Vaughn Wicker

Vet all who follow | B&B | 🚫Locked Accts, Magats, Acct Collectors & other crud

[we the people (#wtpBLUE) @wtpBLUE]

#TrumpIsUnfitForOffice    #wtpBLUE    WE THE PEOPLE   wtp3173

The GOP in the U.S. Senate has a very slim majority. The New York Times is reporting that Trump may continue his efforts to block Mail-in voting after the latest appeals court blocked his order to restrict it. This goes hand-in-hand with Republicans keeping the status of 84-year-old Mitch McConnell‘s health status a secret.
Governor Beshear, a Democrat, said according to Kentucky state law, he is required to trigger a special election if there is a vacancy. If the deadline is missed, the seat will remain empty until voters choose a replacement, or until a court intervenes. The deadline is September 1, with August 3rd the “safe window“ which would allow time to resolve any legal battles before ballots are printed. Beshear has threatened to sue the state government over its decision to pass a law that prevents him from appointing a replacement. Kentucky law has allowed Governors in the past to appoint replacements. Will the state Republicans suffer a structural penalty by the seat remaining vacant until 2027 if no special election is called in time? Be careful what you wish for.

[we the people (#wtpBLUE) @wtpBLUE]

#TrumpIsUnfitForOffice    #wtpBLUE    WE THE PEOPLE   wtp3172

When Elon Musk bought Twitter, he claimed that it was valued at $44 billion.  Before his purchase, Twitter was in repeated violation of privacy laws.  In 2022, the FTC ordered a response to these violations.  Musk is now petitioning the FTC, claiming his rebranding the company as ‘X’ should exempt the company of any obligation to protect its users.  Edward Markey (D-MA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Ron Wyden (D-OR) wrote to Andrew Ferguson, Chairman of the FTC on July 22, 2026, asking the agency to reject X’s proposal.  What are X’s arguments?  Compliance is too costly, we should trust them to self- regulate, and that the end of obligations would serve the public interest in the American AI race.  It’s frivolous - a blatant attempt to avoid legal responsibility.  If this is allowed, any company could just change its name to avoid the law.  The estimated cost to implement these changes to X would be $4.25 million a year, a fraction of Musk’s valuation of the worth of X.  He can afford it.  Call your Senators and insist on your privacy.

[we the people (#wtpBLUE) @wtpBLUE]

#TrumpIsUnfitForOffice    #wtpBLUE   WE THE PEOPLE   wtp3171

The Trump regime announced agreement with Saudi Arabia on nuclear program development, and shortly thereafter, Trump backtracked and stated that it would require normalizing relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel.  Saudi Arabia has repeatedly stated that there must be a clear path to establishment of a Palestinian state which Israel strongly opposes.  This is all part of what Trump has promised in the Abraham Accords.

What exactly is this agreement?  He has called them “very respected and successful.”  They have succeeded in only one area: increasing economic partnerships between the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, Sudan, and Israel.  None of those countries have any conflict with Israel, so it’s not come close to resolving Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The Abraham Accords did not require Israel to make any concessions regarding Palestinian statehood or stop specific terrorist actions like West Bank annexation and it’s unsustainable.  It’s deliberately misleading and it’s a win-win for Israel-they can invest in suppressive defensive cyber-security measures that end up crushing dissent in the region in the name of “stabilization.”

What does drive instability is authoritarianism, occupation, and international intervention.  The bottom line for Trump is always money for himself and his “friends”, and the rest of the world be damned.  Don’t neglect to vote in 100 daysfor a better Congress to hold Trump accountable.

[we the people (#wtpBLUE) @wtpBLUE]

#TrumpIsUnfitForOffice    #wtpBLUE   WE THE PEOPLE   wtp3171

The Trump regime announced agreement with Saudi Arabia on nuclear program development, and shortly thereafter, Trump backtracked and stated that it would require normalizing relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel.  Saudi Arabia has repeatedly stated that there must be a clear path to establishment of a Palestinian state which Israel strongly opposes.  This is all part of what Trump has promised in the Abraham Accords.

What exactly is this agreement?  He has called them “very respected and successful.”  They have succeeded in only one area: increasing economic partnerships between the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, Sudan, and Israel.  None of those countries have any conflict with Israel, so it’s not come close to resolving Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The Abraham Accords did not require Israel to make any concessions regarding Palestinian statehood or stop specific terrorist actions like West Bank annexation and it’s unsustainable.  It’s deliberately misleading and it’s a win-win for Israel-they can invest in suppressive defensive cyber-security measures that end up crushing dissent in the region in the name of “stabilization.”

