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04/16/2025

Today’s blog

Lynn Murphy Mark

1984 in 2025

Last night I watched Rachel Maddow. This is the only news show that I watch with regularity, and occasionally I get a few minutes of Lawrence O’Donnell following Rachel’s show. I know I can be accused of a heavy bias toward liberal news outlets, and I have to agree. But as I remarked to Jan last night, it is nice not to have the television on 24/7 tuned to MSNBC. One hour a day is enough for me. That and my car radio is tuned to NPR at all times. 

Last night’s show featured a whistleblower from the National Labor Relations Board. This brave man has reported an apparent huge breach of sensitive information by DOGE operatives. Almost immediately after a pathway to the inner workings of the NLRB was established, a Russia-based website tried to penetrate the NLRB by using approved login information. The DOGE operatives left no trace of themselves, or any information of what they actually did while searching the NLRB’s confidential files.

The part that gave me chills is to learn that after he requested an investigation into this breach, someone taped a letter to his door at home. The letter included sensitive personal information about him and pictures of him walking his dog – pictures taken by an overhead drone. The man is not letting this deter him from getting to the bottom of what DOGE actually did to gain information about companies and labor unions and their leaders.

In George Orwell’s novel, 1984, the protagonist is a man named Winston Smith. Smith protests against the totalitarian government. His goal is to fight against the mind control methods of the government through  protests and an illicit love affair. It does not turn out well for him. By the end of the book he has been tortured and reprogrammed to support the powers that be.

The novel describes a government that has become a totalitarian regime, controlling all aspects of life and manipulating history. Surveillance and propaganda are the methods used to force obedience and loyalty to the party at the top. Speech is regulated and speaking out against the administration is not tolerated. 

These mind control efforts are underway through the goals of Project 2025. In 47’s administration, an unelected man is invading our private data. Efforts are underway to demolish Social Security and the IRS along with many other government programs. DOGE is not really about cutting costs. In my opinion it’s reason for existing is to force us into loyalty to 47 and his minions. It intends to keep us off-balance and afraid. Institutions like the press and colleges and universities are being penalized for allowing freedom of speech.

This administration believes it is entitled to ignore court orders, including from the Supreme Court. The travesty of justice that is being forced upon people sent to a concentration camp in another country is beyond belief. The other day, 47 made reference to “homegrowns”, aka US citizens, being jailed and sent to other countries as well. 

I live in the same building with a really nice couple with whom we are friendly. They accepted our invitation last year to attend Jan’s 80^th birthday celebration. We always speak when we see each other. We’ve been out to dinner with them once to thank them for something nice they did for us. They both voted for 47 on November 5^th. Now every time I see one of them it’s all I can do not to ask them outright, “Is this what you thought you were getting when you voted for him?”. I have no way of knowing if they regret their decision or if they actually support what is going on around us. 

Last night Katie and I were texting as we watched Rachel’s show. I told her that it’s altogether possible that Jan is getting an ulcer as a result of the political landscape. Katie says the only time she feels peace is when she is buried in a book, or listening to music. Those are her oases in this cruel desert. I have my job to keep my mind busy, and my 12 Step meetings to keep me on track. I try to walk 30 minutes most days, and I find that the quiet rhythm of steps helps settle my mind. I write this little blog as one way to practice free speech. I support organizations that are fighting against totalitarianism. That’s the best I’ve got.