It appears the Supreme Court is bound and determined to make it clear what they’ve been “up to” over the past 21 years as they are helping to turn our nation into a fascist state. Now, the issue at hand, which is abortion, isn’t really the key to my thinking on this, but it will likely make it clear to a large swath of America what the Court has been doing, kind of behind the scenes, but which will be on the front pages once they make their anticipated decision in the Mississippi abortion “ban” case. It appears three or four justices who, in their Senate confirmation hearings, led people to believe “Roe is settled law” will be, well, unsettling it.

So, let’s take a quick spin through the recent History books. In 2000, if you’re as old as me, you saw one of the original right wing MOBS in Florida causing Al Gore’s apparent victory in that state – governed by the BROTHER of GW Bush – to be overturned in Bush’s favor – without allowing for the recount which was happening (and, as far as I know the ACTUAL results have NEVER been published – can you imagine if Gore had the individual 1 precedent?) and INSTALLING GW Bush/Cheney into the “White House.” And, we all know what happened during their reign – well, lest you forget: Iraq, Afghanistan, Huge deficits, TWO tax cuts for the rich, and an economic meltdown as they left office with their “tails between their legs.”

That’s just the start. Shortly after the economic meltdown, which President Obama and VP Biden managed to turn around (while consistently reducing the deficit during their 8 years in office) the Roberts Supreme Court made the “Citizen’s United” decision which overturned 100 years of election finance laws identifying corporations as “people.” The necessary decision for America to move toward being a “Mussolini style fascism” – ie corporate/government partnership. The amount of “dark money” entering our political process since then has been staggering. I will never forget watching Sam Alito shaking his head as if to say “no, no,” as President Obama (correctly) predicted the entrance of FOREIGN money into our politics because of that decision. This caused me to think, these judges have no idea the consequences of their decisions – in this case the classic case of “judicial legislating.”

Oh, but as I always point out, there’s more. Next was John Roberts, in his majority opinion as section five of the 1965 Voting Rights Act was GUTTED – saying we had “outgrown” the need for the requirement for states with a history of voter suppression to get “pre-clearance” from the Justice Department prior to enacting new “voting laws.” Well, we’re seeing the results of that decision over and over in 2021 – some are calling this time “Jim Crow 2.0” as states are attempting to make it more difficult for “certain people” to vote – of course, meaning “Black, Brown, young, and poor people.

If that wasn’t enough, then section two of the Voting Right’s Act was, in essence, made “null” by a decision where Alito gave the majority decision – meaning the Court was affirming the rights of states to discriminate against minorities in drawing up their district boundaries – ie, gerrymandering. I know many “educated” people who have no time for politics and, if I would run any of these abuses inflicted by the Court (with the exception, maybe, of Bush v Gore) by them the likely response would be “huh?” “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” When I was still teaching I asked over 20 teachers, all with Master’s Degrees, what they thought of Citizen’s United. In EVERY instance the response was, “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

Well, many of these teachers will be paying more attention to the Court after Roe is overturned. Yes, I know of a few teachers who oppose Roe, but MOST of them – whether they opposed abortion or not – felt it was “the woman’s right to choose.” I believe the makings of a HUGE backlash may be “brewing” as America waits for the most watched decision of the Court in the modern era. It will be interesting to see how women respond to the impending Court decision. I believe it’s going to be significant one way or another, but most believe Roe will either be overturned or significantly “gutted.”

As I’ve said here, I know many people who are one item voters and that’s their opposition to abortion. For the ones I’ve been able to talk to, it’s interesting how they respond when I point out to them abortions won’t stop should Roe be overturned. Are they concerned about those girls/women who will end up with “backroom” abortions? Are they worried about the women/girls who would die? Honestly, I’m not sure. And the plethora of issues the Court is likely to end up deciding will go a long way in determining if America will stand as a democratic republic. Citizen’s United, as I said above, introduced to a “slow roll” of Mussolini type fascism to “creep” into our nation and now we have individual 1 hell bent on turning America into a German type (WW II) type of FASCIST state.

Don’t believe me? The supporters and sycophants of individual 1 have been busy since January 6, 2021 – when the INSURRECTION failed – working on INSURRECTION 2.0. I have to admit one area where I’ve been wrong on this site was in calculating the response of the republican party to the “antics” of our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president. And, the issue with abortion is far from the ONLY issue which will end up in the Robert’s Court. There are voter suppression bills “popping up” in states across the nation – states which have republican legislatures – designed to allow these legislatures to guarantee their elections will work out in their favor – one way or the other.

This is where I really miscalculated how republicans would respond to individual 1. I actually thought (and wrote) that individual 1 would last only until republicans tired of his ridiculous “antics” and they would be the ones to put a stop to these “antics.” Of course, I was dead wrong. Republicans didn’t read Mueller’s report, or if they did – like William Barr – they wrote it off as “no big deal.” They refused to convict individual 1 in EITHER impeachment tria – even the 2nd one where they could have ended his participation in America’s politics once and for all. Most republicans in Congress live in FEAR of individual 1 – FEAR of a potential right wing primary opponent.

The Justice Department is bound to be challenging MANY of these voter suppression bills (or, at least they SHOULD) and, now, the reports are filtering out regarding racially motivated “gerrymandering,’ including in Texas where the increase in population via the Census comes from “people of color” and these people have been gerrymandered out of the political process. In North Carolina they have proposed a “map” almost equal to the one which has been blocked legally in the past presumably based on the idea the Court will now support their racist gerrymander. And, this is happening in multiple states.

I honestly believe Merrick Garland accepted a job which, if he had the option again, he would turn down. There are now 700 people INDICTED for the INSURRECTION, yet, as of my writing this, not ONE of the actual INSTIGATORS have been indicted. From my “layman’s” point of view, it’s clear several people, including our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president, deserve to be defending their involvement in the INSURRECTION in a court of law. It’s really hard for me to watch these 700 facing prison – some lengthy prison sentences – while those who drew them to D.C. on that fateful day and ginned them up to ASSAULT our nation’s Capitol building with the clear intent to stop the certification of Joe Biden’s CLEAR election win appear to walking away “scott free.”

Worse than that, for me, is individual 1 continues promoting the so-called “big lie” and we have actual media outlets that are using public airwaves to LIE to their viewers in a way which is promoting the white nationalist movement which is now the BASE of the republican party. I still remember (quite well) the Watergate fiasco back in the 70’s and almost EVERY one of the enablers of Richard Nixon ended up in prison – including Nixon’s Attorney General. To me, what happened – and is happening – regarding individual 1 makes Nixon’s criminality look like “child’s play.” I’m pretty discouraged by the silence coming from the Justice Department regarding the INSTIGATORS of the INSURRECTION. Like I’ve said before, I believe Merrick Garland is NOT investigating the INSTIGATORS because, like individual 1’s sycophants in the republican party, he FEARS the “base” – of which about 8%, according to polls, are willing to take up arms to restore individual 1 to office.

Let me be clear: Until AG Garland gains the COURAGE to hold our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president and his enablers to account – a man whose CORRUPTION is “off the charts,” – things will continue to deteriorate. Here’s the deal: individual 1 should be defending himself in court NOT furthering his racist vendetta against the fundamental values of the American republic. Let’s get this over with! The sooner the better!

Final Thought: I just listened to a report on the so-called “Omicron” variant of the SARS – Cov-2 pandemic (COVID) where Anthony Fauci said, “So far there doesn’t appear to be a great degree of severity to it” which I took to mean it’s not MORE severe than the “Delta” variant. The MSNBC program I was watching had a “flash” which read “Fauci said Omicron looks LESS severe than other variants.” To me, my first thought was “This is likely how he (Fauci) keeps getting all the death threats.” He did NOT say it was “less severe” than other variants, I believe he was attempting to keep people from panicking based on reports it’s more “transmissible” – keeping them from assuming this “wave” was going to be worse than the “Delta” variant.

The truth is – no one knows for sure yet – although it does appear if you’re vaccinated the vaccines are – so far – proving effective in “breakthrough” cases against “Omicron.” And, unless I’m totally mistaken, I believe other variants have not become problematic if they’re “weaker” than the “Delta” variant – which, of course, is still the prevalent cause of the disease associated with SARS-Cov-2 – and is still raging across America, filling hospitals in many sections of the country and, once again, on the increase.

As I’ve said here numerous times, when I watch “news” on TV I choose MSNBC because I believe their “hosts” are at least trying to get things “right.” But, the level of “false equivalency” with the issues of this nation exist there – just at a miniscule level to Fox “news,” “Newsmax,” “OANN,” etc. The above example of their ability to “interpret” comments is discouraging. I listen to the people on MSNBC referring to what President Biden is attempting to accomplish and, at times, you would think he’s accomplished NOTHING – despite ALREADY signing into law TWO extraordinary pieces of legislation – considering republican OBSTRUCTION. (OK, one of the pieces was bipartisan – which is an incredible victory in itself) MSNBC allows “progressives” to focus on what hasn’t passed Congress as opposed to what has during Biden’s first year.

I’ve said for a couple of years I would eventually write a post about my thoughts concerning the subject of abortion. The time has come because, it appears, the Supreme Court will soon be challenged to, in essence, overturn “Roe v Wade.” I grew up prior to Roe and was a very naïve young man when I entered college in 1965. I went to college, mainly, to play basketball and when I was a junior at Western Washington University (back then “State College”) in 1967 I was introduced to the “free love” years – as they were called at the time – and where students who I knew who were sexually active were paying $75 for what amounted to unsafe abortions.

At the time, as I remember it now, I didn’t have a second thought about what was happening other than it seemed wrong to me. In 1973 when Roe was decided by the Supreme Court, again, I didn’t think much about it because it didn’t affect me. However, when the first pregnancy I was involved with ended in a miscarriage and my wife had, in essence, the same procedure as an abortion – the fetus had died – I was thankful she was healthy after the procedure – which by the standard of the recent Texas law could have been deemed to be an abortion.

My thoughts were (and still are) that when a sperm cell and an egg combine, needing only “food and oxygen” to grow you have a living “thing.” To me, this is irrefutable. In total transparency I was not a “fan” of Roe when it was first decided. As I look back, I’m thankful I was never in a position to be part of a decision ending in an abortion (Well, I’m REALLY thankful that miscarriage wasn’t considered an “abortion”). That being said, it should be obvious I WOULDN’T be the one having the procedure. I have, over the years, however, given the subject considerable thoughts. Several things have caused my thoughts to evolve.

One instance which has, for years, affected my thinking: I know a woman who was RAPED at knife point many years ago resulting in a pregnancy. She chose to terminate that pregnancy, as I would have totally supported (had I been asked), and, I have to add, she had considerable misgivings post procedure. I bring this up because it’s clear to me this is an issue which us “men folk” just are incapable of understanding. Even if you take the position of many “Christians” that “Roe” should be overturned, that would do NOTHING to solve the problem of women experiencing unwanted pregnancies – for a PLETHORA of reasons.

As I watch all of this transforming it appears to me it’s, essentially, MEN who are leading the “charge” to take abortions back into the “back alleys” – which affects these MEN hardly at all. As I said above, I’m thankful I haven’t had to be in this position – other than the miscarriage involved in the pregnancy of my first child. Had I lived in Texas and my wife been forced to carry an already deceased child, well, I would have done whatever I could have to protect the health of my wife. (And, I know of several other women who had fetuses die “in utero” and had the same procedure – a couple in “late term”) The Texas law which prevents almost ALL abortion procedures makes NO exceptions – for example, for rape, incest, or for the health of the mother. In a perfect world no woman would be faced with this decision.

Of course, we don’t live in anything close to a perfect world. Over the years my views have evolved to where my present belief is “if you don’t believe in abortion, don’t have one.” One of the more memorable moments of the 2016 campaign for president was when individual 1 was interviewed regarding his views on abortion. He seemed hesitant when he said, seemingly in an obligatory manner, he supported a ban on abortions. (This was an “about face” from previous comments he’d made) He went further by saying “any woman who has an abortion should be PUNISHED.” As is always the case, no reference to the MAN involved in the unwanted pregnancy.

In answering a question regarding the draconian Texas anti-abortion law governor Greg Abbott suggested in Texas they were going to eliminate ALL rapes. Of course, that was one of the more STUPID comments I’ve ever heard coming from any politician, but, sadly, Abbott has not been rebuked as I thought he would over such a STUPID comment. I guess one of my curiosities is who on earth is this decision over a women’s body being determined by; MEN? I know “Christians” who have rationalized their support of individual 1 over the possibility of Roe being overturned – what I call the classic “deal with the Devil.” And, that all doesn’t make me “pro abortion.” I wish NO woman would be forced into this decision. I’ll say it again, “if you don’t believe in abortion don’t have one.”

