journaliste Arthur : Enormément de choses ! D'abord, il faut souligner à quel point l'Impératrice Charlotte a une nouvelle fois conquis les Français. C'est une jeune femme charmante, bien éduquée, et surtout qui connaît l'Empereur par cœur. Elle a maîtrisé le protocole impérial à la perfection cette journée, et je dirais même, mieux que l'Empereur !

Journaliste Arthur : En effet, l'image qui a amusé tout l'empire, c'est la micro-sieste discrète de Sa Majesté durant la messe qui suit la bénédiction du pape. Si cette royale somnolence a amusé les spectateurs en majorité, certains d'entre nous espèrent que le pape ou l'Impératrice ne se sont pas offusqués d'un tel manque de contrôle

Journaliste Arthur : A propos de contrôle, du côté des personnalités étrangères, Madame Royale de Thornolie s'est une fois de plus illustrée par une parfaite maîtrise de soi. Les langues les plus déliées regretteront peut-être la trop grande rigueur habituelle dont fait preuve Son Altesse Royale à chaque apparition publique.

Présentateur Julien : N'est-elle pas surnommée chez elle, en Thornolie, la princesse de glace ? Je trouve qu'à un mariage, Madame Royale aurait pu montrer davantage de sympathie à l'égard de notre jeune Empereur...

Présentateur Julien : A côté, le duc de Rothsey, à qui la famille impériale a pourtant refusé maintes fois de lui prêter attention, a été très souriant et exemplaire. Il a d'ailleurs participé au banquet impérial auprès de l'Empereur.

Journaliste Arthur : En effet, de nombreux fans se sont d'ailleurs réjouis de voir à nouveau réunis Oliver et Hortense. Les deux tourtereaux se sont d'ailleurs lancés plusieurs regards durant la cérémonie. Cela annonce-t-il de prochaines fiançailles? Probablement!

Sénateur Aimery : Je le crois aussi, la Francesim a besoin de se réunir autour de la famille impériale après ces temps difficiles. De plus, Leurs Majestés Impériales ont à cœur le bien-être de Madame Hortense.

Présentatrice Sophie : Merci Sénateur. Nous allons à présent laisser la parole à Madame Gérard, la présidente du parti de l'opposition, le Tiers parti...

Opposante Madame Gérard : Merci pour votre invitation Présentatrice Sophie : Que pensez vous du mariage de Sa Majesté ? Opposante Madame Gérard : Nous avons beaucoup d'espoir avec Sa Majesté l'Empereur Napoléon V, il faut espérer que...

Napoléon V : Je suis désolé pour la sieste, j'étais... Charlotte : Je sais, tu étais fatigué. Ce n'est pas grave Louis

[deadpresidents]

The Feuding Presidents of Westmoreland County, Virginia

Of all the Founding Fathers, it would seem like George Washington and James Monroe would have been the closest comrades.  The two men were born just miles apart from one another in Westmoreland County, Virginia.  They both were large men physically, not known primarily for their intellect, but instead for their hard work, their courage, and their devotion to the Revolutionary cause.  They were the two Presidents who saw the most action during the Revolutionary War and Monroe served bravely under Washington.  To top it all off, Washington and Monroe kind of looked like each other, too. 

On Christmas Day in 1776, Lieutenant James Monroe was one of those legendary soldiers who famously crossed the frigid Delaware River with General George Washington to engage the British at the Battle of Trenton.  Monroe led a charge in that battle to help capture some cannons that were about to be fired upon the Americans and was wounded in the shoulder, a severe injury that would have resulted in him bleeding to death if it weren’t for the fortunate presence of a local doctor in New Jersey.  Monroe’s heroism led to a promotion as Captain and he continued serving bravely during the war and was amongst those troops who survived the terrible winter of 1777-1778 at Valley Forge.  It would seem as if none of the Presidents could have established more of a bond than the two Virginians who helped fight in the Revolution.  Indeed, General Washington wrote that Monroe “has, in every instance, maintained the reputation of a brave, active, and sensible officer.”

So why did they despise each other?  And did James Monroe indirectly help kill George Washington? After the Revolution, Monroe entered politics and supported the national government being formed under George Washington despite the fact that Monroe had voted against the ratification of the Constitution in 1788.  As one of Virginia’s first U.S. Senators, Monroe continued his support of Washington, who was now President, but began to fear that too much power was being placed in the hands of the chief executive and found himself opposing Washington’s Proclamation of Neutrality.  When Washington appointed Monroe as Minister to France in 1794, something snapped. Monroe, like his friend and mentor Thomas Jefferson, loved France.  He loved the country itself and, as an American Revolutionary, he found himself in love with the French Revolution.  President Washington’s Proclamation of Neutrality insisted on American impartiality towards France and the countries that France was at war with at the time – Britain, The Netherlands, Austria, Prussia, and Sardinia.  Monroe was vehemently opposed to neutrality because the French were the first and most important allies of the United States during the Revolution.  Plus, James Monroe loved France.  In fact, Monroe loved France so much that Secretary of State Edmund Randolph was forced to officially reprimand him due to his glowing compliments about France when Monroe presented his credentials in Paris. From there, things continued going downhill between Washington and Monroe.  Monroe rescued Thomas Paine – another one of America’s early Revolutionaries — who had been thrown into prison in France for criticizing the execution of Louis XVI.  Paine was very sick and believed to be close to death, so after securing his release, Monroe arranged for Paine to stay with him at the American Ministerial residence.  Paine recovered and proceeded to brutally attack George Washington verbally for allowing him to rot in prison instead of rescuing him as Monroe did.  President Washington felt Monroe should have muzzled Paine, or at least repudiated Paine’s disrespectful language towards Washington. 

