On Wednesday, Kendra Sullivan, a West Virginian, was surprised to find that her solo “No Kings” protest had gone viral. At a follow-up YouTube meeting organized by the coalition behind the national demonstrations, Appalachian activist Ash-Lee Woodard Henderson highlighted Sullivan’s demonstration in Beckley, which involved holding signs and facing confrontations from locals. Sullivan, who felt lonely on Saturday, decided to protest in her hometown after she realized there were no other nearby events. Despite facing negative reactions, including police involvement, Sullivan stood her ground, expressing the importance of showing her face and representing her views in her community.
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Former Oklahoma Superintendent Ryan Walters is no longer in office, but his impact on the state’s schools is still being felt. His successor, Lindel Fields, has begun reversing Walters’ controversial policies, including the mandatory presence of Trump Bibles in classrooms and the requirement for teachers to take a PragerU-developed “woke test.” Fields clarified that Bibles are still accessible to students through various means, and the America First test is not a teacher certification requirement. Furthermore, the new superintendent is reviewing some state testing and social studies curriculum standards implemented during Walters’ tenure.
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Senate Democrats have blocked the Republican Party’s government funding legislation for the 12th time, as Republicans remain five votes short of the required 60. Democrats are using this “leverage” to push Republicans to extend expiring Obamacare subsidies, which Republicans insist will only be considered after the government reopens. This has led to a hardened resolve among Democrats, and Republicans are running out of solutions, as the deadline to fund the government approaches.
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The Democratic party, currently out of power, should advocate for a wealth tax to regain voter support in upcoming elections. Proposing an annual tax on individuals with significant wealth, such as 5% on those with $50 million or more and 10% on those with $250 million or more, could generate trillions of dollars and curb the influence of billionaires. This strategy aims to counteract the cycle of billionaires using wealth to acquire political power and dismantle public programs. Democrats must choose between defending the current economic landscape or taking the offensive with a wealth tax message to empower the public.
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The No Kings Day festivities, attracting a large crowd, highlighted the need for a unified grassroots movement rather than a Democratic Party-focused spectacle. The article criticizes the event’s emphasis on speeches from Democratic Party figures and calls for a shift towards civil disobedience and a broader coalition. The author suggests three key tasks for the movement: preventing Democratic Party control, expanding the coalition to include marginalized groups, and transitioning from protest to acts of civil disobedience. Ultimately, the author believes No Kings Day must evolve beyond mere political platitudes and embrace a more expansive vision to effectively counter the growing threat of fascism.
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According to a recent post on the former President’s social media site, all trade negotiations with Canada are being terminated. This decision was made in response to a Canadian television advertisement, which was claimed to misrepresent facts and attempt to influence U.S. court decisions. The ad, produced by the government of Ontario, used edited remarks from Ronald Reagan’s address on free trade, which the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation said was unauthorized and misrepresentative. The move follows escalating trade tensions and comes as Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney plans to increase exports outside the U.S.
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The demolition of the White House’s East Wing, along with the construction of a lavish ballroom, symbolizes a troubling trend of executive corruption. President Trump is using his position to benefit from corporate donors, blurring ethical lines and transforming the government into a vehicle for self-interest. This brazen behavior is facilitated by a political system that no longer prioritizes curbing corruption, as evidenced by weakened regulations and court decisions like Citizens United. The response from both parties has been inadequate, highlighting the pervasive influence of the same corrupt corporate oligarchy that funds Trump, ultimately showcasing a blatant disregard for ethical governance.
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In a recent interview, Steve Bannon claimed that Donald Trump will serve a third term in office, despite the constitutional two-term limit. Bannon asserted that there is a plan within Trump’s inner circle to circumvent the 22nd Amendment and keep him in power. This plan, the specifics of which have not been disclosed, is supported by Bannon’s belief that Trump is an “instrument of divine will” and that he is needed for another term. While the Constitution appears clear on this point, Trump himself has previously hinted at such a possibility, though legal experts have widely dismissed any means of subverting the 22nd Amendment.
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A recent YouGov America poll reveals significant disapproval of President Trump’s White House refurbishment project, with 50 percent of Americans opposing the changes. Specifically, 53 percent disagree with the demolition of the East Wing, which is being replaced by a ballroom, a project that has increased in cost to $300 million. While Republicans largely support the makeover, Democrats and Independents overwhelmingly reject it, and legal challenges are emerging. The National Trust for Historic Preservation has called for a pause on the demolition.
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In response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the U.S. Treasury and the European Union have both levied new sanctions against Russia to increase economic pressure on Moscow. The U.S. sanctions target major Russian oil companies, aiming to limit their revenue and support for the war effort. The E.U.’s 19th package of measures includes restrictions on various sectors, such as energy, military, and finance, as well as those involved in the abduction of Ukrainian children. Both the U.S. and the E.U. have warned of further sanctions if Russia does not agree to a cease-fire. Russia has strongly condemned the sanctions, while Ukraine has welcomed the measures as a step towards peace.
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John Q. Hosedrinker