I spent most of my career teaching Middle School and, in the process, you get a good lesson in learning to tell when someone’s LYING.  In fact, for years in the administration’s office (where they deal with “naughty” students) there was a poster which read: “Tell the truth, there’s less to remember.”  The other day, when Donald Trump was giving a bizarre news conference I couldn’t help but be reminded of that saying – actually, MULTIPLE times.  I mean, he started off with an astonishing claim – that he won a landslide “electoral college” victory – the largest since Ronald Reagan.  Of course, that was completely untrue – even I knew that without checking – in fact, the ONLY president to get a smaller “victory” was GW Bush – who relied on the Supreme Court to get 271 electoral votes back in 2000.  For some reason, (I think both you and I know the answer to that thought) Trump continues to talk about the electoral college “victory” as if it’s a mandate, despite the FACT he called it (the electoral college) “a disaster for democracy” back in 2012 after President Obama defeated Mitt Romney.  Fortunately, a reporter “called” Trump on the LIE he began his news conference with – but, there was plenty more to come.  (Trump failed to mention that Hillary Clinton got almost 3 MILLION more votes nationwide than him – I wonder why? Honestly, he still seems to be struggling with that FACT)

Later in the news conference Trump, as he was attempting to intimidate the “media” said he no longer watches CNN.  “They are too dishonest.”  (Talk about “the pot calling the kettle black”)  Of course, later in the conference he actually called on and had a diatribe with a reporter from CNN – during which he said, “I watch you every night.”  I wanted to say, “OK, which is it?  Either you watch them or you don’t.”  I could picture Trump in the principal’s office trying to get out of some kind of trouble that had no way out.  Later in the “session” Trump was looking for a “friendly” reporter and called on a reporter from, I believe, a Jewish network (or publication).  The reporter brought up the increase in anti-Semitic violence since Trump took office – specifically and carefully trying to avoid connecting it with Trump himself – which I thought was a kind gesture on the reporter’s part.  Of course, Trump took it very defensively and then made a couple remarkable comments that NO ONE, that I saw, who were reporting on the news conference picked up on.  (I guess, even though Trump is surrounded by anti-Semitic racists the subject is too sensitive for our “liberal media”)  Trump told the guy to sit down, and said – first – that he was offended and then said – and, I’m not kidding, “I’m the LEAST anti-Semitic person AND I’m the LEAST racist person.”  I wasn’t sure who Trump was comparing himself to – Steve Bannon, Kellyanne Conway, and Stephen Miller were sitting right in front of him – maybe he was comparing himself to them.  He’s “less” racist and anti-Semitic than his top advisers.  Well, for all I know he could be telling the truth on that one.

However, I had to wonder, why didn’t he say “I’m not anti-Semitic or racist?”  Of course, saying that would have brought another trip to the principal’s office.  I can’t say I’ve heard – or that I can remember hearing – Trump make an anti-Semitic comment, but to call himself the “least racist?”  Again, I’m not sure who he’s comparing himself to – we know where many of his strongest supporters stand (If you’re not sure, research Breitbart and the “alt right”) – but to PUBLICLY lead the so-called “birther” movement against President Barack Obama speaks volumes about Trump as a racist.  Of course, you could also read about the Justice department actions against Trump and his father regarding their unwillingness to rent properties to African Americans.  None of that is conjecture – it’s FACT!  To me, it’s just further example of a pathological liar – in his mind, if he says it, it must be true.  But, again, maybe he was comparing his racism to, say, Bannon – and maybe he is “least racist” in that sense – I’m not sure.

If you were unlucky enough to have to listen to one of Trump’s top political advisors – Stephen Miller – on a recent tour of the “Sunday morning talk shows” on television – you would get a good look at the mindset that permeates Trump’s administration.  Miller said, on one occasion, “our opponents, the media and the whole world will soon see as we begin to take further actions, that the powers of the president to protect our country are very substantial and will not be questioned.”  That wasn’t all.  He also added, when defending Trump’s RIDICULOUS claim that 3 – 5 MILLION Illegal aliens ALL voted for Hillary Clinton to explain why she won the popular vote by nearly 3 MILLION votes, “I’m prepared to go on any show, anywhere, anytime, and say the president of the United States is correct 100 percent.”  If you’ve studied authoritarian regimes in history, this group should have your attention.

