There is hope on the geopolitical front.

WaPo covered that the Dutch Prime Minister defeated Geert Wilders the far right candidate. NYT Takes a more reserved look at the defeat of Wilders

The Fed Raises Rates - Yellen Marches to her own beat

WaPo reveals that the Fed will be raising interest rates and that is bound to make the Trump Administration unhappy. The economy needs a stable hand even if Trump wants to spur growth to Gilded Age levels. Of course, he and his banker friends have the resources to withstand a major depression. I wonder what the tweet storm will look like. Here is a link to the NYT story on the higher interest rates.

How about that?

In case you are wondering about the wire tapping, WaPo has an analysis of the evidence of the wire tapping claim  that does a pretty good job of laying out the details.

Increased military action in Syria

WaPo points out the fact of increased US involvement in Syria, albeit in an advisory capacity (I will ignore the Vietnam references)  as well as the questions about the Commander in Chief and the military becoming props. This is a real concern to me anyway, and I don't have boys in the fight. (Although I have 4 draft age.) I don't know what to think. The whole thing is a hot mess and I want someone to admit it.

GOOD NEWS!!! More Per Student!!

HB 21 is a yes! Or at least contact your state representatives to say yes. This is a huge step in the right direction.

Find a Swim Buddy!!

This DMN Article on finding your counterpoint is INVALUABLE . We must communicate to overcome the divisions and talk about concerns.

Town Halls - What are they good for?

WaPo cited a Joe Barton town hall where he told a constituent to shut up but the tag line ignores that he called on the same guy later First, watch the headlines and actually read the article. I was curious because I am planning on the Sessions Town Hall on Saturday. More to come.

Withholding?? Not the Trump Admin! Or Yes. Or Maybe.

WaPo cites the Senate Judiciary Committee for pushing back against Trump over Russian connections and the wiretap claim. Some of this is insider BS. Some is real S***. In Texas, who knows what is what. But the Trump claim on GOP control is weakening. Email, mail, call you Representative and Senators. It is worth it. I do so roughly every 7-10 days to let them know I watch, read, listen. I created a spreadsheet, form letter, and PDFs of both. I email, I send letters. I am done letting someone else set the agenda. I work, have a family, and created a way to be politically engaged regardless. Whatever you do matter. One email. One letter. Own It. Do It! If you want tips, comment. I will tell you what I do. Most probably gets me on a watch list, but I don't care. #Whateves.

Freedom of Speech - It is a real thing. Suck it up buttercup.

I am no fan of Trump - bias stated. But if you wrap yourself in the flag, and run for office then you open yourself up to slings and arrows (mixed metaphors and references abound). WaPo reports Trump's response to Snoop Dogg's video - I have not watched because well frankly none of it is to my taste - but really, Dude (not the Lebowski use of the reference btw), you are Prez - rise above! It is called free speech and it includes things most "average" people dislike: flag burning, in your face homosexuality (it isn't that we mind what you do, we just don't get it and need time to adjust - I personally struggle with transgender, and I know the logic and agree with it but emotionally I struggle), protests that damage property, cuss words, and so on. I know, I know, it is pedantic. But whatever my misgivings on any controversial issue I SUPPORT THE 1ST AMENDMENT!!!! Snoop is using it and more power to him! If you love this country you should feel the same (at the risk of being preachy) - this is what young men die for! We may not think this specific case is worth it, but the big idea is. So suck it up buttercup.

Misinformation - But it is not from the media

WaPo exposed White House Budget Director Mick Mulvaney's misinformation, or shall I say outright lie??!! They rated it 4 Pinocchios. In essence, he took his unique circumstance and applied to people making 1/5 what he makes except those people would not have been in his situation. This is typical of the ACA misinformation campaign of the last 6 years. It isn't that I mind arguing about policy, or even taxes or what not, but rather let's start with a set of facts. But that never seems to happen with Repubs and Trump Loyalists. The alternative facts universe is ridiculous.