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Monthly Archives: May 2024

Sometimes deprogramming works, sometimes it doesn’t

23 Thursday May 2024

Posted by Michael Bersin in social media

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

cult, Donald Trump, endorsement, Grifter, MAGA, Nikki Haley, right wingnut, social media

Yesterday:

Nikki Haley
[May 22, 2024]
I was asked today at Hudson Institute whether I would vote for Donald Trump or Joe Biden, here’s my answer:
[….]

She’s voting for Donald Trump (r).

It’s a cult.

Some of the responses:

Very disappointed to hear this. I was so glad when you finally took a stand against him, and now you are back on board with all the other sellouts that are bowing down to him. Our country deserves better, and you know it!

[….] yes, she was singing a different tune on the campaign trail…the folks who believed her message in February and voted for her were duped into believing she was sincere in her vision for this country. Haley only has vision for herself. I request a refund on the shirt I purchased with your name on it, Nikki.

Unfortunate that you made this decision, when you could have been a force for good, and for protecting our democracy. All the people who voted for you, thinking you were a legitimate alternative to the craziness — you have betrayed them.

So disappointing. I had such high hopes for you. You’ve definitely let us down. I can never again support someone (you) who can blindly support the worst person in the world to be the US president (tRump). I pray God steps in and protects, so that tRump can never again be in any position of power, much less the US President.

I truly hope your children grow up to be just like Trump . May your grandchildren grow up like him.
You truly have no self respect. Stormy Daniel’s has better morals than you do.

Very disappointed in you. I thought at least here was a republican that I could have faith in. A woman with strong convictions and would not sell out.

The fact that you would vote for Trump is so disappointing. We all had higher expectations for you. Instead, you just look like any other political grifter. If only someone would have some spine to stand up against this madness. But, apparently, you are not it.

Nikki I cannot believe you caved. I’m so disappointed. As a life long Republican who backed you, I will never ever EVER support Trump. There are things bigger than politics. Like the difference between right and wrong. Ugh. Can I get my money back?

Your supporters will remember what you said about him, who he is, and what he represents. You gave them hope that you were someone who represented their values and stood up for what is right separate and away from his toxicity. You didn’t do yourself any favor by endorsing him with your future vote and they will remember that in the future.

Reading the news and they are reporting you will be voting for Trump. To say this is a slap in the face to your supporters, especially after you told us all the reasons why we shouldn’t vote for him, is an understatement. Shame on you!

To label you as a hypocrite is an understatement. Will never vote for you again

I thought you had the guts to stand against such an unfit person. All respect lost!

Very disappointed to hear this. What happened to all the things that Nikki said about it is better for the country to have some policy differences with someone in the White House, than to have a lunatic? What happened to country over party?

What a sad calculated cynical move. A serial con man who actively courts white supremacists, is morally/ethically bankrupt. Not smart but mean as hell. I hope you like what you see in the mirror in a year—better yet, what you see in a decade or so.

After what you said about him, which was true? I had faith in you, as an Independent, I thought I would vote for you. Felt bad when you had to suspend your campaign. Now I’m glad, because you’ve proved who you aren’t.

Character counts if you want to be president of the USA. At least, it should.

Here I thought you may be one of the few remaining republicans with a moral compass and a backbone. Oh well
“He’s unfit for office” – Nikki Haley

Voted for you. You certainly did not describe Trump. Won’t vote for you again.

Well, I thought you had a some integrity, but I see I was mistaken.

Sold your Soul. This country deserves better.

You are the personification of hypocrisy and self-interest. You have shown that your words mean absolutely nothing if you are willing to vote for a man who you called “diminished” and “unhinged”, a man who encouraged his “followers” to attempt an insurgency. Your willingness to vote for a man who you even said has no respect for the members of our military, shows that you love a potential political future more than you love and respect your husband, a national guardsman. How can you even look at him tonight? You have shown that you never were, are not now, and never will be a servant leader. Those two words, “servant” and “leader” are not part of your DNA. Thank goodness you have shown us all what a weak and cowardly person you truly are before any of us supported you further. The only good thing your announcement did today was make me admire and appreciate Liz Cheney even more.

