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heatherkish.bsky.social
Heather Kish
@heatherkish.bsky.social
82 followers 70 following 67 posts
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heatherkish.bsky.social
I love growing flowers and I love watching the bees appreciate them.
A sunflower with a bee pollinating it.
June 21, 2025 at 2:07 PM
heatherkish.bsky.social
I appreciate the artful way @lizmoorebooks.bsky.social wove the pronunciation of this character’s name into the text.
From The God of the Woods by Liz Moore: "What's your name, darling?" "Judyta," says Judy. Not Investigator Luptack. Not Judy. Not Joo-DEE-tah, as most Americans say when forced to pronounce her given name. Instead she pronounces it just as her mother does-Yoo-DIT-ah— and the Italian woman sighs, as if hearing a poem, and tells her it's beautiful.
May 11, 2025 at 5:26 PM
heatherkish.bsky.social
Five hours is my limit. Who is paying me today? Not the state of Florida!
4:54:51
April 17, 2025 at 5:47 PM
heatherkish.bsky.social
03:34:45
03:34:45
April 17, 2025 at 4:27 PM
heatherkish.bsky.social
Going strong at 02:44:07.
02:44:07
April 17, 2025 at 3:37 PM
heatherkish.bsky.social
On hold with the Florida Department of Commerce. Entering “Do I stay on hold to see exactly how long this is gonna take or hang up in anger and try another day?” territory.

Any bets?
Screenshot of phone call showing the call has lasted over two hours.
April 17, 2025 at 2:53 PM
heatherkish.bsky.social
They’re not spoiled. They get exactly what they deserve.
April 11, 2025 at 2:14 PM
heatherkish.bsky.social
Guess I’m not getting the mail today… or tomorrow.
March 27, 2025 at 9:22 PM
heatherkish.bsky.social
I went over to truth social to do my due diligence and here are some of the comments. Methinks the hyenas are starting to raise their eyebrows at Scar.
This is just plain wrong!! This video is in very bad taste and just plain horrible!! The gold statue is 100% wrong no matter which way you try to make it come across. This video makes me sick. @LuckyCharm100 6h Something does not add up here??? Really does not feel that this is something Trump would post!!Wonder if someone is messing with his account??!! I surely hope so!! Very creepy!! Beverly Jackson @beverlyjackson10 8h bearded belly dancers; you dancing with someone other than your wife; this was weird for me and I love you Trump-This should be deleted; not good. TPV_Amy @QueenAnonAmy 7h This feels all wrong and actually makes me sick. I have supported you since Day 1 but this is filth. There is no God in this. ••• Susan @crossmyheart 6h How horrible! The golden statue is frightening. Reminds me of the Antichrist. Please don't forget that this is not pleasing to God.
February 26, 2025 at 2:42 PM
heatherkish.bsky.social
I mean, that’s what democratic governments are doing for each other nowadays, right?

Credit: theshovel.com.au
Zelensky Says Trump Should 'Just Accept' Deal for Canada To Take Over USA In a Tweet today, Zelensky said he had brokered a peace deal between Canada and the USA during a summit to which the US was not invited. (Satire)
February 22, 2025 at 1:29 PM
heatherkish.bsky.social
Another question for Elon’s AI:

“What is the relationship between the investigations against Elon Musk’s companies and recent firings of those overseeing the investigations?”
ChatGPT > What is the relationship between investigations against Elon Musk's companies and recent firings of those overseeing the investigations? Recent actions by the Trump administration have raised significant concerns about potential conflicts of interest involving Elon Musk's companies and federal oversight. In January 2025, the administration dismissed inspectors general from at least five federal agencies that were actively investigating Musk's enterprises, including Tesla and SpaceX. Notably, the Department of Labor's Inspector General had 17 open investigations into these companies at the time of their removal. WALLSTREETONPARADE.COM ChatGPT > Concurrently, President Trump appointed Elon Musk to lead the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), tasked with reducing federal expenditures and eliminating waste. This appointment has been controversial, as Musk's companies are significant federal contractors, leading to questions about his impartiality in overseeing government efficiency measures. WIKIPEDIA Further intensifying these concerns, DOGE has been involved in the termination of federal employees responsible for regulating Musk's ventures. For instance, several Food and Drug Administration (FDA) staff members reviewing Musk's brain-implant company, Neuralink, were dismissed as part of broader federal workforce reductions. ECONOMIC TIMES ChatGPT > These developments suggest a troubling pattern where federal oversight of Musk's businesses is being diminished, potentially compromising the integrity of regulatory processes and raising ethical questions about the intertwining of private interests with public governance. Controversies Surrounding Musk's Role in Federal Oversight
February 20, 2025 at 4:35 PM
heatherkish.bsky.social
Final screenshot.
In summary, while neither President Trump nor Elon Musk has been convicted of illegal actions related to these recent events as of this date, their initiatives have led to significant legal challenges. Courts have intervened to halt certain actions, and ongoing investigations may further assess the legality of their conduct.
February 10, 2025 at 2:17 AM
heatherkish.bsky.social
The 4th question to Elon’s AI:

