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!!!

I’ve been writing about attempting to write a posting which is “positive” over the past couple of months. My brother-in-law who lives in Pittsburgh (a long way from Washington state) is, in essence, tired of all the negativity. In reality, so am I. I fully understand Trump is someone who craves attention, good or bad, and I, like many others, have been “sucked in.” I’m always questioning my Christian bona fides because it feels like I despise Trump and I’ve referred to republicans many times as “STUPID.” However, I’m going to attempt going “elsewhere.”

The reality, for me, is I’ve been “blessed” with a passion for politics. So, on the positive side, I’m going to write about my views of Joe Biden and what the democrats were able to accomplish in his first two years in office – which, to me, considering all the roadblocks, was historic. I’ve been fortunate because I was a teacher and have a teacher’s retirement which comes every month a couple weeks prior to my Social Security benefit. I have access to Medicare insurance and can afford a supplement which covers much of the medical bills someone like me – 75 years old – just naturally accrues. However, I’m very cognizant we are still coming out of a “once in a Century” pandemic (as of today, well over 1 MILLION have died from it) and many Americans are not as fortunate as me.

That’s why I believed the Covid Rescue legislation Biden and the democrats enacted shortly after taking office was the most significant legislation, aimed at working Americans, I had seen in my lifetime. (Well, with the exception of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 – which took place during my High School years.) For example, I know a family of five who go to our church who ALL contracted Covid – before the vaccines were available. I made a food run to Costco for them because they couldn’t leave their apartment and, the Dad was off work and they didn’t have the money to buy food. The money they received from that legislation prevented them from becoming homeless. First it was the $1400 for the Mom and Dad and then, for several months, they received $250 for each of their three girls every month. That was desperately needed income for them, and, I’m sure millions of other American families – no matter whether they were in a “red state” or “blue state” benefited similarly as well!

That was followed by legislation which benefited America’s Veterans who had risked their lives in places like Afghanistan and Iraq and were suffering from diseases caused by the water they were forced to drink after being housed next to “burn pits” which were spewing toxic fumes. There’s much more that “we the people” SHOULD do for the veterans who have served – with MANY part of the HOMELESS problem in our nation and, also, not receiving the medical or mental health care they deserve. There are democrats to this day attempting to get legislation through republican roadblocks in Congress to further help our veterans – but, at least, we know there ARE elected members of Congress who care.

Another thing the Biden “team” had done – and, I’m going off the top of my head for all of this, is pass a bill which is aiming to bring the Semi-conductor manufacturing business back to the states. It really was foolish for “we the people” to stand for our politicians sending so many “jobs” to China – so we could buy our stuff for cheaper prices. I’m looking forward to the day when “we the people” can say more and more “parts” to the things we use are “made in America.” It appears we’re closer to that day.

The Biden administration has been agressively supporting the push for MORE “EV” automobiles. (Full disclosure, I’ve been driving a Chevy Volt since 2015 – I’m on my second one and I love it. I’ve bought an average of 10 gallons of gas for it each year. Also, my wife drives a fully Electric Nissan Leaf, which is one of the nicest cars I’ve ever been in – she gets approximately 250 miles per full charge) Trust me, the $7500 tax credit is a welcome addition to the process of buying them – or should I say subtraction. That tax credit brought the cost of my Volt down to $22,000 when it was new. Due to the increase in gas prices, my Volt is worth, according to the Kelly “Blue Book” almost as much as when it was new. (In my view, it’s a shame Chevrolet stopped making the Volts)

The Biden administration is also very focused on supporting the renewable energy potential of solar and wind power – along with geothermal and ????? Again, full disclosure, I used my savings when I retired to put 32 Solar panels on our property (two outbuildings with roofs facing due South). Along with government incentives I’ve fully recouped the original investment and every kilowatt we produce is worth the equivalent of what our local PUD charges for electricity – which right now equates to 8,.6 cents per kilowatt. I put the solar panels up in 2015 and, so far, we’ve produced over 81,500 kilowatts. Our system produces about 10,500 kilowatts per year. And, solar panels are FAR less expensive and more efficient today than they were 8 years ago and there are good incentives to help pay for them. I have a friend who put them up and, who has a more energy efficient home than us, and he pays virtually NOTHING for his electricity.

