OMG – sometimes I just want to scream at republicans: WAKE UP!  Your president, (and, make no mistake, he’s YOUR president – republicans will be attached at the chord if they allow this man to continue in office) Donald Trump is either a BUFFOON or a TRAITOR!  During the campaign he repeatedly claimed how smart he is (the “deal maker”) – which (especially for all his “Christian” supporters) always reminds me of the Bible verse: “The man who thinks he knows is the fool, the wise man knows he doesn’t know.”  And, I have to admit, I’m thankful for the STUPID part of what Trump is showing us because a more sophisticated BULLY would possibly be able to “get away” with “the Russia thing.”  It’s almost to the point where it no longer matters whether Trump “did or didn’t” collude with the Russians (it appears he did based on his actions), the investigation is bringing out his BULLYING tendency to the point where it appears to me, and – of course – “I’m not a lawyer” (how often are we hearing that disclaimer these days?) that, just like Watergate, the coverup could  be worse than the crime.  (Although, the “colluding,” to me, is treasonous – and, that’s REALLY bad!)

Trump continues to be either brazenly arrogant or incredibly STUPID as this scenario unfolds.  I just wrote the other day how STUPID it was for Trump to give an interview to Lester Holt of NBC a day or two after firing James Comey, the head of the FBI who was leading the investigation into the “Russia thing,” and then undermine ALL of his surrogates who were busy “spinning” Comey’s firing in a way to pass the blame to Rod Rosenstein only to have Trump ADMIT he fired Comey because of the “Russia thing.”  Then a day or two later he, again, ARROGANTLY, met with the Russian Foreign Minister and the Russian Ambassador (he of all the controversial meetings prior to that date) and, in the process, gave out top-secret classified info and reiterated he “got rid” of Comey to take pressure off the “Russian investigation.”  (he added a few disrespectful derogative comments which prompted Comey’s leak leading to the special counsel)  All I can say is, who would want to be Trump’s legal counsel?

In the post I was working on I just assumed that someone had talked sense into Trump’s head and he would no longer grant these types of interviews – when he’s talking “off the cuff” things don’t go well – I’ve written my prior posts which would explain why – yet, last night I saw “breaking news” that Trump sat down with three reporters from the “Failing” NY Times, as he usually refers to them, and gave an even more incredible STUPID interview.  I have no idea what it’s going to take for the republicans in Congress to realize the gravity of Trump as president, but I can only hope that “we the people” are paying attention so that we can begin the process of correcting this problem in 2018 if they fail to act.  Right now, that’s looking like a really long time to have to endure this man in the “White House” – and, as I’ve repeatedly said here, the potential damage he can inflict on “we the people” is historic.  Clearly, he’s attempting to turn this nation in a direction that more closely mirrors his good buddy Vladimir Putin and Russia.  The same Russia where the “administrative state” has already been “deconstructed.” (in the words of Steve Bannon.)

How long are republicans going to put their power, and their party ahead of the nation?  Clearly, they exposed themselves during the Obama administration as their focus was on President Obama’s “failure” instead of America’s success.  But, this is getting ridiculous.  With Trump, the possibility of MASSIVE damage always exists. especially when I think about the previous republicans who “played” the “war card” during times of political crisis at home.  They seem to believe the way to jack up approval ratings is to put our troops in “harms way.”  Let’s hope these fears are not well grounded!

Yet, we see hints the republicans in Congress actually realize the gravity of the situation – evidently, they’re just waiting for the “right moment” to move toward removing Trump from office.  For example, there’s a bill going through Congress to put additional sanctions on Russia (and Iran and North Korea) that Trump opposes.  My understanding of the bill is that Trump won’t be able to remove these (or other) sanctions without meeting preconditions placed on the sanctions by Congress.  It appears republicans in Congress are daring Trump to veto the bill.  That would certainly make his association with Vladimir Putin even clearer.  (not that most of us need any more evidence)  This shows that even the republicans in Congress don’t trust Trump!

Trump has proven himself to be a LIAR beyond the imagination of most American political observers – we’re not talking about “spin,” it’s just REAL out and out LIES.  And, in the process, he’s shown himself to be pathological.  Much of what comes out of Trump’s mouth, and the surrogates who bow down to him (and, I mean that literally – if you’ve ever seen the video of the cabinet meeting where, one by one, his surrogates expressed their blubbering allegiance to him, you know what I mean), falls into the category of delusional.  The other day, Sean Spicer resigned his post as Press Secretary, and it should be interesting how much damage he did to his career by LYING, pretty much EVERY day, for Trump.  Some of Spicer’s LYING will go down in the history of press secretaries as classic.

