Monday, March 31, 2025

LIVE NOW: Sen. Booker now doing filibuster in US Senate.

Go Booker!

He will go as long as he can in marathon Senate speech to protest Trump

He’s currently talking about DOGE’s attack on the Dept of Social Security.

(Started streaming 5 hours ago, which was about 5:20 pm AK time. But he said he started 8 hours ago.)

Right now (at almost midnight in PT) there are 11,500+ people watching Booker! And I am loving this!

MSNBC

Senator Cory Booker, D-NJ, is speaking and planning to hold the Senate floor for as long as he can. "Tonight, I rise with the intention of getting in some good trouble. I rise with the intention of disrupting the normal business of the United States Senate for as long as I am physically able,” Booker said.

https://www.youtube.com/live/N5NfmuIzR84?si=BWH2Jg2sHuc7YH11

Sunday, March 23, 2025

March 22nd Protest March, Fairbanks

Protest

March 22, 2025

On March 22nd nearly 290 protesters marched from Fairbanks City Hall to Golden Heart Plaza, as part of the national 50501 protest.

Signs:

Restore Democracy! NO Oligarchy, NO Musk

The Post Office belongs to the people, not the Billionaires!

Don't let Billionaires Steal our Democracy!

No tyrants, no fascists, no kings!

Doormat Dan

Girls Just Wanna Have FUNdamental Rights!

You'll never see whose boot is on your neck if you are looking down on your fellow human being!

Democracy, not Oligarchy!

No Fascist! No nazis! No Oligarchy! No more cowards!

No bullies!

Only fascists limit voting!

I stand with Ukraine

Save Your Vote, no SAVE act!

Stop HR 22, Save our Vote!

Stand up, fight back.

No 1 Man rule in America!

Slideshow of the March

https://youtu.be/iwi__7C-jZk

CHOIR AND SINGING

Once we arrived at the Golden Heart Plaza, someone had set up an electric keyboard and someone else had a guitar. A choir sang some songs, including We Shall Overcome.

Songs at the Speak Up Fairbanks March, at Golden Heart Plaza

https://youtu.be/BELDWu3lPMY

SAVANNAH FLETCHER

Savannah Fletcher speaks about being engaged in Fairbanks, and also about how the Borough voted two weeks ago and now we don't have software to count our votes in elections. We should do something about that! Borough Assembly meetings are on Thursday nights.

Video:

https://youtu.be/RGTktU7SyKU

Songs of Protest

Protest

SONGS OF PROTEST

Turning of the Year

Alex Sturbaum

A modern protest song, written to meet the moment in early 2025. The interlude tune is one associated with the

Mi'kmaq nation of Atlantic Canada. Written by Alex Sturbaum (with melodic borrowings from Ed Pickford)

On Youtube:

https://youtu.be/QbhSLDHLbq0?si=914ZrtgPLfvx0HS-

Buy it: https://alexsturbaum.bandcamp.com/track/turning-of-the-year

If the People Unite (Original Song)

Seth Staton Watkins

Lyrics:

A seat forged from echoes of falsehoods and lies,

The law bends and breaks as the ruler decides

No throne, yet he’d reign with a scepter and pen,

The people subject to the will of one man

Cause nowhere is safe in this world of change,

Consent is manufactured through bigotry and rage,

So billionaires and fascists can rule without a fight,

But their will can be broken if the people unite

An Empire built on the backs of the poor,

Centuries of suffering as the profit margins soar

Through violent submission and million-dollar bribes

Our government sold out to private enterprise

Cause nowhere is safe in this world of change,

Consent is manufactured through bigotry and rage,

So billionaires and fascists can rule without a fight,

But their will can be broken if the people unite

Through christo-fascist fantasies of race and purity

They condition the people to scorn humanity

We abandon Ukrayina to the Russian advance

While we arm the Israelis as they burn the Levant

Cause nowhere is safe in this world of change,

Consent is manufactured through bigotry and rage,

So billionaires and fascists can rule without a fight,

But their will can be broken if the people unite

We need more than hope; we need people to rise,

No more denial, or political lies

In the wreckage and ruin, the truth starts to show,

Our choices have led us to this world of woe

Cause nowhere is safe in this world of change,

Consent is manufactured through bigotry and rage,

So billionaires and fascists can rule without a fight,

But their will can be broken if the people unite

On Youtube:

https://youtu.be/AIaaV9H5680?si=eYnoL4hC5679-OCd

His Linktree:

https://linktr.ee/Sethswatkinsmusic

Hostile Government Takeover (EDM Remix)