All of this is part and parcel to an administration which is FINALLY doing something which is aimed at reducing the global warming which is threatening this planet and, especially, the lives of my children and grandchildren. To me, it’s about time we see movement from Washington DC to address this issue. Is it enough? For heaven’s sake, NO! But, it’s a start. In reality, it’s up to “we the people” to elect MORE democrats – and, to make sure they’re not “corporate democrats” and, they’re not going to end up like Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema. Both Manchin and Sinema are up for re-election in 2024 and, I’m assuming the democrats who are pushing these progressive issues will support Manchin, because he’s probably the ONLY democrat who has a chance to be elected from West Virginia. (Full disclosure, I was conceived in Wheeling West Virginia right before my parents moved to Portland, Oregaon, where I was born back in 1947). I don’t believe Sinema has a chance for re-election in Arizona and, all I can do is hope that Reuben Gallego gets enough support to win what appears will be a three person election. (My guess is the republican candidate will be Cari Lake – yikes!! – I’m trying to keep this positive, please excuse me :o)

There’s a LOT more I see as positive from Joe Biden being president – and, of course, as I’ve said before, I didn’t support him in the Washington State primary election. Now, I think he was the perfect candidate to SAVE this nation from what very well could have been a second Trump term – which, it scares me to think of what that would have entailed. Speaking of Trump, it is true the Covid Vaccines were emergency approved during the last month or so of his administration. However, it became painfully clear, Trump had no plan for distributing them. That’s ANOTHER positive accomplishment of the Biden administration. I’ve had my two doses of the Pfizer version of the vaccine plus a booster and a booster of the booster. Fortunately, I haven’t been affected by the virus despite the fact my wife and my son, both were infected with it. They both had been vaccinated and were only sick for a few days – and, NOT dangerously sick. I’m very thankful for how Biden’s team figured out how to get those shots to so many places. The clinic where I got my shots is a rural clinic and, yet, everytime I went there when I was “due” they had the shot available. When you think of the size of this country, that was amazing.

Yes, there’s lots of people who, apparently for political reasons, chose not to take the vaccine. I have a friend in that “camp” who became infected (that’s how my wife got it) and she is an “anti- vaxxer.” She got really sick, although she didn’t get hospitalized – the pills which are available seemed to work for her. I won’t go into the details, but her experience with the virus and her unwillingness to be vaccinated and some of the “treatments” she tried let me know she was hanging out in the right wing portion of the internet. I used to be a farmer and I had cattle, goats, and horses – along with some other animals. Ivermectin is what we used to worm the goats and the horses. My friend actually believed that would counter the virus – and, I believe she tried it with TERRIBLE results. Americans SHOULD be thankful the government provided these shots FOR FREE. To me that’s a real positive of the Biden administration.

I haven’t mentioned Ukraine. That very possibly will go down in history as Biden’t greatest achievement. Trump had come close to destroying NATO, which is Vladimir Putin’s greatest dream. Biden not only pulled NATO together, now both Finland and Sweden are joining because their leaders understand why NATO was formed in the first place. Biden has made it clear that Putin’s war mongering had better not go past Ukraine and he’s led the coalition in supporting Ukraine’s FIGHT for it’s own sovereignty. The war in Ukraine is NOT something I would consider as “positive,” but the leadership of Zelensky (Who Trump tried to extort) is historic and the way Biden has pulled the NATO alliance together is historic. The FIGHT of the Ukrainians is, to me, a positive – despite the reality of war and that they are LOSING a large number of troops in the battle. (Far less than the Russians, I believe)

Putin reminds me of Hitler back in the years right before I was born. Recklessly attacking his neighbor because he doesn’t approve of their desire to create a “democracy” where they govern themselves. And, I believe they’ll achieve that. It will take YEARS to rebuild Ukraine once this is all over, but I have no doubt the countries who’ve been supporting their military needs and their other needs during this assault by the Russians will help to rebuild their nation, once Putin has been pushed out. Will Putin use nukes? Personally, I believe there are more sensible people in Russia’s military who know how that would end. My hope is that Putin is “taken out” by his own people and the Russians go back to their own country – a country with the natural resorces to be a very important “cog” in the world economy, without being what amounts to a military dictatorship. There’s more, but, at least for tonight, I’ll leave it there. My point? I’m very thankful Joe Biden is America’s president and, to me, that’s a positive.

