Every day I’m forced to listen to Donald Trump is another day when I feel embarrassed that Americans would elect someone like this man to the highest office in the land.  (Of course, you’re correct, I’m not “forced” because I choose to attempt keeping informed – especially on the investigation into Trump’s – and the republican’s – corruption and, the medium I choose to listen to/watch is MSNBC and they have Trumpitis)  What I didn’t understand when Trump was running for office and so many republicans were in the “never Trump” camp was how republicans would “fall in line” with this man despite the likelihood he’s in “cahoots” with our most formidable adversary – Vladimir Putin.  Additionally, there are the issues with all the “NDA’s” (non-disclosure agreements) aimed at keeping his sexual impropriety secret and his “attorney” Michael Cohen who acts like a classic “mob fixer.”  Too many republicans don’t seem to care about this REALLY serious “stuff.”

Now, the republicans in the House of Representatives have put themselves in the category of possibly being even more an embarrassment on our government (or lack there of) than our so-called president himself.  Today, the republicans in the House “Intelligence” committee published their “report” on their “investigation” into the “Russian collusion” in the 2016 election.  In this investigation they were called on to find out EXACTLY what happened during the election, explain it to “we the people,” and come up with solutions aimed at preventing our electoral process from ever being compromised again.  This was an IMPORTANT charge.  Well, since Devin Nunes staged a PHONY “run” to the White House many months ago aimed at exonerating Trump with “trumped up evidence” (pun intended :o) it’s been clear the House investigation is a sham and it’s an embarrassment to our history as a nation based on the “rule of law.”

The House republicans took evidence that is clear to those in the public who are limited in what they “know” and put a “spin” on it that was, to me, almost unbelievable.  You would have to be one of the many Americans BRAINWASHED by Fox “news” or the right wing “talkers” on the radio airwaves to give this report ANY credence whatsoever.  As I’ve said, it’s EMBARRASSING!  I keep asking myself, are “we the people” the only population in the “western world” STUPID enough to believe nonsense like what the House republicans want us to believe?  Are “rank and file” republicans STUPID enough to believe this stuff.  I know I have friends who somehow have brought themselves to be Trump supporters (right wing “Christians”) and, the other day, one of them even told me he believes Trump “tells the truth.”  This in the face of THOUSANDS of provable LIES just since Trump took the “oath” of office.  (If you’re not inference oriented, the quotes around “oath” is because I don’t believe Trump is capable of giving an “oath” on anything)  Obviously, my friend watches Fox.  People who watch fox are getting to the point they don’t want to admit it in public.

So, while this embarrassing behavior continues in America, we’re watching as leaders around the world take Trump’s “measure” and have figured out how to manipulate him.  Obviously, Trump is – well, maybe I should say “possibly” – the greatest NARCISSIST of all time.  Just the other day, on a phone call he made to his “Trump TV” (Fox) he gave himself an A+ since taking office and, once again, proclaimed himself as the greatest president of all time.  No other president has accomplished anywhere near what he’s accomplished, according to Trump.  And, for those of you who are tired of the partisan “rancor” in Washington DC and want to see the government actually function as a government, Trump can’t make more than a few sentences without badmouthing all the presidents that have come before him.  He’s often referred to them as “stupid.”  Of course, he’s referred to many of these same republicans who are enabling him as “stupid” – until, once they start “bowing down” to him (as Omarosa Manigault predicted, curiously) Trump points out how smart they are.

I’m guessing people like Senator Graham of South Carolina will go from stupid to brilliant many times while Trump is still occupying the “White House.”  And, make no mistake, republicans will be working with Trump to protect their stranglehold on government as the 2018 election begins to loom larger and larger.  To have any hope they need a drastic change.  While I would love to see peace on the Korean peninsula I’m guessing, in the minds of Trump supporters, it’s the “whole ballgame.”  I’m skeptical Trump can pull this off and there’s no doubt I’ll be skeptical of anything coming from it – but, I actually hope it works.  (although, I told my son today I believe if Kim jong-un gives up his nuclear arsenal the generals in North Korea will assassinate him)  The Korea issue highlights why Nancy Pelosi, who democrats are allowing right wing republicans to continue demonizing without defending her (just as they did with Obama) – in true democratic spineless tradition, is absolutely CORRECT when she cautions democrats to back off the impeachment “train.”

As much as I would love to see Trump impeached, I’ve said it all along, it’s up to the republicans to do this – and, they’re not going to act unless Mueller comes up with a compelling reason to do so.  I believe the evidence is in Mueller’s possession at this point in time – but, it’s certainly unclear to me if republicans will act based on “obstruction of justice” charges – which appear to be likely.  I believe Mueller has to find a clear connection to Trump’s campaign and the Russians that Trump was actually aware of.  (personally, I believe Trump was “in” on the June 9, 2016 meeting in Trump Tower that was COLLUSION – clear and simple)  But, the reality for democrats is they need to wait for the Mueller findings and “go from there.”  Many democrats may not have the courage to defend Ms. Pelosi, but she is a VERY smart politician and they should listen to her.    Democrats should focus on issues that matter to “we the people” beside getting rid of Trump.  “We the people” MUST wait for Mueller’s findings before we talk of impeachment.  Politicians, including those around the world, have learned how to “play” Trump and “we the people” need to exercise patience as Trump continues incriminating himself.

I just finished reading David Corn and Michael Isikoff’s book “Russian Roulette” which lays out the FACTS relating to the “Russia thing” as Trump, himself, called it while explaining to Lester Holt why he fired James Comey.  Much of what is in “Russian Roulette” has been reported in one way or another, but there are details I, personally, had not heard of as yet.  When you finish reading the book it’s hard not to believe there was “coordination” between the Trump campaign and the Russians with much that went on in 2016 – without the knowledge of the American voters.  Corn and Isikoff, from my perspective, were not at all complimentary on how the Obama administration dealt with the “intelligence” they were receiving as the campaign unfolded.  President Obama was constantly faced with decisions he and his advisers had to determine whether they would be received as “political” or as informational.  In almost every case, they chose to hide clear information they were getting about the Russians helping the Trump campaign.  Even when information on the Russian ATTACK on our election was published, the “media” didn’t pick up on it and it remained, for the lack of a better word, stealth.  There’s a reason our past president was called “No drama Obama.”

Reading this book reminded me of President Obama’s “original sin” when he said “we the people” were going to “look forward instead of back” regarding the ILLEGAL actions of the Bush/Cheney administration.  Actions that SHOULD have, at a MINIMUM, been investigated – even had there been no prosecutions.  For heaven’s sake – BOTH George W Bush and Dick Cheney ADMITTED on national TV they authorized TORTURE.  That would make both of them WAR CRIMINALS!  (and, there was much more) By blocking investigations into this egregious behavior, and I said this at the time, President Obama was enabling FUTURE misbehavior for members of our government.  Obama, himself, pushed the limits with some of the issues Bush/Cheney took past the line of legality – for example, with the warrant-less wiretapping.  “We the people” will likely NEVER know the extent to which we’ve given up our fourth amendment guarantee to the right of privacy.

Now, it’s almost commonplace where we find situations in which “our” private information has been compromised without our permission – this likely seems minor to most of us compared to the actual “data mining” of our phone conversations and emails which was carried out by Bush/Cheney (and, likely, President Obama), but it’s VERY serious.  Just look at what Cambridge Analytica did with information they STOLE from Facebook users – the “data” of over 87 MILLION Americans who regularly use Facebook.  (fortunately for me, I’m not one of them – but, it wouldn’t have mattered for the purposes of Steve Bannon, Jared Kushner, and the Russians)  Bannon and Kushner, who are both extremely “tech savvy,” were able to “target” their “fake news” to constituencies they KNEW were vulnerable to whatever they were “pushing.”  And, it appears to me, VERY LIKELY, they were providing this “targeting” data to the Russian “bots” who were BLASTING very targeted FALSE information aimed at propping up Trump and destroying Hillary Clinton during the campaign.  I believe Mueller will tie all this together.

As I said above, when you read Isikoff and Corn’s book it’s hard to come away without thinking there was “collusion” between the Trump campaign and the Russians.  And, I have to add here, my friend who is a Trump supporter doesn’t care.  To him, if the Russians helped Trump win, it’s OK.  And, personally, I’m almost happy that Trump won (yes, I’ve said this before) because, had Mrs. Clinton won I’m certain the Russians would have succeeded in making it almost impossible for her to govern.  You have to keep in mind, Vladimir Putin and those in control of Russia are of the same mindset as Trump, Bannon, and the other white supremacists in America.  That is why they’ve all been active in promoting this white nationalist movement all across the “western world.”  It’s been reported, for example, that Cambridge Analytica (and Bannon) were quite involved (and instrumental) in secretly campaigning for the passing of the “Brexit” vote in the United Kingdom.  They’ve been involved in pushing their agenda in several other nations around the globe – with the obvious examples being Germany and France.  One thing Trump’s “victory” (with THREE million less votes than Mrs. Clinton) accomplished was to give notice to the Germans and French as to what Putin, Bannon, and the others were “up to.”

