In the midst of frustrating news and terrible tragedies, sometimes it helps me to be reminded that we are making progress pushing back against our own government’s attempts to harm us and our land for personal gain. Sure, the news out of the EPA, the Parks Service, the Department of Education, Speaker’s office, and more are alarming and negative, but we cannot stop now. The positives are getting more and more positive. We cannot let up. We cannot stop calling our representatives in government to make our needs and wishes heard.

In the news lately:

• Rex Tillerson said that the future of the Assad regime “will be decided by the Syrian people.” (meaning the U.S. would abandon its longstanding position that Assad must be removed from power. Shortly after this statement Syrians were gassed prompting Senator McCain’s statement below.)
• The Liar-In-Chief is still blaming Obama for the chemical attack in Syria.
• The Sexual-Predator-In-Chief praised and defended Bill O’Reilly against sexual harassment allegations during Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Because of course he did.
• Steve Bannon retains the highest national security clearance possible as well as his position as a top adviser (see also great news below).
• 45 signed an internet privacy bill gutting rules that prohibited internet providers from sharing customers’ web browsing histories.
• Federal employees are still leaving the State Department (not that the positions that were open before had been filled).
• Citizens are shooting each other, even children, in such great numbers that even mass shootings often don’t make the news.
• We have members of Congress who are under the mistaken impression that they work for the president.

But there is also this, thankfully:

• THE BIG ONE, IMO – Steve Bannon removed from The National Security Council!
• Senator John McCain (to CNN) spoke out, calling 45’s policy on Syria “another disgraceful chapter” in U.S. history.
• The Russian investigation continues, and I consider it good news that nobody has taken Flynn up on his offer to testify for immunity (it leads me to think maybe they have enough to nail 45 without Flynn’s testimony).
• Senator Jeff Merkley began an all-night protest on the Senate floor against the nomination of Neil Gorsuch for SCOTUS.

We are not alone in this fight, and we are making progress. Don’t stop now!

Link: “Trump Removes Stephen Bannon From National Security Council Post” – by Peter Baker of The New York Times

Link: “McCain rips Trump administration over Syria policy” – by Eugene Scott of CNN

Link: “Federal Workers Union Slams Trump Climate Order As ‘Assault’ On Public Health” – by Chris D’Angelo of The Huffington Post