Republican Trump “sycophants” are often referring to the “left” in terms such as “communists,” “socialists,” and even “fascists.” Fascism as defined: “Fascism is a far-right, authoritarian, ultranationalist political ideology and movement, characterized by a dictatorial leader, centralized autocracy, militarism, forcible suppression of opposition, belief in a natural social hierarchy, subordination of individual interests for the perceived good of the nation and race, and strong regimentation of society and the economy.” If you’re still reading, I’ll let you look up communists and socialists. My point is you always find projection out of the mouths of republican politicians and, therefore, their “minions.”

On multiple occasions I’ve pointed out republicans appear to be fully invested in the propaganda arm of the Nazi’s of the 1930’s and 40’s. It was Joseph Goebbels, the head of Nazi propaganda, who put the so-called “Big Lie” theory of Adolph Hitler – that if you repeat a LIE over and over, those hearing it will eventually believe it’s true. (Progressives, ie “liberals,” often point out Trump’s “Big Lie” without connecting it to the original source of this “strategy” – Nazi propaganda) Goebbels also said to accuse your adversaries of the very things you’re doing which are illegal or wrong. Hence, you often hear republicans referring to “liberals” (ie democrats) as being fascist. Read the definition above and think clearly about “Trumpism.” Remember, Trump is one generation removed from Germany and his father was involved with the KKK many years ago. Just sayin….

I’ve been refering to Trump as a “wannabe fascist” and/or “wannabe Mob boss” for years. If you learn about the “total picture” with Trump, going back to his childhood, what you see is someone completely removed from any religious affiliation or moral compass and he comes across as the prime example of a “spoiled brat.” He is also the classic example of a narcissist. “Narcissism is a self-centered personality style characterized as having an excessive preoccupation with oneself and one’s own needs, often at the expense of others. Narcissism exists on a continuum that ranges from normal to abnormal personality expression.” In my view, Trump falls in the “abnormal” category.

As Trump continues his attempt to “try his case (he’s facing 71 FELONY charges as I write) in the public domain” you’re going to often hear the term “gaslighting.” According to Psychology Today here’s the definition: ” Gaslighting is an insidious form of manipulation and psychological control. Victims of gaslighting are deliberately and systematically fed false information that leads them to question what they know to be true…” Gaslighting, in essence, is another term for the use of the “Big Lie Theory” – but, at least when I’m listening, it’s more often used to describe Trump’s LYING. Personally, I believe the connection to the Nazi’s SHOULD be part of the public discussion of why Trump is such a LIAR. (Again, it – LYING – works)

I’ve pointed out here, many times, the MOST important election in the lifetimes of America’s voters who cherish our democratic republic as it has existed for the past 240+ years is the NEXT one. I’ve been saying this since the mid terms of 2018 and it just becomes more clear as time rolls on. (I’ll explain a bit further down below) Just imagine where we’d be today had voters not put the democrats in control of Congress back in 2018. And, of course, the election of Joe Biden was of historic proportions – not only based on what he’s accomplished, but I believe he was the ONE democrat who could defeat Trump. And, the mid terms of 2022 were far from the “Red wave” republicans were predicting, despite the (sad) reality republicans gained a slim majority in the House of Representatives.

I keep it in the front of my mind constantly that these republicans never seem to get the message – they just keep moving forward with the same tired schtick – because they’ve got a large group of very wealthy “puppet masters” pushing them on. The list of these right wing “donors” seems endless, but it’s been clear many of the wealthy American families – like the “Koch brothers” – now just Charles Koch – the DeVoss family, the Coors family, The Walton family, and a bunch of others which don’t come to mind right now, have been pushing the right wing, authoritarian, anti democratic push we’ve been enduring since the day Barack Obama became the 44th president of the United States. I don’t think I need to explicitly point out the issue which makes their (these right wing republicans) “push” seem so critical to them. (OK, racism) but the evidence is clear – they KNOW they’re in the minority and they’re pushing schemes which will give them “minority” rule. (To them, that’s far superior to actually addressing the needs of “we the people.”)

That’s precisely why as soon as the coup d’etat of January 6th, 2021 FAILED, state after state under the control of republican legislatures began passing voter suppression legislation. In some instances legislatures gave themselves the authority to overturn results they don’t agree with. States like Florida, Georgia, and Texas were outright willing to put their RACIST views right up front as they were passing their “anti-woke” legislation. (These people have no idea where the term “woke” came from – suffice it to say, you could substitute the term “Black” for “woke” and you’d get their “drift.”) In Texas, legislatures went so far as to give themselves the authority to overturn the results in ONE county – the largest county in Texas which has, of late, been voting for democrats. Yikes!!!

Here’s the “deal” – virtually all of this anti-democratic (as well as that which is aimed at those who vote for democrats) legislation falls neatly into the definition of FASCISM. That’s a touchy term in America because there are many like me who have Mothers and/or Fathers who were directly involved in America’s fight against Adolf Hitler back in the 1940’s. I’ve often said here Trump has come closer to achieving Hitler’s goals in America than Hitler ever did. And, as I’ve said, he continues to act as if he’s going to have his political success reborn. Multiple CRIMINAL charges be damned. Being credibly accused by a jury in a defamation lawsuit of being a sexual predator (as he admitted on the Access Hollywood tape AND in his court deposition) be damned. His “base” – full of conservative “Christians” doesn’t seem to care about any of this.

I’ll end this by suggesting if you think I’m nuts – do a little reading about Viktor Orban in Hungary or Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Turkey. They give a good example of the “blue print” republicans are attempting to follow. For heaven’s sake, both (the now shamed) Tucker Carlson, with his (canceled) show on Fox and the CPAC “conservative” gathering have done their schtick in Hungary – sucking up to Orban. (CPAC brought Orban to one of their gatherings in the U.S.) That SHOULD give all Americans pause thinking about what these republicans have in mind for America. They’ve already (in the past 40+ years) “pruned” TRILLIONS from America’s taxpayers into the pockets of the “top 1%” and it’s likely to get much worse before/if it gets better unless “we the people” wake up. (All the while they’re doing this “pruning” they complain, when there’s a democrat in the “White House,” about the deficits.)

However, I do believe Trump understands how the propaganda scheme of the Nazi’s works – the Big Lie Theory – plus the use of projection (If he accuses you of doing it that means he’s done or doing it) – and, the republican party has “jumped in” with “both feet.” I’ve been pointing out for years republicans believe “the end justifies the means,” and Trump has convinced them of two things. First, the LYING and CHEATING works. Secondly, they believe their base (and potentially some of the independent voters) are STUPID enough to believe he’s telling them the truth. His CORRUPTION is so deep, and much of it was committed in “broad daylight,” – as if to say “na na na” to the authorities who are investigating him. (While he claims to be “draining the swamp”)

Now that he’s facing SERIOUS criminal charges – from two venues and soon to be from (possibly) two more (who knows how many more – I can see the possibility of FOUR more indictments) – we’re going to see some serious lashing out at the Justice Department and the FBI. Additionally, he’s got some really wacked out members of the House of Representatives who will do everything they can to DEFLECT the charges Trump is facing to both Joe and Hunter Biden. (Take your pick) These House members don’t know how to do governing, so they’re focusing their time on attempting to IMPEACH Biden, Merrick Garland, FBI director Christopher Wray, and just about every member of Biden’s administration. Great job meeting the needs of the American public! If young people don’t vote in 2024 things could (probably will) get much worse.

For example, I’ve been doing some reading about “A.I.” (Artificial Intelligence) – which is the brainchild of some right wing hacks – like Elon Musk, and Peter Thiel (who has a spot already located in New Zealand for when his technology advances make income inequality far more insidious than it is as I’m writing this – and, of course, he’ll be far RICHER and he’ll be far away from the consequences) Musk comes across as a total FASCIST, to me, and Thiel was funneling money to the Trump endorsed candidates in the previous mid term election by the “boatloads” and they could care less what their technology does for humanity. Trust me when I say this, A.I. technology could do TEN times more DAMAGE to the 2024 “elections” than what the Russians accomplished in 2016. As usual, our legislators will be behind the times when they realize the importance of regulating this technology – it might already be too late. Americans are likely to be FLOODED with A.I. generated mis/disinformation STARTING NOW regarding the election of 2024.

Personally, as someone who’s got “living long enough to see Trump behind bars” on his “bucket list” I also realize the so-called “liberal media” spends so much time on Trump that it’s almost as if many Americans might not know who their president is. Certainly, many have no idea who the leaders in their states are. This is why I want to see Trump expunged from the political “arena.” How many Americans know what Joe Biden’s administration has done for them? And, I’m talking about people from all parts of the political spectrum. The infrastructure bill is not providing good paying jobs for just democrats. It’s not providing benefits for just democrats.

There’s not a SINGLE part of the successes under Biden which hasn’t permeated across partisan lines. This is exactly why republicans focus their actions on “culture issues.” There’s a good example of this below where the Supreme Court INVENTED a hypothetical circumstance to further their AGENDA to undermine the issue of anti-discrimination. Where will this stop? Who knows. This court will be “in charge” for a generation. That’s exactly why I’ve been saying VOTERS must vote AGAINST republicans for the next 20 – 30 years – because these extremists have unlimited funding and they “stick around like a bad dream.”

OK, I have to add: I’ve putzed around long enough finishing my thoughts here that the Supreme Court (which I’ve written about most recently) has been busy pissing off those on the “left” with their end of the term decisions. Well, today was another prime example of how the court (mostly put in place by republican presidents – who “garnered” less popular votes than the politician they “defeated” – republicans who’ve historically complained about judges who “legislate from the bench”) has been, you guessed it, legislating from the bench – by overturning a half century of “precedent” when they ruled against “affirmative action” regarding admissions policies by our nation’s top universities. My response: “What is anyone surprised about?”

Now, I’m not a lawyer, I don’t even play one on TV (and, I didn’t stay at a Holiday Inn last night) and, I don’t study Court decisions up close and personal. However, I remember Chief Justice Roberts’ reasoning when he wrote the majority decision GUTTING Section 5 of the Voting Right’s Act of 1965 – saying, in essence, we don’t need protections for “people of color” anymore because (tee hee!) there’s no longer any voter suppression legislation aimed at people of color. (My characterization, although, it’s pretty close). Well, today, he basically used the same reasoning; racism is no longer an issue in America (again, my words). I’d write “tee hee!” once again, but this court is NO laughing matter.

Apparently, Roberts and the rest of the “conservatives” on the court have had their heads up their…… oops! in the sand. Suggesting there’s not enough racism in this nation to justify allowing Colleges and Universities to use affirmative action to create student bodies which represent the make-up of our society is, well, ABSURD! What are these people thinking? Oh yes, if you read my recent post on the Court (providing nothing new news wise) you know the “conservative” members of the court have been participating in “conservative CORRUPTION” just like their “conservative” brethren in the republican party in a way which has created a path toward fascism. And, they may be the KEY part of the strategy!

Yikes!!! This is the time of year when the SCOTUS hands out their “detention slips” to those who are believing in a progressive society and with today came a couple “doozies.” The court ruled against President Biden’s ability to grant “student loan forgiveness” by accepting a challenge from a source in Missouri (I always refer to it as “misery”) with a more than questionable challenge to whether or not it even had “standing.”

