“So much to write, so little time.” (and energy) There are so many things I want to write about I’m going to end up sounding like Trump at one of his rallies. Round and round we go, where it stops…….. (You know the rest) Tonight I had the misfortune to listen to a bit of an interview someone (I can’t remember who) was giving Melania Trump – she was hawking a recent memoir – and, I might add, not nearly to the level her husband would presumably be expecting. When asked about Kamala Harris she pointed to Ms. Harris’ “record” presumably as the reason people should support “The Donald.” The record: she said something along the lines of “people can’t even go to the store and buy things like bread.” (That’s how I remember it – she was suggesting people don’t have money to spend because of Kamala Harris.)

Fun Fact: Today is the birthday of a good friend of myself and my wife and we went out to dinner with him and his wife. We went to a nice steakhouse (plus seafood, etc.) that I only go to on special occasions – maybe two or three times a year. For a former teacher it’s not “cheap.” However, for the past three years, EVERYTIME I’ve gone there if I forget to make a reservation the wait to be seated is anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes. The bill for two is usually around $100 and there’s NO shortage of customers. When I go to the local grocery stores (despite “inflation”) there’s ALWAYS lines at the check out lines – even the self check out lines now usually have lines. And, many people have grocery carts filled to the brim. My point: people have and are spending MONEY!

And, when I listen to people complaining about the price of gas. As if it’s a national disgrace. Well, my first thought is, my wife and I have been driving ELECTRIC cars since 2015. We don’t buy gas. It’s true, not everyone is “right” for an electric car because you’ve got to have a place to charge it. Back in Pittsburgh, when I was there, people parked on the side of the street. Not that convenient. But, out here in Washington, where the price of gas is about $4 per gallon (if you shop around) I can remember it being higher than that several times since the late 1970’s – and, be thankful you’re not in Europe buying gas. It’s become obvious many of America’s “young people,” as I like to call anyone 35 or younger, either watch too much Fox “news” or are simply – I hate to say this – but, spoiled. In America, gas is cheap!

I hear them complain about inflation – and, it reared its somewhat ugly head in the past 3 years, but here’s the deal: We just came out of a once in a century pandemic (or at least I hope so), Trump turned over an historic mess to Biden/Harris, (and, when he tells you it was “perfect” if you believe him we’re right back at that Fox “news” argument), the economy was in a shambles and government stimulation is how you get out of such a mess without risking an economic calamity, (ie another “great recession” or worse, depression) and when the people at the “bottom” go back to work and their wages are higher (which is good) AND there’s a supply chain bottleneck (that’s bad) prices go up. And, OBTW, back in the early 80’s inflation was much higher, interest rates were 18% and higher, and worse yet, Reagan introduced the anti-union stagnation of wages. (which lasted until Biden/Harris)

Add to that the world’s premiere fascist dictator deciding to invade his sovereign neighbor (actually, he already had one “foot” in the “door”) which just made matters worse. And, try as he might, Donald Trump SHOULD not be able to convince you he would have prevented Putin’s ILLEGAL attempted takeover of Ukraine. He recently gave his solution – just have Ukraine simply give Russia the land Putin was already controlling – then all the “dead people wouldn’t be dead.” My advice to someone close to Trump, tell him about Neville Chamberlain! (Trump called Putin a “genius” when he first invaded – with Trump in office Kyiv likely would have fallen in three days and NATO would be “no more.”

Speaking of the 35 and younger set of Americans. (Millennials? Gen Z?) I watched with interest the other evening when Alex Wagner of MSNBC went into Michigan and held a mini town hall (my characterization) with a group of around 50 union members from I don’t remember which town. There was a mix of younger members and older members and Ms. Wagner did a great job of just letting people answer (her) questions without any response on her part (at least noticeable to me). She didn’t, for example, make any indication to the one young man who said he was voting for Trump as to whether she agreed or disagreed with him.

Here’s what I found interesting – especially as someone who believes this election will ultimately be decided by the young voters – the old guys were especially well informed about the issues – from the perspective of a veteran labor union member. The young guys, in fact, didn’t seem to have the slightest grasp of the issues. For example, the reason the young Trump supporter gave for his decision was “immigration.” He had no support for his opinion – meaning he couldn’t explain why – it’s just what he’d “heard.” To Ms. Wagner’s credit, she didn’t show even a hint of trying to give him facts one way of the other. Most of the young guys were “undecided” – they just needed more information before they could make up their minds. Again, Ms. Wagner didn’t attempt to find out what info they had – she just asked generic questions.

