Last week a couple of REALLY WONDERFUL friends of my wife’s, from 30 years ago, were passing through where we live and they stopped to visit.  We had a great time – me getting to know them – having dinner, having a bit of a shortened “game night,” and, an extended conversation before bedtime.  There was a nice breakfast in the morning and, then, they were on their way back to California.  Both the husband and wife, in my short “evaluation,” would fall into the “conservative Christian” category – regarding spiritual (and political) beliefs.  The lady who was a roommate with my wife some 30+ years ago in Southern California decided to start a conversation regarding Trump.  What she discovered – in a nice way :o) – is that I’m not a “passive listener.”

Both her and her husband, in my “humble” opinion, were/are the perfect targets of the right wing BRAINWASHING that’s been permeating America since the 1970’s.  They both were strongly Trump supporters – but, virtually EVERY piece of information they used to defend their “position” (keep in mind, both of these people don’t like politics AT ALL) was NOT factual.  The ensuing conversation lasted until the “wee hours” because I’m just not able, anymore, to listen to people regurgitating what they’ve heard on Fox “news” or some other right wing propaganda “machine” without initiating a dialogue.  The great thing about this “conversation” was we were able to talk to each other with NO ONE getting mad – which is usually my experience with people who watch Fox “news.”

They pointed out some other media outlets they feel give “unbiased” information, which I should have written down and checked out simply because, to me, this was a positive conversation that I wish I could have with other “conservatives” who believe Trump is a “conservative.”  To my wife’s friend’s husband’s credit, he accepted a book I asked him to read and told me he’ll actually read it.  The $20 I spent on the book was worth the chance to get him to see the “real Trump.”  (The book was “Trump/Russia” by Seth Hettena)  The first reaction of my wife’s friend was “the book is liberal.”  I pointed out the book was full of researched “facts” and my suggestion was to check them (the facts) out to see if they’re actually true.  (which I’ve already done ;o)

In previous posts I’ve referred to Trump’s reliance on “uneducated voters” and these two (great) people are perfect examples of this – in my view.  Accept, other than politics, they’re NOT uneducated.  The lady is a retired school teacher and her husband was a contractor (builder) in his working days and shared his days of taking physics in college with me – I never asked if he graduated from College – but, clearly, both of them are “educated.”  They just don’t have a “grasp” on American history – at least that was the conclusion I came to talking to them.  My main thought, as the conversation ensued, was I really wish there were more “conservatives” like these two people willing to dialogue about an issue they’re very sensitive about.  (Although, they referred to “liberals” in a manner that would suggest too much Fox “news”)

And, I say “sensitive,” because Trump has his supporters really believing the “Russia Investigation” is a “witch hunt,” and that “there’s no collusion.”  No matter what Mueller says at the end of his investigation, it’s going to be hard convincing “conservative Christians” that Trump is connected to organized crime, that he’s a LIAR, that he’s a racist, and on and on.  These two people didn’t want to hear that “stuff” – but, to their credit, we kept talking and, hopefully, the book will be read.  I asked, “If Trump conspired with the Russians to get elected, would you consider that bad?”  Well, after a long pause, the answer was a tepid “yes.”  They just don’t believe the reporting from the NY Times, The Wa. Post, MSNBC, CNN, and any other place in the media world that’s been labeled “liberal” by Fox and the other right wing propaganda machines.  In other words, they’re “drinking the cool-aid” and don’t know it!

We didn’t talk much about the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court, although one of them mentioned his name with the suggestion he’s being railroaded by “liberals.”  Well, there’s no doubt “liberals” are opposed to his confirmation, but – and, I have to say, as usual, I started this post days ago and now Kavanaugh is freaking out in front of the Senate committee which is hell bent on confirming him come “hell or high water.”  To me – and, I guess I’ve evolved into a “liberal” over the years, it’s embarrassing listening to the republicans on this committee, who’ve backed themselves into a “corner” by trying to “jam” this nomination through without even allowing ALL the pertinent information which SHOULD have been relevant to a nomination for a LIFETIME appointment to the Supreme Court be “heard.”

Granted, allegations of sexual misconduct (some of it bizarre to say the least) were made public after the last part of the process and referring to Kavanaugh when he was in high school and college.  As someone who’s had his “moments” in life, especially in my high school and college days, I could easily understand if Kavanaugh had said he didn’t remember any incident such as alleged by Ms. Ford as opposed to categorically denying it.  Especially in the face of all the evidence regarding his braggadocio regarding drinking and sex in his high school yearbook AND the evidence brought forth by members of his class at Yale PLUS a group at Yale which was called “Tits and Clits.”  Let me summarize my thoughts at this point, Brett Kavanaugh is NOT the “choir boy” he attempted to portray himself. (Even had he said he couldn’t remember, I would not believe him – I just don’t believe you wouldn’t remember something like this – unless, I guess, if you’re a sloppy drunk)

Here’s how this will play out if this man is confirmed to the Supreme Court.  We’ve got a likely ILLEGITIMATE (so-called) president with NUMEROUS outstanding accusations of sexual misconduct nominating a man with multiple outstanding allegations of sexual misconduct for the Supreme Court.  In Trump’s case the women bringing the allegations (close to twenty of them – after Trump, essentially, admitting to exactly what was alleged) were ALL referred to as LIARS.  Kavanaugh is attempting to deflect blame on Senate Democrats AND, remarkably, “the Clinton’s.”  In neither instance have the charges received a full investigation from the FBI – which, by the way, has a division specializing in investigating crimes which happened many years ago and are related to sexual offenses.

