238 Comments

Ideas: deep dive into “Moms for Liberty”. Uncover lies. Uncover actual funders. Uncover the development of lie of their name and how they are for something more fascist.

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I vaguely remember learning (maybe from this site) during the time of Glenn Younkin's run for Governor of VA that it was organized by a dark money funded organization in the midwest. Did that come from Judd?

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Would like more on Youngkin. Never Trumpers sometimes say/suggest that he is a “decent Republican”. I think he is a two-faced politician who blows with the wind and supports Trump, or that which Trump represents.

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Not only that he is in bed with DeSantis in book publication deals for FL. And other corruption that defines the MAGA ticks crime syndicate.

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none of the Rs are "decent"-- they are all fascists in the middle of a massive criminal cover up-- please keep reporting how there are no center right Rs; Rs are an extremist, fascist party. TY

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wasn't there an issue with his son trying to vote 2X

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What are the current locations of cities/states that are concerned about potable water shortages? And what is the picture for two years from now? Florida? Las Vegas? Texas?

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Agree! I was looking into this online and found a website for "Stop Moms for Liberty" and it only has fb groups as a way to engage. I tried to join the private OH group and was immediately declined after answering the questions honestly. The Stop group seems to actually be a pro-M4L group which made me wonder what is going on with. them really.

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Ok, what is a pro-M4L group? Anyone?

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I agree,please look into "Moms for Liberty".

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Yes, what Christopher said, exactly.

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With the prospect of Democrats losing control of the Senate in 2024, the next few months could be President Biden's last window for getting his court nominees approved. Senator Durbin needs to drop the blue slip roadblock and get these nominations moving. GOP controlled senates never honored such niceties. Durbin should be playing hardball not hamstringing himself with Marquess of Queensberry rules.

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Yes, Durbin is doing some questionable stuff in the name of "being fair."

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I think Durbin is not being fair to the American people.

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He was at the Illinois state fair yesterday, making a speech (preening).

Would have loved to run up, kick him in the nads and while he writhed in the dust, explain to him that the American people EXPECT him to do better at fighting the forces of the entrenched Christian-Taliban!

And expect more kicks to be forthcoming for non-compliance.

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I know this topic is provocative, thus never discussed, but how is it that no discussions EVER occur about the intrinsic violence of men, including particularly the young 20-somethings that are mass shooters. Science tells us that young, especially male brains are not fully formed until the mid 20's, yet no discussion means no alternative training, education, medical study, documentary, or even reality shows or graphic novels. NADA. So, the world is left with half the population representing egregious violence against women, children, other men, and nature. I keep wondering if it's just me that wonders why we don't address this disaster that affects us all?

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This👆👆👆 Also, a discussion about 𝘵he misogyny and racism 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 deeply entrenched in the medical communities affecting Black women the worst, followed by all women. The maternal death rate in this country is horrific and how medical racism and misogyny are directly responsible.

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This please. And how post-Dobbs it's even worse than it was and it was BAD. The Time article about the 12/13 year old child that didn't understand she'd been raped was the grimmest story I've read in a really grim year. The states with the worst outcomes are also the same states that had trigger bans but despite lip service to the contrary they don't have social safety nets in place for these women forced to become mothers. They don't have safety nets in place for the women who WANT to become mothers. They don't take domestic violence cases seriously enough, they don't take sexual abuse and assault even of children seriously enough. Who'd have thought Time would have an excellent article?

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Also very important points. It happens from time to time😉😁🤣

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Why the hell are you laughing? Rape of a child is no laughing matter!

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I'm laughing at the pun I made🤦‍♀️ Ffs. She commented that she were surprised that Time magazine had a really good article. Now go back and read my comment.

It happens from TIME to TIME. Get it now?

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Hurt people hurt people. With a culture that allows, even encourages, gun ownership, we give those who are angry, hopeless, disconnected, powerless, a way to feel powerful, strong. But the intrinsic violence is usually a reaction to trauma. Our education system, justice system, usually punish. The media, especially social media, inflames. There’s so much to pick apart on this topic, and though it’s certainly worthy of research and debate and investment of resources, it’s less the fact-finding mission of investigative journalism.

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Fantastic comment, Leah.

All the comments makes good points.