So, it’s very disheartening to me that there’s so many Americans who are accepting of the Russians (or any other nation, for that matter) getting involved in determining who our leaders are.  Should they (the Russians) succeed, that would be the end of our republic as it’s been known for the past 200+ years.  Corporate interests have been intent on pushing America toward a fascist type of government since the “Powell memo” of the early 1970’s.  (Look it up, if you’re not familiar – or read “Who Stole the American Dream” by Hedrick Smith, a great book) At this point, the corporate interests and white nationalists seem in cahoots – even if it’s “unwittingly.”  The “Citizens United” decision by the Supreme Court – led by GW Bush’s two appointees, John Roberts and Samuel Alito – took the push toward a fascist corporatocracy to a higher level.  I’ll never forget watching Samuel Alito shaking his head as if to say “no” when President Obama, in a State of the Union speech, CORRECTLY pointed out the “Citizens United” decision would open the “floodgates” to foreign money coming into our elections.  That has happened, we’ll never know to what extent, and the Russians have taken it to new levels.  History will look unkindly on the Roberts Supreme Court.

In my mind, no American should be accepting that this is going on.  I’m a retired teacher, which means virtually everyone I worked with had, at a minimum, a four year college degree.  Over the last few years of my career I asked MOST of the teachers I encountered (including teachers from other buildings) if they knew what “Citizens United” was – and not one of them could answer yes.  To me, that’s confirmation “we the people” have no idea what’s happening to us.  The “scheme” that resulted from Lewis Powell’s “memo” has been “under the radar” since the 70’s – and, the so-called “trickle down” tax scam is right in the center of it – funneling money from the middle class up to the “top 1%” as the key part of the scam.  Making shareholders more valuable than workers is part of the plan.  And, using tactics that turn good Americans against each other – so, we are focused on issues that allow this “highway robbery” to continue – a scam that continues to intensify POWER on the very few at the top – goes on without many of those voting for it having any idea what they’re ACTUALLY voting for!  While Americans argue over issues like abortion or gay marriage, the middle class is getting FLEECED!

And, now we have an actual person with total fascist tendencies in the “White House” – and, many Americans willing to accept this – including the Russian “collusion” – because they “like his policies.”  To anyone who says that to me, in person, I ask, “Well, what then are the policies you like?”  So far, no one’s been able to identify ANY policy to me they actually like.  Some have said, “the tax cuts” – but, after I explain to them the TRUTH about the tax cuts (scam) they seem somewhat speechless – or, they’ll say, “I like the judges.”  Of course, I then have to explain picking judges is NOT “policy.”  In reality, Trump and the republicans have FAILED to enact virtually ANY “policy” outside the tax “scam.”  They did manage – with the help of democrats – to pass an “Omnibus spending bill” – which creates a budget for the rest of this fiscal year.  But, in that bill they either got “had” by democrats OR they are totally in favor of huge budget deficits because that bill will push this year’s deficit well NORTH of $1 TRILLION!  Like many others, I’m saying, “where is the deficit outrage now?”

So, this Trump embarrassment is going to lead to HUGE deficits, higher interest rates, accelerating inflation, tens of MILLIONS of Americans losing health insurance, increasing pollution, decreasing safety regarding our food and water, and quite possibly a severe recession in the next year or so.  I’ll keep asking my friends to remind me of what the policy is that they like so much. And, if Trump gets too full of himself over the North Korea situation and convinces himself it was his bloviating that caused whatever happens going forward, I fear he’ll try the same tactics with the Iranians. (and, just to be clear, I’m skeptical there will be anything more than a “photo op” when Trump meets with Kim.  As I’ve said, I can’t picture Kim Jong-un giving up his nuclear arsenal simply because Trump called him “Rocket man” and threatened “fire and fury” – and, still being able to return to North Korea in one piece.)

It’s clear, to me, threatening the Iranians with “fire and fury” will be a much more dangerous “tactic.”  And, if Trump pulls out of the Iran nuclear “deal” he will have antagonized our closest allies.  (and, remember, somehow, Obama/Kerry got Russia to buy into that agreement as well)  If “we the people” really want this embarrassment of Trump as our so-called president to end, we’ll find out next November based on how many people vote!  My friend, the Trump supporter, told me “republicans will gain seats in November.”  He believes over 50% of Americans support Trump and, also, Trump is very popular world wide.  (He watches Fox and reads Breitbart among others)  All I can say is, “we’ll see.”

Final Thought:  Trump’s “scandal a day” strategy for running our government is wearing people like me out.  It’s just hard to keep up with the latest “scandal.”  Our so-called president is violating the constitution’s emoluments clause virtually on a daily basis (which is likely the least significant scandal – would be impeachable under any other administration).  He’s got a “fixer” who paid off at least two women just prior to the election to keep them quiet about their illicit affair with Trump while his young son was an infant.  He’s got at least 19 women who’ve accused him of sexual misconduct.  He’s LIED over 2000 times since taking office – provable LIES – an average of over 6 LIES per day.  He likely colluded with the Russians to get elected and he continues to act as if the Russian interference in the election was of no importance – almost encouraging them to continue this BAD behavior.  He has aligned himself with the white nationalist movement in America.  He’s allegedly committed obstruction of justice on several occasions in the “Russia thing.”  His surrogates are eviscerating the institutions they’ve been hired to lead – our State Department is “down” about 30% of needed personnel.  (Unless, of course, you agree that Trump doesn’t need diplomats because he decides EVERYTHING – sure makes GW Bush as the “decider” look a bit weak).  He’s repealing environmental regulations it took years to get in place with executive orders.  He’s enabling Wall Street’s most egregious cheaters to work without the encumbrance of Obama era restrictions.  The list goes on and on, and “we the people” likely don’t know the “half” of it.  When the “chickens come home to roost” the damage could take years to overcome.  That all being said, “we the people” can’t allow ourselves to get complacent, tired, overly cynical, accepting of his “stuff,” glazed over, or turned off – I can’t think of the right words.  We’ve got to stay diligent and VOTE in November.  We’ve got to support progressive candidates and we CAN’T allow the republicans and the RUSSIANS to overwhelm us with FAKE NEWS – the real kind – which is designed to turn us against each other.  We’ve got to keep the focus – and, that is to begin the process of voting republicans into the history books!

Most people I’ve talked to in the past few years, no matter their political affiliation, are aware of the incredible CORRUPTION in the politicians who are our “leaders” in Washington D.C.  This has been an issue for as long as I can remember, and it was put on “steroids” with the Supreme Court decision in the “Citizens United” case.  “Citizens United,” essentially, put the flood of money flowing into D.C. politicians (and Governors, and others as well) into the “fast lane.”  I don’t know many Americans who are not “fed up” with what’s going on.  Trump was “elected” (of course, with the help of the Russians, James Comey, and the voter suppression laws passed in republican controlled legislatures around the country) to supposedly “drain the swamp.”  Well, surprise, surprise, the “swamp” is getting more crowded – and, Trump, himself, is at the head of the “crowd.”

We’re watching a classic “white collar” investigation unfold right before our eyes.  Trump is liable to be giving away secrets we would never have known even via his tax returns had he not decided to work in concert with Vladimir Putin and the Russians in his attempt to win the presidency as all of these investigations unfold.  Trump, of course, has been publicly fawning over Putin for years.  In fact, now that he’s our so-called president, I believe Trump is more jealous of Putin than ever.  Putin can have people who are “dissidents” simply removed from the scene.  They can mysteriously end up poisoned (that seems to be a favorite method for Putin), they can mysteriously slip and fall out of high rise windows, they can disappear, they can be “gassed,” or they can simply be jailed – which is what Trump is now lamenting in regard to his power in dealing with  “opponents,” like Hillary Clinton, James Comey, Andrew McCabe, Barack Obama, and many journalists – that he simply can’t have them “jailed.”  You remember, I’m sure, the chants of “lock her up” during Trump’s campaign rallies in regard to Mrs. Clinton?

Well, it appears “the hens are coming home to roost.”  As Trump was claiming Mrs. Clinton was the most corrupt candidate in American history he must have had a sense of confidence that “we the people” would never know the truth about his own misdeeds – which, it now appears, have been going on for maybe decades (and makes the Clinton’s look like raw amateurs).  Trump has proven to be a pathological LIAR, so with the exception of his faithful, brainwashed, supporters, he has absolutely no credibility.  I have friends who are “a political” who say he makes their stomachs crawl.  Personally, as someone who often watches/listens to MSNBC, I have to turn it off the MANY times they broadcast his speeches or press conferences or whatever.  I’m embarrassed he’s our so-called president when I hear his words.  I’ve always been one to want the president to succeed, even presidents I don’t support politically, but this man – what I can only call a “so-called” president, I look forward to the day he’s out of office.  It can’t come soon enough for me.  This going after political opponents is third world stuff.

Now, if you’ve been on this site before, you know that I believed (and still believe) that President Obama’s biggest mistake in office was to “look forward instead of back” when it came to the illegal actions of the Bush/Cheney administration – which included WAR CRIMES.  There are likely MILLIONS of people DEAD (at least hundreds of thousands) as the result of Bush/Cheney decisions regarding the invasion of Iraq – which was clearly ILLEGAL.  Who knows when, or if, Iraq will recover from the destruction caused by the Bush/Cheney decision to instigate “regime change” and make a play for Iraq’s oil.  I believe, to this day, that was the worst action EVER taken by an American administration and Cheney left the groundwork for Trump – as the “unitary” executive.”  President Obama could have allowed the investigations to uncover ALL that was done and the “rule of law” would have prevailed.  I said, at the time, in any criminal proceeding the authorities MUST “look back.”  I believe this is why Trump and the republicans are “shocked” he’s being investigated.

