As I’ve said recently, “throwing the bums out” this November is simply the beginning, not just the end of individual 1’s reign. By “beginning” I’m talking about turning this nation back to the ideals which were originally implemented with the New Deal back in the 1930’s. Of course, back then there were a plethora of problems which “progressives” were attempting to address and here we are again. The majority of complaints following the MURDER of George Floyd have related to police reform. And, I have to say, it has not just been African Americans calling for this since the 1960’s it’s just that white people like myself, while recognizing the need for the reform, have continued to live in an environment of “white privilege.” It’s hard for us to even begin to comprehend what our Black brothers and sisters have endured.

Just the issue of marijuana, for example, is telling. My first attempt at college occurred in the mid 1960’s and, after I quit playing basketball, I was introduced to marijuana. While, eventually, I chose to refrain from any drugs not prescribed by my doctors, I never considered marijuana as anything close to a “dangerous drug.” In fact, I always felt keeping it illegal was a manifestation of who was profiting from it being illegal. Additionally, I always felt this led to corruption in police forces all across the land. I FOR SURE know of instances where people were “busted” for possession of marijuana and ended up doing jail time while the “cops” took the “pot” from the evidence room and, eventually, resold the “pot” on the street. There are people all across this nation – most of them “Black or Brown” – sitting in jail for some reason connected to marijuana being “illegal.” To me, that they’re in jail is what is CRIMINAL!

In the state where I live marijuana has FINALLY been “legalized” and, to make it as clear as I can, I see no difference from when it was illegal. The most significant difference, likely, is the temptation to participate in the illegal trafficking of the “pot” by public officials is gone. Additionally, the source of illegal profits by organized criminals is gone. All other drugs, in my view, should get this same decriminalization. I’ve said for years it would be cheaper (and, in my view, better for the users) if our government facilitated the giving out of drugs like heroin, etc. as opposed to spending untold MILLIONS to stop something which, obviously, is unstoppable. We could spend the money used for “catching people” to “helping people.” Of course, the protests which are ongoing are reminding us that MILLIONS of non-violent prisoners are predominantly “persons of color.” To me, it seems completely STUPID to spend MILLIONS “caging” people who’ve been smoking or selling marijuana – there has to be a reason and I’m convinced the reason is all the money “officials” are making due to the absurd criminal statutes.

The protests of the past couple of weeks were “triggered” by the MURDER/LYNCHING of George Floyd as a young lady with a cell phone created a “witness” for all to see with her “smart” phone. I’m outraged just like the MILLIONS of other Americans who’ve finally said, “enough already.” However, in regard to the issue of policing and the absurdity of “drugs” being illegal I can’t stop thinking of Breonna Taylor of Louisville, Kentucky. While she was asleep in her bed undercover police officers enacting a “no knock warrant” which was intended for someone else who was already in custody – showing the incompetence of the Louisville Police Department – a story for another day – was MURDERED while her boyfriend was attempting to defend their home from what he thought were burglars or ???? Breonna ended up dead and, of course, her boyfriend was arrested for attempting to protect their home with his licensed weapon. Ms. Taylor is dead because of a botched drug bust! That’s every much a call for reform, in my view, as the MURDER/LYNCHING of Mr. Floyd.

As an aside, I can’t help thinking of individual 1’s response to the MURDER of students at the school in Florida (Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School) suggesting the teachers should be armed. As a retired teacher, when I try to imagine my fellow teachers shooting guns in the hallways of the school during an attack it makes me cringe. So, in this instance, Breonna’s boyfriend has a gun and the attackers (the cops) put 8 bullets into Breonna and many bullets into the apartments adjacent to theirs. In the era of individual 1 this example of “force” will be what our IMPEACHED so-called president will be remembered for.

That gets us to the protests which are the result of these recent MURDERS – including the MURDER of Ahmaud Arbery – and how individual 1 continues to show himself to be a “tin pot” dictator. By now, everyone who’s had their head anywhere but in the sand knows individual 1, along with William Barr, ordered the removal of PEACEFUL protesters from Lafayette Square, which sits right across from the “White House,” via the use of tear gas, flash bang explosives, rubber bullets, etc. so our IMPEACHED so-called president could do his now infamous “photo op” brandishing a Bible he has no idea what is inside. Individual 1 went from cowering in the “White House” bunker to the photo op back to cowering in the “White House” by installing fencing to protect him from “we the people” who are protesting outside. Further campaign material for Joe Biden which he may not even need.

The people who are marching in the streets and demanding “change” know that as long as individual 1 occupies 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue the only change which might happen would be NOT the “change they can believe in.” And, of course, Congressional republicans are every bit the obstacle to “change” of our IMPEACHED so-called president. That’s why I was encouraged to hear, over and over again, leaders at the protests using the word VOTE and, actually, registering people to vote. When I listen to these young people I can picture an “army” of progressive leaders on the horizon and many of them represent diverse communities in our “melting pot.” To me, some of the most inspirational leaders we have in this nation are members of the “Black and Brown” communities.

