#South Bondi

[travelmanposts]

Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia: Bondi Beach is a popular beach and the name of the surrounding suburb in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Bondi Beach is located 7 kilometres east of the Sydney central business district, in the local government area of Waverley Council, in the Eastern Suburbs. Bondi, North Bondi and Bondi Junction are neighbouring suburbs. Bondi Beach is one of the most visited tourist sites in Australia, and the location of two hit TV series Bondi Rescue and Bondi Vet. Wikipedia

[travelbinge]

By Issydphoto

Bondi, New South Wales, Australia

[coochiequeens]

Finally a peice that talks about how 5 of the 6 in the people killed in the sydney stabbings were women. And yes he was mentally ill but he felt entitled to a girlfriend.

By Victoria Smith 16 April, 2024

Did Joel Cauchi, the man who killed six people in a Sydney shopping centre, do so because he was mentally ill? Or did he do it because he hated women?

Five out of six of Cauchi’s victims were women, which does seem targeted. Nonetheless, according to his family, Cauchi, 40, “battled with mental health issues since he was a teenager”. For this reason, some have found talk of misogyny unseemly, if not exploitative. To categorise Cauchi’s act as male violence against women, if not terrorism underpinned by misogynist ideology, can be appear dismissive of genuine sickness. Sometimes, bad things just happen because people are unwell. 

For women who live with men who have severe mental health diagnoses, there is little comfort in discussions such as these. On the one hand, there is an enormous amount of pressure to downplay the idea that mentally ill men are more likely to be violent than other men (they are, but to say so is viewed as contributing to stigma). On the other hand, is it fair for a man with severe mental illness to be judged by the same moral standards as other men? Shouldn’t we be recognising that they cannot control their perceptions and fears?

See rest of article

The Sydney attacker was desperate for a girlfriend, his family has revealed as police confirmed that he had targeted women.

Joel Cauchi killed five women and one man during a knife attack on the Bondi Junction Westfield shopping centre on Saturday.

Karen Webb, the New South Wales police commissioner, said: “The videos speak for themselves. It’s obvious the offender had focused on women and avoided the men.”

The majority of the 12 people Cauchi seriously wounded were female, including a baby girl.

Andrew Cauchi, his father, said on Monday he knew why his mentally unwell son had targeted women. The 76-year-old told reporters outside his home in Queensland: “Because he wanted a girlfriend and he’s got no social skills and he was frustrated out of his brain.”

Describing his son as “very sick”, he described trying to deal with the feelings of “loving a monster”.

A “heroic” policewoman who stopped a lone knifeman mid-rampage during a killing spree in a Sydney shopping centre has been named.

In one of several heroic attempts to disarm the attacker on Saturday, Amy Scott, a NSW Police Inspector, walked up calmly behind the attacker and ordered him to drop his weapon.

When he refused to do so and lunged at her with a knife, she shot him.

Six people were killed after the culprit – later identified by police as Queensland man Joel Cauchi – went on a stabbing spree in Westfield Bondi Junction, including a mother whose baby is reportedly now in a critical condition.

“She is certainly a hero. There is no doubt that she saved lives through her action,” Anthony Albanese, the Australian prime minister, said on Saturday.

[madmadammagz]

Just wanted to talk about the Bondi Junction attack in Sydney that happened Saturday and reach out to everyone who works in retail. I work in a Westfield, I was working the day it happened and even though I was on the other side of the city (thankfully) I was terrified. Sure, we all continued to work as if it was business as usual but it reminded me of something our store manager told us. There's a rise in these incidents and it's no longer a 'if this happens' but a 'when' and we need to be prepared. A place like a shopping mall should not inspire fear but it does for me, and probably for anyone who works retail in a mall. Retail workers of bondi junction, regular shoppers of bondi junction, non regular shoppers who just went to get that one thing they needed, tourists who just wanted to experience Australia, I am so so sorry that happened to you. It could've happened at any Westfield and it happened to you and I am so sorry. Please let something be done about this rise in violence.

