Let’s hope “there’s more of us than of them” – and, I’m referring to the “never Trumpers” as the “us” and those who are Trump’s “base” as the them.  I don’t do “Twitter” but often times stuff that shows up on “Twitter” makes it to other outlets.  Today, as I usually do, I was checking the “Yahoo Finance” page on the internet and there was a picture of Trump with text overlayed on his image that read “SANCTIONS ARE COMING NOVEMBER 5” in what looked to me as an image you would see at the local movie theater regarding an upcoming movie.  “Yahoo” suggested it looked like “The text and typeface riffed off the popular fantasy HBO show, ‘Game of Thrones’.”

I can only imagined the response of people around the world who are reviled by this so-called president.  This was the height of Trump’s narcissism.  “It’s all about Trump.”  And, in this case, the reality is that pulling the U.S. out of the “Iran nuclear deal” is largely about Trump as, from what I’ve read, it explains most of his actions.  Many of those who apparently advise him were strongly opposed to this.  My guess is, his son-in-law was in favor because Israel’s prime minister Netanyahu was influential in this decision along with, oddly enough, Mohammad bin Salmon of Saudi Arabia.  It’s apparent to me that Trump’s actions in this instance, as well in almost all others, are not based on any sound “educated” judgement.

In fact, in reading Michael Lewis’ “The Fifth Risk” one gets, at minimum, a sobering look at what “DAMAGE” (as I’ve referred to it since before Trump took his “oath” of office) Trump is doing to our nation AND to the world.  The section of the book I’m presently reading gives example after example of how Trump’s “transition team” essentially did NOT exist!  Committed public servants were in shock that NO ONE showed up to get “vetted” on what their responsibilities would be once Trump took office.  Not only Trump, but pretty much the rest of America, has no idea what the various departments of OUR government are responsible for.  The potential for disaster looms ever greater each day Trump’s lackeys allow agencies like the Department of Energy, the Department of Agriculture, etc. to flounder for lack of leadership.

One of the examples given in Lewis’ book is what went into putting the “Iran Nuclear Agreement” in place and what was accomplished in doing so.  Of course, here comes Trump and Co. and, just as he pulled us out of the Paris Climate Accord – more on this shortly – allowing countries like China and Germany to take the worldwide lead in clean air technology and, to top that off, pulling us out of the “Trans Pacific Partnership” (TPP) opening up Southeast Asia to Chinese dominance economically, we’re now “on an island” outside of the Iran nuclear agreement.  In all three of these instances it appears Trump is simply trying to ruin President Obama’s legacy with no reverence to the DAMAGE inflicted on America.

Here’s one thing that is really disgusting (among many) regarding this DAMAGE Trump is inflicting on “we the people” (along with those around the world who believe in self rule) as he seems intent on being the “anti-Obama” – Trump’s lackeys have required all references to “Climate Change” be removed from various agencies which would have an interest in combating “Climate Change.”  In other words, all these climate disasters which are repeating themselves around the globe won’t be of interest to Trump and those in America’s bureaucracy.  Trump, recently, even went so far as to blame the fires in California, which as I’m writing this have claimed over 50 lives – with hundreds MISSING – on poor state forest management and he threatened to cut off funding to help with the disaster.

This STUPID action by Trump likely is the result of California turning even BLUER due to the people’s repulsion of Trump and all the actions I’m writing about.  Some one must have clued Trump in on the reality that MOST of California’s forest land is FEDERAL land and under the control of the Agriculture Department which Trump has “beheaded.”  The list of vital programs which are being discontinued because of STUPID economic decisions by Trump and his lackeys is staggering.  I live in the state of Washington and the “clean up” of the Hanford nuclear reservation, which will take CENTURIES, is apparently being “de-funded.”  If you’re not aware, Hanford is the home of BILLIONS of gallons of nuclear waste that will likely, at some point, leak into the Columbia River.  This is waste resulting from Hanford being the site selected during World War II to develop the nuclear bomb which destroyed Nagasaki and Hiroshima in Japan, effectively ending the war. (And, resulting in many disagreements over  the tactic)

Lewis points out in his book that FDR discovered the Germans were close to developing a nuclear weapon in the late 30’s or early 40’s and America was rapidly pushing to do so in an attempt to “get there first” and “save the world” from German and Nazi domination had they succeeded before America.  Since then THOUSANDS of nuclear weapons have been constructed and the material used for them was mostly produced at Hanford.  What’s left are HUGE containers filled with nuclear waste that gets closer to a DISASTER every day – and, Trump apparently is attempting to cut the money out of the budget intended to continue the FIGHT to clean up this site – a FIGHT that has been ongoing for something like 30+ years and will last for at least another 100 years.