Curiously, now we’re seeing an interesting irony coming from abortion opponents and those who are fighting to prevent Roe from being overturned. For years women have been saying “My body my choice” in support of “A women’s right to choose.” Now, of course, many of those fighting to control what a woman can do with her body are saying “my body my choice” in justifying their refusal to get a “jab” which might prevent them, and/or those around them, from going to the hospital with Covid-19. Interesting, huh? I’ll add to that, I’ve come to the conclusion over the years to two things: First as a MAN I shouldn’t be the one making this decision for a woman which I have no idea of who she is – leading me to the second “conclusion” – I believe it’s the woman’s right to decide what to do with her body.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I don’t believe virtually any woman takes having an abortion, or not, as a casual decision. As I stated above there could be a PLETHORA of reasons a woman would consider an abortion. I won’t begin listing them, but, in my view, if she chooses the procedure it SHOULD be SAFE! I’m a Christian and one of the things which convinced me to believe in the teachings of Jesus is because of the “free will” necessary to make that decision “real.” I really believe in “free will” and that whatever “consequences” might occur from “a woman’s right to choose” would be between her and her spiritual beliefs. And, of course, it’s not that simple.

Try a little empathy. Consider a woman who becomes pregnant and is unable to raise a healthy child – again, for a PLETHORA of reasons. As a society, over the years since when I was back in those college days, it seems to me we’ve made it more difficult to escape being “poor.” (And, by that I mean financially) What happens to that child AFTER it’s born? Say we’re talking about a single Mom who can’t care for the child financially. I suppose republicans would suggest “have the baby and put it up for adoption.” A little over simplified in my view (It takes, essentially, a year of a woman’s life to bear a child). Let’s take a look at what republicans COULD be doing to reduce the demand for abortions.

They could support universal health care – especially for those in low socio economic situations. They could support things like FOOD STAMPS, housing subsidies, “universal Pre-K,” family medical leave, support for childcare, etc. etc. – I think you get my drift. All those things are part of the “Build Back Better” agenda of Joe Biden which will receive NOT a SINGLE vote from republicans by the time it’s passed. Republicans don’t support the “Child Tax Credit” – which is a “lifesaver” for several families I’m familiar with. So, picture yourself as a woman who becomes pregnant with no means to support the child. Do you want to gamble republicans won’t gain control of Congress and the “White House” while you’re raising that child?

Heck, countries around the world are hesitant to TRUST the United States because of the possibility either individual 1 or someone as VILE might succeed in “winning” a future election (Remember, Putin is still “busy” with his “active measures” trying to use our “freedoms” against us – supporting individual 1 surreptitiously). I wrote a while back, after reading about the “bounties” key to the Texas abortion law, I had an idea on how to reduce the demand for abortions. Fine the MAN who’s responsible for an unwanted pregnancy $10,000 maybe $20,000 and that very well might reduce the demand for abortions. That’s really the thing for me, why are MEN deciding on what women can do with their own bodies? Why do men constantly get away with creating the problem and then “getting out of town?” Stay tuned………

Final Thought: It won’t be long and the Supreme Court will be deciding whether Roe will stand or not. I listened to the confirmation hearings of EVERY one of the members of the Court (with the exception of Breyer). Roberts, Alito, Gorsuch, Kavanaugh, and Barrett all said, in essence, Roe was “settled law” and they believe in “stare decisis.” I look forward to comparing their decision on the upcoming challenges to Roe with their testimony before Congress. Clarence Thomas claimed he had never thought about it during his confirmation hearing and then, a few months later claimed Roe was “wrongly decided.” (Does that mean he LIED to Congress? Seems a bit “fishy” to me.)

As it’s looking Roe will be either overturned or “cut off at the knees” I can’t help but think back to the confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh, who was confirmed thanks to votes by republican women, like Susan Collins, saying they got assured Roe would be “safe.” And, keep in mind, NONE of the three individual 1 appointments would have passed save for Moscow Mitch “making a cutout” in the filibuster to get extreme right wing justices passed with ONLY republican votes. Democrats like Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema have to be aware if McConnell ever gains majority status in the Senate the filibuster won’t stand in the way of anything he might want passed.

Kavanaugh was CREDIBLY charged with assaulting women while in High School and College and, in addition, to “drinking beer” to the point where he could use being inebriated as an excuse for his behavior. Additionally, there was NO credible investigation of charges which arose during the confirmation proceeding. Here’s the deal: The Supreme Court is on the verge of labeling themselves as exactly what the claim they don’t want – and that’s a group of “political hacks.” And, of course, they’re lifetime appointments!

In the past week “we the people” have seen the disparity in America’s CRIMINAL Justice system as Kyle Rittenhouse was acquitted on ALL charges in his MURDER trial in Kenosha, Wisconsin while a Black man in Oklahoma, who was on death row via VERY questionable evidence, got his DEATH sentence commuted to “Life in Prison” – at the last moment even though the evidence used to convict him had been recanted long ago AND two BLACK men who were convicted 56 YEARS ago in the murder of Malcolm X again, on the basis of QUESTIONABLE evidence which was long ago recanted, were exonerated, FINALLY – after losing 56 years of their freedom – well, only one of the two men is still alive. These things happened within days of each other and couldn’t show the problem in our Justice system any clearer – as clear as BLACK AND WHITE!

The Rittenhouse situation was no surprise to me – I didn’t watch the entire proceeding, but I saw enough to figure out he was likely to get off. First of all, the JUDGE was – the best way I can put it – WEIRD! Also, it was apparent from the beginning the judge was sympathetic to Rittenhouse – to the point where his phone went off and his ring tone was the rally music of individual 1’s campaign rallies. Rittenhouse was even allowed to pick his own jury out of a “Bingo like” box which I found over the edge. There was more which, to my mind, prejudiced the courtroom in favor of the defense – which is why the acquittal did not surprise me – in fact, I would have been surprised had their been a guilty verdict. (It will be interesting to find out how the jury came to this conclusion)

Rittenhouse, of course, has become the “darling” of the white nationalists in America. The FACT he was photographed having beers with Proud Boys while flashing the white power hand sign should give you a good idea of where we are today. And, of course, there have been photographs of Rittenhouse supporters outside the courtroom this week also feeling comfortable flashing the “white power” hand signal. (You know, the one Stephen Miller was “flashing” on the “Sunday Talk shows” while representing individual 1 a few years back.) And, surprise, surprise none other than alleged child sex trafficker Matt Gaetz wants to give Rittenhouse an internship. OMG – what the hell is going on in America?

Let’s just look at the FACTS. Rittenhouse brought an ILLEGALLY purchased AR-15 to Kenosha along with his back pack which he claimed was a medic kit while he LIED by saying he was an EMT. He SHOT and KILLED two young men – there’s no disputing this. He was packing an ILLEGAL weapon while in Wisconsin under the age of 18 – remarkably, the judge in the case “threw out” the weapons charge – suggesting the AR-15 could be considered a hunting weapon. Yikes!!! And, all of this was on LIVE video. In fact, I happened to be watching coverage of the protests in Kenosha to the SHOOTING of James Blake when Rittenhouse MURDERED the TWO men who were NOT allowed to be referred to as “victims” by the judge. In stead, they were allowed to be called “arsonists, rioters,” etc. adding to the likelihood the jury would consider Rittenhouse’s actions as “self defense.”

I watched in a state of “TV shock” as Rittenhouse shot the first “victim” – there was a group of people so that MURDER wasn’t as obvious to me – then he started to run away and the other “victims” chased after him yelling “he just killed someone.” As they attempted to disarm him, right in the middle of the street, he shot and KILLED one of them and nearly blew off the arm of the second one. It wasn’t clear from what I saw that the guy who got his arm blown off had a gun, but he admitted in court he did have a weapon and pointed it at Rittenhouse – but, by that time TWO people were already DEAD. It’s hard for me to imagine how carrying an illegally obtained weapon into a situation where you’ve NOT been invited and then MURDERING a couple “protestors” is “self defense.”

Of course, listening to people like Lauren Boebert, Gaetz, Marjorie Taylor Green, and Paul Gosar argue over who gets to have him as an “intern” and THEN seeing him side by side with individual 1 at Mar a Lago tells you all you need to know. Of course our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president called him “a very fine young man.” You know, “good people on BOTH sides.” Which leads me to my “thoughts for the day:”

As I’ve been saying for MANY years, America is in a fight for the heart and soul of the nation. Of course, I’m nearing the “end of the road” (I’m 74) so I really don’t want to leave this earth with America a full blown fascist state – something unthinkable to me before I realized the full ramification of individual 1’s ASSAULT on our republic. And, as I’ve said here several times now, I believe the most important person, based on our political reality, in stopping this ASSAULT is Merrick Garland. It’s been OBVIOUS for SEVERAL years now that the democrats in our nation, who, I believe, are trying to address the needs of our “MIDDLE” and “lower” class of our people, economically, but their willingness to “fight” on the “battlefield” created by the republican party is almost, well, pathetic.

Democrats have been watching, kind of in disbelief, at the disregard for our LAWS coming from republicans at the top of the “ladder” – those in politics, and those who feed these politicians the MONEY. I really hit my “soap box” after GW Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld, and others were allowed to authorize TORTURE with no consequences after LYING America into two intractable – and incompetently “fought” – “wars.” We literally turned the nation of Iraq almost upside down with the number of Iraqi casualties in the Millions. In my mind, with Iraq’s OIL as the ultimate “target.” I have always felt President Obama’s refusal to allow full investigations of the TORTURE was a critically BAD decision. It simply further emboldened right wing “thugs” who STILL believe democrats don’t have the “stomach” to stop them.

And, they may be correct – but, if they’re going to be stopped it will have to be by AG Garland, who, so far, doesn’t appear to have the “stomach” (either) needed for this task. For example, based on what is happening in the so-called “Select January 6th Committee” in the House – which, by the way, appears to be an ATTEMPT at some semblance of accountability – it appears to me the Justice Department is NOT investigating the INSTIGATORS of the INSURRECTION at the Capitol. If they were, the issue with people refusing to abide by legally enforceable subpoenas wouldn’t be solely an issue with the Committee. There would necessarily be some sort of coordination of what the Committee is doing with the Justice Department aside from depending on them to enforce Committee subpoenas from the likes of Steve Bannon, Mark Meadows, and any of the others who choose jail time over telling the TRUTH about their involvement in the riots.

The ultimate irony here is, likely, the most important member of the Select Committee is none other than Dick Cheney’s daughter Liz. Ms. Cheney very well could be one of the most important people in America should we manage to save our republic from this FASCIST takeover which has been slow moving for years coming from republicans, but put into “high gear” with individual 1 – a pathological LYING narcissistic, racist, xenophobic, misogynistic, demagogue who fully embraces the “Big Lie” theory of Joseph Goebbels and the Third Reich. Sadly, the republican party has come along side our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president more out of FEAR than anything else. He has the undying support of Americans who are either white nationalists/supremacists themselves, or who fall for the BullS@#t coming from the talking heads at Fox “news.”

Republicans FEAR Fox nearly as much as they FEAR individual 1. For example, recently I saw an interview Chris Christie gave on MSNBC with Nicole Wallace – and, to put it mildly, Ms. Wallace did NOT simply throw “softball” questions at Christie. In fact, she asked him to defend what Fox “news” is doing to our republic and his first response was “I don’t watch Fox.” Well, of course, both myself and Ms. Wallace new that was a LIE (for heaven’s sake, Christie is a republican and participated fully in individual 1’s 2020 campaign – and 2016’s as well, for that matter – where LYING is a requirement). Soon after saying that, Christie said, “I don’t watch Tucker” and then referred to Sean Hannity and Laura Ingraham as “Sean and Laura” as the “only Fox programs I watch.” OK, there you have it.

Christie was on a “book tour” of his book in which he’s trying claim he’s now on the “high road” and he’s distancing himself from individual 1. Apparently, he sees himself as a competitor for the 2024 republican nomination. Shortly after his interview with Ms. Wallace I saw him on Fox (In a brief moment of weakness for myself) as he was attempting to “have it both ways.” For me, just another typical republican. Fortunately, there are “atypical” republicans out there who realize the gravity of the situation and they could end up being the heroes in all of this – should “we the people” band together and put this republican party “to bed” in the next few elections.

I’ve been an independent voter for the past 53 years, but since the “Newt Gingrich” era I’ve found myself, save for a few instances, ALWAYS voting AGAINST republicans. It appears that will continue even though my republican representative in the House was one of the COURAGEOUS republicans, at least in my mind, who voted FOR IMPEACHMENT #2. However, since that day this representative, Jaimie Herrera-Beutler has shown herself to be “cowering” back into the “pack” and voting with her caucus even though both SHE and I know what she’s supporting is WRONG. For example, she failed to support the vote to censor Paul Gosart, she didn’t support Cheney when she SHOULD have, and she didn’t vote for the so-called Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill knowing it was of critical importance to our community (We have a bridge issue of importance). I just can’t picture myself voting for that!

Getting back to Mr. Garland. Because the democrats ONLY have 50 Senators in their “razor thing” Senate majority and because two of them are Kyrsten Sinema and Joe Manchin there are obstacles the democrats likely WONT be able to accomplish legislatively. To me, Ms. Sinema is more despicable than Manchin – Manchin, for heaven’s sake comes from West Virginia so you would kind of expect some of what he’s doing, but not Sinema. Figuring out her motivations will likely happen AFTER she loses a bid for re-election in 2024 (unless she becomes a republican and Arizona’s new election laws make it impossible for a democrat to win) – because she’s apparently receiving a lot of corporate “funding” designed to keep her from agreeing to key democratic agenda items – like, for example, voting rights legislation which will require a “carve out” of the filibuster to get passed.

