Move over Benedict Arnold, there are a bunch of America’s present politicians trying to put themselves on the same page where you reside in the history of the United States of America. And, let me get this out there right away, I’m not talking about Barack Obama. I’ve, on many occasions, already nominated Donald Trump for the spot right next to you Mr. Arnold. After all, he did lead an attempted coup d’etat on January 6th, 2021 on the Capitol of the nation he took an oath to defend – from all enemies foreign and domestic. Additionally, several of his henchmen were CONVICTED of Seditious Conspiracy and he pardoned each and every one of them. He also pardoned hundreds of INSURRECTIONISTS who were convicted of beating cops.

But, it doesn’t stop there. There are HUNDREDS of members of America’s Congress (the House and the Senate) on the “republican side” who have consistently FAILED to “check” the actions of our CORRUPT president because of…… FEAR! They FEAR the chance they’d get a nasty “tweet” (or whatever they’re called these days) from Trump or that his sycophantic supporters will threaten them and their families if they “rock the boat,” or, apparently worse yet, they FEAR a “primary challenge.” Some of them are more devoted in their attempt to be aligned with Trump as traitors than to the oath they took when they promised to defend our constitutional republic.

And, there’s a wide range of these republicans who have chosen keeping their job over defending our constitution. The range goes from Speaker Mike Johnson – the perfect example of a sycophant – to Senator Lisa Murkowski who appears to be the perfect example of a “stooge” for Trump. I’m not sure which one is more disgusting. Johnson just sent the House on a 5 week vacation to avoid a vote about Epstein and Murkowski is bemoaning her own vote for Trump’s “Big Ugly Bill” because Trump duped her. As if she was not aware of his level of dishonesty. Give me a break! I wonder how many Americans understand republicans “snuck” a $5 TRILLION increase to the debt ceiling into Trump’s Big Ugly Bill? I actually hadn’t picked up on that until I started this rant.

There might not be enough room on “Benedict’s” page for all the republicans attempting to crowd their way onto it. I’m simply working from my memory challenged OLD mind (almost as old as Trump’s) as I lay out some examples. For starters Missouri’s Josh Hawley – who claimed he wouldn’t support the bill because of the draconian cuts to Medicaid – Health insurance for America’s poor – then voted for it with those cuts included. And now Hawley is working on a separate bill to repeal the cuts to Medicaid he said he wouldn’t vote for and then did. Kind of dizzying! Senator Grassley from Iowa is in his 90’s which makes him so old he doesn’t fully understand some of his hypocritical decisions supporting stuff he used to vehemently oppose. The “Freedom Caucus” in the House who rail against ballooning deficits ALL just voted for “ballooning” the deficit – and, every one of them voted to raise the debt ceiling by the aforementioned 5 TRILLION dollars. As usual, they only oppose raising the debt ceiling when a democrat is president.

I could go on and on, but the sad reality is somehow America has to survive another 3 1/2 years of Trump. And, to me, it’s looking bleak – despite all the Epstein stuff. I mean, America has some black marks in her history – starting with our founding document calling African Americans 3/5ths of a human being, slavery, Jim Crow, and, well “Trumpism.” Ugly stuff! OVER half a MILLION Americans died during the Civil War which resulted, among other things, in the 14th Amendment to the constitution which Trump is attempting to repeal via an executive order and our right wing Supreme Court just might allow him to get away with it – they are volunteering for a place on that page – maybe right between Trump and Arnold.

So, do you remember the internment of Japanese Americans during WW II? That was an awful black mark on this nation’s history. The Jim Crow era -another disgusting time in our history (which Trump appears to be trying to recreate) where African Americans were routinely lynched with no recourse from the law – a shameful period. The “black hole” torture facilities during George W Bush/Dick Cheney’s illegal and dishonest wars in Afghanistan and Iraq shortly after the turn of the 21st century were “deplorable.” (Trump is “refurbishing” Guantanamo in his image) African Americans used to risk their lives to vote, now it seems as if they risk their lives driving to the store with a tail light out. And, don’t get me started on women who’ve been the progressive leaders over the last 120 years (or more) – republicans want them back in the kitchen.

These are among the many parts of American history which those in power would love to forget ever happened – in fact, they’re “burning books” which might tell our young people the truth about our history. (Kind of similar to what I experienced in school back in the 50’s and 60’s.) Trump is attempting to outdo ALL of this. When it comes to destroying America Trump is succeeding where Hitler failed. It’s as if he’s, along with the Project 2025 puppet masters, tearing America apart from the inside out.

I’ll list as many examples as I can pull up off the top of my head which I believe indicate why that disgusting last sentence is correct. I’ll start with the subject of TORTURE. Not only are Trump’s goon squads rampaging around the nation pulling perfectly productive and honorable people out of workplaces where they’ve been for years with the plan to deport them (to who knows where) but, apparently because they’re being forced to hold them until they get “due process” they (the government) is cramming them into poorly constructed gulags and, as one person said, treating them like “dogs.” These are people who’ve worked hard and paid taxes (with no eligibility for receiving the benefits of those taxes) have no criminal records, and have established families here over a period of years, often times decades. At the end of the recent school year, locally, ICE snatched a dad who was just dropping his kids off at school leaving three boys and the man’s wife wondering how they will survive. More on this later.

As a former Middle School teacher in a high poverty school that had students from many different “home countries,” I’ve known many of the people who are likely living in FEAR right now and I grew to love and respect MANY of them. Their children came here when very young and now would be in their twenties – several volunteering for the military and, (before Trump) being accepted. Many of them had children born here – children Trump is now attempting, by executive order, to have their citizenship torn away from them. My reactions to this was originally embarrassment (that “we the people” would elect an aspiring fascist as our “president”) and then they quickly changed to anger and now shame. Shame on all of us – especially those who support this AND those who choose to look the other way.

