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batboyblog · 8 months ago

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Things Biden and the Democrats did, this week #26

July 5-12 2024

The IRS announced it had managed to collect $1 billion in back taxes from high-wealth tax cheats. The program focused on persons with more than $1 million in yearly income who owned more than $250,000 in unpaid taxes. Thanks to money in Biden's 2022 Inflation Reduction Act the IRS is able to undertake more enforcement against rich tax cheats after years of Republicans cutting the agency's budget, which they hope to do again if they win power again.

The Biden administration announced a $244 million dollar investment in the federal government’s registered apprenticeship program. This marks the largest investment in the program's history with grants going out to 52 programs in 32 states. The President is focused on getting well paying blue collar opportunities to people and more people are taking part in the apprenticeship program than ever before. Republican pledge to cut it, even as employers struggle to find qualified workers.

The Department of Transportation announced the largest single project in the department's history, $11 billion dollars in grants for the The Hudson River Tunnel. Part of the $66 billion the Biden Administration has invested in our rail system the tunnel, the most complex Infrastructure project in the nation would link New York and New Jersey by rail under the Hudson. Once finished it's believed it'll impact 20% of the American economy by improving and speeding connection throughout the Northeast.

The Department of Energy announced $1.7 billion to save auto worker's jobs and convert factories to electronic vehicles. The Biden administration will used the money to save or reopen factories in Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, and Virginia and retool them to make electric cars. The project will save 15,000 skilled union worker jobs, and created 2,900 new high-quality jobs.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development reached a settlement with The Appraisal Foundation over racial discrimination. TAF is the organization responsible for setting standards and qualifications for real estate appraisers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics last year found that TAF was 94.7% White and 0.6% Black, making it the least racially diverse of the 800 occupations surveyed. Black and Latino home owners are far more likely to have their houses under valued than whites. Under the settlement with HUD TAF will have to take serious steps to increase diversity and remove structural barriers to diversity.

The Department of Justice disrupted an effort by the Russian government to influence public opinion through AI bots. The DoJ shut down nearly 1,000 twitter accounts that were linked to a Russian Bot farm. The bots used AI technology to not only generate tweets but also AI image faces for profile pictures. The effort seemed focused on boosting support for Russia's war against Ukraine and spread negative stories/impressions about Ukraine.

The Department of Transportation announces $1.5 billion to help local authorities buy made in America buses. 80% of the funding will go toward zero or low-emission technology, a part of the President's goal of reaching zero emissions by 2050. This is part of the $5 billion the DOT has spent over the last 3 years replacing aging buses with new cleaner technology.

President Biden with Canadian Prime Minster Justin Trudeau and Finnish President Alexander Stubb signed a new agreement on the arctic. The new trilateral agreement between the 3 NATO partners, known as the ICE Pact, will boost production of ice breaking ships, the 3 plan to build as many as 90 between them in the coming years. The alliance hopes to be a counter weight to China's current dominance in the ice breaker market and help western allies respond to Russia's aggressive push into the arctic waters.

The Department of Transportation announced $1.1 billion for greater rail safety. The program seeks to, where ever possible, eliminate rail crossings, thus removing the dangers and inconvenience to communities divided by rail lines. It will also help update and improve safety measures at rail crossings.

The Department of the Interior announced $120 million to help tribal communities prepare for climate disasters. This funding is part of half a billion dollars the Biden administration has spent to help tribes build climate resilience, which itself is part of a $50 billion dollar effort to build climate resilience across the nation. This funding will help support drought measures, wildland fire mitigation, community-driven relocation, managed retreat, protect-in-place efforts, and ocean and coastal management.

The USDA announced $100 million in additional funds to help feed low income kids over the summer. Known as "SUN Bucks" or "Summer EBT" the new Biden program grants the families of kids who qualify for free meals at school $120 dollars pre-child for groceries. This comes on top of the traditional SUN Meals program which offers school meals to qualifying children over the summer, as well as the new under President Biden SUN Meals To-Go program which is now offering delivery of meals to low-income children in rural areas. This grant is meant to help local governments build up the Infrastructure to support and distribute SUN Bucks. If fully implemented SUN Bucks could help 30 million kids, but many Republican governors have refused the funding.

USAID announced its giving $100 million to the UN World Food Program to deliver urgently needed food assistance in Gaza. This will bring the total humanitarian aid given by the US to the Palestinian people since the war started in October 2023 to $774 million, the single largest donor nation. President Biden at his press conference last night said that Israel and Hamas have agreed in principle to a ceasefire deal that will end the war and release the hostages. US negotiators are working to close the final gaps between the two sides and end the war.

The Senate confirmed Nancy Maldonado to serve as a Judge on the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals. Judge Maldonado is the 202nd federal Judge appointed by President Biden to be confirmed. She will the first Latino judge to ever serve on the 7th Circuit which covers Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin.

Bonus: At the NATO summit in Washington DC President Biden joined 32 allies in the Ukraine compact. Allies from Japan to Iceland confirmed their support for Ukraine and deepening their commitments to building Ukraine's forces and keeping a free and Democratic Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression. World leaders such as British Prime Minster Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, praised President Biden's experience and leadership during the NATO summit

#Joe Biden #Thanks Biden #politics #us politics #american politics #election 2024 #tax the rich #climate change #climate action #food insecurity #poverty #NATO #Ukraine #Gaza #Russia #Russian interference

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thrushandson · 1 year ago

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sjsmith56 · 1 month ago

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Assignment Bucky Barnes, Chapter 12 - Won’t Let You Fall

Summary: Ariel has an emotional reaction to the news that Bucky and Steve have registered for the draft. A late-night phone call sends Merton on a secret errand.

Length: 4.3 K

Characters: Bucky, Steve, Ariel, Merton.

Warnings: Minors DNI - Contains sexual content which may be unsuitable for readers under the age of 18.

Author notes: The Selective Training and Service Act of 1940, also called The Burke-Wadsworth Act was the first peacetime conscription in United States history. Many of those who were drafted in October, 1940, threatened to leave as soon as their twelve month stint was over, painting the letters OHIO on their barracks; standing for "Over the Hill in October." With the war in Europe between Britain and Germany heating up an amendment to the act passed in August, 1941, requesting an extension to the length of service, adding more time to the twelve months, bringing it to thirty months. It was a controversial amendment, passed by only one vote in the House of Representatives. Those who voted against it argued that voluntary recruitment hadn't been fully explored. When Japan bombed Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, millions of Americans enlisted by volunteering, and through conscription. There are changes in “assumed canon” in this chapter regarding when Bucky began training Steve to improve his fitness.

<<Chapter 11

Merton was never the wiser that Bucky spent the night as Ariel didn't tell him, wanting to keep the memory of Bucky climbing through the window in the dark a secret. She acknowledged to herself that it was a stereotypical trope often used in romance novels but there was something about it that made the romantic heart in her soar. The silhouette of him undressing and seeing his beautiful body outlined against the dim light coming from the window was meaningful to her. The combination of pleasurable sex, with the sensuous touches of the afterglow and the playful banter after had been alluring, something she had missed during her casual approach to sex before she met Bucky. Even the anxiety over being discovered when they heard Merton walking in the apartment had added to the experience. Although she slept soundly after their tryst she was aware while she slept that Bucky was in bed with her. That knowledge permeated through her and when she had a dream of him falling he comforted her while she slept, whispering that she was safe. Without waking, her dream turned from him falling to him flying. That was the first time her subconscious said "I won't let you fall."

Just over two weeks after Bucky spent the night the United States government passed the Selective Training and Service Act of 1940. The day after it was passed, on September 17, there were ads in all of the newspapers, and on the radio programs that all young men who had reached their 21st birthday but had not yet reached the age of 36 were to register with their local draft boards. Draftees, chosen by lottery, would have to serve on active duty for 12 months, a length of time that would be extended to 30 months less than a year later. The first draft began in early October 1940.

On the Saturday immediately after the announcement Steve and Bucky registered with the draft board. They joined a long line of men aged 21 to 35 waiting to register. It took much of the day, a hot one at that, and they decided to wait for Ariel to finish work to walk her home. Both of them went into the library and browsed the stacks with Bucky peeking out from time to time when the circulation desk wasn't busy to make eyes at Ariel. After one of those forays, he found Steve in the physical education section, looking at a book by Charles Atlas, outlining how to become muscular. As he approached Steve blushed.

