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Connolly was Right, the Reality Upsetting, but Don't Shoot the Messenger [1]

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Date: 2025-02-24

I say this often. It never ceases to amaze me how some reflexively attack Democrats whenever the topic is one of the myriad of cases of atrocious conduct by someone on the right. Equally, it amazes me how in the middle of a rightwing shitshow, some reflexively latch onto something some Democrat says as the focus of their ire instead. Then they wonder why the right never a pay a price on election day.

The latest example of this is Musk's illegal demand that Federal workers submit a list of five things they've accomplished in the past week by sundown, or he'll fire them. Everyone was disgusted, properly so, and there was story after story of how it it is illegal and harmful to productivity. I mean everybody knows how filling out reports for higher ups is such a valuable use of time. They're right up their with staff meetings. What's the harm in another?

Alas, that didn't last though. A Democrat in leadership was asked a question about this, and his answer was so outrageous, that it is clear Democrats are the problem, not Musk or the Republicans. He is a moderate, you see, who beat AOC for the position, and that's why he said what he said. It could not possibly be it was the correct thing to say regardless of how upsetting that reality might be.

I am speaking about Rep. Connolly's reply when asked whether Federal workers should comply with Musk's missive. He said they should for now. Why? Because he has zero power to shield them from negative consequences if they don't and the last thing we need is to give another excuse for the fascists to fire workers who need the paycheck.

To say anything other than what Connolly said would have been irresponsible. It might have felt good to say resist, but it still would have been irresponsible. What's more, it is would be self-serving to talk tough from a safe distance with no skin in the game.

I think AOC would have given the same answer more or less. She's smart, knows what it's like to live pay check to pay check, and would think things through before popping off from a leadership position. Of course, she would not have gotten an immediate raft of crap, but rather been given the benefit of the doubt by Connolly's detractors.

The self defeating infighting continues. Same as it ever was.

The appropriate musical coda…

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