I’m 77 and I could have never considered a majority of voting Americans would vote for a candidate who was leading a political movement which can arguably be called a fascist organization. On several occasions on this site I have asked anyone who might find themselves wondering why anyone would refer to Trump as a fascist to read Project 2025 – a MANDATE put together by about 170 so-called “conservatives” who are directly related to a Trump presidency and who, I believe, will be the “puppeteers” silently running the second Trump administration.

I, of course, am virtually gutted by the FACT the American people voted for a man who couldn’t be more disgusting than Trump as their new president. This is a sad commentary on “we the people.” Trump is a FELON. He’s been adjudicated by an unanimous jury to have committed a sexual assault which he compounded to the tune of $88 MILLION worth of defamation. He’s been found LIABLE for $450 MILLION of fraud with his business based on his PATHOLOGICAL lying which, of course, has been a key part of his political career, his business career, and his personal life. I’m just getting started.

His FELONY conviction was for 34 charges – all 34 counts found guilty by a unanimous jury – which will be hanging over his head until, well, until it isn’t. The reality is he can’t pardon himself from these charges – although he will probably be able to get his buddies on the SCOTUS to somehow twist themselves into pretzels finding a way to dismiss these charges. (At this point I’ve accepted I won’t live long enough to see Trump in jail, therefore torpedoing my bucket list’s final goal) Nevertheless the American people have decided to elect a serial common criminal as the person who’s pledged to see that our “laws are faithfully enforced.” (Unless they, of course, apply to him) The SCOTUS, in essence, granted Trump cart blanche to violate our laws at will. Does anyone see the irony here?

But, as usual, there’s more – there’s always more with republicans. Trump has shown his racism overtly during the 2024 campaign (on numerous occasions) which will likely become more overt as Steven Miller enacts the Project 2025 plan to purge America from those who are not “real Americans.” (Whatever that means. Miller, himself, is a second generation American just like Trump) Trump is a misogynist and a xenophobe to boot. (Here comes another “Muslim ban.” Trump cheats at golf and if you know anything about golf you know you are “trusted” to follow the rules honorably. You know where I’m going, everyone knows Trump is NOT honorable. If you cheat at golf you’ll CHEAT at everything.

Trump is a serial sexist and alleged sexual predator. The young Americans who voted for the first time in this past election had, in most instances, not even heard the Access Hollywood tape recording of Trump’s admission to his serial sexual assaults. Around a couple dozen women came forward accusing Trump for, at a minimum, of his groping them against their will. Of course, Trump said they were ALL lying. Right!

Anyone who doesn’t believe Trump found ways to CHEAT during this past election is simply kidding themselves. We all know the Russians were involved once again with the aim of helping Trump, one of their “useful idiots,” to “win” another four years (or more?) in the “White House.” They were sending bomb threats to polling stations as people were lined up planning to vote. What else were they doing? Well, we know they were busy on social media pushing the original “fake news” which will likely never be known because America’s tech “gurus” – like Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg opened their social media platforms to whoever were willing to pay MONEY to them – which, they can’t seem to get enough.

America’s “tech gurus” were among the first to fall in line behind Trump. Musk “invested” between $100 and $200 MILLION in helping Trump’s election bid – conceivably violating the laws in the process (he was also communicating with Vladimir Putin along the way – also likely illegal) – of course, there’s no chance Musk will be prosecuted – just as Trumps indictments will now simply “go away.” Musk gained $16 BILLION on the first day after the election and he’s “worth” $285 BILLION as I’m writing this. Jeff Bezos – who blocked his newspaper the Washington Post from their endorsement of Ms. Harris’ campaign – is worth about $225 BILLION and he was the first to call and congratulate Trump. Zuckerberg is worth close to $200 BILLION and opened his platform to right wing misinformation prior to the election. I could go on

BILLIONAIRES across the Wall Street spectrum were funneling money to Trump’s campaign in numbers we’ll never know due to the SCOTUS disgusting “Citizen’s United v Federal Election Commission decision back in 2010 opening the flood gates of MONEY to PAC’s which are not legally allowed to coordinate with campaigns. Of course, Musk’s PAC was OBVIOUSLY coordinating with Trump’s campaign and who knows about the other BILLIONAIRE money which was flowing into Trump’s campaign?

I say all this as I’ve been listening to democrats and disaffected republicans who have places on the Cable news outlets – like MSNBC – finding ways to try to make sense of what happened and put forth, somehow, a positive spin on what just happened. Well, count me out on that front. These people don’t seem to realize the reality which just happened. Trump will be in the “White House” while surrounded by those 170 (or so) right wing wack jobs who put together Project 2025. If Trump strays from the “plan” they will be “shouting from the tree tops” – but, count on this, these people know how to manipulate our narcissistic president elect. Trump has accomplished his goal of winning the election as his way of avoiding jail-time. Running a government? Not so much – he has no idea how it works – but, these Project 2025 leaders do. You figure this out! Yikes!

To me, the pundits I’ve listened to who are trying to put a positive case on all this are fooling themselves. Around here I’ve always made predictions and more often than not I’ve been correct. I often hope I’m wrong because my predictions about what America has become is not what you’d call positive. Here’s the first one – by the end of this term in the SCOTUS both Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito will retire opening up the ability of Trump to appoint two more right wing judges to LIFETIME appointments to the Court and they will be YOUNG. Trust me, Judge Aileen Cannon will be one of the new appointments to the Court and democrats will have NO power to stop her from joining the Court – a Judge who is incompetent as a District Judge who will be on the SCOTUS.

Anyone who doesn’t understand republicans are focused on bringing in people to the government who are willing to make a LOYALTY pledge to Trump and the Project 2025 hasn’t been paying attention to those on the “right.” This group of people are avowed racists and their purpose is to purge America of those they accuse of “poisoning the blood.” The American people actually voted for this group of people. That’s the reality we all have to face. Kamala Harris kept saying, at her rallies, “we’re not going back.” Well, the voters said, “Yes we are.”

Interestingly, to me, is the FACT women had the POWER to control this election and prevent these right wing republicans from attempting to force them back into the kitchens under the “rule” of their husbands – and, of course, making babies in the process. Just as in 2016 – the other time America had the opportunity to FINALLY choose a woman as our president – far too many women voted for Trump once again, hard for me to understand. Do they understand if the republicans come up with a national abortion ban – part of the Project 2025 agenda – it will override their state constitutions? I really didn’t get that one.

Then there was the Hispanic vote. Trump is threatening to round up “illegal” immigrants and, of course, many of those under the microscope will be Hispanic members of our society – some people I learned to care deeply about when I was still a public school teacher. Yet, the Hispanic vote swung significantly enough toward Trump to put him back in the “White House.” This was also really difficult for me to understand. Many of these people came to America to get away from authoritarian governments and now they’re voting for one. Do they actually feel they won’t be targeted? I mean those from Puerto Rico were referred to as “garbage” and, yet, in Pennsylvania, for example, voted in alarming numbers for Trump. Even some Haitians reportedly voted for Trump!

I could go on, I’ll leave my predictions to the SCOTUS becoming even more radical (I’ll refer to the Climate Crisis on a later date) but, I have to lament that I live in a nation which is more comfortable with a TRAITOR – who attempted a coup d’etat back in 2021 – was credibly accused of something like 90 FELONIES, is – as I pointed out above – is a serial sexual predator (according to something like 25 women) – found by a unanimous jury to have committed what the judge referred to as “rape” – is a racist, a misogynist, a xenophobe – and those are his bright points – as our president. Even America’s women couldn’t bring themselves to vote for a woman for president. This is depressing!

Final Thought: I wrote the above shortly after the election and I’m still lamenting on what was going through the minds of the GROUPS which chose to either vote for Trump or “stay at home.” A couple examples: First – apparently MANY Puerto Ricans voted for Trump despite being referred to as “Garbage” at Trump’s Madison Square Garden fascist rally. Also, I have no idea how many Palestinian and Arab Americans either voted for Trump or stayed home – but, here’s what they got. Mike Huckabee as the U.S. ambassador to Israel. Huckabee famously doesn’t believe in Palestinians. Sadly, you often “get what you pay for.” And, of course, something like 8 – 10 MILLION progressives checked out on this election. Just like when Hillary Clinton ran – leading to the 6-3 right wing majority in the SCOTUS. And, that’s going to get worse! Stay tuned…. (if you can stomach this) – the s@#t is in the process of hitting the fan!

I’ve got another rant which is near complete, but there are some thoughts I’ve got to get out while they’re still swirling around in my head. And, of course, they relate to the recent election of Trump to another four years of destroying as much of America’s fundamental democratic republic as he can. And, if you’ve been paying attention to the initial picks Trump is making for his cabinet it’s entirely possible you’ve realizing what’s on the horizon. I know several “conservatives” who share the church pews (OK, in my church it’s chairs) and who voted for Trump who have NO IDEA what it really is they voted for. Most of them can’t tell you how our government is formed. Just recently I had a conversation (here) who didn’t understand that the Senate is part of the Congress.

And, of course, democrats are scrambling to figure out what went wrong. The answer, of course, is less complicated than they’re making it. The first reason, to me, can be explained in two words: gender and race. The second reason can also be explained in two words: Social Media.

You would have to be someone with your “head in the sand” to fail understanding that there continues to be a significant portion of our society which is bigoted to the point where when looking at a candidate for national office they would need to see a white male in order to give even consideration. Democrats need to understand this. Kamala Harris engineered an incredible campaign considering she had 107 days to pull it off. I do have to add here that back when democrats started falling off the “Biden bandwagon” I pointed out the winner of the 2024 election would be Biden or Trump. Sadly, I was correct.

I did point out at the time I’ve been lamenting democratic party failures for many years. The issue to me is democrats unwilling to campaign on their basic issues and, in the case of Joe Biden, their accomplishments. After democrats forced Biden from the race Ms. Harris was faced with some serious choices and one of them was to run away from the accomplishments of the Biden administration. I believe, when the history of this troubled time in America is written, Biden will be among the greatest presidents in American history. To me, similar to FDR and LBJ. (The LBJ time, of course, is soiled by the Vietnam fiasco) Add to that, I believe, Barack Obama will also be right up there.

Signature legislation from those times include the implementation of Social Security (and numerous “rights” we seem to take for granted) which has kept MILLIONS of Seniors from poverty (likely, including me) during FDR’s time (along with the rest of the “New Deal”) and Medicare, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Voting Rights Act of 1965 during Johnson’s time in office. (Of course, the Robert’s Court has taken dead aim on the Voting Right’s Act – gutting key portions of it) And, if and when Trump succeeds in repealing the Affordable Care Act (i.e. “Obamacare”) the importance of Barack Obama’s time in office will become more OBVIOUS.

Joe Biden’s accomplishments – which largely happened in his first two years and, even then he was working with razor thin majorities in Congress (if you’re not sure that means both the House and the Senate), are historical. Just off the top of my head the accomplishments included the American Rescue Plan of 2021, the incredible accomplishment of getting vaccines for COVID to every location in the country where people could get vaccinated – saving THOUSANDS of American lives. They passed the infrastructure bill which is working on fixing America’s aging infrastructure (If you remember, Trump failed NUMEROUS times to accomplish this).

Biden’s administration got a bill passed aimed at increasing gun safety (even though it SHOULD have been better, but, well…. republicans), they got the cost of (some) prescription drugs reduced by allowing Medicare to negotiate the prices (astonishing to me that Medicare was prevented from doing so), they passed the “Chips and Science Act” which is bringing the manufacturing of computer chips back to America creating THOUSANDS of good jobs in places that need them. Also, they passed the so-called “Inflation Reduction Act” which included a provision, the first SMALL step, in dealing with the Climate Crisis – designed to encourage the use of clean renewable energy.

The amount of jobs created in the four years of Biden’s administration was beyond anything on record – meaning the MOST – Trump is also in the “record books” with “job creation” as the LEAST number of net jobs when he left office as opposed to when he inherited the 75 months of job growth from President Obama. So, why would Kamala Harris run away from the Biden administration’s record during the 107 days of her campaign? Well, to me, abandoning Biden because of a poor debate performance (and, by the way, Trump had TWO poor debate performances) caused democratic “advisors” to, I guess, assume that was the direction Ms. Harris should follow.

I say that with my belief that Kamala Harris engineered an incredible campaign under the circumstances. Those democrats who are trying to figure out what happened need to understand the reality of the American public – not only the bigotry but also the level of political ignorance – and, I have to add, many of the “conservatives” I know are good hard working people who don’t even understand they voted for an overt racist. But, there’s a second part of this problem – explaining why we’re once again STUCK with Trump.

This one, to me, should be MORE obvious. For starters, Elon Mush owns the Social Media app Xwitter. Now, I don’t do Social Media (with the exception of – mostly – music on YouTube – but, I can virtually guarantee there was an endless flowing of mis/disinformation across “X” targeted by Musk and his tech savvy acolytes to specific audiences. For example, the war in GAZA was a weight around Biden by people who somehow thought Biden could order Bibi Netanyahu around. My guess is “pro Israel” stuff was sent to Palestinian supporting groups and vice versa. From what I’ve heard “X” has become a cesspool of right wing misinformation since Musk took over.

But, you have to also look straight at Mark Zuckerberg – another tech “mogul” who can’t seem to get rich enough. He, like Peter Thiel, has his own hideaway place to go (I believe it’s somewhere in Hawaii) when the shit hits the fan – which appears to be happening. Zuckerberg opened up Facebook to the same right wing political mis/disinformation which brought us Trump the first time and, well, my guess is there it was once again. If you remember (or don’t remember) an outfit called “Cambridge Analytica,” back in 2016 STOLE the data from 57 MILLION American households and organized it into “neighborhoods” where these LIES (let’s call mis/disinformation what it is) were spread causing a significant affect on the beliefs of unsuspecting Facebook users. Cambridge Analytica (CA) was a project both Steve Bannon and Robert Mercer were involved with and it used psychoanalyzing techniques to influence potential voters.

In addition to helping to get Trump elected back in 2016 CA was directly involved in affecting the voters who voted to break Great Britain away from the European Union via “Brexit.” Keep in mind, the Russians and members of Israeli intelligence got the data pilfered from Facebook allowing them to target American voters during the 2016 election of Trump #1. CA ultimately was forced out of business, but the damage to America had been done – PLUS the information regarding American voters was still in the possession of Bannon and the republican right wing supporters of Trump. I have no doubt they used this information once again in 2024.

Plus, you had Elon Musk (and who knows who else was involved with him) spreading GARBAGE on his website and, undoubtedly, on Facebook and other Social Media apps. Democrats seem to be woefully inadequate in understanding how all this works – but, clearly, Musk was “investing” heavily into Trump’s campaign via secret “PAC’s.” If you’ve watched the stock market and Musk’s auto company since the election you know exactly why he did it – Musk, like Zuckerberg, (and other American Oligarchs) can’t seem to get enough money – but, Trump’s “win” in the election is going a long way in determining if he has a ceiling.

I read “Proof of Conspiracy” by Seth Abramson which lays out the evidence of the conspiracy of the Trump campaign of 2016 with Russia, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Egypt (I think also Qatar?) to get Trump elected. Well, I have to believe the same “actors” were doing the same thing in 2024. I’ve written several times here that Vladimir Putin has been working for YEARS to use our (the U.S.) open society against us – as he attempts to convince Americans that “democracy” is evil.

Trump has proved he IS “above the law” and, as we await his new reign on America we’re seeing that anyone on his “team” will also be above the law. For example, take what Elon Musk is up to. (and Trump) It’s been credibly reported Musk was not only on a phone call to President Zelenskyy of Ukraine but has also been reported to be having conversations with representatives of Iran. Wouldn’t these by violations of the Logan Act? Of course, there’s no reason to even open an investigation because, well, the new Attorney General just might be Matt Gaetz. (I can’t believe I just typed that) Bottom line, Trump and his sycophants don’t believe in the rule of law. (for themselves)

So, democrats need to stop trying to figure out what Kamala Harris did wrong. True to their tradition they didn’t run on their incredible successes – because they have no idea how to win the messaging “wars” and their understanding, it appears, of Social Media is like boys against men in comparison to republicans. Musk, like Trump, is obviously willing to do whatever it takes to win. His buying votes in Pennsylvania and other “battleground states” was, to me, clearly illegal – almost unbelievably arrogant. But, he was betting he could help Trump win – so, there would never be an investigation.

The result of all this is becoming painfully clear. Trump is now naming some of the most incredible names for his cabinet in, maybe, history. I mean, Gaetz for Attorney General? It was interesting how he avoided indictment for his alleged sex trafficking and illicit drug use. And, RFK Jr. for the head of HHS? OMG! Will he be the one who succeeds in dismantling Medicare? And, his anti vaccine nonsense? Just recently, where I live, (a small county in Washington state) there have been over 400 cases of Whooping Cough and an outbreak in our elementary schools of the measles – mostly with children whose parents agree with Kennedy on opposition to vaccines. And, Tulsi Gabbard as head of the Department of Intelligence? Yikes! But, of course, there’s more: A Fox “News” host as Secretary of Defense?! God help us all!!!

While the finger pointing about “what went wrong” will continue and likely be pointed at President Biden or Vice President Harris – in my view – the fingers should be pointed at “we the people.” It shouldn’t have taken a lot of thought to understand what lies ahead as people were choosing to vote for a 34 times convicted FELON who faced over 50 additional charges, including Espionage, has been adjudicated civilly of committing what the judge equated to rape, and who has a long history of committing FRAUD as our president. No one can claim “ignorance” at this point. Why would anyone wonder why America is no longer a nation based on the “rule of law.” When this disaster permeates the American culture, we MUST be clear where we lay the blame. It should lie at the feet of the American voters. Stay tuned……

Final Thought: Speaking of wondering if America is still a nation based on the rule of law – and, how Trump has destroyed that fundamental value, there’s more. None could possibly compare to Trump’s promise to pardon those who participated in the January 6th, 2021 INSURRECTION, including those convicted of SEDITIOUS CONSPIRACY – in essence, an attempt to overthrow our government. Well, Trump is attempting to prove he’s managed to do this via the ballot box. Will republicans in Congress continue to cower in fear of this deplorable man? If Trump pardons those who have been convicted of assaulting the Capitol and Metropolitan Police officers who did battle with them for several hours – with some officers saying the attack was worse than anything they experienced in their military service in Iraq or Afghanistan – will republicans go along?

Sadly, my prediction is: Yes!

The thoughts are swirling through my head as I try to process that a majority of American voters chose a TRAITOR and a FELON to be the next president of the United States. Not to mention a alleged serial sexual predator and Fraudster. (I’ve got two rants going on in my head at once) My heart is grieved by what is happening in our nation. And, the most important part to me, as I was sitting in church today, I know about 70% of the people in the service voted for Trump. (In my state, it didn’t matter as much because Washington, as a state, voted for Kamala Harris) These people, during the service, made it clear to me they have no idea what is coming.

All I could think about as I was trying to get to sleep last night was all the times in this blog I’ve talked about the fundamental characteristic of FASCISM being a government/corporation partnership. This couldn’t have been more obvious as we all watched Elon Musk attempting (and apparently succeeding) with BUYING votes in Pennsylvania and other “swing states.” His $150 MILLION “investment” in Trump has already paid off to the tune of about an increase in his net worth of about $30 BILLION in the three days following the election. Trump is going to put Musk in a place where he’s overseeing his own financial empire. That’s not a good look – if you still believe in our democratic republic.