"I'll never be strong enough for the army unless I get some muscle on me," he whispered. "Charles Atlas says he was 97 pounds before he invented his program. Perhaps I should do this."

"Why do you want to fight in a war?" asked Bucky, shaking his head. "I'll do my duty but Steve, fighting isn't for everyone. There's nothing wrong with that. You can do other things instead of fighting."

"Like what? Clerk? Working in the shipyard? I'm not even strong enough for that."

Bucky breathed out in exasperation. "What if I train you?" he asked. "You come with me to Goldie's Gym and I'll put you through the paces, boxing, lifting weights, and road training. I can do a better job than a book."

"You would do that for me?" asked Steve.

"Yeah, you're my buddy," replied Bucky.

"Sshhhh," said a voice nearby and they both looked to see a man in a suit frowning at them. "This is a library, gentlemen, keep your voices down."

Bucky made a face as the man walked past them, making Steve laugh quietly but when they saw him go behind the circulation desk they both decided they should just wait outside. They were there when Ariel came out half an hour later. She gave them both an exasperated look.

"You nearly got me in trouble with the manager of the library," she said. "Mr. Grayson wasn't happy about coming in on a Saturday when Mrs. Houseman phoned in sick. After he shushed you, Alma and Irina told him we were dating. I got the dirtiest look from him."

"Sorry," blurted Bucky then both he and Steve laughed again. "It was just the look on his face when he said what he did."

Bucky imitated Mr. Grayson so well that even Ariel had to smile but she hurried them along, not wanting Mr. Grayson to come out and find them making fun of him. Like she often did when they both walked her home she linked her arms with both of them while she was in the middle.

"So what did you get up to today?" she asked.

"We were in line much of the day at the draft board," said Steve, excitedly. "We both registered."

Ariel stopped dead. "You registered today?"

"Well, yeah, we have to by law so we figured we would get it done as soon as possible," said Bucky. "You know they passed the law that we have to register for a draft."

"I know," she said. "It just seems so soon. When do they start actually drafting men?"

"Next month," said Bucky. "I kind of hope I get drafted then so I can get it done and over with. It's just 12 months."

"Bucky's going to help me get a better physique so I can get into the army," said Steve.

"So you're both planning to leave me here alone when you get drafted," stated Ariel, then realizing she was letting her emotions get the better of her she toned her voice down. "Sorry, I'm being selfish. Of course you want to do what's right. I just ...."

She shook her head, disturbed that they would register so quickly, and also that she was bothered by that. None of them said anything until they arrived at the store and stood outside the door to the stairwell. Bucky made a motion with his head and Steve excused himself to go into the store to talk with Merton. Once he was out of earshot Bucky put his hand under Ariel's chin so she was looking at him. For some reason his Brooklyn accent came out stronger when he spoke to her this time.

"Sweetheart, what's botherin' you?"

"Nothing, it's just me being silly," she replied, trying not to get sidetracked by his blue eyes.

"I know what nuthin' is and I know what silly is," he said softly. "You ain't either of them."

"Just the thought that you registering puts you closer to being in harm's way." She could feel a tear drip down her cheek.

Bucky kissed the tear gently, then wiped it away with his thumb. "Yeah, it probably does, but it's the law now, so I have to register." He took a deep breath. "I can only promise that if I'm drafted that I'll do my best to stay safe and come back to you." He swallowed and looked away. "You're worth comin' home to, angel. Believe that."

She wrapped her arms around him, pressing her ear to his chest so she could hear his heartbeat. Nothing was said between them, he just caressed her hair and back, then kissed the top of her head. They heard the sound of Merton locking the door and pulling the security grates closed. Pulling away she looked at Bucky.

"Movie tonight?" he asked. "His Girl Friday with Cary Grant is playing. Supposed to be full of laughs." She nodded. "I'll pick you up at 7 o'clock."

Right on time Bucky arrived to pick her up and they went down the stairs to the street where he had his father's car. After seeing her into the front seat Bucky started it up and drove to the movie theatre, where there was a small lineup. They sat in the back row and Bucky lit a cigarette while they waited, then put his arm around Ariel.

"Feeling better?" he asked.

"A little," she admitted. "I must be close to my monthlies. I feel on edge."

Bucky shrugged, not used to Ariel talking about that subject. Before he could say anything the house lights went down and the newsreel started. It started out with famous actors and actresses being shown at galas or at public events. Then there was footage of the Cincinnati Reds winning the National League pennant. There was the announcement of conscription being introduced in Canada for men between the ages of 21 and 24, then the passage of the selective service act in the U.S. The rest was all about the war in Europe with the various attacks and battles, finishing with the Battle of Britain, and how the British successfully staved off the German Air Force. Ariel was aware of Bucky watching her during the parts of the newsreel showing the war footage. When the cartoons came on she tried to relax and enjoy them. There was a Tex Avery one called Cross Country Detours, then another called A Day At The Zoo, then a Woody Woodpecker one called Knock Knock. She tried to find the humour in them but she just wasn't feeling it. The movie started and although it was considered a classic which was remade several times with different titles she found herself turning to Bucky part way through and staring at him with glistening eyes. Gently he kissed her then gazed at her and made a decision. Grasping her by the hand they left the theatre, bothering several kissing couples in their row and hurried to the car where Bucky pulled her onto his lap and kissed her feverishly for several minutes.

"Find somewhere private," she whispered, as she sat right beside him, beginning to undo her stockings and rolling them down her legs.

Bucky drove a bit then parked under an overpass where there were several other cars already parked. Most of them were far enough apart for privacy but it was obvious what the occupants of the cars were there for. Pushing the front seat back as far as it would go Bucky unbuttoned his pants revealing his already hard erection. Reaching inside his jacket he tore open a condom packet and rolled it on then Ariel lowered herself onto him, raised slightly so that she was looking down at him.

"What's got into you?" he asked with a whisper.

"Sshhh, no talk, just fuck."

Even when he tried to kiss or caress her Ariel pulled her face away or removed his hands, telling him she just wanted the one thing. Somewhat exasperated he obliged thrusting hard up into her. She allowed him to use his thumb to increase her arousal which made her come quickly, then she continued to ride him until he came, loudly grunting and gasping as she watched. As soon as he was finished she got off of him, sitting back on the passenger side and began to cry. As fast as he could Bucky removed his condom, tossing it outside then tucked himself back in and buttoned up. He slid over the bench seat to Ariel and took her hands in his.

"What's wrong?" he asked, seriously concerned for her.

"I don't know," she replied, then looked at him. "I can't explain it. I'm sorry, I'm so sorry."

Her light crying broke down into heart wrenching sobs and all Bucky could do was hold her in his arms, kissing the side of her head. He fished in his pocket for his handkerchief and handed it to her which brought a nod of thanks.

"Maybe I should take you home," he finally said.

"Please," she replied.

Ariel had removed her panties prior to mounting Bucky and asked him to wait while she pulled them back on. Once that was done he started the car and drove her back. As they sat in front of the store Ariel looked at the store then up at the apartment before turning back to Bucky.

"I'm sorry," she said softly. "I feel all emotional inside. I must be close. There's no other reason for it."

"You've never been like this before," commented Bucky. "Is everything okay at home? Your uncle is alright?"

She nodded then she smiled wanly at him. "I'll be okay in the morning. I'm sure of it. Goodnight, Bucky. I love you."

"I love you, too, sweetheart."

He leaned over to kiss her again then before he could get out of the car to open her door she opened her own and hurried to the stairwell door running up the stairs. Bucky sat in the car, puzzled, for several minutes before he started it up and drove back to his parent's home.

In the apartment Merton looked up with alarm as he heard the running feet in the stairwell then the door opened and Ariel rushed into her room with no word. He turned the radio off and went to Ariel's bedroom door, gently knocking on it. It took several calls of her name before he heard her say to come in. When he entered she was sitting on the edge of her bed and he noticed the red puffy eyes and the tear tracks down her cheeks.

"Whatever happened? Did he hurt you?" He felt his anger rising, sure that Bucky had done something.

She shook her head. "I can't do this anymore. We have to end this. Send me back, please."

Merton sat on the bed and put his arm around her. She bent her head into his shoulder and began to cry again.

"What's wrong?" he asked in his most gentle voice. "What has made you so upset?"

She gasped a few times, then realized she still had Bucky's handkerchief in her hand and used it to wipe her eyes. Finally, she began to take some shaky breaths before looking at Merton with all the emotion that she was feeling.

