The Second Week - Turmoil and Truth
- Kari Thomas
- Jan 17
- 14 min read
This week’s headlines began with the funeral of Jimmy Carter - a man whose standards and personal integrity starkly contrast the chaos and corruption that dominates today’s political landscape. While his presidency was a time of complex challenges, his focus on human rights and ethical leadership still stands as a glaring reminder of what we once hoped for in a leader. His death has us reflecting not just on his legacy, but on how far we've strayed from those ideals. As we move through another week of political turmoil, the difference between Carter’s commitment to service and today’s self-serving leadership couldn’t be more apparent. This solemn moment that reflected a man who dedicated his life to service, peace, and making the world a better place was a sharp contrast to the chaos that would quickly follow.
While the nation paused to acknowledge the life of a man who at least attempted to lead with integrity, it didn’t take long for the country to descend back into the chaos and moral bankruptcy we’ve come to expect from our politicians. From political hearings that proved the complete failure of our leadership to a relentless tide of corruption, this week was a stark reminder that the battle for the soul of our country is far from over set - and the stage for even darker days ahead. But amid all this, a question hung in the air - what if the coming days weren’t just more of the same, but a turning point in the fight for our democracy? The truth, it seems, might be closer than we think - and becoming harder by the day to ignore.
January 9
Biden's Bold Move : Full Federal Support for California's Firefighting Efforts
As Southern California battled catastrophic wildfires, President Biden stepped up with a big promise: 100% federal coverage for all firefighting costs. “Spare no expense,” he told state and local officials, deploying an army of resources, including hundreds of firefighters and an air fleet, to tackle the raging infernos. But here’s the kicker : while California gets a financial safety net, North Carolina is left out in the cold - literally. Months after Hurricane Helene devastated the state, countless residents still remain displaced, and federal relief feels like a distant dream. The stark contrast is glaring, leaving many to wonder : why does disaster relief come with geographic favoritism?
House Resolution 7 : A Controversial Stance on Women's Healthcare
Taking almost a full week to truly hit the headlines, on January 3, 2025, Representatives Andy Biggs (R-AZ) and Clay Higgins (R-LA) introduced House Resolution 7, titled "Recognizing the importance of access to comprehensive, high-quality, life-affirming medical care for women of all ages." This resolution emphasizes a holistic approach to women's health, including physical, mental, and spiritual wellness.
Notably, it also asserts that women's healthcare should also address the needs of men as they relate to women's health.
Critics argue that this language could prioritize external interests over women's autonomy in healthcare decisions. Discussions started emerging online, with some expressing concerns about the implications of considering men's needs in women's health matters. As the resolution progresses through the legislative process, it has ignited a national debate on the balance between comprehensive healthcare and individual autonomy.
January 10
A Day of Political Hearings
Trump's Felony Conviction: A Presidential First
On January 10, 2025, former President Donald Trump was sentenced to an unconditional discharge after being convicted on 34 felony counts related to falsifying business records in the hush money case involving Stormy Daniels. This historic conviction marks Trump as the first U.S. president to become a felon. Despite the gravity of the charges, the unconditional discharge means he avoids prison time but is required to provide a DNA sample to New York's crime database. Trump has denounced the case as a "political witch hunt" and plans to appeal the verdict.
TikTok Ban Enacted Amid Security Concerns
In a decisive move, the U.S. government officially agreed to ban TikTok on January 19, citing national security concerns over data privacy and potential foreign influence. The ban has sparked widespread debate, with supporters emphasizing the need to protect citizens' data, while critics argue it infringes on the freedoms of speech and expression, and could set a precedent for future digital censorship.
Rudy Giuliani Held in Contempt of Court
Former New York City Mayor and Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani was held in contempt of court on January 10, 2025, for failing to comply with a subpoena related to ongoing investigations. The court's decision underscores the escalating legal challenges faced by key figures in Trump's inner circle.
Fire and Ice: While Hearings Rev Up - California Burns, while the Nation Freezes
January 10, 2025, was a day of high drama - not just in the halls of justice but in the elements themselves. While Washington D.C. buzzed with political hearings that dominated the headlines, nature unleashed its own chaos across the country.
California’s wildfire crisis, now raging for several days, had consumed more than 300,000 acres, with several major blazes still uncontained. Entire communities faced evacuation orders as firefighters worked around the clock to contain the destruction. By this point, the fires had destroyed over 1,200 structures and forced the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents.
