I am watching the USA play Canada in the finals of the 4-Nation Face Off. I struggled through our national team loss to Sweden a few nights ago. I was inexplicably rooting for Sweden and tonight I cheered loudly when Canada scored the first Goal. I never miss an Olympics and proudly cheer for our athletes. It is still important that our team plays up to its potential—-I am not against the individuals, somehow, I have lost that feeling that our country is righteous, ethical, and the beacon of light for democracy and our planet. I can thank these mixed emotions to the outrageous behavior of our Political leadership. Canada just won in overtime, good for them. What will we call the game when they are the 51st State?
Ukraine attacked Russia. Zelensky is a dictator. Another quid pro quo as the US demanded 50% of Ukraine’s natural resources. It is unclear if that was for past or future support. The deal was rejected in spite of a threat that Zelensky would lose his country. Seems like we already impeached 45 for this behavior. Eliminate USAID and the life saving funding we provide. DOGE has unfettered access to our critical operational systems and personal data. Merge the postal system into the Executive branch is the latest frightmare. Each day there is another assault on our system of government and the laws of our land. The latest Executive Order dictates placing all Independent agencies under Direct Control of POTUS with instructions to only take direction from him—ignore the Judiciary and the Legislative branches. Tariffs, threats to our allies, retaliation, unqualified/conflicted Cabinet members and snuggling up Putin paint a grim picture. Come on Republicans—get a grip.
There does seem to be a resistance mounting that may slow this run away train. Please don’t bury your head in the sand, get involved and help us save our country.
Idaho is not a whole lot less frightening. A bill to fund $50 million of vouchers for private education passed. It does not meet the criteria set by our Governor, no accountability, it remains to be seen if the Governor follows his own words from the State of State address and Vetos the bill. Medicaid funding is also under attack. Why would we take away a proven health program that provides medical coverage for over 90,000 children, low income families, seniors and those with disabilities? The federal government supported program was approved on a citizen initiative by over 60 percent of Idaho voters. In a State with a shortage of doctors, we have benefited greatly from the WWAMI program. Educating medical students through the University of Washington School of Medicine. Abortion is the issue that motivates us to cease to participate. House Bill 243 goes to committee tomorrow, it basically dismantles Idaho’s child care licensing standards. You get the drift, or I should say right wing conservative land slide.
It was a remarkable week end in McCall. The snow just kept falling and it was light and fluffy. Brundage Mountain was busy on the extended President’s day week end but deep snow and very foggy conditions kept the mountain from being too busy. I got to ski with Megan, Hank, and Margie. We love skiing in the trees and Megan is an expert, second time this year she tussled with a tree. A wind drift took off one ski and you can see her landing spot was perilously close to a large pine. It is why we all wear helmets. No harm done and Megan has a sense of humor about all things.
I hope you can find something that brings you joy this week. Mike