by Summer D Clemenson | Jan 31, 2026 | Opinions, Politics
Dear President Trump,
I have been praying for you. It has been a hard road for us. But I am honestly able to ask God to find honor and glory for Himself in what He is doing in and through you. I love the United States of America, but I am not a fanatic. I love people more than countries. Because I love Jesus more than what the world can give me. I have been watching you. I don’t think you can fully understand what I just said.
I believe a good leader can be found in the midst of the people; working as one for a common goal. That is not how you work.
Today, before I decided to start writing, I chose to remind myself of why President Nixon resigned. He too wanted to be re-elected so badly that he was willing to do anything. He didn’t believe he could just let the people vote. He couldn’t let us speak. He couldn’t let us decide. He found himself in the midst of scandal: burglary, obstruction, bribery, destroying evidence, all funded by donors. When he was impeached, he had the dignity to resign. I don’t know if that was because he was a man of his time, or if he had decided, he had had enough. I respect his decision.
I never voted for you. The bible tells what a good man is. I have spent a lot of time with Jesus. They say that banks teach tellers how to spot counterfeit dollars by having them study real money. You just know when you are looking at the fake stuff. I knew you would fail me. I knew your lust for power and money would stop you from making the kinds of decisions that even an imperfect president, would be able to make. I am not the kind of christian that you have met, because I am very sad about the ones that follow you. But I do pray for you and them.
I have watched you lie. A lot. I know you have hurt people. A lot. I have watched you be impeached twice. So now I just want to ask one thing of you; in case there is any honor in you at all. Will you please resign?
Sincerely,
Summer D Clemenson
by Summer D Clemenson | Jan 31, 2026 | Letters to My Representatives, Opinions, Politics
Dear Representative,
Today I am writing regarding SB-5312. Concerning net nanny operations involving fictitious minors. Net nanny operations are undercover law enforcement initiatives where officers pose as minors online to catch individuals attempting to engage in sexual activities with children. These operations aim to prevent child exploitation and apprehend potential predators. This bill is sponsored by Representatives: Lisa Wellman, Noel Frame, T’wina Nobles, and Claire Wilson. It was first read on January 16, 2026 and sent to the Law and Justice Committee. There was a public hearing in the Senate Committee on Law & Justice on January 27, 2026.
I see that the adults convicted of sex crimes towards children, regardless of whether they are found during net nanny operations or not are following the current RCWs.
- Adults convicted of Class A felony, those with prior sex offenses and kidnappings and those who are found to have tendencies towards violent sexual crimes will be required to always be registered with the county sheriff, in the county where the person resides.
- Adults convicted of Class B felony, without prior sex offense or kidnapping will be able to stop registering with the county sheriff, in the county where they reside, 15 years after they have been released from their jail sentence, as long as they can remain free of new criminal activity.
- Adults convicted of a Class C felony, a violation of RCW 9.68A.090 or 9A.44.096, or an attempt, solicitation, or conspiracy to commit a class C felony, and the adult does not have prior convictions for a sex offense or kidnapping offense, the duty to register shall end 10 years after the last date of release from confinement, if any, (including full-time residential treatment) pursuant to the conviction, or entry of the judgment and sentence, if the adult has spent 10 consecutive years in the community without being convicted of a disqualifying offense during that time period.
I do not want there to be a difference between criminals that knew there was a real child and those that did not know they were not talking to a real child. I believe that sex crimes are not prosecuted strongly enough. I believe that it doesn’t matter that people were caught via a “net nanny operation” because they thought they were talking to a child and they should have said goodbye as soon as they thought they were talking to a child. I have read RCW 9A.44.130 and they should have done the responsible thing and the right thing. Instead they did the sick and wrong thing. They deserve to be treated like the sex offender they are and 3 years of being a registered sex offender is not enough time. I want you to debate and negotiate that adults convicted of Class C felonies and all we see in #3 that these people should have to register as sex offenders for 10 years.
I would also like to see longer sentences for sex offenders. The victims, especially if they are children at the time of the crime, have to live with the affects of the actions of the criminals, for the rest of their lives. Almost everyone I know has been the victim of a sex crime, and most of them as children. It has affected them all their lives. These criminals should not get to just walk away.
Sincerely,
Summer D Clemenson
by Summer D Clemenson | Jan 31, 2026 | Letters to My Representatives, Opinions, Politics
Dear Representatives,
Today I am writing regarding SB-6286. Concerning the state’s ability to fine private detention facilities that deny entry to the department of health for an inspection. This bill is sponsored by Representatives: Tina Orwall, Yasmin Trudeau, Emily Alvarado, Mike Chapman, Steve Conway, Manka Dhingra, Noel Frame, Bob Hasegawa, Marko Liias, Liz Lovelett, T’wina Nobles, Jesse Salomon, Vandana Slatter, Derek Stanford, Javier Valdez, and Claire Wilson. The bill was first read on January 22, 2016 and sent to the Human Services Committee. On January 28 there was a public hearing in the Senate Committee on Human Services. It is scheduled for executive session in the Senate Committee on Human Services at 1:30 PM (Subject to change) on February 3.
This bill, if it is enacted will allow the department of health, in the case that it is denied access to a private detention facility to be able assess fines:
- $1000 per day for the first 30 days
- $10,000 per day for the next 30 days
- $15,000 per day until the department of health is allowed access to the building to assess the conditions of the facility
Moneys collected under this section must be deposited into the federal enforcement accountability and community repair account. Expenditures from the account may only be used for providing assistance to individuals or families with members that have been wrongfully detained and released by the court, assaulted, or killed by agents employed by the United States immigration and customs enforcement, which may include:
- Housing assistance
- Food assistance
- Legal services
- Wage replacement
- Child care assistance
- Transportation assistance
- Grants to nonprofit organizations providing services included in this section to immigrant communities
- Financial compensation
Services provided to individuals through this account are not an admission of fault by the state. This section does not create an entitlement to compensation or assistance for any individual.
After considering all of this: What can happen to someone who might be living in terrible conditions for a month or longer. I don’t like this bill. I think you can do better. I don’t want you to find a way to collect dollars. I want you to find a way to make sure you get inside of these places and make sure people are being fed, clothed and getting medical attention. I want you to make sure they have access to their lawyers. I want them to be able to call their families and even have reasonable visitation, especially if they are not violent criminals, especially if their are children present. Keep working on this bill. Please do not pass it, like it is. Many of the people in these facilities are not criminals and they are not animals. Please don’t treat them like a number.
