I read today how Laura Loomer, one of Trump’s female “influencers,” is, in essence, accusing Thomas Massie, republican who is key to the releasing of the Epstein files, (although I’ll believe it when I see them released) of killing his wife. Of course, she doesn’t come right out and say it, (in Trump tradition) she is just saying “it’s bizarre” and it’s a “serious question” regarding the passing of Massie’s first wife. “How did Massie’s wife die? Is there a police report? Is there an autopsy report?”  She asks before adding,  “Why is this such a mystery? I’d like to know. I find it to be bizarre and I always have. Now there’s a much younger woman in the picture.”

Well, actually, it’s NOT a mystery. Massie’s wife, according to the coroner, died due to “respiratory complications of chronic autoimmune myopathy,” Do you think this has come up now because of the impending House vote on releasing the “Epstein files?” So, I’ll do Ms. Loomer one better. How did Jeffrey Epstein really die? Do you really believe the missing 3 1/2 minutes in the video surveillance at the jail where he was held was a coincidence? Do you really believe Trump, in the words of Epstein, didn’t know he was the one who could bring Trump down? And, do you really believe it would be beneath Trump’s “moral clarity” to, you know, – OK, not accusing anyone of anything, but, was there an autopsy? If so, where are the results? (and, who performed it?) “This is such a mystery.”

Trust me on this. Trump will continue doing whatever he can to prevent the release of the total Epstein “files.” Remember, there’s a “treasure trove” of photographs and video evidence. I’m reading Virginia Giuffre’s memoir and Epstein was video taping the “stuff” going on in his homes – apparently so he could potentially blackmail people. (Trump? Just asking) I’ve seen more than one report regarding at least one photo with Trump and several partially clad YOUNG girls sitting on his lap. If you’ve been reading any of my posts of the previous 10 years you know I find Trump “deplorable.” That said, it’s even worse after reading 3/4 of Giuffre’s memoir.

It’s true she (at least to this point in the book) doesn’t make direct accusations regarding Trump although she references “Billionaire #1” – which I took to mean Trump – my inference. She only names a very few of the people who she was actually “trafficked” to because she was afraid. She was afraid of Epstein and Maxwell – Epstein had warned her (like he apparently did with all his victims) about his connections to the authorities and that something “bad” would happen to her if she told anyone about what was going on in his house. He said things like he knew where her little brother went to school. Of the people she did identify the one which sticks out the most to me, of course, was Prince Andrew.

Based on Trump’s actions in trying to prevent these files from coming out the logical conclusion is he’s a lot deeper into this SORDID mess than is even known at this point. The photos of him and Epstein, the comments attributed to both of them (Trump saying they were good friends for 15 years, Epstein saying they were “best buds” for 10 years), the “birthday card” from Trump to Epstein in 2002, and NOW the FACT Trump’s name has shown up over 1500 times in the recently released emails of Epstein makes it clear there’s more to this mystery – and, we all know Trump is going to do whatever he can to deflect or deny that he even knew Epstein. It’s almost like watching a movie about the mob.

There are those saying, according to Giuffre, she never saw Trump doing anything with any of the girls. Well, remember, Giuffre wasn’t introduced to Epstein until late 1999 and Epstein and Maxwell’s control over her ended sometime in 2002. Their horrendous conduct began something like 10 years prior. In the interim she was raped who knows how many times and there’s just one report of Trump spending a couple hours at Epstein’s house with “one of the girls” – the name redacted. However, since that email came out there are reports that girl was Giuffre. Well, what do you think Trump was doing with Giuffre for those two hours? Your guess is as good as mine. Talking about the success of the Trump Organization?

Virginia Giuffre isn’t the only person who has shared that the walls in Epstein’s homes were covered with photographs of YOUNG naked girls. It’s hard to imagine anyone spending much time there without having a clue what was happening. Go into a main room and right in the middle is a massage table. Huh? Even Trump’s Secretary of Commerce, Howard Lutnick, whose home shared a wall with Epstein’s in Manhattan, says he visited only once and that was enough.

He said as soon as he was in the room with the massage table him and his wife left immediately saying to one another this is “CREEPY.” Of course, there are no reports of Trump doing the same during the FIFTEEN years he claimed to be friends with Epstein. And the internet is full of photos to confirm their friendship – which started somewhere close to 1990 based on Trump’s original comments. (I have to believe Trump was in BOTH of Epstein’s homes – the one in Palm Beach and the one in Manhattan – at a minimum. Talk about CREEPY!

So, here’s the “64 thousand dollar question:” What is Trump going to do in order to save his ass? What is going to be the distraction? When the issue wasn’t as “hot” as it became once Adelita Grijalva put the 218th signature on the House’s “discharge petition” which will FORCE an up or down vote on whether to release the files Trump brought the National Guard into Washington DC. Well, that didn’t work. I’m going to bring up something I’d be better able to understand if I was a lawyer – but, if you noticed at the end of last week Trump ORDERED Pam Bondi – his subservient Attorney General (the biggest disgrace in the HISTORY of the Justice Department) – to investigate Bill Clinton, Larry Summers, and some other democrats regarding Epstein’s files. He seems to think people like me care about “party affiliation” when exposing the creeps who were raping these young girls.

Seems stupid and”tit for tat” on the surface. But, I believe it may be more sinister than that. I’ve heard a couple lawyers point out that the release of the files could potentially be blocked due to an “existing investigation.” Do you believe that will calm all the republicans who are planning to vote yes on the petition? Now he’s encouraging the House to vote for the discharge petition. Do you really believe he means that? My take is this “investigation” will somehow block the files from being released.

That discharge petition will cause the House to have an up or down vote on whether or not to release the files – all of them – and there are LOTS of files. (Apparently, when Epstein’s home was raided, the FBI confiscated several computer hard drives, several phones. lots of photos and videos, and who knows what else. Epstein was clearly a pervert. According to the old saying, “birds of a feather flock together.”

Now, I can’t bring myself to believe the reason Trump is working overtime trying to prevent the release of these files – which, just a few months ago AG Bondi and Kash Patel were assuring everyone there was no “there there” is because he’s not in them. (Flash alert: Now he’s saying “release the files” – which I take to mean he knows there’s going to be a “hitch”) Do you think they didn’t know how many times Trump’s name was in the files before the recent “tranche” of emails came out? Of course they knew – they’ve got them all.

One of the places where I miscalculated was believing Trump’s name was being “scrubbed” from the files in the possession of the FBI – but, I wasn’t aware that the Epstein estate was sitting on a “treasure trove” of evidence. For example, the “birthday book” was in their possession – and they’re not hiding anything from anyone. (If you haven’t seen Trump’s “birthday card” to Epstein, well, look it up online.)

Here’s the worst case scenario from my standpoint on what Trump is likely to do in order to change the narrative dominating the public airwaves – and, of course, the internet. He’s already given the order to blow up close to a couple dozen boats off the coast of Venezuela killing what is now close to 80 PEOPLE. Trump and Hegseth accuse these people of being drug smugglers – without evidence. And, even if they were “drug smugglers” – taking (maybe) cocaine to Trinidad – their boats couldn’t possibly make it to the U.S. – the LEGAL way to confront them would be to stop the boats (In U.S. waters), board them, and if they had the drugs Trump and Hegseth says they had – confiscate the drugs and arrest them if that would have been appropriate. (I’m not sure the U.S. has any LEGAL authority to police drug smugglers in international waters)

Next step for Trump – is it going to be starting a war with Venezuela? Will all the MAGAts in America just look the other way? What on earth is it going to take before Trump’s hard core base figures out he could care less about them. Especially, those in his base who rely on SNAP benefits, the ACA subsidies to be able to afford health insurance, or Medicaid for their health insurance. Are Trump’s supporters going to make the connection as the rural hospitals start closing? Are they noticing the declining Job market? I don’t think they can miss the increase in the cost of living – higher now than at the end of Biden’s administration and OBVIOUSLY prices have not come DOWN – not on “day one” or on day 250. What about the no wars policy?