Yes, there are “white nationalists” (who make up a significant proportion of individual 1’s base) who seem to “fear” the FACT us white people are soon to be a “majority minority.” I can tell you, from my experience, we should be excited about the young leaders who are emerging who come from all walks of life and who are committed to moving America closer to her ideals. There’s NOTHING to fear from that. I’m anxious to see who Joe Biden chooses for his running mate in the upcoming election. I believe it is a critically important choice and, why I understand he may choose Elizabeth Warren, I believe choosing a “woman of color” would be inspirational to so many Americans at this point in time. However, we need to understand reality and WIN in November!

Back in 2008 when Barack Obama was chosen as the 44th president of the United States I still remember talking to my former teaching partner, who has since “gone home,” a distinguished African American who I could write volumes about – a retired member of the Air Force who carried a bullet too near his heart to remove from the Viet Nam era until his death, a pastor, a sixth grade teacher, and a mentor to an untold number of children who were struggling – about the election of President Obama and agreeing neither of us thought we would live long enough to see a president of African descent. Of course, him being wiser than me, he correctly predicted the backlash coming from what, originally, seemed to take the form of the so-called “tea party” – a group which, despite their denials, was founded on racism – clear and simple! The “backlash” exposed, to me, a white nationalist segment of America much more significant than I understood – further evidence of how it’s so difficult for White Americans to understand what our Black brothers and sisters experience every day.

The “tea party” set the stage for individual 1 and, it seems, is a predominant reason why the republicans in Congress seem to have “lock jaw” regarding the behavior of our IMPEACHED so-called president – behavior I can only imagine their response had it come from President Obama. Many of us, including me, did not understand the intensity of the white nationalists in America which I bring up because assuming individual 1 gets voted out of office this November, it’s why I keep saying that’s just the beginning. The FIGHT which seems to be going on right now MUST continue. The people at “stormfront” or the “boogaloo bois” aren’t going to disappear. They may head back under their “rocks” but, they’ll be doing what they always do and that is to create division and chaos in order to destabilize our government – should we work to repair the DAMAGE which has been caused by individual 1 and his sycophants. And, that DAMAGE is immense and could take a generation to repair.

I’ve listened to Stacy Abrams on several occasions and, to me, she’s a brilliant young public servant. You know individual 1 fears that she might be Biden’s choice for VP because he’s already calling her names and making fun of her weight. (Keeping in mind, of course, that he is obese) Another African American woman I admire is Kamala Harris who also comes across to me as a brilliant young leader. Susan Rice is another very impressive, intelligent, and strong African American woman who has a lot of experience in the international scene. Val Demmings, to me, was one of the more impressive “House managers” in the IMPEACHMENT trial of individual 1, where republicans botched their opportunity to end this nightmare and possibly save their party, and I think she’d be a great pick. Of course, there are many others – although, I’m guessing Biden will choose Warren, who I also really like, and may be considered a “safer” pick. That’s just the reality of the “times we live in.” Bottom line: getting rid of individual 1 is what’s important at this point in time.

America’s young people don’t have a great history of heading to the polls but I sensed something different over these past few days. When it comes right down to it, there are a plethora of reasons to believe this time will be different. If the protests of the past couple of weeks don’t get someone’s attention, then there’s a reality looming for when the protests die down and that is Covid-19 is still here and it was “gaining steam” before the protests – and, from what scientists have been saying, the protests are likely to cause significant outbreaks. I hope I’m wrong on that, but I didn’t see a lot of “social distancing.

So, there you have two crises young people care about and, then, on top of that individual 1 is a “climate denier” and he’s filled his government with climate deniers – actually getting rid of the scientists. (like when he got rid of the pandemic task force left behind by President Obama) Trust me, young people understand the significance of climate change – and, the looming hurricane season and wildfire season very well could be additional reminders. And, then you have an IMPEACHED so-called president who spews propaganda about “your second amendment rights” in almost every speech and these young people are sick of seeing people killed by gun violence – many have witnessed it in their schools or their neighborhoods – and, they don’t consider an “A” rating by the NRA to be a “good thing.” In other words, the list of reasons our young people are going to vote AGAINST individual 1 is a long one.

Keep in mind, he wasn’t looking that strong via the parents of the “young people.” In fact, older white Americans apparently don’t like the idea of sacrificing their “autumn” years for Wall Street via the Covid-19 pandemic and he’s now “under water” with a critical voting group from his standpoint, those older than 65 (like me). However, no one is going to forget what happened in 2016 and, hopefully, Biden and whoever he chooses will campaign (somehow) vigorously in EVERY state. Democrats need to win elections from the presidency to the local dog catcher in order to change the direction of this nation to one where the government works from the bottom up instead of the top down. In individual 1’s case he’s trying to make the government work for himself and his cronies. The issues where he’s stepped over the line of legality are too numerous to list here (and, I’m sure, I know of only a small number) but accountability for him, Barr, and the others who’ve chosen to violate our laws SHOULD be on the horizon. They simply refuse the attempts of Congress to hold them accountable, but once out of office that SHOULD change. If, as I suspect, individual 1 is actually a criminal he should be treated as such.