"I love him. I don't want him to fall. If I stay here I'm afraid I'll tell him everything."

Merton put his other arm around her and hugged her without saying anything for some time. Then he made a suggestion.

"Do you want to take a holiday?" he asked. "You and I can go away. I'll close the store, you can take a leave from the library and we'll drive to Washington, see the sights there. Maybe you just need to get away."

She shook her head and took a ragged breath. "I feel like an imposter, Merton," she said. "He and Steve registered for the draft today. It brings him one step closer to becoming a soldier and I'm terrified for him. Objectively I know I can't intervene but subjectively my whole being is screaming not to let him go to war."

Merton realized he would have to respond with some tough love for this.

"What would you have him do then? Put a bullet into his foot? They would arrest him for being a draft dodger. Leave and go to another country? It will be a world war and there won't be anywhere he can sit it out, except for maybe Switzerland. If you told him the truth would he even believe you?"

"Whose side are you on?" she asked scornfully. "Those are horrible things to say."

"Yes, they are," agreed Merton. "But if you tell him then what are his options? Seriously, what would you accomplish? Don't even think about the implications to the timeline. Think about him and your relationship because those are the first things that will be affected."

She wiped her nose and considered Merton's words. "He would hate me for not being truthful about who I really am. Then he would still go just to prove that he has control over his own fate. He would face it head on."

"And you would be left broken hearted because he rejected you and then you would still lose him because if he doesn't fall when he's supposed to, he might be taken by HYDRA in a different manner. His future is set and nothing you say to him will make a difference, not really."

"Then what do I do, Merton?" she said. "How do I stop feeling guilty for knowing what could happen and not being able to do a damn thing about it?"

He took her hands in his and kissed them, surprising even himself at how affected he was by her. "You love him in the here and now. That love might be the spark that helps him fight for his humanity for all those years. We know he fought because that was documented in the HYDRA files. His memories always came back, fragmented yes, but never fully destroyed."

Nodding her head, Ariel slowly withdrew her hands from his then looked at him gratefully. "Thank you. You're right. I love him but I can't change what will happen to him. I don't want to leave him because he is the great love of my life." Even though she was smiling, Merton wondered if she was being completely sincere. "I'll be alright after I sleep on it."

"Do you want a sleeping aid?" he asked. "I do have some from our time."

"No, thank you, I think I can manage," she said then she smiled. "For a gay bachelor you're pretty good at dad stuff."

For a moment she thought she saw a flicker of emotion across his face then he smiled fondly. "Thank you. That's a wonderful compliment."

He kissed her forehead, stood up, left her room and closed the door. Standing outside her door for a moment he looked at it and whispered.

"I'm just a father comforting my daughter."

Sighing, he made sure the apartment door was locked then turned off the lights and went to his room. In the top of his closet he brought down a box. From that he pulled out a protective pouch containing a photo album. Opening it up he looked through the photos of her mother at the IVF clinic, and him sitting next to her. They had just received the word that one embryo had successfully implanted and the pregnancy was confirmed. There were pictures documenting the mother's pregnancy, always with him in attendance as the biological father. At 38.5 weeks labour began and Ariel Anne Paxton was born in the presence of her biological mother, him, and her adoptive mother. After a day spent with Merton and her birth mother there was a picture of her with her adoptive mother, Skye Paxton. Her biological mother was restored to her real age of 74 years of age and demoted to a position in New Jersey. He was assigned, banished really, as resident historian in Helena, Montana, beginning in 1917; a position he held for 11 years until he was assigned to the Brooklyn position. The remaining pages contained pictures of Ariel through the years as she grew into as beautiful a woman as her biological mother with her red hair but he never saw her in person until the day he put his hand into the bubble of the portal and helped his daughter be birthed in a figurative sense.

Peri had warned him in advance that it would be Ariel, that she was ready. After all it was Peri's project, her plan to create the perfect woman historian in order to learn the final secrets of James Buchanan Barnes. It was Peri's body that was changed so she was in the prime of child bearing years for a woman, her previously frozen eggs used to implant 3 embryos. She went through the pain of labour giving birth to Ariel, then was forced to give her up to her foster mother, Skye Paxton, who officially died when she was 16. Only then was Peri allowed to take the girl in, acting as her mentor, and adoptive parent, teaching her everything she knew as a historian all for this one assignment. May Weatherly never was in contention for this as it was always meant for Ariel, even though only he and Peri knew, vowing to take that knowledge to the grave.

"You're not the only one feeling guilty about this baby girl," said Merton in a low voice as he flipped through the pictures again. "I tried to stay objective but I worry for you, that this is too much for you. But I'll see it through and hope I can help you pick up the pieces when he leaves, and again when he falls."

He closed the photo album, put it inside its protective pouch then back into the box before putting it back in the closet on the top shelf, tucked into the corner. As he undressed, he began to think that this assignment with Ariel would likely be his last. Twenty-three years spent in the past had made him old before his time. He already knew he had high blood pressure and high cholesterol because of the high fat diet. Unable to have a relationship because of the attitudes towards homosexuals and having to skulk around to even have the odd sexual encounter had made life lonely for him. The arrival of Ariel was the only thing making this bearable. She was so smart and beautiful, but her emotional state concerned him as he was previously unaware she had never had a love relationship, only casual sexual ones. Her relationship with Bucky was almost overwhelming for her, even without the secrets she had to keep from him. As he pulled his pyjama bottoms on, he heard the telephone in the kitchen ring, and went out to answer it. A man's voice came on the line after he said hello.

"Is this Merton Burnett?" said a voice he thought seemed familiar but couldn't place.

"Yes," he replied.

"Jitterbug," said the voice.

"Fox trot," he replied. "Hold on a moment." He turned on the radio. "What's happened?"

"My name is Jim Ference," said the voice. "Thomas Paulson and Will Greening are hurt. The historian watching General Phillips is in New Jersey with him. I had no one else to turn to as our third, Andrew Smith, has disappeared. Can you come? Bring a first aid kit. I don't think I can treat them with what I know so if you have any modern medical equipment bring it with you."

"What happened to Will's first aid kit?" he asked.

The man sighed. "I can explain when you get here. Please just come as quickly as you can."

Merton looked at the clock. Greening didn't live too far away. Merton did have a modern medical kit up in the store room but that meant he would have to leave Ariel by herself.

"I don't want to leave Ariel here on her own," said Merton.

"I know," replied Ference. "Call Bucky Barnes. He'll come and stay with her gladly. He's still awake."

"How do you know?"

"Trust me, he's up and if you phone him he'll be there as quickly as he can." Ference hesitated for a moment. "He won't abuse your trust. I can guarantee it."

He hung up and Merton phoned Bucky's house. It rang twice and Bucky answered. Merton explained that it was an emergency and he didn't want to leave Ariel by herself. Bucky declared he was on his way. Quickly Merton got the key and ran up to the storage room. There was a suitcase in the corner and he opened it to reveal a medical kit with a defibrillator, portable X-ray, diagnostic and treatment tools. Everything was in place and he closed the suitcase, taking it with him. He debated calling Peri, but decided he could do it from Will's place if needed. After locking the room back up he ran down the stairs and went to his room, dressing quickly. In the bathroom he opened a cupboard and pulled out a standard 1940's first aid kit. As he waited for Bucky he debated about leaving a note for Ariel but decided against it. A polite knock on the door alerted him to Bucky's arrival and he opened it.

"I don't know exactly what's happened," he said to the younger man. "But my friend Will Greening has been hurt and my assistance has been requested. Bucky, I'm trusting you to honour your promise to me. Watch over her. I don't know when I'll be back."

"She was really upset tonight," said Bucky. "Is she okay?"

"I think so," replied Merton. "We talked. This is a tough time for her. Her father died this time last year. She didn't tell you that did she?"

Bucky shook his head. That had to be why she was upset. He promised to honour his pledge and with a pat on Bucky's shoulder Merton left. Bucky took his shirt off, leaving his undershirt on, and laid on the couch, noticing a pillow and blanket had been left for him. He closed his eyes, feeling good that Merton trusted him in an emergency. Sleep followed quickly after.

Chapter 13>>

Series Masterlist

Comments and reblogs are greatly appreciated.

