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
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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.
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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…
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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
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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
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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:
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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 | Dec 12, 2025 | Opinions, Politics
Today I was scrolling and watching videos and found Jayne Converse on Articles of Impeachment and I was so inspired that I decided to share her words. This is not a perfect word for word dictation of her video, but it is pretty close and I think it is a very good message. I hope it inspires you to write to your representative to support H.Res.353, articles of Impeachment for Donald J. Trump.
These Articles of Impeachment illustrate a pattern of abusive conduct that violate the Constitution, endangers the public, and undermines the foundation of our democracy. Al Green, lawyer and house representative for Texas’ 9th district, intends to file Articles of Impeachment before Christmas, but this responsibility does not fall only on members of Congress but on people who have made an oath to defend the Constitution. The Constitution belongs to all of us and so does the responsibility to defend it.
Article I. Abuse of Power Through Unlawful Detention & Human Rights Violations
As president, Donald J. Trump has directed federal agencies, including Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement to carry out raids, detentions enforcement actions without lawful warrants, without probable cause, and without constitutional protections owed to every person under the jurisdiction of The United States. He has permitted the detention of U.S. citizens, the targeting of political protesters, the coercive deportation into foreign detention facilities and the expansion of detention centers where documented abuses have occurred. Such actions are abuses of the powers of the presidency and a violation of the 1st, 4th, and 5th Amendments.
The government has enormous power but not in a random manner, without cause, or to weaponize fear. When federal power is used against the people it is meant to protect, the presidency has crossed a constitutional line.
Article II. Defiance of Federal Law & Court Orders
Donald J. Trump has repeatedly refused to comply with federal court rulings governing asylum procedures, detention limits, access to counsel, medical care and due process rights. He has diverted federal funds without congressional authorization in violation of Article I of the Constitution and the Appropriations Clause. This conduct represents a sustained defiance of the judiciary and a failure to take care that the laws be executed.
Our system only works when each branch respects its limits. A president who ignores court rulings places himself above the law. A president who spends money without Congress violates one of the oldest checks on executive power. The Constitution does not allow a president to rule by force of will.
Article III. Corruption of Justice & Retaliation Against Critics
Donald J. Trump has misused the Department of Justice and other federal agencies to initiate or threaten investigations into political opponents, journalists, protesters, and state officials for the purpose of retaliation and intimidation. He had interfered in the federal prosecutions involving allies and pressured law enforcement to act, not in the interest of justice, but in the interest of the president himself. Such conduct violates the principle of impartial justice and constitutes a profound abuse of executive authority.
The justice system is supposed to be neutral. It cannot function when the president uses it to punish or shield his allies. When law enforcement becomes a political weapon, democracy is unravelling from the inside out.
Article IV. Obstruction of Congress & Concealment of Information
Donald J. Trump has stopped the lawful oversight responsible of Congress by refusing to comply with subpoenas, directing executive officials not to testify, withholding documents, impeding inspectors generals, and concealing medical and administrative information needed for Congress to assess the functioning of the Executive branch. This obstruction violates congress’s Article I authority and prevents the Legislative branch from carrying out its constitutional duty.
Congress can’t check the Executive branch if the president blocks every attempt at oversight. Transparency is not optional, its required. A president who conceals, obstructs and evades review threatens the balance of power itself.
Article V. Endangerment of National Security Through Impaired Governance
Donald J. Trump has exhibited repeated signs of cognitive and physical impairment, including disorientation, confusion, inability to remain focused during briefings, erratic public behavior and unexplained medical indicators while refusing to initiate procedures under the 25th Amendment or to transfer authority when unable to discharge the powers and duties of the presidency. Such conduct endangers national security and constitutes a willful dereliction of duty.
Health challenges are human. But hiding an impairment while making decisions that affect national security is not acceptable. The 25th Amendment gives the vice president and the cabinet the power to step in if the president if a president can’t do his job. They are the backup system the Constitution created for moments like this. If the president wont acknowledge the problem and the people who could use the 25th Amendment don’t act, then impeachment is the only tool left to protect the country.
These article taken together describe a pattern of conduct that threaten our constitutional order. A president who abuses power, defies the law, retaliates against critics, obstructs oversite and governs while impaired violates the oath he swore the the United States people.
Impeachment is not an act of hostility. Its an act of protection. A safeguard, written for moments like this.