[slidesworthseeing]

Found slide: Surf lifesaving training in rough conditions, Bondi Beach, Bidjigal, Birrabirragal and Gadigal Countries, Sydney, circa November 1962 (photographer unknown) 

[final-bae-stination]

A Whole World Away (Bondi Rescue)

Pairing: Chase Hardaker X Girlfriend! Fem! OC

Tags: Falling In Love; Crushing; Long-Distance Relationship; Reuniting Together; Coming Home.

Requested: No.

Third Person POV

Chase had liked her from the start, and for a while, she liked him, too, but pretended not to. She was a surfer, so she was always in the water, catching waves. She was from Brazil, and she was fluent in English, Portuguese, and French. She could also say at least five swear words in Russian, which often made Chase laugh.

He met her on the surf. It was six in the morning, and he was scheduled at eight, so he figured he’d catch some waves first. She’d come paddling up beside him and smiled. “Pretty, isn’t it?” She asked, sitting on her board and watching the sunrise. “Yeah. I’m Chase,” He smiled. “Aline.” She smiled. “Nice to meet you.” “You as well.”

They kept talking, and Chase found himself doing sunrise/sunset surfing with her, just to spend more time with her. She was due to leave in a week, and it made him sad. She was beautiful, but lived a whole world away. They went to different parts of Sydney, Chase playing tour guide.

Now, the lifeguards saw this, clearly. They saw Chase mooning over this girl, totally infatuated with her, and her with him, after a while. At first, she thought it was cute that he liked her like that, but then she started falling as well. But they knew how easily Chase fell, and how easily he was hurt, and were a little worried, considering she was from Brazil. But they trusted Chase, because he was a kid. He was learning about heartbreak, and though it hurt to see, they knew it was a part of growing up. And then she’d left. 

Chase went to the airport with her, seeing her off. He’d been hanging out at the beach with the guys in the Tower, joking around and laughing, when Aline showed up, bags at her side, and Chase knew. “You’re leaving.” He said, and she nodded, not looking at him. The lifeguards shared looks, and Deano touched his arm. “Go see your girl off,” He said, and Chase went. Will and Luke Faddy went as support.

“I’m gonna miss you,” She whispered, standing in front of the gate. Chase smiled sadly. “Nah, I think I’ll miss you more, you know?” She laughed, and he pushed her hair behind her ear. “Chase?” She asked softly as her plane was called. “Yeah?” “Can I kiss you?” “Yeah.” And she did. They kissed for a long moment, and then she was gone with one final look. He didn’t go back to the beach after her plane had left. Will and Luke dropped him off, feeling sad, watching Chase slump inside before returning to work.

The others found him, after work, at his house, sitting on his couch. “Stupid, isn’t it?” He said when they walked in. “That I’m so depressed for a girl?” He shook his head. “No.” Jake said. “Your only problem is falling too hard too fast, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.” “You love her, that’s understandable.” Whippet put in.

He was distant at work, Aline always on his mind, but never once failed at a rescue or a job, determined to not be so mopey over her. They still called each other.

She’d even asked if they could try being together, so they were dating, but long-distance. It was hard. They couldn’t see each other but over video chat, and he missed her terribly, because the only time he could really call her was his few days off and after work, at night, when she’d be. 

He didn’t expect her to come back, because she was still in college. But he was at work one day when Will came in amid the team, hiding a shit-eating grin. “I have something for you,” Will said to Chase, making everyone stare. And then Aline poked her head in. “Hi, Chase!” Chase leapt from his seat, nearly knocking it over, and hugged her, hearing her laugh. “What the hell are you doing here?!” He asked, bewildered. She shrugged. “I’m an official Aussie.” She grinned. “I figured I could finish my schooling here, because…because you were here.” She added softly. Chase blinked. “Really? That’s awesome!” He smiled, and caught a glimpse of Whippet grinning fondly at them. “Um…do you want to meet the others?” He asked softly, and she nodded, “I’d love to.” The team was pleased to meet her, and her and Lachie had become friends almost instantly because of their shared humor. But Chase was just glad his girlfriend was home. When the sun set, he turned to her. “Hey.” She turned, eyes curious. “We haven’t gone out there in a while.” She looked at the ocean, colored red from the sunset. She smiled. “C’mon.” They grabbed their boards, heading to the water, and just sat there, watching the sun sink. 

