We don't need no stinkin' science
July 11, 2025 - News, Views and To-Dos for Democrats
What Art Friedson Has On His Mind
Of the many tragedies unfolding in these dark times, the horror that is transpiring now in the Texas hill country is hitting me particularly hard. Two of our grandchildren are in camp now (very far away from Texas) and two have just returned from camp (almost as far away). Nancy was a camper, then a lifeguard and counselor at a local day camp, and my own camp résumé runs from camper to counselor to lifeguard (the summer of Woodstock, which happened just a few miles away) to head counselor. The thought of all of the campers and counselors who are missing or dead is overwhelming.
In addition, I have always held a special place in my heart for the late singer, songwriter and mystery writer, Kinky Friedman. Kinky was from Kerville, Texas (although he was probably the only resident who referred to himself as a Ker-vert); his family ran a summer camp there and Kinky ran a shelter for all kinds of rescue animals there.
And it was just a few years ago when Nancy and I drove through the Texas hill country, paying homage to Kinky in Kerville before joining cousins to visit Marfa.
I had planned to write this week on all the ways the Big Beastly Bill, now enacted, will hurt all but the richest Americans, but instead I’ll focus on how the good folks of Kerville, Texas - 77% of whom voted for Trump in 2024 - have been and will be impacted by the cruel, unthinkably stupid policies of the Trump Administration.
We must start with the flooding event itself. I know you can’t blame any one weather event on climate change, but think about it. Warmer oceans are generating greater absorption of moisture into warmer ‘cold’ fronts. That’s how these Noah-level rain events happen. And why is the air and the water warmer? Because we in the United States, along with most of the rest of the world, have not made nearly sufficient efforts to curb the burning of fossil fuels that feed climate change, even though the science was already clear when Al Gore made An Inconvenient Truth almost 20 years ago.
What’s Trump doing to bend the curve on global warming? He’s bending it alright, but in the wrong direction. He pulled the U.S. out of the Paris Climate Accords in 2017, and after Joe Biden re-committed the U.S. to the effort, Trump withdrew again in one of the first acts of his second Administration.
Under the Big Beastly Act, the largest sources of savings to the federal government, which are intended to partially offset tax cuts for the wealthy, include cuts to healthcare for the working poor and lower middle class, as well as cuts to green energy and environmental initiatives. There are 35 different categories of environment-related budget items that were not just slashed, but many were eliminated. Some were already in force, and some were scheduled to take effect but will no longer do so.
We’re talking about eliminating all incentives to generate power from wind and solar. Removing all of the incentives to manufacture, purchase, and operate electric vehicles (I LOVE my non-Musk EV!). It’s clear the Trump Administration is trying its best to take America back to the days when all energy produced and consumed came from fossil fuels that (a) aren’t renewable, (b) are polluting and unhealthy, and (c) hasten the worst effects of climate change like the floods we just saw in Kerr County. (And don’t get me started on how eliminating new energy sources will make it impossible to supply the power needed for quantum computing and artificial intelligence.)
At the same time, these moronic MAGAts are slashing funding of all scientific research, whether at the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, or at America’s greatest universities.
Of more immediate concern to Kerville and other largely Republican towns, farms and cities throughout the Midwest, the new bill cuts another $200 million from the agencies and programs like NOAA and the National Weather Service that predict severe weather and provide warning to Americans who are in its path. That’s on top of the drastic personnel cuts that DOGE already instigated, driving out institutional knowledge and leaving some offices wholly unattended overnight.
Next, Trump wants to eliminate FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency. That will ensure that people, such as those who survived the floods in Texas, will have to rely on state and local officials to provide temporary food, shelter, and assistance for rebuilding their lives. But wait! These disasters disproportionately affect states that are proud of their low taxes and have no means to undertake this sort of work. Disaster warning sirens in Kerr County would have cost $1 million. That is an unthinkable sum to a poor little county like Kerr, but a fleck of dust to the federal government. Funds to do just that were in Joe Biden’s Build Back Better Act. But no, the great state of Texas thought they could rely on cell phone warnings that may or may not have been sent to cell phones that may or may not have been on in the dead of night.
Then there is the gross incompetence that competes neck-and-neck with corruption and cruelty as the defining principle for the Trump White House. CNN reports that new regulations and procedures introduced by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem prevented the pre-placement of FEMA assets and urban search and rescue crews in Kerr County. The delay set back search efforts by three full days, an eternity in this sort of situation. Maybe she should stick to making her moronic television spots; or better yet, go back to her farm (if she promises not to kill more of her pets.)
The stupidity would be laughable, except there are no laughs left in Kerr County today.
Finally, let’s not forget what the MAGA assault on science is doing to the health of our children in Texas and beyond. Among the deaths caused this year by the highest outbreak of vaccine-preventable measles in 33 years are two otherwise healthy children in Texas whose only sin was to be born to imbecilic parents.
