Not So Civil Funding Cuts and a Constitutional Crisis | 02.12.25

In this episode of 'Civil Union,' hosts Alex and Ryan, kick off with a discussion on Alex's recent bout with the flu and their activities, including painting a soccer Tifo and binge-watching the Twilight movies. The conversation then pivots to a detailed examination of various political and social issues such as AI technology, its impacts, and public fear around it. A thorough critique is given on USAID's recent funding cuts and its global implications. The hosts also discuss other recent political developments including Trump's reversal of Biden's classified information access, FCC investigations into media freedom, Missouri's state income tax debate, and a growing measles outbreak in Texas. The episode rounds off with news about an ongoing environmental report and the upcoming RFK Jr. confirmation and its potential impact on the NIH.

00:00 Introduction to the Civil Union Podcast

00:38 Weekly Catch-Up: Sickness and Soccer

01:39 Twilight and Political Analogies

03:26 AI Technology: Fear and Future

07:22 USAID Job Cuts and Global Impact

14:07 Immigration and Local Protests

15:51 FCC Investigations and Media Freedom

23:17 Who Said It? Edward or Jacob?

25:35 Constitutional Crisis and Executive Power

29:52 Missouri's Tax Debate and Government Efficiency

32:43 Environmental Report and Future Prospects

34:23 Conclusion and Upcoming Events

Music: What's The Angle? by Shane Ivers -

https://www.silvermansound.com

Transcript

0:06

Welcome to the Civil Union, the podcast where politics meets partnership. We're Alex and Ryan, a married couple navigating life and debates in a conservative state. We bring you sharp insights, bold opinions, and honest conversations about the political issues shaping our lives, especially those living on society's margins. Tune in for a real talk, a touch of humor, and plenty of passion, because when it comes to politics, every voice matters. And we're here to make sure they're heard. So uh, how has the week gone for you? Oh my gosh, I am coming out of a bout of sickness. I think I had the flu from what everyone else has been getting, so it's hit me the past couple days. Yeah, that really sucked. You had like a hundred and one fever. Yeah, for two days. It was absolutely miserable. Now, I've had worse flu. It wasn't like on my deathbed, but it definitely still sucked. I still sound kind of gross, I feel like. I know. You even got the flu shot this year, too. Yes, I did. I got my flu shot back in October, so I must have been hit with a strand that was different. I don't know. That's crazy. We also helped, uh, paint the Tifo flag for the city SC soccer team. We did. We helped paint the Tifo flag on Friday, which is really exciting. I can't wait for that to be seen by everyone on the next, on the game day, the home game day, I think it's next weekend. So that's really exciting. It can't believe soccer's already starting. Yeah. February 22nd is the first home game. So I'm very excited for that. We're huge soccer fans here at the pod. We've also been watching a lot of Twilight. And I have to say, this was Ryan's idea. It was Ryan's idea to binge these Twilight series. I think we're on like the last movie, right? I have no idea. Why did I want to watch those movies? What brought that up? I have no clue. Maybe because when he looked at me it reminded him of a vampire. You're so pale. Um, you know, yeah, watching those movies and I, I mean, I'll tell you what, those, uh, the Cullens, the good vampires that only eat animal blood or whatever, like, that's the Democrats. And then those evil vampires, That's the Republicans or the administration. Every time that, you know, like, I think Dakota Fanning was the actress for it or whatever. And amongst the other mean ones. And I was like, yeah, that's this administration and the wolves are the Native Americans, the Midwesterns, the hardworking farmers of America. The Um, did you, uh, watch the Superbowl? I did not watch the Superbowl, but I did look, I did watch the halftime performance like a couple nights ago. I was bored and I pulled it up and it was actually really good. I think it was better than Rihanna's and I think it was better than last year's performance as well. We were actually watching the Twilight movies and we didn't watch the Superbowl performance, but around 720, we had like, Six or seven people like text us all at once because Alex was in a commercial. It was like a local city I see commercial, but yeah, I made a little cameo. It was kind of fun. It was really fun. It was really cool. I was doing my capo thing. Thank you to our friends that sent us those videos because, uh, we shared them on Instagram and it was really cool. Yeah. If it wasn't for people texting us, we would have had no clue. Hey, so what are your thoughts on, AI technology? Oh God, I think there's definitely positives