Covid, Covid, Covid

Hell yes. What else is there to talk about?  I am appalled at the stubbornness, ignorance, stupidity of people not wearing masks.  It’s unconscionable. Maybe we need to carry a card that says, “yes, I always wear a mask” or “no, I don’t wear masks.” That way when you get COVID they triage you when you arrive at the hospital by your stance. 

I can’t believe the rage that frontline and medical workers must feel when they work selflessly to save lives and then walk out of work and see people not following CDC guidelines! Can you imagine?  Put yourself in their shoes; the anger and devastation these caregivers must feel. I feel it and I’m not one of them. No, really, can you think of the Other? Put yourself in their shoes? After working untold hours to care for patients, they get in their car and see a bunch of assholes at bars and restaurants not social distancing? Home parties? Sigh. It really blows my mind. 

I heard Sarah Haines from The View compare our “sacrifices” to military families. It’s perfect and so absurd that anything the CDC has recommended has become about liberties and politics. Military families sacrifice every day. They are used to not having their loved ones home for family events.  They may not be happy, but it’s part of the military package list of sacrifices. They don’t get to share family occasions with their loved ones. Everyday they have to worry about the safety of their soldier. So is it so difficult to sacrifice by wearing a mask for your fellow man?  What is the fucking problem? 

Trumpers have got to read and watch another station. Get more information and truth telling. I do. I will turn to FOX and read the NYPost to see what is being said so I can try to understand. I don’t, to be honest. I just don’t.  We are living and dying through a pandemic the likes we have never seen and yet only now, only NOW, are Republican Governors beginning to tell people to wear masks.  Do you know why?  Their States are getting decimated by the COVID virus. Didn’t care before! Decided to standby the Orange one in the White House. How’s that been working out for all of you?  

What we are living through has interrupted all of our lives. Those of us who have listened to the science more than those that didn’t, but now, our Country is being terrorized by a virus that didn’t have to kill over 250,000 so far. Many more to come. I love holidays with family, but for fuck’s sake, if we are lucky there will be many more years of full family holidays. This is just one year. 

Shut up and sacrifice. Stand back and look at the whole picture. It’s not about you. It’s about all of us!! It’s about America!

Please feel free to share.

@DianaPodolsky

                                                              I Want

 I've been thinking about this topic for a very long time.  Fifteen years ago or more, when I was an elementary school parent, we would often drop off the kids at school and then parents would convene for coffee.  One of the parents was a Dad, whom we affectionately called, "Hot Dad."  Even back then, we would debate and converse about politics. It would be lively and cordial. Didn't change any minds but found some common ground.  I used to complain about Gerrymandering and why would Republicans want to win elections by cheating. Wouldn't the wins be that much sweeter...? No answer.

Now all these years later, it's the same question.  With the demise of the Voter's Rights Act, the purging of Voter rolls, suppressing the vote, (all led by Republicans in Congress) cheating is the only way they can win.  I really don't understand it.  Of course I do, but not in my heart.  Over all these years, trying to discourage people from voting is not Patriotic or democratic. 

Maybe we go back to term limits. Again, Republicans will never vote for that. I'm sure many Democrats wouldn't like it either. Citizens United was a terrible decision for our democracy. Elections shouldn't be swayed by dollars. It should be the will of the people of America. We should get rid of the Electoral College and have majority rule. We need minimum requirements to run for office; maybe have to pass the Naturalization test. We need minimum requirements to be nominated for lifetime appointments. 

I won't lie, the confirmation and swearing in of the new Supreme Court Judge brought me to tears. I don't know what happened to the revered Court. Somewhere along the way, it became about Party and ideology, not qualifications. The great Ruth Bader Ginsberg received 97 yays. That was a combination of both Parties.  That's the way it needs to be or changes will have to occur. I know that Harry Reid gets blamed for the original sin, but whether true or not, it can't stand. Lifetime appointments deserve far more scrutiny  and overwhelming numbers to confirm. 

I'm all in on the will of the People. I am not all in on Cheaters. I want every vote and voice counted equally. I want all elections to be determined by majority not the electoral college. I want all Congressional confirmations for lifetime appointment to have to get a minimum of 60 votes, preferably 90. I want politicians to lead by Country not Party. I want Biden and Harris to win handily so there are no questions. I want pro-lifers/birthers to stay out of women's bodies. I want all the children alone in camps at the border to find their parents. I want all men and women to be treated equally under the law of the United States of America.