>Watch Jayne Converse’s entire video.
Note: the link above is to a video on Facebook. I do not own the site and I do not manage it.
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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 | Dec 12, 2025 | Life, Opinions, Politics
“16, 26, ~27, and as many as 69 depending on how misconduct is counted women” accused Donald Trump of sexual abuse and STILL some people made him president. 27 women. That is a lot of women to be lying. But 27 women. I think I should start calling Trump, President 27 Women. We really fucked up somewhere. That is just irresponsible on our part as a nation because we do not support victims of sexual assault.
The families of 3 young men accused Michael Jackson of sexual misconduct. It was never proven but people still talk about it. I don’t know if MJ hurt those boys, but I would never let my children spend the night in a grown man’s bed, that wasn’t family, especially if I wasn’t there, so if they were hurt, some of the blame is on the parents for being irresponsible.
Nearly every person I know has been molested or raped at some point in their life. Women and children go missing every day and they are never found. We know human trafficking is a real thing yet we don’t seem to have a solution. 27 women have accused our current president of sexual misconduct, yet people still voted for him. When I told Nana that one of grandfathers touched my breast when I hugged him, she laughed and said he was a handsy guy. He had done that to her; that is how I knew she would not be able to advise me on this situation. Nana was intelligent, classy and beautiful, but she also accepted that men would take their advances.
Society has created laws against sexual assault, harassment and violence. Society has created consequences too. But somewhere in between, the laws don’t seem to protect the victims as much as they do the perpetrators. And if the bad guy does serve time, they tend to get out early, they don’t have to prove themselves rehabilitated, and society still has to pay for them in monthly installments, because no one wants to hire them unless they are well educated.
The other day I started a new LinkedIn. My old one was hacked awhile back and I just didn’t feel like starting over until I was helping a company with their marketing. For some reason LinkedIn showed me a profile of someone I hadn’t seen in years. He was a person I met at a Goodwill event that seemed like a nice person. I tried to give him chances but he was a level 3 registered sex offender for a reason. And after I realized he was grooming me, I removed him from my life. Seeing him, has brought up a lot of feelings. He didn’t rape me, but he did feel ok with making me feel like he was taking advantage of my trust in him in ways my other friends did not.
What I want to know is how do we change a system that is not protecting anyone? The people in my world are not only women, but men, not only white, but all colors. Why do we as a society allow each other to be hurt? Although any person can hurt someone, we know that most perpetrators are white males. What is so broken in white males that we are willing to hide, instead of helping them stop?
I posted some of this online and one friend was honest about the fact that we are wrong to call this crime sexual assault because the only thing about this assault that is sexual is that it involves genitals. Rape, molestation and human trafficking is about power and control, hatred and abuse. The perpetrator is turned on by the fact that the victim can be blamed by what they wore or just by the fact that they can be blamed at all, thereby justifying their addiction to their victimization.
Another person said, “The Epstein Criminal Enterprise tells all of us that justice isn’t equal and if you are powerful enough you can get away with anything.” They also said that because of this, it was hard for them to leave their child with anyone.
Someone stated at a Narcotics Anonymous meeting once that the definition of insanity was doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results (yes I know you thought Einstein said it, but we were wrong). So when are we going to start treating assault that includes unwanted advances that are sexual in nature, or just plain violent, hateful and include our genitals, differently so that the victim is no longer victimized and the perpetrator is found guilty and not allowed to be validated and turned on by further victimization?
Well…first off…you can write to your representative about House Resolution 353, which are articles of impeachment for President Donald J Trump, AKA President 27 Women. We should not have a president that has been accused by that many women; they all can’t be lying. Next when someone tells you that they have been victimized, believe them, love them, and support them in legally getting justice against their perpetrator.
There should be no difference between any of us, regardless of our status in society.