Miller, Kellyanne Conway, and Steve Bannon all come from the world of Breitbart.  That’s the home of the White Nationalist movement – and, even it Trump doesn’t understand this group’s foundation is RACISM, well, that’s on him.  I wrote the other day about Kellyanne Conway sitting at a press briefing given by Trump stooge Sean Spicer right in line with one of the cameras (to Spicer’s left).  Conway was busy texting (or something that looked to me like texting – I don’t do Twitter, Facebook, etc.) and just as she was writing a response – under her “hashtag” or whatever you call it on Twitter – showed up a response to a congratulatory “tweet” (I hope that’s the right word) from one of her admirers – who’s “Twitter handle” (again, I’m guessing for the right terminology) gave a clear connection to White Nationalists and was titled “Lib Hypocrisy.”  Here’s an explanation of the symbolism on Lib Hypocrisy’s handle:  “Lib Hypocrisy’s Twitter handle features the green face of Pepe the Frog, a well-known symbol of the white nationalist movement. The related account bio lists the hashtags #WhiteIdentity, #Nationalist and #GeertWilders, a reference to the virulently anti-Muslim Dutch politician.”  Conway nevertheless retweeted Lib Hypocrisy’s message and wrote, “Love you back.” She also wished her “hapless haters” a happy Valentine’s Day.  (This info thanks to the Huffington Post) Trump and his top surrogates will claim to be “the least racist” – but, the evidence clearly says …………. “back to the principal’s office.”

Understand this, however; Trump is working in the classical form of a true tyrant.  And, Steve Bannon is the perfect “silent partner” in pushing their agenda.  Of course, the republican party – I’ve been writing about them for years – are the perfect enablers to allow Trump to create damage to this great nation that could take generations to reverse because while we’re all worked up about Trump they’re busy dismantling every New Deal remnant they can get their hands on.  I’ve heard it said that Bannon believes that – evidently by using the voter suppression tools, the Big Lie Theory of Joseph Goebbels, the intimidation of the press, and the ability to dismantle important regulatory parts of government – keeping a “base” of 40% is enough for the so-called “permanent republican ‘majority.'”  I’ve written about this ad nauseum, but I don’t think the original architects – like Karl Rove – envisioned Trump in the White House portion of their “plan.”  That’s where I sometimes think that “we the people” are better off just enduring Trump for one term rather than the impeached alternative – because, I believe the conservatives behind the “plan” would much prefer Mike Pense as president.  But, the reality is that, in my mind, Trump MUST be opposed at EVERY opportunity.  The sooner he’s out of office the better for “we the people.”

I’m already seeing signs that the “media” is weakening – getting tired of the EVERY day drama that’s going to be “life under Trump.”  He will continue BASHING the media and “we the people” will continue to depend on them to keep “investigating” what is really going on.  The only TV “media” I can stomach is an occasional viewing of MSNBC – plus I have it on my car radio.  Commentators like Chuck Todd, Chris Matthews, Steve Kornaki, to name three that come right to my mind, appear to be looking for ways to “get along” with Trump and his surrogates.  In one moment they’re calling the LIES out as they should, and the next moment they’re looking for a way to make sense out of something that makes no sense at all and is provably FALSE.  Matthews is the most discouraging to me because I know he was a staffer for Tip O’Neil and Jimmy Carter – he should know better.  Todd has been getting “used” by republicans for as long as I can remember watching him.  I will probably never forget him interviewing Allison Lundergan Grimes who was running against Mitch McConnell – the person filibustering EVERY position of Barack Obama in his attempt to make sure Obama failed – and saying she was “disqualified” because she wouldn’t share with him who she voted for in the previous presidential election – yes, you’re right – in his mind she was disqualified for protecting her right to a secret ballot.  Of course, he said NOTHING regarding McConnell’s OBSTRUCTION of President Obama – evidently, in his mind, that was not disqualifying. Todd’s remarks ultimately ended up being the focal point of the McConnell advertising campaign that brought him through a tough election – which was potentially winnable for his opponent.  These guys are going to give in to Trump – I can feel it coming.

