News, Quotes, and Commentary of Interest to the U.P. Beginning of May – Part 2

News, Quotes, and Commentary of Interest to the U.P. Beginning of May – Part 2

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Topics

1. Bernie Sanders – Broken Health Care System 

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the current Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), about access to healthcare in the US during a Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions hearing on May 14, 2025

• Sanders asked Kennedy Jr. if he believed healthcare was a human right.
• Sanders highlighted that many people cannot afford to see a doctor, and that other developed countries guarantee healthcare as a right.
• Kennedy Jr. argued that healthcare is not enshrined in the Constitution and that it “costs your neighbor money”.
• He also stated that Americans want choice in their healthcare and prefer private insurance.
• Sanders countered that Americans shouldn’t have to choose between going to the doctor and potentially dying due to lack of care.
• They also debated Kennedy Jr.’s past statements about vaccines

2. Senator Jamie Raskin – “It Must Be Tough To Be An Authoritarian”

The discussion highlights the struggles faced by an authoritarian leader, particularly in the context of the current U.S. presidency. Promises made during the election, such as economic improvement and international respect, have not materialized. Instead, the economy is faltering, inflation is rising, and public approval ratings for the president have hit historic lows. The first 100 days have been marked by controversial policies and actions that have turned public sentiment against the administration, emphasizing the gap between promises and reality.

Key issues being raised include the administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement tactics that undermine constitutional rights and due process. The government has been accused of targeting innocent individuals and using emergency powers inappropriately. There is a pervasive concern that these measures, which ostensibly aim to address crime and safety, are instead eroding civil liberties and instilling fear in communities. Furthermore, the administration’s proposed budget cuts to essential services and local law enforcement, alongside significant funding for immigration enforcement, reflect a troubling prioritization of power over the welfare of citizens.

The conclusion underscores the need for a reevaluation of the current political approach, calling for a return to constitutional values and the protection of individual rights. The speaker urges colleagues to support amendments that would address the genuine needs of the American people and reinforce democratic principles. This situation serves as a critical moment for lawmakers to choose between the authoritarian tendencies of the current administration and the foundational freedoms that define American society.

3. Librarian of Congress Fired for political reasons?

The Library of Congress is not a lending Library, so children can’t access the books.  It is solely for the use of congress.

Carla Hayden, the Librarian of Congress, was fired by President Trump via email on May 8, 2025. The White House cited that she “did not fit the needs of the American people” and cited concerns about her promotion of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and certain books in the library

. The White House specifically mentioned concerns about Hayden’s implementation of DEI initiatives at the Library of Congress..

The White House claimed that Hayden’s actions did not align with the needs of the American public, without providing specific details.

Senate Confirmation:

It’s worth noting that Hayden was confirmed by the Senate to her position in 2016, marking her as the first woman and first African American to hold the role. 

• Conservative Advocacy Groups: Conservative organizations, particularly the American Accountability Foundation (AAF), publicly criticized Hayden and called for her removal. They accused her and other library leaders of promoting children’s books with “radical content” and literature by opponents of the president. The AAF specifically labeled Hayden as “woke” and “anti-Trump”.

• Concerns about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): The White House cited Hayden’s support for DEI initiatives at the Library of Congress as a reason for her dismissal. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that there were “quite concerning things she had done… in the pursuit of DEI”.

• Congressional Republicans: Hayden faced criticism from House Republicans regarding cost increases and delays on a project during a House Administration hearing.

• Allegations of Inappropriate Books: The White House also claimed Hayden was “putting inappropriate books in the library for children”. However, the Library of Congress is not a lending library, and access to its collection is restricted to individuals aged 16 or older. 

• Hayden stated that the White House’s comments regarding her actions and the Library of Congress’ function were puzzling and showed a potential lack of awareness of the institution’s role. She found it odd that being “inclusive” would be considered a negative.

• She emphasized the importance of libraries as bastions of democracy and the significance of the “freedom to read”. Hayden urged people to speak out against efforts to limit freedom of expression and education. 

• Democratic Outrage: Congressional Democrats, including Senator Chuck Schumer and Representative Joseph Morelle, strongly condemned the firing, praising Hayden’s service and criticizing the administration’s actions.

• Questions about Presidential Authority: The abrupt dismissal of Hayden and attempts to install politically aligned individuals raised concerns about the separation of powers and the president’s authority over a legislative branch entity.

• Focus on the Copyright Office: Some speculate that the administration’s actions may have been related to the Copyright Office’s report on AI and copyright, which was released shortly before the firing of Hayden and the Director of the Copyright Office.