Kavanaugh may well manage to get today’s republican party to confirm him – which will really demonstrate how removing the “filibuster” from the process is going to politicize the court even more than it already is.  And, Kavanaugh’s opening remarks SHOULD have caused his nomination to be voted “down” by itself, but, in today’s environment, I don’t trust republicans in any way – they’ve been “hornswaggled” (I made that word up for lack of a better imagination) by Trump.  His (Kavanaugh’s) opening remarks showed a man who is clearly PARTISAN (which, by the way, is one reason why he SHOULDN’T be on the court and why democrats originally opposed him) AND a man who is ill-tempered to be on the highest court in the land.

Having Kavanaugh on the court will cause MILLIONS of women all across America to be outraged that a man accused of these assaults on women could be deciding their future as far as control over their own bodies.  With each Senator being limited to 5 minutes with no follow up questions it’s clear Kavanaugh was well schooled on how to deflect from the questioning, effectively limiting the amount of questions Senators were able to ask.  And, probably worst of all, Kavanaugh clearly showed his partisan bonifides both in his prepared remarks and his outbursts during the questioning.  Clearly, he has an issue with women because he was repeatedly interrupting the women asking questions in a manner that I can only say was RUDE!  He was argumentative with senators (democrats of course) and just caused me to shake my head that this is the person Trump sees as a “great man.”  Yikes!!!

Most of the focus is in the allegations of Christine Blasey Ford toward Kavanaugh when they were both in High School.  However, there are three other women who have “come forward” although it’s clear republicans would love to just ignore their allegations – although, some of them are in the bizarre category – beyond “boys will be boys” while they’re in college.  One lady said she was drugged and then gang raped while at Yale – with both Kavanaugh and the friend who was in the room when Kavanaugh allegedly attacked Ms. Ford (I believe Ms. Ford) present – she couldn’t remember if they participated in the “rape.”  There are other people who were at Yale during that time apparently willing to corroborate what was going on at the time in the group labeling themselves – as I said above – as “tits and clits.”  Wowee!!!

The thought goes back to my friends who visited last week.  I have no idea if they watched the hearings yesterday – likely they did not and their view will be “guided” by Fox “news” – and, I’m guessing they will fall into the group of people supporting Kavanaugh’s confirmation.  (I sincerely hope I’m wrong)  I personally know people – both men and women – who’ve been victims of sexual assaults in one way or another who can’t stand to watch what’s going on here.  Just listening to Ms. Ford opens up the “wounds” many victims of this type of assault have swept under the rug.  You have to have lived under a rock in America to FAIL to know that at least ONE THIRD of America’s women have been sexually assaulted.  The damage is pronounced and it’s enduring.  Putting this person (Kavanaugh) into a position as important as the Supreme Court shows how “low” the republican party has evolved.

There’s a simple solution – although republicans won’t do it – and, that’s pull the nomination and nominate someone who hasn’t committed this type of misbehavior.  Kavanaugh KNEW what he’d done in the past and must have known that his nomination was going to cause the most complete scrutiny.  He’s now a judge on the second highest court in the land – he should have considered that as a blessing not to be ruined by ambition.  Kavanaugh presented himself as a “choir boy” – which few of us are.  However, coming across as a sexual predator is a bad look for the highest court in the land – and, no matter how republicans in the Senate view this, that’s how he’s coming across to a significant MAJORITY of Americans.  With Kavanaugh republicans have proven they are all about POWER over process. Once again, they’ve said “women don’t matter!”  This November’s election should be interesting.

Final thought:  There’s so much swirling around in my head – but, if you watched the hearing yesterday you saw a female prosecutor flown in from Arizona who did the “questioning” for republicans when Ms Ford was giving her testimony.  This lady was evidently “FIRED” shortly into the questioning of Kavanaugh.  Apparently, Sen. Graham couldn’t resist jumping in with his own RIDICULOUS claims of some kind of “liberal” conspiracy to take down this judge – as if Kavanaugh’s own actions weren’t the cause of all the trouble.  To me, Kavanaugh and the republican men supporting him, were embarrassing.  And, just to be clear, I’m a WASP (White Anglo Saxon – well maybe not Protestant – 71 years young)

Also, it’s time for Grassley and Hatch to just go out to pasture.  Grassley is REALLY embarrassing!

To anyone with an interest in politics, or who feels the necessity to participate in keeping America “free,” or who believes in the spread of “freedom” around the globe, it’s hard to purge Trump from your mind – at least until he’s wherever his “next stop” is after the “White House.”  Sadly, Trump dominates the news and that’s apparently just the way he likes it.  I guess the world’s #1 NARCISSIST wouldn’t have it any other way.  Today, along the Atlantic Coast, Hurricane Florence was wreaking havoc and, yet, much if not MOST of the “news” was centered on Trump and his “troubles” which appear to be growing day by day.

“We the people” are hearing more and more “experts” each day – meaning former FBI agents, former U.S. Attorneys, etc. referring to Trump and the investigation into his campaign and, essentially, into his “business” as similar to an organized crime investigation.  Personally, it dawned on me about 8 to 10 months ago Trump is like a La Cosa Nostra “boss.”  I started pointing this out the more I kept hearing Michael Cohen being referred to as his “fixer” and listening to Trump, himself, express his disdain for “his” Attorney General Jeff Sessions because Sessions wasn’t “protecting him like Holder did Obama.”  Of course, what Trump doesn’t understand is there was NOTHING for Holder to protect Obama from.  Other presidents haven’t operated like Mafia bosses – well, except the president of Russia, Vladimir Putin.  Does it make you wonder why Trump has such an affinity for Putin?

