I’ve been pointing out for years how the (today’s) republican party has embraced the far right white nationalist/supremacist base which includes people like David Duke and Don Black – both former “imperial Wizards” of the KKK and, of course Donald Trump, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Matt Gaetz, Michael Flynn, etc. etc. We saw Trump begin bringing this group into the “mainstream” of American politics when he led the so-called “Birther” movement beginning in 2011 winning over the “Tea Party” movement which, in today’s House, is represented by Gaetz, Paul Gosar, Andy Biggs, Greene, Jim Jordan, and the ironically named “Freedom Caucus.”

If you watched the CNN “Town Hall” put on by a network desperate for ratings this past week you saw Trump, in essence, doubling down on virtually ALL of his darkest instincts – including encouraging the House republicans to take our nation over the “cliff” by forcing a default. Their “negotiating” position is well beyond the border of the ABSURD and Joe Biden is going to be put to the test as to whether or not he’ll call their bluff and simply invoke the provision of the 14th Amendment which states “The validity of the public debt of the United States shall NOT be questioned.” Professor Lawrence Tribe of Harvard Law School said, not only SHOULD Biden invoke the amendment, he HAS a duty to do so if republicans continue to hold the nation’s economy hostage. According to Mr. Tribe the main “job” of the president is to assure the laws of the land are faithfully executed – and, the money already appropriated MUST be spent as appropriated. Full stop!

Trump, to the surprise of – well, not me, once again made sure he defamed E. Jean Carroll approximately 30 hours after he’d been “slapped” with a nearly $5 MILLION dollar judgement for “sexual assault and defamation” of Ms. Carroll. I have to wonder what the next judgement will be if she sues him again. I mean “punitive damages” are designed to get the “attention” of the perpetrator and, apparently $5 MILLION wasn’t sufficient to get Trump’s attention. I’m trying to picture in my mind what the judgement might be in the case being brought by the New York Attorney General suing Trump (and his three most adult children – Ivanka, Don Jr. and Eric) for $250 MILLION which could include punitive damages thre up to four times that amount if Trump loses that case. And, keep in mind, he’s sat for a deposition in that case – I’m thinking of his deposition in the E. Jean Carroll case – stupidity and LYING!

Trump “taught” republicans they need to CHEAT in order to remain in POWER and, of course, they’ve been busy doing just that since January 6th, 2021 which led to IMPEACHMENT #2. And, every time Trump faces reality he, instinctively, lashes our at his adversaries and his “base” sucks it up. This reality has led to the republicans attacking every aspect of American society which they believe will rile up their “base” – based almost exclusively on FEAR mongering. For example, who cares about Trans children (other than their friend and family) – who are they threatening? While I was still teaching I had a Trans student in my classroom and, sadly, she was constantly bullied as she went through the public school system with little support from her teachers – this was nearly 10 years ago and it honestly makes me ANGRY every time I listen to republicans bashing Trans people. We’re talking about PEOPLE!

I point this out because it’s just one example of what republicans are doing in order to maintain/gain POWER in our political system. We began seeing the voter suppression legislation almost immediately after Trump LOST (in a landslide) to Joe Biden in 2020 and it’s continued virtually unabated in the so-called “red states” since that time. Republicans are basing thier chances in 2024 almost exclusively on culture issues (attacks). I will only mention briefly here that the Supreme Court is the body which has enabled the republican plague on our nation which will require a massive response from young voters in the next maybe 10 – 15 elections to mitigate. Remember, just one time voting for a republican as president risks extending the Supreme Court’s radical agenda even LONGER than what “we the people” are facing right now. My children may NEVER experience a progressive/moderate Court which actually follows through on the promises they make during their confirmation hearings.

For a year now I’ve been lamenting the timidity of Merrick Garland regarding his unwillingness to hold a “former president” accountable to OBVIOUS criminal conduct. We keep hearing about “Jack Smith” but that’s it – he’s “investigating.” OK, if he’s going after the entire bunch of conspirators who attempted to OVERTURN our nation’s government on January 6th, 2021 then, I guess, it would justify taking this much time – there’s virtually NO chance Trump will face a jury for his ILLEGAL conduct before the 2024 election – which causes me to think it will make AG Garland even MORE timid. Now, let me suggest who SHOULD be part of the indictment handed down by Mr. Smith.