I want to be able to sleep soundly.

                        2020--The Worst Year I Have Ever Known

2020 has been inarguably the worst year since I was born in 1959.  There have been many years that have rocked our nation, but nothing like this.  When scholars had stated over the years that democracy is fragile, I had no idea that in a few short years one leader, with his asslickers, has shaken all of our institutions one by one.  It's astonishing. 

Here we are. We lost a giant in Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg death.  It's a shit show. Mitch McConnell couldn't even wait until she was buried next to her husband to throw a molotov cocktail into his "thoughts and prayers" comment.  He wants to overthrow the Affordable Care Act aka Obamacare.  Do all of you understand what that means?  

Since my husband joined the lucky ranks of Medicare, I have been floundering to get health insurance. I have been fortunate enough to have friends that have their own businesses and can hire me and cover me.  It's not easy.  I am uncovered for two months now. I called the "marketplace" and was able to get a less than plan for two months that will moderately cover me for some hospitalization. I was turned down by another because of my pre-existing condition, multiple sclerosis.  So for the months of September and October, I have to be overly cautious that nothing terrible happens to me physically and I have to stretch my medication until I am covered again.  My medication out of pocket through GoodRX is $8000.00 a month!!!! 

Do all of you understand what's going on in this Country?  Do you understand that most people over a certain age have pre-existing conditions?  If you have survived COVID-19, you may also be considered, for your future healthcare, to have a pre-existing condition.  Are you listening and watching what's being said from the White House podiums?  Listening? Reading?

The Country is at a crossroads. I don't understand anyone voting again for the current President. I don't even understand sitting this out. Can you not see how dire things are to save our democracy?  If you're a Republican through and through, it's time to look deep in your souls, close your eyes, and imagine the world you want.  I want a world where we can trust our institutions, that people act dignified, that lead the entire Country not just some.  We have had to live through a world where children are ripped away from their Mamas, steep rises in anti-Semitism, racism, homophobia, xenophobia, and a complete lack of clarity and leadership when we needed it most, a pandemic the likes of which we have not seen.  

I posted a query to try to understand why one would vote for Drumpf again.  I got one private response. Where are the rest of you to defend your position. I really am trying to understand.  At this point, I'm out. I've tried to understand. I've tried to see the other side.  The economy sucks unless you're in the stock market. Jobs are harder than ever to come by. So it's not the economy.  Americans can't pay rent or bills. It's bleak. Once upon a time we were looked to for guidance and leadership, now our former allies look to each other, not to us. This President loves all the dictators in the world. He has bent over for Putin, Kim Jong Un, Erdogan, and the rest of the non-democratic rulers.  We have lost Canada. Canada! The shit he's said about our military?? I can't believe that's not a deal breaker for everyone. He likes soldiers that don't die??!! Who doesn't? They are all heroes. They fought valiantly for our beliefs and our Country. Disrespecting the military? Really?? That didn't do it for you? One thing he may have done was assist in an agreement between the UAE and Bahrain with Israel, though I'm sure that he's getting something out of it.  Time will tell. He is a fucking shit stirrer with no regard to consequences. He proves it everyday. Over 204,000 people have died from Covid-19. Crickets. Nothing, Rien, Nada. 

Hey listen up, if a vaccine comes through, let's make the White House go first, then Republican members of Congress, then the rest of us after we see how that goes.

Since 1973, Republicans have not been able to get out of women's uteruses. Every election. It's terribly difficult to bear. Now they may get it. They may be able to overturn Roe V. Wade, but they can't stop back alley abortions and needless deaths of women who make the painstaking decision to terminate a pregnancy.  There are a million reasons why and they're none of our business.  As a great woman once said, they're not pro-life, they're pro-birth. They're done after that. Done. Good luck.

Though I've disagreed with much of the Republican platform over the years, I never once doubted Republicans' love of Country. Now I do. I'm nervous and scared for my children's future and their children's future.  