Women suffer horrors globally. We need to expect more of all humans, starting with stopping the insane violent acting-out.

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You are so right. Perhaps we've become numb to that aspect. I mean look at our "games & entertainment." Check out which are the most popular. Now let's have a look a popular movies (confession: I am rewatching No Country for Old Men) and music.

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Pretty good movie but it does point out the vulnerability of women!

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How is it legal for a Pharmacy like CVS to own an insurance company like Aetna? Doesn't that violate anti-trust laws/legislation?

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They tried to pull as fast one on retired NY city works with corrupt mayor Eric Adams. This needs to be exposed. A decent judge stopped them but the elected democrats in name only using P C to get elected are appealing. I’m retired at 81 and paying premiums close to 500.00 a month plus pharmacy costs. My Medicare does not keep pace with inflation and as a female I was under payed all my working life. Soon I will have to give up my decent health insurance for a substandard health ghetto plan like the CVs/Aetna rip off.

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In defense of the incestuous CVS/Aetna hybrid thing, they covered the majority of the costs of my double lung transplant after I spent 42 years smoking myself to death. Thanks Obama.

The ACA saved my day and Aetna did their part saving my life. However, they have some true BS going on and as time goes by, make it harder to keep up with all of my many meds.

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UnitedHealthcare now steers me to OptumRX, which I assume is owned by UnitedHealthcare, so they’re all playing this game.

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I’m not on Medicare yet, but I really question AARP’s relationship to UnitedHealthcare.

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Yes, and I question AARP's relationship with its horde of advertisers! What used to be useful informative writing is now just a bullhorn for walk-in tubs, OTC hearing aids, insurance???, and other inane junk. I've QUIT AARP! Doesn't do a damn thing for me, even the puff pieces are geared toward 50 somethings. As if we are all in wheelchairs or using walkers!

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& AARP did not denounce the TAX bill for millionaires in 17 & sort of promoted T in 16. I wrote them about it as my mom was a member.

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I don’t think AARP truly advocates for older people. They “go through the motions”.

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Thank you Flora, did they call back to help you or send a form letter

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They've either forced me to use their on-line AND mail order services (presumably to [save money] increase shareholder value) in addition to declaring some of my medications as being available OTC, so you're on your own sonny.

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And Optum now owns medical practices. Like the one I used to go to. But those practices no longer accept Aetna insurance. Wonder why!

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Is that so? Siloing us in terms of our options perhaps?

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In answer to your question, yes, CVS/Aetna violates anti-trust laws, or it would with proper enforcement. Lina Khan (FTC) and Joseph Kantor (DOJ) are reinventing real anti-trust enforcement after years of neglect, but it a slow process and there is lots of resistance from powerful Wall Street interests. My go-to source for information about anti-trust developments is Matt Stoller, who has a Substack called BIG. Check it out.

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I am going to do that very thing. This is the value of forums such as this. Everyone involved becomes better informed as a natural consequence of our interaction and pooled resources/information.

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I’ve wondered myself, Adam but monopoly laws must have gone by the wayside while I was paying attention to the orange clown 🤡.

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If it doesn’t, it should.

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Exactly! It's like right there in your face.

Like that fly who snuck into my house and just couldn't live any longer without dive-bombing me IN MY FACE, while I was computing. A quick spritz from my handy Method Disinfectant spray bottle took him out of the air and another blast as he crash-landed onto the floor took him out the game.

Too bad these parasitical corporations can't be treated in the same manner.

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Oh my, if it were only that easy. I can think of several corporations and a few insurance companies (for starters) that need a quick spritz straight away! 🪰

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Appreciated you folks talking about the corporations and 'perhaps' illicit means of doing business. No wonder those big corps vote R since they (Rs) like to 'de-regulate' the rules put in place for worker safety and consumer info...which they ignore and do what they want behind the scenes! Is there ANY real answer to any of this?!!!

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I wish tha I were privy to one.

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Hell to the "F" to the YEAH!

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Please tell me, what is the answer? Today I had to sign a form saying I declined a blood test. If Medicare doesn’t pay for a test, my secondary insurance won’t even look at the charges, and who can pay $273.00 dollars to see if I have enough vitamin D in my blood. This is stupid to have to pay for a test like that when they had already drawn two vials.