Provided to YouTube by DistroKid

Hostile Government Takeover (EDM Remix) · AGiftFromTodd · Vinny Marchi · AGiftFromTodd · Vinny Marchi · Vinny Marchi

https://youtu.be/PuWVgVkMiHE?si=j5nkYmEOA1tcXO_2

Friday, March 21, 2025

Tourists detained for weeks at US Border

In recent months, there has been a troubling increase in the detention of foreign tourists by U.S. border agents, raising significant concerns about the treatment of visitors and the potential impact on international travel to the United States. Tourists have been detained and sent to detention centers for up to two weeks.

Notable Incidents:

Lucas Sielaff and Lennon Tyler: German national Lucas Sielaff traveled to the U.S. in February to visit his American fiancée, Lennon Tyler.

Upon arrival, Sielaff was detained by border agents, shackled, and sent to a crowded immigration detention center, where he spent 16 days before being allowed to return to Germany. AP News Jessica Brösche: Another German tourist, Jessica Brösche, was stopped at the Tijuana crossing on January 25. She endured over six weeks in detention, including more than a week in solitary confinement. AP News

Welsh Backpacker: A traveler from Wales was detained at the Canadian border and spent nearly three weeks in a detention center before returning home.

Canadian Woman: A Canadian woman holding a work visa was detained at the Tijuana border and spent 12 days in detention before returning home last weekend.

Broader Implications:

These incidents are part of a broader trend where U.S. immigration officers have adopted more aggressive tactics in questioning and detaining visa holders and tourists. This shift includes extensive scrutiny of visas and longer detentions for minor issues, reportedly stemming from President Trump's executive order on "extreme vetting" to tighten entry restrictions. WSJ The detentions have sparked fears among potential visitors, leading some to reconsider travel plans to the United States.

Advocates attribute these detentions to an increasingly anti-immigrant stance under the current administration, causing anxiety among tourists. AP News+1AP News+1 Government Responses: In light of these developments, countries such as the U.K. and Germany have updated their travel advisories for residents visiting the U.S., highlighting the stringent immigration enforcement measures. Germany's updates include specific warnings for transgender and nonbinary travelers. Axios

Conclusion:

The recent detentions of foreign tourists at U.S. borders underscore a significant shift in immigration enforcement practices. These actions have not only affected the individuals involved but also have broader implications for international perceptions of the United States as a travel destination. As these cases gain attention, it remains to be seen how policies and practices will evolve to address the concerns raised by these incidents.

Recent Detentions of Foreign Tourists at U.S. Borders Raise Concerns

AP News

Weekslong lockups of European tourists at US borders spark fears of traveling to America

Today

WSJ

Border Agents Use More Aggressive Tactics to Question Visa Holders, Tourists

Yesterday

Axios

🎯 Axios PM: New travel warnings

Today

Thursday, March 20, 2025

Local Coverage of Dan Sullivan Empty Town Hall

Sullivan, without Sullivan

KUAC | By Robyne

Published March 20, 2025 at 10:56 AM AKDT

Fairbanks residents gathered Monday to pepper Alaska's junior U.S. senator with questions about the Trump administration's actions — although he was absent.

There was an overflow crowd at the Noel Wien Public Library’s auditorium Monday night, as about 175 people tried to squeeze in. A life-size portrait of U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan was printed on cardboard and set up in the center of the room, which acted as a stand-in for him.

Constituents lined up at two microphones to address their grievances.

“Today the Republican administration crossed yet another line, a particularly terrifying one. They have now openly defied a legal ruling by the courts. This was in regard to deportations, and I want to know, Senator Sullivan, what are you going to do?” asked Sarah Garland....

Continue to read on Alaska Public Media:

https://alaskapublic.org/news/politics/washington-d-c/2025-03-20/sullivan-skips-fairbanks-town-hall-as-constituents-air-complaints-and-questions

160 residents host Fairbanks town hall without Sen. Dan Sullivan

Haley Lehman
Mar 18, 2025

Fairbanks Daily News Miner

Fairbanks residents hosted a town hall for Alaska’s Sen. Dan Sullivan Monday night. Sullivan’s seat was empty.

