The Daily Beans: Episode Summary - "Kiss The Feet"
Release Date: February 25, 2025
Host/Authors: Allison Gill & Dana Goldberg
Introduction
In the February 25, 2025 episode of The Daily Beans, hosts Allison Gill and Dana Goldberg delve into a myriad of pressing political and social issues, blending hard-hitting news with their signature snark. From assaults at political gatherings to judicial pushbacks against the Trump administration's policies, the episode offers a comprehensive overview of the current political landscape, interspersed with personal anecdotes and community shout-outs.
Federal Employee Concerns and the Five Bullets Email
Timestamp: [02:25]
The episode begins with Allison Gill expressing empathy for federal employees facing turmoil under the current administration. She recounts the recent incident where federal workers received a dubious email from somebody@hropm.gov, prompting them to list five accomplishments from the past week. The revelation that the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) intends to use AI to analyze these responses escalated tensions, leading OPM to retract and declare responses voluntary.
Notable Quote:
"My heart goes out to all federal employees right now. They're all, what a mess. Just so scared and terrified."
— Allison Gill [01:30]
Further complicating matters, OPM's communication suggested that any replies might be monitored by malicious foreign actors, heightening fears among employees.
Judicial Actions Against Trump Administration Policies
Timestamp: [07:48] - [13:00]
The hosts discuss several judicial decisions limiting the Trump administration's reach:
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Associated Press Restriction: Judge Trevor McFadden, a Trump appointee, denied a restraining order to reinstate the Associated Press to the White House Corps, reflecting ongoing tensions between the administration and the press.
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Transgender Housing in Prisons: A significant focus is on Judge Royce Lambert's preliminary injunction against Executive Order 14168, which mandated housing transgender women in men's prisons. Despite the government's argument that low-security men's facilities would mitigate risks, the court found the policy violated the Eighth Amendment's prohibition of cruel and unusual punishment.
Notable Quote:
"That's cruel and unusual punishment."
— Dana Goldberg [12:15] -
ICE Raids on Churches: Another federal judge blocked Trump's ICE raids targeting religious institutions, citing violations of religious freedom.
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Data Sharing Blockades: Federal judges also impeded the Office of Personnel Management and the Department of Education from sharing data with Doji, further restraining the administration's initiatives.
Allison underscores the judiciary's role in safeguarding constitutional rights, highlighting a Reagan appointee's unexpected decision against the administration's policies.
Assault at Republican Town Hall in Coeur d'Alene
Timestamp: [13:00] - [19:16]
A particularly disturbing incident occurred at a Republican town hall organized by the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee in Coeur d'Alene. Unidentified plainclothes security personnel, employed by Lear Asset Management, violently removed attendee Teresa Borenpo from the auditorium. The confrontation escalated when Teresa challenged Representative Ron Mendenve's claims about public land stewardship, leading to her physical removal.
Notable Quotes:
"They came and took her by the arm and then took her by the feet and pulled her into the aisle."
— Mary Rosedahl [16:18]
"I was really dumbfounded because he said, do you want me to pepper spray you?"
— Teresa Borenpo [16:18]
Witnesses described the event as "violent and really traumatic," with Teresa sustaining minor injuries during the ordeal. Coeur d'Alene Police Chief Lee White condemned the actions, emphasizing the importance of First Amendment rights and the proper conduct of security personnel.
Special Counsel Hampton Dellinger's Actions
Timestamp: [19:16] - [22:45]
Special Counsel Hampton Dellinger, reinstated after being wrongfully terminated by President Trump, is actively challenging the administration's personnel practices. Recently, Dellinger filed requests to stay the terminations of six probationary federal employees, arguing that their dismissals constitute prohibited personnel practices (PPPs) under Title 5, US Code Section 2302 B12.
Notable Quote:
"Firing probationary employees without individualized cause appears contrary to a reasonable reading of the law."
— Hampton Dellinger [22:45]
Dellinger's efforts aim not only to protect these individuals but potentially extend protections to a broader group of probationary employees facing similar unjust terminations.
Prank at HUD Headquarters
Timestamp: [23:07] - [26:43]
In a lighter yet illustrative segment, the hosts recount a prank at the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) headquarters, where AI-generated videos depicting President Donald Trump kissing Elon Musk's feet played on agency televisions. The incident, attributed to an anonymous hacker or activist, required HUD employees to manually turn off each screen to halt the loop.
Notable Quote:
"It's disgusting. It's not kissing. It is like fetishizing."
— Dana Goldberg [23:07]
The prank underscores the ongoing tensions and frustrations within federal agencies, especially amidst leaks revealing massive staff reductions at HUD’s Office of Community Planning and Development.
Good News Segment
Timestamp: [27:29] - [41:04]
Shifting gears, Allison and Dana introduce their "Good News" segment, spotlighting listener submissions that celebrate community achievements, personal milestones, and positive initiatives.
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Listener Shout-Outs:
- Susanna and Sally from Northern Vermont express gratitude for the podcast’s advocacy, sharing photos of their rescue dogs, Finnegan and Rosie.
- An anonymous listener praises her USDA-employed partner's resilience amid federal cutbacks, accompanied by images of their cats, Pablo and Wilbur.
- Steph shares a trivia win related to the endangered axolotl salamander, celebrating the podcast's role in her knowledge enhancement.
- Karen from Colorado highlights the expansion of a national women’s soccer league team to Denver, suggesting the name "Mile High Valkyries FC" and encourages listener support.
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Community Engagement:
The hosts invite listeners to contribute their own good news stories, pet photos, and community shout-outs via the podcast’s website, fostering a sense of camaraderie and collective resilience.
Notable Quotes:
"Thank you all for all you do to spread the word that democracy is good and fascism and oligarchy is really, really bad."
— Susanna and Sally [31:39]
"We will wake up as often as we can and we will do our best to help our neighbors and accept help in return. Humanity is community."
— Anonymous Listener [32:21]
Conclusion
As the episode wraps up, Allison and Dana reiterate the importance of community support and vigilance in the face of political adversities. They announce the upcoming "Taint of the Week" segment, promising more in-depth discussions on contentious issues. The hosts also emphasize self-care and mutual support, closing with heartfelt acknowledgments of their listeners' contributions.
Final Thoughts:
"Please take care of yourselves, take care of each other, take care of the planet, take care of your mental health and take care of your family."
— Allison Gill [41:02]
Production Credits:
The Daily Beans is written and executive produced by Allison Gill with additional research and reporting by Dana Goldberg. Sound design and editing are handled by Desiree McFarlane, with art and web design by Joelle Reader from Moxie Design Studios. Music is composed and performed by they Might Be John Science. The show is a proud member of the MSW Media Network.
For more information, visit mswmedia.com.