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:28
Read More:
- A sexual abuse ruling. 26 accusations. Yet Trump is still frontrunner to be the next President by Bevan Hurley for Independent, May 10, 2023
- Donald Trump Sexual Misconduct Allegations: 26 women, 43 instances, starting 1970 by Abhishek Awasthi for First Post, April 26, 2023
- How many women have publicly accused Donald Trump of sexual assault or misconduct and what are the sources for each allegation? by Factually Staff November 22, 2025
- List of Trump’s accusers and their allegations of sexual misconduct by Meghan Keneally for ABC News, September 18, 2020
- Michael Jackson: A Quarter-Century Of Sexual Abuse Allegations by Anastasia Tsioulcas for NPR, March 5, 2019
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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 | Dec 10, 2025 | Letters to My Representatives, Opinions, Politics
Dear Representative,
Tonight I saw a video by an influencer I follow. She was talking about Bill S.3386 which was introduced to the Senate on 12/08/2025 by Senator Mike Crapo, to be voted on, on 12/11/2025. The influencer stated that this bill was in response to the Affordable Health Care Act tax credits that are expiring next month. Her main concern was that she felt that this plan was about the rich becoming richer while the poor were not cared for at all. She said that monthly costs for currently insured people would skyrocket, deductibles would double and there would be more out of pocket costs. She also stated that insurance companies would be free to deny coverage for care. This would mean that many people would just not be able to afford to have health insurance. I agree with her, that we do not need more poor people filing bankruptcy because they got sick.
I also thought her point that Universal Healthcare would save the United States $450 billion a year if we were to switch over, because of how inefficient and expensive our medical system currently is. Have you looked into that? Is she correct?
When I read the text of the bill, honestly there were not many details there to come up with her premise. This actually bothers me because there is not enough text available to know how to vote. What I did see was that, although the the bill is called the Health Care Freedom for Patients Act for 2025, there are stipulations that people will not be able to have gender affirming care under this health insurance policy. I believe very strongly that what my doctor and I decide needs to or will be happening with my body, should be between my doctor and I. I don’t see why you should have any say in that.
So overall, I am a hard no on this bill.
Sincerely,
Summer D Clemenson
by Summer D Clemenson | Nov 20, 2025 | Letters to My Representatives, Opinions
Dear Representative,
I am very concerned about hearing about a massive structural shift in the Department of Education. I have heard that the Elementary, Secondary & Post Secondary Education programs are being moved to the Department of Labor. These are core educational functions for the entire United States of America. Foreign Medical Accreditation (FMA) & Childcare Access Means Program (CAM) are being sent to Health & Human Services. International Education & Foreign Language Programs are going to the State Department.
Usually Congress, public comment, & impact statements are done before anything like this would take place prior to a federal agency being dissolved or restructured, but the Trump administration is forgoing the legislative process by reallocating the Department of Education’s core functions. This is diluting accountability, removing civil rights protections & national educations standards for all students, nationwide.
The mission of the Department of Education (ED) is to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access for students of all ages.
The mission of the Department of Labor is: To foster, promote, and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers, and retirees of the United States; improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work-related benefits and rights.
Please tell me how The Department of Labor is able to take care of the educational needs of our students? I could go on, but it would be redundant. I am very concerned by the direction we are going as a country. I am very much against the fact that Congress is allowing this sidestep to happen. Please make this stop.
Sincerely,
Summer D Clemenson
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by Summer D Clemenson | Nov 13, 2025 | About Summer, Life, Opinions, Politics
I have struggled a lot during the campaign and the reign of Trump. I won’t say much on that because verbally bashing the president is redundant at this point. I do pray that God blesses him and that God finds glory for Himself in whatever God is doing in and through Trump. Any success Trump has is a success for us all and I would be a fool to not support this. I too am an imperfect human. I too can be judged by many. I too can be misunderstood. But whether I misunderstood him, or his imperfections caused valid fear in me, it has effectively persuaded some of my responses.
Jamie and Summer getting together and enjoying our time.
I am an independent thinking voter, who has never voted straight across a platform until Trump was being voted for because I was afraid of Project 2025. I regret my state level votes. However, our democratic governor has nothing to do with the fact that Project 2025 began happening the minute Trump took office.
As far as the government shutdown goes. There came a moment when I knew people were not getting their paychecks but were expected to go to work, that I felt like we had to stop playing politics and be humans. When people were worried about their SNAP and WIC benefits and it was no longer important to me if the republicans or the democrats won. When an airplane crashed into a building with workers in it and people died, it was time to stop listening to Trump be wish washy and be forced by judges to feed hungry Americans. Because The USA is made of people; hard working people. People who deserve to be paid for their work so they can pay their bills and that money can go into our economy and build us all. Just like the SNAP and WIC benefits don’t just benefit the families that use them, but the grocery store that gets them and all the truck drivers and gas stations and every other business that support and supply the grocery stores and their workers. I don’t care if you think one side caved. The government staying closed, hurts us all. Insurance is important, but it was never going to be fixed if Congress could not get together and work on it.