How can we sit by and do nothing when the reports coming out of these gulags are almost MORE disgusting than anything I’ve EVER read about – although, the TORTURE implemented via Bush/Cheney/Rumsfeld et al was extremely disgusting in it’s own right. (Read about Abu Ghraib) Reports coming from one of the gulags I read about recently had the immigrant detainees feet shackled with their hands bound behind their backs being forced to eat while on their knees leaning over to plates on the ground – hence the claim they’re being treated like “dogs.”

Other reports have large numbers of detainees crammed into insufficient spaces – like in one instance I read about there were 100 detainees for one toilet. And, when the toilet gets plugged up…… Also, male and female detainees in the same facility where the female detainees were forced to use the toilet in front of the male detainees with the females being denied items needed when menstruating. And, all of them being forced to sleep on concrete floors. Trump obviously could care less about his legacy because he’s a thru and thru fascist and he’s attempting to tear down as much of what was good in America since the “New Deak” as he possibly can. Another 3 1/2 years of this and he will be able to destroy most of what had been achieved since WW II.

I keep telling myself “this can’t be true.” But, the reality is Trump is a second generation German immigrant and my speculation has long been his father was present in the infamous 1939 “gathering” of about 20,000 American fascists at Madison Square Garden. That’s why I felt his own “gathering” at MSG during the 2024 campaign was a revisiting of that “deplorable” event. Don’t kid yourself, there are MORE American fascists in this country than us “progressives” would like to allow ourselves to believe. (Take the time to watch the PBS documentary “Nazi Town USA” if you need a bit more evidence.)

Not only is Trump pushing across the boundaries of our constitution (with the SCOTUS blessing) regarding immigration but he’s pushing an attack on the actual fabric of America designed to keep “we the people” safe from everything from predatory lenders to those who would pollute the local water supply, the air supply, and/or the food supply in order to make a buck. As someone who drives an EV and has invested in a Solar power plant on my property watching him actually attack those two important areas where America SHOULD be trying to be world leaders saddens me – to the point of being disgusted. And, MOST Americans don’t even know this is happening. His disdain for the “rule of law” might be the most egregious boundary he’s pushing. (Just like a sixth grade bully)

Traditionally, fascist takeovers require two important aspects of a society “bending the knee” to the “dear leader.” The fourth estate and education. Well, we’re seeing unambiguous and propaganda based attacks on journalism – keeping in mind about 90% of America’s media is owned by about 9 for-profit corporations. And, Trump (and republicans) recently pulled the plug on National Public Broadcasting. The local station I listen to (Oregon Public Broadcasting) is attempting to raise the $5 MILLION they will lose in planned funding over the next two years. That was money already appropriated which republicans “clawed back.” And, higher universities are bowing down to Trump in ways which are disheartening to me. No protesting what’s happening in GAZA because that would be “antisemitism.” Keeping in mind it’s the United States and Israel who are/will be responsible for THOUSANDS of Palestinian deaths due to starvation – and, we’re worried whether students are protesting Netanyahu’s genocidal war. Yikes!!!

Moving on: It’s never an emergency in this nation until it happens to “you.” Well the results of Trump’s actual attack on those who believe we SHOULD be doing everything we can to combat the Climate Crisis, for example, is leaving America in the “dust” to countries like China and those in Western Europe that are developing Climate friendly technology. Trump chooses to continue massive subsidies to the fossil fuel industry – including trying to resurrect the coal industry and he’s still complaining that windmills “kill the birds.” And, his supporters – that he’s referred to as “stupid” – keep buying it – in Trump’s own words, “hook, line, and sinker.”

I started pointing out before he took (lied about) the oath of office he was going to “flood the zone” with so much “crazy” those of us who believe in accountability would be “chasing our tails.” Of course, that’s exactly what is happening (with the help of the Project 2025 puppet masters) Now, he’s run into a bit of a problem (self created) with his “base” clamoring for the release of the so-called “Epstein files.” By all accounts it looks bad for Trump. Anyone who’s paid any attention to him (and his personal history) at all KNOWS – of course, he’s mentioned in the files (which two weeks ago “didn’t exist”) probably numerous times – especially if there are “flight logs.” It’s been reported Epstein introduced Trump to Melania and he got to know her “intimately” (for the first time) on a flight on Epstein’s plane. Go figure…. (What other things did he do on that plane?)

Well, Speaker Johnson has put the House on recess until September to avoid having a vote on a discharge petition demanding the Justice Department provide ALL of Epstein’s “files” forthwith – on vacation, can’t have the vote. It’s been reported AG Bondi has tasked hundreds of DOJ investigators with “flagging” all of the places in the files where Trump is mentioned, Why you might ask? When I think of that question the picture I get in my mind is a great big tube of “white out.” Maybe there’ll be a miracle and when the House finally gets the files Trump won’t be mentioned in them even once. Will that placate those supporters he’s called stupid?

However, what if there are eyewitnesses (girls) who were around when Trump and Epstein were together at his house, on his plane, at Mar a Lago, or maybe on an island somewhere – who knows. The YOUNG girls who were abused. Would YOU have the courage to come forward after hearing all the rumors about Epstein’s “suicide?” (with THREE minutes of jail house video somehow missing) These are disastrous times for this nation. Wouldn’t it be apropos if Trump’s undoing came from his relationship with Epstein and a bunch of teenage girls from over 20 years ago. Personally, I’ll take his demise anyway we can get it! Stay tuned……

Final Thought: I’ve said this before (in fact, I just did), but I’ll say it again. Do you really believe Pam Bondi will release the “Epstein files” which include all the lurid details of Trump’s 15 year history with him and Epstein as “best buds.” Ever since Trump walked down that escalator in 2015 I’ve heard/read about Trump’s relationship with Epstein and some of the alleged “misdeeds.” It should be obvious, even to MAGAts, that Trump was “intimately involved with Epstein’s antics.” That said, don’t be surprised if the record has been “cleansed” if/when the “files” (which just a couple weeks ago both Bondi and Trump said didn’t exist) are ever released.

