Look, Donald Trump is NOT the first threat to America’s Constitutional democratic republic. He’s just the most brazen threat in my lifetime and he’s managed to “light up” the white nationalists in America who were “hiding under the rocks” until Barack Obama was elected President in 2008. And, Trump continues to DARE the Justice Department to stop him – and, honestly, I’m not sure Merrick Garland has the stomach for what that would entail. Trump’s “entourage” continues to “grow” as people like Marjorie Taylor Greene, Matt Gaetz, Paul Gosar, Ted Cruz, Josh Hawley, and others fall in line as they see Trump as their “vehicle” into the so-called “mainstream” of American politics. And, they’ve got a good “friend” on their side. MONEY!

If you’ve followed the so-called “Koch Brothers” (now “Brother”) at all over the past 40 years you’d know Charles and David Koch began their political careers in the John Birch Society, they INHERITED an oil business which led to “Koch Industries” one of the most successful privately held businesses in America – each brother worth over $50+ BILLION the last time I checked a couple of years ago. David Koch passed away in 2019, but his brother Charles hasn’t slowed down a bit. The Koch’s have been responsible for the Heritage Institue, the Cato Institute, and, other right wing “think tanks,” plus they were largely responsible for the success of the “Tea Party,” and ALEC (The American Legislative Exchange Council) has their “fingers” into state legislatures all across the nation “helping” republicans get their legislation “right.” (funded by the Koch’s and their rich peers) It goes on and on, but the bottom line with (now) Charles Koch is he has an UNLIMITED amount of MONEY to spend on his “wishes.” And, he’s in his 80’s and seems willing to “tear the house down” before he dies. (Largely to protect the fossil fuel industry)

And, when you look at some of Trump’s most egregious “policies” (in that there were any “policies” at all) you can see the “importance” of making Mr. Koch and his network of DONORS happy. Koch industries, of course, is a business with its “focal point” in the oil industry. (Surprise, surprise) The Trump administration’s blocking of environmental regulations was received by Koch and his surrogates with enthusiastic approval. Keep in mind, the Koch Brothers inherited a fortune built by their father who went to the Soviet Union back in the 1930’s in order to sell a device used in the refinement of oil to Joseph Stalin – a device he couldn’t sell in America because it violated registered patents. He came back from Russia a multiple millionaire (in 1930’s dollars) and, thus, the beginning of Koch Industries. Plus,. their father, Fred Koch was part of the original John Birch Society. (If you’re not familiar with the “Birchers” I suggest you look them up)

Is it a requirement of children who oppose America’s democratic republic and who inherited their WEALTH to be from fathers named Fred? (Just sayin) While the Koch’s may have come around a bit over the years in regard to their alleged RACIST beliefs (again, check out the John Birch Society) it appears the same can not be said for our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president – who seems to be going farther off “the rails” every time he gets closer to receiving and INDICTMENT for one of his MANY choices to violate our system of laws – laws he feels as if don’t apply to him.

So, here’s the bottom line at this point in time. It’s (today) three weeks until the 2022 mid-term elections and, astonishingly, (at least to me) the predictors continue to suggest republicans are going to take control of (at least) the House of Representatives. Lately, I’ve been using the word “stupid” more and more – simply because I can’t come up with a better explanation for what is happening in this nation I’ve grown to love over the past 75 years. I’ll attempt to explain why I believe this in as succinct of terms as possible. Let’s start with the FACT over 50% of the American population is WOMEN. Well, are WOMEN going to VOTE in this election in order to protect their right to determine their own course of action regarding their health care. Of course, we all know, Roe v Wade was a victim of democrats failing to show up in 2016 allowing Donald Trump to move into the “White House.”

Mitch McConnell had the political instincts to refuse allowing Merrick Garland a vote when Barack Obama nominated him for the Supreme Court back in 2016 – motivating right wing (republican) voters much more than democrats during the campaign for president back then. The result was not only one “stolen” Supreme Court nomination for Trump, but, of course, two more before Trump was “fired” by “we the people” in 2020. Honestly, today I was listening to some democrats complaining that the overturning of Roe is the fault of democrats not doing enough over the years to “codify” it when they had enough votes. To me, that just goes to prove “stupid” in America is “bipartisan.” The democrats have no one to blame but themselves for failing to show up to vote – apparently believing there wasn’t much difference between Trump and Hillary Clinton. I’ll say it once more – STUPID!