I am watching as more democrats are taking positions or announcing their candidacy in government. I mentioned Jack Schlossberg, JFK’s grandson, running for Congress to Karen G Clemenson when she stopped by between jobs. I don’t know anything more about him. I don’t know if he will be good at the position. But I recognize that it is normal that when we have a president that shakes us up, that belongs to one party, we tend to switch to the other side at that next election. Our current president has more than shook up The United States, but other countries as well. So soon in his run, I am interested to see what will happen next. I was scared at one point. But then I decided to detach and see if I could enjoy any of Trump’s audacity.
I will never understand his appeal to anyone but I do enjoy audacity. It’s my type of humor. So I guess if you see me laughing, you can assume I’m dealing with myself the best way I know how.
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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 | Nov 13, 2025 | Letters to My Representatives, Opinions, Politics
Dear Representative,
I would like you to discuss with other democrat congress members to propose a motion to vacate the chair of the speaker of the house, Mike Johnson. I know you will need a total of 9 sponsors. Please find them.
I do not believe that Johnson is able to make wise decisions, but is only a puppet for the whims of the president, which are not always legal. Proof of this is the fact that democrat, Adelita Grijalva, was not sworn into her position as representative for Arizona for 7 weeks after she was elected. I understand that he believes that he is justified in making her wait because Nancy Pelosi did not swear in Julia Letlow in for 25 days when she was elected in 2021, but in that situation, the house was scheduled to be closed. In the situation with Grijalva, Johnson refused to call the house to order. Also republicans, Jimmy Patronis and Randy Fine were both sworn in within 24 hours of being elected. This is biased treatment.
Johnson’s actions have caused chaos in our country and might have caused federal employees to go without pay and people needing food assistance to be worried and wondering, nationwide. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Summer D Clemenson
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by Summer D Clemenson | Nov 7, 2025 | Letters to My Representatives, Opinions, Politics
Dear Representative,
It is Day 36. Google tells me this is the longest government shut down in our nation’s history. Republicans say it is the democrat’s fault because they wont cave to their wishes. Democrats say it is the republican’s fault because republicans wont open the house, Trump wont negotiate anything regarding the Affordable Care Act, and Adelita Grijalva has still not been sworn in. Here is the thing, even though Trump has been ordered by Federal Judges to make SNAP and WIC funding available he is choosing to appeal these rulings and break the law again. So guess who I think is wrong? All of you, especially the republicans.
The dems probably think they are stopping Trump’s administration from being completely lawless by keeping our government from functioning. I can see why they don’t want to give up any control they have because there are bills ready to be voted on to make voting very hard; which should never have been written because voting has always been facilitated by the states. Trump promised a lot of powers of the states would not be touched. But we know he is a liar. I am sending this message to many representatives, not just my own, so why are you supporting him? I understand that MAGAs support him, but they are not the only ones that you work for. Aren’t you tired yet?
I am exhausted. I am sick of the party fight too. Since we know the ACA is broken, why don’t you fix it. If that is your plan, why don’t you tell us? There are more poor in this country than there are wealthy. We count. We need to know that you are willing to stand for us. Why are you letting Trump starve the poor and gut Medicare? Why are you letting people go to work without paychecks? Why does Trump’s administration get to break the law without consequences? Why do you get a paycheck for no work, while our military, security guards and other federal employees don’t; while people die in plane crashes.
Please do the right thing. Please open the government and fight for all of us.
Sincerely,
Summer D Clemenson
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by Summer D Clemenson | Nov 5, 2025 | Letters to My Representatives, Opinions, Politics
Dear Representative,
As you know, the government shutdown has been upon us for 5 weeks on November 5, 2025. At first, I was ok with it, I thought it was noble. I thought it was right to help out all families that depend on the Affordable Care Act. But as we kept waiting, it got old.
As Air Traffic Controllers, Active Military, Federal Employees, In Hospital Medical Staff, FBI Agents, Border Patrol, Prison Guards & Emergency Response Workers like FEMA missed paychecks, but still had to work, I started to flinch. And then SNAP & WIC benefits were stopped & now I’m just angry.