Trump claims to have stopped EIGHT wars – and some in his base may be gullible enough to believe him – although he gets mixed up with the country’s names and, I’m sure, he has no idea where they’re located. He didn’t end the war in GAZA on “day one” and, sadly, his peace agreement there lasted just a few days – until Israel started BOMBING again. And, what about Ukraine? I’ve always said Trump is going to go down in American history right next to Benedict Arnold – but, in world history he’ll be compared (and possibly in a worst way) Neville Chamberlain due to his appeasement of Vladimir Putin. Many in Ukraine are DYING due to Trump’s inability to bring himself to send to Ukraine what they need to defend themselves. Sadly, I don’t believe he’ll choose to help Ukraine as a way to change the narrative he fears so much. He blames Ukraine on his first IMPEACHMENT. Let’s face it, it’s just a matter of time until “we the people” know the truth re: Epstein and Trump! Trump will fight this to the bitter end! Stay tuned!

Final Thought: Another HORRIBLE part of Trump’s “legacy” is going to be the number of people who DIED needlessly under his “watch.” We all knew about the bungling of the COVID-19 pandemic where, according to estimates I’ve read, anywhere from 200 to 500 THOUSAND Americans died because of his botched response. Hard to top that, right? Well, soon after Trump 2.0 was in it’s early stages Trump’s (at the time) co-president (f)Elon Musk disbanded USAID – America’s “Agency for International Development” – the agency which was feeding the poorest people around the world, that ran the PEPFAR program providing HIV medication saving THOUSANDS of lives in Africa (countries Trump refers to as “shit holes”), and many other life saving programs costing America far less than what was gained from the programs. The last estimate I read said over 600.000 people (mostly children) have DIED due to the shuttering of the agency and many estimates suggest the number of lives lost will surpass a MILLION by the end of the year.

Three more years of this is unthinkable to me, but “we the people” voted Trump and JD Vance (who may be worse) into a miserable four years and, if you’ve read Project 2025 as I have, you know their plans are for a lot more years than four. I know I shouldn’t call Trump supporters “MAGAts” – because likely most of them are hard working Americans who simply have been exposed to Fox “news” and other right wing media (remember, right wing corporations control about 90% if America’s media – and, it’s getting worse on the internet) These right wing outlets (as I’ve been pointing out here for years) use the propaganda techniques of the Nazi’s of the 1930’s. Why? Well, because it clearly works. Tell your LIES over and over until people believe they’re true. (Trump’s masterful at this) AND every accusation is an admission. (Projection) Lord help us! Yikes!!!

Sunday night, when I heard there were 8 democrats voting with republicans to re-open the government without ANYthing more than a “promise” for a vote on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) sometime in December (they meet for maybe 6 or 7 days in December, I too was outraged. That was, until I gave it a couple days and thought more about what appears to me to be the “big picture.’

First off, I realized this would require the House to end their nearly two month “vacation” on the orders of Speaker Johnson – clearly designed to stop any further Epstein disaster when it comes to Trump – so, Adelita Grijalva was going to be sworn in and, therefore, the so-called Epstein “discharge petition” would have the required 218th signature. Of course, that means in the near future the House is going to have to vote on requiring the “Epstein files” to be made public. And, apparently, it also allowed for the release of some of Epstein’s emails which suggest Trump to be complicit (to some degree) with Epstein’s evil bullshit. (I’ve been reading Victoria Giuffre’s memoir and both Epstein AND Maxwell are/were pure evil)

Secondly, I wasn’t fooling myself as to whether or not the republicans were going to give in any time soon on the ACA subsidies. I don’t question, for example, the concern about the SNAP benefits by some of these democrats and the issue of all the government employees fired (who got their jobs back) or working without paychecks – plus the condition of the airports and all the canceled flights. (I personally met a couple from Santa Barbara in California who were visiting my hometown, Vancouver, WA and had to rent a car in order to get home because their flight was canceled)

After thinking about it, and this seems a bit cold hearted on my part – in regard to the 6+% of Americans who are about to face HUGE increases in the cost of their health insurance – I came to the conclusion this might be the best case opportunity for these subsidies to be restored. Remember, they were taken away without a single democratic vote in the so-called BBB so it’s understandable democrats want to make their point. I believe they’ve made their point. In fact, should – as I expect – the December “vote” fail – I believe what takes place in January will be like a large weight around the necks of ALL the republicans who’ve refused to help the mostly lower income people who will be knocked off their health insurance by the payments which apparently will increase by 100 % or more. And, a significant number of these people will be Trump’s own voters. Plus, this reopening of the government only lasts until late January.

Naturally, it would be better to avoid this type of cruelly coming from our government to our own people (although with the military and ICE “goons” wearing masks in our streets it shouldn’t surprise anyone) but these increases could have “ripple” affects on the insurance costs of many others. OBTW – the $40 BILLION given to Argentina would have been enough to fund the subsidies for, I don’t know, a couple years or more. Just sayin…..

Back to my thoughts on Trump/Epstein the emails released today simply confirmed what people like me (paying attention to public information) didn’t question. (about Trump’s involvement) However, when emails from Epstein confirm Trump “knew about the girls” and had spent several hours in Epstein’s house with one of the girls (apparently Giuffre – based on at least a couple things I’ve seen) you can see why Trump is getting desperate. And why Maxwell SHOULD be getting nervous!

Without getting into the emails’ details here it appears to me the “dam” might be breaking. Trump was in the Situation Room (The Situation Room!!!) today attempting to get Lauren Boebert to pull her name off the discharge petition before Grijalva could sign it – once they had 218 that was it – no changes!)

Additionally, Ghislaine Maxwell should be sent back to the prison in Florida where she was removed after answering the “softball questions” from Trump’s lawyer Todd Blanche. Clearly, she was LYING! And, so far it’s worked. Because, as far as anyone in Trump’s DOJ being concerned with her LYING, well, “don’t hold your breath.” Also, one of the emails, as I read it, suggested Trump maybe was a (as he himself would call it) “rat” because Epstein didn’t understand why Trump’s name never came up in the investigation against him.

Final Thought: Do you think Trump might spill the beans on someone else to save his own skin? Well, it appears to me Epstein and Maxwell were thinking along those lines. There’s going to be thousands more emails and files coming out in the near future and, keep in mind (if you’re someone like me who believes Pam Bondi has been working overtime to “scrub” Trump’s name from any files in the possession of the DOJ) that the Epstein estate has MOST of these files – or, at least many of them. That’s where Trump’s “artistic” birthday card to Epstein (in 2002) referencing their “secrets” came from in addition to the emails released today by democrats from the House Oversight Committee. Apparently, there’s several thousand more – so get ready for tomorrow! Stay tuned……

Oh yes! Trump, tonight, signed the bill to reopen the government and, surprise, surprise – he took no questions. He just got up and left the room. Maybe you understand why – he always takes questions doesn’t he?

Is JD Vance preparing himself to take over? OMG – even more reason for Dems to control Congress in 2027 – to IMPEACH Vance who, to me, is even worse than Trump. Yikes! Three more years of this!

The number of people MURDERED by America’s military based on orders (allegedly) coming from the “top” – meaning Trump and Hegseth has gone over 50. Personally, it’s hard for me to comprehend that ordering the extra-judicial MURDER of unknown PEOPLE in boats in the Caribbean Sea – PEOPLE who pose no serious danger to “we the people” and, according to some estimates, would have needed to refuel 20 times in order to reach the United States is “legal.” Of course, by now, we understand the SCOTUS has given Trump the idea “legal” is a term used by others.

It appears this ordering of MURDER by Trump, Hegseth, and military personnel (who very possibly are following ILLEGAL orders) has expanded to the Pacific Ocean from the Caribbean. The number of victims, I believe, as I said above has grown into the 50’s and, of course, these are PEOPLE that cause not a bit of remorse to Trump and Hegseth. The reason I bring this up is because the optimist in me is hopeful the details will become part of an investigation once Trump is no longer in office. Should the American people somehow turn control of BOTH branches of Congress to the Democrats in 2026 (If we actually have elections that November) this SHOULD, at a minimum, result in IMPEACHMENT #3.