In the Tower, the team smiled, watching them.

“Hey.” Aline said. Chase turned, and she kissed him. It was perfect.

[urban-oasis-]

Bondi Beach, NSW, Australia

[travelella]

Bondi Beach, New South Wales, Australia

Dominic Kurniawan Suryaputra

[tropichalys]

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

BONDI BEACH

[kimweeebol]

Bondi Beach, March 2024

[suburbeastern]

How to Go About Bathroom Renovations in Sydney South West

Full bathroom remodels and renovations normally require a permit from your local council. However, small aesthetic changes do not need a permit.

You can think of cosmetic and style changes like applying lipstick – it changes the aesthetics, accents your lips but does not alter the shape of your face! To know more about Bathroom Renovations Sydney South West, visit the Eastern Suburbs Bathroom Renovations website or call 0415902838.

Bathroom tiling is one of the most significant parts of a renovation project. It requires the removal of existing fixtures, plumbing and tiles as well as a thorough clean-up of walls and floors. It also involves sourcing different fittings and materials for the new layout. A professional bathroom designer can help you with the research and conceptualisation of the design before starting the work.

A good renovation company will have access to a range of products and will offer competitive pricing. They will also have a good understanding of building codes. These factors will ensure that the renovation process goes as smoothly as possible.

The tiling in bathrooms Sydney south west should be done by a licensed and experienced tiling company. They should be able to handle both residential and commercial jobs. They will take the time to understand your needs and create a unique design that will suit your property. They will also provide an obligation-free quote for the job.

The bathroom is one of the most important rooms in any house. It should combine functionality and artistry to create an intimate space that can soothe and relax. However, it is not easy to achieve this goal without the help of a professional bathroom renovator in Sydney.

A plumber can provide a range of plumbing services, including shower installations, fixing dripping taps, clearing blocked toilets and drains, and gas repairs. They can also help you choose the right fixtures and fittings for your bathroom.

In addition to completing your renovation project, they can also assist with any emergency issues that may arise. This includes detecting and fixing gas leaks, and installing new gas appliances such as a heater or hot water system. They can also help you with your gas line connections, and handle any other plumbing issues you may have. The best part is that their services are available 24/7. So if you have a plumbing emergency, they will be there for you as soon as possible.

After your tiler and plasterer finish their work, the electrician can lay electrical wires and install a power point. You can choose the location of your power points, but make sure you comply with bathroom safety zones – they dictate how close switches and outlets can be to water outlets and fixtures.

These are based on the type and rating of your bathroom fittings, so check with your renovator. Generally, Zone 0 covers the interior of your bathtub or shower, and Zone 1 extends around 1.2 metres from this, but this varies with your fittings.

Your plumber and electrician can then carry out a rough-in fit, which is when they put in plumbing and electricity but don’t connect them yet. Next, your builders will hang or build walls and ceiling linings. When this is done, your new bathroom will be ready for tiling and painting. They’ll also clear away and dispose of rubbish. And, if necessary, hire a cleaning service to get your bathroom back in good shape.

Bathrooms are prone to moisture and condensation, which can damage wall paint if it isn’t formulated for the environment. Humidity can cause the paint to bubble, crack or peel. Paints with a gloss, satin or semi-gloss finish are best for bathrooms because they’re moisture-resistant and have a hard, shiny surface. Avoid flat or eggshell finishes, which absorb more moisture and aren’t as washable. Instead, look for products like Intelligent Matte, which has a soft sheen and is highly washable.

Once your plumber and electrician have finished their work, you can have a professional painter paint your new bathroom. Make sure you use bathroom-safe wall paint with a hard, glossy finish, and don’t choose masonry paint, which is intended for external surfaces and contains dangerous amounts of mildewcide. Hire a bathroom renovation company that has the experience, reputation and resources to complete the job quickly, safely and to your satisfaction. They will also work with you to create a design that suits your bathroom space and taste. To know more about Bathroom Renovations Sydney South West, visit the Eastern Suburbs Bathroom Renovations website or call 0415902838.

