And technically the Republicans can pass the budget on their own by instituting the process they used to push through 100 nominees, that requires only 51 votes. Clearly, it is the Republican Shutdown.
Great stuff. Self report - organized a postcarding party and sent 100 postcards encouraging voters to vote yes on Prop 50 (via field team 6). Felt good and lots of fun. Go team.
Additionally, I highly recommend watching David Pakman's show today. His interview with Max Frost, posing some sticky questions to him, is very engrossing. Frost is really adept at navigating, but not inauthentically. We should feel really hopeful that this is the future.
Also, David, like Simon, gets into the weeds about Trump's absences for days at a time, in the context of the opacity surrounding his health.
I totally agree that those of us “ordinary” citizens who see those in more powerful positions fighting for our country and our values get wind in our sails for continuing to fight, too. It really matters. We are an army of opposers who look to our leaders for inspiration and direction. These videos on Hopium are valuable to those of us out here in the ranks Thank you, Simon!
Ran across this article on a social media site for physicians. File it away under the law of unintended consequences. Reye's syndrome is some bad juju. Saw a couple of cases of my peds neuro rotation as a resident. The idea of this vanquished disease returning because of the madness of Trump and RFKJ is a frightening prospect.
man i remember the huge case in nyc when a famous writer's daughter died from it, because the authorities thought she was on drugs. iirc he actually lost the case. we used to take st joseph's aspirin when kids and no one realized how dangerous it could be.
If you are referring to the Libby Zion case (sounds like you are), this was not about Reye's, it was about a serotonin syndrome interaction between her antidepressant and the narcotic Rxed by the inexperienced doctors (along with the cocaine she had used).
The case was extraordinary because it led to sweeping changes in the care we all receive in hospitals. From it emerged reforms to doctors' work conditions (including sleep, hours, and supervision by attending drs), which (should?) have an impact on patient outcomes (and doctor liability).
When I read Hopium, watch the interviews and peruse the Comments, I can imagine what it was like to be a Colonist gathered with friends in a local tavern or meeting travelers at a roadside inn when a rider galloped in and reported news of the Boston Tea Party or the massacre on the Boston Common. The electricity, the shared sense of outrage, the spines stiffening with determination to stand up for their families, neighbors and soon-to-be-fellow countrymen. They refused to yield to tyranny and set the example for the following generations. And they stood together.
Great conversation and appreciate both of you, recognizing the essential and good hard work you do.
However, Congressman Swalwell's comment that the people wouldn't be fighting if we didn't see our politicians fighting (I'm paraphrasing), is just wrong. I'm sorry but so many of us have been fighting HARD and LONG, working and studying with public intellectuals and others outside of government with experience and expertise to organize and activate, not just our fellow Americans but our legislators and others in government.
It is still true that our Democratic (🤞🏽 ) system derives its power from the people.
Joan I think he was suggesting that the people in the trenches need to see their leaders fighting, and that it creates permission structure for more to do so. I think this is true!
With ever-increasing horrific videos showing the escalation of ICE thugery and violence, I'm more and more convinced that we're looking at a generation of mentally fragile men and women who'll be developing addiction disorders and demonstrating suicidal/self-injurious behavior (if they don't have these already)?
There's no way they can comport themselves as they do in these videos without eventually feeling profound regret and devastating self-loathing. And we don't adequately care for our trained and seasoned military veterans in this country, so how are we prepared to take care of ICE personnel?
If you're curious -- below is the spin (propaganda) from Colorado Republican, Rep. Jeff Hurd, dated October 4th.
Hurd's 'Huddle' to this email list, October 4th. (I guess we women are in the Huddle too??? Ugh!!)
"Friends,
I hope this finds you well. I understand the government shutdown can be confusing and distressing for many. With that in mind, I want you to know that my offices are still open and offering constituent services amid the shutdown.
Government Shutdown Resources
As of 12:01 a.m. on October 1, funding for many federal government operations have lapsed. I supported a package passed by the House that would extend current funding until November 21, 2025, but the proposal did not pass the Senate. Despite the shutdown, my office is here to help residents of Colorado’s 3rd with issues they are facing with federal agencies. While many federal agencies may have slower response times and minimal staffing, we can still submit requests and advocate on your behalf. You can submit casework requests on our website here.
I am also committed to keeping you informed about how the shutdown may or may not affect you. Many essential services, like Social Security payments, will still be provided as Congress works toward a solution. Federal agencies that are closing operations are still working on their shutdown plans.