Of course, we have to start with Trump and him facing a “Seditious Conspiracy” charge just like his buddies the “Proud Boys.” The conspiracy should, in my view, include the following people – among others: Steve Bannon, Michael Flynn, Peter Navarro, Rudy Giuliani, Jeffrey Clark, Jim Jordan, Matt Gaetz, Ginni Thomas, John Eastman, Mo Brooks, Paul Gosar, Andy Biggs, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Ted Cruz, Roger Stone, Alex Jones, Mark Meadows, and anyone else who was part of the planning of the January 6th INSURRECTION. Remember, it doesn’t take much “agreement” to become part of a conspiracy. A conspiracy is simply “an agreement among conspirators.” So, for example, when Ginni Thomas was texting Mark Meadows urging him to “keep up the fight” and then urging on fake electors in at least a couple states, she became part of the conspiracy. Will she get indicted? Not likely, but, …………. Just sayin!!

I wrote the above about a week ago – and, I’ll try to wrap it up. Since that time Ive been to two memorial services for friends who have passed away (when you get to 75 – that’s me – the memorial services seem to come regularly) and both my wife and I got sick. (fortunately, a “non covid” virus) Things have been moving very quickly since – for example, according to reports, Trump will soon be indicted for OBSTRUCTION of Justice regarding the THOUSANDS of documents he STOLE from the National Archives – apparently, Jack Smith is focused on the Clasified documents. Once again, during the CNN Town Hall Trump admitted he “did it.” He admitted that he “took the documents” and that “I had a right do do it because of the Presidential Records Act.” Can anyone become president who’s that STUPID? Well, obviously, it’s not only possible – the republican party is “doubling down.”

I believe Trump will have been CONVICTED of at least ONE of his (alleged) CRIMES by the time the 2024 election rolls around. Will the state of New York allow him to serve his “time” in the “White House” (with an ankle bracelet?) should Americans decide they want a fascist government and vote in a republican in this election? Will Merrick Garland intervene in criminal prosecutions should they push up around the 2024 election? It seems likely Trump will be facing charges from BOTH Jack Smith investigations in the next few months. And, Fulton County Georgia? Mark your calendars for early August when we’ll find out how many of Trump’s sycophants will be charged along with him in his attempt to overturn the 2020 election results in Georgia. And, there’s very likely charges for CRIMES which aren’t in the public domain just yet. For example, the soliciting (grifting) of MILLIONS of dollars from his unsuspecting CULT which have been used for “who knows what?” – other than what was promised. That very well could be ANOTHER serious felony. Of course, Trump has been operating for years believing he can simply BULLY the criminal justice system into “looking the other way.”

The bottom line is, there will be NO “healing” in America until Trump and those who CONSPIRED with him to turn this nation into an unrecognizable American version of what took place in Germany back in the 1930’s. If you’ve been paying attention, at all, you’ve seen the rise of neo-Nazi’s who’ve become more emboldened with the rise of Trump. The right wing propaganda “machine” continues to belch out mis/disinformation which is at the core of the THREAT to this nation. Fox may have agreed to pay $787,5 MILLION for LYING about Dominion’s voting machines, but their LYING has hardly slowed down. And, as usual, there’s always more. Today Ron DeSactimonious is starting his presidential campaign with, apparently, a “Twitter” conversation with Elon Musk. Yikes!!! Talk about your spewing LIES to Millions!?

Final Thought: If young Americans don’t vote in the upcoming elections – en masse – the future of this nation may very well be in the “hands” of the racist, homphobic, xenophobic, and misogynistic segment of our population. We’re talking about people like DeSantis (er Sanctimonious) Trump, or maybe someone like Kristi Noem. That is, people who’ve based their chances on “winning” by cozying up to right wing Christian Nationalists. (Again, do a little reading about the Nazi’s back in the 1930’s) Speaking of DeSan(ctimonious)tis If you’re starting your presidential campaign next to Elon Musk on Twitter, you’re desperate to “out Trump” Trump!

