This ain't pretty but it's not meant to be a reason to declare defeat. We have two options -vote like mad and plan to fight just in case they do take over.
But declaring defeat should never be an option.
From Reuters:
U.S. Republicans in Congress are lining up behind legislation that critics say would roll back protections for transgender people, setting a playbook for action on a divisive social issue should they take control of Congress this fall. The bills have no chance of becoming law this year, as Democrats narrowly control both chambers of Congress.But they are a sign that Republicans aim to elevate a battle over transgender rights that has so far largely played out at the state level. Republicans in the House of Representatives have introduced a bill that would block federal funding to colleges where transgender women are allowed to participate in sports with cisgender women. A separate bill would allow transgender people to sue medical personnel who helped them transition as minors.
And of course the rest of us shouldn't feel left out. The GOP is cooking something especially nasty for us in a federal approval of statewide 'Don't Say Gay' laws like the one in Florida:
Another bill would block funding to schools that disobey state laws regarding "materials harmful to minors," mimicking state laws that have been used to remove books discussing history around race and LGBT themes. The bills have support from key Republicans in the House and Senate. Republican House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy has promoted the sports bill at a press conference and in a conservative newspaper. It is backed by 127 of 211 House Republicans.In the Senate, five Republicans have sponsored a version of the bill targeting medical providers, including Senators Ted Cruz, Josh Hawley and Marco Rubio. Republicans would be in a position to advance those bills next year if they win control of the House or the Senate in the Nov. 8 midterm elections, which analysts say is likely.
We are just going to have see what happens and particularly be prepared for anything. Personally I think all of this attention to extreme far-right positions on issues like LGBTQ rights and abortion is going to end up blowing up in their faces.
The scary thing to contemplate is how much damage will be done before that desired result takes place.