#bucky barnes #bucky barnes fanfiction #buckybarnes original female character #james buchanan barnes fanfiction #bucky barnes romance #bucky barnes x ofc #pre war bucky #ww2 bucky barnes #bucky barnes smut

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gorgeousundertow · 8 months ago

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@riddlersboyfriend Hi Luke, it's your summer exchange fic!! xoxoxoxo

Don't give it a hand, offer it a soul

Cross-posting on A03 since it's, ya know, long.

First Battalion

CO: Lt Col. Billy Turner. West Point. Demands fawning attention. Shouts. 3/10.

Charlie Company

Capt. Albert Hassenzahl.

From Cincinnati, Ohio. Worked in steel mill.

27 years old

Sometimes brash or impetuous, leading to friction within the unit.

Sufficient. 6/10

Sgt. Roy Speake Jr.

From Birmingham, Alabama. Foreman in cotton mill.

30 years old, yet willing to take orders from younger men.

7/10

Sgt. Mariano Sanchez.

From El Paso, Texas. Family owned a small grocery.

28 years old, difficulty conforming to protocol. Falls behind on runs.

5/10

T/5 John Davis.

From Detroit, Michigan. Janitor.

20 years old, works hard but talks too much.

6/10

Cpl. Harvey White.

From a small town in rural Kansas, farmer.

Age: 19. Inept and unreliable. Poor aim, shirks duties. But could improve if properly motivated.

4/10

Pfc. Paul Devoe.

From New Orleans, Louisiana. Line cook.

Age: 24. Charismatic and optimistic. Keeps spirits up, though impulsivity is an issue.

7/10

Schedule

0600 Reveille

0610 Formation

0630 Tidy barracks

0700 Calisthenics

0800 Wash up

0900 Barracks Inspection

0930 Currahee or obstacle course

1045 PT drills

1115 Outside lecture

1200 Lunch

1330 Mail Call ��

1345 Lecture/Classroom

1500 Parachute training

1700 Drill

1800 Supper

1900 Lecture/Classroom

2100 Return to barracks

2300 TAPS

Notes September 1942

Dislike Lt. Col. Turner intensely.

Training is more difficult than anticipated.

Seems that what was true in Boston remains true here. Cannot seem to join conversations with the other men, continue to make them uncomfortable. Thought it would be different here than it was back home.

Notes October 1942

Lt. Col Turner is incompetent, stupid, and worthless.

Perhaps other companies have it better; consider orchestrating a change? Investigate.

Notes November 1942

Chose E Company, 2nd Platoon at random, for observation.

Capt. Herbert Sobel

From Chicago, Illinois. Attending University of Illinois.

30 years old

Would be a close friend of Lt. Col. Turner.

2/10

1/Lt. Richard Winters

From Lancaster, Pennsylvania

26 years old, effective. Has the respect of his men. Commands from the front.

8/10

Sgt. Carwood Lipton

From Huntington, West Virginia. Worked in mother’s boarding house.

22 years old, quiet. And yet the men listen.

8/10

Cpl. Donald Hoobler

From Manchester, Ohio, three siblings, joined National Guard.

Age: 20. Young, but works hard.

6/10

Pfc. Joseph Liebgott

Born in Michigan, moved to San Francisco

Age: 27. Cab driver. Speaks German. Easily angered, needs focus.

7/10

Pvt. David Webster

From New York City. Harvard grad. Writer

Age: 20. Lazy, whiny, as bad at talking to others as I am, in a different way.

5/10

Will continue to observe

Notes December 1942

Col. Sink insisted we march 118 miles, from Toccoa to Atlanta. It snowed. It served no function but to boost the egos of men who did not march alongside us.

Companies became disorderly, and by the end we were not marching in our own battalions. As such, I was marching mostly with E Company.

I spoke with Winters, as he was willing to speak with me. For some reason, he does not seem put off by me as others are–perhaps that is because, apart from Lt. Lewis Nixon III of Nixon, NJ, of HQ Company, no one wants to talk to him, either. Nixon certainly does; he made his way all the way over to E Company from the very beginning of the march, and stayed there, right at Winters’ side. By that token, I spoke with Nixon, as well. The march was miserable, but I believe I enjoyed it more than I have enjoyed any other time here.

We did not talk about much of anything of consequence–Nixon ensured that. I think the man is incapable of serious conversation. You would think someone as thoughtful as Winters would dislike him for that, but clearly he does not. It is odd. They are odd.

I observed the other members of E Company as we marched. They are a tight-knit group, more so than C Company by far. It is not because of their CO, that’s certain; he does everything he can to drive them apart, and clearly loathes Winters.

Winters does what he can, but his resources are limited serving under a tyrant, an experience I can sympathize with. In truth, it is the NCOs that hold the Company together. To a man, they work tirelessly to keep spirits up, assisting those who are exhausted, making sure they eat and drink and sleep when they can.

Sgt. Lipton in particular has an interesting way about him. He doesn’t lead like the others, shouting at them to haul ass like Sgts. Guarnere and Martin do, in the time-honored tradition of NCOs. He gives orders, but he does so in a way that is almost friendly. I can’t wrap my head around it.

Notes January 1943

Continuing to observe Sgt. Lipton.

Pvt. Webster is improving, partly because of Sgt. Lipton. (It seems that Pfc. Liebgott has an influence as well, though I can’t fully understand it. To a casual observer–which I do not believe I am–Liebgott bullies him, but in such a way that it almost seems affectionate. It is puzzling). Sgt. Lipton’s approach is different. He encourages Webster (and others, I do not mean to suggest that his efforts are limited to one man–he supports the entire Platoon. Hell, the entire Company) in subtle ways, walking with him to help him keep the pace up, but letting Webster think it’s because he really wants to hear him talk about Impressionist painters or Romantic poets. Perhaps he does. It is difficult to tell; he seems so genuinely engaged.

Capt. Sobel chewed him out for an imaginary offense (a not unusual occurrence in Easy Company) and Sgt. Lipton accepted it with stoicism. But when Sobel turned his back, Sgt. Lipton smirked. He rolled his eyes. There is steel in him.

Notes February 1943

Went for a run with Winters this morning, came across Sgt. Lipton. Winters invited him to join us. Winters runs like a maniac; running with him allows me to push myself, now that we are now longer running Currahee. I expected Sgt. Lipton to decline, particularly given my presence–no NCO has ever wanted to socialize with me–but he did not. He kept pace with Winters easily. He runs very well.

When we finished, we headed for the showers before Reveille, and Sgt. Lipton grabbed towels for each of us, even though it was unnecessary.

Notes March 1943

Have continued to run with Winters every morning. We have not encountered Sgt. Lipton again.

Notes June 1943

Have ceased running with Winters, as it’s too hot and I have concluded that Winters is a lunatic. We have plenty of PT; there’s no need to add on more. I don’t know why I bothered.

Notes August 1943

Couldn’t sleep, as usual. Went out walking through Fort Benning, found myself by the NCO barracks. Stood and smoked for a while. Went back to bed.

Notes September 1943

The S.S. Samaria is miserable. Am crammed into a cabin with Winters, Nixon, Lt. Harry Welsh, Lt. Heyliger, Lt. Roush, and Lt. Meehan from Baker Company. We have to wear life jackets at all times, and Nixon won’t stop talking about how the Titanic didn’t have enough lifeboats, and the Samaria definitely doesn’t.

Sleep is impossible, so have taken to walking the deck at night. Came across Sgt. Lipton, offered him a cigarette even though I know he doesn’t smoke. He described the racks the enlisted men have, and I decided to shut up about my sleeping situation.

He was there the next night, and the next. He didn’t seem to mind my smoking. If he wasn’t on deck in the same place, I would have left him alone–I wouldn’t have gone looking for him. But he was always there, as if he was waiting for me. He didn’t say much, though neither did I, I suppose. We just looked out at the black sea.

Notes November 1943

Sgt. Lipton–and the other Sgts from Easy Company, I suppose–have mutinied on Winters’ behalf. It was brave. It was the right thing to do. It could force Sink’s hand, push him to realize how incompetent Sobel is. (We should try it in First Battalion).

But I don’t know what’s going to happen to them. To him.

Notes December 1943

It’s all right. Two Sgts. were punished, neither of them were him.

It is clear that my interest in Easy Company is not beneficial, and no longer necessary. I am not gaining anything. I should not be more informed on the goings on in a Company that isn’t my own–that isn’t even in my Battalion. I’m going to stop taking notes altogether, anyway–loose lips and all.

Notes May 1944

Have been transferred to Dog Company. If I see Lt. Col. Turner in combat, I’ll kill him.

