It’s been somewhere between 48 hrs. to 72 hrs. since Hamas began their attack on Israel MURDERING (the last I heard) around 1000 Israeli’s with the invasion leading to (up to now) around 600 fatalities among the Palestinians – most of them innocent victims – with likely many more to come. That goes without saying that Israel has cut off diesel fuel (which runs the Power Station in Gaza) along with deliveries of food and water. The loss of life by the time this conflict is “settled” (I pointed out to my son tonight this is a conflict which is thousands of years old) will likely be much more catastrophic. My son, who’s much more connected to the internet, pointed out to me what had transpired shortly after the invasion led me to explain to him the Israeli’s will level Gaza before this is over – a strip of land maybe covering 25 miles in length with a population of 2.3 MILLION Palestinians. This whole thing grieves my heart, but, at the same time, I pointed out that I’m a firm believer in Israel’s right to defend itself and history suggests their level of retribution will be devastating.

There can be no doubt that Iran is right in the middle of this conflict and that Israel is looking at HUNDREDS of rockets aimed at her strategic locations from Hesbollah in Lebanon along with possible issues on the West Bank as they attack Hamas in Gaza. I’m no expert on any of this but I do know the U.S. will stand firmly with Israel while, at the same time, attempting to cause the other “actors” who might wish “evil” on Israel to stand down. I suspect if it’s determined that Iran was DIRECTLY involved in this attack (there can be no question they were indirectly involved – at a minimum) there will ultimately be strikes against Iran from Israel which could cause this war to spread. (Although the other major “players” in the Middle East – like the Saudi’s, the Emirati’s, the Egyptians, maybe the Qatari’s (on that I’m not sure are no friends of Iran and would like nothing better than to see Iran’s Nuclear capabilities attacked – which very will might happen depending on what is learned about their participation. (The Iranian leaders were openly CHEERING on the slaughter of Israeli’s at the beginning of this attack).

That all said, this is where my concern lies tonight. As I watch the (justified) level of response in the U.S. regarding this HORRIFIC slaughter of young Israeli’s in the most barbaric of manner – reminding me of Al Qaeda and ISIL – I want to emphasize the importance of Americans NOT to lose sight of what is happening in Ukraine. Honestly, to me, both situations somewhat mirror each other. In Ukraine THOUSANDS upon THOUSANDS of innocent civilians have been purposely targeted and killed by rockets crashing into the places they live, there have been THOUSANDS of Ukrainians KIDNAPPED into Russia – many of the children with reports they are being BRAINWASHED while in captivity. On top of all this, of course, Vladimir Putin has unilaterally decided to ANNEX Crimea and other parts of Ukraine – attempting to simply claim this sovereign Ukrainian land for Russia.

Additionally, in America right now, the House of Representatives is in a state of chaos – self inflicted by the incompetent republicans who have a razor thin majority with no idea how to govern – and, the reality is NOTHING can be accomplished in the American government until the republicans decide on a new Speaker of the House – although, that won’t help much unless the majority of republicans decide they MUST “work across the isle” or be subject to the EXTREME right wing segment who recently ousted Kevin McCarthy as the Speaker. We actually need these republicans to start acting like grownups which, to be honest, “I’ll believe it when I see it.”

They’ve already acted as if they will be unable to get a bill through which will provide the funding for MORE aid to Ukraine. Remember, ALL funding bills originate in the House, so if they can’t get their act together on Ukraine the result could be devastating. Unfortunately, there is a group in the House republican caucus who have expressed support for Putin. (Yikes!) On top of that, they also need to authorize funding for the American support of Israel which has already begun, but I listened to an Israeli official tonight suggesting the Israeli’s believe this war will last AT LEAST three months. (What if Hezbollah decides to attack from the North? What if it spreads to the West Bank?) My point is, American aid is going to require a unified Congress in authorizing the funds. And, honestly, I’ll be really p*ssed off if they provide aid for Israel but not Ukraine – that would be an unimaginable travesty from my vantage point.