Why weren’t they released during the Biden administration? I have no idea. Do you really think President Biden went through the files to see what names appear? Based on what I can remember, we know Bill Clinton’s name will appear, Alan Dershowitz’s name will appear, Trump’s SHOULD appear, Prince Andrew from the UK, and a bunch more. Of course, at this point in time I believe MOST people want to know as much as possible about Trump’s involvement. Personally, I could care less – I think it would be appropriate for ANYONE whose name is in the “files” (if they exist) to be “outed.” However, the girls who were the victims should be protected at all costs. That’s just how I think about this. Would I love to see Trump brought down by this? Absolutely! However, his sexual predator history should NOT be a surprise to anyone. After all, he admitted to it (as if bragging) in the Access Hollywood tape. And, republicans didn’t care then, I suspect they don’t care now! Stay tuned……

A little context before I give my thought. Say you were the president of the United States and people were clamoring for you to release to the public FBI documents of an investigation about a very naughty person you may have hung out with (for 15 years). That person had a plane and was flying a lot of rich people around and exposing them to some very young girls (OK “exposing” might not be the right word). In fact, according to some reports many of these YOUNG girls were having sex with men two to three or four times their age – or so the rumors say. In fact, that person was actually arrested, charged with sex trafficking, and died in jail (during this president’s time in office) and, supposedly, left “files” with the names of those who were on his plane and who, well, that’s the rub – the who and the what (were they doing) is supposedly in the “files” and people in this president’s base wants to see them – to make public of the “perverts” who were hanging out with this naughty guy. Supposedly the “files” are in the possession of the FBI.

(Just a couple weeks ago, this president and his Attorney General said there aren’t any files – that’s the rub. They wouldn’t LIE to their base would they?)

One of this president’s former close associates, who left the government a bit unceremoniously, suggested the president’s name is in the “files.” (Again, do they exist?) And, suppose most of the key members of this president’s cabinet PLUS his eldest son have been lobbying for ALL these files to be made public for years – causing the president’s “base” to be demanding the files ALL be released. Now, it appears the president and his AG are suggesting there actually are “files.” (I’m confused – DID they LIE to their base?)

Now, picture this president when it became public HE was likely to be in many of the “files” (if they exist) – with the first bit of evidence (not including all the videos and photos with him and the naughty dude over a period of many years) an alleged birthday letter written to the naughty guy, allegedly by the president, on the raunchy side. Add to this, the public being reminded of a video of this president where he suggested (to someone else) he can sexually assault women because “when you’re famous they’ll let you do it.”‘

Not only all this, but picture this president’s Vice President demanding this raunchy birthday letter, published by a surprising source, be made public – while the president is busy denying he ever wrote it (and, not at all wanting it to be made public). So far, the president hasn’t suggested the letter be made public (actually, he sued the publication that described what’s in the letter) – would this suggest a “rift” between the president and his VP? And, of course, since all this started the president’s son is no to be seen and not demanding these files be released – I mean if he wants them released you’d be right to think the Dad want’s them released too, right?

Well, not quite – although the Dad, in an attempt to placate his followers – who he, himself, referred to as “stupid” just last week – urged his Attorney General to “release the Grand Jury files.” A sneaky ploy – but, are his followers really stupid enough to fall for it – like the president suggested? Will this bit of skulduggery work? Do they know it’s unlikely a JUDGE will allow the Grand Jury files to be made public? And, even if those files were released to the public they are files focused on the crimes of the “naughty” guy who is now dead – they wouldn’t include the names of the perverts who were hanging with him (the naughty boy). The president wouldn’t be in them. Are his followers, as he said, too stupid to understand this?

Well, it appears he’s got a plan B. Just in “case.” Give this president credit, he is the master at manipulation. One of the main tools in his “tool shed” is DEFLECTION. How might he do this? OK, a little more context. This president likely understands a large portion of his “base” have racist tendencies. OK, I’ll say it – this presidents entire agenda is based on racism. There’s a “project” put together by a large group of rich people, many who’ve been accused of being “white nationalists” and, according to many they are the ones making the decisions in this president’s administration. So, this plan B is it coming from them?

Many people in this nation pay close attention to sports and sports teams. Over the past few years there have been some actions by sports teams which those who might be considered “racists” didn’t like. Maybe reversing a couple of those decisions could get the “base” to forget about the files being stored with the FBI on this “naughty guy” and get their focus where this president wants it – on a couple issues being referred to as “political correctness.”

The Football team in the nation’s capital is now referred to as the “Commanders” instead of what they were called in this president’s first term, which was “Redskins.” The term “Redskins” (and, all that went with it) was offensive to many Native Americans and, therefore, it was changed. Pushing to have the original name of the team restored just might create an issue which would get the minds of the “stupid” base (the president’s characterization) off the files of the “naughty guy.” Do you think it will work?

Just to make sure – if one gets your attention then two must be better – right? So, there was another team, this time a baseball team, originally called the “Indians.” Using the same logic as above – the name was offensive to Native Americans – so it was changed to the “Guardians.” By suggesting it be changed back – and using the power of the presidency to “encourage” this to happen, might the topic of discussion among the “base” be invigorated er changed? Apparently, it’s the democrats who want the president’s base talking about the “naughty guy.”

