Projection: Is the process of displacing one’s feelings onto a different person, animal, or object. The term is most commonly used to describe defensive projection—attributing one’s own unacceptable urges to another. For example, if someone continuously bullies and ridicules a peer about his insecurities, the bully might be projecting his own struggle with self-esteem onto the other person. (From “Psychology Today”)

I start this rant with the aforementioned definition because the more I read about individual 1 the more obvious he is a pathological LIAR and “lives” in a world of projection. For example, if he’s accusing someone (example: Joe Biden) of doing something – he’s doing it himself. Presently, I’m reading “Only I Can Fix It” by Carol Leonnig and Philip Rucker – the book focuses on the disastrous final year of individual 1’s time in the “White House.” During this “disastrous” year, our TWICE IMPEACED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president continually puts his own shortcomings on Biden and others who might challenge him.

Of course, as I often mention, there’s always more. I believe one reason for this constant projection is the demented personality individual 1 “perfected” over the course of his lifetime – likely taught to him by his father – where admitting ANY mistakes is IMPOSSIBLE because, to him, that’s a sign of “weakness.” You often hear him refer to others as “weak” when, in reality, just like the schoolyard BULLY he’s the one who was/is “weak.” He was CONSTANTLY making MISTAKES during the campaign and, despite people close to him pointing out some of these mistakes, he would ignore their suggestions and “double down.”

Individual 1 is the classic example of the person “born with a silver spoon” as he inherited, by most accounts, over $500 MILLION from his papa who regularly bailed him out of some of his disastrous decisions as a young man. (Like, for example, his Casino project in Atlantic City – the “Taj Mahal”) He’s BULLIED banks to actually forgive some of the DEBT he clearly owes – which should make the next year interesting as a reported $600 MILLION of “personal debt” is coming due. (Watch for some of his properties to be “on the market”) The reason I point all this out is to give a snipit of what has led him to become a pathological LIAR and so demented that he seems to be constantly PROJECTING his weakness onto others.

In one of my recent posts I defined fascism and pointed out how many people throw words like that around with no regard to their meaning. Individual 1 has predicted our nation’s government will become a “fascist” government under Joe Biden – this after his right wing authoritarian sycophants stormed our nation’s Capitol on January 6th, 2021 in an attempt to overthrow our nation’s democratic republic by throwing out the outcome of the November election – where individual 1 LOST by almost 8 MILLION votes. Of course, many of those votes came from “people of color” and a significant portion of them voted for Biden. Individual 1’s challenge to the election was racism and fascism “in plain sight.” Sadly, much of our nation’s so-called “liberal media” don’t want to talk about this – while the INSTIGATORS have been very busy attempting to change the “rules” of future elections to ENSURE they get the outcome they desire – even when they LOSE.

What catches my attention as I attempt to take in as much of the national “discourse” as I’m able to stomach is the constant PROJECTION of those on the right as they accuse democrats of super-charged “words” like “Socialists,” “Communists,” and, of course, “Fascists.” Well, I would never accuse the right wing, white nationalists in America of being either “Socialists,” or “Communists,” but when they suggest people like me are “fascists” it’s clear they’re assuming their “base” doesn’t understand “projection.” For example, the constant “drumbeat” by our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president to have his “enemies” – ie Barack Obama, Joe Biden, James Comey, James Clapper, etc. etc. JAILED because of their “corruption” was the epitome of PROJECTION!

Individual 1 is the MOST corrupt (so-called) president in American history to live in the “White House” calling those above mentioned above of “corruption.” I believe, as MORE evidence comes out, seemingly each week, we’ll all see even MORE examples of his CORRUPTION which was ongoing well before he moved into the “White House.” The INSURRECTION was a prime example of his CORRUPTION – where he attempted to overturn the “will of the people” right in plain sight. As I’ve written, so far it appears Attorney General Merrick Garland is AFRAID to INDICT our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president for CRIMES which one of us “common folk” would have been in court long ago.

Not only the INSURRECTION, but the “Russia thing” where Robert Mueller “memorialized” TEN instances of OBSTRUCTION of Justice so that once out of office and no longer protected by the OLC memo stating a “sitting president may not be indicted” – a memo honored by Mr. Mueller despite the CLEAR evidence of CRIMES being committed as individual 1 attempted to “knee cap” Mueller’s investigation – which, when you read about it from the principles, he succeeded (with the help of William Barr) (Here’s another thing: individual 1 seems to understand his legal vulnerability to in true form – in this case DEFLECTION – he’s grooming his thoughtless “base” to believe the “real” insurrection was the election itself – not January 6th, 2021. What a LIAR!!!)