So stupid. Disappointed beyond belief. Are you even thinking about America….

There is nothing Nikki Haley could say or do now that would EVER restore her credibility or integrity with me. This is exactly what Americans are sick and tired of. Politicians with no backbone, moral compass or principles.

This should put the last nail in the coffin
They do not care about us. They do not care about Democracy, freedom or human rights. Republicans only care about power, greed and themselves.

I am disgusted with your announcement! Sure help turn the USA into a dictatorship not to mention not being able to stick to your values but vote for an orange monster. I definitely regret wasting my vote on you in the Republican primary. And I am so mad at myself for believing in you.

So disappointed. Sold your soul indeed. The hypocrisy will follow you. Thought you were honest and had integrity. Guess I was wrong. Seems to be the story these days. And sell out to Trump.

There are over 3,000 more comments.

“Make America Great Again” – in Russian.

Campaign Finance: on so many levels

22 Wednesday May 2024

Posted by Michael Bersin in campaign finance

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

American Dream PAC, campaign finance, missouri, Missouri Ethics Commission, PAC

Today at the Missouri Ethics Commission:

C180684 05/22/2024 American Dream PAC Jim Walton PO Box 1860 Bentonville AR 72712 Walmart Businessman 5/22/2024 $5,001.00

[emphasis added]

Previously:

Campaign Finance: of dreams and nightmares (October 25, 2023)

Campaign Finance: “…beyond the dreams of avarice…” (April 2, 2024)

Campaign Finance: that’s some May

22 Wednesday May 2024

Posted by Michael Bersin in campaign finance

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

campaign finance, initiative, Minimum wage, missouri, Missouri Ethics Commission, Missouri Jobs with Justice, Missourians for Healthy Families & Fair Wages, paid sick leave

This month at the Missouri Ethics Commission for the initiative to increase the minimum wage and to require sick leave:

C232421 05/17/2024 Missourians for Healthy Families & Fair Wages Missouri Jobs with Justice 2725 Clifton Ave St Louis MO 63139 5/17/2024 $10,876.32

C232421 05/17/2024 Missourians for Healthy Families & Fair Wages Sixteen Thirty Fund 1201 Connecticut Ave NW Washington DC 20036 5/16/2024 $500,000.00

C232421 05/17/2024 Missourians for Healthy Families & Fair Wages Missouri Jobs with Justice Voter Action 2725 Clifton Ave St Louis MO 63139 5/17/2024 $24,169.98

C232421 05/22/2024 Missourians for Healthy Families & Fair Wages Open Society Policy Center 1730 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, 7th Floor Washington DC 20006 5/21/2024 $250,000.00

[emphasis added]

In the initiative:

Missourians for Healthy Families & Fair Wages

[….]
COMMONSENSE POLICIES FOR WORKING FAMILIES

Allows workers to earn paid sick time off.

This measure allows workers to earn paid sick time off, at a rate of 1 hour for every 30 hours worked, or around 7 days a year for a full time worker at a larger company and 5 days a year at a smaller company. Working parents deserve to take time off to take care of themselves and their children just as much as wealthy executives that already get sick leave and other benefits.

Raises the minimum wage to $15 an hour

A full time minimum wage worker currently makes less than $25,000 a year. This measure would help over 137,000 parents as well as 338,000 kids who live with a parent who earns minimum wage by gradually raising the minimum wage to $15 by 2026. This is an adjustment that small businesses can get behind that allows parents to get their feet underneath them, pay the bills, and work toward better opportunities.
[….]

May 1, 2024:

Missouri Jobs with Justice Leaders Gather More than 100,000 Petition Signatures to Qualify Missourians for Healthy Families and Fair Wages Initiative for the Ballot
Missouri workers submit more than 210,000 signatures that were collected from every county in the state by nearly 1,000 Missourians

Jefferson City, MO — Today, Missouri Jobs with Justice leaders celebrated in front of the Missouri Secretary of State’s office as the Missourians for Healthy Families and Fair Wages campaign officially submitted signatures for a ballot measure that will deliver paid sick days and higher wages to Missouri’s working families.