Well, today, Paul Manafort – who’s got clear ties to Russian and Ukrainian mob “figures” – decided he’d rather take his chances with Robert Mueller than with Trump and agreed to a “cooperation agreement” in the “Russia Investigation.”  This was a big enough story to “nudge” Hurricane Florence to the side as, clearly, I’m not the only American on the “edge of my seat” waiting for Trump to get his “just rewards.”  Even if Trump didn’t “collude” with the Russians, which has been unclear based on his dealings with Mueller’s investigation (he’s not acting like an innocent person), it is clear, at least to me, that Trump has REPEATEDLY obstructed justice.  If you’re not familiar with what that means – it’s just that if you attempt to interfere with an ongoing criminal investigation you are “obstructing it.”  For example, if Trump was “dangling a pardon” in front of Manafort, as it’s been reported, that would be obstructing an ongoing investigation – even if you’re the so-called president.  What’s the old saying? “Rules are rules.”

For anyone old enough to remember the Watergate scandal, Nixon was “undone” by the cover-up.  I’m still not sure what Trump is covering up, but it appears to be something.  And, it also appears his son and son-in-law may be in Mueller’s “crosshairs.”  That should cause Trump to “blow a bigger gasket” than he’s routinely been “blowing” of late.

I started this post a few days ago, and as old people are likely to do, I got a bit sidetracked – plus, my fingers are sore from all the typing I’ve done of late.  So, since I last wrote – and sent my prayers to my friends in North Carolina – a lady who claims Trump’s nominee for the Supreme Court, Brett Kavanaugh, sexually attacked her when they were in high school has come “forward.”  (She really didn’t want to)  Of course, this is an allegation that very likely will end up being a “he said, she said,” but the circumstances remind me of ladies I’ve known over the years who have experienced sexual abuse who NEVER come forward because doing so just exacerbates the TRAUMA they’ve experienced.  So, in Congress, it’s likely republicans will believe Kavanaugh and democrats will believe the accuser (who, I believe has now become identified).

The reason I pointed out she’s “now become identified” is because the reason given for this accusation not coming out until now is because the lady making the accusation did NOT want to be publicly identified.  Well, now she’s been identified and has, therefore, agreed to testify before Congress.  We can all imagine how that will go.  Remember, the republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee are ALL white and ALL male.  (Some are actually “holdovers” from the Anita Hill inquiry)  I can just picture how they will question this lady and how that’s going to go over in this “me too” era.  Democrats didn’t even give Al Franken the opportunity to defend himself against possibly “trumped up” – pun intended) allegations.  Franken was accused of touching women inappropriately while having pictures taken at the state fair – aside from the original complaint involving the lady sleeping while Franken mocked groping her.  This allegation involves Kavanaugh forcibly attacking a young lady at a party while in high school – all during some apparently heavy drinking.

Of course, republicans will attempt to somehow continue their “full court press” to get Kavanaugh confirmed.  If they succeed, it will place TWO of the five “conservatives” on the court with MUCH in common.  If you’re old enough, this is almost like deja vu all over again – considering the confirmation hearings for Clarence Thomas.  Thomas is a great reminder that, if confirmed, Kavanaugh will likely be on the court when my daughters (ages 40 and 42) are my age – 71.  And, that will make TWO judges with credible accusations against them regarding sexual impropriety voting to determine the reproductive rights of MILLIONS of American women.  It’s certainly not hard for me to understand why so many women are concerned about this nomination.  (Reminder, it’s a bunch of white men – all republicans – who will determine if this man gets an “up or down” vote in the Senate – and, then, it will be incumbent on the two republican women in the Senate to decide what place they want in the history books.)

Republicans have totally shown their “hand” as they’re dealing with this – what one commentator on MSNBC called a “late hit” – because, the allegations have come out toward the end of the process.  (albeit, a process they’ve been RUSHING through)  These appointments are totally political at this point in America.  I heard one comment supposedly coming from the “White House” which said, “If they (democrats) succeed in blocking Kavanaugh, we’ll just nominate someone even more conservative.”  Apparently, what that means is should these allegations prove credible enough to derail the nomination there will be retribution with an even less palatable nominee.  That is, the “pay back” will be someone despised by women even MORE than Kavanaugh.  That tells me, judges are no longer expected to be “a-political.”

And, of course, there’s a plethora of reasons to the claim Kavanaugh should not be on the Supreme Court (or the Appeals Court where he now sits) based on his testimony on previous occasions – along with what he’s said in these hearings.  Clearly, Kavanaugh is ambitious.  Read HERE if you want to understand why democrats are so upset that republicans are cramming this process through as quickly as they can.  It really is unsettling feeling as if politics is the driving force in the nominating process of Supreme Court justices – and, you have to give republicans credit for that phenomenon.

From what I’ve heard, Diane Feinstein had the accusation last July but was willing to honor the accuser’s wishes to remain anonymous.  I’ve read many people point out Feinstein could have handled this much better – although, she did refer the allegations to the FBI which does the background checks (and, of course, they didn’t pursue the allegations).  Feinstein didn’t even share the allegation with her fellow democrats.  However, this does put republicans in a bit of a bad spot as much as they want to “jam” this nominee through.  If republicans don’t fully “vet” these allegations and cram Kavanaugh’s nomination through, he will be FOREVER tainted as long as his judgeship lasts.  (I believe, when democrats retake the Senate and House and ALL the info which republicans are blocking regarding Kavanaugh’s time in the Bush “White House” becomes public he will be in danger of impeachment.)

