I'm going to start right out by mentioning the scary state of affairs in the USA -- Trump's mobilizing of the military against our own citizens, and against the wishes of state and local leaders in California, not to mention the handcuffing of a U.S. senator for daring to ask a question at a press conference by Kristi Noem. I said to Dave yesterday morning, "This is martial law." Where does it stop? This is authoritarianism. It's happening now. As I say pretty much every day nowadays, Trump's America is not the country I grew up in.
If we were having anti-Trump protests here tomorrow I might go, but I'm not aware of any. (And I've looked.) As I've said in comments on other blogs, part of the problem might be that the "No More Kings" slogan doesn't really work in the UK. It's a branding problem! I bet if I went down to the embassy or maybe Trafalgar Square something would be going on. Meanwhile, I'm protesting here on my blog.
More trivially, what was up with the onslaught of Australian spam comments on my blog yesterday? Did any other bloggers experience this? I've deleted it all -- which I almost hated to do because YP made funny replies to several of them -- but it was the strangest thing. I had about eight comments trying to sell me pool maintenance and bank loans and all manner of stuff, from businesses all based in Melbourne, I think. Those crafty Australians, hacking Google's firewalls.
Yesterday at work I did my first aid training and my fire safety training. The latter was a three hour online video course, and involved far more detail than I should have to know given that my only responsibility as a fire warden is to make sure everyone leaves the library if the alarm goes off. I don't need the legal origins of the fire codes and statistics about fire casualties blah blah blah, and although it's helpful to know about the various types of fire extinguishers it's highly unlikely that I would ever be in a position to fight a fire at work myself. Not only that, but some of it was stunningly obvious. Here's one actual directive from the video: "Once you believe the fire is out, stop using the extinguisher." Yeah, no shit, Sherlock!
Today is our final all-school meeting and lunch, where we say goodbye to departing colleagues and that kind of thing, and then we're off for the summer. It's also Olga's last walk with her dog-walker. A momentous day!
Oh, and Mr. K returned from his travels yesterday. He mowed his lawn and I told him how I'd closed their shed. Mrs. K is supposedly coming back today, so normalcy appears to be returning to my little corner of London.
(Photo: A neat house I often pass on my walks to and from work.)
I get the occasional selling spam comments...I wonder how those got past?!
ReplyDeleteYou wonder how people can't see what is going on...and how others can support it?
I get occasional ones but never so many from a single geographical area! I don't understand the Trump supporters at all.
DeleteIt sounds like a momentous and unsettling time both globally and locally. Between the alarming political developments and the spam invasion, I hope your summer break brings some much-needed peace and perspective
ReplyDeleteI'm ready for peace and perspective, for sure.
DeleteThat’s an odd little bench on the corner of that house. I grew up in a racist country with its own particular challenges. But I never imagined the country would still be racist today and evolve (devolve?) into this hell. Your first aid training sounds like our driver training. Why do I need to know THAT?
ReplyDeleteIt is very disappointing that we're still fighting all these battles, isn't it?
DeleteMy apologies about the spam Steve. I thought there was no harm in giving you some publicity.
ReplyDeleteIt is a very nice house but I don't like the managed pot plants running up the wall.
Oh, I like those plants! I think the facade would look very blank without them.
DeleteWhy stop? You might be having fun with the fire extinguisher - spraying all that foam stuff around. As for the treatment of Alex Padilla - it was utterly despicable and then afterwards the White House spokespeople lied about what had happened - trying to cast aspersions on the character of a dedicated senator who was only trying to ask legitimate questions of the numbskull who is the Secretary of Homeland Security.
ReplyDeleteThe Trump White House LIED? That NEVER happens. LOL
DeleteYes, you were spammed yesterday. To a tune that made me laugh; though didn't see YP's replies. Mind you, whenever I call up your blog I am always being warned that the connection isn't secure. No idea what that means. Well, whilst I am averse to unnecessary risks I'll take my chances with you!
ReplyDeleteWhich reminds me: What would you do (or any of your readers) if your computer, particularly, you emails were hacked by a relative? A relative stupid enough to tell me that he could; told me, in a fit of anger and in his words, he knows all about the wider family. That's a bit of a giveaway. Well, well, well. Good job he isn't MY son. I'd be deeply perturbed that morals and ethics were clearly not instilled by me, parent. There are some things you just don't do. By which I don't mean whistle blowers who hack in the interest of the public - and then, unfortunately, have a heavy personal price to pay.