And, in a decision agreeing with a “hypothetical” situation which “could” arise in Colorado the court ruled, once again, that discrimination is, well, OK. If you can claim your religious beliefs grant you the right to discriminate against someone for, whatever, the court is on your side. In this HYPOTHETICAL case it involved someone who MIGHT be asked to do web work for a couple seeking “gay marriage.” The court ruled it was OK, in this HYPOTHETICAL case for discrimination.

Let me say this more clearly, the person bringing this case (with a republican “dark money group” doing the bidding and funding) had NEVER been asked to create a “wedding website” for a same sex couple. Apparently, it was part of her imagination. Talk about opening your pandora’s box. (What about, for example, someone who doesn’t believe in interracial marriage? What about an Atheist?) I’m not going to trouble my mind to come up with more HYPOTHETICALS, but you can be sure there are “conservatives” out there who’ll do that “work” for me. Stay tuned…….

OK, I can’t refrain from writing about the rot which has permeated our Supreme Court over the past 25 years. Yes, I’ve written about the Court before, especially the right wing determination of the 2000 presidential election – CHOOSING GW Bush/Dick Cheney over Al Gore – who, graciously stepped aside “for the betterment of our country.” Do you think Donald Trump got a good laugh over that one? That was really bad, but it’s progressively gotten worse since then.

In 2008 Barack Obama shocked many in America (including me) by becoming the FIRST African American to be elected to the Presidency. Of course, that set Trump through the roof along with people like David Duke, Don Black, and a host of other white nationalists who’d been hiding in the “weeds” for years – ostensibly since the days of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 – followed on to the scene by the (racist) “Tea Party” – a group who’ve since taken control of the republican caucus in the House – making Kevin McCarthy the “SINO” (Speaker in Name Only). If you’ve been paying even peripheral attention you remember Trump leading the so-called “birther” movement – which emanated out of the “Tea Party.” If you witnessed any of their rallies I don’t have to point out their schtick was based on racism. Obama’s election put their backlash in “high gear” and Trump was the mechanism to get them into the “mainstream.”

This all was followed by the Supreme Court, now with John Roberts as the Chief Justice, taking the extreme position of “legislating from the bench.” ostensibly, a key example being the decision often referred to as “Citizen’s United.” If you’ve been frustrated by the HUGE amounts of SECRET money which has assaulted our political system well, it appears, the “conservative” members of the Court have been focused on “getting theirs.” Not only have they been busy gutting the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and overturning Roe v Wade, but they’ve been busy getting FREE vacations paid for by some of America’s top BILLIONAIRES who seem to get very preferable treatment by the Court – with the judges these BILLIONAIRES are “courting” coming through in their court decisions. It’s a rare occurence when one of these judges recuses him/herself despite the “appearance of impropriety.” And, I believe, what’s known today is only “scratching” the surface of the corruption.

The latest example of this Court CORRUPTION comes from none other than Sam Alito – the judge I’ll always remember shaking his head as if to say “no, no” when Barack Obama lashed out at the Citizen’s United decision pointing out it would undoubtedly lead to foreign money pouring into our elections during one of his early State of the Union speeches. Well, we now KNOW of some Russian money being funneled to Trump in 2016 but we’ll NEVER know the full extent of the AMOUNT of foreign money being introduced into our electoral process because it’s just too easy to hide it, again thanks to Citizen’s United, allowing influence pedaling in American politics surreptitiously – despite Mr. Alito’s head shaking to the contrary.

And, by the time Alito was shaking his head at Obama (I believe it was the 2010 State of the Union address) he had already accepted the (allegedly) ILLEGAL free gift from Paul Singer (BILLIONAIRE) via the organizing skills of Leonard Leo – He who’s the expert at turning BILLIONAIRE money into right wing justices on the various courts who (surprisingly :o) decide cases in favor of these very BILLIONAIRES – who managed to get Justice Alito a FREE trip to Alaska in 2008 on a fishing trip which, by all accounts, SHOULD have cost him about $200 – $250 THOUSAND dollars – you know “chump change” to people like Mr. Singer. (Especially, when you learn Singer eventually – after some dogged perseverance – cashed in to the tune of $2.4 BILLION resulting from a favorable Supreme Court decision – which Alito participated in, just like the many other cases Singer brought before the Court and which Alito failed to recuse himself. Oops!!!

Well, as it turns out, it’s apparently NOT illegal for Supreme Court Justices to lavish themselves with their BILLIONAIRE acquaintances – they just have to report it in their annual financial statements before the Court. Just like Clarence Thomas before him, you guessed it, Justice Alito “forgot” to disclose this nearly quarter of a MILLION “gift.” What makes this a bit more interesting is he says he barely knows Mr. Singer (although that comes across as a bit of a …….. OK, I’ll say it, a [alleged] LIE) – but, I have to ask: “If you didn’t know this man (Singer) why did you accept this trip – did you even wonder why he was willing to lavish you with a couple hundred grand fishing trip to Alaska? (Maybe there’s a bunch more we don’t yet know about)

Free plane rides, free lodging ($1000 and up per night), free food (very expensive food) along with apparently $1000 a bottle wine, free fishing at spots only accessible by plane, and…… I’m guessing you’re starting to get the idea here. Another Supreme Court Justice accepting FREE “hospitality” from a BILLIONAIRE which he’s OBLIGATED to report – and, likely didn’t report because accepting this trip was likely ILLEGAL. (The value of the trip probably rivaled a year’s salary of a SCOTUS Justice) Honestly, I have to wonder if there might be tax questions here. We’ve heard so much about Hunter Biden’s tax problems (he paid the taxes back he owed – anyone other than Biden’s son would never face charges for that) are we going to hear about those of Alito and Thomas and their unreported gifts? I think I have to agree with republicans, there does appear to be a two tiered Justice system.

I know someone who was pulled over for a tail light being out, was on his way home from work, and had ONE drink on an empty stomach, the officer smelled alcohol and away he went into Jail for the night – a precursor of a lot of harsh treatment as he went through the court system and its process. His blood alcohol limit WAS (rounded up to) .08, the legal limit in the State of Washington and he was “put through the ringer” by the local prosecutor and everyone else he came into contact with at the local Court House. It’s true, he wasn’t in possession of classified documents and he wasn’t a former president, but as I’ve watched Trump’s experience, so far, (with a judge who appears to “look up to him”) I can really see the argument about a two tiered legal system. And, Trump and the republicans (like Matt Gaetz and Jim Jordan, for example) should be very thankful for that.

When people like my acquaintance are involved with the Justice System, they’re dealing with local prosecutors and locally elected judges – plus probation officers with way too many cases and, from what I could see, too many years on the job – most of them very cynical. In Trump’s case, he’s dealing with a judge he appointed, the prosecutors are bending over backwards to appear non-partisan and fair, and, despite Trump’s reputation of “stiffing” his lawyers, he still has high priced lawyers (wether or not they’re “good” lawyers is another question), and he’s got Congressional “hacks” attempting (futilely) coming to his defense – despite the appearance he doesn’t have much of a defense. Add to that, most people are saying Trump won’t go to jail even if convicted – why? because of his secret service detail! On that, you’ve got to be kidding!

If Trump is convicted of a felony he SHOULD lose his government pension along with the Secret Service detail he’s suppose to get “for life.” Especially, if he’s convicted of Sedition in the January 6th investigation – the 14th Amendment makes it clear, at least, that anyone who participates in an INSURRECTION (there’s more to it, but…) may not hold any office in the government – ever again – from that day forward – FULL STOP! My point is there really is a two tiered Justice System which is something us “liberals” have been fighting against for as long as I can remember. And, these Supreme Court Justices are right in the middle of it – apparently thinking just like Trump that they are “above the law.” It’s up to “we the people” to assure them they are NOT above the law and the ONLY way to do that – from my vantage point is to VOTE in MASSIVE numbers in the upcoming elections as “far as the eye can see.”

These right wing republicans won’t quit just because they lose an election. That just causes them to “double down.” And, you can see their strategy – Leonard Leo manages to cause numerous right wing judges to be confirmed and then he goes about the “work” of causing those judges to “feel” obligated to his causes and those who he “connects” them to – really, are these judges so STUPID as to not understand what is happening to them? It’s possible, but I digress – and, once they (the judges) have been compromised with their new “friend” these mysterious cases appear before the court and ALWAYS seem to go the way of the BILLIONAIRES.

Now, don’t get me wrong – the “stench” which is permeating the Supreme Court as I’m writing this goes much deeper than Justices Alito and Thomas – although their part in the “stench” is quite significant – Justice Roberts’ wife has brought in a small fortune “herding” potential justices at all levels of our Federal Court system into the “fold,” while Justice Gorsuch does real estate deals with BILLIONAIRES who “he doesn’t know” and, which he doesn’t report. Do you think as I do that if there’s nothing wrong with what these justices are doing why aren’t they reporting all the details – as required BY LAW? Of course, they each get to “police” themselves, so there’s nothing to worry about here, right? Oh, for heaven’s sake…….. as my Mom used to say!

These right wing judges are a key component of the republican fever dream of a “permanent republican majority.” Of course, as things are going, there’s NO chance republicans have majorities almost anywhere beside the deep South and the Rust Belt. In addition to their attempt to assault the court system with right wing judges, they’ve managed to gerrymander voting districts in enough states to have a reasonable chance to control the House with MILLIONS fewer votes than democrats. For example, in a state like Wisconsin, the state is about 50/50 between registered republicans and registered democrats – yet they control THEIR legislature with a near super majority AND, they send six republicans to the House of Representatives as opposed to two democrats – thanks to gerrymandered districts.

One other thing republicans are doing to achieve their “fever dream” is to enact voter suppression laws aimed at areas in the state leaning democratic – like, surprise surprise, areas predominantly areas with Black voters. Their wacky Senator, for example, Ron Johnson “defeated” African American democrat Mandela Barnes by about 50,000 votes. After the election a leading republican claimed they (republicans) had succeeded in stifling the voting by around 100,000 votes in the democratic stronghold of Milwaukie. Just sayin……

When listening to Trump attempting to deflect the very REAL charges he’s facing toward the “democrats – the socialist, communist, fascist” who are giving “we the people” one more “alleged” hoax – as if STEALING highly sensitive TOP SECRET documents when he left the job he “won” with the help of Vladimir Putin in 2016 and then refusing to give them back when the National Archives realized they were missing. The Justice Department bent over backward to give Trump the opportunity to give them back and his response was “Their mine.” Yikes!! And, now republicans are continuing to willfully believe his LIES.

Final Thought: You’d have thought a monetary settlement of $787.5 MILLION would have been enough to get Fox “news” to start telling something resembling the TRUTH. But, of course, believing that was happening would be like believing Peter Pan was actually a real character back in the day when the first movie came out. (no idea why I picked that analogy) The bottom line is Fox continues spewing LIES and pushing “conspiracy theories” as if they’ve never faced backlash from their campaign of misinformation. This past weekend, for example, based on all I could tolerate, saw Maria Bartiromo suggesting the “media” covering the crisis in Russia this past weekend was a democratic plan to take the “heat” away from Hunter Biden.

Boy, do these republicans love to gang up on Hunter Biden. I wonder if he can file a defamation suit against Fox? Just a thought. What Bartiromo, and apparently others on Fox’ airwaves were suggesting was that Prigozen’s forray into Russia this past weekend was a result of some mysterious agreement with the Biden administration to take the “heat” off Hunter. And, sadly, many/most members of the republican party who “religiously” view Fox, will suck it all in – despite the absurdity of what Bartiromo and the others are saying.