So, if there’s going to be accountability for individual 1 and the others who planned, paid for, and INSTIGATED the INSURRECTION of January 6th, 2021 it’s going to have to come from the Justice Department. It appears to me, at this point in time, that Mr. Garland believes prosecuting the “stooges” who stormed the Capitol is sufficient – leaving the instigators to get off “scott free” so as not to rile up their “base” any more that necessary. The cowardice of the Justice Department to – AT LEAST – be investigating those who INSTIGATED the INSURRECTION which, of course, would HAVE to include individual 1 – is simply reinforcing the belief among republicans that they can violate our existing laws with IMPUNITY. And, this belief has filtered down to those who are part of the right wing militias – armed to the teeth and believing our government is AFRAID to deal with them. Here’s the deal, at some point this will have to happen and the longer Mr. Garland waits the worse the situation will get. Mark my words!

Individual 1 is already planning his “return” and state legislatures run by republicans, all across the country, are “jiggering” the system so that either democrats can’t win, or, if they do, the state legislature can overturn the election results. In their case it’s “heads I win, tails you lose.” Will “we the people” stand up to this? Can we protect our republic without violence? On that one I sincerely doubt it because, it appears, these right wing “militias” have permeated almost every state in the union threatening public servants across the board – election officials, public health officials, school board members, teachers, doctors, nurses, etc. etc. And, in my mind, there are ALREADY laws on the “books” to put a stop to all this, but are our elected officials willing to enforce them. I don’t believe, for example, “free speech” allows someone to threaten someone else with violence. I don’t believe authorities have to wait for the violence to be carried out to act. One reason, I believe, so many people don’t respect our laws is because many of them are not being enforced.

In my “first life” – when I was in college in the 1960’s I clearly remember studying a philosopher named “Hobbes,” who said, “Don’t pass a law you will be unable to enforce” – or words to that effect. I’m reminded of his “words” consistently in our land with is supposedly governed by “laws and not men.” Individual 1 and his CULT followers are set on PROVING the fallacy of our constitution – which is no better than “we the people’s” belief in it.

Final Thought: A year or so ago I read “Rising out of Hatred” by Eli Saslow about Derek Black’s transformation from a white nationalist/supremacist – the son of Don Black and Godson of David Duke, both former “Grand Wizards” of the KKK. Don Black runs the white supremacist website “Stormfront” which is a portal for many of America’s RACISTS. After reading that book I did a little research I SHOULD have done long ago and it brought me from Don Black and Duke right to the “base” of individual 1 and the role Tucker Carlson plays in the attempt to turn America into a right wing RACIST/fascist apartheid society. In fact, in a recent interview with Derek Black, I read how those who support the KKK regularly RECORD Carlson’s TV shows so they can watch them multiple times.

So, it shouldn’t come as any surprise the David Duke is now, on his podcast – think of who his audience might be – saying individual 1 and Carlson are both basing their success on his ideas which didn’t work for him when he was running for office. This revelation (I don’t listen to his podcasts so I read his quote elsewhere) simply supports the concern of “progressives” toward much of what I’ve been RANTING about now for a number of years. I read, early on in individual 1’s reign, how both Black Sr. and Duke were excited they had a candidate to take their beliefs “into the mainstream.” The “you know what” is hitting the fan!

I have to start this “rant” by admitting I’m no economist, but I do pay attention to the economy and I listen to the “experts” – and, of course, they come in all “flavors” – meaning you have to do a little “research” before you decide the credibility of who you’re listening to. And, beyond that, a bit of common sense will help understand what the reality is “we the people” are dealing with as we look into the future. I do have to add, the main economist I listen to is Paul Krugman who gave a basic “course” on economics as a “Master Class” online in which I participated.

Here’s what’s driving my latest frustration. The FACT there is inflated prices right now – largely resulting from the ARP (American Rescue Plan) – inflation which was predicted earlier this year by people like Krugman who claimed it would be “short lived.” MOST of the people I’ve listened to haven’t talked about where this inflation is coming from – although, on Yahoo Finance this morning I FINALLY listened to an economist explain the real cause of this inflation. And, he’s not totally focused on the FACT more people have money to spend due to the ARP, but significantly, the problem is more DEMAND than there is SUPPLY.

I’ve been making this argument since the days Reagan introduced “trickle down economics” back in the early eighties. Right now there is, due to COVID a suppressed supply – and, there are varying reasons for this. Essentially there is a supply chain “bottleneck” which goes beyond the problem of getting goods to market via trucks, rail, etc. Yes, there are container ships sitting off the west coast which are waiting to be off-loaded, but, in addition, there has been a shortage of computer chips for the past year or so and that shortage is expected to last for, maybe, another year. This is the result of COVID and largely originated during the term of “the other guy” – even though “we the people” are not sophisticated enough to make that connection so the reality is the “present guy” gets the blame – especially via the “liberal media.”

We have an “issue” in America where people have become entrenched in a political divide which, obviously, is affecting our economy. For example, there are STILL about 75 to 80 MILLION Americans refusing (for various reasons – some quite legitimate) to get vaccinated for COVID. That, likely, means another “surge” – which will likely be happening globally to an extent. In America, we have the “distinction” of being the WORST country in the world at dealing with COVID and I put the root cause of that at the “feet” of individual 1. (Brazil gives us a “run for our money”) It’s hard NOT to place the “anti-vaxx” population in the so-called “red corner” – directly at his – as I said – “feet.”

Almost EVERY (but, not all) anti-vaxx person I’ve personally talked to is part of individual 1’s CULT and gets their “information” from Fox “news,” “Newsmax,” “OANN,” or worse – if you can get worse than that (and, I’m sure you can in the dregs of the white nationalist hard core “swamp”). Here’s the deal; The “novel” coronavirus is SERIOUS – it’s KILLED over 5 MILLION people worldwide and close to 800,000 in America alone. (Likely much more than that because there are right wing governors who’ve been LYING about those DYING in their states since the beginning – because they didn’t want to make either themselves – with their poor planning – or, individual 1 look bad.) Trust me, when all is said and done, people like Ron DeSantis, Kristi Noem, Gregg Abbot, and other right wing governors are going to be on the wrong side of COVID in the History books.

So, my point is, attempting to emerge from a once in a century pandemic is definitely a driver of the inflation which we’re experiencing at the moment – again, according to people like Krugman it’s “temporary” and it’s “expected.” Once the SUPPLY catches up with the DEMAND it stands to reason the inflation numbers will cool off. And, when looking at the so-called supply “bottleneck,” the supply issue should be receding in the next few months – some say by Christmas.

Another issue in inflation numbers is they are calculated “year over year.” Well, 2020 wasn’t what I’d call a “booming” year regarding the economy. It led to job LOSSES which caused individual 1 to be the FIRST president in recent memory – maybe back to Herbert Hoover – to leave office with a net NEGATIVE job growth – meaning more jobs LOST than GAINED during his four (long) years in office. So, when comparing September or October 2021 to the same months in 2020 it would make sense there would be higher prices – although, that also doesn’t get at the “crux” of the matter.

The other day I was looking at a chart showing today’s inflation numbers broken down into categories. The largest increase, of course, was in gas prices – although, I have to say I’ve gone through the “ups and downs” of gas prices for almost 60 years (I bought gas for 19 cents a gallon in my earlier years). When gas prices get too high people buy less gas – the “supply and demand” thing once again. During the first year of the pandemic oil producers reduced their output because the DEMAND went way down – there were container ships outside of ports where there was little to no demand for the OIL they were transporting. The ships were stuck out at sea. Well, now the opposite is happening and you’d expect that to lead to higher gas prices.

However, it’s not just gas prices at the head of the list of prices pushing up “inflation.” Transportation costs – meaning airline tickets – have gone up because more people are flying – especially for business – and, due to the pandemic, the airline industry was at a “crawl.” That doesn’t affect a large segment of the population directly, but it does count in the inflation “numbers.” Things like “used cars” are up close to 30% because of the chip shortage and the difficulty in buying a new car – and, of course, that would lead to new cars being more expensive. Does that affect me, directly, NO! But, indirectly, it affects the inflation numbers which our ‘liberal media” publishes on a nightly basis causing people who are doing just fine in their households to be feeling as if “the economy is off on the wrong track” in surveys.

Other things on the list I can remember (off the top of my head) would be hotel rooms and rental cars. Of course, for many, this would be traveling for business once again but also people taking trips once again – which would be pushing the cost of these things up compared to 2020 when many hotels were nearly empty and not too many people were looking for rental vehicles – compared to now. Another category which has gone up significantly is appliances. I actually had to purchased a dishwasher earlier this year and it was almost impossible to find the one my wife and I wanted – because the manufacturing facilities overseas were closed down due to COVID. Well, that has caused “pent up” demand for appliances and the supply hasn’t caught up. My point is, the things most people REALLY depend on are rising in price much slower than the numbers you see in our “liberal media” and the 24/7 news cycle doesn’t (can’t?) take the time to actually educate viewers on the details of what they’re reporting. It’s up to “we the people” to do the research – and, most of us don’t – often times, myself included.

Here’s the bottom line to me – over the past year and a half “progressives” have pushed our government to “infuse” stimulus into our economy which has prevented an economic recession caused by the pandemic from becoming MUCH worse. And, this year, for the first time I can remember (OK, in a very long time – I was a young man when Medicare was enacted and, at the time, I had no idea the importance of that legislation) our government has passed two – and soon three – MAJOR bills aimed DIRECTLY at America’s Middle and lower classes which, of course, is going to STIMULATE the economy. As I mentioned above, I’ve been pointing out for years it’s DEMAND which drives the economy, not SUPPLY.

Yes, SUPPLY is important, but without DEMAND what are you going to do with the SUPPLY? It’s important to “marry” the two, but, to me, we’ve seen over 40 years of PROOF that “supply side” economics works only for the wealthy and leaves the working man and woman behind – which is, in my view, the cause of much of the discontent in our society. And, republicans, for years, have used their abuse of cultural “wedge” issues to HIDE the FACT they’ve been pilfering our taxpayers to the tune of TRILLIONS of dollars while suggesting they actually believe the LIES they’ve been pushing in order to get to those dollars. For example, while they’re “screaming” about deficits right now, their 2017 tax scam (which provided TRILLIONS to the “rich”) provided virtually NO stimulus and, recent reports suggest, will increase the deficit by $2.5 TRILLION over a ten year period.

In four years of individual 1′ administration, depending on the source, the national debt increased by between $7 TRILLION and $8 TRILLION – by percentage the “third most” in history – the debt was just under $20 TRILLION when he took office and close to $28 TRILLION when he left. Of course, some of that was the result of COVID, to be fair, but if we’re “fair” with our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING – disgraced – (ex) president, then shouldn’t we be “fair” with President Biden’s administration. The ARP is mostly funded via “deficit spending” although, as we’re seeing, MOST of the money is going right back into the economy so it’s actually generating economic benefits (which I’m not sophisticated enough to calculate – but, some say, for example, every dollar going into the child tax credit returns $1,75 to the economy – because it’s being spent). The infrastructure bill and the so-called “Build Back Better” bills are “paid for” by increases in taxes on wealthy individuals and corporate and individual “tax cheats.”

Let me explain that last comment – “tax cheats.” The BBB legislation includes money to provide the IRS resources to go after those Americans – largely wealthy Americans – who’ve been routinely CHEATING on their taxes for years. I’ve read a couple books on this topic and republicans have, over the previous few decades managed to strip the IRS of enough resources so they couldn’t go after the high level tax CHEATS because – well, in a word, LAWYERS. Rich people can afford the lawyers poor people can’t – so, in effect, MANY of the “audits” done by the IRS over the previous 30 or so years were aimed at people at the “bottom” instead of people at the “top.” Estimates are our “rich brothers and sisters” are “failing” to pay about $40 to $80 BILLION per year in owed taxes. That, along with the 15% MINIMUM tax on corporations, many which make BILLIONS and pay NOTHING will also raise LOTS of money to help pay for the BBB and the infrastructure bills working their way through Congress. (OK, the infrastructure bill is now law)

So, combined with the FACT the money from both the infrastructure bill and the BBB bill will “hit” the economy gradually means they will have a minimal effect on pushing up inflation, in the short term, and a significant effect in lowering it in the long term – meaning, it’s likely the “Fed” will not need to hurray up their plan for gradual interest rate increases based on the short term inflation data. All of this was to be expected. Of course, had the Biden administration not pushed out the ARP (American Rescue Plan) in March, there would be far less money in the economy, we’d STILL be in recession, and the pandemic would be even WORSE.

That leads me to one of my greatest frustrations with how our 24/7 Cable media works. It’s as if we live in a “what have you done for me lately” world – meaning, how you can manipulate the media plays a more significant role in public perception than what you’re accomplishing, to a large extent. I don’t think many are arguing the democrats are very POOR at messaging while the republicans are viewed as much better – largely because they’re willing to LIE about virtually ANYTHING – as I’ve said here many times it’s “the end justifies the means” philosophy of messaging. That is, LIE through your teeth and look like you mean it theory – or, as they called it back in the Third Reich “The Big Lie Theory.” Why do they do it? Because, obviously, it works.