Here’s some examples of individual 1’s PROJECTION from “I Alone Can Fix It:” On October 16 at a rally in Macon, Georgia he said: “The Biden family is a criminal enterprise” (Of course, individual 1’s family operates a criminal enterprise) He then adds, “Sleepy Joe Biden is the living embodiment of the corrupt political class that enriched himself while draining the economic life and soul from our country.” (OMG – that’s individual 1 himself! Couldn’t be put any better!) One more example from October of 2020 while in North Carolina and attacking the media: “You know you turn onto this ‘MSDNC’ and fake news CNNN, all you hear is, ‘COVID, COVID, COVID, COVID, COVID, COVID, COVID, COVID, COVID, COVID, COVID.” That’s all they put on, because they want to scare the hell out of everyone.” (Suggesting MSNBC was part of the “DNC” – when Fox “news” – i.e. individual 1’s “home base” which was (and is still) flooding their “base” with “alternative facts.” I bit more subtle example of PROJECTION. In this case calling the REAL news “fake” and the implying the FAKE “news” to be real. It goes on and on!

The PROJECTION continues “hot and heavy” to this day. Individual 1 is using this “strategy” in a poorly disguised attempt to keep Merrick Garland from taking the OBVIOUS step of INDICTING our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president for INCITING the INSURRECTION on January 6th, 2021. Yes, it’s true, when individual 1 is FINALLY indicted, his white nationalist base while recoil in a major BACKLASH – but, so be it! It’s either step up and show the COURAGE to defend the constitution and prove we ARE a “nation of laws and not men” or allow this right wing cabal subvert the very republic which has withstood what outwardly looks worse – ie Hitler during WW II – but could, invariably, result in an identical disaster to our “democracy.” I’ve said this several times, but, where is Merrick Garland? Why are right wing lawbreakers still walking free? (And, of course, that includes individual 1)

Final Thought: Again, today, I was listening to one of the commentators on MSNBC refer to the so-called “Build Back Better” plan of President Biden as a “massive” expenditure – which is how it seems because of its $3.5 TRILLION price tag (the “reconciliation” part of the “infrastructure” plan – and, I have to add, this is what “galls” me. There are about 1% of Congressional Democrats threatening to block this proposal – which is aimed at making America more competitive vs. the rest of the world going forward – complaining about the price. Keep in mind this bill’s “price tag” is spread across TEN years – so, in reality, it’s about $350 BILLION a year. Yes, that’s still a lot of money, but, keep in mind, virtually ALL these “balking” democrats, just a few weeks ago, voted to APPROVE the defense appropriation of OVER $700 BILLION for JUST the next year.

Yep, that’s correct, the “reconciliation” bill which is SORELY needed to keep America from falling FARTHER behind the Chinese and other forward thinking nations is less than HALF of this year’s defense budget which surpasses the defense spending of about the next ten highest spending nation’s in the world – COMBINED! And, have you heard a “peep” out of our so-called “liberal media” about the MASSIVE defense appropriation bill? How about “crickets.” And, EVERY one of the so-called “moderate” democrats balking at the “huge” spending in the infrastructure plan – wanting it to be paid for WITHOUT raising taxes ???? (let that one sink in, Joe Manchin) This is the absurdity which seems to be what you’d refer to as “only in America.”

And, as I’ve been saying so often of late, there’s always more. It appears Joe Manchin is willing to “accept” $150 BILLION in spending each year for the next 10 years (as we fall farther and farther behind the Chinese in the fight against Climate change) with the caveat there can be no restrictions against “coal, oil, and gas” subsidies. What Manchin doesn’t like made public is he owns, reportedly, a $5 MILLION stake in a coal company, which he “gifted” to his son years ago. This is discouraging, because it appears Manchin really will torpedo this much needed legislation, potentially, by himself.

However, former “liberal” Kyrsten Sinema is the other “democratic” Senator who is “balking” at the proposed legislation. In Sinema’s case, she also appear to be relishing being in the spotlight by being one of the two holdouts. However, in her case, there is universal “understanding” they don’t “understand” what her issues are – although, apparently, the price tag is what, at least in my case, we’ve heard she’s objecting to. But, what in the bill does she oppose? So far, at least publicly, that continues to be a mystery. It will be a shame if these two Senators torpedo Biden’s agenda and, if they do so, how will “we the people” respond? Will progressives flock to the polls for the third straight election to vote out republicans and replace them with progressives? Most pundits don’t believe that will happen.

