Unpopular idea -- "Abolish ICE" is catchy but ICE is both "Immigration" and "Customs Enforcement," the latter serving a purpose re: weapons, drugs, other illegal imports. ICE operations should be limited to a narrow band on the border plus airports plus customs entry ports. But until then, fuck ICE.

Important point. Decades of work to build alliances (including some by me) have been thrown away. Rebuilding those will take decades more -- while the EU, Mercosur, and Canada move on with the US. Why should companies with a global presence re-invest at home given bigger markets elsewhere. #econsky

While the US walks away from long-time economic and strategic partners, the EU is forming a much larger trading block. Canada is also disengaging from the US, which turned its back on our closest and best ally. #econsky E.U. & South America Form Free-Trade Zone www.nytimes.com/2026/01/09/b...

TFG is trying to change regimes in Iran, Venezuela, and Gaza. Who's going to eliminate the regime in Washington, DC? Who's going to actually do something to save our Democracy? This is not a spectator event. Our government is absolutely worthless. Will McDonalds step up as the ONLY National Hero ??

Andean Flamingo, Machuca Wetlands (north of San Pedro de Atacama), Chile. 14 Nov. 2025. #birds

On this day in 1991 Anita Hill accused Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas of sexual harassment. Few believed her claims then, not enough people believed Hillary Clinton in 2016 and too few listened to Kamala Harris in 2024. See a pattern? Believe women, burn the patriarchy. #BelieveWomen

Something to consider: We wouldn’t be waiting for a list if we simply believed women. @feministnews.bsky.social

Well-timed citation: "...police everywhere, justice nowhere." -- Victor Hugo in July 1851.

While rare, my windows may have claimed an Eastern Wood-Pewee. I have it wrapped loosely in a towel and am hoping it is just stunned. Sad because I love my backyard #birds

Now following #langsky. I love languages. In chronological order, I have studied French, German, Spanish, & Italian. It helps to have lived in France, Germany, Switzerland, & Italy. The first language is always the hardest.

This is what calls to your Congressional representatives can accomplish -- I have a meeting with my GOP House Rep., on Wed., 4/23. I will focus on trade & tariffs (see bio) to argue that Congress needs to re-assert its authority on this issue. Never think that calls to your MOC are in vain!

The U.S. government has economists specializing in international trade at the International Trade Commission and U.S. Trade Representative. This people could have done a real assessment of "unfair" import competition. Instead, the Trump Administration is relying on 9th grade math.

I have been talking with a local reporter about tariffs, and we have a follow up call after the press conference/ speech/ whatever. So, I am now obligated to watch it. Argh!

Canada Geese are very common in my area but not on my back deck. There appears to a dispute with the neighbors over a nesting site (but it might be well be over tariffs). #birds

Cory Booker taking a stand, still, at 5 am.

The U.S. and Canada agreed to free trade in vehicles and vehicle parts in 1965. Tariffs did not disappear immediately but were phrased out over time. Imposing 25% tariffs now will reverse a half-century of cross-border investment. This will be very detrimental to both economies.

I am binge watching the new Netflix series The Residence. Another excellent offering from Shondaland. And the main character is a birder. #birds

Wordle 1,368 2/6 🟩🟨⬛⬛🟨 🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

Another message to Fetterman, who never has live people at any of his offices. I told him that he couldn't be elected dogcatcher in Bradford PA if he didn't start standing with his party and for his constituents. Left all my details and asked for a call back.

So I called up my brother-in-law about 10 is the am to chat about the stock market. He is an active trader with a very large portfolio. I called back at 4 pm to tell him that I would never again call him to "chat" about the market.

With 40 years of experience in international trade, here is a portion of my week's shopping list: athletic shoes (China), avocados (Mexico), and toilet paper (Canada). All will increase in price by the end of the month.

Sans camera, I spied a pair of Tufted Titmice (Titmouses?) building a nest near my home. I will now spend the next three days trying to get a halfway decent pic. #birds #photography.