I’m someone who remembers the antics of our CIA in years past when the leaders of “we the people” felt comfortable in causing “regime change” in various countries in Central and South America according to the wishes of our OLIGARCH class. Well, it appears that is happening again because Trump doesn’t like the ELECTED leader of Venezuela. Reports which came out of Venezuela recently stated the CIA was organizing Venezuelans to enact a “false flag” attack on an American ship in the area setting the groundwork for our “peace loving” president to attack. Yikes!!!

Of course, with republicans, there’s always more. While “we the people’s” government is in a shutdown – which is standard fare while Trump is president and republicans control Congress – Trump, as everyone knows by now, summarily ordered the razing of the East Wing of the “White House.” I’ve stated this before here – this is like me renting my house and the tenant then destroying the detached garage. That is to say, Trump DOES NOT own the “White House.” He’s a tenant for a short time (that feels like an eternity) and seems hell bent on destroying much of it. He’s turned the “Rose Garden” into a concrete slab!

Trump destroyed the East Wing of the “White House” so he can build an obscene “ball room.” This “ballroom” will dwarf the actual “White House” and will cost upwards of $350 MILLION to build. The estimated cost began at $200 MILLION but has nearly doubled and they haven’t even begun the “permitting” – as if that’s an impediment to Trump. The East Wing sat on top of the “bunker” where officials go when there is a threat to the building – like during 9/11. The $350 MILLION is supposedly going to be provided by America’s OLIGARCHS further “cementing” them to Trump’s whims. Many of these same OLIGARCHS pledged to have NOTHING to do with Trump after January 6th 2021. Oh my! How the thirst for MORE riches can change one’s moral compass! (Reminder, the foundation of FASCISM is a corporate/government partnership)

While all this is going on it’s become public knowledge that Trump is attempting to GRIFT $230 MILLION from “we the people” to compensate him from the “horrible” experience he had defending himself from the FELONY charges he incurred after instigating an attempted coup and from STEALING Top Secret documents from the government archives when he high tailed it out of town in January of 2021. He’s been on “high speed” in Trump 2.0 extracting as much MONEY as he can while he’s got a subservient Congress which has virtually ignored the CONSTITUTION. Reports are Trump has enriched himself in the BILLIONS during is first year back in POWER.

While I’m lamenting the first of these HORRIBLE four years I’ve got to add a bit more. We’re in a “government shutdown” and the republicans are attempting to block the release of emergency “SNAP” (food stamps) funds for the 40 MILLION low income Americans who depend on this assistance to EAT. Of the 40 MILLION there are reportedly 16 MILLION children. Extending those benefits SHOULDN’T be a hard call – but, once again, we’re dealing with republicans. To me, this is STUPID!

Another example of the STUPIDITY of the republican party (and their leader) is the bailout of Argentina – to the tune of $40 BILLION – apparently enough to pay for the Affordable Care Act supplements which are a sticking point (yeah) for democrats regarding the “shutdown.” Trump has also agreed to allow Argentina “beef” into the U.S. in order to cause meat prices to drop. It seems he really is aware of how much food prices have risen since he took office – prices he PROMISED would come down. Well, farmers aren’t too happy with him. Trump just got played by Xi Jinping of China so the Chinese are going to purchase HALF of the amount of soybeans they normally purchase while they get the rest from, you guessed it, Argentina. (They also get them from Brazil – a market developed during the shutdown in Trump 1.0 – Additionally, they now will have access to the technology they want)

This money going to Argentina will also bail out some “investors” who are affiliated with Treasury Secretary Bessent. They’ll be able to unload their STUPID “bets” on the Argentinian economy in order to save a pile of money – as usual, Thanks to “we the people.”

And, speaking of the government shutdown and who to “blame” for it – I have to say the democrats are FINALLY putting their collective feet down opposing the never ending republican attack on America’s health care system. Remember in their “Big whatever Bill” they slashed all aspects of our health care system without a single democratic vote. So, why would the democrats agree to republican demands when their votes are needed and if they agree their base would NEVER forgive them. The “we’ll negotiate health care later” promise of republicans isn’t worth the paper I could use to print out this rant (never happening, by the way). Republicans have the POWER to get rid of the filibuster and pass their legislation. “We the people” would then be crystal clear on why democrats are holding out. I, like many progressives, expect the democrats to “give in” – but, for once I hope they stand by their basic beliefs.

Trump gives people like me something to complain about daily – sometimes hourly. So, here’s my last bit for today. Trump is very unhappy that Zohran Mamdani is likely to WIN the election to be mayor of New York City. The FACT Mamdani is a Shia Muslim and belongs to an affiliation of “Democratic Socialists” rankles Trump and his republican sycophants. (Remember, one of the key attributes of FASCISTS is racism) Now there are reports republicans are going to somehow “de-naturalize” Mamdani (Who became a U.S. Citizen in 2018) and deport him to somewhere like Somalia or Libya. Honestly, I can hardly believe I needed to write those words. Yikes!!!

Final Thought: Slowly but surely the so-called “liberal media” is figuring out we are witnessing a FASCIST takeover of America’s government. Most people, including at times me, keep their focus on the brazen illegal conduct of Trump – which is understandable – but we MUST realize what is really happening is the slow motion coup laid out in Project 2025. And, to me, the two most responsible perpetrators of this “rollout” are Stephen Miller and Russel Vought – two of the authors of Project 2025. Obviously there are other “authors” of that “roadmap to FASCISM” who are lingering in the shadows. Don’t for a minute believe Trump fully understands what the Project 2025 “folk” are up to. They are happy to encourage Trump to perpetrate his “revenge tour” while they chip away at what’s left of our democratic republic.

Personally I believe if this republic is to be saved the “liberal media” MUST start explaining FASCISM to the American public and how we’ve been tiptoeing our way toward it for years. And, it’s not just the Project 2025 authors – who know the details of what it will take to permanently topple our constitutional order. You have the BILLIONAIRE (oligarch) class which includes the “Tech bros” along with people like Charles Koch who have access to UNLIMITED funding and a SCOTUS which unleashed their POWER with the Citizens United decision. America’s OLIGARCHS have masterfully gained control of the ENTIRE government and it will take a herculean response by “we the people” to regain that control of the “ship of state.” Stay tuned….

it’s been a week or two since I’ve sat down to vent my frustration regarding the country I’ve grown up loving. Donald Trump is making that more difficult. And, every day there’s another disgusting “chapter” in the book of dark chapters he is “writing.” Today, I decided to jot down SOME things that crossed the media that I consume and it likely precludes this from being a shorter piece of writing. I’ve been pointing out for years – going back into Trump 1.0 that Trump is a fascist/mob boss and expressing my disappointment “we the people” could choose such a buffoon as our so-called president. A 34 times FELON who has been credibly adjudicated by a jury as a sexual predator and by a court as a serial FRAUDSTER. It should surprise no one as to what we are now facing for (at least) the next three years.

Of course, Trump isn’t smart enough to actually figure out the details of turning the 250 year “experiment” of our democratic republic into a fascist state. Project 2025 laid the groundwork of what has been happening over the past nine months. I won’t go over those details but it’s easy to get the manifesto to read for yourself. I was calling it a “roadmap to fascism” from the day I got to about page 100 in the manifesto. It’s over 900 pages but you shouldn’t have to read the entire document to understand the authors are the ones who “hate America” – repeating the projection of Trump himself in referring to people like me who oppose what he’s doing to this republic.

So, I’m going to – as briefly as I can – go over the things I’ve periodically jotted down over the previous week or so. (After all, I am almost as old as Trump and we start losing our ability to remember things when we get near 80 years old.) The first thing I’d like to start with is witnessing the video of Trump’s demolition crew destroying the East Wing of the White House. The PEOPLE’S house. The “White House” is kind of like a rental property which the president and his family are allowed to live in for the term of their administrations.