to it. It's kind of creepy, but I also utilize AI technology with chat GPT like all the time in school. So yeah, I use it sometimes too, but people are like, so scared of like change when in reality, like change has always led to new and better things for our lives, you know, maybe not like for this, like. The change we're seeing in this current administration, but, um, just like the advances we've seen in science, the creation of the automobile, radio, television, computers, internet, iPhones. I can go on AI technology is one of those new and interesting technologies that will really impact all of us. So many ways and we can't run away from it. The new Apple update, even on your iPhone. I don't know if you noticed, even when you text people, there's an option. If you hold down like your message, you can like a window pops up underneath and you can change your text to make it sound more professional or like have all these AI options and it will read. Write your text. It's crazy. I love it. Actually. It helps me out a lot more. It helps me sound more professional, you know? But like I F I found myself and maybe you have to, and several conversations with people where the conversation always leads to the scariness of this new unknown. One group thinks this new AI technology is going to swoop in and take all our jobs. And I find these people are mostly like the doomsday people, the Trump people. These conversations actually reminded me of an earlier episode of South Park where actual. Aliens from outer space were using time portals, illegally entering the town and taking all the jobs from, you know, farm laborers, gas station attendants, fast food workers, etc. And all the townspeople, specifically the ones whose jobs were lost to the aliens from outer space. Went to the local dive bar and they started shouting, they took our jobs. They took our jobs. It's, it's quite a funny episode. Have you seen it? I think you've made me watch that. And it is a really funny episode. Well, when the episode aired, it was really making light of the ongoing immigration crisis of the late nineties. But this episode also reminds me of this new AI technology and how. Some people that I've had conversations with are reacting to it. Um, this conversation I was a part of people are scared and rightfully so because they don't want to lose their jobs. But just with every invention, you know, like electricity, even comes the evolution of newer jobs, better jobs and careers that help sustain the American economy. Living here in the Midwest, especially change is slow and hard to come by. We always see trends and new technologies take hold on both sides of the coast and they slowly make their way here to the Midwest. We just got to somehow change that conversation with the Midwesterners in it. Let them know that this new technology is not scary. It's, it's actually going to do a lot of good in my opinion. Like I think AI technology is going to advance us as a human evolution and so many ways that in 20 years from now, we're, we're not going to know what we would do without it or how did we live life without it? You know, just like our, our iPhones, you know, I think. Science and medicine will have fascinating advances when it comes to diagnosing patients, as well as advances in vaccinations and preventions of new diseases. I'd be surprised if we see job cuts and losses, at least not to the extent where the South Park Townspeople start shouting at local bars and city council meetings, but. Speaking of job losses, some 10, 000 USAID workers are without a job at this current moment due to the insane spending cuts President Musk, I'm sorry, I mean Trump has been implementing. So with annual disbursements of 23 billion since 2001, the United States Agency of International Development is one of the largest aid agencies in the world. The USAID actually has over a hundred missions across the globe. This administration announced on February 6th that all USAID federal employees would be placed on administrative leave globally. Out of 10, 000 employees fewer than 300 were left with jobs. This has upended the global aid system. I was watching this one interview with a USAID worker that was, um, on MSNBC. And you know, it's really sad. You forget that these workers are like human beings and they were given no notice. You know, they were saying that they were locked out of their offices. They couldn't even access their emails. Some of them didn't even know what was going on because they lost access. It was like such a cluster of misinformation going on. It just. It sounds like a nightmare. It sounds like an absolute nightmare. It's scary too, not knowing if you have a job to come to tomorrow. But um, people think USAID is a charity organization, but in reality, it's the U. S.'s most effective tool for power, if you think about it. And the leverage it creates to advance American