The older guys: woo boy! They were well versed on the issues and NONE of their reasons were based on issues like “abortion” or “immigration.” In fact, they were a bit harsh with the younger guys in the room because to them, as to me, a young person voting for Trump needs their head……. (Oh wait, I just – finally – had my head examined – via a CT scan :o) The old guys pointed out the job these guys were all working on – and, making good money – was a direct result of the Biden/Harris’ administration’s “Chips and Science Act.” They felt the young guys should know “where their bread is buttered.” (Again, my characterization) I’ve had the same results when talking to young people about the election – not always – and, that is they are not paying attention. Most I talk to will vote the same as their parents – even if their parents are republicans and aren’t paying attention.

These young people have SO much more at stake than us old people (I’m 77). Take for example, right now, as I’m typing this, Hurricane Helene is SMASHING the “big bend” region of Florida soon to be ravaging places in Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. Last weekend Helene was a “Tropical wave” which would likely be a Tropical Storm when it reached landfall in Florida the “experts” said – “maybe a ‘cat 1’ hurricane. Instead the WARM waters of the Gulf of Mexico (near 90 degrees and warm to historical depths) generated enough POWER for Helene to be a category FOUR hurricane by the time it hit landfall with record amounts of storm surge (up to 20 feet in some places). Don’t believe in climate change? Yikes!!!

To me, for young people – and, I’m including my two daughters who are in their mid forties – this SHOULD be the most important issue of them all. I mean, what the hell difference does 50 cents more for a gallon of gas compared to the earth becoming un-inhabitable? Trust me, if “we the people” don’t take the climate crisis more seriously there could be a day when Melania Trump’s nonsense of today becomes far more real. Many scientists say we’ve already passed the 1.5 Celsius … OK, don’t ask me to explain it to you – it’s easy to find articles on the “internets” – I go by the “keep it simple stupid” philosophy. (And, I’m referring to myself as “stupid”)

For example, take Hurricane Helene – which is going to cause BILLIONS in property damage and KILL, likely, quite a few people who chose to “shelter in place.” (in the wrong “places”) These storms are more frequent and more intense. Helene is the SECOND Hurricane to hit Florida in almost this same place – THIS YEAR! (The other one was “only” a category 1 storm) There still could be more storms in Florida this season. (This is why you have to buy homeowners insurance from the state – the private insurers are “long gone.” The wild fires out West are more frequent and more intense, wiping out entire communities. The other major weather disasters around the country (and world) are more frequent and more intense. How much of a “hint” do we all need – especially if you’re younger?

Of course, there are the issues of abortion, education, voting rights, civil rights, and the preservation of our republic – the one Benjamin Franklin said would last only as long as – “we could keep it.” If personal morality means anything to you, “How in the world could you vote for Trump?” He’s a race baiting narcissist, a sexual predator (adjudicated), a CHEATER (on his taxes, his loan applications, his insurance forms, and, of course, in his election campaigns), a xenophobe (check in with the LEGAL Haitian residents of Springfield Ohio to see how that one’s going), and a delusional old person. His strength is his ability to look you in the eye and LIE to your face. (i.e. He’s a “stable genius,” and his word salads = a brilliant compilation of words impressing even English teachers) His supporters apparently are OK with all that. (Can you imagine if Ms. Harris was doing the same thing?)

And, don’t get me started on Project 2025! The “conservatives roadmap to fascism.” Once again, my characterization. But, read it for yourself. I’m not going to link up to it once again, but I have links in previous posts. The last time (I think it was my last post) I had to give my name and email address before I could access it to the Heritage Foundation who are the ones who put out Project 2025. But, you really SHOULD read as much of it as you can tolerate. I have a former friend who I couldn’t get to read the Mueller report (he was in the Trump CULT) who may have read Project 2025 all the way to the 902nd page – who knows? I could only stomach the first 100 pages or so (plus the introduction). I gave them (Heritage) my info so you don’t have to. :o)

By all accounts this coming election is going to be decided by a razor thin “majority” (of the Electoral College). Undoubtedly Harris will prevail in the “popular vote” by several MILLION American voters – but, the antiquated Electoral College will overly benefit people in rural areas – wait a minute, I live in a rural area, but I digress – just as our outdated system has created a Senate which is definitely controlled by a minority of the American people. But, it’s the system we have so progressives have a lot of work to do between now and November 5th. If Trump wins there will be a “peaceful” peaceful transfer of power. If Kamala Harris wins, well, all hell might break out. Stay tuned…..

