As I’ve tried to point out numerously on this website, I “get” what the republicans are up to and why they’re doing it.  They are obstructing EVERYTHING that might make President Obama look good and, conversely, make the government work better for “we the people” as they’ve been doing since, at least as far as I can remember, back when Newt Gingrich laid out “obstruction” as the strategy necessary for republicans to gain power in the congress during the 1980’s.  Obviously, there’s a large segment of the American public who either haven’t figured this out or who actually look at it differently than those that think as I.  The reality, from my eyes, is that “stuff” (using the words of Jeb Bush) is “happening” that has never been a part of the political “landscape” until the recent emergence of the so-called “Tea Party” – which is nothing more than the extension – via surrogates – of the well funded agenda put forth by people like the infamous Koch brothers (Charles and David Koch) and others who believe in a twisted form of “free market” philosophy which allows unfettered plundering of our national wealth by a select few – commonly referred to as the “top 1%.” (although this group consists of significantly less than 1% of our population)  To me, the “Tea Party” is just a natural “extension” of those who helped Gingrich “back in the day” – it’s just that this group keeps merging closer and closer to the absolute extreme right.

Essentially, all of this would (and, I think the proponents view it this way) make for good political theater if it wasn’t such a dangerous self-serving strategy.  And, their strategy is very effective – especially since they have a network of business interests which have permeated the political scene right down to the neighborhood precincts.  In a lot of ways I have to admire the political skill of this group despite my TOTAL belief that they are undermining the basic premise that America was founded on and are dead set on destroying our government as those of us commonly referred to as “baby boomers” know it.  When I think about how all this is “going down” I often get to a place where I just accept that in America we get what we deserve, and if “we the people” continue to allow this obstruction to happen without rebelling against it (at the ballot box) then we deserve the consequences.  In fact, we’re well into experiencing the consequences.  For example, the middle (or working) class of America has been stagnant economically since the days of Ronald Reagan.  We’ve seen the budget deficit soar EVERY time they (the republicans) impose another “tax cut” on the wealthiest among us – while waiting anxiously for that boost to the economy (from the “trickle down” effect) that NEVER comes.  Then, with the significant help of the very middle class that’s getting destroyed, “we the people” (inexplicably from my standpoint) vote the “bums” back in.

Again, all this would simply be just good political theater if not for the “unintended consequences” – which are never considered, seemingly, by anyone who’s got access to the “bully pulpit” or the “mainstream media.”  Here’s the thought bugging me today.  I’m listening to how we’ve got international issues with China making aggressive actions in the South China Sea and Russia pushing their “weight” around in Syria – seemingly daring the U.S. to make some kind of bold move that would threaten an even larger WAR footprint around the globe for America.  I started pointing out the inevitability of all this all the way back when President Bush lied us into Iraq while continuing an endless and ill defined “war” in Afghanistan.  That is, Bush/Cheney pushed our military to the limits and President Obama has been unable to “reel” it in.  And, with both Russia and China being fully aware of the republicans in our country violating the long standing tradition that the political obstruction stops at the nation’s borders, these two nations are sensing an opportunity to “test” America’s will for more conflict.  One thing you can be sure of is that before any decisions will be made by the Obama administration the republicans in power will make it clear that they oppose WHATEVER our president chooses to do and they will publicly make sure both the Chinese and the Russians are reminded that our nation is not even capable, no matter the circumstances, of unity.

To me, these people (the republican leaders who are foisting this political obstruction on “we the people”) are borderline treasonous.  Just as many of them would have been totally comfortable with pushing America into default, economically, I believe they have no qualms about pushing us into an extension of what has become “permanent war” resulting from the actions of the Bush/Cheney regime against, well, whoever.  I listened to a member of the so-called “freedom caucus” in the House of Representatives (this is the Tea Party extremists) complain that, evidently, John Boehner negotiated an extension of the debt limit prior to his leaving the House and I’m certain this person was disappointed that they were unable to drive this country into default as a ransom for their right wing political and economic demands – the rest of us be dammed if we disagree with them (and, keep in mind, this is a minority wing of the republican party that has power because people like the Koch’s are providing them unlimited funding – the rest of the republican party is TOTALLY in fear of this caucus – it’s both incredible and disgusting). And this same caucus, while creating a scenario that emboldens the Chinese and the Russians will be the first in line to encourage some kind of (crazy) military conflict with them.  Honestly, the rest of us had better wake up before it’s too late.  Even my “conservative” friends who vote republican in their sleep have children and grandchildren they should be thinking about.