Final Thought: Another thing I believe is a positive with a “spin” away from politics. Baseball. Supposedly, America’s pastime – at least that is what it was called as I grew up – and, I’ve been a fan since my earliest days. In fact, in my household, we were always fans of the Pittsburgh Pirates. One of my idols was Roberto Clemente, a great hall of fame right fielder, who died way too young giving aid to the Nicaraguans. (He was from Puerto Rico and, in essence, the first in a line of GREAT major league baseball players from the Caribbean.) I will never forget getting in trouble in Jr. High school when I snuck a portable radio with an ear piece into class and couldn’t cotain myself when Bill Mazeroski hit the “Home run heard around the world.” (back in, 1960)

If you watched any of the “World Basebal Classic” recently, you saw an example of a sport which pulls people of all “stripes” together. The “Classic” was won by a team from Japan (and, arguably, the best player in the world is from Japan – potentially, the greatest player ever if he plays enough years – Shohei Ohtani.) and the attention to the games was incredible, The teams came from all over the world and it was really “positive” in my view to see all the comraderie. That tells us what is possible in other areas of our lives.

I believe it is incumbent on “we the people” in America to be leaders in attempting to bring people together in this world and not allow the “haters” and “fearmongers” and the people who believe in using their guns to control the rest of us to succeed. To me, as I watched all these baseball players from around the globe participating in such an exciting event with virtually NO examples of poor sportsmanship in the entire process I couldn’t help but think of what might be possible. I played sports “back in the day” and, apparently, that’s where I got the belief that everyone on the “team” is valuable. In the U.S. we have a terrible History to overcome – and people are doing their level best to make sure we’re not aware of it. I belive our History is, to an extent, “repeating itself” and I’m thankful, at this critical point of time, Joe Biden is the president. The next few elections in America will determine whether or not “we the people” will decide to take the “high road” and present a POSITIVE example for the rest of the world. I have no idea if my brother-in-law and myself will live to see the outcome (we’re both in the elderly category) but, to me, Joe Biden is doing everything he can to set an example that is positive.

Lot’s of women, people of color, and people of all “stripes” make up his administration. His Vice President is a WOMAN of “color” and is doing a great job in the limited capacity of a Vice President. Biden nominated the FIRST woman of color to the Supreme Court – and, to me, as I’ve listened to her I’ve been totally impressed. His Transportation Secretary is an openly Gay man who, with his husband, has adopted twins. Biden is NOT intimidated by what I referred to above as the “haters” and the “fearmongers.” Yes, we’re seeing a strong right wing backlash to Biden’s progressive administration (as we saw with Obama’s administration) but we’re also seeing MANY younger Americans approving the direction Biden is “pushing” “we the people.”

I hope all of this comes across as positive. (Well, most of it) As I look in the mirror, I believe I see someone who’s been, at times, foolishly optimistic. Obama’s election was historic – but, my best friend who was African American – we were Middle School teaching partners for ten years – he grew up in Youngstown, Ohio – predicted the backlash which occurred. That backlash consisted of the core group of which nationalists who are presently controlling our House of Representatives. I have to believe “we the people” are reaching our limits of tolerance of their attempt to turn this nation back 100 years or so.

As I said, I believe it will take a few elections, but more and more people are understanding the importance of participating in our elections with the goal of stopping this present day version of the republican party. Again, I hope this comes across as a positive, because I believe, in the end, “good will prevail over evil.” It’s an historic time and, to me, Joe Biden is the perfect person to be our leader. Like the rest of us, he’s far from perfect. But, to me, he represents what’s best of America – and, his policy of working “from the bottom up and middle out” is a positive.

I’ve been suggesting for YEARS that back in 1980, when Ronald Reagan was running for president against Jimmy Carter, while (I believe the total was) 59 Americans were being held hostage in Tehran, members of Reagans campaign had somehow managed to make a deal with the Iranians to hold the hostages until Reagan was inaugurated. It always seemed obvious to me – they were released, essentially, at the same time Reagan took the oath of office. What was my proof? I had none, other than my ability to make inferences. The coincidence just didn’t add up. (And, of course, I was no fan of Reagan – who was the master at racist dog whistles)

Well, now – while Jimmy Carter has entered Hospice care meaning his life will be ending some time soon, more than likely, Ben Barnes, who was moving up the “ladder” in Texas politics back in 1980, travelled to several Middle East countries with former Texas governor John Connelly on the “mission” to convince the Iranians they “would get a better deal” if they held the hostages until Reagan was officially the president. Mr. Barnes, who is now 84 apparently can’t live with the “secret” any longer and wanted to go public. Does he want Carter to know before he dies? I suppose that’s his motive – but, I suspect President Carter knew all along – just as I have suspected. (And, give Carter credit because we’ve never heard a “peep” from him in this regard)