At this point Spicer seems like a kind of pathetic victim of having worked for Trump without the guts to quit when he should have.  Some of Spicer’s press conferences will be replayed for years as history uses Trump’s presidency as a how NOT to do American politics – and, to demonstrate to those who work for any politician that your oath is to the constitution.  As kids we’re (well, at least I was) taught to be respectful and obedient to those in authority over us, UNLESS, we’re asked to something untoward – like, for example, LYING to the American people.  Trump’s next “victim,” apparently will be Sarah Sanders – again, showing a willingness to LIE for her “audience of one.”  What his surrogates understand, is that if they want to keep their jobs, they will continue the LYING – and, it appears, Trump watches – in real time – every time one of them gets in front of a mike and a camera.  In a certain way I feel a sense of compassion for them – but, it’s their careers and their character they are personally responsible for – and, if they continue to cow down, then so be it.

In Trump’s meeting with the “failing” NY Times reporters he made it clear he’s, at some point, going after Jeff Sessions (the first Senator to support him), Rob Rosenstein who Trump, himself appointed as assistant attorney general, and ultimately Robert Mueller in his attempt to stop the “Russia thing.”  His own son essentially CONFIRMED that his campaign COLLUDED with the Russians in the recently exposed meeting (of Last June) where Don Jr., Paul Mannafort, and Trump’s son in law Jared Kushner met with a group of Russians offering “dirt” (as many have characterized it) on Hillary Clinton directly from the Russian government designed to help Trump win the election.  The “mystery” – for those having trouble with OVERWHELMING circumstantial evidence – is OVER regarding the “did he or didn’t he) regarding COLLUSION.  Now the new “wave” of rationalizing has begun in the latest attempt to justify (or deflect) that our president is potentially a traitor.

It’s no secret that Donald Trump believes in “winning at any cost,” and that was how he approached the election in 2016.  No one actually thought he’d pull it off (well, almost no one – full disclosure, I lost a bet with a friend who predicted Trump would win), least of all Trump.  And, at this point, I’m guessing there are many in Trump’s “circle” who wish he hadn’t won.  Not only is the “Russia thing” getting “hotter and hotter,” but I’m pretty sure Mueller is either already perusing Trump’s taxes of the past ten years or so – or will be soon.  In the NY Times interview, it was fairly apparent that possibility has Trump very uneasy.  For anyone who’s not thinking straight, there MUST have been a very good reason Trump refused to show his taxes prior to the election – and, I’m certain, he was planning for the “audit,” preventing their disclosure, to last for at least EIGHT years!  There’s something in there he doesn’t want to see the light of day and my guess is it not only has to do with Russia, but who knows what else?  For example, how do you spell money laundering?.

The bottom line here is that if Trump was truly invested in “we the people” and is innocent of any wrongdoing this “drip, drip, drip” of secret – LIED about – meetings with Russians would have been acknowledged from day one of his administration (for example, Kushner wouldn’t have had to redo his security clearance form three or four times).  The focus would be on solving the problems of our nation instead of EVERY DAY another chapter in the Donald Trump soap opera.  Not only was the actions of Trump’s campaign incredibly stupid, but Trump’s actions since this all started coming out have been beyond STUPID.  And, this latest interview may “take the cake.”  Clearly, Trump has his “sights” set on Mueller (since the interview I’ve heard surrogates attacking Mueller’s character, for example, claiming he has “conflicts of interest”) and, if he makes a move to fire Mueller, this republican congress will be at a historic crossroads.  As much as I don’t trust hardly any of them, I believe even they would not stand for Mueller being fired.

Trump is arrogantly profiting from being president which is a violation of the emoluments clause in the constitution – and, many of his supporters don’t care.  In fact, the people I know who voted for Trump don’t care about the “Russia thing.”  All I would say to them is that this constitution has worked for well over 200 years and it should be considered a privilege to live in a country which relies on the rule of law – and, not of men/women.  It seems we’ve gotten to the point where if it doesn’t negatively affect me then I don’t care what’s happening in our government – and, REMEMBER, we are the government.  Personally, I know that I will do whatever I can to make sure The United States doesn’t  become a satellite of Russia or any other country – and, I believe our leaders are subject to the laws of the land just as “we the people.”  (If you’ve been on this site much, you know my biggest complaint about Barack Obama was his “looking forward instead of back” regarding the war crimes of the Bush/Cheney regime)  The allegations aimed at Trump et al are VERY serious – possibly, in my view, the most despicable of crimes.