Final Thought: Today as my wife and I were heading to the restaurant I mentioned above we came across a sliver of green grass between a sidewalk and the main road where one of Trump’s “salespeople” had a bevy of Trump flags for sale – the kind of flags we used to see more of in pickup trucks where the driver had his rifle hanging across his rear view window. One of them had Trump’s mug shot from Georgia’s election interference indictment and read: “Trump or death” with his photo between the words. I told my wife, I think I’d choose death. I’m thinking he very well may be the anti-Christ. Yikes!!! (My mind is wandering!)

I have begun reading a few “substacks” – I’ve subscribed to Thom Hartman’s (in fact, I’ve “shared” several of his here – he ALWAYS “says it better” than me), Robert Reich’s, and Joyce Vance’s “substacks” – which are, in essence, like blog posts. Another one I’ve started reading (it pops up in my email inbox) is Rick Wilson’s. Wilson is one of the original republicans who formed the “Lincoln Project” which I donate money to each month. I don’t know if this will work, but Wilson’s last post is well worth reading in my view. Rick Wilson therickwilson@substack.com is the connection I have to it, so hopefully that will work if you’re interested. Maybe just log into the “Lincoln Project” to get a view of what he/they are thinking. To me, well worth the time.

I’m finding the political conversations since Kamala Harris became the democratic nomination for president quite interesting. I’ve been lobbying – on this site – for the past 20+ years (OK, only 16 of those years on this “blog”) that “we the people” would vote the “present day republican party” into the dustbins of history. During the Bush/Cheney regime I simply wanted the republican leadership to be voted out en masse. However, the party exposed itself to be even worse than I realized back then when the ushered Donald Trump onto their “throne.”

I mean, the latest polling suggests there’s STILL over 40% of the American public who are still prepared to vote for Trump, despite the REALITY he exposes himself to be a delusional racist, misogynist, xenophobic, narcissistic thug whose vision for America is our country as a white nationalist/supremacist society with a partnership with those who want America to be a theocratic christian nationalist dictatorship – via “Project 2025.” You can read it yourself by clicking HERE.

The website for Project 2025 has changed dramatically since the first time I visited and downloaded a copy to my desktop. They start with a “disclaimer” saying Donald Trump has nothing to do with their “Project.” Of course, that’s – in the words of Bill Barr – Bullshit. I gave them my name and email address so you don’t have to – in case you want to be totally INFORMED for the upcoming election. Download it, save it to your desktop (It’s a PDF file), and read as far as you can stomach it. I made it around 100 pages and felt I didn’t need to go any further. Project 2025 is, in my view, a roadmap to fascism. I keep thinking republicans can’t go any lower, and, of course, they make me wrong on a consistent basis – and Project 2025 “takes the cake.” (If you read it you’ll be clear that Trump’s “disclaimer” is absurd.

I’ve been saying for – I don’t know how long – that Trump is a puppet for the monied interests who came together to write Project 2025 (It’s over 900 pages). If you read it you’ll understand who the “puppeteers” are. To me, there’s no question Trump won’t read it – likely no part of it – but the puppeteers are prepared for the next Trump administration and their plans are BOLD. And, of course, un-American. They DON’T believe in “democracy” – even though we live in a democratic republic. The republicans want to take the intrigue out of American politics. Like, despite Trump’s historic level of unfavorables, this election still remains uncertain. The Electoral College is going to be close – even though Kamala Harris will receive MILLIONS more votes than Trump.

You’d think, for example, states like Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania would be states who would include the excitement Ms. Harris has generated since she became the democratic nominee – but, they’re ALL very close based on the aggregate of the polls. A few years ago I stayed with my brother-in-law for a couple of months in Pittsburgh and I met so many awesome people who, when I think about it, just wouldn’t support someone as disgusting as Trump – someone who’s proven himself to be a pathological LIAR. He’s so used to the MSM looking the other way from his mountain of LIES that when he gets “checked” as he did in his debate debacle via Kamala Harris (on only two or three of his ridiculous LIES) that he attacks the “fact checkers” as “unfair.”