Tonight is the first debate (9pm EDT) between the President and Vice President Joe Biden.  Decided or not, everyone needs to watch. Hear the words that come out of each of their mouths without edits. I do feel that the future is on the line. Take this seriously. Register to vote. Plan how you're going to get your vote done. This is far more important than any vote in the past 60 years. A non-voter is a vote for things to remain the same. Don't let that happen. Choose Country over Party just this once, I implore you.

Please feel free to share or forward.

@DianaPodolsky

Spewing

 August 7, 2020

                                               Spewing

                                                                  

I have been quiet here pretty much since the current President won, but I haven't been quiet interpersonally.  I am dipping a toe back for a few reasons. I can't take it and must throw up in words some of my thoughts. They may be repetitive but I'll try to have a different perspective.  I am going to throw out stream of consciousness of what's really bugging me today, in this moment. So here it goes:

1. MLB - I am so thrilled baseball is back but, will not throw my whole heart into it because there are so many egregious Covid 19 rules being broken.  I can't imagine they'll make the scheduled season.  There's a lot of spitting, high fiving, few masks, zero social distancing.  Rob Manfred get a handle on it immediately, please!

2. If I'm sending my child to college for upwards of $50,000.00 or for that matter any amount of tuition, and it's online only, I am appalled that colleges are only discounting 10%. Seriously?  HARVARD??? have you looked at your endowment?  $300 billion or so, right?  Help out the students. We are in a state of emergency.  

3. The Census. Just do it.  www.2020Census.gov.  It's a breeze to do online or even in the mailed version. It's extremely important for the future of all of our communities. If you don't get counted, that's dollars that won't get funneled to your community or how congressional districts get re-assessed.  Please just do it!

4. The most important of all.  Believe it or not, I do know a few Republicans.  I know former Republicans, Independents, Democrats, etc. This General Election is like none other. Every election people say that, but this November is serious. We are voting for our Country's Constitutional future.  This is between good and evil, right and wrong, live or die. This isn't the time to sit it out. Republicans that don't like T***p, don't sit it out. You must check off Biden. We have to get our Country back onto a righteous path and reassert ethics in out Government. It's never been more important than now. This isn't a time to sit back. Republicans you can go back and vote the Party line in 2024, not now. It's time to look deep in your hearts and souls.  I can't believe where we are.  We have a President that is the most corrupt in America's history. He is responsible for zero leadership steering the Coronavirus pandemic. We can lay the deaths at his feet. We can lay them at many of the Republican leaders that made masks political. We can lay the economic crisis of the People at the feet of the GOP. Do I think the Democrats are perfect?  Nope, Never. But in this current political climate, we must all stand up, be counted, and VOTE!!!

I thank you for reading. If you want to discuss, feel free.  I've had almost 4 years to think about all of this. Stay safe, wear a mask, and social distancing!  

40th and Fabulous

One year ago, two of my friends from high school began discussing our 40th high school reunion.  The fact that I live farthest from Palo Alto, they really wanted my input on the date.  I always said that July is best because of the kids. The date of July 29, 2017 was decided upon. Committed to the date, no matter what.  Made hotel reservations at the location where the big event was, The Cabana Hotel, which is now a Crowne Plaza.  When I was a kid, it was the fanciest hotel around.  White, with fountains and statues leading to the front door, ala Caesar's in Vegas.  Beautiful and grand.  The only time I'd been there before was for our Tri-School Spring Formal.  My expectations and excitement would bubble up now and again waiting the long year until the event.

As the months got closer, my husband was kind enough to agree to fly with me.  (Whether or not he attended the weekend events remained to be seen).  Bought tickets for the dinner for both of us so we could hedge our bets, but as the time creeped closer, it all seemed good. He could come with me or not, come, meet, and leave. Anything.  Considering wardrobe is always challenging.  My favorite uniform is jeans and sneakers, but this occasion seemed to warrant a bit more thought.  I clearly was going to overpack so I could decide in the moments what to wear, but the day finally arrived.  We were both packed, woke up before dawn, took a car, and went to JFK for our flight.  Everything went easy.  The flight was on time. Luggage arrived. Got the rental car. Drove to my childhood fanciest hotel, only to be let down. It's a corporate hotel. Gone are the statues and fountains. Gone is the majestically painted white building. It's now a shade of earthtone brown. 