Now, we have a president who feels he’s above the law and a republican House that is actually attempting to “short circuit” the special counsel’s investigation into what happened during the 2016 election by targeting Rod Rosenstein and then Robert Mueller.  Republicans have been led to believe there’s no accountability for their actions which are contrary to that constitution they all carry in their lapel pockets – a constitution they swore an oath to defend.  Trump is pushing the “unitary executive” philosophy beyond even Cheney.  But, as I predicted at the time, that’s how it works.  For “we the people,” it’s much easier to give up rights than to get them back.  And, the next president will be reluctant to “roll” anything back.  We saw that with President Obama.  Allowing accountability for Bush/Cheney would have seriously “crimped” his available “tools” as he contemplated continuing Bush’s “war on terror” – whatever that is.  At some point, our “leaders” will discover the more we “entangle” our troops around the world to “keep us safe,” the less safe we are and the less safe the rest of the world is.

To me, as I’ve said before, these members of the House, Trey Gowdy, Devin Nunes, Jim Jordan, and other right wing republicans are attempting to enable Trump’s fascist tendencies by going after the investigation into the Russian “interference” in our election.  Well, I’m reading “Russian Roulette” by David Corn and Michael Isikoff right now and it’s a real “eye opener.”  This Russian ATTACK on our nation is serious and it’s real and we’d all better wake up and realize what’s going on.  And, the “leaders” in Washington DC who are enabling it – to defend an AWFUL man who has clear fascist tendencies (and many followers who are clearly, at a minimum, neo-Nazi’s), is an incompetent leader, and who is un-repentently ENRICHING himself while in office – clearly violating our Constitution and “thumbing his nose” at “the rule of law,” should, themselves, be considered to be “obstructing justice.”  The Mueller investigation SHOULD be allowed to finish UNIMPEDED! Period! End of story!

As time goes by, Trump will become more and more desperate in his actions – not just because of the investigations he’s yelling at his TV about.  The policies he is “pushing” on “we the people” will have consequences no matter what.  In Trump’s first year in office, as he was bragging about how strong the economy was and taking credit for it, I CORRECTLY pointed out he was taking credit for what President Obama left to him.  It is in the second year and beyond that you judge the decisions of any administration, that’s when their budgetary decisions take affect.  Well, the second year is here and it should be clear to just about anyone things are getting a bit “dicey.”  Yes, employment remains at “full employment” – which, obviously, is a good thing.  It would take someone who doesn’t pay attention to economic trends to fail to understand the “trend” has been “steady” for, now, over the past 8 years.  It started under President Obama and it was still gaining “steam” when Trump took office.

It’s true the stock market took a “jump” upon Trump’s “election” due to Wall Street anticipating the tax scam that WILL funnel over a TRILLION dollars to the Americans – and multi-national corporations – which were already flush with cash.  The most egregious result of that tax scam is looming on the horizon – and, that is a boost to inflation which will put the brakes on the economic recovery.  Whether it leads us into recession is still a question – but, I can certainly see a rise in interest rates sufficient to put a lot of people in the home building industry in trouble.  With home prices, where I live, averaging close to $300,000 for the average home, a one percent rise in rates will be very consequential.

Trump is doing lots of “damage,” as I call it, while we’re all “sleeping.”  Recently, I read reports his EPA head was removing the auto efficiency standards put in place by the Obama administration.  I remember Reagan doing the same – and, encouraging people to buy gas guzzling vehicles – and, Detroit’s automakers went along.  Ultimately, it almost destroyed the American auto industry and I hope we’re not looking at a repeat.  But, Trump is bragging about “bringing back coal” and he’s clearly been absent in the “climate change” debate.  When oil prices get to the $80 per barrel OPEC is targeting inflation will be even more of an issue.  Combining that with the problem of stimulating an economy when it was unnecessary (the tax scam) could create a situation that republicans didn’t consider when enacting their scam.  Obviously, at least to me, the tax scam was simply a payout to their “donor class.”  Yikes!

I agree with those who say republicans are good at winning elections (they believe in “the end justifies the means” theory) but, they have no idea how to govern.  This is becoming even more apparent as we watch the Trump fiasco play itself out.  Our so-called president is at the forefront of republicans feeding off the public “trough.”  Watching Trump “advertise” his property as he’s charging “we the people” exorbitant prices for him and his entourage virtually every week – as he visits one of his golf courses each weekend – is sickening.  This past week he had “7 hours” of “relaxed” conversation with the leader of Japan at the “Florida White House”  which included, of course, a round of golf.  Well, a round of golf takes about 5 hours, so you can see why the conversations were so “relaxed.”  I forced myself to listen to most of the press conference after these “relaxed” conversations – and, once again, I saw that foreign leaders have figured out how to “play” Trump.  Just flatter him!  In fact, Japan’s prime minister, ShinzA Abe, referred to Trump as “Donald.”  While “we the people” were funding a “wonderful” couple of days for Mr. Abe, Trump was going “chaching, chaching!”  This happens every week via the man who was going to “drain the swamp.”

The only question which remains in my mind, regarding Trump, is how bad will things get before “we the people” come to our senses.  It’s apparent that in the 2018 election there will be lots of energy among those who feel as I do regarding wanting to change the make-up of the Congress.  There appears to be little chance that democrats will gain control of the Senate – in fact, I believe they could lose a few seats based on how the “election map” is constituted.  However, there’s a good chance the House will no longer be the embarrassment it’s been under republican control for the past few cycles.  I don’t believe even the republican gerrymandering of 2010 will save them this time.  Remember, the past two elections, democratic candidates for the House, nation wide, have received more than a MILLION more votes than republicans, but continue to be in a significant minority.  The “wave” that is coming very well may be strong enough to overcome that disadvantage.

People need to understand that democrats regaining control of the House will not “drain the swamp.”  It will NOT result in Trump’s impeachment – unless Mueller’s probe or the Cohen investigation in the Southern District of New York uncovers criminal activity by Trump which republicans can’t simply ignore – republicans will have enough “power” no matter what happens in 2018’s election to keep Trump in office if that’s what they choose.  They may be ill-advised in doing so, but that’s what appears to be the case.  Mitch McConnell, in the Senate, is really good at one thing – and, that’s OBSTRUCTING!  He will block anything he chooses to BLOCK while he’s still the majority leader in the Senate and, there’s no way democrats will have enough power to actually impeach Trump.  I’ve said, from day one, it’s up to the republicans to end the Trump nightmare.  It would really be naive to believe republicans actually would “drain the swamp.”  They’ve been funneling money from America’s middle class essentially to themselves since the days of Reagan – HUGE amounts of money.  They will not stop until “we the people” vote them into the history books!  Period!  (and, if you’re watching Fox “news” you’ve been BRAINWASHED and you should look elsewhere for your information.  Fox  is part of the swamp)

Talk about “the pot calling the kettle black.”  This past week I’ve watched (and listened) as Trump and his associate LIAR, Sarah Sanders, have gone out of their way to describe James Comey as a “liar,” a “slime dog,” and more.  The “tweets” are coming fast and furious.  I don’t do “Twitter” (or Facebook, or any of that Social media stuff) but, you’d have to have your head in the sand to avoid hearing Trump’s blasting of Mr. Comey – in a TOTALLY predictable, based on Trump’s history, reaction by our so-called president to the publishing of Comey’s book in the coming week.  Comey has already started the obligatory public appearances where he will defend his own honor while our “president” will be name calling like the sixth grader bullies I used to teach.  Just as there would be consequences for the sixth grade bullies, I have to think Trump is getting closer and closer to the point where he’ll be facing the consequences of his own actions – some we know of and, well, some we’re all speculating about.

The bottom line is that only the hard line Trump supporters will approve of his childish actions, and that’s likely because they’ll all be watching people like Sean Hannity BRAINWASH them (which has been ongoing) to believe Trump is the victim here.  Hannity and the others in the right wing message machine seem to have lost sight of the FACT the Russians attacked America during the 2016 election and they’re STILL HERE!  And, Trump’s pitiful attempt to show the world he’s a “tough guy” in Syria this weekend will not change a thing.  He’s still a serial LIAR (pathological), his press secretary willingly LIES for him (evidently, that’s a requirement of the job – remember Sean Spicer), and he’s shown no respect for the rule of law in America – likely, because he’s spent a lifetime skirting the law – and, up to this point, getting away with it.

I’ve repeated this a lot lately, but I’m guessing Trump is seriously regretting his choice to make President Obama look bad by running for president.  I don’t think he had any idea of the magnitude of the “microscope.”  He should have looked no further than his antagonist, Hillary Clinton, to watch what she’s had to endure for the past 25+ years.  What could have possibly got him thinking that the “microscope” that’s been “aimed” at Mrs. Clinton would somehow fail to notice Trump’s maladies once he was in office.  (Of course, there’s been many reports that Trump did not believe he had any chance to win [or, any “maladies” for that matter] – his run for president was aimed at putting himself in position to make MORE money.)  It appears the US Attorney’s office for the “Southern District of New York” is going to be Trump’s MAJOR problem – after the search warrants were executed on Michael Cohen’s office, home, and apartment last week.  Cohen, commonly referred to as Trump’s “fixer” (in the tradition of a Mafia family), appears to be in dire legal “straights” and Trump is likely right there with him.