There are plane records of Connelly and Barnes traveling to Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Israel in July of 1980 (In the middle of the campaign) on “private business.” According to Barnes they passed the “request” along on each stop to people with connections to Iran not to release the hostages (“Reagan would give Iran a better deal”). There had been an investigation into this possibility, but it centered on former CIA director William Casey, who at the time was Reagan’s campaign chair. Barnes apparently shared some of the details with others who have corroborated he, at the time, told them what he an Connelly had done. So, now, I don’t have to point this out “without evidence.” For me, it will be a sad day when Jimmy Carter passes away, but he’s had a LONG and fruitful life. In my eyes, Carter is the one true Christian man who’s held that office in my lifetime (well, i feel that way about Obama as well).

With the exception of Dwight Eisenhower, in my lifetime, I’ve known only republicans who’ve made it to the “White House” to be LIARS and cheaters. Of course, Nixon was really bad, but Reagan set this nation on the course we’re dealing with today with the so-called “debt crisis,” HW Bush was up to his eyeballs along with Reagan in the Iran/Contra scheme and, of course, it was the Right wing Supreme Court who chose GW Bush/Dick Cheney in 2000 and they managed to alter HISTORY negatively in more than one way. (Iraq, Afghanistan, and the financial disaster of 2008) Of course, it just keeps getting worse with republicans and Trump, I thought, would be the epitome – but, who knows Ron DeSantis is lying in the weeds with his fascist eyes focused on the Oval Office. Could he be even worse???

In the case of each of these presidents starting with Nixon they’ve ALL managed to avoid accountability for their ILLEGAL conduct. And, now Trump is facing almost CERTAIN indictment – maybe “times four” – and, his followers are threatening a response which, in the eyes of one I read about the other day, “makes January 6th look llke child’s play.” I say, “bring it on.” We might have to build more jails to handle all these people who claim to believe in law and order but can’t handle the reality their white nationalist views are in the minority and they can’t violate those laws with impunity – that the laws are meant just for people like myself. Additionally, it’s going to be getting worse for them the more they spew their HATE.

OK, I started this post a couple days ago – and, what do you know? Today, Trump was FINALLY indicted – FOR THE FIRST TIME. I’ve pointed out here several times there are two items on my bucket list (I’m 75) – the first, I’d like to shoot my age in golf. I came within about 3 shots a couple years ago, but my deteriorating body will likely make that “wish” unatainable. The other “wish” was to live long enough to see Trump going to jail for (at least) one of the MANY “alleged” CRIMES he’s committed – what appears to me, with impunity. He’s been DARING the Justice system to indict him since well before the day he came down the escalator in New York claiming alarm at Mexicans. As the Justice system has zeroed in on him his racist “dog whistles” have simply intensified. Most notably to me, the anti semitic charges that Alvin Bragg is a “Soros backed……….” along with accusing Bragg (who is Black) of being a “racist.” Interesting accusation coming from the mouth of the TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) – now indicted – president who referred to countries in Africa as “shit hole” countries.

The “law and order” members of the republican party will come to his support with, also, a torrent of racist “dog whistles.” Ron DeSanctimonious has already started the flow of dangerous rhetoric, in his feeble attempt to be Trump’s successor, claiming “Florida will not be a part of any extradiction of this ‘Soros backed’ indictment” – trying to have it both ways, as usual. To me, Trump is disgusting and DeSanctimonious is sleazy. They both are counting on what Trump has called his “uneducated voters” to continue to be “uneducated.”

Here’s the reality, from my point of view. I’ve still got a couple of years to live if I’m going to witness Trump going to jail. I also anticipate he’ll be defending himself from at least THREE different indictments. Two more likely coming from Jack Smith in FEDERAL charges – possibly covering as many as 4 – 6 different charges (I read the Jan. 6th report and they referred him for AT LEAST four different FELONY indictments). Depending on what has been discovered regarding what he was doing with all the TOP SECRET documents he was hoarding at Mar a Lago there could be another 2 – 3 charges. It seems apparent, OBSTRUCTION of Justice is obvious and, if you remember, the original warrant for the search included evidence the Espionage Act may have been violated. Depending on where that last one ends up, it COULD be the most significant of all the potential charges. (TREASON???)

