As I was walking downstairs this morning, I was thinking about the image I’d use for the Weekend Reads. The idea that sprung into my mind was to find something representative of looking through your fingers as if watching something horrific or embarrassing. You know, when you can’t not look but you really don’t want to look at all?
I found the image (as you can see), but I had this thought before I was aware of the fiasco that happened in the White House overnight. Honestly, it was a disgusting moment for the United States. Absolutely appalling. Like many, I’m in shock and I’m also angry. How dare they.
They are both cowards, with a lifetime of evidence to back it up, and they bully a President who has been fighting a war for three years? It’s pathetic, horrendous and America feels really lost right now. I feel for the half of the country that did not vote for this – it’s just so hard for all of them right now. But we’ve got to ask the question – will its politicians have the guts to do something and stop this nonsense? We wait and see.
My friends, we have got to make sure all the megalomaniacs in the world are ousted from of power, and we need to get to work now. We cannot rest, we cannot be ambivalent, we cannot be scared. It’s time for strength, because we MUST change this direction. We are all that stands between a dark world where the suffering will be immense. It’s before us now, in all its ugly glory, please do not underestimate this moment.
I always say, when it comes to the big news “moments,” take your time for the important thoughts to be shared, however this time, unusually, there is already a lot of insightful commentary out already. The immediate reactions are also insightful, because they are giving many the opportunity to be authentic, and boy, we need that.
Therefore, while there is a lot of other information in the reads, below I’ll just focus on this particular moment, with some extra pieces at the end that are totally relevant right now.
A short clip of the “fight” but here’s the full video if you haven’t watched it yet. Important to get the full context.
Straight from the chaos, Zelensky went on Fox News and that’s worth a listen.
The Rest is Politics podcast is a regular for me, and this is Alastair Campbell and Rory Stewart responding fairly quickly. They both have very interesting insights on politics that I believe is valuable – TRUMP VS. ZELENSKY: OVAL OFFIC–The Rest Is Politics – Apple Podcasts.
If you’re not following her already, Prof Heather Cox Richardson is worth subscribing to. She does daily articles and her knowledge is incredible. She got me through Trump’s first term February 28, 2025 – by Heather Cox Richardson.
An early take from Timothy Snyder Five Failures in the Oval Office (video).
Here’s a few more worth a look…
Europe coming together, and they better get it right, because it is time for serious action and strength Zelenskyy says ‘crucial’ for Ukraine to have Trump’s support in lengthy statement following Oval Office argument – live
Behind the Collision: Trump Jettisons Ukraine on His Way to a Larger Goal – The New York Times
This feeds into the idea that it was a set-up or ambush as some are saying – Russian Lawmaker Predicted the Trump-Vance Ambush of Zelensky.
This came out earlier in the week and watching the Republican Senators coming out in full throated support for Trump and Vance, well maybe there are reasons: Republicans terrified of crossing Trump due to physical threats, Democrat says
A really great history on nationalism, considering where the world is right now – Indispensable Nations | Foreign Affairs.
I know this is a tough time, but it’s time for champions to rise and lead the world in a direction that is good for all. Are you a leader the world needs right now? Then step up!
Favorite visual or meme
I’ve said this year was going to be a great one for memes and visual gags, well today was certainly relentless.
How do I choose a favorite?
Vance is truly a vile human being, definitely Tweet of the day
Nice one Democrats
And yes, a reminder
My content and my pals
We discussed the great wealth transfer on Climate Courage, and this is something that has already started, but it’s going to ramp up over the next decade. This reality provides an incredible opportunity to change the status quo and invest in earth at nature’s pace – a line Dr David Ko likes to use. I like it too.
Dig into the news
Plenty more to read, listen to or watch, so do click through to the reads at the image below, and a reminder, this platform has articles going back weeks, so have a scan and read/watch/listen to whatever jumps out at you.
Let me know what caught your attention? Or share with me what has your attention now? There’s a lot going on, which means none of us can cover everything. Besides, it’s always great to get feedback so I know I’m delivering something of value.
Cheers
Andrea
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