April 14, 2023 (Friday) The Biden administration today announced a series of actions it has taken and will continue to take to disrupt the production and distribution of illegal street fentanyl around the world. The efforts involve the Department of Justice, including the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the State Department; the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), including U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP); the Office of National Drug Control Policy; and the Office of Foreign Assets Control in the Treasury Department.
McCarthy and the 20 MAGAts should be arrested on treason charges, since they work with our enemies. Arrest 20-30 of the worst MAGAts and the rest will crawl back into the dark places they crawled out of. And Biden should say Fuck The Debt Ceiling and cite his oath of office to see the laws are faithfully executed the the constitution protected, pointing to the 14th Amendment which directs that the national debt of the United States shall not be questioned.
I wish my fellow citizens were more aware of the seriousness of this debt limit issue. It doesn’t seem to get much play in the press. If people really understood the risks they would be making noise about it, but the Republicans’ reckless behavior is not attracting much public attention.
Heather, another wonderful Letter packed with information and your thoughts on the fentanyl scourge in the world. I was impressed to learn about the power of the Treasury Department to curb the “businessmen” who are foisting this on humanity. I recently watched a Netflix series based on the Medellin cartels in Colombia when “Cocaine was King” of drugs. Thank you for your thought-provoking analysis of the “debt ceiling” threats of the repugnants. I can barely let myself think about their “brinksmanship” politics. On another note, I hope you get some rest this weekend. You have written non-stop for many weeks, dearest Heather. Sorry to be your “mother”.....🦋
As if fentanyl wasn't enough. our charming friends across the aisle are determined to take our financial power out of commission and leave the rest of the world to figure out how to deal with both. This is where the term Patriots gets a shellacking. Yes kids, there are plenty of boogiemen to disturb our sleep, and the Chapitos are just the foot soldiers. The MAGAts are indeed traitors to our collective cause.
Not to sound snide to you, Heather (I wouldn't be), but... in a country where roughly 1/3 of people still believe our last election was "stolen," I think you have your answer. To be fair, I don't entirely understand all that will result from a default either, but I understand the basics. Most people, I can pretty much guarantee, have no idea. It will be interesting to see, as we lead up to the cliff, how the Republicans frame this. The President would do well to go on full-offensive now and do exactly as you proffered to us--express in clear, simple terms and with a relentless drumbeat, exactly what this is and will do. Force the GOP to respond like he did with the budget. This will help--because loyal idiots, Boebert and Green, who DON'T understand it, will then look like fools in defending it. The Administration should make this a "no one from the GOP can walk by the press without being questioned" kind of topic.
As I follow Klutz McCarthy and his Animal House bloviating about their demands for 1) no new taxes 2) massive, unspecified slashes in ‘social expenditures; and 3) the need to balance the budget, I think of Jimmy Breslin’s THE GANG THAT COULDN’T STRAIGHT.
The United States has just experienced a major banking crisis that required emergency intervention by the Fed, the Treasury, and several major banks. If the ‘full faith and credit’ of the United States’ is destroyed by failure to raise the national debt limit, the likely impact domestically and globally could be devastating.
So why are the McCarthy misfits playing Russian roulette with the financial integrity of the United States? Stupidity and irresponsibility are two prime reasons. ‘I earned the right to be Speaker’ McCarthy needed 15 House votes to obtain the House gavel. He made promises to 20 Republican renegades that renders him a ball-less ‘leader.’
I expect that President Biden will call his bluff and say ‘put up or shut up.’ If McCarthy wishes to identify which ‘social expenditures’ he demands be savaged in return for raising the national debt limit, then a political gauntlet is thrown. Ain’t going to happen. It would be political suicide for McCarthy.
President Biden should and, I believe, will insist that a handful of Republicans join Democrats in approving a national debt limit increase this summer. Regarding the nitty gritty of the budget, the House has received Biden’s draft. Let the prolonged budget game begin.