Sincerely,
Summer D Clemenson
~
by Summer D Clemenson | Jan 31, 2026 | Letters to My Representatives, Opinions, Politics
Dear Representative,
Today I am writing regarding HB-2597 concerning remedies for violations of federal constitutional rights occurring during immigration enforcement. This bill is sponsored by Representives: My-Linh Thai, Mary Fosse, Tarra Simmons, Lisa Parshley, Mia Gregerson, Sharon Tomiko Santos, Alex Ramel, Chris Stearns, Roger Goodman, Edwin Obras, Strom Peterson, Julio Cortes, Beth Doglio, Timm Ormsby, Gerry Pollet, Shaun Scott, Cindy Ryu, Greg Nance, and Osman Salahuddin. It was first read on January 20, 2026 and referred to the Civil Rights & Judiciary Committees.
This bill states that federal officials have not been beyond the reach of state laws because they are federal employees, since the beginning of the history of The United States.
The purpose of HB-2597 is to add that:
- Any person who is hurt during an interaction with civil immigration enforcement, may bring civil charges against that government agent in any court.
- A person found to have violated the United States Constitution while participating in civil immigration enforcement is liable to the injured person for legal relief, equitable relief, and any other appropriate relief. A prevailing plaintiff may recover compensatory and punitive damages.
- If a government agent has been found guilty of causing harm to a person during a civil immigration enforcement, a court shall award reasonable attorney fees and costs to a prevailing plaintiff.
I am in total agreement with HB-2597 and I would like you to vote YES on HB-2597.
Sincerely,
Summer D Clemenson
~
by Summer D Clemenson | Jan 31, 2026 | Letters to My Representatives, Opinions, Politics
Dear Representative,
Today I am writing regarding HB-2641 prohibiting certain law enforcement agencies from hiring certain federal employees. This bill is sponsored by Tara Simmons, Shawn Scott, Kristine Reeves, Natasha Hill, and Nichole Macri. The bill states that no United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and United States Customs and Border Protection (CPB) who was hired on or after January 20, 2025 will be able to be hired as a general authority Washington law enforcement agency or a limited authority Washington law enforcement agency.
I agree that we have seen some disturbing events at the hands of ICE and CBP. But I also agree that they were following orders. I think each person should be held accountable for what they have done. I believe if people serving as ICE and CPB officers can be found innocent of crimes and they can prove that they can fulfill all the standards of the Washington Law Enforcement Agencies they might be applying for and maintain those standards, they should be able to be hired and maintain those positions.
I believe that Washington Law Enforcement Agencies may want to apply their own process for handling candidates that may require more training in order to reach their standard. But I believe that you should vote NO on HB-2641.
Sincerely,
Summer D Clemenson
~
by Summer D Clemenson | Jan 31, 2026 | Letters to My Representatives, Opinions
Dear Representatives,
Today I am writing regarding HB-2644, concerning the use of body worn cameras by law enforcement officers. It has been found that public trust in law enforcement is strengthened by transparency and accountability. Body worn cameras provide an objective record of law enforcement interactions to protect both officers and the public while aiding in accurate investigations and judicial proceedings. Because of this legislature intends to establish a uniform statewide standard requiring all law enforcement officers to activate their body worn cameras during all law enforcement encounters and responses to incidents, ensuring continuous and reliable recordings of public interactions.
- If this bill is agreed upon, it would become valid on July 1, 2027.
- Recordings must be kept for 90 days.
- In the case of use of force by a law enforcement officer, an arrest or detention, or a complaint or investigation involving a law enforcement officer’s conduct, recordings must be kept for 3 years.
- Unauthorized access, alteration, or deletion of body worn camera recordings is prohibited and subject to disciplinary action by the employing law enforcement agency, in addition to any other penalties provided under state law.
- All law enforcement agencies must have updated all their policies in order to be able to fulfill their capabilities to follow these requirements by July 1,2027.
- A civilian who is subject to an incident involving an officer, has the right to a copy of the video of the body cam footage, unless it goes against any state law.
I believe that this bill will help in the process of keeping civilians and law enforcement officers more safe. I urge you to vote YES. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Summer D Clemenson
~
by Summer D Clemenson | Jan 31, 2026 | Letters to My Representatives, Opinions, Politics
Dear Representative,
Communities are stronger and safer when people are not forced to live in fear. I am writing regarding SB-5906. United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and United States Customs and Border Protection (CPB) has been operating in communities without judicial warrants and targeting people who are Brown, Black, and Asian. This bill protects sensitive spaces. It ensures Washingtonians can go to school and go to medical appointments without fear. People need to feel safe in places where they learn, heal, and vote.
- This bill outlines that federal officers must a valid judicial warrant, judicial subpoena, or a court order before they are allowed to enter a non-public area of an early childcare facility, school site or medical facility.
- It is the job of child care facilities to exhaust the emergency contact procedures provided by the families and guardians of the children.
- Unless required by state or federal law, a health care facility and its personnel may not allow any person access to the nonpublic areas of the facility for immigration enforcement purposes, unless the person has a valid judicial warrant or court order that specifically grants access to the nonpublic areas of the facility.
- During primaries, general elections, and special elections, a county auditor shall designate as nonpublic any place where ballots are handled, processed, counted, or tabulated. Federal agents will also be required valid warrants to enter these areas as well.
I am fully in agreement with this bill. I am asking you to vote YES for this bill. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Summer D Clemenson
~
by Summer D Clemenson | Jan 27, 2026 | ICE, Opinions, Poetry, Politics
Alex Pretti never touched
the gun in his holster
the one he was licensed to carry
the one our second amendment protects
He had no criminal record
~
Alex Pretti wasn’t a protester
he was a witness
He was an ICU nurse at the VA Hospital
He was helping a woman up
off the ground
~
10 shots were fired
in less than 5 seconds
3 shots in his back
He had additional wounds
in his chest and neck
~
Four or five ICE agents had him
on the ground
Even though it didn’t appear
he was trying to resist
Yet they felt the need
to shoot him
until and even after he was dead
~
Pretti is the 2nd United States citizen
shot by federal officers this month
The media called the woman a protester
but she was a neighbor
said the business owner
who knew both of them
~
by Summer D Clemenson | Jan 27, 2026 | ICE, Opinions, Poetry, Politics
“I’m fine Dude
I’m not mad at you”
Renee Good‘s last words
~
DHS Policy Says
ICE can shoot at a moving car
if it poses imminent threat of death
or serious bodily injury
to the officers or someone else
~
But why?
Can dead people control where
their car crashes?
~
20 years on the job
This ICE agent was an Iraq Vet
This was his second vehicle related incident
~
3 shots
One in her arm
One in her breast
One in her head
Maybe this agent needs to retire
~
Good was a mother and wife
She was a singer of songs and author of joy
And she will never pick up her son from school
again
~
by Summer D Clemenson | Jan 25, 2026 | Letters to My Representatives, Opinions, Politics
Dear Representative,
I writing regarding HR-5653 the Trust Through Transparency Act of 2025 which was introduced in the House on September 30, 2025 by Donald Norcross. This bill requires that immigration enforcement officers to wear & operate body-worn cameras during public facing immigration enforcement actions: patrols, stops, arrests, searches, warrant services, checkpoints, interviews & all actions that are not undercover operations.