Impacts vary by agency. Visit the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) website for the latest details.
How did we get here?
The U.S. Congress must pass annual appropriations measures in order to fund federal government agencies by October 1. On September 19, I supported a measure that passed the House of Representatives extending current federal funding until November 21 while we finish our work for the full fiscal year. This was a clean, straightforward extension of existing funding without extraneous policy.
Unfortunately, this proposal did not pass the Senate, as Senate Democrats blocked the measure and shut down the government. This means that many federal agencies do not currently have the authority to operate. Other programs deemed essential are allowed to continue by law. I have and will continue to call on Senate colleagues to pass the bipartisan short-term funding bill.
If you need help with a federal agency, have questions about critical services, or would like to share your concerns, my team and I are here to help. While government agencies may experience delays during the shutdown, we will do everything we can to ensure Coloradans are receiving the support they need.
What kinds of services will continue?
While the programs listed below will continue, the agencies responsible for administering them may see reduced workforces impacting operations. This is not a comprehensive list, as we are continuing to gather information.
- Social Security payments, including SSI benefits
- Medicare and Medicaid benefits
- VA medical care and benefits (although some regional offices may be closed)
- SNAP benefits (although a prolonged shutdown could create disruptions)
- Disability payments
- Mail delivery
- Federal law enforcement and military operations
- Air travel
- Federal employee retirement payments
- Student aid such as Pell Grants and Federal Direct Student Loans
- Visits to national Smithsonian Museums (until at least Monday, October 6)
- Visa and passport services (although longer wait times are possible)
Resources for Federal Employees
As agencies shut down, federal employees will either be furloughed, or in some cases required to work without pay. Under federal law, employees are entitled to back pay upon the government reopening.
- OPM Operating Status
- OPM Shutdown Furlough Guidance
- Thrift Savings Plan - Lapse in Appropriations
For agency-specific details, visit your department’s .gov site (e.g., www.dhs.gov, www.va.gov) and check their HR or shutdown resource pages.
To find a full list of constituent services we can assist you with, visit my website. This includes help with Social Security, Medicare, veterans’ benefits, passports, and more. Please note that some services, such as Capitol and White House tours, are not available during the shutdown.
To request services, assistance, or schedule a meeting with a staff member, contact my team by calling our offices or filling out a contact request form on my website.
I am committed to ensuring that you have access to essential constituent services during this time, and I will continue my work on behalf of Colorado's Third District."
Yes, however, he is still 99.99999999% Trump rubber stamp. In my mind, that equates him to Boebert -- however that .000000001% is why I continue to give him the benefit of a doubt. And encourage him to become an Independent. It would require real Courage to invoke the wrath of the T regime. I admire the many, many Americans DO have that courage, even if Representatives like, Hurd, do not.
Dem Senators should read the text of the 4th Amendment over and over on the Senste floor while Kristi Niem’s video plays BRAGGING about the indiscriminate military assault of an entire American apartment building.
I think the "other side" needs to hear , and hear and hear that the repubs and Johnson RAN AWAY instead of putting their big boy pants on and facing their fears like men. Such cowards-- and there really is no other way out!
Millie Polli Haskell...Reporting-first, Eric Swalwell was a great guest Simon. And he is a great Communicator as well. He's fighting for Our Country! Also, I just finished watching another great guy, Sen. Cory Booker as your guest. He is also fighting for America and won't take any BULL SHIT! Simon, I know you won't either! Two great guests. Very enjoyable. I did make my two calls to Sen. Scott and Rep. Luna. My voice is getting Very,Very,Very Loud and stronger. I get so upset because as I read "Our Four Part Agenda" all the words become a reality of what they are doing to this Beautiful America!
And technically the Republicans can pass the budget on their own by instituting the process they used to push through 100 nominees, that requires only 51 votes. Clearly, it is the Republican Shutdown.
Why bother trying to understand this when Fox News is there to feed you pre-digested pablum?
I now have visions of wolves, seabirds, etc., regurgitating pre-digested prey to their young.
Yes, Brian Kilmeade masticates and dumps it right into the mouths of his viewers.
Great stuff. Self report - organized a postcarding party and sent 100 postcards encouraging voters to vote yes on Prop 50 (via field team 6). Felt good and lots of fun. Go team.
Great interview with Eric Swalwell. Glad to hear that leadership is now leading and that party efforts are becoming more aligned.