Trump, clearly, is not going to “come clean” – so, it’s up to republicans in Congress to solve this problem which seems to be heading toward impeachment.  I don’t think Trump will resign – as Nixon did – and, he’s already talking about “pardoning himself” – which should catch everyone’s attention.  I’m guessing he’ll start the pardoning with Michael Flynn in an attempt to keep him from “telling his story” (do you really believe Flynn’s contact with the Russians was without Trump’s knowledge?) and will include his son, his son in law, and anyone else who might have the “goods” on him.  Obviously, if the investigation gets all the way to him he’ prepared to pardon himself.  Well, at least, we’ll be able to clear up whether or not a president can do that – it seems to be “uncharted” territory.  No matter what happens, the political future in America should be interesting to say the least.  And, the investigations should not stop until we fully understand what happened and have a plan to prevent it from EVER happening again!

Anymore, it’s really hard for me to focus my thoughts in a way to fully express my frustration with the FACT that Donald Trump remains in the “White House,” and the republican party continues allowing him to do MEGA damage to this nation I love.  Yes, I’ve come to terms that “we the people” have been subjected to BRAINWASHING from the earliest days I can remember – I’m part of the “baby boom” following WW II.  However, the level and sophistication of the BRAINWASHING has gotten to the point where the future of our nation, as I see it, is at MAJOR risk.  The reality is that in the face of overwhelming evidence that our sitting president is, at best, completely incompetent or, at worst, a TRAITOR I continue to sit in amazement waiting for republicans to come to their senses.  Obviously, I’m not real confident it will happen any time soon.

I’ve been writing for years – since GW Bush/Dick Cheney LIED America into the Iraq FIASCO that essentially destabilized the world leading  to MILLIONS of people DYING (including thousands of Americans) and America’s leaders committing unquestionable WAR CRIMES – about my frustration with the republican enablers and, less often, about the democrats who have seemed to lack the spine to actually do what many Americans are doing today – RESIST – and now things have gotten to the point where it appears to me REALLY serious.  Again, not understanding whether Trump’s issue is total incompetence or he actually believes he can turn this nation into an authoritarian state isn’t totally clear to me.  I continue to hope for the former and fear the latter.

After the latest “drip” in the “drip, drip, drip” of information being uncovered regarding the Trump campaign’s COLLUSION with the Russians during the 2016 election the question of did they or didn’t they no longer exists.  THEY DID!  The UNDENIABLE meeting that took place on June 9, 2016 between Donald Trump Jr., Paul Manafort, and Jarrod Kushner for the purpose of getting “dirt” on Hillary Clinton directly from the Kremlin leaves no questions as to what took place during the election.  The only unanswered questions at this point is to what degree?  Just the thought of what these people were willing to do sickens me.  And, yet, just yesterday while at a press briefing in France I heard Donald Trump praise his son (who’s likely in legal jeopardy along with his son in law) and say something like, “just about anyone would have done this.”

All I can say about that last statement is, let’s just hope he’s completely wrong.  Clearly, Trump Jr., Manafort, and Kushner were in violation of Federal Election laws simply by attending a meeting under the circumstances made apparent in the email exchange that was made public.  To me, that act of working with the Russians to impact the election goes WAY beyond the Election laws.  To me, that’s “aiding and abetting the enemy.”  I get that Trump doesn’t feel as if Vladimir Putin’s Russia is the “enemy,” but his lack of concern for what happened suggests at least two really bad things.  First – and this is really bad – he’s not concerned that Russia essentially ATTACKED America at the most basic part of our republic.  Second – and, to me, this is MUCH WORSE – he and his campaign were complicit in the attack.  Over the long haul – especially if this is not STOPPED – this attack will be worse for our nation than 9/11.

Just think of some things coming from Trump since he was elected in reference to the reality of the Russians attacking the fundamental difference between our two nations – the right to vote.  The first thing that comes to my mind was something Trump, apparently, in his meeting with Putin at the G-20 Summit put in “motion.”  He agreed to some kind of “Cyber security unit” agreement with the Russians to prevent election hacking.  My first thought when I heard that was another “are you kidding me?”  As sayings like “The fox guarding the hen-house” were going through my head I was right back to “incompetent or treasonous?” thoughts.  I’m pretty sure most of his republican enablers were able to see past that one.