In 2022, the Biden Administration administered Executive Order 14074 Advancing Effective, Accountable Policing & Criminal Justice Practices to Enhance Public Trust & Safety, that directed federal law enforcement agencies to adopt & enforce body cameras for officers effectively encouraging widespread use of cameras as a transparency tool. But on January 20, 2025, Donald Trump rescinded that executive order, along with other executive orders that were consistent with that order so there is no current standing federal policy that requires body cameras for federal officers, including Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) & Customs Border Patrol (CBP) Officers.
H.R.7006 – Financial Services and General Government and National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2026, that just passed, includes $20 million for body cameras for ICE & CBP but it is only a funding bill. This bill is not a permanent change to immigration law. At the same time that we are seeing terrors unfold in Minneapolis, I have heard the Trump Administration is backing financial cuts to ICE and CBP that include programs that handle accountability. So even as money is being set aside for equipment, it is not the same as making laws requiring officers to use the equipment.
We need a body camera mandate written into HR-5653 that forces body cameras to be worn by all ICE and CBP Officers during all public face enforcement actions. We need clear rules regarding footage & retention so that cameras cannot be unevenly deployed, turned off, or sidelined. We must have accountability and transparency in our immigration laws and our federal officers.
At this point we know that at least 3 people have been killed by ICE officers and 9 children have been detained by ICE, including a toddler and a 5-year-old in Minneapolis. I have seen videos of doctors, military veterans and police chiefs who are stating that illegal immigrants are not ICE’s only targets. You must act. You must vote YES on HR-5653. Now.
Sincerely,
Summer D Clemenson
Read More:
by Summer D Clemenson | Jan 23, 2026 | Letters to My Representatives, Opinions, Politics
Dear Representative,
Washington State Democrats want to pass another tax. Our legislators say we don’t have enough money but I don’t like how they are spending our money. Recently I saw a video of an interview of State Representative Shaun Scott on a podcast with Brandi Kruse, where he said that he supported laser hair removal and boob jobs as healthcare for transgender inmates as healthcare for people serving time in jail.
>>>Watch the video on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1a1aYJhJgu/.
I support trans people. However I don’t support criminals. I don’t want to pay for people in jail to get procedures my insurance won’t cover for me. Why should it work that way? The way I understand it, once you have chosen the life of crime and you are in jail, your rights are limited. If you want to have your full rights, you must obey the law, try to do the best you can and then you are entitled to all the electrolysis and breast augmentation you can figure out how to get. There are people that will help you achieve your goals out here.
Every chance I get, I will vote for trans rights and medical freedom, if they are law abiding citizens. But I have never voted for people in jail to have more resources than I do, that have nothing to do with education and rehabilitation, in return for breaking the law. You might argue, and be right about the mental health of a trans person needing these procedures, however, the corrections system should not be fun or how you get what you want out of life. It is where you go when you hurt people or their things. It is where you go when you have done something very wrong. It is punishment.
I am not sure where to send this to, so I will send it wherever I think I can make the most impact.
Sincerely,
Summer D Clemenson
by Summer D Clemenson | Jan 21, 2026 | Letters to My Representatives, Opinions, Politics
Dear Representative,
I am writing regarding H.Res.767 and HR-1678. I was trying to learn what you were planning as far as ICE is concerned.
I see that H.Res.767 Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that violent attacks against United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities and officers are unacceptable, must be fully condemned, and that Congress stands in support of ICE’s mission to protect national security, public safety, and the enforcement of immigration law was introduced on 9/26/2025 by Russell Frye. I see it was sent to the Committee on the Judiciary, and the Committees on Homeland Security, and Foreign Affairs on the same date.
I also see that HR-1678, Homeland Security Improvement Act was presented on 2/27/2025 by Veronica Escobar. I do see that this act passed the House, Senate, President and became Law.
There is language for committees of people. The goal is to protect the workers, United States citizens, make sure people are properly trained and continually trained, proper files filled out and kept, ways to communicate are specified, how to lodge a complaint, there are words about nonlethal use of force, there is talk about vulnerable populations, talk about cultural and societal differences, de-escalation practices.
“Protecting the civil, constitutional, human, and privacy rights of individuals, with special emphasis on the scope of enforcement authority, including —
(i) chain of evidence practices and document seizure; and
(ii) use of force policies available to agents and officers;…
I have also read the notes from the meeting on January 13, 2026: ICE Under Attack.
Notably the democrats have terrible things to say about ICE. We have seen all the scenarios they have proclaimed on the news, newspapers and social media. When it was the republicans turn, we got to hear about all the atrocities conducted by illegal aliens, many of whom had recently been released from prison and jail sentences for their crimes and had deportation orders on their files.
So I have two concerns:
I have seen what looks like ICE and CBP agents stopping people. Not having warrants. Not asking for identification. Not listening to what people are telling them. I do understand that you can frame a video to be biased. I know that I might not be seeing the entire story. I also know that in places where there are thousands of ICE or CBP or military of any kind, that emotions are going to be high.
It does not look like these federal agents are protecting the civil, constitutional, human and privacy rights of individuals, with special emphasis on the scope of enforcement authority. It looks like people are not receiving due process. I am reading about reports of people, United States citizens and people here, legally that are being detained for unknowable amounts of time, with poor food, medical treatment and no contact with their families or lawyers.
My second concern is that I want to know why, these criminals, when they had completed their terms in jail or prison, where they not immediately deported? Why were they set free on the streets of the United States? This seems like a simple thing to handle. We don’t allow sex offenders to just walk out the door without an action plan, at least not in Washington State.
I am not against deporting criminals. I am not against ICE and CBP doing their job. I am against the fact that it looks like United States citizens and immigrants that are here legally and those trying to do the right thing are being treated like criminals. When people feel like they need to defend themselves, they do things they would not normally do. I am not justifying the abuse of ICE or CBP or our military, but if you treat people like criminals, they sometimes respond like criminals, even if they are not.
What I am asking regarding H.Res.767 for is a REFORM of ICE and CBP. Can these federal employees be trained to do what HR-1678 says they are supposed to do?
By the way I support the impeachment of Kristi Noem. I think she has proven herself as dishonest and I think the Secretary of Homeland Security should be someone that can be trusted.
Sincerely,
Summer D Clemenson
~
by Summer D Clemenson | Jan 20, 2026 | Life, Opinions, Politics
Years ago, I remember telling someone about my sister. On the outside, she was everything I was not. I was fat. She was thin. We both could dance, but no matter how hard I tried, I could not do a cartwheel. She could do just about anything with her body that she tried. She was made for sports. I was not. She could draw. I could not. She was good at math. But I could write and I could sing. Boys looked at her. They did not look at me. I had male friends but they never felt like I did about them. And I remember one friend that had a crush on my sister. She would have never even looked at him. He was an artist. He was never going to make the money she would expect out of her husband. But he looked at her blonde hair and slim body and was attracted to her, even though, I was a very good friend and loved him. I remember thinking about that and my hope at being victorious.
