Kareem, more and more, there are just some things I don’t understand. Are unmarried and Democratic persons no longer needed in the military, or do they serve, but don’t seek out the VA for treatment? Did Joe Rogan sleep through Trump’s first administration when suckling infants and kids were snatched from moms, and greater than 500 never found? Yet, he supported a second term! Give me a break! Mike Lee has been a strong contender for the Supreme Court. His behavior, added to Trump’s insensitivity towards the MN families, probably placed him at the top of the list for justice. I’m vexed when people bring harm to themselves. Prior to voting last year, a few of my Democratic club members spoke of the dangers for Latinos (and Blacks), with deportations, as written in Project 2025. A female Latino told us we were overreacting: “it’s just impossible!” She’s very middle-class. As probably were the 54% of Latino males who voted for Trump, for his stance on deportations—of those termed as “different,” I heard one say, in a tv interview. I, too, believe flying the Mexican flag is unwise; especially while seeking rights and support from a nation already steeped in bias and racism. Just a thought!
Andrea, thanks for the update, although Kareem had included. A very long, repetitive article. To confess, I didn’t read earlier. Now that I have, I remain skeptical. I prey on words and phrases. The Guardian: “VA press secretary Peter Kyasperowicz reportedly said, 'all eligible veterans will always be welcome at the VA and will always receive the benefits and services they've earned under the law.'" “Eligible” concerns me, and can be manipulated to effect whatever—under THEIR LAWS—which are never written in cement. Trump vacillates and lies (predominantly lies), while his Cabinet simply lies by admission or omission.
Thanks. Honestly, I don’t fully understand the original _or_ the update – it’s pretty confusing and I agree with you words can be used to obfuscate. And of course, when you’re dealing with the regime that’s deliberately intending to confuse and distract, the rules change from day-to-day.
You are skeptical for a good reason which is that they want to show as much confusion and uncertainty as possible to the general public and those that they're trying to screw the most.
Thank you, Kareem, for ending on a positive note. I still have my Winnie ther Pooh (as described in one story) stuffed bear from childhood—and I’m turning 80 soon. And yesterday Juneteenth was recognized on my calendar with a quote from John Lewis. “Be hopeful. Be optimistic.”
Greetings from my Winnie ther Pooh to your Winnie ther Pooh. We are a bit younger than you—I will be turning 78 late this summer. Sometimes a proper bear is the one thing that can keep you going — to continue to devote your self to making “good trouble”
Well, it's not quite a straight shot on I-5 to San Jose. You need to get off at CA-152, then 101 North. But that's OK. If you want to visit me, I'm close to the 13th Street exit off 101 in San Jose. :)
I find myself agreeing with everything you say and write.. It’s a breath of fresh air.. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.. I don’t know where the phrase came from “ bottom of my heart” I really really appreciate you , and your parents, for making a beautiful baby ❤️
"One of the main criticisms of the anti-immigration protesters in Los Angeles and elsewhere is the prominence of Mexican and other Latin American flags being waved by the demonstrators."
Should this read "anti-ICE" or "anti-enforcement"? The protestors are not anti-immigration. Or am I misreading the story?
Thank you Kathleen! This is an important and helpful article for anyone with the patience/interest to read it. My takeaway is that (I) only a single CA district (Palo Alto) revised its guidelines in an objectionable way (including elimination of the word “disability” from previous recitation of protected categories, which, come on, the VA??), (2) the whole tempest in a teapot is/was the product of inflamed minds riffing on a single EO (itself a product of presidential madness), not exactly a conspiracy to deny rights to specific groups (“unmarried persons” in particular - nonsensical), and (3) if anyone at any VA were to actually deny care to a vet based on the vet’s being “unmarried” or whatever, that person would have a fairly easy case to reverse the policy in court based on existing contrary law & precedent (and the VA employee would likely be moved to another job or terminated as part of settlement of said case).
With all due respect, I think Kareem missed the boat on this one.
Kareem, I would have loved for you to be my history teacher because you have so much knowledge and many interesting stories. My American History teacher in high school was Mr. Malan. Right after lunch. The worst time. Half of the class would fall asleep from just eating and his droning voice. Strange how you evoke memories.