This is all pointless, anyway. In all likelihood, I am going to die. We are all going to die. Even…even he is going to die.

Notes June 1944

Sgt. Lipton was injured at Carentan, I do not know how badly.

I was also injured. I will recover.

There were some incidents at Normandy. I shot an NCO; he was drunk and endangering the men. I shot six POWs. They were my first kills. I have killed more, since.

The looks men gave me, before we came, as if they weren’t sure what I was capable of.

They know, now. I know, too.

Notes July 1944

Sgt. Lipton was wounded in the groin and on the face. He is in the hospital here in Aldbourne, recovering. He is several beds down from me. He receives visitors throughout the day.

Now that he is up and about, he comes to say hello sometimes, as I am not yet able to walk. He does not avoid me, as the other men do.

He ought to; it would be better if he did. It’s useful that they fear me. It will make me a better leader.

Notes August 1944

Have been transferred to HQ Company, working alongside Nixon. It’s for the best.

Notes December 1944

Have been transferred back to Dog Company, as they are short on officers. We will be needed, I am told, for what’s coming in Belgium.

Notes January 1945

I couldn’t stop watching 1st Sgt. Lipton. With Winters leading the battalion and Lt. Dike as the empty shirt they’ve put in his place, Lipton has been the Company together. He is exhausted–we all are, of course, but it hurts somehow to see it on him. His eyes are shadowed, I could see it even from a distance. I patrolled the lines of Dog Company often, to catch a glimpse of him. I insisted that our medics share supplies, food. I wanted him to eat. To be safe. I was at the edge of the line when German artillery rained down, and I swear I heard him laughing. It was beautiful.

I would have gone across that field at Foy even if Winters hadn’t sent me. Someone had to go, and I was glad it was me. It was the easiest decision I ever made–it wasn’t even a decision, my feet were going before I even had the thought, as soon as they had Winters’ permission to do so.

And now, I’m in command of Easy Company. It feels…right. Like I should have been with them all along. I know these men. I know what they need.

I knew what 1st Sgt. Lipton needed–he needed to know that someone had watched him, had seen what he had done. Had seen the man he is. And so I told him, in a church, while a choir of girls sang in golden light. It was…a risk, because letting him know that allowed him to see me, as well. To an extent.

He still does not seem frightened of me. If anything, he seems a little amused. I don’t know what to make of it, exactly. But I don’t dislike it.

Notes February 1945

I’ve been promoted to Captain. One would think this would be welcome, but it is not. I couldn’t stop thinking of the men who have died, while I’m still here. I tried getting drunk–it’s what everyone else does, Nixon, Welsh, all of them. I’ve never really seen the point, but last night I thought, what the hell, it’s worth a shot.

I’m sharing quarters with 1st. Sgt. Lipton (he should be Lt. Lipton, but it hasn’t come through yet. Promotion won’t ruin him as it has me). I stumbled there, and I was…I couldn’t…I wasn’t as in control of myself as I would have liked to be.

In truth, I wasn’t anything close to control. I came into the tent so drunk I couldn’t see straight, and I was crying. I hadn’t cried before, not once in the entire war. Not with all the deaths. Not for the men who died or the men I killed. But I cried when I got my fucking captaincy.

Lipton was in bed, and I sat down on his cot. Aren’t you supposed to forget things that happen when you’re drunk? Why do I remember all of this?

I remember I tried to kiss him. At least, I think that’s what happened. It is a little fuzzy. All I know is that I was sitting there on his cot and he was in bed, lying down and listening to me, and then I was half on top of him. I think I remember my mouth on his…fuck, you’d think if I’d gone and done something so colossally stupid I would have the decency to be sure about it. You’d think it would be seared into my brain, something I could go back to sometimes, in the privacy of my own thoughts. But there’s nothing, really. Just a vague sense of closeness, of Lipton, right there.

I got to my own bed, somehow. He must have put me there–by that point, I was too drunk to know my own name. And in the morning he greeted me with his usual smile and a cup of extra strong coffee. As though nothing at all had happened. So I guess nothing did.

Notes February 1945

Lipton is sick. He’s been sick for a week or so, but he’s getting worse. It won’t stop. He won’t stop–just keeps acting like he’s fine, even though his fever is running so hot Doc Roe keeps trying to get him off the line. It’s pneumonia, and we’re out here in the cold, and he still won’t go. I’m so furious with him I don’t know what to do.

I can’t watch over him every minute, so I’ve put Luz on him. Luz has the right approach–firm, but with a smile. Lipton doesn’t respond to direct orders; I’ve tried that.

He remains infuriatingly competent, even when he coughs so hard I worry he’s going to drop a lung on my jump boots. Easy is running on fumes, and yet Lipton has it as organized as can be. And I can’t help coming to him for advice, to discuss options, even when he should be resting–because his advice is invaluable to me.

This town, Hagenau, has been blown to pieces. Is still being blown to pieces. We barely have roofs over our heads, though of course that’s practically a luxury, considering some of the places we’ve been. Easy CP is in a building with only one bed, and I’ve put Lipton there. It took some doing–I thought I was going to have to carry him there, and frankly he’s bigger and stronger than I am. Well, maybe not stronger, with pneumonia.

I could sleep in another room, of course, but I’ll be sleeping on the floor, in the same room. I want to be able to hear him if he needs anything, if he takes a turn for the worse.

Notes February 1945

Something happened last night. I don’t…I’m going to write it down, to see if that way I’ll understand it.

At 0230 I went to bed. The patrol did not go well. Two prisoners is not a fair exchange for Jackson. I was…upset. But I still moved quietly, so as not to disturb Lipton–only he was awake. He called me over, asked how the patrol went. I told him.

“I’m sorry, sir.”

“It should never have happened,” I said.

He shrugged, his muscled shoulders moving in the low light from the fire I’d had Luz light in the hearth, and the cooler light from the moon.The room was warm, and he wore only his undershirt. “Lots of things have happened in this war that shouldn’t have, sir.”

I couldn’t argue with that. He slid to the side, gesturing for me to sit down on his bed, as I’d sat a couple of weeks ago, drunk off my head. I obeyed, but I frowned at him, unsure. “What are you doing awake? Can’t sleep? Should I get Roe?”

Lipton shook his head, a little smile on his face. “No. I’m feeling much better, sir. I wanted to see how you are.”

I wasn’t quite sure how to respond. “I…I’m fine?” It sounded like I was asking him for the right answer, but how I was wasn’t something I’d considered in…well, in years, I suppose. Since well before Normandy.

“Good,” Lipton said, taking me at my word. “Would you like some of this?” He held up a bottle and I blinked at it. It was schnapps–I’d taken it from a German couple next door, along with some kind of pastry. Apfelstrudel, they’d called it.

“I don’t really drink,” I said warily, thinking of that other night.

Lipton grinned. “Neither do I, but I figure you got this for me for a reason, right, sir?”

“The woman said it would cure you.”

Lipton held out the bottle to me expectantly, so I took a small sip. It burned going down, too sweet. I handed it back to him, and he took a sip himself, placing his mouth where mine had been. I watched his throat as he swallowed. I was so close to him, I could hear the sound his lips made as they left the bottle. “Another?” he asked.

I shook my head. I didn’t understand what was happening–maybe nothing was happening, maybe this was all perfectly ordinary–but I sure as hell wanted to remember it clearly tomorrow. Lipton took another sip, made a face, and closed the bottle, setting it down on the floor. “Have you had a lot of that?” I asked.

Lipton shrugged, loose. “Some.”

“Enough to cure you then,” I said, and he laughed.

“I guess so.”

I could feel his hip against my leg, and the room got a little brighter with the light of an explosion from a couple of blocks away, and I could only hope it hadn’t done any more damage than we’d already sustained tonight. His eyes are so soft. “I should let you sleep.”

I didn’t stand up, though. I meant to, I meant to get up and go sleep on the floor like I’d insisted I would. I was going to, any second, but I hadn’t yet when Lipton said, “You could sleep here with me.”

I try not to let my emotions show on my face, but I must have looked surprised (I was more than surprised), because Lipton added, “We’ve all slept in tighter quarters than this, in Bastogne. There’s no need for you to sleep on the floor, sir.”

And it’s true. I slept as close as I could to other men in foxholes, because otherwise we would have frozen to death. But this room had a warm fire. There was no reason to. And yet, Lipton slid to the side, making a little more room for me–there wasn’t a lot, it was a small bed–and so I…lay down.