“Like most Missourians, I work hard everyday. But I’m not able to earn a single day of sick time. When I’m not feeling well, I’m forced into impossible choices. Do I go to work and possibly get my co-workers, customers, and their families sick? Or do I stay home to heal but miss out on a needed paycheck?” said Alejandro Gallardo, a Columbia worker and signature gatherer.

“This initiative is about making our communities healthier, safer, and stronger so that none of our neighbors are forced to choose between a paycheck and their family’s health,” continued Gallardo. “I gathered signatures because workers like me deserve the ability to earn paid sick days and a fair wage. This will benefit everyone and I’m here to see that through.”

Missouri Jobs with Justice leaders gathered more than 100,000 signatures of the 210,000 signatures submitted to place the Missourians for Healthy Families and Fair Wages initiative on the ballot.

“No matter our zip code, our race, or what job we have , we work hard for our families. Being there for our families is non-negotiable,” said Caitlyn Adams, Executive Director of Missouri Jobs with Justice. “No Missourian should have to choose between a day’s pay and their family’s well-being. Tens of thousands of Missourians who work full-time do not get any paid sick days. Missouri’s economy should reward hard work, not punish hard-working people for getting sick.”

Missouri Jobs with Justice is the leading grassroots organization fighting for an economy and democracy that works for working people. Since 2006, Missouri Jobs with Justice leaders have gathered hundreds of thousands of signatures to expand Medicaid, raise the minimum wage, clean up democracy, and reject so-called “right to work” laws in Missouri.

“Initiative petitions are how everyday Missourians have their voices heard and pass policies that matter most to our communities,” said Katelyn Zach, a Springfield resident and signature gatherer. “When our leaders refuse to deliver for our families, we as Missourians take power into our own hands and show up for our communities.”

Missouri Jobs with Justice leaders and coalition members kicked off the grassroots signature gathering efforts across the state in April 2023.

“I’ve been a part of several ballot initiatives, this has been by far the biggest show of power from grassroots groups I’ve ever seen,” said Sharon Al-Uqdah, retired American Postal Workers Union Local # 67 President. “Hundreds took to the streets, union halls, front porches and festivals to talk with our neighbors and put this on the ballot. On kick off day, grassroots leaders gathered more than 8,400 signatures in a single day.”
[….]

They got the signatures. Now it’s a wait for certification.

The New Brownshirt

21 Tuesday May 2024

Posted by Michael Bersin in social media

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Tags

blue jacket, cult, Donald Trump, Fascist pig, Grifter, insurrectionist, red tie, seditionist, social media, white shirt

In fealty to their great leader.

Bad combover. Check. Too long red tie. Check. Orange spray tan. Check. Tiny hands. Check. Cluelessness. Check…

Blue jacket, white shirt, red tie. Go figure.

Yesterday:

Biden-Harris HQ @BidenHQ
Trump posts a new ad foreshadowing a second Trump term that says he will create a “UNIFIED REICH,” echoing Nazi Germany
[….]
8:31 PM · May 20, 2024

So, Mark (r), who killed Jesus?

20 Monday May 2024

Posted by Michael Bersin in Congress, Mark Alford, social media

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

4th Congressional District, blood libel, commencement, former newsreader, Mark Alford, missouri, right wingnut, social media, speech

According to the speech Congress voted to criminalize a particular “biblical teaching”?

“…The world around us says that we should keep our beliefs to ourselves whenever they go against the tyranny of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We fear speaking truth, because now, unfortunately, truth is in the minority. Congress just passed a bill where stating something as basic as the biblical teaching of who killed Jesus could land you in jail…”

Which one? How did you vote, Mark (r)?

Mark Alford (r) [2023 file photo].