I saw Dionne Warwick at the Copacabana in NYC in 1970 when I was working there. And yes she sang Do you know the way to San Jose? I remember walking there with my"twin" (we had the same birthday) from our hotel and meeting random people as we walked. Ebony and Ivory. Very strange looks. It was a pretty interesting time.
As to Mikey Lee, as I call him, there are names that apply but remember that he is one of the original tea baggers and seems to try so hard to live down to that label. It's all so degrading and he has no one but himself to blame. His father was Rex E. Lee, a former US solicitor general, president of BYU and inaugural dean of the J. Reuben Clark Law School at BYU. My brother and Pres. Lee were very good friends, in spite of their political affiliation differences. My brother said that Mikey's father would turn over in his grave if he saw some of his son's behavior, as President Lee was a very dignified and respected man. Someone posted yesterday the info to complain to the Utah State Bar.
The flag brouhaha- I'm sure you're right about keeping the focus and not causing anger but it does seem hypocritical especially your mention of the confederate flag. But one thing I must say is Cheers to the Dodgers for their refusal to permit ICE into the stadium. And as to the barbie ice queen - she's skating on thin ice. She will fail. Overspent her budget, mean and nasty to the core, cares too much for her glamour photo op shoots and what the hell is she doing with RFK Jr. at a closed Bio-hazard facility and then becomes ill (allergic reaction they said) and spent the night in the hospital. It's all like a scripted soap opera. Must stay relevant.
The VA rules. Just stupid. Like OldCon the TACO Don. The mental illness he has inherited from his parents weighs heavily on him. When will the 25th Amendment be invoked? Oh and yes. The American Bar Association and many many lawyers have filed lawsuits against DT and everyone of his cabinet members and staff for their illegal actions. It will be interesting.
Thank you Kareem for the sports clips, the bird and the music. Stay safe and be well and happy. Peace and Love. ♥️
I so look forward to your newsletter - Substack posts have become a part of my daily read but none more anticipated than yours 🫶🏽 the array of storytelling, music references, poetry, history, “quotes” make reading a thoughtful and wonderful journey! Btw loved the San Jose reference I’m 71 and the song (wow Dionne W) is now stuck in my head but the words have new meaning 😂🎶🎼
First, when it was pretty new and for a number of years thereafter, I played and sang House at Pooh Corner to myself for myself. It gave me comfort. Then I played and sang it for (and later with) my children. It made me smile. Now I play and sing it for (and sometimes with) my grandchildren. It now brings smiles... and tears. Thank you for the link.
Diane was from South Orange NJ next to Maplewood where my parents lived. Maplewood was ok
but all white. Same with South Orange which had black families. Warwick when at her best bought
a house in Maplewood just to "integrate" it. Never lived there, I understand. Hope she sold at profit.
On the Calif National Guard, I now pass carwashes closed for first time in 25 years or more. L,A.
Mexicans afraid to go to their jobs on L.A. Westside. Trump allowed to do this. I hate it. Next after NO KINGS day we need giant protest in L.A. over ICE and Trump. I'm 87 but willing to risk arrest.
I'm also ready to start another country just with the West Coast and Hawaii. That's the way it's going.
The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band recorded "House at Pooh Corner" in 1970. I was in Vietnam and the album "Inna Gadda Da Vida" was the soundtrack of that year of my life. My son was 4 months old when I left and walking and jabbering when I came home a few days before Thanksgiving of that year. I first heard Pooh Corner probably sometime in 1971 and shortly after NGDB's album "Uncle Charlie & His Dog Teddy" was one of my first album purchases. I have always loved this song now I can't begin to sing along because my voice begins to break during the first verse followed quickly by leaky eyes and a case of the sniffles that lasts several minutes after the finish.
"But if I’d failed, I would have become the world’s tallest history teacher and strived to be the world’s best history teacher"
It is never too late - anytime you want to teach a lesson via zoom on civil rights to my year 10 history class in Australia just let me know.
Kareem - you are the world's tallest history teacher. Your classroom is your blog and you rock it!
Well said, Gillean! A PERFECT encapsulation of what Kareem brings to us. Thank you.
I second that statement❣️
I third it!
