#firing dedicated public servants

[socialjusticeinamerica]

National Park Service employees live in poverty. They make peanuts and are housed in dilapidated Quonset huts leftover from WWII that are un-insulated, full of holes, lacking running water, and often without heat or AC.

Even many of the liberals reading this think government employees are living high on the hog. Don’t be like MAGAts and think because you have hard times that everyone you perceive to be making more than you deserves to lose everything. Non-management federal government employees make shit and are forced to live in big cities where the cost of living is super high. They don’t deserve to lose their jobs or whatever benefits they may be getting to satiate oligarchs and Republicans. These employees have families, mortgages, student loans, and medical debt just like the rest of us. Additionally a disproportionate number of federal workers are marginalized people who couldn’t find any other work. They owe their jobs to the Democratic policies of hiring the disabled, veterans, people of color, women, religious minorities, etc. Times are hard for everyone and have been since Reagan and the Republicans murdered the American dream.

I know retail pays shit and most other jobs in the private sector as well. I know most people no longer have unions but that’s no reason to hate on these poor souls. Dragging everyone else down will not lift the rest of us up. Republicans, CEO’s, and oligarchs have spent decades trying to get us to turn against each other. Don’t fall for it. Your enemy isn’t the museum security guard, the librarian, the IRS receptionist, the National Park Service, the data entry tech at the Veteran’s Administration, etc.

We have one common enemy that is suppressing 98% of the public and it’s the billionaire oligarchs using corporate greed and Republican puppets against us. Drive the Republicans from office and drive the CEO’s and oligarchs from politics once and for all.

[rjzimmerman]

Excrpt from this New York Times story:

The National Weather Service is preparing for the probability that fewer forecast updates will be fine-tuned by specialists, among other cutbacks, because of “severe shortages” of meteorologists and other employees, according to an internal agency document.

An agreement signed on April 10 between the service and the union representing its employees describes several measures that forecasting offices will take to manage the consequences of the Trump administration’s drive to reduce the size of the government. The document also says the service might reduce or suspend the launches of data-gathering weather balloons and eliminate the testing of new forecasting methods and technologies.

More than 500 people this year have already left the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which oversees the National Weather Service. Nearly 200 of those departures were people who work in weather forecasting offices, which had already faced serious understaffing.

About 300 additional people are expected to leave under the Trump administration’s latest resignation offer, according to two people familiar with the matter, who asked for anonymity because the administration has not officially made agency departure numbers public. Union officials said the departures at NOAA since President Trump took office have far exceeded the typical turnover rate.

The agreement indicates that field offices across the country could face vacancy rates as high as 35 percent, compared with current staffing levels, according to the union. Parts of the agency had already been operating at lower-than-usual staffing levels well before the Trump administration’s cost-cutting efforts.

The document outlines options for cutting back programs and allows the National Weather Service to offer “degraded” services as more meteorologists retire or resign. The cuts would significantly scale back the work of the 122 weather offices nationwide, which collect weather observations and issue warnings during severe weather events.

Representative Zoe Lofgren, the senior Democrat on the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology, which oversees the Weather Service, said the Trump administration was endangering the agency’s lifesaving work. Democrats on the committee provided a copy of the document to The New York Times.

“Chaotic and illegal firings, coercions to resign, reductions in force, and a general obsession with destroying the morale of dedicated public servants have left the National Weather Service’s work force so strained they cannot carry out their duties as they once did,” Ms. Lofgren said in a statement.

[al-hekima-madara-blog]

Tobirama birth chart (headcanon)

Tobirama is a headcanon I've procrastinated a lot because as a Madara hardcore fan, of course I'm not enthusiast about the Second hokage. But hey! I need to conclude the cycle of founders birth's chart. And I swear, I'll be fair play !

I strongly advise you to read Madara and Hashirama's chart. For this birth chart, I'll go a little bit more technical in astrology. We will talk briefly about rulerships, aspects and synastry. I'll try to explain as simple as possible but if you don't understand don't hesitate to ask me more precision in comments. Ok let's go:

Based on the official databook, Tobirama Senju is born the 19th of february which made him a 0° pisces. At first glance, it's an intriguing choice. Pisces is the last sign of the zodiac traditionally described as encompassing all the previous ones. Pisces is compassionate, creative, mystical. It talks about total acceptance, the dissolution of the ego. The drop of water reaching the ocean and merging with the divine before moving to a new cycle : a new aries. Actually in the beginning of Christianity it's not a mistake that Jesus was associate with Pisces symbol. It's the same self-sacrificing figure for a transcendent cause. We agree that it seems far... far away from the rational and composed Tobirama...

It seems that I need to articulate a coherent idea between his sun (ego), his rising sign( body) and his mars (action). Say in a different way, this triptych talks about public image. The king comes with a vision (sun), he shows himself to the public wearing a formal dress, an etiquette, a way to behave in public (ascendant/rising sign) and defend its vision with the help of a general (mars).

☉ Sun : Ego – Branding to the world

♓ Pisces

Some clues shows an association of Tobirama with pisces : his element is suiton. His blue charadesign, he's also one of the strongest sensor of the verse capable of recognising chakra kilometres around, determine their ancestry ect... and what is a sensor? but a shinobi using his empathy as a tool? More trivial he's favourite dish is fresh fish from the river. But I think what shows the most his affinity with this sign is his self-sacrifice nature for this new entity that was the village in a time when people were strongly clan-oriented. It's something no one could believes possible, it only existed inside Hashirama's mind. You truly needed to have faith on him to invest all your energy on it. If we go back to Tobirama's speeches, he always justify his actions for the village. We can almost say that he had a religious devotion for his brother's dream and he gave his life for it. He's never seen coming with a vision different from Hashirama's (contrary to Madara), actually like a zealous servant to a higher cause he's ready to kill immediately anyone threatening this village when he clashed with Sasuke for suggesting he might destroy Konoha depending on the answers he got to his questions. But I'll talk deeper about the Uchiha's obsession later in the moon part. The moment when Hashirama strongly forbid his brother to attack Sasuke was also the moment when everybody knew who's actually the boss and who obey. Tobirama was a faithful follower of Hashirama's will and dedicated his life to translate it into a realistic project (using his mercury and mars).

In a more positive light, anyone accepting the will of fire are nurtured and loved even if they are Uchiha like Kagami. Tobirama had a strong attachment to his students, much more that his brother. I know it seems strange but from the first time he appeared, Tobirama was the one always calling Hiruzen Sarutobi by his pet name "Saru" meaning monkey in japanese, or his other student "my dear Danzo". Hashirama is a goofy character, but doesn't seem to have such proximity with them even if he loved Tsunade, he immediately doubted her ability as a hokage. Later during the war, Tobirama is also the one always complimenting or supporting the new generation : He acknowledged Minato as being faster than him, Naruto for having the potential to be a stronger hokage than his older brother.