I just find it interesting listening to Trump’s “tweets” and the (disgusting) comments coming from his press secretary Ms. Sanders as they BOTH soil the image of our president across this nation and around the world.  I’ve written ad nauseam since Trump’s “election” about the “damage” he’s doing to this nation – and, it’s in our relationships with countries around the world which may be the toughest to overcome once the republicans in Congress finally end this nightmare.  And, make no mistake, when history is judging this era, it’s the republicans in Congress who will be held in contempt almost as much as Trump.  It’s their job to be a “check” on the president.  Of course, during the Obama administration they OBSTRUCTED virtually EVERYTHING he attempted to accomplish and they’re still busy trying to repeal Obama policies that “we the people,” to this day, favor.  In fact, it’s been the republican assault on the Affordable Care Act, for example, which has caused it to be “approved” by more than 50% of Americans after Obama was more than a year out of office.  People actually like having health insurance.

Then there’s the TPP – the Trans Pacific Partnership which was designed to keep China “in check” with our trading partners in the “Pacific rim.”  (from Japan to Southeast Asia)  One of Trump’s first acts in office was to pull America out of that “trade agreement” – which Obama pushed – despite opposition from both parties.  Now, upon understanding he simply gave China a free run in that region, Trump is “trying to put the toothpaste back in the tube.”  Of course, he’ll do this in a way where he tries to make himself look good in the process – but, thinking Americans won’t be fooled – if he manages to succeed.  There’s also the Paris Climate Accords – Trump may end up coddling “clean coal” (whatever that is) until he’s no longer in office – but, the message to the rest of the world was to cede American leadership to the Chinese and Europeans in the clean energy field – which is the technology of the future.  There is NO future for coal – but, you’d never convince Trump of that.

Regarding James Comey, I have purchased his book and I’m looking forward to reading it.  At the same time, I tend to agree with those who would suggest he might have been better off bringing it out a bit later – but, keep in mind, he KNOWS way more than any of us.  Maybe he wanted to get this out before the inevitable happens with Trump so that it doesn’t sound to be “piling on.”  Part of me says, bring it on Mr. Comey – you’ve taken quite enough from the president who has no moral compass and his underlings who will say anything to keep their job.  And, the republicans in Congress, OMG!  While (and, this is based on parts I’ve heard prior to getting my copy of the book) I could care less about the size of Trump’s hands, I do respect Comey’s right to defend his honor.  Trump has DEPLORABLY gone after Comey and others in the FBI – most significantly, from my perspective, Andrew McCabe.  What Trump did to McCabe just showed what a small minded thug we have as our so-called president.  (I wanted to contribute to McCabe’s defense fund, but by the time I heard about it, it was no longer accepting donations – there was over $500 THOUSAND already donated.

I’m not one to say that James Comey is my hero.  I didn’t like what he chose to do 11 days prior to the election and I’ve heard him say he’d do it again had he even known that Trump would win the election.  He made egregious errors as head of the FBI and, had Trump fired him the day he took office, no one would have blinked an eye.  However, in True Trump fashion, he wanted assurances from Comey of his willingness to pledge his loyalty, and when that didn’t work, he wanted assurances he wasn’t being investigated.  Comey’s answers weren’t, obviously, to his (Trump’s) liking – but, what I believe set him over the edge was when Comey, while testifying before Congress, said that the thought his actions may have swung the election to Trump made him feel “mildly nauseous.”  A couple days later he was fired.  Of course, Trump, who claims to be “smart,” then went on national TV (with Lester Holt) and admitted he fired Comey because of the “Russia thing.”  (which he affirmed a day or so later with the Russian foreign minster and the Russian Ambassador in the oval office – we had to find that out from Russian reporters)

As I’ve said before, when I look back on the election, I’m almost glad Trump ended up the “winner.”  (of course, he didn’t “win” – he just carried the Electoral College by the slimmest of margins – likely due to Comey’s ill-timed announcement and Russian “fake news” on Facebook – probably targeted with the help of Cambridge Analytica (ie Steve Bannon and Jared Kushner) – thereby confirming COLLUSION.  Another word for collusion is TREASON)  I really can’t imagine what would be happening right now if Hillary Clinton had won the election (of course, she really did with almost 3 MILLION more votes than Trump, but I’m “just sayin…”)

I watch people like Jim Jordan, Devin Nunes, and Trey Gowdy (and many others) in the House of Representatives and when I get over my embarrassment that people like this actually get elected to office in America I shudder at what they’d  be doing to destroy a Clinton presidency.  For heaven’s sake, they kept the Benghazi scam going for over three years – had Mrs. Clinton won, I can almost assure you  it would still be ongoing.  And, of course, the Russian ATTACK would likely still be “under the radar” and they’d (the Russians) STILL be attempting to create as much division for Mrs. Clinton as they could with their targeted FAKE NEWS.  (the real FAKE NEWS – evidently, Mrs. Clinton was “tougher” on Russia than the bully in the Oval Office)

Maybe Trump’s greatest achievement will end up being that he motivates untold MILLIONS of young Americans to participate in the voting process.  Maybe we’ll finally see a willingness from our voters to support candidates who are NOT part of the Koch brothers “network.”  Maybe we’ll start seeing voters who actually demand actual information before they decide who to support as their representative in Congress.  Maybe things like health care, education, job training, the environment, diplomacy, and I could go on and on – essentially returning to the values born of the New Deal of FDR and furthered during the Great Society of LBJ (with support in between on all quarters – except the McCarthyites) will take hold once more in America.  Remember, when it comes to the basic values of the New Deal which republicans have targeted for repeal since the 1970’s (actually, since they were enacted) – there’s “more of us (progressive minded people) than there are of them.” (In regard to the right wing members of the Koch network)

Since I started this post it’s become public knowledge that Sean Hannity has been a secret client of Trump’s “fixer” Michael Cohen – with Hannity lamenting the FBI’s search warrant into Cohen’s office, home, and apartment WITHOUT informing his audience he’s “connected” to Cohen.  Of course, it doesn’t take someone with a brain to realize Hannity is nothing more than a sycophant for Trump and republicans – calling him a “journalist” sullies the profession.  Sadly, I know people who watch (and believe) Hannity, and they are almost impossible to talk to.  They believe they are “informed,” they believe Trump is a “conservative,” and virtually each one has told me they voted for Trump for “moral reasons.”  I’m not kidding – and, if you’re reading this and you feel a bit edgy because you fall in that category, I’m sorry – but, you’re NOT informed – instead, you’ve been BRAINWASHED.  You likely listen to Rush Limbaugh (or one of the other right wing whack jobs on the radio – I “get” that’s “judging” – but, I’ve read lots of books with actual information and these right wing “talkers” are such LIARS that it’s hard to stomach listening to them for more than a few seconds.  I’ve pointed out many times they’ve adopted “The Big Lie Theory” of the Third Reich and they do it in unison with like “key words” or “talking points” which is all targeted PROPAGANDA!

Trump is getting boxed in by a porn actress and her attorney and a very skilled former FBI director who is way ahead of Trump’s seemingly amateurist legal team.  I believe Trump’s attempt to prevent “Stormy Daniels” from speaking publicly about their sexual affair (while Trump’s present wife was delivering him his final son – presumably) has now got Trump very nervous.  Reports are that Trump yelling at his TV’s now that the FBI has piles of documents from Cohen – including several electronic devices.  The FBI even raided Cohen’s safe deposit box.  Trump knows what’s in that pile of papers and he can’t fire the attorney’s at the Southern District of New York.  I believe this was a masterful move by Robert Mueller.  This puts Trump in a position where, if he goes after Mueller – even if somehow he managed to get the FBI investigation shut down – it appears as if there’s some really bad news coming from Manhattan!  Many are saying Trump faces more danger from the investigation now in the hands of the attorneys at the Southern District of New York than Mueller’s investigation.

When I heard James Comey say that Trump came across to him, in their conversations, similarly to the Mob bosses Comey prosecuted when he was in the US Attorney’s office of the Southern District of New York – well, it reminded me of what I’ve been saying for some time here.  I believe Trump is connected to the “mob” in ways we’re going to discover at some point down the road.  Maybe this is why Vladimir Putin appeals to Trump in such a curious manner.  People know the Russian government, under Putin, is run like a New York crime family.  In fact, much of the MONEY LAUNDERING the Russians have been accused of (and convicted of – in some instances) has happened in New York.  So, the bottom line here is that time will tell who the LIAR is – Trump or Comey.  Of course, we all already know the answer to that question – I mean Trump made over 2000 DOCUMENTED LIES in just his first year of office – according to a “fact checker” with the Washington Post.  That amounted to an AVERAGE of six LIES per day – document-able!  So who you gonna believe is the LIAR?  Trump or Comey?  (I suppose Trump’s six LIES per day in his first year in office SHOULD factor in your decision!)