I am neither a republican nor a democrat, you might not know that because I have voted for you. I am a free thinker. I believe that when the main parties have strong platforms to stand on they balance each other out & help all United States citizens to feel heard & served. My neighbors & I don’t feel served.
I have been reading what people have been saying about the shutdown & learning that people getting insurance outside of the ACA don’t get any subsidies, because the ACA only benefits families similar to a family of 3 making $106,000 or less. So with the tax benefit that only a certain part of the population gets, this has helped cause prices for healthcare to skyrocket. This is why republican voters don’t like the ACA.
However I know people that make much less than $106,000 who still can’t afford the ACA & yet they work. So the ACA is not working for the very poor either. They still need healthcare. But the subsidies end in January and insurance companies are sending out notices now & this is why democrats want the subsidies made permanent & they are demanding $50 billion to do it.
Republicans say they have a new healthcare plan but they wont tell anyone what it is. They just want the government opened. Democrats feel like they have to stand strong. I can empathize with this but people need to pay their bills & buy groceries, & let’s be real, programs like SNAP & WIC also support the stores & entities that supply the stores so it isn’t just about feeding people but supporting people at all levels.
I read today that 8 democrats have been meeting with Senate Majority Leader John Thune. SNAP is the reason for the change of pace. “Allowing nearly 42 million Americans to miss food assistance would be a ‘betrayal’ of Democratic values,” said Senator John Fetterman.
I want you to join the 8 democrats that are willing to open the government. I want people to be paid to do their jobs. I want people to get their SNAP & WIC benefits. I also want both democrats and republicans to work together to fix the ACA to benefit all United States citizens. We all deserve to be able to go to the doctor. You all should be working for us.
Put down the egos or party policies and be humans that serve us. Please.
Sincerely,
Summer D Clemenson
by Summer D Clemenson | Oct 25, 2025 | Letters to My Representatives, Opinions, Politics
Dear Representative,
I am sitting in one of the richest countries in the world and yet people I know are being told they won’t get their SNAP benefits on November 1, 2025. I am trying to stay calm and think logically. $8 billion dollars cannot be found to feed people, families, children, disabled people and elderly in the United States of America and also support all the retailers that supply the grocery stores, but $20 billion was sent to Argentina. I don’t understand this. I thought Trump was all for America first. I thought he meant the United States.
Republican’s Big Beautiful Bill cut $186 billion from the SNAP program and then the USDA decided to not report on food insecurity anymore. Is that so that no one can see how big the need is, except for those who are starving? $300 million can be raised to build a ballroom in the White House, where we already had one, but we can’t feed families. The government can stay closed and you still get your pay checks while many other families are forced to work without pay. Why are you so special?
Honestly, I don’t know where to start. As a Washington State resident, I am shocked at the huge tax increases created by Governor Ferguson, especially during a time where we are also seeing huge tariffs, aka taxes, by Trump. These taxes on gasoline, businesses, sales tax, etc.. are making life very hard to afford. I voted for this man because I was afraid of what republicans were going to do and I see that democrats are hurting us too.
Every day there is something else that is happening that makes me wonder if you are working for me or against me and the people I care about, the people that might have voted for you. I need to see some change. I need to see that “We the People” are important.
By the way, when are you going to impeach Trump? Before or after he sells us to another country?
Sincerely,
Summer D Clemenson
by Summer D Clemenson | Oct 21, 2025 | Opinions, Poetry, Politics
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I am made in my Creator’s image
I am white
I am female
I am a United States Citizen
I am just like you
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Jesus turned over tables
where they sold offerings
for money
But He gave Himself on the cross
for free
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You are just like me
I am black
I am queer
I am houseless & I can read
But the freedom of my Spirit
does not match my Constitution
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Some say the government
should only provide the laws & foundation
That citizens must create
the opportunities they desire
But when taxes are so high we can’t dream
How do we free those that can’t breathe
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We are the same
I am disabled
I am a veteran
I am a tree-hugging peace-lover
I can’t do this without You
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Photo Credit: Aesthetic Aristocracy on Tumblr
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by Summer D Clemenson | Oct 16, 2025 | Letters to My Representatives, Opinions
Dear Representative,
This government shutdown has been exhausting. Thank you for fighting for healthcare for all United States citizens. In a country as wealthy as we are, it baffles me why we can’t offer universal healthcare so that everyone is cared for and premiums are not affected by people that can’t pay their bills. Please keep fighting. Let’s talk about money.