Personally, while he’s at it, I’d like to suggest the president consider my High School -whose teams were originally called the “Chieftains.” As you might have figured out, that name was also changed using the same logic – trying not to offend Native Americans. (Was that part of a liberal conspiracy led by Obama and Biden?) Now, considering my High School is located near the second largest river in the nation, the teams are called the “Rapids.” Surely he’s got the power to force the school to use the original name. Again, might this change the subject? If it doesn’t work would that suggest this president might be “toast?” I don’t think so, he’s been referred to as “teflon Don” – whatever that means.

Here’s my conclusion, and I’ll phrase it in a question. Does all of this suggest this president’s name could be mentioned prominently in the “naughty” guy’s files? Does this suggest the raunchy birthday letter (talking about “wonderful secrets” between the two of them) might actually have been written by the president? It seems to me this will all be very interesting for those who follow presidential politics. Maybe the question SHOULD be – is the president’s base as STUPID as he, himself, suggested? Stay tuned…

Final Thought: When I was teaching (6th graders) I did not allow the word “stupid” to be mentioned in my classroom. I really don’t like that term – although I have to admit I’ve used it a few times on this site and I’ve used it in reference to certain members of this president’s base. I believe every time I’ve done so I’ve apologized – it’s just that some of what is said by some of his supporters, well, leads me to that word. However, I have to add, some of the people (who I personally know) that have brought that word to mind when talking to them are nice hard working people. To me, they simply don’t think about anything except they’re a republican and therefore this president MUST be telling them the truth. It appears, based on public discussions (and, some polling), some of them are having “second thoughts” about their devotion to this president. It seems possible his connection with a child sex pervert is a bridge too far. Time will tell….

Last night I FORCED myself to do something I’ve rarely been able to do (for more than a few seconds) – to see how long I could stomach watching “Hannity” on Fox “news.” Keeping in mind – for context – this was the day Trump’s “birthday letter” about the “wonderful secrets” (or something like that) was on the tip of the tongue of virtually every newscaster – well, except Hannity and maybe other right wing hacks I NEVER can force myself to watch/listen to – and, sure enough, Hannity was focused on Mamdani, the “democratic socialist” running for Mayor in New City. and NOT Epstein Hannity was pointing out Mamdani is a “Communist” and he (Hannity) was breathing “fire” toward anyone easily scared by fear mongering. Here’s what he wasn’t talking about; Jeffrey Epstein.

Not only was he not talking about Epstein – maybe on orders from “you know who” – but his two experts who were going to talk about how Mamdani and the democrats were like the “Communists” who murdered “millions” – I guess he was referring to Stalin and Lennin – of course, not mentioning Hitler and the FASCISTS – were Hew Hewitt and Mark Meadows. Hewitt, a man who’s been willing to “carry water” for Trump under all circumstances – apparently tonight was the epitome – although my stomach couldn’t handle enough of “Hannity” to get to the commentary of his guests. The other guest was Mark Meadows who was (allegedly) part of the January 6th INSURRECTION.

They were talking about democrats and communists when I had had enough – actually, when my stomach began to rebel – but, as suggested above, not a word about Epstein and their “wonderful secrets.” Now, do I KNOW the letter is authentic? Of course not, I’m just an old washed up retired Middle School teacher who wants to live long enough to see Trump behind bars. (Does that expose my prejudices?) In fact, I tend to agree with JD Vance (he who envisions himself in the “White House”) who is DEMANDING the Wall Street Journal release the letter. Do you believe that’s what Trump wants? Because, so far, he’s not making that same demand.

It’s like they’re going to have to change the address of the White House from Pennsylvania Avenue to Peyton Place. I have to wonder what kind of distraction Trump is concocting tonight in a desperate attempt to get “we the people’s” attention away from Jeffrey Epstein. Now the “theories” of how he died are percolating like coffee someone forgot was on the burner. Three minutes of blank tape? Two video’s spliced together using Adobe Premiere? I listened to one person “in the know” tonight and he said his contacts are assuring him there’s lots more where this came from.

That gets me back to “Hannity.” What will it take for him to at least report what’s out there in the news. After all, this “birthday letter” was published by Rupert Murdoch in the Wall Street Journal – with Trump threatening to sue them if they followed through. Seems like the WSJ is, in essence, saying “bring it on.” They claim the letter is authentic and comes (well someone claimed this) from an album put together by Epstein’s girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell. How long will Hannity be able to deflect this from his audience by switching the subject to Mamdani and the democrats? We’ll all find out. (Well, I won’t because that was enough Fox “news” for me tonight.

Update: It appears Trump has ordered the “Epstein files” to be released to the public (They’ve apparently had enough time to “redact” what they need “redacted” – if you know what I mean) Just a week ago both Trump and AG Bondi assured “we the people” there were no “Epstein files.” Trump has referred to his followers as “stupid” – are they “stupid” enough to not be able to figure out they’re being LIED to. I mean, either there are “Epstein files” or not. Will Trump be able to get away with this one. (He didn’t “shoot someone on 5th avenue”) I have to wonder if they’ll be able to “wipe away” all the photos easily available on the “internets?”

Final Thought: If you’ve been paying attention, CBS’s “parent” Paramount made, by most accounts, a ridiculous settlement of a “frivolous” lawsuit filed by Trump over the editing of a 60 minutes interview back in the 2024 election (which Trump apparently won) for a $16 MILLION “donation” to Trump’s presidential library – thereby opening the door to a merger between Paramount and Larry Ellison and his son. Suggesting, without the “settlement” the merger would not have been approved. So, tonight it was announced CBS was canceling the Late Show with Stephen Colbert – apparently due to commentary he made suggesting the settlement was a “shake down” – or words to that effect. Further evidence of Trump’s attack on the media and the corporate media’s CS nature – all about the “bottom line.” Is anyone still kidding themselves?