I’ve said this many times here – I taught sixth graders for the last 23 years of my working life – and Trump reminds me of a spoiled sixth grader who when his lips are moving he’s LYING. Here’s an example I can remember (I’m 77 and a bit short on memory) I was teaching one day and one of my students got up and walked out of class, went down to where the water fountain was and struck up a short conversation with a couple students from another room, and then wandered slowly back to our room. I asked him to step outside and simply told him “you must get permission from the teacher before you exit the room.” His response: “I didn’t leave the room.” I said, “I stood there and watched the entire episode.” He demanded he hadn’t left the room.

I decided there was no reason to proceed with the conversation and, after school that day I called his Mom and explained to her what had happened. She responded by saying: “Can you prove it?” Well, I could have proved it – the center area of our Pod had video surveillance which would have showed exactly what I told her. However, as a teacher, you soon learn what is a “losing battle” so I just moved on and let the young man know I would simply allow the school’s principal to solve the problem if he continued to make his own rules in my classroom. This boy, of course, was also a BULLY on the playground. Trump simply reminds me of boys like this.

To me, there’s so many reasons for “we the people” to vote Trump into the History books (along with some of his Congressional appeasers/sycophants) right next to Benedict Arnold, which is where I believe he belongs. A burgeoning issue is getting the attention of more and more people in the state of North Carolina. The GOP candidate for governor, Mark Robinson, already had a MOUNTAIN of reasons for republicans and independent voters to vote AGAINST him – before the “mountain” erupted this past weekend – based on reporting by CNN and the Washington Post.

Allegedly Mr. Robinson was a frequent visitor to a “porn shop” about 10 years ago. A WHOLE bunch of his postings to the message board at this porn shop has now surfaced and NONE of it appears to be helpful to Mr. Robinson’s campaign. He supposedly referred to himself as a “Black Nazi.” When Trump endorsed him he referred to Robinson as Martin Luther King Jr. “on steroids.” He couldn’t have said anything more disgusting at the time – but still hasn’t withdrawn his endorsement of Robinson.

Off the top of my head here’s some more of the comments Robinson has alleged to have said: He wants for women to lose the right to vote. He favors restrictions on abortion at “conception” and tells women they wouldn’t need to worry about abortion if they’d “keep their skirts down.” He favors the return to SLAVERY and said he’d “buy a few.” He’s complimented Adolph Hitler and suggested Mein Kampf for your reading list. He’s said, “some people need to be killed” apparently referring to LGBTQ+ people who he referred to as “filth.” There was much more – he said he’s spied on women in their showers – and, I’ll leave it at that. It’s easy to find it all on the “internet.” Yikes!

Trump isn’t much better. He’s been adjudicated to be a sexual assaulter, guilty of defamation, insurance, bank, and tax FRAUD to tune of court of around $550 MILLION and growing (via interest) EVERY day. He’s been CONVICTED of 34 FELONIES which he faces sentencing on November 18 – hopefully after he LOSES the election. Jack Smith is pushing the case against Trump from attempting to STEAL the 2020 election which will proceed provided he LOSES in November. Additionally, I fully expect the Appeals Court which oversees Judge Cannon to once again SLAP her down and reverse her ridiculous decision to dismiss the Espionage case against Trump – based on a totally absurd interpretation of whether the Attorney General can appoint a Special Counsel.

The Espionage Case is likely the most obvious one where Trump is guilty based simply on the evidence which is already public. The Trial, ultimately, will take place in Florida where Trump’s lawyers will be able to sneak a MAGA member on the jury which could “nullify” the government’s case – despite how obvious Trump’s ILLEGAL conduct has become public. In fact, Trump has ADMITTED his guilt in several different interviews which were shown on the TV. Even when getting “softball” questions by people like Sean Hannity. In my view, people like Hannity will also end up in Benedict Arnold’s section of the history books based on their willingness to LIE for money.