[travelmanposts]

Sculpture By The Sea, Australia: Sculpture By The Sea is the world's largest free-to-the-public sculpture exhibition and one of Warrane's (Sydney’s) most spectacular annual events, held along the city's scenic Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk every spring.. Bronte Beach is a small but popular recreational beach in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney, Australia. Bronte Beach is 2 kilometres south of Bondi Beach and north of the much larger Coogee Beach. The three beaches are linked by a paved coastal footpath along the rocky cliff tops, much frequented by tourists and local runners and walkers. Wikipedia

[aesthetichomerenovations]

How Much Is The Bathroom Renovation Cost?

If you are looking to update your bathroom, it is important to understand the costs. The cost of a bathroom remodel depends on many factors, including the size and location of the space. While the average cost of a bath remodel varies, most people can expect to pay anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. However, in some places, such as high-cost areas, the price is much higher.

For example, installing a new shower or tub can drive up the cost of a bathroom renovation. A new shower can cost as much as $24,000, while a tub can cost up to $75,000. Having a new shower can also require plumbing and electrical changes, which can add up. Also, depending on the material you choose for the floor, it can be as little as a few hundred or as much as a few thousand.

The average cost of a bathroom remodel can be quite expensive, but there are ways to save some cash. One option is to do a part-time remodel in phases. You can do this on your own, or hire a contractor. Some homeowners opt to use a combination of financing options, such as a personal loan or an installment loan. This is a good idea if you don't have the funds to commit to a large project.

Another great way to save money on a bathroom remodel is to do some of the work yourself. Getting the job done right the first time will cut down on expenses. In addition, it is a good idea to use the best value products. Whether it's a bathroom cabinet, faucet or paint, you want to know how much it will cost so you can budget accordingly.

To determine which is the best choice, consider the materials, design and size of the bathroom. Tile is often a top pick for bathroom remodels. It is a durable material that's easy to maintain, and can be used for a wet environment such as a bathroom. Stone tile is the most expensive, and can run as much as $25 per square foot. Linoleum flooring is cheaper, and can be installed for as little as $150 to $800.

There are many other small costs to consider when remodeling your bathroom. The cost of paint is low, and can be done on your own, and if you plan on installing a new sink, you can save even more money by doing it yourself. Plumbers will charge you for fixtures, but you may be able to get them for free through Habitat for Humanity.

The most cost-effective bathroom renovation is the one that involves the least disruption to your daily routine. Remodeling in phases will save you the hassle of having to move all your belongings and arranging for a contractor. On the other hand, a full bathroom remodel will involve the demolition and construction of new stud walls, re-wiring, and the installation of plumbing and electric.

Aesthetic Home Renovations will take care of everything your needs in Home Renovation Services in Australia. Call our team today to book and we excel in providing a vast range of building solutions.

[samheughanswife]

Sam

Sam was in his element. With friends, Steve and comfortable in the auditorium.

Refreshed from a week of sun,sand and sea. Add in off the socials grid. No random blondes in bikinis, or the gym blonde rats at the North Bondi open gym breathing the same sea air as him instantly given a nickname and assumed bumping curlies.

He shared that he had a session with the famous Bondi Beach lifeguards. He was encouraged to dive off the rocks at the South end of the beach- Bondi. He shared he had never dived in his life( sure that’s not true, just not into the Pacific Ocean) He was shown how to swim back to shore in a rip, ( that’s what drowns people not understanding how to get out of a rip). And generally living a beachside life. He joked that he didn’t sleep in the sand, he had a house (?? 👀).

Loves 🇦🇺. Not the snakes he revealed to an answer re the snakebite episode. Met all the famous animals. And shared that he felt the walk to the top of the bridge more now than when he did it eight years ago ( doubt that). Mentioned the bars he hit up and the restaurants.

A week well spent. As you all have seen he has the tan to show for it.

Two afternoons were lost to late summer thunderstorms. What did he do then?!