interests is far more cost effective than what any country's military can provide. It's really a game of the richest man in the world versus the poorest children in third world countries. Is anyone really benefiting from this? My fellow Americans, if you're listening, you can be rest assured the money saved from this cut will not be spent improving your lives. Just imagine how Republicans shout pro life. And then cut everything that helps people. Nevermind the amount of people who voted for him, who he's currently firing at the moment, but USAID does not just provide aid on the taxpayer's dime. It provides regional support and ensures economic, societal, and political stability and sensitive and vulnerable areas throughout the world. When we suddenly pull out, it leaves a massive void. So other countries, our direct competitors can just move in. Yeah. And supposedly customs and border protection, which this is just like the knife in the back. They have taken over the lease of the space previously housing USAID in downtown Washington. And that's just, that's just crazy. Um, you know, and the other thing too, to think about with this, if you are a religious person, like so many Republicans base their entire identity on, part of the purpose of USAID is the fact that Feed the hungry, feed the poor when religion is a tool they can weaponize for their needs. Republicans use it, but going against the USAID goes against everything a religious person would find important and where they find their values pertaining to living to the way they should in the quote eyes of God. I mean, The biggest part of the Bible, one of the biggest parts is feeding the poor. You don't hear Republicans talking about their religion in regard to USAID. I mean, just saying that was a little rant, but it's just my two cents on that subject. I don't understand how they're just so against the USAID. Well, yeah, well, with us pulling out of this, this is literally how groups like ISIS start and Trump is fueling it. This situation has made our country less safe. The elimination of USAID weakens our democracy abroad. It also aids more evidence of the Musk, Trump and Rubio and company intentionally undermining American interests and our democracy abroad. I don't think they realized how much pushback they were going to get from this. I think they thought they were acting in a way that they didn't realize. actual citizens knew what they were doing and everyone's actually pushing back a lot harder than I think they thought they would, which is great that they're getting so much pushback from both sides of the aisle. And a little fact is that USAID buys from farmers through this organization called Food for Peace. Food for Peace uses taxpayer dollars to buy American agriculture surpluses to use as foreign aid to help feed the hungry people around the world. Not only does Food for Peace provide a valuable market for family farms, it allows us to show the spirit of generosity that defines just what being an American is. Yeah. And speaking of that, now that you mentioned that, I did see a story that the closure of USAID would affect American farmers specifically in Georgia, which is very interesting because Georgia obviously was Trump won in 2024, especially I'm sure in the areas where farming is a big thing in the more outside the city limits of, you know, Atlanta and things. But those farmers supply a peanut paste, which is vitamin rich under the nonprofit mana, M A N A. And they supply this paste to feed approximately 2 million hungry malnourished children per year. I mean, they are directly involved with USAID and shutting down USAID is now going to affect them. Yeah, I also found a Kansas State University study on the value of USAID agricultural research. So it was a study on agricultural research showed that a return of 8 and 52 cents on every dollar invested. That's crazy. USAID also supports Missouri agricultural producers. 12 large scale Missouri farms, uh, fulfilled direct orders for humanitarian assistance. I guess not anymore now that it's like, what is it just canceled now? What, what happens to those farms? I will be interested to see if this flips people's ideas of, you know, what Trump promised them because it does affecting their business. It also helps Missouri businesses. Romer labs works with USAID to distribute mycotoxin. Testing supplies, reducing post harvest loss for farmers around the world. It also supports Missouri nonprofits, uSAID also funds the university of Missouri to help modernize irrigation systems in Ghana, Ethiopia, and Rwanda. USAID also supports the Fish Innovation Lab at Washington University in St. Louis to reduce maternal and child nutrient deficiencies. Speaking of St. Louis, have you heard this, Alex? A Hispanic family in St. Louis that owns like multiple businesses is temporarily shuttering their doors in a protest against the Trump's