And, once again I’m extremely thankful “we the people” have an “adult in the room” at the “White House.” As he’s done so many times during his time in office President Biden, so far seems to have said exactly the right things. Additionally, I’ve been impressed by the individuals in his administration who’ve conducted various interviews on public broadcasting of the ongoing war in Israel. Today, for example, Biden participated in a joint conversation with the leaders of the UK, France, Germany, and Italy who together put out a statement showing unconditional support for Israel. The people I’ve listened to have all been realistic about what is likely to happen in the following weeks.

Hamas is threatening to start executing the hostages and broadcasting it on Social Media (one of the reasons I loathe Social Media) for all the world to see in retaliation for Isreal’s retaliation. Is this the perfect example of a “catch 22?” Where do you think they’ll show the videos? My guess is “X” (formerly Twitter before the American Oligarch – or is he South African? – Elon Musk turned it into even more of a racist quagmire than it already was) and, likely somehow videos will make it to Facebook and other Social Media sites (TikTok? Instagram?) – and, of course the right wing sites like “Gab” and “Rumble.” I hope any of these sights who allow this carnage on their sites meet financial gloom sooner rather than later. (In my mind, Social Media has been the engine for the spread of terrorist activity both abroad and at home – in America)

I almost can’t wait to hear what Trump’s response was/will be. Of course, he’ll claim first and foremost that if he was in the :”White House” Hamas would have never had the nerve to make this attack. And, of course, that is as much HOGWASH as virtually everything coming from his mouth, but the reality is he’s got a large swath of Americans who respond to his every word who might think this is the perfect time to attack a Synagogue. Keep in mind, in one of Trump’s latest rants, where he was attacking immigrants – going so far as to suggest “we know Mexico is sending us their prisoners, their mental patients, and that democrats were allowing them in to “poison the blood” of Americans. While the immigrants coming into America right now are NOT (mostly) Mexicans his language was right out of Mein Kampf. I’ve been pointing out the similarities between Trump and Hitler for years now and maybe some in the “liberal media” just might start taking notice. Remember, Trump is a second generation immigrant (from Germany) and he’s married to a first generation immigrant. What a slug!

OK, I remembered how easy it is to find info on the internet so I “Googled” (I actually use “Duck Duck Go”) and, sure enough there was Trump claiming Hamas would never have invaded Israel on his watch (as if he was some kind of champion of the Palestinians) plus he HAD to add Putin would NEVER have invaded Ukraine either. Let me break this down – first, there is speculation Trump’s passing sensitive Israeli classified (at the highest levels) of info to two Russians in the Oval Office while celebrating the firing of Jim Comey may have led to this attack by Hamas. Apparently, the info would potentially help Hamas circumvent the “Iron Dome” – Isreal’s ability to shoot incoming rockets out of the sky. And, as far as Ukraine is concerned, how absurd can this man continually get? Of course, had Trump managed to “win” the 2020 election he would have pulled the U.S. out of NATO which would have provided Putin the ability to do what he originally intended which was to take Kyiv in a matter of days. Remember, it was Trump extorting Zelensky (leading to IMPEACHMENT #1 – the “perfect phone call”) and he was attempting to BLAME Ukraine for the Russian interference in the 2016 election. Trump would have allowed Putin to “have his way” with Ukraine.

I wrote the above on October 7th, the day Hamas slaughtered around 1400 Israeli’s. What has transpired since has not surprised me – although, personally, I believe the Israeli’s are acting in response to their RAGE and maybe not planning for the long haul. (Kind of similar to America post 9/11) President Biden gave them good advice to not make the same mistake the U.S. made by starting WARS in Iraq and Afghanistan. I don’t believe Israel will be able to “blot out” Hamas and, as I told my son back on October 7th, they are in the process of flattening Gaza. Just another chapter in the continuing saga of the plight of the Palestinians.

I actually believe Israel is doing exactly what Hamas wants by invading Gaza with ground troups. I’ve heard the underground tunnels under Gaze spans anywhere from 10 to 100 miles. (Hard to even imagine from my standpoint) Israel is going to lose a lot of their ground troops in this battle which is hard for me to imagine. I keep thinking, will the Israeli troops actually go into these tunnels in an effort to eliminate members of Hamas. This is definitely an historic time.

