Today it was announced Trump has received a “target letter” from Jack Smith regarding the INSURRECTION of January 6th, 2021 giving him four days to choose whether to go before the Grand Jury and defend himself – which EVERYONE knows he’ll NEVER do. What this means is it’s very likely Trump’s NEXT indictment will happen at some point next week. (The week of July 21st through July 26th.) It will be interesting to see how detailed Mr. Smith will be – by all accounts he’s purported to be very detailed and thorough – and, how many of Trump’s co-conspirators will get caught up in the indictment.

It could be in the HUNDREDS – although I’m not convinced Smith will go that far although the CONSPIRACY seemed to cover numerous states across this nation. (Just this day the Attorney General of Michigan has charged 16 FAKE electors for their participation in Trump’s scheme with a series of FELONIES.) It could/should include several members of the House of Representatives (and, maybe, Ted Cruz?) including Jim Jordan, Scott Perry, Andy Biggs, Paul Gosar, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Mo Brooks, Louie Ghomert, and many others – including the crazy lawyers (Giuliani, Eastman, Clark, and others) Mark Meadows, Steve Bannon, Roger Stone, Michael Flynn, plus Ginni Thomas (read some of her texts which are public knowledge) all the FAKE electors and those who recruited them and, possibly, Jared Kushner (if Smith charges the frudulent campaign fundraising of about a quarter BILLION dollars which was never used for the purpose stated in the solicitations.)

I’m writing this prior to the anticipated indictment to remind myself to spend some time speculating on where Smith may be going with this (alleged) indictment. The way I see it, there could be more than one way to decide what is the best course of action. And, one of them, quite possibly, would be what they’ll face in the courtroom of Aileen Cannon in Florida during the lead up to the trial in Trump’s Classified Documents case. I don’t believe the government prosecutors trust Ms. Cannon to cause the trial to fall into the “Speedy Trial” which the constitution “requires.” Therefore, does Smith want to have ANOTHER case which could get pushed up against the 2024 election? Obviously, that will be Trump’s plan – assuming republicans are STUPID enough to nominate him once again for the presidency.

If the charges are limited I believe it will be due to the expediency Mr. Smith wants in regard to this investigation which is about ONE year past due – based on where it should have happened. I’ve been part of the resounding chorus of Americans who’ve questioned the bona fides of Merrick Garland and there seems to be evidence, as many worried, it took the January 6th Select Committee’s report to get the Justice Department off their collective asses – instead of keeping their focus on the sycophants who Trump DUPED into doing his dirty work on January 6th, 2021 – even Trump, at the time, said “remember this date forever.” I’m just trying to help him do just that!

Reports have emerged there will be THREE categories in the indictment. I won’t speculate other than to say it appears Smith doesn’t feel charging Trump with SEDITIOUS conspiracy – along with the “R’s in Congress” who he was scheming with – not to mention the lawyers and those pushing the “fake elector” scheme – make no mistake, Trump and his minions were attempting to OVERTHROW our government and truth be told, he’s continuing his plan to turn America into a FACIST state – despite his (projection) words suggesting Biden is the “facist.” Remember, these republicans – and Trump especially – operate in a fact free world. They feel not the slightest need to back up their outrageous comments with anything even resembling facts.

I’m hearing/reading warnings about what will happen should Trump somehow get re-elected – but, keep in mind, he’s “written” the “playbook” and, I believe any republican will attempt the same authoritarian takeover of our government should Trump not be the republican nominee. Trump is running out in self preservation mode because I can imagine he FEARS jail more than anything else – and, he believes he can avoid his legal troubles by getting re-elected – just as he avoided them during his 4 year reign on “we the people.” Question: Are the American people STUPID enough to want another four years of this thug? Lord help us!

Here’s the deal – many hard right “Christians” are totally OK with a facist dictatorship – I actually know some of them. They profess to be “conservatives” – BUT they support Trump and if you ask them “what is a conservative?” They get mad at you for being inquisitive. Some will simply say anyone who opposes abortion. Most progressives like me aren’t “pro abortion” – they’re pro letting a woman have autonomy over her own body. It’s appearing more and more as if “conservatives” want to turn back the clock to the days when “a woman’s place is in the home.”