There are twice as many republican Senators up for re-election than democrats – which includes several seats where republicans have “retired” – so, “we the people” have the opportunity to take this POWER away from both Manchin and Sinema – both of who are up for re-election in 2024 – by voting in MORE democrats to the Senate. Plus, in the face of partisan gerrymandering in places like Texas, pundits believe republicans will retake the HOUSE in 2022. Will, “we the people” allow this? Or will we “flock” to the polls in record numbers once again? Trust me, this ASSAULT on America will require progressives to VOTE in every election for the foreseeable future. But, will it happen? Stay tuned…………….

I’ve said this several times by now, but what is Merrick Garland waiting for regarding holding individual 1 to account for his BRAZEN and arrogant disregard for our system of laws. He continues to STOKE the right wing TERRORISTS who make up the core of the republican base – a group of THUGS who don’t hesitate to make death threats against anyone who might make an unkind comment about their fuhrer. (Fortunately for me, I’m simply floating around in cyberspace mostly unnoticed) Despite the FACT he’s been banned from “Twitter” and, apparently, for a period of time, from “Facebook” – two stalwarts of “Social Media” which I consider the “tools” which the anti-government faction in America use to stoke what amounts to radicalizing people in the same way groups like Al Qaeda and ISIS operate, individual 1 continues LYING to his base and walking around “free.”

You have to give individual 1 credit for creating, certainly in my lifetime, the “mother” of all personality CULTS. Everytime I think about an acquaintance of mine who became entrenched in the CULT suggesting the republican party under individual 1 is “Conservative and Christian” I can do nothing but shudder. I’m a Christian and I have to say it was really offensive to me watching INSURRECTIONISTS breaking into the nation’s Capitol Building on January 6th, 2021 chanting “Thank you Jesus.” All of this reminds me of reading about the Third Reich and the takeover of Germany by Adolf Hitler back in the early 1930’s with a base of “Conservative Christians.” An eye opening book was the biography of Deidrick Bonhoeffer by Eric Metaxas.

So, why is individual 1 still sending out his BRAZEN LIES from Mar a Lago instead of from behind bars? Here’s the deal; Michael Cohen went to jail for paying HUSH MONEY for our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president who has yet to be called to account for “directing” the payments – preventing “we the people” from knowing about his illicit affairs (yes, two of them) which happened while his (now) wife was bearing his final son. A one off? Not on your life! There are now OVER 600 INSURRECTIONISTS facing varying levels of jail time – from a few months to many years – because they did what individual 1 INCITED them to do on January 6th, 2021. Why are they in jail and the man who told them to “Go to the Capitol and fight like HELL or you won’t have a country anymore” still roaming around as a free man?

Of course, I can’t leave off the OTHER acts of ILLEGAL behavior as individual 1 stoked the claim the “election was stolen” – openly, for example, calling the Georgia Secretary of State and threatening him while, at the same time, asking him to “just find 11,780 votes which is one more than we have” (actually, a strange way to put it). How do we know he did this? Well, Brad Raffensperger fully understood individual 1’s tendency to LIE so he recorded the call and decided to publish it if individual 1 LIED about his ILLEGAL behavior. So, we ALL know what was said in a phone call which lasted MORE than an hour. The DA of Fulton County, Georgia, reportedly is at the Grand Jury stage of her “investigation.” What SHOULD be done is obvious, but it appears individual 1 has our law enforcement officers as intimidated as the republicans who continue to cower from their OBLIGATION to their oath to the constitution because of their FEAR of the right wing core of the republican base.

I suppose, maybe as I’m writing this, Attorney General Garland is considering how individual 1’s base will respond if our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president is indicted. It appears to me, not only SHOULD individual 1 be indicted for INCITING the crowd which stormed the Capitol on January 6th, 2021 but also on the podium at the Ellipse that day was individual 1 Jr., Rep. Mo Brooks, Rudy Giuliani, and, likely in the “shadows” Steve Bannon. Shouldn’t these people be held accountable for their words encouraging the attack on our Capitol? Even suggesting the overthrow of our elected government is SEDITION! When the “suggesting” (Brooks famously said when the MOB reached the Capitol “Take names and Kick Ass.”) INSTIGATORS motivate their audience to actually ACT on their words, well, that then is – for sure, from my reading of the law – SEDITION. If you don’t know, that’s a SERIOUS crime calling for a 20 year sentence if found GUILTY. All of these people should get the opportunity to defend themselves in court.