So, here’s my question. The announcement of the cancellation came on the same day the “birthday letter” from Trump to Epstein became public. Does anyone besides me wonder whether any of the stuffed shirts at CBS/Paramount even notice how this makes them look. They say, don’t negotiate with terrorists and, in a sense, this could be a good reason why. One thing I can guarantee you. Stephen Colber will land on his feet. (Maybe back at Comedy Central with John Stewart? As the old musical song said, “Wouldn’t that be wonderful?” Stay tuned…..

There’s an old saying: “Don’t throw rocks from a glass house.” Well, Trump has been doing this for years – and getting away with it – because, in his own words, his sycophantic supporters are “stupid.” Apparently, now his supporters are even more “stupid” because they are insisting the “Epstein files” should be made public – just like his son Don Jr., his AG Bondi, his FBI director Patel, and a bunch of others have demanded for years. Did any of them stop to think what might be in those files?

You don’t have to look very hard on the “internets” to find a bunch of photos of Trump with Epstein. Their are videos of Trump at parties with Epstein. There are stories coming from eye witnesses of Trump and Epstein being in places together along with the young ladies they tended to hang out with. Trump has always denied his (actual) relationship with Epstein and now it’s a “hoax.” Of course it is.

My intention is for this to be the shortest post ever here. Non of this has ever been a mystery to me (other than Epstein’s “suicide”) Trump has even suggested anything regarding him in Epstein’s “files” would be false (a “hoax”) – of course, this was said after AG Bondi said there are no “files.” Off the top of my (old) head; Trump was accused of sexual assault by around 25 women (after his admission on the “Access Hollywood” tape) and he said “ALL 25 or them were lying.” Those who claimed the Russians helped him win in 2016 were “liars.” All those who claimed his extortion of Zelenskyy in 2019 as part of a quid pro quo were “liars.” Those who claim January 6th was an insurrection are all “liars.” And so forth and so on.

The number of times he’s used the terms “hoax” or “witch hunt” in regard to anyone investigating his perpetual corruption is too numerous to count. It’s his common refrain to his base he now refers to as “stupid.” Apparently, when they were falling for his MOUNTAIN of LIES they were “smart.” I do have to (once again) add he has often referred to how much he loves his “uneducated voters.” Well, the reports are that over 70% of them don’t believe what he’s saying about the “Epstein files.”

I’ll end this by saying I have no idea if there are “Epstein files.” What I can predict, though, is that if there are Trump is part of them. I mean, how can you believe someone who’s been accused of sexual assaults by 25 women and has been convicted of sexual assault in a civil lawsuit (which, of course, he called a “hoax”) AND who hung around with Epstein for something like a reported 15 years would not be part of any “Epstein files?” If you believe that I have a bridge………. (you know the rest)

Final Thought: The fervor of Trump’s base demanding these “files” be released could cause them (if they exist) to actually be released. Here’s my prediction if that does happen. There’s going to be some “white outs” in the “files” and I’ll let you figure out what information might be missing if those “files” are made public. There’s going to be some things “redacted” because of innocent young ladies involved – my guess is anything about Trump will be as well. If the files exist I it’s likely MAGAts are busy cleansing them of anything Trump as I’m writing this. (Makes me wonder how many copies might exist if these “files” actually exist) Stay tuned….

I’ve been writing for close to 20 years here about the URGENT need to put the republican party into the history books. Combined with Trump’s unbelievable (for people like me) CORRUPTION the soon to be passed “Big Disgusting Bill” is going to further PROVE how STUPID “we the people” can be. We voted an adjudicated sexual predator, a 34 times FELON (convictions for what amounted to “election interference” in the 2016 election), and a person who attempted a coup d’etat after LOSING (by a lot) the 2020 election and who was INDICTED on another 50+ FELONY charges. As the saying goes, “elections have consequences” and the 2024 election will prove that to the umpteenth degree. “We the people” voted for FASCISM! Yikes!!!

You say FASCISM is hyperbole? Well, the evidence is OVERWHELMING if you are just willing to look at it. It’s actually hard to keep up with all the evidence. Today, for example, another media outlet (Paramount) chickened out from an absolutely RIDICULOUS lawsuit about a segment on CBS’s “60 Minutes.” Paramount, just like ABC before them, has capitulated to Trump and has agreed to “settle” for $16 MILLION. That’s just one more “notch” for Trump as he continues his assault on our democratic republic. Appears to be a “shakedown” in order for Paramount to complete a “merger.” (By David Ellison and his father Larry, another OLIGARCH snatching part of America’s “mainstream media.”) Watch the financial news for evidence.

Yesterday I heard of Trump coming up with another obscene grift by selling “fragrance” at about $250 per pop. That’s on top of Trump’s fake coins, his “free” plane, and the rest of what he’s doing to openly profit by Putin levels during his second chance to become actually “really rich.” Reports I’ve heard say Trump has gained about $1 BILLION per month since the beginning of Trump 2.0. So much for the constitution’s emoluments clause. And, of course, MOST people have no idea what is happening to “we the people.” Our constitution is being shredded!

I wrote the above over a week ago. I believe I’m as guilty as anyone who’s paying attention to what is happening in America by “chasing my tail” while trying to follow the offenses of Trump2.0/Project 2025. Of course, when that’s what you’re doing, just like a little kitten, you’re never actually going to catch it. I’ve been “reporting” that Project 2025 is a “roadmap to FASCISM” since I first read the document back several months before the devastating outcome of America’s 2024 presidential election. Not one person I encouraged to read it actually did. If you had read it (I posted links here at least three times directly to the “manifesto”) nothing happening today would be a surprise to you.