We arrived on a Thursday morning before noon and ended up roomless for hours. Went to breakfast, then drove around my old neighborhood. I wanted to see if Mark Zuckerberg (who bought my childhood home) had changed it or, worse, razed it.  Thankfully, it still's there. The entire neighborhood looked much the same, which warmed my heart.   Drove by friends old homes to see if there neighborhoods looked much the same and they did.  Our elementary school has long been gone with many houses replacing it, but that was no surprise.  Drove by the Community Center, the Main Library, the Palo Alto Children's Theatre, and parked at my high school, Palo Alto High to see the changes.  There are so many changes.  The Haymarket Theatre was open where all of my school shows and concerts occurred. It was wonderful to be able to share that piece of me with my husband.  It was open and we peaked around.  Then strolled around where the drama and music rooms were.  Saw the amazingly fancy and hi-tech Media Arts Center and Performing Arts Center from the outside.  WOW!  Don't understand how private money can go to one public school, but those kids should feel incredibly lucky.  So is true for the completely modernized and competitive athletic department and facilities.  WOW!  That night, met a dear friend of my sister's for dinner.  So fun and so yummy.  Off to try to sleep for night one.

Friday morning, made a plan to meet our closest P.A. friends at Peninsula Creamery.  Always good, never disappoints.  Caught up and chatted wildly about us, kids, the upcoming reunion events, theatre, travel, etc.  Holly and Billy adore spending time together.  We parted and Rich and I walked all around downtown to see the changes.  There are many.  Very many chain stores, but the architecture is much the same.  It still felt quaint and not the over the top wealthy that the area has become.  Still found comfort there.  The festivities began at 5:30pm for an impromptu gathering at a Mexican Restaurant called Vive del Sol.  There were at least 20 people there that I hadn't seen in years.  It was a perfect plan with people coming in and out.  The management was less than thrilled to have us paying customers staying on and on. They must've made money on our group, but their attitude sucked.  

Saturday arrived and the excitement really began to build.  I started seeing so many faces and friends in the lobby of the hotel.  Totally fun to see Pamela Gray, Kathy Gullixson, and Nancy Schreiner, all whom I've known since elementary school. I had brunch with Carolyn and Murdoch Perdue at Hobee's.  I had a midday afternoon with Karen Hughes at Mitchell Park.  So great to reconnect with her.  She is a very important part of my high school days. Mitchell Park blew my mind.  It used to be a sweet little park for kids and a little library and now it's a huge glorious activity center with a beautiful library.  The difference is incredible.  After that rendezvous, it was time to try to get gussied up.  I use that term loosely.  I took a shower, washed my hair, and got dressed.  It was still too early.  Always ready too early.  I was beginning not to feel my best.  Maybe a little dehydration, a little MS, a little hunger.  I wasn't going to let anything ruin this night.  It was time....I got there among the first, of course. I tried to shovel some food in before the people really began to float in.  The room was perfect.  Lots of light with an outside area for drinks and hor'doevres.  I can't believe all the people that started to come.  David Leslie, Adam Saunders, Xan Chamberlin, Pierre Tronik, Emily DuBois, Annabel Nunes, Mark Armstrong, Jim Donald, Eric Cretarolo, Natasha Kline, Debbie Sharpe, Carol Thuman, Laura Sprague, and more and more.  About a 1/3 of the class of 365 were in attendance.  

It was as if no time had passed.  How could it be 40 years since we all got our diplomas and went our separate ways?  We fell back into fun, laughs, and conversations. Even those that you weren't close to at the time felt like long lost friends. Hugs and dancing. Stories and catching up.  There were faces of joy and happiness everywhere.  Just to be there in the room was a high.  Now I know that not everyone loved their high school years and I'm sorry that you were unable to be with us.  I think we are a fantastic group of adults that still seem spirited and youthful in a room of our peers.  Sure there may be more grey hair, less hair, a few more pounds, a few less pounds, an inch or two shorter, but for one night again, we were 17/18 years old.  It was truly a magical night.  The hotel was cleaning up around us.  No one wanted to leave.  

We lost a few classmates along the way from illness, drugs, suicide, accidents, but for those of us that showed up, we remember the ones we lost.  We are a great group of 17/18 + 40 year olds.  I was proud of all of us but no more proud than all the work that Laurie Santos and Holly Liberatore put in to make the night so memorable. I look forward to your planning the 50th reunion.  You fine ladies worked like dogs and pulled off a night to remember.