Trump’s been constantly attacking the press as “fake news” since the day he took office – which is a clear trait of an authoritarian personality.  He’s convinced his “base” that all these “stories” coming out showing that he and his family AND his campaign officials were intertwined with the Russian government (which, by most accounts is akin to the mafia) are “fake news.”  The “real news,” according to Trump, comes from places like Fox “news” (what I call GOP “news” – the propaganda arm of the right wing of the republican party), Breitbart.com – which gave us Steve Bannon and Steven Miller and is the home of the “white nationalist” movement in America, and super market tabloids like the Enquirer – not to mention all the right wing “talkers” on the radio airwaves.  I’ve said many times here that Trump laid claim to the “uneducated voters” after the Iowa primary and they are sticking with him.  (Of course, the real issue of “fake news,” like just about everything else Trump “claims” is 180 degrees from his words.  It was the Russian’s who instigated “fake news” into the 2016 campaign in ways “we the people” will probably never fully understand.)

It’s hard to talk to someone who gets their information from places like Fox, Breitbart, and the other right wing websites.  I’ve read several studies that show the most ill-informed Americans are the audience of Fox “news” and the right wing talkers on the radio airwaves such as Rush Limbaugh. (they refer to his audience as “ditto heads” for a reason)  The LYING is so commonplace coming from those outlets that I’m guessing Trump’s base actually believes he’s a “truth teller.”  And, it really doesn’t take much effort in “fact checking” to realize our president is likely a pathological LIAR – not, just someone who LIES.  He LIES all the time.  As the saying goes, if his lips are moving he’s LYING.

This is all bad, but it gets worse.  In addition to the COLLUSION (which outlets like Fox are now attempting to rationalize as OK) and the suggestion of doing “Cyber security” with Vladimir Putin (Putin’s got to be laughing at the stupidity and the naivete of Trump), Trump is also pushing some kind of voter intimidation plan (evidently in his attempt to prove 3 – 5 MILLION illegals voted for Hillary thus robbing him of his “popular vote” victory) designed to do what traditional right wing republicans have been doing since the days of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 – and that is prevent as many persons of color, students, old people, or others who might vote for democrats from being able to vote.  Trump, along with Kris Kobach of Kansas is attempting to get enough voter ID information – from EVERY state in the Union – to scare people away from the polls.  And, evidently it’s working – because reports are out that many people are rescinding their voter registrations because they don’t want the “government” to have all this information.

The republicans have long called their plan the “permanent republican ‘majority.'”  Of course, they’ll never have a true majority – but, even Trump claims that 40% is enough for him to remain in power.  By intimidating MILLIONS to refrain from voting, by turning MILLIONS more off via the dysfunction that now permeates Washington DC, and by working with the Russians to publish “fake news” in strategic places they may succeed.  This has been a long term plan (arguably led by and pushed for years by Charles and David Koch) and they have control of all three branches of government – plus, the FAKE news.  “We the people” are relying on what republicans call the “liberal media” to give us actual information as to what happened in the election so that one by one we might have a chance to educate some of Trump’s “uneducated voters” as to this attack on our nations foundation.

As I stated above – it’s hard to even talk about this stuff with someone who watches Fox, or is into the right wing internet sights like Breitbart because they’re convinced Sean Hannity, or Rush Limbaugh, or the others are giving them facts.  They don’t believe Trump is LYING all the time.  And, apparently, the republicans in Congress are not going to act to save this nation from any further damage until more of the Trump “base” understands their “leader” is potentially a TRAITOR.  Trump, himself, said “anyone would have taken that meeting” referring to an offer of “dirt” on Ms. Clinton from the Russian government.  I’d like to think he’s COMPLETELY wrong about that – but, regardless, it was illegal and we still have a constitution and a set of LAWS. (When I see statistics that suggest a significant portion of the republican “base” is OK with the Russian intrusion into our election it’s disappointing to say the least.  In my heart I think, this would be one area where we would be “bipartisan.”)

Over the past 30+ years we’ve all become numb to the reality that those at the top are able to violate the laws that “we the people” would be held accountable to with impunity.  Reagan and George HW Bush were able to skirt serious legal jeopardy regarding the Iran/Contra affair – despite clear evidence they participated.  (HW Bush has a long history of skirting the law – read “Family of Secrets” by Russ Baker)  George W Bush and Dick Cheney BOTH admitted to authorizing WAR CRIMES in national TV interviews (both said, “I’d do it again) regarding TORTURE in Iraq and Afghanistan and President Obama chose to “look forward instead of back.”  (I still maintain a blunder of MAJOR proportions by Obama)  And, those in Wall Street responsible for the “Great Recession” and the subsequent tax payer BAILOUT of almost a TRILLION (and, probably more) got bonuses instead of accountability for their reckless use of working people’s money.  (many Americans lost HUGE chunks of their retirement accounts or lost their homes or their jobs – but, the “culprits” got bonuses – go figure)