Ascendant/Rising Sign : Social personality – Physical Body

♍Virgo

the image that come to my mind when I think of Tobirama is an ocean surrounded with a giant dam. The mass of water is controlled, accurately measured, divided and distributed only when necessary. But, you might ask, can we really controlled the immensity of an ocean with a river dam? Of course not! but what matter in a rising sign is to display the illusion of control.

Virgo is the sign coming to correct the extravagant of Leo. End of august, mid September is the period of the year in the northern hemisphere with the best natural light. Not too hot , not too bright. Soft and round with million nuances of gold, orange and red. Traditionally it's also the time of harvest when you need to select and separate the wheat from the chaff. It's a sign that excel in precision, expertise, high fashion but in the bad side can tends to be narrow-minded because the devil is in the detail.

Rising virgo also talk about his physical appearance. Virgo is concerned about good health, best routine. Usually they are in good shape, average height unless the ruler of Virgo which is mercury is place in a sign with difficult aspect. And what set appart Tobirama from all the other founders is his charadesign flattering his albino's appearance. The cool colours of grey and blue, the fluffiness, it shows a natural sense of elegance without being extravagant for a shinobi.

And also the Senju are filthy rich, Hashirama have a strange (Madara would say ugly) sense of style, but Tobirama was like : "I may not be the most powerful in this house but I'm wealthy and smart, so does my style. And I will die on this hill."

☿ Mercure : Intellect – Communication

♒ Aquarius

I must find an explanation of the over analytical aspect of Tobirama. He's to Hashirama what Shikamaru would be later to Naruto : his brain.

Mercury in Aquarius is a big thinker, able to make atypical discovery, out of the norm and also subversive. Tobirama is the inventor of Edo Tensei which I remind you need to make a human sacrifice. In which condition Tobirama came to the creation of this forbidden jutsu ? And even during the 4th Shinobi war, he learned nothing from his past mistakes and proposed to sacrifice again someone else to bring back Madara and extort from him intels about Kaguya.

Aquarius as a fix air sign has the tendency to be stubborn and certain of their philosophy. Many people believe that the sign of Aquarius is humanitarian then nice by nature. Not always... Aquarius avoids emotional approach. It rather privileges logic, rationality to dissect human society. And it doesn't shy away from experimentation. The long lists of jutsu created by Tobirama is a proof of his brilliant mind.

♂ Mars : Action - Desire

Mars : Gemini

Reading again the 4th shinobi war and trying to focus on The Second Hokage rather than Madara was a difficult exercise but it helps me see his role in the war differently. He's one of the most important support character. If you remember my analysis of Hashirama's mars in taurus, the first hokage is a powerhouse ( a bit like Gojo in JJK) and thus tends to fight alone or one-on-one with Madara. Hashirama strength is to resist prolonged attacks and controlled someone else chakra. Yet his power is tremendous and can change the geography.

Tobirama has a different style. Although a powerful shinobi who can fight alone, he rarely does. He immediately fits with any partners he's close too. Hashirama, Minato, Naruto, Sasuke. He's often the one observing, testing and explaining a jutsu and reminding that HE created most of them 😂. On the spot, he also invented a way to save Sasuke's life with Kabuto.

Reason why I choose mercury in aquarius and mars in gemini is that he thinks as fast as he moves. in his chart mercury and mars form a trine which is considered a favourable aspect. being in the same air element, his mind and his action are flowing smoothly. Before Minato, he was considered the fastest of his generation.

Madara noted that his favourite way was to strike last moment when his opponent lower his guard. This cunning strategy is befitting mars in Gemini . This is traditionally represented as twins both crafty and fickle. Tobirama adapts to any situation, any war companions even those from the new generation he barely knows and immediately comes up with a new tactic.

I believe this adaptability is a direct consequence of fighting Izuna for years. We know that the sharingan can copy any technique except kekkei genkai. Hashirama can protect himself behind the mokuton but not Tobirama. If a technique is used once in front of an Uchiha he can't use it anymore and lost the surprise effect. Also the Sharingan can predict a movement. Tobirama found a way to outperform the sharingan by blizz speed with the Flying Thunder God Technique. Fighting Tobirama must be a terrifying experience, rest in peace Izuna😭. Imagine, he's there... then disappeared. then strikes and you only notice him when you know it's too late.

☾Moon : Emotion – Comfort zone

♒ Aquarius

If you remember in my previous HC charts, moon is easily guessed by childhood because children tend to be more lead by their emotions than adults. In volume 65, Tobirama was shown to be already a serious child, ready to defend his older brother from his father. Maybe the violent outburst of his father taught him early in life that the best way to deal with people is self-control, and strict procedures. And that's something that he often admonished his brother or his students. It's not that you shouldn't feel, but to him you have to keep your emotions in check.

Moon in Aquarius intellectualises emotions, and sometimes distance themselves from them. They can treat friends like family member since they believe in brotherhood beyond blood relative. Tobirama did everything to distance from the Senju heritage, he suggested a democratic election for choosing the first hokage and after his death the Senju ceased to hold power in Konoha, it diluted into the will of fire. In Aquarius there is this idea of giving privilege to the people rather than some monarchy (which is the leo's way).

Remember when I've talked about an ocean falsely controlled by a dam ? If the weather is nice it works but what will happened if one day a (red) full moon provoke a super tide able to engulf the dam and flood the world ? Nothing can control the chaos of emotion, it always moves somewhere and erupts somewhere else.

Moon talks about your emotion but also your irrational fear. And paradoxically Tobirama never checked his obsession of the Uchiha and this blindness caused many of the darkness that befall the Konoha he cared so much.

I said earlier that his fear of the sharingan was a driving force behind many of his inventions. Also Tobirama had an epidermic detestation for Madara. And the funny part is that it's not really reciprocal. Yet Madara had got all reason to be obsessed by vengeance since Tobirama killed his last brother but after he accepted the truce and created Konoha, he was willing to « tolerate » Tobirama's presence, but the younger Senju was unwilling to do the same gesture and kept his obsession to control Madara or any Uchiha willingly to follow his path. The databook says also that Anbu was specially created by Tobirama to put the Uchiha under surveillance.

We need to ask ourselves what an aquarius moon would hate the most ? As an air moon, this sign is unease with strong display of emotion, narcissism, drama... something typical of its opposite sign leo. An opposition is annoying but you can deal with it more or less. Aquarius also square 90° to scorpio. A square is considered as a strong source of tension than an opposition. Scorpio is ruled by mars. This sign thrives in passion, struggles, crisis, war, violence and transformation throught strong emotional turmoil. All those energies are challenging, and exhausting for an aloof, etheral and conceptual moon in aquarius.

Taurus is also a square to Aquarius, the lazy nature of this steady sign, rooted in tradition, is hard for an Aquarius interested by innovations and futuristic perceptive.

Now let's introduce a little bit of synastry. The art of synastry is to compare two charts and to gauge their compatibility. It's often use for couple or parent/children but what if we apply it to enemies?

