The Lame duck Felon and his cronies are even driving Indiana blue. It won't take much more -the next 6 months will be critical, but my neighbors are already breaking ranks from their inanities...
1. Rep. Suhas Subramanyam (D-Va.) on Friday said some of the photos found in the home of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein depict “people engaged in sexual acts.”
One of the photos show a stack of condoms with a cartoon image of Trump on each package. Below Trump’s image are the words “I’m HUUUUGE!”
2. The Big News for me is that the markets crashed. “The AI bubble is deflating but not popping,” said Louis Navellier, chief investment officer at Navellier & Associates. Friday’s profit-taking after stock benchmarks hit new highs is not unexpected, he added. “Heightened concerns on OpenAI agreements may make further gains challenging.”
3. Tyler Robinson, the Charlie Kirk murder defendant, appeared calm during his first in-person court hearing. Some critics say Robinson was smiling and laughing. However, lip-reading suggests he reflected darkly on the shooting and even referenced Kirk's widow, Erika Kirk. He thinks about the shooting "every day."
Meanwhile Erika Kirk held a black-tie gala at Mar-a-Lago, reportedly cost as much as $10,000 per plate. Nearly a thousand people were said to be in attendance, suggesting a significant influx of revenue for Turning Point USA, the nonprofit previously led by Erika's late husband, Charlie Kirk.
Erika Kirk was also photographed grinning widely while hosting, prompting many to question her grieving process a few months after her late husband's passing.
4. Nearly two dozen House Republicans joined Democrats Thursday to pass a bill that would restore collective bargaining rights for hundreds of thousands of federal employees, an attempt to overturn an executive order that President Donald Trump issued earlier this year.
The measure passed 231-195 after reaching the floor through the “discharge” tactic that is being used with growing frequency as Republicans seethe over dysfunction in the chamber. The bill still needs Senate approval to become law.
12/10/25 Fitzpatrick-Golden Bipartisan Bill to Restore Federal Workers’ Union Rights Clears Key House Hurdle, Teeing Up Final Votes Tomorrow
12/10/25 Fitzpatrick Files Discharge Petition to Force Vote on Bipartisan Bill Preventing ACA Premium Spikes
12/9/25 Fitzpatrick Leads Bipartisan Action to Prevent ACA Premium Spikes and Protect Affordable Healthcare
12/5/25 Fitzpatrick Calls on CDC Director O'Neill Regarding ACIP's Recent Hepatitis B Recommendation
12/4/25 Fitzpatrick Leads Bipartisan Effort to Protect Patients from High Prescription Drug Costs
12/2/25 Fitzpatrick Leads Bipartisan Reauthorization of Global Child Thrive Act
5. NYT: "While the United States can’t match China on its own, when joined by its closest allies, including Japan, South Korea, Canada, Australia and the European Union, it can match China’s manufacturing capacity. For the sake of global security and freedom, the world’s democracies need to collaborate far more fully than they do now."
"Instead, in real time, Americans are watching as our president undermines the foundations of our alliances."
6. In Syria, two U.S. service members and an interpreter were killed in an ambush by an ISIS-affiliated group.
Just because Trump repeatedly says he’s “defeated ISIS,” that does not make it true.
7. The Department of Homeland Security “is terminating all categorical family reunification parole programs for aliens from Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti and Honduras, and their immediate family members,” the agency said Friday.
8. Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration diverted more than $35 million in taxpayer funds — an amount far greater than previously known — as part of a brazen agenda last year to defeat two ballot amendments he staunchly opposed, a Miami Herald/Tampa Bay Times investigation has found. Much of the state money was intended to assist needy Floridians, including children.
Ari, Putin has been a spy all of his life. He has a room full of evidence that TRump has worked with Russia for decades.
Back in the 1990's TRump was trafficking and blackmailing just like Epstein. He had his models and pageant girls do his bidding or they simply had no career.
But you could be right about that tape being part of it.
Thom noted in today's article that this could be a very, very dangerous moment for democracy. Citizenship ceremonies being cancelled, suspension of legal immigration from 19 countries, numerous cases of ICE arresting, mistreating, American citizens mistakenly identified as illegals. Trump losing in court, to include the farcical indictments of Comey and James being tossed. MAGA's like MTG, Mace, Boebert, voting to release Epstein files. Even some republicans are questioning Hegseth's barbaric use of force sinking boats killing all aboard. It took one missile to sink one boat then 3 more to kill 2 helpless survivors. He's losing his iron grip on some in the GOP. What may follow is narcissistic rage, he could use his personal ICE army and DOJ to inflict punishment on dissenters.