I didn’t take off my boots, or my jacket or anything. I didn’t want to risk taking the time, in case he changed his mind. I lay on my back, but that didn’t quite work, it was too close, so I turned onto my side. I should probably have faced away from him. I didn’t.

His face was right there. I could have kissed him again (did I even kiss him, before? I’ve never been certain). He blinked at me in the darkness, but I didn’t move. Eventually, his eyes closed, but I lay there for a long time, long enough to feel him relax and curl into me. I pressed my lips to his shoulder, and I thought I felt his breath against my hair, but I couldn’t be sure.

When I woke up in the morning, he was gone.

Notes February 1945

I haven’t known what to do with myself all day. Lipton has been hard to pin down–now that he is feeling better, he is working harder than ever. Winters canceled the second patrol, but we still need to act as though it is going forward, which means the same amount of work, plus I needed to make sure Lt. Jones is squared away.

I had Liebgott and the others firing across the river, while Webster and Sgt. Martin hid in the house. By the time I got back to the CP, it was 0300.

Lipton wasn’t in the bedroom waiting for me. He was awake and working with Luz, sorting through the supply delivery. I stopped in to say goodnight and when he said goodnight back, he…well, he smiled at me. But Lipton smiles at everyone.

I don’t like this. I don’t like being uncertain.

Notes February 1945

It’s Lieutenant Lipton now, at long last. Welsh caught up with us, and he had Lipton’s bars with him. I was there when Winters pinned them on, when Lipton shook his hand. There were so many of us there–Nixon, along with Luz and Webster in the other room. Hell, even Lt. Jones was standing there. What felt like it ought to have been a close moment, something for just me and him, wasn’t, couldn’t have been, with so many men around. But of course it wasn’t just for him and me–why would it have been? I’ve only been his CO for a month. Of course he would want to share this with men he’s known for years. He’s earned that and more.

But I was impatient. I couldn’t…after spending yesterday so uncertain, I didn’t want to spend another moment that way. And we were equals now, or almost. We were both officers, at least.

So I took him by the arm and brought him into the other room. It wasn’t private, by any means–they were all still right there, Harry and Nixon drinking from Nixon’s flask, Winters watching them in that amused way he has. And we were going to be heading out soon–I’m writing this in the back of a jeep as Winters drives, in fact. But I couldn’t wait.

“Yes, sir?” he said, expectantly.

I had absolutely no idea what to say. “Um. Yes. Congratulations, Lieutenant.”

He smiled, wide and sincere, that smile that spreads so far across his face that it lifts the downturned corners of his eyes. “Thank you, sir.”

I had to think of something else, some reason to keep him here away from everyone else while I thought of a way to ask what I needed to ask him. “And you’re sure you’re feeling better? Because we could go to an aid station.”

He reached out and squeezed my arm, just below the elbow. It was a little thing, something I’d seen the men do all the time. Hell, Winters and Nixon were never not touching, it seemed. “I promise, I’m fine, sir.”

Just a little thing, but it seemed like I could feel his hand on my skin, even through my coat. No one ever really touches me. “I…” I cleared my throat. “I’m glad to hear that.” His hand slid down, so that his fingers touched the bare skin of my wrist, just resting there. From the other room, it wouldn’t have looked like anything, but it felt like everything. “Lieutenant Lipton…”

“You can call me Lip, you know, sir,” he said. “Everyone else does.”

“Lip,” I repeated, quietly. It probably came out as a whisper. I don’t think I will call him Lip, in front of other people. I think I’ll keep that close.

“Sparky!” Nixon called from the other room. “We’re moving out in an hour, think you can manage that?”

Lipton’s fingers tightened on my wrist before letting go. “Yes,” I said, without looking away from him. I heard the sounds of the other men leaving, of Winters talking to Jones, of Luz giving Webster a hard time, of Welsh and Nixon bantering back and forth. Lipton stepped back, and I felt the moment slipping away, as if this was my only chance, and if I didn’t say something right then–though I still didn’t know what I should say–I would never get another try.

So I reached out and grabbed the back of his neck. His mouth was warm and soft, tasting of coffee and stale bread. He kissed me back, and the relief in that was enough to make me dizzy.

We broke away to catch our breath, and he smiled against my mouth. “Ron,” he whispered.

We had to leave that room, then, and that house full of broken walls and rubble, to gather the men and move on to another house in another town. But he’ll call me Ron again, I believe, when we’re alone. And I’ll call him Lip. And maybe there isn’t anything else that needs to be said, for now.

#band of brothers #fanfic #hbowarsummer24 #speirton #ronald speirs #carwood lipton

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dreaminginthedeepsouth · 2 months ago

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Los Angeles firestorms, literal and political.

January 13, 2025

Robert B. Hubbell

Watching a natural disaster unfold is a sobering and perspective-altering experience—all the more so as our president-elect, the GOP, and much of the media see the disaster as an opportunity to “own the libs” in California. In today’s newsletter, I reflect on several aspects of the firestorms in California that affect the national economy and political dynamic. I hope this is helpful in encouraging a productive dialog about how to respond to the firestorms in Los Angeles.

The political firestorm.

The firestorms that leveled three areas in Los Angeles will have national reverberations and, therefore, demand a national response. The failure of the incoming administration and members of Congress to comprehend that fact will compound the injury to the US economy. The effort of Trump and his loyalists to spread disinformation while dancing on the graves of victims and communities is reprehensible and counterproductive to the national interests.

It is difficult to comprehend the combined vastness of Los Angeles and California—and their importance to the US economy.

California is the world’s fifth largest economy as measured by nominal GDP ($3.9 trillion), trailing only Japan, Germany, China, and the US.

California contributes nearly 15% of the US GDP.

Los Angeles County, in turn, accounts for more than 25% of California’s economy, meaning that LA County contributes nearly 4% of the US GDP.

The economy of LA County ($790 billion) is greater than the GDP of 39 of the states in the US. For a sense of scale, the economy of LA County is greater than the combined economies of Alaska, Maine, Vermont, Delaware, Rhode Island, West Virginia, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming ($710 billion).

I note these statistics not to boast (as a proud Angeleno), but to highlight the fact that it would be madness for the federal government to refuse federal aid to help Los Angeles recover quickly. LA has lost more than 20,000 homes and businesses. Its infrastructure has suffered significant damage; over 200,000 residents are without power due to the destruction of high transmission power lines. Water quality in reservoirs has been degraded from smoke particulates, meaning that hundreds of thousands of residents whose homes survived the fires will not have potable water service. Hundreds of thousands more remained locked out of their homes due to evacuation orders.

When other parts of the nation experience natural disasters, aid is quickly delivered. Criticisms of aid tend to focus on the slowness of FEMA’s response. In the case of LA’s natural disaster, a Republican member of Congress from Ohio—Warren Davidson—has called for delaying aid to California until the state “improves its forestry practices.” See HuffPo, House Republican Threatens To Withhold Disaster Aid From California Amid Deadly Wildfires.

The notion that California has deficient forestry practices emerges from a 2020 statement by Trump that California was failing to “rake and clean” its forest floors like Finland. See Politico, (8/21/2020), Trump blames California for wildfires, tells state 'you gotta clean your floors'.

More about the “forestry practices” lie in a moment. The point is that no Democrats called for delaying aid after hurricanes until affected states revised their building codes regarding construction in coastal zones subject to repeated flooding during hurricanes.

To add insult to injury, California is ranked 49th in terms of “dependency on federal funds”—meaning its receives less “return” on its contribution to federal revenues than every other state (only New Jersey ranks lower). See Most & Least Federally Dependent States in 2025.

Rep. Davidson of Ohio should reflect for a moment on where federal revenue comes from. California contributes six times more in federal revenue than does Ohio. For every $5.00 California contributes to federal revenue, it receives $1.00 in federal funding.

Here’s my point: California is not a charity case. It pulls its weight in a nation where states have united for the common good. So please, MAGA, spare us the moralizing. I doubt appeals to your sense of fairness will be unavailing, so consider this: If the federal government refuses to assist LA County with a quick recovery, there could be a measurable, negative impact on GDP—and, possibly, inflation. How would that look for Trump?