Many in the media, including those I just mentioned, apparently have accepted that ALL politicians are liars.  While I don’t agree with that (although I do believe we’ve all lied at some point in our lives) to the point where it can be stereotyped – the “level” of LYING coming from Trump and those he’s surrounded himself with is staggering.  There’s a difference between “spinning” and pathologically LYING. The whole world is watching and wondering what on earth is going on in America.  “We the people” MUST continue with what’s being termed the “Resistance” for as long as Trump is in the White House and we MUST be adamant that the democratic party come home to her roots and show a readiness to FIGHT for what I’ve termed the “heart and soul” of this nation.  I believe one thing that Trump’s election has done is “wake up” MILLIONS of apathetic Americans who’ve been taking their privileges for granted (and, right now I’m not talking about “White privilege” – which is what Trump and his followers are determined will continue)  Traditional privileges like Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, the right to join a union, food stamps, unemployment insurance, clean air, clean water, safe food and drugs, and I could go on and on all hangs in the balance.  Much of this will be – at least temporarily – going away.  The wealthy in America are in line for another big boost to their “bottom lines” and, if “we the people” don’t persevere and get our collective BUTTS to the polls – and, I’m talking now about 2018 – this will continue getting worse.

Step one is throwing republicans out of control of the congress.  I don’t care if states are considered “blue or red,” the democrats need to be active in EVERY state where there’s an election and they need to find and support good YOUNG progressive candidates who can make the case for working people all across this land.  The first and most effective way to “stop Trump” is to start voting republicans out of office en masse.  The next step is to find good YOUNG candidates who would be willing to go through the GRIND of running for president in 2020.  Whether it’s Trump or Pense in 2020, the damage done in these four years will need to be “fixed” sooner rather than later.  Even my granddaughter (a sixth grader) is scared and wondering how someone like Trump could even get elected.  Kids her age know about the Access Hollywood tapes and the LYING and they’re wondering how there could be enough adults in America to vote someone like this into office.

At some point we are likely to have much more information as to why Trump should never have been elected president – like maybe he’ll be forced to disclose his tax returns, maybe the so-called “dossier” from Russia that no one’s talking about anymore – and, that I believe is true and is out there on video – will show up, maybe we’ll find out the true amount of collusion between Trump’s campaign staff and the Russians who were hacking the Democratic National Committee, maybe Trump will end up in court facing the numerous women who claimed he sexually assaulted them, or who knows what else.  (I’ve heard that Trump is facing something close to 100 lawsuits) In my mind, it shouldn’t take any of that – the LYING coming from the Trump White House is enough for me to believe he should never have had the privilege to move in there.  He’s called the media “the enemy of the American people.”  Of course, the purpose of that is to get them to stop “snooping” on all these issues.  The future of America, at this point, is dependent on the media continuing to uncover the TRUTH about Trump and his campaign.  He will continue to LIE and attempt to BULLY them so that, as his surrogate Miller stated,  he’s “unquestioned.”  If we EVER get to that point, God help us!

I guess it was to be expected that Donald Trump would give people like me plenty to write about.  In fact, it’s coming so “fast and furious” it’s hard for me to focus my ADHD mind.  But, let’s just focus on something I saw Trump say today in reference to the court decisions that are putting (at least) a temporary halt on his attempt at being America’s first DICTATOR.  Trump made the comment that – after saying he didn’t want to accuse the court of being biased – that “courts these days are SO POLITICAL.”  I’m pretty sure I’m not alone in seeing the irony of that comment.  (Shortly after making that comment, there was another STUPID remark in reference to his Supreme Court nominees reported displeasure with his attacks on the judiciary – which I’ll get to later)

Maybe instead of using the word “irony” I should have said hypocrisy.  There’s been plenty of discussion (including on this site) of how Trump got himself elected.  There was the manipulation of the media, the Russian interference (which may have actually been coordinated with the Trump campaign staff – which, by the way, would be treasonous), The FBI – James Comey deciding to announce, 11 days prior to the election, that the Hillary Clinton “investigation” was re-opened, and there was the voter suppression tactics by republicans in several swing states that actually worked.  Any one of those “issues” may have swung the election.  However, by my estimate, a majority of Trump’s “base” was made up of right wing Christians who could care less who’s in the “Oval Office” if Roe v Wade can be reversed.  And, on this POLITICAL issue Trump promised a Supreme Court judge who would be committed to overturning that decision.  No matter your position on abortion, that is Trump suggesting he’s going to nominate a judge based on POLITICS.

