What Private Sector Employer Would Hire Ex-Labor Secretary Chavez-DeRemer?

Today, Lori Chavez-DeRemer resigned as President Trump's Secretary of Labor. 

Chavez-DeRemer, a former Republican Congresswoman from Oregon, is the third member of President Trump's cabinet who has departed in less than two months. In March, Trump demoted Kristi Noem from Homeland Security to Special Envoy for the Shields of America and earlier this month Trump fired Pam Bondi as Attorney General.

In Chavez-DeRemer's case it was corruption and personal misconduct. Among other things, Chavez-DeRemer allegedly found time to have an extramarital affair with a subordinate, drank on the job while her aides masked personal travel under official government business. Chavez-DeRemer's husband Shawn DeRemer was also barred from the Labor Department's HQ after several female employees accused him of sexual harassment. Chavez-DeRemer was due to meet with the Department's Inspector General concerning the allegations. 

What gets me is that White House Deputy Press Secretary Steven Cheung's explanation that Chavez-Demer was departing the Trump Administration "to take a position in the private sector." Yes, I know the Trump Administration is trying to save face here. But given what has happened at the Department of Labor under her watch what private sector employer would to see fit to hire her?

Well, I suppose she could always work at Fox News or somewhere in the conservative media ecosystem. I cannot imagine anyone else hiring Chavez-Demer.

So, who will be next to be fired or forced out of the Trump Administration?

My money would be on FBI Director Kash Patel, defamation lawsuit or no defamation lawsuit. If Chavez-Demer needed to leave the Trump Administration for drinking on the job and using government resources for personal business, then Patel deserves the same fate for his own behavior in these areas.

Reflections on The Boston Marathon

Today, I took the day off of work to watch the Boston Marathon in person.

It was the first time I had done so since 2022, just under a year after returning the Boston area. Upon looking at my posts, for whatever reason, I did not see fit to write about it at the time. Perhaps I just wanted to experience it and keep the memory for myself. But that isn't like me.

Yet given that the Boston Marathon is an event known all over the world and I've had a chance to view it firsthand on a number of occasions, I think it warrants a few thoughts.

For those who don't know, the Boston Marathon occurs on Patriot's Day which is observed in Massachusetts and in Maine (which was originally part of the Massachusetts colony) as the start of the American Revolution. On that same day, the Boston Red Sox play a home game which starts at 11 a.m. which aside from the Washington Nationals' 11 a.m. start time on the Fourth of July are the only morning games on MLB's schedule.

When I first lived in Boston, I lived in the Fenway neighborhood. Some years, I would go to see the Red Sox play in the morning and then saunter over to Commonwealth Avenue to watch the marathon. In other years, when I was at work, I would walk from Downtown Boston to the Back Bay and take in the marathon from Commonwealth Avenue or even make my way to Boylston Street near the finish line.

I remember the 2012 Boston Marathon as temperatures neared 90 degrees. Not ideal weather in which to run a marathon.

Then came the 2013 Boston Marathon. 

That year, I decided to go to Concord and visit Minuteman National Historical Park and stand on the bridge where the first shots of the American Revolution were fired. This may very well saved my life.

While I was there, Mom phoned to tell me of the Boston Marathon Bombing. Yes, in the internet age, Mom knew about the terrorist attack from her living room in Thunder Bay, Ontario earlier than I did as I stood less than 25 miles away.

I immediately made my way home.

It was a tense week as the bombers remained at large and then the whole city was placed on lockdown on Friday until the last bomber was pinned down in Watertown. Much of Boylston Street was shut down for more than a week. I remember watching people in white hazmat suits from Newbury Street. It was right out of a sci-fi movie and every bit as eerie.

Under the circumstances. I was determined to be at the Boston Marathon in 2014 and made good on my vow. But one could not get near Boylston Street. From that year onward, I would watch the marathon near the intersection of Mass and Commonwealth Avenue (as you can see in the picture above) about ½ mile from the finish line.

