From the Bomb Shelter

The history of humanity’s treatment of people with intellectual & emotional differences/disabilities is a dark one. 

In her book Divergent Mind, Jenara Nerenberg writes, ‘In the 1400s, the common notion of madness was that the devil and evil spirits had taken possession of the human mind. This belief contributed to many women being viewed as "witches" and then killed, especially if they were considered to be countercultural or irreligious.’  

The Holocaust Encyclopedia notes that ‘At the beginning of World War II, individuals with mental or physical disabilities were targeted for murder in what the Nazis called the "T-4," or "euthanasia," program. [...] Despite public protests in 1941, the Nazi leadership continued this program in secret throughout the war. About 200,000 people with disabilities were murdered between 1940 and 1945.’ 

People born neurologically different or who behave ‘abnormally’ as a result of trauma have historically been painted as burdens & degenerates, but in truth, they are more often victims of a world that simply can’t be bothered to understand them. The Trump regime is doing everything in its power to continue this harmful tradition with the appointment of science denier Robert Kennedy Jr. as Department of Health and Human Services Secretary. His dangerous depiction of autism as a “tragedy” and a “preventable disease” should be a red flag to all Americans, one in five of whom will experience “mental illness” in their lifetimes according to the National Institute of Mental Health.

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In part 2 of this episode, we take you through some other fascist shit the Trump regime is doing that you should have on your radar…

* Two dangerous bills just passed in the House:

* SAVE Act: Who voted for it in the House (including which Dems)? Could it pass in the Senate? How would it affect U.S. citizens’ ability to vote?

* No Rogue Rulings Act: How would it allow Trump to bypass judicial rulings?

* $45 billion to build private immigrant detention centers?

* Threat to Title I funding for schools that are “too woke”

* Republicans’ new proposed budget would decimate Medicaid and other social safety nets

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit fromthebombshelter.substack.com

We’re trying something new this week and splitting our latest episode into two parts. In Part 1, we discuss the concern over Trump using the military to police U.S. citizens.

* Where it started: Jan. 20 Executive Order in which Trump ordered a report be submitted within 90 days on ‘whether to invoke the Insurrection Act of 1807’

* The Insurrection Act, explained: How similar is it to martial law? How much authority does it give the president?

* Steps Trump has already taken toward using the military at the southern border

* The connection to the recent ICE/DHS kidnappings: The implications for U.S. citizens according to historical and legal experts

* A bad precedent: EO targeting officials from his first administration

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Katie and Keith welcome back cybersecurity expert Jillian Ratliff to discuss the mother-of-all scandals, Signalgate (I hate adding -gate suffixes but everyone does it) Jillian, who had top secret clearance discussed all the ways that Trump's National Security Team violated OPSEC (operational security, someone tell Hegseth what it means) and put our troops at risk.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit fromthebombshelter.substack.com

News:
ICE/DHS Kidnappings - Alien Enemies Act

• Venezuelans sent to El Salvador prison camp + Kristi Noem's violation of the 4th Geneva Convention
• International students detained

Public Health

• HHS cutting billions in funding for state and local health departments
• Meanwhile, new concerns about the potential human-to-human transmission of bird flu

Emergency Preparedness Checklist Discussion:

• Community-building for mutual aid
• Go-bags
• Important documents
• Financial planning for the apocalypse
• Emergency travel plans, early warning signs, and action signals

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NEWS!
Social Security Showdown: Commerce secretary: No one but ‘fraudsters’ would complain about missed Social Security check

What can people do to prepare; do you know anyone who depends on SS; plan on checking in with them, keep them company and bring food or sundries. Talk to your seniors - they are angry and worried sick.

Katie: “Choices have consequences” is something Boomers love to say to Millennials, until it’s their own consequences from their own choices…

This is also a serious Constitutional showdown - the SS director is holding SS hostage by defying a Federal court order and threatening to shut the system down.