Speaking of Musk – he’s the perfect example of why the RICHEST Americans need to pay MORE taxes. Musk simply used $44 BILLION of his fortune – much of it made via sponging off of the American taxpayers (remember, originally, every Tesla sold included a $7500 tax credit AND his “Space X” company survives off of government contracts. Since taking over “Twitter” Musk has proven that having “boatloads” of money does NOT prevent STUPIDITY. Musk claims he wants “Twitter” to be the home of “free speech.” Well, it appears what he was talking about was giving racists a platform to spew their neo-Nazi garbage. If you listened to any of Musk’s rationales for some of the vile stuff he’s “retweeted” you fully understand what I mean! Stay tuned….

I don’t think it would surprise anyone who’s been around this site before that I DIDN’T watch Trump LYING his way through over 60 minutes in a sorry excuse for a “town hall” on CNN last night. (May 10, 2023) However, I’ve watched enough clips to be able to say Trump did exactly what I anticipated he would do. Many “liberals” have been incensed that CNN would give him the platform and, I have to admit, I was leaning in that direction. However, Trump came through as I thought he would – and, again, I watched only a few “clips” of the debacle, but he did a lot of “admitting.” Here’s a few examples of why I think this “FAKE town hall” might prove to be valuable.

First, the fact I wasn’t watching doesn’t mean there wasn’t an interested audience. I can guarantee you Jack Smith was either watching or had his DVR working to record EVERY word Trump spoke. And, there were some “doozies.” Again, I wasn’t surprised to watch Trump, for example, ADMIT he STOLE several THOUSAND documents from the “White House” once again claiming it was OK because he “declassified” them all – apparently, with the “mind meld” he has suggested in the past was his way of declassification. He claimed the “Presidential Records Act” gave him the authority to take the documents when the TRUTH is absolutely the opposite. But, he admitted he TOOK the documents – that it wasn’t some foopah by some unsuspecting underling. He said, over and over, “I had a right to do it.”

But, as usual, there’s always more. He was asked if he shared those documents with anyone else? Well, as he was obfuscating the question he, in essence, admitted that yes he did. OK, he didn’t come right out and say so, but when Trump uses his Mafioso language he’s just trying to circle around the question without giving a direct answer, but,, in this instance, I was left with no doubt (and, I didn’t have any doubt anyway) that he was sharing those documents – the only real question is – with who? (The CORRECT answer would have been “no”) Again, as he does, he said, “I absolutely had the right to.” Just like he said he “absolutely had the right to take them” in the first place. My understanding of the basics of our legal system is “ignorance of the law is no excuse.” In this case, just plain ignorance. Especially, if your job is to make sure the “laws be faithfully and fairly enforced.” (my characterization)

And, when he was asked about why he didn’t turn over all of the documents in response to the subpoena – which ultimately led to the FBI exercising a search warrant approved by a judge based on the “probable cause” a crime had been committed – he responded by saying “we were negotiating.” Well, of course, he wasn’t “negotiating” he was OBSTRUCTING – like everything else coming from his lips during this debacle, that was untrue (OK, a LIE). The Justice Department had surveillance footage of the documents – over 1,000 of them – which Trump’s lawyers had certified weren’t there – and which were being moved by ???? and, when they did the search they found TOP SECRET documents in Trump’s DESK! In essence, Trump admitted his guilt in this “town hall” last night – as the audience applauded and laughed in response to his LIES.

Again, yes – there’s – as always – more. He once again admitted the INSURRECTION of January 6, 2021 was something he planned (indirectly) and, as he was refusing to apologize to his former Vice President he once again said, he was wrong – that Pence SHOULD have “sent the votes back, and we would have had a different result.” Of course, that’s complete nonsense. The Electoral College had certified the results on December 14, 2020 – stopping the ceremonial “rubber stamping” of the Electoral College’s vote would have simply created even MORE violence than what we saw on January 6th – where FIVE PEOPLE lost their lives. Surely, Jack Smith was recording EVERY word Trump said. (And, trust me, those words can be used against him) He’s actually planning to finish the job which, to him, failed on January 6th, 2021.