Thank you for your voice of reason and truth
Kareem, more and more, there are just some things I don’t understand. Are unmarried and Democratic persons no longer needed in the military, or do they serve, but don’t seek out the VA for treatment? Did Joe Rogan sleep through Trump’s first administration when suckling infants and kids were snatched from moms, and greater than 500 never found? Yet, he supported a second term! Give me a break! Mike Lee has been a strong contender for the Supreme Court. His behavior, added to Trump’s insensitivity towards the MN families, probably placed him at the top of the list for justice. I’m vexed when people bring harm to themselves. Prior to voting last year, a few of my Democratic club members spoke of the dangers for Latinos (and Blacks), with deportations, as written in Project 2025. A female Latino told us we were overreacting: “it’s just impossible!” She’s very middle-class. As probably were the 54% of Latino males who voted for Trump, for his stance on deportations—of those termed as “different,” I heard one say, in a tv interview. I, too, believe flying the Mexican flag is unwise; especially while seeking rights and support from a nation already steeped in bias and racism. Just a thought!
Some updated info re the VA:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/unpacking-claims-that-va-doctors-can-deny-care-to-democrats-unmarried-veterans/ar-AA1GUU7s
Andrea, thanks for the update, although Kareem had included. A very long, repetitive article. To confess, I didn’t read earlier. Now that I have, I remain skeptical. I prey on words and phrases. The Guardian: “VA press secretary Peter Kyasperowicz reportedly said, 'all eligible veterans will always be welcome at the VA and will always receive the benefits and services they've earned under the law.'" “Eligible” concerns me, and can be manipulated to effect whatever—under THEIR LAWS—which are never written in cement. Trump vacillates and lies (predominantly lies), while his Cabinet simply lies by admission or omission.
Thanks. Honestly, I don’t fully understand the original _or_ the update – it’s pretty confusing and I agree with you words can be used to obfuscate. And of course, when you’re dealing with the regime that’s deliberately intending to confuse and distract, the rules change from day-to-day.
Exactly! :-)
You are skeptical for a good reason which is that they want to show as much confusion and uncertainty as possible to the general public and those that they're trying to screw the most.
Thank you very much. I’m a new subscriber and I love this letter.
Welcome to our community, Karen.
Thank you, Kareem, for ending on a positive note. I still have my Winnie ther Pooh (as described in one story) stuffed bear from childhood—and I’m turning 80 soon. And yesterday Juneteenth was recognized on my calendar with a quote from John Lewis. “Be hopeful. Be optimistic.”
Greetings from my Winnie ther Pooh to your Winnie ther Pooh. We are a bit younger than you—I will be turning 78 late this summer. Sometimes a proper bear is the one thing that can keep you going — to continue to devote your self to making “good trouble”
Thank you, Ann. I’m glad to know that our bears will have each other when we’re gone. Sending a hug from mine to yours.
Well, it's not quite a straight shot on I-5 to San Jose. You need to get off at CA-152, then 101 North. But that's OK. If you want to visit me, I'm close to the 13th Street exit off 101 in San Jose. :)
Hi Kareem,
I find myself agreeing with everything you say and write.. It’s a breath of fresh air.. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.. I don’t know where the phrase came from “ bottom of my heart” I really really appreciate you , and your parents, for making a beautiful baby ❤️
"One of the main criticisms of the anti-immigration protesters in Los Angeles and elsewhere is the prominence of Mexican and other Latin American flags being waved by the demonstrators."
Should this read "anti-ICE" or "anti-enforcement"? The protestors are not anti-immigration. Or am I misreading the story?
You’re right. That would be better.
SNOPES report on VA rules and regs
https://www.snopes.com/news/2025/06/17/va-rules-refuse-treatment-veterans/?utm_source=mail.snopes.com&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=va-doctors-golden-gate-bridge-jelly-roll&_bhlid=34ba99ab953272ee999175aaae95c8d9966d146f
Thank you for the SNOPES link. Sounds murky, and I would be concerned if it might affect me
Thank you Kathleen! This is an important and helpful article for anyone with the patience/interest to read it. My takeaway is that (I) only a single CA district (Palo Alto) revised its guidelines in an objectionable way (including elimination of the word “disability” from previous recitation of protected categories, which, come on, the VA??), (2) the whole tempest in a teapot is/was the product of inflamed minds riffing on a single EO (itself a product of presidential madness), not exactly a conspiracy to deny rights to specific groups (“unmarried persons” in particular - nonsensical), and (3) if anyone at any VA were to actually deny care to a vet based on the vet’s being “unmarried” or whatever, that person would have a fairly easy case to reverse the policy in court based on existing contrary law & precedent (and the VA employee would likely be moved to another job or terminated as part of settlement of said case).