I’ve read several articles of late warning “we the people” of the grave challenges of the 2024 election – which, to an extent, I would totally agree. But, what I’m not hearing/reading is the imperative people (democrats, independents, and disaffected republicans) show up in MASSIVE numbers and vote AGAINST republicans – not only in 2024, but for the foreseeable future as these republicans – who are the “offspring” of America’s “oligarch” society (and, of course, they call people like me an “elitist”) – have not/will not be deturred by political defeat. They just keep coming back like a “bad dream.” (Their access to money is unlimited and their desire for what Karl Rove refered to as a “permanent republican majority” requires serious CHEATING – the perfect scenario for Trump)

That’s one issue I have with progressives. They win an election and think all is well. That’s what republicans count on and what happened with Obama’s election leading to the reign of Trump. Hopefully, it won’t happen with Biden’s election – even if Biden wins a second term. These republicans (white nationaists, ie “deplorables”) will just attempt to raise even more hell. They include more “deplorable” people than just Trump.

Have you paid attention to Elon Musk lately? He has so much money he was able to buy a platform where he could spew his right wing HATE for $44 BILLION – and, in essence, run it into the ground while giving neo-Nazi’s a spigot for their HATE once again. And, the other major social media networks (Facebook and Youtube) have relaxed their “rules” allowing the right wing HATERS to have more avenues for spreading their “garbage.” Social media outlets have been the perfect sounding board for mis/disinformation.

It is the use of these social media networks that people integrated into the White Nationaist movement with the militia movements and other right wing “movements” using these platforms to “recruit” their radicalized minions (Just as foreign radicals like ISIS uses social media for recruiting). Trump’s intention is to bring right wing radicals “on board” to, once again, do his “dirty work” using social media. Consequently, the sheer number of Americans who are willing to throw our consitution to the wayside continues to grow as Trump, and other republicans, attack “we the people” using “culture wars” because that’s what energizes their base.

Hopefully, young people, women, African Americans, Latina’s, LGBTQ Americans, and old white “liberal” Americans like me are getting the message. I may not be around for the 2028 election, but I can guarantee you these white nationalists lining up behind Trump will be – whether Trump goes to jail or not. Trump has given them the “playbook,” they’ll find another “fuhrer” if that becomes necessary. The fact Trump’s base is largely composed of “conservative Christians” is eerily similar to Hitler’s base back in the 1930’s. Reminds me of the saying, “Those who ignore history are bound to repeat it.”

The way I see it, “we the people” MUST vote against republicans for at least a generation – or, until the “FREEDOM Caucus,” Keving McCarthy, Mitch McConnell and MOST of the rest of “present day republicans” (who have NO guts when it comes to challenging Trump) are voted into the HISTORY books. The courts are stacked against progressives – which is by design. State governments are passing voter suppression laws in alarming numbers (thanks to the Roberts SCOTUS) and, it’s imperative to fight (via the courts) against these laws. The SCOTUS is likely going to be made up of this “conservative” majority for a couple decades. Voting in another republican to the “White House” simply makes that reality much WORSE.

Here’s what republicans understand: There’s more of us (meaning progressives) than there are of them – so, to WIN they have to CHEAT. This didn’t start with Trump. Republicans CHEATED back in 2000 when the presidency was “stolen” from Al Gore via an earlier version of the Supreme Court. (A decision resulting in the Iraq (illegal) war – er, FIASCO. The history of the republican M.O. – “The end justifies the means” is what has led to their willingness to CHEAT – which they find creative ways to accomplish their goal – win at all cost!

And, beware, republicans have a history of supporting “third party” candidates in order to siphon off votes from the democratic candidate – a “sheme” which has not been well reported by our “liberal media.” When Reagan beat Carter republicans supported a “liberal republican” – John Anderson – who took votes from dsiaffected democrats – keeping them from voting for Carter. When GW Bush was granted the presidency by the Court, it wouildn’t have been even close save for Ralph Nader running on the “Green Party” ticket and, of course, Trump benefited from the impossible candidacy of Jill Stein – not only helped by republican money but Ms Stein was even a guest of Vladimir Putin prior to the election. I’ll let you put two plus two together. Go figure!

The bottom line here is “we the people” MUST be participants in the upcoming elections (for the next 20 – 30 years) with the goal of voting AGAINST republicans. The future for our children and grandchildren (if you’re old like me) depends on it. If this summer hasn’t convinced you the Climate Crisis is real – well, brace yourself for this fall when the HURRICANE season hits full force. (And, the wildfire crisis is already upon us) And, it’s hard for me to understand why any woman would vote for a republican because their goal is to make abortion illegal with no exceptions – nationwide.