Trump even doubled down on his DEFAMATION of E. Jean Carroll who had just WON almost $5 MILLION in a civil case against him the day before. He clearly DEFAMED her once again – much to the delight of the right wing audience CNN crammed into what was a very small venue. Will she sue him once more? Probably not, because I doubt she wants to go through the whole process once again (although, I believe, she still has a lawsuit which is “pending”) Trump is the classic defendant I’m guessing all lawyers hope to never have to defend. (And, that’s aside from him having a long history of not PAYING them)

Trump suggested he would “pardon” the January 6th defendants soon after taking office should “we the people” be STUPID enough to put him back in the “White House.” (I honestly believe he thinks that would be his “get out of jail free card” – although, I’m not sure why he thinks that – other than believing Merrick Garland doesn’t have the spine to take him on. (Which may be true)

Worst still, he encouraged the House republicans to take our economy over the cliff by forcing a default on the debt. Political operatives likely have already begun making the campaign commercials with that nonsense statement. It was pointed out to Trump he, when he was “in office” said the debt ceiling could NOT be breached (or words to that effect) but, the difference, in response to the question of why he would not say that now was “I’m no longer in office” much to the delight of his group of (sorry) STUPID republicans in the audience. I mean, they laughed about him assaulting Ms. Carroll as well as encouraging republicans to “tank” our economy. As I’ve said many times – it’s all about the POWER and “winning at all costs” – the republicans’ “MO” has long been “the end justifies the means.”

Well, apparently, like the House stooges who are part of his CULT following, he believes the American people will blame Joe Biden if the debt ceiling is breached. Honestly, if that would be the case, I would put the blame on the lack of ability at messaging on the democrats. In my mind, they should be making commercials while planning them to be aired around the nation RIGHT NOW with his absurd comments – making it clear it’s the responsibility of Congress to make sure we don’t default – an “experiment” that would be ten times worse in a time of war. A U.S. default would be like a “wet dream” for Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping, and other dictators around the world who want the “West” to fail in its defense of Ukraine – among a plethora of other reasons. (China would like nothing better than for the dollar to tank)

CNN believes (or so they say) they provided a public service by giving Trump the opportunity to LIE with impunity on their airwaves for over 60 minutes to a “staged” audience of Trump loving MAGA republicans. While I would disagree, at the same time, they may end up having a point. When it comes time for Jack Smith and the Justice Department to prosecute Trump for the INSURRECTION and for his STEALING of the documents (where he admitted, in essence, to OBSTRUCTING the investigation) which may or may not have been shared with foreign adversaries (for example, the Saudi’s have provided a lot of MONEY to Trump and his son-in-law since he left office) which would violate the ESPIONAGE Act – segments of this “town hall” may end up being replayed to a jury. Just as Trump admitted his own guilt in the deposition in the E. Jean Carroll civil case, he just can’t help himself when it is time to keep his mouth SHUT. Trump may have admitted to committing several Felonies in the CNN Town Hall!!! Stay tuned……………

Final Thought: I’ve been lobbying for “we the people” to rid this nation of what I’ve called “today’s” republican party since the day Bush/Cheney LIED “we the people” into Iraq – themselves committing WAR CRIMES by authorizing TORTURE of Iraqi’s and Afghani’s – based on nothing more than someone seeking the $5000 “reward” for turning someone in – with no evidence. Just as Trump is walking free along with his numerous co-conspirators (which I doubt the Justice Department has the “stones” to prosecute – the entire bunch of them) – while over a THOUSAND of the 1/6 “suckers” are either behind bars or have pleaded guilty to felonies and have served their time in jail – now with a criminal record – the ONLY people who paid the price for America’s TORTURE policy in the Iraq/Afghanistan “fiascos” were a bunch of Army “grunts” who thought they were following orders at Abu Ghraib. America seems to have a history of the “little people” paying the price for the transgressions of those at the top! No wonder people like Ron DeSantis and Greg Abbott are pushing for the banning of books!