However, in case you’re one of the many people I’ve run into who exhibit the look of “yah sure” when I’ve pointed out FASCISM is where “we the people” are headed – and, it may be past the point in time where we can do anything about it – I’ll once again try to explain. (Here’s the definition) Let me give examples which come off the top of my head. Hopefully, you have an understanding of the German Third Reich back in the days of Adolf Hitler. As I’ve said, the parallels are, well, unnerving.

Here’s one which has popped up recently when it’s been reported certain people who might not meet the expectations of dear leader (Trump). Zohran Mamdani, a Muslim who is “Indian American” and is a “democratic socialist” (Like, for example, Bernie Sanders and AOC) is a prime example. It appears Trump fears Mamdani because he’s (Trump) attempting to stick his nose into New York’s mayoral general election. How might he do this? Mamdani became a “naturalized” American citizen over five years ago. Trump has openly mused about the possibility of “denaturalization” and “deportation” regarding Mamdani. Trump affiliated people have suggested the same thing for (f)Elon Musk – apparently because he’s not being nice to Trump anymore. (He is responsible for Trump getting elected ….. but, whatever)

If that doesn’t ring a bell for you go back and give your 1930’s German study a review. Have you heard of the Holocaust? Did you understand the German Jews were “denaturalized?” Is it possible that’s where Trump and his sidekick goon Stephen Miller got the idea? In Germany that let to the slaughter of over 6 MILLION Jews. Of course, in America we’re talking about Black and Brown people from places Trump refers to as “shithole countries.” The question we now face is how many undocumented Americans’ lives (and denaturalized ones) will Trump/Miller be able to destroy? Trump’s stated goal is in excess of 10 MILLION!

Not only that, but in the realm of “white nationalism” (ie racism) just look at what is happening to people all across America who are being “snatched” off the street by supposed agents who are seeking alleged undocumented Americans without warrants – sending them to gulags in – well, who knows where. El Salvador? Libya? Certainly not to their “home” country – for those who have migrated here looking for a better life. Apparently, people from other agencies are being pulled in due to the lack of enough ICE agents to meet Miller’s “quotas.”

Along those lines here’s another fun fact that has to do with the Trump/Project 2025 strategy of getting us all to be “chasing our tails.” Hid in Trump’s “big ugly bill,” at least from the standpoint of most of the public reporting, is a key component of the FASCIST takeover of America. The Border Patrol and ICE got an infusion of $150 BILLION making it (the immigration thuggery) the pre-eminent POLICE agency in America. (Of course, included in that $150 BILLION was funds to complete Trump’s wall “that Mexico will pay for”) Think about that. More of these goons in full Military garb with no identification and faces covered, (supposedly for their own protection) as I said above, spread across America to be snatching people they suspect to be undocumented and sending them to unnamed gulags. Instead of Trump 2.0 should we call this Hitler’s Germany 2.0? Has America become a police state?

Here’s another question: What happens when they snatch people who are American citizens? Do you really believe they won’t do that. Do you believe when they snatch a citizen they will take them to a local jail, file charges, and defend their actions in court? If you believe that……. What are the rest of us to do if someone we know gets snatched up and sent to, for example, Libya? Do you believe we’ll even know where they are? Do you believe the Trump goons will give “status reports?” For all I know they could start snatching people like me who are openly writing stuff Trump obviously wouldn’t like. (OK, I know not enough people happen on this site for Trump to even know – although, well, – I’ve got too many thoughts for this “idea”)

My next thoughts might be a bit off of the “subject” but, well, here goes. I keep watching/listening to members of the democratic party as they continue to assure “we the people” Trump is getting farther and farther “under water” and predicting a “blue wave” in the election of 2026. I keep thinking what they SHOULD be talking about is whether there will actually be a “free and fair” election in 2026. I wrote shortly after Trump called up 4000 (unneeded) National Guard troops into Los Angeles and then added 700 MARINES – who are STILL all there despite the FACT there’s virtually NOTHING for them to do – that I believe it’s simply a “trial run” for a massive move in 2026 for an “emergency” which will cause the election to be canceled.

OR, now this is my first time ranting about this – between now and then in regard to “voter suppression” – we haven’t seen “nothin yet.” If you were following the actions of states who were required to get “permission” from the Justice Department when the SCOTUS “obliterated” Section five of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. They ruled (in 2013) that it was unconstitutional to use the coverage formula in Section 4(b) of the Voting Rights Act to determine which jurisdictions are subject to the preclearance requirement of Section 5 – meaning places like Texas, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, etc. no longer needed to get “preclearance” for their voter suppression tactics. Of course, almost immediately over 20 states introduced legislation aimed at blocking (democratic leaning) people from voting. This reminds me more of Russia than Germany – but, that’s just me.

Of course, we can thank John Roberts and Sam Alito for suggesting America no longer had an issue with racial discrimination (apparently because of President Obama’s election) and, as the saying goes, they “released the hounds.” Actually, their abominable decisions started with the Citizen’s United decision by the Roberts’ Court and has continued to this day. The SCOTUS seems to have abdicated its role in the “checks and balances” theory of our founders – instead buying into what’s good for corporate interests as being good for you and me. Naturally, well I should probably find another term, this partnership between corporations and government – as I’ve been pointing out here for YEARS – is foundational to a FASCIST regime. Think about it!

President Biden warned America about an impending OLIGARCHY (He apparently had read Project 2025) but, at that point in his presidency, no one seemed to be listening. I for one was in agreement that President Biden was too old to be president, but SO IS Trump! And, President Biden has forgot MORE than Trump will EVER know about how to manage the American government. We now have a group of “puppet masters” behind the scenes writing the “script” for Trump on the days when they can keep him from embarrassing himself (and us) in front of the “media.” (And, by “media” I’m talking about the “White House” press corp that OCCASIONALLY asks a pertinent question to which they ALWAYS get a nonsensical answer – usually a TOTAL deflection. The issue in the 2024 election SHOULDN’T have been Biden’s age, but Trump’s CORRUPTION and the plans of Project 2025!