The disinformation firestorm

The flames were still rolling through the Santa Monica Mountains when Trump began his disinformation campaign. Sadly, disinformation and conspiracy theories have become staples of the MAGA response to mass casualty events. After mass shootings, MAGA rushes to fill social media with false claims that the shooter was a Democrat, Muslim, transgender, gay, or an undocumented immigrant. After the floods and winds following recent hurricanes that caused devastating flooding in North Carolina, MAGA went into overdrive to interfere with FEMA’s efforts to provide emergency cash to victims.

The speed with which MAGA “floods the zone” with disinformation is becoming a significant impediment to disaster response by state and federal agencies. Disinformation not only sows confusion, it corrodes trust between victims and rescuers. It causes victims to delay in seeking assistance or claiming benefits that will speed recovery.

The fact that MAGA politicians are already talking about “delaying” aid until California revises its “forestry practices” is a case in point. I doubt that Rep. Warren Davidson of Ohio would recognized a forestry practice if it hit in the ****. His statements betray ignorance about the state of California, forestry, and “practices” in general.

The state of California has 33 million acres of forests. California Forest Statistics. The federal government owns 57% of forest land, private industry owns 40%, leaving only 3% of forest lands under the control of state and local agencies. Thus, to the extent that “forest practices” are an issue in California wildfires, those practices are controlled by the federal government and private industry.

Still, both the federal and state governments use prescribed fire to control risk of wildfire in California. See Cal Fire, Prescribed Fire, a statewide program designed to reduce fuels and reduce the risk of wildfire. The Cal Fire program permits private owners to use prescribed burns to manage forests under their control in California. See CAL FIRE Prescribed Fire Guidebook.pdf.

Ohio also permits prescribed fires, but the documentation on its website is not as robust as that provided by Cal Fire, above. Perhaps Rep. Davidson of Ohio should suggest to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources that it review California’s “forestry practices” manual to see whether there is anything Ohio can learn from its fellow state.

Moreover, the areas that were ravaged by the wildfire are under the jurisdiction of fire officials at the county and city level, not the “State of California.”

Trump and the MAGA media claim that the wildfires were more destructive because the City of Los Angeles allegedly decreased the fire department’s budget. That claim evinces a shocking level of ignorance about how wildfires propagate in California. On the night that the largest fires occurred, winds gusts hovered between 50 and 80 mph and humidity dipped to 8%!

With hurricane-force wind gusts, single-digit humidity, and dry brush due to an anemic 0.08 inches of rain over the prior six months, Pacific Palisades and other areas in LA were a tinderbox. The City of Los Angeles could have doubled its $800 million budget for the LA Fire Department and the outcome would not have changed.

Pacific Palisades was like a blast furnace. Hundreds of houses were on fire simultaneously. Many were reduced to fine ash in 30 minutes. As firefighters were in one location, the winds were spreading embers miles away, starting new house fires. By the time firefighters arrived at the new location, the fire had once again leap-frogged two miles away. The fire was unstoppable.

The lie that Los Angeles “ran out of water” has taken hold. Los Angeles did not run out of water. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power explains the facts on its website. The Pacific Palisades are in the Santa Monica Mountains. To create water pressure for hydrants (and homes) located at higher elevations in the Palisades, LADWP maintains 3 one-million gallon tanks.

Over 15 hours, firefighters drew down those tanks faster than they could be re-filled due to the unprecedented demand. Only 20% of hydrants (at the highest elevations) were affected and pressurized water remained in the trunk lines continuously. See LADWP, Pacific Palisades Fire: Correcting Misinformation About LADWP’s Water System.

When some of the hydrants lost pressure at the higher elevations, LADWP ferried in water in 19 water trucks with 4,000-gallon capacities—a standard fire-fighting technique used across the United States when hydrants are unavailable.

But the “LA ran out of water” falsehood is beside the point. Houses burned to the ground in areas with fully pressurized hydrants. The issue wasn’t the hydrants; it was hurricane force wind, the single-digit humidity, and the lack of rain over the preceding six months which made saving homes nearly impossible.

The fact that one of the LADWP’s reservoirs was drained due to failure to meet California drinking water standards is also irrelevant. The main trunk lines remained pressurized because LADWP has 114 reservoirs and tanks that maintain pressure in the main lines. Having one reservoir offline did not affect the pressure. See, again, LADWP, Pacific Palisades Fire: Correcting Misinformation About LADWP’s Water System.

Concluding Thoughts

Well, this isn’t the newsletter I had intended to write when I picked up my laptop several hours ago. But as a native Angeleno, I feel personally offended by politicians and media who know nothing about wildfires but who nonetheless attack Los Angeles during an ongoing natural disaster. No other state or city in the US has been subjected to such criticism and disinformation directed at the victims and their elected representatives during a natural disaster. (Hurricane Katrina strikes me as a justified exception.)

As I hope I have demonstrated, California and LA County are vital parts of the national economic engine. Threatening to hobble the LA region by withholding relief funds that are disproportionately contributed to the federal government by California and LA makes the moralizing and finger-wagging by clueless politicians and media personalities unbearable.

Thanks for listening to my rant. I will be back to my regular programming tomorrow evening, depending on how things go in the next 24 hours. But we cannot forget the tens of thousands of Angelenos who have lost their homes and loved ones.

[Robert B. Hubbell Newsletter]

#L.A.Fires #firestorm #Robert B. Hubbell #Robert B Hubbell newsletter #Pacific Palisades #MAGA #political #misinformation #disinformation

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lucasmartin01 · 6 months ago

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Trusted Ohio Home Improvement

Trust the Ohio home improvement team when looking for professionals who will work on your home. Our fields of specialization include implementing modern home designs using high-end materials to meet your expectations.

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covid-safer-hotties · 6 months ago

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What It's Like Being COVID-Conscious in 2024 - Published Aug 26, 2024

Aug. 26, 2024 – On a warm July evening, Raleigh Rivera, 29, went to see a band play a backyard show in East Los Angeles. The audience – around 40 people – wore KN95 or N95 masks, tested for COVID beforehand, and agreed that they would excuse themselves from the rest of the crowd if they needed to take off their masks for any reason. Before they played, the band showed their negative test results to the attendees and asked their permission to perform without masks. They were lit with far-UV lighting, which has been shown to safely kill airborne viruses.

This might sound like a scene from three or four summers ago, when taking COVID precautions was encouraged by most health officials, policymakers, and community members – but it happened this summer. For Rivera and the rest of the crowd – who identify as COVID-conscious – life hasn’t gone “back to normal,” as it has for so many others.

Rivera and other COVID-vigilant people have cause for alarm: At the beginning of August, the percentage of people testing positive for COVID reached its highest level since January 2022, according to CDC data. The public health agency’s wastewater testing tracker shows “high” or “very high” virus levels in most U.S. states.

Many studies have shown that properly masking gives you an extra layer of protection against COVID. But Rivera, like others in the COVID-conscious community, is usually the only person wearing a mask in any given setting.

“Continuing to think and live this way kind of feels like you’re living in an alternate reality all the time,” she said. She has POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome), a chronic blood disorder that can cause your heart rate to jump if you stand up. Along with masking wherever she goes, Rivera and her husband have air purifiers throughout their home and use a saline nasal rinse and an antimicrobial mouthwash before heading outside.

Despite her vigilance, Rivera caught COVID in the fall of 2023. She got on Paxlovid right away, yet she was hit with crushing fatigue that incapacitated her for a few weeks, she said. After she recovered, her POTS symptoms – which can include fatigue, lightheadedness, and nausea – worsened. She is just starting to get her appetite back, almost a year later.

“Everything is still a risk calculation, wherever I go. But at this show, I felt like my body could finally relax,” she said. “I felt very present and a part of something in a way that I haven’t been able to experience in a long time.”

Local governments in places like New York City and Los Angeles have considered imposing mask bans – mostly in response to protesters wearing masks at rallies to conceal their identities – regardless of the summer increase in COVID case numbers.

“It takes a lot of confidence,” said Rivera. “It gives up a piece of my social currency. I know there are places I’m no longer invited to because [wearing a mask] either weirds people out or bums them out that I’m going to keep this reminder of the pandemic on my face.”

For Rivera and others, much of the onus of community protection seems to fall on those with weakened immune systems. One of their biggest concerns is the lack of masking in medical settings. While some health systems have brought back masking policies since numbers have started to climb again, many have not done the same.

Aaron Friedberg, MD, a professor and internal medicine doctor with a specialty in long COVID at Ohio State University’s Wexner Medical Center in Columbus, wears a mask in every clinical setting, even though the hospital no longer requires it.