Here’s what we’re going to see as the next couple years unfold – not to mention having a candidate for president under indictment – making us kind of like Israel. We’re going to witness how RICH people are able to manipulate our justice system evern MORE than what has taken place over the past 7 years. There will be an untold number of delays due to Trump’s legal team stretching this out as far as possible. I’m sure Trump’s number one hope is that he might somehow regain the “Oval Office” in order to stop all these prosecutions. Personally, I don’t believe that would stop anything – although, I can’t bring myself to believe there are enough Americans (including his “uneducated voters”) to vote him back in office. The way the primaries work, I can see him regaining the republican nomination – which would cement in history another of the examples of republicans being STUPID, which I’ve documented since his first day after LYING about his “oath.” (Trump’s ONLY oath is to himself)

If you’ve been around this site for the past few years you know that for at least a couple of years I referred to Trump as “individual 1.” It never made sense to me that Michael Cohen would be prosecuted and go to jail for a crime he committed “At the direction of and for the benefit of” inividual 1. I stopped referring to him with that “name” after it became apparent the Justice Department did not have the stomach to charge Trump once he was out of office and no longer benefited by the Justice Department “memo” saying a “sitting president can’t be indicted.” This reality was, when it became apparent to me, when I first began to question the courage of Merrick Garland – who, I believe, doesn’t have the “stones” for indicting a former president. We’ll see when Jack Smith comes to a decision whether or not Garland goes along with it if Smith wants an indictment – on, either of the potential charges.

When it gets right down to it, Trump’s “hush money” payments to Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougal very likely allowed him to (NARROWLY) “win” the 2016 election. As I’ve pointed out for years, this would make him a true modern day republican – win at all costs. Cheating and breaking the law be damned – “the end justifies the means.” This is nothing new in republican circles, but, Trump couldn’t stop there. If you read the Mueller report (I read it twice) you know the Trump campaign DID “collude” with the Russians and Mueller pointed out there’s no law against “collusion” – although, he also pointed out the only reason Trump Jr. and Jared Kushner weren’t charged for their meeting with the Russians to “get dirt” on Hillary Clinton is because they were too STUPID (my characterization of his words) to understand they were breaking the law by having the meeting.

Of course, as it always is with republicans, there’s more. Trump’s attampt to BRIBE Volodymyr Zelensky led to his first IMPEACHMENT and, likely, was also a violation of law when he held up duly authorized aid to Ukraine by Congress. He felt he was “exonerated” because Bill Barr LIED to the American people about the Mueller report which “memorialized” about TEN examples of OBSTRUCTION of Justice – which Mueller made a point to explain how serious OBSTRUCTION is. Naturally, that wasn’t enough either, so Trump had to attempt to OVERTHROW a “free and fair election” on January 6th, 2021 – which he will LIKELY also face INDICTMENT for. And, his republican minions will continue to spew their illogical and dangerous rhetoric as they attempt to defend the indefensible. It’s really time the Justice Department PROVE we are “a nation of laws and not men.”

We’re already hearing people suggest Trump could run for president, and be president, from jail – should he be convicted. I have to argue with at least some of that. If Jack Smith follows the recommendation of the January 6th Select Committee and charges Trump with INSURRECTION and, should he be found guilty, then via the 14th amendment to the constitution he would become ineligible to hold any office – I forget the exact words and I’m too lazy to look it up – in our government – most surely, that of being president. I can’t seem to get off the edge of my seat! Stay tuned………….

Final Thought: Many “progressive” lawyers seem to be giving the rest of us sage advice: In America all defendents are PRESUMED to be innocent until proven guilty and, of course, that’s true in Trump’s case. Reports are that DA Bragg will have a challenging job on his hands proving his case “beyond a reasonable doubt.” At this point, to me, the outcome of this case is irrelevant – Trump’s actions in the Stormy Daniels case very well could have changed the course of History – and, at the minimum – since Michael Cohen was sent to PRISON for doing the “dirty deed” (in Cohen’s words) for Trump, it’s only fair Trump “face the music” in this case. If his lawyers can prove he’s innocent so be it. But, next Tuesday in Manhattan Trump will be getting finger printed, DNA tested, and getting a “mug shot” in the same building where the “Central Park 5” did the same thing in 1989. They were falsely accused and Trump spent something like $85,000 on full paid adds suggesting they should face the death penalty. Isn’t karma a b@#ch?