Mark Alford
[May 18, 2024]
Do not trust the media, and their headlines and synopsis. Listen to the entire speech yourself.
This has opened up a great discussion with my friends and family. We need to be having this discussion all over America, in a calm and loving way, truly listening and understanding one another.
Harrison uses the term “vocation” at least ten times in this speech:
“a particular occupation, business, or profession; calling. Synonyms: pursuit, employment. a strong impulse or inclination to follow a particular activity or career. a divine call to God’s service or to the Christian life.”
God has a plan and purpose for your life. It’s not the same for every person. It’s your job to find out what that is and make it happen.
So I challenge you to listen to the entire speech. Form your own conclusions. Ask yourself why do you feel the way you do? And most importantly what is GOD’S will in your life? What is YOUR vocation?
Please only comment after you’ve invested the time to listen…. Not read the transcript… but listen!!!!
Love you all!!!!
~Mark

You mean, like blood libel?

Some of the responses:

Blood libel. He repeated the blood libel.
Anti Semitic talk and actions on the rise and he digs up 2000 year old lies and repeats the Blood Libel. The first and greatest antisemitic comment of all time. The bases for thousands of years hate towards the Jewish people.
Are you defending his blood libel?

I read the whole speech. Leaving aside our differences of tradition, I would point out that he made an antisemitic remark during the speech. I’m also not too pleased with what seems to be his biblical illiteracy. Anyone who is familiar with Jesus interacting with the Sadducees and Pharisees would know that Jesus was not a fan of people using tradition or politics to narrow the appeal of God. I get that it is now common in certain conservative religious movements, but Matthew 22:34-40 stands as the ultimate commandment. You can judge someone for their dirty feet, but Jesus would wash them without judgment. I believe the faith has been diminishing precisely because so many would spit on Jesus if it meant having to part with the most conservative elements of their politics.

Heard it
‘deliberate lie’ and the whole ‘degenerate’ things didn’t sit well with me….as well as several other of his implications.
Ot apparently with the nuns who sponsor the school.
I have no problem with him using his speech.
I have no problem with those who support or oppose him.
But please don’t pretend that because I don’t see it the way you do that I must not have heard or read the speech…that’s insulting

What happened no border crisis anymore?

We see what you did there.

Im glad that worked do you, and would support anyone who could have that option…IF THEY WANTED IT… however
you don’t get to speak for all women and not all women can be bio mothers…or want to be.
I believe women should be able to make that choice for themselves.
I also think women can have plenty of value without being married or parents….I have plenty of friends who fit this and do not deserve to be looked down on for their choices.
I have yet to EVER hear someone say that to be a parent is not a valuable position, so yeah …that ‘lie’ doesn’t hold up in my world.
Not to mention… Who started this ‘lie’?

Previously:

Are you ready for some football? (May 18, 2024)

Evening – Cardinal. Cardinalis cardinalis.

19 Sunday May 2024

Posted by Michael Bersin in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

birds, Cardinal, Cardinalis cardinalis, missouri

Today in west central Missouri:

Cardinal. Cardinalis cardinalis.
Canon 5D III, Tamron 150-600 mm.
F 9.0, 1/160, ISO 800, 600 mm.

Cardinal. Cardinalis cardinalis.
Canon 5D III, Tamron 150-600 mm.
F 11.0 1/100, ISO 800, 600 mm.

Cardinal. Cardinalis cardinalis.
Canon 5D III, Tamron 150-600 mm.
F 8.0, 1/160, ISO 800, 600 mm.

Warrensburg, Missouri Pride Festival – June 1, 2024

19 Sunday May 2024

Posted by Michael Bersin in Uncategorized

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

BurgPride, LGBTQIA+, missouri, Warrensburg, Warrensburg Pride Festival

The annual Warrensburg Pride Festival will take place at the same venue as last year starting at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 1st:

Warrenburg Pride Festival – June 1, 2024

BurgPride2024

Show tunes! Pop Music! Fancy Costumes! Vendors! Information!

