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Aaron Parnas's avatar

Feeling a little bit under the weather, but I am traveling to Panama tonight to do some cool work at the Panama Canal (stay tuned)!

Thank you to all of you who have either become paid subscribers or venmo'd (aaron-parnas), or both. You all are amazing, and I am SO appreciative!

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Doug L's avatar

Thanks for all you do. 🖤

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Manda's avatar

I decided I read your news too consistently to not befome a paid subscriber because I actually look for your updates. I appreciate how much you are on the ball!

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Becca D's avatar

Stay safe and healthy out there Aaron! I just got over the flu and it was no joke. Thank you for all that you are doing.

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Brandon's avatar

Thank you for all the truth you bring us! Feel better soon!

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ImagineWithMe's avatar

I dropped my monthly payment to Washington Post and am giving it to you now, because yo deserve it! Thank you for all you do!

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NiaSky's avatar

Make sure you're taking your vitamin D, zinc, and black elderberry syrup daily. We gotta keep you healthy.

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Marta's avatar

Thank you and feel better!

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Dianna Dunn's avatar

Please rest when you can, and eat well.Ok? We all love you .

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Maryia's avatar

be safe!! 💓

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Karen Burke's avatar

Really looking forward to your reporting in Panama!

Btw- it’s Sus kwuh hanna

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GirlyChocolate's avatar

Be safe! 💙

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Thomas Howl's avatar

Further reaffirming that I’ll never speak to another Republican again.

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Bryndee Black's avatar

Ugh, I live in a deep red state and every single person I work with is openly a Trump supporter and having to listen to them all day every day is painful 😅😅

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Sharon's avatar

Me too. Everyone I know seem to be maga. I am afraid to say a word for fear of violence. They are so passionately stupid

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NiaSky's avatar

That's like living a nightmare on elm street.But instead it's nightmare on red hat street.

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Nicky's avatar

It's inappropriate for them to discuss politics at work. You could file a hostile work environment. If that's even possible anymore. I'd lise my shizit if I was there. My heart goes out to you.

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Kate Tolan's avatar

I feel your pain.

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Breanna Gamer's avatar

Me to I feel so out of place like I’m losing brain cells around them 🥲

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Cherylan Brooks's avatar

I really feel awful for you

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Kam's avatar

same. absolutely feel the same way 😑

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Marta's avatar

Me too! I am avoiding certain people at work now!

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Diane Lee's avatar

Thomas, I feel the exact same way.... I feel like I have to ask 1st, "are you a republican?" before I even want to speak to anyone 😞

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NiaSky's avatar

Same. Unfortunately, I had to cut those loose who voted for him. They support him in his first term too, and they don't seem to be wavering in changing. Oh well, Adios !🖐🏾

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Kahre's avatar

Why are border agents allowed to search people’s phones?

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VeronicaLodge's avatar

That’s what I want to know. We are taking a cruise from NOLA to the Eastern Mexico coast. Do I need to delete all my social media apps? I am a 3rd generation Mexican. Will they not allow me back? My married last name is Italian.

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Glee C's avatar

If I were in your position, I would not take my primary phone, but buy a burner phone with no apps installed for the trip. I would also take with me as much proof of citizenship as I could gather: passport, if you have it, SS card, state ID

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VeronicaLodge's avatar

Oh great idea! I am definitely going to get a burner phone. I was planning on taking a copy of my birth certificate, and my DL and passport. I’ll take a copy of my SS. I know I am probably overthinking, but it does make me a little anxious. Thank you for your post.

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Dianna Dunn's avatar

You are NOT over thing. You're being smart

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Mar 19
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VeronicaLodge's avatar

Not silly to me. I don’t trust his minions. I will also include copies of some bills with our address on it. Great suggestion. Thank you.

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Diane Lee's avatar

Glee C, exactly 💯🎯...... have no opinion identifiers on that phone. Keep it totally empty, new email account too, just for traveling. Keep photos on the phone of your documents like birth certificate and proof of who you are. Good luck 🙏

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VeronicaLodge's avatar

Thank you. I so appreciate everyone’s input. I pray nothing out of the ordinary takes place, but at least I will be prepared. Who would have thought we’d be having a discussion like this!!! 😔

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Glee C's avatar

I’ve thought of one more thing to do— and I certainly could be overreacting 🤪I would scrub my social media accounts, removing any negative references to Trump, his policies or administration. Be sure you also delete them from the cloud if you can. I know you’re not taking your normal cell phone and it won’t have your accounts on it, but you may be

asked if you have social media accounts. They need to be squeaky, clean in case anyone decides to inspect them.