I’m looking forward to the culmination of the investigation in Fulton County Georgia along with the two investigation by Jack Smith. Naturally, in Georgia, the white hierarchy is busy in the background. Georgia’s legislature just gave themselves the power to remove any County DA they disapprove of. Do you really think that wasn’t because of Fani Willis and the Fulton Co. DA’s investigation, where the “Special Grand Jury” members have already suggested they approved indictments of 12 people (which would likely include members of the legislature which passed the egregiously racist law along with Trump and some of his associates.) Seriously, this kind of stuff has been going on in the South since the inception of this country. You don’t have to do a lot of reading about American history to understand today’s white establishment in the South are the offspring of parents who very well could have been directly involved in the LYNCHINGS of the early 20th century. (Of course, the white people elsewhere in America were, in large numbers, just as racist – seems to be a theme in America, doesn’t it?)

It appears a significant portion of Georgia wants to move on from that terrible racist past, but, in reality, those who have the “controls” could care less what people like me think of their actions. Once again, “the end justifies the means.” Read “Caste” by Isabel Wilderson and you’ll get a sobering view of American history. I told my son today, the more I learn, the more I realize I don’t know. For example, I’ve studied the early period of Germany as Hitler was coming to power. (Read the biography of Diedrick Bonhoeffer) But, I never understood the Nazi’s studied how the Americans were keeping the African American population “under control” as they devised their “strategy” of “Aryan purity.” It really is sobering the more I read about our actual history. And, keep in mind, today’s students who are being shielded from the TRUTH of American History are no different from those of us “Baby Boomers” who had textbooks full of LIES back in the 50’s and 60’s.

Let’s hope Fani Willis finishes her investigation without interference and that Trump is forced to defend himself in each one of the pending investigations in addition to the one already charged. I really hope Jack Smith is close to charging decisions because, to me, it’s already too late. Over 1000 of the “minions” have faced charges or are in jail for following the encouragement of Trump on January 6th 2021, yet Trump still walks free along with his co-conspirators and further, his brainwashing of his CULT following continues, unabated. I believe Merrick Garland was FORCED to investigate Trump’s conspiarcy (which COULD include up to 100 people from where I sit – although, that’s unlikely) because of the January 6th Select Committee’s public hearings. The evidence of CRIMINAL conduct by Trump and MANY of his close associates is OVERWHELMING. Let’s get on with it!

I have been planning to write something “positive” in response to a request from my brother-in-law who lives in Pittsburgh and is, understandably, sick of all the negative news. Well, as I sit on the edge of my seat waiting for all the “shoes” to drop regarding the pending CRIMINAL indictments of Donald Trump – with the first one, apparently, happening in Manhattan, New York soon – and, after listening to Trump’s act of desperation sending another “clown” attorney (they seem to congregate in Trump’s circles) into the Grand Jury sitting in Manhattan and, again apparently, close to making a “charging” decision I’ve got to “follow my heart.” (Sorry Tony, but coming soon! There are some actual things to be thankful for “out there”)

This attorney was there to impune the testimony of Michael Cohen, Trump’s former “fixer” (isn’t that a mob term?), and seemed to potentially set himself up to possible CRIMINAL charges. I listened to Cohen’s response to this lawyer’s “claims” and the bottom line is “someone’s LYING.” I believe Trump’s lawyer thinks no one would believe it’s him (my memory tells me his last name is Costello) because Cohen was convicted of LYING to Congress – according to him at the behest of Trump (like the hush money payments) – although Cohen says there are “receipts” for everything he said and that Costello (?) was “making things up.” (OK, I checked, it’s Costello)

All of this tells me about the level of CORRUPTION we have in this nation totally due to the American people allowing themselves – in sufficient numbers – to believe a pathalogical LIAR (in the words of Ted Cruz) putting him into the “White House.” And, since the day this “kook” (in the words of Lindsey Graham) LIED about his “oath” of office republicans across America have cowed in fear that he will say something “nasty” about them and it will cost them their political careers with the republican’s White Nationalist base – a base which has proven to believe the laws are meant for others – especially, if the “other” happens to be a “person of color.”