Why on earth would the ruling party of the United States in America actively and aggressively oppose the pursuit of science in 2025? The answer is as sad as it is scary. Because science is the pursuit of truth, and the truth is often diametrically opposed to the MAGA agenda. Climate science is only one example of many.
But how did they manage to convince so many people to vote not just against truth, but for policies that are so harmful to their own interests and welfare? Stay tuned as I write in coming weeks about the single most reliable indicator of which way Americans voted in 2024. I’ll leave you with a hint: it wasn’t zip code, race, ethnicity, age, sex, or income. It was where you got your news.
Check It Out with Nancy Kohn
Ask someone who knows. Yes, it’s a bizarre twist of fate for Democrats. While we are the party that protects working families, we have largely lost the ability to effectively communicate with them. The MAGAts are truly reverse Robin Hoods: they are overseeing the largest transfer of wealth from the poor and middle class to the wealthy in the history of our country. Yet, somehow, they have managed to reach working-class voters even as they legislate against their interests.
What do we do? We reach out to the Democrats who have actually done it successfully. That’s why a new report by former Congresswoman Cheri Bustos and Monmouth College Adjuct Professor Robin Johnson is so important. Their Roadmap To Winning By Those Who Have Won is an absolute must-read for Democrats everywhere.
Breaking the spiral of silence. Writing in The Atlantic, Betsy Levy Paluck notes that “When political speech is considered socially sensitive or politically dangerous, people are more likely to sit out protests, mute themselves online, and keep quiet in everyday conversation.” But here’s the thing: the more people stay silent, the more it creates the impression that most people hold a view contrary to your own.
She cites multiple studies on various issues, and with each one, researchers found that people often grossly underestimate the degree of support for their issues among the general public. That misperception, in turn, encourages people to remain silent and sit on the sidelines, perpetuating the spiral of silence.
The surest way to break the spiral of silence is to speak out. If you're wondering whether showing up at a rally or protest can really make a difference, this is your sign. It can and it does.
The cost of cutting USAID. There are very good reasons that President Obama, President George W. Bush, and Bono issued personal farewells and thank yous to the employees about to be fired from USAID, the agency being dismantled by Trump and Marco Rubio.
President Bush believes the agency saved 25 million lives on his watch. President Obama said the decision to shutter the agency would “go down as a colossal mistake.”
The medical journal The Lancet looks ahead and estimates that more than 14 million people are likely to die over the next five years as a direct result of Trump’s actions. So, in case you needed it, you now have 14 million more reasons to work your heart out to elect Democrats everywhere on the ballot to restore some sanity and kindness to the universe.
Look past the headlines. Often, it’s hard to grasp the real impact of an issue when you look at it in its totality. We all recall 9/11 and just how horrible it was, but for many of us, the tears only started flowing when we read the obituaries of individual victims as they appeared day after day on the front page of the NYTimes.
To understand some of the terrible impact Trump and his thugs are having on our country, make it personal with these two articles: Abandoned by Trump, a farmer and a migrant search for a better future by a team of WaPo reporters and photographers, and Against Illegal Immigration, But Married To Someone Here Illegally by Sabrina Tavernisse for the NYTimes.
What I’m reading. Some great books are coming out in July. Art can’t wait to read Gary Shteyngart’s new novel, Vera, or Faith. Check out the NYTimes’ 20 New Books to Read in July.
For two decades, I’ve been reading books by Jennifer Weiner, including Good in Bed and In Her Shoes. Last month, I was invited by Marla Gordon to attend her in-person speech at the annual ORT Luncheon. What fun to see her in real life. After lunch, I borrowed her latest book from Libby, The Griffin Sisters’ Greatest Hits, and breezed through it.
Another quick read was The Stolen Queen by Fiona Davis. It’s 1978, and Charlotte is an Egyptologist working at the Met, and Annie is assisting Diana Vreeland prepare for the annual Met Ball. The action moves to Egypt, and if you have visited Luxor and the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, you will no doubt agree with her accurate descriptions. Although the book is fictional history, it is the perfect complement to the audiobook I recently recommended, All the Beauty in the World, which also takes you behind the scenes at the Met.
P.S. Have you noticed that very close to 100% of our links now have no paywalls? We’ve gotten permission to use gift links from almost all of the publications we quote, so please feel free to click away!
On The Calendar
State’s Attorney Eileen O’Neill Burke. Alumni of the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office share a lasting bond, shaped by a deep commitment to justice, long hours, and a passion for public service. Over 100 of them will be joining Matt Walsh in an event in support of Cook County State’s Attorney Eileen O’Neill Burke on Tuesday, July 15th, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the offices of Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP in Chicago. Click here to RSVP.
Alderman Bennett Lawson. Please join Friends of Bennett Lawson (our very own Alderman…woo hoo!) for a Summer Party on Tuesday, July 29th, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at Vines on Clark. Click here to RSVP and donate.
Restore Justice. The criminal justice system can sometimes seem irreparably broken. Repair Justice works to eliminate extreme sentences of young people in Illinois. You can support them by attending their annual luncheon, Stories of Transformation, on Friday, October 17th, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in downtown Chicago. Click here to RSVP or donate.