I realize I’m probably worrying way too much — but I’ve had a whole lifetime of over -preparing; can’t stop now!!

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Thomas Howl's avatar

Never use your real name on social media and never let anyone inspect the ones you have. All private, friends eyes only.

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VeronicaLodge's avatar

I get it. I was mainly worried about what I have said about VP Trump and Pres Musk. I will delete them, then pick up where I left off once I am back home in the states. God bless America…what has happened to our country. Thank you for your help! 😊

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Sylvia Rivers's avatar

I would be contacting ACLU just in case

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VeronicaLodge's avatar

I think I will do that. Just to get their advice. Thank you.

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Laura's avatar

If you travel also dont give up any of your paper work or documents. Look no touch as far as you can push that.

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Sharon's avatar

My understanding is that they are not fully in the country until they pass customs. It is a real tragedy. So use a burner phone if you are going out of the country or coming here. This is so petty it is obnoxious.

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VeronicaLodge's avatar

I won’t be flying internationally , just cruising from the states to Mexico and cruising back to the states. I just don’t want to be questioned or detained for whatever reason. It would scare me to death. Thank you for your input.

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VeronicaLodge's avatar

Right!

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VeronicaLodge's avatar

This post gave me anxiety. I appreciate it, but now I am freaking out! I saved it to make sure I follow the instructions! I am an American citizen and have to worry about getting back into my country?? What a bunch of crap!

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mrgn61's avatar

I'm white, but I disapprove of Trump. If I travel I'm taking a burner.

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Stand 4 Democracy's avatar

I had the same exact question. In the US they'd need a signed warrant to search someone's phone, and would need probable cause for it. WTH did BP search a phone, except that the man was French and France has very unsavory things about Rump and Musty and also want the Statue of Liberty back. So this was a targeted retaliatory action. That's not legal.

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VeronicaLodge's avatar

Do they do anything legal? That you for your input. It definitely helps.

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Jackie's avatar

Not sure how we can have an amazing night when the country is literally crumbling to micro-particles of dust around us, but thank you for trying to be a light in the darkness, Aaron.

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Help! I'm Alive:'s avatar

A MAGA supporter literally asked, just name ONE thing Elon has done to harm anyone 🤣

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K_Law's avatar

I just can’t with these people.😐

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Help! I'm Alive:'s avatar

I said:

- Massive layoffs of federal workers caused widespread job loss and financial hardship

- Cuts to veterans’ support programs reduced critical assistance for those who served

- Elimination of hazardous waste removal roles increased health and environmental risks

- Termination of disease control positions weakened public health responses

- Reduced funding for food banks and school meals hurt families and local farmers

- Slashed diversity and inclusion programs limited support for underrepresented groups.

- Cuts to national park services harmed jobs and tourism-related economic growth

- Reduction in foreign aid disrupted support for vulnerable global populations

- Overburdened remaining staff with extra work, leading to inefficiency and burnout

Not to mention- Elon claims the DOGE works 120 hours a weeks, sounds like they get limited sleep and that can impact judgement

Their response: “TDS”

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KOB's avatar

You know when I first heard about TDS, I assume that meant it was people who were deranged cuz they're in a cult with him. I guess the joke is on me LOL

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Help! I'm Alive:'s avatar

Right!? The funniest thing you can do now when someone says TDS is to respond simply with “Justin Eichorn.” You all should check out my substack on Trump Worship Syndrome (TWS) 🤣 it’s what MAGA has- I broke down the full criteria with specifiers and an example.

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K_Law's avatar

Will there be a cure for this TWS? Soon?

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Help! I'm Alive:'s avatar

See my substack 😂 but short answer- DOGE cut funding so research is limited. However , antipsychotics are what are usually used to treat psychotics disorders.

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Grace's avatar

These situations make it so hard to even want to try. How the f**k are we the crazy ones? I feel like my brain has been on fire for two plus freaking months.

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Help! I'm Alive:'s avatar

Because we present facts and that hurts their brain.

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Rosann's avatar

I was accused of that by my brother. I just turned it around on him, he’s the one in a cult. These people 😑😤🤬

Thank you for trying!

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Nicky's avatar

Tds now stands for trump devotion syndrome 😁

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Help! I'm Alive:'s avatar

I hear you. It’s too confusing for them to use the same acronym so I changed it up a little to Trump Worship Syndrome.

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Diane Lee's avatar

Cats & Politics, you just can't argue with idiots.... actually, THEY'RE the ones with TDS, because they are SO DERANGED about his claimed greatness, they can no longer see or recognize REALITY and what's actually going on.