For example, the Attorney General of the state of Texas has been re-elected TWICE while under indictment for securities fraud in Texas and, apparently, the people of Texas could care less. Now, members of Congress are threatening to call the DA of Manhattan – where they have no authority whatsoever (and, of course, they refer to him as the “Soros backed DA” – an anti-semitic dog whistle) – to testify should he have the temerity of indicting a “former president and present candidate for that office.” This threat, of course, is coming from Jim Jordan, he of the alleged refusal to honor his student athletes at Ohio State University’s complaints of sexual assault while he was the assistant coach – AND, he who may well have been part of Trump’s CONSPIRACY to overthrow the 2020 presidential election.) The “GOP” has always claimed to be “the party of law and order.” Well, you’d have to be – STUPID – to believe that today! (Jordan has shown his loud mouth cowardice on more than one occasion)

Trump clearly is desperate to do what he’s always done – and, that is to avoid the “law” catching up with his CRIMINAL conduct. Not far behind the Manhattan DA seems to be the Fulton County, Georgia DA, Fani Willis, who could be filing charges against Trump at any point in time. Today, Trump’s lawyers filed motions to get rid of the “Special Purpose Grand Jury’s report” along with both Ms. Willis AND the judge who is in charge of the case. Ridiculous, you might say – and, I would tend to agree. But, get this, in Georgia the state legislature has passed a bill (on its way to the Governor’s office) giving ITSELF the power to remove District Attorneys who THEY don’t agree with (especially if they’re Black). Are they planning to stop the “imminent” prosecutions in Georgia? (Keeping in mind one of the TARGETS of the investigation is a KEY member of Georgia’s legislature – due to the “fake elector” scheme in the 2020 election. (Republican CORRUPTION runs deep!)

I believe, if Trump is “saved” by this legislation, the potential charges very well ALL might become FEDERAL charges as I thought they should have been in the first place. In fact, I’ve complained here several times I’ve never understood why Merrick Garland left all this up to a DA in Fulton Co. when virtually EVERYONE who’s been paying attention has heard the infamous phone call from Trump to Brad Raffensperger, Georgia’s Secretary of State, DEMANDING Raffensperger “find 11,780 votes” which would have given Trump “one more” than he “needed.” (apparently, to win the state – YIKES!!!) Trump even went so far as to threaten Raffensperger and his assistants with CRIMINAL violations if they chose to ignore his pleas. (Who knows what would have happened had he actually “won” the election by STEALING it – with all the “Stop the Steal” demonstrations out there) Trump’s threats to Raffensperger were certainly FEDERAL crimes!

Which gets me back to the FEDERAL charges which SHOULD have come down LONG AGO regarding Trump’s INSTIGATING the INSURRECTION of January 6th, 2021 (In case you’ve forgotten the date) Maybe a year ago I started suggesting someone like myself could get a conviction of Trump for instigating the INSURRECTION simply with the public information which had “drip, drip, dripped” into a huge “puddle” of incriminating publicly available evidence. I still believe had the January 6th Committee not done such a great job Mr. Garland would have simply tried to let things “rest” because he was not up to indicting “a former president” – despite all his claims “no one is above the law” and they were following the evidence “wherever it leads.” By many accounts Jack Smith is making up for lost time as best he can, but anything he decides has to go through Mr. Garland and I don’t feel certain he’ll OK prosecutions during the campaign. (What that means is Smith is close to out of time. Depressing thoughts I have to say.

I’ve finished reading the 700 page report of the Select January 6th Committee and it goes to great lengths to provide evidence Trump committed up to 5 MAJOR felonies – including a suggestion at the end one of them would be SEDITION. The one thing I would tend to agree with those in the Committee who believed Liz Cheney was too targeted on Trump when there were many others involved in the CONSPIRACY. I was really disappointed that there wasn’t MORE of the evidence they collected suggesting, for example, that Jim Jordan was right in the middle of this CONSPIRACY along with several of his right wing Congressional peers – like Paul Gosar, Andy Biggs, Mo Brooks, Scott Perry, Louie Gohmert, Matt Gaetz, Marjorie Taylor Greene, and several others along with Senators Ted Cruz and Josh Hawley. I was real disappointed they didn’t zero in on Ginni Thomas because she appears to have been right in the middle of the CONSPIRACY and her potential CRIMINAL conduct might very well be the way to get Clarence Thomas off the Supreme Court.