“Are Elon Musk and Donald Trump’s actions in 2025 against the law?”
4th question to Elon’s AI: “Are Elon Musk and Donald Trump’s actions in 2025 against the law?” As of February 7, 2025, both President Donald Trump and Elon Musk are involved in actions that have prompted significant legal challenges and judicial scrutiny. President Donald Trump: • Birthright Citizenship Executive Order: On January 21, 2025, President Trump issued an executive order aiming to end birthright citizenship for certain individuals born in the United States. This action has been met with legal challenges, with federal judges in Seattle and Maryland blocking the order, citing it as unconstitutional and a violation of the Fourteenth Amendment. POLITICO.COM • Assertions of Executive Power: Since returning to office, President Trump has made sweeping assertions of executive authority, including efforts to restrict birthright citizenship, cut federal funding, and remove heads of independent agencies. These actions have led to numerous lawsuits in lower courts, with debates centering on the extent of presidential power and the constitutional limits of such actions. REUTERS.COM Elon Musk: • Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE): Elon Musk's involvement in the federal government through his self-styled "Department of Government Efficiency" has raised legal concerns. Senior Democrats have called for investigations into potential national security breaches, alleging that Musk and his team may have illegally accessed classified information and personal data at multiple agencies, including the Office of Personnel Management and the U.S. Treasury. THEGUARDIAN.COM • Legal Challenges and Judicial Actions: A federal judge has temporarily restricted DOGE's access to the Treasury's payment system after Musk's team attempted to block USAID payments. Additionally, government employees have filed lawsuits arguing that Musk's team violated privacy laws by accessing sensitive data. FT.COM
February 10, 2025 at 2:15 AM
heatherkish.bsky.social
6. Prepare for Civil Resistance • Nonviolent Resistance Strategies: If democracy is significantly threatened, movements like those outlined by Gene Sharp (From Dictatorship to Democracy) offer strategic frameworks for nonviolent resistance. 7. International Pressure & Alliances • Engage with Global Democratic Movements: Other democracies may offer support through diplomatic pressure or solidarity efforts. • Utilize International Courts & Organizations: If domestic legal avenues fail, international human rights bodies can provide additional scrutiny.
February 6, 2025 at 4:41 PM
heatherkish.bsky.social
The 3rd question I asked Elon’s AI:

“What can the American people do to save American democracy in 2025?”

Last screenshot in the comments.
What can the American people do to save American democracy in 2025? If democracy in the U.S. is under threat in 2025, there are several actions the American people can take to push back and protect democratic institutions: 1. Civic Engagement & Activism • Peaceful Protests & Demonstrations: Mass protests have historically been effective in pressuring governments to uphold democratic norms. • Grassroots Organizing: Community organizing can mobilize voters, spread awareness, and push for action at the local and national levels. • Engaging with Representatives: Calling, writing, and meeting with elected officials can pressure them to uphold democratic values. 2. Voting & Election Participation • Register and Vote: Even if institutions seem under threat, voting remains one of the most powerful tools for change. • Support Down-Ballot Races: Local and state elections shape policies that directly affect governance and civil liberties. • Protect Voting Rights: Support organizations fighting voter suppression, such as the ACLU, the Brennan Center for Justice, or Fair Fight. 3. Legal & Institutional Resistance • Support Independent Media: A free press is crucial to holding those in power accountable. Subscribe to trustworthy news sources and share accurate information. • Back Legal Challenges: Organizations like the ACLU, NAACP, and the League of Women Voters are fighting against anti-democratic policies in court. • Whistleblowing & Transparency: Government employees and citizens who witness abuses of power should document and report them to watchdog groups. 4. Strengthening Community Resilience • Educate & Inform Others: Conversations with friends, family, and neighbors can counter misinformation and build a culture of democratic engagement. • Strengthen Local Institutions: Public schools, local governments, and unions are pillars of democracy and should be defended from political overreach. 5. Economic & Consumer Action • Boycotts & Divestment: Targeting companies that enable anti-democratic policies can apply financial pressure. • Support Ethical Businesses: Investing in companies that uphold democratic values can shift economic incentives.
February 6, 2025 at 4:40 PM
heatherkish.bsky.social
Final screenshot for this question.
5. Organize & Protest • Mass Mobilization: Protests and campaigns can bring attention to Musk's influence and pressure policymakers to act. • Unionization & Worker Advocacy: Employees within Musk-owned companies can unionize and push back against policies they see as harmful. 6. Leverage Legal Action • Support Lawsuits: Legal challenges against corporate overreach, labor violations, or government favoritism can check Musk's power. • Challenge Misinformation & Defamation: Lawsuits can hold Musk accountable for harmful or false claims, as seen in previous legal battles.
February 6, 2025 at 1:23 PM
heatherkish.bsky.social
The 2nd question I asked Elon’s AI:

“What can the American people do to stop Elon Musk’s influence in American government?”