Not only is it important, in my view, for a massive vote for Kamala Harris in this election it’s also important for “we the people” to vote out some of the worst offenders in Congress who, while knowing better, have been foundational in their support of Trump – including in the run up to January 6th, 2021. People like Ted Cruz, Josh Hawley, Scott Perry, Andy Biggs, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Lauren Boebert, Jim Jordan, Paul Gosar, Matt Gaetz, Ron Johnson, Mike Lee, Rick Scott, Marco Rubio, Tom Cotton, John Kennedy (of Louisiana) etc. etc. (Those were all I could get from the top of my head :o)

When I say “the present day republican party” I’m talking about more than the members of Congress – outlets like Fox “news,” “Newsmax” and worst – in my view need to “go” as well. Maybe the Smartmatic lawsuit will put an end to Fox “news'” Lying. Regardless, the job is HUGE for “we the people” and the “final straw” won’t happen this year – even if Kamala Harris prevails come November. (Honestly, the thought of Trump back in the “White House” makes my stomach queezy0 I’ve volunteered to “Vote Forward” to write letters to prospective voters encouraging them to vote – the letters are all non partisan. If you’re reading this far I suggest you find a way to help out – even if it’s giving a small donation to a candidate you support. As Taylor Swift said, “do your own research, make an informed decision, and VOTE! Stay tuned….

Final Thought: The focus of this election is, understandably, on the presidential candidates – Kamala Harris v Donald Trump. However, the “down-ballot” elections are also extremely important. In my district we have a very competent young democrat who won in 2022 in an upset over a republican who is as despicable as Trump and Matt Gaetz, the member of Congress he looks up to. I’m focusing the small amount of money I can afford to donate on this race and I encourage others to do the same in the areas where you live. Unfortunately, the race in my district will be very close once again. Trust me, Congress doesn’t need another “Matt Gaetz.”

This might sound like arrogance (it probably is) but when I listen to the republicans who (FINALLY) are realizing how – my characterization – putrid the republican party has become is welcome to me – BUT – they don’t seem to want to take their responsibility for where things are at in today’s political world. (I haven’t read Stuart Steven’s book, but he’s one republican who’s admitted their shtick was all wrong – and they deserve the condemnation they have earned) I was listening to Liz Cheney today (an excerpt) of an interview she did at Duke University where she announced she will vote for Kamala Harris – just like me, voting AGAINST Donald Trump.

Ms. Cheney is a great ambassador of those who are pointing out the danger Trump (and his Project 2025 cohort) presents to America. And, I have to say, I’m glad she came out and said this as an encouragement to other disenchanted republicans – but, the reality is Ms. Cheney voted for Trump TWICE and went along with his un-American “policy” for the entirety of his four years denigrating the United States of America. And, the ROT in the republican party didn’t just show up the day Trump was inaugurated. I have to add, Liz Cheney’s father was the republican who motivated me to start putting my frustration with the republican party to this “blog” (if that is what this is). For me, it’s venting my frustration with the direction of the country I love. (NEWS FLASH – I wrote this last night and DICK CHENEY is voting for Ms. Harris! I’m going to have to forgive him – now, I want to see him and Bernie Sanders in the SAME ad for Ms. Harris!)

You can check the archives if you choose, but since 2008 I’ve been writing about the IMPORTANCE of voting the republican party (of today) into the history books. The first thoughts I had were centered on the authorization of TORTURE by GW Bush, Dick Cheney, and Donald Rumsfeld (plus others) which Barack Obama decided wasn’t worth pursuing legally when he said “we’re going to look forward instead of back.” I’ve written NUMEROUS times about how that philosophy goes against the most fundamental requirements of emphasizing we are a “nation of laws” and not men.

We are seeing what President Obama wanted to keep from happening as he was trying to get critical legislation through – the Affordable Care Act – and he didn’t want the division which would result from holding Bush/Cheney/Rumsfeld et al accountable. At the time I pointed out how “looking the other way” would simply create larger problems of presidential lawbreaking in the future. Of course, Trump made Bush/Cheney seem like juvenile lawbreakers. (Of course, to me, the admitting on national TV they authorized TORTURE and said, “we’d do it again,’ just didn’t sit well – and still doesn’t)

So, while I’m happy people like Liz Cheney are coming out and fighting to make sure Trump gets nowhere near the White House EVER again, I personally won’t forget their part in creating this monstrosity. I was amazed when “we the people” voted Barack Obama as our 44th president, and I’ve been a strong supporter of him since he came upon the “scene” – even though I will go to my grave believing his decision to “look forward instead of back” was a major blunder. (Now, I have to forgive Obama)

Soon after Obama took the oath of office some of the racist “cells” which existed all across the country – with an emphasis in the South and the “Rust belt” – started to emerge publicly. By the 2010 the so-called “Tea Party” was “born” with the help of financing from the Koch network of billionaires. Anyone who watched the rallies of the “Tea Party” and didn’t realize this “party” was founded on anti Black racism, wasn’t paying attention. The signs those involved were publicly carrying were disgusting to anyone who opposes the white nationalist movement.

