Month: February 2025

This past week, I participated in a phone-in town hall with my congressional representative. Her muted response to the three-alarm fire facing our nation prompted me to write to the congressional leader of our party, Hakeem Jeffries. Below is the letter I sent him. Please contact your congressional leaders (by phone, email, or letter) and demand that they forcefully respond to the threats to our government, our environment, our livelihood, and our public safety. It is only when our representatives are pushed hard enough by “we the people” will they gain the courage to stand up to this corrupt and lawless bully in the White House.

February 22, 2025

Dear Minority Leader Jeffries,

I am a longtime voting democrat living in Representative Julia Brownley’s district.  I’ve written to her multiple times about the need to fight harder and louder to resist the bullying, chaos, lawlessness, cruelty, and corruption coming from Trump, Musk, and complicit and/or cowardly republican representatives.  I attended her town hall this past week and she offered little more than a reliance on upcoming budget fights with democrat objections and the pending lawsuits against numerous executive orders.  She asked us to share our stories to use as examples of how these Republican policies are hurting the American people.  I left the phone-in town hall disappointed and frustrated by the muted response to a five-alarm fire.

The problem is that Trump and Musk are rapidly destroying our government’s ability to function, ruining individual lives, making millions vulnerable to a crisis in public health and climate disasters, and destroying our international relationships.  The rising prices on everything is but one of many pains they are inflicting upon us.  Tax cuts for the wealthy is an absurdity amidst all these other atrocities they are committing.  Musk has announced pain as our patriotic duty to bear. Everything they are doing is in service to Putin, to greedy billionaires, and to the destruction of our Constitution, the rule of law, and our democratic republic. No one voted for this! This is more than about the cost of living.  This is about whether or not our civil liberties, human rights, and our ability to live healthy lives remains a possibility.  

Democrats are far too docile amid this attack!  You’re too polite and too rational with people hellbent on destroying the country and injuring innocent people.  I’m a senior citizen.  When I go to the senior center, the ladies in my social group are frustrated, fearful, depressed, and fuming with anger over what Congress is allowing to transpire.  We fear for the future of our grandchildren. We all know that we have three co-equal branches of government, but none of us can understand how republicans have allowed themselves to be bullied into compliance and worse how democrats are barely saying or doing anything about the true nature of the problem. 

We need you to ruthlessly expose the bully and the bullying of your colleagues, judges, governors, and the media.  You must ruthlessly expose the liar and all the lies.  You must expose the authoritarian aspirations of Trump and Musk and the blatant corruption, lawlessness, and loyalty to Putin. You need to defend Congress’ power of the purse and demand that government civil employees be treated fairly and that allocated funds be distributed.  These are laws he is violating, and Congress should be exposing this fact every day and, in every venue, available. There are at least 200 of you who can speak out. Calls for impeachment should be shouted from the rooftops at this point.  The sloppy cuts to government jobs and grants are literally endangering our country and negatively affecting the lives of all Americans.  

Personally, I refuse to fly right now.  I cancelled plans to visit my son and his family this spring because of FAA personnel cuts and the recent accidents.  I predict more will be coming.  I also predict a far less functional government that affects every part of our lives, including taxes.  My friends are fearful of their social security and Medicare benefits being cut. They are already experiencing higher food and drug prices.  My daughter in law is a doctor at a research hospital and they rely on NIH funding that goes towards saving lives. You must expose the cruelty of these cuts and the harm that is being done.  Not just on the House floor, but on every news media available. You have the numbers to do at least that.

My point is that Democrats are too nice, too rational, and far too quiet to break through.    You call them, “Radical Maga Republicans” and they just laugh.  You talk about working with them on behalf of the American people and they laugh more.  But truly, how can you negotiate in good faith with people who have shown themselves to be faithless?  Too many Republicans are more afraid of Trump than the people they represent.  You must change that!  Stop shielding them!!!

I call upon you and the democrat representatives to take the fight directly to the American people with loud and bold honesty.  Speak plainly and truthfully about what is happening and about the danger we are facing.  Call out the lies and expose the liars every time and without hesitation.  Our country is being destroyed, and lives are being ruined while governors and judges and news media are being threatened by this lawless Administration if they resist. We need you to use your powerful voice and gift of persuasion to inform and encourage people to take action. Represent us!!!!

And finally, you must push your republican colleagues to stand up for what is right, and I urge you to publicly expose them when they don’t.  No more shielding their private disagreements with Trump and Musk.  It does our country a disservice to allow Republicans to remain in office when they are not representing us. We pay our taxes and we gave our elected congressional representatives, (not Elon Musk or Donald Trump) the responsibility to appropriate those funds.  Demand that Trump and Musk follow the law and appropriate the funds as passed into law by our elected representatives and call upon your Republican colleagues to do the same or expose their failure to their constituents.  