States Rights was never about States Rights, it was just another Luntzian code word, , like pro life, and family values.
Hispanics who voted for Trump are having buyers remorse,no blacks are going to experience the same, because you can't look at a black person and determine his nationality.
Medicare is very quietly being neutered to the point where the disAdvantage programs will look enticing.
When I was first enrolled at age 65, Medicare authorized a once yearly physical exam, not it is a Wellness visit, which is bullshit, all it is, is a questionnaire to determine if you are being abused. I had to insist that my PCP, include a Complete Blood Count (CBC), Lipid Panel (Cholesterol chrck), and Basic Metabolic Panel ( primarily checking liver and kidneys). Without constant monitoring you can take corrective action (diet and exercise), without info you can get sick and die or wind up on a dialysis machine, or with cancer. Women at least can get a mammiogram, everyone over 65, should have a full CT Scan annually, with and without contrast. Actually an MRI would be preferable.
Starting Dec 1st, Medicare will no longer cover telemedicine (televisits) which in a lot of cases, requires people, many with medical problems inhibiting travel, to travel long distances to visit with a PCP or Specialist.
My situation requires a visit with my oncologist, after each MRI and CT scan, and the televisit isn't authorized. It would cost me two days and hundreds of dollars, and a strain on my body, to travel to see him, so I find it cheaper to pay the $167 for a televisit.
And have you noticed the Medicare (dis)Advantage commericals on MSNOW, or whatever you watch, it is open enrollment season so they are frantic, but the commercials now are presented as if they were actually Medicare and there were different plans, just call a number and give them your Zipcode, sadly to many seniors are not well informed and are falling for it.
We need in depth coverage of the Medicare Advantage scam, and the ongoing attack on Medicare.
Medicare requires prior authorization (PA) for certain high-cost or potentially overused services, like some surgeries (panniculectomy, some fusions), advanced imaging (MRIs, CTs, cardiac), DME, prosthetics, sleep studies, and pain management procedures (epidurals), with a new pilot starting in 2026 for Original Medicare Part B in specific states, while Medicare Advantage (Part C) generally needs PA for more items like hospital stays, rehab, and home health.
Because I have had cancer and in remission, there is no problem with getting PA for MRI
s and CT scans.
Alan Graysons comment about the health care plan is don't get sick and if you do die quickly applies to Medicare as well.
RFK Jr, is right on one thing, like a broken clock, and Thom agrees. It is all about diet and exercise. Processed foods are killing us, but that is not enough, preventive medical care, regular exams and blood tests are necessary and if on Medicare bug your PCP, don't take no for answer.
I recommend an annual BMP, CBC and Lipid Panel at minimum.
It’s disgraceful and stupid. One of the big issues with Medicare Advantage is they may not cover you if you’re in an area where the doctors treating you are not covered by your plan. Medicare needs improved funding, restored televisits, and ban Medicare Advantage. It’s an utter ripoff.
I hope they stall the construction of this monstrosity for as long as he's in office, so he does not have the ability to use it at all. That my friends would be KARMA
Someone in the Administration decided to put TRump in front of that tiny group of people at a CASINO in the Poconos for his big get-everyone-on-board rally. Why oh why would they do that? The venue only holds 1200, and it was far from being filled. Donold looked like the loser he is.
It was further proof that he is slipping, sleeping on the job, and has a "Judas" in his inner circle.
The idea that TRump wants to take over the western hemisphere has hit Congress. Representative Adam Smith (D-WA) was on Pod Save America:
Trump FLAILS To Turn Around His BOTCHED Presidency
Now, Congress needs to talk about the part the TechBros want to play in controlling the people of this vast area. It's collusion for Christmas this year. Tell them to stuff that present right up their Grinch-y asses. See you in the streets.
Thom and I use AI to depict Trump though it isn't easy to depict the inner ugliness. I tried several times in my Substack today "Trump dons cowboy hat for second time, shows the lighter side of the darkest president in American history" today: ... https://halbrown.substack.com/p/trump-dons-cowboy-hat-for-second
Thom, a week of destruction and damage to our country and citizens alike. The bottom never matter to these people. They seem to love it that way Thom. Democracy?
