When the Government Sleeps, the People Pay
- On Day 22 of the ongoing federal shutdown, the Chuck Schumer-led Senate Democratic caucus again called for Donald Trump to meet with them before leaving for Asia. Schumer said the president should negotiate funding and health-care issues first. (ABC News)
- The shutdown has now officially become the second-longest in U.S. history, surpassing previous funding gaps. (Time)
- Trump’s nominee for the U.S. Office of Special Counsel, Paul Ingrassia, withdrew after racist and offensive text messages surfaced, marking the 49th failed nomination under this administration. (The Guardian)
- Meanwhile, Nancy Pelosi announced she will reveal her future political plans after California’s November election, setting off a quiet succession scramble. (Politico)
- And in the background, AI’s unchecked surge into political campaigning continues to raise alarms about deepfakes and digital manipulation. (Washington Post)
The Wins and the Wreckage
Wins:
• Ingrassia’s withdrawal is a win for accountability. Public outrage worked, proving that sunlight still disinfects.
• Growing scrutiny on political AI means regulators may finally start taking digital deception seriously.
Wreckage:
• Federal workers are unpaid, national parks are shuttered, and small businesses that rely on government contracts are bleeding cash.
• A watchdog nominee with racist texts shows how normalization of bigotry keeps seeping into high office.
• The political succession dance in California underscores how few leaders are grooming the next generation of democratic defenders.
Featured Resister: US United
Founded by Adam Mizel, this non-partisan group brings Americans together across political lines to fight polarization and rebuild civic trust. Resistance isn’t just shouting; it’s connecting.
Today’s To-Do List
- Make sure to follow the No Kings Weekly Call to Action Page: Healthcare Heist
- Let’s Call Pam Bondi! PROFA POTUS WANTS TO PAY HIMSELF $230 MILLION OF OUR MONEY
- Call your senators and ask what they’re doing to reopen the government and protect healthcare
- Donate $10 to an organization supporting furloughed workers or transparency advocates.
- Share the this blog and recruit one friend into the resistance.
- Spend fifteen minutes reading how AI is shaping political ads so you can spot the fakes.
- Bookmark your representatives’ contact info so you can pounce the next time democracy needs claws.
- Sign the featured petitions and send the featured letters
- Donate to local food pantries for the near future to help those who are not getting a paycheck
Boycott of the Day
Skip any corporation lobbying for federal budget cuts that hit public-service workers. Redirect your spending to local businesses that actually pay their people. Democracy isn’t for sale at clearance prices.
Featured Events
- 10/22 6 pm eat R Brigade Meetup
Featured Articles and Podcasts
- The Real Reason Trump Will Provide Clemency to Groomers
- Destroying our history is not a metaphor anymore
Calls to Make Today
- Demand Speaker Johnson Swear in Rep Grijalva
- Protect the Office of Special Education Programs
- Oppose a Blank Check Federal Budget Deal – GOV SHUT DOWN
Featured Petitions
- Tell Congress: Don’t Let the U.S. Fall Behind on Renewables
- Stop Trump From Selling Student Debt to Wall Street
- End Trump’s violent ICE raids!
- Tell ICE: Respect Due Process. Restore Bond Hearings.
Featured Easy Send Letters
- Tell Congress: Rein in the Insurrection Act and End Trump’s War on Cities
- Investigate ICE prisons and shut down Alligator Alcatraz NOW
- Stop Trump’s military takeover!
- Tax the Rich – Protect Rhode Islanders from a State of Emergency
Kitty’s Final Scratch
The house isn’t just messy—it’s closed for maintenance. The government snoozes while the bills pile up, but this Kitty refuses to nap. The watchdogs may be dozing, but our claws are sharp, our eyes are open, and our coffee is black as fascism’s heart.
This kitty fights complacency and naps only after the work is done.