Watching the East Wing of the “White House” being destroyed – as I just said – by Trump as a de facto “renter” is hard to accept – other than within the next couple of days that part of our history will be no more. In effect, it’s no more as of now because the bulldozers are, from what I’ve seen, about half way done with their project. It’s starting to look like one of the many buildings in GAZA.

The first thought I had when I saw what was happening to the East Wing is Trump looks upon the “White House” just as he looked upon the documents he stole from the country after he was roundly defeated at the end of Trump 1.0 – shorty following his attempted coup. In both cases it comes across as if he thinks he owns this stuff. Regarding the Espionage charges against him it was Top Secret documents which belong to “We the people” and, of course he’s acting the same way in regard to the “White House.” What on earth gives him the right to destroy a significant part of our history – so he can build a Mar a Lago style “ballroom?”

One more thing about what’s totally wrong – but further cements my claim we’ve already crossed the line into fascism. This ballroom – if you’ve seen the photos of it – 90,000 square feet (it will dwarf the actual “White House”) will cost around a quarter BILLION dollars. Supposedly it’s been financed by money coming from OLIGARCHS who have chosen to “kiss the ring” of Trump putting their business interests above the love of our country. (They love MONEY) I’ve long pointed out the foundation of fascism is a corporate/government partnership. We can only ponder who they are and what they’re getting in return. Time will tell if there are repercussions to the destruction of this historical American building.

Last weekend I was happy I was able (I’m definitely in the “handicapped” category at 78 years old) to participate, once again, in the “No Kings” rally/protest. Due to my fragile spine I was able to find a place to sit on the route of the protesters. (I found out later it was on one of the two routes they covered) For 2 1/2 hours there was a steady stream of people with really creative signs (I haven’t laughed like that for a long time) that must have totaled something like five thousand protesters. Supposedly, a like amount went in the other direction from the original meeting place. And, I live in a small Washington State town of a bit less than 200,000 population.

People I talked to estimated that around 10,000 participated in the protest AND while I was in a stationary spot there was also a steady stream of cars going by laying on their horns and displaying their signs as well. A couple of the signs I can remember were: “For the Epsteinth time, release the files.” The other was a shirt an elderly woman was wearing with “Aunt tifa” on the front. There was also a young lady with a sign with words on both sides – on one side were words in a foreign language (I assumed was Spanish) – after a while I got up and approached her to ask “What does that sign mean” – and, she responded that (in whatever language) it said “F**k Trump.” There were MANY other signs that had me laughing almost the entire time I sat there. (The only “violence” came when a drunk driver plowed into the rear end of a car pushing that car onto the sidewalk hitting one protester – who ended up with minor injuries.)

While (at least) 8 MILLION Americans protested this past weekend Trump, of course, was golfing. (full disclosure: If I could walk for more than a few minutes I would be playing golf as well) Of course, that was also while “we the people” are experiencing the first government shutdown since Trump 1.0. Based on his golfing schedule this shutdown will likely break the record of the number of days the government is idle – the record which Trump set in version 1.0. Trump’s (apparently) official response to the No Kings protest was to publish (on his failing social media outlet) a video of him, wearing a crown, flying a fighter jet and s**ting on the American people in the protest. Further proof this president is the most CLASSLESS in our history.

Another obscene “picture” coming out of the “eye” of our government is, while Trump builds an absurd ballroom where the East Wing once stood the so-called president is about to give himself a $230 MILLION pile of MONEY because he was charged with CRIMES that never made it to court because of our voting public – which actually voted a FELON who when his lips are moving is LYING back into (what’s left of) the “White House” causing something like 50 FELONY charges to be dropped. So now, while the economy is tanking he’s planning to grift $230 MILLION straight from the pockets of the American taxpayer. Kind of a mob boss like shakedown!

Trump has already pulled a reported $3 BILLION out of this version of his administration with reports that he didn’t get nearly enough out of his first term and he’s making up for it this time. As we all know the SCOTUS ruled that there’s, in essence, absolute immunity regarding anything he claims is an “official act.” Apparently, Trump has used his sharpie to blot out the emoluments clause in our Constitution. This is just one other reason to make sure Democrats win the 2026 mid-term election (if there is one).

Finally, like I mentioned above, there was a protester with a sign reading “For the Epsteinth time, release the files.” That, at the time, was funny. However, the lengths to which Trump and his minions (like Speaker Johnson) are going to block the release of the files makes it clear Trump will do anything to prevent those files from becoming public. That’s not so funny. Of course, there’s so much “evidence” of Trump’s relationship to Epstein that it’s hard not to have “thoughts” as to what Trump did back in his days as Epstein’s “best friend.” I mean the letter he wrote to Epstein for his 50th birthday and mentioned their “secrets” should be enough for people to understand what Trump was (allegedly) doing with those young girls.

I agree the files should be released but I have no doubt AG Bondi has made sure Trump’s name won’t show up anywhere in them once they are released. And, at this point there’s no doubt they will be released. Former Prince Andrew recently gave up his Royal position as the “Duke of York” in anticipation of what is in the files regarding his actions during the “Epstein years.” I believe Prince Andrew is mentioned as one of the men “trafficked” by Epstein to Virginia Giuffre on at least three occasions and it’s in her book – released in the past day or so. (I’m going to buy it and read it) Does anyone actually believe Trump wasn’t partaking in what was going on with Epstein. If so, I’ve got a bridge to…… (you know the rest).

Finally, was not the treatment of Ghislaine Maxwell enough to make you sick – if you’re not a supporter of pedophiles. The highly inappropriate meeting between Trump’s former lawyer (who lost most of the cases) Todd Blanche (#2 at the DOJ) and Maxwell at the Prison she was, at the time, held in Florida (sentence of 20 years) where Blanche got Maxwell (a purported pathological LIAR) to claim she never saw Trump be anything but a “gentleman.” (They did release the files of this interview) This got Ms Maxwell a move to a “cushy” low risk “prison” in Texas where she was ineligible as a sex offender based on “something” from “someone.” We’re left to wonder – while Trump is already claiming he could pardon her if he wanted to. Yikes!!!

Final Thought: If it seems as if I’m obsessed with “ringing the bell” that FASCISM is already here, in America, it’s because, well, if there was a bell I could ring that’s what I’d be doing. Back when I thought it was possible I pointed out one of the final two things on my “bucket list” was to live long enough to see Trump behind bars. I’m still in disbelief the American people gave him a “get out of jail free card” – knowing he’d attempted a coup four years before.

This version of the coup has been “slow moving” – beginning with the authors of Project 2025 laying out their “manifesto” for the “next conservative” president. So far, I’ve yet to find ONE person who can convince me what is happening is conservative. And, I hope there’s someone in a position to know who is “memorializing” what Trump’s puppet masters are doing so there can be some accountability once this national nightmare is over. Since Trump’s first day in office in version 1.0 I’ve been lamenting the DAMAGE he’s doing to this nation and how difficult, and how long it’s going to take, to “repair it.”

My hope is those who are involved with repairing the Damage – we’ll NEVER get back the East Wing of the “White House” – kind of like someone renting your house and tearing down the garage – are able to hold those responsible to account. And, of course, I hope one of them will be Trump himself – despite the ridiculous SCOTUS ruling he has “absolute immunity” from prosecution. Only time will tell, but this hope is what keeps me from hunkering down in the shadows. I’ve read enough history and have witnessed enough of what is going on here and in other places around the world to understand, for the sake of my children and grandchildren (and those of every one else my age) in the words of Joyce Vance “Giving Up is Unforgivable.” Stay tuned….

I’ve been pointing out Trump’s parallel’s to Hitler and Nazi Germany in his conduct and propaganda for YEARS! Since Trump 1.0. It seems to me if it’s so obvious to a retired 6th grade Middle School teacher why is it so difficult for our Main Stream Media (MSM) to come to grips with reality? It took years for the MSM to start using the word “authoritarianism” as they continue trying to report on Trump 2.0. Until they start using the correct term, fascism, to describe Trump’s assault on America our nation will continue its descent into the unthinkable. There’s at least three more years of this.

