#if im not out of this country until the next election then im actually killing myself btw this time fr

[kimmkitsuragi]

good morning. euro is 35 tl btw 🤗

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

July 27, 2021

Heather Cox Richardson

This morning, the House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol began its hearings with testimony from two Capitol Police officers and two Metropolitan Police officers.

After Representatives Bennie Thompson (D-MS) and Liz Cheney (R-WY) opened the hearing, Sergeant Aquilino Gonell and and Officer Harry Dunn of the Capitol Police, and Officer Michael Fanone and Officer Daniel Hodges of the Metropolitan Police, recounted hand-to-hand combat against rioters who were looking to stop the election of Democrat Joe Biden and kill elected officials whom they thought were standing in the way of Trump’s reelection. They gouged eyes, sprayed chemicals, shouted the n-word, and told the officers they were going to die. They said: “Trump sent us.”

Lawmakers questioning the officers had them walk the members through horrific video footage taken from the officers’ body cameras. The officers said that one of the hardest parts of the insurrection for them was hearing the very people whose lives they had defended deny the horror of that day. They called the rioters terrorists who were engaged in a coup attempt, and called the indifference of lawmakers to those who had protected them “disgraceful.” “I feel like I went to hell and back to protect them and the people in this room,” Fanone said. “But too many are now telling me that hell doesn’t exist, or that hell wasn’t actually that bad.”

The officers indicated they thought that Trump was responsible for the riot. When asked if Trump was correct that it was “a loving crowd,” Gonell responded: “To me, it’s insulting, just demoralizing because of everything that we did to prevent everyone in the Capitol from getting hurt…. And what he was doing, instead of sending the military, instead of sending the support or telling his people, his supporters, to stop this nonsense, he begged them to continue fighting.” The officers asked the committee to make sure it did a thorough investigation. “There was an attack carried out on January 6, and a hit man sent them,” Dunn testified. “I want you to get to the bottom of that.”  

The Republicans on the committee, Representatives Adam Kinzinger (IL) and Liz Cheney (WY) pushed back on Republican claims that the committee is partisan.

“Like most Americans, I’m frustrated that six months after a deadly insurrection breached the United States Capitol for several hours on live television, we still don’t know exactly what happened,” Kinzinger said. “Why? Because many in my party have treated this as just another partisan fight. It’s toxic and it’s a disservice to the officers and their families, to the staff and the employees in the Capitol complex, to the American people who deserve the truth, and to those generations before us who went to war to defend self-governance.”

Kinzinger rejected the Republican argument that the committee should investigate the Black Lives Matter protests of summer 2020, saying that he had been concerned about those protests but they were entirely different from the events of January 6: they did not threaten democracy. “There is a difference between breaking the law and rejecting the rule of law,” Kinzinger observed. (Research shows that more than 96% of the BLM protests had no violence or property damage.)

The officers and lawmakers both spoke eloquently of their determination to defend democracy. Sergeant Gonell, a U.S. Army veteran of the Iraq War who emigrated from the Dominican Republic, said: "As an immigrant to the United States, I am especially proud to have defended the U.S. Constitution and our democracy on January 6.” Adam Schiff (D-CA) added: “If we’re no longer committed to a peaceful transfer of power after elections if our side doesn’t win, then God help us. If we deem elections illegitimate merely because they didn’t go our way rather than trying to do better the next time, then God help us.”

Cheney said: “Until January 6th, we were proof positive for the world that a nation conceived in liberty could long endure. But now, January 6th threatens our most sacred legacy. The question for every one of us who serves in Congress, for every elected official across this great nation, indeed, for every American is this: Will we adhere to the rule of law? Will we respect the rulings of our courts? Will we preserve the peaceful transition of power? Or will we be so blinded by partisanship that we throw away the miracle of America? Do we hate our political adversaries more than we love our country and revere our Constitution?”

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) both said they had been too busy to watch the hearing. But the second-ranking Republican in the Senate, John Thune of South Dakota, called the officers heroes and said: “We should listen to what they have to say.”

Republicans are somewhat desperately trying to change the subject in such a way that it will hurt Democrats. Shortly before the hearing started, McCarthy House Republican conference chair Elise Stefanik (R-NY), who was elected to that position after the conference tossed Liz Cheney for her refusal to support Trump after the insurrection; and Jim Banks (R-IN), whom McCarthy tried to put on the committee and who promised to undermine it, held a press conference. They tried to blame House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) for the attack on the Capitol, a right-wing talking point, although she, in fact, has no control over the Capitol Police.

Shortly after the hearing ended, some of the House’s key Trump supporters—Andy Biggs (R-AZ), Matt Gaetz (R-FL), Louie Gohmert (R-TX), Bob Good (R-VA), Paul Gosar (R-AZ), and Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA)—tried to hold a press conference in front of the Department of Justice, where they promised to complain about those arrested for their role in the January 6 insurrection, calling them “political prisoners.” The conference fell apart when protesters called Gaetz a pedophile (he is under investigation for sex trafficking a girl), and blew a whistle to drown the Republican lawmakers out.  

This story is not going away, not only because the events of January 6 were a deadly attack on our democracy that almost succeeded and we want to know how and why that came to pass, but also because those testifying before the committee are under oath.

Since the 1950s, when Senator Joe McCarthy (R-WI) pioneered constructing a false narrative to attract voters, the Movement Conservative faction of the Republican Party focused not on fact-based arguments but on emotionally powerful fiction. There are no punishments for lying in front of television cameras in America, and from Ronald Reagan’s Welfare Queen to Rush Limbaugh’s “Feminazis” to the Fox News Channel personalities’ warnings about dangerous Democrats to Rudy Giuliani’s “witnesses” to “voter fraud” in the 2020 election, Republicans advanced fictions and howled about the “liberal media” when they were fact-checked. By the time of the impeachment hearings for former president Trump, Republican lawmakers like Jim Jordan (R-OH) didn’t even pretend to care about facts but instead yelled and badgered to get clips that could be arranged into a fictional narrative on right-wing media.

Now, though, the Movement Conservative narrative that “socialist” Democrats stole the 2020 election, a narrative embraced by leading Republican lawmakers, a story that sits at the heart of dozens of voter suppression laws and that led to one attempted coup and feeds another, a narrative that would, if it succeeds, create a one-party government, is coming up against public testimony under oath.