I’m not suggesting that everything the democrats are doing is perfect, because I’m sure there will be parts of their plan which don’t work as intended. But, here’s the big difference between what they’re doing and what republicans have been pushing on “we the people” for the past 40+ years; The democrats are working from the bottom up and the republicans have been working from the “top down.” We’ve seen the “top down” repeatedly not “trickle down” to the rest of us while income inequality has been steadily INCREASING since the day Reagan took the oath of office. Given time, I believe it will be obvious working from the bottom up will be beneficial to – clearly, those at the “bottom” – but, also to those who’ve been doing OK for the past few years and, eventually, all the way up to the top. Businesses benefit from having customers with money to spend (which is another reason why the minimum wage should go up) and, right now, the challenge is to bring up the supply to meet the demand. This is a far better problem to have than too much supply for the demand. As the saying goes: “A high tide floats all boats.” That should always be the goal!

Final Thought: This all seems almost too obvious to me, but, well, look at where we’ve been. That said, just think about what it means to “bring up the supply.” In essence, it seems to me it means more JOBS. Someone has to create that supply and maybe this increased DEMAND will lead to more businesses producing their SUPPLY in America. Over the previous 40 years I’ve listened to an endless “chorus” of Americans complaining about factories “moving overseas.” Well, if BUYERS don’t have enough money to spend the obvious solution is to get the SUPPLY manufactured where labor is cheaper. Who knows, maybe all of this will lead to more manufacturing jobs produced in America. I remember reading about one of America’s first mass producers, Henry Ford, pointing out the importance of paying his workers enough so they could afford to purchase one of Ford’s autos. That is, if there’s insufficient DEMAND why produce the SUPPLY?

For the sake of our nation, I truly hope the plans of progressives begin to put those things in place where the improvements are most needed (for example, pushing broadband to rural areas) and working class people see improvements in their lives. Who knows, this might even bring down the “temperature” in deep “red” states. For example, Joe Manchin, who’s been vilified by many outside of Washington, hails from maybe the “reddest” state in the union, West Virginia. The legislation democrats are passing (hopefully, he could still be an obstacle) will likely benefit West Virginia as much as it will any other state – certainly MORE than the state (Washington) where I live. West Virginia needs more help and SHOULD get more help.

I still remember Moscow Mitch referring to the stimulus plans as “blue state bailouts” when, in reality, it’s the “blue states” which put MOST of the money into the federal “coffers” – that is much more goes “out” than what comes “in.” For example, Kentucky, McConnell’s home state is one of the four WORST in regard they take out FAR more than they put back in – so, as usual, the words coming from McConnell’s mouth, at the time, were completely FALSE. Well, now, even McConnell is proclaiming the benefits of the infrastructure bill to those in his home state. This is why these republicans are so repulsive to me. Now, McConnell did vote for the infrastructure bill after the so-called “bipartisan” committee negotiated it – but, only because he failed to “kill it.” But, not surprisingly, one republican after another has been claiming credit for the ARP despite the FACT not one of them voted for it. We’re already seeing this “history” repeating itself on the new legislation.

That being said, I hope the bill work and it’s up to the democrats to figure out how to message their agenda to “we the people” in a way to PREVENT individual 1 from ever “sniffing” a return to the “White House” again. Which leads me to where I’ll end this particular “rant.” Clearly, republicans FEAR these democratic initiatives will prove successful and, in anticipation that President Biden will not run for re-election in 2024 we’re already (as I predicted after the election of 2020) seeing the “Hillary Clinton style attacks” on Kamala Harris. Republicans are working overtime to convince as many Americans as they can that VP Harris is – well, I guess, and “ambitious woman” – or, who knows what. They’re doing Birtherism 2.0, and anything else they think might “stick.” Have to give them credit, they’re always thinking ahead. Stay tuned….

OMG, I can’t believe I’m going to write this. I actually look forward to listening to Liz Cheney these days. Remember, I’ve accused her FATHER on MANY occasions of authorizing WAR CRIMES and suggesting he should be held to account. She NEVER votes in Congress as I would – she didn’t even vote for the “bipartisan” infrastructure bill. Yet, every time I listen to her reference January 6th, 2021 I can’t think of ANYONE who “gets” what happened any better than her. I would love to hear what she thinks should be done to protect ALL the public servants who are REGULARLY receiving DEATH threats from right wing American fascists (er republicans).

For me, this gets me back to our Attorney General, Merrick Garland. I HAVE to believe there are already LAWS on the books which deal with the consequences for THUGS who feel emboldened to be THREATENING members of School Boards, Health care workers, Government employees – including members of Congress, Police Officers (Yes, there are TOO many members of Police forces who are sympathetic to right wing “militia” groups), etc,, etc. Mr. Garland AGGRESSIVELY enforcing our LAWS is simply a first step.

The bottom line is there is an organized MISINFORMATION network of media outlets which are brazenly pushing LIES to a large segment of our population. These outlets, like Facebook, Twitter, Fox “news,” Newsmax, OANN, and ever DARKER places on the internet, seem to be working overtime to turn America into a potentially FASCIST state which threatens anyone with violence who opposes their right wing views. Those who oppose individual 1 almost immediately begin receiving the VILE threats as if they’re the ones who are the TRAITORS – when, in reality, the definition of “TRAITOR” would fit perfectly with those who stormed the Capitol on January 6th, 2021 ALONG with those who INCITED them to attempt an overthrow or our ELECTED government, funded the INSURRECTION, organized it, etc.

This gets me back to Mr. Garland. As every day passes I’m getting the sickening feeling he’s one of those SPINELESS “progressives” I’ve been lamenting for the previous 15 years (or more). Why are all these people allowed to THREATEN violence against our public servants? Even those republicans who supported the “bipartisan infrastructure bill” are suddenly getting the “heat.” Why is all this OK? Does “free speech” include THREATS of violence? I mean, just the other day a sitting member of the republican party (albeit one of the two or three most pathetic) published an “anime” doctored to show him MURDERING Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez along with threatening an image of President Biden. Do we need one of the DERANGED members of the republican “base” to act on the suggestions of these thugs for something to happen to the original perpetrators?

Here’s why I’m concerned about AG Garland – as I’ve stated on this site before. He’s, so far, refused any actions against our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president – which, in itself, seems CRITICAL to me. So far, crickets! How about the prosecution of Matt Gaetz who “allegedly” participated in the “sex trafficking” of a 17 year old young lady (I keep thinking, “I wonder if it’s taking this long because Roger Stone is involved as well”) – does Mr. Garland fear the backlash of “MAGA world” so he’s not going to indict Gaetz? The same question goes for these THUGS who continue THREATENING those who oppose individual 1? I hope I’m wrong, but the more time goes by the worst it’s going to get – and, if they fail to act, well, then our “nation of laws” very well could crumble.

I really get the feeling that Mr. Garland is wondering what he was thinking when he agreed to this new job – he had a very “peaceful” spot on the DC Court of Appeals. I mean, it’s been over THREE WEEKS since the Justice Department received the CRIMINAL referral for Steve Bannon, and, as with all the rest, “crickets.” And, of course, now there have been close to twenty other subpoenas coming from the January 6th Select Committee and if Bannon isn’t CHARGED – and SOON – Mr. Garland will have simply made things so much more worse – for those of us who’d like to see this republic to survive – and, at this point it’s not guaranteed because the timidity of those like Mr. Garland is CLEARLY emboldening those who attacked the Capitol and their followers. If Garland doesn’t charge Bannon, then the Committee might as well shut down – none of the subsequent people receiving subpoenas are planning to “show up.”

OK, I’m taking a big breath! Today a Grand Jury returned an indictment of Steve Bannon on TWO counts of “Contempt of Congress.” That COULD result in 2 YEARS in jail should he continue to refuse cooperating with the Select Committee on the INSURRECTION. Well, this could mean, “here we go.” There have been OVER 20 other subpoenas sent to various members of individual 1’s “inner circle.” And, keep in mind, it’s ALREADY been determined “executive privilege” isn’t going to work. A reminder: “executive privilege” has NEVER been able to cover up CRIMINAL activity.

I keep thinking back to the time of Richard Nixon. The process of “getting to the bottom” of what happened was excruciatingly slow. However, for anyone not around at that time, virtually EVERYONE who participated with Nixon in his attempt to CHEAT in order to “win” an election AND to go after his “enemies list” ended up in JAIL. It appears Bannon looks forward to spending a couple years in jail for his fuhrer, but what about all the others Congress wishes to speak with. Individual 1, as any mob boss would, will be making THREATS to anyone who cooperates as opposed to going to JAIL. Of course, will the judges overseeing the cases of these people who choose CONTEMPT provide them with maximum sentences? How serious does our Justice system actually consider this?

I keep wondering, what happens once people like Bannon complete their sentences? Can they be subjected to additional charges if they continue to refuse to cooperate? This all will be determined as we go forward, but keep in mind, in the previous 38 years there’s only been one other “CONTEMPT of Congress” charge – it happened during Reagan’s reign on America. That tells you all you need to know about individual 1: Over the past 38 years EVERY person who’s been called to testify before Congress have (at least) showed up. This is what you get when a MOB boss is “elected” to the Oval Office. But, as always, there’s MORE:

The ROT engulfing at least a third of our nation because of individual 1 goes well beyond anything which Nixon could have accomplished had he “gotten away with it.” And, keep in mind, in my view, until the day our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president is CHARGED for INCITING the INSURRECTION we have a long way to go. Not only do I believe that, but everyone else involved on January 6th, 2021 should be held to account, I also believe the FBI should be actively investigating the political THREATS coming at public servants all across this nation and PROSECUTING those making the THREATS to the fullest extent of the LAW possible. That is, IF we truly are a “nation of laws and not men.”

It should be CLEAR by now individual 1 is a DELUSIONAL, narcissistic, sick “puppy.” Yet. those in his CULT remain obsessed with turning America into a FASCIST state. And, I won’t again get into how words like “FASCISM” get thrown around with “impunity,” but suffice it to say if you actually know the definition of FASCISM you’d understand the democrats are as far from fascists as you can get. Giving a “mandate” to cause people to decide between their job or a “jab” is NOT fascism. There have been NUMEROUS vaccines I’ve been “required” to get in order to do things like – go to school – like join the military, etc. over the previous 74 years. Here’s the bottom line: individual 1 is a FASCIST! I’m OK if you simply call him a pseudo Mob Boss, OK! But, if you’ve decided you’re part of the CULT – that’s on you! By now, you SHOULD know better! Sadly, there’s a significant portion of America who qualify for the term (I hate) STUPID! Yikes!!!

Final Thought: I often talk about the republican obsession with PROJECTION and, almost every day, we’re seeing examples of this – like today when Marjorie Taylor Green was referring to the 13 House republicans who voted for the so-called “bipartisan infrastructure” bill (which almost ALL republican members of the House will be claiming credit for once the “ribbon cutting” begins) as TRAITORS. Usually she reserves that accusation toward democrats, but I guess this situation is “special.” Of course, when all is said and done in the investigation into January 6th, 2021 we’ll have a much better idea of who the “TRAITORS” really are. And, of course, the speculation is one of them will be – you guessed it – Marjorie Taylor Greene. Stay tuned………….

I’ve been pointing out since January 6th, 2021 the importance of holding individual 1 accountable for INCITING the INSURRECTION. Since that time I’ve watched Attorney General Merrick Garland come across as being AFRAID of the “base” of our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president just as a majority of republican members of Congress. True to form, individual 1’s M.O. is to always be on the OFFENSIVE (and, trust me, he’s OFFENSIVE – but, I digress) and, with the help of people like Tucker Carlson he’s attempting to ensure if he’s INDICTED the “right” will become apoplectic claiming it’s all “political” – after all, according to Carlson’s latest endeavor January 6th was a “false flag.” That is, the “FBI had infiltrated the WHITE NATIONALIST groups which stormed the Capitol and had infiltrated their “command centers” actually orchestrating the SEIGE!” Now, if you actually believe that, well, you’re as STUPID as Carlson assumes you are. (And, of course, you’re not alone)

The farther away from January 6th, 2021 and the MORE A.G. Garland refuses to act, the worse it’s going to get for this nation. Not only am I thinking he’s going to let individual 1 off the “hook” for a NUMBER of CRIMES, it’s beginning to look as if he’s being very TIMID in dealing with Steve Bannon’s refusal to comply with a subpoena from the Select Committee investigating January 6th, 2021. It’s been a few weeks now since Bannon’s recalcitrance was sent to the Justice Department in the form of a CRIMINAL referral and, so far, well, “crickets.” What the hell is the Justice Department, and by extension, Garland waiting for? Do they really think they can simply let this go? I can virtually assure you, if Bannon is not INDICTED for refusing a Congressional subpoena, we’re all in trouble and A.G. Garland will be castigated for his cowardice. Now, of course, I’m hoping it will SOON happen – that is Bannon will be INDICTED, but, think about Matt Gaetz – it’s been “rumored” he’s going to be INDICTED for “child sex-trafficking” for MONTHS now – and, again, “crickets.”