Individual 1 is the expert at projection: When he’s making an accusation at one of his “opponents” (to him, enemies) in almost every instance it’s something he’s guilty of. He based much of his shtick in 2016 on “draining the swamp” when he and his cronies are “the swamp.” When he talks about the “deep state” he’s talking about apolitical public servants who actually believe in our constitution and are willing to stand up against an IMPEACHED so-called president who doesn’t. People like Colonel Alexander Vindman, Fiona Hill, William Taylor, George Kent, and Marie Yovanovitch are all committed public servants NOT part of some “deep state.” And, for heaven’s sake, Gordon Sondland was part of individual 1’s administration as was as was Laura Cooper and others. All of these people testified in the IMPEACHMENT hearings in the House which led to individual 1’s IMPEACHMENT for EXTORTING the president of Ukraine. None of them are part of any “deep state” – EACH of them are patriots who will end up in the good part of the History books.

Our IMPEACHED so-called president has created a CULT following of about 40% of America – although, based on polls of the past couple of weeks that 40% may be dwindling a bit, but the reality is individual 1 has governed by creating a sense of FEAR among republicans in Congress and around the country. No one, it seems, wants to be on the receiving end of one of his NASTY “tweets.” Here’s the bottom line – he’s corrupt, he’s the poster child for anyone wondering what a narcissist is, his pathological LYING has numbed “we the people” to the point where every LIE is, well, “just another LIE,” he has no idea how America is SUPPOSED to work, and his incompetence has created a situation where we have one crisis on top of the next – with “more to come.” Apparently, that is what his CULT wants as individual 1’s fascist tendencies are now on full display, but MOST of us are “sick and tired” of his shtick and we can’t wait until November 3rd.

Individual 1 is smart enough to see “the writing on the wall” which is why “we the people” will be witnessing voter suppression tactics which very well could remind people my age of “the (not to) good old days.” I graduated from High School as the Voting Rights Act – which was gutted by our Supreme Court a few years ago, leading to the tactics I’m talking about – back in 1965. I’ve witnessed example after example of (mostly) republicans working to keep our communities of color subservient. Things, to me – as a white person, seemed to be improving until I started to realized the depth of the problem during President Obama’s two terms in the “White House.” I’ve been writing about the need to put the republican party into the history books via the ballot box and, in my view, this November is when it SHOULD happen. But, they are the “end justifies the means” party and the end, for them, is POWER under any circumstance.

We’ve seen their “plan” in Wisconsin’s primary election and now Georgia’s and Nevada’s primary elections. The LONG LINES always happen in the districts which have significant numbers of “likely democratic” voting populations. I have to say I was inspired by the numbers of people in Wisconsin willing to stand in line for hours to vote and then, the other day, people waiting, in some instances, for 7 hours to vote. That’s the commitment “we the people” need all across this nation in November. We need to go to the polls in RECORD numbers to make sure the CHEATERS (ie individual 1) won’t determine the outcome of the election. Remember, we already KNOW the Russians are busy spreading FALSE information designed to create chaos and division ALREADY. If you use Facebook, beware! If you see it, call it out! This country is worth fighting for and “we the people” have the opportunity to change its direction. There are ALREADY several bright YOUNG progressives in Congress (which, of course, will be targets of those with big money in the election) and the opportunity to “flip” the Senate and bring in some more “new blood” who are progressive thinkers is REAL! Remember to VOTE!

Final Thought: The “dog whistles” coming from the “White House” are getting less covert all the time and, simply, out and out messaging to the so-called “base” of individual 1 – what I referred to above as his CULT following. So, he’s really anxious to start holding his rallies again – with large numbers of people in arenas around the country. So, he’s holding his first rally in Tulsa Oklahoma on “Juneteenth.” That would be June 19 and it’s a day of celebration for the African American Community which you can read about HERE. I’m not going to prejudge why individual 1 chose his first rally to be held on that day will just wait to see how it goes and whether or not it’s a rally to celebrate that “holiday.” (It actually is a holiday in some places around the country.

Individual 1 is giving his “acceptance speech” in Jacksonville Florida on August 27th which, to African Americans, is the date which commemorates “Ax Handle Saturday.” You can read about it HERE. I certainly am not sophisticated enough to understand what is actually individual 1’s point in where he’s holding these two events and how they’re related to his view of the African American community – all I can do is question is the coincidental are is there a “deeper” meaning. Time will tell. I must add that, of course, if you’ve read any of my previous posts you know I view individual 1 as a RACIST so I’m feeling a bit skeptical toward these coincidences.

One more thing: I find it really interesting that in individual 1’s upcoming rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma (on Juneteenth) his supporters, when they apply for tickets, must sign a waiver agreeing to hold individual 1 “harmless” in case they contract Covid-19 while at the rally which will have people without masks jammed into an enclosed venue shouting and yelling. Of course, no one with the virus would dare attend, but “just in case”…………………… Stay tuned…..

I can’t stop without saying I find it interesting (curious?) individual 1 will cover your legal expenses if you assault someone who is a heckler at one of his rallies but he’s not interested in your medical bills if you contract Covid-19. the next few weeks will be interesting to say the least…………………..