Of course, I left Boston for a few years. I didn't see the New York Marathon although I saw many of its participants on the Upper West Side. Since returning here, aside from today and in 2022, I have spent most of my Patriot's Day traveling from or to New York. During last year's Boston Marathon, I headed to NYC for my very first business trip.

Today, I probably spent a little over half an hour watching the 130th running of the Boston Marathon. In that time, I probably saw hundreds, perhaps over 1,000 runners. There was a mix of men and women, young and old of all shapes and sizes. Most were running, some walked. Several wore military uniforms. For some, this was not their first race while for others this was the first time they made it over Heartbreak Hill. There were people from all over the world passing by in that short space of time. I'm not sure how they did it, but they did. I have no doubt all of those people spent a lot of time and effort preparing for this race. 

Could I do such a thing? Perhaps if I spent all my waking hours doing so. I've never been much good at running. Never had much speed. Although this is race of endurance. Alas, I am prone to shin splints. Besides I prefer to get my exercise in the swimming pool.

I do remember running a 2K race when I was in the eighth grade. It took place on the campus of Lakehead University in Thunder Bay. I remember running by one of the campus residences and a fellow opening his window and shouting out at me, "Fuck you, asshole!!!" That wasn't exactly the kind of encouragement I was seeking. Mom did tell me that a couple of runners from Thunder Bay made their way here to compete in this year's event. It turns out one of them also struggled during his first 2K race.

Truth be told, when it comes to running be it the Boston Marathon or a 2K road race, I think I am content to be an observer and a spectator.

Michigan Democrats Oust Jewish Incumbent in Favor of Pro-Hezbollah Candidate for University of Michigan Board of Regents

(Amir Makled on the left & Jordan Acker on the right)

In some very disturbing news, Democrats in Michigan have ousted Jordan Acker, a Jewish pro-Israel member of the University of Michigan Board of Regents in favor of Amir Makled, a candidate who has praised Hezbollah.

Last I checked, Hezbollah is still a terrorist organization.

Acker was targeted by Makled because he opposed efforts by the BDS movement to divest university funds from Israel while also supporting disciplinary actions against anti-Israel students who had occupied the campus. For his positions, Acker's home has been vandalized on multiple occasions.

Of note, Michigan Democrats did renominate Paul Brown. Like Acker, he opposed efforts by the BDS movement to divest university funds from Israel while also supporting disciplinary actions against anti-Israel students who had occupied the campus. 

Yet there was no challenge to Brown's candidacy much less any violence visited upon his home.

Makled targeted Acker because he is Jewish and Michigan Democrats went along with it.

Shame on them!!!

This could be a harbinger of things to come. Michigan Democrats could very well nominate Abdul El-Sayed this August, a man who has made excuses for the pro-Hezbollah attack on Temple Israel in West Bloomfield Township.

Even if Michigan Democrats do not nominate El-Sayed, I suspect that both Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens and Michigan State Senator Mallory McMorrow will be very circumspect in whatever support they have for Israel, let alone Michigan's Jewish community so as not to alienate El-Sayed's base of support in the Democratic Party.

If El-Sayed is nominated and wins the general election, it will demonstrate mainstream acceptance of anti-Semitism especially if Maine voters also choose Hamas sympathizer Graham Platner over Susan Collins in that Senate race.

On the other hand, if El-Sayed is nominated, it could also motivate a sliver of Democrats and independents to defect and result in the election of former GOP Congressman Mike Rogers. This would be a Republican gain in what is expected to be a Blue Wave against Trump this November. In which case, a Republican gain is also possible in the University of Michigan Board of Regents election.

As much as I loathe MAGA, this would probably the best possible outcome as it might teach Democrats a lesson that it's not a good idea to support candidates who are pro-Hamas, pro-Hezbollah and anti-American.

Harris Claims Netanyahu "Pulled" Trump Into War with Iran

During an appearance at Michigan Democratic Party event yesterday, 2024 Democratic nominee Kamala Harris claimed that Israeli Prime Minister "pulled" President Trump into war with Iran.