The Deportees:
Mahmoud Khalil

The Tourists
Also: An immigration lawyer on TikTok is now suggesting ANYONE including US Citizens traveling abroad who will have to pass through customs/immigration back into US consider traveling with a burner phone that doesn’t have your social media or text/email history on it bc they can (and apparently are) going through peoples phones looking for evidence of being “hostile to US” video

The Desparacidos
NBC Miami: ‘They are being treated like dogs': Families concerned over living conditions at Krome Detention Center–A video that has since gone viral shows people sleeping on the floor, and a man explains there is little to no food at Krome.’

(video) Internal Services employee “Chief Lexus” (TikTok) on conditions for detainees in Krome facility, Miami - built for 500 ppl, currently housing 4,000

The DEI Desparacidos: The purge of Black/Brown/Women of achievement in govt websites.
“We are not impressed” - Black man’s response to attempt to erase Black excellence from history ntidote to fear = humor/mockery:

“Fascism thrives on fear. It needs to be taken seriously to work.” (Post)

Smash the Patriarchy:

Patriarchy = dominance, conquering, capitalism, empire, warrior kings, oppression–not just misogyny but white supremacy, transphobia, homophobia
(Toxic) Masculinity crisis (extinction burst)

Matriarchy= nurturing, centering children and caregivers, socialism, royal advisors
NOT about subjugating men/anyone

Doesn’t mean weakness: Hekate, the Morrigan, Kali (lunar eclipse: “matriarchy giving birth to herself”—no birth & creation without death, destruction, & rage when necessary - Paris Palomams “Labor”)

(Intersectional) Feminism is for EVERYONE—not just women

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Special guest Jillian Ratliff is back to talk about fears of living in an emerging fascist state and what it takes to face that fear. We get into the spate of illegal kidnappings, detainment of individuals, fear of traveling in and out of America (me: vacation; Jillian: leaving the US) comparisons of America and Nazi Germany (there are many, unfortunately) and the importance of speaking out despite fear of government retaliation, and the need for courage and self-care during challenging times.

Stock up on gummies, coffee and Scotch for the long haul folks!

On a happier note, Jillian is also a cartoonist and we talk about her work "George the Fear Monster" (fearmonstercomics.com) and we get her to commit (?) to making more comics!
You can find everything Jillian at Jillianratliff.com

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Katie and Keith welcome cybersecurity expert Jillian Ratliff on the show to discuss what might be going with Elon Musk's invasion of government computers, how it constitutes a coup of a different kind, and what you can do to safeguard your personal information, browsing online and secure messaging.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit fromthebombshelter.substack.com