So, now democrats, once again, have an opportunity to support Joe Biden to achieve some ground breaking success, but, they’re “unhappy” – so, they’re either not going to vote – or, for heaven’s sake – vote for republicans. Here’s what they’re voting for – if they’ve been paying ANY attention at all. First, they’re voting for maybe the most SPINELESS politician to come along in years to put Kevin McCarthy as the Speaker of the House. In essence, what they’re voting for in reality is giving POWER to people like Marjorie Taylor Greene, Matt Gaetz (he, another politician Mr. Garland doesn’t have the stomach to prosecute – even for child sex trafficking), Jim Jordan, and the whole right wing crew that goes along with them. They are going after Social Security and Medicare, they want a NATIONWIDE abortion ban, they’re threatening to cut off funding for America’s support of Ukraine, and, of course, they will try to IMPEACH Biden soon after taking control. For what reason – do they need a reason??? And, will democratic voters blame democrats in Congress should republicans gain control of the House? The bottom line is there are MORE democrats than republicans – so ………………………

Personally, I’m not willing to speak kindly to anyone who comes across my way who tells me they didn’t vote or voted for a republican and then complains about the absurd amount of chaos we’re experiencing as we have to endure them in office for the next two years. Here’s how republicans are going to go after Social Security and Medicare (both dear to my 75 year old heart) – they’re going to use the debt ceiling to extract – I don’t even know what they want to extract and I’m not sure they do – cutbacks which will affect us old people. The first thing I thought of the other day when it was announced Social Security recipients (full disclosure – I’m one of them – I paid into it for over 50 years before retiring) are due to receive an 8.7% increase in benefits come January 1, 2023 was that this will make it even MORE of a target for republicans. Are Americans even paying attention to all this?

I keep hearing reports the polling says the most important issue for most Americans in the election is “inflation.” And, I place much of the BLAME on this to the TERRIBLE messaging abilities of the democratic party. Without a doubt, inflation is a serious issue. But, one of the most important? Is inflation more important than the preservation of our democratic republic? Not to me. (And, when you take a close look at the republican scheme if democrats lose in November it could be quite some time (past my remaining lifetime) before the damage can be reversed – if ever (And, I don’t believe that’s hyperbole). Do women care about whether there’s a nationwide ban on abortion care? Remains to be seen. Do seniors care about whether they continue to receive their Social Security benefits? I hope so, but, again, it remains to be seen.

Do young people want the proposed forgiveness of up to $20,000 of student loan relief? Enough to actually vote? Well, republicans are busy, as I’m writing this, attempting to block the Biden administration from being able to follow through on this proposal. Do Americans really want responisible gun legislation? Well, if so, why would you vote for a republican? Are Americans bothered by the FACT republicans LIE pathologically – right to their faces – with impunity? Apparently, not – at least anyone who would vote for a republican. In FACT, the LYING has become even more egregious as we get closer to the election. Don’t believe me, just give Marjorie Taylor Greene about a minut of your time – she’s full on “MAGA.”

I could go on and on, but if “we the people” fail to show up to vote this November we deserve what we get. And, keep in mind, we MUST show up in MUCH greater numbers than republicans because of the gerryandering which has taken place over the past couple of census results. Plus, if you’ve had your head in the proverbial sand, you may not be aware of some of the voter suppression bills passed in various “red” states since our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president convinced about a third of the country the 2020 election was “stolen.” This was done without a shred of evidence. (Every example of actual voter fraud I’ve read about was committed by republicans finding ways to vote more than once – but, even those instances were MINUTE when compared to the total number of votes cast) Here’s how we KNOW the 2020 election was NOT stolen – Donald Trump FAILED in his attempt to do just that. And, republicans are already working on STEALING this upcoming election and those which follow.

Some of the “improvements” fall into the “what are you talking about” category – like, in Georgia it’s now a FELONY to give someone waiting in one of the long lines (they create purposely) either something to drink or something to eat. I’m not kidding. But, as usual with republicans, it gets worse. The Georgia legislature gave themselves the incredible power to overturn the results of the election should they disagree with the outcome. For example, if miraculously, Stacy Abrams would upset Brian Kemp in the race for Governor, the legislature could simply overturn the results and declare Mr. Kemp the victor. The same goes in the race between Raphael Warnock and Hershel Walker. Other state legislatures have followed sut since – like, I believe in Arizona. And, keep in mind with the gerrymandered districts, many states with a 50/50 split between republicans and democrats have significant republican “majorities” in their legislatures. For example, Wisconsin is a state with a demoratic governor which also voted for Joe Biden in 2020. They have eight members of Congress and SIX of them are considered “shoe ins” to win as a republican. Their state legislature is strongly republican despite, again, over HALF of the electorate voting for democrats in statewide elections. And, this is not uncommon. (Do both parties participate in gerrymandering? Yep, it’s just that, as usual, democrats are far less successful at it)