“The American people deserve the full and open testimony of every person with knowledge of the planning and preparation for January 6th,” Cheney said today. “We must also know what happened every minute of that day in the White House—every phone call, every conversation, every meeting leading up to, during, and after the attack.” She added: “We must issue and enforce subpoenas promptly.”

—-

Notes:

Manu Raju @mkrajuRep. Liz Cheney told me the Jan. 6 investigators should move rapidly to enforce subpoenas. She didn't specify who should be subpoenaed. "I think it is very important that we issue and enforce subpoenas, as the chairman has said, and we do that quickly," Cheney said1,091 Retweets5,401 Likes

July 27th 2021

https://www.esquire.com/news-politics/a37144429/capitol-police-officer-slam-table-michael-fanone/

https://talkingpointsmemo.com/fivepoints/five-takeaways-from-the-first-jan-6-committee-hearing

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-capitol-security/police-recount-calamity-of-u-s-capitol-attack-at-panel-hearing-idUSKBN2EX12Z

https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2020/10/16/this-summers-black-lives-matter-protesters-were-overwhelming-peaceful-our-research-finds/

https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2021/07/27/one-republicans-jan-6-committee-went-out-his-way-rebut-his-partys-whataboutism/

https://www.npr.org/2021/07/27/1021161550/this-is-how-im-going-to-die-police-sergeant-recalls-the-terror-of-jan-6

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/27/us/jan-6-inquiry.html

https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2021/07/27/jan-6-commission-hearing-live-updates/

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2021/07/27/liz-cheney-statement-jan-6-committee-probing-capitol-insurrection/5375885001/

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

HEATHER COX RICHARDSON

[stonerbughead]

Maria watches friday night lights (#33)

I’m back, I’m back! So here’s what happened...I watched 5x10 on October 1, never edited my note about it, then ended up taking an inadvertent break from watching until now. Idk why, but i needed a break from like...watching tv i hadn’t seen before. Anyone else have that habit of watching things you’ve already seen when you’re going through an anxious period? Starting a new job in the same month as the 2020 presidential election fit the bill, and i wanted to really immerse myself in the final three episodes of this amazing show properly so i decided to wait until i was feeling it! Anyway to the like three people who enjoy my recaps, i hope you enjoy these last four recaps.

So without further ado, aforementioned Oct 1 recap, now edited and underneath the cut:

5x10 yoooo I have never been so amused by Buddy Garrity in my life + TIM so here we go:

TIM RIGGINS RETURNS?! Yay!!! (This is my reaction just from seeing him in the “previously on.”)

Eric’s getting recruited at a ~fancy~ restaurant! Oh shitttt

“That, right there, marks the end of the East Dillon Lions football program led by Coach Eric Taylor.” “...It’s a crate of oranges.” “Yeah, and it’s from the sunshine state. From Florida! And that can only mean one thing—year round sunshine and college funding.” Lmao alarmist Buddy is hilarious and actually not wrong here. Lol incredulous Levi: “you got all that from a crate of oranges?!”

#OperationGetTimOut!! Is Eric going to speak for him as a character witness?

I *knew* that phone call from Oklahoma Tech wasn’t gonna be good. Ohhhhh Vince you should’ve listened to Eric~~~

Oh shit everyone’s buzzing about “losing their kingmaker” and it’s playoff time! Love a good car radio scene. “So how was it honey, are we moving to Florida?” Lol

“Dad, maybe we should just talk to Coach. I need to be focused on this game on Friday night, getting my spot back.” Yes Vince stand up for yourself, take a break from those meetings! I am fearful of his dad’s true reaction tho.

“Expelling Epyck, that was a good start.” Omfg some of these teachers are too cruel! That is a severely traumatized child, ma’am!

“Impromptu speeches...” “Impromptu means not planned, Buddy.” “Okay, then promptu.” I’M LIVING for these Buddy and Levi interactions omg hilarious.

“A man can’t leave if you erect a statue in his honor.” “A plaque?” “You got money for that?!” I cannot omfgggg Levi and Buddy should take this show on the road!

Tami’s “Oh Levi you are too much.” That’s a nice way to say “fuck you” for making her take a personal day to go speak on a panel he TOLD her she’s speaking at? Smh this is why staff needs unions.

Lmao Buddy is being so extra with Eric, I can’t

...and enter Billy, here to ask Eric a favor...

“Tim Riggins? One of the best fullbacks in the great state of Texas? The boy my girl fell in love with? Yeah I’ll do that.” Damn Buddy has a crush on Tim Riggins too!! I get it dude same.

“I believe in loyalty, Billy. Sticking with your people, through good and bad.” SO EXTRA LMAO

“Hey coach you going to Florida?” “I was planning on going home and I suggest you do too, Tinker.” Ugh poor Eric having to deal with all of these rumors and the team being endlessly curious right before the playoffs!

Awww Tami’s excited about the Florida houses. “Three years with a two year option.” Damn. Aw the way that Eric looks at Tami and you know he wants to give her everything she wants 🥺

Omggg now Buddy is making the players talk up Eric Taylor 😂 his scheming truly kills me

Becky and Luke tossing a football, so precious!

Ah, there’s more to life than college football, Luke! “No one wants me.” “I want you.” Aww Becky.

Aw Billy is getting so frustrated trying to write his speech for Tim. “It sounds ridiculous.” “No it doesn’t. You’re a good brother.” Oh Mindy 🥺 fuck prisonssss he should not feel like his words have so much bearing on his brother’s literal freedom!

Yes to Vince going to Eric and agreeing to earn his way back! That’s the Vince we know and love!

I love Eric telling Tami about Tim’s parole hearing. “You going to do it?” “You bet i’m going to do it.” My heart! The way there’s no question about it 🥺

Andddd Vince’s dad predictably refuses to let up with the recruiters. But this time Vince is standing up to him!

Yesss Vince, walk away! Especially after his dad yelled at him like that; this is not your life, it’s Vince’s!

“Don’t whack her. Just a little love tap.” LMAO Luke, Tinker, Becky, and a pig. Luke is giving Tinker pageant advice for Tinker at a competition with the pig?? I can’t, that’s weirdly so cute. Becky clearly finds it cute.