Meanwhile, a polar vortex swept across much of the country, leaving a frosty trail of school closures, travel chaos, and widespread power outages - not to mention several more inches of fresh snow. The contrast between the fiery infernos of California and the icy grip of winter elsewhere painted a stark picture of a nation under siege from opposing extremes.
The fire-and-ice dichotomy only added to the day’s intensity, as America grappled with courtroom drama and the relentless fury of nature.
January 11
Jack Smith Resigns: The Special Counsel Steps Down as January 6th Report Looms
In a stunning move on January 11, 2025, Special Counsel Jack Smith resigned from his position at the Justice Department, just as the nation was on the edge of its seat awaiting the release of his final report on the January 6th insurrection. Smith’s resignation marks the end of an era in the high-stakes investigations surrounding former President Donald Trump. His role was pivotal in leading the legal battles that sought accountability for the violent Capitol breach and Trump's alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 election results. But just as his final report was set to expose crucial findings on that dark day in U.S. history, Smith announced his departure.
This abrupt resignation leaves many questioning the timing - was the report a final blow to Trump’s legal battles, or will the void left by Smith’s departure complicate the future of these investigations? His exit casts a shadow over the proceedings, adding a layer of uncertainty as the nation waits to see how the Justice Department will proceed in his absence.
January 12
California Wildfires : Flames That Refuse To Be Extinguished
As of January 12, 2025, California’s wildfires had burned for almost a full week - leaving behind a landscape that seemed as though it might never recover. Over 12,000 structures had been destroyed, with more than 250,000 acres of land scorched. The scale of the fires was unimaginable - flames that stretched from the hills of Los Angeles to the heart of Malibu, turning entire neighborhoods into smoldering ruins. The loss of life has reached only 24 people for now - but the real devastation was in the lives torn apart. Thousands of families faced the grim reality of losing everything: their homes, their businesses, their memories. For many, this was no longer about a natural disaster—it was a full-scale humanitarian crisis.
The fires were still raging. Communities were trapped in a constant state of evacuation, unsure if they would ever return to their homes. The air quality was hazardous, blanketing the state in a toxic haze. Residents were left scrambling for shelter, for food, for any semblance of safety. It was a terrifying race against the flames, and it wasn’t over yet. This was not just a disaster; it was a living nightmare, one that California would not soon forget. As the death toll and damage continued to rise, the state’s recovery would be a painful and uncertain journey - a road still burning, in more ways than one.
…and the rumors of the fires being intentionally set are starting to come out in abundance.
January 13
Dr. Steven Greer Promises UFO Disclosure in 72 Hours
As an investigator and explorer of the strange and paranormal - this is hands down the biggest story of the year so far for me. Dr. Steven Greer, the controversial figure behind The Disclosure Project, has just announced that within 72 hours, a group of insiders will be coming forward with bombshell revelations regarding UFOs and extraterrestrial life.
I’ll admit it - I’ve never fully trusted Greer. His high-profile stance on UFOs, while fascinating, has often felt a bit too sensational for my liking. But here's the thing : many of the people I do trust in this field are backing him on this one. They’re putting their reputations on the line - vouching for Greer’s credibility, and vowing that this disclosure will change everything we think we know about UFOs.
What’s at stake here isn’t just a moment in time. This could be the beginning of a massive shift in how the world handles the UFO phenomenon. These are not just random whistleblowers - Greer’s disclosure promises to come from high-level insiders, and that’s what makes it all the more intriguing. The possibility that the veil is finally lifting on the most closely guarded secrets of the government is enough to make anyone in this field hold their breath.
The clock is ticking. In less than three days, we may have the answers we’ve all been waiting for. Will this finally be the disclosure the world has been denied for decades? I’m watching this closely, and you should be too.
But here’s where it gets even more interesting. With the TikTok ban fresh on everyone’s minds and the inauguration rapidly approaching, the timing of this disclosure could not be more significant. Could this all be another distraction in a world filled with chaos and uncertainty? After all, we’ve seen how easily events can be manipulated to shift public attention.
Yet, what if - just what if - this is the real deal? Could it be that we're finally witnessing the truth come to light, at a time when it seems most convenient to bury it? The stakes are high, and it’s almost impossible to ignore the eerie synchronicity of it all.
January 14
Jack Smith's Report Released at 2 AM: A Late-Night Move to Drown Out the Truth?