Let me finish this rant by going back to the issue of inflation. First, people SHOULD understand despite things seeming “peaceful” here, in Ukraine there is a brutal war where the Ukrainians are “fighting like hell” (to borrow a phrase from Trump) to preserve their democracy – and, it’s having an effect on inflation worldwide. In fact, in America inflation is less of a problem than in MANY other places around the world. Worldwide I say? Yep, the world is still coming out of the pandemic and supply shortages are a problem all across the globe. It’s totally unfair to blame Biden and the democrats. Do Americans really want to suggest the FACT their wages have increased is the cause of inflation? Do they want to go back to lower wages? Is the FACT more Americans are working today than at any time EVER in our past a problem for our working class people? Truly, I hope not. Are there any Americans who’ve noticed the price of a barrel of oil has dropped by about 30% in the past few months, but the price of gas at the pump has increased by the same amount? Does anyone else find that suspicious? (Apparently, this rise in prices is not “across the board” – but, is affecting those buying gas where I live)

Here’s the deal, there are a plethora of reasons why Americans should give Joe Biden an INCREASE in the number of democratic Senators plus continued control of the House. I’ve listed a bunch of them, but there are many more. And, just stop and think – what policy suggestions are coming from republicans which are first, HONEST, and second something aside from fearmongering? What suggestions do they have for making our lives better? Personally, I haven’t heard one. I keep hearing a bunch of absurd LYING. I, personally, live in the district of a republican Congresswoman who voted to IMPEACH Trump after the INSURRECTION and, of course, she lost in the primary to a Matt Gaetz wannabee, Joe Kent, who, in the first “debate” with his general election opponent – well, it won’t surprise you – LIED through his teeth, over and over. You’d have thought he was a Reagan republican. Question: Is Joe Biden the duly elected president of the United States? Answer: “Yes.” Question: “Was the 2020 presidential election stolen?” Answer: “No.” I just hope Trump saw the answers he gave to those two questions – let alone some of the others. Because Kent was a full throated “election denier” prior to that debate performance. Does Trump care how these questions are answered. You’d think Mr. Kent is a moderate – of course, in Congress he’ll be anything but!

Final Thought: Some instances of how I’m expecting the upcoming election to give me stomach problems (at least temporarily) will be in a few governors races. For example, I really have to wonder about the people of Texas and Florida as it appears both Ron DeSantis and Greg Abbott are headed to victory. Plus, in Georgia, it looks as if Stacy Abrams will need a miracle to come out ahead of Brian Kemp (without the legislature intervening). What’s up with the people in Texas (where Abbott has abused his power repeatedly – from this viewpoint) and in Florida it seems to me DeSantis is worse. DeSantis is attempting to be the republican nominee in 2024 and he seems to believe continually pushing his behavior up to and over the legal lines will get him more republican votes. Sadly, he appears to be correct! And, Abbott, if you remember, he had his border fiasco costing Texans BILLIONS and he’s apparently done NOTHING to protect Texans from a power grid dangerously susceptible to freezing temperatures – likely to arrive this winter. What is wrong with these people? (Especially in Texas where they have the opportunity to elect a true friend of the working class in Beto O’Rourke – go figure)

I’ve said this so many times now it’s hardly worth repeating, except that it very CLEARLY is! The upcoming elections – and, I’m talking about well beyond this November’s mid-terms – will be critical to the future of this nation. Not only do “we the people” need to elect democratic majorities in both houses of Congress (plus the “White House”) but we need to elect LARGER majorities – especially in the Senate. I say this because this year’s election could hinge on the response to the “Dobbs” decision of the Supreme Court overturning Roe v Wade – but, as the saying goes, “we aint seen nothin yet!”