Love to all the people that showed up.  Hope everyone makes it to our 50th healthy, wealthy, and more wise.

xoxo

All For One and One For All

This is going to be a long rant because there's been so much about the Arts to discuss, so here I go.  First and foremost, last night was the 71st Annual Tony Awards. I had so much invested in this Awards show.  The first time in years.  About a year ago, I went to see an Off-Broadway musical that my friend was one of the producers of, called Dear Evan Hansen.  Was thoroughly blown away by the story, the performances, the music, lyrics, everything.  I sobbed, laughed, and cheered.  I hadn't seen anything that thrilling since Hamilton, and before that it was way long ago.  I told everyone that I knew to get tickets.  They announced a move to Broadway and again, I told everyone to get tickets. Well, many listened and some didn't.  It re-opened for its Broadway run to more stellar reviews.  Tickets began to get more scarce.  I got my kids and Mom tickets for the Second Stage Production.  We got tickets for the Broadway run for Christmas Day matinee.  We all loved it.  It lost nothing in the move.  One actor was different, but it was still deeply moving and a sobfest.  

Tony season began and I had no doubt that it would sweep, just like Hamilton the year before, but people like the NY Post theatre gossip "king," Michael Riedel started banging the drums for Come From Away mightily.  He banged for Andy Karl in Groundhog Day over Ben Platt's breakthrough performance.  I started to get nervous.  I started to feel anxious as Tony night got closer and closer.  The Tony's have notoriously voted some odd winners that seemed monetarily propelled.  Did the "king" know something that I didn't?  I saw Come From Away and I wish it nothing but the best. I laughed, I cried, but what people are responding to is that it is a truly amazing story of humanity and kindness.  If you never read or watched the 60 Minutes piece on the generous people of Gander, it will effect you every time. As far as the music goes, it's nothing to hum.  So according to Riedel it was going to be a really tight horse race between Ben Platt and Andy Karl for Best Actor in a Musical and Dear Evan Hansen and Come From Away for Best Musical.  Seriously?  Are you watching the same productions?  

Truth be told, I was in deep.  I listen to the original recording of Dear Evan Hansen all the time.  My dear, dear friend of 40 years, Steve Fickinger, is one of the producers.  This show hit me hard and in a good way.  I related as a parent and as a high schooler.  I was not sitting measured and impartial watching the show last night.  Steve Fickinger was going to win a Tony and it's for all of us in someway.  We started together at UCLA, moved to NYC, hustled, worked hard, and years later, the dedication pays off.  I am exceedingly proud of my friend.  Dear Evan Hansen won 6 Tonys last night!  For those of you who didn't get tickets yet, well good luck.  

Dear Evan Hansen's domination made the Tony's great, but as far as the Tony show itself, I give it a B/B-.  I, unlike many, am not a big Kevin Spacey fan.  I get his exceedingly huge talent, but so does he, so he doesn't need my support. I didn't like the opening number, it felt forced and only some of it was clever.  I wanted them to get to the Awards part faster.  I must say, Radio City Music Hall looked stellar.  It is a recognizable, one of a kind venue and am glad they're back there.  I do applaud that the playwrights each got their own moment to give a synopsis of their plays.  I found it far more affecting than showing oddly cut scenes and felt how much I've missed not seeing any of them.  In Memoriam was difficult for me. My dear, dear John McMartin was honored.  It is almost a year since he died and still can't get used to him not being there.  Always and forever, John. 

I'm not going to go through the entire show, but the one segment that many are applauding and many are criticizing is Bette Midler's Tony speech. I have been a diehard fan for 46 years.  My husband got tickets months in advance to see her star as Dolly.  We went Mother's Day and I was not disappointed.  I have seen Bette in concert halls, arenas, on film, TV, and now finally, Broadway.  She has been in this business for over 50 years.  She was in the original Fiddler on the Roof and then her own show, Clams on the Half Shell.  She hasn't been back for decades.  She was a shoe-in to win Best Actress in a Musical.  Her name was announced, she came on stage, and spoke a long time, thanking so many people, shut down the orchestra, and kept going.  Thanked the women that came before her, Carol Channing and Pearl Bailey.  She gave a long and gratifying speech.  Some criticized.  They didn't like it.  To me and many, it was her divine moment to shine.  This is most probably her one and only time to win a Tony Award for a role.  She's earned the time and respect. Don't ever forget...she is The Divine Miss M and there will never be another!