Remembering when my (first) wife was having a miscarriage I couldn’t help but think had we lived in today’s Texas her life would have been in danger (without seeking medical help outside the state – but, the situation was an emergency which would have threatened her life had doctor’s been reluctant to, in essence, perform an abortion allowing her to bear children at a later date. What that means is there are now states in America where a woman getting pregnant potentially puts her life in danger. Yikes!!!

The gun crisis, the education crisis – and, I could go on and on – there are so many issues where the “will” of “we the people” is not addressed because of a one word answer: republicans! I spent the last 23 years of my working life teaching 6th graders in Middle School. To this day I remember when GW Bush instituted the “No Child left behind” legislation shortly after taking office in 2001. It was cleat to me, at the time, republicans were turning up the “heat” on their desire to undermine public education. Well, it’s now at the “boiling” point. And, progressives need to “fight back” at the ballot box in order to save/strengthen our public education system.

These are just some of the reasons why it’s IMPERATIVE for America’s voters to reject republicans at the polls for the next couple of decades – or, until these radicals who’ve taken over the republican party are voted, as I’ve often said here, into the History books – books that should NOT be removed from the shelves in the libraries. Along with the importance of VOTING for “we the people” it’s also IMPERATIVE the Justice Department prove that “no one is above the law” by prosecuting those who CONSPIRED with Trump to overturn the 2020 presidential election. The sooner Trump is in a Court of Law being forced to defend his actions the better.

Prosecuting Trump and voting out republicans will be an important first step in preserving our Constitutional democratic republic which has endured over 240 years with lots of “hiccups” (OK, bad stuff) but has proven the Constitution is a “living document” which is why “we the people” continue to push our nation toward the “ideal” that “all men (and women) are created equal.” Striving for MORE inclusion instead of attempting to “turn back the clock” reversing hard fought gains in Civil (and human) Rights over the past 60 years. I’ll end this by saying, once again, Trump has come closer to turning America into a fascist nation than Hitler ever did! It’s up to “we the people” (and the Justice Department) to ensure he NEVER accomplishes his goal!

Final Thought: I mentioned above Elon Musk and his takeover of “Twitter.” He has shown his true self since that point in time – at least to me (a non social media user). I WAS a strong supporter of Tesla because it’s obvious to me “we the people” MUST find an alternative to fossil fuels “sooner rather than later.” To me, that means Musk deserves credit for supercharging the push for electric cars (although Chevrolet was farther along regarding electic vehicles than most people understand – but, Musk was the “instigator” of the EV “revolution” in my mind.)

That being said, at this point, there is little to NO chance I would ever purchase a Tesla. I see Musk as one of the “American Oligarchs” who are willing to use their money to, in essence, “burn the house down” – with the “house” being America’s “democracy.” He’s in the “good ole boys club” of Peter Thiel, Mark Zuckerberg, Larry Ellison, and others who are pouring their money into politics behind some really “Trumpian” candidates. Naturally, there’s a whole lot more “Oligarchs” in America who have, in essence, bought many (if not MOST) of America’s political “leaders.” Musk is just “advertising” his right wing “bona fides” on his new toy, Twitter – and it just almost makes me sick to my stomach. Reminds me of the proverb (once again) that “money is the root of all evil.” Stay tuned……

How could America have evolved to the point where today’s republicans, in both the House and the Senate (not to mention the presidential candidates), could possibly be so “effing” (to use a phrase from the January 6th Committee’s report) STUPID. And, yes, I’m talking about you, Ted Cruz, Josh Hawley, Mike Lee, Tommy Tuberville, Jim Jordan, Matt Gaetz, Louie Ghomert, Scott Perry, Andy Biggs, Paul Gosar, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Lauren Boebert, and, sadly, a bunch more. And, then there’s the HUGE segment of republican COWARDS who know what their party is doing is WRONG, but don’t have the guts to SPEAK OUT! It really is shameful.

In this present Congress republicans are accomplishing NOTHING. They can’t even pass the 2023 Defense Appropriations bill without creating a public “stink.” And, of course, the Defense Department can’t promote ANY officers because Tommy Tuberville, who says “White Nationalists are simply Americans.” (Well, he’s somewhat correct – in that many of them are – plus they’re , by definition, RACISTS. Truth be told, there’s White Nationalists in many other countries around the world) Tuberville continues to broadcast he’s an “effing” IDIOT. (How do people like this get voted into Congress?)