Now remember my Madara's chart? His mars in leo is in the 8th house, conjunt his jupiter and square his pluton in scorpio. In other words : The expansive actions of Madara illuminate the house related to death and crisis. Madara's violence reach its peak in the house of destruction. In the positive side, it means Madara is built for battle and he loves that. Better to have him in your team than against you. And this tremendous tension can be source of transformation for the world and himself. In the negative side he is a natural disaster. He's a menace and unless your name is Hashirama he's impossible to stop and will create massive disturbance in the world. He transform and impact deeply the life of many characters in the verse like : Obito, Kurama, Onoki and obviously Tobirama.

So for Tobirama, his moon in aquarius opposes Madara's mars, and his moon also square Madara's pluto. So for the second hokage, any action (good or bad) made by Madara is source of concerned and suspicion. also the plutonic nature of Madara leads Tobirama to irrational fear and paranoia. On top of that he explains himself very well: The Uchiha clans is wired on everything he detest. Their power needs strong uncontrolled emotions to thrive. The deeper the feeling the higher the power, and the sleepless are Tobirama's night.

And yes Tobirama admits that Madara is the biggest sentimental of the verse😅.

♃ Jupiter : Infinite Expansion – House of wisdom

♍ Virgo

Considering that Tobirama is Hashirama's younger brother, jupiter spend in average one year in a sign. Depending how big is there age gap. His jupiter could be either in Leo, virgo or Libra

I choose virgo because it amplifies his uptight attitude. Jupiter is on his ascendant. His very procedural approach to life can outshine his sun in pisces. He likes precision and proper etiquette. He admonished Hashirama for not showing a proper dignified position during the hokage meeting. He reminds Naruto to respect his actual title, and correct anyone forgetting he owns the copyright of 80% of Konoha's jutsu!

♄ Saturne : Restriction – Time - Enlightenment

♑ Capricorn

Saturn in capricorn talks about authority and power. Time and stability. Here, Saturn is the ruler of capricorn. which means it express itself at the fullest in its quality and its flaw.

In positive Tobirama is the creator of all the institutions we know in modern Konoha. The ANBU, the chuunin exams, the academy, the military police forces. It's as if Hashirama was the spirit and Tobirama the architect. After him, Konoha was more powerful, stable and don't need anymore to rely too much in charismatic leaders in order to survive.

Again if we apply synastry between him and Madara, Tobirama's saturn conjunct Madara's sun. A conjunction is when planets come together and influence one and other. Saturn being strong in capricorn than the sun, it tends to have a highter toll on Madara.

If this saturn is close to Madara's ego, it would tend to exert a hold over him, a slow pressure to contain his sun. The big institutions of the village, Tobirama's political influence, the Uchiha under close surveillance. From Madara's perpective, he knows Tobirama can't fight him directly in close combat but he's building a system resembling a prison for him: he can't fight anymore his ally, he can't change his reputation, he can't have any political power (here I don't know if the Uchiha went to the military police force before or after the Valley of the end but anyway Madara wasn't included in discussion considering the nomination of the Hokage), and even his clan doesn't trust him anymore. And without a surprise even after Tobirama's passing those institutions and policies against the Uchiha ended up being their final downfall. And it took 8o years.

For saturn, times is always its ally.

♀ Venus : Attraction – Seduction

♓Pisces

Hard choice because we don't know if he had a flirt, or was married but it seems not. And we don't know anything about his personal dream. He's almost married to Konoha at this point. So by simplification I'll say venus in pisces. Which is an excellent place for venus based on rulership it's exalted in this position. Here she can expresses her most creative side. It would be funny if Tobirama is low key an artist but as practical as he is he probably brings all his imagination into his scientific researches and maybe his fashion tastes.

To conclude : Tobirama was a character more complex than I initially thought. Dedicated, efficient and caring for his village. I still don't like him though but now I precisely know why😂. Although I respect his steady strategy to destroy the powerful clan of the Uchiha, he really fooled them all. It was methodical and well planned. Compared to the other founders, Tobirama is more down to earth than his big brother, but also more patient and attentionate to the new generation than Madara. And if you love the will of fire (which I don't), yes Tobirama was probably one of the best hokage!

[autumngracy]

There have been 8 plane crashes/collisions since Trump took office.

Just days before the first of these incidents, when an AA passenger jet and Black Hawk helicopter collided over DC, killing everyone involved, the Trump administration had fired all the members of the Aviation Security Advisory Committee, which is charged with examining safety issues at airlines and airports.

And now, the Trump administration has begun firing several hundred Federal Aviation Administration employees.

Probationary workers were targeted in late night emails on Friday notifying them they had been fired, David Spero, president of the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists union, said in a statement. "It is shameful to toss aside dedicated public servants who have chosen to work on behalf of their fellow Americans," Spero said. "These employees were devoted to their jobs and the safety critical mission of the FAA. This draconian action will increase the workload and place new responsibilities on a workforce that is already stretched thin." The impacted workers include systems specialists, safety inspectors, maintenance mechanics, administrative staff and more, the union said. 

(via CBS)

[jkottke]

People purged from the National Park Service & agencies that manage federal lands speak out. “I have dedicated my life to being a public servant, teacher, and advocate for places that we ALL cherish. I have saved lives and put my own life at risk…”

[beardedmrbean]

A firefighter paramedic in Missouri was killed in the line of duty on Sunday after he was allegedly stabbed in the back of an ambulance while transporting a patient to the hospital.

Kansas City Fire Department Fire Medic Graham Hoffman, 29, died on Sunday a few hours after he was stabbed in the chest by a patient being taken to the hospital following a routine medical call from police, the city of Kansas City said in a news release. 

Hoffman's partner "initiated a crew emergency" after the stabbing and additional fire and police units responded to the scene, the city said. He was taken to North Kansas City Hospital, where he died in the Intensive Care Unit despite "heroic efforts" from KCFD paramedics while taking him to the hospital and staff in the Emergency Room and surgery.

"His KCFD ambulance was an essential lifesaving tool," the Missouri Division of Fire Safety posted on Facebook. "But early this morning, Hoffman’s ambulance became a crime scene and Hoffman a victim of an unfathomable crime - allegedly stabbed to death by a patient he was treating."

Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas said Hoffman displayed the city's "finest quality" through his "selfless service for others."

"That he was taken from us while working to save lives makes this loss all the more painful," Lucas said, in part. "This senseless act reminds us of the dangers our first responders face each day. The suspect remains in custody as the police department works with the Clay County Prosecutor toward charges. We will demand accountability be applied not just to the suspect, but also for any steps in the system that fell short."

Lucas said the city mourns with Hoffman's family, friends and the fire department, and asked that Kansas Citians keep the Hoffman family and the city's "brave first responders" in their prayers.

Interim City Manager Kimiko Gilmore also issued a statement sharing condolences for the "unimaginable loss."

"Today, we mourn the loss of Firefighter Paramedic Graham Hoffman, a brave public servant who dedicated his life to helping others. His courage, compassion, and commitment to our community will never be forgotten," she said, in part.

Hoffman, who joined KCFD in 2022, was described by his department as "compassionate, caring, loving and a leader on and off the job," and a "dedicated professional who loved serving his city."