However, to me, what happened in 2016 is more dangerous than anything else I’ve seen in my lifetime.  Are “we the people” going to allow Vladimir Putin (or any other foreign person or nation) to define our leadership?  We were granted privileges no other people ever had about 240 (or so) years ago by our “founding fathers.”  Are we going to blindly give these privileges away because we’ve become so complacent that we’re unwilling to give our obligation to participate in the process of free elections the time and energy it deserves?  I “get” that many people voted for Trump due to their dissatisfaction with Washington DC and their dissatisfaction with the alternative choice.  I’ve got NO problem with that.  But, the information that continues to FLOW out – “drip by drip” and the UNDENIABLE reality that our president is a LIAR requires, to me, that people pay attention and reevaluate the TRUTH.  And, it’s time for Fox viewers to start FACT checking the LIES coming from that place – I believe Fox is going to have a very negative place in American history.

I keep trying to figure out why the republicans in Congress continue to put up with Trump knowing that he’s taking their party “over the cliff” in American politics.  It’s just a matter of time until they pay the price at the polls for supporting this person who acts more like a mafia boss than a president.  My guess is they know a lot more about Trump’s “base” than “we the people” do – and, it’s probably pretty scary.  What we do know is that it includes the “white nationalist” movement in America – which includes groups like the skinheads, the KKK, etc. and the people in these groups are largely those who are armed to the hilt and have been storing military “rations” for years.  I still remember Chuck Norris – who was one of the people very “out front” in his disappointment that we elected a Black president in 2008 – claiming there were armed “cells” throughout the country ready to “take our country back.”  These types of people were a large part of the “base” that got Trump into the “White” house.

So, as we continue to watch the “drip, drip, drip” of information which ties Trump to Vladimir Putin and the Russian mafia (government) it’s becoming clear that it’s just a matter of time before the “hammer” drops on Trump.  If Trump chooses to wait until the final results of Robert Mueller’s investigations into the Russian collusion – and, more than likely, many other issues – then, it’s likely it will be at least 2018 until we start seeing the results of republicans’ refusal to end the Trump presidency.  Something “new” seems to come out every day connecting the “dots” suggesting there was “collusion” between the Russians and the Trump campaign and, interestingly, the right wing media outlets in America (the true “fake news”) are already pushing a campaign designed to BRAINWASH their audience into believing there’s nothing wrong with “collusion.”  I’ve heard more than one, of late, claim that “collusion is not a crime.”  As if to say, working with the Russians to win the election is the “new normal.”  Yikes!

Unfortunately, many who believe they’re getting the “straight scoop” from places like Fox “news” or Breitbart, or any of the other right wing outlets will end up believing this collusion was OK.  Despite the FACT, it’s essentially TREASON.  What you won’t hear now from Fox or Breitbart or any of the other minions who are supporting Trump is the TRUTH about Vladimir Putin and the Russian mafia – I use the word “mafia” instead of government, because that’s how, by all accounts I can find, the Russian government functions.  I have to believe that one of the reasons Trump envies Putin (and other dictators around the world) is because of how they are able to deal with annoying journalists – I say “annoying” because, true investigative journalists dig for the TRUTH and people like Putin (and Trump) would prefer to live in a world of “alternative facts” – in the words of Kellyanne Conway, one of Trump’s “advisers.”

During the campaign one thing I learned for certain was that Donald Trump is the master at manipulating the media.  I tend to watch/listen to MSNBC and Trump played them like a master musician.  I don’t believe they’ll ever admit it, but they helped “legitimize” Trump’s campaign by over and over again playing entire speeches he gave – giving him MILLIONS in FREE air time.  And, the soft ball questioning almost made me puke.  I wrote a few posts at the time expressing my concern that MSNBC was trying to make sure the election was “close” to keep people’s interest up so MSNBC would be able to cash in on the advertising and increased ratings.  It wasn’t until the reality of a Trump presidency settled in that I noticed MSNBC realizing the DANGER of Trump in the White House.

However, from day one that Trump became president his incompetence has been center stage along with the continued – as mentioned above – “drip, drip, drip” of information suggesting collusion with the Russians and more.  Trump has exposed himself to impeachment in more than one obvious way and he seems to make matters worse every day.  The damage he’s doing to our nation is mounting fast and the silence of the republicans in Congress is, to me, deafening.  I keep waiting for someone in the republican congress to take the leadership role in ending this “nightmare,” but every day – nothing.  The obvious interpretation of that is they believe Trump will sign anything they can push through both houses of Congress – a mean spirited agenda they’ve been espousing for years which was blocked by President Obama  – so far, it’s been NOTHING (thank God) – but, I’m beginning to think there’s more.  The reality is that many of the republican members of Congress are going to have to defend their “defense” of Trump come 2018 and I have to believe many are feeling a bit uneasy about that scenario at this point.