Omg Tim in his all-white prison uniform I HATE THISSS

OMGGGG “I don’t want Billy to speak, he’s done enough damage.” Fuck this is gonna fuck Billy UP. But also fair...I mean, Billy DOES tend to be a fuck up?? Isn’t that how we got here?

Yessss Tami going off explaining that standardized testing isn’t the end all be all!!

“what would you have us do, meet with every kind in the state?” “Yes I would.” to a round of applause. GO OFF QUEEN TAMI TAYLOR

Yes Coach Taylor! Give us one of your epic speeches!

Poor Tim looks like he has a lot of self hatred sitting here listening to Eric talking about him 🥺

“I asked him to be an assistant coach because of his character off the field.” YES

lol Buddy Garrity getting up to speak even tho he’s not on the list 🤣

“He’s like family to me.” OH BUDDYYYY he’s coming through with a full time job for Tim when he comes out?????? Tim’s smile of relief.

“It’s time for you to let Tim Riggins come home.” YESSSSS

AW Tim sent Eric letters from prison?? My poor babe. “I’m sorry I didn’t visit more.” “I’m sorry I let you down.” “You didn’t and that’s not why I’m here.” IM EMOTIONAL

Holy shit Vince’s dad is STILL not letting up? “I’m your father. I know what’s right.” “that is enough! Get off his back!” “He needs a father, not an agent!” YES REGINA GO OFFFFF she finally snapped!

(It’s wild how Coach possibly leaving is being used in this fight in Vince’s family. Oh, Dillon!)

Oh shit Billy is yelling at both Becky and Mindy, clearly very affected by what Tim said at his parole hearing. “You did everything you could and that makes all the difference.” Aww Mindy, and Billy apologized! Too much stress for such a young family! Also unrelated but Mindy looks mad hot for the athletic banquet.

Awww I love getting to see the other teams stand up. Yeah cross country, yes girls volleyball!!!

Man, playing a sport in Texas that’s not football must suck, look at that insane applause for football vs. weak for everyone else

Buddy giving Gracie a lil t-shirt and saying, “clear eyes, full hearts...you know it?” And they’re all like “can’t...lose” and Gracie giggles! Ok that’s cute af

Omg the tension between Jess and Vince!! “Jess, I miss you. I miss you.” 🥺 aw yeah she blew him off for her brothers

Wow they made it to the playoffs for the first time in 25 years?? Well here comes Buddy’s All Hail Eric Taylor pageant. Lmao

Awww these heartfelt addresses from the team members on how much Eric Taylor has changed their lives??? Manipulative, Buddy, really. He knows what he’s doing.

Yesss Eric, give Tami that massage. See y’all, this is what being a good man looks like.

“It had the desired effect. It sure made you think twice about leaving Dillon.” “It’s a hell of an offer. I’d own that building. They have funding.” “Mmm and oranges. Don’t forget about oranges.” “Mmm that pool.” They wanna leave.

“You know what I want more than anything right now? I wanna bring these boys to state.” “I know you do.” “They deserve it.” “I know they do. But after you do that, this offer is something to think about. Because you deserve that.” Ugh I know I say it a lot but since we’re in the final four episodes now and I’m mostly talking into the void anyway — god, what a model of a wonderful and gentle and loving and communicative marriage! I am continually floored!

Becky with cowboy boots at Luke’s farm works. And ooh Luke’s mom said hi to her?? Progress!!

Aw they’re talking about how pretty they find Luke’s farm as he tries to imagine a future here in Dillon. “I have an amazing imagination. I see your next game, and you’re winning.” Awww Becky is such a cute girlfriend.

What a cute shot of Luke and Becky on the farm, “you ever think you could imagine living on a farm?” “Sure.” AWWW

Vince at Eric’s door on game day?!!! He’s asking Eric not to take the offer to Shane State when he’s supposed to already be at the field house!?!

“Having you as a coach is one of the best things to happen to me. I don’t know where I’d be without you. Either in jail or in a ditch somewhere.” Damn forget Buddy this shit is from the HEART

Eric tells him to get in the damn car and tells him he’s starting!! “You know what your problem is? You ask too many damn questions.”

AHHHHH TIM IS HOME! Showered in a flannel! My heart! He salutes Becky with a beer!

Aww Billy is so excited to have his brother home.

It seems uneasy in the home. Coming back from prison is hard.

And here they go, heading onto the bus with signs and cheers!

“I’ll tell you, this is an away game, but you look around here at the community tonight and the young players that I have playing for me, and the character they got—no matter where this community goes, that’s home.”

Damn Eric just announced he was planning to stay home in Dillon to the press. “you’re full of surprises, aren’t you?” says Tami. “I love you.” and with the FNL theme song playing aghkliyb I’m not ready for the final three episodes ahhh!!!

[whimsically-ominously-auspice]

"Uruguay already landed and took off with no problems"

Matt and Abu start to tear up... And they will make me cry like a hyena laughs

"Suck it up buttercups, i don't need you two that won't even go see your wives (soulmates/half and halves) crying in my face! You got better things to do!"

....

Some have phones, but have limitations...

Abu had told them to call the consulates or embassies if they ever got a chance to escape.

Because he would bring some kidnapped ones, the badder ones here or there and tell them "escape" and i was arguing with one and told her "don't be stupid call the American Embassy, they will protect you!"

Anyways she was stupid and went back to Iraq pregnant.

Because I'm worthless and no good and a liar. So mom says as it was mom. Not that i believed that but now i know she was. And i still tried to help her.

And so Abu was all "explain me everything you know about this"

So i did and how an embassy or consulate is actually a little section of land in a country that belongs to another country

So a diplomat from Liberia, in America, would go to an embassy for the Librerians and it is considered to be Liberia land although its actually our land we allow them to use. They are protected by their laws from us there. As are their people and so on. So we can't go with an American search warrant for their home. We have to call Liberia and say, "look you sent us a fucktard and im about to kill him so you need to help us help you keep him alive"

And so Abu told everyone he could and even wrote the phone numbers on strips of papers.

So, for Uruguay, two people called their consulate and asked for help when they received emails of their release.