This will go on until WE THE PEOPLE put an end to it – and, the only way to do this (peacefully) is at the ballot box.  In America we have that great privilege – but, unfortunately, most of our people refuse to practice it.  The last midterm election had a turnout south of 35%.  That is shameful.  It’s also part of the republican “plan.”  I’ve heard many republican leaders pointing out that the fewer the number of voters the better their chances.  And, if you haven’t been paying attention, republicans have been busy across the nation making it more difficult for people who would be likely to vote democratic to actually go to the polls.  Republicans complain about “voter fraud” when the only voter fraud is their organized plan to exclude people from voting – or having their votes counted.  George W Bush “won” the presidency two times via fraudulent voting practices.  In 2000 he clearly won the election because his brother (who’s now running for president) was the governor of Florida and managed to purge an untold number of ballots (do you remember the “hanging chad?”) along with a Supreme Court which essentially refused to allow all the votes to be counted.  In 2004 Bush “won” with the help of an Ohio Secretary of State who was also his state campaign manager and, not only rigged the voting machines, but made it exceedingly difficult for minority voters (and others tending democratic) to be able to get to the polls.

The worst part for me is that you have to dig under the surface of the “news” to find out something even close to what actually happened.  Republicans have pushed through legislation that has effectively reduced competition in America (despite all the “free market” claims) to the point where our choices are increasingly limited.  For example, I’ve got ONE choice if I want to have internet in my home (maybe two if I considered satellite), I’ve got two choices for TV, and – to my main point – the “mainstream media” has been “consolidated” down to information coming from a very few sources – dwindling more and more as time goes by.  I believe there are about 9 (right wing) corporations that control over 95% of our “liberal” media.  Is it any wonder “we the people” have no idea what’s going on?  And, this media empire is expert at creating “news” that turns well meaning Americans against each other.  As long as we’re arguing about issues like “gay marriage” the (under the surface) plundering of our economy by this wealthy cabal will continue.  I’m just bracing myself because I’m beginning to realize that the republicans in the so-called “freedom caucus” will stop at nothing to get their way.  They have proven that the default of our national economy means no more to them than a “bargaining chip.”  (those reading this who are “conservative, just think how that will affect you – is totally tanking our economy worth it to you to get your “wedge issue” that a majority of Americans disagree with you on?)  I have to wonder: Is the “freedom caucus” willing to undermine our foreign policy to the point of encouraging war with China and/or Russia?  As I said before, I really hope “we the people” wake up.

(Last night I finally heard a republican speaking some kind of language I could understand.  John Kasich of Ohio – the governor – stood in front of a microphone and called the republican party out.  I’ve been waiting for someone like him to do this for, well let me just say a long time, to “tell it (somewhat) like it is! BUT, make no mistake, Mr. Kasich has played his part in the republicans screwing up America – I’m certainly not suggesting he be the next president!!!  He’s as anti-union and anti-women as they come.  Maybe this will be the start of the republican party defeating itself from within) Update: If you saw the “debate” it was clear Kasich made his rant simply to separate himself from the rest of the wackos and garner some attention.  I could only stomach so much of their bantering back and forth – and, of course blaming all their ills on either the media and/or Hillary Clinton.  No one even approached what has been termed in the past as “presidential.”

On my way to work today I happened to be listening to MSNBC (which is apparently the new destination of Brian Williams) as they were patching in to a news conference being held by House Republicans – really, no idea what the intention was – as, starting with John Boehner and then a line of representatives I only know are part of the republican caucus, they one by one hammered on President Obama (what else is new???) for his threatened veto of a defense appropriations bill that was initially, at least by Boehner, represented as a boost in funding for our troops – those in “harms way” and those at home, including veterans in need of health care at VA hospitals.  Honestly, it sounded so bad that one would think President Obama just has it out for our troops.