This movement (the Tea Party) was the evolution of how the republican party was tilted to the extreme “right” – an evolution which I believe became part of their MO when future Supreme Court Justice Lewis Powell penned his now infamous “memo” to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce back in 1971. Of course, it was Ronald Reagan who put Powell’s “memo” into America’s mainstream. Since Reagan took office corporations in America have become more and more integrated into the decision making of our government – largely the reason why the public agrees on so many issues – like with 70% approval on one issue after another – and Congress usually ignores their wishes. As I’ve said many times here, the foundation of fascism is a corporate/government partnership. We are dangerously close to that reality – and a Trump victory in November would be the “final straw.”

Trump has taken the republican MO of “the end justifies the means” to the extreme. We all saw in 2016 his willingness to accept “help” from the Russians – “Russia if you’re listening, I hope you can find the 30,000 emails that are missing……” and, once again the Russian help for Trump is becoming publicly exposed. The Russians are simply proving how many Americans have a “price.” They have identified numerous “useful idiots” who they support by funneling ILLEGAL funding into the American political system. Exactly what President Obama predicted when the Citizens’ United decision was handed down by the Roberts Court. This all is just further proof Trump (and his republican “idiots”) is willing to defy our Constitution if it helps him get more votes.

If you’ve had any concern about whether or not Trump is the MAJOR problem or if it’s the republican party – which I suggested above was “polluted” (OK, I didn’t use that word) a couple things happened today which simply prove my point. For example, Trump continues to act STUPID (well, I have to agree that’s true) about Project 2025. “I have no idea what ’25’ is.” (He purposely misnames it to make his “uneducated voters” believe he’s telling the truth – his LYING, by the way, works) Well, today, while speaking to a bunch of Wall Street “rich” people in New York Trump, as usual, was NOT answering questions by pretending if he was answering them. Didn’t matter what he said, these “rich” people were applauding his nonsense – which didn’t even resemble the questions asked. (Is it them who are STUPID? Even though they’re “rich?”) As I’ve said, the problem goes much deeper than Trump.

So, how does this relate to Project 2025? I’ve tried to explain this here before, but I’ll try once again – it doesn’t seem to be sinking in – out in the “real world.” Trump is the PUPPET! Those behind Project 2025 are the PUPPETEERS. They’ve set the agenda and, sadly, most people I know don’t have the will to actually read it. And, I’m not talking only about “conservatives.” When you read it, you clearly understand there’s a LARGE group of people who are going to “guide” Trump into “not making the mistakes of his first administration.” Simply put, Project 2025 is a roadmap to fascism – the fever dream of those wealthy Americans who have no use for our constitution. (That’s why they’re trying to sneak a “constitutional convention” through behind the backs of MOST Americans.

Trump will only be superficially “in charge.” His PUPPETEERS have already planned out the agenda of the “next conservative government.” Their plan, of course, is that the “next” conservative government would be Trump’s. Naturally, he’s nothing more than the person who’s proficient enough at LYING to give them an actual chance to “take over.” Remember, we’re talking about a coalition of people like David Duke with Charles Koch. Each group has their own agenda and could care less about how it affects anyone else – famous last words when you take into account the reality of Nazi Germany back in the 1930’s.

This is also why I’ve been saying the next election is the most important election in my lifetime – for the past three elections. I was also one who was in a state of disbelief when “we the people” allowed Trump to “win” back in 2016. But, just think how things would have turned out had the democrats not won the midterms in the House, back in 2018 – or the presidency in 2020 – or the Senate and nearly the House – stopping the so-called “red wave” of 2022. Well, it keeps getting more important because those behind “Project 2025” are not easily going to be turned away.

When you think of the DAMAGE being done by the SCOTUS the next four elections will fall into the same category – I won’t be around for all of them (undetermined at this point ;o) – but I can guarantee you the right wingers pushing for fascism have been at this since the days of the New Deal and they won’t be easily denied. To me, they remind me of dry rot – if you don’t get it completely removed it just keeps spreading until the entire structure is destroyed – and, the American people must somehow understand how serious these Project 2025 fascists are. The Koch’s, for example, were part of the John Birch Society (look it up if you’re not familiar) at it’s inception.