deportation of undocumented immigrants. They are standing up for their community, citing the emotional toll of this administration's actions on both their customers and staff. At least 25 Hispanic owned restaurants across the St. Louis Metro are shutting their doors in a show of solidarity. The shutdown lasts between February 10th through the 12th. It is important to note a non US citizen with legal status can obtain a real ID. A real ID is the new ideas that we all are having that switch to. Um, I think. Effective by May this year, but a real I. D. Can obviously prove citizenship, but just having a real I. D. Driver's license may not be enough from keeping an officer to asking more questions from you. I mean, even, for instance, me, if I'm out and about an officer were to grab me in a vast raid that I'm around, having just my driver's license may not be enough. So what I would suggest next best thing is to get a passport card. Go to your post office in person appointment. It's a 35 fee, I believe, or they're saying carry a digital copy of your passport on you. That is going to be an official document that can prove your citizenship right then and there. So I mean, and it's sad that we even have to have this conversation. But as a brown person in this country, especially in a very red state, it's important to, you know, people know these things. Totally. It's very important. That's just ridiculous. so, okay, moving on to some quick bits of news stories to catch up on the, uh, FCC and the Kamala Harris interview. Have you heard of this one? I did hear about this. The federal communications commission and CBS released the transcript of a 60 minutes interview with the former vice president, which has been the center of a lawsuit between CBS and Trump. The transcript of the interview shows Harris gave a lengthy answer about the Israel crisis. Um, but Only 21 seconds of it aired, and a different 7 second part of that answer aired the next day. Trump sued saying they deceptively edited the interview to interfere with the election, even though he won. 60 Minutes has denied any wrongdoing. The executive producer of the show said he would not apologize to Trump in case any settlement is reached. Paramount, which owns CBS, is producing a settlement in hopes that it would swiftly close its merger with Skydance. It's a really stupid thing for Trump to do because he's questioning something that has no merit. The Harris interview they're already finding has nothing, there's nothing hidden in it. I don't know what he's trying to do. And like you said, he won. What is the point? What is the point of arguing with a media establishment unless he's trying to weaken the views of it? Oh, he definitely is. Okay. So here's another FCC story. Uh, the FCC is investigating, San Francisco radio station for its coverage of ice activities and, uh, an appearance on faux news. I'm sorry. I mean, Fox, ha ha ha. Um, FCC chair, Brennan Carr accused KCBS 740 AM of broadcasting live locations of undercover ice agents. He said that the station reported that undercover agents were doing operations in East San Jose. a part of town which is known for violent gang activity and the station was broadcasting live locations of ICE agents and the vehicles they were in. Carr said that he sent a letter of inquiry to the station and that they have days to respond and explain how this could possibly be consistent with their public interest obligations. The FCC's Enforcement Bureau will reportedly inquire as to whether the station violated the terms of its FCC license, which dictates that it operate, the radio station operates as a public interest. Speaking of Brendan Carr, you know, he's the chair of the FCC, you brought him up just, just now, he is a Project 2025 co author. So what do all these investigations mean to the media as a whole? Even PBS and NPR were attacked at the end of January. What does this mean to the free press in project 2025? It's important to note it calls for defunding PBS and NPR. You may not like the media or may have trust issues with certain top, you know, variants of it, but without it, There'd be no checks and balances of what information is going out to inform the public of any of the politicians wrongdoings, you know, there needs to be integrity and journalism and these companies allow that integrity to live. And if Trump continues to go after these media companies, what are we going to be left with? Another story, Trump revokes Biden's access to classified information. Did you hear this one? I did not hear about this one. So in 2021, uh, then president Biden barred then former Trump access to intelligence briefings, Biden was arguing that Trump could not be trusted due to his erratic behavior since returning to office. Trump is now revoking Biden's access to those privileges. And let's be honest, he has hard feelings about this, obviously, but damn, I