Naturally, the fascist assault on our nation is much more than just “Trumpism.” I’ve also pointed out Project 2025 as a “roadmap to fascism” for at least 15 months. I was pointing this out during the 2024 campaign and was discouraged the democrats weren’t attempting to educate the American public with more urgency during the campaign. Remember there were 179 “authors” of that “deplorable” document.

Trump LIED when asked about Project 2025 saying he didn’t know much about it, but it was not part of his “platform.” (Of course, anyone paying attention knows when Trump’s lips are moving he’s LYING.) I have no doubts Trump hasn’t read Project 2025 but the reality those who wrote it are integrated into his administration and this is undeniable. The question I have is how many members of the SCOTUS read it.

I mention the SCOTUS because they are largely responsible for what is happening. It was Chief Justice Roberts and Associate Justice Alito who were largely responsible for the Citizen’s United decision back around 2010 that allowed unimaginable amounts of dark MONEY to flow into our elections. (See: (f)Elon Musk spending close to $300 MILLION to get Trump elected among other examples) The Court has attacked the Voting Rights Act of 1965 (Possibly to render it moot later this year) and, of course, their unthinkable “absolute immunity” decision has convinced Trump the laws don’t apply to him. (As his minions claim “no one is above the law” while they’re arresting those on Trump’s “enemies list.” – except, of course, Trump and republicans)

How bad is it? Well, Trump has virtually declared war on (America’s cities plus) Venezuela – blowing up boats as they move in the waters off the coast of Venezuela with, so far, over 20 people being killed. Also, so far, no “evidence” to even support their (Trump’s and Hegseth’s) contention these are people bringing drugs to somewhere??? Here’s the deal: How hard would it be for one of our ships to stop the boats, and confiscate the drugs while arresting the smugglers if that’s what they are? Reminds me of when Ronald Reagan wanted to look “tough” back in the 80’s when he had our troops invade GRANADA! That’s right, GRANADA. If you’re younger than say 50 you probably don’t remember this great American victory. It was like GRANADA had no answer for Reagan’s military assault. (I’m not sure they had a military) Now we’re watching a similar (absurd) military fiasco in the waters off Venezuela. And, members of Congress are asking each other, “Is this legal?” Answer: Of course not!

Well, that leads me to my next point. Can’t members of Congress simply ask the Department of Justice whether or not these MURDERS are legal? All they would have to do is run it by Pam Bondi, Right? Did you happen to watch any of the oversight hearing in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee where Bondi put on a performance (for the ages) that’s never been seen before? If you watched it you would understand how “fruitful” it would be to run this by the DOJ. In fact, another of my points supporting that FASCISM is already here and the next 3+ years look a bit depressing. Does Trump actually believe MURDERING Venezuelans in boats off the coast of Venezuela and then sharing the videos of the boats being obliterated will get him the Nobel Peace Prize?

Does Trump believe LYING about what’s going on in the “Democrat cities” and then sending in American troops AGAINST American citizens in frog costumes will get him the prize he so desires? How about this? Is Trump’s turncoat decision to appear taking sides with Russia in their ILLEGAL invasion of Ukraine while more and more Ukrainian civilians are MURDERED a way to get that Nobel prize? All of this while Trump is threatening to torpedo the entire world economy? Personally, I don’t think the Norwegians who give out the prizes are looking at Trump as a “peacemaker.” (Even the Gaza “peace plan” appears to be on shaky ground)

Now: This government shutdown, while republicans are blaming democrats (duh), is actually right out of the playbook of Project 2025. Watch Russel Vought during the shutdown as he attempts to fire THOUSANDS of government public servants because he suspects they are not sufficiently “loyal.” (This is where we make references to organized crime similarities) Their plan, all along, has been to FIRE as many government workers as they can get away with and replace those they feel are needed with people who will pledge loyalty to Trump as opposed to the constitution. Everywhere you look you SHOULD see FASCISM. I keep saying it to the MSM (OK, I know they aren’t listening) it’s NOT “authoritarianism” – it’s FASCISM! They are afraid to use the term!

I keep reading about republican communication people complaining about all the “mean” people calling them Nazi’s or fascists. (Guilty as charged) Well, what’s the saying, “If it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck, and flies like a duck, it’s a duck. Have you read recently about the “young republicans” who had their Telegram “chat” leaked to Politico? In it there were a plethora of uses of racist words and memes. They shared things like “I love Hitler,” anyone who votes against me should get “gassed,” the so-called “n-word” was used over 200 times and it only got worse as it was described. Who was their biggest defender? Yep, it was VP JD Vance. Calling 40 year old’s kids!

Have you fallen into the category of Americans who don’t understand Trump is a racist? If so, you probably watch Fox “news” or one of the other right wing propaganda sights, and there’s likely no chance I’ll be able to help you. I mean, if you remember, just 10 months ago “(f)Elon Musk threw a couple Sieg Hiels at Trump’s inauguration to the dismay of nary a republican. So, this “fascism” thing shouldn’t really surprise you. The reality is there’s a long line of BILLIONAIRES – who control MUCH of the media in America – Musk, Zuckerberg, Tim Cook, Larry Ellison, Peter Thiel, the heads of Google, Microsoft, etc. etc. are ALL succumbing to their urge for more MONEY over their pledge to our constitutional republic. And, trust me, they know full well what fascism is! Joe Biden warned of “Oligarchy.” It’s here! One of the tenets of fascism is a corporate/government partnership!

Trump has taught republicans the benefits of LYING! (Comes right out of the Third Reich) So, it’s not surprising to hear Mike Johnson (he of Bible thumper fame) spewing a mouthful of LIES virtually every time he’s speaking in public theses days. (Not my version of Christianity) He is now referring to the upcoming “No Kings” protest this coming weekend (I’ll be there with my cane) as the “hate America rally.” He’s also suggesting those who are going to be there are “Pro Hamas supporters,” “Antifa,” (whoever that is – I’m personally against fascism if that’s not obvious) and the “Marxists” – “they all will be on full display.” I, personally, know MANY who will be there and I don’t think any of them “hate America.” (We’re a bunch of white guys in our 70’s and 80’s)

Keep this in mind. I believe Trump and Johnson WANT these protests to break out in violence for two reasons – one in particular. The first reason is Trump will use that as his reason for sending in American troops against American citizens – as if local law enforcement can’t handle local law enforcement problems. Here’s the other, and MAIN, reason: Trump wants to flood America’s “democrat run” cities with actual members of America’s military. He’s attempting to provoke protesters to give him a “reason” to implement the “insurrection act” with the ultimate plan to make sure there isn’t a mid-term election if he’s unable to CHEAT enough to make sure republicans maintain their control of Congress. (Like the SCOTUS gutting what’s left of the Voting Rights Act of 1965) Like I’ve been saying: It’s FASCISM! Pure and simple! Stay tuned!!!

Final Thought: I’ve been speaking to anyone who’ll listen for many years – since well before Trump took that trip down the escalator in 2015, rights are much easier to LOSE than to regain. We are seeing an organized scheme to “turn back the clock” on rights which have been granted (or should I say won) over the previous 90 or so years. What we’re talking about, in essence, is the New Deal – which republicans have fought against since the days when FDR’s administration started implementing many of the rights republicans are attempting to roll back. Liberals have fought for rights many people today take for granted. It’s a long list, but includes the 40 hour work week, labor law, child labor laws, overtime, unemployment insurance, and a plethora more as time went by – including the Voting Rights Act mentioned above that the SCOTUS appears to be poised to put their final touches on eliminating one of the great victories in America’s attempt to be a “more perfect union.” This SCOTUS is a part of the fascist movement in America.