As a related item, I hear that SNAP benefits are on the chopping block. If the government stays closed through November 1, SNAP will be held back. Please do what you can to open the government, but if that can’t happen, please protect the families that depend on these benefits. My family doesn’t meet the standard for these, but my best friend does, and we help where we can, but we can’t replace what SNAP gives her.
Another reason for this letter, is that I saw Representatives Melanie Stansbury and Angie Craig, in a video they posted on Facebook, explaining that Trump had promised $40 billion to Argentina. Regardless of the reasons they gave for this, doesn’t Congress have control over the purse strings? I personally don’t want to bail out Argentina. I would like my portion of the tax dollars to pay for our national debt.
In fact, I think it is more important to pay down our national debt than to add a ball room to the White House, built an Air Force base in Iowa for the use of training Qatar troops, or to federalize our military to use our military against our own people. I don’t know everything, but I remember being told the republicans were the party of the balanced budget, this is not that.
I want to share something personal with you. I am chronically ill and disabled. I rely on social security and my wife works 3 jobs to pay our bills. We are not fancy people. We have one car. It doesn’t run right now, and we can’t afford to replace it, but we are blessed because we have a friend who has an extra car that my wife has made a deal with to drive for the time being. We don’t drink alcohol, use drugs or smoke cigarettes. We don’t travel. We don’t go to the theater but we might splurge 1-2 times a year to see a movie. I buy almost all our clothes second hand. I cook most of our food from scratch because I have a lot of food sensitivities. We have a very short list of restaurants (based on whether I have gotten sick or not after eating there) that we might visit once a week. Did I mention we live in a hotel? It is impossible to save money to move when all your money goes to your rent. I know my story is slightly unique but not impossible.
Since June I have had a radiation treatment, 2 surgeries, many appointments with all my specialists, and lost at least 30 lbs. I did not have bariatric surgery. I have also continued to watch Trump and his cabinet and MAGAs that have done everything to make sure Trump is comfortable. Yet my anxiety is high. Even while I don’t read the news as often as I like and I leave the tv off until my wife gets home late at night.
I think it’s normal that I am having trouble finding my motivation since I have had so medical episodes back to back. But maybe this works as a metaphor for The United States. I have 14 diagnosed illnesses. Only one can be cured. But untreated, the one that can be cured, can kill me. The 13 diagnosis that can’t be cured, can be managed and with the right lifestyle choices, I can have decent quality of life.
I think lobbyist, manipulation, and anything that is not honest and black and white and pitting republicans against democrats or visa versa is like my cancer. We’ve had it a long time, but if we don’t get rid of it, we are doomed to die. Most of everything else is chronic and we have to learn to manage it efficiently, which means we have to very honest with ourselves, we must stop fighting, we must stop hating, and we must return to respecting our Constitution.
Sincerely,
Summer D Clemenson
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by Summer D Clemenson | Oct 7, 2025 | Opinions, Politics, Prayers & Thanksgiving
In my life I have walked with Jesus for almost 45 years. In the first half of my relationship with Him, I did not have as much control over where I learned about Him or what that meant, however, He saved me so many times. In much more conservative surroundings, my viewpoint on abortion was very set in stone. As I have learned more about humanity and a very compassionate Jesus, my views on laws have changed a lot. But today I woke and thought: Is Abortion Wrong?
I have always thought I knew what the bible said about abortion, however, today it occurred to me that I have not researched what the bible said with an open mind on this topic, or even in this decade, and probably not in the last 20 years. Today I did a search online about what the bible actually says about abortion and found several sites that were interesting and offered many scriptures and a couple viewpoints. I have shared a couple of the sites below if you are interested in reading them. I made sure to find more than one viewpoint.
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There were plenty of scriptures:
We can know that God planned our lives before He created us and He created us in His image. We know that God always knows us and He is always with us.
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Moses wrote in Genesis 1:26-27
Then God said,” Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.
also see Genesis 9:6
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King David wrote Psalm 139:13-16
For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from You when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them.
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The prophet Jeremiah wrote in Jeremiah 1:5
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.”