He answered the expected questions regarding the end of OL. He is ready to say goodbye. He has been in discussion regarding work. He wants to continue to travel after the S8 wrap.

Mentioned going to Everest and working on getting distribution in 🇦🇺 for SS. And other countries.

Shared a tidbit that when he went to the studio his “things” had been moved for a new younger cast. All tongue in cheek. Said he is looking for to BOMB.

This was a contented man. It was all easy conversation and engagement with just under 945 fans. The auditorium capacity is 945 and there were about 20 empty seats.

He did not bring up the spirits unless asked. He didn’t have a bottle on stage. That bag on the table was Steve’s- with a drink bottle in it and a place to put the discarded written questions. He was not selling his booze, he was riffing. Laughing and just being relaxed.

Asked about Caitriona ( got to say that the audience was a Sam only) and he discussed her getting prepped for directing. Said they had FT her the night before, all the guys and showed her what she was missing. He said how much they had shared and that really “ THEY WERE LIKE BROTHER AND SISTER” ✅ ✅. Crowd liked that.

He said that it will be difficult working away the final time. Very poignant. But he said he is ready.

The rest was the same questions and answers. The event organizers said there will be a USB to buy. So the rest will be there for those who will buy and then share here.

I’ve been told that on the soulless account comments have said that the guys were disheveled and looked unwashed. BULLSHIT. All their clothes were ironed( I am that woman who judges unironed clothes. Sam had ironed his T-shirt and pants. His hair was not oily. And his eau de parfum was that of a man who had showered early and had used deodorant. Those hollow jealous haters were truly reaching for something- anything.

I’m guessing that the Melbourne audience will be just as thrilled and appreciative of the chance to be in conversation with the OL lads. There is a song from one of my teenage favourite 🇦🇺 band Australian Crawl. It’s called The Boys Light Up. It’s the perfect song for the fun day yesterday. The boys did light up.

[thatsonemorbidcorvid]

Murphy’s death was just the latest in a seemingly endless, parade of crimes against women that have horrified the country.

Two weeks after Murphy went missing, another woman was killed in Ballarat, a city with a population of just over 100,000, in a separate and unrelated case. Rebecca Young, a 42-year-old mother of five, was allegedly killed by her partner in a suspected murder-suicide.

On 5 April, in bushland near Ballarat, a car was set on fire. Inside it, police found the body of a 23-year-old named Hannah McGuire. Her ex-partner has been charged with her murder…

On 22 April: 28-year-old Molly Ticehurst; 23 April: 49-year-old Emma Bates; 26 April: 30-year-old Erica Hay; 29 April: 78-year-old Joan Drane.

It was the death of Samantha Murphy that prompted a sense that something in Australia was very wrong.

The 51-year-old mother of three left her home in Ballarat in regional Victoria to go for a jog at around 7am on a Sunday morning in early February and did not return.

Murphy was not the first woman to be killed in Australia this year, she was the twelfth. The country followed along as police conducted extensive searches of bushland near her home, appealed for information and released CCTV showing her setting off for her run wearing exercise gear, and with blonde hair pulled back into a messy ponytail.

More than one month later, police arrested and charged a 22-year-old man with her murder. Her body has still not been found.

Murphy’s death was just the latest in a seemingly endless, parade of crimes against women that have horrified the country.

Two weeks after Murphy went missing, another woman was killed in Ballarat, a city with a population of just over 100,000, in a separate and unrelated case. Rebecca Young, a 42-year-old mother of five, was allegedly killed by her partner in a suspected murder-suicide.

On 5 April, in bushland near Ballarat, a car was set on fire. Inside it, police found the body of a 23-year-old named Hannah McGuire.

Her ex-partner has been charged with her murder. The deaths are all separate and unrelated. Here, in the space of two months was another death of another woman in the same small city.

The grief bubbled over, prompting an urgent conversation about violence against women and what will be done about it. Especially pressing is the situation faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, who are disproportionately affected by family and domestic violence.

On 12 April, hundreds of Ballarat residents marched in the streets holding signs asking for the names of the women to be remembered and demanding action to end violence against women.