When it was time for Trump to take over the reins of government he was “missing in action.”  Neither he, nor those who were close around him, had any idea what they had gained control of.  And, of course, there was Steve Bannon by Trump’s side claiming their goal was to “deconstruct the administrative state.”  Maybe Bannon understood what that meant (although, I don’t believe he did), but Trump’s voters certainly didn’t/don’t understand what that meant/means.  Things we’ve taken for granted for years are soon to be in jeopardy.  And, it’s likely going to be very difficult to recover from the DAMAGE which is being inflicted on “we the people” by these ignorant narcissists.

Trump and his sycophants are busy undermining one traditional American institution after another.  Government bureaucrats have been demeaned by people who have no idea how important they are to all of us.  As I’m reading Lewis’ book I’m amazed at how complicated the agencies like DOE and DOA have become over the years.  They are integral in the cliche’ “keeping America safe” and most of us have no idea how they do that.  What’s unnerving is when you find out our (so-called) president and those he’s appointed to run these agencies also have no idea how they “keep us safe.”  As I’ve said, “every day the potential for disaster gets greater.”

I’m certainly not suggesting anyone in Trump’s sphere could have stopped the fires in California or the Category 4 Hurricane which recently ravaged Florida.  What I am saying, however, it’s clear those in Trump’s “circle” are “climate deniers” of the worst order.  This is a FIGHT that will last years, but every year we lose in focusing on what needs to be done – and, keep in mind, that’s NOT attempting to “bring back coal” – makes the challenge more difficult.  There’s a point when inaction will result in going over the “tipping point.”  I certainly don’t know when that is, but it’s apparent to me procrastination is a poor strategy.

I started this post about three weeks ago and, I guess, I’m just tired of “chasing my tail” in commenting on Trump’s degradation of America.  The climate denial is disgusting, the racism and misogynism and the other “ism’s” are disgusting, and I could go on and on.  Here’s the deal;  The democrats took back the House in the Mid Terms – which I considered CRITICAL to the future of America.  The next couple years are going to be a BATTLE because Trump has NO scruples and he LIES in his sleep!  He’s clearly preparing his “base” to be outraged at Mueller’s report whenever that happens and he’s preparing republicans to begin BLAMING democrats from the first day of the next Congress for EVERYTHING that goes wrong.

And, I’ve been pointing out my contention the economy is RIPE for a trip in the downward direction as a result of the tax scam and the tariffs.  Trust me, Trump and the republicans will BLAME the democrats.  Trump will have his eyes set on 2020 as a way to somehow protect himself from what’s coming “down the pike” from Mueller AND the investigation in the Southern District of New York.  He’s not able to be indicted as a “sitting (so-called) president” – so, remaining in office may be his “get out of jail free” card.  He’s already an “un-indicted co-conspirator” to TWO felonies in New York and, it appears, there’s much more to come.

I also believe there will be a plethora of legal skirmishes over subpoenas intended to help the House of Representatives figure out just how much CORRUPTION is directly tied to the Trump administration.  Clearly they’ve had a “cheering section” in Congress instead of a Congress willing to accept its role as providing “oversight” over the executive branch.  The constitution was intended to PREVENT exactly what the republicans have been doing for the previous two years.  And, to suggest the stagnation in Washington is because of democrats is preposterous.  Republicans have been OBSTRUCTING, as “job #1” since the days of Gingrich’s “Contract (ON) for America back in the 90’s.  Check the FACTS – Mitch McConnell FILIBUSTERED Obama legislation around 700 times during President Obama’s two terms.  Republican OBSTRUCTION was no secret.

I anticipate democrats will attempt to pass actual legislation beginning in January but republicans will agree to NONE of it – and, they’ll blame democrats.  Trump may be smart enough to work with democrats on key legislation that HUGE majorities of Americans favor as a way to “save his skin.”  However, in regard to Mueller and the other investigations aimed directly at Trump, it appears “the horse is out of the barn” and our so-called president is looking at a “world of hurt.”  Look for him to be progressively more antagonistic and look for him to “gin up” the alt right “crazies” who will very possibly hit the streets with violence in mind.  The next two years should be interesting, to say the least.