So, the latest item republicans are wrapping their minds around in their 24/7 attempt to keep Joe Biden’s “poll numbers” down involves, naturally, more STUPID (and dangerous) “stuff.” Joe Biden put 3000 American reservists on notice they may be shipped off to Europe to give a break to troops already stationed there (about 100,000 are there as I write this). Oh my god, the republicans are seemingly pooping all over themselves. The aforementioned Cruz and Lee (along with assorted right wing “pundits”) are suggesting Biden is attempting to start WW III. Yikes! The absurdity never seems to end.

However, when you take a sober look at what Biden has been doing for the last 18 months, it’s exactly the opposite. I would like our “liberal media” to put the moniker “Neville Chamberlain” on these republican IDIOTS. For anyone who hasn’t been paying attention or hasn’t read anything about American and World History, Chamberlain was the British Prime Minister who took Adolf Hitler at his word in order to avoid a war – well, we all know how that turned out. (It’s more complicated than that – but, suffice it to say, Putin’s goal was NOT simply Ukraine) Biden has done a MASTERFUL job in unifying (and expanding) NATO in the face of Putin’s naked aggession and, now, the only issue is how is Putin/Russia going to “save face” as they are LOSING badly. (Their hope is to hang on long enough for Trump to retake the “White House” – that’s the ONLY way they succeed in Ukraine).

Honestly, it’s really tiring watching all the BS coming from the “right” in our country. The so-called “conservatives” want to “defund the DOJ and the FBI” – which, of course, would allow Trump to violate even MORE of our laws – in fact, when you think about it, the laws would only apply to “liberals” (like me, apparently) and “Black and Brown” people. Trump didn’t get much done in his four years of chaos, but he’d be able to be a full time “president” should he “win” once more – because he’s got a lot of REVENGE to conduct. And, how could he win you might ask with 60% (or more) of Americans viewing him unfavorably? Of course, by CHEATING!

And, CHEATING is now being “baked in” to the republican party beyond what even I could have imagined. I’ve been lamenting for over 15 years (here) that “we the people” MUST vote these THUGS into the History books – Trump’s place will be right next to Benedict Arnold and there are a plethora of republicans who apparently want to be in that same section of the book. Trump tried to overthrow our government. To me, that makes him a traitor! (Don’t believe me? I heard him with my own ears on national TV say: Mike Pense had the power to overthrow the election – you can read for yourself HERE) Not only a TRAITOR, but DELUSIONAL!

Here’s the main reason why republicans are going to be searching the “bottom of the barrel” for smears on Biden. The economy continues to “chug” along, spitting out jobs at an hisoric rate, inflation is coming down, infrastructure jobs are “happening” and ramping up all across the country, soon America will be producing her own Semi-conductor chips – manufacturing is up, and, actually, people’s attitudes about the economy are going “up” as well. We KNOW there’s about 35% of America who will never be satisfied – and, there’s a lot of democrats who want a younger candidate than Biden – but, when push comes to shove, I believe defeating TRUMP once more will be priority one in the 2024 election.

Young people, women, African Americans, Latinos, and supposed “liberals” like me – actually, old people who care about preserving our nation’s heritage (wart’s and all) for our Children and grandchildren will need to VOTE in record numbers to overcome the potential for CHEATING republicans have “baked in” to several of the state legislatures around the country. The most blatant example, to me, came in Texas, where the state legislature gave itself the authority to intervene in “Harris County” – because, you know, voter fraud! (Which doesn’t exist except for peoplle voting twice for Trump) What does exist in Harris County is a bunch of “liberals” who vote for democrats. This kind of BS is happening because of decisions by the Supreme Court which gutted the Voting Rights Act of 1965 – suggesting “voter suppression is no longer an issue in today’s America.” (Apparently, you can graduate from Harvard Law School and still be STUPID)

It is the Court, in fact, which gives “liberals” and especially WOMEN the motivation to VOTE in record numbers. And, I’m not just talking about voting Biden into a second term, but give him a Senate majority large enough to overcome the “Blue Dog” democrats (and, turncoat Kyrsten Sinema) – plus, of course, get these wacked out republicans out of control of the House. If you haven’t been paying attention, the only thing the House republicans have accomplished is – well, NOTHING! We will soon be experiencing the latest in the (getting) long line of republican led government SHUTDOWNS – and, trust me, the right wing republicans (the freedom [?] caucus) in the House will be slobbering all over themselves as if they’ve finally accomplished something. Of course, they’ll blame Biden, and MILLIONS of their sycophants will believe them!