Along with the right wing control of the courts and the gerrymandered districts (along with voter suppression tactics) by virtue of the republican “puppet masters” (hiding in the “weeds”), this campaign of mis/disinformation via right wing media outlets fits right into a plan for a fascist takeover of our government. I, personally, know members of Trump’s “cult” who have shared with me they “hate democracy.” They feel our democratic republic is “authoritarian” because, well, they actually LOSE many elections and they see the writing on the wall regarding the large numbers of voters (especially younger ones) determined to vote AGAINST them. This despite Trump’s comments to the contrary. (Trump is full throated “all in” on the propaganda scheme of Joseph Goebbels from the Nazi’s Third Reich back in the 1930’s)

Several years ago I suggested Donald Trump would end up in the History books right next to Benedict Arnold. After reading the 37 count indictment today, coming from the investigation of Special Counsel Jack Smith, I want to say, “I’ll rest my case.” Trump’s reckless abuse of the LAWS against the retention and dissemination of classified documents puts him squarely in the crosshairs of those calling him a TRAITOR. For example, we may never know who he shared that information with, but the reality is just storing the stuff in HIGHLY exposed areas of Mar a Lago and who knows where it was stored when he took some of it to Bedminster means ANY number of his “guests” could have had access to the documents.

Today, I’ve been reading the responses of republicans – you know, the party of “law and order” – to the most recent indictment of Trump and, I have to say, these people are becoming insufferable. Their complaints are likely to just keep getting louder as the future indictments begin to pile up. For heaven’s sake, I just finished reading an opinion piece in the Washington Post – the one “major” newspaper I still subscribe to – by (OK, I can’t remember his name) – which was virtually mind boggling. These “conservatives” will excuse ANY actions by Trump with the most creative ways to suggest we should just let him keep pushing the limits of his lawbreaking – daring the government to FINALLY hold him accountable – because, you know, “it’s just how he is.” (My characterization)

The guy made a point to say we don’t know for sure if any of the government secrets Trump went out of his way to keep from the National Archives was used in a “nefarious” manner – the indictment “only” lists two occasions where Trump showed “stuff” to people without security clearances – to me, not that it makes a hill of beans of difference whether they had a security clearance or not. The reality is the stuff was stored in several places which would have been easily accessed by virtually ANYONE who managed to worm their way onto the grounds at Mar a Lago – and, the only thing we KNOW about when the documents were at Bedminster in New Jersey is that Trump, while being taped for a book interview for Mark Meadows claimed a document he was showing at least two journalists was a classified document relating to plans for a potential military intervention in Iran. Apparently, Trump showed that document to support his badmouthing of General Mark Milley regarding remarks Milley had made about the last days of the Trump administration. You know, after he LOST to Joe Biden by OVER 7 MILLION votes!

What the hell is wrong with these people. They still cower in FEAR of the nastygram Trump will post on his “untruth” social instead of standing firm in what MOST of them KNOW is right. I’ll give a pass on that last comment to people like Marjorie Taylor Greene, Andy Biggs, Paul Gosar, Jim Jordan, Matt Gaetz, and Kevin McCarthy because the group of them together don’t seem to be “playing with a full deck.” That might not include McCarthy who simply comes across as a conniving, cowardly, overly ambitious politician with a complete lack of a spine (is that redundant?). Did any of them read the indictment?

OK, the guy who wrote the opinion piece in the Post clearly had read the indictment but, to him, it was that none of it mattered. His attitude was what I worried was AG Garland’s prior to the Select Committee on January 6th began giving their reports. Why would the DOJ refuse to indict Trump on these charges of threatening the national security of the United States, according to this guy? Well, simply because he was a former president. That is to confirm what democrats have been allowing republicans to spew since the Iran/Contra “affair” during the waning days of the Reagan administration. Prosecute the underlings and let the actual perpetrators go “scott free.”

It was done again after the Bush/Cheney/Rumsfeld crew publicly admitted to authorizing TORTURE of the so-called “enemy combatants” in Bush’s absurd (Afghanistan) and ILLEGAL (Iraq) wars of choice. (Don’t remember the details – you can find them in the archives of this site – I still believe President Obama’s biggest blunder was “looking forward instead of back” – which I thought AG Garland was going to conveniently do regarding Trump until, as I said above, he was pressured into investigating the actual ringleaders of the attempted coup d’etat of January 6th, 2021 – this “stolen documents” case arrived about a year later)

Here’s what I have to say to columnists like the one I referenced in today’s Post – stop embarrassing yourself and boring me with your blather. Trump, as with any defendant, is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The trial will be in “Trump country” – ie South Florida – and as “luck” would have it, Trump drew the same judge – who he appointed AND who, in the beginning of this investigation, showed complete fealty for our TWICE IMPEACHED, TWICE INDICTED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president with absurd rulings which were “blasted” by the conservative 11th Circuit’s judges – unanimously – so, the odds are stacked against the DOJ getting a guilty verdict. It will be hard to find a 12 person jury in South Florida without at least one juror who read that Post column and thinks like whoever that nimwit is. (Sorry) If Trump is found guilty under these circumstances, well, that would seem to suggest he’s VERY guilty. Which, when you read the entire 49 pages of the indictment, it’s hard to conclude otherwise – unless, of course, you believe former presidents are “above the law.”

While Trump’s sycophants are complaining about the FACT he’s now a CRIMINAL defendant in BOTH State and Federal Courts (with MORE on the horizon) – suggesting Joe Biden appointed Jack Smith and head’s the “most corrupt” administration in our nation’s history – I’ve pointed out NUMEROUS times here what PROJECTION is and that Trump is the master of PROJECTION – he accuses you of it, that means he DID/IS it – and while he says the charges are “very unfair” and this is a “witch hunt” I’d like republican politicians to explain to me why Jack Teixeira is being held in custody for, in essence, the SAME criminal conduct as Trump while Trump can fly internationally should he choose to do so. (I’ve predicted, prior to Smith’s FIRST indictment Trump may seek asylum before he will risk going to PRISON – supposedly, he’ll simply be subjected to “home confinement” if convicted.

That all said, here’s what the government has said in regard to the case against Mr. Teixeira, “The unauthorized removal, retention, and transmission of classified information jeopardizes our nation’s security. Individuals granted access to classified materials have a fundamental duty to safeguard the information for the safety of the United States, our active service members, its citizens, and its allies,” Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy said in a statement. “We are committed to ensuring that those entrusted with sensitive national security information adhere to the law.” The judge in Trump’s arraignment seems to believe Trump SHOULD get special treatment – therefore, the same for Walt Nauta. But, what about all the OTHERS who’ve been held to account for mishandling classified information? Stay tuned……..

Final Thought: It’s interesting to listen to Trump’s “lackeys” complaining that Trump is the result of a “two tiered” legal system as if Trump is getting unfair treatment for being INDICTED on the 7 charges (37 Counts) for the theft and retention of over 300 documents with CLASSIFIED markings on them – apparently, he’s ONLY being held accountable for the 31 most egregious documents which endanger America’s national security. He had about a year and a half to simply return the documents and the INDICTMENT would never have happened. Keep in mind, there were (something like 30) empty folders labeled “classified” which were EMPTY. Do you, as I do, wonder where all those documents went? Do you believe, as do I, that Trump still has classified documents in his possession? Or, worse yet, do you wonder who might have those documents? It makes no sense that he would STEAL empty folders, does it?

So, if you really believe he’s being treated unfairly, think about Reality Winner – who was the first person convicted of taking a classified document and leaking it to the press (it had to do with the “Russia thing” back in 2016 or 2017). And, I emphasize “document.” She made a copy of ONE document (which had to do with the Russia interference in the 2016 election), leaked it to the press, and was arrested and held without bail – again, for ONE document! She received a sentence of 5 years in prison and is still under supervised release. Trump had NO bail to post, he’s free to go virtually wherever he chooses – including internationally. Yep, there is an unfair legal system – a two tiered system of “justice” ant Trump is the beneficiary of incredibly “liberal” terms during his arraignment. Plus, Trump gets a judge who’s shown in the past to be totally beholden to the FACT Trump appointed her to the bench. Most people know she interfered in this case shortly after the FBI exercised its warrant to search Mar a Lago – actually making comments about her concern with how this investigation might make Trump look. Yowee!

Republicans have no sense of connection to the TRUTH, but, in this instance, they’re correct. There is a two tiered system of justice in America and it’s clearly set up to bend over backward to give Trump deference. What are they going to say when Jack Smith INDICTS Trump for instigating the January 6th, 2021 INSURRECTION? Will Trump’s supporters bring up the same (ridiculous) defense of Trump – that the system is attacking him unfairly? While over 1000 of his sycophants are facing (or have faced) prosecution for answering his call to go to the Capitol and “fight like hell or you’re not going to have a country anymore.” Will his supporters in the House, once again, complain he’s being unfairly treated? (Maybe that’s why the so-called freedom caucus says those who assaulted the Capitol were just peaceful visitors. Or is it because MANY of these House members were part of the CONSPIRACY to overthrow the government?) Yikes!!!

I have to add that everytime I hear Matt Gaetz spewing this “unfair two tiered legal system” my stomach gets queazy. He is still walking free despite the (allegedly) credible evidence accusing him of being a “child sex trafficker” while “ordinary”Americans face legal consequences for FAR LESS. In addition, Gaetz supposedly was sharing photos of some of his “conquests” to other members of the House, ON the House floor during session. I realize I can’t stop myself from being “judgemental” about members of the republican party – I justify my “thoughts and actions” because I’m seriously worried about what lies ahead for my children and grandchildren. I keep telling myself, when it comes down to “it,” the American people will eventually VOTE these republicans into the history books.

However, my “life experience” is telling me the “line” – in numerous ways – lies right in the “headlights.” Regarding preserving our democratic republic – which has to be the number one objective – to voting rights, civil rights, climate change, education, women’s rights, and on and on – these issues are facing “we the people” RIGHT NOW! If you read this and fail to vote – well, if I know who you are or not that would sadden me. It’s time for ALL of us who want America to continue evolving toward her better ideals to, at a minimum, VOTE!

To me, the way to change the topics in today’s news to something at least resembling a “positive” begins with voting these republicans into the HISTORY books! Full Stop!!!

Today, Ron DeSactimonious (OK DeSantis) went on “Twitter” sitting next to Elon “Give me Free neo-Nazi Speech” Musk to announce what everyone already knew – that he’s running for the republican nomination for president in 2024 – an announcement which proved two things. First, DeSantis isn’t all that bright – the announcement was “greeted” with 25 minutes of what you would expect with Musk running “Twitter” and that’s a bunch of funny noises as the connection kept dropping. You could hear Musk in the background saying – “There’s so many people online the servers are melting down” (Which was utter nonsense – there were maybe between 100 and 200 THOUSAND “anti-woke” crusaders hanging out with two men proving that having MONEY doesn’t buy you………………… (fill in the blank).