Trump's Executive Order and Power
Katie and Keith discussed the implications of one of Trump's executive orders, which they believe could potentially lead to the President seizing control of the entire Federal Government, including independent agencies like the Federal Election Commission. They noted that the order's vagueness could allow for the President to interpret and enforce laws as he sees fit, potentially leading to a collapse of the legislative and executive functions into a single individual. They also discussed the Unitary Executive Theory, which centers all real power into the executive branch, and how this could be used to justify the President's actions. The pair agreed that the media's coverage of the executive order was insufficient, and that it was crucial to understand the full implications of the order to make informed decisions as Americans.
US Government, Media, and AI Concerns
Keith and Katie discussed the current state of the US government and the potential for a second American Revolution. They expressed concern about the lack of media coverage and the fear that many members of Congress are experiencing due to death threats and intimidation. They also discussed the role of Elon Musk and his influence on the Federal Government, as well as the potential for private security firms like Blackwater to be contracted by the government. The conversation also touched on the potential for AI to be used to control who receives government checks. They concluded by expressing concern for those who rely on their Federal paychecks, such as social security recipients, and the potential impact on their lives.
Military Leadership Changes and Trump's Actions
The discussion covers recent military leadership changes and political developments. Keith and Katie discuss Trump's removal of military leaders, including General Brown and concerns about replacing diverse Joint Chiefs with "mediocre white guys." They debate whether military personnel would follow potentially illegal orders against American citizens, with Katie expressing confidence in current military members she knows personally. The conversation then shifts to discussing Trump's recent actions, including a controversial Instagram post on the official White House account featuring Trump wearing a crown with "Long live the King" text, and his quote about saving the country not violating laws, which Keith clarifies was actually from a Napoleon movie portrayal.
Organizing Protests and Economic Resistance
Katie and Keith discussed the current state of the country and the potential for change. Keith expressed concern about the lack of organization and coordination in protests, citing the example of two competing marches in Pittsburgh that only attracted 400 people combined. Katie argued that the country's size and spread make it difficult to expect protests to look like those in smaller, more centralized countries like Germany. She emphasized the need for a multifaceted approach to resistance, including economic boycotts, union strikes, and protests in various cities. Keith agreed that the country needs to figure out how to organize and coordinate protests more effectively. They also touched on the topic of the upcoming election and the potential for a revolution, with Katie expressing optimism about the power of people's economic decisions and Keith expressing pessimism about the country's ability to rise up against the current administration.
Navigating Political Climate and Protests
Katie and Keith discussed the current political climate and the need for more people to actively protest against the administration. Katie emphasized the importance of not giving up and finding evidence to support their beliefs. They also discussed the authenticity of a video showing a protest in New York City, which Katie shared to demonstrate the reality of protests happening across the country. Keith expressed his hope for more people to participate in protests and town halls, despite the challenges faced in Pittsburgh. They agreed to disagree on some points but maintained a positive and hopeful outlook. The conversation ended with a discussion on the decentralized nature of the revolution and its potential impact.
Addressing Society's Struggles and Fascism
Keith and Katie discussed their concerns about the current state of society and the potential for fascism. They acknowledged the validity of each other's perspectives, despite their differing optimism and pessimism. Katie emphasized the importance of not tone policing others and respecting their experiences. They also discussed the struggles faced by neurodivergent individuals and the importance of recognizing patterns. The conversation touched on the struggles of various marginalized groups, including black, brown, and indigenous people, and the potential for self-destruction among white people. They also discussed the role of comedians in society, with Keith suggesting that they often have insight into where society is headed. The conversation concluded with Katie recommending the comedy of Ronnie Cheng, an Asian immigrant comedian.
Bird Flu Outbreak and Preparedness
In the meeting, Keith and Katie discussed the bird flu outbreak and its potential implications. They highlighted the lack of information from the CDC and the media, particularly in Minnesota where a state of emergency was declared. They emphasized the need for people to be aware of the risks, including the possibility of the virus spreading to humans. They also discussed the importance of preparing for potential outbreaks, including stocking up on food, water, and medical supplies. They urged people to protect vulnerable members of their communities, such as babies and older people, by getting vaccinated. They also mentioned the ongoing measles outbreak and the need for people to get vaccinated to protect the most vulnerable members of society.
Embracing Action Amidst Political Challenges
Katie delivers a passionate closing message about responding to current political challenges, rejecting toxic positivity while emphasizing the importance of taking action. She encourages grassroots involvement through various means like calling representatives, attending town halls, growing food, and building community resilience. The hosts discuss plans for next week's episode featuring a cybersecurity expert, and after the show ends, they coordinate on social media posting and discuss the recording's length and technical aspects.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit fromthebombshelter.substack.com

This is a short 15 minute bonus episode on President's Day

I record this podcast in a bomb shelter built into the house in 1956. It got me thinking what being in a bomb shelter represents. I also remembered "The Shelter" episode from The Twilight Zone that scared me so much as a kid.

And then I realized that what our leaders, with assistance from 77 million of our fellow citizens were doing was making America into one big bomb shelter - closing ourselves from the world on fire we helped create. What will become of us?

With a nod to Rod Serling, I hope you enjoy (if that's the correct word) this ep.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit fromthebombshelter.substack.com