The fight over the so-called “government shutdown” is a continuation of the republicans’ hatred of liberal reforms as they are attempting to cause MILLIONS of Americans to lose their health insurance OR face huge increases in the premiums. What will it take for “we the people” to turn against these cowardly republicans in Congress – with Mike Johnson at the head of the pack? This weekend’s “No Kings” protest is simply another small step in what is needed. We MUST do whatever it takes to make sure there are mid-term elections in November of 2026 – PLUS, it is incumbent on “We the people” to do whatever it takes to cast a ballot in those elections – that Trump is scheming to block. We MUST overcome every obstacle these Project 2025 goons put in our way! And, we MUST be prepared to vote AGAINST republicans for AT LEAST the next generation. Every one of these cowardly members of Congress need to get a page in our History books as the traitors they are. Trump’s spot is reserved right next to Benedict Arnold! And, these deplorable times must NEVER be forgotten!

There’s so much more I could write about supporting my claim FASCISM is already here. The ICE agents, for example, dragging people out of cars, snagging them off the street, breaking down doors and disappearing people – ALL without warrants is another parallel to 1930’s Germany. Now the arrests of “political enemies” has begun and it shouldn’t be long until anyone who publicly declares their disgust with Trump or his sycophants will be targets. Yikes!!!

The Hartmann Report

Daily Take

Plenary Power: The Final Step in Trump’s American Autocracy

How the Insurrection Act could become the 21st-century Enabling Act, with six justices and the GOP standing by…

Thom Hartmann

Oct 10, 2025

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The endgame for Trump, Vance, Noem, and Bondi is coming into clearer focus, and it’s nearly a one-for-one, step-by-step implementation of Nazi jurist/philosopher Carl Schmitt’s ideas that created and sustained the early Third Reich. Vance has even gone so far as to directly quote Schmitt.

The concepts aren’t particularly complicated, and it’s easy to see how Trump and his enablers are implementing them:

First, Schmitt taught, “there is no law, there is just power”: democracy is a messy anachronism in which whomever controls the political majority inevitably imposes their will on everybody else, stifling individuality and freedom, both in thought and behavior. The cure for this messiness of democracy, he argued, is a strong leader who transcends politics, understands the people and reflects their true desires, defends their racial and religious identity, ignores inconvenient laws, and thus leads the superior/majority race of people to their true destiny. A fascist dictator, in other words.

Second, the way the noble dictator rises to “plenary” (ultimate, unchallengeable) power is by discarding participation in the political process; contemptuously ignoring norms; breaking previous promises; flaunting national laws while blowing up negotiations; and refusing to compromise with “inferior” political parties or political ideas. Instead, Schmitt says, a “true leader” puts every institution and person in the nation into one of two binary buckets: “friends” or “enemies.” Friends are lavishly and publicly rewarded with wealth and power; enemies are relentlessly pursued and conspicuously punished until they’re either neutralized, bankrupted, or dead.

Third, the way to get past the guardrails built into constitutional republics (like the German 1930s Weimar Republic or today’s American republic) is by invoking “emergency” powers, even if it’s necessary to create an emergency to justify the invocation.

When JD Vance sat down with New York Times columnist Russ Douthat in May of last year he complained that Democrats opposing Brett Kavanaugh’s appointment to the Supreme Court weren’t interested in Kavanaugh’s legal positions but, rather, whether he would serve or oppose Democratic Party political efforts. He said:

“The thing that I kept thinking about liberalism in 2019 and 2020 is that these guys have all read Carl Schmitt — ‘There’s no law, there’s just power.’”

Not only has Vance apparently read Schmitt, his mentor and benefactor, Peter Thiel, has — according to extensive reporting in Wired magazine — long been fascinated by the Nazi theorist’s ideas.

While it’s unlikely that Trump could tell Schmitt from Fred Flintstone, he instinctively understands the man’s theories; he’s systematically following them, starting with his flouting norms and laws like the Hatch Act (2 years in prison for selling Tesla’s in front of the White House) and both US and international laws against selling pardons or killing civilians (in boats in the Caribbean) without trial and conviction.

And that’s just the beginning. Taking a jet plane in an alleged bribe; giving the UAE high-tech chips in violation of America’s national security in exchange for a $2 billion investment in a Trump family crypto business; and exempting companies that gave him gifts or money from antitrust regulation, tariffs, and Foreign Corrupt Practices Act enforcements continue the trend.

From there, Trump moved to Schmitt’s friend-enemy doctrine, maliciously punishing his perceived enemies even when — like Comey, Taylor, and Clapper — they’re Republicans.

As South American strongman Oscar Benevides famously said, “For my friends everything; for my enemies, the law.”

He’s characterized Democrats in terms never before used by an American president to describe members of his opposition party, using words typically reserved for traitors and criminals. This is incredibly wrong and destructive, which is why George Washington warned against it and no president has ever done it.

His friends, though — even if they took $50,000 in a paper bag in an FBI bribery sting (Homan), or looked the other way as Epstein raped little girls during her 8 years as Florida’s top law enforcement officer (Bondi) — can do no wrong. Attack the Capitol and cause the death of three police officers? You get a pardon, and now it appears even compensation.

And now he’s preparing to use the sledgehammer that Hitler wielded to destroy the German constitution, taking it as a club to seize absolute, plenary power: he’s taking visible steps toward invoking a nationwide state of emergency.

Schmitt first advanced this idea in 1933 when a Dutch communist set fire to the German parliament (Reichstag) building, describing what we call a state of emergency as a “state of exception” (Ausnahmezustand).

During such an “exception” or (even phony) moment of “emergency,” Schmitt said, a leader could — indeed, should — use it as an excuse to ignore normal constitutional requirements and laws because the urgency of the exception supersedes the law in order to preserve the republic.

Using this process, Schmitt argued, would allow a “noble Führer” with his finger on the pulse of his people to end-run around the tedious, laborious normal legal and ethical processes by which a nation’s leader normally executed the law.

It would let him become, initially, above the law (as six Republicans on the Supreme Court have endorsed) and, ultimately, become the law himself and rule by decree or executive order.

Former Labor Secretary Robert Reich is calling out Trump’s four-step plan to achieve Schmitt’s goal of plenary power (summary in my words, not his):

1) Deploy ICE to Blue cities with brutal tactics that intentionally inflame local people to protest;
2) Exaggerate the “crisis” and try to provoke the protesters to violence;
3) Deploy troops to further polarize and inflame local sentiment, evoking physical resistance to their presence that justifies arrests and live ammunition, a Tiananmen square of sorts;
4) Citing that resistance, invoke the Insurrection Act of 1807 to suspend parts of federal law and the Constitution so you can use the troops to steal the 2026 an 2028 elections for the GOP.

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has echoed that narrative, explicitly saying that the goal of Trump’s “invasion” is to control and corrupt the elections next year and in 2028, and California Governor Gavin Newsome has echoed the sentiment.

Trump’s behavior is a virtual mirror of the steps Schmitt recommended after the Reichstag Fire, and Hitler followed with both the Enabling Acts (they made it legal to prepare lists of your political enemies to use the state against), and his political assassinations during the later Night of the Long Knives (for which Schmitt wrote the legal justification).

Like so many of us across the nation, Robert Reich is basically begging people not to take the bait Trump is dangling. So far here in Portland, for example, Trump’s and Noem’s attempts at provocation have been met with street theater, dancing furries, people bringing flowers to the ICE building, and a naked bike ride protest.

But the ICE guys, laughing, shot a praying priest in the head from the roof of the ICE building, hitting him with a Pepper ball round that knocked him to the ground.

Baffled, Kristi Noem told Trump and America at a cabinet meeting yesterday that Portland must have “cleared” the “war-torn” areas and hidden the parts of the city that are smoking ruins from the recent riots she imagines (and Fox “News” lyingly suggests by playing 5-year-old B-roll of the BLM protests) have happened:

“[Mayor Keith Wilson] said that Portland was perfectly safe, a beautiful city, no problems. And I said, ‘well, why did you clear the streets for me today then, and build out a four-block radius to make sure I could get in and out of here?’”

Lacking any evidence whatsoever of organized violence against ICE officers or their building in Portland, the notorious puppy killer, her (also married) alleged boyfriend in tow, added:

“This is a sick situation. But those are anarchists, those are people that want to overthrow government. They’re really degenerates. And we’re finding out who is supplying all of those beautiful signs and everything else.”