Why did DeSantis wait so long to do this? Well, he had to wait until the Florida legislature was able to re-write Florida law so that he could run for president without being forced to resign his position of governor – you know, just in case. DeSantis announcement was so ludicrous (OK funny, from my perspective) that Donald Trump already had a vicious campaign add out on the airwaves by the time “Twitter” managed to “un melt” their servers. (25 minutes) Of course, DeSantis is HOPING the rumors Trump is about to be indicted by Jack Smith for OBSTRUCTING the attempt to get HUNDREDS of classified documents returned to the archives (and, please, don’t bore me with something like “This is so unfair, what about Joe Biden?” or “what about Hunter Biden?” If you’re “thinking” that, you’re just another right winger who lacks the ability to think)

Not only did Florida’s legislature pass a law ALLOWING DeSantis to do what NO other Florida politician has been able to do in recent memory – be governor and run for president – but the “cherry on top” was the Florida legislature managed to throw in some right wing voter suppression stuff as well. So, with DeSantis’ plan to “make America like Florida” scheme “we the people would not only get a wannabee FASCIST but we’d have less books to read, we wouldn’t have to worry about someone passing gun legislation, we could all rest assured that Black people will be kept in their place, and if you know anyone who’s part of the LGBTQ community you wouldn’t have to worry about them interfering in your WHITENESS (I wish I could have come up with a gentler way to say that), those of us on Social Security could just go back to work and, well, those of us on Medicare – is there a polite way to say this – would make it so there would be less people on Social Security. Problem solved. (DeSantis was part of the “Freedom Caucus” in Congress trying to eliminate Social Security/Medicare)

I can’t believe I’m going to say this, but it almost makes me better appreciate Trump. And, if you’ve been around here you KNOW how much it pains me to say that. (I honestly didn’t think there was a person in the world who could make me better appreciate Trump.) Speaking of Trump – I believe DeSantis’ entire “strategy” is to hope Jack Smith INDICTS Trump for at least the TWO investigations we know of (The third? Wire fraud in relation to the “big lie?”) However, I (sadly) believe republicans will vote for Trump thinking he can run the country from PRISON!

I wrote the above a week or two ago – I’ve been, well, “on mental vacation:” The latest “news” seems to be swirling around when (not if) Trump is going to be indicted by Jack Smith. Speculation is the FIRST indictment will be regarding the so-called “documents” case where Trump STOLE thousands of documents, which SHOULD have been in the possession of the National Archives, including some of the nation’s VERY top secrets. And, to make matters more SERIOUS, there is some evidence Trump was SHOWING these documents to people who frequented his places of residence – ie Mar a Lago in Florida or Bedminster, New Jersey.

To me, the MOST serious of the potential charges against Trump has to do with the attempted coup d’etat of January 6th, 2021. And, as I watch the “news,” I continue to see commentators who are totally focused on Trump, but not even mentioning the co-conspirators who helped create the attack on our Capitol on the sixth. For example, it appears Mark Meadows has now testified before Smith’s Grand Jury and one has to WONDER what kind of “deal” did Meadows agree to before testifying. Did he plead guilty and agree to a cooperation agreement? Or did he somehow manage to get an immunity agreement from Mr. Smith. To me, it’s clear Meadows was a KEY part of the CONSPIRACY to overthrow the 2020 presidential election.

There were others you might say! Of course there was. I can think of a bunch of them off the top of my head – which I’ve done several times here, but I’ll do it once again because indictments seem to be on the horizon. In addition to Trump and Meadows, the obvious ones would be John Eastman, Jeffrey Clark, Rudy Giuliani, Steve Bannon, Scott Perry, Ginni Thomas, Jim Jordan (more on him in a bit), Andy Biggs, Paul Gosar, Mo Brooks, Louie Gohmert, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Matt Gaetz, Peter Navarro, Roger Stone, Sydney Powell, Cleta Mitchell, and a bunch of people who participated in the “fake elector” scheme. You seldom see ANYONE who has a “platform” in the news world even mentioning all these people who seemingly were part of the January 6th, 2021 coup d’etat CONSPIRACY. Of course, indicting all those involved makes this case MUCH more complicated – although, if Merrick Garland is telling the truth they will follow the facts and the law and hold those involved ACCOUNTABLE.

OK, I’ve got to back off Merrick Garland. Yesterday Trump was indicted for retaining and lying about the classified documents he STOLE from the “White House” and did who knows what with. There were 37 COUNTS against Trump and a few against his aide “Waltine” Nauta. As I usually do, I read the full indictment – it’s 49 pages (as I remember :o). There, as I said, were 37 COUNTS against Trump many calling for a sentence of 20 years, with several calling for a sentence of 10 years and a few calling for a sentence of 5 years. The evidence shared in the indictment suggests Trump’s best chance to “beat” the odds once again rest in the fact the charges were brought in Miami, Florida (the home of Enrique Tarrio and the Proud Boys) and the Judge assigned to the case – so far – is Aileen Cannon. She’s the now infamous judge who attempted to help Trump, after the documents were seized as the FBI exercised a search warrent, to avoid having the classified documents used in an investigation against Trump. She even made some statement about Trump’s public image (I can’t remember the exact quote, but it showed her inability to be an apolitical judge).

Miami, Florida is apparently heavily “MAGA” country. Jack Smith is following the facts and applying the law – as promised by Garland – which requires these charges be filed in the Southern District of Florida. The evidence put forth is STRONG but it will only take one devoted MAGA juror for Trump to get a verdict of “innocent” – while, obviously, he’s (allegedly) NOT innocent. This is the SECOND of what could be as many as FIVE indictments Trump is facing before he attempts to overthrow our government once again in 2024. The next shoe to drop would be the Jan. 6th CONSPIRACY I referenced above.

Should that case be brought, it would happen in the District of Columbia. If you don’t understand the decisions on where to file the charges, the law requires the charges be brought in the jurisdiction where most of the CRIMINAL conduct occurs. And, there could be another charge coming Trump’s way in Washington D.C. and that has to do with the potential WIRE FRAUD involved in Trump’s scheme to raise about a quarter of a BILLION dollars and then using the funds in a totally different manner (still undetermined) than the “pleading” to Trump’s unsuspecting minions in the email requests. I’ve heard several former federal prosecutors say that prosecuting “wire fraud” is their “bread and butter.”

And, of course, the FIFTH possible charge could come from Fulton County, Georgia. That particular (alleged) CRIMINAL conduct, by many observers, is the most serious charges Trump could face. (Is that because of what it’s like in Georgia’s jails?) By now, almost everyone has heard the tape from Georgia’s Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger where Trump said, “All I want is to find 11,780 votes which is one more than we have” (whatever “have” means there). That seems like overwhelming evidence of an obstruction of an official proceeding (and election) by our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president. As I’ve been saying for over 5 years now – Trump comes across as a wannabee Mob Boss. And, it appears, like Nixon before him, he could be taking numerous others “down” with him. (Remember, there were something like 49 members of Nixon’s “team” who were convicted of crimes and sent to prison) Stat tuned…..

Final Thought: I (in the past when I was healthier) have loved to play golf. Some of the questions people are asking about what Trump did with some of these classified documents involves his relationship with the Saudi’s. That brings me to the sad reality that the PGA (Professional Golf Association) of America has sold out their members for MONEY by aligning with the Saudi funded “LIV” golf league. The golfers who abandoned their PGA membership to sign with “LIV” were given tens of MILLIONS of dollars to turn their backs on the PGA. (For example, Phil Mickelson allegedly got $200 MILLION) I, for one, will discontinue watching professional golf on TV. I’ve already refused to buy the Greg Norman line of clothing carried by Costco (my “taylor”) and it actually grieves me knowing the head of the PGA succumbed to the MONEY instead of recognizing what the Saudi’s are doing – attempting to “whitewash” the TRUTH about the history of the Saudi’s. It was a sad day for me right before Jack Smith took step one regarding the two items on my bucket list.

The first item is/was to shoot my age (now 75) in golf before I head “out to pasture) and, due to my failing health (my lower back is “shot” and apparently beyond “fixing”) it is unlikely I’ll be able to accomplish the first item. The second item is/was to live long enough to see Trump going to jail for at least one of his (allegedly) many crimes. After reading the indictment brought by Jack Smith, it seems that day may happen if I can manage to live another year or two. And, of course, there are other potential CRIMES which could make that “wish” a reality. As a Christian, I’m called to love my neighbor, and Trump isn’t the first individual causing me a challenge in that regard. I don’t know how to do that but I continue to realize one of my true shortcomings. But, apparently, it is what it is. (Maybe I can forgive Trump once he’s been found guilty of one of these crimes and sentenced to jail time) Yikes!!!

(In reality, much of what I consider almost unforgivable is how Trump is USING the “conservative Christian” community. Trump is no Christian but, instead is someone who comes across as an “idol” in the eyes of so many Christians. Exactly, what is warned against in the Bible)

Oh, by the way: If you believe Trump has, even now, returned ALL the classified documents he STOLE from the “White House” I have a bridge to …………. Do you wonder, as do I, about all the EMPTY classified documents folders which were discovered during the FBI raid at Mar a Lago where over 100 classified documents were found – after Trump’s lawyers attesting that “all the documents have been returned.” Something had to have been in those folders at some point in time. Would Trump actually STEAL empty folders from the “White House?” Unlikely!!!

I’ve been pointing out for years how the (today’s) republican party has embraced the far right white nationalist/supremacist base which includes people like David Duke and Don Black – both former “imperial Wizards” of the KKK and, of course Donald Trump, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Matt Gaetz, Michael Flynn, etc. etc. We saw Trump begin bringing this group into the “mainstream” of American politics when he led the so-called “Birther” movement beginning in 2011 winning over the “Tea Party” movement which, in today’s House, is represented by Gaetz, Paul Gosar, Andy Biggs, Greene, Jim Jordan, and the ironically named “Freedom Caucus.”

If you watched the CNN “Town Hall” put on by a network desperate for ratings this past week you saw Trump, in essence, doubling down on virtually ALL of his darkest instincts – including encouraging the House republicans to take our nation over the “cliff” by forcing a default. Their “negotiating” position is well beyond the border of the ABSURD and Joe Biden is going to be put to the test as to whether or not he’ll call their bluff and simply invoke the provision of the 14th Amendment which states “The validity of the public debt of the United States shall NOT be questioned.” Professor Lawrence Tribe of Harvard Law School said, not only SHOULD Biden invoke the amendment, he HAS a duty to do so if republicans continue to hold the nation’s economy hostage. According to Mr. Tribe the main “job” of the president is to assure the laws of the land are faithfully executed – and, the money already appropriated MUST be spent as appropriated. Full stop!

Trump, to the surprise of – well, not me, once again made sure he defamed E. Jean Carroll approximately 30 hours after he’d been “slapped” with a nearly $5 MILLION dollar judgement for “sexual assault and defamation” of Ms. Carroll. I have to wonder what the next judgement will be if she sues him again. I mean “punitive damages” are designed to get the “attention” of the perpetrator and, apparently $5 MILLION wasn’t sufficient to get Trump’s attention. I’m trying to picture in my mind what the judgement might be in the case being brought by the New York Attorney General suing Trump (and his three most adult children – Ivanka, Don Jr. and Eric) for $250 MILLION which could include punitive damages thre up to four times that amount if Trump loses that case. And, keep in mind, he’s sat for a deposition in that case – I’m thinking of his deposition in the E. Jean Carroll case – stupidity and LYING!