We KNOW that if (and when) individual 1 gets INDICTED – there’s LOTS of possibilities, his “base” will react in some kind of MOB action. Here’s what I say, “Let’s get it over with. The SOONER the better.” This country cannot continue to function as a democratic republic if we CONTINUE to allow our “leaders” to break our laws with impunity. When I was much younger I had thought we PROVED that “when the president does it it must be legal” – in the words of Richard Nixon – to be COMPLETELY false – a REAL “false flag.” Nixon was saved from CRIMINAL prosecution by an ill-advised Pardon from Gerald Ford – which “smelled” at the time and continues to “smell” to this day. BUT, a plethora of his sycophants were indicted and CONVICTED of various FELONIES – and spent considerable time in PRISON!

But, as I often say here, with republicans, there’s always more and they’ve proved numerous times they’re undaunted by history. Ronald Reagan was let off the “hook” for the Iran/Contra fiasco as was George HW Bush. More recently, George W Bush/Dick Cheney/Don Rumsfeld et. al. were let off the HOOK for clearly authorizing WAR CRIMES by Barack Obama who famously stated “we’re going to look forward instead of back.” I’ve written about the FOLLY of that decision a PLETHORA of times on this site – all in the archives.

And, now we have the MOST corrupt president, likely, in our history (Andrew Johnson maybe gives him a “run for the money”) in individual 1 – who COLLUDED with the Russians (read Mueller’s report if you don’t believe that), OBSTRUCTED Justice during Mueller’s investigation numerous times, cheated to get “elected” in the first place (paying off two women to hide illicit AFFAIRS while his present wife was pregnant with his last – thankfully – son), got IMPEACHED twice (and, republicans will very likely rue the DAYS they chose NOT to convict him and remove him from America’s political scene), pocketed MILLIONS during his term in CLEAR violation of the emoluments clause in the Constitution, CONSPIRED to overthrow “the will of the people” after the 2020 election and, I could go on and on and on and, well, you get the point.

This is ALL bad – that is – the behavior of individual 1, but, I believe HISTORY will give Merrick Garland a very bad place – maybe not next to Benedict Arnold which is where individual 1 is going to land – along with MANY of his supporters and sycophants – but BAD none the less. Whether he likes the spot he’s in or not, the future of this nation may rest with him as much as with anyone else – including President Biden, the Congressional democrats, Joe Manchin, Kyrsten Sinema (and, by the way, Manchin and Sinema are not looking that good right now – I’ll say more about that in a bit) As I said above, every day which passes where Mr. Garland leaves the impression he’s afraid to act makes all this become worse. (And, leads to MORE criminal conduct coming from republicans)

Individual 1, and by extension – if you haven’t noticed – his supporters, are a bunch of BULLIES. The way you respond to a BULLY is you “punch them back” right in the face. Well, I’m not suggesting actual violence, I’m suggesting our Justice Department ENFORCE laws which are already on the books. I’ve said this before, I believe – with public information – I (obviously, a non lawyer) could successfully argue a case AGAINST individual 1 and several of his sycophants of a CONSPIRACY to commit SEDITION – one of the most egregious of offenses to our system of laws. (And, by the way, OBSTRUCTION falls into that category as well) To me, it’s well past time for A.G. Garland to act – at the bare minimum, INDICT Steve Bannon and prosecute him to the fullest. Yes, he’s a willing “martyr” to the cause, but, well, so what? And, INDICT anyone else who refuses to cooperate with the investigation into January 6th, 2021.

While I’m still thinking about it, I said I’d add more to the Manchin and Sinema dilemma facing democrats. First of all, there is part of Manchin’s argument I absolutely agree with – and, that is before expanding benefits to Medicare democrats should make Medicare and Social Security SOLVENT well into the future. Obviously, there’s much I disagree with Manchin on and his blocking Clean Energy proposals doesn’t look good when you consider where his MONEY comes from – it really IS a bad “look.” But, to me, the “LOOK” for Sinema is even worse.

Her BLOCKING the government from “negotiating drug prices” for Medicare – arguably bringing a SAVINGS of $700 BILLION (over 10 years – all the “money” talked about in the BBB plan is over 10 years if you hadn’t noticed) while also blocking the reversal of portions of the 2017 tax scam which benefit the wealthiest Americans and corporations who used the money to buy back stock – well, to me, that’s “undemocratic.” Manchin and Sinema very well could be responsible for “torpedoing” Biden’s agenda which, I hope they understand, would put them in the same category as Moscow Mitch, but, again, I digress.

That all being said, the more I think about all of this the more I think about our Attorney General. Yes, he’s got a mammoth job in “fixing” the Justice Department from the damage caused by Jeff Sessions and William Barr, but, that can’t be done by shying from OBVIOUS issues of “White Collar Crime.” Individual 1 is now brainwashing his sycophants to believe “The real insurrection was November 3rd.” He has convinced about 30% of America that African Americans shouldn’t be ENCOURAGED to vote. He KNEW places where people were allowed to “vote by mail” was an issue for him because it was, in his mind, too easy for people to vote – he wanted them to have to stand in long lines during a pandemic in order to cast their vote.

And, keep in mind, the limitation of polling sites in places which are predominantly accessed by “people of color” is what leads to those long lines – in some cases people waiting as much as 7 HOURS in order to cast their ballot. In the predominantly WHITE precincts, it’s “in and out” in a matter of a few minutes. Coincidence? I think NOT! Which gets me back to Mr. Garland. If Congress isn’t going to FIGHT for the right for Americans to be able to vote no matter where they live or who they are, then it’s up to the Justice Department. They’re going to have to prove they can “walk and chew gum at the same time.” There’s a lot on the “plate” of the Department, but that’s just how it is. If Mr. Garland thinks it’s too much, my suggestion is he resign and allow President Biden to nominate someone who’s “up for the job.”

Here’s a suggestion for AG Garland, for starters: INDICT Steve Bannon and make it clear you’ll defend the right of Congress to INVESTIGATE and follow through on it’s OVERSIGHT obligation, FULL STOP! Republicans are OBSTRUCTING, they’re OBFUSCATING, and on and on, by the droves! Why? Because, for the past 40 years they’ve been progressively getting away with it. It’s been getting worse since Iran/Contra and it’s hit unbelievable levels since the reign of individual 1. Come on AG Garland, s@#t or get off the pot! INDICT Bannon or admit you’re too scared of individual 1’s base!

Final Thought: I’ve written almost endlessly about the tendency of republicans to practice PROJECTION! So, I’ve got to write about the latest “woke” (I think I learned what that means to day after talking about Aaron Rogers with a friend) accusation coming from someone I consider the “worst person of the world” (on days when it’s not Ted Cruz) – Josh Hawley. He’s making a NEW push for his plans on the “White House” by suggesting “The ‘left’ (my quotes) is attacking America by saying America is systemically oppressive and men are systemically responsible.” He goes on to say, “We’ve got to say spending your time not working, and we’ve got more and more men not working, spending you time on video games, spending your time on PORN while doing nothing is not good for you, your family, or this country.” This is the guy who, in the past, has accused women of causing “sex trafficking” by discovering birth control. Yikes!

This guy actually went to Stanford and, I think, Harvard Law School (OK, neither matters much – Scott Atlas was a professor at Stanford – he of the “herd mentality” under individual 1) yet he comes across as a complete NUT job! Here’s the PROJECTION question I have for him. Are you suggesting, Mr. Hawley, you are “productive” while you’re accessing PORN? You can almost “take it to the bank” when one of these republicans are accusing you of something they consider “bad” it’s because THEY’RE doing it – and, of course, pretending they’re NOT! It’s as certain as your clock striking NOON tomorrow, and the day after, and the……….. You get it! Stay tuned………………….

I’ve written ad nauseum how those who call themselves republicans live in the “world” of projection and it’s never been more clear than some of the recent “stuff” coming from the mouths of members of individual 1’s CULT as they fight against Covid-19 vaccines, school boards, public health officials, and, of course, “liberals.” In the past couple of days I’ve heard several of the supporters of our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president referring to anyone who disagrees with them as “fascists.” I’ve confronted this IGNORANCE on several occasions, so here we go again.

One of the whack jobs actually complained about the “corporate/government” cabal in his accusation and that he and those around him were suffering from a fascist government. OK, to a certain extent, the “Mussolini” form of fascism actually is a corporate/government – I’ll call it a “cabal” – here’s the rub: And, this has been one of my complaints since the days of Bush/Cheney – this corporate/government “cabal” is the result of our republicans in Congress enabling America’s largest corporations because of the MONEY being funneled into their campaign coffers. Of course, when you PROJECT everything – you would accuse what you’re all about to those you oppose.

Here’s the other “rub:” The FASCISM most of us think of when we think of fascism is that which was the work of the Third Reich back in the days of Adolf Hitler. I’ve pointed out many times here – for years – the parallels between the tendencies of individual 1 and the history of how the Third Reich turned Germany into the world’s pariah back in the 1930’s. Our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president even uses derogatory references to Germans in describing those in his own family, apparently as a way to hide his motives. He continues to push one LIE after another to his “base” and they suck it up with the help of outlets like Fox “news” – and Tucker Carlson who, if Keith Olberman was still on TV, would be the “WORST person in the WORLD” on a regular basis – Carlson’s latest endeavor, apparently, is a “documentary” calling “1/6” a “false flag.” These people won’t be happy until our constitutional republic has been torn COMPLETELY apart.

It’s not possible for me to believe the bulk of those “leaders” now in the republican party actually believe the so-called “Big Lie” or that “1/6” was a “false flag.” For heaven’s sake, they were there on January 6th, 2021 when ALL of them were herded out of the House and Senate chambers as the INSURRECTIONISTS who were hell bent on stopping the certification of Joe Biden’s election and “hanging Mike Pense.” They know the truth. But, now virtually ALL of them are either participating in the “Big Lie” or cowering in the corner unwilling to say anything which might cause individual 1 to endorse a “primary opponent.” Of course, this all goes right back to the republican dependence on PROJECTION.

When they claim “The election was stolen,” that means their intention is to STEAL the next election (and the one after that, and………….OK, you get it). When they claim there was election “fraud” that’s because they’re the ones committing the ELECTION FRAUD. When Marko Rubio calls Bidens agenda “Build Back Socialism” because it spends a couple TRILLION (aimed at “we the people”) that’s to take the attention off the $2 TRILLION tax cut he and every other republican voted for in 2017 which was, well, SOCIALISM for the top 1% – if you buy his argument. Of course, no republican will bring any of that up and their constituents are, well, – OK, lots of them – “stupid.” They fall for this stuff without a second thought.

The truth is there are a multitude of “outlets” willing to accommodate individual 1’s “base” by participating the LYING – for MONEY! For me, the most obvious disgusting purveyor of misinformation (LYING) is Fox because I don’t do “Social Media.” (Unless, this is “Social Media”) However, the so-called “Facebook papers” are shining a pretty bright light on Facebook’s – and, by extension Mark Zuckerberg’s – willingness to foment LIES in order to “energize” people who don’t think for themselves, therefore bringing in MASSIVE amounts of advertising dollars. Naturally, there’s a large group of “others” but for the time being the light is going to be shining on Facebook – who’s tried to “sweep” all this “stuff” “under the rug.” Again, for MONEY!

Facebook is getting OUTED more and more these days as the driving force behind America’s turn toward the political cesspool that features individual 1 and his sycophants (and CULT members). Now, we have more political leaders talking about breaking up Facebook and, “sure as shootin,” here come the phony commercials about “American innovation.” I’ve seen an add several times making FALSE claims about all the great things “technology” is doing for America suggesting it’s the driving force behind our economy. Yes, “technology” plays a part, but what drives our economy are WORKERS and when workers don’t have decent jobs the economy suffers.

During the pandemic the top BILLIONAIRES in America got even MORE filthy rich – including the likes of Jeff Bezos and WORSE Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg. The reports coming out show Facebook KNEW their “algorithms” were exacerbating MISINFORMATION – ginning up people via their “dark sides” – sides of people vulnerable to FEAR MONGERING – and they KNOWINGLY letting this garbage go viral on their platform! Worst yet, according to newly released documents, they actually ENCOURAGED it! So, after the third time I heard the “technology is great” propaganda add on TV I checked who paid for it. You guessed it – “The American Edge Project” paid for it and “The American Edge Project” was founded by – you guessed it again, FACEBOOK!

I long ago figured out the beginning of Facebook correlates to the divisions among Americans which have grown worse and worse since they started their platform seemingly welcoming MISINFORMATION if it makes them more MONEY. And, Oh by the way, Facebook is busy with other advertising trying to convince “we the people” – or whoever – that they welcome federal “regulation.” I suppose, as I try to process what I’ve seen, they’re pushing for “anything” but “breaking” them up. If you’ve read anything about Teddy Roosevelt and the “Trust Busters” back at the turn of the 20th Century, you can see “we the people” seem to be reliving that era – only, the TRUSTS today are much more sophisticated and have UNLIMITED funds which they can use to BUY off politicians. And, it’s working!

And, I’m not just talking about republicans when I point out corporate interests BUYING off politicians. We’ve seen an obvious example of democrats being BOUGHT by corporate interests as Joe Biden has been attempting to get his “Build Back Better” agenda through Congress. It has gone without saying the republicans would OBSTRUCT Biden’s agenda at every turn (Moscow Mitch promised this from the start), but the recalcitrance of Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema tell you this corruption runs both ways. Manchin might as well be part of the Fossil Fuel industry and the amount of money they’ve funneled to him is, well, staggering.