Meanwhile, at the NRA national meeting, Republican presidential candidates are outdoing themselves in professing the sanctity of owning guns without legal restrictions, while they are silent on the possibility of their country’s self-inflicted bankruptcy.
21 States passed impediments to voting in 2021-2022.
PLEASE CALL your US Senators + Representative (202-224-3121) and the President (833-345-2551) and leave this message: “Why should my Zip Code determine how I exercise my vote?
We need one federal law that governs voting for every American. Pass the Freedom to Vote: John R Lewis Voting Rights Act. It is ethically the right bill for you to pass right now.”
OR
REQUEST A MEETING: An in-person or Zoom meeting as soon as possible with your Senators and Representative and their Legislative Counsel. Invite local voting rights activists to join you (see GROUPS BY STATE in the map at www.nationalvotercorps.org) What to say when you meet: Pass the Freedom to Vote: John R Lewis Voting Rights Act. It is ethically the right bill for you to pass now.
In response to any reaction such as “Why would I ask a Republican Representative to protect Americans’ right to vote when voter suppression is working for them?”, words such as: "I believe ethical Republican Senators and Representatives will protect Americans’ vote fairly and safely. Examples of Republicans protecting Americans’ rights and the Constitution:
● Senator Lummis voted for the Respect of Marriage Act;
● Senator Murkowski supports the rights of indigenous Alaskans, with cross-party support, winning re-election against a conservative candidate in a closely watched race.
● Senator Romney voted for impeachment after January 6th and has supported voting rights, healthcare and other ethical measures.
"Already 21 States prevent millions of Americans from voting fairly, and safely. These Supreme Court decisions: 2010 Citizens United v FEC (unlimited corporate money in politics) and the 2013 Shelby County v Holder (ending preclearance of State or local laws relating to voting policies and procedural changes in previously segregated states) disenfranchised or resulted in expanding barriers to the ballot box for millions of voters - especially lower income voters, seniors, disabled voters, Americans without transportation, college students and people of color.
"Thus Congress must act under its powers in Article 1.4, the 14th, 15th, 17th, 19th, 23rd, 24th and 26th Amendments to protect our right to vote.
"You took an oath to protect the American Constitution. If Congress doesn’t act now to protect its powers under the Constitution, then hard-right activists will turn America into a libertarian theocracy or worse."
HCR: "As I read about the U.S. Treasury sanctions on fentanyl supply chains today and then thought about how Treasury sanctions against Russia have hamstrung that nation without a single shot from U.S. military personnel, I wondered if people really understand how much is at stake in the Republicans’ attack on our financial system."
From where I sit, it seems that people who swore an oath to honor and protect the U.S. Constitution are working to destroy democracy and create another system of government. The remedy is "equality before the law."
U.S. Constitution Article III, Section 3: Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort. No Person shall be convicted of Treason unless on the Testimony of two Witnesses to the same overt Act, or on Confession in open Court.
Shhhh...Not one word. Whoaaa! What?!! "A California police union executive director has been charged with running a drug ring from her San Jose home and work office where she allegedly accepted at least 61 illegal drug shipments from various countries, including Singapore, Hungary, Hong Kong, and India, then distributed to other states. Joanne Marian Segovia, 64", etc etc. And check out all her alias's. A "Lilley White Grandma"... emphasis on the "white" (my emphasis). And, where and to whom did she forward that 'stuff' too? Welp folks, you at least "read it here".
“I wondered if people really understand how much is at stake in the Republicans’ attack on our financial system.” And I’ll add to this from the last paragraph of HCR’s post. I don’t think that Republicans care about our financial system or democracy. They care about making money. Aren’t they, the Republicans still in the Republican Party, more than a little similar to leaders of drug cartels in Mexico, the U.S. and Chinese business interests? Consumed by greed, and poisoning this country and democracy?
“allegedly used cargo aircraft, private aircraft, submarines and other submersible and semi-submersible vessels, container ships, supply vessels, go-fast boats, fishing vessels, buses, rail cars, tractor trailers, automobiles, and private and commercial interstate and foreign carriers to transport their drugs and precursor chemicals…”
What?? I thought our drug problem was due to our ‘wide open border’.