Have a great summer. I take it you won't go the States.
U
I don't know why my blog and/or connection wouldn't be secure. Weird! Are you using the URL that begins with https:? If it's the old http: (without the s) that might be the reason you see that message.
DeleteHacking someone's e-mail is every bit as invasive as opening their letters. In fact that's basically what it is. Change your password!
I feel slighted- though my blog does not get much traffic I might welcome the opportunity to buy an Australian pool. IN Australia! We all know that this country is not safe. I would leave if the raccoon family did not love me...and if I was not going blind, and if Mr. man were agreeable...Sell everything and go- like our oldest son and family are doing.
ReplyDeleteHa! I didn't think of that. I should have contacted them and said, "I'll buy a pool if you buy me a house in Australia."
Delete"Nice pool. Does it come with a house attached?" 😂
DeleteI love that little bench in the courtyard.
ReplyDeleteI have read of many people, who had the means, moving abroad. I would just be happy to move from a dreadful red state (Ohio) back to home to the East Coast, where at least I would be surrounded by others of like mind. That is not in the cards, though, so I fight where I am.
It's probably more valuable for you to be in a place where your resistance has the potential to make people think about their choices, though I know it must be exhausting!
DeleteThat is a very nice looking house. Not sure I could afford it though 🤔.
ReplyDeleteIt seems you made the right decision to stay in England...at least for the time being. It's not perfect by any means but perhaps a better bet for now.
Yeah, I think for now we're in a better place. I couldn't afford that house either!
DeleteI think we're all appalled at what is happening in the USA. I hope the weekend's protest demonstrations proceed peacefully and in great numbers.
ReplyDeleteMe too. I hope there's lots of visibility, though no matter what it will be minimized by the right-wing media sources that Trump supporters watch or read.
DeleteMy spam is all from India. Exciting stuff about nursing schools and window replacements.
ReplyDeleteLet's hope tomorrow is effective and peaceful.
Yeah, I get some of that spam too, but it usually doesn't come in batches!
DeleteHere in Germany, our relationship to the US has traditionally been a good and friendly one - they were crucial in helping this country to get rid of one dictator, but now it seems they are unable to get rid of their own. (Alright, that comparison might not really work, but you get my drift.) For decades, we had a strong US-American presence here, and although a large number of the military and their families moved back to the US after the Gulf War, the community is still about 20,000 strong in the Stuttgart area alone. So, naturally, we watch closely what's going on there - many of us have family and friends in both countries, and our governments used to be on friendly terms, too.
ReplyDeleteIt is worrying, to say the least.
The house looks nice but I wonder whether anyone ever sits there, and do they have some grass on the back of the house, or just that paved bit?
By now your momentous Friday is well under way. Next year, you will be one of those colleagues the others say good-bye to!
No Australian spam (so far) on my blog.
I think the USA's relationships with many of its former allies are now on the rocks. I don't know why Trump is so disdainful of Europe. My guess is he's had trouble doing business there because there are rules and people have scruples!
DeleteI've never seen anyone sitting on that bench. Google Earth shows a fairly big garden behind the house.
I am heartsick as to what is going on in my country. What makes me even sadder is that I know people who support all of this craziness. I will be marching tomorrow in the No Kings Day event, and I will not be silent. I am an introvert by nature, but I just cannot sit back and watch the country that I thought I knew disintegrate before my eyes. On a different note, enjoy your summer!
ReplyDeleteBravo for marching. I'd be there if I could.
DeleteI'm planning to go to the protest tomorrow though I'm a little nervous. But over here I don't feel you can complain or bitch about it if you don't do something -- anything. Blog or social media, protest, work for new candidates, call Reps/Sens to protest. Something. There is a series on PBS called Rise of the Nazis (now online) and it's frightening how the playbook is so in use today. Don't we ever learn? Love that house on your open! I'd hang out there and read during the day!
ReplyDeleteSadly, every generation seems to need to learn the lessons of the past over and over again.
DeleteWe are off to a No Kings protest tomorrow and looking forward to it! It's nice that a big crowd is expected in Columbia, SC!