You say FASCISM is hyperbole? Ladies and gentlemen – it’s here. And, we’ve got, apparently, another 3 1/2 years of this which will create enough DAMAGE to this nation that if it is reversible it will take at LEAST a generation or more for our republic to recover. BEFORE the election I pointed out the DANGER of re-electing Trump simply from the standpoint of the Supreme Court. I feel confident enough to GUARANTEE that BOTH Alito and Thomas will retire BEFORE Trump’s term is up and our ONLY hope is to somehow vote OUT enough republican Senators to give control back to the democrats – (if there IS an election) thereby giving them the opportunity (no guarantees here, of course) to BLOCK any new Trump appointees to the Court. Trust me, his next SCOTUS appointee will be far worse than the previous three. Yikes!!! (I rest my case – although there’s lots more evidence America is becoming a Fascist nation)

Final Thought: Zohran Mamdani is young (I believe he’s 33) and he’s very progressive. Just what the OLIGARCHS in America don’t like. I’m guessing he actually wants to tax them more. And, trust me, there are progressives (like me) who believe America is rich enough for the people at the “bottom” to be able to put a roof over their heads, put food on their tables, and get health care when they need it – FULL STOP! So, for all those democrats who were pining about Joe Biden being too old – while missing the point of what was the alternative – please don’t join the bandwagon of corporate democrats who are joining Trump in finding ways to prevent Mamdani from becoming New York’s next mayor. To me, we need MORE people like him (religion, nationality unimportant) – young and in touch with the needs of younger Americans – many who were TRICKED into voting for Trump because of “groceries.” Hopefully “we the people” won’t require another “great depression” in order to see the value in a bottom up approach to our government. Growing the Middle class instead of shrinking it. Focused on optimism instead of FEAR. At some point Trump’s shtick will come back to “bite him in the ass” and – the question remains; “What will be the DAMAGE assessment and how can it be fixed?” Stay tuned…….

I’m losing the energy necessary to continue writing when the focus of my thoughts seems to be overwhelmed by the FACT my country is submitting to FASCISM. Today, is the day when the SCOTUS gives their final decisions of the previous term and, with this court, the expectations of disastrous decisions is once again met. From my vantage point, this court has been busy relinquishing their own part in the constitution’s separation of powers designed to “check” the overreach of the other branches of our government. It’s as if six members of the SCOTUS feels a need to be part of the Trump administration.

Not only did this court give Trump his “absolute immunity” a year ago which he has decided himself to be ABSOLUTELY the singular RULER of this nation. He’s attempting to “govern” via executive orders (EO) which are composed by his Project 2025 puppet masters and, like his “birthright citizenship” EO, where Trump is attempting to rewrite our constitution with the stroke of a pen, this SCOTUS is allowing Trump to create even MORE chaos in America. This is deplorable. This is not ending well!

Let me do a little thinking off the top of my head. First, I keep telling myself America is a “nation of laws and not men” – meaning we are obligated to live by our constitution and the laws which have emerged from it over the previous 250 years. This constitution is predicated on a system of “checks and balances” preventing one branch from dominating the others. So, for us optimists we want to rest on that last sentence. However, reality says otherwise.

For example, the Justice Department has been totally absconded by Trump by filling the key positions with not only sycophants, but SUPER sycophants. Attorney General Pam Bondi is working under the direct supervision of Trump – in VIOLATION of virtually every “norm” I can remember since the days of Watergate. This is so much worse than Watergate I can’t find the words. His deputy AG was his personal attorney as he fought something like 90 alleged FELONY charges prior to the American voters somehow deciding to give Trump a “get out of jail free” card – along with his other top Justice Department official. That one, Emil Bove, Trump nominated for the Federal Bench – he doesn’t believe Trump’s DOJ is obligated to honor the decisions of the courts. Go figure! The Justice Department has truly been weaponized.

I can’t help but think back to the previous Attorney General, Merrick Garland – who was very timid in investigating Trump’s OBVIOUS criminal conduct following the January 6th, 2021 attempted coup at our nation’s Capitol. The democratic establishment continues to find ways to blame President Biden for Trump’s 2024 “victory,” – which I’ve pointed out my disagreement with their thesis many times on this site – but, I don’t hear many of them mentioning the 18 months of Garland’s refusal to act on what was CLEARLY the lawbreaking of a former president as the key to what we’re dealing with now. (Obviously, it’s much deeper than that)

It was James Comey’s interference with the election just days before the 2016 election and Garland’s timid behavior after the 2020 election, from my view, which are key to “we the people” putting a thug who acts like a mob boss into the Oval Office. In the first case Trump was able to stack the SCOTUS with right wing ideologues, and in the second case they allowed him to establish what, to me, is not only a strange view of our constitution but a court willing to accede to his control of their CHECK on the power of the administration. Like I said above, it’s almost as if they consider themselves to be part of Trump’s administration. For me, this all has resulted in nearly 10 years of political depression. (which is apparent in the archives, I’m sure)

The courts have now been neutered as to fulfilling their role in the scheme of “checks and balances” masterfully put into our constitution by the “founding fathers” 250 years ago. I mean you have to give credit to the republicans for figuring out how to, over the course of the last 50+ years, get around the original intentions of that document. This all started, from my recollection, back in the days of the so-called “Powell memo” penned by future Supreme Court Justice (thanks to Nixon) Lewis Powell laying out the plan (for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce) to empower corporations allowing them to achieve the goal of essentially a “merger” of sorts with our government. THAT is the foundation of FASCISM.