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Regarding violence Moses writes in Exodus 21:22-25
If men fight, and hurt a woman with child so that she gives birth prematurely, yet no harm follows, he shall surely be punished accordingly as the woman’s husband imposes on him; and he shall pay as the judges determine. But if any harm follows, then you shall give life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.
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But it should be known that the bible isn’t specific about who’s life they are replacing and in one article, it says the bible is not concerned with the life of the baby, but the mother.
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Moses writes in both Exodus 20:13 and Deuteronomy 5:17 say: You shall not murder.
I have no argument with this scripture. It is pretty cut and dry, however is it murder to have an abortion? There is no clear scripture about this in the bible. We know that there were abortion procedures in the days of the bible times, not anything like what we have now, but it was known how to end a pregnancy. Genesis 9:6 says whoever sheds man’s blood, by man his blood will be shed, however, who’s blood are you shedding by committing an abortion? The mother’s or fetus?
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It is important to stand up for those that can’t stand up for themselves. This could be unborn children, but there is no reason to believe that the bible is talking about this in the following scripture, but talking about civil rights for the people that are poor and not heard.
King Lemuel writes in Proverbs 31:8-9
Open your mouth for the speechless, in the case of all who are appointed to die. Open your mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.
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Paul writes in Galatians 6:1-5
Brethren, if a man is ever taken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks himself to be something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one examine his own work, then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For each one shall hear his own load.
So we know we are to carry each other. We are to love each other. We are to be mindful of our weaknesses so that we are not tempted to do wrong. But in the end, we are only responsible for our own life choices.
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Differences Between Christians and Nonbelievers
Nonbelievers are not to be held to the same expectations as Jesus Followers. Why should they be? Why should we have the same laws?
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Freedom of Choice
God gave us freedom of choice because He wants to be chosen and He respects our right to make choices and supports them.
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In Exhaustion
I walked away from the bible and the computer. I needed a break. As I peeled a sweet potato for dinner, I suddenly knew I wasn’t alone. God asked me if my choice regarding my opinion on abortion was based in love or the law. When I am trying to persuade someone to my side, am I considering their circumstances, their health, their ability to live with what happened to cause the pregnancy, the chance of their survival, if they were to give birth or do I just want to be right? When I am interrogating a medical professional, am I being professional, or am I being hateful, or murderous even? Can I only hear myself or am I stuck on being right?
Is my being right more important than Christ’s law of love (see the words in red above), because if that is the case, than that is what Jesus had against the Pharisees. Jesus was not intimidated by sinners. He knew He would forgive them.
In Mark 5:24-34 the bible tells of a woman with a gynecological issue. She had seen many doctors and spent all her money and been suffering for years, only to get worse. The word tells us that by Jewish law, her touching Jesus would make him unclean. But she believed in her heart that if she only touched His garment, that she would be made well. Because Jesus was here to love, He commended her for her faith. She had been healed.
I still believe that abortion is very personal choice. I still think that we have no right to make laws about another person’s body because I should not be able to make decisions about your body. That should be between you and your doctor. Do I think God is for or against abortion? I think God is for people. I think God is for healing people. I think God does things that we don’t always understand, for His good pleasure. I think He cares more about us loving each other, than our laws that we impose on each other. I don’t think God wants us to let women die because they couldn’t choose a life saving medical treatment. I think He doesn’t want us to treat medical professionals and women that need to make a choice about their own life, treated with hate.
Furthermore, I think that when you don’t know what to do with your life, you should ask God. He knows you better than anyone else. When you are concerned about someone else, I also think, instead of judging or criticizing someone else, you should pray for them. Again, God knows you and them, better than you do.
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James, the brother of Jesus, wrote in James 1:5
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
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If you have had an abortion and you feel guilty you can always go to Jesus. He has already died for your sin. He has already forgiven you. He will show you how to forgive yourself. He will heal your wounds. Jesus came to show us the way to live a life free of law and sin. He came to show us how to love each other and ourselves.
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Paul wrote in Romans 8:1-2
There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.
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Our job on this earth is to learn to love. Not just that but to stop being afraid because perfect love casts out all fear (1 John 4:18). To sum up I will let Paul’s words finish up this article. His words seem to say it all:
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Paul wrote in 1Corinthians 13:1-13
Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice is iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge it will vanish away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part. When I was a child, I spoke as a child. I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. And now abide faith, hope, love, these three: but the greatest of these is love.
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Read More:
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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.
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