They (the House republicans) are attempting to cut off all aid to Ukraine – apparently, to stop the embarrassment Vladimir Putin (and them?) are feeling about the Russian failure to do a “blitzkrieg” right into Kyiv back in Feb. 2022. Honestly, listening to Marjorie Taylor Greene makes my stomach curdle but she’s been put into a position of POWER in the House so I have to listen. Do the people of Georgia understand what they’ve stent to Congress? Or, does she actually represent the mental capacity of the people of her district? Gives you a good idea why republicans want to ban books in public school libraries – and, why they don’t want our children being allowed to feel “uncomfortable” in school (unless they are Black, Latina, LGBTQ, or ????) by hearing/reading of the TRUTH about our nation.

I used to have breakfast with a “conservative” who eventually got sucked into the Trump CULT to a point I was unable to comprehend. At first, I started noticing some of the things coming from his mouth which were outright “conspiracy theories” that made no sense. This man raised three African American children whom he adopted (and, who called him “Dad”) which was one of the main reasons I felt comforable having a dialogue with him – though we came from polar opposite political viewpoints. What really got to me (as he was making antagonistic comments via email during the pandemic) was when I put two and two together with some of his words which were – simply, no other way to look at it – racist. I was a bit shocked. I won’t go into detail anymore than to say he said he didn’t belive in “democracy” and certainly didn’t feel inner city Black people should have the right to vote. (including his children) He said other stuff, but that pretty much left our conversations with no place to go. (He was also predicting the “Civil War” you hear when you’re tuned into far right wack job websites – as if he was a “believer” AND, of course, he believed the “election was stolen” – why? Because Trump said so!)

Like so many other “conservatives” my friend claimed to be a “conservative Christian.” I continue to struggle with how any “Christian” could “square” the actions and words coming from Trump with the “teachings of Jesus.” I have to force myself to believe they must be indulging in the “Old Testament” in ways to justify the ILLEGAL conduct carried on by MANY of their republican “leaders” – not to mention the “organized CRIME” level of conduct coming from Trump on a regular basis. Yes, we are ALL flawed humans, but somehow I have to force myself to continue my belief in Jesus while “Christians” all across America are acting as if the Bible doesn’t exist – even knowing “twisting” the meaning of scripture is difficult to avoid – using my own case as an example – I can’t avoid my preconceived notions each time I read/listen to it.

I’ve said this before many times here, Trump is violationg laws with IMPUNITY to the point where people have become numb to what he’s doing – forcing themselves to accept that it’s OK. But, if a democrat were doing what Trump has done? OMG!! When Trump was in office hardly a day went by when Trump didn’t push the boundaries of what is acceptable in America. One institution after another was challenged as he proved again and again he had little to no idea what is actually in our constitution. Steve Bannon was purged from his administration in the first two years but he laid out the goal of Trump’s administration in one succinct phrase: “Deconstruct the administrative state.” That will be the “new” plan on “steroids” should “we the people” be STUPID enough to grant his wish to obliterate our democratic republic. Trump is actually “saying the quiet part out loud” in this respect as his “campaign” is heating up. It will be all about REVENGE – with House republicans are attempting to initiate his REVENGE during the remaining two years of their “rule” in the House.

House republicans have attempted to IMPEACH Joe Biden with “trumped up” (pun intended) conspiracy theories they, like their CULT leader, are unable to support with actual evidence. They spout they want to IMPEACH Merrick Garland, Christopher Wray, and, anyone else who they believe is acting in the best interests of this nation. The bottom line for these republicans is that POWER is more important than our constitutional democratic republic. They are unwilling to attempt to cause a majority of American voters to actually vote for them based on the issues. I recently read a book by Kurt Andersen titled “Fantasyland” and he documents the willfulness of Americans to fall/have fallen for “BS” (my characterization) from the earliest days of our republic right up to what is happening now. Based on Andersen’s “thesis” it should be no surprise a CON artist like Trump could DUPE a large section of our public.