Apparently one said "come get me! They said she said we can be released! I don't know where i am! Help please!"

So with the phone call they were able to pinpoint their coordinates although the GPS is disabled in their phone -- no hack can break the GPS and if one ever does someone goes and repairs it.

Uruguay knew about the farms and their people but because the Queen owns them There's nothing anyone would do about it. But the Queen knows i have no trouble beating her ass because last time I saw her i did because she got undressed while Abu and Matt were screaming for help. So i beat her ass and yankyy her facey --- i did sit down and therapy talk her and asked her like she was 5, nice, to get dressed and ber and i would go have lunch in public and be normal. But she refused and got belligerent like we been getting drunk and high for 9 days without sleep or food. So. We came to an understanding about this situation so no one has to get beat up. Plus i terrorized her husband a few weeks ago and he had to move out the next day... Cause she kicked him out and she said she wanted me to kill him and his Goddam light turning on and off pissed me off.

**pet the chin of a dog of someone you hate then yell "you know what poison is?? Its too cold for your dog to be outside!" When they go to the door to see what you're doing at their gate.

He moved but left his dog after crying all night and i see him running all over the neighborhood now. Supposedly he's trained to kill but hes super sweet and doesn't even act mean.. Runs around smiling all sweet and listens and doesn't bark... He barks locked in the yard tho. Pit bull. Male.

Anyways. It could speed up the process if someone calls and says how many they have and etc.

Uruguay had 15 people at 2 farms so one of the smaller farms took two trucks to each farm and picked them up.

Then they waited at the small farm for the pick up from the military. So about 24 hours it took for that but about 2 days to hear whar to do from Uruguay.

Mexico has 90% so they're doing as much planning as possible and preparing the transition site.

At the transition site, they will get stories of the people. Everything they can remember and use newspapers and other information like police records and anything they can find to help the families be found for the victims.

As soon as possible they will be provided a phone to contact their families with a counselor present and they will have constant communication with their families until they are home

Because there are so many people, about 2,000 it will take weeks to cover everyone.

So we have field trips planned for those in the safe haven.

They will go out and see local sights, eat in restaurants and be tourists and be given ("free") spending money for their own souvenirs and goods.

They will be heavily guarded and protected. And it's voluntary. We split them into small groups and they can choose to go to which trip when.

Its their first taste of decision making and freedom to live as they have had the right to all this time.

So we are excited for this for them as well as Uruguay being able to take theirs home for the holidays. Uruguay will have a similar program for them as well.

At larger facilities: Our program has days with a group staying at the temporary home to be interviewed and use computers and to rest if it is not time for them to interview, catch up on laundry and things like that. This way they dont miss out on trips but have time "off" to rest and reflect.