What’s going on at Fox “news” is, in the ill advised words of Hillary Clinton (in her campaign), “deplorable.”  Last night, in coordination with Trump, Sean Hannity created some charts that would suggest Robert Mueller to be part of a “Crime family.”  I’ve mentioned on numerous occasions over the years how “conservatives” use projection to confuse their “audience.”  This is a great example – accusing Mueller, a Viet Nam war hero, someone at the forefront of our defense against the terrorist attacks of 9/11, and a man who’s served this nation for something like 30 years as the “head of a crime family.”  Hannity is defending a person, Trump,  who very well could be getting “uncovered” as the head of an actual “crime family.”

Trump knows what he’s done – and, he’s fighting back against the investigation which is apparently heading where he doesn’t want it to go.  Trump is NOT acting like a person who is innocent.  As one of his supporters, Trey Gowdy, said, “If you’re innocent, act like it!”  Well, Trump is not acting as if he’s “innocent,” instead he’s lining up people who are willing to sully themselves in a futile effort to stop the “Russia investigation” before it’s completed.  It’s disgraceful and these people are disgraceful.  I’ve said this before, Trump, Hannity, Nunes, Gingrich, and a bunch more of the minions who are willing to ignore the Russian attack on our nation in an attempt to protect their own political power will end up in the wrong section of the history books.  Conservatives, as I’m writing this, are attempting to rewrite the present day history books and that plan will be as futile as their attempts to protect Trump.

If Mueller finishes his investigation and Trump is exonerated then all is well.  Apparently, these people (Trump, Hannity, Nunes, etc.) don’t believe Trump is innocent or they would be encouraging the investigation to reach its conclusion.  I guess the 19 indictments (including several guilty pleas and cooperation agreements) are making them nervous – although, if they believe they’re innocent and believe in the “rule of law” in America – well, you wouldn’t be seeing these paranoid attacks on Mueller.  Of course, it doesn’t take a “Perry Mason” expert to figure out that Jared Kushner is in legal jeopardy (I’m sure Trump doesn’t like that reality) and that Trump, whether he “colluded” or not, has LIKELY obstructed justice (numerous times).  So, instead of meeting with Mueller and attempting to explain his actions, Trump is choosing the full throated head on FIGHT.  That’s exactly how a Mafia boss would react! (ie, the real head of a “crime family”)

The next few days should get even more interesting as James Comey’s book and the obligatory “book tour” that goes along with it is due to begin next week.  I’ve already ordered the book, but I would gladly buy another copy if I could attend a book signing.  Full disclosure:  I’m not one who gave Comey a “pass” on his ill advised remarks 11 days prior to the 2016 election which clearly swung the election to Trump.  Even Trump’s own internal polls pointed this out – as reported in the book “Devil’s Bargain Steve Bannon, Donald Trump, and the storming of the presidency” written by Joshua Green who I felt seemed like someone sympathetic to Bannon and Trump as I read the book – certainly not antagonistic.  Mrs. Clinton’s polling showed this, Five Thirty Eight dot com’s polling showed this (probably the most respected polling site) and, I remember watching the polling prior to the election and it was clear to me Comey is the reason Trump is president.

That being said, I also remember James Comey from the GW Bush/Dick Cheney years when Comey was the acting Attorney General and he blocked Bush/Cheney from continuing their ILLEGAL wiretapping of American citizens when he discovered what was happening during the Iraq fiasco.  In fact, Robert Mueller – then the head of the FBI – stood side by side with Comey as they, along with others in the Justice Department – including Christopher Wray – threatened to resign if Bush continued the illegal unconstitutional program.  Despite my disagreement with the way Comey handled the Clinton email “scandal” (clearly neither Comey nor Andrew McCabe seemed to be supporters of Mrs. Clinton – which, to me, is a real irony here) I’ve never doubted his veracity.  I’ve always felt Comey was an honorable, dedicated public servant who’s serving in an extraordinarily difficult time.  Same for McCabe.  Same for Mueller, and, for that matter, Wray.  And, I believe they’re all republicans (with the possible exception of McCabe).

Well, I’m guessing we can expect the (STUPID) “tweeting” to begin over night tonight as Trump will find it difficult to resist commenting on all the pundits sharing Comey’s thoughts in his book.  Obviously, Comey is exacting his revenge on Trump for the way Trump summarily dismissed him after attempting to co-op his “loyalty” along with other “stuff” a president should NEVER do or say around members of the Justice Department – which is supposed to be totally INDEPENDENT.  Clearly, Trump didn’t envision the Justice Department in this light – he viewed Jeff Sessions as his “Michael Cohen” in the Justice Department – his “fixer.”  Trump actually believes NONE of this would ever have happened had Sessions not recused himself.

Well, I’m no fan of Jeff Sessions either, but I have to say Trump’s view presupposes that Sessions would have willingly looked the other way regarding the “Russia thing” – even had he not recused himself, which would have meant he would have been privy to all the allegations which spurred on the FBI investigation.  I have to say, I’m not so sure Sessions would have done that.  As much as I don’t like the guy, I’ve come to believe he’s actually attempting to do the “right thing” as he sees it while he has that post.  I could be very naive in thinking this, but Sessions has shown a bit of spine on at least one occasion since Trump started belittling him – apparently in an attempt to cause him to resign.  And, of course, even if Sessions had not recused himself, there still would have been an FBI investigation ongoing into the Trump campaign – an investigation which began well before Trump had won the nomination.  (Thanks to George Papadopoulus)

Here’s my biggest concern regarding the Trump/Fox “news” conspiracy to BRAINWASH as many of their unsuspecting followers as possible – it’s right out of the “playbook” of the “Crime family boss” or the “Despot” (according to the “Despot’s Apprentice” by Brian Klaas) and, that’s attack the messenger (if you can’t defeat the “message”).  Trump, Hannity, et al are attempting to convince MILLIONS of Americans that Mueller is conflicted and is biased to “get” Trump.  They’re suggesting there is “no collusion” – evidently because Trump has repeatedly said so (and, of course, so has Sarah Sanders).  These people have NO moral compass!  Let me add here for the I don’t know how manyeth (I made that word up) time; when Don Jr., Jared Kushner, and Paul Manafort met with several RUSSIANS to get “incriminating evidence” on Mrs. Clinton from “The Russian Government” THAT WAS COLLUSION!  It doesn’t matter what they got, that was COLLUSION.

And, of course, I believe Mueller has other examples of collusion.  Let me just give one example that falls in the I can add two plus two category.  We KNOW the Russians hacked the emails of the DNC and John Podesta.  We KNOW that both George Papadopoulus AND Roger Stone were aware of this AND, it just seems like too much of a coincidence, to me, that the Podesta emails were published less than one hour after release of the Access Hollywood tape.  We also KNOW that Cambridge Analytica was working with Trump’s campaign (via Jared Kushner), we KNOW that Steve Bannon was/is (?) the president of Cambridge Analytica, and we KNOW Cambridge Analytica STOLE data from 87 MILLION Facebook users which allowed them to TARGET their political advertising.  Do you think maybe they shared this data with the Russians who were busy publishing untold numbers of FAKE “news” ads on Facebook – adds that were curiously expertly TARGETED??  Do you get my drift?

This is all coming to a “head” in the next short period of time, it appears to me – and, I’m guessing there will be people in the streets no matter how it turns out.  70 -80% of Americans want to see Mueller’s investigation completed.  That means a large MAJORITY (including many who voted for Trump) believe in the rule of law, don’t believe our FBI and Justice Department are corrupted and are like a “Crime family,” and they want to know what happened in the 2016 election.  Most Americans believe NO ONE in America, including the president, is above the law.  “We the people” demonstrated that back in the days of Richard Nixon when he attempted to prove otherwise.  Here’s the problem:  Trump, Hannity, the others at Fox, and the right wingers in the House (like Devin “the traitor” Nunes), understand that faction of Trump supporters who were marching at Charlottesville last year chanting, “Jews will not replace us.”

Trump called them “very fine people” and, one of those “very fine people,” David Duke – the former Grand Wizard of the Klu Klux Klan – let Trump know how much all those “very fine people” appreciated Trump for his “fair” words.  Trump and the others attempting to pin a “Crime family” label on Mueller know exactly how these “very fine people” are going to react if Trump is accused of a crime – or if Congress begins impeachment proceedings.  Things could get ugly and quick.  And, of course, then we’re going to find out the real reality of Jeff Sessions because he’ll still (likely) be the head of the Justice Department.   One way or another, there are going to be protests – I just hope they are peaceful no matter the outcome of the investigation.

Of course, Steve Bannon is climbing out from under the “rock” he disappeared under after the “Fire and Fury” book got him excommunicated from the “White House” and he’s encouraging Trump to take an aggressive and defiant strategy with the Mueller investigation.  This reminds me of Bannon stating the real purpose of the Trump administration is to “deconstruct the administrative state.”  I understand that to mean our traditional government institutions that Trump is defunding, refusing to populate with appointees, and has administrators committed to the destroying the institution they are in charge of.  Bannon’s “wet dream.”