Tomorrow, as I’m writing this, is the date where the so-called “MAGA” crowd will descend on Washington DC in a protest of the FBI and Justice Department holding the “MAGA” sycophants who stormed the Capitol to account. They’re now referring to these SEDITIONISTS as “patriots” – at the urging of none other than their fuhrer. Of course that would be what individual 1 would be doing as he’s clearly attempting to mitigate his own role in the INSURRECTION. He’s pretty STUPID, but not so stupid as to fail to realize his “future” very well could be at the “mercy” of Mr. Garland. Keep in mind, there are still the 10 instances of OBSTRUCTION of Justice “memorialized” by Robert Mueller in case a future prosecutor (Merrick Garland gets the honor by default) decides to follow through on the Mueller investigation.

Individual 1 is no longer protected from indictment by the OLC memo written after the Watergate scandal back in the 1970’s. That memo has left many Americans, including myself, to wonder whether there really are Americans who are “above the law.” Keep in mind, I’ve been pointing out since our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president began his conspiracy to promote the so-called “Big Lie” that the election was “stolen,” that the TRUTH is going to come out – likely “drip by drip.” Well, it’s gotten to the point where it’s no longer “drip by drip,” but, instead, there’s a RUSH of EVIDENCE coming out which corroborates what those of us who’ve been calling for individual 1 (and, his co-conspirators) to be INDICTED. I just told my son I’m having trouble reading the books quick enough.

I recognize I’m possibly even more focused on wanting accountability for individual 1 as I was back in the days of Watergate for Richard Nixon – who, compared to our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president seems a “saint” – but, the reality is this time in America will be HISTORIC for more reasons than whether or not “we the people” fend off this republican assault on our nation. For example, I wish I could meet personally with the democrats who are BLOCKING the passage of Joe Biden’s agenda. Well, now that I think about it, those democrats are the ones who could be putting their names in the History books in the same paragraph as the MAGA crowd.

As the TRUTH about what led to the INSURRECTION becomes clearer and clearer “we the people” will be staring at some stark realities right in the “face.” Did democrats get Biden’s “Build Back Better” agenda passed? Did they counter the republican Voter Suppression assault on, mainly, the voters who – OK, it’s no secret – tend to vote democratically – like the so-called “people of color.” (Of course, it goes well beyond that) Did they prevent the government from defaulting on its debt – $7 TRILLION of which came during individual 1’s LONG four years in the “White House?” Was there another government “shutdown” which republicans will blame on democrats – but, happened because they filibustered the vote? Will the so-called “liberal media” continue to allow the “right” to spread LIE after LIE without exposing why they continue to do so? These really are HISTORICAL times. Stay tuned……………..

Final Thought: As I returned to this rant – I actually have published another one which was started much later – the “rally” I mentioned above which happened on September 18th, 2021 in support of the INSURRECTIONISTS of January 6th, 2021 – drew a couple hundred “protesters” who believe the INSURRECTIONISTS are, instead, “patriots.” Yikes! I keep coming back to my belief the FIRST step in the “healing” of America will be the ARREST of individual 1 for instigating the INSURRECTION along with the others who conspired with him in the attempt to overthrow the “free and fair” election which he LOST (badly, by the way – over 7 MILLION more votes for Joe Biden).

Yes, that will cause a (likely) violent reaction from those who frequent Stormfront.com, The Daily Stormer, Fox “news,” “Newsmax,” etc, etc, The MORE “drip, drip, drip” of the TRUTH comes out it’s becoming clearer there should be SEVERAL people ARRESTED for planning and INSTIGATING the attempted INSURRECTION. Remember, Sedition is a crime which doesn’t require you to succeed – in fact, had individual 1 succeeded in overthrowing the 2020 election and attempting to remain in POWER the issue would be much more SERIOUS than sedition. It would be the same OFFENSE as the reason all the Confederate statues have recently come down – those people were TRAITORS and individual 1 and his sycophants are falling into that same category.

It’s another day and I SHOULD post this rant today, but I have to add: The backlash I often talk about from individual 1’s cult is happening in real time – again, drip, drip, drip. Here’s where it’s getting really ugly: members of the CULT are doing the “traditional” “Tea Party” thing – only, instead of at Congressional Town Halls, they’re storming and shouting down school board meetings and meetings held by public health officials – going beyond the SHOUTING! Because, in my view, of the reticence of our Justice Department to enforce our existing laws in regard to our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president – acting as if they’re afraid of his “base” – seems to be encouraging more and more of them to THREATEN and ASSAULT members of school boards who believe students should be wearing masks and, likewise, for public health officials.

These public servants are hearing people shout at them “we know where you live” as they point in a threatening manner at their faces. Personally, I’m getting sick of these people. I’ve said I’m a Christian and I had to repent after going to the local Kroger store – which, by the way, I was told by a manager that “corporate” was unwilling to enforce the local mask mandate (actually, it’s a state mandate) – at the store I found myself getting angry at the number of people refusing to wear masks, even though there’s a sign at the entrance telling them “masks are required.”