“There are still some people who get very sick from COVID, even though it’s much less common now,” he said. “To me, wearing a mask is a relatively easy thing I can do to improve their health. It’s an important way of showing respect for your patients, to protect them.”

Bernard Camins, MD, an infectious disease specialist at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, also understands this worry. The hospital still sees plenty of patients with COVID, he said, but the vaccinated and boosted hospital staff does not tend to see transmission of the virus because they continue to wear the right personal protective equipment.

Olivia Belknap, an associate marriage and family therapist in the Los Angeles area, is COVID-conscious and sees many clients with similar concerns. She said there is a lot to what it means to be COVID-conscious.

Nowadays, many might consider taking COVID precautions to be extreme, but Belknap herself (who was also diagnosed with POTS after a COVID infection) and some of her clients are not yet comfortable getting on an airplane or eating outside on a restaurant patio. She sees clients who aren’t willing to step indoors almost anywhere that isn’t their own home.

“A majority of [my clients] have sought me out because they know that regardless of what levels of precautions they’re taking, I’m not going to pathologize them for it or discourage them from doing those things,” said Belknap. “It’s more about finding meaning and connection in your life while still doing things in a way that is safe for you and makes you feel comfortable.”

Belknap said it’s not her place to tell people they’re being too prudent or too lax in their precautions. Sometimes, she works with clients who are anxious about taking the first steps in loosening their own restrictions; other times, she’s talking to people struggling to come to terms with what it means to have a substantially smaller social circle for what could be the rest of their lives.

Although it seems like the rest of the world has moved on, the worry is valid for those whose lives may be upended by a post-viral reaction from a COVID infection, Camins said.

“It may not be death, but it’s still debilitating. You’re alive, but it’s not a fun way to live life,”

While protecting yourself against what could be life-altering long COVID symptoms is more than justified, Camins said there is a potential downside for those with weakened immune systems: They might get sicker from other viruses than they would have before.

“The only thing I worry about for this community is that, since they’re very careful about COVID, they’re probably not getting exposed to other viruses that their bodies can build immunity against,” he said. “At some point, if you let down your guard, you’re going to get sick a lot.”

There are times when Rivera wants to give up on masking altogether, like when she attends a wedding. She still goes to many of them, and she puts in the time to do her makeup, despite knowing most people won’t see her face for most the night. She’d like to be able to take her mask off indoors, eat inside without worrying, or have a drink with friends.

There could be a future for Rivera that doesn’t include the same level of precautions she’s currently taking – but that comes with conditions.

“There are some places that I know I will continue to wear a mask forever, like in medical settings or traveling,” she said. “But I also know that there will be no more weddings for me if I am permanently and significantly more disabled than I already am, and that’s very possible with another infection.”

#covid #mask up #pandemic #covid 19 #wear a mask #coronavirus #public health #sars cov 2 #still coviding #wear a respirator #long covid

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messrsrarchives · 2 months ago

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Robyn you’re gonna hate me for this,,,, purely based on the chav phase,,, Utah.

this is actually better !! my home town is often called "the ohio of britain" so i'll take this !!! slight improvements !!

#asks #utah would not like me much i fear #i fear they would hate me actually

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mydickisjuicy · 8 months ago

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The 7 Eleven

Chapter 1 - Concrete Oasis

“Did you hear about that girl who got shot over in Ohio?” a customer asks you as you ring up a slurpee and some candy. You reply, “Yeah, I did. Amazes me every day how shit the police is if they can’t find a guy who planted a bomb and shot the girl who disarmed it.” The customer laughs, “They do, don’t they? Name’s Jason Dean, JD for short.” You glance up from the register, “Y/N. You don’t come here regularly.” He laughed again, “Actually, I do. Just…in other states.” You reply nonchalantly, “Move around a lot?” He nods in response.

“Any particular reason for that JD?”

“My dad’s work. He owns a deconstruction company.”

“…So he like…destroys stuff?”

JD laughs, “Yeah, pretty much. You work again tomorrow?”

“Unfortunately, yeah.”

“See you then, Y/N.”

He paid for his slushie and left.

You worked for a few more hours before heading home.

“I’m home.” you called as you walked through the door, greeted by the sight of your mom.

“Y/N, we’re going to have a little chat about your grades.”

Chapter End

Author’s Note: Sorry this took so long to make, I forgot about making this for a really long time. I know this chapter was really short, but once I improve my writing and stuff the chapters will definitely be getting longer. Also sorry if the last line triggered any traumatic memories 😔 this is scheduled to be posted at 7:11 on 7/11, thought it was fitting :3

#jason dean #jd #jd x reader #jason jd dean #heathers the musical #heathers 1989 #heathers #7 eleven #musical #character x reader

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batboyblog · 6 months ago

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Things the Biden-Harris Administration Did This Week #32

August 30-September 6 2024.

President Biden announced $7.3 billion in clean energy investment for rural communities. This marks the largest investment in rural electrification since the New Deal. The money will go to 16 rural electric cooperatives across 23 states Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Together they will be able to generate 10 gigawatts of clean energy, enough to power 5 million households about 20% of America's rural population. This clean energy will reduce greenhouse emissions by 43.7 million tons a year, equivalent to removing more than 10 million cars off the road every year.

The Biden-Harris Administration announced a historic 10th offshore wind project. The latest project approved for the Atlantic coast of Maryland will generate 2,200 megawatts of clean, reliable renewable energy to power 770,000 homes. All together the 10 offshore wind projects approved by the Biden-Harris Administration will generation 15 gigawatts, enough to power 5.25 million homes. This is half way to the Administration's goal of 30 gigawatts of clean offshore wind power by 2030.

President Biden signed an Executive Order aimed at supporting and expanding unions. Called the "Good Jobs EO" the order will direct all federal agencies to take steps to recognize unions, to not interfere with the formation of unions and reach labor agreements on federally supported projects. It also directs agencies to prioritize equal pay and pay transparency, support projects that offer workers benefits like child care, health insurance, paid leave, and retirement benefits. It will also push workforce development and workplace safety.

The Department of Transportation announced $1 billion to make local roads safer. The money will go to 354 local communities across America to improve roadway safety and prevent deaths and serious injuries. This is part of the National Roadway Safety Strategy launched in 2022, since then traffic fatalities have decreased for 9 straight quarters. Since 2022 the program has supported projects in 1,400 communities effecting 75% of all Americans.

The Department of Energy announced $430 million to support America's aging hydropower. Hydropower currently accounts for nearly 27% of renewable electricity generation in the United States. However many of our dams were built during the New Deal for a national average of 79 years old. The money will go to 293 projects across 33 states. These updates will improve energy generation, workplace safety, and have a positive environmental impact on local fish and wildlife.

The EPA announced $300 million to help support tribal nations, and US territories cut climate pollution and boost green energy. The money will support projects by 33 tribes, and the Island of Saipan in the Northern Mariana Islands. EPA Administer Michael S. Regan announced the funds along side Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland in Arizona to highlight one of the projects. A project that will bring electricity for the first time to 900 homes on the Hopi Reservation.

The Biden-Harris Administration is investing $179 million in literacy. This investment in the Comprehensive Literacy State Development Grant is the largest in history. Studies have shown that the 3rd grade is a key moment in a students literacy development, the CLSD is designed to help support states research, develop, and implement evidence-based literacy interventions to help students achieve key literacy milestones.

The US government secured the release of 135 political prisoners from Nicaragua. Nicaragua's dictator President Daniel Ortega has jailed large numbers of citizens since protests against his rule broke out in 2018. In February 2023 the US secured the release of over 200 political prisoners. Human rights orgs have documented torture and sexual abuse in Ortega's prisons.

The Justice Department announced the disruption of a major effort by Russia to interfere with the 2024 US Elections. Russian propaganda network, RT, deployed $10 million to Tenet Media to help spread Russian propaganda and help sway the election in favor of Trump and the Republicans as well as disrupting American society. Tenet Media employs many well known conservative on-line personalities such as Benny Johnson, Tim Pool, Lauren Southern, Dave Rubin, Tayler Hansen and Matt Christiansen.

Vice-President Harris outlined her plan for Small Businesses at a campaign stop in New Hampshire. Harris wants to expand from $5,000 to $50,000 tax incentives for startup expenses. This would help start 25 million new small business over four years.

#Thanks Biden #Joe Biden #kamala harris #climate change #climate action #wind power #Russia #human rights #politics #US politics #america politics #worker's rights #road safety

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