It’s not only Musk. Jeff Bezos, as we all know, blocked the Washington Post from endorsing Kamala Harris and was then the FIRST to call and congratulate Trump. These American OLIGARCHS know how to play Trump and they can’t get enough money – it’s like they’re making a rush to be the first TRILLIONAIRE. Musk is now worth close to $300 BILLION and Bezos is nearing $250 BILLION. And, there’s Mark Zuckerberg who’s worth around $200 BILLION. When you think about the POWER of Social Media and the coming reality the Justice Department will undoubtedly stop the lawsuits attempting to break up these corporations who have monopolies. Their “donations” to Trump have/will pay off handsomely. Corporate dominance of our society has been on a steady rise since Lewis Powell sent his now infamous “memo” to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce laying out the plan which has finally reached full truism. (It started to take shape with Ronald Reagan and Trump has applied the exclamation point)

That is simply the “foundation” of the reality we’ll all be facing (even for those of you who voted for Trump and haven’t read Project 2025). Trump has made “promises” which many seem to think were just his normal “hot air” – but, they aren’t aware of the number of corporate interests which were behind Project 2025. The shit is going to hit the fan starting on January 20, 2025. We’ll likely never know how many voters were purged during the election or chose to stay home. We’ll likely not know how many young people Musk influenced to vote for Trump. We won’t know the full effect of the hundred or so BOMB threats at polling stations across several “battleground states.” What we do know is that 3 out of 10 women who voted for abortion care in their states also voted for Trump. MORE women voted for Trump in this election than in 2016. And, he’s going to take care of them, “whether they like it or not.” This all is like a bad dream to me.

So, you think this is all hyperbole. Well, just think about what we KNOW. Trump will now get away with serial violations of the laws he’s soon expected to take an oath to “preserve, protect, and defend.” That oath is to the constitution which Trump has said he will terminate. Any “oath” Trump takes, this one with a hand on the Bible, will take place with his fingers crossed behind his back. When his lips are moving, he’s LYING.

We also KNOW Trump stole highly classified documents the last time he left office and, when he forced the FBI to search his home (Mar a Lago), there were Top Secret documents missing. Do you think they were shared during the SEVEN phone calls with Putin, which should have caused Trump to be investigated for violating the Logan Act? We KNOW Trump shared some of that CLASSIFIED information with strangers – do you really believe he would be capable of not sharing it with Putin? And, Musk? He has been calling Putin as well, what’s that all about? Trump, Musk, and anyone associated with Trump’s administration will be “above the law” on January 20th. And, is alleged FELON and disbarred attorney Jeffrey Clark really going to nominated to be the next Attorney General? Yikes! (So says Steve Bannon)

Then there’s Vladimir Putin. He has been vocal about his anger at the demise of the former Soviet Union, blaming the United States. He’s been polluting Social Media in America for much longer than the time we’ve been stuck with Trump and his sycophants. The leaders in Russia are doing jumping jacks with big smiles on their faces – they’ve succeeded at getting their “useful idiot” back in the “White House.” Putin has used our open society against us in an attempt to prove democracy doesn’t work. And, he’s had a compliant republican party whether those in the party recognize it or not. It appears Putin has succeeded. (My heart grieves for the valiant people in Ukraine)

I’ve been trying to listen to/watch “news” programs – I watch MSNBC when I watch anything – and I don’t last long as the program “hosts” and their guests are attempting to “put lipstick on a pig.” I’m not sure how many people fully understand what’s coming. Trump being manipulated by the worst dictators in the world – and NATO automatically on shaky ground. Elon Musk having untold POWER to further his own interests and to put “temporary pain” on the rest of us as he promised during the campaign. And, unbelievably to me, Robert Kennedy, in the words of Trump, “having his way with the medical” (or words to that effect). Bad dream? Sadly, not so! That’s just a small part of what’s coming. It’s like “democracy” has been tied to the tracks and here comes the train. It could get really ugly.

I only made it through the prologue and the first hundred or so pages of Project 2025, but I didn’t need to read any further. This is a roadmap to a fascist state and Trump is the perfect vessel for the 170, or so, right wing political “leaders” and the right wing corporate interests who laid out the plan which avoids what they refer to as the pitfalls of Trump’s first four years inflicting incompetence and pain on America. In their minds it SHOULD have been much worse. There were people in the “White House” who actually believed in the oath they had to take to get their jobs. That oath was to the constitution – this time the oath will be to Trump. I think the number of people who understand this are few and far between.

No one should be surprised at what Steven Miller will be up to in the new administration. Will he be able to actually lead a “roundup” of the “illegals” living and working in America? (Remember, Musk entered the U.S. illegally) These people don’t mind immigrants, as long as they are white. How does J.D. Vance talk to his IMMIGRANT wife, who is from India, as he’s spreading lies about Haitians eating “cats and dogs?” Trump (Drumpf) is a second generation German immigrant (who has repeated several of Hitler’s fond phrases) and he’s been married to (and cheated on) two immigrants. If they succeed, what will be the effect on our economy? (Hell, Musk is offering his “sperm” because he believes we need more babies.

And, to those women who voted for themselves to have autonomy over their bodies by voting for initiatives to put the right to an abortion in their state constitution and then voted for Trump, were they not aware that a prime focus of Project 2025 is to pass a nationwide ABORTION ban which would override their state’s new law? As someone whose first experience with pregnancy was with a wife who had a miscarriage – this is alarming. I actually didn’t understand, at the time, I was paying for what amounted to an abortion as my wife was taken from the emergency room bleeding out and had the procedure known as a D & C. (ie the same procedure as an abortion). I fear for any woman in that predicament who is denied health care because of draconian laws – written by WHITE men! It’s already happening in nearly half the U.S. states.

Do you really believe the laws will be faithfully “preserved and protected?” I, personally, don’t have any confidence, for example, that the Judge in Trump’s “porn star election interference” trial, where Trump was unanimously found GUILTY of 34 FELONIES will have the “stones” to give Trump the sentence he deserves. Remember, he was found in contempt of the court TEN times during the trial. Not once has he expressed a scintilla of remorse – consider if that was you. 34 FELONIES – guilty on all of them. Ten instances of CONTEMPT (where, if that was you, you’d have found yourself behind bars at that time), and NO remorse. Do you think the charges would be dropped? Do you really believe this judge will sentence Trump to prison time? (That would make J.D. Vance, temporarily the president I suppose) Trump will get away with ALL his criminal conduct – and, likely, a lot more before he’s done. He’s got almost unlimited IMMUNITY now!

Add to that the SCOTUS. They not only made sure Trump’s January 6th trial didn’t happen before the election, they were primed to help him out had he lost. However, from their vantage point just in case he manages to win, they have given him “cart blanche” to violate our laws with impunity. Not only will he get away with his criminal conduct, but so will Musk? He, to me, is virtually as arrogant in regard to our laws. Offering Million dollar payoffs to people in battleground states to “sign his petition” that they support the first and second amendments to the constitution, do you really believe that’s legal? Nice trick, especially because we know Trump’s justice department will look the other way – for heaven’s sake, that could have been a key contributor to Trump’s “win.”

Why do you think Jeff Bezos was the first to call and congratulate him? Bezos recently moved from Seattle to Miami because Washington passed a Capital gains tax on stock gains of over $250 THOUSAND of something like 7 percent. He, like Musk, doesn’t seem to have a limit to how much MONEY he thinks he’s worth. I don’t use Amazon and I, despite both my wife and I driving electric cars, there’s no way we’d drive a Tesla. In fact, if I had any pull, I’d be urging all Americans to avoid driving Tesla’s. (I drive a Polestar which is every bit as nice as a Tesla but without the “Musk.”)

The point I’m Trying to make is that I believe “we the people” have allowed ourselves to be pushed over the tipping point into becoming a pure fascist state. (As I told my son this morning I’ve never more hoped I’m wrong) What will happen if they succeed in dismantling the Department of Education? (That coming from a retired public school teacher) What will happen if they succeed in purging America’s institutions of the dedicated public servants – who know the “ropes” – only to install their Trump loyalists? What on earth DAMAGE will RFK Jr. manage to inflict on the CDC, the FDA, the NIH? What will four years of allowing unvaccinated children into our public schools? (Measles, Small Pox, Polio and more – does Kennedy want a recurrence of these diseases?) And, dismantling the FBI and DOJ? That should be interesting – more people will be walking around while packing a weapon. Great! (not)

Not only will the safety of our food be at risk with Kennedy calling the shots (he’s going to focus on “Fruit Loops”) – the guy is a TOTAL wack job! But, when all these “illegals” are rounded up – many who do the critically important WORK of helping to harvest the crops of America’s farmers – what will that mean for our food supply? – and, for all those Americans who voted for Trump because they’re worried about inflation – well, do you think it might be possible for Trump’s group of incompetents to cause the prices of food to spike to new highs? (Again, I hope I’m wrong)

Is Trump really going to put tariffs on imported goods across the board? He still believes that’s a tax on the country of origin. However, it’s a tax on “we the people.” That SHOULD be easier to understand unless you’ve got a mind as demented as Trump’s. And, do you think putting these tariffs on will create ANY jobs in America? Hell, Trump gets the Bibles he hocks to “we the people” from China. Speaking of Trump’s con game – do you really think he’s not going to be busy figuring out ways he can PROFIT off this bonanza – letting the Project 2025 people figure out the details of running the government? I could go on and on with all the thoughts swirling in my brain, but this, so far, isn’t helping my feeling of gloom.

I have to say, I’m really disappointed in the American people. As I said, this right wing takeover of the government has been going on for over 50 years. It’s been methodical and the republicans have proven themselves to be much more strategic in their thinking than the democrats – not to mention, the republicans cheat and fight dirty while the democrats continue to want to put a positive face on things. I can’t stop this without ending with my thoughts about John Roberts and the other right wing members of the SCOTUS.

Lewis Powell was placed on the Court only one year after laying out the plan for corporations to take control of our government – leading to the “trickling up” of TRILLIONS of dollars out of the Middle Class to the top “1%.” Over the years, since Reagan, the Court moved farther and farther to the right culminating, in 2000, with the “crowning” of GW Bush/Dick Cheney over the “will of the people.” Talk about your “rigged” elections. Bush’s brother as governor of Florida and the Court stopping a recount which would likely have put Al Gore in the “White House” – thereby preventing the Iraq fiasco. (And, likely, the ensuing financial meltdown of 2007-2008)

But, as I always say, with republicans you can count on MORE. Along comes Roberts and Sam Alito and we’ve gone from the Citizen’s United v Federal Election Commission ruling OPENING the floodgates of DARK money (and foreign money) into our elections, (remember, “corporations are people”) followed by a gutting of the Voting Rights’ Act of 1965, followed by the end of “affirmative action,” followed by (maybe I’m out of order here) overturning of Roe, followed by the end of “Chevron deference” (which I, and likely most of you) don’t understand – I believe it takes the expertise out of government agencies and gives it to the incompetents in the Courts) followed by giving Trump unlimited IMMUNITY to violate our laws if he considers it “official.”

And, of course, both Sam Alito and Clarence Thomas are likely to retire at the end of the present term and Trump, likely, already has the replacements in mind. And, guess what, – and you heard it here (likely not) first – I believe Trump will reward Aileen Cannon for her “loyalty” in overseeing his Espionage case by promoting her to the Court. And, the democrats will be powerless to stop him. This will ensure the Court is in the right wing’s grip for 30 maybe 40 years. And, it wouldn’t surprise me if the republicans, to head off what democrats have been mumbling about, try to expand the court – one justice for each of the 13 appellate Courts. That would equate to four more right wing, lifetime appointed, Supreme Court Justices. Yikes!!!

Final Thought: I haven’t even brought up the Climate Crisis. How many Hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, wild fires, droughts, will it take for Trump and his sycophants to understand we have a problem here? Apparently, they all think if the world is really coming to an end they’ll be the ones going to heaven – despite all the LYING and CHEATING and the worshiping of MONEY, all the ignoring of the “least of these,” and a host of other “commandments” in the Bible. They’ve paid their $70 for Trump’s (China made) Bible (which everyone else can get for nearly FREE without Trump’s picture) so they’re “good to go.”

I found it interesting (or should I say depressing) that the states hit hardest by the Hurricanes earlier this year ALL voted for Trump/Vance. Apparently, the FACT 2024 broke 2023’s record as the hottest year yet doesn’t faze these people. The FACT both the Atlantic and Gulf waters are dangerously WARM – providing FUEL for the Hurricanes isn’t of concern in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina or North Carolina. It seems the citizens of Florida must be getting their homeowner’s insurance from “we the people.” I feel for my children and grandchildren that their country is going to lose AT LEAST another four years – which may be too many – in combating this crisis. This is simply a small sample of the thoughts SWIRLING in my head! Stay tuned!!!

Over the past two weeks I saw the same ad showing up OVER and OVER while I was watching football games and other stuff I can’t remember at this point in time. The ad depicted Kamala Harris as responsible for a policy where inmates in the federal prisons were getting transgender surgeries via a policy put in place by Kamala Harris. In reality, the policy in question was implemented while Trump was president the first time around. I didn’t see any push-back from Ms. Harris and, as I’m watching Trump win his second reign on America, it appears the consistent reason is the swing of Hispanic voters moving in Trump’s direction.

This despite the heinous rally at Madison Square Garden – reminiscent of the rally by the German American Bund back in 1939 – where those Trump had on the stage with him were, shall we say, less than complimentary of Hispanics. For example, as most people know, the people of Puerto Rico were referred to as an Island of garbage in the ocean – not to mention the other anti-immigrant messages. Well, it still hasn’t been called by the networks, but I’m calling this election for the most deplorable person I can imagine as being, once again, the president of the United States.

All I can say to the American people is, “you get what you pay for.” God help us!

Final Thought: I’ve been praying for Ukraine all the while during this election and my hope now is that President Biden will unload whatever amount of “assistance” is still available to him prior to January 20th. Also, for the Palestinians who voted for Trump or third party, well, pray for GAZA. It looks as if Trump is going to win in a – and, it pains me to write this – a LANDSLIDE!

Now we’ll see if the INSURRECTIONISTS get pardoned. Also, brace yourself, but Robert Kennedy is going to be in charge of the CDC, the FDA, NIH, and, in essence, HHA.

Tomorrow is election day and not too many people are going to read this, but I have to make a SHORT post regarding one part of this election which I couldn’t agree with Michelle Obama more. The last time I listened to her speak she said, “How can this election even be close?” That’s exactly what’s bothering me tonight no matter how this election turns out. Roughly HALF of the American electorate favor Donald Trump and the roadmap to fascism “Project 2025.”

That’s a sad state of affairs. And, trust me, those in Europe are possibly paying more attention to what that actually means than, likely, more than HALF of the Americans eligible to vote. From the European side of things, how could “we the people” vote into office someone who almost destroyed NATO his first time around and will likely do so if he gets a second chance? Plus, HE’S A FELON! When did America decide choosing someone who takes an oath to make sure the laws are faithfully defended who refuses to follow them? (And, incredibly, the SCOTUS gave him virtually a “get out of jail free” card – should he be able to VIOLATE that oath once again.)

But, we Americans? For God’s sake! He’s been convicted of sexually assaulting a woman by a civil court which placed a judgement of over $5 MILLION as his punishment. Part of that judgement was for DEFAMATION and, what did Trump do? Of course, he kept defaming her. Now he owes her over $83 MILLION! On top of that Trump was found liable for nearly HALF A BILLION dollars in various forms of FRAUD. If you’re not too aware of that = it just further “cements” Trump’s place in the hall of fame of LIARS.

Many of America’s first time voters have never heard the Access Hollywood tape – and, I blame democrats for that – but, thanks to some of Trump’s unhinged attacks on Ms. Harris my understanding is that tape has resurfaced – on places like TikTok. I don’t frequent the Social Media sites, but according to my grandchildren, most of our young people are found on TikTok. And MILLIONS of them now have heard Trump bragging about grabbing women by their “pussies.” He says, “when you’re famous they’ll let you do it.” How can anyone have a more demeaning view of America’s women?

And, Trump has convinced MILLIONS of Americans that he cares about “immigration.” Of course, he could care less about immigration, as long as the immigrants skin color is the correct one. I mean, he’s married to an IMMIGRANT. His grandfather was an IMMIGRANT (from Germany – their name was Drumpf) who married an immigrant. Heck, JD Vance is married to an IMMIGRANT from India, no less. How does she feel as her husband demeans Kamala Harris? Based on how he’s talked about women, he likely doesn’t care.

Donald Trump might be the MOST despicable person I’ve ever been forced to listen to, with the possible exception of Mr. Vance. These two men are making it clear to me there’s something really wrong with the nation I learned for about the last 70 years. I remember the days of Dwight Eisenhower, I remember JFK becoming president and then being murdered (when I was a Junior in High School). Then it was MlK Jr. getting murdered and then RFK getting murdered. That was a tough time for me.

LBJ caused the U.S. to lose face in the world by pushing the surge in the Viet Nam War, but he also oversaw the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 PLUS the implementation of Medicare. While the war in “Nam” is what most Americans remember from LBJ, but his signature legislation was the most significant in my lifetime UNTIL Joe Biden came along. Now we’re back at that familiar place in American politics where democrats can’t run on their accomplishments. Kamala Harris is doing a good job of putting herself in a position to continue what is the greatest economy, post pandemic, in the world.

For whatever reason (and I’ve heard them) the American people don’t believe the economy is good. To me, that’s a sign of how “spoiled” we’ve become and how susceptible we are to the corporate interests which control the Mainstream Media (MSM). Here’s the deal, there’s been a BILLION dollars spent on political advertising IN THE LAST WEEK! I know a lot of people who don’t want to hear/see another ad and just can’t wait until it’s over. Sadly, that’s exactly what those corporate interests want.

I’ve encouraged by the campaign run by Kamala Harris – when you think about it, she ran it almost flawlessly. For heaven’s sake, it’s only been about four months since Joe Biden decided to drop out. In addition, she’s been running against a REALLY despicable person. However, should this turn out the way I want it to, we must all keep in mind that Ms. Harris won’t get much done if “we the people” don’t give her a willing Congress. The reality is, the Senate is a true long shot for democrats. And the House? How could “we the people” ever vote republicans in charge of the House after the previous “deplorable” two years – where NOTHING got done – except a few “continuing resolutions” where a budget isn’t even voted on – they simply “kick the can down the road.”

I’m not sure if I want Kamala Harris to win more than I want Trump to LOSE. Keep in mind, one of the last two things on my bucket list is to live long enough (I’m 77) to see Trump go to jail. Even if Trump loses, as I said above, that won’t change the FACT almost half of this country plan to vote for him. Trump is a cowardly bully. who got slaughtered in his one debate with Ms Harris – leading him to cower out of any other direct confrontations with her. Trump is a pitiful old man. He’s a serial violator of our laws, a FELONY 34 times (with more to come). Why is this election even close? God help us!

I’m going to try to make this one short. It’s been frustrating for me to watch our “mainstream media” (MSM) fail to respond to Donald Trump’s fascist rhetoric as he stumbles his way to what will hopefully be a clear and convincing defeat on November 5th. Of course, it will likely be days after the 5th before the outcome is determined. That said, Trump continues to follow the script set out in Mein Kampf in the 1930’s by Adolf Hitler and his Minister of Propaganda Joseph Goebbels. We’re finally seeing the topic of Trump’s fascist nature being reported by some of the media, but, hopefully, it won’t be too little too late.

The first example of Hitler’s “strategy” was, of course, the “BIG LIE THEORY.” As laid out by Hitler, “you tell a LIE over and over enough and ultimately people begin believing it’s true.” (My characterization) Well, when you listen to Trump you hear one LIE after another and, almost incredibly, the MSM continues to fail to point this OBVIOUS use of Nazi strategy to those Americans who only pay peripheral attention to the “news.” Shame on them!

The second example, which I’ve also pointed out many times here for several years now is Trump’s (and his republican sycophants who’ve adopted BOTH strategies) use of PROJECTION. Just recently he’s given us a great example of both as he seemed to threaten “pointing guns at Liz Cheney’s face.” He routinely LIES and in this instance he did it again accusing Ms. Cheney of authorizing “10,000 American troops into the heat of battle” (What the???) and, then calling her a “stupid person.” Those are the words of likely the STUPIDEST person to ever get near the Oval Office. Projection, of course, is when you accuse your opponent/enemy of your own issues/transgressions. The examples of Trump’s (and his republican minions) use of projection are endless!