The Clay County Prosecutor's Office announced charges on Sunday against Shanetta Bossell, 38, in Hoffman's death. 

Jail records show Bossell is facing three felony charges: first-degree murder, resisting/interfering with arrest for a felony and third-degree assault. She is also charged with armed criminal action, and her bond is set at $1 million.

Bossell was arrested on April 23 for allegedly biting a Platte City police officer and was charged with assault and resisting arrest in that instance, local outlet KCTV 5 reported. 

Judge Louis Angles reviewed that case and set Bossell's bond at $10,000, which was posted sometime before Saturday, according to KCTV.

The Missouri Division of Fire Safety said "hearts are heavy as our minds struggle to comprehend the incomprehensible."

"Hoffman had committed his life to answering the alarm bell no matter the emergency, regardless of the circumstances," the organization wrote. "He was a lifesaver."

[misfitwashere]

Profiles in courage 

ROBERT REICH

FEB 13

Friends,

Sometimes it takes a crisis to reveal one’s true character. This is especially true of people who occupy positions of leadership, both in the private and public sectors. Are they courageous, or are they cowards? Worse yet, are they complicit in doing grave harm? 

During the current crisis of American democracy, we know who’s in the complicit category: House Speaker Mike Johnson and almost all other Republican lawmakers. Several CEOs: Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, and Rupert Murdoch. And many Fox News personalities. 

History (to the extent future historians have access to the truth) will judge them harshly as traitors to America. 

As to the cowards, I’d include Jamie Dimon, chair and CEO of JPMorganChase, the largest bank in the United States, who likes to think of himself as a spokesperson for American business. Dimon and others like him are playing along with Trump and Musk. 

What about the courageous? A few Democratic lawmakers are finally showing some spine. 

But today I’d like to honor unsung heroes whose courage in the face of the Trump-Musk takeover of America deserves our profound thanks. They are public servants who have chosen to fight rather than submit to Trump’s treachery, contesting his blatantly illegal attempts to fire them. They include: 

1. Phyllis Fong, the former inspector general of the Department of Agriculture. 

When she got notice that the Trump regime was terminating her employment, Fong informed her colleagues that she intended to remain in her position because Trump had not followed proper legal procedures in terminating her. 

When security guards told Fong — a 22-year veteran of the department — she had to leave, she did not go quietly. She had to be dragged out of her office.

The inspector general of the Department of Agriculture has a broad mandate to protect the public — pursuing consumer food safety, consumer health (such as tracking the bird flu that’s been spreading among cattle and chickens and killed at least one person so far), and auditing and investigating government payments to a large number of contractors. 

In 2022, Fong’s office launched an investigation of Elon Musk’s brain implant startup, Neuralink. With Fong out of the picture, that investigation now appears on its way to being closed. 

For her long-standing dedication to the people of the United States and her steadfastness in seeking to remain in her important job, Fong deserves to be known as a profile in courage.

2. Brian Driscoll, acting FBI director.

Driscoll has refused a Justice Department order that he assist in firing FBI employees involved in investigating the people responsible for violence in the January 6, 2021, assault on the U.S. Capitol. 

When Driscoll notified his staff about the Justice Department’s order, he wrote, “I am one of those employees.” Driscoll took part in the arrest of Samuel Fisher, an adherent of the QAnon conspiracy theory, in Manhattan two weeks after Trump supporters stormed the Capitol.

FBI agents found in Fisher’s Upper East Side apartment and car over a thousand rounds of ammunition and several weapons, including an illegally modified AR-15 rifle and machetes. In 2022, Fisher was sentenced to three and a half years in prison after he pleaded guilty to a gun possession charge in Manhattan Supreme Court. He also pleaded guilty in federal court to illegally entering the Capitol on January 6.

Trump pardoned Fisher on January 20. 

In a defiant email sent last Friday night, James Dennehy, the top FBI agent in the New York field office, warned his staff that the FBI was “in the middle of a battle of our own.” Praising Driscoll and Driscoll’s deputy, Robert C. Kissane, as “warriors,” Dennehy said they were “fighting for this organization.” 

FBI agents have anonymously sued to block dissemination of the names of agents who worked on the January 6 cases. 

For his refusal to furnish the names of FBI agents who helped investigate the January 6 assailants, Driscoll deserves to be seen as a profile in courage.

3. Ellen L. Weintraub, chair of the Federal Election Commission. 

Trump tried to fire Weintraub last Thursday, but she is fighting the dismissal. 

Weintraub wrote in an X post, to which she attached Trump’s dismissal letter:

“Received a letter from POTUS today purporting to remove me as Commissioner & Chair of FEC. I’ve been lucky to serve the American people & stir up some good trouble along the way. That’s not changing anytime soon. There’s a legal way to replace FEC commissioners — this isn’t it.”

According to federal law, FEC commissioners are appointed to six-year terms. Because the FEC is an independent agency with a highly sensitive mission, its commissioners can be removed only for cause. Trump’s communication did not invoke any cause for the removal. Commissioners can remain at the FEC past their term’s expiration date until a replacement is nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate.

Trump’s attempt to fire Weintraub comes just as the FEC was considering complaints involving the 2024 Trump campaign and Elon Musk’s pro-Trump super PAC. 

In comments to The New York Times, Weintraub said she wasn’t surprised to be targeted by Trump. She had publicly complained that the FEC’s structure of six commissioners, no more than three of whom can be from the same political party, ensures 3-3 gridlock on enforcement matters, including ones involving the president’s campaigns.

For her courageous stand, Weintraub deserves to be seen as a profile in courage. 

4. Hampton Dellinger, head of the Office of Special Counsel. 

Dellinger runs the office that enforces federal whistleblower laws and the Hatch Act, which prohibits federal employees from engaging in most political activity. In the 1978 law that established Dellinger’s job, Congress provided that the special counsel can be removed only for “inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office.”

Trump fired Dellinger on Friday. On Monday, Dellinger sued, calling his removal illegal, arguing that nothing about his performance could possibly meet the standard Congress laid out for dismissing a special counsel. “Since my arrival at OSC last year, I could not be more proud of all we have accomplished,” Dellinger said. “The agency’s work has earned praise from advocates for whistleblowers, veterans, and others. The effort to remove me has no factual nor legal basis — none — which means it is illegal.”

Dellinger continues to police the government against Hatch Act violations, even when they involve federal workers who allegedly discriminated against Trump. In a complaint filed Tuesday, Dellinger alleged that, during a hurricane response in October, an aid supervisor for the Federal Emergency Management Agency illegally instructed FEMA workers not to visit homes with Trump signs.

On Monday night, Judge Amy Berman Jackson blocked Dellinger’s dismissal at least through today, as she hears arguments in the case. 

For choosing to fight, Dellinger is a profile in courage. 

5. Gwynne Wilcox, chair of the National Labor Relations Board. 

After being dismissed by Trump last week, Wilcox sued, arguing that the statute governing her position allows removal “for neglect of duty or malfeasance in office, but for no other cause.” 