I have to have blood drawn a couple of times a month for one doctor since I now have renal failure.

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Sorry Nancy. That comment was supposed to attach to Randy's comment.

"Oh my, if it were only that easy. I can think of several corporations and a few insurance companies (for starters) that need a quick spritz straight away! 🪰"

I see that it is now askew.

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The myth of the family farm. The agriculture industry has become dominated by large corporations. Much of the land is owned by foreign nationals. China Saudi Arabia, and others. The small farmer is nearly extinct.

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Government programs have knee-capped small farms. There’s a story there.

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Please start investigating Tuberville, his house and residency in FL

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Read an article about his residency yesterday and it said he spends most of his time at his home in northern FL (panhandle I believe) He's a piece of work and I"m being 'kind'

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Yes Lynn you are unnecessarily kind. He is just another good ole boy a**h*l* from the deep south like Gaetz and DeSantis. All as crooked as the day is long!

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and I should have added - 'and he SHOULD be voted out of office!" :)

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Yes. This! You know a grifter like Tommy left his spoor everywhere should one care to look. Dig it all up and bury him in it.

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Very worried about the Arkansas Governor halting AP classes in Af-Am History across the state. And a quiescent public, or so it appears.

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I didn't think much of her signing a bill so kids can work at places like Tyson chicken

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Having been a repeat victim of insurance company tactics, non payment for storm damages as one example, perhaps it might be time to address the 3 D's within the insurance industry regarding home insurance.

"Getting to Know the Three D's of the Insurance Industry: Delay, Deny Defend"

"Delay is the first of the three D's. A claim is submitted and the games begin. ...

Once delay fails, the next step is to implement the second D: Deny. ...

If all else fails, the insurance company will bring out the third D: Defend."

Insurance companies have been employing this strategy across all lines of insurance. Met Life, Nationwide, and others since the 1980's, upon personal experience. Nationwide, the largest makes billion of dollars in profit each year from this technique and others by leveraging their position in the marketplace, employing legal insurance requirements by laws and protections of behavior and procedure, acquired by lobbying activity and their programed sales and profit strategies.

If you have a mortgage one has to have insurance. If you have a car that is financed you have to have insurance, if you are alive and hope to cover any medical expenses you have to have insurance, along with dozens of other activities in life. What you don't have is coverage if there is a claim. This is why those with enough money, who are in business, or have costly exposure, are "self insured". #1 they have reduced their costs and # 2 they know that they will be able to recover any losses they might incur.

Small businesses can't take on development projects due to risk of loss due to non insurance recovery payments. Homeowners loose their homes if they don't have the funds to recover from storm damages despite having paid insurance for years for full replacement costs. When health insurance employs these techniques persons are force into bankruptcy or worse case...die.

Why else would you feel the need to spend millions per year on lobbying efforts?

Insurance: Lobbying, 2022

OpenSecrets

https://www.opensecrets.org › industries › lobbying

Insurance: Lobbying, 2022 ; MetLife Inc, $2,090,000 ; Prudential Financial, $2,005,337 ; Allstate Insurance, $1,990,000 ; American International Group, $1,930,000.

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Way back I thought AARP’s sponsorship of Met Life’s long-term care was reliable.

I paid into what was supposed to be a capped-cost program. Met Life lobby got that amended and after 18 years of never using it I was priced out and had to terminate the policy. I was A. Not able to get my money and B. Now had no long-term and screwed. America’s healthcare is nothing but a corporate rip-off. The government should be running it like SS and Medicare bad as they are because healthcare should not be run by private enterprise. They are killing us in various ways. A friend who had the same plan attempted to use it for the care of his beloved wife who had Parkinson's. He hired a certified health care aid. He then put in a claim and was denied because Met Life changed the qualifications rules.

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keep exposing how all GOP want to destroy Medicare & SS etc. They want to push people into Medicare ADVantage-- privately run & I heard from folks on it it stinks! Keep traditional Medicare.

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Too little is being said about the homeowner insurance crisis in Florida and what will become one in California.

