It’s seeming likely to me that the solution to the issue of Russia ATTACKING America during the 2016 election to either help Trump win the election – which few thought would happen – or, more likely, to discredit Hillary Clinton in order to weaken her as the assumed winner of the election is going to require the mid-term election of 2018. Republicans, in concert with Fox “news,” Rush Limbaugh, and the rest of the right wing water carriers on TV, radio, and the internet are setting the stage for either stopping the investigation into Trump’s involvement with the Russians or undermining the findings so that republicans will ignore any findings that prove unfavorable to Trump. Our nation is at a crossroads and so many of us who’ve never had to defend our constitution or our way of life should be on the edge of our seats. These “republicans” – I no longer consider them the republicans I grew up watching – MUST be stopped.
They are trying to undermine the FBI, the CIA, any media outlet that doesn’t agree with their fomenting dogma, and pretty much the traditions of America. They call themselves “conservatives,” but, based on my understanding of what is a conservative, I see no resemblance. Just the idea that our great traditions mean nothing to them is a disqualifier in my mind. Their continual willingness to “give us our money back” via “tax cuts” – where ALL the money they “give back” is borrowed (and, doesn’t go to “we the people” anyway) – is NOT, at least to me, conservative. I’ve been lamenting about “conservatives” ballooning our national debt since the days of Nixon. They will argue this point – but, the evidence shows that with “conservatives” in power – the deficit (and debt) goes up and during democratic administrations it goes down. That’s just the FACT.
Of course, they would argue that during President Obama’s term the national debt rose more than at any time in history. Naturally, when doing so they “FORGET” the reason is due to what Obama “inherited” from Bush/Cheney (who, by the way, “inherited” a surplus from Clinton/Gore). Not only did Bush/Cheney leave a budget deficit that was $1.5 TRILLION annually ALONG with the “Great Recession,” but they REFUSED to help in the process of bringing us out of the recession – presumably, they would have been OK with “we the people” falling into another prolonged DEPRESSION – that would certainly have caused Obama to “FAIL” – which was their number one goal (they publicly admitted this) – instead of saving the country from economic disaster. STILL, by the time Obama left office the annual deficit was reduced around 70%. And, these people call him a “liberal,” or “socialist,” or even some called him a “communist.” Now, these “conservatives” are jacking up the debt – AGAIN – and, throwing American tradition to the waste basket. I, personally, don’t refer to them as “conservatives.”
Robert Mueller is a lifelong registered republican, he’s a decorated ex-Marine, and when he was appointed special counsel to investigate the Russian intrusion into America’s 2016 election he was hailed as the best choice – one of the most honorable and respected members of the FBI pretty much EVER – by virtually everyone – including, notably, people like Newt Gingrich. (I’ve lately been pointing out my belief, ultimately, that Donald Trump and Fox “news” – when all is said and done regarding this era of American governance and politics – will reside in the history books along side Benedict Arnold. That’s right – as TRAITORS. Well, as far as I’m concerned, put Mr. Gingrich right there – and Steve Bannon, Devin Nunes, and I could go on.) Well, now, “conservatives” in our Congress seem to think the FBI, the CIA, and Mueller are all criminals – because the investigation is potentially leading Mueller right into the “White House.”
This group of “conservatives” have, at least some of them, suggested members of the FBI and Mueller’s staff should be “marched out in handcuffs.” This is DEFINITELY the mindset of people in BANANA REPUBLICS. I recently read an article in Business Week about how things work in the Philippines under Rodrigo Duterte. Trump, and his followers, seem to be longing for that same mindset. You simply intimidate or “disappear” anyone who disagrees with you. (Interestingly, Duterte gained power largely via weaponizing Facebook – sound familiar?) For some reason Trump and his followers don’t want to allow the legal system to take its course – evidently, because it appears to be headed directly toward the oval office.
Personally, I understand Trump’s trepidation – of course, he knows what he’s done (I suppose it’s possible, he doesn’t understand how the Russians may have turned him into an “asset,” although his refusal to recognize their ATTACK and to criticize Putin would suggest otherwise), but to have members of Congress “circling the wagons” prior to Mueller’s investigation concluding suggests republicans may be planning to disregard his findings. It certainly makes me feel they all understand Trump is guilty of some level of criminal activity and they are willing to put their control of power over Country. Supposedly, our nation is based on the premise that we are “a nation of laws and not men.” That is, NO ONE is above the law. Apparently, all these “conservatives” are suggesting Trump – and them – are above the law.