This present court is RULED by ideologues who are not only way off to the right of the mainstream in America, they are YOUNG! They’re going to be there for years to come. Think about this Neil Gorsich occupies the seat which SHOULD be held by Merrick Garland (let’s hope that comes back to “bite” MAGA republicans), Brett Kananaugh was credibly accused of committing sexual assault and gave an embarrassing performance in his confirmation hearing, and Amy Coney Barrett had her nomination rushed through during the 2020 election just weeks after the death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg – all three of them could be credibly accused of LYING during the confirmation hearings regarding “stare decisis” and their respect for “prededent.” Add to that Clarence Thomas is married to a possible co-conspirator in the attemtped coup d’etat of January 6th, 2021. And, I have to also add, I believe Samuel Alito was just waiting for more right wingers so he could institute his personal agenda on “we the people.”

I say that because, especially if you’re one of the MILLIONS of Americans who don’t pay much attention to politics, ANY time “we the people” get weak-kneed and allow republicans to control the Congress in, say, the next GENERATION, the danger exists that this 6-3 right wing majority could get worse. My personal hope is that those investigating the January 6th coup attempt will follow through with the investigation into Ginni Thomas which clearly, with what is already public knowledge, is a connection to Trump’s attempt to overthrow the government. For heaven’s sake, in her recent testimony to the 1/6 Committee it was reported she re-iterated her belief “the election was stolen.” Do you really believe in the 24 months encompassing the lead up to the coup attempt to her testimony of a few days ago she didn’t talk to Clarence about this? The only way I could respond to that is “Come on man!”

Ms. Thomas has been quoted as calling her husband her “best friend” and she’s also been quoted as saying she shared her thoughts only with her “best friend.” Of course, she denies she EVER talks to her husband about her politics, but, if you believe that I’ve got a bridge…………… OK, you know the rest. Here’s who she was “hanging out with” right before the election and all of the texts we now know she sent to Mark Meadows – Connie Hair, the chief of staff of Louie Ghomert – yeah, the man many consider the STUPIDEST member of Congress and one who is plum full of conspiracy theories. (You know, like the one Ms Thomas actually believed about Joe Biden – and other democrats – being sent off the coast of Guantanimo and executed – YIKES!! Who believes that kind of nonsense? Well, Ginni Thomas for one! And, her husband?????

If Mr. Thomas was forced to resign from the court that would balance things out a bit and, then, the situation wouldn’t be quite as dire – but, when you see the commitment of republicans to flood the judiciary with idealogues and partisans – there can be no let up in the importance of refusing to vote these people into positions of POWER – as I said – for a GENERATION. (If you’ve been following the rulings of Aileen Cannon in Trump v the United States you’ve seen a good example of what “conservatives” view as a “judge”) The reality is there are enough gerrymandered districts in the U.S. that the House of Representatives will, likely, always be at risk. For example, in the 2022 mid-terms I can see the possibility the TOTAL vote count for democrats running for the House could exceed 10 MILLION more votes than republicans and democrats could still lose their majority.

However, as it’s the Senate which confirms members of the Court, it’s much more important for democrats to control the Senate than the House. And, I’m talking, again, for the next GENERATION – or until either the court is expanded or a couple of the right wing judges retire or are impeached. Impeached you ask, incredulously? Well, in reality, Judge Kavanaugh allegedly LIED during his confirmation hearing which would not only make him a candidate for IMPEACHMENT, but also could lead to a CRIMINAL charge – LYING before Congress. Will this ever be followed up?

Highly unlikely, but, there is a “wave” of young people coming onto the political scene in America – people fully invested in the ideals from which the present day republicans live in fear – like, for example, Health Care issues (including, WOMEN’S health issues) the CLIMATE CRISIS – how many Hurricanes, Wildfires, etc. need to cause BILLIONS upon BILLIONS in damage before it registers with “conservatives?” (Not to mention the loss of life and the THREAT to the Earth’s very future) – How many MASS shootings must happen before sensible gun reform takes shape? – and, I’m talking, for instance, of an assault weapons ban – How large does the national debt have to grow before we grow our economy from the bottom up and tax the WEALTHY in fair accordance to their WEALTH? (Instead of the other way around) How many Americans must live without fulfilling their God given potential before we make public education FREE through four years of State College? (Heck, in Denmark, they PAY people to go to college! That’s called INVESTING in your people! I could go on and on, but I think (hope) you get the idea.

“Conservatives” will be shouting “Communism” or “Socialism” via their propaganda megaphones like Fox “news,” “Newsmax,” “Breitbart,” etc, etc. all the while attempting to convince whoever is susceptible to their “stuff” that they are not only “conservative,” but they also claim to be “Christian.” Well, to the “Christian” in them – as they are spewing this garbage propaganda, I would suggest a reading of Acts Chapter II in the New Testament. “44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,” Socialism? Communism? Pisha!