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Yes, there is a huge risk that states will have to pick up homeowners insurance as private companies continue to drop coverage. Once again, privatizing profits and socializing risk. At the same time, states often have no authority over local zoning laws and localities that continue to allow homes and businesses to build in risky areas. Though maybe if they become the insurer of last resort they'll also start imposing some restrictions/requirements on building.

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Both states are difficult to deal with in regards to insurance although I believe where the most challenging situations exist, a self insurance program option should be available for those that can afford it and for those that can't, a government support program should be established to provide affordable coverage on a case by case basis recognizing need, time vested, and alternative options to protect those vulnerable. That being said government corruption and politicians would be involved and would need to be held accountable for any misadventures they would possibly attempt to create....good luck monitoring that.

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I blame the insurance failure in FL on Rick Scott and the insane one. They’ve broken so many laws while the Feds look the other way.

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Just wanted to say "thank you!" for all the great reporting. I am often depressed or angered by what you uncover, but that's part of the point. I agree with Christopher Duncan that understanding how seemingly "grassroots" parent efforts may be funded and organized by groups like "Moms for Liberty" would be helpful. Keep up the great work.

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Investigate organizations like the Federalist society, Heritage Foundation, and all the billionaire funded subverting democratic norms including the role of religion in breaking the safety line of separation of church and state to screw Jose and and Maria Joe and Jill working class using divide and conquer to screw ordinary Americans and demonize refugees fleeing country’s whose tyrants we helped come to power.

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An inquiry into the Manatee County Commission and in particular commissioner Kevin van Ostenbridge, and his personal vendetta against the mayor of Holmes beach, Judy Titsworth. Among other things, Van Ostenbridge was caught on video stealing someone's large potted bougainvillea plant, though he asserted that taking it away in the dead of night was only because he wanted to water it. He and Will Robinson are directly responsible for ramming through plans for a four-story parking garage on the beach in Holmes Beach, overriding municipal rules. They both have heavy heavy ties to the Builders Association, the entire commission are Republicans pushed through by DeSantis and his henchmen. The amount of graft is inconceivable and what they have done to Anna Maria Island has destroyed the welfare of its residents, any hope of ecological safety, and now the water system and beaches. This is all solely down to monies they are receiving from the builders and realtors. An investigation would reveal deeper links. They have flouted municipal rules, refused to hold town meetings, held many meetings directly contravening Florida Sunshine laws, and are in general childish embarrassments to the city county and state. There's a deeper story to be told.

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This is the same problem with the GQP every where. They are predominantly crooks, liers and thieves when in office and care nothing about their constituents; it's all about the grift!

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Ah, the cesspool that is Florida business and politics!

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What is the legal status of Jared, Ivanka? Melanie? Eric? They cannot be squeaky clean. They were enablers and they are silent in the wind it seems. Nepotism should be outlawed at the minimum.

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what happened to the story of Melania mismanagement of in·au·gu·ral monies? & why hasn't anyone reported she's with TRUMP in name only-- she has another boyfriend... hear tell.

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Good question, Flora McG!

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Yes Judd , can you talk about the Prager U that does all the new educational program for Floriduh schools ? Sounds like indoctrination to me !!

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Plus who produces, publishes these mandated text books! The fix is on in GL and elsewhere. Do you know who profits from the disinformation and in what ways and how this dumbs down future generations as far as critical thinkingvskills

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GOP want to destroy public education so GOP create 2 classes of oligarchs & serf class to serve them.

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And turn a profit, for they are venal and the grift... eternal.

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The GOP has mutated into a fully fascist party while MSM sleeps & still refuses to tell the truth about them

From Dark Money to "Tommy TUMOR-ville" refusing to replace Military leadership -they remain the #1 threat to our democracy. Please keep exposing their crimes & true objectives

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I like this one. Why does the media sleep. Who’s controlling the message and the money?

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The billionaires that own them put them into a slumber....when they wake they are told what to cover, what not to cover, and what angle in which to cover it. Just a guess. ;0)

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I’m certain that’s correct. But let’s name names and connect the dots.

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Judging by the "Chuck Todding" of media everywhere, I'd hazard a guess that you would be if not correct, on the right path!

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It's not sleeping. Mainstream media is bought and paid for. Look at the levels of distracting us they go to!