Trump “taught” republicans they need to CHEAT in order to remain in POWER and, of course, they’ve been busy doing just that since January 6th, 2021 which led to IMPEACHMENT #2. And, every time Trump faces reality he, instinctively, lashes our at his adversaries and his “base” sucks it up. This reality has led to the republicans attacking every aspect of American society which they believe will rile up their “base” – based almost exclusively on FEAR mongering. For example, who cares about Trans children (other than their friend and family) – who are they threatening? While I was still teaching I had a Trans student in my classroom and, sadly, she was constantly bullied as she went through the public school system with little support from her teachers – this was nearly 10 years ago and it honestly makes me ANGRY every time I listen to republicans bashing Trans people. We’re talking about PEOPLE!

I point this out because it’s just one example of what republicans are doing in order to maintain/gain POWER in our political system. We began seeing the voter suppression legislation almost immediately after Trump LOST (in a landslide) to Joe Biden in 2020 and it’s continued virtually unabated in the so-called “red states” since that time. Republicans are basing thier chances in 2024 almost exclusively on culture issues (attacks). I will only mention briefly here that the Supreme Court is the body which has enabled the republican plague on our nation which will require a massive response from young voters in the next maybe 10 – 15 elections to mitigate. Remember, just one time voting for a republican as president risks extending the Supreme Court’s radical agenda even LONGER than what “we the people” are facing right now. My children may NEVER experience a progressive/moderate Court which actually follows through on the promises they make during their confirmation hearings.

For a year now I’ve been lamenting the timidity of Merrick Garland regarding his unwillingness to hold a “former president” accountable to OBVIOUS criminal conduct. We keep hearing about “Jack Smith” but that’s it – he’s “investigating.” OK, if he’s going after the entire bunch of conspirators who attempted to OVERTURN our nation’s government on January 6th, 2021 then, I guess, it would justify taking this much time – there’s virtually NO chance Trump will face a jury for his ILLEGAL conduct before the 2024 election – which causes me to think it will make AG Garland even MORE timid. Now, let me suggest who SHOULD be part of the indictment handed down by Mr. Smith.

Of course, we have to start with Trump and him facing a “Seditious Conspiracy” charge just like his buddies the “Proud Boys.” The conspiracy should, in my view, include the following people – among others: Steve Bannon, Michael Flynn, Peter Navarro, Rudy Giuliani, Jeffrey Clark, Jim Jordan, Matt Gaetz, Ginni Thomas, John Eastman, Mo Brooks, Paul Gosar, Andy Biggs, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Ted Cruz, Roger Stone, Alex Jones, Mark Meadows, and anyone else who was part of the planning of the January 6th INSURRECTION. Remember, it doesn’t take much “agreement” to become part of a conspiracy. A conspiracy is simply “an agreement among conspirators.” So, for example, when Ginni Thomas was texting Mark Meadows urging him to “keep up the fight” and then urging on fake electors in at least a couple states, she became part of the conspiracy. Will she get indicted? Not likely, but, …………. Just sayin!!

I wrote the above about a week ago – and, I’ll try to wrap it up. Since that time Ive been to two memorial services for friends who have passed away (when you get to 75 – that’s me – the memorial services seem to come regularly) and both my wife and I got sick. (fortunately, a “non covid” virus) Things have been moving very quickly since – for example, according to reports, Trump will soon be indicted for OBSTRUCTION of Justice regarding the THOUSANDS of documents he STOLE from the National Archives – apparently, Jack Smith is focused on the Clasified documents. Once again, during the CNN Town Hall Trump admitted he “did it.” He admitted that he “took the documents” and that “I had a right do do it because of the Presidential Records Act.” Can anyone become president who’s that STUPID? Well, obviously, it’s not only possible – the republican party is “doubling down.”

I believe Trump will have been CONVICTED of at least ONE of his (alleged) CRIMES by the time the 2024 election rolls around. Will the state of New York allow him to serve his “time” in the “White House” (with an ankle bracelet?) should Americans decide they want a fascist government and vote in a republican in this election? Will Merrick Garland intervene in criminal prosecutions should they push up around the 2024 election? It seems likely Trump will be facing charges from BOTH Jack Smith investigations in the next few months. And, Fulton County Georgia? Mark your calendars for early August when we’ll find out how many of Trump’s sycophants will be charged along with him in his attempt to overturn the 2020 election results in Georgia. And, there’s very likely charges for CRIMES which aren’t in the public domain just yet. For example, the soliciting (grifting) of MILLIONS of dollars from his unsuspecting CULT which have been used for “who knows what?” – other than what was promised. That very well could be ANOTHER serious felony. Of course, Trump has been operating for years believing he can simply BULLY the criminal justice system into “looking the other way.”

The bottom line is, there will be NO “healing” in America until Trump and those who CONSPIRED with him to turn this nation into an unrecognizable American version of what took place in Germany back in the 1930’s. If you’ve been paying attention, at all, you’ve seen the rise of neo-Nazi’s who’ve become more emboldened with the rise of Trump. The right wing propaganda “machine” continues to belch out mis/disinformation which is at the core of the THREAT to this nation. Fox may have agreed to pay $787,5 MILLION for LYING about Dominion’s voting machines, but their LYING has hardly slowed down. And, as usual, there’s always more. Today Ron DeSactimonious is starting his presidential campaign with, apparently, a “Twitter” conversation with Elon Musk. Yikes!!! Talk about your spewing LIES to Millions!?

Final Thought: If young Americans don’t vote in the upcoming elections – en masse – the future of this nation may very well be in the “hands” of the racist, homphobic, xenophobic, and misogynistic segment of our population. We’re talking about people like DeSantis (er Sanctimonious) Trump, or maybe someone like Kristi Noem. That is, people who’ve based their chances on “winning” by cozying up to right wing Christian Nationalists. (Again, do a little reading about the Nazi’s back in the 1930’s) Speaking of DeSan(ctimonious)tis If you’re starting your presidential campaign next to Elon Musk on Twitter, you’re desperate to “out Trump” Trump!

Speaking of Musk – he’s the perfect example of why the RICHEST Americans need to pay MORE taxes. Musk simply used $44 BILLION of his fortune – much of it made via sponging off of the American taxpayers (remember, originally, every Tesla sold included a $7500 tax credit AND his “Space X” company survives off of government contracts. Since taking over “Twitter” Musk has proven that having “boatloads” of money does NOT prevent STUPIDITY. Musk claims he wants “Twitter” to be the home of “free speech.” Well, it appears what he was talking about was giving racists a platform to spew their neo-Nazi garbage. If you listened to any of Musk’s rationales for some of the vile stuff he’s “retweeted” you fully understand what I mean! Stay tuned….

I don’t think it would surprise anyone who’s been around this site before that I DIDN’T watch Trump LYING his way through over 60 minutes in a sorry excuse for a “town hall” on CNN last night. (May 10, 2023) However, I’ve watched enough clips to be able to say Trump did exactly what I anticipated he would do. Many “liberals” have been incensed that CNN would give him the platform and, I have to admit, I was leaning in that direction. However, Trump came through as I thought he would – and, again, I watched only a few “clips” of the debacle, but he did a lot of “admitting.” Here’s a few examples of why I think this “FAKE town hall” might prove to be valuable.

First, the fact I wasn’t watching doesn’t mean there wasn’t an interested audience. I can guarantee you Jack Smith was either watching or had his DVR working to record EVERY word Trump spoke. And, there were some “doozies.” Again, I wasn’t surprised to watch Trump, for example, ADMIT he STOLE several THOUSAND documents from the “White House” once again claiming it was OK because he “declassified” them all – apparently, with the “mind meld” he has suggested in the past was his way of declassification. He claimed the “Presidential Records Act” gave him the authority to take the documents when the TRUTH is absolutely the opposite. But, he admitted he TOOK the documents – that it wasn’t some foopah by some unsuspecting underling. He said, over and over, “I had a right to do it.”

But, as usual, there’s always more. He was asked if he shared those documents with anyone else? Well, as he was obfuscating the question he, in essence, admitted that yes he did. OK, he didn’t come right out and say so, but when Trump uses his Mafioso language he’s just trying to circle around the question without giving a direct answer, but,, in this instance, I was left with no doubt (and, I didn’t have any doubt anyway) that he was sharing those documents – the only real question is – with who? (The CORRECT answer would have been “no”) Again, as he does, he said, “I absolutely had the right to.” Just like he said he “absolutely had the right to take them” in the first place. My understanding of the basics of our legal system is “ignorance of the law is no excuse.” In this case, just plain ignorance. Especially, if your job is to make sure the “laws be faithfully and fairly enforced.” (my characterization)

And, when he was asked about why he didn’t turn over all of the documents in response to the subpoena – which ultimately led to the FBI exercising a search warrant approved by a judge based on the “probable cause” a crime had been committed – he responded by saying “we were negotiating.” Well, of course, he wasn’t “negotiating” he was OBSTRUCTING – like everything else coming from his lips during this debacle, that was untrue (OK, a LIE). The Justice Department had surveillance footage of the documents – over 1,000 of them – which Trump’s lawyers had certified weren’t there – and which were being moved by ???? and, when they did the search they found TOP SECRET documents in Trump’s DESK! In essence, Trump admitted his guilt in this “town hall” last night – as the audience applauded and laughed in response to his LIES.

Again, yes – there’s – as always – more. He once again admitted the INSURRECTION of January 6, 2021 was something he planned (indirectly) and, as he was refusing to apologize to his former Vice President he once again said, he was wrong – that Pence SHOULD have “sent the votes back, and we would have had a different result.” Of course, that’s complete nonsense. The Electoral College had certified the results on December 14, 2020 – stopping the ceremonial “rubber stamping” of the Electoral College’s vote would have simply created even MORE violence than what we saw on January 6th – where FIVE PEOPLE lost their lives. Surely, Jack Smith was recording EVERY word Trump said. (And, trust me, those words can be used against him) He’s actually planning to finish the job which, to him, failed on January 6th, 2021.

Trump even doubled down on his DEFAMATION of E. Jean Carroll who had just WON almost $5 MILLION in a civil case against him the day before. He clearly DEFAMED her once again – much to the delight of the right wing audience CNN crammed into what was a very small venue. Will she sue him once more? Probably not, because I doubt she wants to go through the whole process once again (although, I believe, she still has a lawsuit which is “pending”) Trump is the classic defendant I’m guessing all lawyers hope to never have to defend. (And, that’s aside from him having a long history of not PAYING them)

Trump suggested he would “pardon” the January 6th defendants soon after taking office should “we the people” be STUPID enough to put him back in the “White House.” (I honestly believe he thinks that would be his “get out of jail free card” – although, I’m not sure why he thinks that – other than believing Merrick Garland doesn’t have the spine to take him on. (Which may be true)

Worst still, he encouraged the House republicans to take our economy over the cliff by forcing a default on the debt. Political operatives likely have already begun making the campaign commercials with that nonsense statement. It was pointed out to Trump he, when he was “in office” said the debt ceiling could NOT be breached (or words to that effect) but, the difference, in response to the question of why he would not say that now was “I’m no longer in office” much to the delight of his group of (sorry) STUPID republicans in the audience. I mean, they laughed about him assaulting Ms. Carroll as well as encouraging republicans to “tank” our economy. As I’ve said many times – it’s all about the POWER and “winning at all costs” – the republicans’ “MO” has long been “the end justifies the means.”