do the same thing after that insurrection fiasco. Trump is acting like a big baby. I mean, he is literally going after everyone who he's, I mean, it just sounds ridiculous. If I was Biden, I'd be laughing and I'm sure he is wherever he's at. He's probably rolling his eyes. I saw him out to dinner with Jill and him. I don't know where they were. They looked good. They were dressed up going out to dinner, enjoying retirement. So there's a measles outbreak growing in a rural area in West Texas where vaccination rates are well below the recommended level. Uh, measles, which is an airborne disease is extremely infectious and can be especially dangerous to infants, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems. At least 10 cases were reported, eight in school aged children. Due to the highly contagious nature of the disease, additional cases are likely to occur. All cases were people who were unvaccinated. Yeah. And speaking of vaccinations, there is something called herd immunity. The less amount of people getting vaccinated, the less the population is protected. This directly affects diseases like measles, specifically measles. It's interesting this outbreak happened in an area that has a low belief in vaccinations and are part of the vaccination debate. There are more than 20 bills. endorsed by a group called Texans for Vaccine Choice that makes it easier to opt out of vaccinations. Just keep this in mind, you need 95 percent vaccination rate to have herd immunity in a community. So these areas in the country that are kind of allowing people to do what they want, it's going to affect Everyone, you know, even if you are for vaccines, if other people around you are not, it's going to affect your kids and yourself and your household. So just something to take in consideration with this whole situation going on. Well, that's why it's important to stay on top of your vaccinations. Absolutely. I've never been not on top of my vaccinations. I've always been back. I don't always get vaccinations. A doctor's like, do you want this vaccination? I'm actually currently getting a vaccination. I have to go back in like a month and I'll get my second dose of it. I don't even know what it is, but I'm like, shoot me up. I'm ready for it. Like give it to me. I want to be protected. Okay, another one is the USDA freezes farmer funding for some programs and conservation contracts. So the impact has been immediate and wide ranging from cash assistance for ranchers to fix cattle watering systems to help for corn growers wanting to plant cover crops to prevent wind erosion. The freeze, if implemented, because it's currently blocked in court right now, Would add to economic uncertainty for farmers already struggling after consecutive years of low crop prices. It also comes as a surprise for this community who, voted overwhelmingly for Trump the last three election cycles. Missouri cattle producer Skylar Holden posted a video, a series of videos on TikTok saying that he signed a contract with USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service for 240, 000 for improved water quality. water lines, fences, and a well, but USDA officials called him to tell him that the contract was frozen and it's not clear when these funds will be released. So Skylar said that he's out all the costs for the material and labor with the possibility of losing his farm if they don't uphold their end of the bargain. It is like whiplash talking about all these subjects because all these subjects I mean we're not even a month in to this Trump presidency and I feel like we are going from farming to USAID world organizations. I mean it is mind boggling how much is being changed under this administration in three weeks. Anyway. It is crazy. Okay it's it's time for the mid break the uh game time Uh, we're going to do a who said it, and, I don't want to do politics right now. I need a break. So I'm going to do either Edward Cullen or Jacob Black from Twilight. Okay. Let's do it. Are you ready? Yeah. All right. First one. Don't get me upset or things are going to get very ugly. Edward or Jacob? I'm going to say that's Jacob. Yes. He was very emotional. Ding ding. Yes. Uh, number two, you'll warm up soon faster if you took your clothes off. Edward or Jacob? I totally know this one. This is Jacob when he took his shirt off in the tent. Yes, on the mountain. Yeah, on the very cold mountain. Uh, number three, do you think your life would be easier if you weren't in love with me? Edward or Jacob? Edward. Yes. Yes. Are you three for three? I am three for three right now. All right. Number four. Let's face it. I'm hotter than you. Jacob. Yes. Yeah. Cause he was basically meaning warm blooded. He's hotter than Edward. You're fresh off this one. All right. So number five, I've killed people before. Edward or Jacob? Edward. Yes. Nice. I mean, he is a vampire. Okay. Number six. Yes. It