The speech by McConnell lambasting Trump as responsible for the riot, while voting to acquit says it all. They want it both ways. I'm just angry that the House decided to not call witnesses. Cowardly move as they once again are just afraid of the threats by the Senate Republicans that they will delay their appointments.

Jen, I'm sorry that you are takeout deprived.

I bought wine to sooth my anger.

Yeah, angering and shameful, but they don't feel shame.

Aw, JenP, not a brat!

Thanks, amyparker! And I have to say, the stew was really good! I used this Food Network recipe: Old Fashioned Beef Stew with Mushrooms

I think I've found my One True Stew Recipe.

ETA: I had to sub cornstarch to thicken, but that's no big.

The Republicans are going to block things anyway. I've seen McConnell called a coward but I think he just did whatever he could to weld power and try to keep it and he doesn't care.

I know a lot or people have said they are leaving the GOP anndon the one hand that feels good but then it means the Republican Party will become more radicalized. And what then?

Also I honestly believe that if the insurgents had managed to kill a member of Congress or a Congressional staffer they wouldn't have impeached Trump.

Also I honestly believe that if the insurgents had managed to kill a member of Congress or a Congressional staffer they wouldn't have impeached Trump.

Totally agree. I mean, one of them just died from covid and they aren't wearing masks, so it's not like seeing something happen to "one of their own" makes a difference.

How do they have such a low level of concern for their own physical safety? I cannot comprehend it.

How do they have such a low level of concern for their own physical safety? I cannot comprehend it.

Some of them are more afraid of the death threats if they DO vote against Trump. That was what they claimed during the to-do about Marjorie Taylor Greene: that if they voted to censure or expel her, they and their families would be threatened.

The fact that their own voters have been sending daily death threats to the Squad, who have continued to do their fucking jobs and vote their consciences, does not appear to have occurred to these craven lickspittles.

I get that, but do they think that voting to acquit will keep them safe? Because if Pence can be thrown to the wolves anyone can.

Aside from the morality of it which I have to just not consider I order to maintain any semblance of calm

ETA “craven” is the perfect adjective

Craven indeed.

Almost a foot of snow here. Madness. Puppy loves it and is constantly whining at the door like he needs to go out but really he just wants to play in the snow. We took multiple walks today plus he got to play with other dogs in the snow for half an hour. But it’s not enough for him. Ugh. I keep fearing if I don’t let him out he’ll go in the house but he is just being whiny I think.

Vaccines have been freely available here for all people 16+ for over three weeks now. So my university just announced that it is planning to resume physical classes and activities (with masks and such) from early April. I think they might be too optimistic because it'll be right after Purim and Passover and if we've learned anything by now is that some people will travel to be with their friends and families no matter what, and there is still no vaccine for children. But I'm mostly stunned to think of gaining back some normalcy (whatever that word means now) so soon. I thought maybe this summer, if we're very lucky.

This is a very weird feeling. I haven't seen my class non-virtually for over a year (the plague started here in the middle of a semester break).

(I'm getting the second dose next week).

I'm encouraged on the vaccine front with so many additional doses apparently in the queue. Not fond of my arm deciding 9 days after my shot to get all rashy and sore, but whatever. I really miss people being able to gather and look forward to that day.

Happy Valentines Day to all who are into it. Today would have been my dad's 100th birthday. My very first Valentine and what the day will always mean to me. I'm sorry the day is fraught for so many because it has been a day of celebration all my life. My plans are reorganizing my kitchen cabinets and DH is working with a stucco guy on the house exterior because we know how to celebrate around here.