Trips aren't everyday, tho. Because we don't want to overwhelm them with the outside world and make them feel they can't choose to be free.

~~~~~~~💞

Mexico and i worked last night for a celebration in the summer. So the victims can all see each other again. And celebrate their freedom together. Again heavily guarded and protected. There we will have a festival explaining many different religions, including Islam and Iraq customs, in hopes to further develop peace and tranquility. We prepared some fun challenges to recognize emotional PTSD and how to overcome the sudden overwhelming feelings with pride and happiness and most of all personal strength. For example: a fun water park with water slides and such... Realizing many may not be able to swim, the victims may feel intense fear and panic. However there will be life guards in the towers and in the water and swim instructors and life vests and everything to make it perfectly safe and enjoyable. So to overcome that intense fear is a self empowerment movement for the victims. We hope they have so much fun they dont even realize how much progress they made until they are safe and warm in their beds and they drift happily to sleep and God holds their hands and tells them how proud he is.

So Mexico has said they will provide program material with the detailed information of the challanges to expect, this way they can recognize their feelings that they have been taught to suppress. Initially and also how to expect to overcome the problomatic issues.

So we hope all the victims and their chosen family members from home choose to go and see us. And choose to educate themselves and heal and to see their friends they made in captivity.

While it is normal and expected to hate those who captured and enslaved the victims, the victims themselves always made the best of a bad situation and they made friends and families of their co-workers. We don't want to tear apart yet another family for these people. So we plan to have bi-yearly free events for them to see one another. Just as the military and its affiliates would for war veterans here in America.

Being a military brat, I've had my chosen family torn apart all the time. Being a victim of the two main kidnappers and the owner of the farms, i have had my blood family torn apart as well as many friends kidnapped and murdered. Thus I have complete understanding how not having the opportunity to see my family and friends again is harmful to the heart. And soul and mind. So i cannot allow that to happen to these unfortunate souls that have suffered as long as i Have. I see them no different than myself, in the way I want them to be cared for. As i have not been cared for, it will be extravagant, as the days go wearily by, I realize how much more i deserve that i do not receive. So i can only imagine how they could feel without freedom so i hope to maximize as best as possible without interfering with their daily life So they can live as normal as they wish -- with the financial benefits they will receive. They have lived in horrid conditions and received no pay but food and housing and worked daily. Thus they will be taken care of financially and their only job is to be happy, wise and free. And spend time with their families, sharing memories and making more. Live, laugh, love. That is their jobs. And they will be paid nicely for that. The governments are working together to sort all that out. And it seems that it will be a conglomeration of tax payer dollars not from any one country. Mainly the drug manufacturing countries, that benefited financially.

We have elected to have the first one big celebration to televised on worldwide television, including Netflix. So those not invited have no need to crash our party. As There are many surprises scheduled that should delight the nations.

[michibikionmain]

Very interesting perspective and thoughts! I think this definitely helped push him over the edge, though it seems to me like this has been coming and building up for a while, going back even as far as to when Schlatt was elected.

Tubbo is constantly seen as almost the "idiot" of the L'manburg group in a way. Not in relation to his actual intelligence, mind you, but most characters seem to write him off as the "simple, wholesome bee guy". And while that's fine and dandy, because he is wholesome and enjoys his bees, there's a lot more to him than just being Tommy's friend, and I think that wasn't something he noticed until Schlatt offered him the position in his cabinet. When Schlatt asked Tubbo if he wanted the job after kicking out his best friend Tommy, Tubbo had a moment of realization that sparked everything leading up to this moment. Tubbo realized that he could be something more than just Tommy's friend. Of course, he still wanted to be that, but he could also be Tubbo, member of the presidential cabinet of Manburg.

Tubbo serving as a spy in that arc further solidified to him that he had his own merit outside of being the simple, peace-loving bee boy. He was helping everyone by getting information to the revolution, and now could actually help his friends using the power he gained in Manburg!

Until he couldn't.

The festival execution was the ultimate betrayal to everyone involved, but especially to Tubbo. It wasn't just the sad realization that he'd been planning his own death, or that someone he trusted wouldn't kill him did so anyways, or that all their hard work organizing the revolution im secret was for nothing now that it was revealed the government knew all along, no, there was the added tragedy and betrayal of Tubbo realizing that the power he was so excited to use to help his friends was never even there to begin with. Schlatt was leading Tubbo on for his own plans the entire time, and any power Tubbo thought he had was really just Schlatt moving his hand behind the stage. He did end up helping them win in the end, but Fundy's role as a spy was the one that held more power, so in the end it didn't matter. Again, Tubbo's merits are pushed to the side because he's just the peaceful one, soft and in need of protecting.

That's even why he was made president by Wilbur. Wilbur recognized that Tubbo was peaceful, and probably expected him to let his cabinet do most of the work for him anyways. He'd make a good figurehead, similar to Eret's initial kingship in the SMP, and knowing what Wilbur was about to do to the country, they could definitely use a soft, not war loving president coming up next. And they did get a peace-loving president! But they also got an exhausted, desperate, and traumatized president. A president who they barely look at as president, as shown by Quackity and Tommy blatantly ignoring his higher power as president and enacting their own laws or countries and what not. They run around as if they're the ones fully in charge.

And that stings, especially coming from his best friend.

And that definitely helps push him over the edge. Tubbo isn't power hungry, but all people want to be giving and form of respect and recognition, and that's why he gets so upset with Tommy over the exile. It's not about the griefing, it's Tommy's blatant disrespect of Tubbo's requests and his punishments and the way he throws himself around and uses his position and power recklessly while Tubbo has tried so hard for so long to get that kind of respect that he can't imagine doing the same. He's utterly shocked at the realization that even Tommy, his closest, most trusted best friend on the server doesn't respect his authority, and that sends him into the sad spiral we see him in during the beginning of the exile stream, where while he does fight his cabinet and what not, he backs off fairly easy from the confrontational point that he doesn't want another war, especially not using Technoblade. He's realized that, even though he's making the decision in the end here, he really isn't the one in power. His cabinet made the decision for him, against what he wanted to go along with, so he stepped back and was going to do as they said.

Until Dream acknowledges his power. Dream, arguably one of the most powerful members of the server, asked Tubbo for HIS opinion as leader, and actively shut down the cabinet, saying that this was TUBBO'S decision to make. For the first time, Tubbo actually feels like he's in control, and he is! Tubbo can make his own decisions regarding HIS people, in HIS country, following HIS rules, and Dream reminds him of this fact. While it may seem that Dream is using his words to sway Tubbo to chose to exile Tommy like he wants, what he's actually doing is taking the choice away from L'manburg's government and giving it directly to Tubbo with the reminder that he is the one with the power there, after all.