Yes, it was Joe Biden as head of the Judiciary Committee when Anita Hill’s accusations were essentially ignored, but if the Senate does this again, and with republicans in “charge” at this point in time, America’s women will rightfully feel a major sense of disgust.  (More-so than many already do – remember, around TWENTY women have been called LIARS by a so-called president who is LYING at a record pace and who actually ADMITTED to being a sexual predator on the Access Hollywood tape)  I guess the question becomes, how many judges do we want on the Supreme Court with allegations of sexual assault levied against them.  (In Anita Hill’s case it was “sexual harassment”)

I certainly don’t believe all this Kavanaugh “stuff” was pre-planned to take the spot light off of the “Russia thing” and the FACT Paul Manafort is now a cooperating witness to a president who comes across to people like me as a mob boss.  Trump’s stuffing the courts with right wing judges is what keeps his “Christian” base giving him “mulligan after mulligan” – but, as the person in the “White House” was quoted above as saying, “We’ll just nominate someone more conservative” – and, short of taking control of the Senate in November, there’s little democrats can do to stop the confirmation of these judges.  Republicans believe they can “weaponize” the courts while Trump is in office.  But, the reality facing Trump is the “Russia thing” is closing in around him and Manafort may well be the last part of the noose.  2019 should be really interesting!

Last night I started Reading “House of Trump/ House of Putin” by Craig Unger – it was hard to put it down when it was time for me to sleep.  This is the second book I’m reading/read that clearly shows Trump’s LONGTIME connection to the Russian “mafiya.”  I’m not sure why it’s so hard for our “liberal media” to be “educating” their audiences to the reality Trump’s connection to Russia goes back at least 30 years.  Trump’s businesses would have failed without Russian money bailing him out of bankruptcy after bankruptcy.  It’s alleged Trump allowed over a BILLION dollars to be “laundered” through his real estate businesses.  Rachel Maddow did use the example of a property Trump had purchased in Florida and subsequently sold a couple years later to a Russian “Oligarch” for $90 MILLION ($45 MILLION profit) in CASH!  Russians routinely take “ill gotten” gains and turn them into American real estate holdings which appear to be legitimate.  And, Trump clearly was a willing “partner” in this charade.

And, these Russian mafioso have been duly connected to the La Cosa Nostra families who were skimming MILLIONS (likely BILLIONS) from New York taxpayers in the 80’s and 90’s – and, Trump appears to have been connected to many of them over the years.  Additionally, Michael Cohen appears to have connections to the mafia which run deeper than has been reported by the “main stream media.”  (At least, I haven’t seen reporting on the “connection.”)

Trump is in deep with the Russians and Robert Mueller knows it all.  Trump’s family is involved and Mueller knows it all.  I believe Jared Kushner’s family may be involved as well – and Mueller knows it all.  That appears to me why Trump is NOT acting like an innocent man – as Trey Gowdy suggested he should – IF HE’S INNOCENT!  It’s obvious to many more than myself that he’s NOT!  Why republicans in Congress are willing to “sink” with this “deplorable” person is beyond me.  So far, there’s NOT ONE willing to put his/her career on the line based on “principle.”  So, now, as Manafort spills his guts to Mueller and Congressional republicans cram an accused sexual assaulter into a position on the Supreme Court, if “we the people” don’t understand the IMPORTANCE of voting republicans OUT of Congress in November – we deserve the consequences!  It really is time for “we the people” to make a stand!

Again, my apologies for publishing this without taking the time to re-read it.  Maybe later!

I’ve got so many things swirling around in my head to write about that, often, I end up not writing.  For example, right now we’re seeing the REAL effect of having a so-called president who is very likely in office because of the direct intervention into our political process by Vladimir Putin and his Russian operatives.  Right now, I’m reading Clint Watt’s book titled, “Messing with the Enemy” – a very interesting book focused on Social media and (the real) “Fake News.”  Reading this book has just reinforced my view that Trump “won” the “election” because of Putin – and, that’s without knowing for sure if he was actually knowingly in “cahoots” with Putin – which is a very real possibility.  (There must be a good reason Trump is trying to stop Robert Mueller’s investigation)

So, the result of all this is an illegitimate (so-called) president is going to create MASSIVE lasting DAMAGE on this great nation by filling the courts with right wing judges and putting (at a minimum) two judges on the Supreme Court.  And, the judge being interviewed as I’m writing this is (typically) evasive about positions he HOLDS on critical issues like health care (especially women’s), guns, the rights of minorities, corporate POWER, and MORE.  This guy has certainly not impressed me and, again, there’s a REASON why republicans act as they do.  In this instance, they’re attempting to HIDE this guy’s (actually, it’s Brett Kavanaugh) record from, not only, “we the people,” but especially (it appears to me) other members of the Senate and their key constituents.  For example, both Susan Collins (Maine) and Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) have pledged to oppose any judge who would vote to overturn Roe.  We’ll see……

Now, don’t get me wrong.  I’m no fan of abortion.  I’m thankful I’ve NEVER been in a situation to have to deal directly with that issue – either in my own life or that of my daughters – but, that’s the point of those who believe women should have the right to control their own bodies.  It’s interesting to me all the places people who claim to favor “less government” are hell bent on intruding into the lives of others.  As a Christian it grieves me to have the following thoughts:  Often I see a direct parallel to zealous right wing “Christians” and those Muslims they profess to hate.  They “slam” Sharia law and then profess a harsh vision of Christ in an attempt to force their views on the general public.  There’s a reason why America is so divided and you can spell it out in one word: republican.  (Threre’s also a CLEAR reason why our founders were so focused on the “separation of church and state.”)