Well, I’m coming to the conclusion that not only is Trump a threat to the fundamental values of America, but so are many of these people who are encouraging what amounts to sedition. I’ve seen reports of people preparing to arm themselves for the “civil war” if Trump is found to have violated laws and is impeached. He’s been “ginning” them up for this very time. It’s why he’s been attacking the media, so that his followers won’t believe the TRUTH once it’s out there, actions which, of course, have always had me assuming the truth will not be favorable to Trump. When you look at his history – where he’s bullied his way through life and gotten away with who knows how many legal transgressions – this should not be surprising.
And, when you consider so many republicans were willing to look the other way regarding Trump’s admitted sexual predator behavior (admitted in more than one setting) it’s not surprising they would be laying the groundwork to “look the other way” regarding collusion with Russia AND obstruction of justice. This is just how Trump does things – he’s the deal maker, right? Well, to me – and, I’m pretty sure MILLIONS upon MILLIONS of other Americans agree with me that, if Trump is a criminal, he should face the consequences – one of which means he should no longer be president. And, if republicans defend a president who’s committed crimes they should no longer be in Congress. And, if Fox “news” (and other media outlets) commit sedition, they should be held accountable for their actions.
I’ve said this many times here – 2018 can’t come soon enough for me. I’m sure republicans are counting on “liberals” petering out in their angst toward Trump and they’re expecting they’ll find ways to keep themselves in power in 2018. I suppose that is likely in the Senate as there are around twice the number of Democrats up for re-election as republicans – and, many of those republicans are in supposedly “safe” seats – but, who knows how large the “wave” will be by 2018. At this time, there are HUGE numbers of people stepping up and running as democrats for the 2018 election and if “conservatives” continue attacking our FBI and CIA and Mueller (remember, these are the so-called “law and order” people) the number of democratic challengers for 2018 will likely increase even more. I believe the “resistance” is REAL.
I know democrats are trying to protect Mueller and the investigation as ALL members of Congress and ALL Americans should – we NEED to know what happened and whether or not Americans were working with the Russians to effect the results of the election. That just can’t be allowed to happen under any circumstance. Really, this investigation shouldn’t be partisan – this should be the focus of any American. If we lose confidence in our voting system then Putin and the Russians have accomplished their most fervent goal. It’s becoming clearer it’s possible we have our own citizens who would be OK with that. One of the things I’ve always read about republicans came from Paul Weyrich when he said, “Republicans do better when fewer people vote.” Well, the challenge for 2018 is to get as many people to the polls as possible.
Should this democratic “wave” sweep over the 2018 election, the next “requirement” is the democratic leadership MUST listen to the “will of the people.” The reason most people are frustrated with government is because their “will” is hardly ever the result coming out of D.C. “Obamacare” was unpopular, at first, because there was no “public option” – which was popular with 75% of Americans. In 2006 democrats were elected to end the war in Iraq and the result was the so-called “surge.” Bush was not impeached because democrats were like a friend of mine – they were “chicken.” I could give a list of other issues where the “will of the people” was ignored in Congress but if you’re still reading this post, you likely know what I’m talking about. Hopefully, the “wave” of 2018 will give enough democrats the courage necessary to make sure this sedistic behavior coming from “conservatives” apparently willing to defend Trump under any circumstances is consequenced. Disagreeing is part of the American “culture” – undermining the “rule of law” and our constitution is unacceptable behavior. Apparently, “conservatives” are checking to see if the rest of us are paying attention. I am, and I’m hoping 2018 will prove I’m far from alone!
Final Thought: I don’t “do” Facebook – although almost everyone else I know does. After reading the article in Business Week about the Philippines and how Facebook was used to suppress dissent I’m seeing huge “red flags.” What I’ve read about Facebook’s role in helping the Russians achieve their goals in our election had already raised “red flags.” I’m beginning to feel that Mark Zuckerberg is someone who is dangerous – either purposely or unwittingly. It appears to me, at least in America, it’s possible Facebook should be facing regulation. Apparently, Facebook is being used in nefarious ways all around the globe. I’m not sure how it works, but I, for one, don’t want Zuckerberg having the power to determine the outcome of elections in America. Simply put, that, under any circumstances, should NOT be possible!