I wouldn’t be surprised if Bannon encouraging Trump to be defiant now isn’t because he might be coming back into Mueller’s “cross-hairs” himself after the Cambridge Analytica revelations.  Bannon may be way more vulnerable than he let on before that information became public. The real “COLLUSION” may end up being tied to the Cambridge Analytica data breach of Facebook.  It’s been reported that Cambridge Analytica was involved in the “fake news” which influenced people in Great Britain to vote for the Brexit issue which took Great Britain out of the European Union – something Bannon supported.  The same kind of “white nationalism” he’s pushing in America.  Yikes!!!

I told my son tonight, watch everything that’s going on because these are historic times.  Hopefully, this country won’t face a crisis like this – if not ever again – certainly for many many years.  I have to believe that Justice will ultimately prevail and Trump’s days as president are numbered.  He should NEVER have been president and it’s time he’s no longer president.  I have to believe those in the FBI see the irony that it was Comey responsible for getting Trump elected and it will, indirectly, be Comey who sees that Trump is removed from office.

In the process a couple interesting things are going to happen.  First, and this is along the lines of the times I’ve predicted Trump would come to the point (if he already is not there) where he loathes the day he decided to run for president.  I believe there will be MANY issues Trump will have to face that would likely NEVER have been uncovered had he not put himself under the “microscope” that comes with being president.  It’s very possible that he is the head of a “crime family.”  Secondly, and this relates to all the DAMAGE I’ve referred to being done to America since Trump took office – and that is, once Trump is removed from office “we the people” can start the process of “making America great again.”

Yesterday officials from the U.S. Attorney’s office in the Southern District of New York (SDNY) enacted a search warrant for the office, home, and hotel room of Trump’s “fixer” Michael Cohen for what seems obvious to me would be documents about the payments made by Mr. Cohen to Stormy Daniels and maybe others.  With all the public knowledge about Trump’s lawyer paying off Ms. Daniels to keep her quiet weeks ahead of the 2016 election it would be MORE surprising to me if there was no action taken regarding what was CLEARLY an illegal action – possibly on many fronts.  Cohen, himself, admitted to making the payment and Trump has publicly denied knowing anything about it.  Trump said, when asked about the payment, “You’ll have to talk to Michael Cohen.”  Talk about someone being “thrown under the bus.”

Trump referred to this action as “an attack on our country.”  This would suggest he believes he’s above the law.  This coming from the man who doesn’t consider the Russian interference in our election (and more) to be an “attack on this country.”  He’s tweeted “attorney client privilege is dead” and “total witch hunt!” regarding the raid on Cohen’s office.  Trump believes Jeff Sessions “made a terrible decision for our country” when he recused himself from the Russia investigation (and, investigations of the Trump and Clinton campaigns).  Of course, Sessions did exactly what he was honor bound to do once he took the oath of office to head the Department of Justice.  Had he chosen to look upon himself as the president’s “fixer” from his position as Attorney General – that would have been a terrible decision for our country.  I’ve written this before, but I’ll say it again, Trump is acting as if he’s a MAFIA BOSS!  He’s got to go and it appears it’s just a matter of time until Mueller makes his report that is going to take the veil off of all of Trump’s misdeeds – which likely go well back prior to his choice to run for president.

Trump suggested this is a partisan attack coming from either “democrats or republicans who’ve worked for democrats.”  (I’m assuming he was meaning Mueller because he’s worked for presidents of both parties as FBI director)  The reality is that it takes many layers of the Justice Department to get a warrant to search the office of ANY attorney, let alone the president’s.  And, the people who authorized this warrant were actually REPUBLICANS who were appointed by Trump, himself.  The acting US Attorney for the SDNY was appointed by Trump, The FBI director was appointed by Trump (republican), and the Assistant Attorney General (Rod Rosenstein) is a republican appointed by Trump.  Of course, Robert Mueller is a long time republican who is the special counsel because of Trump’s (STUPID) decision to fire James Comey – and then, shortly thereafter, admit on NATIONAL TV that he did so because of the “Russia thing.”  (Additionally, a day or two later, Trump [STUPIDLY] met in the Oval Office with two Russian officials telling them “I got rid of Comey to take the pressure off the Russia investigation”)

Trump continues to call this investigation a “disgrace.”  I can tell you, as with most of the words that come out of his mouth, the TRUTH is essentially the OPPOSITE.  Trump continues to be the disgrace and he’s contemplating now to make matters even worse by FIRING the special counsel.  Trump, in his rambling spur of the moment press conference – while he was faced with a decision about the Syria problem (which he may have indirectly created) tried to pin Comey’s firing back on Rod Rosenstein.  If you remember, he originally requested a letter from Rosenstein about Comey to justify firing him – which Mike Pense and other minions used the next day to justify the firing – only to have Trump BACK STAB them with his interview with Lester Holt where he admitted that “I was going to fire him no matter what, ………….it was about the Russia thing.”  Trump is scrambling now to continue his attempt to keep his misbehavior secret.

I don’t believe it’s going to work and I think Trump is becoming aware that he’s not above the law which he’s apparently felt during his years in New York when his actions have tied him together with some really suspicious characters.  I think we may discover we’ve got a “white collar criminal” in the “White House.”  Of course, the “base” (mainly of the “white nationalists” in America) won’t care.  They’ve been brainwashed to believe Trump is being attacked by a partisan “witch hunt.”  Trump is encouraging the divisiveness that has brought this country to the point where we’re losing our standing in the world.  The ONLY way to regain it is to get RID of this nightmare which is Trump as our so-called president.  And, as I’ve said many times, it’s up to the republicans in Congress to “grow a pair” and take their oath to the constitution above their allegiance to their party.  In fact, I believe the ONLY way for republicans to give themselves a chance to minimize the so-called “blue wave” coming in 2018, is to rid the country of the Trump problem.

The constitution calls for impeachment of the president for “high crimes and misdemeanors.”  Well, that’s a very vague phrase that gives members of Congress much leeway – but, I (and, many others) believe Trump has already met the criteria for “high crimes and misdemeanors.”  The Constitution prohibits the president from receiving “emoluments” from both foreign forces and domestic forces.  Clearly, Trump by not getting rid of his business interests – for example, a Hotel on Pennsylvania Avenue has become the place where foreign dignitaries pay well above standard rates to stay in Trump’s Hotel (I believe it’s in the Old US Post Office building) ostensibly to gain Trump’s “favor.”  Every time Trump takes money from these people it’s a violation of the emoluments clause.  And, there are many other examples of this same phenomenon.

Then there’s ALL of Trump’s adventures to his golf resorts where he takes his associates, the Secret Service, and others to his personal properties where they all pay (including Trump himself) premium rates for rooms and other “emoluments.”  All of this is in violation of the Constitution of the United States – a copy of which most republicans in Congress carry in their lapel pockets – that members of Congress (republicans) refuse to even debate in the House – where any impeachment proceedings would begin.  I guess it’s going to take something catastrophic for republican members of Congress to act.  That’s exactly what causes me the  most “pause.”

Originally when I was writing about Trump, I suggested republican members of Congress would act against Trump once their own jobs were in jeopardy.  What we’re seeing instead is a bunch of republicans who see “the writing on the wall” leaving – “retiring from” Congress as they realize getting re-elected is getting to the almost impossible stage.  I guess the idea of showing courage and standing up to Trump – as “the right thing to do” – is not something they consider.  Paul Ryan got his tax scam through – which, contrary to his pronouncements, will increase our national debt, over the next 10 years, by OVER two TRILLION dollars.  So much for the great republican “budget genius.”  Ryan is leaving Washington “with his tail between his legs!”

When Trump refers to the Mueller probe as “an attack on our country” he’s just showing his IGNORANCE once again.  The reality is that Trump’s actions are “an attack on our country.”  The Russian “intrusion” is an “attack on our country.”  And, the republicans, who for years have claimed to be the ‘stalwarts’ of a “strong national defense” are, once again, showing themselves to be frauds.  This has happened over and over again since the days of Ronald Reagan.  Here’s what has to be puzzling our allies around the world – when are “we the people” going to figure this out?  Are the American voters really this STUPID?  People who call themselves “conservatives” and then support what Trump – and Ryan – are doing are fooling themselves.  To me, brazen thoughtless actions on the world stage and constantly raising the national debt in order to placate their “donors” is not “conservative.”  Let’s call it what it is.

I’ve said this would all be comical if it wasn’t so serious.  Right now we the people are at the mercy of the thought process of a completely unstable person who could be, potentially, leading us into another world war.  Syria is a serious problem because the Russians are aligned with Assad and may very well by supplying the nerve gas Assad is using on his own people.  Trump’s bloviating, along with whatever response he gives in his attempt to show the world he’s a real “tough guy,” is not likely to be very effective.  It could be catastrophic!  And, keep in mind, Trump has to be considering the kompromat the Russians very likely are holding over him as he prepares his “response” the the Syrian “gassing.”