As I’ve said, on other occasions, trying to keep up with Trump’s “scandals” is like chasing your tail.  It’s like at least “one a day.”  Sometimes I think he’s just completely stupid and other times I think it’s all calculated and it’s his way to avoid accountability – which he’s been doing his entire life.  To me, he seems to be like a pathological LIAR, but, then again, is he actually sophisticated enough to be using Goebbels’ “Big Lie Theory?”  Regardless, the LIES are flowing freely, and I don’t believe there will be any change – PERIOD!

As I’m writing this, Trump is being challenged by Vladimir Putin (once again) and, so far, as usual, he’s failing the test.  Just as he cowered in the face of Muhammad bin Salman’s BRUTAL murder of Jamal Khashoggi, as he’s cowered to Kim Jong Un’s continued buildup of his nuclear program, he’s likely to cower in the face of Putin’s ordering Russian ships to attack those of Ukraine.  This is getting beyond ridiculous – and, at this point, it’s ALL on republicans in Congress – because they appear to FEAR Trump – for whatever reason.  If Trump take’s “we the people” over a “cliff,” it will be due to republicans in Congress’ enabling!  (Actually, this  has ALL been on republicans since the day Trump took the “oath” – in front of the smallest inaugural crowd in recent memory!)

Final Thought:  I just finished reading Michael Lewis’ “The Fifth Risk” and now I’m in the middle of reading Michiko Kakutani’s “The Death of Truth.”  I highly recommend each book to anyone wanting to better understand the gravity of Trump as our “so-called” president.  Waiting two years to get him out of office may be too late to save this republic as it is.  I don’t see him capable of handling ANY kind of serious challenge and, in my view, there will be at least one during his time in office.  Hopefully, for the sake of the world, it will be an economic disaster and not a foreign policy disaster.  Trump has no idea what he’s in charge of and he believes he should just be able to do whatever comes to his mind.  The situation in Ukraine could escalate quickly and I don’t know ANYONE who believes Trump can “handle” what “comes his way.”  It’s time for republicans to put a stop to this nightmare – regardless of what anyone thinks – if Trump is stopped, it will be because of republicans (in the Senate).

If you’ve been around here at all you know I spent the last 20+ years of my life as a sixth grade teacher.  I started my teaching career late in my working life and, apparently, that allowed me to end up being a mentor to many young teachers as my experience in the classroom grew. (For much of the latter part of my career I was the “most experienced” adult in the building)  One thing I tried to make clear to younger teachers was the importance of virtually EVERY word that would come from his/her mouth each day in the classroom.  As the teacher you have NO idea what each student experienced at home that day, that week, that month or, for that matter, in their lifetimes while your WORDS are finding a resting place in their minds. The possibility would always exist you could set a student “off” with your WORDS and which would cause people to react by wondering “what just happened?”

I say this because what we’ve seen in the past week in American politics is the result of careless words spoken with one intention are resulting in violence and tragedy.  WORDS matter!  Of course, I’m talking about how Trump’s hate speech has penetrated the minds of two vulnerable, seemingly pathetic, and now considered disgusting people who interpreted Trump’s HATE speech as a “call to arms.”  One man responded to Trump’s attacks on various democrats along with CNN by sending (I believe) 14 pipe bombs aimed at two former presidents (Obama and Clinton), two former intelligence officials (Brennan and Clapper), CNN and a bunch of others (Including George Soros – a favorite rhetorical “punching bag” of the right wingers in America)

The worst part of all this is what happened in Pittsburgh in a Jewish Synagogue a few short blocks from my brother-in-law’s home where I stayed for a couple of months last year.  11 people were MURDERED while worshiping in their Synagogue along with several others wounded – which included 4 police officers who were attempting to stop the carnage.  These MURDERS were the work of a right wing zealot who took Trump’s words about the “caravan” of refugees headed North in Southern Mexico literally.

Trump referred to this “caravan” as an ATTACK on our Southern border – an “invasion.”  Well, the man who MURDERED the 11 Jews in Pittsburgh responded to those words on Social Media as if he was “all in” in the fight against these people Trump refers to as “dangerous” – some “MS13 gang members, Middle Eastern terrorists” who represent a threat to America.  This deranged MURDERER took it upon himself to start killing Jews because HIAS (the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society), which has been helping immigrants since the 1880’s is, apparently, affiliated with this Synagogue, and he (the MURDERER) was quoted as saying he needed to KILL “as many Jews as possible.”  His last posting on his social media feed said, “Screw the optics, I’m going in” – as if he was a “freedom fighter.”