Republicans, in my view, long ago forfeited the right to expect “we the people” to believe a word they say. I’ve heard most all of my life that “all politicians lie.” Well, likely true – because I’m not sure I’ve ever met anyone who could credibly suggest they’d never told a LIE. (I believe the fairy tales about George Washington and the “Cherry Tree” for example, are just that, fairy tales) However, I do believe it is true there are honorable men and women in this world – including some who end up in politics. It’s just that republicans have fallen so FAR “off the wagon” that LYING has become NECESSARY for their existence. To me, this is exactly why Donald Trump became the de facto leader of their party. While he was in office he was LYING at such a clip it was almost impossible to keep up with tallying all the “misstatements” – as they were called by the team at the Washington Post who kept track. By the time Trump left office the total was in excess of 35,000 LIES! As the saying goes, when Trump’s lips are moving, he’s LYING!

Once again, I have to add here, while I do believe Trump is a pathological LIAR, i find the republican party’s adherence to the LYING more calculating. I’ve long suggested republicans adopted the “Big Lie Theory” of the Nazi’s in WW II – concocted by none other than Hitler, himself, I believe in “Mein Kampf” – where stating a LIE over and over will lead to people eventually believing it’s true. I actually sometimes believed Trump actually got to the point where he would believe his own LIES as the words rolled off his tongue. This is why, for example, his lawyers refused to allow him to be questioned by the Mueller investigation because they believed, at a minimum, he would LIE to the investigators. They actually considered him a f@#king LIAR!

My point is the republicans don’t deserve for “we the people” to believe a word they say. It’s as if they fully believe “we the people” are STUPID! And, are they correct? I guess that remains to be seen. I would say it’s safe to say their “base” is showing all the signs of STUPIDITY because, for example, most of the MAGA republicans I know, when I suggest to them Trump is a LIAR, they say something like “no way.” He LIES directly to their FACES and they cheer. Many of these people were devotees of Rush Limbaugh and willingly called themselves “ditto heads.” To me, admitting their inability to think for themselves. And, when I force myself to listen to (as much as I can stomach of) Sean Hannity or Tucker Carlson I just cringe that this kind of raw propaganda can survive in 21st century America.

And, trust me, I fully understand, Biblically speaking it says, “Judge not lest ye be judged,” and as I was listening to the sermon at the Church I attend today I was reminded, ONCE AGAIN – it’s difficult for me to be “all in” simply because there are so many Christians I can’t force myself to trust. For example, racism has become a “non-starter” for me (I was raised by an overtly racist father) and, to me, you can’t be a MAGA republican without “courting” racism, opposition to health care has become a “non-starter” for me, opposition to the Climate Crisis, opposition to assault weapons – essentially, you could sum it up as being a republican (with rare and welcomed exceptions) has become an issue for me. Every republican I know watches Fox “news” – which says it all! (Well, I do know a few who watch “Newsmax”)

Virtually EVERY MAGA republican causes me to simply turn away. Along with the issues I mentioned above, for example, listening to republicans complain an election – which was free and fair – was stolen makes me want to gag. And, on top of that, supporting suppressing the votes of African Americans – because you don’t believe they should have the right to vote (when their ancestors “immigrated” here well before NEARLY every MAGA republican – not that that should matter) repulses me. And, Oh, by the way, now republicans are going after the voting rights of young people and old people, like me, who might vote for democrats. I can’t help but “judge” that behavior – and, could NEVER approve it!

The bottom line, for me, is Donald Trump has been attempting to tear down our fundamental values and norms for the past 6 years – “deconstructing the administrative state” – as Steve Bannon – American’s ambassador of fascism – and, as I’ve been saying for YEARS – there is a war going on for the heart and soul of this nation. Trump “lanced the boil” and brought people like David Duke, Don Black, Marjorie Taylor Green, Jim Jordan, Scott Perry, Matt Gaetz, and sadly (I’m afraid) from my own district – soon to be embarrasment in D.C., Joe Kent into the “mainstream” of American politics. To me, our so-called “liberal media” isn’t sophisticated enough to call this for what it is. They’re still fooled by Fox “news” so-called “fair and balanced” LIE. Remember, no matter where it’s coming from, it’s still CORPORATE media.