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Sylvia Rivers's avatar

What’s TDS?

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Help! I'm Alive:'s avatar

Trump Derangement Syndrome (TDS)- A made up term often used in political discourse to describe an intense opposition or obsession with Trump. It’s typically a pejorative label suggesting irrationality or bias, though its usage is highly subjective and debated. A republican submitted a bill last week in Minnesota to try and get it into congress to declare it a mental health condition that could be medicated or subject someone to hospitalization and yesterday that senator was arrested for being a pedo. 😂

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Sylvia Rivers's avatar

Oh, YES!

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Lonni Morrison 🇺🇸's avatar

How many agencies has he destroyed??? Start with that!.

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KOB's avatar

At this point we can name hundreds of things he's done that have harm people

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Tina's avatar

I keep asking them to name good things he and Trump have done

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Help! I'm Alive:'s avatar

What response do you get?

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PatsyM's avatar

As a mama of an kiddo that Just got an IEP for ADHD , this makes me so sad.

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Misti H.'s avatar

I have one with an IEP, I had a chat with the principal to see how it would go if this happened. Thankfully, we live in Illinois so it’s unlikely to hurt as much. It seems like it will be a lot harder if living in a red state. If I were you, I’d email your contact and see.

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Jenny's avatar

I’m in the same boat. 2 with an IEP, but we’re in Illinois and we’ve been assured we’re OK (for now). My MAGA mother-in-law actually said to me when I expressed concern over the dismantling of the DOE “you live in a blue state, what do you have to worry about?” KIDS…that’s what I have to worry about! Not just my own, but every child that deserves an education! They are showing their colors of only caring about what directly affects them. It’s not America first…it’s ME first.

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Sarah Dee's avatar

As a former special ed teacher I’m so upset. I’m so sorry. I hope he has a good understanding teacher who will accommodate for him despite what the government says.

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T. M. Delaney's avatar

It's so upsetting. I work at a school as a 1:1 SPED para. The way things are going makes me worry so much for the kid I'm paired with, for all the other kids in the class and district, for kids everywhere, etc. And it makes me worry about employment stability for myself and my coworkers too.

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Steph's avatar

So, Elon is BRIBING congress to impeach his enemies...got it

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Stand 4 Democracy's avatar

That's what I said. This is gross corruption happening out in the open. Musty is trying to intimidate judges with the threat of impeachment, put a bounty on judges' heads, and is trying to reshape the courts to suit their fascist goals. It's nuts that no one is doing anything about it

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Kam's avatar

donating money to impeach judges, what?? And he’s allowed to just do this?? Unbelievable 😑 and he wonders why he’s so hated, there’s nothing to like

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Randi's avatar

How is this being allowed to continue. The dumbest ‘president’ in American history abolishing the dept of education. I have no words left to describe how disgusting and insane this administration is.

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Rachael Lydick's avatar

hi!!! so with the order to dismantle the dept of ed what does this mean for the students who depend on FASA to pay for college??? and what about dept of education loans????

I thought he couldn’t do this without congress/senate approval???

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Jackie's avatar

He can’t. He’s trying to circumvent Congress because he knows they won’t do it. This will all end up in court because it’s illegal.

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Maryann's avatar

He probably can’t but the mere chaos he will create is enormous and I’m so sorry for all the students trying to go to college!! Mine are both out but I can’t even imagine the gut punch this chaos is to them and their families. The end goal of high school for so many and especially 1st gen students is being ripped away

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Black Raven's avatar

Of course he is. Krasnov mussolini is the king of the sharpie executive orders. He's so pathetic.

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Joanne C Collin's avatar

Hi Aaron !! I hope your day is going well. But I hear you on how tired you are. Sorry

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Chris's avatar

Trump is trying to piss people so he can declare martial law....this is frightening.

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Black Raven's avatar

That's the goal of these evil pieces of sbit. They want to ultimately privatize all agencies and companies so that they can get a cut of all of the money 💰 that would be made. They want to do it with social security and make health care worse as well. With taking over Medicare and Medicaid. Evil, evil, and evil. Greedy assholes.

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Diane Lee's avatar

Black Raven, 💯🎯

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Joanne C Collin's avatar

Oh my goodness!! Shame on ICE!!! For doing this to an American citizen!!!

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G L's avatar

This is horrible. Dismantling the Dept of Education will be a blow to schools that rely on funding to help with children in school settings such as free lunches and Special Education. I will never speak to another republican who voted for this horrible man. They knew this was coming they cant say they didn't know. Its all their in Project 2025. Damn Sheep !

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