Trust me, it hasn’t always been like this.  Starting in the 70’s republicans (along with the Chamber of Commerce) aligned themselves with the so-called “Powell memo” – which was a strategy to push back at “workers” and reinforce the “future” of corporate interests in America.  (Read: Hedrick Smith’s “Who Stole the American Dream?”)  In the process, republicans commandeered the voting BLOCK of “right wing Christians” by professing they were “pro life” – as if they would somehow stop all abortions.  (And, by the way, should they succeed in overturning Roe, they will only have made abortions more DANGEROUS for those women seeking to have the procedure)  George W Bush was “pro life.”  Tell that to the HUNDREDS  of thousands of Iraqi’s who are now DEAD because of him LYING America into the “Iraq war.”  Tell that to the THOUSANDS of American troops either DEAD or WOUNDED in the endless battles of Iraq and Afghanistan – excursions that should have started and ended with the pursuit of Osama bin Laden – which COULD have been “finished” only MONTHS after 9/11.  To me, that’s NOT “pro life.”

Trump is attempting to embed a justice on the Supreme Court who believes presidents should not even be INVESTIGATED while in office.  His (apparent) rationale is that while he was working in the Bush/Cheney “White House” he saw how busy president Bush was after 9/11 and how investigations would have interrupted his ability to do his job.  To me, that argument is absurd.  Here’s the solution to avoiding investigations while in office (or any other time):  Follow the law!  If you’re going to commit crimes, you SHOULD be investigated.  I honestly thought that after what all of us who were alive during Watergate proved is that “no one is above the law.”  Bush/Cheney SHOULD have been investigated for the CRIMES they were committing while in office – so, that CRIMES could possibly have been stopped.  Like ILLEGAL wiretapping American citizens.  Like AUTHORIZING TORTURE!  To me, whether or not it’s the president, it should be clear if “you do the crime, you do the time.”

Here’s the sad reality about how our politicians deal with what amounts to unbelievable “white collar” political law breaking.  They tend to “look the other way” – which is likely why republicans are so “aghast” that anyone would object to Trump’s collusion (TREASON) with America’s number on adversary – Russia.  If you remember, Ronald Reagan and George H W Bush were issued a “free pass” for the “Iran-Contra” fiasco back in the late 1980’s.  Many surrogates were convicted of serious crimes, but Reagan and Bush…… well, what’s the saying, “Scott free?”  (To this day I believe even democrats felt sorry for Reagan because he was showing the signs of Alzheimer’s)   And, of course, GW Bush and Dick Cheney both admitted on NATIONAL TV after leaving office to authorizing WAR CRIMES and were never even investigated due to President Obama’s lack of will to deal with the “drama.”  (Maybe that’s why he was referred to as “no drama Obama”).  Even the Spaniards opened WAR CRIMES tribunals on Bush/Cheney and Obama persuaded them to “back off.”  So, it’s no wonder, I guess, that Trump views himself as “above the law.”  However…………….

We already know, for example, Trump is NOW an unindicted co-conspirator in at least two ADMITTED felony crimes.  I’ll say that again, our so-called president is credibly accused of committing TWO felonies!  And, that doesn’t even get into the “Russia thing” he’s so worked up about.  Seriously, if there was no “there, there” then why is he so fearful of Robert Mueller?  It appears to me that not only is our so-called president potentially liable for the most serious crime (Treason), but so are at least two members of his family – Don Jr. and Jared Kushner.  In my mind, there’s NO WAY someone who “we the people” aren’t even sure if his “election” (with nearly 3 MILLION less votes than Hillary Clinton) is legitimate should be allowed to nominate lifetime appointed judges.  And, this gets me to the cowardice of the republican party.

Honestly, I’m having difficulty stomaching the republican party in “the age of Trump.”  Some of what Trump is either doing or attempting to do is not that surprising to me.  However, the response of the republicans has almost SHOCKED me.  I would never have guessed they were such cowards.  I used to point out, at least in my opinion, the problem with democrats was they are “spineless.”  Well, the republicans are making the democrats look like Ninja warriors!  And, as I said above, Trump’s main “issue” (I’ll let Mueller define whether it’s criminal or not) is the so-called “collusion” with the Russians.

You can call out several of the republicans in Congress by name, but I’ll start, for now, with my almost DISBELIEF watching Devin Nunes ostensibly taking over the role of “chief obstructor of justice” for our so-called president.  Evidently, members of Congress are immune from obstructing justice – or else Nunes would be needing legal counsel.  He’s not even subtle about it – beginning with his “midnight ride” to the “White House” back when he attempted to give “legs” to Trump’s absurd claim that President Obama “wiretapped” him.  Nunes has taken the “reins” in Trump’s attack on the FBI and Rod Rosenstein, who is the deputy Attorney General in charge of the Mueller investigation.  I really don’t understand how members of the republican Congress can “get away” with attempting to undermine the investigation for Trump.  Another name that comes to mind is Jim Jordan from Ohio.  This guy comes off as a real “nut job” and, as someone who’s family originated in Ohio, it makes me kind of sad that Ohioans would elect someone like this – and, he’s facing his own allegations of ignoring sexual abuse when he was a coach at Ohio State University.