Now, most “liberals” are going to fight Trump’s nomination of Neil Gorsuch as the replacement for Antonin Scalia – if for no other reason than the seat he’s been nominated for SHOULD be held by Merrick Garland. For POLITICAL reasons, the republicans refused to even meet with Judge Garland for almost en entire year.  Now, with Trump’s ill informed attacks on the court system, along with some incredibly STUPID surrogates (Stephen Miller comes to mind), I believe the republicans will have no choice but to get rid of the filibuster to get Gorsuch nominated. (Despite the FACT Gorsuch seemed a bit rational when he commented about Trump’s attacks on the court as being disheartening and demoralizing.  Those comments alone might get a few democrats to vote for him – but, I believe without 60 votes there will be an 8 person Supreme Court for at least 4 years.  So, it’s inevitable that Mitch McConnell will use the so-called “nuclear option” to get Gorsuch confirmed.  (The only caveat here is that McConnell may be getting nervous about the republicans’ ability to control the Senate based on they are now the party of Trump and he may want to keep that option for when he’s in the minority again)

I’ve pointed out several times on this site that Trump and many of his surrogates (mostly Kellyanne Conway) are LIARS.  In my mind, Trump is a pathological liar – as the lie is leaving his lips, he believes it is true.  I’m guessing that Trump has been LYING so long that it’s just a way of life for him.  Which brings up another IRONY involved with observing the MESS that is Trump’s administration.  He just fired Michael Flynn, his national security advisor, for – you guessed it – LYING.  To me this all would be comical if it wasn’t so serious.  Of course, Trump didn’t really fire Flynn for LYING, he fired him because the press found out he LIED to Vice President Pense (who, by the way, I’m predicting will be our 46th president within the next year).  Trump fired Flynn because he pretty much had to in his attempt to shield the TRUTH about the involvement with his campaign and the Russian attack on Hillary Clinton during the election.  This is ALL going to get very interesting.

And, speaking of Kellyanne Conway, she was seen sitting at the news briefing where Saturday Night Live star Sean Spicer was LYING about why Flynn “resigned” texting to, who else, but someone who’s “Twitter feed” shows an allegiance to the White Supremacist movement.  Of course, afterward – after being “outed”- Conway did what she usually does – she LIED.  Only this time it was to cover up her own actions instead of Trump’s.  Someone must have “hacked” into her Twitter account and sent the message – at exactly the same time she was seen sending a message during Spicer’s attempt to calm everyone down about Flynn’s “resignation.”  Now, this should surprise no one because Conway came into the Trump campaign with Steve Bannon straight from Brietbart which is the “home” of the White Supremacist movement in America.  The only surprise I have each time stuff like this comes up is that our “liberal media” seems to be “missing in action” as far as reporting it to the general public.  Despite the implication of people of this “bent” in positions of the highest power in this nation our “liberal media” seems to be willing to “go along to get along.”

That would bring me back to the aforementioned Stephen Miller – who’s pretty much been identified as a “whack job” every step along the way.  If you missed it, he made the rounds on the “Sunday news” shows last week and, depending on your perspective – either told it like it is, OR showed the reality of what I’ve been writing about for the past year – as Trump became a “possibility” in the republican primary process.  Miller, as with Bannon and Conway, comes from the Brietbart “world.”  He’s only 31 years old but he talks as if he’s the impending RULER of the universe.  I’m not kidding, this dude was really full of himself.  (And, of course, Trump loved it)  The parts I saw of Miller were a little on the scary side if you believe that Trump is actually going to be able to advance his “plan.”  Miller made statements like: “Trump will not be questioned.”  He made other statements as ridiculous as that and Trump gave him a “Twitter” pat on the back.  That should get my previous references to the similarities of Trump’s campaign with that of a certain German back in the early thirties a bit more relevance.  Of course, the “facts” Miller used in his tirade against anyone who would even question the fuhrer er president, as with MOST of what comes from the White House, were LIES – gaining what the Washington Post “fact checkers” called a “bushel of Pinocchio’s.”

A quick aside:  The other day I saw the picture of Miller that was widely published after his tirade on the so-called “Sunday news shows” and he was giving the “white power” salute with his hands as he was talking to the reporter (being broadcast on national TV).  This is just more of the coded garbage that has been a part of the Trump campaign – mostly what I’ve picked up on is the coded language – and, I have to admit I had no idea what the “white power” hand signal was until it was shown to me in an article from Daily Kos.  They showed examples of two other White House staffers doing the same thing in the White House briefing room.  NO ONE in the “liberal media” is reporting on this stuff.