She had always been the chosen one. But I knew her.
I remember telling him that physically, she is not the most attractive, she just knows how to put herself together. On the inside she is very sad.
From afar, I have watched and it doesn’t appear that she has changed. She has what looks like is the best life and in reality, she has an amazing family and all the things people could want, in every way. I want to be happy for her. And I am happy that she doesn’t need anything because she could not live with wanting for things. I can’t say that she has grown up though. Because when you grow up, you learn how to accept things that you can’t change. You soften. You learn to forgive. You start to want the best for others, instead of looking better than everyone else. You stop trying to control other people.
Romans 8:37 says: in all these things we are more than victorious through Him who loved us.
Paul had been talking about how if God is for us, than who can be against us? And once he had spoken of our victory he went on to say that nothing can separate us from God’s love.
These words I had said to my friend, were the words of a girl that was hurt that her sister was often chosen over her. For lots of reasons that I had no control over. I was trying to teach myself to value myself in a worldly way.
These words from the bible, I am sure I had read as a child had not fully soaked into my heart because my head was hearing the outside world diminish me because I was imperfect and my sister fit a world’s view of perfection more perfectly, but God, He always knew we were both loved. He loved us both.
God loves us both
And nothing can separate us from His love. I’m glad about that. It has been what we both needed all along.
Yesterday
I saw a video of people who call themselves protesters. They went into a church during a church service. From what I saw, they did not physically hurt anyone or damage any property. But they did scare people. They also kept demanding that people say the name of Renee Nicole Good.
- If they were protesters they would have stayed on the sidewalk. They would have stayed peaceful.
- I don’t know if they caused physical harm or damage to any property.
- What I do know is that they wanted to make people angry.
When the guards came to get Jesus in the garden at Gethsemane, He said to them that they had seen him teaching in the synagogue many times, surrounded by people, and they never tried to arrest him, but now, when he was alone with His disciples, they came with swords and clubs. When one of Jesus’ disciples cut off one of the guard’s ears, Jesus rebuked Simon Peter and put the guard’s ear back on and then He went with them, peacefully. We are called to forgive those who hurt us. We are called to pray for those who do evil to us. If we do not, we are no better than those who hurt us.
We show our maturity when we accept that we cannot control others, but only ourselves. Show by example, the person of integrity that Jesus is in you. Show the world the joy, peace, mercy and grace that He is in you. If you see something on social media or the news that seems outrageous, it might be. Find a more reputable news outlet. Get more information. Pray and read your bible.
We were told that it would become confusing like this, but to be brave because Jesus has already overcome the world.
I have said this to you so that in me you may have peace. In the world you face persecution, but take courage: I have conquered the world!
John 16:33 New Revised Standard Updated Edition
~
Feel free to leave your comments below!
My name is Summer. That is how you can call me. I hope that I am a blessing to you. I am not perfect. I will fall again. But I am forgiven. For anyone reading this that isn’t a Christian, unapologetically, I am a Jesus Follower, but I believe there is room for lots of beliefs and religions in the world. It is not my intent to offend people with different beliefs than I have and I would be open to open-minded conversations with no goals of changing anyone’s mind, but sharing information. If you are interested in becoming a Jesus Follower…Do you know Jesus? Do want the Holy Spirit to fill you and give you understanding and salvation? Ask Him. Want someone to pray with you? Contact me.
If you would like to know Jesus as your friend, but want to make this amazing commitment by yourself please pray something like this: Thank you Jesus that You are the Son of God, the God that created heaven and earth. Thank you Jesus that You came to earth in the form of a man so that You would be able to empathize with my humanity. Thank You that You did this in order to fulfill the promises You made at the foundation of the world. I realize that I am a sinner and do things that hurt myself and keep myself away from you. Thank You that You died for my sins so that You could defeat death and bring me into Your life. Please forgive me. I ask You to be Lord of my life. I ask you to heal my hurts and show me what my new life, empowered by You looks like. Thank You for Your mercy.
~
by Summer D Clemenson | Jan 20, 2026 | Letters to My Representatives, Opinions, Politics
Dear Representative,
I am writing regarding the Millionaire’s Tax that Governor Bob Ferguson started talking about in December of 2025. As far as I understand this tax increase will affect those making over $1 million dollars, people in small business startups and tech workers receiving restricted stock units, that might vest all at once. This additional tax is sure to make Washington unattractive to high wage earning people. It would make sense that many people would see a great financial benefit to move to other states with smaller taxes and it wont be hard, because if this tax increase goes into affect, Washington will be the highest taxed state in the United States.
We already tax our high earner’s capital gains income at 9.9%. The state taxes us for the Washington Cares tax and Paid Family & Medical Leave tax. There are 2 more taxes that people who live in Seattle pay. I see that Ferguson’s priorities include making housing more affordable, improving public safety, strengthening education, and reducing costs for Washington families. Raising taxes are not how your reduce costs.
I have family members that have left Washington because of the taxes already. There are more making plans to leave. These tax increases are not causing growth, they are causing failure, because the people you need to stay, can afford to leave and the ones that can’t afford to leave, can’t afford to pay your taxes and will become a burden on society if you keep making it so expensive to live here. Ferguson wants to allow people who don’t want to follow the rules of society, to camp anywhere they want, but that makes tax payers and small businesses (more tax payers) feel unsupported. Law Enforcement is not allowed to arrest people that are using drugs on the street, vandalizing local businesses and causing havoc. This doesn’t make sense. Your choices are not supporting businesses and tax payers.
Poor does not equal unintelligent. I voted for Bob Ferguson, but I am not a fan of the decisions that have been made since Bob Ferguson took office.
Sincerely,
Summer D Clemenson
Read More:
by Summer D Clemenson | Jan 20, 2026 | Letters to My Representatives, Opinions, Politics
Dear Representative,
I am writing to you regarding HB-2489 which establishes statewide standards for how law enforcement regulates the use of public spaces for life-sustaining activities. From what I have read, this bill wants to make it illegal for cities to enforce laws that make it illegal for people to camp in city limits, unless they can prove that they have provided adequate shelter space at the time and place of the person camping.
As someone who is currently living in a hotel and has been in a a state of homelessness for many years, and also a person who had volunteered with Love Overwhelming and The Salvation Army, I have put a lot of thought into my viewpoint. I know there are people in need. But I also know there are people that take advantage of the system. While small business owners are victims of people who refuse services while they vandalize and torment them because they are on drugs and can’t be held responsible. I also know that not all cities are the same. Some cities are able to handle the needs of the homeless and some can not. Forcing cities to endure camping, without backup funding to pay for sanitation or mediation is not right.