And then, the next day, on a balmy autumn Saturday afternoon in Sydney, a man entered a shopping centre in Bondi Junction armed with a knife. He murdered six people, five of them women. Twelve people, including eight women, were injured, including a nine-month-old baby girl whose mother was murdered in the attack.

Police announced they would investigate whether the killer, who was shot dead by police, had deliberately targeted women and children. But it seemed they had already reached a conclusion on that matter, with the New South Wales police commissioner Karen Webb, saying videos of the attack “speak for themselves”.

“It’s obvious to me … that the offender had focused on women and avoided the men,” she said.

There were vigils; surfers made a heart with their boards out past the break at Bondi beach; the prime minister granted residency to two men who had fended off the attacker and praised the heroism of the female police officer who – without backup – chased the murderer through the centre and when he lunged at her with his knife, shot him dead.

And still the deaths did not stop.

On 22 April: 28-year-old Molly Ticehurst; 23 April: 49-year-old Emma Bates; 26 April: 30-year-old Erica Hay; 29 April: 78-year-old Joan Drane.

And with the relentless drumbeat, fury and grief erupted across the country.

In people’s homes, at barbecues and cafes, in furious editorials in the newspapers and in segments on radio and television, the same questions were being asked. Why are women still not safe to go for a morning jog, to take their baby to a bustling shopping centre, to exist in their own homes without being killed.

According to the Counting Dead Women Australia project, run by researchers from Destroy the Joint, 28 women have died this year – 27 of them alleged to be at the hands of men. This compares to 15 by this point in 2023, 18 by the same point in 2022, 14 in 2021, 16 in 2020, meaning that even excluding the Bondi stabbing attack, the numbers this year are high.

“It’s time we started talking about it not in terms of just ‘violence against women’,” Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young told Guardian Australia’s Australian Politics podcast. “This is the terrorising of women in their homes and on the street. Women don’t feel safe.”

Figures indicate Australia does have a particular problem with intimate partner killings.

In 2022-23, while the overall homicide rate was lower in Australia (5.6 deaths per million of population) compared with England and Wales (six per million), Australia had nearly double the rate of women killed by a current or former partner, with 34 intimate partner homicides against women in Australia and 35 in England and Wales, despite Australia having a population nearly half that of England and Wales.

The country’s Labor prime minister, Anthony Albanese has declared violence against women a “national crisis”, convened an emergency meeting of national cabinet – the meeting of all the premiers of states and territories, as well as the federal leadership – and on Wednesday announced a $925m package to help victims of violence leave abusive relationships.

Albanese said on Wednesday the suite of measures was “a further step forward” but that he could not be satisfied when a woman was killed in Australia, on average, every four days.

There is a palpable fury in the air. In the last weekend of April, thousands of people took to the streets in 17 rallies across the country, calling for greater action. But there is fear too, that nothing will change.

“I find myself saying [in media interviews] please don’t forget about us next week when the news cycle moves on,” says Karen Bevan, CEO of Full Stop Australia, a sexual, domestic and family violence response and recovery service.

“This isn’t the first time that there’s been a coalescing of national conversation around issues of gendered violence, sexual assault, domestic violence. We’ve certainly had other moments.”

In particular, Bevan is thinking of 2015, when Rosie Batty, whose 11-year-old son Luke had been murdered by his father at cricket training the year before, was made Australian of the Year. Her advocacy catapulted family violence to the top of the public conversation, for a time.

“She, in a moment, changed the conversation,” says Bevan. “And I don’t think her moment was a flash in the pan either. I think she created extraordinary change.”

Since then, changes in the public conversation, media reporting and in the legislative space have made a difference, says Bevan, pointing to the introduction of affirmative consent laws, the passing coercive control legislation, reform of family law, and a review into the funding of legal aid services.

“The other piece we can’t ignore here is that we have a more receptive political environment to the conversation,” she says, of the Labor government, which announced tackling domestic violence as a key priority when it came to power in 2022.

“I do think it matters that governments aren’t only saying ‘thoughts and prayers’, they are also doing things,” she says.