So far, Portland, Los Angeles, and Chicago have succeeded in not giving in to Noem’s and Trump’s Schmittian provocations. Odds are, though, they’ll continue to ramp up the violence until finally a breaking point is reached, and Trump can then claim justification for the Insurrection Act, something he’s now openly discussing almost daily.

Stephen Miller appears to be salivating at the prospect, telling CNN that “under Title 10 … the president has plenary authority” and then suddenly realizing that he’d slipped and let the cat out of the bag; he froze for the next dozen or so seconds until CNN claimed technical difficulties and cut away. When they came back, Miller omitted that “plenary” word that Carl Schmitt so loved — which means “ultimate power that nobody can challenge” — from his final remarks.

In federal court in Chicago yesterday, U.S. Deputy Attorney General Eric Hamilton said, “The president’s judgment is unreviewable,” echoing Schmitt.

As historian Heather Cox Richardson explained:

“It is this power under Title 10 that White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller yesterday claimed was ‘plenary,’ or absolute. The idea that exceptions to the rule of law reveal who is really in charge of the government was central to the political philosophy of German political theorist Carl Schmitt, who joined the Nazis and whose work is increasingly popular among the radical right in the U.S. these days.”

Forbes notes that Trump is already claiming that if courts try to stop him, he’ll neuter them by invoking the Insurrection Act, claiming it gives him plenary powers:

“Trump has suggested he could be inclined to invoke the law if courts rule against him. ‘If people were being killed and courts were holding us up or governors or mayors were holding us up, sure, I’d do that,’ Trump said Monday, referring to using the Insurrection Act.”

The next few days, weeks, or possibly months will be pivotal.

— Will citizens in one of the Blue cities Trump’s thugs have invaded give him the riot he wants?
— If they do and he invokes the Insurrection Act, will the six compliant, frightened Republicans on the Supreme Court back him up?
— If they don’t, will he ignore them and order the military into our streets to establish martial law anyway?
— Will the nation’s military commanders go along with such an order?
— And if they do, can they stop or effectively disrupt the elections of 2026 and 2028 in Blue cities? (We even had elections during the Civil War and WWII.)

Most Americans, polls show, are aghast. Few of us ever thought we’d live to see the day an American president would be following the steps to cripple a republic laid out by Nazi Germany’s most famous political theorist.

But here we are. And the most important things we can do are to fearlessly keep speaking out (“courage is contagious”), demand action from our elected officials of both parties, and show up peacefully in the streets on October 18th for No Kings Day 2.

See you there!

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Louise’s Daily Song: “Trump’s March Toward Plenary Power”

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There is a simple way to describe Trump’s FEAR of the release of the Epstein files. His M.O. has always been to increase the deflection of issues he doesn’t like to whatever level he deems required to get the focus of – in this case – his minions, the media, and, of course, us “liberals” onto ANYTHING other than what he FEARS. And what he FEARS is whether or not his name has been “scrubbed” from the Epstein files before they can be released. It must be more challenging than I had thought because between Trump and the Speaker (Johnson) they are going WAY out of their way in an attempt to get “we the people” to simply forget those files exist.

First, it was the softball interview Todd Blanche gave Ghislaine Maxwell apparently assuring her an eventual pardon (he’s already mulling that publicly setting the stage for the actual pardon) in exchange for her compliments of what a “gentleman” Trump was around all those young girls she (and Epstein) were found to have violated sexually – girls as young as 14 years old. Today the SCOTUS refused to hear Maxwell’s appeal of her conviction leading to her 20 year sentence for “child sex trafficking.” I don’t know, but will his base respond positively should he follow through on the pardon that, today, Trump mused “I’ll have to asked the DOJ about it.”

The Maxwell scheme aside that wasn’t sufficiently working (today Trump played “dumb” in the Oval Office as someone asked a question about a possible pardon for Maxwell) – so, maybe the better way to get people’s minds off the Epstein files is to threaten to deploy American Troops into (“democratic led”) American cities in order to “restore law and order” to places like Portland, Oregon – right across the Columbia River from where I live – a city Trump says is “burning to the ground.” Now, if this were actually true it shouldn’t be difficult to arrest BOTH of the protesters recently viewed outside the ICE facility in Portland. If the city is “burning” then it must be the two people in costumes (I believe one was in a chicken costume and another in a frog costume) who were “burning the city down.”

Now, I only go over to Portland once in a while and I’ve managed to miss the fire. Every time I go over there all I see is people scurrying around living their lives. Yes, as in many cities, (including the small neighboring community close to where I live) there are homeless people in various places – people I attempt to help (in my small way) when I feel compelled and I’ve yet to see one of them setting fire to anything. Of course there are issues with “crime” in Portland, like in all cities (or should I say places) – but, nothing the local police force can’t deal with. It’s the responsibility of local law enforcement to work to solve local crime challenges – NOT the responsibility of America’s military. In fact, based on what little I can remember from my constitutional law classes back when I was in College, I believe it’s UNCONSTITUTIONAL for Trump (and Hegseth) to deploy the military in America for the purpose of “fighting crime.” And, the courts seem to be in agreement with my vague memory of my college years.

Trump and Hegseth even went to the unprecedented and EXTREME gathering of America’s top Trump brass into Quantico Virginia all in the same place at the same time forcing them to listen to unhinged speeches from the both of them for what had to be a God awful hour of total bulls**t – before sending them back around the globe at the cost of tens of MILLIONS of dollars – total “waste, fraud, and abuse.” Do you really believe America’s adversaries aren’t sitting back with grins on their faces as they watch Trump continue his FASCIST takeover of our government. Trump even suggested to the “Generals” they use America’s “democrat run cities” as training grounds for their troops. Yikes!!!

Other parts of his strategy – in full “flood the zone” mode – there’s the Trump ordered prosecutions of James Comey (who made it possible for Trump 1.0) and New York AG Letitia James – prosecutions he pretends he “knows nothing about” (as he manages to give the details of, for example, Comey’s indictment in his next breath) – where the DOJ is struggling to find lawyers wiling to prosecute the cases. There’s the government shutdown – which, of course, republicans are bending over backwards to blame on democrats – despite republicans controlling all three branches of government with the threat to fire massive numbers of government civil service employees in “democrat parts of the country.” The FASCISM is getting a tighter and tighter “noose” on “we the people” just as prescribed in Project 2025.

But, just maybe, even those in the cult will realize there must be a reason Trump is going to such lengths to block the release of the Epstein files. Maybe the FACT Trump and Epstein were “best buds” for either 10 or 15 years – depending on which one you believe – is enough to cause even republicans to put two and two together. My summary: do you really believe Trump wasn’t more than just “best buds” with Epstein? Do you believe the “birthday” letter was forged over 20 years ago? What do you think were their secrets Trump allegedly mentioned in the letter?

Final Thought: On the democratic side the main issue causing them to refuse to provide the sixty votes in the Senate allowing for the possible end of the “government shutdown ” is the looming healthcare crisis. Here’s the way I see it. The democrats are attempting to do Trump a great favor – of course he’ll never see it this way – by causing the health care cuts in the so-called “BBB” to be reversed. By allowing the subsidies to the Affordable Care Act to expire (I believe as of January 1, 2026) the premiums of MILLIONS of Americans will rise – sometimes by as much as double (or more) – plus democrats want republicans to reverse the draconian cuts to Medicaid – threatening the health care of low income Americans all across the nation PLUS causing the closure of rural hospitals and health care clinics often times in “red districts.”

Do you believe raising health insurance costs on MILLIONS of Americans (Open enrollment is from October 27 to November 24 – so this has to be decided by October 27) or causing MILLIONS more to LOSE their Medicaid benefit will help Trump in the 2026 mid-term elections? Doesn’t make sense does it? To me, that’s further evidence Trump has no intention of America having “free and fair elections” in 2026. If he can’t fill the “democrat run cities” with Military troops he’ll figure out how to confiscate the ballot boxes in order to “prevent voter fraud.” Brace yourself, the s**t is definitely hitting the fan as I’m writing this. Stay tuned!!!