Some of the richest of all American families are willing to give up what actually made them rich in the first place – very much RICHER since the Biden/Harris administration first took office – because they don’t like things like “we the people” gaining more and more FREEDOM – from the bottom up and they use their faux “Christianity” to cause so many Christians to believe they are “genuine.” Of course, nothing could be farther from the truth and their cynicism couldn’t be more evident by the fact they’ve chosen Trump as their leader. Talk about your “deal with the devil” for America’s evangelical Christians.

But, I don’t give these Christians a “pass” either (I’m saying that as an [apparent\ liberal Christian. When you take a look at the history of Christianity in America you get a different picture than many would themselves portray it. For example, those parts of the country where you find the “Tea Party” popular you don’t have to go too far back in the history books to be reminded of the horrific racism which existed just a hundred years ago in these places.

And, keep in mind, 100 years puts many of those who are the result of the “greatest generation” (baby boomers – many who support Trump) as children and grandchildren of those responsible for the lynchings of the Jim Crow era. I know this because I was raised by man who was himself raised as an avowed racist – my father went to High School in Wheeling West Virginia (where I was conceived after WW II) – who, thankfully, learned his viewpoints of African Americans was WRONG before he died. That’s a story for another day.

My bottom line here is many people beside myself have been lamenting the DANGERS posed by “today’s” republican party which I’ve stated many times here belongs in the History books right next to Benedict Arnold. it’s Trump and his supporters who attempted the coup d’etat of January 6th, 2021 (Just the other day on Fox “news,” Trump said, regarding the attempt to overthrow our government, “I had every right to do it” (to whoever was interviewing him) while in another interview he admitted he “lost (the 2020 election) by just a little.” Do you think Jack Smith had the record button pushed? I’ve seen this since the days of Reagan, but it got so bad I started writing here in 2008. I know I’m not a professional writer – I just use this space to relieve my frustration levels as I watch our country teetering on becoming a fascist state. I always think, if I can figure this stuff out, why are so many pundits struggling with what seems so obvious? Stay tuned…….

Final Thought: I’m just turning 77 and I’ve always loved playing golf. In the process of doing so MOST of the golfers I’ve met – and, in the league I’m in now I’m one of the youngest – are really fortunate and most don’t give it much thought – they just accept that they deserve this because they’re American. So, I like to ask questions of them about their government without starting political arguments. I’m always amazed at the outcome. Many can’t name ANY of the people who are tasked as their leaders in local, state, or national government. In the years since Citizens’ United v Federal Election Commission I think I could count on one set of fingers (one hand) the number of people I’ve asked if they’ve heard of it who said anything besides “no.” This would include teachers before I retired (in 2014).

So, now, I’ve changed the question because I spend time periodically around a bunch of old “geezers” who can’t play golf any better than myself and many who consider themselves “conservatives.” (Of course, they can’t explain what conservative means) My new question is, “Have you heard of Project 2025?” And, so far, ALL of them have said “no” or “I have no idea what you’re talking about.” When I suggest to them they SHOULD read at least the first part of it, they look at me as if to say, “I quit reading stuff years ago.” When they tell me the only thing interesting them is “the border, inflation, and wars.” To which I say, “You’re obviously watching Fox ‘news.'” Most reply by simply denying it although one guy (who I consider honest) said, “no, I watch Newsmax.” When people say this election is for the soul of our nation, in my view, they “aint” wrong. Yikes!

Just Maybe – the result of the Cheney’s giving republicans the “permission” to vote for a democrat – Ms. Harris. My wish, for years, (since the days of Newt Gingrich) has been for the day when our politics isn’t “us against them.” The reality is we’re all on the same “team.”

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The Unholy Alliance: How Rightwing Preachers Are Weaponizing Our Courts

The NRB’s lawsuit could be the death knell for the Johnson Amendment…

Thom Hartmann Sep 2

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A group representing rightwing preachers is trying to bring about a merger of church and state with a new lawsuit. This is incredibly dangerous. The blowback against their effort has even generated a meme that has gone viral on social media:

Sadly, most Americans don’t understand that when a corporation (churches are corporations) doesn’t have money left over at the end of the year because they spent it all on their mission, they don’t pay a penny in income taxes, whether they’re non-profit or for-profit organizations.