I have to add: The House of Representatives now has a speaker and his name is Mike Johnson. I’m not kidding. Who the hell is Mike Johnson? He’s a representative from Louisiana who is about as right wing as you can get. As a Christian it grieves my heart when i see others who claim to be “Christian” supporting “stuff” that, to me, just can’t be reconciled with the teachings of Jesus. This guy is a card carrying supporter of Trump. End of story, full stop! (If you can’t see the problem with that you’re likely a Fox “news” or “Newsmax” viewer – or worse)

Between Mr. Johnson leading the House (I believe he has no idea what he’s doing) and Senator Tuberville BLOCKING nearly 400 military appointments as a way to gain popularity with the MAGA base – at the expense of America’s National Security – this really is an historic time. We are STUCK with the makeups of the House and the Senate for another year, but it remains to be seen if Americans will flock to the polls in November of 2024 in numbers enough to put these republicans, starting with Trump, into the shameful part of American history which is where they belong.

Johnson’s first action as the Speaker of the House was to bring up (and pass) a bill sending aid to Israel (not including Ukraine) and tying it to a rollback of President Biden’s increased aid to the IRS in the “Inflation Reduction Act” giving the IRS enough Accountants to go after wealthy tax cheats. Johnson claimed the reduction of support for the IRS would be a “pay for.” That it would offset the cost of the aid to Israel. The Congressional Budget Office pointed out it would actually add about $30 BILLION to the budget deficit. That’s right, what Johnson is really proposing is to (as usual with republicans) make it easier for wealthy Americans to CHEAT on their taxes. (Republicans believe in CHEATING everywhere else, why not allow their benefactors to CHEAT on their taxes?) Between Johnson and republicans in the Senate (OK, just republicans) being unwilling to stop Tuberville’s of the Military promotions America could end up spreading this absurd chaos to the rest of the world – which would suit Putin in Russia and Xi in China “splendidly.”

Final Thought: The other thing Mr. Johnson seems to be dead set on is IMPEACHING Joe Biden. Of course, they have NOTHING to suggest he’s done anything which could possibly be considered a “high crime or misdemeanor.” They are making unfounded claims about President Biden when he was the Vice President – that would be over four years before he took the oath of office to be our 46th President. Additionally, they can’t even prove he did anything back they which could possibly be considered a “high crime or misdemeanor. This is all what they consider retribution for the IMPEACHMENTS of Trump. It will be interesting to see whether the 18 republicans who represent districts President Biden won will support this nonsense – which is simply a gross wasting of precious time where are government MUST be functioning.

From what I can tell, on November 17th the government will shut down due to the inability of House republicans to do their jobs. They will attempt ANTICS which will be intended to mollify their “base” but will be, if enacted, detrimental to the incredible economy established in President Biden’s first two years in office (When the House functioned under Democratic leadership). I haven’t heard Mr. Johnson, for example, even broach this subject publicly. I suspect the House republicans don’t have enough time (or knowledge) to pass the appropriate legislation in the two weeks from today which is the day when critical parts of our government can’t function without legislation from Congress. I believe Mr. Johnson has “bitten off more than he can chew.” Stay tuned………

Here’s another HUGE reason for “we the people” to vote these incompetent “duds” out of office – and, I’m thinking of the Americans much younger than myself – I’m 76. Speaker Johnson doesn’t believe in Climate Change. Whether you agree with him or not, he has said (I heard him) that his philosophy is written in the Bible. He apparently believes the earth is 6000 ;years old. I’ve pointed out many times here I’m a Christian – but, my beliefs are rooted in the teachings of Jesus. I really have a hard time believing things that are clearly debunked by Science. And, people who don’t believe in Science scare me – if they’re in positions of authority. If it wasn’t for the two regional WARS going on I believe the main issue is the Climate Crisis. In addition, if you believe women should have the right to choose how to manage their own bodies, you SHOULD be at the polls in 2024 voting AGAINST republicans. Then there’s the issue of gun control – which will never happen with the republicans we now have in Congress. I could go on, but if you’ve read this far I believe you get the point.