What does drive instability is authoritarianism, occupation, and international intervention.  The bottom line for Trump is always money for himself and his “friends”, and the rest of the world be damned.  Don’t neglect to vote in 100 daysfor a better Congress to hold Trump accountable.

[we the people (#wtpBLUE) @wtpBLUE]

#TrumpIsUnfitForOffice       #wtpBLUE      WE THE PEOPLE   wtp3170

Devin O’Connor at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities has stated “it’s not a hypothetical that the Trump administration is politicizing federal grant funding.”
The Trump regime has gone to extreme lengths to deny funding-$7.5 billion in grants- to any state that voted for Harris in the last election, and has two Democrats as Senators.

Russell Vought of the OMB, admitted that only 284 of 600 grants for clean energy have been terminated - those solely in a state that voted for Harris.  This is not rooting out waste as the administration has claimed in the past.  They’re using the budget to reward his allies and hurt his political foes.  It’s always an attempt to increase Trump‘s power and control over funding to states already approved by Congress.  Federal officials have indicated there’s little else besides politics that informed the decision, that left untouched federal grants for energy in Republican states.  This has harmed updates to electrical grids in California and Oregon, and to reduce methane leaks from oil and gas in Colorado-to name only a few examples.  They admitted that the only reason they conceded the facts about this decision was to avoid the legal process of discovery, which would have revealed even more damaging records.  This makes Department of Energy Secretary Chris Wright a liar, after his testimony in June that “..no decisions were made on politics.”  He’s just another Trump liar for hire.

[we the people (#wtpBLUE) @wtpBLUE]

TrumpIsUnfitForOffice    #wtpBLUE    NOSOTROS, EL PUEBLO

Tom Homan, como el “Zar de la Frontera”, ha dominado lo que la novela 1984 llamó “doblepensar”, mientras miente sobre la implementación de cámaras corporales usadas por los agentes de ICE. En febrero de 2025, el Departamento de Seguridad Nacional emitió la directiva 19010.3 de ICE, 20 páginas de reglas para la seguridad pública y que requieren el uso de cámaras corporales. Hasta hoy, no se ha prometido una fecha límite oficial para implementar esto, pero Homan ha afirmado que la mitad de los agentes ya las tienen, con la promesa de que todos los agentes las usarán en 60 días. A finales de julio de 2026, Tom Homan sigue culpando a los demócratas por un retraso en el financiamiento como su excusa. Los republicanos rechazaron compromisos razonables, y a ICE se le proporcionaron 74 mil millones de dólares en julio de 2025. Trump ha dicho que no habrá más investigaciones cuando los agentes de ICE asesinen a personas.



[we the people (#wtpBLUE) @wtpBLUE]

#TrumpIsUnfitForOffice    #wtpBLUE    WE THE PEOPLE

Tom Homan as the “Border Czar” has mastered what the novel 1984 called “doublespeak,” as he lies about the implementation of body cameras used by ICE agents.
In February 2025, the Department of Homeland Security issued ICE directive 19010.3 - 20 pages of rules for public safety and requiring the use of body cameras.  As of today, no official deadline has been promised to implement this, but Homan has claimed that half of agents have them now, with the promise all agents will use them within 60 days.  As of late July 2026, Tom Homan continues to blame Democrats for a funding delay as his excuse.  Republicans rejected reasonable compromises, and ICE was provided with $74 billion in July 2025.  Trump has said that there will be no more investigations when ICE agents murder people.

[we the people (#wtpBLUE) @wtpBLUE]

#TrumpIsUnfitForOffice    #wtpBLUE    WE THE PEOPLE   wtp3165

It’s all about profits.  The private prison company CoreCivic has sold two of its California immigration detention facilities to the US Department of Homeland Security for 1.5 million.  Estimated proceeds from the sale are 1.1 billion.  The company expects to continue to operate both facilities and profit under that contract with the government.  The DHS is sitting on a huge influx of cash-$170 B in the 2025 federal budget including $45 billion for expanding detention facilities.  They recently published a “Detention Reengineering Initiative“ statement.  The government is transitioning away from private detention and expanding and purchasing warehouses before the community is even aware.

There are two types of facilities.  They claim detainees are held in one type for 3 to 7 days, and 60 days in another one.  Senator Alex Padilla’s inspections have shown current conditions are unacceptable.  Health inspectors have been blocked.  California officials are asking permits to be denied.  It’s doubtful this will occur, since Trump‘s financial disclosure showed he has stocks in CoreCivic and GeoGroup - just a small sliver of his massive portfolio.