I always love hearing from Swalwell. He's such an effective messenger, and however much the party uses him, I want more.
(I do, on occasion, call him Eric Swolwell.)
Agreed.
Additionally, I highly recommend watching David Pakman's show today. His interview with Max Frost, posing some sticky questions to him, is very engrossing. Frost is really adept at navigating, but not inauthentically. We should feel really hopeful that this is the future.
Also, David, like Simon, gets into the weeds about Trump's absences for days at a time, in the context of the opacity surrounding his health.
Wonderful interview! I love Rep. Swalwell!
I totally agree that those of us “ordinary” citizens who see those in more powerful positions fighting for our country and our values get wind in our sails for continuing to fight, too. It really matters. We are an army of opposers who look to our leaders for inspiration and direction. These videos on Hopium are valuable to those of us out here in the ranks Thank you, Simon!
In a sense we are experiencing a positive feedback loop, where citizens lead and then 'leaders' lead and each reinforces the other.
fascinating interview
https://kevinmd.com/2025/10/the-false-link-between-tylenol-and-autism.html
Ran across this article on a social media site for physicians. File it away under the law of unintended consequences. Reye's syndrome is some bad juju. Saw a couple of cases of my peds neuro rotation as a resident. The idea of this vanquished disease returning because of the madness of Trump and RFKJ is a frightening prospect.
man i remember the huge case in nyc when a famous writer's daughter died from it, because the authorities thought she was on drugs. iirc he actually lost the case. we used to take st joseph's aspirin when kids and no one realized how dangerous it could be.
If you are referring to the Libby Zion case (sounds like you are), this was not about Reye's, it was about a serotonin syndrome interaction between her antidepressant and the narcotic Rxed by the inexperienced doctors (along with the cocaine she had used).
The case was extraordinary because it led to sweeping changes in the care we all receive in hospitals. From it emerged reforms to doctors' work conditions (including sleep, hours, and supervision by attending drs), which (should?) have an impact on patient outcomes (and doctor liability).
When I read Hopium, watch the interviews and peruse the Comments, I can imagine what it was like to be a Colonist gathered with friends in a local tavern or meeting travelers at a roadside inn when a rider galloped in and reported news of the Boston Tea Party or the massacre on the Boston Common. The electricity, the shared sense of outrage, the spines stiffening with determination to stand up for their families, neighbors and soon-to-be-fellow countrymen. They refused to yield to tyranny and set the example for the following generations. And they stood together.
Yes, I often think too of the people of Ukraine and the fight they are in. We need to draw from both for our inspiration.
Indeed. Demonstrates the power of social media to galvanize a cause -- for good and for bad.
Great conversation and appreciate both of you, recognizing the essential and good hard work you do.
However, Congressman Swalwell's comment that the people wouldn't be fighting if we didn't see our politicians fighting (I'm paraphrasing), is just wrong. I'm sorry but so many of us have been fighting HARD and LONG, working and studying with public intellectuals and others outside of government with experience and expertise to organize and activate, not just our fellow Americans but our legislators and others in government.
It is still true that our Democratic (🤞🏽 ) system derives its power from the people.
Joan I think he was suggesting that the people in the trenches need to see their leaders fighting, and that it creates permission structure for more to do so. I think this is true!
How are you?
With ever-increasing horrific videos showing the escalation of ICE thugery and violence, I'm more and more convinced that we're looking at a generation of mentally fragile men and women who'll be developing addiction disorders and demonstrating suicidal/self-injurious behavior (if they don't have these already)?
There's no way they can comport themselves as they do in these videos without eventually feeling profound regret and devastating self-loathing. And we don't adequately care for our trained and seasoned military veterans in this country, so how are we prepared to take care of ICE personnel?
If you're curious -- below is the spin (propaganda) from Colorado Republican, Rep. Jeff Hurd, dated October 4th.
Hurd's 'Huddle' to this email list, October 4th. (I guess we women are in the Huddle too??? Ugh!!)
"Friends,
I hope this finds you well. I understand the government shutdown can be confusing and distressing for many. With that in mind, I want you to know that my offices are still open and offering constituent services amid the shutdown.
Government Shutdown Resources
As of 12:01 a.m. on October 1, funding for many federal government operations have lapsed. I supported a package passed by the House that would extend current funding until November 21, 2025, but the proposal did not pass the Senate. Despite the shutdown, my office is here to help residents of Colorado’s 3rd with issues they are facing with federal agencies. While many federal agencies may have slower response times and minimal staffing, we can still submit requests and advocate on your behalf. You can submit casework requests on our website here.