Special Counsel Jack Smith released a comprehensive report on January 14, 2025, detailing his investigation into former President Donald Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. The report concludes that Trump engaged in an "unprecedented criminal effort" to retain power, including pressuring state officials, attempting to manipulate electors, and inciting the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. Smith's investigation found substantial evidence that Trump committed significant crimes aimed at subverting the election outcome. However, due to his status as a sitting president at the time, these actions were protected from prosecution. The report emphasizes the critical importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring that such actions do not go unpunished.
The release of this report has sparked renewed discussions about accountability and the integrity of democratic processes. While the findings are significant, the timing of the report's release - coinciding with Trump's re-election and imminent return to power - has led some to question its potential impact. Critics argue that the report's late release may limit its effectiveness in influencing public opinion or legal outcomes. In response to the report, Democrats are urging Attorney General, Merrick Garland, to release the second volume - which addresses Trump's retention of classified documents. They argue that making this information public is essential for transparency and accountability.
The full report is available for public review, providing detailed insights into the investigation's findings and the evidence gathered.
January 15th
January 15th : Biden's Farewell Address - A Stark Reminder of America's Crossroads
On January 15th, President Biden delivered his farewell address, a moment for reflection on his administration's tenure and the nation's current state. He celebrated key achievements in domestic policy, particularly in climate action, economic recovery, and international diplomacy. However, beneath the polished rhetoric, his speech was also a reminder of the deep political divide that continues to plague the country. Biden's parting words seemed almost prophetic, warning of the dangers of extremism and the fragility of democracy. Yet, as he exited, it was impossible to ignore the contrast between his ideals and the chaotic state of the nation under the looming threat of political power plays, corruption, and disarray. As he bid farewell, the question remained: would the next chapter be one of healing and progress, or further division and collapse?
Senate Confirmation Hearings : The Day of Unqualified Puppets and Politicians
It was a day that perfectly encapsulated everything that’s wrong with the government : a parade of unqualified, ethically bankrupt nominees - each one a shining example of the corporate influence, moral decay, and absolute disregard for the public good that has become the hallmark of modern American politics.
Pete Hegseth’s Pathetic Display
First, let’s talk about Pete Hegseth. This is a man who has spent his career spewing right-wing propaganda on Fox News, shamelessly defending every failed policy and divisive ideology that has brought this country to its knees. And now, he’s nominated to be the Secretary of Defense? The man who spent his professional life as a media personality, never having served in a real capacity within the military leadership or defense policy? Hegseth has no strategic or operational experience in the field of defense - he’s a mouthpiece, not a policymaker. His hearing was an absolute disgrace. Democrats rightfully called out his blatant incompetence, saying he was “not qualified” for the job, and they weren’t wrong. But of course, Republicans - those loyal puppets of power and corporate greed - turned the hearing into a circus, asking him how many push-ups he could do like some middle school gym class. Is this truely the caliber of leadership we’re being offered? A man whose qualifications are as thin as his military knowledge, with nothing more than a history of spreading hate and division to his name. If this hearing proved anything, it’s that we are not moving forward, we’re regressing into the muck of our own failures.
And then there were the other nominees hearings this day - all equally as unqualified and corrupt :
Marco Rubio: This man was appointed as Secretary of State in a move that perfectly reflects the rot inside our government. Rubio has spent his career as a U.S. Senator representing Florida, where he’s been little more than a spokesman for the corporate interests that fund his campaign. He has no significant experience in international diplomacy or foreign relations - yet he’s been handed one of the most important roles in shaping U.S. foreign policy. The hearing was a joke. A sickening attempt at selling his allegiance to the highest bidder. His refusal to criticize Trump's shady business dealings, (especially with Middle Eastern autocrats,) speaks volumes. Rubio stands for the worst kind of American arrogance, using diplomacy as a tool to secure more power and profit for himself and his billionaire friends.
Pam Bondi: Former Florida Attorney General - who took $25,000 from Trump and then used her office to protect him - is now nominated for Attorney General. Bondi has a background in law, but her entire career has been marred by corruption - including using her position to shut down an investigation into Trump University in exchange for campaign contributions from Trump’s political allies. Does anyone actually believe she’s interested in justice? Bondi is a disgrace, a woman who traded her integrity for campaign contributions and served as Trump’s personal enabler. Her hearing was nothing but a confirmation of her servitude to corporate and political elites who have no interest in actual law or fairness.