Ms. Sinema, for example put the Kybosh to the part of the bill where Medicare could “negotiate” prescription drug prices and WORST put the “nea” to the idea of reversing SOME of the individual 1 tax cuts. Manchin, who “hails” from one of the poorest states in the union (which desperately needs this bill) put the Kybosh to seniors getting dental and vision coverage (full disclosure: I became a “senior” many years ago) and, in addition, to those who thought there might be free community college which very well could lead to empowering MILLIONS of Americans who want to improve their “lot” in life. The part that has bothered me the most is seeing BOTH of these democrats fraternizing with republicans who, I believe, very well could be using them to do what McConnell is unable to do with his never ending filibusters.

Personally, I believe both Manchin and Sinema are relishing the spotlight as EVERYONE else in the democratic party is on board with much more than what these two democrats may or may not ultimately agree to. I believe, no matter how this turns out, both Manchin and Sinema will be considered almost turncoats to what got the democrats elected in 2020. It won’t affect Manchin because he’s my age (74) isn’t up for re-election until 2024 (when he’ll be 78 – so what if he loses) and he’s a “democrat” in a ruby “red” state. On the other hand, I believe Ms. Sinema must have a lucrative job lined up which she may or may not wait for 2024 to take. She’s a HUGE disappointment to those who supported her candidacy just a couple years ago.

Sadly, and I say this because it’s the media’s position, that if Manchin and/or Sinema manage to scuttle Biden’s agenda – and, they’re getting down to the “wire” where if they can’t get it done SOON they may not get it done – they could be plunging a “knife” into the democratic party. Now, my position would be that democrats need to be even more committed to making “we the people” understand it’s important to vote in even MORE democrats so one or two can’t put a “monkey wrench” into the entire process. We’ll better understand the motives of both Manchin and Sinema shortly, but they stand to be putting themselves into the wrong section of the American History books if they contribute to a resurrection of individual 1.

To me, the largest obstacle to democrats (and disaffected republicans and independents) would be the so-called “liberal media” and their “unique” way of looking at things. For example, I’ve been following the Governor’s elections in (mostly) Virginia and New Jersey and many are claiming the Virginia election will be a “barometer” on the Biden presidency. While I don’t have a problem with that characterization, here’s where I have the problem. First, I’ve heard several media reports that democrats in Virginia are disaffected by “the failure of democrats to ‘get anything done.'” Talk about your “what have you done for me lately.”

Does the “media” forget that in the first couple of months of Biden’s administration democrats passed the most targeted – toward America’s middle class – legislation in my lifetime. In individual 1’s FOUR years republicans passed two significant pieces of legislation. The most obvious was the tax SCAM of 2017 which funneled about $2 TRILLION taxpayer dollars to America’s “top 1%” and American corporations which were already sitting on a TRILLION of “cash” – therefore using the tax SCAM to buy back shares. The other significant piece of legislation was the “CARES Act” which democrats FORCED republicans to accept some “liberal” positions due to the severity of the Covid crisis.

Now, of course, as I pointed out above, democrats are attempting to pass an incredible combination of an “infrastructure bill” and the “we the people” bill (my characterization – the “Build Back Better” bill) – both at the “mercy” of Senators Manchin and Sinema. I believe the bill passed in March was the best thing I’d seen in my lifetime so why is the “media” allowing the mantra of “democrats can’t get anything done” to be pushed by right wing pundits? Yes, it will be disappointing if Manchin and/or Sinema “torpedo” Biden’s “Build Back Better” bill (and, if they do, I hope “progressives” block the so-called “bipartisan” infrastructure bill) but, if they do, the solution isn’t to BLAME democrats for “not getting anything done” – but it would be to elect MORE democrats! (And, keep in mind, for my lifetime I’ve been an independent – I now vote AGAINST republicans, at least for the foreseeable future – which, at my age, could be “forever”)

Let me just point out one of the hypocrisies (one of MANY) in the republican “positions.” We all know many republicans oppose ABORTION. (Many times I’ve said, at some point in time, I’ll make a post on that subject) OK, so here’s how I look at that. Personally, if the issue had arisen in my lifetime I would say I’m opposed to abortion. The ONLY way I would support it would be to save the life of the mother, or in the case of rape, incest, etc. The first time I was going to be a father my wife was given a medication which caused a miscarriage. I rushed her to the hospital and they performed what amounted to an abortion – the fetus was already dead. That happened without a second thought.

So, here’s my thoughts about the issue if it happens to YOU! If you don’t believe in abortion, don’t have one. (Although, I believe in the case of the miscarriage, virtually everyone would do what we did) I find it odd stuffy OLD men who say they believe in getting government out of our lives want to control the lives of America’s women. And, of course, the MEN involved in many unwanted pregnancies face no consequences. What’s up with that?

And, as usual, there’s more. Put yourself in the place of a woman who believes she’s in no position to have a child (maybe ANOTHER child). Well, republicans are saying if you choose to terminate that pregnancy (do republicans believe in free will?) we also don’t believe in providing ANY support for you once that child has been born. Take for example the “Build Back Better” bill put forth by President Biden (even that which hasn’t been pared back by Manchin and Sinema) – there are several portions of that legislation aimed DIRECTLY at children who are growing up in poverty. The universal Pre-K, the support for Child Care, the help with health insurance, etc. etc. are issues which are designed for those women who CHOOSE to bring a pregnancy to term.

Ideally, the numbers of unwanted pregnancies could somehow by lowered, maybe by providing more responsibility to MEN, but, in the mean time, the attempt by democrats to reduce the childhood poverty rate in America, to me, is welcome news. It’s NO surprise, I’m sure, that NOT a single republican will vote for these programs designed to help those children whose mothers chose to carry their pregnancy to term when their financial means are insufficient. As I said above, they call THIS socialism, while the tax SCAMS never get characterized as SOCIALISM – even though it’s government giveaways to the “rich.” The contrast couldn’t be more clear! (Wouldn’t you like to know how many republicans have had abortions? Just saying) Stay tuned………

Final Thought: If the Supreme Court upholds the recent Texas law aimed at overturning Roe v Wade by a scheme to allow the enforcement of the law to be done by “citizen” “vigilante’s” who can sue anyone involved in an abortion which takes place after six weeks of pregnancy (when many women still don’t understand they’re pregnant) – well, then all bets are off. If that scheme works, I’m going to write to my state legislature and suggest they pass a similar bill where if anyone is proven to purchase or own a “long gun” with automatic capability they can be sued by ANYONE who finds out with a bounty of $25,000. (we might as well, kick up the penalty a bit)

I’ve been paying for the Washington Post for several years now because I wanted to support the investigative journalism I believe is so important to the future of our republic. Every once in a while I think to myself, “Do I want to keep doing this.” Tonight I almost ended my subscription because in their “Washington Post Live” series the first segment on November 1st’s “docket” will be (is/was) “The Drift: Stopping America’s slide toward Socialism” by Kevin Hassett. If you don’t know who Kevin Hassett is he was the chair of the Council of Economic Advisers under individual 1 and his claim is: “individual 1 (he, of course, uses the surname which I can’t bring myself to type) was the right president to deconstruct government intervention in the economy.” He was the guy who couldn’t get the s@#t eatin grin off his face every time he was interviewed during the reign of our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president plus, he always got EVERYTHING wrong.

He used to do interviews on MSNBC with Ali Velshi, who apparently worked for one of the cable channels focused on the economy before coming to MSNBC. I forced myself to listen to them and, as I said, he ALWAYS got it wrong – including during the pandemic. His “cubic model” of, in essence lifting Covid restrictions as the pandemic was accelerating was referred to by many as “nonsense.” His predictions the pandemic would subside within a few weeks of enacting the “cubic model” proved to be as absurd as individual 1’s saying “It’s all going to go down to zero.”

But, as usual, that’s not all. He was instrumental in defending the 2017 tax SCAM which took close to $2 TRILLION tax dollars and, as usual with “conservatives,” funneled it to America’s wealthiest individuals and corporations who used the money to buy back their stock. Hassett was adamant the “plan” (SCAM) would generate enough stimulus to the economy to pay for itself in increased government revenue. Of course, that was as nonsensical as the day Ronald Reagan first said, “I’m going to reduce your taxes and get rid of the deficit.” Individual 1’s tax SCAM along with the rest of his “policy” led to a RECORD $7 TRILLION “boost” to our national debt in just four years.

President Obama spent 8 years working to bring down the HUGE deficit he “inherited” from Bush/Cheney (a HUGE “mess” but nothing compared to what individual 1 left for President Biden) and individual 1 had DOUBLED it in just the first year. Here’s kind of the rub for me as I look at the subject of Hassett’s “stream” put on by the Post: He was (ultimately) a strong supporter of the $1.9 TRILLION “rescue plan” which was enacted soon after President Biden took office – which, well, how can he defend what he supported under individual 1 and then call what the democrats are doing “Socialism.” (As an added bonus, he supported the “CARES Act” which included the “Paycheck Protection Program” (PPP) along with an extra $600 each week to those who were collecting unemployment benefits.

Don’t get me wrong. I have supported both of those programs enthusiastically – and, the “CARES Act” was largely the work of Nancy Pelosi and the democrats – the republicans would NEVER have agreed to such a program if they didn’t believe their chances in the upcoming election depended on infusing a few TRILLION into the economy (much of it, of course, went to businesses which didn’t need the help – but, each side had to agree to stuff the other side would never have otherwise agreed to because the economy was sinking – to republicans (who controlled the Senate) they had no choice.

In fact, I’ve used a word I hate – STUPID since about four or five months prior to the November 3rd, 2020 election in describing individual 1 and the Senate republicans (and, since, in describing many in their “base”). The pandemic simply kept picking up “steam” all throughout 2020 and Pelosi and the democrats proved their focus was MORE on “crushing” the virus than on winning in November. Moscow Mitch and individual 1 were NOT sophisticated enough to accept what likely would have led our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president to actually “win” in November.

If you remember, Pelosi and the democrats in the House came up with the “HEROES Act” a proposal totaling close to $4 TRILLION to be enacted in the second half of 2020 which included much of what ultimately was included in the $900 BILLION package passed by Congress in December of 2020 AFTER the election, of course, plus President Biden’s “rescue bill.” McConnell called the “HEROES Act” “dead on arrival” and it sat at the foot of his desk for the rest of the year. Naturally, individual 1 was supportive of McConnell’s decision (And, likely Hassett, although I believe he was “gone” by then – a victim of the absurdity of his “cubic model”) and the economy continued to TANK (except for Wall Street, surprise, surprise) right up to the day our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president left office.

The stimulus the economy felt from President Biden’s “rescue plan” COULD have happened prior to the election, PLUS there would be (likely) 100,000 (or more) fewer Americans dead from the pandemic had the “HEROES Act” been enacted. If you remember, there were around 3,000 to 4,000 Americans DYING each day in the last month of individual 1’s reign – because, he was doing literally NOTHING about it – too busy laying the groundwork for the attempted coup d’etat of January 6th, 2021. I’ll say it once more, that was STUPID.

I mean, I had a double or nothing bet that he would LOSE the election – I could have owed an acquaintance of mine TWO steak dinners had individual 1 (and McConnell) not been so transfixed on “deconstructing the administrative state.” The bottom line in America is if Americans are DYING at a rate in excess of one 9/11 EACH DAY, well, and if you’re the president, you need to at least make it look as if you care – and that you’re trying to do something about it. Likely, individual 1 will be remembered more for attempting to OVERTHROW our elected government (OK, I know what you’re thinking – he STILL is working on the “coup”) than for being responsible for the DEATHS of HUNDREDS of thousands of Americans due to his INCOMPETENCE and lack of – well, how do you describe someone who doesn’t seem to care about so many DEATHS? You got me!

In fact, had individual 1 actually “won” the election – of course, he would still have been CHEATING (and America would be SCREWED) – but, with him, that’s a given – I would likely still be communicating with the person I had the bet with – I would have had to pay up because I doubt even he thought individual 1 could pull off being another Putin or Xi and name himself “president for life” – but, it stands to reason, there then wouldn’t have been January 6th, 2021 and individual 1 would still “only” have been IMPEACHED once – although, I’m sure, by now, he’d have found another way – just sayin.

Also, my friend likely wouldn’t have gone off the deep end supporting individual 1’s claims which led to the INSURRECTION and we’d still be arguing about “how can someone who calls himself a “Christian” support someone as morally bankrupt and VILE as our (now) TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president. I still don’t get it. And, hardly anyone on the republican side seemed to grasp what “nonsense” – from an economic point of view – Hassett was “feeding” individual 1. NOTHING he said, proved prescient – other than he supported the “CARES Act” and, eventually, the “Rescue plan” although, now he’s apparently referring to the democrats proposal to INVEST in our people, from the bottom up, and actually PAY for the investment by going after tax CHEATS (which, of course, will include individual 1) and forcing corporations to pay SOMETHING (Did you know Jeff Bezos applied for, and I believe, received thousands in the child tax credit – because he paid NOTHING in taxes for various years?) as Socialism.