When the United States signed Jay’s Treaty with Great Britain, easing tensions between the U.S. and it’s former colonial power, Washington expected Monroe to be a good Federalist and support the rather unpopular treaty.  Monroe opposed it and refused to speak out in support of the treaty.  His silence on Jay’s Treaty was the last straw for Washington.  The President was furious and noting that he expected a diplomat who would “promote, not thwart, the neutral policy of the Government” recalled Monroe as Minister and ordered him to return to the United States.  When Monroe learned of his recall, he said that Washington was “insane”. Over the next few years, Monroe spent his time at home in Virginia and worked to undermine Washington and criticize the first President.  Monroe questioned Washington’s capacity as a leader and felt that he had sold out the French, who had done so much to help the Americans during the Revolutionary War.  Washington felt that Monroe was unqualified to critique his Presidency and that Monroe was a hopeless Francophile.  In 1797, long before Monroe was considered to be Presidential timber, Washington cautioned, “If Mr. Monroe should ever fill the Chair of Government he may (and it is presumed he would be well enough disposed) let the French Minister frame his speeches”.  Washington added, “There is abundant evidence of his being a mere tool in the hands of the French government.” Monroe wasn’t ready for the “Chair of Government” on a national level, but after Washington retired to Mount Vernon and handed the Presidency over to John Adams, Monroe decided to aim for the “Chair of Government” on a state level.  In 1799, Monroe campaigned to become Governor of Virginia and as Monroe’s candidacy was promoted by his friends and supporters, 67-year-old George Washington maintained his estate in Virginia in retirement and tried to do whatever he could to prevent Monroe’s rise.  If Monroe was going to be Governor of Washington’s beloved Virginia, then it would practically have to happen over Washington’s dead body. Washington wasn’t powerful enough to prevent Virginia’s state legislature from electing Monroe as Governor in December 1799, however.  On a cold and snowy day, George Washington learned of his former lieutenant’s victory and took off on horseback to tend to Mount Vernon.  When Washington returned to his home, cold and soaking wet, he got into an animated discussion with guests about Monroe’s victory and angrily denounced the newly elected Governor.  Washington continued his discussions without removing his wet clothing.  Already ill with a cold, Washington’s illness worsened.  On December 14, 1799, George Washington said his last words, “Tis well” and died. Monroe continued his public service as Governor of Virginia, a special envoy to France to secure the Louisiana Purchase for Thomas Jefferson, Minister to Great Britain, Governor of Virginia once again, and Secretary of State and Secretary of War under his close friend James Madison.  In 1817, it was finally Monroe’s turn to take the “Chair of Government” as Washington had so feared.  Supported by Jefferson and Madison, Monroe easily defeated Rufus King and became President, kicking off “The Era of Good Feelings” where Monroe’s popularity was almost unparalleled by any other President and the nation was unified and free of almost any partisan bickering.

In 1820, Monroe ran for re-election and was so enormously popular that no one dared to run against him. In Massachusetts, 85-year-old John Adams -- a stalwart Federalist and George Washington's Vice President -- even supported Monroe. Yet Washington got the last laugh. Running unopposed, Monroe was not only certain of victory, but it looked like he would become the only President besides Washington be elected unanimously by the Electoral College. However, Governor William Plumer of New Hampshire decided to deny Monroe that honor and reserve it for Washington and Washington only. Some stories allege that Plumer did it solely to prevent Monroe from joining Washington as unanimous Electoral College victors and some stories note that Plumer truly disliked President Monroe and voted for John Quincy Adams as a protest. Either way, the records will always show that George Washington was the only President elected unanimously and I think it's pretty clear that Washington would have appreciated that Monroe of all people was prevented from joining him in that exclusive club.

[he13na]

I'm already sick of people saying we're living in the Hunger Games talking about the Met Gala. No, we're not. Yes, most of us are peasants but a celebration of art in the form of fashion has always been a thing and it doesn't mean the designers or stylists or people wearing the beautiful dresses want to hurt us. They aren't the reason Gen Z can't buy houses, it's our government. "Eat the rich" just makes you sound like a hipster in an echo chamber who has no idea what they're talking about and just parroting others on TikTok. Don't be mad at people who have cooler and more fun jobs than you. Don't be mad at art or fashion. Be mad at congress, senators, those in the political power to keep us down and abusing their power. Be mad at those who won't lower rent, gas or grocery prices. Be mad at the idiots who voted for this to happen. This isn't a Marie Antoinette French Revolution thing, this isn't Suzanne Collins's fictional universe. The president and government are the ones oppressing us, not an actress in a pretty dress. If our children and teenagers aren't fighting to the death ancient Roman Gladiator style in front of the government elites and watching on national television is mandatory and not watching is punishable by law, we are not living The Hunger Games so shut up if you don't know what you're actually saying.