Thom, I must disagree with your description of Medicare Advantage Plans as scams, having had one for five years. A Medicare Advantage plan is a private health plan that combines Part A (hospital insurance), Part B (medical insurance), and usually Part D (prescription drug coverage) into a single plan. Offered by private insurance companies, these plans contract with Medicare and must provide benefits at least as good as original Medicare, and they often include extra benefits like dental, vision, and hearing services. Key features include a maximum out-of-pocket spending limit for Parts A and B and a network of providers that members must generally use for care. The provider network for my plan is very large; I have never felt deprived of provider choices. Nor have I ever been deprived of the health care benefits offered by the plan. I especially appreciate coverage for vision, dental and hearing. My $5,000 hearing aids out-of-pocket cost of $1,800 included two hearing exams, fitting and followup. Scams exist everywhere, including the health insurance sector, but to indict an entire category of insurance plans is not appropriate or fair in my judgment. I read your column every day and have been a subscriber for a considerable time. Your reports are always insightful, educational and inspiring.
What if they get a new CEO and board? What happens when they get to pick your hospital and nursing home? They can change your benefits and policy any given year.
Actually, I hate having to tell people the truth about what can happen if they go the Advantage route, because for SOME they work out. I sure as hell don't want anyone to be scared.
For others, skayen, Medicare Advantage private insurance companies create a minefield of complications when those folks need to be able to make hard CHOICES.
If they belly-up or quit your area of the country, you can go back to Medicare, but you may have trouble and a lot of expense with the supplemental insurance companies. They can deny, require records, and charge you up the wazoo.
I hope Thom responds. He really is looking-out for us, and as always, he has done his homework. And I have seen it in action with my peers.
"The National Trust for Historic Preservation, a congressionally chartered historic preservation group, sued Trump yesterday, saying that no president can legally demolish the East Wing and start construction without the appropriate permits and public input." Glad to see this happening, just wonder why it wasn't filed the moment he started to demolish the East Wing. It is the people's house, not his house, and the size of his plans are too much, as they will make the main White House look small in comparison.
The Lame duck Felon and his cronies are even driving Indiana blue. It won't take much more -the next 6 months will be critical, but my neighbors are already breaking ranks from their inanities...
Thanks Gordon, and good to hear about your neighbors.
State of Pence?
He was their Governor---he must personally know most of those state senators.
1. Rep. Suhas Subramanyam (D-Va.) on Friday said some of the photos found in the home of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein depict “people engaged in sexual acts.”
One of the photos show a stack of condoms with a cartoon image of Trump on each package. Below Trump’s image are the words “I’m HUUUUGE!”
2. The Big News for me is that the markets crashed. “The AI bubble is deflating but not popping,” said Louis Navellier, chief investment officer at Navellier & Associates. Friday’s profit-taking after stock benchmarks hit new highs is not unexpected, he added. “Heightened concerns on OpenAI agreements may make further gains challenging.”
3. Tyler Robinson, the Charlie Kirk murder defendant, appeared calm during his first in-person court hearing. Some critics say Robinson was smiling and laughing. However, lip-reading suggests he reflected darkly on the shooting and even referenced Kirk's widow, Erika Kirk. He thinks about the shooting "every day."
Meanwhile Erika Kirk held a black-tie gala at Mar-a-Lago, reportedly cost as much as $10,000 per plate. Nearly a thousand people were said to be in attendance, suggesting a significant influx of revenue for Turning Point USA, the nonprofit previously led by Erika's late husband, Charlie Kirk.
Erika Kirk was also photographed grinning widely while hosting, prompting many to question her grieving process a few months after her late husband's passing.
4. Nearly two dozen House Republicans joined Democrats Thursday to pass a bill that would restore collective bargaining rights for hundreds of thousands of federal employees, an attempt to overturn an executive order that President Donald Trump issued earlier this year.
The measure passed 231-195 after reaching the floor through the “discharge” tactic that is being used with growing frequency as Republicans seethe over dysfunction in the chamber. The bill still needs Senate approval to become law.
The bill was offered by the House Problem Solvers' Caucus.https://problemsolverscaucus.house.gov/bills
Sponsor Brian Fitzpoatrick, R. Pa. https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/press-releases
12/10/25 Fitzpatrick-Golden Bipartisan Bill to Restore Federal Workers’ Union Rights Clears Key House Hurdle, Teeing Up Final Votes Tomorrow
12/10/25 Fitzpatrick Files Discharge Petition to Force Vote on Bipartisan Bill Preventing ACA Premium Spikes
12/9/25 Fitzpatrick Leads Bipartisan Action to Prevent ACA Premium Spikes and Protect Affordable Healthcare
12/5/25 Fitzpatrick Calls on CDC Director O'Neill Regarding ACIP's Recent Hepatitis B Recommendation
12/4/25 Fitzpatrick Leads Bipartisan Effort to Protect Patients from High Prescription Drug Costs
12/2/25 Fitzpatrick Leads Bipartisan Reauthorization of Global Child Thrive Act
5. NYT: "While the United States can’t match China on its own, when joined by its closest allies, including Japan, South Korea, Canada, Australia and the European Union, it can match China’s manufacturing capacity. For the sake of global security and freedom, the world’s democracies need to collaborate far more fully than they do now."