Just like I’ve said lately, the problem isn’t exclusively republicans – just ALMOST exclusively. By now, anyone who’s been paying attention knows about Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema – two democrats who enjoy the spotlight enough to possibly TANK President Biden’s agenda – still to be determined, but I digress. Manchin blocked several of the proposals of the democratic House because he doesn’t believe in “entitlements.” I really wish I could ask him one question: “How many times have you voted to continue the oil depletion allowance or other “giveaways” to the fossil fuel industry – including COAL – in which you have a vested family interest? Are those BILLIONS of dollars not “entitlements?” Is it just you consider giving a “hand up” to the “least of these” (in the words of Jesus) to be an entitlement and NOT giveaways to corporations? I’m confused.

Then there’s Sinema who’s blocking the provision where the government can negotiate drug prices for Medicare – it almost seems absurd to me I have to write those words. I believe THAT “entitlement” was the work of the Bush/Cheney regime and it costs “we the people” around $700 BILLION per year. And, then, of course, Ms. Sinema BLOCKED the reversal of the individual 1 tax SCAM – which provided virtually NO stimulus to the economy and simply piled up MORE debt – and which republicans are now screaming about (and, don’t want to pay for). None of this makes sense, until you take a quick look at where the money comes from for Ms Sinema and Mr. Manchin. Sinema has received $500 THOUSAND from the pharmaceutical industry – no surprise – and a BUNCH of money from Wall Street financiers. Manchin, well, fossil fuels, mainly. The results are painfully clear – and the rest of the democrats are FORCED to “kiss their asses” because they need EVERY vote in the Senate to do ANYTHING.

Nothing new in America and when these industries see a 50/50 split in the Senate they swooped in like an owl which has spotted a nest of rabbits – easy prey! All they have to do is swing one vote and voila “case closed.” Think about the prescription drug “thing” just for a second – an “investment” of half a MILLION in Ms. Sinema’s campaign coffers saves the industry an amount in the tens of BILLIONS – EACH year! That’s leverage “we the people” can only dream about. And, blocking the reversal of individual 1’s tax SCAM (that part which benefits those making in the MILLIONS) cost even less for the Wall Street “investors” (er lobbyists). It’s all UGLY, but in the end, I do hope they succeed with something Mr. Hassett will still refer to as “Socialism.”

Here’s what Kevin Hassett SHOULD be talking about. Until America deals with the extreme income inequality which has slowly engulfed the nation since the days of Ronald Reagan we will continue to have a broken society where people have grown into “tribes.” There’s plenty of wealth in this nation for some people to be RICH and STILL be investing in those at the “bottom;” lifting them up so they can become productive tax paying citizens. To get to that point, sadly, as I’ve been saying for YEARS, the “present day” (and, it keeps getting worse) republican party needs to be voted into the History books.

It’s going to happen eventually, but, clearly, there’s a lot of work – and, possibly, a lot more “water under the bridge” being necessary before it happens. Common sense would say our young people are growing up (and, really do care about things like the Climate crisis) and the old white people who are supporting the coup d’etat of individual 1 are getting older and dying off. Have we put individual 1 “to rest?” Well, that’s still to be determined because he’s still not where he belongs (JAIL) and the “alt right” considers him their “fuhrer,” so the “war” for the heart and soul of our nation I’ve been writing about for years, CONTINUES.

Will progressives continue to show up to vote in EVERY election? If history is any guide, the answer is NO! Which is exactly why republicans have so much power in the state legislatures of the so-called “red” states and they’re trying to embed the possibility of overthrowing the “will of the people” in their codes of law via some incredibly arrogant LAWS which they’re confident will “pass muster” with the Supreme Court – and, very likely, they’re correct. – Unless Congress manages to PASS Voter protection legislation. (Why wouldn’t they do that with democrats “in control?” Again, we have to “beg” Manchin and Sinema to do the obviously RIGHT thing – not a promising proposition.

Obviously, reading the Washington Post has lowered its standard enough to grant Kevin Hassett an hour of time on their “Washington Post Live” stream is what motivated this rant. I’ve got another couple “rants” in the works, but him suggesting individual 1’s attempt to “deconstruct government intervention in the economy” – which was TANKING the economy – remember individual 1 is the ONLY president to have a NEGATIVE jobs number when leaving office in the “modern era” – and suggesting he was “stopping the slide toward Socialism” is every bit as much NONSENCE as the so-called “cubic model” he introduced in the middle of the first wave of the pandemic. (And, then he supported the “CARES Act” and President Biden’s “‘Rescue plan” – go figure! Weren’t they “Socialism?”) That’s what got me “riled up” and this rant is the result. To me, Kevin Hassett should “ride off into the sunset” and keep his s@#t eatin grin to himself and SHUT up!

Final Thought: I can’t seem to write anything without reference to some of the STUPIDITY of individual 1’s time in office. Certainly, January 6th, 2021 falls into that category, but he’s simply incapable of admitting any kind of mistake and he CAN’T accept that Joe Biden (“Sleepy Joe”) TRASHED him in the election. So, he’s still out there pushing the “Big Lie” and demanding all republicans do the same. Here’s the deal; this issue WON’T be resolved until there’s accountability – and, I’m not talking about the near 700 suckers who listened to our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president on the Ellipse January 6th, 2021 and then stormed the Capitol Building chanting “Hang Mike Pense – and are now in JAIL.

Nope, I’m talking about individual 1, Steve Bannon, Mo Brooks, Rudy Giuliani, individual 1 Jr. Josh Hawley, and anyone else who planned the INSURRECTION, financed it (the people came on FREE buss rides – somebody had to pay for that), or were on that stage urging the MOB to attack the Capitol. John Eastman developed the “plan,” Jeffrey Clark attempted to use the Justice Department to pull off Eastman’s “plan,” and likely several members of Congress were involved (Yeah, I’m thinking of you Jim Jordan). If there’s NOT a SERIOUS investigation going on at the Justice Department regarding all these people – there should be. And, all indications are, from my viewpoint, that Merrick Garland is allowing the House Select Committee to do the investigating. Sadly, Mr. Garland (Our Attorney General) is coming across to me as “milk toast”). Stay tuned……………………..

I said this about Bush/Cheney: “If they’re not held accountable for their CRIMES the next time there’s a republican president it will be worse. OK, I was correct, and then some. So, I’ll say it again – and with God’s help Mr. Garland will read this. If individual 1 is NOT held to account for his MANY CRIMES, the next time – and, of course, he’s planning it will be him the next time – although, there are plenty of republican low life’s waiting in the wings (DeSantis, Noem, Abbott, etc.) who will do even worse if given the chance. The list of the groups they HATE is too long for me to list here – I thought I was done in the previous paragraph! :o) VOTE!

Tonight I watched, on MSNBC, a documentary on the “Civil War” which, to put it mildly, was thought provoking. It just reinforced, in my own mind, how little I actually KNOW about American history despite the FACT I love to read about American “history.” I put that word in quotes because so much of the American “history” I’ve read has been through the eyes of educators who want to paint a “picture” which leaves out much of the TRUTH. It reminded me of my thoughts over the past few years that “we the people” want to look away from our “history” because not doing so is very uncomfortable.

The first thought I had when watching this documentary was a direct reflection of my own shortcomings. At the time individual 1 (Yep, I still can’t bring myself to write his name) was first running for office – when the “Access Hollywood” tapes became public along with the xenophobia – I was regularly having breakfast (maybe once or twice a month) with a friend I met at church who thought (thinks) in a way which – at least politically – I just couldn’t understand. However, we were able to “dialogue” and, I guess you’d say, “agree to disagree.” We considered our bond the connection to our spiritual beliefs in the teachings of Jesus.

I was shocked when he became a supporter of individual 1 despite knowing what an either IMMORAL or AMORAL person he is. It soon became clear our now TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president was also a pathological LIAR, an overt racist, and an extreme narcissist – among other questionable characteristics. One thing he CERTAINLY was (nor is) was a “Christian.” Yet my friend, who claimed the republican party was “conservative and “Christian,” became more and more intransigent in his connection to what I referred to as a CULT. Personally, I also pointed out on numerous occasions individual 1’s arrogance toward our system of laws.

As time went by we made a couple bets on the outcome of the elections. I LOST the first one because individual 1 “won” the “White House,” obviously, in 2016. I owed him a steak dinner. However, we went double or nothing on 2020. He seemed to genuinely believe individual 1 would win reelection “by a landslide” – and, of course, he predicted once that happened the “left” would respond with violent riots. I told him he was correct only it would play out in the opposite direction of what he was predicting.

That all being said, I enjoyed our time of “dialogue” because I could talk to someone with the opposing view of myself without getting yelled at. Of course the pandemic then “hit” and we could no longer meet for breakfast because the restaurants all got “shuddered” as what he termed “just another flu” began spreading across America exponentially and individual 1 proved to be totally incompetent in dealing with it. So, the conversations became more rare and more “pointed.” My friend said some things to me which raised a few “red flags.”

Keep in mind that he and his (wonderful) wife raised three African American children up to adulthood. I never fully understood the circumstances which led to this, but it was one of the reasons I felt a sense of kinship with him. However, there became a time when some of the things he was saying about his own (adopted?) daughter caused me to shudder. She was receiving public assistance and he seemed to complain about it in a way that made me think he would rather she was out on the street. I always hoped I was wrong about that, but due to the pandemic’s arrival the subject was never fully addressed (and, I always appreciated I felt I could address it).

Then, individual 1 LOST the 2020 election and it became clear to me my friend was so “sucked in” to the CULT that he actually was believing President Biden didn’t actually WIN and was STILL falling for the so-called “Big Lie” of our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president. I had tried to get him to, for example, read the Mueller report – which I read TWICE. He declined and was happy to believe the LIES of William Barr who undermined the report in order to protect individual 1’s followers from knowing the TRUTH about the “Russia thing.”

As I processed the objections of my friend who was defending individual 1’s ABSURD claims about the election fraud I was like “Do you really not understand how our elections work?” Well, I actually explained to him EXACTLY how the entire process of President Biden being certified as “President Elect” would unfold. Of couse, what I got WRONG was, despite my prediction right wing groups would protest and that they are heavily armed, I didn’t predict they would STORM the Capitol and actually attempt to pull of a coup d’etat – at the behest of individual 1 (and several of his co-conspirators) himself.

It was at that point – as I was watching people carrying confederate flags, people wearing anti-Semitic slogans on their clothing, white nationalist organizations working in tandem with each other, a GALLOWS erected on our Capitol Building’s grounds while the INSURRECTIONISTS were chanting “Hang Mike Pense,” and the attackers were VIOLENTLY assaulting the Capitol Police, then the D.C. Metropolitan police calling those officers who are African American the typical white nationalist racist slurs that it dawned on me the republican party had evolved into a party of white grievance dominated by white nationalists, including individual 1 – who on several occasions REFUSED to denounce these groups.

As I thought about all of this I could come to no other conclusion than my friend had chosen to associate himself with a racist CULT and that just seemed intolerable to me. We were conversing via more infrequent emails at that point and I just had to directly confront these issues – which, of course, led to a “falling out.” I think in my last email to him I simply said “You’ll never admit you’re wrong – you won’t repent” and I had gotten to the point where his positions were simply unacceptable. It was hard for me to understand how someone I NEVER would have accused of being racist could identify with a group which is OPENLY racist – and more and more as time has passed – as some republican leaders say – the INSURRECIONISTS were simply peaceful visitors to the Capitol! Yikes!

And, now individual 1 is brainwashing them to believe the “real insurrection” happened on the day of the election, not on January 6th, 2021. Another brazen “Big Lie” – but, it’s clear his “base” will go along with it just as they still believe he’s going to become “president” again once all these “fraudulent votes” get over ruled. (The Fraud I’ve heard of, so far, – and, by the way it’s infinitely RARE – are examples of several people attempting to vote TWICE for individual 1) So, I’m not conversing with my friend and don’t know if he’s still buying into this nonsense. If you’ve been around here, a few months ago I simply got to the point where I started referring to many of the members of individual 1’s CULT as “stupid” – a word I thought I’d never use in this “blog.”

That’s the backstory of what my thoughts were as I watched that documentary. I’ve gotten to the point where I just don’t want to converse with people I believe are aligning themselves with a white nationalist/supremacist agenda. And, sadly, that means I can’t have a thoughtful dialogue with MOST people who belong to the church I attend. Like when you bring up the subject of “racists” the ones I’ve broached that topic with respond as if offended “I’m not a racist.” Of course, to me, if you’re part of individual 1’s CULT you really are.

To be perfectly transparent, I understand that I’m a racist to some degree. I’ve enjoyed “white privilege” for decades having not a single thought about what it is. So, I realize the dialogue with those around me is important even if it’s totally uncomfortable. I think (certainly) one of my own shortcomings is I’ve become intolerant to people who I consider “uneducated” and don’t want to get “educated,” when, in reality I’m uneducated. The documentary I watched simply confirmed to me how uneducated I am. There’s so much of American “history” I don’t understand or even have an awareness it happened because it’s enormous and complicated.