Trump going ahead with tariffs on Canada & Mexico. This is not just a massively stupid decision--it will cause short-term and long-term economic harm both to the US and to our closest neighbors & allies. I stand with Canada. I stand with Mexico.

My (GOP) Congressman's staff confirmed that there will be a vote on a budget (including Medicaid) this evening. I expressed grave reservations about the impact of cuts on his constituents, stressing that this is not a wealthy district.

Key calling your Senators and House representatives, particularly the GOP ones. This morning's call was to McCormick, the new PA GOP Senator complaining about cozying up to Russia.

Pleased to see the Presbyterian Church (USA) among those filing this lawsuit. My PCUSA church in Maryland housed and supported immigrants dumped by bus in DC from Texas in 2023.

This old white lady who saw John Denver in concert just watched "Not Like Us" for the first time.

New York Times today: "Senate phone system ... receiving 1,600 calls per minute, a sharp increase from the usual 40 calls a minute...." "Calls ... pouring in ... constituents outraged ... how {Trump} allowed Mr. Musk to gain access to ... critical parts of the federal bureaucracy." Keep calling!

When it comes to trade wars, the only way to win is not to play the game. Joshua knew.

Can confirm that U.S. Senate switchboard is crashing with call volume. Calls to Fetterman and the GOP one -- including to every single PA state office have failed to get through. Mailboxes are full. Keep up the work. I am calling every few hours.

Just called my GOP House rep to express concern that Musk is usurping the power of Congress and that no one voted for Musk. Was polite, clearly identified myself by name and zip code as a constituent, stuck to one topic, and kept it party-neutral (meaning I could have seemed like a supporter).

Also @thetraecrowder.bsky.social Great bit but you can watch via Bluesky

Please do not put me on any starter packs. I know any motives were good but I never requested to be included in any.

I will not give into the lies. I will not give into the fear.

I went through menopause before the internet (not really) but FYI.

I learned German as an Army brat, so it is a language that I can speak and understand but read with difficulty. Still, the following from Dei Zeit is pretty clear: Ein Hitlergruß ist ein Hitlergruß ist ein Hitlergruß = A Hitler salute {Nazi salute} is a Hitler salute is a Hitler salute.

There is a new online poll set up by Trumpsters. Saw the ad on OH news. "What Are Sick Of?" is the question. I wrote The Orange One. Does not ask for name, email, etc. I suggest that Resisters consider answering. Of course, I may get audited for unknown reasons this year.

I will honor Dr. Martin Luther King tomorrow by watching his I Had a Dream speech and by reading his Letter from Birmingham Jail. Just like I usually do. (It's a bit too cold for my typical service project.) Dream of a better world, my friends.

I signed on for the day to discover 30 new followers. What did I do? I now have double the followers I had at the other place. Welcome to this small account that can post about art, trade, travel, birds, and dogs. Left of center for 60+ years.

No disrespect to the array of other accounts I follow, but accounts like this regularly brighten my day. Because 1) the arts matter and 2) so does representation. Bread, yes, but Roses too.

$16 billion was spent in the last election. Enough to eradicate world hunger. Twice over. Our elections now feel like auctions. A contest to corral the most billionaires. Citizens United put us on the fast track to an oligarchy. For us to find our way back, it has to be undone.

Welcome to Heaven, Jimmy Carter.

My parents, ages 89 and 90, both passed away this year. Married 65 years. Their 4 children, spouses, and grands are gathered for Christmas, raising a glass of cheap white wine in honor of Dad, and playing bridge in honor of Mom. Best wishes for those sharing family or friends' gatherings this week.

#birds. Black-headed Jay, found from Pakistan to Nepal in the Himalayas.

Q: "Don't we have a free trade agreement with Canada and Mexico?" A: Not only do we have a free trade agreement with Canada and Mexico, but the prior TP administration negotiated it.

As much as I enjoy following current events on social media, it is art that brings light to life. Bread and Roses.

As long as everyone washes their hands, I’m good.