Final Thought: It was reported today that Trump has received a “Target Letter” from Jack Smith regarding his attempt to overthrow our 2020 election. Apparently he was given four days to report to the Grand Jury in order to give his “side” of the issue. Do you believe Trump will show up to testify on his own behalf? Of course not – he can’t complete three sentences without spewing at least one outright LIE. This will be the THIRD indictment of Trump – he’s already facing 74 FELONY counts – and, for me, this is the most important investigation. (Although, what he was doing with all the CLASSIFIED documents could be almost as dangerous to this nation – we’ll probably never know the full extent of who he shared that material with or whether he managed to monetize the documents???)

I pointed out soon after the January 6th, 2021 INSURRECTION and following the U.S. Senate refusing to CONVICT Trump of what they ALL knew he was guilty that “the TRUTH will come out” drip, drip, drip. I also questioned Merrick Garland’s “stomach” for indicting a former president – which likely wouldn’t have happened except for the January 6th Select Committee’s report and had Garland not FINALLY decided to turn the investigation over to Jack Smith. It has taken MUCH too long to get to this point, but, if the DOJ had decided against holding Trump (and, hopefully the “R’s” he mentioned when attempting to get the head of the Justice Department to “Just say the election was corrupt and leave the rest to me and the R’s.”) accountable that would have entrenched there is no “rule of law” in America if you’re rich and powerful.

I believe the main reason Trump is running for a second term is because he’s trying to head off these prosecutions which actually threaten his liberty. (So far, not working too well) His “base” is sticking with him because the rest of our political system is/has been fighting to help this nation evolve from her – what I called above – warts (specifically racism) – what Ron DeSantis refers to as “wokeism.” I’m not the only person suggesting when you see the republicans using the term “woke” (which they likely don’t understand what it actually means according to the “slang” where it originated) you can substitute the word “Black.” It’s imperative the young people of America vote in HUGE numbers.

I realize young and more progressive voters are frustrated we have an 80 year old president, but I would suggest to them he’s accomplished MORE than ANY president since, likely, LBJ. And, there’s more he can accomplish if VOTERS give him MORE democrats in the Senate and democratic control of the House – instead of these wackjobs who are “running” things there as I’m writing this. And, the issues are PARAMOUNT: Climate Crisis, Guns, Voting Rights, Women’s rights, the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, Education (including forgiving student loan debt and making university education affordable), and, of course, the preservation of our “democracy.” The stakes couldn’t be higher and my hope is voters finally listen to me – vote AGAINST republicans. Once we PURGE these right wing despots out of office it will be time to get back to debating the differences between progressive and conservative policy. (If you want an example of an ACTUAL conservative – check out Liz Cheney – who I have little in common with except that I RESPECT her courage and honesty)

There are too many CRITICAL issues facing “we the people” to put up with the republican REVENGE “tour” any longer. VOTE!!!

If you’ve been around here you KNOW I’m no fan of Donald Trump and I look forward to the government figuring out how to put someone in jail along with a Secret Service delegation. Personally, I believe the solution to that problem would be solved by charging Trump with the same SEDITIOUS CONSPIRACY the “Oathkeepers” (that is a misnomer if there ever was one) and “Proud Boys” who are facing decades in prison for their role in the January 6th, 2021 INSURRECTION at the Capitol in Washington D.C. Should Trump be convicted of Sedition I believe his “pension and Secret Service detail” would go away – based on Section 3 of the 14th Amerndment.

Section 3 of the 14th Amendment says: “No Person shall be a Senator or Representative in Congress, or elector of President and VicePresident, or hold any office, civil or military, under the United States, or under any State, who, having previously taken an oath, as a member of Congress, or as an officer of the United States, or as a member of any State legislature, or as an executive or judicial officer of any State, to support the Constitution of the United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof. But Congress may by a vote of two-thirds of each House, remove such disability.”

My thoughts may be a reach, but I DO NOT believe Trump should be able to stay out of PRISON should he be found GUILTY by a jury of his peers, full STOP! That all being said, my thoughts today are going in a different direction. I suppose what I’m about to do is what is normal coming from Trump and his sycophants – and, that is deflection. I keep hearing OVER and OVER republicans attempting to SMEAR Hunter Biden – who has reached an agreement with the Justice Department regarding his tax issues and issues around his former drug addiction. So, today I want to talk about Jared Kushner. How he’s managed to stay out of TROUBLE is beyond me, but there’s lots of public evidence suggesting he SHOULD be investigated for some of what he did while serving in Trump’s “White House.”