As all this is going on I can’t get Trump’s words out of my head where he said the Justice Department’s search of Michael Cohen is “an attack on our country.”  I’ll say it again, the attack on our country came (and is coming) from the Russians via their cyber warfare.  Not only should Mr. Cohen by searched, but I now feel Steve Bannon should be searched.   Bannon was/is the head of Cambridge Analytica which stole the data of over 80 MILLION Facebook users in order to spread the REAL fake news during the 2016 campaign.  I believe they worked with the Russians to target this “fake news” toward key constituencies they knew were susceptible to their PROPAGANDA.  That’s where the attack on this country is coming from and I’m thankful that Mueller is going to figure it all out and explain to “we the people” how we’ve been “had.”  But, I’ll say it once more:  Earth to Trump, the attack on our country is coming from Russia NOT from our Justice Department!  Let’s hope the Justice Department demonstrates to “we the people” AND those watching around the world that we really are a “nation of laws and not men”  and that “no one is above the law.”  Especially, Donald Trump!

I’ve been attempting to take a break from Trump’s scandal a day presidency and what it’s doing to the country I love, but the STUPID just keeps coming.  Yesterday, Bashar al-Assad apparently “gassed” some of his own people (“rebels”) AGAIN and, of course, Trump felt the necessity to stick his chest out as much as he’s capable.  He even seemed to say something negative about Vladimir Putin, but he couldn’t leave it at that.  As per usual, Trump had to attempt to stick the BLAME for Assad gassing his own people on Barack Obama.  Is there anything he doesn’t attempt to BLAME on Obama?

As the “story” unfolds as Trump’s SCANDAL ridden EPA “chief” Scott Pruitt continues to be in the headlines, just today, I was thinking Trump’s defense of Pruitt – and, very likely his presidency – may very well rest on a “roasting” Trump absorbed a few years ago at a correspondents dinner he attended where Obama totally embarrassed him.  And, as we’ve all learned, Trump doesn’t like that – it’s questionable whether he even has a sense of humor.  I’ve always wondered if his running for president was based on his desire to “get even” with Obama.  (Could Obama have the last laugh?) Of course, Trump EARNED the “roasting” via his leading of the RACIST “birther movement” which has caused many Americans, to this day, to believe Obama was born in Kenya.  That was the movement that reminded me that racism is STILL a MAJOR issue in this country – and, Trump is right at the front of issue.

How does this relate to Pruitt?  Well, despite all the CORRUPT things Pruitt is doing as EPA chief – similarly to what he did prior to becoming EPA chief – the thing he’s doing that I’m sure makes him “dear” to Trump’s “heart” (if he actually has one) is the repealing of one Obama environmental success after another.  The FACT it’s doing HUGE damage to the United States of America seems secondary – since day one it’s been clear – if Obama was/is “for it,” Trump and company are “against it.”  Clear and simple.  Pulling us out of the Paris Climate Accords will have LASTING damage for years to come – if Trump actually makes it through his four years (and, of course, if he doesn’t, we’ll still be “saddled” with either Pense or Ryan – depending on if Mueller includes Pense in the obstruction investigation by virtue of his willingness to LIE for Trump – especially when Comey was fired – environment wise, it doesn’t look good) countries like China and Germany will have a HUGE advantage in the “green” energy market that could be devastating to America’s economy, long term.

Additionally, Pruitt is repealing all kinds of Obama era policy that protects consumers from unscrupulous corporate interests that have to do with air quality, water quality, and many different issues related to both.  For example, he’s reported to be removing the auto emissions guidelines instituted by the Obama administration aimed at requiring cars to be more and more fuel efficient over time.  Clearly, Trump AND Pruitt have been compromised by the fossil fuel industries – ie the oil industry and, worse, the coal industry.  They even repealed an Obama executive order requiring coal companies to repair the damage they cause when they surface mine for coal and, essentially, clip off the top of a mountain.  They’ve decided to leave the “clean-up” to “we the people.”

But, the STUPID just keeps coming – and, it seems, faster and faster.  Today, Trump’s “fixer” (does that remind you of the godfather?), Michael Cohen, who PAID the $130,000 to adult film star “Stormy Daniels” (Stephanie Clifford) designed to keep her quiet just prior to the 2016 election regarding an alleged affair with Trump (shortly after his last son was born) had his office, his apartment, and his home “visited” by agents of the Southern District of New York’s US attorney’s office.  Reportedly, they were acting on Trump’s directive of just a few days ago when, in response to a question about whether or not he knew about the payment to Ms. Clifford, he denied knowledge of it and responded to a question about the payment, “you’ll have to ask Michael Cohen.”  Well, apparently, that’s what the US Attorney’s office is planning to do – and, they don’t trust Mr. Cohen – requiring them to get a (very difficult to obtain) search warrant allowing them to confiscate many documents that may be what’s making Trump so nervous.  By all reports, the investigators would need near irrefutable evidence of a crime or crimes to obtain a search warrant for an attorney’s office.  Trump should be nervous.

Today, Trump gave an impromptu “news conference” as his “war team” was contemplating what irrational response to make to the Syrians who apparently gassed another group of their people yesterday, possibly in response to Trump’s announcement that he’s bringing our troops home.  Initially, the concern was Trump was leaving the Kurds, who’ve done the bulk of the fighting to repel ISIL, “high and dry” – as they (the Kurds) were getting attacked by the Turks.  The entire situation may be too complex for Trump to comprehend – but, there are many beside myself, concerned that, with the special counsel apparently zeroing in, Trump’s going to do something even MORE STUPID than usual.  In his “news conference” today he again called the Russian investigation a “witch hunt” and reiterated, “there was no collusion.  They’ve found no collusion after over a year.”  (Well, I hate to take issue with the president of the United States, but his own son’s meeting with the Russians in June of 2016, with his son-in-law and his campaign manager (at the time) seeking incriminating information on Hillary Clinton was, clear and simple, COLLUSION!  Steve Bannon referred to it as TREASON.

Trump called the investigation “disgraceful,” along with the word “witch hunt,” and he implied he might attempt to fire the special counsel.  He suggested this “witch hunt” had been going on pretty much since he won the nomination (which is correct, the FBI began investigating the Russian collusion issue after Trump “advisor” George Papadopoulos was spewing his mouth to an ambassador from Australia about the emails the Russians stole from the DNC.  The Ambassador relayed the information to the FBI about the Trump campaign/Russia connection which is what started the investigation.  This is the same investigation Trump and his surrogates have LIED about over 30 times and the same investigation that keeps turning up more and more evidence connecting Trump surrogates to the conspiracy – a conspiracy AGAINST the United States of America.  So, every time Trump spouts off as he did today, it just gets MORE STUPID.  He just can’t shut his mouth about all this.

And, of course, theoretically, today’s actions by the US Attorney’s office in the SDNY (Southern District of New York) has nothing to do with the “Russia investigation.”  Apparently, it was all about Michael Cohen and his payment – of which he’s admitted making – to Ms. Clifford.  There are campaign finance issues with the payment, bank fraud issues with the payment, wire fraud issues with the payment, and Mr. Cohen’s law license is on the line because Trump, himself, admitted he didn’t know anything about the payment.  Well, that will get your lawyer disbarred – because, lawyers can’t enter into agreements their clients know nothing about.  Essentially, last week Trump “threw Mr. Cohen ‘under the bus.'”  It wouldn’t surprise me if Cohen “flipped” in order to save himself from losing his law license and, conceivably, going to jail.  He’s been quoted as saying he’d “take a bullet for Trump” – well, we’ll likely see if he’ll take a “rap” for Trump.  But, all in all, it’s pretty STUPID of Trump to think the authorities weren’t going to act on this payment – which EVERYBODY in the world knows about (sadly, including Melania, who’s got to be getting a bit peeved, wouldn’t you think?) – especially, after he told the world he knew nothing about the payment and said, “You’ll have to ask Micheal about that.”  Well, as I said above, that appears to be what’s happening – Mr. Cohen is going to be asked about this, and he’d better tell the truth, or things will get a lot worse for him.

I said a long time ago that Trump will learn to loathe the day he decided to run for president.  It appears to me he’s got connections to underworld characters – including the Russians (who’s government under Putin has been equated with a large crime syndicate) – and, it also appears to me Trump has participated in some fishy financial “dealings” in the past which likely are going to be interpreted as money laundering.  There was a good reason he was the first president since Nixon to refuse to show his tax returns (do you see the parallel?).  What’s really still really bugging me and the thing I find most despicable about all this is that Trump’s “base” is the so-called “Conservative Christians.”  They appear to be willing to accept almost anything to get judges they believe will overturn Roe v Wade (apparently believing that would end abortions).  The list of reasons why myself as a (I guess, LIBERAL) Christian can’t support Trump is too long to include here – but, I have to say, the LYING, the RACISM, the arrogant sexual impropriety and the LYING about it, the misogynist behavior,  the divisiveness, the cheating on his taxes, (yes, I’m making an assumption here, but he LIED about what the “tax scam” would do for his own bottom line, so I’m putting two plus two together) along with the reality he’s UNQUALIFIED for the job and he’s attacking our environment ALL to our detriment (long term) will have to do for starters.