Allowing people to camp in city limits is not the best way to answer rising housing costs, when you insist on raising taxes on hardworking people you only hurt the middle and lower classes of people, when the ones who own the buildings tend to have more money. So while I am telling you that I am so very much against HB-2489, I am also against anymore sales taxes. If you can’t balance the budget with the money you already have, you aren’t doing your job right.
It doesn’t make sense to hurt small businesses ever. Where I live, when homeless people harass my mother’s small business or threaten her, she is lucky if the police will charge the person with trespassing, however, if they break her window, she is responsible for replacing those windows, even though she doesn’t own the building. Why don’t you make a law that supports local businesses? When the drug-addicted homeless people left their paraphernalia in the bushes and my mom’s dog almost died, no one helped pay the vet bill or helped her take care of her dog. When she shows up to open her business and someone has pooped on her welcome mat, she is the only one to clean it up, but she isn’t the only business on her block that has similar stories. Downtown Longview, Washington deserves to decide that people do not get to camp in their business district.
We have shelters in Longview, WA. If you want services, you have to get sober. I used to think that was too hard for some people, but my wife works 3 jobs so we can live in this hotel. We are not eligible for help. We make too much money. I have worked hard to overcome mental illness. It can happen. I am better than I have ever been. I know some people can’t make good choices but I have to have faith that the right people will help those people. For the rest, they will have to choose to follow the rules.
Please vote no on HB-2489.
Sincerely,
Summer D. Clemenson
by Summer D Clemenson | Jan 18, 2026 | Letters to My Representatives, Opinions, Politics
Dear Representative,
I am writing to you in regarding SB-5855. After reading the text of this bill, I would like to encourage you to vote for this bill. This Senate Bill further defines 10.116 RCW by expressing that while peace officers are allowed to wear:
- A translucent face shield or clear mask that does not conceal the wearer’s facial identity.
- An N95 medical mask or surgical mask to protect against transmission of disease or infection or any other mask or device including, but not limited to, air-purifying respirators, full or half masks, or self-contained breathing apparatuses necessary to protect against exposure to any toxin, gas, smoke, or any other hazardous environmental condition.
- A helmet used to protect the wearer’s head during transportation on a bicycle or motorized vehicle.
Under any other situation and normal circumstance, face coverings are not allowed to be worn by Law Enforcement Officers, in accordance with 10.116 RCW.
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Summer D Clemenson
by Summer D Clemenson | Jan 13, 2026 | Opinions, Politics, Prayers & Thanksgiving
I was doing my bible study today and it occurred to me while I was reading Deuteronomy 7:1-19 why countries where Judaism or Muslim is the primary or first religion and that religion shapes their culture, why religious freedom might be hard with the United States. On the flipside of that, our response to those countries from all the different glasses we wear in the United States, including a million denominations of Christianity and the many other religions we say we make room for, and even though I am truly ignorant and very naive, think I have a better understanding today.
In the Jewish Faith there are many sacred texts but the main book that they study is the Torah which is also found in the Christian Holy Bible. These books are called Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.
The Qur’an is the primary text of Islam, revealed to the Prophet Muhammed beginning in the year 610 C.E. The Qur’an is required reading for anyone who wants to understand Islam. Qur’an means “The Recital” in Arabic; according to the story, the angel Gabriel commanded Muhammed to “Recite!”. Some Muslims do not believe that any text other than the actual Arabic text of the Quran (even a transliteration or an Arabic text with vowels) can strictly be called ‘the Qur’an’. This is because the Arabic text is considered canonical and there can be no other versions of it.
I met a Muslim woman, while I at the hospital once. I asked her about her beliefs and she said basically her beliefs were the same as Christianity, except she did not believe that Jesus was the Son of God. Now I know that isn’t entirely true, but there are some similarities.
Deuteronomy 7:1-19 New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
“When the Lord your God brings you into the land that you are about to enter and occupy and he clears away many nations before you—the Hittites, the Girgashites, the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites, seven nations more numerous and mightier than you— 2 and when the Lord your God gives them over to you and you defeat them, then you must utterly destroy them. Make no covenant with them and show them no mercy. 3 Do not intermarry with them, giving your daughters to their sons or taking their daughters for your sons, 4 for that would turn away your children from following me, to serve other gods. Then the anger of the Lord would be kindled against you, and he would destroy you quickly. 5 But this is how you must deal with them: break down their altars, smash their pillars, cut down their sacred poles, and burn their idols with fire. 6 For you are a people holy to the Lord your God; the Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on earth to be his people, his treasured possession.
7 “It was not because you were more numerous than any other people that the Lord set his heart on you and chose you, for you were the fewest of all peoples. 8 It was because the Lord loved you and kept the oath that he swore to your ancestors that the Lord has brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. 9 Know, therefore, that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who maintains covenant loyalty with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations, 10 and who repays in their own person those who reject him. He does not delay but repays in their own person those who reject him. 11 Therefore, observe diligently the commandment—the statutes and the ordinances—that I am commanding you today.
Blessings for Obedience
12 “If you heed these ordinances by diligently observing them, the Lord your God will maintain with you the covenant loyalty that he swore to your ancestors; 13 he will love you, bless you, and multiply you; he will bless the fruit of your womb and the fruit of your ground, your grain and your wine and your oil, the increase of your cattle and the issue of your flock, in the land that he swore to your ancestors to give you. 14 You shall be the most blessed of peoples, with neither sterility nor barrenness among you or your livestock. 15 The Lord will turn away from you every illness; all the dread diseases of Egypt that you experienced, he will not inflict on you, but he will lay them on all who hate you. 16 You shall devour all the peoples that the Lord your God is giving over to you, showing them no pity; you shall not serve their gods, for that would be a snare to you.
17 “If you say to yourself, ‘These nations are more numerous than I; how can I dispossess them?’ 18 do not be afraid of them. Just remember what the Lord your God did to Pharaoh and to all Egypt, 19 the great trials that your eyes saw, the signs and wonders, the mighty hand and the outstretched arm by which the Lord your God brought you out. The Lord your God will do the same to all the peoples of whom you are afraid.
So God says:
- WHEN I bring you into 7 nations that are mightier than you, you WILL defeat them.
- Make no agreement with them and show them no mercy.
- Destroy all idols and high places.
- Do not intermarry with them because that will cause you to become confused and turn away from Me and worship other gods.
- If you worship other gods, I will have to destroy you.
- I have chosen you and sustain you because I love you. If you are loyal to Me, I will keep My promise to you.
- If you reject Me. I will reject you.
- If you follow My laws, I will richly bless you.