"Instead, in real time, Americans are watching as our president undermines the foundations of our alliances."
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/12/13/opinion/editorials/trump-us-military-alliances-spending.html
6. In Syria, two U.S. service members and an interpreter were killed in an ambush by an ISIS-affiliated group.
Just because Trump repeatedly says he’s “defeated ISIS,” that does not make it true.
7. The Department of Homeland Security “is terminating all categorical family reunification parole programs for aliens from Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti and Honduras, and their immediate family members,” the agency said Friday.
Read more at: https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/cuba/article313661426.html#storylink=cpy
8. Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration diverted more than $35 million in taxpayer funds — an amount far greater than previously known — as part of a brazen agenda last year to defeat two ballot amendments he staunchly opposed, a Miami Herald/Tampa Bay Times investigation has found. Much of the state money was intended to assist needy Floridians, including children.
Read more at: https://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics-government/state-politics/article313630394.html#storylink=cpy
Can you say "pee-pee" video? Putin still has great blackmail smarts...
Epstein had contact with Putin - I wouldn't doubt that ol' Vlad has some of Epstein's blackmail tapes of tRump.
I think Putin had a big hand in that entire organization. The KGB used to do stuff like this all the time.
Re: the EU. All I want for Christmas is for them to kick Trump in the balls a few more times.
Ari, Putin has been a spy all of his life. He has a room full of evidence that TRump has worked with Russia for decades.
Back in the 1990's TRump was trafficking and blackmailing just like Epstein. He had his models and pageant girls do his bidding or they simply had no career.
But you could be right about that tape being part of it.
Thom noted in today's article that this could be a very, very dangerous moment for democracy. Citizenship ceremonies being cancelled, suspension of legal immigration from 19 countries, numerous cases of ICE arresting, mistreating, American citizens mistakenly identified as illegals. Trump losing in court, to include the farcical indictments of Comey and James being tossed. MAGA's like MTG, Mace, Boebert, voting to release Epstein files. Even some republicans are questioning Hegseth's barbaric use of force sinking boats killing all aboard. It took one missile to sink one boat then 3 more to kill 2 helpless survivors. He's losing his iron grip on some in the GOP. What may follow is narcissistic rage, he could use his personal ICE army and DOJ to inflict punishment on dissenters.
States Rights was never about States Rights, it was just another Luntzian code word, , like pro life, and family values.
Hispanics who voted for Trump are having buyers remorse,no blacks are going to experience the same, because you can't look at a black person and determine his nationality.
Medicare is very quietly being neutered to the point where the disAdvantage programs will look enticing.
When I was first enrolled at age 65, Medicare authorized a once yearly physical exam, not it is a Wellness visit, which is bullshit, all it is, is a questionnaire to determine if you are being abused. I had to insist that my PCP, include a Complete Blood Count (CBC), Lipid Panel (Cholesterol chrck), and Basic Metabolic Panel ( primarily checking liver and kidneys). Without constant monitoring you can take corrective action (diet and exercise), without info you can get sick and die or wind up on a dialysis machine, or with cancer. Women at least can get a mammiogram, everyone over 65, should have a full CT Scan annually, with and without contrast. Actually an MRI would be preferable.
Starting Dec 1st, Medicare will no longer cover telemedicine (televisits) which in a lot of cases, requires people, many with medical problems inhibiting travel, to travel long distances to visit with a PCP or Specialist.
My situation requires a visit with my oncologist, after each MRI and CT scan, and the televisit isn't authorized. It would cost me two days and hundreds of dollars, and a strain on my body, to travel to see him, so I find it cheaper to pay the $167 for a televisit.
And have you noticed the Medicare (dis)Advantage commericals on MSNOW, or whatever you watch, it is open enrollment season so they are frantic, but the commercials now are presented as if they were actually Medicare and there were different plans, just call a number and give them your Zipcode, sadly to many seniors are not well informed and are falling for it.
We need in depth coverage of the Medicare Advantage scam, and the ongoing attack on Medicare.
