Democrats Back Down with Compassion, Not Weakness

 By Mildred Robertson

It appears that the U.S. government shutdown is nearing an end, as Republicans continue to steadfastly oppose negotiations with Democrats. Amazingly, Democrats find themselves at this juncture, even after the overwhelming rejection of Republican candidates and their far-right politics during the November 4th elections.

It is much like the difficult decision faced by King Solomon in 1 Kings, 3: 16-28, when two women who lived together each claimed the same child as their own. It appears that one woman rolled over and killed her baby as they slept. She then switched her dead baby with the living child of her roommate.

With no witnesses and no one to identify the child’s mother, Solomon was faced with an almost impossible task to determine to whom the living child belonged. So, he did something outrageous. Since he could not determine the identity of the true mother, he ordered his soldiers to bring a sword to cut the baby in half and give half to each woman. The true mother cried out, “Please don’t kill my son…give him to her…just don’t kill him.” Solomon then discerned who the true mother was and returned the child to his true mother.

Democrats faced a similarly difficult decision as they fought to maintain healthcare for millions of Americans. The Affordable Care Act tax credits (ACA), a signature Obama program, are set to expire at the end of the year. If that occurs, Americans will face sharply higher health insurance premiums and possible loss of coverage. This program is made affordable through tax credits targeted to assist middle-class Americans who would otherwise fall outside the subsidy range. Before the enactment of the American Rescue Plan Act and the Inflation Reduction Act, those participating in the ACA faced a steep premium increase, making the coverage untenable for many Americans. 

While Democrats have fought ferociously to maintain the healthcare tax credits, Republicans have been willing to sacrifice hundreds of thousands of federal workers to fight the Democrats' attempt to safeguard healthcare. Many federal workers have been furloughed or fired, and most have not received pay during this shutdown, although workers like soldiers and air traffic controllers are still required to work. Instead of working to solve the problems facing our country, the Republicans took more than a month “vacation” as House Speaker Mike Johnson sent them home and advised them NOT to hold town hall meetings.

Acutely aware of the pain Americans were suffering as they struggled to pay mortgages, buy groceries, or pay for a myriad of necessary expenses without the funds to do so, Democrats were much like the mother in the Bible story who chose to relent rather than have the baby cut in half.

I am unsure whether it was the right choice. Unfortunately, America is not run by Solomon-like leaders, nor do I have divine insight. I know that, just as the woman in the scriptures was hard-hearted enough to sacrifice the child rather than acknowledge the death of her own, the Republicans did not feel the people’s pain and were willing to destroy everyone if they were unable to get their way. Even in the face of a landslide election that indicates Americans think they are wrong-headed, they had no intention of negotiating to find a solution that was acceptable to all.

I am somewhat disheartened that Senate Democrats backed down, but I don’t know how to split the baby without killing it. I hope that Americans view the Democratic struggle as one of compassion, and not weakness.

The Challenge of Distinguishing Fact from Fiction in Modern Media

By Mildred Robertson

In today's media landscape, distinguishing facts from fiction has become increasingly difficult. The sheer volume of information presented to us makes it challenging to verify what is real. As a result, many people rely on the media to distill facts and provide the foundation for their beliefs. However, this reliance often means that individuals neither seek out facts themselves nor work to distill them into a coherent ideology.

News and social media have, in effect, taken away our ability to analyze facts and arrive at informed conclusions. The prevalence of propaganda further complicates our ability to tell the difference between lies and the truth. Many people now struggle to distinguish between facts and opinions, viewing information through a prism of partisan bias. This tendency leads some to distrust information simply because it originates from someone with an opposing philosophy, regardless of how factual it may be. A study from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign highlights that this inclination poses a serious threat to civic discourse among U.S. citizens.

The news media, once celebrated as the “fifth estate,” were recognized for their ability to mediate the dissemination of information, enabling citizens to participate intelligently in civil discourse and self-governance. Over the years, and particularly with the rise of social media, news reporting has shifted its focus toward sensationalism. This shift has undermined the media’s role in providing citizens with the information necessary to live in and maintain a free society.