And you know what? Tubbo respects that, and it gives him the self confidence he needed to make the decision he'd wanted to make all along.

Exile Tommy.

/dsmp /roleplay

Tubbos tipping point

(Spoilers for the 12/4/20 stream below!)

Ok so the dream smp today was wild and I have so much I want to talk about.

But I really want to talk about Tubbos tipping point from being “willing” to go to war with Fundy, Tommy, and Quackity and then turning his back on them. It’s not because Tubbo is corrupting, or because he’s just like Schlatt.

One of the main factors is Tommy’s comments to Dream.

Tubbo was willing to go to war, and was even about to tell Dream no, he’s not exiling Tommy.

And then Tommy insulted Dream

And that’s when Tubbo snapped out of the “Yeah! We’re going to war! Kill dream!” daydream and realized that Tommy’s plan is just like his comments.

Reckless and impulsive.

It’ll definitely just going to get them all killed and just ruin everything again. His comments reminded Tubbo of his speech, what he agreed to do for L’manburg.

I also think he didn’t even really want to go to war, but (like Techno!) he got almost peer pressured into something he personally didn’t even agree with. Dream was also being calm during the exchange, so Tommy insulting him was just uncalled for and again, impulsive.

But it’s not just Tommy’s fault. Dream also was manipulating Tubbo, saying he is the best leader L’manburg ever had etc. and that he trusted Tubbo to make the right decision (even though Dream is bias in this, it also helped Tubbo realize what he believed was the right decision.)

Both of these factors had a huge impact on Tubbos decision. If Tommy had stayed quiet, had not have rushed the whole “going to war tonight without proper prepping” Maybe Tubbo would have said no to Dream.

I guess we’ll never know.

[mintydiable-blog]

Absence makes the goals unobtainable.

Ok, soooooooooo, I was in the middle of typing this out yesterday when the power rudely cut off lol. I had a rather lengthy blog but then *poof* no power!

Anyways, so over the last week something things happened that I was not able to discuss since I was out of town and lacked the energy to actually post anything. There were four major things that happened during the last week and a half, Ill go into more detail here shortly. Its a bit lengthy like I said so grab a glass of wine, pop some popcorn and enjoy the ride ;)

Firstly, we went out to my parents in Ohio over last weekend to do our Christmas thing since we werent able to do it on the actual day. The girls got some cool things and I got SOCKS! We got there safely. spent time with my aunt and then had a mini sleepover with my nieces.

Two things did occur while we were there. My grandmother was rushed to the ER due to having fluid built up in her knee also with arthritis preventing her from getting out of the bed without causing immense pain. She is now currently in rehab (or she was, need an update from my mom) because due to the pandemic they did not have any rooms at the hospital her PCP works for. As far as I know shes doing a lot better. Second thing to come out of this was the fact that my father can now drive legally lol. Long story short since my brother and father share the same name they got my dad instead of my brother. ANYWAYS the only reason why Im mentioning this is because of the reaction he had when he found out he had to retake the written lol. But with that being said Im glad that was taken care of.

On to the third thing, so Im sure everyone has seen the news about the riot on the capitol. Grossly incited by Trump, his followers took his words to heart about the election being stolen from them and that they needed to stage a coup to keep him in power. What I saw was utterly disgusting, people terrorizing police, the same people who were all for Blue Lives Matter but had no issue with killing an officer with a FUCKING FIRE EXTINGUISHER. Just because their cult leader lost. This was a very sad day for our country. People with malicious intent towards the people that turned there backs, as they saw in their eyes, on their furrers back. People carrying weapons, toting a make shift gallows for Pence if he wouldnt overturn the election which he had no power to do so. People destroying the heart of our country just because they lost. Its very shameful for me to see anyone vandalize a historical part of history. Not one single person at that ‘rally’ understand the constitution or their government apparently. The mental state these people had did not hinder the house and senate coming together to finalize Bidens victory. Even through all the chaos and objections they finalized it. Biden will be inaugurated on the 20th of this month.

Now I was never a Trump, even before he ran for President, he’s a horrible human being but some seem to think he would change and had actually done a lot of good for this country. People tend to forget that their predecessors are the ones that implemented the ‘good things’ they do for this country. He has handled this pandemic horribly, a huge amount of Americans were dying while this asshat was golfing. I hate to say I told you so... but.

Ok on to the last few things to mention, my new computer is on its way, well the video card is the last thing Im waiting on. Im super excited because now I can do all the things lol, plus play WoW without lagging. That will be amazing!

While we staying with my mom around 2am Saturday morning I woke up and started watching Buzzfeeds Unsolved (very good show btw =^.^=) when I get a text from my neighbor. Somehow the neighbors, to the left of us, shed caught on fire. There some substantial damage done, half the shed is gone. Our neighbors, that texted me, vehicles were parked right next to it, my car was park right behind it. The truck is totaled, his other car took most of the damage on the left side where the shed was. My car... it looks very sad now. The passenger side doors are completely melted down to the fiberglass, the headlight bubbled out and now looks like a fish eye. With so much damage Im very grateful that no one was hurt. No one really knows how the fire started but there is an investigation underway to figure out what caused it.

I was going to be getting a new vehicle soon anyways so what happened didnt quite phase me as much as it should. Im just dreading having to clean it out and then having it towed. That will happen this weekend. Working on a new schedule to get my meals in since I work overnights. Im struggling a bit but I think Ive got it finally figured out and will stick to this new schedule so I will see better healthier results.

Well I hope you enjoyed the ride lol, I told you it was lengthy but thats what happens when I dont post everyday. Mini vacay has come and gone now to stick it out! Until next time lovelies. have a wonderful day and remember to be safe and stay healthy <3

[mceproductions]

October 2018 Blurbs

10/1/18 31 Nights of Halloween, Freeforms inheritence from its previous incarnations, other than the mandated 700 Club. The month between seasons, otherwise known as candy city. Stockholm Syndrome from Willies departure may be setting in as we had a large truck and only 4 of us to do it. I shouldnt be missing his prescence but somehow i am. Remedy is needed soon. 10/2/18 Im A Christmas Guy, love giving gifts out and decorating. Have done so annually for 16 years and it always starts within the first few days of October as i unblock my Holiday themed movie and TV Shows on digital. Looking forward to the next few weeks especially. Brewers NLDS starts Thursday! 10/3/18 The old tutalige of when it rains it pours, reared its ugly head. Flat by Old El Rancho. That really screws things up for me. Hoping for Miracle. 10/4/18 Well, day minus the Brewers coming back, was a bust. Tire was flat. Hoping I can get it either possibly fixed or a cheap replacement. Wondering how ill get to the store tomorrow. 10/5/18 Apparently massive flu spreading around as Mom picked up whatever Dad was sick with. Ended up replacing tire, but with brand new one. Hopeful not mistake. Also affected things at WallyWorld as Linda and Tyler were feeling cruddy. Hopeful I dont get it. Brewers win and truck got fixed. Still undecided on Venom or Gaga for movie on Saturday. 