Since the Inauguration: February 7, 2025
Hello, Friends,
As promised, I am attempting to migrate (see what I did there?) my list of political updates to blog form in order to dive a little deeper and provide you with references. My goal is to keep my lists as brief as possible, and I always check multiple sources before sharing anything.
My opinions are italicized and written in PURPLE.
So, here we go:
Since the inauguration: February 7, 2025
1.) A memo released by the AG says the use of capital punishment shall be reinstated for heinous crimes including “cases involving non-drug capital crimes by cartels, transnational criminal organizations, and aliens who traverse our borders and remain in the United States without legal status.”
The memo specifically mentions the murder of US Customs and Border Patrol agent David Maland and subway murder victim, Debrina Kawam.
I googled "how many violent crimes were committed by illegal migrants in 2024" and found this title posted by the National Institute of Justice. However, upon clicking the link, I found the content is currently down as the DOJ attempts to fall in line with djt's executive order banning gender-inclusive language from government sites.
Immigrants are significantly less likely to commit crimes than the U.S.-born.
Explainer: Immigrants and Crime in the United States
Immigrants are less likely to commit crimes than U.S.-born Americans, studies find
2.) djt signs executive order dismantling all of President Biden's efforts to decrease gun violence. In 2024, 16,576 Americans died from gun violence (excluding suicides), and even that number is the result of a three year decrease in gun related deaths from 2021-2024. Firearms continue to be the number one cause of death for children and teens ages 1-17, surpassing even car crashes and cancer.
What the data says about gun deaths in the U.S.
Firearm violence in the United States
NRA Donations to Candidates in 2024
Friendly reminder that being pro-gun control DOES NOT equal anti-second amendment.
3.) djt claims that the Gaza Strip will be evacuated and taken over by the U.S. He encouraged Egypt and Jordan to take in refugees despite mass deportations of immigrants from the United States (including immigrants that have not committed a heinous crime).
A U.S. takeover of the Gaza Strip has not been well-received, and many Palestinians that were interviewed are determined not to leave. One resident was quoted, “We would rather die in Gaza than leave it. We will stay here until we rebuild it. Trump can do as he pleases, but we firmly reject his decisions.”
4.) Tension continues to rise as musk’s DOGE staff infiltrates
federal offices. Reminder, no members of the DOGE were elected or confirmed.
They are reported to mostly be between the ages of 19-24 and have little to no
government experience. Federal employees report removing any pride items from
their workspaces to avoid being singled out.
One member of DOGE, marko elez, recently resigned after racist social media posts resurfaced. You can view the posts and more information related to elez's resignation here.
Mark Cuban calls for complete transparency related to DOGE's goings on.
5.) While the Canadian and Mexican tariffs have been put on hold, the 10% tariff on all imports from China have taken effect. Previously, any shipment from China less than $800 was able to ship directly without inspection. Now, all Chinese imports must now go through customs. This will create delays in delivery and increases in costs that run between 10% and 35% across the supply chain (and eventually trickling down to the consumer). Most Chinese imports are computer chips, car parts, phone chips, toys, and low-cost, fast-fashion orders from companies like Temu and Shein.
6.) Despite major concerns about some of djt’s unqualified cabinet appointees, it appears most if not all will be confirmed.
7.) After nearly 65K federal workers accepted djt’s buyout, a judge extended the buyout deadline. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt accused remote workers of being lazy and ripping off the American people.
As a remote worker that tracks my work items both in office and at home, this is offensive and inaccurate. With fewer social distractions at home, I am significantly more productive. I realize this varies by individual, but to make a blanket statement about an entire group of people... falls in line with many things she says. There are many studies on the implications of remote work; but overall, remote (or flexible) work offerings improve employee engagement, retention, and recruitment which can and does improve productivity when well-implemented.
That's all I have for today. I will work on reposting some of my FB/IG lists and including citations over the next couple of weeks. Stay informed, friends!
-ab
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