I don’t know how much longer the republicans who control the Congress will be able to tolerate Trump as THEIR president.  The world is wondering, “what the hell is going on in America?”  The American people who are watching are in the streets in virtually every city – and, each proclamation that Trump comes up with (if the public is informed) seems to result in massive protests.  And, it’s going to keep getting progressively worse.  First of all, Trump has no idea what he got himself into.  Secondly, the reality of what Trump, and probably more significantly Steve Bannon and Stephen Miller, wants is going to be FAR outside the “mainstream” in America.  And, say what you will about the “mainstream,” but politicians need to be operating in at least some segment of it.  The opposition is likely to grow and Trump’s “approval rating” is likely to continue falling.  Yes, the 30% of America who were attracted to Trump’s candidacy because he led the “Birther” movement, will stick with him high and dry.  That is the Brietbart side of America – which, until Trump got elected was considered a “fringe element.”  Many of the supporters of Brietbart are unapologetically RACISTS.

Trump has already committed impeachable offenses – that we know about and probably some we don’t yet know about – and, in my view, as each day passes, he’s on thinner and thinner “ice.”  The reality is that “true conservatives” in America have a much higher opinion of Mike Pense than they have of Trump.  I believe it’s just a matter of time before republicans start talking among themselves (if it’s not already happening) about the IMMENSE damage Trump is doing to their “brand.”  At that point the “scheming” as to how to get rid of him will begin to grow.  Remember, they are all about having power (obviously, they know not how to govern) and when they get to the point where they believe Trump is going to cause them to lose power it will be a short while until he’s impeached.  It’s going to happen!  (The TRUTH about the collusion with the Russians during the campaign will likely be the “last straw”)

So, that gets me to my final thought.  A person who commented on this site asked me to give ten things that should be done to make things better (Implying that I’m “whining”).  Of course, if you’ve read some of my previous posts you know there are at least ten that should be obvious – although the suggestions I made to President Obama obviously are “moot” at this point.  But, here’s at least a few (and, Trump could save his presidency by reading this and actually pushing for them – I’m not kidding): 1.) Instead of repealing the ACA, FIX IT.  Start by including the “public option” that was torpedoed by turncoat democrat Joe Lieberman. 2.) Push for an overhaul of our infrastructure with a “bent” toward clean energy – although, obviously, roads, dams, bridges, schools, government offices, and more need to be upgraded and/or repaired.  And, do this by encouraging union workers who are making a “living wage.” (require and independent bidding process for the projects) 3.) Improve Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid – first by extending the payroll tax for all earnings which would solve the present problem and lead to increases that would benefit millions of Seniors. (full disclosure, I’m a senior – but, we all get there if we’re lucky enough) and secondly, by laying the groundwork for a “medicare for all” future 4.) Reverse the recent decisions to allow the Keystone XL pipeline and the Dakota Access pipeline, each of which threatens the water supply of millions of Americans by allowing the DIRTIEST oil to pass through America’s heartland.  I really DON’T want to have to say “I told you so” on each of these dangerous projects – just check out the reality of the safety of these pipelines – they’re breaking all over the place.  The list of “accidents” is staggering) 5.) Actually create an advisory group to lead the way in rebuilding our inner cities in a way that will help minority communities become healthier.  And, this advisory group should be made up of the leaders of those communities.  Commit the resources to do this.  6.) Get rid of Betsy DeVos in the education department and appoint someone who believes in public education and local control (Yes, there needs to be federal guidelines regarding equal opportunity, but not the cumbersome system that has evolved since “no child left behind” left so many children “behind.” 7.) Actually commit the resources to our VA to deal with the reality that there’s MILLIONS of veterans who are not getting the care they need to deal with the aftermath of being sent into ridiculously STUPID wars.  I believe almost all veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan are likely to at least be suffering from PTSD.  8.) Pass comprehensive immigration reform that gives those who need it a “path to citizenship.”   I could go on, but hopefully, if that person shows up here again, this will do as a start.

