Embedded Files
Post date: Feb 10, 2017 4:52:32 PM
Six Reasons to be Hopeful in the first 30 days of the new administration: A Blog Post for Feb. 10, 2017
Half an hour before we were to begin, the crowd was gathering. Some estimated the crowd protesting at 1500-2000. There were perhaps 25-30 counter protesters across the street chanting "Build the wall!"
Black Hawk County Supervisor Christopher Schwartz speaking to the crowd.
My husband and I attended the big Rally in downtown Cedar Falls last weekend that protested the new Administration’s Travel Ban of Seven Muslim nations. As I looked around the very large crowd, I saw reason to be hopeful: I saw people of every race, including Black, White, Hispanic, Bosnian, Burmese, and others. I saw college students, professors, housewives, retired folks, professionals, children and babies in strollers. I saw people in wheelchairs, walkers or using rollators. I felt an emotion stirring within me that has been curiously absent during the past three weeks: JOY and HOPE.
Here are six reasons to be hopeful:
1. First, This administration has managed to unite us—in RESISTANCE. Black Hawk County Supervisor Christopher Schwartz read off a long list of organizations supporting the protest rally, and it included a number of churches, political groups, and agencies that serve the community.
https://www.facebook.com/cherie.dargan/videos/10100132323276982/
Video showing the Rally
2. Second, Top Republicans are squirming at some of the actions of the administration with John McCain and Lindsey Graham speaking out against the travel ban. Even people who align themselves with the administration admit it was handled badly and the word incompetence has been uttered.
Their official statement
3. Third, other Countries recognize that not all of the American people support the travel ban. What does it say when the Iranian people send us thank you notes via Twitter for protesting the travel ban? Aren’t they “the enemy?” Or have they recognized something that some of our citizens might appreciate: a harsh regime may not reflect the actions and attitudes of its citizens. “A few days before the 38th anniversary of Iran’s 1979 revolution—traditionally commemorated with hardliners burning U.S. flags and promoting other forms of anti-Americanism—thousands of people participated in a Twitter storm to express gratitude for the Americans who protested against President Donald Trump’s travel ban on seven Muslim-majority countries, including Iran.”
https://www.iranhumanrights.org/2017/02/love-beyond-flags-twitter-storm/ -- story about Iranians on Twitter
4. Fourth, the Silent and Apathetic Voters have woken up, and does not like what they see and hear!
I don’t know if all of the protesters voted last fall; however, it is unavoidable now that when someone says, “Elections have consequences……” there will be little doubt about WHICH election is being referenced. Upwards of 20 million people have insurance because of Obamacare. People do not want to have that taken away, and based on what they have seen so far, they do not trust the Republicans to protect them from losing coverage, so the obsession with replacing and repealing Obamacare is going to be more complicated than anticipated.
I don’t know if all of the protesters voted last fall; however, it is unavoidable now that when someone says, “Elections have consequences……” there will be little doubt about WHICH election is being referenced. Upwards of 20 million people have insurance because of Obamacare. People do not want to have that taken away, and based on what they have seen so far, they do not trust the Republicans to protect them from losing coverage, so the obsession with replacing and repealing Obamacare is going to be more complicated than anticipated.
http://www.cnn.com/2017/02/10/politics/republican-town-halls-obamacare/
Updated 10:13 AM ET, Fri February 10, 2017
“On Thursday night, two Republican members of Congress -- Reps. Jason Chaffetz of Utah and Diane Black of Tennessee -- were each confronted with impassioned constituents during simultaneous events. The shouted questions, emotional pleas and raucous protesters of the evening crystalized the GOP's tough political road ahead as it forges ahead with rolling back Obama's accomplishments, including the Affordable Care Act.”
Fifth, People are waking up to the Administration's MANY ethical problems. Before taking office, numerous concerns about conflicts of interest were raised by the media as well as Democrats and non-partisan organizations. However, this Administration has demonstrated a curious indifference to the numerous conflicts of interest presented by the First Family and their many businesses. (Even some of the Cabinet nominees have glaring conflicts of interest, but that did not stop the Administration from putting them forward). However, when Kelly Ann Conway used a TV interview to promote First Daughter Ivanka’s clothing line, with the White House as a backdrop, even Republicans had to respond. Only three weeks into the new administration, it is becoming clear that the American people will hold the Republicans responsible for what happens at the White House. “Chaffetz, R-Utah, and the committee's ranking Democrat, Elijah Cummings of Maryland, are "jointly going to send a letter to the White House and Office of Government Ethics for a referral. “
6. FINALLY, there is the gift of Saturday Night Live – if you have not been watching, you are missing some good stuff!
Laughter restores our hope. Last week’s show with Alec Baldwin as He Who Shall Not be Named and Melissa McCarthy as Sean Spicer was wonderful. There are hints that we may see others in the White House "appear" on the show.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/snl-women-trump-administration_us_5899c922e4b040613138f6f9
“Why Stop At Rosie? ‘SNL’ Should Have Women Play Trump’s Entire Administration”
“Why Stop At Rosie? ‘SNL’ Should Have Women Play Trump’s Entire Administration”
With a great visual suggesting stars who could play the various cabinet members
With a great visual suggesting stars who could play the various cabinet members
If you did NOT see Melissa McCarthy channel Press Secretary Sean Spicer, you need to see it. To his credit, I saw Sean Spicer chuckle and caution Melissa McCarthy about how much gum she tries to chew at once.
What gives you hope? I'd love to hear from you. You can email Geeky Grandma at cherie@mikedargan.com.
Last Updated Feb. 10, 2017
Page updated
Report abuse