[we the people (#wtpBLUE) @wtpBLUE]

#TrumpIsUnfitForOffice    #wtpBLUE    WE THE PEOPLE   wtp3164

Four Michigan Republicans have sent a letter to Canadian PM Mark Carney, blaming supposed inaction by the Canadian government to prevent wildfires.  How many of these representatives have contributors from the oil and gas industry?  It is the proven major cause of climate change.  But “forest Maintenance“ Republicans, John James, Jack Bergman, John Moolenaar, and Lisa McClain have floated the idea of taking “cross border fire prevention“ into US hands.  Facts: John James accepts PAC money from Oil & gas industry and is on the Energy Committee.  He was on a hedge fund for natural gas.  Jack Bergman has targeted legislation to expand American oil and gas.  John Moolenaar has 10s of 1000’s of dollars in donations from Oil & gas PACs, including from ExxonMobil.  Lisa McClain has violated federal transparency & conflicts of interest law, and is on the Financial Services Committee.  In addition, Senator Bernie Moreno will sponsor a bill to sanction Canada over wildfires, without giving specifics.

Canadian officials have called these protests an attention seeking “timber tantrum.”  #VoteBlue, Michigan.

[we the people (#wtpBLUE) @wtpBLUE]

#TrumpIsUnfitForOffice    #wtpBLUE   WE THE PEOPLE   wtp3163

SuperPACS are a reality given the decisions made by our Supreme Court.  Not all are equal.  Here’s one to consider for how well it unites people and supports Democrats.  

Vote Vets is the first organization of its kind and the largest, with over one and a half million supporters in all 50 states.  VoteVets uses public issue campaigns to relentlessly lift up the voices of veterans on matters of national security, veterans’ care, and everyday issues that affect the lives of those who served, and their families. It’s been active for 20 years!  And now it has started another branch focusing on our public lands.  This one is called Veterans For Public Lands.  According to their website, “Veterans for Public Lands unites to defend the public lands and waters we served to protect.  We equip our community to speak out, lead, and show up whenever our shared wild spaces are under threat.”  Please consider checking out their website and supporting their efforts.  https://t.co/ztkFqu2ncL

[we the people (#wtpBLUE) @wtpBLUE]

#TrumpIsUnfitForOffice       #wtpBLUE      WE THE PEOPLE   wtp3162

In June, Governor Kemp called a special session to redraw maps for 2028 after the Supreme Court ruling gutted a key provision of voter rights.  On the day of the session, hundreds of people gathered in protest against the redistricting.  Republicans noticed.

Before the special session began, Republican House Speaker Jon Burns said that they would not redraw the maps, and he sent a letter to Governor Kemp stating that they would not redraw the maps.  “Changes to Georgia’s maps should take place only when members of the General Assembly and citizens have been given ample opportunity to gather the facts, provided input and engage in meaningful discussion…For this reason, we will not be taking up congressional or legislative redistricting for the 2028 election cycle during this special session.”

Civil and voting rights protestors had gathered in protest of the special session, fearing it would disenfranchise Black and brown voter, and they won against the redistricting forces.  Believe in your right to protest.  Believe in your right to vote and keep standing up for it.  Protests work!  Keep it up.

[we the people (#wtpBLUE) @wtpBLUE]

#TrumpIsUnfitForOffice    #wtpBLUE    NOSOTROS, EL PUEBLO

¿Quiénes son las víctimas de la “militarización” según Trump? Desde 2022 (sin dar ni una pizca de evidencia), él dice que ha sido atacado por “los delincuentes de Biden”. Las “víctimas” son aquellos que se han declarado culpables y fueron condenados. Trump creó una demanda ficticia para reclamar $1.776 millones para un “Fondo Anti-Militarización”, que Todd Blanche dijo bajo juramento que no seguirá adelante. El Departamento de Justicia de Trump está actuando contra sus enemigos políticos imaginarios. Esta es la realidad. ¿Quiénes son estas víctimas según Trump? Changpeng Zhao, un multimillonario de las finanzas de criptomonedas que se declaró culpable de lavado de dinero; Ross Ulbricht, condenado por tráfico digital de drogas; y Juan Orlando Hernández, que recibió 45 años por conspiración para importar cocaína a los EE.UU., por nombrar algunos. Invertir en World Liberty Financial de Trump es la forma de aparecer en la lista de víctimas. Recuerda votar por los demócratas en noviembre.