10/6/18 Ended up going with Gaga and was pleasently stunned by both her and Bradley Cooper. Movie was wonderful and that ending was rough, picked up soundtrack to boot. Sort of took longer than I anticipated coming back from EC thanks to BlueGolds Homecoming. Boy colleges take that far more seriously than High School. Panera for dinner was a great alternative as well. 13th Doctor tomorrow before work! FLCL on the other hand...I'll never say the C word to anyone, but Pets was definetly the C Word to Kana. 10/7/18 Man that was emberassing to watch. Green Bay actually played so lousy I watched Doctor Who, and loved the female 13th looking forward to more of her. Final Season of Walking dead also premired. Wonder how Ricks going out. Gunner and his partner are really intolerable. Reporting that asap, the store is not a place for thier private spats. 10/8/18 Columbus getting squeezed out of his own day is the most PC thing that I can get on board with. Nobody gives a crap about the whole Sailed the ocean blue in 1492 thing anymore. Stuff to do including assignments that I have to go to the library to finish. Hoping internet will be back sooner rather than later. 10/9/18 Woke up to flashing lights by house and realized power line got taken down by tree that Dad had pointed out. A bit more broke than I anticipated. Stuff here i have to do anyway and thankfully work will limit my having to go anywhere. Really could use $300 to pay Patti. Brewers will take on Dodgers in NLCS starting Friday. Mad that Conan for all intent and purpose has been cancelled, adpating is one thing but this is a glorified cancellation. 10/10/18 Rain city continues...Puddles in Bravada. On top of it its getting colder. Winter isnt here yet, but the white ravens are taking flight. 10/11/18 Now comes the cold, and first snow of the year. We had it all today cold, wind, sun and snow. 10/12/18 Store gave me a first look at my future. Gaurantee work on Sunday Monday and Friday every week unless i say so. Which other than one day may be saying much. Could use more variety than that. Also stinks NLCS is on when im working. Pulling for Dodgers in at least 1 game so I can see game 5 on wednesday at least. 10/13/18 They have been hyping the crap out of inventory for the past 3 weeks. Now i see why, Clint made a rare Saturday appearance at the store. Hopeful for the next few days. Got my prediction right about game 5 on Wednesday so thats good. Kanye is nuts as usual, and Kana gave me the best reason yet to finally move forward on the FLCL finale. Cold week ahead. 10/14/18 Andrew and his little notes are getting out of hand. Got called in to do truck early as Inventory closes in on Tuesday. Clint on the other hand, i know ive got to not walk off for a few seconds but he really needs to chill for a bit especially cause we both used to be pushing carts in the first months of the store he should know my rhtyms by now. Stinks about Pete Davidson though, really hope he can recover cause i liked him and Ariana as a couple. Rather unfortunate that they split cause she couldnt deal with her ex commiting suicide. 10/15/18 A missing person is a big deal, when you happen to know someone who is related to said missing person, then you know its huge. Jayme Closs, the cousin of Brody being abducted after her parents were gunned down, sad for all. My only issue is brody reatcing to everyones sympathies, overkill a bit. The other issue i have is the amber alert system that can be sent out to phones. With Trumps ability to text everyone in the country I witnessed a bunch of people who got the alert yesterday complain about it, the others who thought she killed them and fled are the bigger morons. Hopefully shes found safe. Other than that, good night for Wisconsin Sports, Brewers are 2 Out from pennant and Rodgers did his thing once again. 10/16/18 Boring first part of shift as we did basically nothing due to the inventory. But at least the night managed to salvage itself. Dodgers really play dirty. 10/17/18 Nose began to stuff itself again. Bunch of classwork for 2 weeks as i get the inservice day. Milwaukee gave another one away. Hoping Game 6 on Friday will be a turnaround. 10/18/18 Rare thursday day, nose still stuffed. 10/19/18 Library day as i caught up on work, and finally watched A Chrsitmas Story to its ending. A classic, yes just don't feel that strongly about it. Big game from the Crew forcing Game 7. 10/20/18 This day was nuts, a quick 25 minute snowcase that gave way to sunny conditions by noon. Saw Venom, didn't get why it was hated. Quite enjoyable dyanmic and She-Venom was the highlight of it all. Dodgers unfortuantley took the pennant. Great season overall for Milwaukee just bummed my streak of picking the world series winner at the All Star game ended at 4. Also tide pods finally used them, no wonder people ate them they're great for clothes. 10/21/18 First day ever that i skipped NFL Games. Neat concept. 10/22/18 Very long strech of store coming up, especially given that Today we only had 3 total. 10/23/18 Held off on grabbing Mamma Mia 2 Blu Ray. Mainly due to gas situation that had Bravada dying near tracks. I got to figure cash situation out to pay off people. 10/24/18 Lone day off before Halloween. No class today so that made things better. Master Mode on Zelda getting easier to figure out. Did reset on iPhone and Kindle, should fix lone bugs. Really want to play RDR2 and Spiderman PS4. World Series from what I can tell is shaping up as a sweep. Also, whole reason I began watching Sunny aired tonight. First of 2 Part Super Bowl Episode. Charlie in a Bear Trap drinking pee, eww! 10/25/18 First of 6 in a row backwise. The Halloween episodes on TV Usually do wonders for me, not this time. I know this is the final season of Big Bang Theory but Sheldon not realizing how irritating he sounds to others after 12 years and so much maturing seems not the right way to do it. Especially seeing his wife irrate Bernadette. 10/26/18 2nd night, the wheels i dont think feel off, but the were more loose than usual. Hour to set up, hour work, break, 30 minutes to unload hvdc and then didn't finish til after 6. When your down numbers wise you can certainly feel it. FYI The crap with the MAGA Bomber made me mad enough to likely stay off social media until after the election, that made it my breaking point. RWBY Season Premire Tomorrow! 10/27/18 Rooster Teeth First free trial, worth it for watching a great primire that perfectly sets up what comes. My point who is that woman with the Maz Kanata eyewear? Wisconsin stinks. 10/28/18 My issue with the whole core hours thing involves me working on days i know theres something i should be doing. Such as watching the packers. Almost beating LA, hopeful they can actually do that against Brady. 10/29/18 That blue wave better close in next week cause, another shooting and another predictable Trump response occurred. Hate crimes abound in his america. 10/30/18 Last in the back, October really came and went this year. Only thing bad about not working Halloween is the dressup im missing out on. Adam in drag would have been a hoot. 10/31/18 Darkness Falls Across the Land...You Know the rest. Halloween. This day is one back 20 Years ago i would openly love. At least the Candy is still around, albiet smaller and more sugary. Nowadays this day has me DVR'ing all the major shows to see what costumes get put on. Spoiler Alert only episodes of ATH And PTI that I happily record all year. When it comes to applying for scholarships however thats where it blurrs. WITC is really biased against those in the outreach sites hoping i can get help tomorrow when i visit. November came too quickly but, I get to see my nephew in 2 Weeks!

[viralhottopics]

Ivanka Trump: the president’s moral compass or just another mouthpiece?

Will arguably the most visible woman in the administration prove impactful in shaping US policy, or will she only make hardline approaches seem palatable?

She holds no formal title in the White House but in just 50 days has become one of the most prominent public faces of the Trump administration.

Ivanka Trump has been assigned many unofficial roles while walking the halls of the West Wing. She has been called the de facto first lady and a calming influence against the more bombastic traits of her father. Officials in the White House hail her as the potential force behind policies to address women in the workplace.

Ivanka is no stranger to the spotlight, having evolved over the years from teenage model to Manhattan socialite and entrepreneur. But as she navigates the transition to holding a seat at the most powerful table in America, the elder daughter of Donald Trump iscultivating a reputation as a potential moral compass, creating at least the perception that she might be able to rein in some of the more extreme policies of the administration.