We had a revolution because of taxation without representation.  What Trump is trying to do with our tax dollars is cause for another revolution.  He wants to single-handedly determine where and how our tax dollars will be spent as though he were king.  Please do not allow it.   

Sincerely,

Juanita A. Hall, voting citizen (for now)

Our nation is at that point in a marriage ceremony when the officiant asks, “If anyone has an objection to this union, speak now or forever hold your piece”. I have many objections to the lawlessness, the corruption, the recklessness, the incompetence, the deregulations, the revengeful attacks, the scapegoating, and the cruel policies that are beginning to destroy lives. But I feel like a voice crying in the wilderness. The silence is crazy! The fact is that corporate media outlets have been bullied into submission so few will report on the pain and suffering many are starting to endure. And just as disturbing is the reality that Republican lawmakers are either complicit or too terrified to oppose anything Trump and Musk decree no matter how horrific. And since Democrats are the minority party in both Houses, they are effectively powerless.

With the exception of a few courageous independent media voices (who are also being threatened), we hear very little about the government employees losing their jobs or the women dying in pregnancy, or the growing number of newborn deaths. We don’t hear much about infectious diseases (like Measles & TB) that are on the rise. We don’t hear the outcries of children being separated from their deported parents or the worries of farmers who can’t harvest their crops without migrant labor. We hear very few complaints about the rising cost of everything as inflation leaps upward as tariffs (and threats of tariffs) take effect. We hear nothing about the deaths of children who relied on food and healthcare from USAID nor the parents who mourn them. We see minimal coverage of the protests in the streets around the country. No corporate news outlet is talking about the Target boycott nor the board of director’s lawsuit against Target for mismanaging its rollback of DEI programs except through independent and social media.

Every day, we are inundated with executive order policy announcements accompanied by lies and exaggerated claims necessitating them, but we rarely hear the aftermath of the chaos, confusion and destruction they cause, nor do we learn the actual truth behind the cruelty at work. We know things are bad, but those whom we once trusted to represent us in Congress (House and Senate) are silent and helpless because we gave the Republicans, (who either serve or fear Trump), the majority. Their complicity or cowardness is allowing the spread of corruption and governmental destruction to feed the ego, pockets, and thirst for unchecked power among a few rich white men. Democrats can only complain and delay. The corporate media that we once trusted to inform us and hold people in power accountable have been bullied into silence.

The only branch of government that is holding on by a thread is the judicial branch. However, even federal judges are under threat by these thugs who have taken over our executive branch. Vance and Musk have advised Trump to simply ignore federal court rulings. They are waiting to see our reaction or lack thereof. And we all know that the Supreme Court has been compromised with stolen seats and ongoing corruption.

Another beacon on light are democratic governors. So far, they are resisting. However, the Trump Administration is threatening to withhold federal funding for disaster relief, public health, education, healthcare, research, and other vital needs if they refuse to fall in line. We will see how the struggle between the Constitutional guarantee of states’ rights and federal authority plays out. Blue states are donor states to the much poorer red states. There is definitely an argument to be made that we are now being taxed without representation because no one elected Elon Musk.

I’m painting a dire picture because the situation is dire. Trump is enjoying a 53% approval rating because ordinary citizens have no idea what is happening to our economic and social foundation because the corporate news media and social media algorithms have sidelined the alarms detailing the bad decisions, the lies, the corruption, the lawlessness and the human suffering. However, lived experiences like lost jobs, soaring food prices, loss of consumer protections, natural disasters without relief, the lack of access to healthcare, and inadequate public services can’t be hidden for long even if the media doesn’t report it. And this past week, no news outlet could hide the resignation of seven federal prosecutors who refused to follow a Department of Justice unethical order to dismiss legitimate corruption charges against mayor Eric Adams in exchange for Adam’s loyalty to Trump.

We are heading toward a crisis I never imagined possible in my lifetime. People are starting to suffer real pain in the name of “Making America Great Again” and their cries are largely going unreported and unheard. But it is not sustainable. History tells us that when the pain becomes too great, and the cries of the masses are met by callous disregard, the people with revolt. And, sadly, but predictably, the bloodshed of those responsible for their hardship will be welcomed.

We have a small window at this moment in time to object. I just hope enough of us are brave enough to do it.

I’m doing my part to sound the alarm. Trump and Musk, with the blessing or silence, of Republican lawmakers (who are in the majority), are quickly dismantling our Constitution, the rule of law, and our economic stability. Their goal is total domination and greed. They are willing to rule over ashes to feed their egos and fill their wallets just like rulers in other nations. They don’t care that this will leave survivors poor, powerless, and in pain until they revolt.