Today, many consumers of news and information simply sit in front of TV or computer screens, passively absorbing the opinions, biases, and rhetoric of talking heads. This process leads individuals to believe they have arrived at a worldview based on fact, when in reality, their perspective may be shaped more by external influences than by objective analysis.

White House Demolition - The Destruction of U.S. History

 By Mildred Robertson

U.S. White House East Wing Demolition, © Evan Vucci

As I surfed the internet this morning, I found something that I knew had to be AI-generated. Bulldozers were in the process of demolishing a portion of the United States White House. 

My first thought was that "surely this cannot be true, because this is a historic building." While I was aware of Trump's intention to build a new ballroom, I thought that it would require approval from the Secretary of the Interior for construction to proceed.  That office has guidelines for the preservation, rehabilitation, restoration, and reconstruction of historic buildings. I further thought there would be public input into the process. While the executive branch has some discretion in reconstruction and alterations to the White House, historically, these changes have involved both preservation and practical modernization goals. Previous renovations have balanced museum stewardship and living-residence needs.

While the White House is both a private residence and a historic property, it is also "The People's House".  The 1961 Act and Executive Order 11145 provide for the White House to serve as more than a private residence, which also houses many of the nation's historic collections. The building itself has legendary history, having been built by approximately 150 free and enslaved laborers, including approximately 20 freemasons who laid the cornerstone in 1792.

While this history is impactful for many Americans, it is unlikely that the current resident of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue either knows or cares about this historical fact. Trump's $250 million construction of the ballroom in the East Wing was, according to him, not going to alter the White House itself. However, just like many other things he has told the American public, that statement is clearly false, as demolition of the East Wing has already commenced. (By the way, federal workers are not being paid during a government shutdown, and many are facing permanent unemployment, yet there is money for this vanity project.)

The destruction of a portion of this historic site has already occurred; there is nothing we can do about it at this point. That is very similar to the destruction Trump has visited upon this nation and our foundational beliefs. Historic America is under demolition. We cannot return it to its original state. Just as part of the East Wing is gone, so are many of our foundational freedoms. 

But we cannot let this one man destroy the history our forebearers gave to us. We cannot relinquish the freedoms that our Founders willed to us. There will come a time when another administration will have to fix the atrocities that this tasteless man will wreak upon the People's House. And there will come a time when "The People" will have to repair the damage he has done to our democracy. 

The demolition has begun, but we can stop it. And if it can't be stopped, we can fix it. The White House represents our history, our Constitution, and our freedom. Every American must assess our nation's trajectory and decide whether to accept the destruction we face under the current leadership, both figuratively and literally.  Will we acquiesce, or will we fight to preserve our freedom? 

Freedom was not easily won. It will not be easily relinquished. I believe that most Americans will stand for democracy.  Will you?