To me, step one in the defense of our democratic republic will take place this coming November and MOST of the pundits and prognosticators are predicting exactly what I’m hoping here WON’T happen – that progressives FAIL to turn out in numbers large enough to STOP, at least for now, this right wing PLAGUE which has been spreading across America for the last few decades – in my mind, since the election of Ronald Reagan in 1980. It’s almost as if, in America, things have to be at the critical stage – analogy: the forest has to be on fire – before it gets the attention of enough poeple to do something about it. Have we reached that point? We’ve got about 40 days left before we find out.

If you’ve noticed, one of the two links I have on this site goes to the “Daily Kos,” a progressive blog. Aside from the small dollar donations I make to various candidates (unleashing THOUSANDS of emails into my inbox) for the past couple of elections I’ve been writing letters to people identified by the “Kos” as potential voters encouraging them to participate. (I also give $5 per month to the “Kos”) These letters are sent in a non–partisan manner – simply encouraging them to particiapate in the election. (I’m sure the targeted voters are progressive leaning – but, I simply encourage them to vote)

I will send 20 letters in about three weeks and I encourage anyone else who is trying to find a way to help out in this election to log into the “Daily Kos.” This only takes an hour or two to write the letters (they help – plus they have other ways to volunteer) and the cost is just 20 “forever” stamps and 20 envelopes. Just a thought if you’re wondering how you can help. If enough people volunteer, who knows? Maybe we can STOP the MAGA republicans from doing to America what Hitler failed to do in WW II! (Think that’s hyperbole? Check out Trump’s recent “rally” in front of a bunch of QAnon freaks – where they were giving him the “Seig Heil Salute.” Trump is full on into the QAnon conspiracy nonsense now!)

Final Thought: A while back I wrote my thoughts about the issue of abortion. This was prior to the Supreme Court overturning Roe V Wade, although I knew that was their (republicans’) objective. I pointed out, in my earlier life (I’m now 75), the first pregnancy I was involved in ended in a miscarriage. My wife started to bleed vaginally as her body was attempting to reject the fetus which had died. I rushed her to the hospital and they did a procedure which, in essence, was an abortion. It never crossed my mind, at the time, it was an abortion because neither of us would have even considered “such a thing.” So, since the overturning of Roe and the subsequent draconian legislation popping up all across the country – including republicans proposing to make a NATIONAL “abortion” ban, I’ve given the topic even MORE thought and I’ve heard many similar instances which have led to critical threats to women’s health.

Now, in numerous states, we would have been PREVENTED from having the procedure which, thankfully, eventually allowed for two beautiful daughters to be born subsequent to that horrible day. There are states where my wife (at the time) would have been forced to carry the DEAD fetus until such time as she would have been at a critical stage regarding her LIFE. In fact, there are some states which don’t even include an exception to save the life of the MOTHER! To me, all of that is unthinkable. There are SO many ways these abortion bans are negatively impacting the health of WOMEN all across America – it’s, well, disgusting! I predicted, prior to the Court overturning Roe that combined with the January 6th Committee hearings and the Roe decision that might just be the impetus to swing the election in November against the trends being predicted by the prognosticators. There are, after all, a LOT of WOMEN in America – over 50% of the population by my “last count.” There’s not much I could agree with Liz Cheney prior to the 1/6 Committee, but I do agree that it appears to be time for WOMEN to assert themselves more into leadership positions in our national government. How could they do worse than men she’s around in today’s republican party?

OK, I have to add: I didn’t think I was going to believe this when Joe Biden ran for president. I actually like Biden and believe he came around at just the right time. While the political forces in America were knocking heads after Biden had done HIS first IMPERATIVE, which was defeating Trump – and the so-called “liberal media” was doing – I don’t know what – Biden was governing. The Covid Releif Bill, to me, was the best piece of legislation aimed at “the bottom up middle out” that I could remember since, well – dating back to the days of LBJ. He got us out of Afghanistan – and, don’t bore me with the “it was messy.” What the hell would you expect? One of Trump’s last actions as our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president was SURRENDERING to the Taliban. And, based on the agreement Trump made with the Taliban, it’s a miracle it wasn’t “messier.” Yes, there were people left behind, but that was simply going to happen – and, it was either “get out” or send in another 20,000 or so troops. A surge was a “non-starter!”