Playing off this ignorance, rightwing preachers across America are howling that Democrats want to stop them from feeding the hungry or helping the poor, a completely 100% BS argument with no basis in reality. And they’re being helped out in this scam by their largest trade association and lobbying group.

The National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) is a group heavily supported by preachers and televangelists, many of whom collectively rake in literally billions of dollars every year that they use for everything from promoting Trump to private jets to 35,000 square foot 40-room lakeside mansions.

And all of it is tax-free: you and I pick up the tab for everything from their police and fire to their use of the nation’s airspace and airwaves. As Leona Helmsley famously said, “Only the little people pay taxes.” And only a few of these folks are “the little people.”

To keep this gravy train rolling along, the NRB and two rightwing churches just launched a federal lawsuit to overturn the so-called Johnson Amendment, part of the IRS’s tax code that says that when nonprofits engage in political activity they lose their tax-exempt status.

We got the Johnson Amendment back in 1954 because rightwing whites-only churches had joined Fred Koch’s John Birch Society in the “massive resistance” movement against the racial integration of public schools mandated that year by the Supreme Court in Brown v Board. It passed that year by a unanimous voice vote in a Republican-controlled senate and was signed into law by Republican President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Since the Reagan era, however, the law has been largely ignored. As The Washington Post noted in a 2016 editorial:

“Indeed, more than 2,000 mainly evangelical Christian clergy have deliberately violated the law since 2008 as a form of protest against it; only one has been audited by the IRS, and none punished…” 

When preachers push politics instead of religion on Sunday morning, the so-called Johnson Amendment said, their church should lose its tax-exempt status. As the IRS notes: 

“Under the Internal Revenue Code, all section 501(c)(3) organizations are absolutely prohibited from directly or indirectly participating in, or intervening in, any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for elective public office.”

The NRB is bringing their suit in a Texas federal court before a Trump-appointed rightwing judge who will almost certainly rule in their favor. From there, it’ll eventually make its way to the Supreme Court, which is clearly the NRB’s goal.

Given the six rightwing Catholics on the Court who’ve already enshrined their Church’s religious doctrine into law with the Dobbs decision, odds are the Johnson Amendment is facing the end of its days.

This is just one more example of how Bush and Trump packing the Court with rightwing religious fanatics — including one who was a member of a Catholic cult where, as The Washington Post notes, she was referred to as a “Handmaid” most of her early life — who are distorting American law and rewriting the Constitution.

Religion is one of the great unregulated realms of American life. There are no federal standards for a person to lead a congregation, become a televangelist, or open a new church. Anybody can do it.

It’s been that way from the beginning of America to this day because we’ve all accepted the Founders’ and Framers’ belief that religion and government should be as separated as possible. As author of the Declaration of Independence and then-President Thomas Jefferson wrote to the Danbury Baptist Association on New Years Day of 1802:

“I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should ‘make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof,’ thus building a wall of separation between Church & State.”

Every member of the Constitutional Convention in 1787 agreed, which is why there are two different places in that document that forbid our government from promoting or prohibiting any particular religion or religious doctrine, and outlaws a religious test for holding office.

They did this because of their experience of the previous two hundred years, during which Europeans on this continent brutally inflicted and enforced radical anti-woman religious dogma on our citizens, particularly in New England.

Now, however, Republican judges and politicians, heavily supported by rightwing preachers, want to take us back to that grim era and are working as hard as they can to pull it off.

This is just one more example of how out-of-control the rightwing faction of our court system is, as I lay out in detail in The Hidden History of the Supreme Court and the Betrayal of America.

It’s why it’s so vital that next year sees the Supreme Court expanded, term limits imposed, Clarence Thomas and Sam Alito impeached, court-stripping legislation put into law, and a binding code of ethics on SCOTUS passed and enforced.

It also requires our federal legislators to get ready now, with legislation to re-impose the Johnson Amendment’s separation-of-church-and-state in a way that the Supreme Court cannot overturn. And the IRS must begin enforcing it.

Rightwing Republican fanatics constantly telegraph their next move, in part to help raise money from their base. Democrats and Republicans who care about our secular republic must stop playing after-the-fact defense and go on the offense now.

Pass it along.

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