[we the people (#wtpBLUE) @wtpBLUE]

#TrumpIsUnfitForOffice    #wtpBLUE    WE THE PEOPLE

Who are the victims of “weaponization“ according to Trump?  Since 2022 (without giving a shred of evidence), he says he’s been targeted by “Biden‘s crooks.”  The “victims” are those who pled guilty and were convicted.  Trump created a pretend lawsuit to claim $1.776 billion for an “Anti-Weaponization Fund” which Todd Blanche said under oath will not move forward.  Trump‘s DOJ is moving against his imagined political enemies.  This is the reality.  Who are these victims according to Trump?  Changpeng Zhao, a billionaire of cryptocurrency finance who pleaded guilty to money laundering, Ross Ulbricht, convicted of digital drug trafficking and Juan Orlando Hernández, who received 45 years for conspiracy to import cocaine into the US, to name a few.  Investments in Trump‘s World Liberty Financial are the way to make the victim list.  Remember to vote for democrats in November.

[we the people (#wtpBLUE) @wtpBLUE]

#TrumpIsUnfitForOffice    #wtpBLUE    WE THE PEOPLE   wtp3161

Trump tends to pardon and look kindly on white-collar fraudsters: the perpetrators are often wealthy individuals in positions of power/trust, such as business executives or government officials, and their crimes non-violent, yet for personal financial gain (embezzlement, insider trading, tax evasion). In Trump’s mind they are smart businessmen, their crimes complex, not even considering their crimes lead to significant financial losses for many and erosion of trust in institutions.

The justice system tends to be tougher on blue-collar crime as these are “street crimes” committed by average or low income working-class individuals driven by immediate need or gain (theft, street level drugs) hurting individuals, property, or disrupting communities directly.  In Trump’s mind these are disreputable thugs.

The trouble is that white-collar crimes are not just frivolous money-making endeavors found out.  Trump’s clemencies/ pardons often erase court‑ordered restitution and fines, causing extreme financial consequences for victims and taxpayers.  Recent case in point: the commutation awarded to David Gentile, a private equity executive who was convicted in a $1.6 billion scheme that defrauded thousands of mostly mom-and-pop investors, some of whom lost their retirement savings.

[we the people (#wtpBLUE) @wtpBLUE]

#TrumpIsUnfitForOffice    #wtpBLUE    WE THE PEOPLE   wtp3160

Trump’s slashes to science funding is causing “Brain Drain”.  The term is too cutesy to adequately express the devastating long term effect the mass departure of highly educated and skilled specialists poses: there are significant risks to the U.S. workforce/economy, plus it is a wrecking ball to our global competitiveness.  We have, as a country, historically welcomed & relied on our diverse and talented labor pool to drive economic growth and innovation.

The colossal exodus of specialized expertise from institutions leading public health, environmental protection, and scientific research will be catastrophic to those areas (and more), and the reverberations will be felt for decades.  The number of students admitted to Ph.D. programs this fall dropped 15% from the previous year, raising fears that the nation’s capacity to produce new science/innovation will be sorely diminished.

Reaping the benefits are nations like Canada and China who are actively recruiting U.S. scholars, offering better conditions for research and innovation.  Recovering from this loss will not be as easy as taking down banners from buildings.

[we the people (#wtpBLUE) @wtpBLUE]

#TrumpIsUnfitForOffice    #wtpBLUE   WE THE PEOPLE   wtp3159

Republicans are crying foul even though they won majorities in Congress and the Presidency in 2024.  They go on Sunday morning news shows and other media outlets to declare that Democrats are rigging elections.  This simply doesn’t make any sense.  Democrats want secure elections.  We want to be able to have confidence in the process and in the outcomes.  Republicans insist that Democrats want to let anyone vote and that simply isn’t accurate.  Democrats want to make it easier for people to exercise their right to vote.  That’s why we support early voting, mail in voting, and same day voter registration.  The Brennan Center has conducted extensive research and they that fraud is very rare, voter impersonation is virtually nonexistent, and many instances of alleged fraud are, in fact, mistakes by voters or administrators.  Please be skeptical when you hear Republicans talk about this issue and question their motives as they try to pass legislation that would make it harder for people to vote.  #VoteBlue

[we the people (#wtpBLUE) @wtpBLUE]

#TrumpIsUnfitForOffice       #wtpBLUE      WE THE PEOPLE   wtp3158

The same day DHS stated ICE was going to temporarily pause traffic stops, they are explaining away another death as “an encounter“ when it was a result of another traffic stop.  Somehow ICE agents don’t feel their actions will have consequences perhaps?  After pulling over a car in Florida, several occupants of the car fled on foot, and one 28 year-old man ran in front of a semi-truck and died.  Three deaths in one week.  Guidance was sent out from ICE headquarters to have no vehicle interactions whatsoever - according to an anonymous source.  Somehow, we just can’t take their word for it that the rogues of ICE will be held responsible.  $20 million was given by Congress to guarantee body cameras were to be worn, and in both shooting incidents, this directive was not followed.  Senator Susan Collins of Maine has stated she was “encouraged” that they would stop non-urgent stops.  What is classified as non-urgent?  Let your members of Congress know this is not acceptable.