By firing her, Trump also made the NLRB inoperative, because it no longer has the number of commissioners needed to make rulings. Not incidentally, when Trump fired Wilcox, 24 separate cases were pending against Musk before the NLRB. For choosing to sue Trump, Wilcox is a profile in courage. 

6. Federal workers who are peacefully resisting. 

I also want to salute other federal workers who are resisting Trump’s arbitrary and illegal orders terminating their employment. 

The staff of the General Services Administration have flooded online communications channels like Slack with spoon emojis in response to Musk’s “Fork in the Road” buyout offer. 

Scores of other federal workers have marked the buyout memo and other emails from Trump and Musk as “spam.”

Thousands of federal workers in agencies that collect or analyze sensitive data have launched encrypted chats to discuss how they can best shield the data from Trump and Musk. 

Also meriting our profound thanks are federal workers who are showing up to and leading the protests at USAID, the Department of Labor, and other agencies targeted by the Trump-Vance-Musk regime. 

The “fednews” subreddit, an online forum popular with government workers, has seen multiple highly upvoted posts urging fellow workers to “hold the line” and “support the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic” by NOT resigning.

The American Federation of Government Employees, the largest union of federal workers, now has the highest number of dues-paying members in its 92-year history. Four thousand federal workers joined the union in the first five days of February.

***

The public servants who are defying and contesting the Trump-Vance-Musk coup are putting themselves, their jobs, their careers, and in some cases the well-being of their families on the line. They are doing so because they believe in the importance of their jobs in protecting and helping the American public, and they justifiably believe Trump and Musk are violating the law. 

In sharp contrast to those who are complicit in the Trump-Vance-Musk coup and those who are too cowardly to speak up against it, these men and women are today’s true patriots. 

[randomestfandoms-ocs]

House Of The Dragon OC Masterlist

Name: Aelys Targaryen

Story: Sin Begets Sin

Face Claim: Tom Glynn Carney

Love Interest: Aegon Targaryen

When Queen Alicent birthed twin sons for King Viserys, it was immediately regarded as a great blessing, the gods finally granting the King the sons and heirs he had long awaited.  Until word spread that Aelys, the younger of the twins, had inherited his mother’s colouring rather than his father’s, and the court of public opinion quickly changed its tune.  Aelys was no stranger to the whispers that had plagued him since birth.  More Hightower than Targaryen, even with his beloved dragon and purple eyes.  A disappointment, no doubt, hardly a true Valyrian at all, certainly not a contender for his father’s throne. Aelys had never cared; anything that kept him far away from the throne could only be a blessing. Still, Aelys was the son of a king, the perfect sacrifice for his mother and grandfather’s ambitions.  Perfectly compliant in the name of protecting his siblings from sharing his fate, he would bite his tongue and bide his time. Waiting, learning, and preparing.  He would observe those around him and learn in their shadows, would dedicate years of his life to preparing for the day Viserys would die, and he would be ready.  No matter how many people still called him the Hightower Prince, Aelys was a Targaryen.  The blood of the dragon.  And he would protect his family with fire and blood.

Name: Aemma Velaryon

Story: Bittersweet Symphony

Face Claim: Alexandra Dowling

Love Interest: Aegon Targaryen

Name: Ayron Targaryen

Story: Pillars Of Sand

Face Claim: Henry Cavill

Love Interest: Rhaella Targaryen

Name: Azalais Martell

Story: Bedroom Hymns

Face Claim: Bruna Marquezine

Love Interest: Aegon Targaryen (& Aemond Targaryen)

Name: Carlys Tully

Story: Death By A Thousand Cuts

Face Claim: Charlotte Hope

Love Interest: Aegon Targaryen

Carlys Tully was, above all, a devoted servant to the Seven. To the Mother, most of all. As the eldest granddaughter to the Lord of the Reach, Carlys had always known that her marriage would be important to the future of her family and had always prayed that she would be able to do her duty, to find a suitable match and make her family proud. She never expected to be chosen to marry Prince Aegon himself, perhaps the next king of the Seven Kingdoms. And she never expected to fall in love with him. He was sweet, really. No matter what anyone else said, no matter his reputation or indiscretions, no matter how much she sometimes thought he must hate her, he was sweet, and Carlys loved him. She always would, steadfast and loyal as a proper wife ought to be. Even with a war on the horizon, House Targaryen preparing to destroy itself from within, Carlys knew, above all else, that her loyalty to her husband would never change, no matter what it might cost her.

Name: Cira Waters

Story: Nobody's Daughter

Face Claim: Florence Pugh

Love Interest: Jacaerys Velaryon

Name: Cyrissa Cole

Story: Legendary

Face Claim: Summer Bishil

Love Interest: Rhaenyra Targaryen & Daemon Targaryen

Name: Daenyra Targaryen

Story: The Prophecy

Face Claim: Anya Taylor Joy

Love Interest: Aegon Targaryen & Jacaerys Valeryon

Daenyra Targaryen had never wanted to be fostered at Winterfell, although no one had cared for her opinion on the matter. Her grandfather insisted that it was necessary to foster an alliance with House Stark, no further discussion welcome or required. And so Daenyra made her way North, to what would almost be her doom. Within her first moon at Winterfell, an attempt was made on her life, and it was only thanks to Cregan Stark’s quick reflexes that Daenyra survived. But it was clear, the North was no safe place for a dragon. After much persuasion, Daenyra secured Cregan’s assistance in her own plan, to disappear beyond the wall until they could determine who had paid for her to die. Life beyond the Wall was nothing like Daenyra had expected, changing her in ways that she had never imagined possible. And with those changes came the dreams. A realm at war, dragons fighting dragons, death and destruction until no Targaryens remained. Beyond the Wall, with nothing but ice and a dragon for company, Daenyra began to plan. But in all of her plans, and all of her dreams, there was one thing that she had never seen coming. For Jace Velaryon to visit the Wall and discover that his lost aunt still lived.

Name: Daenyra Targaryen

Story: Young Gods [ Modern AU ]

Face Claim: Anya Taylor Joy

Love Interest: Aegon Targaryen & Jacaerys Valeryon & Aemond Targaryen

There were many things that Daenyra Targaryen was looking forward to about graduating university. Moving back to King’s Landing, for one. Being in a real city for one. Living in the family mansion, with all the associated perks. The best clubs and bars and restaurants at her fingertips, of course. But needing to “take her rightful place” in the family business was not on that list. When she finds out that her job is going to be as Aegon’s personal assistant, Dany knows that she should take it as an offence. A slight from Rhaenyra, maybe, a reminder that she wasn’t a true dragon like her eldest sibling. Or the easy dismissal of a father who’d never cared for her, who hardly remembered his youngest daughter at all.Perhaps it wasn’t about her whatsoever, just her grandfather’s newest way of punishing Aegon for his latest indiscretion.But truth be told, her shitty job assignment was the only halfway decent thing to come out of joining the company, because it brought her one step closer to the very best part of returning to King’s Landing: her mission to persuade Aegon to finally act on his incredibly obvious attraction to her.