Supporting Alderman Debra Silverstein. Please join Jeff Aeder, Joe Antunovich, Warren Baker, Norm Bobins, Neil Book, Mark Fettner, Stuart Frankenthal, Art Friedson & Nancy Kohn, Andrew Hochberg, Hon. Lucy Moog, Michael Patel, Bhavesh Patel, Kerry Peck, Joshua Rogers, Hon. Carol Ronen, Zack Rudzki, Jake Shapiro, Nerwal Shewakramani, Ashur Shiba, and Michael Zaransky for a reception in support of Alderman Debra Silverstein on Monday, August 4th, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Summer House Santa Monica in Chicago. Click here to RSVP.
Brunch with Democrats: The Illinois Democratic County Chairs’ Association 2025 County Chairs’ Brunch is Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025, 9:00 am, in Springfield. Click here to learn more.
Save the date! Planned Parenthood Illinois Action (PPIA PAC) will be holding their 2025 Fighting Forward event for reproductive freedom and bodily autonomy on Thursday, September 18th, at Taste 222 in Chicago. VIP Reception at 5:30 p.m. followed by general admission at 6:30 p.m. RSVP or donate here.
Jobs and Internships
NEW! The Obama Foundation’s mission is to inspire people to take action, empower them to change their world for the better, and connect them so they can achieve more together than they can alone. They are now hiring an Executive Vice President, Chief Development Officer. Click here for more information.
The Woods Fund Chicago has links to job openings at various organizations that they fund. Check out their newsletter and scroll down for the job listings.
Impact for Equity has grown from a small, upstart public interest law firm into one of Chicago’s most respected law and policy centers, driving statewide change across Illinois in pursuit of racial, economic, and social justice. They are seeking an Executive Director who will provide leadership in developing and implementing a new strategic plan to address the evolving needs of Impact for Equity and its stakeholders; consistently engage in sophisticated/innovative strategic communications, public advocacy and visibility; and establish and maintain relationships with individual donors, donor organizations, universities, public officials, civic and partner organizations in a manner that promotes the mission and work of Impact for Equity. Get more information and apply here.
Advance Illinois is a not-for-profit policy and advocacy organization that works toward a healthy public education system, preparing students to achieve success in college, career, and civic life. They are currently seeking to fill two positions: a Senior Government Relations Associate to work on issues related to state education policy, and a Senior Development Associate to lead a comprehensive, growing, and sustainable year-round fundraising program that supports and expands the general operations and programs of Advance Illinois. Click on the appropriate position for more information and to apply.
Nourishing Hope has connected people facing hunger with food for over 55 years. They are currently seeking an Executive Director who is a passionate, committed, and authentic leader with relevant professional experience in managing and leading an organization of similar complexity and scope. This person is driven to provide healthy solutions to alleviate hunger and promote mental well-being among our community. Get more information and apply here.
Internship! Ready to kickstart your career in politics? Apply for the IWIL Training Academy’s fall internship! If you’re passionate about empowering pro-choice Democratic women to lead, this is your chance to make a difference. You’ll gain hands-on experience and connect with inspiring leaders. Internships are hybrid and unpaid; school credit is an option. Interested applicants should email a cover letter and resume to Sofia Rodriguez at staff@iwiltrainingacademy.org
Brandon’s Internships Bulletin is now Brandon’s Hillternship Hub. The new site links to four tables, which contain the internship pages for every Democratic House office, House committee website, Senate office, and Senate committee. In addition, it includes info on whether the internship application is open, the application deadline, and key details on the position (dates, pay, time commitment, etc.). He also publishes a weekly email with the latest listings for internships in progressive politics, nonprofits, and foreign policy/international affairs. Subscribe at brandonsbulletin.substack.com.
Finally, here are some useful links to check out if you’re searching for a job in politics, policy, or advocacy:
Daybook is a valuable resource for individuals seeking political, policy, and government jobs nationwide.
Want to work with progressive organizations or nonprofits doing good? Check out the listings at Democracy Partners, Grossman Solutions, NPAG, and Forefront.
Here are three good sites to land campaign jobs at the entry level and beyond: Emily’s List, Jobs That Are Left, and GainPower.
Congratulations to our son-in-law, Brian Mann, who hit a hole-in-one with a 7-iron on the 165-yard 7th hole of The Meadows at Mystic Lake, Minnesota, on July 1st. What a champion!
Thanks for reading and welcome to our new subscribers. Special thanks to the growing ranks of great folks who have demonstrated their support by becoming paid subscribers; you’re an exceptional bunch.
Who are we? Since 2003, we’ve been sharing our news, views and to-dos. The NKC Occasional Update is brought to you by Nancy Kohn, a seasoned political consultant in Chicago, and Art Friedson, a dedicated political enthusiast. We enjoy hearing from our readers, so feel free to post directly on this article or send us an email. Thank you for your support!
Nancy Kohn nkohn@kohnconsulting.com Art Friedson art.friedson@gmail.com