If you get the chance, I recommend you read “Caste” by Isabel Wilkerson. That book has left a lasting mark on my brain beyond virtually any of the other books I’ve read recently – including the January 6th Select Committee’s report – which was also very profound.

By the way, one of those who was laughing and applauding the most heinous stuff in that audience reportedly was Woody Johnson, the owner of the New York Jets. They (the audience) even laughed about Trump referring to a Black Police Officer as a “thug” – because, after warning several times he shot Ashli Babbit who was breaking into the House Chamber – with the mob right behind her – while there were still several members of the House in the chamber. Of course, the crowed, and presumably Mr. Johnson, applauded to show their approval of Trump’s insinuation the cop was not charged because he’s Black. “If that had been the other way around……………..” More “dog whistle racism” from our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called Two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president who’s been indicted for 34 alleged FELONIES and who has been found to have sexually assaulted and defamed a woman (who he defamed once again during the Town Hall) and who is under investigation for NUMEROUS other crimes. It probably won’t happen, but the African American members of the Jets – if they were paying attention – SHOULD be very unhappy. Probably unlikely, because Johnson is a known financial supporter of Trump, but, I can hope!

Kerry Eleveld for Daily Kos Daily Kos Staff

(One of the outlets I support is the Daily Kos and I thought I would share this article. If you like what you see, check out their site and maybe do what I do and donate a few $’s each month to help keep them going. Hopefully all the links will work – for my brother-in-law in Pittsburgh, something POSITIVE!

The Federal Reserve just can’t keep the Biden economy down. Another strong jobs report Friday showed employers added another 253,000 jobs in April, and unemployment ticked down to 3.4%—the lowest rate in over half a century.

It marked the 28th straight month of U.S. jobs gains and yet, as Forbes contributor Eli Amdur noted, many outlets framed it as a “surprising” report “beating expectations.”

“Why, for God’s sake?” wondered Amdur. “After 28 straight months of this performance, why are analysts and reporters either surprised or maintaining misplaced low expectations?”

To be fair, the Federal Reserve Bank has been consistently raising interest rates for the past year with the express intention of tamping down economic growth to ease inflation. It did so again Wednesday, reaching a 16-year high of more than 5%.

But regardless of the Fed’s efforts, the U.S. economy continues to be stronger and more resilient post-pandemic than any other economy in the world.

Here are five facts every Democrat should know about President Joe Biden’s record growth over the past two years:

1. Under Biden’s stewardship, the U.S. economy has generated 12.7 million jobs over 27 months, according to the “mighty” jobs thread of Democratic strategist Simon Rosenberg.

2. The Biden economy is creating opportunities for all, not just the few: The Black unemployment rate was 4.7% in April 2023, the lowest ever recorded and an incredible comeback from 16.8% in May 2020, according to The Washington Post’s Heather Long.

3. Since 1989, the U.S. economy has netted 49 million jobs. Ninety-six percent of those jobs have been created while Democrats controlled the White House.

4. In the first quarter of 2022, the national uninsured rate reached an all-time low of 8%, with about 5.2 million people – including 4.1 million adults ages 18-64 and 1 million children ages 0-17 – gaining health coverage since 2020.

5. New business applications have soared during the first two years of Biden’s administration, with 5.4 million new business applications filed in 2021, the highest of any year on record, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Donald Trump was campaigning in New Hampshire today and came into contact with a “J sixer” as the crowd called her – a woman who had to be physically removed from the Capitol during the INSURRECTION of January 6th, 2021 by SIX police officers – and was able to get Trump to sign “the backpack I was wearing during the INSURRECTION,” (OK, I included the word “insurrection”) and he took a “selfie” with her, gave her the pen he used to sign her backpack, and said, “you’re going to be all right.” She was found GUILTY of a felony and sentenced to 180 days in jail (and served 161 of those days). What she’s been saying is typical republican projection – but, just the same very interesting and ironic.