I’ve pointed out many times on this site, and in other situations, that I’ve always been an “independent” voter.  Yes, of late, I pretty much vote for democrats because I’m so disgusted with where the republican party has evolved over the years, but I’ve never joined the democratic party.  It started with Nixon, got worse under Reagan, GW Bush/Dick Cheney took the “conservatives” farther from “we the people” and closer to the corporate interests who’ve been scheming to destroy as many rights of America’s workers as they can since the infamous “Powell memo” to the Chamber of Commerce in 1972, and now we’ve gone full bore fascism with Trump.  Since I’ve donated (small amounts of) money to various democrats in the last few years, my email inbox is FULL of solicitations from candidates I know not who they are, or in many cases even where they’re from.  The emails always came from democrats until about a year ago.

Someone, no idea who it is, evidently gave my email address to a far right group that is part of the “engine” behind the Trump movement and, like the democrats, they’re sharing it with their brethren.  Now I’m getting bombarded daily by multiple organizations pushing the “White Nationalist” agenda.  One of the sights, “The Mad Patriots,” sends me something virtually EVERY day and occasionally twice in a day.  I don’t open them – I don’t need to because I can tell what’s inside by reading the bylines of the articles.  I can’t remember the other names of the outfits sending me their propaganda, but it’s pretty much all centered on the same prerogative.  It’s the White people against everyone else.  The democrats are the enemies of “White America.”  Honestly, it makes me a bit sick to my stomach that there’s so many “White Nationalist” or “White Supremacist” or now, “alt right” groups still floating around in our nation.  And, each one of these “sites” (groups) are extremely happy with out 45th president.  It matters not to them that the Russians very well may have put him in office.  They are not fans of the FBI, yet I’m sure they’re delighted that the head of the FBI did everything he could to make sure Trump would win, in case the Russian influence wasn’t quite enough.  (Jim Comey, the aforementioned head of the FBI knew about the Russian influence and the degree of it prior to the election, but he said NOTHING because the FBI “doesn’t comment on ongoing investigations!”  Unless, of course, Hillary Clinton is involved)

The people running these particular right wing organizations are TOTALLY happy with our new president and ALL the stuff he’s doing that’s putting MILLIONS of protesters in the streets.  These are the same people who were supporting the “tea party” and “birther” movements along with the policy of obstructing President Obama EVERY step of the way.  It’s interesting to read the bylines on their emails which would suggest that they don’t like the idea of “tit for tat.”  Should the democrats suck up courage and do the same thing back to Trump that they did to Obama, in their mind, that would be “un-American.”  And, of course, they’re totally confident that the democrats won’t have the courage to do so.  Personally, I believe that is why so many Americans have abandoned the democratic party which, at one time, stood as the beacon for the blue collar working class in America.

Well, in my view, it’s time for the democrats to step it up and reclaim the middle class of this nation by FIGHTING the republican agenda and Trump EVERY step of the way.  Take for example Trump’s nomination to the Supreme Court.  Democrats should unite to block the nomination and FORCE the republicans to get rid of, once and for all, the filibuster in the Senate.   Republicans will not be in control forever (hopefully, only two more years – thanks to Trump) and, they are the ones who’ve abused the filibuster to the point where it’s time to get rid of it.  The democrats can force them to “get it over with” on this nomination.  Let the republicans get legislation through and, just as they’ve said about the ACA, I believe anything they propose will collapse, eventually, under its own weight.  “We the people” are likely going to have to endure another MAJOR economic DISASTER to finally get the point across that these people (republicans and their benefactors) have been plundering the Middle Class of America since the 1970’s.

Make no mistake, the soon to be proposed tax cuts will funnel BILLIONS to the so-called 1% (which, of course, includes Trump and virtually EVERY person affiliated with his administration). along with repealing the Affordable Care Act – which presumably will give the top 1 or 2% in America another $360 BILLION over the next ten years.  This kind of crap has been going on since the day Ronald Reagan said, “I’m going to cut your taxes AND balance the budget.”  That’s maybe the greatest LIE in American history – and, republicans are still getting away with it – which demonstrates several things.  First, it shows how they are masters at messaging and propaganda (they always get away with blaming democrats for the ballooning deficits and national debt).  It also shows, as I mentioned above, how weak the democrats are that they would allow this to happen – while we’re all fighting over wedge issues.  The republicans are masters at “playing” the democrats and the media.  (Trump’s ability to manipulate and bully the media is a major factor in why he’s sitting in the White House as I’m writing this)  And, finally, and regrettably – as I’m a retired teacher, it really shows how STUPID the American public is.