The Concerned Citizens of Interior Alaska, an informal group of Interior residents, started calling Sullivan’s offices earlier this month, asking him to host a town hall in Fairbanks while the Senate had a recess. Shortly afterward, the group reserved the auditorium at Noel Wien Public Library in case Sullivan was available. Sullivan’s staff declined the invitation during a phone call on March 11....

Read on the Fairbanks Daily News Miner:

https://www.newsminer.com/news/politics/160-residents-host-fairbanks-town-hall-without-sen-dan-sullivan/article_163950f8-0390-11f0-ba8b-6b6fbb115855.html

The Alaska Current:

Alaskans turn to empty-chair town halls as Sullivan, Begich duck outrage over Trump

ByMatt Acuña Buxton

March 18, 2025

The first two months of the second Trump administration have brought practically nothing but bad news to Alaska, a state that is more reliant on the federal government than most. Mass firings have put hundreds of Alaskans out of work and thrown key parts of the state’s economy – particularly tourism reliant on the national parks – into chaos. The trade war with Canada threatens to escalate costs for many goods in Alaska, and tens of millions of dollars of already approved infrastructure money is in limbo.

And that’s not to mention the president’s general disregard for the rule of law or Republicans’ plans to slash Medicaid spending.

While U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski has been willing to stand up for Alaska and buck her party at times, the same can’t be said for U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan and U.S. Rep. Nick Begich. They’ve offered approval of Trump’s actions or, more often than not, outright silence.

Continue to read article on the Alaska Current:

https://thealaskacurrent.com/2025/03/18/alaskans-turn-to-empty-chair-town-halls-as-sullivan-begich-duck-outrage-over-trump/

Wednesday, March 19, 2025

Lisa Murkowski's Address

U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) addresses a joint session of the Alaska Legislature.

https://www.ktoo.org/video/gavel/joint-legislative-session-address-by-u-s-sen-lisa-murkowski-2025031059/?eventID=2025031059

Dan Sullivan Empty Town Hall, March 17th, Fairbanks AK

At 6 pm on March 17, 2025, local Fairbanks residents put on an Empty Chair Town Hall at the Noel Wien Library, with a printed photo of Dan Sullivan and invited people to come share comments with "Dan Sullivan" (who had been informed, but refused to appear).

At least 175 people were in attendance, spilling out of the auditorium into the hall. There may have been as many as 225 people there. And everyone had something to say to Dan Sullivan.

For an hour and a half, residents filed up to microphones to make statements and sometimes to read letters they had written for Dan Sullivan. Many were very poignant and well thought out. None were positive.

A lot of people mentioned writing numerous letters to Senator Sullivan. Or mentioned leaving daily voicemails for him. Many people asked what Senator Sullivan considered to be his "red line" the line that he would not allow Donald Trump to cross over. A question a lot of us in Alaska would like answered.

There were many people worried about cuts in Social Security or to Medicaid and other programs. Some were worried about ICE raids and immigrants.

Some were worried about Trump's seeming disregard for the Constitution and existing laws, and questioned whether we are sliding into an authoritarian dictatorship, and when Dan Sullivan was going to speak out.

I took this footage, you are welcome to use it.

Video footage:

https://youtu.be/HCpCsiL3wes

Monday, March 17, 2025

Social Security is now halting benefits to people who they claim are dead with many errors

March 17, 2025

In recent months, the Trump administration has intensified efforts to identify and eliminate Social Security payments to deceased individuals. This initiative, led by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), aims to reduce fraud and preserve the integrity of federal entitlement programs. However, these measures have inadvertently resulted in living beneficiaries being mistakenly declared dead, leading to significant financial and emotional distress.

The Case of 82-Year-Old Johnson

Seattle Times columnist Danny Westneat highlighted the ordeal of 82-year-old Johnson, whose wife received a bank notification in February indicating that the Social Security Administration (SSA) had reclaimed $5,201, citing Johnson's death. Given that Johnson was very much alive, his wife initially suspected a scam. However, the withdrawal was legitimate, stemming from an SSA error that mistakenly listed Johnson as deceased.

DOGE's Intensified Efforts

The Department of Government Efficiency has allocated additional resources to the SSA to identify and halt payments to deceased individuals. This initiative involves assigning personnel from various federal agencies, including engineers, to scrutinize beneficiary records. These employees, granted access to sensitive personal data, have undergone privacy and ethics training to ensure compliance with federal guidelines.