I am also committed to keeping you informed about how the shutdown may or may not affect you. Many essential services, like Social Security payments, will still be provided as Congress works toward a solution. Federal agencies that are closing operations are still working on their shutdown plans.
Impacts vary by agency. Visit the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) website for the latest details.
How did we get here?
The U.S. Congress must pass annual appropriations measures in order to fund federal government agencies by October 1. On September 19, I supported a measure that passed the House of Representatives extending current federal funding until November 21 while we finish our work for the full fiscal year. This was a clean, straightforward extension of existing funding without extraneous policy.
Unfortunately, this proposal did not pass the Senate, as Senate Democrats blocked the measure and shut down the government. This means that many federal agencies do not currently have the authority to operate. Other programs deemed essential are allowed to continue by law. I have and will continue to call on Senate colleagues to pass the bipartisan short-term funding bill.
If you need help with a federal agency, have questions about critical services, or would like to share your concerns, my team and I are here to help. While government agencies may experience delays during the shutdown, we will do everything we can to ensure Coloradans are receiving the support they need.
What kinds of services will continue?
While the programs listed below will continue, the agencies responsible for administering them may see reduced workforces impacting operations. This is not a comprehensive list, as we are continuing to gather information.
- Social Security payments, including SSI benefits
- Medicare and Medicaid benefits
- VA medical care and benefits (although some regional offices may be closed)
- SNAP benefits (although a prolonged shutdown could create disruptions)
- Disability payments
- Mail delivery
- Federal law enforcement and military operations
- Air travel
- Federal employee retirement payments
- Student aid such as Pell Grants and Federal Direct Student Loans
- Visits to national Smithsonian Museums (until at least Monday, October 6)
- Visa and passport services (although longer wait times are possible)
Resources for Federal Employees
As agencies shut down, federal employees will either be furloughed, or in some cases required to work without pay. Under federal law, employees are entitled to back pay upon the government reopening.
- OPM Operating Status
- OPM Shutdown Furlough Guidance
- Thrift Savings Plan - Lapse in Appropriations
For agency-specific details, visit your department’s .gov site (e.g., www.dhs.gov, www.va.gov) and check their HR or shutdown resource pages.
To find a full list of constituent services we can assist you with, visit my website. This includes help with Social Security, Medicare, veterans’ benefits, passports, and more. Please note that some services, such as Capitol and White House tours, are not available during the shutdown.
To request services, assistance, or schedule a meeting with a staff member, contact my team by calling our offices or filling out a contact request form on my website.
I am committed to ensuring that you have access to essential constituent services during this time, and I will continue my work on behalf of Colorado's Third District."
Hurd's 'Huddle' to this email list, October 4th.
Relatively tame compared to what I expected when I started to read.
Can you imagine how it would read if it came from Boebert's office?
Yes, however, he is still 99.99999999% Trump rubber stamp. In my mind, that equates him to Boebert -- however that .000000001% is why I continue to give him the benefit of a doubt. And encourage him to become an Independent. It would require real Courage to invoke the wrath of the T regime. I admire the many, many Americans DO have that courage, even if Representatives like, Hurd, do not.
Salwell is inspring and straight talking. I like him a lot. Thanks Simon. Every one of these folks is so inspiring and hard working!
Dem Senators should read the text of the 4th Amendment over and over on the Senste floor while Kristi Niem’s video plays BRAGGING about the indiscriminate military assault of an entire American apartment building.
They need to step it up!
I think the "other side" needs to hear , and hear and hear that the repubs and Johnson RAN AWAY instead of putting their big boy pants on and facing their fears like men. Such cowards-- and there really is no other way out!
Millie Polli Haskell...Reporting-first, Eric Swalwell was a great guest Simon. And he is a great Communicator as well. He's fighting for Our Country! Also, I just finished watching another great guy, Sen. Cory Booker as your guest. He is also fighting for America and won't take any BULL SHIT! Simon, I know you won't either! Two great guests. Very enjoyable. I did make my two calls to Sen. Scott and Rep. Luna. My voice is getting Very,Very,Very Loud and stronger. I get so upset because as I read "Our Four Part Agenda" all the words become a reality of what they are doing to this Beautiful America!