[we the people (#wtpBLUE) @wtpBLUE]

#TrumpIsUnfitForOffice    #wtpBLUE    NOSOTROS, EL PUEBLO

¿Cuáles son fuentes de información confiables? Una característica definitiva es que estén libres de sesgo y respaldadas por evidencia. El sesgo se nota más cuando la fuente usa la emoción para influir en la narrativa. Entonces, ¿cómo puedes saber si una fuente es confiable? Hay muchas fuentes por ahí, y a primera vista puede ser difícil saber cuál es creíble y cuál no. La alfabetización informativa es una habilidad importante que se puede desarrollar con práctica.

Con tantas fuentes de noticias falsas que difunden desinformación e información engañosa, necesitamos perfeccionar nuestras habilidades. Es importante tener en cuenta que ninguna fuente es 100% precisa todo el tiempo. Pueden ocurrir errores. ¡Una fuente confiable siempre reconocerá los errores! Hay varios sitios que emplean verificadores de hechos profesionales. Trata de averiguar si la información que quieres compartir ya ha sido verificada. Prueba Snopes o Politifact o Truth or Fiction o Fact Check. Si compartes algo que luego descubres que era incorrecto, elimínalo.

[we the people (#wtpBLUE) @wtpBLUE]

#TrumpIsUnfitForOffice    #wtpBLUE    WE THE PEOPLE

What are reliable sources of information?  One definite characteristic is that it is free from bias and backed by evidence.  Bias is most evident when the source uses emotion to influence the narrative.  So how can you tell if a source is reliable?  There are a lot of sources out there, and it can be hard to tell what’s credible and what isn’t at first glance.  Information literacy is an important skill that can be developed with practice.  

With so much fake news sources spreading misinformation and intentional disinformation, we need to hone our skills.  It’s important to keep in mind that no source is 100% accurate all the time.  Mistakes can happen.  A reliable source will always acknowledge the mistakes!  There are several sites that employ professional fact checkers.  Try to find out if the information you want to share has already been fact checked.  Try Snopes or Politifact or Truth or Fiction or Fact Check.  If you share something that you later find was incorrect, delete it.

[we the people (#wtpBLUE) @wtpBLUE]

#TrumpIsUnfitForOffice     #wtpBLUE    WE THE PEOPLE   wtp3157

Israel has at least 700,000 illegal settlers living alongside 3.3 million Palestinians in areas that Palestinians have had claim to since 1967 for a future state.  These settlements are breaking international law.  Israel is violating human rights with unlawful detentions of Palestinians, most egregiously the case of Dr Hussam Abu Safiya, director of Kamal Aswan hospital in Gaza.  Dr Safiya has been held since December 2024 in the facility Rakefet, known for its horrific conditions.  The Dr. and 13 other Palestinians are being held under the “Unlawful Combatants Law,” which allows for detention with no specified period, no charges necessary.  Safiya’s lawyer Nasser Odeh recently visited him and stated he had trouble recognizing his client, after he was severely beaten by 5 guards using batons and hammers.  He had trouble maintaining consciousness and was barely able to breathe.  He stated Dr Safiya has received no medical treatment.  An Israeli spokesperson denied the claims.
Medical staff, along with Amnesty International have denied that Safiya cooperated with or worked for Hamas.

The United Nation’s Committee against Torture said it’s deeply concerned about reports indicating “a de facto state policy of organized and widespread torture and ill treatment” of Palestinians in Israeli jails.  The group Physicians for Human Rights has said at least 94 Palestinians have died in Israeli custody in less than two years.
Amnesty International is calling for action, a spokesperson calling the situation “truly horrifying.”  They are requesting immediate medical treatment.

A few days ago, Israeli settlers detained our Congressmember Ro Khanna for 90 minutes while brandishing American made rifles at him and blocking his vehicle during a visit to the occupied West Bank to observe.  We cannot claim any American exceptionalism while supporting efforts to obliterate an entire population of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.

It should not be considered antisemitic to stop giving Israel funding and support when they clearly operate outside the law.  We need a president who has the nerve to call Israel out.  Your vote matters to the rest of the world.