Follow the money, just for a bit, and it leads to the Science of Identity Foundation.

In 2019, Tulsi Gabbard's campaign sent more than $650,000 to people and companies affiliated with SIF, a fringe sect of Hare Krishna that some describe as a cult.
civilbeat.org/2020/02/tulsi-… Gabbard grew up around SIF as both her parents were devout followers of its leader, Chris Butler, a charismatic surfer with political ambitions and staunch anti-gay views.

Gabbard herself held similar anti-LGBTQ positions early in her career, but says she's evolved on the issue.

Still no word on whether U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard will participate in today's impeachment vote since she skipped the morning proceedings. Her office says she's "in D.C.," but won't say whether she intends to participate. (Her office spokesman isn't answering his phone or email.) Gabbard has been evasive about the whole thing since it began. She did introduce a resolution yesterday calling for censure of President Donald Trump. Unfortunately, the language hasn't been posted to Congress.gov yet. congress.gov/bill/116th-con

The #KealohaTrial will start today with opening statements. It marks the beginning of one of the biggest public corruption cases in Hawaii history.

Here's a primer on the government's case, which all began with a stolen mailbox... civilbeat.org/2019/02/so-why… U.S. District Court Judge J. Michael Seabright is presiding over the trial. He just told the jurors he anticipates them having to serve until early August. (REMINDER: It's still May.)

This is how I woke up The swearing came first