When Harris says that Bibi pulled Trump into war does she mean by puppet strings?

If she does, then Harris is promoting an anti-Semitic trope. 

Let's keep in mind that it was Harris' campaign who in vetting Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro as her running mate questioned his loyalty to this country on account of his Jewish faith.

Of course, Harris remarks concerning Iran were utterly incoherent. While accusing Netanyahu of pulling Trump into military actions, Harris also claimed Trump was using the war to distract the country from the Epstein files.

So, which is it? Are we at war with Iran because Trump is doing Bibi's bidding or because Trump is trying to distract us from the Epstein files?

Trump's actions in Iran certainly warrant criticism and I have given my share of it. But if Harris and Democrats insist on responding to Trump's demagoguery with demagoguery of their own, they will not inspire my confidence.

It is also difficult to take Harris' claims about Bibi seriously when we consider Trump's public admonition on Friday that Israel refrains from any military action against Lebanon even if fired upon by Hezbollah. 

Yet it would appear that Harris is serious about another White House bid. If this is the case, Harris (and probably every other Democratic Party hopeful) is going to make Israel public enemy number one and, by extension, make it clear that America's Jewish community is not welcome in the Democratic fold unless they renounce Israel.

Unlike 2024, Kamala Harris will not have my vote however revolting Trump, Vance & company are. At this point, I do not trust anyone, Democrat or Republican. Those who do not have my trust are not entitled to my vote.

Mets Lose 10 Straight After 7-4 Start; Is Mendoza Nearing The End of The Line?

The New York Mets have lost their 10th consecutive game falling 4-2 to the Chicago Cubs on Saturday afternoon at Wrigley Field.

The Mets began the 2026 MLB season winning 7 of their first 11 games and actually had a ½ game lead in the NL East following an extra inning victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on April 7th. They are now 7 games back of the Atlanta Braves. During this 10-game skid, the Mets have been outscored 60-16 and shutout thrice.

Although we are scarcely into the second inning of the season, it is reasonable to wonder if Mets skipper Carlos Mendoza is nearing the end of the line.

For starters, the Mets have the second highest payroll in MLB. This means the Mets are expected to win and to win now.

Let us also consider Mendoza himself. Hired prior to the 2024 season on a three-year deal with a club option for 2027, the Mets would earn a NL Wild Card berth and reach the NLCS falling to the eventual World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers in six games. But then there was last year. Things were looking very good for the Mets. In mid-June, the Mets had the best record in MLB with a 45-24 and had a 5½ game lead over the Philadelphia Phillies in the NL East. The Mets were not so amazin' going 38-55 the rest of the way. As Mets announcer Gary Cohen put it at the time, "And the Mets agonizing, three-and-a-half-month, slow-motion collapse, is complete."

Of course, the Mets underwent a significant overhaul during the offseason. Pete Alonso signed a free agent contract with the Baltimore Orioles with closer Edwin Diaz doing the same with the Dodgers while Jeff McNeil was traded to the Athletics. Brandon Nimmo was shipped to the Texas Rangers in exchange for Marcus Semien. The Mets did acquire the services of former Toronto Blue Jays infielder Bo Bichette but really wanted Kyle Tucker who signed with (who else?) the Dodgers as well as Luis Robert, Jr. from the Chisox not to mention Devin Williams from the crosstown Yankees. They also acquired Milwaukee Brewers ace Freddy Peralta.

Much of this is beyond the control of Mendoza. But Mendoza did lift Peralta in favor of Brooks Raley this afternoon who promptly gave up a pinch hit 3-run HR to Carson Kelly. Losing to the Cubs must add an extra sting when you consider that current Cubs skipper Craig Counsell was their top choice after they dismissed Buck Showalter following the 2023 season, but Counsell didn't want a bite of the Big Apple.

Bichette (.227 1 HR & 9 RBI) and Semien (.216 1 HR & 8 RBI) are struggling at the plate along with Francisco Lindor (.214 1 HR & 1 RBI) and Brett Baty (.190 0 HR & 7 RBI) who are hitting at or the below the Mendoza Line. That would be Mario, not Carlos. Still, Mario Mendoza isn't sitting on the hot seat.