And now we have a 21yr old with a TS Clearance.. who apparently acted "intentionally" to throw the USA under the bus... huh? Okay, you name "the bus". Welp, here is what I'd like to see inscribed on his tombstone: "Here lies a Dumb Kid who, since 16 has been told (lied to), that the USA was a failed democracy, where an election had been stolen, that a communist country was a 'friend." And, below that should be the words "Thoughts and prayers - Needed". My friends.., we are indeed to blame for this. Not because we afforded the "liars" 1st Amendment shelter.., but because we.. "we' basically stood by, allowing the "liars" to spew un-checked, corrupting school curriculums (kids) together with titillated (adults) distracted by a pair of inflated breasts and a crop of degenerate/illiterate politicians. However, i believe there is reason for hope. What appeared to me to be a "fart in a windstorm" down in Tennessee, seems to have turned into a reckoning. Let's speak out. WI did.
how to reach those who do not agree with me and you? I have disconnected with most Republicans because most of them are very radically against what i believe on so many levels. Your newsletter is so informative, but sending it to like minded people is like preaching to the choir. Any ideas?
Another strong thought to introduce: Republicans are "Weak on Drugs". If they don't want to fund the myriad Federal agencies engaged in fighting the scourge of fentanyl, they are, prima facie, weak on drugs. And finally, if we don't pay for debt service on debts already incurred, 25% of which were incurred under Trump, how in heavens name can international investors trust us?
Heather, thank you for covering an issue that is not getting anywhere near the press that it needs.
Making it less profitable for the kingpins to operate is definitely the way to go. I wish that the Biden Administration would publish the numbers of pounds seized from cargo planes, etc. to break the narrative that the persons to fear are the “small fry” wading across the river or hiking across the desert.
It would also help to publish comparisons with the amounts of fentanyl seized with that seized by the prior administration.
As for the debt ceiling, maybe couching a default in terms of not paying our credit card debt would paint a picture that more people could understand.
McCarthy and the 20 MAGAts should be arrested on treason charges, since they work with our enemies. Arrest 20-30 of the worst MAGAts and the rest will crawl back into the dark places they crawled out of. And Biden should say Fuck The Debt Ceiling and cite his oath of office to see the laws are faithfully executed the the constitution protected, pointing to the 14th Amendment which directs that the national debt of the United States shall not be questioned.
I wish my fellow citizens were more aware of the seriousness of this debt limit issue. It doesn’t seem to get much play in the press. If people really understood the risks they would be making noise about it, but the Republicans’ reckless behavior is not attracting much public attention.
Heather, another wonderful Letter packed with information and your thoughts on the fentanyl scourge in the world. I was impressed to learn about the power of the Treasury Department to curb the “businessmen” who are foisting this on humanity. I recently watched a Netflix series based on the Medellin cartels in Colombia when “Cocaine was King” of drugs. Thank you for your thought-provoking analysis of the “debt ceiling” threats of the repugnants. I can barely let myself think about their “brinksmanship” politics. On another note, I hope you get some rest this weekend. You have written non-stop for many weeks, dearest Heather. Sorry to be your “mother”.....🦋
As if fentanyl wasn't enough. our charming friends across the aisle are determined to take our financial power out of commission and leave the rest of the world to figure out how to deal with both. This is where the term Patriots gets a shellacking. Yes kids, there are plenty of boogiemen to disturb our sleep, and the Chapitos are just the foot soldiers. The MAGAts are indeed traitors to our collective cause.
