December 2017

It’s difficult for me to hyper-focus my hopes on the Galesburg area only, but my hopes for humanity at-large certainly apply to my own hometown area.  My hope is that we could end wars, “turning our swords into plows”, we could grow and share more uncontaminated foods, we could protect our air, food and water quality, that we could protect our children and residents from violence, from sexual assaults, drug and other epidemics, that we could protect our social safety networks from political onslaughts, that we could rein-in blatant greed and corruption.  As the cultural revolution rolls on, more indictments roll out, the 2018 political season heats up, the congressional races swing blue, I hope our “union” can hold together as we go forward with progressive values ascending, gaining awareness, widening perceptions, acting from our clearest integrity and highest ideals to join the fight for the soul of our democracy.

Trish Forsyth Voss

The national news stories of importance all year have been the ones that demonstrate every assault on our liberties, each attempt to dismantle our democracy, all acts that diminish our world-standing by Trump and his administration.   The outrageous political hyperbole in the last few weeks reflects what a scandalously dangerous time it is for our country.  GOP politicians have commended and lauded the President in the  highest terms for making the huge Tax Cut Reform Scam possible, which most of US see as a heist on the middle-class; with Trump bragging that he essentially repealed Obamacare, as the bill deeply cuts subsidies for affordable healthcare for our citizens.  However, the current “Fox News” assault is even more alarming and damaging, disparaging the FBI, CIA and Special Counsel Mueller, and characterizing the ongoing investigation as a coup d’etat against Trump, calling for the firing of Republican Robert Mueller.  This cannot be tolerated!

Trish Forsyth Voss

Hallelujah!  Alabama elected a man of integrity over a predator!  The first Democratic Senator in Alabama in decades,  informs the DNC to step-up support in all the elections — nationwide — TO BE WINNING!!   Roy Moore lost, so did Bannon and Trump.  Bannon is toxic, and support for Trump is dwindling — a huge tide is turning!   Those who voted for Trump for “CHANGE”, are seeing — the changes are not for the better.  With 32 percent “Favorable Ratings”, Trumpism is failing!  BIGLY!  BADLY!   The contrast in leadership between Trump and Obama is STARK, and voters are experiencing “buyers remorse”.  “The times they are a changing!”  2018 will hit like a tsunami — testing if our democracy can stand. ***** Though this forum is largely opinion-based, I research for some responses.  Those presenting “informed opinions” — from whence are they informed?   I don’t watch fake news, and I won’t diminish my voice to pacify those who can’t accept authentic reality.

Trish Forsyth Voss

The Tax Scam bill meant to repay uber-rich donors, hurts the middle-class and poor, exploding the deficit.  The Congressional Joint Committee on Taxation projects the bill adds $1 Trillion to the deficit over a decade, even after accounting for economic growth!  The bills, ramrodded through the House and Senate employed no regular order — multitudinous last minute changes written in the margins, along with countless promises made — to work later on issues certain Senators, held hostage, claimed to require.  Thanks to Senator Murkowski’s input, the Alaskan National Wildlife Refuge will be open to oil and gas drilling.  Decreasing funding for ACA, ending the deduction for interest paid on student loans, proposed; there will be multifarious surprises when it’s all unpacked!  Many receiving tax breaks in 2019 will be paying more within several years; it’s CONVOLUTED AND PURPOSEFULLY CONFUSING!    Party of Fiscal Conservatism, Family Values, Moral Majority, The Party of Lincoln?!   Give US a break!

Trish Forsyth Voss

We have finally arrived at a moment of “national reckoning” for a society and a world that has too long been governed by might and testosterone.  The new day has come, and this tribulation will of course be an ordeal for offenders and uncomfortable for many participants along the way.  I believe in “due process”, ethics investigations, sexual harassment-awareness trainings, enlightened-cognizance, discernment and justice.  Some companies have morality contracts requiring lesser levels of proof; more accountability.  But for many of us living in this “rape culture”, we don’t need to be convinced that there is still an avalanche of credible allegations sliding down the mountainside to topple inequality and abuse in the workplace.  We need path-breaking action now ….. creating safe and respectful workplaces for our loved ones and future generations.  We especially CANNOT ALLOW predators to thrive in the top echelons of our government!   The voices are NOW being heard!   The Revolution is …. HERE!

Trish Forsyth Voss