Business Insider

Impact on Living Beneficiaries

While the administration's goal is to curb fraud, the aggressive approach has led to unintended consequences. Instances of living individuals being erroneously declared dead have surfaced, causing disruptions in their financial stability. For example, Renee Williams, a 66-year-old grandmother from West Philadelphia, lost access to her bank accounts, health insurance, and retirement benefits after being mistakenly placed on the SSA's "Death Master File." Such errors can take months to rectify, leaving affected individuals in precarious situations.

CBS News

Policy Reversals and Overpayment Clawbacks

In a related development, the SSA has reinstated a policy to recoup 100% of overpayments made to beneficiaries, reversing a previous decision that limited clawbacks to 10% to mitigate financial hardships. Acting Commissioner Lee Dudek stated that this measure is necessary to safeguard taxpayer funds. However, advocates argue that this approach could impose undue financial strain on vulnerable populations.

News-Medical

Challenges in Addressing Errors

Beneficiaries mistakenly declared deceased face significant hurdles in correcting these errors. The SSA advises affected individuals to visit their local office promptly to rectify their records. However, with ongoing workforce reductions and office consolidations within the SSA, accessing timely assistance has become increasingly challenging.

Social Security

Conclusion

While the administration's efforts to eliminate fraudulent Social Security payments are aimed at preserving program integrity, the resultant errors have had profound impacts on innocent beneficiaries. Balancing fraud prevention with the need to protect the rights and well-being of legitimate recipients remains a critical challenge for policymakers.

Social Security Administration's Efforts to Curb Fraud Lead to Unintended Consequences

MarketWatch

Here's how many 'dead people' really collect Social Security

Today

Business Insider

DOGE is hiring more staff to hunt down dead people

4 days ago

AP News

Musk eyes Social Security and benefit programs for cuts while claiming widespread fraud

6 days ago

Here’s a ‘dead’ person on Social Security in Seattle, with plenty to say

“DOGE Has 10 Staffers at Social Security in Hunt for Dead People,” the headlines read this past week.

Johnson is 82 and still kicking. Yet sometime last month, someone or something led Social Security to both tag him as dead and start clawing back his benefits.

https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/heres-a-dead-person-on-social-security-in-seattle-with-plenty-to-say/

The U.S. Government deports hundreds to the CECOT in El Salvador

March 17, 2025

In a recent and controversial move, the United States deported over 250 immigrants to El Salvador's Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT), despite a federal judge's order to halt such actions.

The Guardian

The deportees, alleged by the U.S. government to be members of Venezuela's Tren de Aragua gang, were transferred under an agreement in which the Trump administration agreed to pay President Nayib Bukele's government $6 million for one year of services.

AP News

Violation of Court Order

U.S. District Judge James E. Boasberg had issued a temporary restraining order to halt the deportations, questioning the evidence supporting the claims that these individuals were gang members. Despite this, the administration proceeded, citing President Trump's invocation of the 1798 Alien Enemies Act, traditionally used during wartime, to justify the expedited deportations.

AP News

Conditions at CECOT

The deportees are now held at El Salvador's CECOT, a maximum-security prison known for its harsh conditions. Inmates are confined to their cells for all but 30 minutes a day, denied visits, and lack access to workshops or educational programs to prepare them for reintegration into society.

France 24

Human rights organizations have criticized these conditions, highlighting that they fall significantly short of accepted norms for the humane treatment of prisoners.

SAIS Review

Lack of Evidence

The U.S. government has not provided specific evidence linking the deported individuals to criminal activities or gang affiliation. This lack of transparency has raised concerns among human rights activists and legal experts about potential violations of due process and the ethical implications of such deportations.

AP News

International Criticism

The deportations have sparked international debate over the lawful application of the Alien Enemies Act and the U.S. judicial system's checks and balances. Critics argue that the administration's actions undermine the rule of law and set a concerning precedent for the treatment of immigrants and asylum seekers.

The Guardian

In summary, the U.S. government's recent deportation of immigrants to El Salvador's CECOT prison, despite a court order and without concrete evidence of criminal activity, has raised significant legal and ethical questions. The conditions at CECOT and the use of the Alien Enemies Act in this context continue to be subjects of intense scrutiny and criticism.

SOURCES: