Feb. 20, 2025

Due to frigid temps, my school started late today, which gave me time to write to my senators and representatives asking, directly, just who is the administrator for DOGE? This was asked of the White House press secretary yesterday and she evaded an answer. I want to know: Is it the unelected Elon Musk? Is it Trump directing Musk? We are watching our legislative branch abdicate its power to executive orders. Our elected officials are unwilling to stand firm to their oaths to uphold the Constitution. 

Next I sent an article from The Guardian about book banning to the journalists who have been writing on this topic of late. I shared it as well with a cluster of freshmen who have been asking lots of questions about what it means if a book is "banned," which books are "banned," and can I recommend any "banned" books they should read. 

We might be forming a book club to discuss banned books and help our school better understand why some people want to control the information available to others. 

Then, because I was well-coffeed and not yet due at school for an hour, I went ahead and wrote another hand-penned card to Senator Grassley. He is 92 (something like that). Let me say, as one committed to empirical evidence, I am not religious. But I know Grassley has used his faith to political expedience. Therefore I did not hesitate to invoke prayer in my message:

I am sharing my efforts of the day as humble encouragement to any of you who are unsure of how to face the daily onslaught against norms, truth, and Democracy. 

Anything is better than nothing. You do not need to do something momentous. You do not need to be articulate, let alone eloquent. 

I am here to join you in any and all resistance.

Allison