The question, observers say, is whether Ivanka can forge a path that ultimately proves impactful in shaping policy or if she is relegated to window dressing her fathers hardline approach with a softer veneer.

Shes the only person that I believe Donald Trump consistently listens to, said Liz Mair, a Republican strategist. I dont think that theres anybody in the world who substitutes for his daughter and her husband as a sort of proxy.

The emerging dominance of Ivanka and husband Jared Kushner, who was appointed a senior adviser to the president, was evident before the new administration was even formed.

Just nine days after the election, there they sat, alongside the US president and Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe in Trump Tower at the president-elects first meeting with a foreign leader. The backlash was swift, particularly as reports surfaced that Ivanka was in the midst of closing a business deal for her clothing line in Japan.

The moment marked the first of many debates over whether her proximity to the Oval Office is designed to propel the brand she crafted long before swapping runway shows for the campaign trail.

But since then, amid the chaotic early stages of the Trump administration, Ivankas presence at high-level meetings has become almost expected. Last month, she beamed while seated behind the presidents Oval Office desk, her father on one side and Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau on the other. She addressed a roundtable of female entrepreneurs and even accompanied her father to Delawares Dover air force base to honor the Navy Seal killed during a botched raid in Yemen.

Shes being more than a first lady. Shes actually sitting in on high level meetings in ways that first ladies used to get attacked for doing, said Kate Andersen Brower, author of First Women: The Grace and Power of Americas Modern First Ladies.

In any other administration, something like this would be more remarkable.

With Melania Trump choosing to reside primarily in New York so the youngest Trump child, Barron, can remain in his school, Ivanka has arguably become the most visible woman in the administration next to Kellyanne Conway. And while Conway, Trumps senior counsel and former campaign manager, is a fixture on the networks, Ivanka has by contrast shied away from the press.

Carefully crafted leaks position her and Kushner as the moderating voices in an administration buoyed by rightwing nationalists. If reports are to be believed, the duo helped kill an anti-LGBT executive order and are persuading Trump to keep intact Barack Obamas landmark accord to fight climate change.

But publicly, Ivanka has held her own views close and enthusiastically campaigned for her father even as his rhetoric sparked controversy over hostility toward immigrants, Muslims, women and other minorities.

Ivankas presence at high-level meetings has become almost expected. Photograph: Jonathan Ernst/Reuters

I dont talk about my politics, she told a Boston radio station last year when asked if she supported abortion rights, while adding: I dont feel like its my role.

Im the daughter I dont think my politics are relevant to the discussion.

The attempts to have it both ways have taken a toll.

Once gracing the covers of the countrys largest fashion and womens lifestyle magazines, Ivanka is a staple no more as editors grapple with elevating a figure associated with one of the most polarizing presidents in modern history.

Retailers Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus, citing a decline in sales, announced plans last month to drop Ivankas merchandise from their collections.

The decision ignited a firestorm within the White House, with the president using the bully pulpit of the White House to chastise Nordstrom in a series of tweets. Conway subsequently overstepped ethics rules by using a televised interview on Fox News to hawk Ivankas clothing line, while White House spokesman Sean Spicer used the podium of a press briefing to echo the presidents attacks on the retailers.

This week, there were indications that the administrations pressure campaign paid dividends. Ivankas company reported record sales, although as a privately held business it is not obligated to disclose numbers.

Robert Passikoff, the president of BrandKeys, a brand research consultancy that examines consumer behavior, said the underlying narrative was that Ivankas brand had indeed taken a hit when taking the past 18 months in their totality.

Retailers dont generally make political decisions, no matter what the president tweets, Passikoff said.

Did her surrounding herself with politics help? I dont think so, he added. I cant attribute anything else. You essentially had a small fashion brand getting attention because of her fathers run for president.

Critics said it was a bridge too far when Ivanka, despite positioning herself as an advocate for women, stood by her father amid the leaked Access Hollywood tapes from 2005 in which he bragged about sexual assault.

Cruel and unconstitutional policies like the presidents Muslim ban, deportation of hardworking immigrants, and rescinding of basic protections for transgender students is proof positive that Ivanka has no ability whatsoever to mitigate her fathers extremism, said Shannon Coulter, co-founder of GrabYourWallet, a movement to boycott Trump-branded products, including Ivankas.

Youd have better luck trying to housebreak a hyena.

There has nonetheless been a reticence on the part of political opponents to criticize Ivanka.

Anne Marie-Slaughter, a former adviser to Hillary Clinton and the president of the New America Foundation, reached out to the first daughter shortly after the election to discuss potential areas of cooperation around policies geared toward women. Former vice-president Al Gore, who campaigned for Clinton, accepted a meeting with the president facilitated by Ivanka centered on climate change.

Although a Cosmopolitan survey found Ivankas poll numbers have taken a hit, she remains considerably more favorable in the eyes of the public than her father.

Ivanka Trump is flanked by executives in a meeting with her father. Photograph: Rex/Shutterstock

Even progressives concede that, while they believe her proposals on child care and family leave are designed to favor wealthy families, there is a sense that Ivanka can serve as an unlikely ally for more liberal causes.

I think people hope she will temper some of the things that are happening across the administration that a lot of progressives are pushing back against, said Katie Hamm, the vice-president for early childhood policy at the Center for American Progress.

But she cautioned against giving Ivanka credit before its due:I dont think weve seen a lot of evidence that shes doing that.

Ivankas childcare proposal, Hamm added, left a lot to be desired for advocates of reducing the burden on low- and middle-income families. Framed around a tax deduction, she noted, the plan assumes families can afford to wait until the end of the year to reclaim the expensive cost of child care.

The policies that have been put on the table, particularly around child care, very much reflect a family that looks like Ivanka Trumps family, Hamm said.

Indeed, less than two weeks after Ivanka and her husband were touted in the press as responsible for thwarting an anti-LGBT order, the president rescinded the Obama administrations guidance protecting the use of bathrooms by transgender students. That Ivanka was reportedly behind the climate change meeting with Gore did not prevent the president from nominating Scott Pruitt, the former Oklahoma attorney general who sued the Obama administration over its anti-global warming rules, to head the Environmental Protection Agency.

Last week, Ivanka and her husband were among the few traveling with the president when he made the unprecedented and unsubstantiated charge that Barack Obama had wiretapped his phones prior to the election. The incident, which blindsided White House staff, underscored that even those in the presidents inner circle are limited in their capacity to deter his unchecked inclinations.

Such realities call into question Ivankas actual, real power, said Anderson Brower, and whether it is more for the purposes of having an intelligent woman and someone whos known to be more liberal as the face of the administration instead of having her actually have a seat at the table and a voice and influence on policy.

The verdict is out on how influential she is behind the scenes.

Read more: http://bit.ly/2nsHuAE

from Ivanka Trump: the president’s moral compass or just another mouthpiece?