So, why the silence?  If you look at how Putin (and other dictators Trump admires) operates it might make you think Trump will stop at nothing to preserve his position as president.  Clearly, he lashes out at anyone who’s in a position of importance that criticized him.  I’ve heard he’s committed $10 MILLION of his own funds to help “primary” any republican in Congress who doesn’t support him.  He especially dislikes people who are in the media that criticize him.  I have to believe there’s method to his “madness” as he “tweets” about members of the media – especially women who criticize him – “tweeting” in rather crude manners and he posted a video of himself throwing down a person who’s got the CNN logo “attached” to his head and “pounding” him.  (Interestingly, just like the “fake news” of Trump’s followers, that video came from a “fake” episode at a wrestling match years ago)

It seems as if Trump is encouraging those in his base – and, I’ve pointed out above where some of them are coming from – that the press is attacking him with false information and encouraging them to “defend him.”  We’ve already seen one Trump supporter – who was running for office in Montana – and WON – body slam a reporter who asked a probing question related to Trump.  Are we about to see other Trump supporters taking actions against members of the press who might have the audacity to report the TRUTH about Trump’s dealings with the Russians and who knows who else – I believe Trump’s legal vulnerability goes way beyond the “Russian thing” as Trump characterized it while explaining to Lestor Holt why he fired James Comey.

Trump is certainly laying the groundwork for some kind of uprising from his base when the final results of the FBI investigation becomes public if Trump is exposed for violating the law.  (obviously, I believe he’s violated more than one law)  Unfortunately, it will still be up to a republican Congress to rid us of this plague on our nation – even if Democrats retake the House in 2018 and impeach him.  The reality is that no matter what happens in 2018 it will require republican support to “convict” Trump if the House somehow impeaches him because a two-thirds majority in the Senate is required for “conviction.”  If you can’t tell, I’m uneasy relying on republicans for anything.

Then, should all that come about (Trump being impeached) how will our government deal with the likely backlash from the right wing militia types who more than likely honestly believe the BRAINWASHING they’ve been getting from Fox “news,” Rush Limbaugh (and the other right wing talkers who permeate the radio airwaves), and sites like Breitbart or “Patriot news,” etc.  If you remember when Cliven Bundy challenged the federal government over his refusal to pay grazing fees for his cattle on government land, many of the very people who make up Trump’s “base” took up arms against our government.  These people are “out there” in numbers most of us can’t comprehend and they believe Trump is telling the truth and anyone who says otherwise is “fake news.”

I’m pointing this out in my attempt to understand why the republicans continue to put up with Trump.  Just last week in a speech in Poland (which his “supporters” said, “went well”) Trump trashed America’s intelligence agencies – essentially to the world – he continued his unbelievable (believe it, it keeps happening) continuation of BLAMING former President Obama for, essentially, everything he sees as bad (including the “Russia thing”), and further exposed himself as being ill informed.  To me, what I saw of the speech was embarrassing knowing he’s representing me (and you) in front of the world.  Trump met with Vladimir Putin and, undoubtedly, got played.  In the process he elevated Putin (at least in the eyes of the Russians) and he, himself, came across as a fool.  When I listened to Rex Tillerson give his account of the meeting it was clear that, at least from the perspective of the United States, nothing good was accomplished  (Tillerson also appears “in way over his head”).  It’s clear Trump really does admire Vladimir Putin – he’s probably envious of Putin’s ability to control Russia’s opposition leaders and their “free press.”

The damage Trump is doing to America – both at home and around the world – is growing, seemingly exponentially, every day.  It’s just a matter of time until this turns into something MAJOR if republicans don’t intervene.  Take for example, our economy and the dollar as the world’s major currency.  What if the Europeans really do choose to “go their own way” as they’ve been suggesting?  Do you really think this “America first” plan of Trump (and Steve Bannon and Steven Miller) is going to “bring back American jobs?”  To me, that’s as foolish as believing “trickle down” economics will lead to a balanced budget.

I feel the republicans in Congress feel they’re in a lose/lose dilemma.  Over the years, they’ve showed a strong tendency toward cowardice.  They’ve consistently refused to accept their responsibility to curb the “perpetual war” policy put forth by Bush/Cheney where Congress has willingly abrogated their responsibility to “declare wars.”  Since the passing of the “Affordable Care Act” they’ve been voting to repeal it, all the while knowing President Obama would veto their legislation.  Now that they’re “in power” they seem unable to come up with a reasonable solution to the problem – short of working with Democrats, which, apparently in republican “circles,” is taboo.  And, regarding Trump – they have to be smart enough to read “the writing on the wall,” but, for whatever reason, they’re afraid to act.  (Some of them are actually still openly supporting Trump)  I believe one of the main problems is their fear of the backlash if/when Trump is impeached.  It seems, just about every thing in the republican party is motivated by fear – one way or the other.