ReplyDeleteThat's impressive! Maybe protest against Lindsey Graham while you're at it. :)
DeleteI'm planning on going to my first protest in my life tomorrow.... I'm anxious - but I cant sit any longer to the chaos going on
ReplyDeleteGood for you! I'd be there if I could!
DeleteBoston, MA is a sanctuary city, and we are protesting and pushing back as is Harvard University (Cambridge, MA). Even our small local newspapers (Concord & Carlisle) published articles on what to do if ICE shows up. The situation is horrifying. Silence is not an option. It is like a bad dream but unfortunately very real.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad people are showing up despite any potential risks. I think as long as protests remain peaceful they should be fine.
DeleteThey had to throw in that bit about turning the extinguisher off because otherwise some hotshot would just spray everything in sight just on general principals. Ha!
ReplyDeleteYou're probably right! But then, he'd do it anyway, even if told to turn it off. LOL
DeleteI think the protest should be titled, "No More Tyrants!"
ReplyDeleteYes. Martial law. That is exactly what he's pushing for. Of course he's not smart enough to organize the making of a tuna fish salad sandwich. Stephen Miller? What hold does this man have on Trump? And his fellow conspirators?
I'm scared to death although it does seem as if members of congress, both sides of the aisle, are beginning to speak up.
I think that advice about fire should be, "When you believe the fire is out, spray it some more to make sure."
Yes, "tyrants" is a better word. I don't understand Stephen Miller and his hatred. What motivates that guy? How did he get so fixated on immigrants? He seems like a truly awful human being.
DeleteI heard this morning that more US troops are deployed in LA than in Iraq and Syria. I dont know if it's true, but the situation is turning Newsome into a folk hero of sorts. With his central casting persona, he certainly knows what to do with this moment.
ReplyDeleteI hope Newsome's stock rises as a result of all this. The right-wingers are sure trying to portray him as ineffective.
DeleteI thought the same thing as Meike - next year they will be saying goodbye to you at the year end gathering!
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to the protest tomorrow.
Yes, it's weird to think I'll be in the departing role next year! (Assuming the school accepts my application to retire, which I think they will.)
DeleteIs there more to trump's birthday parade? What does he want to do when the military is out there and handy.
ReplyDeleteI don't want to think about it! This parade is such an embarrassment. Right out of the North Korean playbook.
DeleteI'm glad the judge struck down Trump's use of the National Guard. While I wouldn't call it authoritarianism by any means yet, it certainly is a step in that direction and not one I particularly want to see our country head towards.
ReplyDeleteAs for the U.S. Senator incident, I see it differently from my middle chair. I saw a belligerent man attempting to draw attention to himself and when confronted by security, physically started pushing at them until they were forced to take action. Only after he was being physically restrained, did he start mention who he was, i.e. a Senator, and of course in the heat of the moment, one cannot take time to stop and verify it via other channels. It was an entirely and sadly predictable outcome and I think Padilla probably was hoping it would end up the way it did. Had he been less aggressive and identified himself before pushing and shoving started, you know like most people would, I'm sure things would have turned out much differently. You incorrectly stated that he was arrested. Even Padilla himself said he wasn't arrested. The media and left are using the term arrested to drive up anxiety and fear. Padilla immediately after being apologized too and released from his handcuffs, immediately went outside to a microphone to inflate the whole incident and ratchet up the fear. He got what he wanted. It's sad that this has to be this way now but was entirely predictable from my point of view. Every scratch has now become a pound of flesh to motivate their political side. As long as we continue to demonize every thing that happens, these events will only continue to devolve and get worse, much worse.
Probably more than my two cents worth anyway.
I think calling in military forces against the wishes of local leaders is authoritarian, though I realize it's not unprecedented. The difference is, the precedents were on the side of right.
DeleteAs for Padilla, I changed the word "arrested" to "handcuffed" in my post, though I think if you're forced from a room by police, wrestled to the floor and handcuffed, "arrested" seems to apply. (If only briefly.) I have no doubt Padilla meant to challenge Noem in a way that would make news. But I don't believe for a second that no one in the room knew who he was -- Noem herself would know him, I expect -- and it could have been handled in a much less confrontational way. Why didn't she just answer his question?