Sean Duffy: A former reality TV star and Republican Congressman, Duffy is now nominated for Secretary of Transportation. Duffy is a millionaire with zero experience in transportation policy, urban planning, or infrastructure development. His professional background consists mainly of serving as a congressional representative from Wisconsin, where his major focus was on pushing corporate-backed policies. His hearing was a farce - a weak defense of how corporate interests, not public need, drive his every decision. This appointment is just another example of the hollow promises of infrastructure improvement that never seem to reach the people who need them most.
Chris Wright: As the nominee for Energy Secretary, Wright is a product of the very oil and gas industry that has destroyed our planet. Wright’s career has been built entirely in the fossil fuel sector, where he’s led several energy companies and worked on pushing policies that benefit Big Oil and Gas. His confirmation hearing was a sickening example of how corporate greed is allowed to dictate national policy at the expense of the planet’s future. Wright’s appointment represents a deepening commitment to climate inaction, while the world burns and floods under the weight of global warming.
Russell Vought: And then there’s Russell Vought, nominated for Director of the Office of Management and Budget. Vought’s entire career has been spent undermining government spending on social programs while funneling money into the military-industrial complex. His time in the Trump administration as Deputy Director of OMB was marked by an obsessive focus on slashing budgets for health, education, and welfare while boosting military spending. His hearing was a shameless defense of austerity measures that benefit the rich and starve the poor. Vought is a walking example of how the budget is not about helping people, but about padding the pockets of the already wealthy.
January 16
TikTok’s Fate Hangs in the Balance—Will It Stay or Go?
With only 72 hours left before TikTok was set to be banned in the U.S., the battle to keep the app alive has been anything but clear-cut. The Biden administration is now scrambling to find a solution, opening negotiations with TikTok's parent company, (ByteDance,) to address national security concerns. The constant flip-flopping on whether the app will be banned or remain accessible has left the public - and lawmakers - on edge. Every day seems to bring new twists and turns. One minute, it’s all but confirmed that the app will face a ban, and the next, Biden’s team is working on a deal to prevent that from happening. It's a political rollercoaster that has only grown more intense as the deadline approaches. The administration’s efforts are far from certain, with no definitive outcome yet in sight.
The back-and-forth decisions have made it difficult to keep track of what’s actually going to happen. Will TikTok be banned by the end of the week? Or will Biden somehow strike a last-minute deal to keep the app running? As the clock ticks down, the uncertainty around TikTok’s fate is only growing, leaving us all wondering whether this back-and-forth is just a prelude to a bigger shift in U.S. tech policy - or merely a temporary standoff with no clear resolution.
January 17th Note : In yet another twist to the ongoing TikTok saga, the Supreme Court ruled this morning to uphold the ban, signaling a critical shift in the app’s fate. Despite both Biden and Trump opposing the ban for their own political reasons, the court’s decision adds another layer of uncertainty to a story that will reach its final chapter on Sunday.
As this week comes to a close, one thing becomes clear : the headlines may shift, but the stories remain the same. A government still far too entangled in corporate interests. Political puppets, without the competence or integrity to serve, rise to the top while the public continues to be ignored. Jimmy Carter’s legacy reminds us of what we should strive for, but the events of this week - marked by dishonorable hearings, unprecedented corruption, and a complete disregard for ethics - show how far we’ve strayed from his ideals. We’re watching a country that has forgotten what it means to lead with courage, compassion, and commitment to the people. The question now is - how long can we let this toxic cycle continue before we lose everything that truly matters?
With so much hanging in the balance, the coming days are shaping up to be a defining moment in American history. The TikTok ban looms large, threatening to further tighten control over our free speech and digital spaces, as well as altering how we connect in the modern world. Meanwhile, Trump’s Victory Rally on the 19th will no doubt be a spectacle - offering him yet another chance to stir his base and inflame tensions. On the heels of that, the inauguration on the 20th will mark the beginning of a new era - one whose direction remains uncertain as the nation faces its ever-deepening crisis of leadership. And let's not forget the tantalizing possibility of other-worldly disclosure, as promised by Steven Greer, which could shake the very foundations of how we understand our place in the universe. As the clock ticks down, we brace for a week that could either break or reshape the narrative of our time. Will we face the truth, or will we continue down this dystopian path of distraction and deception?
Come back on Tuesday when we will dissect the headlines from the wild weekend we have in store.
...and until then, keep your eyes to the skies, guys.
...the truth may be closer than we anticipated.
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