It makes me long for the conversations, but with an agreement there can only be ONE set of facts – obviously there can be a multitude of ways of understanding those FACTS and interpreting them, but FACTS are FACTS. As I listened to some of the people interviewed in this documentary I thought a major problem in America today is that people seem to make up “facts” which are convenient to the way they already think. Or, they watch outlets like Fox “news,” or “Newsmax,” or they access other media outlets like Facebook, Twitter, Breitbart news, etc. etc. Sadly, it’s hard to argue with people who get their information from these sources. I still remember a study of a few years ago pointing out those who get their info from Fox “news” are the “least informed Americans, even more than those who access NO media outlets!” At some point these right wing propogandists must be outed for what they are.

Many of these people are pushing for another “civil war” – whatever that means. Some actually believe it will be like a “walk in the park” for the white nationalist/supremacist bunch to take over the government in our country – doing what with the “liberals” I have no idea. I think they actually believe those in the National Guard or, in more extreme circumstances, our military would not honor their obligation to “defend the constitution against all enemies foreign and DOMESTIC.” Yes, there are members of individual 1’s CULT in the military although many are being “weeded” out due to the Covid-19 vaccine mandate – those refusing are looking for a new job – just like many members of Police forces.

To those who refuse to get vaccinated I say GOOD RIDDANCE! By the time the “Delta Variant” is calmed down the number of Americans succumbing to the pandemic will be over 800.000 – enough already! NOT just another flu! I don’t want public service further exacerbating this virus. I do have to add the Police in so-called “liberal” Portland, Oregon seem to have a very high tolerance of the street thugs “The Proud Boys” who are often allowed to reek havoc in Portland’s streets with on Police presence. The “Proud Boys” were involved in the conspiracy to INVADE the Capitol on January 6th, 2021 and reports are they continue to scheme the next INSURRECTION. As I tell my son, these are HISTORICAL times and, as President Biden so aptly points out, “we’re in a fight for the soul of our nation.”

While I totally agree with that last statement – I have to add I’ve been saying that since well before individual 1 took office. Of course, there was Dick Cheney and the Bush/Cheney cabal who instigated the Fiasco’s in Afghanistan and Iraq – leading to the DEATHS of hundreds of THOUSANDS of people – mostly Iraq’s and Afghani’s and that was followed by the “Tea Party” – the initial OVERT racist “move” of the radical right into republicanism. Naturally, the traditional republicans have either been pushed out or into their cowering corners with a “base” composed of various white nationalist/supremacist groups including the KKK. Yikes!

This is exactly why it’s so discouraging someone like me can’t even have a dialogue that is serious with anyone who watches Fox or the other right wing propaganda outlets. The movie I watched made it clearer to me how serious the issue of white grievance is in this nation – serious in the South, but NOT only in the South. I know of at least two families who have MOVED from the (liberal) state I live in to right wing “RED” states to get away from all the “liberals.” I’ve been paying attention to politics since the days of Dwight Eisenhower and I’ve now witnessed the success of republicans to DIVIDE our nation’s populace like no other time in my lifetime.

When all is said and done, I believe it will be a real travesty if individual 1 and those who participated in the conspiracy which led to January 6th, 2021 are NOT held to account. When you think about the “Russia thing” – the involvement of Russia in making individual 1 into the head of the republican party – it’s not hard to imagine the glee in Moscow as they watch our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president make that “divide” even worse. And, of course, it’s – as always – race which is used to make things go even more “down hill.” Take for example the Governor’s race in Virginia – the republican candidate is using “dog whistles” to ensure individual 1’s supporters his “with them,” while pretending he wants nothing to do with our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president. That is – having it both ways. Will Virginia’s voters fall for this? We’ll see. Stay tuned!!

Final Thought: I ordered a book after watching the documentary on the Civil War which deals with many of the issues made clear in the movie. I look forward to reading it and, as usual, I’ll do a somewhat “book report” here once I finish it. Right now I’m reading “Peril” by Bob Woodward and Bob Costa about the last year of individual 1’s administration. It’s eye-opening although I have to say I just read a book, “I Alone Can Fix It” by Carol Leonnig and Philip Rucker and it confirms much of what is in “Peril.” I sincerely hope Merrick Garland reads one or both of these books if he’s still not INVESTIGATING those who INSTIGATED the INSURRECTION! I’m obviously a big fan of BOOKS! (Although ghost written right wing books full of LIES don’t appeal to me)

If you’ve been around here much you know I’ve been going after (verbally) the republican party for close to 15 years. And, I don’t feel any different right now. However, the issue is NOW whether or not democrats will be up to the ASSAULT on the fabric of our nation coming from the republican party. It’s almost as if, what is it you don’t understand? That would be my question to the democrats. Yes, it’s critical to get President Biden’s agenda passed, but I have to wonder if Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema aren’t helping to drag all this out so they don’t have to deal with the VOTING RIGHTS bills languishing in Congress which could BLOCK many of the RACIST policies being put into “practice” virtually every day by republicans.

Maybe you understand how partisan gerrymandering works – most of us don’t. But, here’s an egregious example which is happening as I’m typing this. In Texas the republican legislature has taken two or three districts which traditionally vote for candidates “of color” and combined parts of them – putting at least two long standing representatives from Texas NOW into the same district. They have “diluted” almost EVERY district of “majority minority” populace – despite the FACT Texas is almost 40% Latinx. This is RACIST “redistricting” in “plain sight.” And, of course, just as I’ve been pointing out republicans all across the country are flouting our laws with IMPUNITY, here’s another example. We will likely be depending on individual 1’s Supreme Court to rectify this WRONG and, I’m sure, I’m not the only person lacking confidence the Court will do so.

Then, how about all the members of “MAGA” who are THREATENING election workers, health care workers, teachers, School administrators, etc. with VIOLENCE. Why are we NOT hearing of these people making the THREATS – many via email or text or social media – being ARRESTED and prosecuted for these egregious activities. This is why I’m questioning our new Attorney General’s resolve to get all this OBVIOUS lawbreaking STOPPED. Remember, the AG is in charge of the entire Justice Department which would include the FBI and they have the tools to identify those who are making VIOLENT threats to various different public servants! Are these democrats AFRAID of individual 1 as well? How deep does this FEAR go?

As I always point out, there’s always more! Mid October is the “flash point” across many states and localities where there have been vaccine mandates becoming effective. My observation is one group which feels they can’t be “mandated” to do anything would be police officers. Many (thousands) are refusing to get vaccinated despite the FACT their job puts them in contact with “people” all the time AND the reality is TWO or THREE times as many officers in the past two years have died from Covid as opposed to from gun violence. This, to me, is a sign, (which I predicted months ago) that TOO many members of America’s police forces are sympathetic to the authoritarian scheme of our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president.

This is also an issue in our military. As far as I’m concerned “good riddance” to those who refuse to follow legally authorized MANDATES regarding the vaccines. I believe the military is already on the verge of PURGING many members who are refusing the vaccines and I believe the police departments should do so as well. Maybe this would be the way to “defund the police.” In Washington State, where I happen to live, around 125 members of the State Police have chosen to find a new job as opposed to taking the “jab.” Heck, the highest paid member of Washington State, the WSU football coach (and four of his assistants) chose to LOSE their jobs instead of getting vaccinated – like EVERYONE else involved in education in the state are required, and, again, I say “Good Riddance.” (FYI – I have two degrees from WSU – Washington State University)

Speaking of what appears to be Merrick Garland’s FEAR of individual 1’s base, we’ll soon see the depth of that FEAR when the House sends the CRIMINAL referral for Steve Bannon’s REFUSAL to answer a subpoena from the January 6th Select Committee to the Justice Department. Look, if you’ve been here at all you KNOW I believe individual 1 SHOULD have been ARRESTED for INSTIGATING (and conspiring to pull off) the INSURRECTION long ago. I’ve pointed out how I believe I could argue for his guilt without being an attorney – simply based on public knowledge. As the Select Committee proceeds it becomes more apparent the Justice Department is NOT even investigating all of this.

Yes, they’ve arrested something like 670 of the “sheep” who actually STORMED the Capitol that day, January 6th, 2021 (In case you’re a republican and trying to FORGET that date), but those who PLANNED the uprising, those who FINANCED the uprising, and those who INSTIGATED the uprising are walking around as if they have “no worries.” They SHOULD have MORE worries than whether or not they “might” answer a Congressional Subpoena. I’ve said this before, but it really reminds me of Abu Ghraib during the Iraq FIASCO where the “grunts” who carried out the “orders” to TORTURE Iraqi’s went to prison and those who AUTHORIZED the TORTURE of these Iraqi’s walked away “Scott Free.” Only in America!

Seriously, individual 1 had been GROOMING his CULT for months before January 6th, 2021 to believe his LIES the election was “rigged.” To suggest he didn’t step over some lines of ILLEGALITY, to me, is ABSURD. I mean, if you listened to his call to Georgia’s Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, the ABSURDITY of our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president walking around free and suggesting another “run” for the “White House” seems ridiculous on its face. For heaven’s sake, he was urging his CULT to be in Washington DC on January 6th, 2021 for weeks saying it would be “WILD.” Steve Bannon was MORE “out there” in encouraging the ASSAULT, but he was consulting with individual 1 right up to the 6th. And, there’s many others who SHOULD be paying lawyers right now regarding their part in what seems obvious was a CONSPIRACY to overthrow our elected government!

As all of this unfolds – as I’m writing this individual 1 is, as usual, attempting to “drag things out” by filing a FRIVOLOUS lawsuit alleging the Congress has no right to investigate January 6th, 2021, I keep coming back to where is Merrick Garland? Why is it left up to the Select Committee to investigate what took place on January 6th, 2021? This Committee is kind of “under the gun” to come to a conclusion by the end of 2022 in case republicans retake control of the House as many “pundits” are predicting. There would be no such “timeframe” for the Justice Department yet they seem to be leaving the “ball” in the Select Committee’s “court.” To me, that’s bordering on absurd and it suggests timidity or FEAR in the mind of AG Garland.

I can’t believe I’m going to say this: I’ve come to really admire Liz Cheney. You could check the archives of this site to confirm, in the past, I’ve written many DAMNING “rants” directed straight at her father Dick Cheney. There is little Ms. Cheney has voted FOR in her time as a member of the House I agreed with – until IMPEACHMENT #2 she was in leadership on the republican side – but I can imagine having a discussion with her regarding my differences with her voting record. That being said it’s not often you run into American politicians willing to risk their careers for a principle stand. Ms. Cheney, along with Adam Kinzinger, are two republicans speaking TRUTH to power right now and, to me, it’s impressive.

There were other republicans who had the guts to vote for individual 1’s SECOND impeachment, including my representative Jaimie Herrera-Beutler. However, since her vote for impeachment Ms. Beutler, along with MOST of the other republicans voting to IMPEACH, has shown NO courage to follow up with some of the HARD positions both Ms. Cheney and Mr. Kinzinger have PUBLICLY taken. After listening to Ms. Beutler make her vote to IMPEACH I thought “I’ll be voting for a republican.” However, when Ms. Beutler then failed to DEFEND Ms. Cheney when she was STRIPPED of her leadership position I was taken aback and her shuttle back into the CULT has put me off from the idea of voting for her. She is more concerned with re-election than standing on the side of the TRUTH – which could be right next to both Ms. Cheney and Mr. Kinzinger. – that position essentially encompasses the ENTIRE republican party.

I’ll end this by saying “please AG Garland don’t cause “we the people” to rely on the Select House Committee to solve the 1/6 INSURRECTION! The more the TRUTH comes out the MORE “we the people” realize the magnitude of the ASSAULT on the fundamental values of this nation – which have taken over 240 years to evolve. Individual 1 is defining what his administration meant when Steve Bannon, early on, admitted the goal: “Deconstruct the administrative state.” And, the OPEN level of corruption via individual 1, Mr. Bannon, and, it appears, many others who were involved in the INSURRECTION puts the “onus” on our Justice Department. In my view, if they fail to hold CLEAR lawbreaking, especially of this magnitude, to go unchallenged I believe either individual 1, or a republican who follows the same “playbook,” will succeed in an INSURRECTION (likely one which will succeed via the state level voter suppression encroaching on America as I’m writing this) Stay tuned……………….

Final Thought: Several months ago I started noticing Kyrsten Sinema hanging out with republicans like, for example, John Cornyn of Texas. Reports have surfaced recently of where MUCH of the campaign “contributions” to Ms. Sinema are coming from and it’s more than alarming. For starters, she’s recently received MAXIMUM donations from a “bevy” of long time republican donors – many affiliated with either the Pharmaceutical industry or the Finance industry. In addition, something in the neighborhood of 90% of the “contributions” coming in to her campaign are coming from “out of state.”

This all is on top of recent reports Ms. Sinema was in EUROPE recently seeking donations while the rest of the democratic members of the Senate were working to come to some kind of agreement on the “Build Back Better” plan of President Biden. Think about this: with a 50/50 “split” in the Senate all republicans needed to accomplish was to get ONE democrat to come along side with them – and, it appears they’ve succeeded in doing this with Ms. Sinema.

Naturally, Joe Manchin is still a MAJOR problem, but it appears to me Ms. Sinema may be the most critical one. Let’s hope democrats can come together to produce a truly historic bill!