Of course, Trump’s “mouthpiece,” Sarah Sanders, seemed offended that anyone would possibly connect this guy’s actions with Trump’s words.  But, as I used to tell my teaching associates, WORDS MATTER!  There’s no way for Trump to just shrug off any culpability in these MURDERS.  Of course, he didn’t ORDER the guy to do this, but, as I’ve said, WORDS MATTER!  And, undoubtedly, Trump’s words were a catalyst for these murders.  Sadly, Trump is so unhinged and calloused to all this that he was back out spewing the same WORDS soon after this happened – and, he’s PROUDLY claiming he’s going to “tone up” the rhetoric in response to being asked if he would now “tone it down.”  This is his reflex reaction.  Apparently, Trump’s only regret in all this is that it “slowed momentum,” regarding his HATE speech.

And, of course, there was MORE – and, other “stuf,f” which would have been huge news in “another other day” doesn’t even “move the needle.”  While people were looking for the MAGA bomber, a Trump supporter (another MURDERER) was attempting to break into a Black Church in Kentucky which had about 10 people inside.  Fortunately, the doors were locked and he was unable to get inside so he took off for a nearby supermarket where he randomly killed TWO African Americans – a man and a woman – indiscriminately, then taking off before being captured shortly thereafter.  The connection to Trump is not as clear in this instance, but clearly another HATE crime on top of the other high profile HATE crimes of the past couple of weeks.  All while Trump is busy GINNING up his “base” with absurd LIES about a group of asylum seekers who may or may not make it to the U.S. border in a month or two.  They’re 1000 miles away, they’re WALKING, and it’s mostly women and children – fleeing violence and poverty in their native countries.

Trump and many of his supporters are having difficulty “digesting” that America is a nation of immigrants.  And, America has two sides to her history.  There’s, for sure, a good side – but, many – especially those who’ve enjoyed “white privilege” for years – don’t want to acknowledge America’s “dark side.”  If you’re not a student of history I don’t want this to be a history lesson, but the reality is that MOST of us came from somewhere else at some point in the history of our families.  And, even those who are “Native American” immigrated to America from Asia – it’s just they got here a REALLY long time ago.  They had been here for THOUSANDS of years before the European “invasion” which led to the destruction of many native tribes.  A couple of the “black marks” would be the genocide of the Native American people’s and, of course, the issue of slavery.

In fact, it’s very likely the heritage of the African Americans MURDERED in Kentucky goes WAY back farther than the white racist who MURDERED them – likely thinking they were some kind of threat to him.  Sadly, the election of President Obama brought a plethora of racists out from “under the rocks” and, of course, Donald Trump used that as his “bridge” to the “White House.”  Having an overt racist in the “White House” is not new to America, it’s just that many, including myself, thought we were “past that” with the election of President Obama.  Clearly, I was wrong – which I recognized soon after Obama took the oath of office – as I observed the so-called “Tea Party” – a group which, to this day, refuses to acknowledge the roots of their movement.

The “Tea Party” will claim they formed as a result of the TARP bailouts, but that’s about as disingenuous as it gets.  If you saw the signs at the “Tea Party” rallies, they were motivated by racial hatred aimed at Barack Obama.  This was “white America” realizing they were soon to be a “minority” part of America.  Our “liberal media” was, apparently, willing to ignore the racist signs and words at the “Tea Party” rallies and believe the LIE they were formed because of the bailouts.  Of course, if that was actually true, they would have affiliated themselves with the democratic party because the TARP bailouts were the work of Henry Paulsen and George W Bush – as the Bush/Cheney regime had orchestrated a financial crisis which easily could have been another “Great Depression.”

At that moment in our history, the republican party was in “tatters.”  Bush/Cheney had LIED America into two intractable wars that, for people like me, brought back memories of Viet Nam – only, this became worse because, well, we’re still there 17 years later.  Not only were we dealing with STUPID wars, we were dealing with “leaders” who SHOULD have been facing WAR CRIMES charges for authorizing TORTURE, and they’d run the economy “off the cliff.”  How bad was the economy?  Well, our “free market” republicans offered $700 BILLION of taxpayer money to Wall Street.  Supposedly, this is what riled up the “Tea Party.”  Well, the republican party was in such a bad way they were willing to “latch on” to this racist based movement because, well, what else could they do?  They needed someone – and, the “Tea Party” was willing to say anything at anytime – regardless of the veracity.  Perfect for republicans.