These men are spoiled toddlers craving adoration and out for revenge against anyone who defies them or tries to hold them accountable. They despise laws, decency, competent women, and people of color. They use bigotry against transgender people, immigrants, and people of color to distract their followers from their true motive to siege power and money. The uneducated bigots among us put these men in power because they thought they would inflict pain only on the people they hate and fear. They’re keeping that promise and doing much more. They are burning the entire country down and threatening our allies. As food prices quickly rise, these billionaires tell their followers that enduring the pain is their patriotic duty. Don’t be a fool!

There is still time to stop them. We must fight for everyone’s right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness before they illegally and systematically destroy every governmental mechanism that provides law and order, public health, economic stability, and education under the false premise of eliminating waste, fraud and abuse. Unfortunately, they have successfully bullied corporate media into submission, so that they can no longer be trusted to report the news accurately. And sadly, the Congressional Oversight Committee under Republican James Comer (chair) literally shut down any request for oversight this week in a despicable display of majority power. We the people cannot depend on our elected Republican representatives to represent us. They are either true believers in the Trump/Musk agenda or they are too cowardly to stand up for what is right, or they are in denial and hopeful that it’s not as bad as it seems. We are on our own.

Americans are only beginning to realize the danger and have started fighting back with lawsuits, boycotts, street protests, speeches, social media posts, political cartoons, independent journalism, whistle blowers, phone calls, emails, and letters like the one I wrote to Speaker Mike Johnson this week. I also wrote to my representative (a democrat), insisting that she fight louder and harder on our behalf. Personally, I concentrate on doing five things: 1) I donate to upcoming candidates for the mid-terms; 2) I donate to civil rights organizations for litigation efforts; 3) I email & write letters to representatives; 4) I use my social media presence to promote awareness and action even though the algorithm limits my views; and 5) I consume independent and publicly funded news media.

I share this particular letter to Speaker Johnson hoping it will inspire readers to join the fight in ways that make sense for them. At this point, doing nothing is the worst thing any one of us can do.

February 6, 2025

Dear Speaker Johnson,

It is abundantly clear from your public statements that you are not only complicit in the destruction of our country, but actively pursuing it. God, goodness, and the Constitution is nowhere to be seen in your plans.  All I see is cruelty and joy in the suffering of others.  Your Party’s apparent plans for the country will lead to deaths from disease, poisonings, and maternal complications and economic ruin for most Americans whom you were put into office to represent for the betterment of their lives. Instead, you are inflicting mass pain upon the innocent and vulnerable with your cruelty masquerading as care and righteousness.  No one is fooled except MAGA.  God and history will judge you harshly.  

Instead of giving more tax breaks to the wealthy, I suggest you start planning to use the few tax dollars you receive from “we the people” to build more cemeteries, orphanages, homeless shelters, and prisons. These are what will be needed because of your ruthless and thoughtless plans.

By design, your Party is putting destruction agents into place to destroy our healthcare, our environment, consumer protections, our education system, our infrastructure, law enforcement, scientific research, and basic human decency.  Clean air and water and a livable climate will quickly become a luxury of the past.  Women forced to have babies do not magically become good mothers.  Women in abusive marriages either die, run away or become murderers.  Nothing good will come from your plans. You can’t legislate gender or sexual orientation. Trump will bankrupt this country like he bankrupted his many businesses.  Your abdication of your oath is destroying this country and you lack the resources, trust of the people, and the ability to rebuild everything that is being destroyed. 

How many planes will crash?  How many bridges will collapse?  Who will be able to afford healthcare or home insurance? How many more maternal deaths?  How many sick newborns will die?  How many will die in the next pandemic?  How many communities will be destroyed by increasing climate disasters and lack the resources to rebuild?  How many citizens will be shot at school, on the streets, or in their homes?  How will our next generation receive a competitive education?  How will the elderly survive?  Who will join the military when veterans are mistreated?  Who is going to provide farm labor that feeds us? What government services will we be able to rely on?    

The insanity and lawlessness I’m seeing is not only frustrating but sad.  I feel like I’m watching Republicans gleefully destroy our credibility as a nation while also destroying actual people’s lives.  Trust Musk?  Trust Trump? You’ve got to be kidding!

History tells us that people who use their power to destroy others eventually are destroyed by the masses. I predict there will be violence against those who are responsible for the pain and suffering of the innocent and vulnerable.  I’m not a violent person, but many are when they get angry enough.  Something else to consider are those accustomed to using violence for righteous causes.  I suspect those FBI agents, CIA agents, law enforcement and veterans whom your policies are harming may not sit quietly as you destroy their careers and their lives.  And I can’t even begin to think of our former allies who now view this administration as a clear and present danger to their sovereignty and security.  