Name: Daessa Velaryon

Story: Ruthless Game

Face Claim: Millie Brady

Love Interest: Aegon Targaryen; Aemond Targaryen

Name: Dorian Tyrell

Story: Timeless

Face Claim: Timothee Chalamet

Love Interest: Alicent Hightower

Name: Jaella Targaryen

Story: In The Blood

Face Claim: Poppy Drayton

Name: Kelara Velaryon

Story: Secondhand Smoke

Face Claim: Jessie Mei Li

Love Interest: Baela Targaryen & Jacaerys Valeryon

Name: Lyria Hightower

Story: Aching Soul

Face Claim: Millie Obobby Brown & Synnove Karlsen

Love Interest: Daemon Targaryen

Name: Rhaella Targaryen

Story: Pillars Of Sand

Face Claim: Jodie Comer

Love Interest: Ayron Targaryen

Name: Rhaeya Targaryen

Story: Funeral March

Face Claim: Holliday Grainger

Love Interest: Aegon Targaryen; Jacaerys Velaryon

Rhaeya Targaryen was everything that the daughter of a king should be. She was beautiful, well spoken, clever, and dutiful. She married her brother as instructed, and never once complained when, in the image of his namesake, he took their younger sister as a bride as well. She bore his children, ignored his indiscretions, and stayed quiet as the world around her debated whether her husband or sister should sit on the iron throne, making her own plans behind closed doors but only ever smiling politely to the world. She was everything that the wife of a prince should be. Everything except for loyal. For all that her body may belong to her husband, her heart and soul had always belonged to another, to her nephew. And if it takes a war for her to finally be able to play her hand and be with the man she loves then maybe, just maybe, it will be worth it.

Name: Roslyn Baratheon

Story: Sin Begets Sin

Face Claim: Emily Bader

Love Interest: Helaena Targaryen

Name: Saera Targaryen

Story: My Tears Ricochet

Face Claim: Elle Fanning

Love Interest: Aemond Targaryen

Saera Targaryen should not exist. The truth was simple and absolute. The young princess Rhaenyra should never have been impregnated by her uncle in a whorehouse in Flea Bottom, and if she were to find herself in such a situation, she should have drank her moon tea, gotten rid of the child, and pretended as if nothing had ever happened. She should never have disappeared to Dragonstone, returning only six moons later with a daughter. No one could call the future queen’s first child a bastard, not to her face, but nor could Saera Targaryen inherit the Iron Throne. And so it was decided – in the tradition of House Velaryon, Laenor’s firstborn son would be his mother’s heir, and Saera would marry her second born nephew, and the path of succession would be clear and unchallenged. Saera never minded her fate. She never minded being passed over for the throne, never minded being betrothed to Aemond because marrying Aegon would have caused too many concerns about succession, never minded that she would always be a Targaryen while her siblings were Velaryons. She was a proper princess, obedient to her family and her future husband, and she would be content. Until her grandfather’s inevitable death left the kingdom reeling, the war that had been brewing for her entire life finally coming to light: can an eldest daughter inherit before a firstborn son? Saera was a proper princess. She was obedient to her family and to her husband. But when her parents and her husband are at war, the only place left to her is in the crossfire.

Name: Sarisa Celtigar

Story: If You Love Me For Me

Face Claim: Marina Ruy Barbosa

Love Interest: Aegon Targaryen & Aemond Targaryen

Name: Vaella Targaryen

Story: Golden Crown Of Sorrow

Face Claim:  Suki Waterhouse

Love Interest: Aemond Targaryen

Name: Valaenyra Targaryen

Story: Family Tree

Face Claim: Anya Chalotra

Love Interest: Alicent Hightower

Name: Visenya Targaryen

Story: Forgive The Children We Once Were

Face Claim: Freya Allen & Morfydd Clark

Love Interest: Alicent Hightower; Aemond Targaryen

[shefightsforall]

ACTION REQUEST: Yes, I’m *begging*: please, please call your members of Congress tomorrow and tell them to fight the ways our federal government is being hijacked and taken down. Below are three of these ways, explained simply and literally without exaggeration.

1. Trump has nominated Russell Vought to lead the Office of Management and Budget. Vought’s confirmation hearing is Thursday, 1/30, so please speak up against him NOW. Vought is a chief architect of Project 2025 and lead author of the 180-Day Transition Playbook that is behind the onslaught we are experiencing. As its name implies, OMB is a sweeping and important agency; Vought led it previously, developing technical expertise in how Washington works. He is of the few Trump henchmen with understanding of government operations, and he is behind the atrocities below.

https://apnews.com/article/project-2025-russell-vought-trump-federal-government-38fc446832062e40fc2ccad6f3348dfd

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/senate-republicans-push-ahead-trump-budget-pick-russell-vought-2025-01-28/

2. Trump has frozen hundreds of billions of dollars in federal grant, loan, and federal assistance spending. This money was appropriated (passed as law) by Congress; Trump cannot overrule them and take it back. That’s called “impounding” the funds, and is forbidden by the Impoundment Control Act (ICA) of 1974. As the linked Reuters piece explains, Russell Vought stands against the ICA and for Trump impounding any funds he pleases.

Remember the branches of government and checks and balances? Congress, which forms the legislative branch, has the power of the purse: it is their job to pass our national budget, and in so doing they serve as a check on the executive branch, which comprises the President and his people.

In other words, our representatives decide how our tax money is spent rather than one mad king with supreme power. The US was quite literally founded to get away from that.

By seizing the purse strings from Congress, Trump is seizing authoritarian power and shutting down government operations. Recall that this is the GOP’s goal: Steve Bannon, among others, has been crowing about “dismantling the administrative state” for years.

To Americans outside DC, this may sound good, like getting rid of something unwieldy or unnecessary. But that’s not what it means. The administrative state means government. All of it. That’s why my masters program is called public administration: running the government.

Grants, loans, and assistance programs are often what we mean when we speak of government funding. Money flows from Washington down to states and counties. Freezing spending throughy these channels is a huge, huge deal.

Legal analysis here: https://www.facebook.com/share/162M556VK6/

3. Trump is firing leaders across government. Government workers are of two types. The first is public servants, known as the civil service, who dedicate their careers to the public good and are non-political. No matter who is president, they are there, with years of experience and institutional knowledge. Public servants are how government runs at all, because they provide the continuity that enables it to do so.

The second type is political appointees. These folks are appointed by whoever is president, and they turn over with every change in administration.

It is normal for an incoming president to replace political appointees with his own people. Easy come, easy go. It is DEFCON 1 when he wipes out the leadership, general counsels, inspectors general, and ethics attorneys of the nonpolitical civil service. I received terrifying confirmation of this tonight from friends in multiple agencies, one of whom wrote: “It is much worse than is being reported.”