As I’ve said many times since Trump took the oath of office, the damage is mounting fast and the longer he’s president the more difficult it will be to “regroup.”  Trump will be president until the republicans decide to put their country ahead of their party – the question is what will it take to get them to act.  As stated above, even democrats retaking control of Congress in 2018 won’t be enough to get rid of Trump.  For a conviction in the Senate, it will require republican votes.  My suggestion to the republicans is get this over sooner rather than later.  As someone who’s always been an independent voter (lately, I vote AGAINST republicans) I’m looking for courageous republicans who will step up and lead the fight to remove Trump from office.  Maybe that would lead us to a place where our government actually FINALLY would work in a bipartisan manner – with the purpose of putting the will of “we the people” ahead of their corporate masters.  (I can dream can’t I?)

I wrote in my last post about how I’m tiring of feeling the need to write about the terrible situation “we the people” find ourselves in – well, at least a pretty significant majority of us – as Donald Trump continues to show himself to be essentially unhinged, and certainly incapable of fulfilling the duties of being our president.  I’ve said many times it would be laughable if it weren’t so serious.  And, one thing that’s clear to me is that many of Trump’s diehard supporters have no idea how serious this situation really is.  If republicans in Congress continue to allow Trump to “do his thing” – as I’ve said before, “we the people” are depending on them to end this nightmare – the damage done could be catastrophic – to America and to the world.

By now, everyone knows that the Russians were involved in manipulating the 2016 election in a way that was designed to get Trump elected – even though most people believe they, themselves, didn’t believe they would succeed.  Their “plan B” was to damage Hillary Clinton to the point where she would be less of a threat to Vladimir Putin’s plan to “rebuild” the old “Soviet Union.”  Obviously, the starting point is in Ukraine – with the annexing of Crimea and only time will tell what Putin’s total objective is.  With Trump as our president, Putin has a much greater chance of achieving his objectives, whatever they are.  In fact, at the republican convention Trump’s “team” started the process of making it easier for Putin to achieve his goal in Ukraine.

That brings me to the thoughts that I can’t seem to get out of my head lately.  Trump is planning to meet with Putin at the upcoming G-20 summit in Europe.  As I was thinking about that meeting my mind kept reminding me of the old saying when I was much younger and still playing basketball.  When my team went up against a far superior team I still remember the prognosticators using the phrase – it’s “men against boys.” (we were the “boys”)  That’s exactly how I view Donald Trump meeting with Putin.  (and, believe me, I don’t see Trump as the “man”)

Vladimir Putin will know exactly how to play Trump to the fullest.  He’ll be prepared and he’ll flatter Trump to the point where Trump will give him exactly what he wants.  That’s presuming there’s nothing Putin has “over” Trump which could be the reason Trump has been heaping his praises on Putin since the beginning of his campaign for president.  (that would make it easier for Putin)  I clearly remember Trump’s admiration of Putin as he was bad mouthing President Obama during (and before) the campaign.  (I have to think it must really “rankle” Trump every time he sees the polling about how popular Obama is and how UNPOPULAR he is)  It’s my belief that Trump has financial ties to Russia which “we the people” don’t know about – probably the MAIN reason Trump refuses to release his tax returns – that make him even more vulnerable in any interaction with Putin than the simple truth that Putin is much smarter than Trump and will take full advantage of that.

My hope is that the meeting will be short and sweet and there will be nothing involved that will resemble any kind of negotiation.  I’ve already heard one of Trump’s surrogates say that Trump “will say whatever he feels like” in his meeting with Putin.  When I heard that, it only confirmed in my mind what I was already thinking – Putin will go into this meeting with a well planned agenda and Trump will be “winging it.”  The end result is likely to be a bad one for “we the people” – and, maybe for others around the world.

The reality is that there are many in the world who depend on the United States to prevent Russia from getting too bold.  And, those people are not stupid.  We’ve already seen the Saudi’s – who sent us MOST of the 9/11 terrorists and who are leading funders of terrorist groups around the world playing Trump – with Trump coming away thinking he had made an “historic” trip – in the words of Sean Spicer, Trump’s liar in chief.  (although KellyAnne Conway and Sarah Huckabee Sanders are very adept at LYING for Trump)  Of course, while on the subject of LYING – Trump is pretty much in a class by himself.  People all over the world are losing confidence in America because of Trump.  There are places in Europe where leaders want to ban Trump from even visiting their countries.