Not to sound snide to you, Heather (I wouldn't be), but... in a country where roughly 1/3 of people still believe our last election was "stolen," I think you have your answer. To be fair, I don't entirely understand all that will result from a default either, but I understand the basics. Most people, I can pretty much guarantee, have no idea. It will be interesting to see, as we lead up to the cliff, how the Republicans frame this. The President would do well to go on full-offensive now and do exactly as you proffered to us--express in clear, simple terms and with a relentless drumbeat, exactly what this is and will do. Force the GOP to respond like he did with the budget. This will help--because loyal idiots, Boebert and Green, who DON'T understand it, will then look like fools in defending it. The Administration should make this a "no one from the GOP can walk by the press without being questioned" kind of topic.
As I follow Klutz McCarthy and his Animal House bloviating about their demands for 1) no new taxes 2) massive, unspecified slashes in ‘social expenditures; and 3) the need to balance the budget, I think of Jimmy Breslin’s THE GANG THAT COULDN’T STRAIGHT.
The United States has just experienced a major banking crisis that required emergency intervention by the Fed, the Treasury, and several major banks. If the ‘full faith and credit’ of the United States’ is destroyed by failure to raise the national debt limit, the likely impact domestically and globally could be devastating.
So why are the McCarthy misfits playing Russian roulette with the financial integrity of the United States? Stupidity and irresponsibility are two prime reasons. ‘I earned the right to be Speaker’ McCarthy needed 15 House votes to obtain the House gavel. He made promises to 20 Republican renegades that renders him a ball-less ‘leader.’
I expect that President Biden will call his bluff and say ‘put up or shut up.’ If McCarthy wishes to identify which ‘social expenditures’ he demands be savaged in return for raising the national debt limit, then a political gauntlet is thrown. Ain’t going to happen. It would be political suicide for McCarthy.
President Biden should and, I believe, will insist that a handful of Republicans join Democrats in approving a national debt limit increase this summer. Regarding the nitty gritty of the budget, the House has received Biden’s draft. Let the prolonged budget game begin.
Meanwhile, at the NRA national meeting, Republican presidential candidates are outdoing themselves in professing the sanctity of owning guns without legal restrictions, while they are silent on the possibility of their country’s self-inflicted bankruptcy.
21 States passed impediments to voting in 2021-2022.
PLEASE CALL your US Senators + Representative (202-224-3121) and the President (833-345-2551) and leave this message: “Why should my Zip Code determine how I exercise my vote?
We need one federal law that governs voting for every American. Pass the Freedom to Vote: John R Lewis Voting Rights Act. It is ethically the right bill for you to pass right now.”
OR
REQUEST A MEETING: An in-person or Zoom meeting as soon as possible with your Senators and Representative and their Legislative Counsel. Invite local voting rights activists to join you (see GROUPS BY STATE in the map at www.nationalvotercorps.org) What to say when you meet: Pass the Freedom to Vote: John R Lewis Voting Rights Act. It is ethically the right bill for you to pass now.
In response to any reaction such as “Why would I ask a Republican Representative to protect Americans’ right to vote when voter suppression is working for them?”, words such as: "I believe ethical Republican Senators and Representatives will protect Americans’ vote fairly and safely. Examples of Republicans protecting Americans’ rights and the Constitution:
● Senator Lummis voted for the Respect of Marriage Act;
● Senator Murkowski supports the rights of indigenous Alaskans, with cross-party support, winning re-election against a conservative candidate in a closely watched race.
● Senator Romney voted for impeachment after January 6th and has supported voting rights, healthcare and other ethical measures.
"Already 21 States prevent millions of Americans from voting fairly, and safely. These Supreme Court decisions: 2010 Citizens United v FEC (unlimited corporate money in politics) and the 2013 Shelby County v Holder (ending preclearance of State or local laws relating to voting policies and procedural changes in previously segregated states) disenfranchised or resulted in expanding barriers to the ballot box for millions of voters - especially lower income voters, seniors, disabled voters, Americans without transportation, college students and people of color.
"Thus Congress must act under its powers in Article 1.4, the 14th, 15th, 17th, 19th, 23rd, 24th and 26th Amendments to protect our right to vote.
"You took an oath to protect the American Constitution. If Congress doesn’t act now to protect its powers under the Constitution, then hard-right activists will turn America into a libertarian theocracy or worse."