Putting this together, we see that the GOP goal is to dismantle our government by cutting out staff and cutting off funds. They want the only people and programs left to be of their origin and under their control, and they have eliminated the watchdogs who would stop them. Trump is yet again lying about having a mandate to do this, but he won no mandate, and is operating outside the law and the founding principles of our nation. He is staging a coup as I write.

We cannot lie down to be rolled over. I do not have representation in Congress, but most of you do. Please contact your members of Congress immediately and tell them to fight, fight, fight! See https://www.congress.gov/members/find-your-member, and thank you. Stand up, speak out!

[orthodoxydaily]

SAINTS&READING: FRIDAY, MAY 2, 2025

may 2_april 19

Second Week of Pascha. Fast. Fish Allowed

VENERABLE JOHN OF THE ANCIENT CAVES IN PALESTINE (8th c.)

Saint John of the Ancient Caves is so called because he lived during the eighth century in the Lavra of Saint Chariton (September 28). This was called the “Old,” or ancient cave, since it was one the oldest of the Palestinian monasteries. The Lavra was situated not far from Bethlehem, near the Dead Sea.

Saint John in his early years left the world, went to venerate the holy places of Jerusalem, and settled at the Lavra, where he labored in fasting, vigil, and prayer. He was ordained to the holy priesthood, and glorified by his ascetic life.

VENERABLE SYMEON THE BAREFOOT OF PHILOTEOU MONASTERY, Mt. ATHOS

Saint Simeon the Bare-Foot [Bosoi] was the son of a priest. When he was fifteen years old, he came under the spiritual guidance of Pachomius, the Bishop of Demetriada (Larissa diocese), who tonsured him and ordained him as hierodeacon. Desiring to follow a strict monastic life, Saint Simeon soon went to a monastery near Mount Olympus, and then to Mount Athos, to the Lavra of Saint Athanasius.

By his humility and obedience he gained the respect of the brethren and was ordained hieromonk. After he transferred to the Philotheou monastery, he intensified his God-pleasing labors, he became an example for the brethren, and was unanimously chosen as head of this monastery. Later, through the cunning of the Enemy of mankind, Saint Simeon had to endure the complaints of monks who thought he was too strict.

Leaving it to God to judge the culprits, Saint Simeon left the monastery and went to Mt. Phlamourion on Mt. Pelion. There, in solitude and quiet, with neither roof nor fire, the holy hermit engaged in spiritual struggles dressed in old clothing, with almost no food, in constant prayer either standing or on bended knees. After three years, he was found by certain God-loving people. Inspired with reverence for his way of life, they begged him to allow them to live with him.

After seven years, through the efforts and zeal of Saint Simeon, a monastery was formed. A church was built in honor of the Most Holy Trinity, where he served the Divine Liturgy every day. When the life of the brethren in the wilderness monastery had been put in order, the wise servant left the monastery and began to preach the Word of God in Epirus, Thessaly and Athens.

By his instructions and teaching the saint strengthened the wavering in their faith, and he set those in error on the path to salvation. He made those who were strong in their faith even stronger, and he taught everyone to love one another, and to attend church on Sundays and feastdays.

The boldness of the holy confessor aroused the malice of the opponents of Christianity. In the city of Euripa they slandered Saint Simeon before the city ruler, Ayan, accusing him of converting a Turk to Christianity. The saint was arrested and sentenced to public burning. However, God did not permit the unjust sentence to be carried out.

The condemned one was led to his interrogation in shackles, barefoot [bosoi] and in an old rassa. Saint Simeon, inspired by the Holy Spirit, answered the governor so wisely that Ayan could not impose the death sentence. The saint received his freedom and continued his efforts, sealing his preaching with healings and miracles.

Many followed Saint Simeon and submitted themselves to him. He accepted everyone, blessed them for the monastic life, and sent them to his monastery.

Saint Simeon ended his life at Constantinople. He fell asleep in the Lord and was buried by the Patriarch at Chalke, in a church dedicated to the Most Holy Theotokos. After two years, when the monks of the Phlamourion monastery decided to transfer his holy relics to their monastery, and his grave was opened, an ineffable fragrance came forth, and healings began.

The Life and the Service to Saint Simeon were published at Smyrna in 1646.

Acts 5:1-11

1 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. 2 And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles' feet. 3 But Peter said, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? 4 While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God. 5 Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things. 6 And the young men arose and wrapped him up, carried him out, and buried him. 7 Now it was about three hours later when his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 And Peter answered her, "Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?" She said, "Yes, for so much." 9 Then Peter said to her, "How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out." 10 Then immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. And the young men came in and found her dead, and carrying her out, buried her by her husband. 11 So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things.

John 5:30-6:2

30 I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me. 31 If I bear witness of Myself, My witness is not true. 32 There is another who bears witness of Me, and I know that the witness which He witnesses of Me is true. 33 You have sent to John, and he has borne witness to the truth. 34 Yet I do not receive testimony from man, but I say these things that you may be saved. 35 He was the burning and shining lamp, and you were willing for a time to rejoice in his light. 36 But I have a greater witness than John's; for the works which the Father has given Me to finish-the very works that I do-bear witness of Me, that the Father has sent Me. 37 And the Father Himself, who sent Me, has testified of Me. You have neither heard His voice at any time, nor seen His form. 38 But you do not have His word abiding in you, because whom He sent, Him you do not believe. 39 You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. 40 But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life. 41 I do not receive honor from men. 42 But I know you, that you do not have the love of God in you. 43 I have come in My Father's name, and you do not receive Me; if another comes in his own name, him you will receive. 44 How can you believe, who receive honor from one another, and do not seek the honor that comes from the only God? 45 Do not think that I shall accuse you to the Father; there is one who accuses you-Moses, in whom you trust. 46 For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me; for he wrote about Me. 47 But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe My words?

1 After these things Jesus went over the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tiberias. 2 Then a great multitude followed Him, because they saw His signs which He performed on those who were diseased.

[cmpatish123]

Beyond The Syllabus: The Art of Public Service

Imagine a potter's studio, filled with the quiet hum of the wheel and the focused hands of the artisan. At Chanakya Mandal Pariwar, the MPSC academy in Mumbai, there is a similar sense of creation unfolding. Young minds, like pliable clay, are carefully guided and shaped, their potential nurtured into the strong forms of future administrators and public servants. The MPSC class in Mumbai is not just a series of lectures; it is a hands-on process of learning and refinement. Here, the instructors, like skilled potters, impart their wisdom and experience, helping students to mould their understanding and strengthen their resolve. The MPSC classes in Mumbai provide a comprehensive framework, a structured approach to mastering the intricacies of the examinations. But beyond the syllabus, there is an understanding that true service requires more than just knowledge; it demands empathy, integrity, and a deep commitment to the welfare of the community. Chanakya Mandal Pariwar fosters these qualities, much like a potter instills the essence of their craft into the clay. The academy is a place where a tapestry of learning is woven, thread by thread, connecting concepts and ideas into a rich and meaningful whole. The dedication within these walls is like the heat of a kiln, firing the ambitions of the students and hardening their resolve to succeed. Just as a beautifully crafted pot bears the mark of its maker, so too do the alumni of Chanakya Mandal Pariwar carry the imprint of their formative years, ready to shape a better future for Maharashtra. The legacy of guidance and mentorship at this academy continues to inspire generations of aspirants, each one a testament to the enduring power of focused dedication and skillful instruction.