You keep making the assertion that the media wants to ratchet up fear. What would be their motive for that? I worked in media all my life and I can tell you that never once did we say, "Let's write this-and-that because it will really SCARE people!" I do think reporters like drama, and they'll report on drama as it happens, but I think accusing them of creating it is basically shooting the messenger.
You worked for a more reputable media outlet Steve than what I was referring too. It used to be headlines sold newspapers and magazines but I think these days, viewership sells ads. I'm not sure fear as in trying to scare people is what I had in mind. More like, present it as sort of worst case scenario so that when people consume the media, they assume the worst is happening. Creating drama is also a good way of putting it. Sort of like whenever a plane crashes, we get a week of aviation crisis reports always flanked by shots of the first plane's wreckage, until it subsides again and fades away into the background. It's not false reporting or making it up, but emphasizing it in a way that leads to distorted perceptions. I'm not sure what the solution is. Kind of a damned if you do, damned if you don't scenario.
DeleteYeah, because the alternative would be to minimize it, and that could be just as bad. I think it's the media's job to report possible outcomes, and those include worst-case scenarios. But I will agree that some media are better than others when it comes to reflecting reality!
DeleteIn my little rural (MAGA-land) neck of the woods, things still feel relatively normal, whatever the hell that means. I wake up every morning wondering "what next??".
ReplyDeleteDoes that house get much foot traffic? It might be an interesting place for the owner to sit and people watch.
I suppose day-to-day life for most people is probably not much different (yet). What scares me is the rhetoric and the potential for continual deterioration of society. As for the bench, I've never seen anyone sitting there, but a lot of people walk past it, for sure.
Delete"What scares me is the rhetoric and the potential for continual deterioration of society." - Steve Reed
DeleteOne of my biggest fears too!
Scary times indeed, not just in the US, but here in Alberta too with a wannabe Premier.
ReplyDeleteGlad the Kravitz's are okay, even though I've never met them, I know them through you:)
Yeah, you guys in Alberta have some crazy going on too! What is UP with people?!
DeleteGood news on the Ks. yep scary stuff in our country.
ReplyDeleteScary and exhausting. I think there's some truth to the idea that Trump is trying to deflect our attention away from the economic impact of his "Big Beautiful Bill" and tax cuts.
DeleteYou know, I read something yesterday about how he is losing in the polls. Only 26% for his big beautiful bill. Basically he is shooting himself in the foot by continuing to push this through.
DeleteI regularly get Indonesian spam, mostly promising Lucky Days at the Casino!!! Yes, three exclamation marks.
ReplyDeleteDid Mr K at least thank you for locking his shed?
Ha! The Indonesians haven't found me yet. Or maybe Google's spam filter catches them. Mr. K said nothing in the way of thanks. In fact I'm afraid he thinks I was criticizing him for leaving the lawn unmowed, which was not my intention.
DeleteIt's horrifying what's going on here, arresting judges, lawyers, and politicians. Trump is purposely escalating it, at the behest of that ghoul Stephen Miller I suspect, and he will have a massive amount of military personnel and equipment in DC on Saturday. What happens if he decides to declare martial law as a result of all the protests. This is a ticking time bomb getting ready to go off. I believe Trump wants to declare martial law more than anything and with toadie Hegseth in command he just might do it.
ReplyDelete"Ghoul" is a good word for Miller. I don't see how Trump could declare martial law nationally -- I don't think we have enough military to maintain control over the whole country, especially if he pisses off local police and authorities -- but he's certainly imposing martial law in limited geographical areas. I'm sure you're right that Trump would like to declare it. He sees himself as an old-school strongman and admires that type of leadership.
DeleteI too think that Trump will use the protests to declare martial law and guess what--no elections during martial law. It's exactly what they're aiming for. We are living in a terrifying world and country right now. :( Typepad is a terrible platform but very good with spam although some legit comments get sent to my spam folder.
ReplyDeleteOh yeah, I didn't think about the "no elections" factor. Yikes!
DeleteWhat a whirlwind of a week from confronting authoritarian creep to battling Aussie spam and wrapping up the school year, it sounds like you’ve earned a peaceful summer and a well-deserved break from fire extinguisher tutorials
ReplyDeleteYou commented twice again! LOL
Delete