First of all, I’ll leave you with a link that does a better job than I’m about to do regarding Kushner’s shenanigans while in Trump’s administration. Before I go any farther you can click HERE if you care to read a timeline of what I believe makes Hunter Biden’s issues pale in comparrison. While Hunter Biden allegedly failed to pay income taxes for a couple years (he ultimately repaid his tax obligation) and purchased a hand gun while using drugs, Kushner was busy in his role in the “White House” apparently attempting to coerce the Qatari’s (their sovereign wealth fund) to bail him out of a (stupid) investment in a property located at 666 Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, N.Y. Keep in mind, we’re talking about around $1.5 BILLION. (666 is the number of the Devil, just sayin…)

Kushner’s behavior was WRONG in more “avenues” than his entreaties to pressure the Qatari’s to bail out his disaster at 666 Fifth Avenue. He was KNOWN to be having SECRET converstations with the Saudi’s leader, commonly referred to as MBS (Mohammed bin Salmon) using the Facebook ap “What’s Ap” where he could communicate without anyone else knowing what was said – like the government records which are required for all government business while you’re officially part of the official government. Kushner wasn’t the only “White House” official doing business “behind closed doors” (Trump, himself, had several “off the record” conversations with Vladimir Putin and most in has admin. were using private cell phones while on governemtn business). But, Kusher was actually meeting in person with the Saudi Leader (and apparently others) secretly and pressuring for a blockade on Qatar. But, republicans are focused on Huner Biden! Yikes!!

As they say, “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” Not only was Kushner pressuring the Qatari’s while in the “White House,” but after checking out from the government, almost within a month, he was groveling from the Saudi’s for a couple BILLION dollars for the purpose of starting an investment firm – which he was not qualified for and from which he (supposedly) will give himself $25 MILLION as a yearly salary. Nice work if you can get it.

Keep in mind, Trump – who has been accused of brandishing Classified documents after leaving the “White House” (actually, while he was there, also) has been doing his own deals with the Saudi’s and the (disgusting) LIV golf league which has been sending Trump boatloads of money for the use of a couple of his golf resorts. Every time I hear about the next (the result of a MAJOR “grift”) tournament I can’t help but think of the empty folders marked “Classified” at Mar a Lago – with no document to fill the folder with – and wonder where they went? Do you really believe Trump took EMPTY folders out of the “White House” and just left them on the floor of his office (or in his desk)? Pllleease!

Let’s face it, Trump committed so many CRIMES right out in daylight that people have virtually become numb to his CRIMINAL conduct. So, it should be no surprise that, when Jared Kushner was repeatedly walking over the “line” in his communications with MBS only to squeeze a couple BILLION out of the Saudi Sovereign Wealth Fund soon after January 20th, 2021, the federal authorities didn’t have the “stomach” for even an investigation. Do you really believe that TWO BILLION had anything to do with his “grifting?” (Attention House republicans) Kushner’s (alleged) abuses make Hunter Biden look like a first grader. I can virtually guarantee you there will NEVER be an investigation of Mr. Kushner’s grift. (For one thing, the DOJ only has so many investigators – and Trump’s keeping them busy)

Final Thought: I can’t end this rant without talking about republicans in general. I realize most American voters are busy trying to make “ends meet,” and they’re trying to educate themselves on issues by trusting news outlets and politicians to be telling the TRUTH. Here’s the problem with that, and I’ve been pointing this out for well over ten years. The republican party and the “news” outlets who blindly support them long ago adopted the “Big Lie Theory” of the Nazi’s from back in Hitler’s time. In FACT it was Hitler himself who “devised” the “theory” and it was Joseph Goebbels who put into practice. The theory is simple: If you repeat a LIE over and over, eventually your “audience” will believe it’s true.

I noticed this back in the early days of the Rush Limbaugh years on “talk radio.” It became obvious the “talking points” (ie LIES) were coordinated through some venue I had no idea what it was – I just noticed republicans and their pundits all using the EXACT same “key” terms as they were LYING to “we the people.” I also noticed that, for some reason, our “liberal media” wasn’t/isn’t picking up on this. Those with the megaphone on, for example, cabel TV “news” (ie MSNBC – which is what I watch when I watch anything) seem bewildered by the absurdity of many of the republican LIES (and LIARS). But, they don’t seem to “connect the dots.”