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WAPO has done pieces recently on Tuberville - hope they keep his feet to the fire - he's a creepy coach who thinks he's a hotshot now that he's in a job way above his pay grade! As bad as MTG, Boebert, Gaetz, Jordan, McCarthy et al.

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saw on X AKA twitter MTG is angling to be Trump's VP. She may be POTUS if he is elected & he dies. NEVER underestimate the duplicity of the GOP!

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I get empty greene's email blasts so as to see how she describes what she does and when she's gonna do it, or what she's done and when she's gone and done it.

Let her tell it, you'd think she was smart.

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Never underestimate the GOP- they aren’t stupid. They are cunning & duplicitous. She is a college grad from University of GA.

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hear tell they want those vacancies to go on till GOP regain the WH & put in their crones/ loyalists.

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Crones/loyalists and cronies too!

Lol!!!

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The largest threat to our democracy is power-mad billionaires like Murdoch, Zuckerberg, Koch, and Musk. Their money gives them 1,000,000 votes compared to my 1 vote. They want to remake government to their liking (low taxes, no regulations). They buy enough politicians and media resources to achieve their goals. They own 5/9 of the Supreme Court.

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I agree. When I wrote these lyrics to an old song in 2014, I think it was 5/9th. Now it appears to be 6/9s with Roberts dissembling.

Darlene, you and I

Know the reason why

Our country’s up a tree.

And we know why pols in D C

Think bribery cool.

Five of nine Supremes

Enact a Nazi’s dreams,

Making tycoons drool.

From October’s first Monday

Their verdicts bar none say

“All hail Koch Brother’s rule.”

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What's being done with the GQP seditionist still active in the congress and senate?

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Another upvote for this! It's why I subscribed in the beginning - to hold them accountable.

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The incredible power of fossil fuel companies, who receive subsidies while we are in a climate emergency. Why can’t we address this? Do they own every politician?

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Hi Judd. I heard a rumor that may be fact that I believe worth checking out. Does the school(s) where Ron DeSantis’s kids attend follow the same curriculum that Mr DeSantis is forcing across the state? What I heard was that his kids have the opportunity where they go, to learn gender studies and the real American history, warts and all. If what I heard is accurate the irony should be made public. Thank you for doing what you do.

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Sounds like our VA Gov. EmptyVest Youngkin, whose kids go/went to private school in MARYLAND. (His underage son illegally tried to vote TWICE in 2021.) That school teaches content he wants banned from VA k-12. SnitchLine fought masking while his kids' school required it for all their students.

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I would love to see some digging into the Cathy family and anti-LGBT+ donations. I'm under the impression that he is still putting a lot of Chik-fil-A money into those donations, but I'm not seeing anything about it any more. Thanks much!

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Hi Judd. Great piece on the Marion County Record.

Here, in Winter Garden, FL, where I run the nonprofit news site, VoxPopuli, the city commission has passed a resolution barring journalists from "following" the mayor and commissioners to "ask questions, get comments or request interviews" before, during or after meetings. Journalists are also barred from asking questions of commissioners during public comment. I ignored these rules until I received notification in June that I'd violated them after I asked the mayor if he condemned the actions of some neo-Nazis who'd dropped antisemitic literature throughout the city and then published his very weak response. The city manager also directed the chief of police to have detectives investigate me for violating the rules. I've been calling for a repeal of the resolution's media rules because they're unconstitutional. A feature story in the Orlando Sentinel revealed what I'd long suspected -- that these rules were developed specifically to hamper my website, the only local media outlet critical of the city and asking uncomfortable questions.

The First Amendment Foundation and Society of Professional Journalists are being very helpful. In addition to the feature story, the Orlando Sentinel wrote two editorials blasting the city.

I'd like to bring some national attention to this situation to urge the city to do the right thing and wanted to put this on your radar. If you want to pursue, the website is WinterGardenVox.com.

Thanks for all you do.

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2023/08/04/winter-gardens-new-restrictions-on-journalists-are-unconstitutional-first-amendment-experts-say/?share=apsentxrmtnrelsoa0ny

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2023/08/09/winter-garden-silences-journalist-dworkin-maxwell/

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2023/08/08/editorial-winter-garden-dont-bully-local-journalist-into-silence/

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The Orlando Sentinel requires paid subscription. Would love to read these items.

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