With all due respect, I think Kareem missed the boat on this one.
Kareem, I would have loved for you to be my history teacher because you have so much knowledge and many interesting stories. My American History teacher in high school was Mr. Malan. Right after lunch. The worst time. Half of the class would fall asleep from just eating and his droning voice. Strange how you evoke memories.
I saw Dionne Warwick at the Copacabana in NYC in 1970 when I was working there. And yes she sang Do you know the way to San Jose? I remember walking there with my"twin" (we had the same birthday) from our hotel and meeting random people as we walked. Ebony and Ivory. Very strange looks. It was a pretty interesting time.
As to Mikey Lee, as I call him, there are names that apply but remember that he is one of the original tea baggers and seems to try so hard to live down to that label. It's all so degrading and he has no one but himself to blame. His father was Rex E. Lee, a former US solicitor general, president of BYU and inaugural dean of the J. Reuben Clark Law School at BYU. My brother and Pres. Lee were very good friends, in spite of their political affiliation differences. My brother said that Mikey's father would turn over in his grave if he saw some of his son's behavior, as President Lee was a very dignified and respected man. Someone posted yesterday the info to complain to the Utah State Bar.
The flag brouhaha- I'm sure you're right about keeping the focus and not causing anger but it does seem hypocritical especially your mention of the confederate flag. But one thing I must say is Cheers to the Dodgers for their refusal to permit ICE into the stadium. And as to the barbie ice queen - she's skating on thin ice. She will fail. Overspent her budget, mean and nasty to the core, cares too much for her glamour photo op shoots and what the hell is she doing with RFK Jr. at a closed Bio-hazard facility and then becomes ill (allergic reaction they said) and spent the night in the hospital. It's all like a scripted soap opera. Must stay relevant.
The VA rules. Just stupid. Like OldCon the TACO Don. The mental illness he has inherited from his parents weighs heavily on him. When will the 25th Amendment be invoked? Oh and yes. The American Bar Association and many many lawyers have filed lawsuits against DT and everyone of his cabinet members and staff for their illegal actions. It will be interesting.
Thank you Kareem for the sports clips, the bird and the music. Stay safe and be well and happy. Peace and Love. ♥️
Im looking for San Jose!
I so look forward to your newsletter - Substack posts have become a part of my daily read but none more anticipated than yours 🫶🏽 the array of storytelling, music references, poetry, history, “quotes” make reading a thoughtful and wonderful journey! Btw loved the San Jose reference I’m 71 and the song (wow Dionne W) is now stuck in my head but the words have new meaning 😂🎶🎼
First, when it was pretty new and for a number of years thereafter, I played and sang House at Pooh Corner to myself for myself. It gave me comfort. Then I played and sang it for (and later with) my children. It made me smile. Now I play and sing it for (and sometimes with) my grandchildren. It now brings smiles... and tears. Thank you for the link.
Diane was from South Orange NJ next to Maplewood where my parents lived. Maplewood was ok
but all white. Same with South Orange which had black families. Warwick when at her best bought
a house in Maplewood just to "integrate" it. Never lived there, I understand. Hope she sold at profit.
On the Calif National Guard, I now pass carwashes closed for first time in 25 years or more. L,A.
Mexicans afraid to go to their jobs on L.A. Westside. Trump allowed to do this. I hate it. Next after NO KINGS day we need giant protest in L.A. over ICE and Trump. I'm 87 but willing to risk arrest.
I'm also ready to start another country just with the West Coast and Hawaii. That's the way it's going.
The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band recorded "House at Pooh Corner" in 1970. I was in Vietnam and the album "Inna Gadda Da Vida" was the soundtrack of that year of my life. My son was 4 months old when I left and walking and jabbering when I came home a few days before Thanksgiving of that year. I first heard Pooh Corner probably sometime in 1971 and shortly after NGDB's album "Uncle Charlie & His Dog Teddy" was one of my first album purchases. I have always loved this song now I can't begin to sing along because my voice begins to break during the first verse followed quickly by leaky eyes and a case of the sniffles that lasts several minutes after the finish.