Along comes Trump, a pathological LIAR, to be the PERFECT carnival barker candidate to push the agenda of the white nationalists behind the Project 2025 movement. That is to say those behind this MAGA movement have been around since well before Trump. Trump and his “invisible partners” learned their lesson in Trump 1.0 to make sure EVERY appointment to his administration would be based on unfettered loyalty – to HIM and not tho their oaths to the constitution. We’re more than six months in and now the SCOTUS has assured all of us there won’t be much of America left, as we’ve known it, after Trump 2.0.

Trump is convenient to those who authored Project 2025 and the White Nationalists like, for example, Don Black and David Duke and their KKK followers, because Trump is a marvelously proficient pathological LIAR. He’s willing to say ANYTHING he thinks his present audience wants to hear. For example, last week he told a group of people interested in Medicaid that his “Big Beautiful Bill” has no Medicaid cuts. (He knows there’s about $1 TRILLION in cuts to Medicaid in the Senate version of the bill) He’s told those worried about deficits and the national debt the bill will actually stimulate the economy with NO debt or deficits. And, on and on. Here’s the greatest danger to all this LYING. My experience with pathological LIARS is that they actually begin to believe their LIES as the words roll of their tongues. It’s like a train rolling downhill toward the train yard with NO brakes. My summary: NOT good!

We’re already seeing lots of infighting amongst republicans as they charge ahead attempting to pass this 900 + page bill before anyone can actually read it. The Senate leaders are loading it up with “pork” aimed at gaining votes from Senators who are demanding “something” they can take back to their voters. The problem is that the “pork” which makes Josh Hawley happy is likely to make another Senator unhappy. While it appears republicans are having a bit of difficulty getting the 50 votes they need to pass the bill I have NO doubt they’ll find the votes, likely before I get this rant posted. (I did notice (f)Elon Musk has said he’ll finance a primary challenger to anyone who votes FOR the bill.

Apparently, (f)Elon doesn’t appreciate the republicans not only repealing the Biden era clean energy legislation including the EV Credits – full disclosure, I’ve personally benefited from EV tax credits more than once – not only are they repealing the EV tax credits but they’re putting a tax on SOLAR and WIND generation. Plus, they’re attempting to resurrect COAL! I’m not kidding! It’s as if the republicans not only don’t accept there’s a climate crisis – but, they want to further piss off those of us who are able to see the obvious. (This year’s Hurricanes and Wildfires are predicted to be even worse than last year’s) And, in the name of helping your neighbor – they are dissolving FEMA. Yikes!!! (Is that what they call “owning the libs?”)

Here’s a fun fact. MOST Hurricanes are going to affect Florida, Mississippi, Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina, etc. etc. Not your everyday “blue state.” MOST of those who are likely to be affected by HUGE Medicaid cuts live in rural areas – LARGELY “Trump Country.” MOST of the rural hospitals likely to shut down due to the Medicaid cuts are serving predominantly Trump’s base voters. What’s the old saying about “cutting off your nose to spite yourself?”

Here’s the reality though. Not all of the Medicaid cuts will hit Trump voters. I know people (I’ll soon be 78) in nursing homes and, as a former teacher, I still know young people in low income families – in both cases the predominant form of medical insurance is Medicaid. When I was still teaching (Middle School) something like 90% of our students relied on SNAP (food stamp and school lunches) benefits in order to eat. Here’s where I remind all those Christian supporters of Trump’s that in the words of Jesus Christ “What you do for the least of these you do for Me.” And, “what you do TO the least of these you do TO Me.”

Lately Trump has been making some awkward attempts to reference “God” and make people believe he’s sincere – actually trying to mimic Joe Biden’s “God Bless you and God Bless our troops.” First, you don’t need to be a believer to know Trump isn’t one and Second, if you’ve paid much attention to Trump you understand his “Sunday goes to meetin..” means a “meetin..” on a golf course. Full disclosure – there was a time in my life (many years ago) when I played golf on Sundays. It’s just that I wasn’t pretending to be a Christian when doing so. I also understand it’s possible Trump could, at this late date, “give his life to Jesus” – but, I feel safe in saying “it hasn’t happened yet.”

Final Thought: I’m not trying to get all licentiousness because every time I go to church I’m reminded of the FACT I’m a flawed person – but, at least I realize this. Here’s the thing about Trump (and, MANY republicans) regarding “religion.” We’re now seeing legislation aimed at FORCING every school in some states to have a display of the “Ten Commandments.” I tried to think of one of the Commandments Trump HASN’T violated (full disclosure – I’ve violated more than one) and I couldn’t think of one (probably because I can’t remember all of them off the top of my head – actually, I don’t remember a lot of stuff – and I’m a year younger than Trump – just sayin…) My point is, do you want republicans – especially Trump – teaching “religion to your child. (What if you’re Jewish, Mormon, or Muslim?) From my vantage point this is just one example of how republicans (and, of course, Trump) are attempting to eviscerate our constitution.

I even read today how the Trump administration is planning to “denaturalize” the guy who won the democratic primary for Mayor in New York – a “naturalized” Muslim. That means the guy is a CITIZEN. Is the Trump administration going to start “denaturalizing” people they don’t like and sending them to El Salvador? Well, what about (f)Elon Musk who is once again objecting to Trump’s so-called beautiful bill? Do you think Trump will take that one on – even though some have suggested Musk LIED on the paperwork when he applied for his citizenship. Once again, check out the parallels between Trump and Project 2025 and the Third Reich in 1930’s Germany. It will take a minimal amount of research online. OK, I’ll help you a bit – click HERE. That’s all! Stay tuned….