This is exactly why Trump is so valuable to republicans/white nationalsists. He was/is willing to PATHOLOGICALLY lie to his minions faces and he’s proved that it works. In reality, the “Big Lie Theory” and the other key to Nazi propaganda back in the 1930’s: projection means to accuse your adversary of doing exactly what you’re doing and vilify them for it. Moreover, when you watch/read about the republicans in the House you have to wonder “how STUPID” have American “conservatives” become? It really is astonishing to listen to/read about some of the stuff coming out of the mouths or republicans in the House. (Not to mention their voters) Clearly, they are hell bent on doing whatever destruction is required to our American institutions allowing themselves to be guaranteed they regain/remain (in) power.

There’s too much STUPIDITY for me to list it all here, but if you’re still reading this posting it would be wise for you to get ahold of the transcript of, for example, a recent hearing where the object of republican “ire” was Christopher Wray – a lifelong conservative republican appointed by Trump to be the head of the FBI. Republicans have convinced themselves that January 6th, 2021 was simply “legitimate political discourse.” Apparently, the injuries to over 140 members of the Capitol Police and the D.C. Metropolitan Police was all “self inflicted.” ???

And, when some of these (crackpot republican members of the House) get going on the Covid-19 pandemic it makes me wonder if there really are “Jewish Space Lazers?” Seriously, you should make sure you understand what some of these people – apparently in the so-called “Freedom Caucus” are saying. And, when you listen to them and connect them to their own constituency it begins to make it clear why the so-called “blue states” are continually needed to bail out the economies of the “red states.” And, buckle up, because some of the “red states” are going to be needing even larger “bailouts” during the upcoming Hurricane season – more on that below,.

One More Thing: Tonight I got a bit sick to my stomach as I watched exerpts of John Kerry testifying to a House Committee which was, in essence, claiming there’s no “climate crisis.” They accused Kerry and those (of us) who believe as he does as – wait, this will surprise you (OK, that’s my 6th grade sarcasm) – being “grifters.” I know, coming from republicans like Scott Perry (who was right in the middle of the CONSPIRACY to overthrow our government on January 6th, 2021) this would be a “shocker” (Yep, more sarcasm – what else can I do?). The next thing you’ll see will be Perry accusing Joe Biden of being a “grifter” while suggesting Trump’s fundraising schemes are all “above board.” (I’ll let Jack Smith convince me of that)

Here’s the deal. Republicans in the House from Florida were attempting to BLAME Joe Biden and democrats for the FACT the Farmer’s Insurance Company has become the FOURTH Insurance company to abandon Florida in the past few years. The cost of Homeowner’s Insurance in Florida is, according to the info I saw tonight, is 42% higher than the average people elsewhere around the country are paying. (Possibly with the exception of Texas and California, places also being inundated by the weather events of Climate Crisis.) If you don’t understand the reality of what is taking place, the water off the coast of Florida (I believe by the everglades) was, today, 98.1 DEGREES. We are soon to be facing the Hurricane season and, apparently, it will be up to the American taxpayers to pay for the damage which is likely to happen this year to Florida, Louisiana, Mississippie, and Texas (among others).

It’s not just Florida. Texas and Louisiana (and, other Southern states) are vulnerable to ever more powerful Hurricanes. California will soon be in the wildfire season – in fact, the state of Washington, where I live, is likely to have a significant wildfire season this year. I live close to the Columbia River at a reasonably high elevation (from the fear of flooding) but, I believe it has rained here ONCE (other than a drizzle the other day) since, I believe. the latter part of April. That’s something like 75 straight days of sunshine. Enjoyable by old guys like me, except that I know the reality facing my children and grandchildren.

I put solar panels on our property back in 2015 and my wife and I drive electric cars (mine is mostly electric – a Chevy Volt in which I have put about 10 gallons of gas into the generator each year since I purchased it in late 2016). The last documents I’ve seen suggest solar and wind power will surpass fossil fuel production by around 2030. Let me remind you, the water temperature off Florida’s coast today was 98.1 degrees Farenheit. If that was a human’s temperature, not to worry. However, it’s clear our planet has a “fever.” A serious “fever.” (One expert pointed out the Coral Reef’s off Florida’s coast are DYING – that is really BAD – and, it’s happening around the world) Stay tuned………

OK, I have to add this: The “bipartisan infrastructure” bill has now spawned over 3000 projects across America – in “blue” and “red” states. To me, the most interesting part of all this, other than to really upgrade America’s infrastructure to a point where we are competitve with other countries around the world would require double the investment, is all the republicans who voted AGAINST the bill showing up at the “ribbon cutting” ceremonies claiming CREDIT for whatever that project was designed to fix. Really, today’s republicans have NO shame!