Well, apparently, like the House stooges who are part of his CULT following, he believes the American people will blame Joe Biden if the debt ceiling is breached. Honestly, if that would be the case, I would put the blame on the lack of ability at messaging on the democrats. In my mind, they should be making commercials while planning them to be aired around the nation RIGHT NOW with his absurd comments – making it clear it’s the responsibility of Congress to make sure we don’t default – an “experiment” that would be ten times worse in a time of war. A U.S. default would be like a “wet dream” for Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping, and other dictators around the world who want the “West” to fail in its defense of Ukraine – among a plethora of other reasons. (China would like nothing better than for the dollar to tank)

CNN believes (or so they say) they provided a public service by giving Trump the opportunity to LIE with impunity on their airwaves for over 60 minutes to a “staged” audience of Trump loving MAGA republicans. While I would disagree, at the same time, they may end up having a point. When it comes time for Jack Smith and the Justice Department to prosecute Trump for the INSURRECTION and for his STEALING of the documents (where he admitted, in essence, to OBSTRUCTING the investigation) which may or may not have been shared with foreign adversaries (for example, the Saudi’s have provided a lot of MONEY to Trump and his son-in-law since he left office) which would violate the ESPIONAGE Act – segments of this “town hall” may end up being replayed to a jury. Just as Trump admitted his own guilt in the deposition in the E. Jean Carroll civil case, he just can’t help himself when it is time to keep his mouth SHUT. Trump may have admitted to committing several Felonies in the CNN Town Hall!!! Stay tuned……………

Final Thought: I’ve been lobbying for “we the people” to rid this nation of what I’ve called “today’s” republican party since the day Bush/Cheney LIED “we the people” into Iraq – themselves committing WAR CRIMES by authorizing TORTURE of Iraqi’s and Afghani’s – based on nothing more than someone seeking the $5000 “reward” for turning someone in – with no evidence. Just as Trump is walking free along with his numerous co-conspirators (which I doubt the Justice Department has the “stones” to prosecute – the entire bunch of them) – while over a THOUSAND of the 1/6 “suckers” are either behind bars or have pleaded guilty to felonies and have served their time in jail – now with a criminal record – the ONLY people who paid the price for America’s TORTURE policy in the Iraq/Afghanistan “fiascos” were a bunch of Army “grunts” who thought they were following orders at Abu Ghraib. America seems to have a history of the “little people” paying the price for the transgressions of those at the top! No wonder people like Ron DeSantis and Greg Abbott are pushing for the banning of books!

If you get the chance, I recommend you read “Caste” by Isabel Wilkerson. That book has left a lasting mark on my brain beyond virtually any of the other books I’ve read recently – including the January 6th Select Committee’s report – which was also very profound.

By the way, one of those who was laughing and applauding the most heinous stuff in that audience reportedly was Woody Johnson, the owner of the New York Jets. They (the audience) even laughed about Trump referring to a Black Police Officer as a “thug” – because, after warning several times he shot Ashli Babbit who was breaking into the House Chamber – with the mob right behind her – while there were still several members of the House in the chamber. Of course, the crowed, and presumably Mr. Johnson, applauded to show their approval of Trump’s insinuation the cop was not charged because he’s Black. “If that had been the other way around……………..” More “dog whistle racism” from our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called Two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president who’s been indicted for 34 alleged FELONIES and who has been found to have sexually assaulted and defamed a woman (who he defamed once again during the Town Hall) and who is under investigation for NUMEROUS other crimes. It probably won’t happen, but the African American members of the Jets – if they were paying attention – SHOULD be very unhappy. Probably unlikely, because Johnson is a known financial supporter of Trump, but, I can hope!

Kerry Eleveld for Daily Kos Daily Kos Staff

(One of the outlets I support is the Daily Kos and I thought I would share this article. If you like what you see, check out their site and maybe do what I do and donate a few $’s each month to help keep them going. Hopefully all the links will work – for my brother-in-law in Pittsburgh, something POSITIVE!

The Federal Reserve just can’t keep the Biden economy down. Another strong jobs report Friday showed employers added another 253,000 jobs in April, and unemployment ticked down to 3.4%—the lowest rate in over half a century.

It marked the 28th straight month of U.S. jobs gains and yet, as Forbes contributor Eli Amdur noted, many outlets framed it as a “surprising” report “beating expectations.”

“Why, for God’s sake?” wondered Amdur. “After 28 straight months of this performance, why are analysts and reporters either surprised or maintaining misplaced low expectations?”

To be fair, the Federal Reserve Bank has been consistently raising interest rates for the past year with the express intention of tamping down economic growth to ease inflation. It did so again Wednesday, reaching a 16-year high of more than 5%.

But regardless of the Fed’s efforts, the U.S. economy continues to be stronger and more resilient post-pandemic than any other economy in the world.

Here are five facts every Democrat should know about President Joe Biden’s record growth over the past two years:

1. Under Biden’s stewardship, the U.S. economy has generated 12.7 million jobs over 27 months, according to the “mighty” jobs thread of Democratic strategist Simon Rosenberg.

2. The Biden economy is creating opportunities for all, not just the few: The Black unemployment rate was 4.7% in April 2023, the lowest ever recorded and an incredible comeback from 16.8% in May 2020, according to The Washington Post’s Heather Long.

3. Since 1989, the U.S. economy has netted 49 million jobs. Ninety-six percent of those jobs have been created while Democrats controlled the White House.

4. In the first quarter of 2022, the national uninsured rate reached an all-time low of 8%, with about 5.2 million people – including 4.1 million adults ages 18-64 and 1 million children ages 0-17 – gaining health coverage since 2020.

5. New business applications have soared during the first two years of Biden’s administration, with 5.4 million new business applications filed in 2021, the highest of any year on record, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Donald Trump was campaigning in New Hampshire today and came into contact with a “J sixer” as the crowd called her – a woman who had to be physically removed from the Capitol during the INSURRECTION of January 6th, 2021 by SIX police officers – and was able to get Trump to sign “the backpack I was wearing during the INSURRECTION,” (OK, I included the word “insurrection”) and he took a “selfie” with her, gave her the pen he used to sign her backpack, and said, “you’re going to be all right.” She was found GUILTY of a felony and sentenced to 180 days in jail (and served 161 of those days). What she’s been saying is typical republican projection – but, just the same very interesting and ironic.

In a recent interview with a reporter from MSNBC/NBC she said the members of Congress (along with Mike Pence) were “traitors” and she was going to prove it in her trial – which, evidently, she was unable to do. When asked “what do you think the punishment should be for these members of Congress who voted to certify Joe Biden’s VICTORY?” (My emphasis) Her response was “execution” – she then added, it’s in the constitution that “traitors” should be “executed.” (Keep in mind she was carrying a QAnon Flag when arrested) I couldn’t help but think – “be careful what you wish for.”

The reality is the “TRAITORS” were the people who stormed the Capitol AND the members of Trump’s team (including Trump, of course) who instigated their assault on our republic. Apparently, the Justice Department is going “easy” on all the OVER one THOUSAND people charged in the INSURRECTION – soon to be a bunch more as soon as Jack Smith finishes his investigation into the “J 6th” coup d’etat. Otherwise, we’d have seen a bunch of executions by now! Of course, including this wacked out woman. (Actually, several “Proud Boys” are in the final stages of their “Seditious Conspiracy” trial – with the jury on their 7th day of deliberations – speaking of TRAITORS – ALERT! Four of the “Proud Boys” who “stood back and stood by” were found GUILTY of Sedition)

I’ve long ago pointed out Trump, John Eastman, Rudy Giuliani, Jim Jordan, Andy Biggs, Paul Gosar, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Scott Perry, Jeffrey Clark, Matt Gaetz, Mo Brooks, Ginni Thomas, and a whole bunch more were co-conspirators in an attempt to overthrow our elected government – ie, once again, TRAITORS. So, if we follow this lady’s view of the “constitution” – well, I think you get my drift. I honestly don’t believe Trump and his sycophants will face “execution” for their SEDITIOUS conduct, but they COULD be facing a few years behind bars. (And, Trump will likely get the “penthouse” cell should he be CONVICTED.) If Trump ends up being convicted for INSTIGATING the INSURRECTION, I hope he loses his government pension and his Secret Service protection – along with the rest of his family.

Trump understands the “hammer” is coming shortly – which is why his republican minions – including his dense sons – are referring to every group of Americans protesting some of the egregious legislation republicans are attempting to ram through state Houses as “insurrectionists.” Of course, the one thing missing from these protests are the assaults on the police officers there to protect the people on the floor of the various legislatures. I’m not surprised Don Jr. can’t tell the difference from a public protest in a House gallery by peaceful protestors and the MOB that attacked America’s Capitol – when the building was closed to the public – injuring OVER 140 members of the Capitol and Metropolitan Police Departments – some of them being permanently disabled on January 6th, 2021, but the rumors are he’s not all that bright. Additionally, that assault was intended to overturn a PRESIDENTIAL election and, as the INSURRECTIONISTS chanted, they wanted to “hang Mike Pence.” Am I missing something here?

The INSURRECTIONISTS were armed with everything from the sharpened ends of the flag poles they used on the police officers, to tazors, to hand guns – and, the “OATHKEEPERS” who’ve been convicted of “Seditious Conspiracy” having a weapons “stash” nearby Washington DC setting up a “quick reaction force” where the weapons could be brought to the INSURRECTION quickly. I suppose they were hoping the Capitol Police would open fire on the crowd which would have “triggered” their “quick reaction force.” Who knows, but a group of the OATHKEEPERS will be spending the next (possibly) 20 years behind bars. I have a former student who is serving 15 years in the Washington State Pennitentary for far less than what these people did. (Although, I’m not making excuses for him – someone who grew up in a gang family – my wife and I – we both had him in Middle School classrooms – correspond with him periodically)

Despite everything going on with “teflon Don” I’m still somewhat befuddled that the so-called “family value” republicans seem more enamored with him the more trouble he faces. Usually, the 34 FELONY counts for which he’s been indicted in a Manhattan, N.Y. courthouse would be enough for MOST politicians to be “done.” Yet, according to polling since that time, his “numbers” have gone up since. Being credibly accused of RAPING someone over 25 years ago and facing the charge in a civil lawsuit would doom MOST politicians (the democrats, in essence, banned Al Franken for patting a few ladies on their “behinds” at the Minnesota State Fair – seemingly because female Senators couldn’t “stomach” such behavior). It remains to be seen should Trump be found guilty in the civil case vs. E. Jean Carroll – whether or not his numbers will go up.

And, that’s just the “tip of the iceberg.” The “real” charges, in my view will be coming from Jack Smith in the January 6th investigation where Trump could face up to FIVE felony indictments with several subject to prison sentences of 20 years – including, to me, the obvious one – SEDITION. (I remind you of his sycophant mentioned above suggesting what the “constitution calls for the punichment of TRAITORS) Plus, we have no idea what Trump was doing with the approximately 300+ Classified documents – many of the highest level of TOP SECRET – with rumors being he was showing them to “guests” (or ????) at Mar a Lago – while, it appears, he was OBSTRUCTING investigators who were trying to get the documents returned to the National Archives. If you believe ALL the documents have been returned, well, you’re a lot smarter than me. I just wonder where the rest of them are “hiding.”