[cmpsuraj]

The Potter's Wheel of Progress: Shaping Futures at the MPSC Academy.

Imagine a potter's studio, filled with the quiet hum of the wheel and the focused hands of the artisan. At Chanakya Mandal Pariwar, the MPSC academy in Mumbai, there is a similar sense of creation unfolding. Young minds, like pliable clay, are carefully guided and shaped, their potential nurtured into the strong forms of future administrators and public servants. The MPSC class in Mumbai is not just a series of lectures; it is a hands-on process of learning and refinement. Here, the instructors, like skilled potters, impart their wisdom and experience, helping students to mould their understanding and strengthen their resolve. The MPSC classes in Mumbai provide a comprehensive framework, a structured approach to mastering the intricacies of the examinations. But beyond the syllabus, there is an understanding that true service requires more than just knowledge; it demands empathy, integrity, and a deep commitment to the welfare of the community. Chanakya Mandal Pariwar fosters these qualities, much like a potter instills the essence of their craft into the clay. The academy is a place where a tapestry of learning is woven, thread by thread, connecting concepts and ideas into a rich and meaningful whole. The dedication within these walls is like the heat of a kiln, firing the ambitions of the students and hardening their resolve to succeed. Just as a beautifully crafted pot bears the mark of its maker, so too do the alumni of Chanakya Mandal Pariwar carry the imprint of their formative years, ready to shape a better future for Maharashtra. The legacy of guidance and mentorship at this academy continues to inspire generations of aspirants, each one a testament to the enduring power of focused dedication and skillful instruction.

[cmpswanand]

From Clay to Creation: Moulding Leaders for Maharashtra

Imagine a potter's studio, filled with the quiet hum of the wheel and the focused hands of the artisan. At Chanakya Mandal Pariwar, the MPSC academy in Mumbai, there is a similar sense of creation unfolding. Young minds, like pliable clay, are carefully guided and shaped, their potential nurtured into the strong forms of future administrators and public servants. The MPSC class in Mumbai is not just a series of lectures; it is a hands-on process of learning and refinement. Here, the instructors, like skilled potters, impart their wisdom and experience, helping students to mould their understanding and strengthen their resolve. The MPSC classes in Mumbai provide a comprehensive framework, a structured approach to mastering the intricacies of the examinations. But beyond the syllabus, there is an understanding that true service requires more than just knowledge; it demands empathy, integrity, and a deep commitment to the welfare of the community. Chanakya Mandal Pariwar fosters these qualities, much like a potter instills the essence of their craft into the clay. The academy is a place where a tapestry of learning is woven, thread by thread, connecting concepts and ideas into a rich and meaningful whole. The dedication within these walls is like the heat of a kiln, firing the ambitions of the students and hardening their resolve to succeed. Just as a beautifully crafted pot bears the mark of its maker, so too do the alumni of Chanakya Mandal Pariwar carry the imprint of their formative years, ready to shape a better future for Maharashtra. The legacy of guidance and mentorship at this academy continues to inspire generations of aspirants, each one a testament to the enduring power of focused dedication and skillful instruction.

[iconsofchange]

Icons of Change Awards 2025

Excellence in Sustainable Infrastructure and Community Development

Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

Romeo Bautista has spent his life shaping the built environment while also dedicating himself to public service. As a licensed architect with over 35 years of experience, his contributions to major infrastructure projects and community development have left a lasting impact. A graduate of the University of Santo Tomas, he passed the board exam in 1984 and embarked on a distinguished career with TCGI Engineers, where he played a critical role in projects that enhanced urban mobility and infrastructure. His work includes the Ayala Avenue Underpasses, the Elevated Walkway from Dela Rosa Street to Landmark, mid-rise office buildings in Bonifacio Global City, residential condominiums in Cubao, and Hotel Evotel in Quezon City. Through his expertise as an architect, cost engineer, and construction manager, he has helped build structures that enhance the quality of life for countless Filipinos.

Beyond his architectural achievements, Bautista has shown unwavering dedication to public service, ensuring that communities are not only built but also thrive. Serving as Barangay Kagawad for 18 years and Barangay Treasurer for three years in Pamplona Tres, Las Piñas City, he played an active role in governance. As the Chairman of the Appropriations, Infrastructure, and Clean and Green Committees, he helped manage resources efficiently, led key development projects, and championed environmental sustainability at the local level. In times when the Barangay Chairman was absent, he stepped up as Officer-in-Charge (OIC), ensuring that governance and public service continued smoothly.

His leadership extended beyond the barangay, as he was elected Overall President of Doña Manuela Subdivision, where he spearheaded various infrastructure projects that significantly improved the community. His efforts led to the construction of four covered basketball courts, a two-story senior citizens’ building, a covered tennis court, a multi-purpose building, a fire station, and a solar-powered library with a badminton court that is currently under construction. These developments reflect his commitment to sustainable and inclusive urban planning, ensuring that residents of all ages have access to safe, functional, and environmentally friendly spaces.

At the core of his work lies a deep alignment with SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. Through his architectural expertise, public service, and community leadership, he has actively contributed to the creation of resilient, safe, and sustainable urban environments. His projects demonstrate a forward-thinking approach to infrastructure development, incorporating renewable energy solutions, accessible public spaces, and disaster-resilient structures that enhance community well-being.

For his exemplary contributions to sustainable infrastructure and community development, Romeo Bautista is recognized with the Excellence in Sustainable Infrastructure and Community Development Award at the Icons of Change Awards 2025. His legacy serves as an inspiration for future generations of architects and public servants, proving that true leadership is about building not just structures, but strong and thriving communities.

#IconsOfChange2025#SustainableCities#InfrastructureForAll#CommunityDevelopment#BuildingTheFuture#UrbanPlanning#GreenArchitecture#PublicService#SustainableLiving#SmartCities#RomeoBautista

[jkanelis]

Arrogance rules at DOGE

There is an undeniable aura of arrogance at play when I watch Earth’s richest man make decisions that have a direct impact on ordinary Americans’ lives. Elon Musk has taken his seat near the center of power in Washington, D.C., handing out orders to fire thousands of dedicated public servants. He sends them to the unemployment line not knowing if they will be able to buy groceries for the dinner…

[streetreporters]

Fire Leaves Former Government Driver Alhaji Jigawa Homeless, Community Calls for Support

In a tragic turn of events, a devastating fire outbreak has left Alhaji Ibrahim Danjuma Jigawa and his family homeless. Alhaji Jigawa, a devoted public servant who dedicated 33 years of his life as a driver at the Government House in Katsina State, now finds himself in dire straits. The fire, which engulfed his home, has forced Alhaji Jigawa to seek shelter in a nearby mosque. His family members…