In a recent interview with a reporter from MSNBC/NBC she said the members of Congress (along with Mike Pence) were “traitors” and she was going to prove it in her trial – which, evidently, she was unable to do. When asked “what do you think the punishment should be for these members of Congress who voted to certify Joe Biden’s VICTORY?” (My emphasis) Her response was “execution” – she then added, it’s in the constitution that “traitors” should be “executed.” (Keep in mind she was carrying a QAnon Flag when arrested) I couldn’t help but think – “be careful what you wish for.”

The reality is the “TRAITORS” were the people who stormed the Capitol AND the members of Trump’s team (including Trump, of course) who instigated their assault on our republic. Apparently, the Justice Department is going “easy” on all the OVER one THOUSAND people charged in the INSURRECTION – soon to be a bunch more as soon as Jack Smith finishes his investigation into the “J 6th” coup d’etat. Otherwise, we’d have seen a bunch of executions by now! Of course, including this wacked out woman. (Actually, several “Proud Boys” are in the final stages of their “Seditious Conspiracy” trial – with the jury on their 7th day of deliberations – speaking of TRAITORS – ALERT! Four of the “Proud Boys” who “stood back and stood by” were found GUILTY of Sedition)

I’ve long ago pointed out Trump, John Eastman, Rudy Giuliani, Jim Jordan, Andy Biggs, Paul Gosar, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Scott Perry, Jeffrey Clark, Matt Gaetz, Mo Brooks, Ginni Thomas, and a whole bunch more were co-conspirators in an attempt to overthrow our elected government – ie, once again, TRAITORS. So, if we follow this lady’s view of the “constitution” – well, I think you get my drift. I honestly don’t believe Trump and his sycophants will face “execution” for their SEDITIOUS conduct, but they COULD be facing a few years behind bars. (And, Trump will likely get the “penthouse” cell should he be CONVICTED.) If Trump ends up being convicted for INSTIGATING the INSURRECTION, I hope he loses his government pension and his Secret Service protection – along with the rest of his family.

Trump understands the “hammer” is coming shortly – which is why his republican minions – including his dense sons – are referring to every group of Americans protesting some of the egregious legislation republicans are attempting to ram through state Houses as “insurrectionists.” Of course, the one thing missing from these protests are the assaults on the police officers there to protect the people on the floor of the various legislatures. I’m not surprised Don Jr. can’t tell the difference from a public protest in a House gallery by peaceful protestors and the MOB that attacked America’s Capitol – when the building was closed to the public – injuring OVER 140 members of the Capitol and Metropolitan Police Departments – some of them being permanently disabled on January 6th, 2021, but the rumors are he’s not all that bright. Additionally, that assault was intended to overturn a PRESIDENTIAL election and, as the INSURRECTIONISTS chanted, they wanted to “hang Mike Pence.” Am I missing something here?

The INSURRECTIONISTS were armed with everything from the sharpened ends of the flag poles they used on the police officers, to tazors, to hand guns – and, the “OATHKEEPERS” who’ve been convicted of “Seditious Conspiracy” having a weapons “stash” nearby Washington DC setting up a “quick reaction force” where the weapons could be brought to the INSURRECTION quickly. I suppose they were hoping the Capitol Police would open fire on the crowd which would have “triggered” their “quick reaction force.” Who knows, but a group of the OATHKEEPERS will be spending the next (possibly) 20 years behind bars. I have a former student who is serving 15 years in the Washington State Pennitentary for far less than what these people did. (Although, I’m not making excuses for him – someone who grew up in a gang family – my wife and I – we both had him in Middle School classrooms – correspond with him periodically)

Despite everything going on with “teflon Don” I’m still somewhat befuddled that the so-called “family value” republicans seem more enamored with him the more trouble he faces. Usually, the 34 FELONY counts for which he’s been indicted in a Manhattan, N.Y. courthouse would be enough for MOST politicians to be “done.” Yet, according to polling since that time, his “numbers” have gone up since. Being credibly accused of RAPING someone over 25 years ago and facing the charge in a civil lawsuit would doom MOST politicians (the democrats, in essence, banned Al Franken for patting a few ladies on their “behinds” at the Minnesota State Fair – seemingly because female Senators couldn’t “stomach” such behavior). It remains to be seen should Trump be found guilty in the civil case vs. E. Jean Carroll – whether or not his numbers will go up.