HCR: "As I read about the U.S. Treasury sanctions on fentanyl supply chains today and then thought about how Treasury sanctions against Russia have hamstrung that nation without a single shot from U.S. military personnel, I wondered if people really understand how much is at stake in the Republicans’ attack on our financial system."
From where I sit, it seems that people who swore an oath to honor and protect the U.S. Constitution are working to destroy democracy and create another system of government. The remedy is "equality before the law."
U.S. Constitution Article III, Section 3: Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort. No Person shall be convicted of Treason unless on the Testimony of two Witnesses to the same overt Act, or on Confession in open Court.
Shhhh...Not one word. Whoaaa! What?!! "A California police union executive director has been charged with running a drug ring from her San Jose home and work office where she allegedly accepted at least 61 illegal drug shipments from various countries, including Singapore, Hungary, Hong Kong, and India, then distributed to other states. Joanne Marian Segovia, 64", etc etc. And check out all her alias's. A "Lilley White Grandma"... emphasis on the "white" (my emphasis). And, where and to whom did she forward that 'stuff' too? Welp folks, you at least "read it here".
“I wondered if people really understand how much is at stake in the Republicans’ attack on our financial system.” And I’ll add to this from the last paragraph of HCR’s post. I don’t think that Republicans care about our financial system or democracy. They care about making money. Aren’t they, the Republicans still in the Republican Party, more than a little similar to leaders of drug cartels in Mexico, the U.S. and Chinese business interests? Consumed by greed, and poisoning this country and democracy?
“allegedly used cargo aircraft, private aircraft, submarines and other submersible and semi-submersible vessels, container ships, supply vessels, go-fast boats, fishing vessels, buses, rail cars, tractor trailers, automobiles, and private and commercial interstate and foreign carriers to transport their drugs and precursor chemicals…”
What?? I thought our drug problem was due to our ‘wide open border’.
I imagine Biden's actions will force MTG to come out in favor of fentanyl.
And now we have a 21yr old with a TS Clearance.. who apparently acted "intentionally" to throw the USA under the bus... huh? Okay, you name "the bus". Welp, here is what I'd like to see inscribed on his tombstone: "Here lies a Dumb Kid who, since 16 has been told (lied to), that the USA was a failed democracy, where an election had been stolen, that a communist country was a 'friend." And, below that should be the words "Thoughts and prayers - Needed". My friends.., we are indeed to blame for this. Not because we afforded the "liars" 1st Amendment shelter.., but because we.. "we' basically stood by, allowing the "liars" to spew un-checked, corrupting school curriculums (kids) together with titillated (adults) distracted by a pair of inflated breasts and a crop of degenerate/illiterate politicians. However, i believe there is reason for hope. What appeared to me to be a "fart in a windstorm" down in Tennessee, seems to have turned into a reckoning. Let's speak out. WI did.
how to reach those who do not agree with me and you? I have disconnected with most Republicans because most of them are very radically against what i believe on so many levels. Your newsletter is so informative, but sending it to like minded people is like preaching to the choir. Any ideas?
Another strong thought to introduce: Republicans are "Weak on Drugs". If they don't want to fund the myriad Federal agencies engaged in fighting the scourge of fentanyl, they are, prima facie, weak on drugs. And finally, if we don't pay for debt service on debts already incurred, 25% of which were incurred under Trump, how in heavens name can international investors trust us?
Heather, thank you for covering an issue that is not getting anywhere near the press that it needs.
Making it less profitable for the kingpins to operate is definitely the way to go. I wish that the Biden Administration would publish the numbers of pounds seized from cargo planes, etc. to break the narrative that the persons to fear are the “small fry” wading across the river or hiking across the desert.
It would also help to publish comparisons with the amounts of fentanyl seized with that seized by the prior administration.
As for the debt ceiling, maybe couching a default in terms of not paying our credit card debt would paint a picture that more people could understand.