My advice to Trump would be to resign sooner rather than later.  I believe if he chose that “route” there’s a good chance people would have pity on him and the investigations would end.  Of course, that would leave us with Mike Pense as president and, like I’ve said, it’s my contention he’s participated in the obstruction of justice on at least one occasion. (the firing of James Comey)  Based on how this all has unfolded, I’m pretty skeptical that Mueller would be including Pense in his pervue.  I wouldn’t say the same thing for Jared Kushner – in my mind, Mueller is going to “hit” him at the same time he gives the “report” on Trump to Congress – that way, Trump can’t immediately pardon him.  I also believe Don Jr. May have criminal liability – and, who knows how far the liability goes into the family once they get deep into Trump’s financial records.  They (the Trumps) remind me of the Cosa Nostra.  (Yes, I know that would make them Italian, but, I said “remind” – I could have just said “mafia”)

I guess the thing that’s making ME nervous tonight is the FACT we have a STUPID so-called president, there’s a legitimate crisis in Syria that can’t really be blamed on President Obama, and republican presidents have a history of covering up their STUPIDITY by starting wars.  If Trump decides to get rambunctious in Syria he’s going to be going head to head with his idol Vladimir Putin.  Here’s a couple possibilities from that.  Putin could release the kompromat many people believe the Russians have on Trump – the reason for Trump’s “bromance” with Putin.  Like, if it exists, the video of the salacious part of the so-called “dossier.”  The other possibility could be a military confrontation with the Russians – which, personally (as you might suspect due to my referring to Trump as STUPID) I have NO confidence in Trump’s ability to handle.

I’ve said, on occasion, this would all be funny if it weren’t so serious.  Well, it could be getting real serious and our nation is presently in the hands of someone many refer to as mentally unfit to be in the position he holds.  Trump, in the “White House,” is the result of years of the republican party allowing itself, for expedience sake, to be pushed farther and farther to the “right.”  The MONEY has been coming from people like the Koch brothers, the DeVoss family, the Mercers, Wall Street, America’s greedy corporate interests (like Facebook, for example) and characters like Steve Bannon – who was the “brains” behind Cambridge Analytica – which is very likely the vehicle the Trump campaign used to collude with the Russians.  In 2010 the republicans aligned themselves, willingly, with the so-called “Tea Party” – which was a racist reaction to the administration of our first black president.  Now, we may ALL be going to pay the price for these people willing to put their personal interest ahead of our nation’s – depending on how STUPID Trump actually gets.  The Tea Party has given us Trump, Sarah Palin, and Michelle Bauchman – that should tell it all.

Personally, I wouldn’t be surprised if Trump started the process of the so-called “Saturday Night Massacre” reminiscent of the Nixon era in the next day or so – in regard to the special counsel.  Today, he again reiterated his ANGER at Jeff Sessions for doing – what he was honor bound to do when he recused himself from anything involving Russia or the Trump campaign OR the Clinton campaign – Trump can’t seem to get it through his head that the Attorney General of the United States is NOT the president’s “fixer.”  (Makes me wonder how many more agreements Cohen entered into without Trump’s knowledge – he expects “protection” – and, that’s what he expected from Sessions)  If he goes after Sessions in the next few days or Rod Rosenstein (the man who would be responsible for “firing” Mueller) these SPINELESS republican members of Congress will really be up against it.  If they continue to enable Trump’s behavior, this country could erupt in protests that have never been seen before.  And, if they act, as they should, and IMPEACH Trump if he goes after Mueller; well, Trump has been “ginning” up all those “very fine people” who carried the tiki torches and chanted “Jews will not replace us” while wearing Nazi armbands and carrying Nazi flags at Charlottesville to come to his aid.  How will Sessions deal with that?

The next few weeks could be the most significant two weeks in the history of this nation.  we’re likely to find out who believes we’re a “nation of laws and not men,” who believes the “president is not above the law,” and whether or not our Congress took their oath to the constitution seriously.  The actions of the republicans in Congress, so far, don’t give me a lot of confidence they have the courage to stand up to all those “very fine people.”  They haven’t convinced me they have the courage to stand up to Trump.  We’re, quite possibly, going to see where “the rubber meets the road.”  Republicans have been attacking our system of government for years – they refer to the government as if it’s the “enemy” – despite the FACT “we the people” are the government.  I’ve had to stomach two of the past three presidents being elected with fewer votes than their opponent – in the case of Bush, the Supreme Court (which saddled us with the Citizens United decision opening the floodgates of foreign money into our elections – not to mention BILLIONS of domestic dollars).  I’ve watched as republicans have attacked the Voting Rights Act and, shortly after the Supreme Court obliterated section five of that Act, republicans began a concerted voter suppression program.  And, what they’ve given us is Trump.  That should be enough for “we the people” to, in November, vote them into the history books.  I doubt that will happen, despite all that Trump is doing, because, so many republican voters, just like their president, seem to be willingly STUPID when it comes to our government.  As Trump, himself, said in the campaign of 2016, “I love the uneducated voters.”

I’ve been writing for years about how the right wing “puppet masters” in America have been using the “Big Lie Theory” of Joseph Goebbels to brainwash unsuspecting people too busy (or lazy) to “fact check” what’s going on.  (Goebbels was the propaganda chief of the Third Reich in Nazi Germany) Well, my son sent this video to me and I decided to post it here and hope that people see it.  If it gets your attention as it got mine, pass it on to someone else who maybe doesn’t “get it” regarding what’s “going on” in America right now.  Here’s the theory, “If you repeat a LIE over and over people will start believing it’s true.” This theory, of course, won’t work unless those who control the media adopt it.  That brings us to the Sinclair Media corporation – so-called “conservative media.”  They’re consciously doing this and it needs to be called out.  And, it’s surreptitious plus most people don’t even know Sinclair exists!  I knew this was going on, but had no idea to what degree.

Think about it.  We’ve all been subject to brainwashing since the days of Reagan – and, it’s gotten worse lately.  Now, we have Trump and his “alternative facts.”  This is getting serious people, and it’s time we said ENOUGH!  I don’t care what your political affiliation is, you should be alarmed by what’s going on in America right now.  It’s called FASCISM – and, it’s eating away at our fundamental values from the inside out.

And, Oh, by the way, if you haven’t figured this out, the Russians are helping – and, people like Steve Bannon (Cambridge Analytica) could care less about American tradition (New Deal Tradition).  Bannon is still out there pushing “white nationalism.”  (If you want to better understand Bannon read “Devil’s Bargain” by Joshua Green)  Watch this video and you’ll get an idea of how he plans to “deconstruct the administrative state.”

One more thing, TRUST ME – Trump, either “wittingly or unwittingly” is a tool of those who would turn America into an autocratic dictatorship.  And, if you think that’s not possible – watch the video and THINK again!  And, if you’re a “conservative Christian” you’re getting “played.”  Sadly, the Christian “leaders” are a huge part of the problem.

Oh yes, Sinclair Broadcasting (the conglomerate which owns all these stations – and, more) ALREADY owns nearly 40% of America’s media outlets – and they’re in the process of attempting to purchase Tribune Media which will put them in control of about 75% of America’s media outlets.  Rest assured, this republican Congress will find a way to make this happen despite the LAW which caps the percentage any one company can own at around 39% “to prevent monopolies.”  They will then control OVER 200 TV outlets across America and when you watch this video to see what they’re doing with their “platform” it SHOULD get your attention.  If this doesn’t do it, I don’t know what will.

And, this video has not been “Photoshopped.”  They have a “plan” and it’s working!  (Their goal is what I’ve referred to [along with the likes of “Karl Rove and the Koch Brothers”] as the “permanent republican ‘majority.'”  The republicans believe “the end justifies the means” and this is a prime example of what they’re willing to “stoop to” in order to BRAINWASH “we the people.”

Show this to your friends!

This is what happens when one company owns dozens of local news stations from videos

Sinclair actually owns something like 170 local news stations across America and Tribune Media will push that well over 200!

If you listen to the “right wing talkers” on the radio airwaves, you HEAR the same theory.  Different people saying the SAME thing with the SAME key words OVER and OVER until the unsuspecting listener believes “it must be true!”  Yikes – it’s time we all WAKE UP!

Addendum:  Since I posted this I learned (on MSNBC) that this video was produced by a website titled “Deadspin.”  I haven’t checked them out, but I should. (and will – actually, if you click on the name you’ll be taken to their site)  One more thought:  When I listened to MSNBC comment on the video they continue to FAIL to give the “bottom line” of what this means.  They don’t want to comment on anything that refers to the Nazi’s – I guess it’s a taboo.  But this is the best example I’ve seen of how they use the very philosophy of the Nazi propagandists in manipulating how Americans think.  It’s like they didn’t see the Nazi armbands and flags carried by – what Trump called – the very fine people marching in Charlottesville – a “deplorable” scene that was in the “news” for maybe a week or two.

One more thing:  Agit Pai, the head of the FCC, is who is making all this possible – he’s “tweaking” the “rules” in order to allow the merger mentioned above to happen.  He’s also the person responsible for the attack on “net neutrality.”  EVERY American should know who he is and what he’s doing.  It’s these people who are “under the radar” who are the most dangerous to our republic.  And, as you can see by watching that video, there’s no shortage of Americans willing to forfeit their moral clarity in order to maintain their jobs.  At some point the “reporters” who are willing to soil themselves must realize that ultimately they will be exposed and history is going to look on them very unkindly.  As a teacher I often told my students “doing the right thing is ALWAYS harder than the alternative.”  It really is time for “we the people” to say “ENOUGH ALREADY!”