Watching Trump in action pretty much tells it all about why he admires people like Putin and the other dictators around the world he seems to have a fascination with – like Duterte of the Philippines and Erdogan of Turkey.  I’m sure Trump’s “war” with the American media (less Fox “news,” Breitbart, and other right wing outlets) is due to his frustration that they’re watching what he does and reporting to “we the people” about things he’d just as soon we never heard.  Putin, Erdogan, and Duterte don’t have that bother.  Like, for example, the constant reporting of the collusion with the Russians in the last election.  (in Russia, Putin simply poisons journalists who don’t “cooperate”)  He doesn’t want us to know about this and, he doesn’t want us to know about his financial ties with the countries around the world where he’s either vulnerable to blackmail OR where he’s virtually DAILY violating the emoluments clause in the constitution.  I’m sure Trump would rather the republicans would simply remove that clause to solve the problem.

Speaking of the constitution.  It appears to me that Trump would love to just “repeal and replace” the constitution itself.  He really doesn’t like that he can’t just wish legislation into existence.  (of course, he’s so inept at even understanding the legislative process that he’d come across as bumbling even if he didn’t have “checks and balances” to deal with.)  The other day Trump made a series of demeaning “tweets” about a journalist who works at MSNBC – works with (and, I believe, is married to) Joe Scarborough – a republican.  Her name is Mika Brzezinski whose father was a foreign policy adviser to President Carter – if my memory serves me correctly.  (I know, I could look it up :o)  I don’t watch their program – I believe it’s called “Morning Joe” – but, evidently they’ve been critical of Trump (pretty much like most observers who aren’t beholden to the right wing talkers)  I heard Ms. Huckabee Sanders, one of Trump’s surrogates willing to LIE for him, defend Trump by claiming that if the media is going to be critical of him he will “fight back.”  (I don’t do “Twitter” but apparently Trump used the “blood” metaphor in referring to Ms. Brzezinski – as he’s done with other women who don’t “bow down” to him)

Can you imagine what it would have been like in America if Barack Obama had that same philosophy?  I get that some of the “stuff” coming at Trump is getting “personal,” but it’s not even in the same league as what people – Trump at the “head of the pack” – “threw” at President Obama.  The RACISTS were out in full force – again, Trump right at the front – for pretty much the entire eight years Obama was president.  He, Obama, simply “turned the other cheek” and did his job.  The vile stuff coming at Obama was far worse than what Trump should be enduring – but, Trump makes EVERYTHING worse by the way he reacts.  His “tweets” are getting him in trouble and will, eventually, get us all (meaning “we the people”) in trouble – because, “the world is watching.”  Apparently, Trump gets mad simply because of the Russian investigation – so, he tries to make it “go away,” and matters just get worse.  He brings this all on himself!  He takes it personal when reporters point out NOTHING he’s proposed has made it through Congress – and, they then compare his “progress” (or lack thereof) with Obama’s.  That must really make him mad.  He’s not as smart as a “Black” man.

Yes, Trump’s “base” is made up largely of a group of “White Nationalists” – but, the reality is they represent only a small fraction of the American public.  They do not understand how we need the “world” as much (if not more so) than the world needs us.  I’m obviously not an economic expert, but I’ve read several book dealing with economics (mostly, related to the “great recession”) and, it appears to me, our country could suffer greatly if countries around the world lose faith in our fundamental economic stability.  For example, if they decide to turn away from the dollar as the world’s standard currency all those people complaining about “no jobs” in our “rust belt” (who were responsible for Trump being president) could end up in even a worse situation.  And, I have to say, I don’t trust Trump or the people who are his base to know how to protect our economic standing in the world.  This upcoming meeting between Trump and Putin could be the first step in America’s “undoing” – which would suit Vladimir Putin just fine.

I’m trying not to be thinking such negative thoughts all the time, but, it seems, every day Trump does something else that confirms he’s either an idiot or he really is planning some kind of authoritarian coup de tat from the inside in America.  (the recent “order” by his election commission for EVERY Secretary of State in the country to essentially provide TOTAL information about EVERY voter in the nation should get people’s attention – fortunately, most of the Secretary’s of State are saying no – or, in one instance, one said, “go jump in the Gulf of Mexico”)  Controlling the media (I heard today that Trump, essentially, encouraged violence against journalists – with another ill-advised “tweet”) and voter suppression are normal in places like Russia.  Maybe Trump would be better off moving to Russia.  Their system seems more in tune with his thinking.  Come to think of it, maybe that’s his plan as he meets with Putin at the G-20 summit!