(Adding last screenshot to the comments.)
What can the American people do to stop Elon Musk's influence in American government? If Elon Musk's influence in the U.S. government is seen as a threat to democracy, the American people have several tools to push back: 1. Demand Corporate Accountability • Regulate Big Tech & Business Influence: Pressure lawmakers to pass stronger regulations on corporate political involvement, such as stricter lobbying laws and campaign finance reforms. Push for Antitrust Enforcement: Support legal actions to break up monopolies and prevent Musk's companies (Tesla, SpaceX, X, etc.) from exerting outsized control over critical industries. • Boycott & Divest: Consumers and investors can shift their support away from Musk-owned companies if they believe he is undermining democracy. 2. Strengthen Government Oversight • Support Investigations: Encourage Congress and watchdog organizations to investigate Musk's government contracts, subsidies, and political influence. • End Favorable Government Contracts: Advocate for stricter scrutiny of Musk's businesses that receive taxpayer money, particularly SpaceX, Tesla, and Starlink. • Push for Transparency: Demand disclosure of Musk's meetings with government officials and his role in shaping public policy. 3. Hold Elected Officials Accountable • Pressure Lawmakers to Reject Musk's Influence: Contact representatives to demand they resist Musk's lobbying and corporate interests. • Elect Leaders Who Prioritize Democracy Over Corporate Power: Support candidates who pledge to reduce corporate influence in politics. 4. Support Independent Media & Counter Misinformation • Combat Musk's Control Over Social Media: Encourage alternative platforms that don't cater to his agenda. • Support Investigative Journalism: Subscribe to and share reporting from credible sources that scrutinize Musk's actions. • Call Out Disinformation: If Musk spreads misleading information, counter it with verified facts.
February 6, 2025 at 1:22 PM
heatherkish.bsky.social
Somewhere in the flurry of yesterday’s news I read something about Elon dumping our info into AI. So I wondered what Elon’s own AI would say about what’s going on.

My first question: Is Donald Trump dismantling democracy in 2025 and if so, how?

(1st in a series)
Is Donald Trump dismantling democracy in 2025 and if so, how? Yes, recent actions by President Donald Trump in 2025 have raised significant concerns about the erosion of democratic principles in the United States. A key initiative is the establishment of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, which has undertaken drastic measures such as closing government agencies, freezing federal funding, and unlawfully accessing private information. These actions have been perceived as undermining the foundational structures of U.S. democracy, leading to widespread legal challenges and public protests. AP Furthermore, the administration has reclassified career civil servants as political appointees, stripping them of protections and making them directly answerable to the president. This move compromises the independence of the civil service and centralizes power within the executive branch. THE ATLANTIC Additionally, President Trump has issued a series of executive orders that mirror proposals from "Project 2025," a policy framework aimed at expanding presidential authority and implementing an ultra-conservative agenda. These orders include withdrawing the U.S. from international agreements, reversing civil rights protections, and pardoning individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol attack. Such actions have been criticized for undermining democratic norms and the rule of law. TIME individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol attack. Such actions have been criticized for undermining democratic norms and the rule of law. TIME Collectively, these measures represent a significant shift in the balance of power within the U.S. government, raising alarms about the potential dismantling of democratic institutions and principles.
February 6, 2025 at 1:06 PM
heatherkish.bsky.social
I’m sure these two things are unrelated. Right?!? Within 24 hours of each other? A federal agency is using the word “hoax” on its social media platforms? Do not let anyone gaslight you into thinking this is normal.
Screenshot of the Department of Education’s Facebook post which reads, “Today, the U.S. Department of Education ended President Biden’s book ban hoax.” Screenshot of email from the Dept. of Ed Office for Civil Rights which reads, “Attached, please find a letter regarding dismissal of your above referenced complaint you filed with our office.” Dated January 23rd.
January 25, 2025 at 7:11 PM
heatherkish.bsky.social
The only reason I went to @barnesandnoble.bsky.social yesterday was because they have a beautiful exclusive edition of Demon Copperhead without Oprah’s name plastered on it. But I’ve also recently purchased from my local bookstore and Tertulia, which don’t seem to have Blue Sky accounts yet. 🙃
The image is of a book cover with a shimmery rainbow color palate of images around the border. The images include a snake (copperhead, I’m guessing), a boy flying a kite, mushrooms, woods, birds, a skeleton, nature, mountains, flowers, a chopping block with an axe in it. The words in the center are the title, “Demon Copperhead” and the author’s name, “Barbara Kingsolver.” In the bottom is an embossed gold seal with the words, “Winner of the Pulitzer Prize.”
November 17, 2024 at 6:53 PM