means if you were smart, you'd stay away from me. Edward or Jacob? Edward? Yes. Oh man. It's Jacob. Yeah. Good job. Or no Edward. No, it's Edward. Um, okay. Last one. Age is just a number, baby. Oh, ooh, um, ooh. I think that is Jacob. Yes! Did you get all of them right? I got a hundred percent on that quiz. I was paying attention to those movies. You really were. But you blamed me for wanting to watch them, so I own all of them, though. But, that was fun. I won. Okay, um, so What exactly is a constitutional crisis? This is a article in the New York Times that I read and I thought it was very interesting and I want to share it with listeners. So law professors have long debated what the term constitutional crisis actually means, but many have concluded that the nation faces a reckoning as Trump continues to test the boundaries of executive power. There is no universally accepted definition of a constitutional crisis, but these scholars agree on some of the characteristics. It's generally a product of presidential defiance of laws and judicial ruling, rulings. It's not binary, it's not a slope or a switch, and once one starts, it can get much worse. A dean from the University of California, Berkeley noted that there have been many unconstitutional and illegal actions in just this first, what, 20 days of this presidency. We've never seen anything like it. Examples include revoking birthright citizenship, freezing federal spending, shutting down agencies, removing leaders of other agencies. Firing of government employees, and it will take some time for any of these legal challenges to actually reach the Supreme Court. Just recently, Vice President J. D. Vance tweeted a confrontational tone on social media. Judges aren't allowed to control the executive's legitimate power. Did you see, speaking of JD Vance, did you see Trump this week? I think it was like Monday or Tuesday on Fox news. He was asked if he could see JD Vance as his successor. And Trump said like point blank. No. But he's very capable. Like, like, if I was JD Vance, I'd be very upset about that because Trump's like, I don't think I could. Anyway, we'll see what happens in four years when it's time for Trump to step down. But yeah, it was very interesting. Yeah, if he steps down. Anyway. But, um, a clash between this administration and the courts would only add to the crisis that is already underway and the courts in any event. May not be inclined or equipped to push back. So, so much is happening so fast that even eventual rulings from the Supreme Court rejecting any of Trump's executive orders could come too late after something like USAID or the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau are dismantled, no court decision could recreate them. What I don't understand is. Don't do Republicans control Congress. I mean, it's a slim majority, I think like two, two 20 out of two 15 majority, but with elections in 2026, a lot of these Republicans will do whatever they need to do to hold an office or a seat. I keep seeing Trump won't be able to shut down this department or that department without Congress approval. But do we think Congress is strong to strong enough to gain a majority enough to actually vote against these decisions? He's making, I mean, silver lining with Florida rep Gates and Florida rep Michael Waltz, both seats open. This would mean the GOP would be down three slots, meaning a 20 to 17 to 15 split until special elections are held, which are scheduled for April 1st. So there's a very small window. These things could be argued in Congress where there could be a chance. There's also New York Rep. Stefanik, Stefanik's seat that Democrats just recently tried delaying that special election until November that did, that failed actually. Today, which is when Tuesday, um, but anyway, there's a very small window of opportunity here. And if Republicans push those special elections rapidly, we will lose hope. And this Congress may save us idea. I mean, these are nitty gritty little numbers, things we're getting down into, but these things are having broad implications in ways the public. I'm not sure understands that these departments are dissolved. So, yeah, that's. Oh, okay. Missouri. This is always fun. So, supported by Missouri's new governor, a House panel launched a formal debate on a sprawling plan that could lead to the elimination of state income tax altogether. Missouri's current state income tax sits at 4. 7 percent and would drop to 4 percent next year. The plan is to begin in a phased out elimination of the state tax, potentially costing the state more than 8. 