The republican party has adopted BOTH of these Hitler strategies and it’s high time our MSM reported this to Americans still attempting to decide who to vote for. Should, somehow Trump succeed at STEALING this election, it will be a sad day in this country if “we the people” have to discover all this then. Modifying an old saying, “if it walks like a fascist and talks like a fascist, it’s a fascist! Come on MSM! Do your jobs! (without so much FEAR) Stay Tuned! (And VOTE!)

One of the themes I’ve been writing about for over 15 years here, regarding the republican party, is that “rights are easier to lose than to get back.” For example, if you’re a woman, it took little foresight to ignore the DANGERS back in 2016 when Donald Trump was first threatening our republic. Although to many of us it was obvious the Supreme Court was an issue as Moscow Mitch McConnell had prevented Barack Obama’s choice for the Supreme Court even getting a vote.

Of course, at the time, it wasn’t obvious Justice Kennedy would step aside so that Trump could appoint a second justice after Trump replaced McConnell’s blocking a replacement for the deceased Antonin Scalia with Neil Gorsuch – saying “The voters should decide who appoints a justice during an election year” – when Trump chose the alleged sexual predator Brett Kananaugh as Kennedy’s replacement. That put two YOUNGER judges with lifetime commitments AND commitments to Trump on the Court.

Then, roughly 6 weeks prior to the 2020 election Ruth Bader Ginsburg lost a long battle with cancer. Of course McConnell, who was STILL the leader of the Senate, ignored the “Gorsuch” rule – proving McConnell to be just another LYING politician – as he pushed through the nomination of Amy Coney Barrett while people were voting in the election which gave Trump the “door.” In his own words, he was FIRED! However, the damage had been done – all because democrats couldn’t get solidly behind Hillary Clinton.

Of course, it didn’t take long for republican operatives around the country to begin the assault on Roe v Wade resulting in the Robert’s Court, about three years ago, doing what they were “supposed” to do (and, by the way, each one of the justices said in their confirmation hearings that they wouldn’t [LIARS?]) and overturn Roe. Trump takes credit for this and says he’s proud to have been the one to facilitate this RIGHT to be taken from women – who he had said SHOULD be “punished” for having abortions – and the backlash is continuing. If Kamala Harris wins on November 5th you can look at the overturning of Roe as the catalyst.

That all being said, the Court SHOULD (in my view) be a continuing motivation for Americans to head to the polls and vote AGAINST republicans, starting with Trump. For heaven’s sake, this right wing Court even, among a flurry of anti “we the people” votes, decided that Trump will have nearly NO GUIDE RAILS should he prevail in the election with their ABSURD “absolute immunity” decision back in July – giving president’s unimaginable immunity from the laws they’re supposed to uphold – the latest day possible for them to decide this issue. In fact, the Court further exposed their “loyalty” toward Trump by putting off this decision for over 6 months making it sure Trump wouldn’t be tried for instigating the INSURRECTION.

So, as American voters go to the polls on November 5th, there are a whole bunch of rights which will be on the ballot. (Please take the time to read as much of Project 2025 as you can stomach) There’s so many issues involved that, based on my observation, it’s nearly impossible for the so-called “liberal media” to keep up. Listen to what’s coming from Trump’s own mouth, despite I don’t hear “pundits” asking him if he’ll sign a national abortion ban. He, for sure, wouldn’t answer – because he loses either way. Of course, if one is presented to him, he’d sign it – despite his (DISHONEST) claims that “everyone wanted this” and it should be up to the states for votes. (Every state which has had a vote has voted for a “woman’s right to choose”)

However, there’s a whole bunch more “rights” which are on this ballot. Consider this: Trump is saying he’ll appoint Robert F Kennedy Jr. (it grieves me to write that name in the same sentence as one with Trump’s name in it), the now infamous anti vaccine crack pot, as the director of HHS – which includes the CDC, the FDA, the NIH – and possibly a voice in the Environment Protection Agency (EPA). There are a BUNCH of “rights” people take for granted which would be instantly threatened. For example, you send your child to school you expect the other students won’t be exposing him/her to a dangerous disease. Kennedy believes there’s no safe and effective vaccines. (Polio, Small Pox, Measles, etc.)

If that’s not enough for you, Trump has actually said he’d include “women’s health” into the “portfolio” of Mr. Kennedy. Can you even imagine what’s going through the minds of the Kennedy’s who are descendants of JFK and RFK? The FIRST politician to pull me into his orbit was Robert Kennedy back in 1968. I was decimated when he was murdered. It took me years to recover from my distrust in the “mainstream” of our government. Surprisingly (to me) Bill Clinton was the first to cause my “turn around” as he actually left office with a $250 BILLION surplus in the annual budget – me hoping that money would lead to the reduction of our national debt. George W Bush and Dick Cheney reversed that hope almost immediately after taking office back in 2001.

Then came Barack Obama – who was forced to clean up the incredible MESS left behind by Bush/Cheney – with the country teetering on another “Great Depression.” Slowly, but surely, Obama led a resurgence of our economy only to be followed in office by Trump – proof to me the American people have temporary amnesia. It’s as if four years of “memory” is too much to expect. So, as mentioned above, along came Trump and another INCREDIBLE MESS passed on to Joe Biden/Kamala Harris and what they accomplished in the last four years is historic – yet, based on polls, nearly half the country can’t remember what four years of Trump was like.

You hear his devotees saying, when asked what they like about Trump, it’s his “policies.” EVERY Trump supporter I’ve broached that question to couldn’t list even ONE actual policy they liked. The reality always ends up, their parents were republicans and they’ve always voted republican. But, when Trump asks (almost stupidly – MORE stupidity coming from his mouth) “are you better off now than four years ago?” OMG – how can the answer possibly be yes? Four years ago between 3000 and 4000 Americans were DYING each day from a pandemic Trump totally mishandled. The vaccines (which Kennedy ridicules – despite the reality they’ve saved untold MILLIONS of lives around the world) actually got emergency approval while Trump was still in office (it wasn’t until after the election) he had NO plan on how to distribute them.

One of the first successes of the Biden administration was MIRACULOUSLY getting access to these life saving vaccines out to virtually every “nook and cranny” in America in the space of something like 5 to 6 months. I got my first dose of the Pfizer vaccine in early February (based on my age) and my granddaughter got hers by that summer. I’ve been exposed to COVID several times since and still have not been diagnosed with having the virus – despite all of Kennedy’s protestations to the contrary.

The list goes on as the “rights” Americans take for granted are only good as long as “we the people” are willing to defend them. The DAMAGE caused by Trump’s first term in office lives on and it will take a mammoth effort by “we the people” to overcome them – as SHOULD be evident with the challenge facing women as I’m writing this. Consider the DAMAGE he can cause if “we the people” are stupid enough to allow him to CHEAT his way back into office once again. I’ve given a book report here in the past on Seth Abramson’s “Proof of Conspiracy” – a hard book to read, but in my view, an important book to read. In it he gives evidence to support the CONSPIRACY by Russia, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt (and maybe others – I think Bahrain), in getting Trump into the “White House” back in 2016.

Well, if you believe Vladimir Putin, Bibi Netanyahu, MBS, and the leaders of the other countries I just referred to aren’t doing the same thing this time, I’ve got a bridge……. We know Putin is depending on a Trump win to facilitate his heinous illegal assault on the country of Ukraine – not to mention his “eyes” on the former Soviet Countries bordering Ukraine – which Trump has said Putin can “do what the hell he wants” with them. I started calling Trump a fascist before he was FIRED back in 2020 along with considering him a small time mob boss. He certainly acts like a mob boss from my perspective. I say this because:

If you think having Roe overturned, the president being ruled to be “above the law,” or the plethora of other disgusting rulings of the Roberts’ Court are the “end” of the DAMAGE, you’re delusional. Sadly, this court will continue to be pro corporate interests and dismissive of “we the people’s” rights even if Ms. Harris prevails on November 5th. But, should Trump somehow come out on top, regarding these remaining rights we take for granted, dismantling them will be “Katy bar the door.” If this seems depressing to you – make sure you VOTE. It’s still an incredible privilege. I’ll say it once again, RIGHTS are easier to lose than to regain!

Final Thought: I’ve made my concerns about AI very clear and, of course, we’re seeing more and more evidence of that as this election gets closer to “D Day.” (Determination Day) I mentioned above the conspiracy back in 2016 from several nations “meddling” in our election. (That should tell us how important America’s elections are – and, OBTW every one of those nations are ruled by DICTATORS – Netanyahu being a wannabe dictator) Now, we’re seeing observable EVIDENCE of the Russians meddling once again and, of course, they’re using the latest technology.

The Russians are funneling FAKE news into various states – likely the swing states – where they’re using AI to make absurd accusations against both Kamala Harris and Tim Walz. Trust me, Netanyahu is depending on Trump’s victory to allow him to not only stay in office but also achieve his fever dream of annexing the West Bank. MBS gave $2 BILLION to Jared Kushner – do you think he did that out of the goodness of his heart? (So far, the only one benefiting that relationship is Kushner) Just keep in mind when you either go to vote or choose not to (or to vote a third person candidate) what happened after 2016. If “we the people” vote for Trump the DAMAGE could be insurmountable. Stay tuned…….

I’ve written many times here about how Donald Trump is more of a threat to America than Adolf Hitler ever was. Despite the reality there were tens of thousands of Americans back in the 1930’s who associated with the Nazi’s of Germany, NONE of them ever got this close to the “White House” – let alone having spent four years there having his ambitions squelched by a few (we now see as) honorable men/women. I remember reading about those who stayed in Trump’s service in order to prevent him from achieving his untethered aims – and, thinking, “Of course.” (said with sarcasm dripping from the words)

Well, as Trump gets closer to a possible second chance to turn America into a Fascist state, it becomes apparent there were many members of Trump’s administration who, while being republicans, were doing “God’s work” in keeping Trump from, for example, turning the military on our own citizens. This is all getting more serious as the days between now and the election dwindle away. So far, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley said, in an interview (taped) with Bob Woodward that “Trump is fascist to the core.” Just a day or so ago, former Trump Chief of Staff, John Kelly, submitted to a recorded interview with Mike Schmidt of the NY Times and referred to Trump as a fascist (among other things).

Kelly said, on several occasions Trump mentioned “Hitler did a lot of good things.” Additionally, Kelly said Trump also repeatedly said, “I wish my generals were like Hitler’s generals.” Kelly, also, was the one who reported about how Trump referred to soldiers resting in military graveyards as “suckers and losers.” Is this believable? Of course it is – just about anyone without their head in the sand heard Trump point out, to him, John McCain wasn’t a “hero.” He added, “I like people who weren’t captured.” Is this making me feel validated for calling Trump a FASCIST several years ago? Well, no! The only reason we’re hearing it now is because of the impending election and the realization by these people this election is too important to sit out.

I don’t have the issue of being expected to be “non-partisan” due to being a member of our military – especially as a Four Star General. That said, I do feel this hasn’t been some kind of well kept secret. I mean I’ve published the definition of fascism right here several times – as I was pointing out the obvious. My frustration has not been the lack of transparency by these Generals (I believe James Mattis, former Sec. of Defense, has also chimed in on Trump’s unfitness for further office), but MOSTLY with our so-called “liberal media” which has not only failed to have the courage to tell it like it is, but worse, they didn’t learn from 2016 and they’ve been “both sidesing” this election from before Ms. Harris became the presumptive nominee.

Even when Trump began making comments which come right out of Mein Kampf, like the comments about immigrants “poisoning the blood of America” and calling his political opponents “vermin,” our MSM (mainstream media), by and large, has failed to call it the way it is. What’s the old saying, “If it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck, it’s a duck.” This entire issue has exasperated how so many in America’s public sphere have a total lack of COURAGE. I mean, the list of republican politicians who’ve, at one time, said the TRUTH about Trump, but when it comes to keeping their job it’s worse than “crickets,” they’ve become aggressive supporters. In my view, none of them deserve to be public “leaders” in this nation! When will “we the people” start purging these COWARDS from our midst? Who knows!?

Not only is the future of our democratic republic at stake in this election, but the future and stability of the Western World, NATO, and Ukraine hangs in the balance. We KNOW one of the first things Trump will do is pull American support for Ukraine and, then, if you believe Trump isn’t part of the Project 2025 manifesto, I’ve got a bridge to sell you. You won’t have to read much of Project 2025 to understand the words of Generals Kelly and Milley (and, apparently, Mattis) are right on. Picture the number one requirement for working in our government being you must pledge loyalty to Trump. That’s right! For around 250 years those involved in government service (at any level) must pledge their loyalty to the Constitution.

Back in 1967, right in the middle of Viet Nam, I joined the Marine PLC (Platoon Leader Corps) during my Junior Year of College (1st addition). I joined in December (while home on break), took a casual physical, and took an oath to the Constitution. I was ordered to report for Basic Training at the close of my Junior year the following June. As LUCK (I know now) would have it, when I reported for “Boot Camp” the doctor did a much more detailed physical and, when seeing the large scar on my left knee – not a problem for me (in my mind) – a serious problem to him. He had my knee x-rayed and subsequently, when I reported back to him, he said, “Son, if the Red Chinese were marching down Broadway in Portland (Oregon) we wouldn’t take you.” I was given an honorably medical discharge on the spot. My point, my oath wasn’t to LBJ, the president at the time, but, to the Constitution.

Trump has talked about “shredding” the Constitution because it’s an impediment to the unabridged POWER he seeks. And, of course, another of the first things Trump will do is to hire an Attorney General who will withdraw the charges against him emanating from the January 6th, 2021 INSURRECTION and, what might end up being worse (if you can imagine that) the allegations regarding the STOLEN TOP SECRET documents of which several were MISSING when the FBI exercised the search warrant of Mar a Lago back in early 2022. Think about the alleged 7 private phone calls with Vladimir Putin some of which, undoubtedly, occurred while Trump still had possession of those documents. In fact, I wonder if the missing ones ended up in Putin’s possession.

Getting back to the Project 2025. Trump says he doesn’t know what it is! If you believe that, I’ve got that bridge……… Regardless, Project 2025 (and Trump, curiously) says “they” are going to close the Department of Education. Now, I’m a retired Public School Teacher, I hope you can imagine how that works for me. George W Bush’s “No Child Left Behind,” back in the early 2000’s did MAJOR damage to Public Schools, but that’s not good enough for these Project 2025 aficionados, they want to destroy the entire network of support for Public Education and Trump has confirmed he’s right there with them on this subject. In fact, Project 2025 reminds me of Steve Bannon’s statement, during Trump’s first reign, “We’re going to deconstruct the administrative state.”

When you read Project 2025 the loyalty of government workers isn’t to the Constitution as mentioned above, but THOUSANDS of experienced, dedicated civil servants would be FIRED under another Trump administration (ultimately, it will be a Vance administration – think about it, Trump’s 78 and losing his “marbles”) because of their loyalty to the Constitution and replaced by “yes men/women.” They are targeting, beside the Department of Education, the FDA, the Agriculture Dept., the State Dept., the Pentagon – yes, think about that, the Pentagon with people pledging loyalty to Trump. Yikes! And, regarding the issue of women’s health, IE access to abortions, forget about it. There IS a plan for a national abortion ban without exceptions.

Look, for women, being pregnant is already a life threatening condition in about a third of America. In Texas, since they (meaning a bunch of male politicians) instituted their abortion ban the maternal mortality rate has risen by over 50% – in just a couple of years. However, today, women do have the opportunity (if they can afford it) to leave the state to get their life saving care in the case of women having, for example, miscarriages. That said, there are those in Texas who are attempting to prevent women from leaving the state for their HEALTH CARE. Trump has been quoted (I actually saw it when he said it, to Chris Matthews) “There should be punishment for abortion.” He was asked if it should be women being punished and Trump answered, “yes.” enough said!

I could go on and on about Project 2025 – please read it for yourself before it’s too late if you’re an undecided voter, or if you actually believe the BS spewed by outlets like Fox “news.” My last point is consider the courts. The DAMAGE done by the courts since Trump’s first reign goes well beyond the overturning of Roe. But, consider this, if Trump wins both Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito are expected to retire paving the way for two MORE right wing ideologues who are YOUNG which will keep this Court in the hands of people like the Federalist Society and the Heritage Institute for more than a “generation.” The American people have a big decision to make on November 5th, 2024. Stay tuned…….

Final Thought: Check out the PBS documentary “Nazi Town, U.S.A.” where you’ll see video evidence of how deep the Nazi movement in America was back in the 1930’s. Rachel Maddow has a great book about this called “Prequel, an American Fight against Fascism.” In February of 1939 the American Fascist Party – if I remember correctly they called themselves the “German American Bund” – held a rally at Madison Square Garden in New York with 20,000 in attendance giving the “heil Hitler” salute to Fritz Kuhn, the leader of the Bund. I mention this for two reasons; first, I believe Trump’s father was in attendance at this rally (based on my intuition) – remember he was arrested at a KKK rally in the 1920’s and is a first generation German American – and, secondly, Trump is holding one of his final rallies of the campaign at, you guessed it, Madison Square Garden.

So, why would Trump be giving his closing remarks at the Garden? I mean, here’s the Five Thirty Eight summation of the polls in New York: Harris 54.1% to Trump’s 39.3%. You’re correct, that’s a 15 point difference in Ms. Harris’ favor. So, again, why would Trump be doing this? Well, I’m not a mind reader (that should be obvious), but I do notice all the “dog whistling” going on in Trump’s campaign. Could this be more than a “dog whistle?” Well, with the recent public statements by several Generals who were part of Trump’s administration that he’s a FASCIST, well maybe this is a way to confirm his beliefs without coming out publicly and saying it for his white nationalist base that, yes, I’m a fascist! As far back as the 1920’s (at least) the KKK has been considered a FASCIST organization. Two plus two equals………….. Yikes!

Trump constantly accusing Kamala Harris of being “Marxist, Communist, Fascist is obviously part of his strategy of “PROJECTION” – which I’ve talked about here for a long time as Trump’s “alignment” with Adolf Hitler and Hitler’s strategy for obtaining and keeping POWER – in this case attempting to insulate himself from those of us who (long ago) began referring to Trump as a FASCIST. Trump also uses Hitler’s “Big Lie Theory” to much success because our Mainstream Media (MSM) seems unwilling to present the reality of Trump’s 2nd (and worse) assault on America culminating one way or the other in the election of November 5th, 2024.

And, of course, Trump also has LONG used Hitler’s “Big Lie Theory” – LYING right to the face of his supporters with not a bit of conscience – to manipulate the minds of the unsuspecting Americans who find themselves in Trump’s cult. Trump’s LIES flow off his tongue like water going through a sieve and, as you listen to why Trump supporters stand with him it becomes clear he’s convinced them his LIES are actually “truth.” For example, the number of Trump supporters I’ve listened to who base their support on “immigration” makes it clear not many Americans are aware it was Trump who torpedoed the bipartisan immigration bill last year written by one of the most conservative members of Congress.

Trump’s fascist tendencies have been obvious for years. I mean, just the fact he inspired a full blown INSURRECTION in an attempted coup d’etat (with, by the way, the help of HUNDREDS or republican members of Congress) SHOULD be enough for him to NEVER be near any position of power EVER again. In fact, that INSURRECTION is likely the main reason he’s pushing so hard to be president once again. He’s been found guilty of 34 FELONIES in New York (election interference), state charges for which he’s facing sentencing shortly after this election, and something like (potentially, depending on how the 11th circuit court of appeals rules on Trump’s stealing of TOP SECRET documents) another 50 alleged FELONIES in three other pending cases.