Previously:

Warrensburg Pride Festival – June 26, 2021 (June 26, 2021)

Local busybodies engage in pearl clutching (June 3, 2022)

“I like your Christ. I do not like your Christians, they are so unlike your Christ.” (June 4, 2022)

Pride Festival – Warrensburg, Missouri – June 4, 2022 (June 4, 2022)

The pearl clutching right wingnut bigots among us (April 19, 2023)

Always the other (April 21, 2023)

Meta – The pearl clutching right wingnut bigots among us (April 22, 2023)

Unified Field Theory of Right Wingnut Pearl Clutching, Self-Righteousness, and Victimhood (April 22, 2023)

Addressing Bigotry – Warrensburg, Missouri City Council – April 24, 2023 (April 25, 2023)

Addressing Bigotry – Warrensburg, Missouri City Council – April 24, 2023 – part 2 (April 26, 2023)

Addressing Bigotry – Warrensburg, Missouri City Council Meeting – May 8, 2023 (May 9, 2023)

Addressing Bigotry – Warrensburg, Missouri City Council Meeting – May 8, 2023 – part 2 (May 9, 2023)

Addressing Bigotry – Warrensburg, Missouri City Council Meeting – May 8, 2023 – part 3 (May 9, 2023)

Addressing Bigotry – Warrensburg, Missouri City Council Meeting – May 8, 2023 – part 4 (May 9, 2023)

Addressing Bigotry – Warrensburg, Missouri City Council Meeting – May 8, 2023 – part 5 (May 10, 2023)

Living in a self-imposed cultural vacuum (May 10, 2023)

A downward spiral…of pearl clutching (May 25, 2023)

Warrensburg Pride Festival – June 3, 2023 – Returning to Family Friendly Format (May 26, 2023)

Thoughts and… (May 27, 2023)

Everyone is here for the ratio (May 28, 2023)

All means all (May 29, 2023)

Warrenburg, Missouri Pride Festival – before the crowd – June 3, 2023 (June 3, 2023)

Warrensburg, Missouri Pride Festival – hand wringing, pearl clutching, and sign waving in the noonday sun – June 3, 2023 (June 3, 2023)

Warrensburg, Missouri Pride Festival – June 3, 2023 (June 3, 2024)

Are you ready for some football?

18 Saturday May 2024

Posted by Michael Bersin in social media

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

commencement speech, Harrison Butker, Kansas City Chiefs, missouri, right wingnut, sarcasm, social media

The Kansas City Chiefs
[May 17, 2024]
Mark your calendars, Chiefs Kingdom.
[….]

Apparently, no.

Some of the responses:

Hopefully my husband installs a TV for me in the kitchen …

Mark your calendars. Another day in the kitchen. Questioning my life choices because my life never began when I married a terrible, no good cheating sack of excrement. But. You know. At least that was better than, you know, my degrees. I’m not sure my lil ol mind can possibly know how to turn on a tv. On accounta I need to be barefoot in the kitchen an all.

Is it okay for me to watch the games this year? I’ll need to ask my husband first of course. Hopefully I can see the tv from the kitchen.

Do I have to watch the games in the kitchen?

sorry can’t watch any of the games this season!!! my life hasn’t started since i’m not a homemaker yet!!!

Wait… are witches allowed to leave our cauldrons to watch the game??? Im not sure how the rules work on this side of the fence…

I ran out of kindling for the cookstove. It’s ok though, I shredded my diplomas to catch the wood on fire.
I won’t be needing them anymore.

No self respecting woman has time to watch the chiefs! We must spend our time practicing for our greatest vocation!!

I don’t have a husband to ask, so can y’all give me permission to watch the games this upcoming season?

Sorry, won’t be watching. Can’t see the television from the kitchen. That’s where my husband says my job is.

I don’t have a tv in my kitchen. I guess I won’t be watching the NFL. Thanks Butker for teaching me what good little wives do.

I’m not allowed to have a calendar, my husband keeps track of my days for me, the way God wants it.

Yes, I can’t wait to change my calendar back to 1955 this football season.