However, when one of the members (of the House) said, what I’m sure they were later told was too much to say in public, that among the reasons they were pleading with President Obama to actually sign the bill, was because it would defund Planned Parenthood AND “Obamacare” while, at the same time, accusing Obama of, for the first time in American history, vetoing a defense authorization bill for “political reasons.”  As I listened, all I could manage to think was – first, are these people serious? and second, they must actually believe the American people are completely stupid.  Then, as I did a mind reality check, I was reminded (in my mind) that our “liberal media” has been letting these people get away with this kind of disingenuous dishonesty for the past 30+ years.  And, sure enough, not a word of criticism from Williams or his “guest” pundits about the absurdity of this “press conference.”

America has been on a downward spiral that has been fueled by an organized effort from the business community to destroy the power of the middle class since before the days of Ronald Reagan (although, I’ve been contending for years that Reagan’s election was the “tipping point” in showing the right wing “conservatives” how to turn good hard working Americans against each other through the masterful use of wedge issues and a willingness to adopt the “end justifies the means” strategy used by power brokers throughout human history.  The scariest (and most offensive) part of all this, to me, is how “we the people” have allowed our media to be hijacked by multi-national “conservative” corporate interests who have convinced enough unsuspecting Americans that our media is “liberal” while they’re using it to brainwash a large segment of the population so that corrupt congressional “members” can “get away” with what Boehner and his minions did today.  You could tell by the sound of their voices that several of them were simply repeating “the company line” as they stammered through their part of the charade.

If you haven’t picked up on my “drift” yet, well think of what the chances are that President Obama will agree to defund “Obamacare” (or Planned Parenthood, for that matter) as the ransom for getting republicans to pass a “bipartisan” defense appropriation bill.  This is exactly why I’ve been saying for years now that this republican party – as presently constituted – needs to go.  I realized they have gerrymandered many districts to the point that Donald Duck could run and get elected as long as he quacks republican when asked for his party affiliation – but, there are enough opportunities for Democrats to re-take the House (and the Senate – and, by the way, I’m no Democrat – I’m only acting like one because these republicans are doing everything they can to destroy our government – and, in the process turn this great nation into something resembling a third world country) and begin the process of reshaping this nation in a way that resembles what those of us who are “baby boomers” were privileged to enjoy in our formative years – the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s.  If we don’t figure this out SOON and turn the so-called “pendulum” toward the left, what we leave to our children and grandchildren will be shameful.

Those my age – I’m approaching 70 – have spent our lifetimes benefiting from the fight for workers rights, the fight for civil rights, the fight for basic human rights, not to mention all the infrastructure that was the result of the New Deal, the Eisenhower years, and the Great Society – roads, dams, schools, the post office network, plus an easily affordable education with college accessibility, and I could go on and on.  In 1970 approximately 33% of America’s workforce was unionized and blue collar workers could raise a family and send their kids to college.  The tradition in America was that the “elders” were leaving a better place for their children and grandchildren.  Not so much anymore.  Unfortunately, in my view, many of those who are standing in the way of much needed rebuilding and reform are my peers who’ve benefited so much from what transpired in the 30’s and 40’s.  In their defense, they have been the victims of a sophisticated propaganda scheme (right out of the “rule book” of Joseph Goebbels, the propaganda chief in Nazi Germany) that has been brainwashing them most of their lives, but certainly with a focused intensity  from this right wing “push” since the days of President Reagan.

Things that were part of the fringe extreme when I was younger are pushing their way toward the “mainstream” with the help of people like Rush Limbaugh and organizations like Fox “news.”  Of course, in neither instance do you receive anything that resembles “news” – but the reality is that this morning I was listening to what many consider the “hedge” to Fox, MSNBC, and I see them as essentially doing the same thing with a little bit different “bent.”  The reality this morning was that anyone listening (or watching) Williams could easily come away with the idea that President Obama is “against our troops” by vetoing (which I’m sure he will and I certainly hope he does) the defense authorization bill.  Not a single word was mentioned by any of the “pundits” about the absurdity being presented.  And, at least while I was listening, not a single “reporter” at the scene questioned the republicans on that point.  You would think there’d be at least one who would ask a question something along the lines of “how many times and how many ways have you attempted to defund “Obamacare?”