This leads to one of the things bugging me as I closely watch this campaign. Neither the Harris campaign nor the MSM (Mainstream Media), as far as I can tell, are saying much about Trump’s 34 FELONY convictions or the other examples of his CORRUPT conduct pending in the courts. What the??? Why is this so? I mean, I’m listening to interviews with potential Trump voters who sound, well – I’m sorry, (OK, when it comes to this election and politics) STUPID. I have no idea how many of them are aware of all of Trump’s potential legal woes (should he LOSE) because – no one appears to be ASKING them! For heaven’s sake, at least ask these people how comfortable they are with a pathological LYING, narcissistic, misogynistic, xenophobic FELON as our next president.

I’m also not hearing much on the foreign policy front in this election other than Arabs and Palestinians in Michigan won’t vote for Ms. Harris. I have to ask myself, will they then be happy with Trump in the “White House.” I mean, despite both Harris and Biden working overtime to get a cease fire in GAZA – to no avail – do these people believe Trump will be working with Bibi Netanyahu for a “two state solution?” As the saying from some sports announcers go, “Come on man!” Trump and his benefactors are attempting to prove to the world that America’s democratic republic has run its course and the solution is pure unadulterated fascism (see Project 2025).

Honestly, for me, however this election turns out things don’t look good from my perspective. We have a Supreme Court which has overturned 50 years of women having autonomy over their own bodies, has opened up our elections to BILLIONAIRES to buy their way into even more power, has gutted the Voting Rights Act of 1965, has blocked affirmative action from entrance requirements at the nation’s top universities, has taken the job of experts determining what’s best regarding the administration of our traditional government institutions (IE – the energy department, the environmental protection agency, etc. etc.), ruled that the 14th amendment to the Constitution doesn’t say what it OBVIOUSLY says, and, maybe worst of all, has given presidents the right to violate the laws they take an oath to uphold, so long as they do it during “official” business. Once again, What the???? Yet, the Court’s chosen candidate may win.

Apparently, the United States voting in a fascist for the next four years MIGHT be what it takes to get the attention of our people and the MSM – which has been busy “both sidesing” Trump and his democratic opponents for YEARS. I thought they had learned back in 2016 and the ensuing four years – which included a disastrous response to a “once in a century” pandemic where, by many accounts, tens of thousands of Americans died needlessly. And, of course, from my vantage point when Trump said, “I take no responsibility” for the disastrous response – well, to me, that was enough to cement the FACT he’s unfit for the job.

Clearly, Trump is running for president in order to stay out of jail. My feeling is Merrick Garland’s dragging of his feet is why Trump may get away with maybe the most terrible CRIMES committed against this nation, EVER. I mean, what other president attempted a coup? But, it may turn out the opposite. What if Garland was correct? I mean, it seemed EVERY time Trump was indicted (it happened FOUR times) his “base” became more solidly behind him. I truly hope that isn’t how this story ends. I’ve always rested my hopes on one reality – there are MORE women than men in this country.

I mean it SHOULD be the women of America who are rushing to the polls to vote AGAINST the republican party which was like the “dog which caught the car” when the Court overturned Roe. I mean, just in Texas – which has one of the more draconian anti-abortion laws – maternal mortality has risen 56% since the fall of Roe. That’s a LOT! And, you’d think that would catch the attention of not just women, but also husbands, fathers, brothers, sons, that is, MEN! But, according to the polls this is a 50/50 election. It could go either way. Yikes!

I honestly don’t think my stomach can handle another four years of Trump. And, should he win and the majority of economists be correct – “we the people” will be attempting to “make America great again” in four years. The predictions are a rise in inflation – which has finally been nearly “tamed” after the rise following the pandemic – and the potential of economic disaster within months of Trump implementing his Project 2025 – and, don’t allow yourself to be fooled into thinking another of his MASSIVE pile of LIES – that he doesn’t know anything about Project 2025. Ask the 140 former members of his administration who helped put the 900+ page roadmap to fascism if they believe that LIE?

Trump voters I’ve listened to and talked to believe the stuff they shouldn’t believe – IE “communists, Marxists, fascists” when describing democrats, MILLIONS of murderers, rapists, people from mental institutions, and terrorists are coming across our “open borders, and democrats want to end our “democracy” – while NOT believing the stuff they SHOULD. For example, Trump is the one who blocked the most conservative border legislation in a generation. Trump is the one who is arguably “fascist” – don’t believe me, just ask Mark Milley and John Kelly, two four star generals who worked closely with him and have described him as a fascist. In fact, Milley went so far as to describe him as “fascist to the core.”

And, of course, if you’ve listened closely to Trump, or read even a portion of Project 2025 you KNOW it’s the republicans (“conservatives”) who want to end our democracy (democratic republic). Trump has even stated he wants to throw out the constitution (or words to that effect) and the Supreme Court has, in essence, granted him the rights of a king – should he manage to win in November. That said, it can be easily argued the Supreme Court is right there with the republicans in wanting to see America’s original experiment ended. I mean, just the OBVIOUS ploy to prevent Trump from standing trial in the “January 6th” prosecution – they dragged out an incredibly disgusting decision for six months and made it impossible for that case to be tried – if it ever is – for at least another year after this election – and, ONLY if Ms. Harris should win.

And, I can virtually guarantee this – I SHOULD say I’ll make this prediction: Trump will NEVER stand trial for ANY of his CRIMINAL conduct – plus will never face punishment in his “election interference” case in Manhattan where he’s been CONVICTED of 34 FELONIES – either way, win or lose in November. I’ve been predicting for a couple years now Trump will choose to fuel up his plane and head for somewhere without an extradition treaty with the U.S. (maybe Russia?) before he allows himself to face a prison sentence. I’m pretty sure he can pull this off even after his passport has been confiscated and even if he was to be held in “house arrest.” We’ve seen that manipulating our “nation of laws” has been no problem for our TWICE IMPEACHED four times indicted two times popular vote LOSING and 34 times CONVICTED FELON (ex) president. He’s proven what can be done with unprincipled lawyers and a CORRUPT Supreme Court! Stay tuned……

Final Thought: Here’s another thing I don’t hear mentioned in the MSM often – in fact, I don’t think I’ve ever heard this mentioned. BOTH Trump and JD Vance (who WILL become president at some point should Trump “win”) are married to IMMIGRANTS. Apparently, they’re just not married to the type of IMMIGRANT who they DISHONESTLY claim are eating people’s pets. Both still refuse to own up to that LIE, accept for Vance claiming that if he has to LIE to focus people’s attention on the problem – which, by the way, doesn’t exist – well, he’s willing to do so. Now, I don’t mean to say America doesn’t desperately need comprehensive immigration reform – but, if you look at the history of attempts to solve this problem it’s ALWAYS blocked either by republicans in Congress, or, as in the case of this past year, by Trump himself – who openly, at the time, said he didn’t want the problem solved – it would take away his main issue. And, sadly, he’s being proved correct, when you listen to the number of Trump voters who are basing their vote on our “open borders.” Yikes!!! Stay

My son took a class in “AI” at a university and we had several discussions of the future of “AI” with me claiming it was going to be used to swing elections by brutally dishonest people – including foreigners interested in having input in the outcome of specific American elections. Evidence shows that day has arrived. And, somehow, this 2024 election cycle appears to be close despite the reality the republican party, as I’ve been saying for about 20 years now pushes the saying “all politicians lie” to the incredulous, and needs to be voted into the history books next to Benedict Arnold, where it belongs.

And, that’s not to say “we the people” don’t need two functioning political parties to make our system of government work as it was intended. I’ve posted on this site over the years the “history” (my take of it) of republican politics emanating from the so-called “Powell memo” (back in the early 1970’s) written to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce as the “engine” which has produced the (near fascist) corporate/government partnership existing in America leading to a transfer of America’s Middle Class wealth of something like 50 TRILLION dollars to a small number of America Oligarchs who continue “investing” MILLIONS into the American political system allowing for the continuing of this “highway robbery!” How “low” will they go? There appears to be NO bottom!

I take several online surveys because I’m a “member” (I guess) of the Yougov online survey community. I’m someone who pays attention to politics “most of the time.” (If you’ve been here before, that should be obvious) So, some interesting “stuff” is popping up where republicans (or their illegal surrogates, ie the Russians) are showing absolutely (worse than “normal”) DISHONEST political ads using “AI” to twist the words of democrats into political “pretzels.”

A prime example of what I’m talking about is an ad (published by a Russian group going by the moniker of “Storm 1516) claiming to have a former student of Tim Walz (the former student is fake using a name and profile stolen from a man who lives in Hawaii) alleging Walz, when he was a teacher and football coach committed sexual assault. Of course, various republican outlets “ran” with the story and it was shared on Xwitter with reportedly 5 million viewers. (Of course, there’s NO part of Xwitter “moderating” fake news because Elon Musk FIRED the moderators shortly after buying what was then referred to as “Twitter”) This “fake news” was apparently spread across the “swing states” which decide America’s elections via the antiquated (and “deplorable”) electoral college that continues to allow a minority of America’s voters to potentially control our “elections.”

I live in one of the states (Washington) which only gets public political ads when they’re shown on national TV broadcasts – which is OK to me. Apparently, Washington is part of the “left coast” and is reliably “safe” regarding its electoral votes going to Kamala Harris. But we do get national TV! So, for example, I see political ads when watching a sporting event. Just as the national polls for president, in Washington’s 3rd Congressional district the “race” is considered a “tossup” and both the national republican campaign operation AND the democratic campaign operation are spending money on advertising here (which is unusual based on previous elections) because it appears control of the House could be determined by the outcome of this “race.”

Interesting enough, I’ve become a strong supporter of Marie Perez who is the acting representative from my district, Washington’s 3rd. In 2022 she surprised the pollsters by defeating the right wing associate of Matt Gaetz who was favored by less than one percent. This right wing wack job, Joe Kent – who’s been endorsed, of course, by Trump – has been the recipient of at least one ad – drawn up by republicans at the national level – which ended with Mr. Kent saying “I endorse this message” – and is clearly “AI” generated regarding the (false) words coming from Ms. Perez’ mouth.

