The Republicans sure are flooding the zone with horrifying bullshit, but I believe the greatest threat so far is Elon Musk’s illegal takeover of the federal treasury. This goes beyond outrage of the day. This is a coup.
Although I tried to call my U.S. Senators and Representative, I couldn’t get through, so I sent emails. I’m still trying to call, but I get a busy signal or “this mailbox is full.” When I finally do connect, I will focus on one issue per message.
Here’s what I wrote:
I am a defense industry retiree and U.S. Army veteran. I am terrified by the Trump administration’s attack on democracy and am eager to see my elected officials fight back. The attack is so broad in scope, it’s overwhelming to regular Americans. I can imagine it is for you, too. But now is the time to rise up and do the job you were elected to do.
Social justice is important, and we can never lose sight of that, but I believe Trump is using those issues to distract us. I’m asking you to follow the money. I’m no expert, but I see three immediate priorities: reverse these ill-conceived tariffs; get Elon Musk out of our government and strip him of access to the treasury; and oppose all efforts to reduce taxes for corporations and billionaires.
Thank you.
Please contact your elected representatives. Feel free to use anything I’ve written that resonates with you. Oh, and I checked the box that said I wanted a reply. Jeez, this thing with Elon is affecting my sleep.
Last night I enjoyed a cannabis sleep gummy, and it really did help. I take it at least an hour before I actually want to go to sleep – they take some time to get through your system. If you can get it, I like Kanha Cannabis Infused Tranquility Gummies. Each gummy has 5 mg of THC. That’s a little much for me, so I cut them in half.
The FU Amazon Challenge
On the subject of billionaires behaving badly, I always knew Amazon had a dark side, but I chose to look the other way and admired Jeff Bezos for coming up with such a great idea. That time is gone.
I calculated how much I spent on Amazon last year. It was more than I’m prepared to admit. But then I treat Amazon like the corner store. Need dental floss? Push a button and boom. Need a new coffee pot? Push a button and boom. Need a rug? A Vitamix? Cat food? Coconut milk? Push a button and boom.
My spending on digital purchases wasn’t as jaw-dropping. I use the library a lot, but still, I spent a fair chunk of change on books, movies, music and TV shows.
After reviewing my purchases, I only found a few things that would be difficult to find elsewhere. While this is not a complete FU, I’m making a pledge to reduce my total Amazon spending by 50 percent in 2025. I am confident I can do way better than that, but I thought it would be good to under promise and overdeliver.
Will you join me?
To help with the transition, I’m checking out other online sources that aren’t owned by douchebags. I also downloaded the Target app, since I will be buying a lot more things in person. I hate the idea of wandering through the aisles not knowing where anything is, but the app includes aisle numbers, so I can make a shopping plan and include that on my list. I’m told there’s a mapping feature, too, but I haven’t explored that yet.
Dale is doing his part to feed and sustain the reluctant activist (and channeling his fury) by making chili and playing The Byrds.
As a defense industry retiree myself, I find it outrageous all these unelected goons having such access. None of them would qualify for the lowest level security clearance. Musk, besides all the other crap, has been experimenting with hallucinogenic drugs for years. It is all too much to comprehend what is happening. The doors are wide open for foreign bad actors especially if they fire thousands of FBI agents that stop attacks everyday.
I too push the Amazon button for everything. I have to stop.
It is my understanding that the best way to reach our representatives is with postcards. They go through immediately, but letters in envelopes get extra security.
Holy f*ck it has only been 15 days
You GO GIRL! I am in full support of what you’re doing, and I’m also joining you in the FU Challenge. I’m appalled at how many times I’ve clicked that button starting since Covid 19. Hubs and I have made an agreement to only shop Amazon if we can’t find the item elsewhere…besides, I need the exercise. Thanks for leaving the info on the gummies. I’ve considered the CBD version, however I don’t think anything is strong enough for sleep if thoughts of this administration is swirling in my head. Maybe instead of counting sheep I can count idiots and lunatics.
I’m in too with FU. I’ve already cut my purchases by a lot. Some things I will still buy like Blue corn beeswax tapers. Wait, I can probably go to their website!! So i will aim for 90% less and see if I can just get creative. As for this administration, I have not been so worried since(honestly) I was marching against the VietNam War. I am really frightened by what the republicans are doing. i don’t know where it’s going but it isnt good.
Yes I join you in saying FU to Amazon and Whole Foods. I love to shop at WF, but no more. I usually do all our shopping there but except for a couple of things I can’t get elsewhere I have figured out work around to avoid them.
I am also looking at Zuck and Musk. I have at Tesla coming of lease. I am getting many offers from them to get a new one. I will not and frankly I am afraid to park it as Teslas are being vandalized. I never did much with Zuck so that is easy.
I am astounded that Musk and Bezos can’t determine that the customer base for Tesla and Whole Foods is not MAGA. I assume just astounding arrogance.
In summary I am looking carefully at where I spend money. It is one thing I can do. And as a dual US Canadian citizen I am looking Canadian products. I can drink a lot of Canadian Whiskey!
I wrote to my senator last week about this Guantanamo business. Concentration camps is where I draw a bright red line. Fortunately, my senator is Ron Wyden, so one of the better ones. Though who knows what or who matters in this maelstrom.
I, too, have begun detoxing from Amazon. Fortunately, I am living in Japan where there are a couple of joints like Rakuten who do the same and I gave my husband a list of the things to research that I regularly pushed the button on at Amazon. Was happy to find out all my regulars are available elsewhere. (They have Amazon.jp here, of course. The tentacles reach far…)
We must walk the razor`s edge between keeping an eye on what they do, because clearly the smoke from all the fires is to obscure the really big stuff, and making sure their crazy doesn`t make us crazy. Because we are going to need all our wits to get out of this. But staying sane has never been more important. So take breaks when and how you can toward that end.