- If you doubt Me, I will make you like the countries I have already beaten for you.
I don’t take it lightly that Judaism, Muslim/Islam, Christianity are all Abrahamic religions because they are connected through one person. All three religions are monotheistic (they believe in only one God), they originate in the Middle East and they are all connected to Abraham, the first man to make a covenant with God, the father of Isaac and Ishmael. Isaac became Israel, the father of the Israelites, otherwise known as the Jews. Jews believe in God and Jewish prophets. They do not believe in Jesus or Muhammad.
Ishmael was Abraham’s other son. The son of the servant who was sent away, the father of the Muslim people. They believe in the prophet Muhammad who was inspired, divinely to write the teachings of the Muslim religion. They believe Jesus was a prophet, but not the Son of God. Islam sees Judaism and Christianism as earlier versions of their religion, and their religion as the final, complete and correct version of religion.
Christianity is an offshoot of Judaism. Many Christian Saints lived in the Middle East. Christians believe that Jesus is the Son of God that was foretold in the Old Testament or Torah. Christians believe that Jesus was born of a virgin birth, He was crucified on a cross and rose after 3 days ascended to heaven and left His Holy Spirit here to guide them, until He comes back. Christians do not follow Jewish laws and they do not accept Muhammad as a prophet. They follow a “love they neighbor as thyself,” type of teaching.
And then I read about the crucifixion. (I have done this before)
Mark 15:37-39
Then Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed His last. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from the top to bottom. Now when the centurion who stood facing Him saw that in this way He breathed His last, he said, “Truly this man was God’s Son!”
Matthew 27:50-54 said that there was an earthquake and dead saints came back to life and were seen by many.
Luke 23:44-47 said that there was an eclipse for 3 hours from noon to 3 pm and as the light failed, that was when the curtain in the temple was torn in two.
The Tabernacle and Temple were signs that God was with the Jewish people. This building was built on separation. There were many courts. The Outer Court was for Non-Jews, the ceremonial unclean, and women. The Inner Court was for men. The Holy of Holies, which was enclosed by a thick curtain, contained the Ark of the Covenant. This symbolized the manifest presence of God. Only the High Priest was allowed in there, after ritual cleansing, one time a year. (Hebrews 9:7) The tearing of the veil meant there was now no separation between God and man.
In the Old Testament, it was believed that people would die if they spoke directly or saw God. (Exodus 19, Exodus 30:20-33, Leviticus 10:1-2) But Jesus became the conduit between God and His people. (1 Timothy 2:5) He fulfilled all prophecies. (Genesis 3:15, Genesis 22:18, Genesis 49:10, Deuteronomy 18:15-18, Psalm 2:1-12, Psalm 16:8-11, Psalm 22, Psalm 78:1-2, Psalm 110, Psalm 118:22-24)
As a Jesus Follower (I prefer this term to Christian) I feel like this is the final revelation. The New Testament is full of what was taught by Jesus as the new covenant. We are to show love and compassion. Share what we have. Be honorable towards each other and hold each other up. I believe that Jesus died to free us from the law that is so important to the Jews but can’t save anyone. (Romans 7:4)
I also see that in the United States we have a lot of options that other countries do not have. We have a lot to have to try to shut out so we can try to focus on the teachings of Jesus and things that are good and pure and holy. There are a lot of temptations. There are a lot of freedoms that might even be seen as idols to worship. Even the idea of religion can be an idol if we aren’t careful. It is hard to stay humble on this earth, regardless of where we are. Even yesterday, I got angry and forgot to pray before I sent a message to someone, I should have never sent a message to. I have been praying ever since about how to attempt to rectify that. It is hard to be human on this earth. I can see why our judgement can get us in trouble and why others might think badly of us and even hate us, especially if we hate them. If I am having trouble with my religion, I can see how others might have trouble with there own and even mine.
Its a lot to think about and even more to pray about.
Be blessed.
Read More:
~
Feel free to leave your comments below!
My name is Summer. That is how you can call me. I hope that I am a blessing to you. I am not perfect. I will fall again. But I am forgiven. For anyone reading this that isn’t a Christian, unapologetically, I am a Jesus Follower, but I believe there is room for lots of beliefs and religions in the world. It is not my intent to offend people with different beliefs than I have and I would be open to open-minded conversations with no goals of changing anyone’s mind, but sharing information. If you are interested in becoming a Jesus Follower…Do you know Jesus? Do want the Holy Spirit to fill you and give you understanding and salvation? Ask Him. Want someone to pray with you? Contact me.
If you would like to know Jesus as your friend, but want to make this amazing commitment by yourself please pray something like this: Thank you Jesus that You are the Son of God, the God that created heaven and earth. Thank you Jesus that You came to earth in the form of a man so that You would be able to empathize with my humanity. Thank You that You did this in order to fulfill the promises You made at the foundation of the world. I realize that I am a sinner and do things that hurt myself and keep myself away from you. Thank You that You died for my sins so that You could defeat death and bring me into Your life. Please forgive me. I ask You to be Lord of my life. I ask you to heal my hurts and show me what my new life, empowered by You looks like. Thank You for Your mercy.
~
by Summer D Clemenson | Jan 12, 2026 | Local Interests, Opinions, Politics
“Democracy will never be sold!” This could be heard from a man with a bullhorn on the corner of 15th Avenue and Broadway Street at the ICE protest in Longview, Washington today. There wasn’t a huge crowd. They remained on the sidewalk. They held signs. From the video clip shared on Facebook, there was even room for people who might want to access the crosswalk to be allowed to pass through the group to do so. In Longview we like order. It made sense to have the protest where they chose it, in front of City Hall, on a main drag of town.
>>>Click here to watch the video on Facebook.
The group that I am part of because we don’t have a local news station and our local paper is not actually local, is very conservative. More conservative than I aspire to be; although I am not entirely liberal. I am used to the name calling and total hateful comments towards democrats. I think all name calling is taking the easy way out. I say that because, I do call names when I am too tired to take the time to find appropriate words to describe why I feel what I feel about a situation.
If you watch the entire clip, which is very short, you can see that some signs and some people use the same phrase: FUCK ICE. I am not afraid of the F-word. My favorite comedians are from England. They say fuck a lot there. But when I told my mother, while we were Christmas shopping, after I had used the F-word, that I should really quit using that word so much, she did respond, that I should save it for special occasions. The problem with the word is that it is entirely universal, however it isn’t specific.
I was raised in Longview. I know a lot of people here. One of the commenters responded with one word: Stupidity.
I wasn’t wanting to fight with this fellow R.A. Long High School graduate of mine. I just wanted more information. I can understand why the offensive language was a problem. Children in cars or in strollers might hear those words and in a city with over 100 churches, we still care about that around here.