I haven’t heard of any “experts” reporting this, but if you’ve watched enough of Steven Colbert on his CBS nighttime comedy/talk show you can recognize when the movement of the lips don’t correlate with the words (apparently) coming out of the mouth. In other words, someone (in this instance, apparently the republican congressional campaign committee) is experimenting with “AI” and publishing FAKE ads on TV shows – programming local people see on their TV’s in our district and probably believe. This is simply more of the republicans’ mantra of “the end justifies the means.” It remains to be seen how many local voters fall for this “smear,” although I suspect most republicans will internalize it. (As I remember it, Kent’s ad was putting false words in Perez’ mouth regarding – naturally – immigration)

The false advertising from republicans seems to have been regarded by the general public as, well, OK? Normal? I don’t know what to say other than it’s a never ending flood of the kind of “sewage” coming from their republican “mouths” that would have gotten me, in my youth, to have my mouth washed out with soap.. (I still remember my Mom doing so to me the first time she heard an “F bomb” coming out of my mouth when I was very young – and, didn’t know what it meant) There are numerous examples of this republican tactic, but one that stands out to me.

Republican advertising is spreading a LIE about Ms. Harris and her supposed connection to a federal policy regarding taxpayer funding of sex change operations for prisoners and “illegal aliens.” They’re suggesting Ms. Harris is responsible for this policy. The ad is being run mainly in “swing states” although I’ve seen it more than once on national TV. The TRUTH is the policy Trump’s campaign is referring to is an executive order signed by, of course, TRUMP himself back in 2019. The “Lincoln Project” – who I support with a small monthly donation – is pushing back on this insidious attack on Ms. Harris. I suggest, if you haven’t already, that you check out the “Lincoln project” on the web – a group of republicans who’ve been “reformed.” You can see their response to Trump’s disgusting ad HERE.

As I often say here, with republicans there’s ALWAYS more. And the pile of bulls@#t in this presidential campaign coming from Trump is too enormous to list all of it. There’s Trump LYING about FEMA workers who are attempting to provide relief to victims of Hurricanes Helene and Milton resulting in MAGA “faithful” confronting these workers while being armed with their “militia” style weaponry. (IE – AR-15 style weapons) And, then with being confronted with the results of the danger posed to these workers by his rhetoric, what does Trump do? Of course, he “doubles down.” (His MO is to NEVER admit doing anything wrong – a lesson learned from Mob lawyer Roy Cohn)

There’s even Trump going on a ten minute “story time” with voters in Latrobe, Pennsylvania – where Arnold Palmer was born and began his professional golfing career – about Mr. Palmer. Of course, Trump couldn’t resist the chance to share with his adoring public a story about the size of Mr. Palmer’s – penis. Yep, that’s actually very true because I heard the entire rambling myself. For republicans, that’s “presidential.”

Trump also decided in the past week or so, to stop a Town Hall meeting where the questions from the audience apparently weren’t “properly” vetted, and where two people fainted apparently due to the heat in the venue (before he began his “dancing” he made light of the people being hauled out of the facility on stretchers – “anyone else want to feint?”) – Trump then spent the last 39 minutes of the Town Hall “swaying” to his chosen “Spotify play list,” with the hostess, Kristi Noem, dutifully trying to follow along! Embarrassing? An understatement! The guy’s losing it!

“We the people” have grown used to the LYING by republicans in their advertising to go well, way beyond the “spinning” of facts which is the kind of political advertising I grew up with in years before Trump. We all have opinions on stuff and it’s difficult to impossible to come to conclusions without personal bias. For example, I had a friend who used to do improvements to our home (regrettably, he’s passed away) and him and one of his employees, prior to the 2020 election were remodeling one of our bathrooms. His employee was clearly, based on stuff he said, “MAGA” and I had never talked politics up to that time with my friend (who many years ago pitched for the NY Yankees). I asked him – after a Trump comment from his employee – what he thought of Trump? He responded, “I’d vote for a can of tomato soup for president before I’d vote for Trump.” Well, that summed up my thoughts better than I could up to that time.

So, I know my opinion on facts is biased by my disdain for what I’ve called “today’s republican party” – for about 20 years now as it’s creeped farther and farther to the “right.” Astonishingly, one of the original objects of my anti-republican despair, Dick Cheney, has come out publicly in support of Ms. Harris – along with his daughter Liz. While I’ve found Liz Cheney to be “deplorably” MAGA over the years prior to the January 6th, 2021 Trump induced INSURRECTION at our nation’s Capitol, I have to admit, I’ve learned to admire her COURAGE in standing up to the MAGA extremists (after Jan. 6, 2021) who, undoubtedly, are threatening her on a continuing basis, based on her steadfast refusal to participate in the republican LIES about Trump’s attempted coup d’etat.

When Dick and Liz Cheney say the republican party is too extreme, well, that says to me, “I rest my case!” (While my hand slams down on the table) I mean, I’m sure Mr. Cheney has not repented in regard to his public admission he authorized TORTURE during the ill advised and ILLEGAL U.S. venture into Iraq in 2003. Back when Keith Olberman was the host of “Countdown” on MSNBC I’m fairly certain Dick Cheney received the “honor” of being one of the “Worst Persons in the World” from Olberman more than once. I say this because yesterday I witnessed, once again, a Town Hall where Kamala Harris and Liz Cheney were appearing together.

As someone who’s been lamenting the (Newt Gingrich inspired) era of republican induced Congressional gridlock and their intransigence leading them to FILIBUSTER every initiative coming from democrats helping to create the American political reality of “us against them” politics. Naturally, Trump has enflamed this “reality” and it “warmed my heart” watching/listening to Ms. Harris and Ms. Cheney acknowledging their different views on the issues but agreeing about the importance of LISTENING to one another.

Aside: I used to have (what I thought was) a friend who I would meet periodically for breakfast where we – him being a republican and me a liberal independent – would have spirited discussions about politics. I, at the time, admired the fact he and his wife had adopted and raised three African American children (who were by then young adults). I was taken aback when he, knowing and admitting to Trump’s disgusting personal conduct, joined the MAGA cult. We continued to meet, usually about every other week, until the election of 2020. (He bet me a steak dinner in 2016 that Trump would win and we went “double or nothing” for the 2020 election) Just prior to the 2020 election my friend said a couple things about one of his adopted children that raised the hair on my back. There was no other way than for me to interpret his comments about his adopted daughter than as racist – a red line for me. I tried to find a way to think it was a mistake, but when I brought it up he “doubled down” – in true MAGA fashion.

After Joe Biden WON the 2020 election I started getting emails demonstrating he had bought the “stolen election” bulls#$t coming from Trump’s mouth and after January 6th, 2021 I stopped hearing from him. Our relationship was terminated by LIES coming from Trump’s mouth. I say all this because I think that’s why I was encouraged watching Kamala Harris and Liz Cheney – seemingly political polar opposites – agreeing that defending our constitution and rule of law was a commonality between them. And, listening to them talking about the importance of “listening” to one another was encouraging.

As I said earlier, we all process FACTS based on our own prejudices – but, the bottom line is FACTS are FACTS! NOT “alternative facts” but clear situations where the TRUTH is beyond debate. Yes, how you interpret that FACT is going to be different than how someone else does, but denying the TRUTH of something is, well, not the TRUTH. For example, the result of the 2020 election had a record number of voters and Joe Biden had approximately 7 MILLION more votes than Trump. Trump has argued for almost four years now the FACT he got more votes in 2020 than he did in 2016 (and didn’t win) means the election was “rigged.” It would take very creative thinking, from my vantage point, for anyone to argue – with factual information – that Trump won in 2020, even in the Electoral College. However, at a minimum, people should be able to disagree about it without one side being threatened. Even if someone seems crazy (Trump and MAGA sycophants) it’s important to listen to one another.

I actually really looked forward to my conversations with my (long lost) friend, knowing every time we sat down for breakfast we would be, in a good natured way, arguing. But, most importantly, we’d be listening to each other. I’m not sure either of us changed the other’s perspective, but (at least) I really looked forward to our get-togethers. I’ve sent him messages a few times since the 2020 election but, with no response. I’m expecting an “I told you so” message from him after this upcoming election if Trump somehow manages to CHEAT his way into another four disastrous years for our nation and the Western world. My hope, of course, is Kamala Harris will win a decisive victory allowing for Trump to deal with his NUMEROUS alleged FELONIES, and that the end result will be republicans and democrats somehow working together in a good faith effort to solve problems to the benefit of the American people.

As I see more and more of the FAKE news (the original fake news) coming from Russian sources and using “AI” to generate disingenuous bulls@#t in Vladimir Putin’s just as desperate attempt to swing this election Trump’s way as Trump’s desperate attempt to avoid potential prison sentences if he loses (A Trump “win” in the election will equate to a Russian “win” in Ukraine – more than likely) my optimism is paused. I almost couldn’t believe Joe Kent’s attack ad in my home district against Marie Perez which was clearly “AI” generated – including the false words (seemingly) coming from Ms. Perez’ mouth – I couldn’t believe my eyes (and ears) until I remembered Kent is a devotee to Matt Gaetz, he the alleged “sex trafficking of a minor” fame – who is known for sharing lewd photos from his “smart phone” with other members of Congress regarding his exploits with women. Nothing SHOULD surprise me anymore, but there’s always a new “low” when it comes to “today’s republican party.” Solution: VOTE THEM OUT!

Final Thought: I got a bit more carried away than usual today, but the more I read about how the republicans disrespect their own voters enough to continually LIE while looking straight at their voters’ faces, the more disgusted I get. Today, it’s the “AI” fake news (well actually I witnessed Kent’s “AI” cheating a day or two ago) and learning the “terrible” federal transgender programs” Trump is attacking Harris with suggesting her to be the perpetrator (and regarding that issue I go with Tim Walz saying: “Mind your own damn business) is actually a federal program Trump, himself, signed into (law?) back in 2019. Just MORE of his PROJECTION – his strategy taken straight from the annals of the Third Reich. (If you’re too young to understand what that means – it comes from Hitler’s Nazi Germany!) Stay tuned!!