Their pitching hasn't been much better. Although Peralta (1-2 4.05 ERA), Nolan McLean (1-1 2.28 ERA) and Clay Holmes (2-2 1.96 ERA) have pitched serviceably, both David Peterson (0-3 6.41 ERA) and Kodai Senga (0-3 8.83 ERA) have been getting hammered. Williams has been ineffective in the closer role with his 6.75 ERA, and the Mets are now relying on Craig Kimbrel. While Kimbrel is a future Hall of Famer, he has not saved a game since 2024.

As Jeff Passan noted, only four teams in MLB history have reached the post-season following a losing streak of 10 games or longer although one of those teams was the Cleveland Guardians from last season. Indeed, the Guardians were 15½ games back of the Detroit Tigers on Fourth of July weekend only to win the AL Central.

The Mets aren't that deep in the hole, and they are expected to get Juan Soto back off the injury list before the end of the month. Let us also consider that the rest of the NL East outside of the Braves isn't exactly lighting the world on fire. The Philadelphia Phillies, who are coming off four straight post-season appearances including back-to-back NL East titles and the NL pennant in 2022, have had an almost equally disappointing start. The Miami Marlins have lost 7 of their last 8 games following an 8-5 start. Meanwhile, the Washington Nationals could be headed for their 7th straight losing season after winning the World Series in 2019.

So, with a scant 141 games to play, the Mets have time to turn the corner. However, there remains a question if that will happen with Carlos Mendoza in the dugout.

Tom DiMenna Could Have Read Gordon Lightfoot's Mind

 

For those who have the privilege of truly knowing me will be aware that my musical wheelhouse is centered firmly in the early 1970s with a special emphasis on singer-songwriters - Harry Chapin, Cat Stevens and Gordon Lightfoot among others.

This afternoon, I ventured to the Church of the Presidents in Quincy, Massachusetts (just south of Boston) to see and hear Maine based folk singer Tom DiMenna pay homage to Chapin, Stevens and Lightfoot in a spring edition of the Story Songs of the 70s. 

I did have some slight trepidation in attending this event. In September 2024, I saw an outfit called Wild Taxi perform a tribute to Cat Stevens and Harry Chapin at City Winery in Boston. The experience was a mixed bag. Their set for Stevens was remarkable but decidedly lackluster with Chapin despite having his longtime drummer Howie Fields in their group. I should note that Wild Taxi is part of a larger group called Satinwood which also has a fine tribute show for Gordon Lightfoot and Jim Croce called Rainy Day People which I attended at City Winery's Haymarket Lounge in August 2022.

During DiMenna's 16-song, 75-minute set, there were only three Chapin songs - "Taxi", "I Wanna Learn a Love Song" and "Cats in the Cradle", the latter of which he noted is his 2-year-old son's favorite song. DiMenna also noted that many in his audience firmly believe that Stevens, not Chapin wrote "Cats in the Cradle". This is something that Stevens (a.k.a. Yusuf) has also debunked apparently to no avail.

As for Stevens, DiMenna sang five of his songs - "The Wind", "Moonshadow", "If You Want to Sing Out", "Oh Very Young" and "Father and Son". Whereas Wild Taxi covered much of the Tea for the Tillerman album, "Father and Son" was the only song from that album which made the cut during DiMenna's set.

A very amusing thing happened before DiMenna played "If You Want to Sing Out". DiMenna recounted a story from the set of Harold and Maude where Stevens saw Ruth Gordon play the song on piano. Stevens then pulled director Hal Ashby aside and said her rendition was terrible. Ashby reminded Stevens that he missed the point of his own song, a point which Stevens had to concede. After telling this story, the MC came on the microphone in the back of the room and informed DiMenna that Gordon was born in Quincy. To which DiMenna replied, "Thank you, G-d!!!", to uproarious laughter.

