It is an historically frightening moment; an attempt to turn history in an entirely different direction. Not a good direction, either, one with horrific consequences. More and more analysts see this - try Timothy Snyder today on Substack. Try Heather Cox Richardson. We can all see the train of historic repression rushing toward us. I don’t know where it will end.
I follow HCR and a few gifted educators nearly every day. Yet, I spend limited time reading and instead concentrate on my breathing, calming voices, birds, babies, young children, meaningful conversations (where speakers listen before responding), writing, volunteering, and jackals (yes, colonies have migrated to cities; they are harmless yet howl loudly at night). Thanks to epigenetic phenomena, this nightmare is ingrained in my DNA. My mother, both fathers, and all my grandparents were born during wars, pogroms, social upheavals, and violent regime changes. I observe the horrors at home and next door through reliable and courageous reporters, photographers, videographers, travelers, and, against all odds, survivors and those thriving at home and next door.
I am finding this kind of balance particularly hard to find, given the slide into authoritarianism here and the stunning, but predictable, realignment of the globe. Meditation helps; birds help; my cat helps, but we are under long-term siege here. I have no right to lecture anyone, given what is going on.
Abby, I have to take a minute to thank you for your service to our country and our previous goals, ideals, and even our very way of life. I hope someone is back channeling our longstanding allies to let them know we hope this turnabout is short lived--no more than four years, two if we're lucky--but we know how hard it is to change course once its established.
Yes, we are in deep ...caca. Can Congressional oversight put any brakes on? Can massive public protest have any impact? Can EU pushback? Is this really what Republicans voted for and if not, will ANY stand up and say so? And Schumer says he is "getting more furious" - When does fury turn into action!!!
can you write something up on how the budget codes are directly tied to statute?
What DOGE is doing (I belivee) is going through each authrorization and claiming that if congress didn't specially name some in statue they are going to cut it. Hence the 90% cuts to USAID and state, which are the most visible because of court cases.
What is the usual process for turning budget codes into programs and what is the interaction nd intent of congress.
You gave a speech a small group of nat. sec professionals years ago and your comment then that budget codes are the source of power in the government is very true.
You left me breathless and validated my experiences and deepest fears, with evidence piling up more often than daily.
It is an historically frightening moment; an attempt to turn history in an entirely different direction. Not a good direction, either, one with horrific consequences. More and more analysts see this - try Timothy Snyder today on Substack. Try Heather Cox Richardson. We can all see the train of historic repression rushing toward us. I don’t know where it will end.
I follow HCR and a few gifted educators nearly every day. Yet, I spend limited time reading and instead concentrate on my breathing, calming voices, birds, babies, young children, meaningful conversations (where speakers listen before responding), writing, volunteering, and jackals (yes, colonies have migrated to cities; they are harmless yet howl loudly at night). Thanks to epigenetic phenomena, this nightmare is ingrained in my DNA. My mother, both fathers, and all my grandparents were born during wars, pogroms, social upheavals, and violent regime changes. I observe the horrors at home and next door through reliable and courageous reporters, photographers, videographers, travelers, and, against all odds, survivors and those thriving at home and next door.
I am finding this kind of balance particularly hard to find, given the slide into authoritarianism here and the stunning, but predictable, realignment of the globe. Meditation helps; birds help; my cat helps, but we are under long-term siege here. I have no right to lecture anyone, given what is going on.
Abby, I have to take a minute to thank you for your service to our country and our previous goals, ideals, and even our very way of life. I hope someone is back channeling our longstanding allies to let them know we hope this turnabout is short lived--no more than four years, two if we're lucky--but we know how hard it is to change course once its established.
Yes, we are in deep ...caca. Can Congressional oversight put any brakes on? Can massive public protest have any impact? Can EU pushback? Is this really what Republicans voted for and if not, will ANY stand up and say so? And Schumer says he is "getting more furious" - When does fury turn into action!!!
can you write something up on how the budget codes are directly tied to statute?
What DOGE is doing (I belivee) is going through each authrorization and claiming that if congress didn't specially name some in statue they are going to cut it. Hence the 90% cuts to USAID and state, which are the most visible because of court cases.
What is the usual process for turning budget codes into programs and what is the interaction nd intent of congress.
You gave a speech a small group of nat. sec professionals years ago and your comment then that budget codes are the source of power in the government is very true.