Millions to Protest Trump Authoritarianism

By Mildred Robertson

Updated: 10/19/2025

More than 200 groups will hold rallies nationwide to protest the growing authoritarian regime led by Donald J. Trump. The organized coalition includes groups such as the ACLU, American Federation of Teachers, Common Defense, 50501, Human Rights Campaign, League of Conservation Voters, MoveOn, National Nurses United, Public Citizen, SEIU, and United We Dream.  The "No Kings" Rallies are designed to send that message that millions of Americans reject authoritarianism and answer the call to defend democracy against it.  The No Kings Day, protesting Trump's authoritarian takeover is on October 18 nationwide. More than 500 nonviolent protests are scheduled with more being added every day! Here’s where to find No Kings events near you. This is the 2nd nationwide "No Kings" day since June 14. It was one of the largest days of peaceful protest in US history. Millions of people across the nation peacefully took to the streets with one voice to say: No thrones. No crowns. NO KINGS. The October 18  protest comes as Trump doubles down on his assault on the civil liberties of immigrants and American citizens alike, sending thugs disguised as law enforcement to terrorize the streets of America and to disappear people the administration deems unacceptable.  This is a time when every true American patriot needs courage. As Americans take to the streets, they must understand the possible consequences. This is not the America that most of us know, where you have the right to speak your truth. It harkens back to the Civil Rights movement, where protestors could be attacked with firehoses and dogs, beaten with police batons, and ultimately, might be killed.   Together, we must face the unknown as we exercise our rights in this new environment. While courage is necessary, so is restraint.  Just as Martin Luther King, Jr., led his nonviolent protests, we must not allow ourselves to be provoked. We must thwart their goal to incite us to violence so that they can justify calling for martial law.  As we prepare to let our voices be heard, we must know that we are not alone. Millions of Americans are prepared to stand up for Democracy. There are thousands of locations across the country where you can step out in courage and declare that America has no kings! And we are not alone.  Other sites across the world that will join us in our protest against the tyrannical regime in Washington are Montreal, Toronto, and Ottawa, Canada; Paris, Nice, and Lyons, France; London and Bristol in the United Kingdom, Rome, Turin, and Milan, Italy; and the list goes on.  Trump believes he currently holds all the reins of power and that his rule is absolute. But America will never bow down to the chaos, corruption, and cruelty that his administration exhibits. Just as American revolutionaries rejected tyranny, so must we. Join in the fight against Trump's unlawful authoritarian regime. Whether it is sharing information about the administration's atrocities, calling and writing your congressmen and women, donating to causes that support freedom and democracy, or walking in the streets on October 18th, let them know that we are free, and won't go back to the rule of a king.  UPDATE: America...you were AWESOME yesterday. Now let's keep up the momentum. We must mobilize every sane American and make sure our voices are heard this November, and every election thereafter. Marching is good. Voting is better. Let's vote to save our democracy.

Nothing New About Trump and his Golden Idols

 

Nothing is new in the world. That includes Donald Trump.

In the bible, Daniel 3:1-18, there is a tale of a ruler who was cruel and oppressive, considering himself to be above everything and everyone, just like our current president.

God dealt harshly with this ruler, who went mad and was cast from his kingdom, forced to graze in the grass like an animal. Before Nebuchadnezzar could be restored, he had to humble himself and acknowledge God's sovereignty.

Nebuchadnezzar was counseled to:

TURN FROM EVIL: Daniel urges King Nebuchadnezzar to "break off your sins" by stopping his cruel and oppressive ways.

PRACTICE RIGHTHEOUSNESS: He is called to actively "practice righteousness," which means to act justly and do what is right, particularly in dealing with others.

SHOW MERCY TO THE OPPRESSED: Show kindness and mercy to the poor and downtrodden, which demonstrates compassion.

SEEK GOD'S FAVOR: The Bible says Nebuchadnezzar might delay God's judgment by changing his actions, leading to a "lengthening of your prosperity".

A CALL TO REPENTANCE: The advice is a direct plea for repentance, urging the king to change his heart and behavior to align with God's will.

Trump has queried whether he could enter heaven. Well, this is his roadmap, if he would only choose to follow it.

Disney Cancels Kimmel - I Cancelled Disney

 By Mildred Robertson

As I watch America spiraling into an autocratic dictatorship, I am appalled at how easy it has been for various entities to cave to government overreach. This administration has attacked regulatory bodies, infringed upon civil liberties, and used government power to impose regulations that burden individuals and businesses who do not bow down to the whims of America's authoritarian leadership.  

Trump's administration has an amoeba-like predisposition to absorb the power and authority regulating state and federal governmental agencies, large businesses, and corporations. He has cowed the United States Congress into relinquishing its oversight responsibilities and has launched an attack on fundamental constitutional rights. 

In the most recent affront to American democracy, ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel's late-night show due to his comments regarding Charlie Kirk's shooting. The late-night show host remarked, "This is not how an adult grieves the murder of someone he calls a friend. This is how a four-year-old mourns a goldfish," referring to Trump's reaction to Kirk's murder on September 10 while addressing an audience on the campus of Utah Valley University.  

While Kirk's shooting is horrific, so is the governmental response to his execution. This administration is using this tragedy, an American tragedy that affects all of us, as a rallying cry to continue Trump's vindictive attack on all who would have the courage to oppose him. 

Charlie Kirk was a purveyor of hatred who, unfortunately, died while in the throes of promoting it. I have empathy for those who loved him because all deaths are sad, and all murders are unconscionable. But to lionize this man, while ignoring the violent attacks and murders of other politicians of differing ideologies, is just a ploy to justify the governmental overreach in which this administration is already engaging. 

