Tuesday, May 25, 2021

And another day of effective vaccines, keeping masks on, a special grand jury, the DOJ seeks to block a full document on Trump, fining tech companies for banning politicians, AZ Republicans pass a bad measure, and the 11,695 piece Lego set comes to a close:

"In all of my studies of authoritarian regimes, I have never seen a case where a country attempted to memory hole a coup, but that's what's been happening... The refusal to rigorously investigate the coup mirrors the refusal to stop it in the first place." -- Sarah Kendzior

“Republicans and the Fox News folks are really upset that China lied about the virus, but they really don’t care at all that Trump lied about the virus.” — Joe Walsh

“For the past 3 years, I’ve regularly apologized for helping to create Trump. I think EVERY Republican, former Republican, conservative, NeverTrumper, & establishment GOPer is complicit in creating Trump & Marjorie Taylor Greene. And I think it’s important WE ALL acknowledge this.” — Joe Walsh

Deaths

US: 605,208 (+792)

World: 3,499,434 (+12,394)

Cases

US: 33,947,189 (+24,252)

World: 168,514,195 (+528,338)

Moderna says its COVID vaccine found to be 100% effective in children 12 to 17 two weeks after second dose.

Half of the US adult population is fully vaccinated against Covid-19, according to CDC data.

They're keeping their masks on. Their reasons extend beyond their health. Masks have given some an unexpected reprieve from social expectations in addition to helping people avoid colds to Covid-19. These mask-wearers say they see a multitude of benefits to covering up. No one can tell you to smile when you don’t feel like it. It gives you a break from putting on makeup. And it provides a degree of anonymity.

New York prosecutors have convened a special grand jury to consider evidence in a criminal investigation into former President Donald Trump’s business dealings.

The Justice Department released part of an internal memo about the decision not to charge former President Trump with obstruction of justice, but said in a court filing it would seek to block the release of the full document. The move is certain to disappoint watchdog groups and Biden administration allies in Congress, who have called for transparency about alleged wrongdoing in the Trump years — and accountability for officials who allegedly abused their power.

“—We now spend $107,575,000,000 more on police than on public housing.

“—15 states spend $27,000 more per person in prison than they do per student.

“We have it all backwards.” — Robert Reich

DeSantis signs bill to fine tech companies for banning politicians. The push is fueled by allegations leveled by a number of Republicans that social media companies are censoring content with an anti-conservative bias. Such accusations, however, have been debunked. — The inconsistency of the GQP is something else. Yes, it’s by design. “You don’t have to bake a cake for a gay wedding. You cannot ban politicians from your social media platform.”

Auschwitz Memorial calls Greene Holocaust comments a "sad symptom of moral and intellectual decline". 

Arizona Republicans passed a measure on Tuesday to strip Democrat Katie Hobbs, the current secretary of state, of her ability to defend election lawsuits, a seemingly partisan retaliation for her sharp criticism of the party's controversial election audit. -- The GQP knows they can only “win elections” by cheating.

Marilyn Manson warrant issued on two counts of misdemeanor simple assault in New Hampshire.

The Largest Lego Set Ever Is a Map of the World That Will Test Your Sanity With Over 11,000 Tiny Dots. — On sale June 1. Has 11,695 pieces with some customization. Costs $250. It does look pretty cool though. 

Life’s short. Live, love, create, and help others.

Until next time, my friends. Stay safe and stay sane. Good night.