But, there are still huge systemic issues: a national housing crisis and a drastic underfunding of refuges that means women choose between remaining in a violent relationship and homelessness; a lack of funding for women seeking legal help; a scarcity of services particularly for rural and Indigenous women. Experts have also pointed to bail laws, inadequate and sometimes downright harmful policing practices, to show there is much that needs to change before women are safe.

On 1 May, thousands of people turned out in parks, on foreshores, on the lawns of Parliament House for candlelit vigils in honour of all women who were the victims of violence.

Antoinette Braybrook, the CEO of Djirra, an organisation that provides support to Indigenous women experiencing family violence, spoke of the country’s grief in a video ahead of the events.

“Tonight we light not one candle but many … for every woman, for every Aboriginal woman, whose life has been violently taken. For our children, our future, who will never again be embraced by their mum’s love. For every family who has lost a mother, sister, daughter, auntie, grandmother.

“We want you to know we will never give up on our fight for women to live a life free from violence.”

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Steven Beschloss at America, America:

This is a strange, in-between moment, rippling with uncertainty stirred by a deeply vengeful man bent on destruction who will soon retake the ultimate levers of power. His hasty dumping of unqualified nominees—each one providing a different version of reckless endangerment to our nation’s safety and security—underscores the serious questions about how bad the coming months and years will be.

Will they mete out punishments to serve their boss’ whims, ending justice as we know it? Will we be able to rely on the safety of our food and water and drugs? Will diseases long abated by vaccines re-emerge as new and unnecessary dangers to our children and ourselves? Can we trust that our military will serve the American people rather than be transformed into a weapon against us? Will we face new attacks by foreign adversaries because our allies can no longer safely share intelligence with us? Will we suffer serious economic decline fueled by billionaires and reckless ideologues focused on expanding their own fortunes while demanding sacrifices from everyone else? Can we be sure that in 2026 there will be another election?

In turn, who will be the heroes of this time? Who will stand up and speak out, refusing to be cowed or ruled by fear? Who will take action to stop the demolition of our democracy? Who with power will demand that the practices and principles that have successfully driven the American system of government be recognized and followed? There are some early signs: Matt Gaetz was a road too far for Attorney General. The Senate chose South Dakota’s John Thune as its new majority leader, not Trump-backed lickspittle Rick Scott from Florida. Jerome Powell, chairman of the Federal Reserve, said categorically that he would not leave his post if Trump asked or tried to fire him. Alaska’s Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski announced she would oppose Trump’s nominees if they are not properly vetted by the FBI. “This isn’t about partisanship," she reportedly told close allies, "it’s about ensuring we don’t compromise the standards of public office." South Dakota’s other GOP senator, Mike Rounds, said this when asked about anti-vaxxer Robert F. Kennedy Jr.: “Look, I believe in vaccines. I think they’ve saved millions of lives.”

Will there be other GOP senators who find their spine in the coming months to confront Trump’s reckless decisions? Will we see Democrats oppose the coming onslaught with all the vigor and virulence they can muster? These would be leaders to notice and encourage. Let’s also pay attention to the critical role of state and local officials to protect their citizens and push back against the Trump-inspired federal efforts to deport millions of undocumented migrants and pursue myriad other actions that will cause damage to real people. Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker best summarized this commitment: “You come for my people, you come through me.”

In this period, we will need fearless truth-tellers to remind us of the differences between right and wrong, true and false. They will be critical in asserting factual reality as the anti-government propaganda intensifies to justify extreme attacks on the agencies, procedures and resources established to create safety and security, particularly for at-risk people. Trump lackey and election denier Pam Bondi, nominated for Attorney General, has already pledged to prosecute the prosecutors. Trump chose Russell Vought, a chief architect of Project 2025, to lead the Office of Management and Budget, even though Trump said he knew nothing about the project’s policy agenda. Vought has already pledged to help impound any funds approved by Congress if the next president disapproves of their intended purpose—demonstrating utter disregard for the legislative body’s power of the purse enshrined in the first article of the Constitution.

Steven Beschloss wrote in his America, America blog on who will be the heroes to save America.