Another thing is, why is it ok for republicans to call democrats names and make terrible accusations against their beliefs, but when liberals complain about things that republicans are doing or call them names, they are evil? Name calling is not the best way to communicate but one calling the other out for doing what they are doing is hypocritical, at least. Everyone has a right to their opinion. I did not see any weapons out. No one was threatening anyone with their signs, bodies or their words. They were conveying that they are angry about the policies of ICE. If you have a right to your beliefs, shouldn’t you allow them the right to theirs?
I believe that the phrase FUCK ICE is not specific enough. I am not happy that ICE does not share their ID, they do not check IDs and they do not offer warrants. They have shot many people as they drive away and that endangers passersby. This is not how many agencies are trained for public safety. When President Obama was in office, ICE did not cause the issues that we are seeing now, but they were effective. I think we need to see change. This current administration encourages chaos and it is making everything worse. I am not trying to fight with anyone, I am asking you, what about these fellow United States citizens, voicing their fears is stupid to you?
32 people have died in ICE detention centers in 2025 because they didn’t get medical attention. 16 incidents in which immigration agents opened fire and another 15 incidents in which agents held someone at gunpoint since the Trump Administration has cracked down on immigration. At least three people have been shot observing or documenting immigration raids, and five people have been shot while driving away from traffic stops or evading an enforcement action. ICE has no trouble raiding people who are asleep and their children.
Up-to-date data on federal use of force is hard to find. Customs and Border Protection reports don’t include details about where incidents occurred, how many deaths or injuries happened and if victims were armed. There are also incidents were officials have used rubber bullets and pepper balls against people during protests or prayer vigils.
What this comes down to is that ICE and CBP are being used in a way that resembles the military towards communities. They are not responding to situations in a way the police respond to incidents because police are invested in the communities they serve; they live there.
According to census.gov Longview’s population is 82% white. I know these numbers are not perfect, but essentially 18% of our people are of color and according to their numbers 11% of our people are Hispanic and 11% or our people are Mixed. I can see why our people are concerned about what ICE is up to. We love our neighbors and our families. We want our children to feel safe and what we see on TV and online doesn’t make us feel safe.
So I don’t want small words that don’t say enough to be where we start and stop. I want words like:
- Hold ICE and CBP Accountable
- Retrain ICE and CBP
- Restore ICE and CBP
I was never a supporter for defunding the police. I always thought they were underfunded. They needed money for better training, more time off, mental and physical support, boots on the street and governments needed more community dollars to build up youth programs, housing, education, healthcare and community resources. But people used the term Defund the Police and hoped that we would know that is what they meant. If you google that phrase, that is what you will find. The sad thing is that most of us don’t have time to stop and google every phrase and see where it came from.
But maybe if you know that now, Defund ICE and CBP makes sense. But that also means more taxes since everything that the government does whether it is state or federal is paid for by you and me, the tax payers. That might be another reason that people are angry about ICE. We are paying for what we are afraid of. Just a thought…
Be Blessed…
Read More:
~
Feel free to leave your comments below!
My name is Summer. That is how you can call me. I hope that I am a blessing to you. I am not perfect. I will fall again. But I am forgiven. For anyone reading this that isn’t a Christian, unapologetically, I am a Jesus Follower, but I believe there is room for lots of beliefs and religions in the world. It is not my intent to offend people with different beliefs than I have and I would be open to open-minded conversations with no goals of changing anyone’s mind, but sharing information. If you are interested in becoming a Jesus Follower…Do you know Jesus? Do want the Holy Spirit to fill you and give you understanding and salvation? Ask Him. Want someone to pray with you? Contact me.
If you would like to know Jesus as your friend, but want to make this amazing commitment by yourself please pray something like this: Thank you Jesus that You are the Son of God, the God that created heaven and earth. Thank you Jesus that You came to earth in the form of a man so that You would be able to empathize with my humanity. Thank You that You did this in order to fulfill the promises You made at the foundation of the world. I realize that I am a sinner and do things that hurt myself and keep myself away from you. Thank You that You died for my sins so that You could defeat death and bring me into Your life. Please forgive me. I ask You to be Lord of my life. I ask you to heal my hurts and show me what my new life, empowered by You looks like. Thank You for Your mercy.
~
by Summer D Clemenson | Jan 9, 2026 | Letters to My Representatives, Opinions, Politics
Dear Representative,
I am writing in regards to Trump’s January 7, 2026 Memorandum: Withdrawing the United States from and Ending Funding to Certain United Nations Organizations and Reviewing United States Support to All International Organizations.
In his order Trump says that after hearing from his Secretary of State regarding the United States representative for the United Nations, he has decided that the interests of the United Nations are no longer aligned with the United States of America and he has decided that as soon as possible he wants us to cease our involvement in 35 Non-United Nations Organizations and 31 United Nations Organizations.
The mandate of the U.N. Security Council is to maintain international peace and security.
“The charter states that UN membership is open to all ‘peace-loving states’ that accept obligations under that charter and, in the judgement of the organization, able and willing to carry out such obligations.”
After recent events, including Venezuela and several shootings involving ICE and border security, I am feeling more and more as though we are not a peace-loving country. Comments that Trump has said in front of cameras or shared on social media where he threatened Colombia, Cuba, Mexico and Greenland have also made me feel more insecure in this world.
It seems as though Trump wants to remove us from the UN. I haven’t been able to find whether our relationship with the UN was created by Congress, however I did find that the UN was created after World War II. I don’t want to see WWIII in my lifetime.
I am terrified. I don’t believe this man has good intentions for the United States. Please help.
Sincerely,
Summer D. Clemenson
by Summer D Clemenson | Jan 5, 2026 | Letters to My Representatives, Opinions, Politics
Dear Representative,
I have written to you regarding my desire to see Trump removed from the presidency in the past. But now that I know that he has been working with his cabinet and other people in authority to overcome Venezuela and kidnap their president and his wife, while you were out of session, I want to see Donald Trump and his entire cabinet and any compliant government officials impeached and removed from their positions in our government. Not only have the actions that he has ordered since September 2025 against Venezuela killed at least 155 people but I have read articles that tell me that North Korea has tested nuclear missiles, in preparation for war. Spain, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Uruguay have joined forces to criticize the actions of the United States as against International Law and any future exploitation of natural resources in Venezuela would not be in harmony with International Law and sovereignty. I have also read of adverse judgment from Iran, Russia and China. I don’t want to live in another 20+ year war.
Trump consistently says one thing and then the next day, he changes his mind. This is a paraphrase of the nicest way I have ever heard someone call him a liar, that I have ever read, as of yesterday. The actions of the Trump Administration has put us under scrutiny and possibly in danger. Under Article 11, Section 4, please invoke the powers of impeachment for treason, bribery, high crimes and misdemeanors as you and your colleagues see fit. We cannot afford to keep this administration in office. Their cost is too dear.