Wait I can’t watch the game. Apparently it wasn’t a part of my vocation I’m supposed to be birthing babies in the kitchen while I cook for hubby…

I’m not married; whose permission do I need to watch the game?

Well I can’t leave the kitchen soooo……

Are women allowed to watch football?

Quick question: are women allowed to attend the games and is there a special section that you keep them in?

Blessed be the fruit.

I’m not sure if I’m allowed to, I apparently have babies to raise

Have you all found a new stadium location yet? Might I suggest Stepford.

That one left a mark.

Why oh why does game day have to be on laundry day? Maybe my husband will let me switch procreation time with laundry since one only takes 45 seconds.

Too bad I can’t see our living room TV from the kitchen!

Am I allowed to watch if I can see the TV from my kitchen?

If Ofbutker is allowed to watch the games maybe I can too

We see what you did there.

I don’t know if I’ll be able to watch the game between burning my graduate degree diplomas and cooking and cleaning. Perhaps one of my fellow hand maids could help me?

I must ask my husband if I’m allowed to watch the game, even though I’m the football fan in the relationship and he couldn’t care less. I hope I have time to watch the game if he says yes, I will probably be making dinner while simultaneously ironing his clothes and packing his lunch for work the next day. It’s so hard to be a woman in 2024!

Harrison Butker I can’t find my wife. I’ve looked everywhere; the kitchen, the nursery, and the laundry room. I’m starting to worry she may be contributing financially to the household or possibly attending a pride rally. Any advice?

Just so that I know the clear answer, what about the women who cannot have children??? Just asking?

My dad died and my husband won’t let me out of the kitchen. I’m also birthing two babies in the next 12 months so I will be doing a lot of laundry. I also need to exercise and drop that baby weight so my husband still finds me attractive. Maybe next decade.

Sorry I’m too busy in the kitchen

I’ll get back to you. My husband hasn’t decided yet if I can watch.

I think I have something else to do every single time. But I better check with my significant other because he might need me to make snacks.

Are women allowed at your games? Just wanted to clarify.

My husbands has no idea that second oven I had installed in the kitchen is actually a TV. I will not be watching the chiefs. I am watching divorce court instead.

Heh.

Sorry to miss this season. I’ll be fulfilling my true vocation and there’s no tv in my kitchen.

I’ll have to ask my husband if I can be a Chief’s fan this year.

Let me ask my husband if I can take time away from my “homemaker” duties to tune in.

Hopefully my husband lets me watch

But I’m *checks notes* not married, AND I’m bisexual. Whose permission do I need to watch the games? I’m sorry, my college degrees made me too stupid to figure it out.

These comments are pure gold. I knew they would be!

Sorry no TV in the kitchen

Sorry… I’m a woman so I dont think I can watch. In fact, according to you guys, I shouldn’t be thinking at all! Sooo, it’s a no from me. Too busy in the kitchen

My life hasn’t started I’m not a homemaker yet.. guess when I get married I’ll have to adopt kids since I can’t have them

Will we need a signed permission slip from a man to attend games?

I can’t make decisions with my woman mind. Maybe next season.

Not sure if I can watch…I’m was only a career Army officer, making my own way through life, making my own living, and taking care of myself in retirement.
Without a husband and kids…who am I?

I would but my Sundays are dedicated to organizing LGBTQ+ Pride events all fall. I do all of this in my free time from my very successful and fulfilling high paid career that has been a pure joy ever since I decided to never marry and never have children and became an atheist.

Too bad I’ll be in the kitchen, barefoot and pregnant… after all, I have to fulfill my ultimate duties as a woman.
Just checking… are these dates for 2024 or 1945?

1144.

Mark my calendar? Am I allowed to watch the game? Am I allowed to mark my own calendar? Asking for a friend

I work for a research lab trying to find cures for cancer and Alzheimer’s but you’re right, maybe I should just stick to making the seven layer bean dip.

I will be too busy having more thoughts than children and using my law degree to watch a bunch of grown men chasing each other over a ball.