I recently finished reading “Who Stole the American Dream?” by Hedrick Smith (I HIGHLY recommend this book) that lays out in great detail how we got to this dangerous place in our history.  I’ll be writing more on that book soon, but suffice it to say that what we’re seeing today is the culmination of a strategy that was initiated in 1972 by a future Supreme Court Justice (Lewis Powell) when he wrote a memo to the Chamber of Commerce giving a pathway for business interests to overtake the labor movement and gain a stranglehold on political power in the United States.  Essentially, since that memo was written, we’ve seen what has morphed into today’s dangerous spread between those at the “top” and those at the bottom.  As predicted by Marx when he was analyzing the natural demise of capitalism, the numbers at the top is continually getting smaller while the numbers at the bottom continue to grow – in the last few years almost exponentially.  And, of course, that would explain the shrinking middle class that seems to be the topic on more and more people’s minds of late when there’s a discussion about American politics.

Here’s the almost depressing reality of what I listened to today.  “We the people” have no other choice but to rely on our media to act as the “fourth estate” – as outlined by the founders of our nation.  By allowing the corporate conglomerates to gain a stranglehold on the information presented to “we the people” (and, make no mistake, President Clinton is the one who signed the Telecommunications Act of 1996 which allowed this to happen) the American people are losing their ability to make cogent well thought out decisions as we decide who will govern us.  I look forward to the day when America’s leaders represent Main Street instead of Wall Street.  Unfortunately, I believe the first step in this process is a clear repudiation of the republican party.  I “get” that so many Americans are turned off by the democratic party who don’t seem to have the spines to defend their own fundamental policies.  In 2014 democrats acted as if President Obama was their opposition.  Obviously, they should have run defending his record and their fundamental beliefs.  Once voters send the needed message to republicans, they need to turn their frustration directly at the democrats.  America’s political folly is creating a generation of young people who actually believe government can’t work and who are so turned off by the whole mess that they won’t participate.  Trust me, they are smart enough to understand how STUPID today’s “press conference” was – that is, those who are still paying any attention to how our country functions politically.

I was driving home the other day listening to MSNBC on my satellite radio when there was a discussion (one of many) about the candidacy of Donald Trump.  Of course, EVERYONE seems to be trying to predict when Trump will finally self-destruct, but, in this instance, they were referring to Trump’s on again off again “feud” with Fox “news.”  What struck me was the comment made by Michael Steele (former republican chairman, now a pundit on MSNBC) referring to his claim that Fox is in the business of “creating news” (a comment I wholeheartedly agree with) followed by the half statement that went something like “we all are in the business of crea…….” at which point he collected himself and rephrased whatever he was going to say.  My point is that Steele came as close as anyone I’ve listened to who is involved in our “news” to saying what many of us believe to be the truth.  They are in the business of creating news and not reporting news.

This is not much different from the recent comments of Kevin McCarthy,  who was the presumptive “heir apparent” to John Boehner as Speaker of the House but can’t get past “the tea party,” as he admitted (what any sane person who pays attention to American politics already knew) that the “endless” Benghazi hearings have succeeded in bringing down Hillary Clinton’s poll numbers.  Of course, the hearings are “disguised” to be some kind of “investigation” of a tragedy that the republican house members just can’t get enough of.  You have to wonder, what will they think of next when faced with the potential reality that “we the people” prefer Bernie Sanders to Secretary Clinton.  Put on your seat belts for all the “socialist” comments along with the socialism FEAR mongering.

Somehow, against my will – but due to my technological ignorance, I installed a program that I can’t figure out how to get off of my computer that opens up to “news” coming from Fox “news.”  So, every time I open an internet browser on my computer I’m reminded that today’s “news” media is more about creating news than reporting it.  It’s almost as if the National Enquirer has morphed into being “mainstream” media.  And, those involved are finding more and more ways to intrude on the privacy of “we the people.” (I finally figured out how to remove the “Fox” intrusion off of my computer)

I’m pointing this all out (again) because I almost get sick to my stomach when I choose to watch (or listen) to what is considered the “mainstream media.”  Actually, at one point, I thought MSNBC would provide a “counter balance” to Fox and those who are their “minions,” but the reality is that the cable news business is a business first and news organization – well, I want to say “later,” but I even have a hard time typing that word.  MSNBC is purging those who would be “liberal” from their ranks, the “talk radio” world is and has been controlled by the right wing for decades (example: After Mitt Romney’s defeat in 2012 Clear Channel – owned by Bain Capital – Romney’s company – shuttered the local “liberal” talk station for a Fox “sports” station that generated about 1/8th the listener-ship).  MSNBC recently (I think, I’ve actually stopped listening for the most part) replaced Ed Schultz with Chuck Todd – the same guy who allowed himself to be totally “played” by Mitch McConnell in the last election.  These people are so obsessed with being “fair and balanced” that they are constantly “played” by political operatives who “get” that the worst thing that happens when they lie is a few “Pinocchio’s” from website fact checkers.  The “news” won’t call them out for fear of being labeled “biased.”