After the song, I shouted out "Rest in Peace Bud Cort" in tribute to the Harold and Maude star who passed away in February. This proved to be a mistake. A woman sitting in the pew to my right shot me an angry, dirty look. Perhaps some things are best left unsaid. Or perhaps I'm not the right person to say it.

DiMenna is definitively closest in both sound and in spirit to Gordon Lightfoot. Indeed, DiMenna has Lightfoot's vocal inflections and made a point of saying he was in "a Gordon frame of mind." When I heard DiMenna's renditions of Chapin and Stevens, I heard a lot of Lightfoot in there. In all, DiMenna sang eight Lightfoot songs: "Pussywillows Cattails", "Early Morning Rain", "If You Could Read My Mind", "Rainy Day People", "The House You Live In" and a rousing rendition of "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" before ending the show with a two-song encore of "Carefree Highway" and "Race Among The Ruins".

DiMenna confessed that he was unfamiliar with "The House You Live In" until he was approached by someone at a gig in Vermont to play the song. When DiMenna told the fan he was not familiar with the song, the fan whispered in his ear, "You need to learn this song." DiMenna then asked why and the fan whispered. "I think it speaks to the times," and then promptly walked away.

Before playing "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald", DiMenna mentioned there was a recently a show in which a couple was dancing to the tragic epic. For his part, DiMenna said if the audience chose to dance to "The Wreck" "there was no judgment from this side of the stage." Ably accompanying DiMenna onstage were Dan Clayderman on bass and harmonies and Frank Fotusky on guitar.

If you are a fan of early 1970's singer-songwriter music, then you will enjoy your time with Tom DiMenna especially if you're a Gordon Lightfoot. It was as if he could read his mind.

Maine Democratic Senate Candidate Platner is a Nazi Tattoo Wearing Hamas Apologist

 

(WGME)

Last week, I focused on Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed's excusing the terrorist attack against Temple Israel in West Bloomfield Township last month.

Sadly, El-Sayed is not the only Democratic Senate hopeful with dubious views.

Graham Platner, who is seeking the Democratic Party nomination for the U.S. Senate in Maine, has a long history anti-Semitic words and deeds.

A few days ago, it was revealed the Platner had praised Hamas in 2014. During a Hamas raid which killed five Israeli soldiers, Platner posted on Reddit, "I dig it."

Platner also recently amplified a social media post by white supremacist Stew Peters (before deleting it). What is not so easily deleted was his interview in January with anti-Semitic podcast host Nate Cornacchia who has claimed that Israel is responsible for the assassination of both JFK and Charlie Kirk. Platner describes himself as "a longtime fan" of Cornacchia.

And there is the Nazi tattoo. Platner says the tattoo is now covered. But his hate for Jews is plain to see.

In a different time, civilized society would have shunned Platner.

But in most polls, Platner is leading sitting Governor Janet Mills by a 2-1 margin.

Platner has earned the endorsement of Arizona Democratic Senator Ruben Gallego and will be campaigning with Massachusetts' own Elizabeth Warren this weekend.

From where I sit, this makes Platner far more dangerous than El-Sayed in Michigan at the moment. The only Senate endorsement El-Sayed has received is from Bernie Sanders who is technically an Independent although he caucuses with the Democrats and has twice sought the party's presidential nomination.

If Democratic voters nominate either Platner or El-Sayed then they are no better than the ICE supporting MAGA who make up Trump's base.

What good is accomplished by replacing one set of hateful bigots with another?

If Democrats in Maine do choose Platner, he will face Republican Susan Collins who is seeking her sixth term in office. She cannot be said to be true MAGA. Although one can reasonably criticize Collins for not learning her lesson when it comes to President Trump she has been effective in working behind the scenes in minimizing the impact of his administration's budget cuts. However, this might not matter in mid-term elections where anti-Trump sentiment is running high and deservedly so. 

Collins knows how to govern. All Platner is good at it is being a performative asshole who digs Hamas while trying to hide an anti-Semitism which can never be removed.