                                ***************************

The summer before I began 4th grade, we moved to a different neighborhood and a different school.  It wasn't that far away, but far enough that I was starting anew.  My mother encouraged me to audition for a play at the Palo Alto Children's Theatre. She thought it would be a good way to meet new people and make new friends.  The play was Cricket on the Hearth.  It was the holiday play.  I got in and never looked back.  I stayed and created a wonderful theatre family.  The woman in charge for 47 years, Pat Briggs, died last week at the age of 80.  When I was little, she was formidable, a bit scary, and ran the most magical place on earth.  As I grew older and went to college, I doubled down on my love and appreciation for Pat and the Children's Theatre.  I didn't realize how lucky and unique it was. I figured everyone had something like that in their town, but I soon discovered that we were beyond lucky to have a place to learn theatre craft, make friends, be safe, and be part of something bigger than ourselves.  My first real kiss was in the Secret Garden attached to the building.  My first play, my first musical, my first volunteerism, my first just about everything was because of the warmth and love that infused this venue.  My memories are vivid and some are dimming, but Pat Briggs gave generations of Palo Alto kids opportunities that we couldn't even imagine.  I hope that I told you that before you passed.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.  

                                    **************************

Sidebars:  Okay, I never weighed in on Kathy Griffin and her "joke."  It was tasteless and not funny, but people, she always pushes boundaries.  She has said hilariously funny things and cringey things over the years.  I've read so much hate on her since she posted that unfortunate photo I was shocked at the vitriol  I am not one to ruin people's careers.  I don't like it. I think it's completely wrong to vilify and squash people.  I let my dollars speak for themselves.  That's how I protest.  I was deeply disappointed in CNN's precipitous firing, basically moments after the photo got slammed.  Why couldn't they wait until September to see if anyone cared.  I also thought the theatres that cancelled her were spineless and shameful.  Why couldn't they let the ticket buying public make the decision?  So afraid of protestors?  I doubt that her fans are the same fans that were demanding her head on the guillotine.  Let your dollars speak and let people soar or flop a natural career death.  ** Tonight is Game 5 of the NBA Finals.  I was so sorry that the Warriors didn't get the chance to break another record the other night and got whooped by the Cleveland Cavaliers, but hoping and expecting that the Dubs want to win at home in front of their loyal fans.  So tonight, Game 5, ABC, 9:00pm EDT, let's go Golden State Warriors!!!  I love ya!!  (No Bachelorette because of the game)  ** It's hotter than Hades in much of the Country.  Glad to see we have so many ignorant climate change deniers.  Enjoy your weather and be careful out there.

Please re-post, re-tweet, or forward to a friend.

@DianaPodolsky

Hollow Victories

Why do I feel like I am living in an insane asylum?  I feel Like I am a bobblehead, I shake my head all the time.  I can't get over the soullessness of the GOP in the House.  I truly don't get it.  And where is the outrage from those that supported POTUS and the Republicans?  Don't you  see what they are doing?  Do I think that Obamacare was the greatest?  Absolutely not, but the Republicans should have spent the past 7 years tweaking it and improving it, instead of just being obstructionist dicks.  There are some incredibly important items in the Affordable Care Act that voters take for granted or just don't understand.  Young adults can be covered until they're 26 on their parents' insurance plans. Pre-existing conditions are covered.  Does everyone understand pre-existing conditions?  Do you really?  Everyone that I know and everyone that I love over 40 has a pre-existing condition.  That's why ACA needed a lot of young healthy people to sign up.  That's actually how insurance works, which seemed to elude Speaker of the House Ryan.  It's true for home insurance, car insurance, liability insurance, etc.  It's insurance.  That means that you hope you never need to use it, but if you do, it's there.  If I pay $5000/year for car insurance and never have an accident, I am alleviating the costs for others that do get into an accident.  