Tonight, after the first democratic debate I couldn’t help myself from tuning into MSNBC to hear the comments and there was Chris Matthews essentially blasting Bernie Sanders and promoting Hillary Clinton – of course, while sitting in his pundits chair right along side Clinton’s campaign manager. Do these people (like Matthews) just assume that “we the people” are so stupid we won’t notice the impropriety of this type of “reporting?”  Honestly, I hope others in more significant places than me noticed this and actually report it.  How can someone give an unbiased view of a debate when pandering to the manager of one of the “combatants?”  Clearly, those in places to matter will be doing what they can to prevent Sanders from gaining the nomination.  I’m sure that Matthews believes Bernie is unelectable, but that does not excuse this clear conflict of interest.

In the debate, Sanders was correct in saying we need a “revolution” of people who are educated to what is ACTUALLY happening in this nation which is allowing a select few to continue a MASSIVE redistribution of our nation’s wealth from the middle class to the so-called 1% at the top.  I’m sure people will line up to twist his use of that word (revolution) in such a way as to scare voters who are unfamiliar with him from considering his message.  For those of us who believe in the New Deal of FDR and what it did to create the greatest middle class in the history of the world Bernie Sanders is a refreshing voice.  I’m sure those who “create the news” will do everything they can to ensure Sanders is a “flash in the pan.”

On a related note, today I read that Rupert Murdoch has succeeded in purchasing the National Geographic magazine (and what goes with it).  Most people won’t even notice – but, this is another step in the process of the right wing’s propaganda scheme to continue the bludgeoning of our middle class – in this instance, at the expense of the fight against “climate change.” It won’t be long and you won’t hear a whimper from National Geographic in an area where they’ve been one of the loudest voices.  That’s how the “golden rule” was explained to me years ago when I was taking an economics class in my early college days:  “Them that have the gold, makes the rules.”

When MSNBC is finally purged of all liberal voices (I suppose Rachel Maddow is next) all that will be left will be a conglomerate owned by Murdoch (he, of course, owns Fox “news,” the Wall Street Journal, and many other “news” outlets) and other right wing zealots (MSNBC, I believe, is owned by GE or Comcast – either way, not good) who deny climate change and encourage “trickle up” economics.  These people will continue sucking the wealth from America’s middle class until there is nothing left to suck – and, then they’ll be off to the Riviera or some other exotic place. (Murdoch, for example, is an Australian and the leading outside stock holder in his Fox “empire” is a Saudi Prince)  While doing so they’ll continue “creating news” so that the minions who’ve “bought” their shtick will go to their economic graves thinking the democrats caused the deficit (and every other bad thing you can think of).  (Have you ever had a political “conversation” with a Fox “news” “expert?”  The best way I can explain it is “enlightening” – and, if you don’t get my drift, I mean that TOTALLY sarcastically)

This assault by those who are busy “creating” the news – in a way that benefits their insatiable desire for more wealth – seems endless.  Yet, a true liberal is gaining momentum.  As I listen to Bernie Sanders, I have a hard time disagreeing with much of what he says.  Of course, there is not a candidate out there who’s going to hit the “spot” on everything – let’s face it – each one of the millions of voters are different as are the candidates – but, his focus on the middle class and working class of people, in my view, is where the government should have their focus.  Yes, we need business, we need entrepreneurs, we need investors, and on and on – but, at this point in time, it is the middle class, the working poor, the infrastructure of our nation, the inner cities, the rural areas which have been isolated by the job loss from globalization, our education system, our health care system, and the list goes on, that needs the focus of our government leaders.  EVERYONE will benefit from addressing these needs.  And, if this has any chance of ever happening, we need our media to return to reporting the news instead of creating it!  What will it take?  Well, on this I also agree with Bernie – it will take a “revolution” of people taking ownership of their privilege to be voters in this great nation and taking the time to educate themselves on the true issues of the day without the brainwashing of Fox “news” and their minions.