As I watch this administration roll away my rights and freedoms under the Constitution, I often wonder what I can do to make a difference. I write this blog. I donate to causes that support my beliefs and American ideals. And now, I cancelled my subscription to Disney, which is the parent company of ABC, which cancelled the Kimmel show based on his comments.  If we cannot have the free flow of thought in our country, WE cannot be free. 

It's not much. But it is the best I can do to say enough!

You can do it too. These businesses are following the money. Let them know that your dollars will go elsewhere if they continue to acquiesce to this authoritarian regime. 

Death in America – Lethal Politics

By Mildred Robertson

As average Americans deal with the growing violence that blights our political landscape, many search for leadership that inspires unity over conflict. It is a travesty that Charlie Kirk was gunned down in the middle of a university campus, although he was there to espouse violent, hateful ideas. He had a right to his beliefs and the right to champion them. However, it is no less a travesty that he contributed to the hate and violence Americans have come to accept as normal. Kirk defended our weak response to gun control following a school massacre by saying, "Yes, people die from gun violence. It's tragic. But that's the price of freedom. Unfortunately, it's worth it to keep the Second Amendment intact."

It appears political violence is on the rise in America.  From the 2011 Tucson shooting, where then Rep. Gabrielle Giffords was shot during a constituent meeting and six people were killed and 13 wounded, to the assassination of right-wing conservative Charlie Kirk, terrorists have used violence to silence ideas different from their own. While right-wing leadership calls for vengeance following the fatal shooting of radical activist Charlie Kirk, they remained silent during violent attacks on political figures with differing ideas.

While we perceive ourselves as an enlightened nation that values political freedom, our history presents a different perspective.  We are a violent country. Our turbulent history dates back to the colonies and the destruction of the indigenous population. We have romanticized the violence upon which our nation was built. We see ourselves as rugged, gun-toting individualists whose primary goal is to live free of others' opinions, wants, or needs.

 You can trace America’s appetite for violence from slavery, through the civil Rights movement, up to more recent history that includes the assassination of Medgar Evers, the slaying of Martin Luther King, Malcom X, and John and Robert Kennedy.

But we cannot stop there.  Our country has endured white terrorist attacks such as Timothy McVey’s bombing of the Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma, the 13 domestic terrorists who attempted to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmore, and the home invasion on Nancy Pelosi and the physical assault on her husband.

Violence in our country is neither red nor blue, as we cite the attempted assassination of Ronald Regan, a mass shooting in 2017 that left five people injured, including House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, and the attempted slaying of President Donald Trump.

In June 2025, state Sen. John Hoffman survived an assassination attempt when he and his wife were shot in their Minnesota home. The attack on the Hoffmans occurred before the political assassination of state Rep. Melissa Hortman, the former House speaker, and her husband, Mark. The assassin went as far as to kill their dog. The four were on a kill list of dozens of democrats targeted for assassination.

While Trump basically ignored these recent shootings against democrats, he has ordered flags to be raised to half-staff in honor of the fallen Kirk. His administration did not formally acknowledge Hortman’s assassination or attend or send a representative to her funeral. It appears that he considers himself president of only those who support him. Whereas major statesmen who preceded him have used times such as these to bring unity, he seems to care little about uniting the nation in this time of turmoil.

As America grapples with 9,400 threats of violence against politicians in this country in 2024, we must determine whether our rugged individualism tied to the 2^nd Amendment and the right to bear arms is more important than the right to live without fear of the gun violence that has overcome us in our schools, our streets, our churches and synagogues, and even within the halls of Congress.

As we struggle with the violence that has overtaken our country, Americans have a decision to make.  Do we want to unite as one nation under God? Are we willing to live in a true democracy where all voices are heard, and ideas are put to the test at a ballot box rather than the butt of a gun? Will we relinquish our love of the violent gun culture, or will we continue to normalize the lethal politics that currently govern our lives?

Rampant gun violence. Political terrorism. Is it REALLY worth it?

I would ask Charlie Kirk how he feels about it now. But I can’t, because he is a victim of his own rhetoric and America’s lethal politics.