This is the same way republicans latched on to Donald Trump.  You see they, what I (and many others) call the puppet masters – those surreptitiously “pulling the strings” out of the limelight – those with all the money, often referred to as the “top 1% – are all about “winning.”  At all costs – “the end justifies the means.”  “Republicans” have wavered from “never Trump” to cowering to Trump based on “winning.”  It should be interesting to see how they respond should the “mid-terms” bring a result they don’t like.  Trump clearly represents the “Tea Party” faction which has been a “headache” for traditional republicans since the Bush/Cheney time.  What will happen if they start “losing?”

A couple weeks ago Trump declared himself a “Nationalist” (like Hitler, Stalin, Putin, etc.) in front of a doting audience which either didn’t understand what that means or were “on board” with having a president who wears his racism like a medal on his lapel.  There are cells of “White Nationalist” all across America – I still remember Chuck Norris, famously of “Walker Texas Ranger,” pointing this out shortly after President Obama took his oath of office – and, they are, by and large, armed to the hilt.  The man who MURDERED the 11 Jews in Pittsburgh had a cache of 10 weapons ranging from the AR15 he used in the attack to a shotgun in his car.  He had more weapons than a “hunter” could use in a season, without reloading.  And, every time there’s a mass shooting and you hear “gun control” in the news, assault weapons fly off the shelves of the gun dealers.

I say this because a good friend of mine, who I haven’t been able to sway from being a Trump supporter, has predicted to me “there’s going to be a civil war.”  I never ask him to elaborate – mainly because the idea is anathema to me – but, when I think about it, the Trump rhetoric is likely designed to cause all these “cells” of right wing “patriots” to reject ANY finding by Robert Mueller that might suggest Trump shouldn’t be our so-called president.  Like, for instance, if he actually DID “collude” with the Russians.  As the “evidence” unfolds, it’s becoming more and more likely that’s where Mueller is headed.  Of course, a finding of “obstruction of justice” would only be surprising to me if it WASN’T part of Mueller’s report.  I believe there was “collusion” (which is actually, in this instance, TREASON) but we have to wait for all the evidence.

The latest reports are that Roger Stone was relaying the information “Wiki Leaks” published at strategic points of the 2016 campaign to the Trump surrogates – which may have included Steve Bannon.  I’ve said all along, it appears to me it’s likely there’s a connection between Cambridge Analytica (Bannon) and the Russians.  Someone had to be helping the Russians strategically “target” their messaging and it was Cambridge Analytica who STOLE the “data” of over 50 MILLION Facebook users – and, if you remember correctly, it was Facebook the Russians used to peddle their divisive propaganda.  My point?  Well, I believe there’s a good possibility Trump has serious legal jeopardy and he’s verbally preparing his “base” who believes anything he says – “there’s no collusion.”

And, they’re armed to the hilt and we can see from several examples in Trump’s first couple of years all he cares about is Trump.  I believe Trump KNOWS how these people (often referred to as the “alt right”) will respond to his demise should it happen and he not only does not care, he’s encouraging it.  Again, his only regret about his words that set off the Pittsburgh MURDERER is that it “slowed the momentum” of his furious campaign in an attempt to fool republicans into voting for “him.”  As he’s said, in the Mid Terms “a vote for republicans is a vote for me.”  He’s NERVOUS about having a democratic House – that will ACTUALLY investigate the “Russia Thing.”  That’s exactly why I (and MILLIONS of others) say, a vote for Democrats is a vote to save our republic!

Trump continues to act like a Mafia boss and any violence involved in “protecting” him is simply, in his mind, collateral damage.  Trump is the result of an ugly side of America and her history.  Getting rid of him will be the result of, what some have referred to as, America’s “better angels.”  “We the people” have an opportunity to make an in process “correction” in the Mid Term election next week.  There’s a lot to learn from what has happened in the last 2+ years and, my hope, is that younger progressive leaders will emerge and they are eager to lead honorably.  As Trump, himself, has said may times, “We’ll see………………”

Final Thought:  May God Bless all those people in Pittsburgh who quietly protested Trump’s visit after the Murders along with all those who are mourning the tragic deaths which resulted from HATE speech that should have no place in America.  My prayer is America will reject Trump and what he stands for so that we can lead a rejection of this “nationalism” before it spreads to far across Europe and other parts of the world.