For a GREAT article from Thom Hartmann click HERE! He ALWAYS says it so much better than me. I recommend you subscribe to his substack!

I continue to find myself yelling at the TV or the radio when people I’m listening to (usually on MSNBC) continue calling Trump’s takeover of America’s government as “authoritarianism.” Earlier today I think I discovered why. Trump and his LYING sycophants have convinced Ms. Wallace and the rest of them on MSNBC that if they use the term FASCISM it’s too radical. Right wingers will criticize them for it. OMG! That would just be too much wouldn’t it?

Except, are they not listening to what right wingers are saying now? The names are coming hot and heavy and there is a small detail I’ve got to add about that. As they hear the terms like “radical lunatic democrats” OVER and OVER do they NOT understand that republicans are (purposefully) using propaganda strategies of none other than Adolf Hitler. Every time Trump (or his minions) repeat a LIE over and over again our “liberal media” SHOULD point out the Big LiE theory was devised by Hitler back in the early 1925’s in Mein Kampf. Republicans have been using this strategy since the advent of Limbaugh, but Trump is the master. And, democrats are silent!

In addition, every time Trump or republicans use “projection” to accuse democrats (or liberals) to that of which they are guilty it should be pointed out that is another strategy of the Nazi’s. So, what’s that old saying? If it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck, flies like a duck, it’s a duck! What Trump and Project 2025 are doing to the United States of America is what Hitler FAILED to do back during WW II. These people are FASCISTS and the sooner our so-called “liberal media” starts calling them FASCISTS the better the chance “we the people” might ultimately defeat them.

I continue to find myself yelling at the TV or the radio when people I’m listening to (usually on MSNBC) keep calling Trump’s takeover of America’s government as “authoritarianism.” Earlier today I think I discovered why. Trump and his LYING sycophants have convinced Ms. Wallace and the rest of them on MSNBC that if they use the term FASCISM it’s too radical. Right wingers will criticize them for it. OMG! That would just be too much wouldn’t it?

Sadly, when I say “them” it has to include the entire elected republican party who are willing to go along with this. And those who remain in the cult are fooling themselves because these people (Trump, Miller, Vought, etc.) could care less about their (as they refer to them) “uneducated voters.” People around the world are shaking their heads. America is NOT the most “respected” country in the world as per Trump. Let me make this clear – it’s Trump and his Project 2025 puppet masters (remember Trump isn’t the one writing all the executive orders) who are the extremists. Pointing out they are FASCISTS is simply our present reality and DUTY. That’s not “extreme” – that’s just telling it like it is.

For the last time here – for a little bit of help – here’s the definition of fascism:

noun

1. A system of government marked by centralization of authority under a dictator, a capitalist economy subject to stringent governmental controls, violent suppression of the opposition, and typically a policy of belligerent nationalism and racism.
2. A political philosophy or movement based on or advocating such a system of government.
3. Oppressive, dictatorial control.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition 

Remember this: (f)Elon Musk threw a couple “Sieg Hiels” at Trump’s inauguration and there was barely a “peep” out of our press. Just stop and think how they would have responded had one of Biden’s top advisers done the same. No one at the inauguration appeared to be offended! It appears our press is afraid of Trump – for whatever reason.

I rest my case. Democrats (and “liberals” er “progressives”) MUST lose their fear of “telling it like it is.” Spend some time helping the “uneducated voters” out in the heartland (and in the South) understand what is happening – using the CORRECT term and how it ultimately will affect them. I’ve said this before and I’ll say it once again – “authoritarianism” is a euphemism for FASCISM. It’s the “nice” way of saying it. Stop being afraid to “tell it like it is!” It’s FASCISM! Stay tuned…..

Final Thought: I’m really tired of feeling the need to write this. So far today I’ve listened to Nicolle Wallace, Chris Hayes, Jen Psaki, and Lawrence O’Donnell – all hosts on MSNBC – using the word “authoritarianism” to describe what Trump is doing to America. They even have bits on Russel Vought and Stephen Miller (two of Project 2025’s authors) which are right out of the Manifesto – and, still “authoritarianism.” It’s as if the words “fascism” or “Hitler” are unacceptable on respectable television. They all should read one of the many books on the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, for one example, which is a good way to get some history of the German Nazi’s. To see the parallels!

One last thing: I’ll also say this again – because it’s not getting said via our “liberal media” (which is 90% owned by Trump lackeys) – another sign of fascism is a “government/corporate partnership.” Think of that every time you read/hear about Trump squeezing a percentage of the profits of an American corporation – corporations who seem to go along with what appears to be “protection money” willingly. There are too many American entities (corporations, law firms, Universities, media outlets, etc.) who are caving to Trump with nary a whimper. Those of us who value our democratic republic are in “deep doo doo.” Yikes!!!

Another short rant. It should be no surprise if you’ve read any of the posts I’ve written in the past 10 or so years that I would agree with Trump that America has an “enemy within.” And, it’s him! He is destroying our country along with his Project 2025 Puppet masters. The right wing proponents of this fascist takeover of the United States of America have been “at it” since the early 1970’s. They are much more sophisticated than the democrats who are the “big tent” party and believe in following the laws and the constitution. Republicans consider that the democrats fatal weakness!

Those behind Trump simply want more POWER and more MONEY. The key to their success since Trump came down the escalator in 2015 has been the three right wing members of the Supreme Court who are rapidly putting a torch to our constitution – under the guise of being “originalists.” Well, I suppose the constitution “originated” back when African Americans were 3/5ths of a person. Do they want to turn the clock back that far? They are the “glue” which has helped “secure” the government/corporate partnership that is a requirement of a fascist takeover. We’re seeing one large corporation after another succumbing to Trump’s (and, of course, Project 2025) using the courts to bring them “in line.” Google is the latest to fall in line – today agreeing to give Trump over 24 MILLION dollars in order to gain government favor re: anti-trust issue.

I’ve said it now several times that “we the people” are unlikely to survive the remaining years of Trump 2.0 as a democratic republic. Today, Trump and Hegseth gathered ALL of America’s military leaders in an auditorium so they could lecture them for an hour – Generals and their staffs coming from thousands of miles away – to listen to Trump talk about the “enemy within” and then telling these military leaders to prepare to send their troops into American cities. Trump is doing this already. We still have (kind of) a constitution and the “enemy within” can not be defined any other way than it is TRUMP! Yikes!!! Stay tuned!

Final Thought: Once again, when Hegseth or other members of Trump’s administration use the term “woke” simply substitute the word “Black” in it’s place and you will understand what they mean. Of course you should also think of women and members of the LGBTQ community. Or should I simply say anyone who is not white. For me, someone who has received the benefits of being white in my lifetime this is the part that grieves me the most. I know MANY members of the various communities that are the targets of these right wing fascists and it really angers me that “we the people” voted in an administration attempting to roll back some of the great advancements I’ve seen in my lifetime. I’m physically limited, but I’ll be at the next “No Kings” protest. It’s time for Americans to pour onto the streets in an effort to save our republic!

I’m going to keep this one as simple as I can. Full disclosure: I live across the Columbia River from Portland, Oregon. A city which is NOT “burning to the ground.” So, if you’re a pathological LIAR and you’re worried about the Epstein files, what is the solution? That’s right! Start sending Pete Hegseth’s vaunted “war machine” against American Citizens. We’ll know how close we are to full throated FASCISM when the Supreme Court rules on the legality of sending American troops against American citizens. “Posse Comitatus” says it’s unconstitutional. But, as we know, that’s not a deterrent to Trump. Stay tuned!!!

Final Thought: Comey has been indicted on “trumped up” charges. Apparently Letitia James and Adam Schiff are next – unless Pam Bondi decides on Fani Willis instead. We’ll see how “we the people” respond to this. I’ve got to make a new sign for the next protest!

As I’ve said here several times I don’t believe Trump has any intention of allowing mid-term elections if there’s a chance the democrats could retake the House (or the Senate). A requirement for IMPEACHMENT #3 (and it has to include Vance) The sh*t is about to hit the fan!