Medicare requires prior authorization (PA) for certain high-cost or potentially overused services, like some surgeries (panniculectomy, some fusions), advanced imaging (MRIs, CTs, cardiac), DME, prosthetics, sleep studies, and pain management procedures (epidurals), with a new pilot starting in 2026 for Original Medicare Part B in specific states, while Medicare Advantage (Part C) generally needs PA for more items like hospital stays, rehab, and home health.
Because I have had cancer and in remission, there is no problem with getting PA for MRI
s and CT scans.
Alan Graysons comment about the health care plan is don't get sick and if you do die quickly applies to Medicare as well.
RFK Jr, is right on one thing, like a broken clock, and Thom agrees. It is all about diet and exercise. Processed foods are killing us, but that is not enough, preventive medical care, regular exams and blood tests are necessary and if on Medicare bug your PCP, don't take no for answer.
I recommend an annual BMP, CBC and Lipid Panel at minimum.
It’s disgraceful and stupid. One of the big issues with Medicare Advantage is they may not cover you if you’re in an area where the doctors treating you are not covered by your plan. Medicare needs improved funding, restored televisits, and ban Medicare Advantage. It’s an utter ripoff.
I hope they stall the construction of this monstrosity for as long as he's in office, so he does not have the ability to use it at all. That my friends would be KARMA
Who is the Grinch stealing TRump's Christmas?
Someone in the Administration decided to put TRump in front of that tiny group of people at a CASINO in the Poconos for his big get-everyone-on-board rally. Why oh why would they do that? The venue only holds 1200, and it was far from being filled. Donold looked like the loser he is.
It was further proof that he is slipping, sleeping on the job, and has a "Judas" in his inner circle.
The idea that TRump wants to take over the western hemisphere has hit Congress. Representative Adam Smith (D-WA) was on Pod Save America:
Trump FLAILS To Turn Around His BOTCHED Presidency
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3DqHUXJj8Y4V0
Now, Congress needs to talk about the part the TechBros want to play in controlling the people of this vast area. It's collusion for Christmas this year. Tell them to stuff that present right up their Grinch-y asses. See you in the streets.
Thom and I use AI to depict Trump though it isn't easy to depict the inner ugliness. I tried several times in my Substack today "Trump dons cowboy hat for second time, shows the lighter side of the darkest president in American history" today: ... https://halbrown.substack.com/p/trump-dons-cowboy-hat-for-second
The treatment of anyone by ICE like that young man is disgraceful. I hope he can sue and win.
Thom, a week of destruction and damage to our country and citizens alike. The bottom never matter to these people. They seem to love it that way Thom. Democracy?
Thom, I must disagree with your description of Medicare Advantage Plans as scams, having had one for five years. A Medicare Advantage plan is a private health plan that combines Part A (hospital insurance), Part B (medical insurance), and usually Part D (prescription drug coverage) into a single plan. Offered by private insurance companies, these plans contract with Medicare and must provide benefits at least as good as original Medicare, and they often include extra benefits like dental, vision, and hearing services. Key features include a maximum out-of-pocket spending limit for Parts A and B and a network of providers that members must generally use for care. The provider network for my plan is very large; I have never felt deprived of provider choices. Nor have I ever been deprived of the health care benefits offered by the plan. I especially appreciate coverage for vision, dental and hearing. My $5,000 hearing aids out-of-pocket cost of $1,800 included two hearing exams, fitting and followup. Scams exist everywhere, including the health insurance sector, but to indict an entire category of insurance plans is not appropriate or fair in my judgment. I read your column every day and have been a subscriber for a considerable time. Your reports are always insightful, educational and inspiring.
Glad you found a reputable company---for now.
What if they get a new CEO and board? What happens when they get to pick your hospital and nursing home? They can change your benefits and policy any given year.
Actually, I hate having to tell people the truth about what can happen if they go the Advantage route, because for SOME they work out. I sure as hell don't want anyone to be scared.
For others, skayen, Medicare Advantage private insurance companies create a minefield of complications when those folks need to be able to make hard CHOICES.
If they belly-up or quit your area of the country, you can go back to Medicare, but you may have trouble and a lot of expense with the supplemental insurance companies. They can deny, require records, and charge you up the wazoo.
I hope Thom responds. He really is looking-out for us, and as always, he has done his homework. And I have seen it in action with my peers.
"The National Trust for Historic Preservation, a congressionally chartered historic preservation group, sued Trump yesterday, saying that no president can legally demolish the East Wing and start construction without the appropriate permits and public input." Glad to see this happening, just wonder why it wasn't filed the moment he started to demolish the East Wing. It is the people's house, not his house, and the size of his plans are too much, as they will make the main White House look small in comparison.