And, that’s just the “tip of the iceberg.” The “real” charges, in my view will be coming from Jack Smith in the January 6th investigation where Trump could face up to FIVE felony indictments with several subject to prison sentences of 20 years – including, to me, the obvious one – SEDITION. (I remind you of his sycophant mentioned above suggesting what the “constitution calls for the punichment of TRAITORS) Plus, we have no idea what Trump was doing with the approximately 300+ Classified documents – many of the highest level of TOP SECRET – with rumors being he was showing them to “guests” (or ????) at Mar a Lago – while, it appears, he was OBSTRUCTING investigators who were trying to get the documents returned to the National Archives. If you believe ALL the documents have been returned, well, you’re a lot smarter than me. I just wonder where the rest of them are “hiding.”

Obstruction of Justice carries a sentence of 5 to 20 years depending on the circumstances. (Once again, I remind you – Trump “got away with” arguably 10 instances of OBSTRUCTION in the Mueller report – thanks to William Barr’s LYING coverup AND Merrick Garland’s lack of will. (Mueller, in his report, stated he “memorialized” the evidence of the OBSTRUCTION for when Trump was no longer “covered” by the OLC memo stating “a sitting president may not be indicted.” After Trump left office it appears AG Garland wasn’t interested! As Mueller pointed out, OBSTRUCTION is a fundamentatlly serious offense. If Trump faces charges for the STOLEN documents found at Mar a Lago I’m certain it will be OBSTRUCTION of justice.

During the last year of Trump’s time in office as the Covid-19 pandemic was spreding across America (and, Trump was BUMBLING his way “through” it) I mentioned on several occasions that between Trump and Mitch McConnell – their “success” was impeded by their STUPIDITY. I still believe, had they chose to listen to Nancy Pelosi when she got the democratic controlled House to pass the “HEROES” Act, Trump would have, likely, won re-election. Makes me shudder to even think this once again. The “HEROES” Act was designed, in the words of Pelosi, to “crush the virus.” Trump’s incompetent response to the “virus” was, in my mind, what “did him in.” And, of course, McConnell played his part in it because republicans controlled the Senate at that time. By the time January 6th, 2021 rolled around I believe many republicans had “had enough” of Trump and they, again, were given the opportunity by Ms. Pelosi to end the Trump “nightmare” once and for all.

Pelosi led IMPEACHMENT number TWO giving the republicans in the Senate the chance to vote to convict Trump and end his reign on their party for good. Had they voted to convict Trump he would have no longer been eligible to hold ANY office in the federal government EVER again! That’s all they had to do – but, NO, McConnell couldn’t make himself do it – despite, after voting to “aquit” giving a speech which made me, at least, wonder what was going on in his head – essentially, saying Trump was guilty. (Which, anyone paying attention KNEW already) Another example of republican STUPIDITY. And, McConnell is right in the middle of all of the STUPID despite being recognized as a superb tactitian by most observers of the Senate. Go figure!

So, as of the time I’m writing this, Trump has been the catalyst for three successive failed election cycles from the perspective of republicans and, it appears to me, if republicans actually nominate Trump once again in 2024 it will be a fourth successive failed election for republicans (although the way the Senate is “lining” up for 2024 the likelihood of republicans gaining control, I believe, is very high. Democrats will be defending over twice as many seats as republicans – although, my hope is young Americans from 18 – 35 will vote in record numbers and vote AGAINST republicans. Virtually EVERY issue which resonates with young Americans; Health insurance, guns, Climate Change, housing, education, student loan forgiveness, child care, abortion and more are issues where republicans are on the wrong side.