And, when people (including so called “liberal” pundits on TV) lament how Congress is dysfunctional as a deflection to how dysfunctional Trump and his “White House” is, I keep waiting for someone to point out the reason Congress is so DYSFUNCTIONAL resides in the republican caucus.  They’ve been OBSTRUCTING everything they can since the days of Newt Gingrich (OBSTRUCTION was a stated “strategy” – because republicans KNOW many of America’s voters are “low information” voters and they take FULL advantage) AND, right now, they have control of BOTH houses of Congress.  The DYSFUNCTION is theirs.  (If you remember, during President Obama’s two terms in office, Mitch McConnell instigated around 700 FILIBUSTERS)  Now, republicans are charged with “governing” and they have no idea what to do!

The other day, an unnamed member of Trump’s “team” posted an op-ed in the New York Times pointing out the utter chaos in the “White House” and, apparently, attempting to reassure “we the people” there are “patriots” (my word) working there who are attempting to keep the “ship afloat.”  Of course, Trump blew a gasket and his first “tweet” simply had the word, in all caps, TREASON! to express his outrage.  (I’m “reporting” this second hand, because I don’t do “Twitter” – or any of the Social media stuff)  Well, my first thought was “that’s like the pot calling the kettle black.”  I wanted to write a letter to Trump explaining to him what Treason really is.  There is something here which may very well end up at that level and that’s………………….

Trump’s own actions.  Treason is when an American takes sides with a foreign adversary in an attack on the United States of America.  Like for example, “colluding” on a cyber attack on an election.  I hope you get my drift!

In so many ways our so-called president is “dirty.”  The charges ALREADY issued in New York.  The charges to come in New York – keep in mind, there are investigations into Trump’s “foundation” which was forced to be shut down AND his other business dealings over the previous many years.  Trump, over the years, has shown himself to be a BULLY who’s managed to intimidate his way through something like SEVEN bankruptcies by simply pressing on when things go south.  We’re seeing that while he’s the so-called president.  He’s NOT going to resign.  He really believes he’s the greatest president who’s ever lived.  He really believes his “crowd” was larger than President Obama’s.  He really believes he had more votes than Mrs. Clinton.  He really believes he had decisive “victory” in 2016.  He really believes the polls show hims as “popular.”  He, and this is the “kicker,” really believes he’s telling the truth as the LIES flow from his tongue.

This is the work of an incredibly serious NARCISSIST, a PATHOLOGICAL liar, and a person who is completely DELUSIONAL.  And, he’s our so-called president.  And, there’s a segment of America who won’t believe the reality of what is happening – no matter what.  Trump’s true expertise is in his ability to look his supporters in the eyes and LIE to their faces.  His expertise is in preparing them NOT to believe anything which comes out from any of the MANY investigations that would suggest he’s committed a criminal offense.  I watched him the other day, I believe he was in South Dakota, preparing his audience for the likely reality he’s going to be impeached.  He said something like, “why would ‘they’ (whoever ‘they’ is) impeach someone who’s doing a great job?”  They he added “someone who’s done nothing wrong.”

And, the worst part is the people simply “buy” into his shtick.  I automatically think, “Do they not know he’s been credibly accused of two FELONIES?”  “Are they OK with the Russians influencing who our leaders are?”  “Are they OK with paying off people to “hush” them up right before elections and they LYING about it?”  I could go on and on.  I wrote recently about how “conservative Christians” are willing to give MULTIPLE – what their leaders have referred to as – MULLIGANS for Trump’s behavior issues – because they’re getting what they want.  I’ve said it before, but my greatest disappointment in the Trump FIASCO is that he gets his support from “Christians.”  That creates a real struggle for me!

Final Thought:  I listened today, while I was driving around to the head of Trump’s office of economic advisors – the guy who LIES to the camera with a s@#t eating grin on his face – about the economic “outlook.”  Of course, he failed to mention ONE WORD about the looming TRILLION plus deficits (and rising) – resulting from the tax “scam” – And, Congress essentially taking the “reins” off spending restrictions – a combination likely to “jump start” inflation.  As they were JAMMING the tax “scam” down our throats and they very same “advisor” was saying increased economic activity would offset the loss of revenue so that deficits would NOT rise – I pointed out my belief he was spouting “phooey.”  So, beginning next year the deficits will be over a TRILLION for the foreseeable future, and suddenly all the “deficit hawks” from Obama’s years have “lock jaw.”  Well, as interest rates rise, workers STRIKE for higher wages, (maybe through in a “trade war”), and the inflation cycle starts spinning, we’ll see maybe the worst DAMAGE, as I’ve called it, from Trump’s term as our so-called president.  Likely, that will be the focus of my next rant!

As usual, my apologies for posting this without editing.  The older I get, it seems, the lazier I get.  (I’m in my 70’s and I hope to live long enough to see Trump get his “just rewards.”

So much of what the Trump administration is doing is SHAMEFUL that it’s hard to focus on the “one thing” most disturbing – but, to me, as a Christian, maybe the most disturbing aspect of all this is that Trump’s “base” appears to be “Evangelical Christians.”  This has actually been much of the motivation for me to keep writing for years – that “Christians” are the “base” of the republican party.  And, now the “republican party” has become “the party of Trump.”  To me, it’s a “bargain with the devil.”

Many “Christians” have unabashedly defended their alliance with Trump (and, along the way republicans) in order to get judges in place that will somehow overturn Roe v Wade.  Of course, should that actually happen, one thing that won’t happen will be the “end” of abortions.  I’ve been alive much longer than when Roe v Wade was enacted – I began my first college career in 1965 – and, one thing I remember about college was it was easy for anyone interested to get an abortion – it just wasn’t safe.  Apparently, that’s what these “Christians” want to go BACK to.  And, clearly, they’re willing to associate with Trump to get there.  Honestly, it riles up my stomach to have to write those words.