Obstruction of Justice carries a sentence of 5 to 20 years depending on the circumstances. (Once again, I remind you – Trump “got away with” arguably 10 instances of OBSTRUCTION in the Mueller report – thanks to William Barr’s LYING coverup AND Merrick Garland’s lack of will. (Mueller, in his report, stated he “memorialized” the evidence of the OBSTRUCTION for when Trump was no longer “covered” by the OLC memo stating “a sitting president may not be indicted.” After Trump left office it appears AG Garland wasn’t interested! As Mueller pointed out, OBSTRUCTION is a fundamentatlly serious offense. If Trump faces charges for the STOLEN documents found at Mar a Lago I’m certain it will be OBSTRUCTION of justice.

During the last year of Trump’s time in office as the Covid-19 pandemic was spreding across America (and, Trump was BUMBLING his way “through” it) I mentioned on several occasions that between Trump and Mitch McConnell – their “success” was impeded by their STUPIDITY. I still believe, had they chose to listen to Nancy Pelosi when she got the democratic controlled House to pass the “HEROES” Act, Trump would have, likely, won re-election. Makes me shudder to even think this once again. The “HEROES” Act was designed, in the words of Pelosi, to “crush the virus.” Trump’s incompetent response to the “virus” was, in my mind, what “did him in.” And, of course, McConnell played his part in it because republicans controlled the Senate at that time. By the time January 6th, 2021 rolled around I believe many republicans had “had enough” of Trump and they, again, were given the opportunity by Ms. Pelosi to end the Trump “nightmare” once and for all.

Pelosi led IMPEACHMENT number TWO giving the republicans in the Senate the chance to vote to convict Trump and end his reign on their party for good. Had they voted to convict Trump he would have no longer been eligible to hold ANY office in the federal government EVER again! That’s all they had to do – but, NO, McConnell couldn’t make himself do it – despite, after voting to “aquit” giving a speech which made me, at least, wonder what was going on in his head – essentially, saying Trump was guilty. (Which, anyone paying attention KNEW already) Another example of republican STUPIDITY. And, McConnell is right in the middle of all of the STUPID despite being recognized as a superb tactitian by most observers of the Senate. Go figure!

So, as of the time I’m writing this, Trump has been the catalyst for three successive failed election cycles from the perspective of republicans and, it appears to me, if republicans actually nominate Trump once again in 2024 it will be a fourth successive failed election for republicans (although the way the Senate is “lining” up for 2024 the likelihood of republicans gaining control, I believe, is very high. Democrats will be defending over twice as many seats as republicans – although, my hope is young Americans from 18 – 35 will vote in record numbers and vote AGAINST republicans. Virtually EVERY issue which resonates with young Americans; Health insurance, guns, Climate Change, housing, education, student loan forgiveness, child care, abortion and more are issues where republicans are on the wrong side.

And, the issue of the Courts – if democrats message it correctly, will be a DRIVING issue for the next generation – because voting for a republican for president is risking an even MORE extreme Supreme Court – not to mention the lower courts. We’ve seen with the incredibly “creative” thinking of the Judge in Texas – appointed by Trump (and, another alleged CORRUPT judge via the confirmation process) – who banned “mifeprestone” the so-called “abortion pill” after over two decades of safe useage since the FDA approved it – opening up a potential “can of worms” for other FDA approved drugs – that judicial overreach is becoming almost commonplace. “Trump judges” are “legislating from the bench” (well, I should say republican appointed judges because Sam Alito and Clarence Thomas weren’t appointed by Trump) on “freedoms” many Americans had long ago taken for granted – the most obvious being, of course, Roe v Wade and abortion.

Leaders around the world (less Trump’s dictator friends) are cringing at the thought “we the people” might put him or someone like him back into the “White House.” Joe Biden has been instrumental in supporting Ukraine’s fight against Russia’s ASSAULT on their sovereignty which, to me, is enough for him to be re-elected – not to mention ALL the progressive legislation he signed in the first two years of his first term. But, the judiciary – which many Americans I know of well enough to know whether or not they’re paying attention to it – is (or should be) a CRITICAL issue on the minds of voters. It likely is with WOMEN who, in many states now, are putting their lives in danger be becoming pregnant. America’s infant mortality rate is somewhere near the BOTTOM of advanced nations in the world – and, with the Court’s decision on Roe will only get worse.

I’m not one who would be supportive of an “abortion,” or so I thought, until I gained a bit of education. (Which, in reality, I knew, but hadn’t thought about it for about 50 years) In my first marriage, the FIRST pregnancy of my (ex) wife – a pregnancy which we were celebrating – until, she began to miscarry. I rushed her to the Hospital (bleeding) and the procedure she received was, in essence, an abortion. Now, when I listen to women who are being FORCED to risk their own lives to become pregnant in places like Texas, Ohio, Mississippi, Florida, and right next door to the state I live in, Idaho – where, had we lived there with today’s laws back in the 1970’s – my wife’s life very well would have been in danger as the emergency medical care she needed would have been denied until she reached a stage of sepsis. Women who survive sepsis, with a decaying fetus in their bodies, not only are CRITICAL medically, but, if they survive, the likelihood of ever bearing children afterward, is seriously compromised.

These are just TWO reasons even thinking of another Trump presidency makes people around the globe (and across America) shudder. Trump is promising the INSURRECTIONISTS he will “pardon” them, while THREATENING retribution on his perceived “enemies list.” (Which, likely, is very long – reminds me of a Nixon “deja vu all over again” moment) Trump, with the help of Moscow Mitch, Leonard Leo, and others – put THREE members on the Supreme Court who, along with existing justices Alito, Roberts, and Thomas, are determined to “turn back the clock” on America to the 70’s or 80’s – or even before that. This is why “we the people” MUST consider EVERY election for the next 20 – 30 years “the most important of my lifetime.” And, in the words of a true conservative – Liz Cheney – Trump can NEVER get even close to the White House EVER AGAIN!

Final Thought: Of course, there are many other issues why Trump can NEVER get close to the “White House” EVER again. I’ll just list a few: His promise to go after members of the media is “un American,” (if republican voters even care about that) His denial of the Climate Crisis (along with republicans across the nation) threatens the future of our children and grandchildren’s (reminder I’m 75) ability to survive on this planet. His threats to undo the federal bureaucracy and replace it with people willing to sign a loyalty pledge just makes me shudder to even think that could be an issue in a presidential election. His fawning of the world’s worst dictators and the assurance if re-elected Ukraine aid would be discontinued and our foreign policy would be Russia oriented makes me shudder even more. There’s a plethora of issues such as these which makes it seem IMPOSSIBLE this nightmare could continue, but, as I’ve stated, each time he faces another indictment it’s likely his support will strengthen among republicans. That said, it’s up to independent voters, disaffected republicans, and democrats to make sure Trump, as said by Ms. Cheney, “never gets close to the White House EVER again.” Stay tuned……………

The U.S. Supreme Court is a mess as I’m writing this. At the head of the class of Justice’s who have issues with their ethical standards, of course, is Clarence Thomas who’s been in the news over and over again over the previous couple of months. I’ve written about Justice Thomas’ wife, who I believe, SHOULD be part of the January 6th investigation of Jack Smith due to her participation in the attempt by Trump to STEAL the 2020 election (as he was pushing the so-called “Stop the Steal” fiasco) in both CLEARLY being part of the CONSPIRACY – based on the publicly released text messages during the Select Committee’s hearings – AND, based on her part in recruiting republicans in the “FAKE ELECTOR” scheme put forth by Trump et al.

Justice Thomas, it has been revealed in public reporting he hasn’t denied, has been accepting “hospitality” in the nature of private jet transportation, exotic vacations, trips on exotic yachts, and “friendship” from a Texas Billionaire named Harlan Crow who is a collector of Hitler and Nazi “memorabilia” (go figure!) and has poured likely MILLIONS into the ledger of The Thomases. Was Clarence Thomas, for example, going to pay for private jet Travel to places around the globe with no obligation to pay for anything once he got there? I don’t think so! (I guess that makes my question rhetorical, doesn’t it?) By the way, how Crow and Donald Trump are similar is they both inherited their wealth via Real Estate “empires.”

Not only is Mr. Crow paying for the Thomases to trapse around the globe on his dime, but he’s also funneled (at least) hundreds of thousands of dollars directly into the pocketbook of Mrs. Thomas – none of which was reported on Justice Thomas’ disclosure forms – just further affirming the belief by many into the right wing’s CORRUPTION on the court. These judges – and, I’ve closely watched the confirmation process of virtually all of them – including Thomas back when he was (allegedly) LYING about his harassment of Anita Hill – all of these republican appointed judges have proven themselves to have been unhinged from the TRUTH – for example, as America’s women now clearly know, regarding their belief in “stare decisis” the principle of following judicial precedent – most specifically regarding the Roe precedent. They ALL claimed “allegiance” to this judicial principal. LIARS?????

I looked up the “net worth” of the justices and I don’t think many would be surprised to “learn” that the top members of the court according to their wealth would be the republicans – led by Chief Justice Roberts, Justice Gorsuch, Sam Alito, and Amy Coney Barrett all close to or exceeding net worths of $10 MILLION. (i belief Justice Barrett is likely a bit under that amount) These right wing Justices are hanging around “institutes” that (allegedly) have business before the court and, I believe, it’s a rare occasion when one of them recuses themselves from a case. The optics of this court are TERRIBLE and are only going to get worse.

Virtually everyone of the right wing judges on this court could be accused of (allegedly) LYING in their confirmation hearings. For heaven’s sake, Judge Kavanaugh was, in my view, embarrassing in his response to the (alleged) sexual assault charges which came out against him during the process. Since, we’ve learned he (allegedly) LIED outright in this process and also that Trump called off the FBI’s investigation into additional accusations against Kavanaugh which still haven’t been heard. This is REALLY bad, but, it’s taken Justice Thomas to convince more and more Americans the Supreme Court is nothing more than a Kangaroo Court.

And, that doesn’t even get into the “work” of Ginni Thomas, Justice Thomas’ wife. I can’t help but thinking back to the days of Justice Abe Fortas, who resigned from the court – supposedly, to save his wife from some kind of political issue. Nothing regarding her was referred to in his resignation letter, but I think it paid a large part in him agreeing to resign. (He had accepted $20,000 from a foundation which was having problems and to whom he returned the money – compare that to the Thomases) To me, Ginni Thomas was right in the middle of those encouraging Donald Trump and Mark Meadows to do whatever they could to overturn the 2020 election. What were her personal beliefs on the election? Personally, I don’t think that matters. If she bought in on the “big lie” that’s a her problem – it doesn’t excuse participating in a CONSPIRACY to commit several FELONIES.

I really don’t understand why Mrs. Thomas’ political activities are not MORE of the issue with the CORRUPTION of Justice Thomas. She has said she doesn’t talk to her husband about politics (if you believe that I’ve got a bridge………………) but, only to her “best friend.” There’s a way LIARS are always exposed and she’s no exception. She later referred to her “best friend” as her husband. Can you connect the dots?

And, as always with republicans/conservatives there’s always more. Now the TRUTH about the Texas judge who made the (rather obscene from a legal perspective) ruling on the so-called “abortion pill” is coming out regarding his confirmation process. He (allegedly) hid a controversial article he had written prior to his nomination by Trump to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas – a district SMALL enough that “judge shoppers” can be assured to get their issue in front of HIM – because, well, he’s the only option in that district – his name is Matthew Kasmaryk and he (allegedly) took his name off the article which should have been part of his confirmation process right before the hearings so that he wouldn’t have to include the article in the required writings sent to the Senate before the confirmation process.