Biden’s biggest problem was the Senate “majority” was of the thinnest kind. And, with Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema (to me, Sinema worse than Manchin) it was impossible to pass anything which required even a “carve out” of the filibuster. Will all the voter suppression laws passed in various states make it impossible for democrats to win in places like Georgia, Texas, Arizona, or other “swing states?” Very possibly, unless progressives vote in record numbers come Nobember. But, the Biden Administration got more legislation passed in its first two years than, again, any administration I can remember – back to LBJ.

They got the infrastructure bill passed with republicans who voted against it taking credit all across this land (there were, of course, republicans who voted FOR it! – a miracle in itself). They got a “Chips bill” passed bringing the manufacturing of computer chips back to America, they got the so-called “inflation fighting” bill passed – or some such name as that – which contained a START in Climate Crisis legislation and they got a bill aimed at gun violence – much less than needed – but, a “start” passed, along with bills to address medical needs of veterans plus MORE. After all that, it appeared maybe Biden was actually going to address the serious nature of what’s at stake this NOVEMBER and agressively campaign! A very busy schedule. An ACTUAL president!

But, maybe the MOST important thing Biden accomplished – in the face of a tyrant in Moscow ILLEGALY invading her neighbor – and, of course, I’m talking about our 21st Century “Hitler,” Vladimir Putin sending war CRIMINALS into the sovereign nation of Ukraine – was unifying and mobilizing the NATO alliance to come to the aid of Ukraine and make it clear if Putin went “one inch” onto NATO soil he would face the full wrath of the entire European NATO alliance – the one Trump had come close to undermining. I believe the History books may call this Biden’s greatest achievement no matter how the rest of his term in office ends up. Remember, I’ve used the STUPID term in reference to many of my countrymen (I’m sure they might respond in kind) but, traditionally, in America, politics ends at the water’s edge (The Ocean if you’re, well ST…………). Of course, just another “norm” upended by MAGA repubublicans. in fact, there are many republicans who’ve sided with Putin in this ILLEGAL invasion. (Yep, I’m talking about you Tucker Carlson and, of course Putin’s greatest fan, Trump himself – Trump called Putin’s invasion “genius” – although, remember, he called himself a “genius.”) Many republican “officials” have expressed their “America First” frustration with Biden coming to the aid of Ukraine!

Not only is NATO stronger than anytime in my memory (maybe back to the fall of the Soviet Union) but, Putin’s adventurism has caused both Finland and Sweden to request to be included in the ALLIANCE. And, of course, Ukraine is trying to become part of the European Union and, when all is said and done I believe Ukraine will become part of NATO. Putin is now threatening to use nuclear weapons, but, I believe, even that is a really poor idea for Russia – and, I believe there are people in Russia who are more level headed than Putin who will put a stop to him before the rest of the world does it for them. A nuclear war is a devil’s bargain – and, if the Russian “nukes” are anything like their military – well, I don’t want to speculate because I hope it doesn’t come to that – but, stopping Putin in his tracks was imperative and it appears the Russian troops are presently on the “run.” The Ukrainians are incredibly courageous and, to me, much smarter than their Russian counterparts – but, the bottom line is Joe Biden has provided the leadership necessary to STOP Putin in his “tracks.”

Of course, the American people (and, again, to me, a large segment of our “liberal media”) are busy complaining about “inflation” and “high gas prices” – when “inflation” is a world wide issue – far worse in most places than America – and, compared to the rest of the world, our gas prices are NOT “high.” That’s a topic for another day, but Biden is attempting to stop WW III and, it appears, successfully (although, we won’t know for sure for a bit yet) and the American people SHOULD be giving him high marks for his world wide leadership. Will it happen? Probably not! But, my prediction is, the HISTORY books will give President Biden the high marks he deserves. (Fox “news” and the other right wing propagandists I’ve mentioned above continue to (using the “Big Lie Theory”) paint Joe Biden as an old (he is old – older than me) feelbly minded soul. (Of course, he’s much more physically active and mentally acute than Trump ever thought of being – go figure!) They make “fun” of the reality Biden is a stutterer! Surprise, surprise! Some of these republicans are rotten to the core!

That all being said, someone like Gavin Newsome is looking better all the time to me, as a national leader! I, also, believe it’s time for younger leadership – it just can’t come from the republican party – unless, for example, someone like Liz Cheney would emerge. While I fully disagree with her politics, there can be no doubt she’s got guts and she’s willing to put her principles and her oath to the constitution above her position in Congress! Well, you’re right, I’ve digressed!