One of the not-so-subtle differences of life under Trump is my Lyft drivers rarely wish to talk any longer. Many of them are immigrants, mostly from countries where there are troubles back home, with authoritarian regimes that oppress minorities.
All of them came here seeking a better life. Some of them have visas that could be revoked, or have family members of questionable legal status. Most have families, so their kids go to school with our kids.
It used to be, back before Trump, that I would have long, delightful conversations with these drivers, but now they avert their eyes and avoid saying anything that might get them into trouble. They just drive me from point A to point B in complete silence.
Welcome to Trump’s America, where nobody knows who they can trust, so it’s best to trust nobody.
There’s a woman from Mexico who has lived and worked here for 20 years. She is 48 and well-educated but does the jobs most native-born citizens wish to avoid so her kids can grow up here. She is out of work right now and unsure what to do next.
It’s dangerous for an undocumented person to look for their usual jobs in the usual places with ICE agents all around, wearing masks and carrying weapons in unmarked cars. She lives with the stress of knowing she is at risk of being deported at any moment.
If that happens, what will become of her children? In Trump’s America, just because you were born here no longer guarantees your birthright citizenship.
The Trump regime’s rhetoric claims that this country is under invasion by dangerous aliens. In my view, it is our fellow, law-abiding residents — valuable members of our community — whose homes, workplaces, and even places or worship are being invaded by a lawless gestapo.
Sent by a heartless, corrupt autocrat.
I truly despise what this monster doing to my country — a country I used to love.
HEADLINES:
National Guard Troops Assemble in Chicago Area as Trump Officials Make Visits (NYT)
The Civil-Military Crisis Is Here (Atlantic)
What Happens When Socialists Are in Charge? Portland Offers a Glimpse. (NYT)
Supreme Court seems skeptical about state bans on ‘conversion therapy’ for LBGTQ+ kids (AP)
Furloughed workers not guaranteed back pay after shutdown, OMB claims (WP)
Bondi dodges questions as she clashes with Democrats over claims she’s weaponized Justice Department (AP)
Six surgeons general: It’s our duty to warn the nation about RFK Jr. (WP)
Flight Delays Begin as Air Traffic Staffing Shortages Worsen (NYT)
Iran’s Bad Options (Atlantic)
French election calls heap pressure on Macron. (Reuters)
U.S. Military Carries Out Strike On Scuffy The Tugboat (Onion)
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