This court is a REAL part of the scheme by republicans to RULE America via minority rule – republicans continue to publicly show their disdain for democracy. And, the court is right in the middle of it all. Of course, for me, it started when the Court chose Bush/Cheney as the “winners” of the 2000 presidential election. Much of America’s modern day “woes” emanate from that egregious decision. (Think the Middle East) but, as I’ve said over and over, there’s always more. The Court responded to the election of Barack Obama into the “White House” with the Citizens United Decision which was referred to by Jimmy Carter as “legalized bribery.” Close to $5 BILLION in “dark money” has flowed into our elections since this decision came down. The Court has also eviscerated the Voting Rights Act of 1965 so we’re seeing state after state (with republican governors and legislatures) enacting laws that are designed to suppress voting. Republicans in Wisconsin, for example, bragged they had “blocked” upwards of 100.000 voters in Detroit from voting (ie democrats) in the 2022 election – where Ron Johnson was “re-elected” to his seat in the Senate by less than 50,000 votes over his African American opponent. Do you see how this is working?

Here’s what bothers me most about all of this. I’m 75 years old and I understand my children and grandchildren have to live with this right wing court long after I’m “pushing up daisies.” If Americans – and, I’m talking about, mostly, young Americans – don’t get firmly involved in the process of being “responsible adults” – by VOTING – if another republican is voted into the “White House” in the next 30 years or so, this could get much worse. Justice Alito, in his unhinged decision overturning Roe v Wade, pointed out that those who don’t agree with their decision have the power to change it via Congress by “voting.” Does that strike you as disingenuous as it does me? Saying the solution is voting as you’re making it easier to BLOCK people from voting pretty much says it all, regarding republicans, as far as I’m concerned.

While “we the people” have been focused on Donald Trump the Supreme Court of the United States has been busy undermining progress which has happened in America over the past 50+ years. Women’s rights are under attack, students’ rights are under attack, LGBTQ rights are under attack, voting rights are under attack, and our democratic republic’s fundamentals are under attack by the right wing courts in this land. The most recent issue is the overturning of an FDA ruling (which has been “there” for over 20 years) potentially opening a “can of worms” regarding medications in America the likes of which we’ve NEVER seen. It just keeps getting worse, and the fact Clarence Thomas can violate laws and norms with impunity says it all! Our court system is BROKEN!

Final Thought: The encouraging part in all of this, to me, is I keep seeing signs America’s young people have “had enough.” They’re watching republicans block legislation aimed at fighting the plague of gun violence, watching republicans block legislation aimed at the Climate crisis, watching republicans attack the rights of women who want to have children (and, make no mistake, these anti-abortion laws will cause MANY women in America to die), they see republicans doing whatever they can to make the income inequality issue worse – making housing a stretch for many of them, republicans are attacking LGBTQ Americans, banning books, and treating immigrants inhumanely. I think it will be America’s young people – and, I’m talking those from the early thirties to those just eligilble to vote in the next election who are going to turn this nation back toward it’s roots.

And, by its “roots” I’m not talking about America’s racist roots – in fact, as we saw in Tennessee just recently, republicans are determined to make national leaders out of young Black Americans with the courage to stand up against their tyrannical nonsense. When you listen to the “stuff” Donald Trump is “promising” should he be re-elected it makes me think I hope he’s actually the republican nominee. That should cause the republican party to be voted to where I’ve been lobbying for at least 15 years – and, that’s into the History books. I’m not even suggesting THOSE books be banned – I think American’s youth need to read about ALL of America’s History – the good and the bad. These republicans will find themselves right next to Benedict Arnold in the History books – in a chapter right next to the one telling the TRUTH about America’s TORTURE and MURDER of African Americans for roughly three fourths of our history. I keep thinking these RACIST “conservatives” in the South and the Rust belt are direct descendants of people who were involved in the LYNCHINGS which took place in the early 20th century. Stay tuned………………..

Back to Reality, I’m just jotting down a few thoughts which might motivate another post on another day – I don’t feel like writing too much today. From the lips of Zoe Lofgren, D. of California, regarding the interview of Cy Vance on Sunday’s “Meet the Press.”Something doesn’t smell right.” She was referring to the FACT Mr. Vance, who was the District Attorney in New York prior to Alvin Bragg, said he was asked to “stand down” regarding the investigation which has culminated in the present charges against Donald Trump. What the???? Who in the SDNY (Southern District of New York) asked Vance to “stand down.”

Of course, then the SDNY also STOOD down. Michael Cohen was allowed to serve a 3 year prison term for the same offense. That was the case which caused me to refer to Trump as “individual 1” for over two years – until it became apparent, after Trump lost in a LANDSLIDE to Joe Biden in 2020 – that Merrick Garland didn’t have the “will” to follow through on an investigation which had been initiated – and likely closed by Bill Barr’s Justice Department. As I look back on this, it’s apparent Cohen was targeted for prison by Trump’s “lacky’s.” It was until they realized he had the “goods” on Trump until Barr attempted to “overturn his conviction.” I’ve been pointing out how republicans have become LOWER and LOWER lowlifes for the past several decades. (Going all the way back to Nixon)

Once again, republicans don’t take long to prove they can always go LOWER. Now, as I’m writing this the state legislature in Tennessee is in the process of EXPELLING three members of the democratic party in Tennessee for, get this, protesting the gun lobby after three CHILDREN and three adults in a Christian private school where a former student shot her way with several high capacity military style (AK-47) firearms into the school and MURDERED those children and the adults there to take care of them with something like 150 shots being fired before the police could intervene and shoot the “shooter.” Two of the three being EXPELLED are the youngest African American members of their body.

This reminds me of what I’ve been reading, “Caste” by Isabel Wilkerson, and I’ve come to the conclusion EVERY high school student in America should have this book as required reading. The legislature of Tennessee is PROVING the darkest history of America is still a major problem in our nation. Wilkerson pulls no punches as she points out the 250 years in America where African Americans were treated in a near equal manner to the Jews who faced the MURDEROUS Nazi’s for 12 years in Germany from the early 30’s until the Third Reich was defeated by the “allied” troops back in 1945. That’s right, 250 years of white people murdering and torturing selected “Negroes” in order to put the fear of God in the other members of their SLAVES.

And, of course, it didn’t get much better after the Civil War and “Reconstruction” which lasted only a very short number of years and was followed by the “Jim Crow” years. Jim Crow was a pejorative term in the South which is how the laws insured African Americans would face segragation in all forms of their lives. And, the torture and MURDER of Black Americans continued well into the 20th century. Until the 1960’s Black Americans were prohibited from attending the “White public” schools and it was in the sixties when the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 were passed and turned virtually every elected official in the South away from the democratic party.

I was in High School back then and I remember (vaguely) watching Black Americans getting bludgeoned on the Edmund PettUs bridge as they were starting the March to Montgomery in Alabama. This has been referred to as “Bloody Sunday” when African Americans protesting the murder of Jimmy Lee Jackson who had been MURDERED a short while previous, for participating in a peaceful protest at the bridge. The bridge is named after a Confederate General who was a “Grand Dragon” of the Alabama Ku Klux Klan. “Bloody Sunday” was what led to the passing of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 – thanks to it being shown on national TV.

Many white people in America, like myself, even if we’ve been supportive of the Civil Rights movement in America which, obviously, continues, have little to no knowledge of what African Americans have REALLY endured over the 400 plus years since white Europeans “discovered” this nation and, at first, began the genocide of the Native Americans who had been here for thousands of years while bringing the African SLAVES here and auctioning them off in the most disgusting manner of inhumanity – a process which started in the early 1600’s and lasted until the Civil War nearly 250 years later – to do their labor. All of this is coming to mind as I’m watching these two African Americans (along with a White former teacher who had experienced a school shooting as a teacher) being expelled simply for voicing their support for gun legislation after the recent school shooting in Nashville.

Our Supreme Court participated in what led to the March across the bridge when in the 1890’s (I believe) it decided the so-called “separate but equal” decision in the case referred to as “Plessy v Ferguson” which cemented the Jim Crow “Laws” in the American South. The continued suffering inflicted on the African American communities in America continued unabated up to the 1960’s and the peaceful protesting led by Martin Luther King. Things are better now, but it appears to me the so-called “MAGA” movement is trying to relive this dark History in our nation. I can’t help but think of some of the “stuff” coming out of Florida, via Ron DeSanctimoniouis and the Florida legislature, where they’re banning books just as the supporters of the so-called “Lost Cause” back in the aftermath of Reconstruction were doing.

The bottom line here is that republicans can’t be trusted in ANY circumstance. Much of the stuff they’re doing is no longer “under the rocks” but out in the open – as if they actually believe they are in the majority. In places like Tennessee the gerrymandered districts allow them to act as full blown authoritarians. Just the other day, a “liberal” was elected to the Wisconsin State Supreme Court, another state which is shamefully gerrymandered, giving the “liberals” a 4 – 3 majority on the Court much to the chagrin of republicans. It didn’t take but a few hours after the election. where the “liberal” candidate won by OVER 10% – a landslide in Wisconsin, for the republicans in the state legislature to begin talking about IMPEACHING her. Of course, in Wisconsin – a state with a nearly identical number of democrats to republicans – the state legislature has a “super majority” of republicans – thanks to partisan gerrymandering – enough to actually impeach this judge. This “garbage” is happening all across our nation – fueled by republicans who live in fear of losing their grip on POWER.

Here’s the deal, if they would choose to do this, the people in Wisconsin will simply vote the “liberal” justice (I can’t remember her name) back into her position as a Supreme Court justice in their state. The gerryrigging of so many states in America is just consistent with the History of this nation people like Ron DeSanctimonious, in Florida, don’t want “we the people” to understand. It’s shameful! I hope the two young Black Tennessee legislators are voted right back into this body and the people of Tennessee rise up against this POWER grab.

Final Thought: Just about everyone in America understands our History – at least to the point where we know how African American parents have to teach their children how to act if/when they’re pulled over by a state trooper for a traffic issue. Often time, the issue is driving while Black. Most of us witnessed the modern day version of a “Lynching” as George Floyd died under the KNEE of a racist Mineapolis cop! That led to massive protests all across this nation – with young Americans of all “stripes” marching in protest of police brutality toward Black Americans. That has led to ANOTHER backlash by White Americans led by Trump and the so-called “freedom caucus” in the House of Representatives – those who call the INSURRECTION of January 6th, 2021 a “peaceful” visit to the Capitol. I taught Middle School until I retired in 2014 and I have confidence the young people I taught will be a part of the movement in this nation which will overturn this push to White Supremacy from the MAGA movement! Stay tuned……….

I received an email from Pittsburgh today showing a red “MAGA” hat with the encription reading under the capital letters “MAGA” with “my ass got arrested.” At first, I couldn’t help myself from laughing – and, then, I turned on the TV to watch two young – and IMPRESSIVE – Black legislatures in Tennessee as they got expelled from the legislature as detailed above. Numerous thoughts are filling my head and it will take a day, or so, (likely) for me to understand what I need to write next. God help this nation!!!