Of course, then as I’m listening to conversation after conversation at church as numerous parents and grandparents are lamenting why their children are not “walking with the Lord,”  I have to question their thinking.  My own mother died thinking you have to be a republican to be a “Christian.”  With Trump, seemingly EVERY day, there’s a new scandal – one that it’s not hard to imagine would have brought incredible outcry (and, in Congress, endless “hearings”) from republicans had these scandals been the work of Barack Obama or one of the Clinton’s (or any other democrat).

Take today, for example.  I read in the Washington Post (which, by the way, if you’re a republican, I’m sorry, but it’s an actual NEWSpaper) how the Trump administration is taking passports from AMERICAN citizens because, in the case of over a thousand, the Midwife who delivered them in South Texas 30 – 40 years ago, in the 1990’s, admitted that, in two instances, she lied on birth certificates for TWO babies born in Mexico.  So, now Trump and his sycophants are demanding PROOF from ALL the babies she delivered, many 40 years ago, that they were born in America despite the FACT they’ve got birth certificates AND passports – which they’ve had for YEARS.  Proof that is likely impossible to provide.  This would include many AMERICANS who’ve served in the military and many who are actually part of the border patrol today!  To me, Trump is the one who’s un-American!

And, no matter what he does, “Christians” continue to look the other way, because it apparently doesn’t matter to them.  They’re getting what they want (or, at least they hope so) in the “short term” and the “long term” be damned.  They are willfully oblivious to all the LYING, all the CORRUPTION, and all the DAMAGE Trump is inflicting on this nation.  It doesn’t matter to them that RUSSIA attacked our nation (and, with Trump’s “permission,” continues to do so) and that the person in the “White House” is something resembling a MOB boss – if not actually a mob boss.  They (“Christians”) would likely be supportive of the Mueller investigation being stopped AND they’ll likely be disbelieving if it ends up incriminating Trump.  Keep in mind, Trump has ALREADY been “incriminated” in the Cohen investigation via the Southern District of New York!  (And, incredibly, Trump continues to claim he can take over the investigation into HIMSELF if that’s what he decides!  Talk about “Putin like.”)

Early on, I likened Trump – via many similarities – to a certain German back in the 1930’s who’s “base,” by the way, was “conservative Christians” – but, lately, probably during the previous 6 – 8 months I’ve been comparing Trump to the head of a La Cosa Nostra family.  Michael Cohen was his “fixer.”  Think about it, who employs a “fixer?”  Trump has a history of association with organized criminals from both Russia and America.  That’s no secret.  What is interesting to me has been the lack of willingness from our “liberal media” to point this out – especially considering there’s a plethora of PUBLIC evidence the Russians are responsible for his “election.”  (with, of course, 3 MILLION less votes than Mrs. Clinton) (Read “Trump/Russia” by Seth Hettena)

So, lets go over a few things – keeping in mind “Christian” leaders have suggested they’re giving Trump a “mulligan” on actions which are hard to accept “Biblically” speaking as they justify enabling him.  (OK, I may have just made up a word – “Biblically” – at least according to the spell checker)  Recent court findings, where Trump has credibly been ACCUSED of ordering his “fixer” to pay hush money “in order to influence the election” would suggest we revisit a PLETHORA of Trump’s LIES.  Of course, the first one is he LIED that he knew nothing of the payments.  He LIED about the affairs (the two involved in the HUSH MONEY payments).  He LIED about whether or not he made the payments.  And, to me, this whole affair (no pun intended) is further EVIDENCE that there’s LIKELY more women, beside the 19 who came “forward” prior to the “election,” who’ve had their “pussies” grabbed by Trump without their consent.  But, again, “Christians” continue to give him a “mulligan.”  (How do you think they’d have responded to these charges had they been directed at President Obama?  19 women accusing him of grabbing them by the pussy?)

Do you remember all the outrage emanating from charges that then Secretary of State Hillary Clinton had an email server in the basement of her home?  (Similar to what previous Secretary’s of State Condoleeza Rice and Colin Powell had?)  Do you remember all the “fuss” over whether classified information was compromised?  This coming from republicans (and Christians) everywhere, including those who now work in the “White House.”  Well, surprise, surprise – not only is Trump, himself, using a phone that is not secure but others in his administration have apparently been using unsecured devices to communicate – like, brace yourself, private email servers.  But, they apparently get another “mulligan.”

And, do you really think taking children from their parents – some, it appears will be separated permanently – is “Christian?”  Putting children in what can’t be described any other way but in cages, to me, is NOT “Christian.”  Taking NURSING babies as young as 2 MONTHS away from their Moms is unbelievable to me – I can’t even consider a “mulligan” for that – but “Christians?”  I keep trying to figure out who it’s worse for – the lactating Mom or the little baby.  I’ve actually come to tears thinking this is MY government doing this.  But, trust me, there will be no mulligan from me!

And, LYING right to the faces of his supporters – in a rally in Phoenix (which I happened to watch as much as I could stomach) – about the tax “scam” still sticks in my craw.  Trump standing in front of a few thousand rabid supporters and saying, “This tax cut will not benefit me or my rich friends which is why it’s called the “Middle Class tax cut” (OK, i can’t remember the exact name) really bothered me.  Part of what bothered me the most was the FACT the people in the audience just sucked it in – with NO regard for the TRUTH.  And, of course, they’re the ones giving all the “mulligans.”  Of course, Trump and his sycophants gained MILLIONS – some HUNDREDS of Millions (The Koch brothers likely BILLIONS) from the tax scam.  And, America’s national debt will increase by a couple TRILLION (at least) from the scam – that money going into the pockets of our “top 1%.”  Sorry, but NO “mulligan” from me.