So, yesterday, the thoroughly dark, soulless, and hypocritical GOP in the House passed a bill that will take away pre-existing conditions, hurt the poor and needy, help the rich, and hurt the elderly (and by elderly, I mean people over 50).  Now, if the members of Congress had skin in the game and were going to partake in their shitty, evil health plan, I'd be mad, but somewhat assuaged of anger, but....That's certainly not how this works.  Congress has incredible health insurance and so any decisions they make won't effect them in any way, shape or form.  It's f**king outrageous.  

Here's a list of pre-existing conditions lost under #Trumpcare:

AIDS/HIV, acid reflux, acne, ADD, addiction, Alzheimer's/dementia, anemia, aneurysm, angioplasty, anorexia, anxiety, arrhythmia, arthritis, asthma, atrial fibrillation, autism, bariatric surgery, basal cell carcinoma, ipolar disorder, blood clot, breast cancer, bulimia, bypass surgery, celiac disease, cerebral aneurysm, cerebral embolism, cerebral palsy, cerebral thrombosis, cervical cancer, colon cancer, colon polyps, congestive heart failure, COPD, Crohn's disease, cystic fibrosis, DMD, depression, diabetes, disabilities, Down syndrome, eating disorder, enlarged prostate, epilepsy, glaucoma, gout, heart disease, heart murmur, heartburn, hemophilia, hepatitis C, herpes, high cholesterol, hypertension, hysterectomy, kidney disease, kidney stones, kidney transplant, leukemia, lung cancer, lupus, lymphoma, mental health issues, migraines, MS, muscular dystrophy, narcolepsy, nasal polyps, obesity, OCD, organ transplant, osteoporosis, pacemaker, panic disorder, paralysis, paraplegia, Parkinson's disease, pregnancy, restless leg syndrome, schizophrenia, seasonal affective disorder, seizures, sickle cell disease, skin cancer, sleep apnea, sleep disorders, stent, stroke, thyroid issues, tooth disease, tuberculosis, ulcers. Pretty much everyone that I know. I have half of these, my husband the other.  It doesn't cover anything, so what's the point?  Really, sit down and read the list. Look around at your friends and family. Pretty sure you can tick a bunch of these off.

I don't understand their supporters at all.  Who do you think this plan will help?  Why would you cheer for this?  This will hurt you like everything else they have done since POTUS took office.  Nothing is hurting the rich. Nothing.  This will only take down the people that need assistance and coverage. Why don't you see it?  Again, it's indicative of their hypocritical feelings.  Many of these GOPers are "good" Christians, but they have no idea what Jesus would do.  Maybe that's what they should ask themselves when they vote.  What would Jesus do? Right now, you are doing the opposite in every way.  

And again, why are we allowing all the conflicts of interests to infiltrate our government?  Why don't the Republican voters/Tr**p lovers care about all the money that's being made by the First Family and friends?  Why don't they care to find out the truth about the Russia hacking and influence?  Why?  Shouldn't we know FACTS???  If we found out that there was no wrong doing, we, who feel that there has been and may continue to be, would have to move on and get over it.  If we found out there was wrong doing, shouldn't we know?  Aren't we Americans first?  I don't think either side of the aisle can be successful without total transparency, investigations, and facts. POTUS and Congress just wish to undo everything that President and Mrs. Obama did just because they did it.  It's asinine and B.S. that that's what's going on, but that's how it looks and feels.  Come on, rolling back healthy lunches for kids and school?  Really??  Why?  

My brain is imploding or exploding everyday, but writing all the time has felt redundant.  So much has been said and written, but I couldn't be silent anymore.  You can tell that this punched me right in the gut.

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Sidebars:  Happier things:  the NBA playoffs. Go Warriors!  Baseball:  early but still fun for distracting.  ** Amazing Race is back.  The Voice has only a couple more weeks to go. Survivor has been one blindside after another. More good distractions. **  Stephen Colbert is on fire in his late night monologues. DVR it every night for morning viewing.  Much better than any news.  Much better to begin the day laughing.  **  Tony nominations were announced this week.  No huge surprises that I am fully invested in all things Dear Evan Hanson.  Still the best show by far.  Great book, lyrics, music, cast, set design, orchestrations, and Ben Platt!!!  Can't say it enough. If you still haven't seen it, you best get tickets.  ** NYC is getting the Midwest rain.  Torrents and flooding all around. If you're in the Northeast, be safe.  We are going to have a very rainy weekend. 

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@Diana Podolsky