Sincerely,
Summer D Clemenson
~
by Summer D Clemenson | Jan 4, 2026 | Letters to My Representatives, Opinions, Politics
Dear Representative,
I am writing to you in regards to H.R. 5722 Preserving a Sharia-Free America Act. This Act was introduced on October 8, 2025 by republican Representative Chip Roy. This Act is meant to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to prohibit entry of aliens who adhere to Sharia Law.
“The term Sharia comes from the Arabic word meaning “path to the water,” which reflects the concept that Sharia is divine guidance drawn mainly from the Qur’an and Sunnah (teachings and guidance of Prophet Muhammad) for the purpose of helping humanity draw close to God and live in kindness and justice with His Creation.” A Closer Look at Sharia in the United States by ING
Muslims follow Sharia in the same way that people of other faiths follow their sacred laws and traditions. The First Amendment of the Constitution protects our rights to religious freedom as long as our practice respects other people’s rights. No religious law can supersede state or federal law. Sharia law commands that Muslims honor the laws of the land where they live.
I do not believe that H.R. 5722 is necessary and I am surprised that republicans would be for more laws, when they say they want less government. While reading the Immigration and Nationality Act from October 1965, in section 203 there are words regarding people from the Middle East and people from communist countries. In Statute 176, section 205, it states, “The Attorney General, at any time for what he deems to be good and sufficient cause, may revoke the approval of any petition approved by him in section 204.”
I believe that H.R. 5722 is a ploy to invoke fear and hate and is unnecessary because we already have given the ability to the Attorney General to remove immigrants who are not willing to follow the laws of the United States before they become naturalized.
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Summer D. Clemenson
~
Read More:
by Summer D Clemenson | Jan 3, 2026 | Opinions, Politics
As we are about to come upon the first year anniversary of Trump of his second term as the President of the United States. I am now asking myself: Are We At War?
We were watching The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and suddenly we were interrupted by the news to tell us that Venezuela has been attacked. Venezuela has not done anything to the United States. Although they have condemned the military aggression and acts of international piracy our military has perpetrated against them as a violation of international law.
President Trump has increasingly conducted military and intelligence operations around and inside Venezuela. Since September 2025. These actions include:
- Over 35 boats in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific have been struck. These actions have caused at least 115 deaths. Trump says these boats were smuggling drugs, however he has offered no proof.
- CIA drone strikes on a port facility on Venezuelan soil in December 2025.
- Sanctioned Venezuelan oil tankers have been seized by the United States.
- Significant U.S. military presence buildup in the region around Venezuela.
Just this morning on January 3, 2026, strikes have been reported on the main military base in Caracas. This has caused a blackout. It is presumed by Venezuela that these strikes have come from the United States.
The Associated Press has reported at least 7 explosions and low-flying air craft at the capital. There is evidence of smoke rising at La Carlota Airport.
Thursday, President Nicolás Madura said he would be willing to talk with Trump’s administration about combatting drug trafficking, however he has also said he thinks Trump wants access to Venezuela’s vast oil reserves and wants to communicate through, “threats, intimidation and force.”
- Colombian President Gustavo Petro called for an emergency meeting of Organization of American States (OAS) and the United Nations (UN) on Saturday.
- The US Embassy in Venezuela has advised against travel to the United States and suggests that people should shelter in place.
- Cuba’s President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez denounced “the criminal attack by the US on Venezuela.”
- The United States Federal Aviation Administration has issued a NOTAM prohibiting US aircraft from operating within Venezuelan airspace today.
Trump has threatened for months that he intended to begin land strikes. At this time, The White House and Pentagon have not released any statements. CBS has reported that Trump, in fact ordered the strikes. I wanted to ignore their article because I wanted to have more proof, but since other countries are believing CBS’s reporting, that US officials have reported that it is true and the military actions has caused these catastrophes.
The thing I keep thinking about is that it sounds like Trump has decided that we are going to war. But that isn’t his job to decide this. And he has done it while Congress is not in session.
The president is Commander in Chief of the military. The president may deploy troops for limited actions without a declaration of war, in the case of an emergency. However, Congress is the authority over declaring war (Article I, Section 8, Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution of the United States of America).
Another thing that is bothering me, is how much time Congress is taking to act. I realize they have rules to follow, but by now, they should be able to anticipate what Trump is about to do. When I checked Congress’ website I only saw two Resolutions or Bills that refer to Venezuela.
H.Con.Res.64 was introduced to the House on 12/1/2025 by Rep. James P. McGovern, a democrat from Massachusetts. The resolution would direct the removal of US Armed Forces within or against Venezuela that have not been authorized by Congress. It was voted on, on 12/17/2025. It failed 211 – 213.
S.3344 Prohibiting Unauthorized Military Action in Venezuela Act of 2025 was introduced on December 4, 2025 by Senator Jeff Merkley, democrat from Oregon. It was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations…before they went out of session.
They might be back in session on Monday. It is hard to say. When I look at Congress.org the January 2026 calendar is not listed, but January 2025 shows that they worked most weekdays, last year. Hopefully they will think this is important.
I am really trying to be fair and honest. If Venezuela has done nothing to us, I am really upset that Trump is sending our military to hurt them. I am sad that our military is obeying him. I am confused that our military is following Trump without the leadership of our Congress. But I am crushed by that lack of action of our Congress. They are simply not doing their job. They are letting Trump do whatever he wants, regardless of what the people want. I do understand that some of us voted him in and want him to do what he is doing. But not everyone likes what he is doing. And since when is it ok to kill people without a fair trial?
I don’t want to be at war.
Read More:
~
Feel free to leave your comments below!
My name is Summer. That is how you can call me. I hope that I am a blessing to you. I am not perfect. I will fall again. But I am forgiven. For anyone reading this that isn’t a Christian, unapologetically, I am a Jesus Follower, but I believe there is room for lots of beliefs and religions in the world. It is not my intent to offend people with different beliefs than I have and I would be open to open-minded conversations with no goals of changing anyone’s mind, but sharing information. If you are interested in becoming a Jesus Follower…Do you know Jesus? Do want the Holy Spirit to fill you and give you understanding and salvation? Ask Him. Want someone to pray with you? Contact me.
If you would like to know Jesus as your friend, but want to make this amazing commitment by yourself please pray something like this: Thank you Jesus that You are the Son of God, the God that created heaven and earth. Thank you Jesus that You came to earth in the form of a man so that You would be able to empathize with my humanity. Thank You that You did this in order to fulfill the promises You made at the foundation of the world. I realize that I am a sinner and do things that hurt myself and keep myself away from you. Thank You that You died for my sins so that You could defeat death and bring me into Your life. Please forgive me. I ask You to be Lord of my life. I ask you to heal my hurts and show me what my new life, empowered by You looks like. Thank You for Your mercy.
~
Please wait...
