02/08/23

Good morning! It’s Wednesday, February 8th. Molasses bar day.

I don’t have a joke about this – molasses is good. Bars are good. Combining them is good.

And now, the news.

Earthquake Update

-via CNN

We start with an awful update on the earthquake that rocked Turkey and Syria over the weekend.

The death toll, which is still expected to rise significantly, especially in Syria, is now at over 7,900.

The number will rise as the hundreds of collapsed buildings continue to be searched.

Meanwhile, countries all over the world are sending help to the area, including some very good boys and girls – 16 of Mexico’s search and rescue dogs.

In addition to the national aid, 500 doctors from Doctors Without Borders are working in the area.

Memphis Officers Are Worse Than We Thought

-via NY Times

Just when we thought, or I guess hoped, that everything we knew about the Memphis police officers were as bad as they could get… turns out, they’re worse.

Because after they beat Tyre Nichols to what would ultimately be his death – one of the police officers took a picture of him and sent it to at least six different people, including at least one outside of the police department.

And as we knew would end up being the case – the police chief has said no evidence could be found that Tyre was driving recklessly, as officers said claimed he was.

On Friday, the mayor of Memphis noted that both the Department of Justice and the International Association of Chiefs of Police would conduct an independent review of the Memphis police department’s special units and use of force policy.

I’ll be talking about the State of the Union at the end of the episode, but Tyre’s family were invited as guests of President Biden. It was a powerful moment, as he acknowledged that he, as well as many in the room, never had to have The Talk with their kids, about what to do if you get pulled over. He called for better police training and better resources, including affordable housing, education and childcare, as well as accountability for police that break public trust.

George Santos Update (and tea!)

-via Reuters

George Santos, who once claimed he was mugged in NY and they took his shoes (a claim that has not been able to be verified), is facing an ethics committee investigation.

Eventually. As soon as the House Ethics Committee gets started.

He is still off his committees, steal wearing his sweaters, and still looking absolutely concerned by all of this. When asked about this investigation, Santos told CNN “You’re saying that the freedom of speech of my constituents is a distraction to my work?” Adding, “do you think people are a distraction to the work I’m doing here?”

No… we think YOU’RE a distraction to the work you’re doing there. Or, well, I guess. Not doing. Because you’re not on any committees anymore.

Also, there’s no link to this yet because it was just reported on MSNBC, but apparently, as he was entering the House chambers ahead of the State of the Union address, Mitt Romney passed my George Santos and had some currently unknown, but very stern, words for Santos. Which I mean… yeah, he should have some stern words for him. Everyone should. But it sounds like it was just Romney telling him he should be sitting in the back quietly, not in the middle aisle, on the end, trying to get on TV.

But again… George Santos is the consequences of their actions, so I don’t feel bad for them.

State of the Union

-via NY Times

“Though bruised, our democracy remained unbowed and unbroken.”

That was President Biden at the State of the Union was last night, and I gotta say – I agree. But only if the bruise is like the time I tried to go through a turnstile too fast and it was a bruise so bad that I genuinely thought for a moment my kneecap was broken.

Overall the extra-long speech was an optimistic look at the last year, including low unemployment rates, the growing numbers of small businesses, and strengthening unions. He also talked about lowering prescription drug rates, expanding Medicare, fixing a broken tax system (which got a standing ovation from many, including Liz Warren, who wore a crayon lapel pin because she is an A+), Russia’s attack on Ukraine, reforming gun laws, border security, abortion rights restoration,

He asked Congress to pass the Junk Fees Cancellation Act, including airlines charging families to sit together, Ticketmaster’s incredibly high service fees, and hotel resort fees.

It was a pretty rowdy State of the Union, which a lot of House Republicans responding vocally to Biden at times. For example, Biden asked Congress to commit to raising the debt ceiling, which the Republicans didn’t seem very excited about. However, it did cause a ruckus when he said some Republicans was to cut social security and Medicare. After Republicans called him a liar and said they don’t want do it, Biden basically forced the Republicans to stand up and cheer, promising not to cut it. Slick move Joe.

When he talked about Fentylal, one Republican member yelled out that it was Biden’s fault. Because, again… they don’t want to solve problems. They want to blame Biden.

At one point, from his spot behind the president, McCarthy had to parent-style sush his party – and failed. We’ve been and staying knowing that he’s not in control, and this was a great example. A lot of House Republicans were out of control, but Marjorie Taylor Greene really took the cake. She made herself, her party, and Kev look like a party of children.

In all, if you’re a democrat, you loved the speech. If you’re a Republican, you hated it.

It was also kind of the same it always is – Republicans don’t want to stand for things like democracy. Which… I mean, I guess I appreciate that they’re not lying? Because of how they’re insurrectionists...

The Republican Speaker looked like a bored teenager. I guess I never realized what a slow blinker he is. Like… he almost looked like he should have been drug tested.

Kiki Simz’ dress was truly terrible. Like, I know that’s her thing, but this was like… if every bad outfit she’s every worn all got together and said, “oh, let’s make it WORSE.” Girl – this is a boring corporate all-call, not your 80’s prom. Put those sleeves away.

Joey Manchy regretted docking his boat when he heard Biden talk about big oil making too much money.

Marjorie Taylor Greene wore all white, including a ski lodge style white fur. Which is so interesting, because I truly don’t know if I believe she wants women to even have a vote. It gave Cruella. She also brought a balloon to the House. Which, girl… they shot down the balloon in a grown up manner. Stop bringing props and start, hear me out… actually, never mind. I don’t want her to do anything except just not be in the House.

A couple dozen members of Congress were spotted wearing 1870 pins – 1870 is the year the 15th Amendment gave Black men the right to vote. It is also the first year, on record, that a free Black man was killed by police officers.

As an aside, only Bernie Sanders had a mask on in there. And so here’s hoping that this long speech was not a super spreader.

And that’s it. That’s the news.

I’m proud of… Joe Biden. Great speech. Fun night.

I’m proud of… Ruth. She slept through the whole thing. McCarthy actually called her and told her she was jealous.

But more than that… more than Ruth and Joe Biden sharing a Molasses bar ice cream cone, with a dessert I just invented but sounds so good… because you are also layered and cool… I’m proud of you.