Well, I should probably use a different and more kind term than “stupid,” because it’s probably more related to how busy Americans are and how they are relying on a media that is all about ratings and shareholder value as opposed to investigative reporting.  For example, as a teacher, I spent the last 23 years of my working life along side people who all had college degrees and most who had advanced college degrees (ie Masters, PHD).  Over the span of years from when the Supreme Court decided the case until right before this election I asked MANY teachers this question: “Do you know what Citizens United is?”  Not ONE teacher was able to answer me in the affirmative, NOT ONE!  I’m sure I asked the question over 50 times during the 8 year period I’m talking about.  There were rare occasions when a teacher would even want to have a conversation about politics – despite our “mission” to help mold proficient and productive “citizens.”  To me, a productive citizen is one who votes and one who looks beyond the headlines and bylines to find information needed to make an informed decision.  For heaven’s sake – in America, if over 50% of eligible voters participate in an election, that, in itself, is a “victory.”  Yikes!

And, now we’ve got Trump as president and Steve Bannon, a White Supremacist – who, by the way is revered by the right wing organizations I referred to above, as a top advisor to our president and a member of the National Security Counsel.  Things could easily go from bad to worse and in a hurry.   I know teachers who don’t vote and don’t want anything to do with politics.  I know others who vote but have no idea of why they’re voting for anyone – yet when I try to invoke conversation it’s usually squelched by negative complaints and phrases like, “I don’t want to talk about politics.”

I’ve always believed that “we the people” get what we deserve when it comes to elections, both local and national.  But this time feels different.  The reality is that NEITHER candidate for president could have ended up a “popular” choice – due to their high unfavorable ratings – although Hillary Clinton won, what in a normal year would be a landslide with the popular vote – almost 3 MILLION more votes than Trump nationwide – but, NEVER in my wildest dreams did I envision I would be talking about whether or not our president is beholden to the Russians, or the FBI for his victory.  I saw the issue with the voter suppression coming from the “right” for several years before this election and still think it may have been a deciding factor as well, but the more I think about where we’re at as a nation, my mind keeps coming back to the spinelessness of the democrats.

I still remember 2014 when democrats running for congressional seats wanted nothing to do with President Obama – didn’t want him campaigning for them, were unwilling to run on the very successes of their FIGHT against republican obstruction, and basically in my mind didn’t have the courage to STAND UP for their own professed values.  It was like “tell them what they want to hear,”  which is another way of telling voters we think you really are stupid and we’re going to say whatever we think might get your vote.

So, now “we the people” are in a spot where if Trump is going to be “stopped” it will be up to the democrats growing “a pair.”  That, in conjunction with the “liberal media” actually doing investigative reporting might give us a chance to stop this disaster before it does damage that will last a generation or more.  Already, it’s clear that the Supreme Court is going back to the 5 to 4 majority that believes “corporations are people my friends.”  The new appointee, Judge Neil Gorsuch, has a history of calling corporations “people” along with a right wing record that will conceivably make Antonin Scalia look like a moderate.  Democrats will be unable to totally block Gorsuch – unless Mitch McConnell is unwilling to give up his filibuster tool – once it’s gone, it’s gone – but, they can force the issue as I stated above.  They need to send a message to their “liberal” base that they’re willing to FIGHT.  Unfortunately, I have to say I’ll believe it when I see it.  Trump and the people he’s associated with are bound and determined to “Make America White again” and they are bullying their way in that direction.  The right wing websites I mentioned above are not subtle in what they believe and in their support for Trump.  “We the people” need to call it what it is and band together to stop this right wing assault on our nation as soon as possible.  We need to DEMAND democrats actually represent us and if they continue to lack the will for this fight, then it’s time for a THIRD party.

Trump and his surrogates have their “alternate facts” and his supporters buy the LIES hook line and sinker.  Additionally, republicans in Congress are falling all over themselves to defend Trump because they believe he’ll allow them to FINALLY get their draconian legislation through that repeals what’s left of the New Deal (and, of course, Gorsuch’s nomination is worth whatever damage Trump can do to the nation with the “Conservative Christians” because they only care about the abortion issue – and, it’s their hope Roe v Wade will be overturned).  It’s time for all us “minions” out here – including many of the blue collar Americans in the mid west and south to decide if all the great benefits our fathers and grandfathers (mothers and grandmothers as well) FOUGHT for after the great depression are worth us FIGHTING for today?  I’ll say it again, rights and privileges are much easier to lose than to regain!