4 billion annually. The move would be paired with a constitutional amendment asking voters to allow these elimination of taxes to be levied on services like haircuts, lawn care, real estate services to help replace the loss of the state income tax revenue. So they're, they want to. Eliminate the state tax, but they want to pass the tax burden on to small businesses. This move could trigger significant pushback from the business community, because simply this is not an elimination of tax. It's simply a tax switch to other businesses you're already using. So even though your paycheck is going to see a little bit more money, you're going to be paying more at the small businesses that you're currently purchasing products from. Let's not forget. Missouri voters have passed several amendments to the state constitution codifying abortion, expansion of Medicaid, and those have never been enacted. We also passed an amendment to gradually increase the minimum wage. That passage also included every employee earning paid sick time. But the Missouri Republican controlled government has also failed to enact that amendment. Saying it would be too expensive for businesses. But just like I said, 30 seconds ago, they are trying to eliminate the state tax and want to pass that burden on to small businesses. It just doesn't make any sense. In fact, nothing that comes out of Jefferson City these days makes much sense anymore So, uh, but just last week, actually, The Missouri Republican controlled government released its own version of DOJ or the Department of Government Efficiency for residents to submit reports of government waste or inefficiencies. Missouri State Senator Mary Elizabeth Coleman, who leads the Efficiency Committee, says, Missourians deserve a government that works for them, not against them. The new portal gives citizens a direct line to spotlight inefficiencies and to ensure taxpayer dollars are used wisely and state services are run effectively. But given that All but three of Missouri's 114 counties are red. I wonder whom they're going to lampoon first. I bet it's St. Louis County, Boone County, which is a Columbia, Missouri, or Jackson County, which is Kansas City, all blue counties, but all right, onto lighter news. So, the first ever national nature assessment, which was based on significant public feedback and strove to reveal how nature loss influences climate change and impacts may still see the light of day. The first full draft assessment on the state of America's land, water, and wildlife was just weeks away from completion when Trump killed the major report. However, the project leaders are looking for a way to still post the report, calling it too important to die. More than 150 scientists and experts had collectively spent thousands of hours working on the report. The study was intended to measure how the nation's lands, water, and wildlife are faring, how they are expected to change, and what that means for people. Most of the 12 chapters were written by teams of a dozen or so scientists and specialists. It's going to be interesting to see how this moves going forward. I mean, there is a way for this to have some air to breathe, most likely through a scientific journal or even from an overseas scientific establishment. It would need to be a peer review journal like Scientific American, but I do think this will see the light of day. I mean, I have hope. Um, too many people and establishments care about it, depend on it, national parks depend on it. And I mean, there's just a lot of eyes on this report that I don't see this just So something to look forward to. I also find it just like very, very interesting. Like I want to know about, uh, nature and life and how it affects our climate change, especially in America. Absolutely. I'm excited to see it. I hope it sees the light of day. So. Well, that wraps up this week's episode. One thing to look forward to this upcoming week is RFK Jr.'s confirmation. It's this week, if not by the time you listen to this, maybe already happened, but there is this idea Susan Collins is waiting to act on anything going on with NIH until he's confirmed and he will Quote, handle it is what he is saying. Once confirmed, what will this confirmation mean for the future of NIH? NIH basically is anything research. oriented with universities, medical facilities in this country. So it's a huge situation going on and everything is on Tinder hooks until his confirmation. So we will see what that means going forward. Yeah. All right. Well, that's it for this week's episode, you guys. Thanks for joining us and for listening. We'll be back, uh, as soon as possible. Um, until then, be sure to give us a follow on Instagram at TheSilvalU. That's just with the letter U. And hey, are we on Blue Sky? We are not on Blue Sky yet. Although I've been sharing us on Blue Sky on my account, but We should, uh, create something. Yeah, we should. Well, look for us out there at some point. I'll share it. And, uh, feel free to send us an email letting us know your thoughts, questions, what we got wrong, anything you would like for us to discuss at TheSilvalUnion25. At gmail. com. Thanks guys. Thank you guys. Bye.