Do better.  The Congress is a co-equal branch of government created to represent the people of this nation, not bow down to a lawless and cruel toddler who thinks he’s a king. Stop abdicating your oversight duties and hold this administration accountable to our Constitution and our laws. 

Sincerely,

Dr. Juanita Hall

Friday, I made my last and final trip to Target (except for picking up my prescriptions at the CVS inside the Target). My husband and I have chosen to honor the call to boycott Target because of its public rollback of DEI initiatives in response to the White House pressure campaign against diversity, equity and inclusion measures. DEI programs are designed to open previously closed opportunities to women and minorities and to make the workplace a welcoming place for everyone. Other companies have also succumbed to the same pressure and have found themselves on the list of vendors to avoid. But it’s a difficult ask and I doubt removing convenient shopping options is good for consumer wallets in the long run. However, in the short run, it is imperative that we collectively make a point. I just wish black folks weren’t at the center of this boycott because we were not the only beneficiaries of DEI initiatives.

Few Americans recognize that DEI initiatives benefitted women, poor people, veterans, LGBTQ people, religious minorities, people with disabilities, in addition to people of color. Beyond opening up employment and promotion opportunities to people who were often excluded from the applicant pool, DEI initiatives gave us everything from private nursing rooms for new mothers to gender neutral bathrooms for transgender individuals, to a wider range of make-up skin colors on the shelves, to reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities. At many school and workplace cafeterias, DEI simply made hot sauce and salsa available. But as I stated in previous posts, white men viewed opportunities for others and the expansion of comfort as a threat to their established culture and their exclusive entitlement to the best employment opportunities. I predicted the backlash.

So, now we need a course correction of our own. First, we need to educate the public as to what DEI actually is and who benefits from it. Second, we need to make it clear that plane crashes or wildfire disasters are not the result of DEI, but “human error” and that no race or gender or sexual orientation is exempt from making mistakes. Third, we need to make it clear that we refuse to condone the “good ole days” when white men hired and promoted their friends without regard to qualifications. Forth, we need to loudly praise the competence of those doing their jobs well and call for the removal of folks who are not. Fifth, job candidates need to be ready to sue for employment discrimination whenever it clearly exists. Sixth, employees need to ban together to demand working conditions that meet their needs and be ready to protest or strike if needed. Seventh, consumers need to request products that suit their needs and at the same time support the workforce by boycotting companies that are reverting to unfair hiring practices and poor labor conditions. And finally, we need brave whistleblowers to sound the alarm when things aren’t fair or equitable, going to independent media outlets because corporate and social media have bowed the knee to this Administration.

The war against freedom, fairness, decency, and equitable treatment throughout this country is now in full swing. It is going to take all of us working together to win this war against white “Christian” nationalism and the myth of white male supremacy. We must win in the courts, so please join me in donating to civil rights organizations like the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, Democracy Forward, and the ACLU. We must also win in the court of public opinion using the creative arts and the art of persuasion. We must relentlessly pressure Republican lawmakers to return their loyalty to our Constitution (not Donald Trump) with phone calls, emails, letters, and protests outside their doors. We must pressure social media outlets to post our concerns by flooding their platforms with our opinions on current affairs instead of posting photos of our trips, food, and cats so they have no choice but to allow posts of consequence to be seen. Right now, they are burying these posts, but if there are too few trivial posts, they will be forced to post other things because their advertisers require eyeballs. The same is true for television media. Turn the channel when they normalize the current dangers or decline to report the actual news.

Quick story. I walked into my nail salon this past Thursday (a few days ago) and Fox News was on the television. I told the owner that I refuse to watch Fox News because they engage in lies and fearmongering. I informed her that Fox had to pay millions of dollars for lying to their viewers. I reiterated that I wouldn’t watch a news program that knowingly tells lies. Without my specifically asking, she immediately had an employee turn to something else. The customer sitting beside me whispered, “I agree” and then thanked me. I replied that I was no longer going to tiptoe around the truth of what is happening and that our collective timidity is what got us to the dangerous and ridiculous situation we are in today.

We must face the reality that the people who are destroying lives are not timid. They are loud and bold and willing to lie, rewrite history, cheat and steal. They are ruthless and cruel. And they have demonstrated since January 20th that they are willing to disregard the Constitution and break laws to do wreak havoc on the nation, our allies, and the environment. Thank goodness they have also shown us just how incompetent they actually are.

The point is that we learn from physics that an object in motion tends to stay in motion until a stronger force stops it. Together, through collective and sustained action, we must be that stronger force.