The more I watch all of this (and, I’m watching it as close as I can from 3000 miles away) it’s confirming to me that back when I started referring to Trump as a “lowlevel mob boss” (making that reference in various forms) I was exactly correct. During his reign in the “White House” I still remember an interview he gave (to someone I can’t remember who) where he referred to someone who would tell the truth about what was happening inside his administration as a “rat” it reminded me of watching the “Untouchables” on TV back when I was MUCH younger. Eliot Ness going after the mob and that was, I believe, where I first heard the word rat (dirty rat) used similarly to how Trump used it.

The using low level lawyers, the attempts to influence how witnesses are giving their testimony, the threats to anyone not going along with their “plan” (like in the case of Brad Raffensperger), the surrogates who use military style weapons to intimidate people, the “dog whistles” embedded in their speeches assuring the “base” they’re “staying strong,” and on and on – seems like the stuff of organized CRIMINALS. And, yet, here’s the republican party cowardly continuing to go along. I can assure you Liz Cheney was correct when she pointed out the republican members of Congress were going to be facing a really bad place in the history books for their cowardice in the face of all this LAWBREAKING. Now, most of them, say – well – nothing. And, that’s supposed to separate them from the “crazies” (as the MTG wing of the republican party is being referred to in “respectable” circles) and, I say, “No way!”

Today, I was driving around listening to MSNBC on my XM radio (which may soon be no more in my car) and one of MSNBC’s new “contributors,” John Kasich, came on for the discussion about Trump and the way the republicans are (foolishly) attacking the Manhattan DA and Kasich acknowledged the House is being run by a group of fringe right wing republicans who were “very loud” (or words to that affect) but, he then pivoted to members of the Senate, like Moscow Mitch, Mitt Romney, and John Thune and said something like “you’re not hearing anything from them.” My first instinct (although that wasn’t the host’s) was, yep, that’s the problem – we’re not hearing ANYTHING from any moderate republicans if there are any out there anymore. It seems to me, the bulk of the republican party are AFRAID to say anything in public about Trump – they’re just wishing he’ll go away.

And, if that happens, then what? The ONLY republicans I’ve seen who exhibit COURAGE are Ms. Cheney (and, keep in mind, I agree with little she says) and Adam Kinsinger. Based on what I saw during the January 6th Committee meetings I got the feeling I could at least TALK to Ms. Cheney and Mr. Kinsinger in an attempt to find agreeable solutions to problems. Of course, if they’re stuck on “no NEW taxes for the rich in America” our discussions would go nowhere. Of course, I’ll never be talking to any of these people. And, the reality is, anyone who has told the TRUTH about Trump has virtually NO chance, at this point in time, to gain leadership in the republican party. If Trump ends up in JAIL (:o) it appears Ron DeSantis, a real sleaze bag, is laying in the weeds to “out Trump Trump.”

Final Thought: I’m presently reading the book titled “Caste” (and, boy do I recommend this book – very HIGHLY). I’m only about a third of the way through the book, but the author, Isabel Wilkerson, gives a brutally truthful look back at the REAL American History from the time in 1619 when the first SLAVES were sold in Virginia. As I’m reading this book all I could think about was Ron DeSantis speaking with the “woke” dog whistle which simply makes him, in my mind, a rabid racist. Trump brought the white nationalists in America – in the words of former KKK Grand Wizards David Duke and Don Black who claimed Trump brought their “cause” into the political “mainstream.” (If you read the book “Rising out of Hatred” by Eli Saslow you’ll get a clear picture of these racists “hitching their wagon” to Trump.

And, it’s clear DeSantis is attempting to take over the “mantel” as “fuhrer” to a party which has allowed itself to be overrun by a bunch of white nationalist thugs. As I’m reading “Caste” it’s becoming clear I SHOULDN’T be surprised about what is happening with this right wing movement. The African Americans in America have been the bottom “layer” of the hierarchy in America – and, populist leaders have throughout our history managed to keep “low educated voters” (in the words of Trump) in FEAR of the “other.” And, of course, the “other” would be African Americans whose ancestry, in many instances, dates back into the 1600’s. (And, of course, Trump – who uses “immigration” as a “tool” in directing his “uneducated voters” – his words – to FEAR the possibility African Americans might be their “equal,” is a second generation “American.” (Married to an immigrant) In the words of DeSantis – anit “woke” this and “woke” that are what we should FEAR. (Woke is a term which originated as slang in the African American community.) That is why some of the best books in America’s libraries are being banned on one “red state” after another. Sad!!!