And, the issue of the Courts – if democrats message it correctly, will be a DRIVING issue for the next generation – because voting for a republican for president is risking an even MORE extreme Supreme Court – not to mention the lower courts. We’ve seen with the incredibly “creative” thinking of the Judge in Texas – appointed by Trump (and, another alleged CORRUPT judge via the confirmation process) – who banned “mifeprestone” the so-called “abortion pill” after over two decades of safe useage since the FDA approved it – opening up a potential “can of worms” for other FDA approved drugs – that judicial overreach is becoming almost commonplace. “Trump judges” are “legislating from the bench” (well, I should say republican appointed judges because Sam Alito and Clarence Thomas weren’t appointed by Trump) on “freedoms” many Americans had long ago taken for granted – the most obvious being, of course, Roe v Wade and abortion.

Leaders around the world (less Trump’s dictator friends) are cringing at the thought “we the people” might put him or someone like him back into the “White House.” Joe Biden has been instrumental in supporting Ukraine’s fight against Russia’s ASSAULT on their sovereignty which, to me, is enough for him to be re-elected – not to mention ALL the progressive legislation he signed in the first two years of his first term. But, the judiciary – which many Americans I know of well enough to know whether or not they’re paying attention to it – is (or should be) a CRITICAL issue on the minds of voters. It likely is with WOMEN who, in many states now, are putting their lives in danger be becoming pregnant. America’s infant mortality rate is somewhere near the BOTTOM of advanced nations in the world – and, with the Court’s decision on Roe will only get worse.

I’m not one who would be supportive of an “abortion,” or so I thought, until I gained a bit of education. (Which, in reality, I knew, but hadn’t thought about it for about 50 years) In my first marriage, the FIRST pregnancy of my (ex) wife – a pregnancy which we were celebrating – until, she began to miscarry. I rushed her to the Hospital (bleeding) and the procedure she received was, in essence, an abortion. Now, when I listen to women who are being FORCED to risk their own lives to become pregnant in places like Texas, Ohio, Mississippi, Florida, and right next door to the state I live in, Idaho – where, had we lived there with today’s laws back in the 1970’s – my wife’s life very well would have been in danger as the emergency medical care she needed would have been denied until she reached a stage of sepsis. Women who survive sepsis, with a decaying fetus in their bodies, not only are CRITICAL medically, but, if they survive, the likelihood of ever bearing children afterward, is seriously compromised.

These are just TWO reasons even thinking of another Trump presidency makes people around the globe (and across America) shudder. Trump is promising the INSURRECTIONISTS he will “pardon” them, while THREATENING retribution on his perceived “enemies list.” (Which, likely, is very long – reminds me of a Nixon “deja vu all over again” moment) Trump, with the help of Moscow Mitch, Leonard Leo, and others – put THREE members on the Supreme Court who, along with existing justices Alito, Roberts, and Thomas, are determined to “turn back the clock” on America to the 70’s or 80’s – or even before that. This is why “we the people” MUST consider EVERY election for the next 20 – 30 years “the most important of my lifetime.” And, in the words of a true conservative – Liz Cheney – Trump can NEVER get even close to the White House EVER AGAIN!

Final Thought: Of course, there are many other issues why Trump can NEVER get close to the “White House” EVER again. I’ll just list a few: His promise to go after members of the media is “un American,” (if republican voters even care about that) His denial of the Climate Crisis (along with republicans across the nation) threatens the future of our children and grandchildren’s (reminder I’m 75) ability to survive on this planet. His threats to undo the federal bureaucracy and replace it with people willing to sign a loyalty pledge just makes me shudder to even think that could be an issue in a presidential election. His fawning of the world’s worst dictators and the assurance if re-elected Ukraine aid would be discontinued and our foreign policy would be Russia oriented makes me shudder even more. There’s a plethora of issues such as these which makes it seem IMPOSSIBLE this nightmare could continue, but, as I’ve stated, each time he faces another indictment it’s likely his support will strengthen among republicans. That said, it’s up to independent voters, disaffected republicans, and democrats to make sure Trump, as said by Ms. Cheney, “never gets close to the White House EVER again.” Stay tuned……………