Golly gee wilikers! I don’t know if I’ll be able to watch football this season as I have no husband for which to ask permission to do so and my father lives too far away to ask! Also, I am not sure if I even should since I am part of the LGBTQIA Community and I am a sinner because I am a woman who works!

Are women allowed to sit in the Lower level or are they restricted to upper level back rows? Asking for a friend.

He’s a misogynistic bigot. To explain this to the owner’s wife, you’re right . He’s not a bigot for his words about women. For that he’s a misogynistic. He’s a bigot for suggesting everyone in the LGBTQ community will die at the hands of God. Such a shamefull and irresponsible things to say. LGBTQ youth are already high risk for suicide, drug, and alcohol abuse. The biggest sin is to say these kinds of things which makes it even worse for woman seeking equality and for anyone seeking to love who they love.

The Chiefs made it pretty clear how they feel about their female supporters, so I guess I’ll stay in the kitchen

Are unaccompanied women allowed at games?

Are gay people, like me, who are apparently filled with EVIL, according to your closeted kicker dude, allowed to watch your sportsball games?

Are you going to allow women to attend your games, seeing as they are apparently supposed to stay in the kitchen and all?

If I bring my wife is there a kitchen in the stadium she has to stay in? Or is she even allowed to attend?

Will women be allowed to drive to the stadium and have a seat or will they be tied to the stove on Sundays?

Idk if I can watch this year I have to ask my husband first.

Saturday morning – Tufted Titmouse

18 Saturday May 2024

Posted by Michael Bersin in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

birds, missouri, Parus bicolor, Tufted Titmouse

In west central Missouri:

Tufted Titmouse. Parus bicolor.
Canon 5D III, Tamron 150-600 mm.
F 8, 1/200, ISO 800, 600 mm.

Tufted Titmouse. Parus bicolor.
Canon 5D III, Tamron 150-600 mm.
F 8, 1/200, ISO 800, 600 mm.

Tufted Titmouse. Parus bicolor.
Canon 5D III, Tamron 150-600 mm.
F 8, 1/200, ISO 800, 600 mm.

Squirrely little one.

Ballot Candy – part 3

17 Friday May 2024

Posted by Michael Bersin in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

anti-Democratic, General Assembly, initiative, missouri, right wingnuts, SJR 74

SJR 74 [pdf] was stalled in the Missouri Senate by a lengthy filibuster conducted by the Democratic minority. The bill would ultimately make it more difficult to pass initiatives. It was also loaded with “ballot candy” – measures already in state law which are included to make approval of this particular initiative more attractive to voters, obscuring the original intent.

The Senate sent the bill to the House for conference with the “ballot candy” removed.

Yesterday the House refused to recede (and conference) and sent it back to the Senate.

The House basically replied, “The ball’s in your court.”

Massive bipartisan coalition of Missourians stops radical proposal to end 100 years of majority rule

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 17, 2024
[….]

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The people of Missouri came together with a united message this legislative session: asking politicians to stop their radical attack on the initiative petition process. After months of political infighting, tens of thousands of calls, emails, and meetings, plus an over fifty-hour filibuster, the Missouri House and Senate adjourned for the year without passing any changes to the process.

“This is a huge victory for Missourians,” said Liz McCune, Executive Director of Progress MO. “The initiative petition process is an essential part of our democracy that allows voters to have a direct say in the policies and issues that matter to them most.”

The legislature attempted to pass multiple versions of their radical ideas at times requiring up to 75% approval from voters for a ballot measure to pass.

This was not the first attempt by radical politicians to attack the initiative petition process. Progress MO will continue to combat all attempts to end majority rule and remove power from hardworking Missourians.

###

Time ran out. The legislative session has ended.

It’s nice that we can count on a fractured and dysfunctional right wingnut majority to save us all from some (not all) of their worst excesses.

It’s in their nature.

Previously:

Ballot Candy (May 16, 2024)

Ballot Candy – part 2 (May 17, 2024)

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