And, pulling the U.S. out of the Paris Climate Accord, pulling out of the TPP, pulling out of the Iran nuclear agreement, repealing one environmental protection after another, giving a “green light” for coal companies to dump their sludge back in West Virginia’s rivers, throwing our intelligence community under the bus while standing next to Vladimir Putin – the man who likely orchestrated Trump’s “victory,” and I could go on – these issues affect way MORE people than the “evangelical Christians” and they’re being orchestrated by a man who’s likely an illegitimate occupant of the “Oval Office.”  “Christians” are giving Trump more “mulligans” than you can buy at a fund raiser golf event.  All these mulligans are bringing SHAME to America and to those who are granting them – the “right wing Christians” in America.

As I’m writing this, the funeral service for John McCain is happening in Washington DC.  Appropriately, one of McCain’s last wishes was that neither Trump nor McCain’s running mate Sarah Palin, from the 2008 campaign for president, would be present at his funeral.  He wished that he would be eulogized by his two predecessors – the two men who prevented him from becoming president, Barack Obama and George W Bush.  While I mostly disagreed with McCain, I learned to respect him over the years.  His last action, the “thumbs down” which blocked the HORRIBLE republican attempt to “repeal and replace” the Affordable Care Act, I believe will someday be regarded as a key component of America’s push for health care for all and will be a key component of McCain’s “legacy.”  His last action will place him apart from the republicans who are giving all the aforementioned “mulligans.”

I always thought McCain would be one of the republicans with the courage to stand against Trump and refuse to give the “mulligans.”  Of course, McCain was a republican and he voted, up until he could vote no more, with republican “stuff” – including the tax “scam” – but, I believe, his “thumbs down” will be remembered more than any other vote when the history of this day is finally written.  I’ve pointed out that Trump and his sycophants will end up in our history books next to Benedict Arnold.  Which brings the thought to my mind that many have said McCain’s choice of Sarah Palin was the impetus of what eventually brought Trump into the political “limelight.”  McCain realized, at some point, the “error of his ways” in that choice – I’ve read where republican “advisors” were the ones who pushed the choice of Palin – with virtually NO vetting.  So, I find it not surprising that Palin was not invited to his funeral.

Today, as I was driving around listening to MSNBC’s coverage of McCain’s “pre-funeral” – where members of Washington’s “regulars” were speaking about their remembrances of the senior Senator from Arizona as his body lies in “state” in the Capitol Rotunda.  One of the speakers was Mike Pense.  I have to say, I’m not sure I’ve EVER listened to someone who comes across more DISINGENUOUS than Pense, as I listened to him today.  There’s only one reason I have a sense of hesitation regarding the IMPEACHMENT of Trump: Mike Pense!  Every time I think of Pense as our next so-called president I start to gag.  I get pictures of him, in my mind, following Trump like a new born puppy dog, tongue out, tail wagging – willing to do whatever his MASTER requests.  And, I have on doubt Pense has well hidden “contingency plans” already in place – anticipating his “time in the sun.”  It’s almost enough to make we want to endure Trump right up until the 2020 election.

I’m not the first to say this – but, I’ll say it (AGAIN) – the upcoming mid-term elections are the MOST IMPORTANT elections in my lifetime!  (I started voting in 1968 – and, by the way, haven’t missed an election since)  If the first two years of Trump aren’t enough to get progressives off their BUTTS and to the polls to vote for DEMOCRATS (and, yes, I’m a lifelong INDEPENDENT – I’ve just been voting AGAINST republicans since this right wing push started back in the 1980’s) then, the United States as we’ve known it for the past 80+ years will be teetering on becoming unrecognizable.  And, to me, the saddest part of it all will be the fault will largely lie with “conservative Christians.”

Final Thought:  Trump’s threats to take over the investigation into himself is right out of the annals of third world DICTATORS!  In America, we GET to vote.  In essence, we deserve what we get – and, despite the FACT we all know there’s a bunch of CORRUPTION coming from Trump and the Russians, it’s still up to the rest of us to put a stop to it.  Recent polls have suggested many republicans  wouldn’t mind America “looking more like Russia.”  Well, count me OUT on that thought!

One more thing:  Listening to Mitch McConnell and Paul Ryan giving their (hypocritical) thoughts regarding McCain – as they talked about the special place he’ll hold in American history – all I could think of was Senator McCain won’t have to worry about either of those two cowardly republicans infringing on his “space.”  Sorry to be so negative, but Trump is our so-called president and these two “leaders” have put their interests and the interests of the “money changers” above the interest of our nation and their OATHS to defend the constitution.

For example, taking health insurance AWAY from MILLIONS of Americans is NOT “The American way!”  Railing for 8 years against budget deficits (created by the previous republican administration) while our first African American president attempted to reduce them and then VOTING to RAISE the deficits (which Obama had helped bring down) with nary a whimper about why this is so BAD seems to be “the republican way!”

As I often do, my apologies for the lack of editing – I’m just too lazy right now.  Trust me, I know I’m writing mainly to myself – it’s like my diary – but, if you’ve happened by and gotten to this point – thanks for reading and sorry for the mistakes.  Hopefully, at some point, I’ll come back and fix them.