These people who refuse to abide by the state mandate remind me of the oppositional children I taught when I was still a 6th grade teacher. I guess, yesterday, I had had enough, so I said to one of them, “you’re supposed to be wearing a mask” (I thought I’d do what the store manager was refusing to do) and he replied, “yeah, OK,” and continued putting stuff in his cart. I said, “I’ve got more masks in my car if you need one.” He said, “This conversation is over,” to which I relied, “You’re an effing dick!” It just came out and, as I walked away I quietly asked for forgiveness. In reality, there were fifteen “dicks” in the store I could see in my short time there and I told the manager (I actually asked to speak to him) it’s just going to be getting worse because the “word” will spread and more (dicks – I didn’t use that word to him) will be showing up every day. The people most threatened by this behavior are the people working in the store – who I consider the “frontline workers.” NONE of them, who I talked to, are happy about the store policy – which kind of explains the sign in front, “we’re hiring.” Go figure…………………

Until our Justice Department starts stopping this disregard for our “nation of laws and not men” by starting at the top, this INFECTION in our country will continue to metastasize. Every day there is MORE evidence about 30% of America have no regard for the aforementioned “laws” and feel empowered to threaten public officials all the way from school board members to anyone who speaks “truth to power” in regard to our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president. This group of seditionists feel empowered to use VIOLENCE or threats thereof to get their way – despite the FACT they are a significant MINORITY of this nation. It reminds me of an American version of APARTHEID. (As I’ve said many time, the parallels with 1930’s Germany are STARK!

In an attempt for clarity here are some definitions: (From Miriam Webster)

Conservative:  tending or disposed to maintain existing views, conditions, or institutions : TRADITIONAL conservative policies:  marked by moderation or caution, conservative estimate; marked by or relating to traditional norms of taste, elegance, style, or manners.

Neo-Nazi: a person who belongs to a group that believes in the ideas and policies of Hitler’s Nazis and that sometimes commits violent acts.

Fascism: a political philosophy, movement, or regime (such as that of the Fascisti) that exalts nation and often race above the individual and that stands for a centralized autocratic government headed by a dictatorial leader, severe economic and social regimentation, and forcible suppression of opposition.

Sedition: is overt conduct, such as speech and organization, that tends toward rebellion against the established order. Sedition often includes subversion of a constitution and incitement of discontent toward, or insurrection against, established authority. (Oh yes, in America, it’s AGAINST the LAW with a sentence of 20 years if found GUILTY)

These terms get thrown around without regard for their actual meaning, including by our so-called “liberal media” and this, in my view, is a founding cause for the divisive politics which now permeates America. I could have put the term “Christian” in that same vein, but I’ll leave that for your imagination. I bring that up because I still know “republicans” who claim their party is “Christian and conservative.” They claim to be “pro-life” and in one of the great ironies, so far, of the 21st century, you have “republicans” who are scheming to control the bodies of American women claiming, in their fight against vaccine mandates, “my body my choice” in their refusal to abide by ANY of these proposed “mandates.” Let that sink in!

As I’ve stated here MANY times, I’m not a proponent of abortion, I simply don’t believe it’s my “call” to tell a woman how she can handle her body. And, if the teachings of the Bible are correct, then any consequence of that decision rests with that woman. (I’ve suggested in the past if the MAN involved in an unwanted pregnancy was forced to pay a fine of – let’s use the figure from the recent Texas abortion restriction – $10,000 for causing that pregnancy, I believe you’d see this issue change dramatically, but, I digress – actually, the more I think about it, let’s make it $20,000)

Soon, the death toll in America from the “novel” coronavirus (SARS-Cov-2 – ie Covid-19) will surpass 700,000 – likely by the time I publish this rant – and, for the past five or so months OVER 90% of the deaths are from people unvaccinated who had the opportunity to get the vaccine FOR FREE. Instead, many of them are consuming the ANIMAL dewormer, Ivermectin, which they have to either buy it from a feed store or find a doctor who’ll prescribe it despite the research which says not only does it NOT prevent Covid-19, but it very likely will poison you for taking it! (Instead of the FREE “jab” which has been proven to prevent a great MAJORITY of severe cases of Covid even IF you’re one of those who gets a “breakthrough” infection (a VERY small minority of those who’ve been FULLY vaccinated – I got my second dose of the Pfizer vaccine in early March with absolutely NO side effects)

Anyway, if you’re a republican, you’re expected to oppose abortion and OPPOSE the vaccine – “my body my choice.” (And, anything else Fox “news” TELLS you to oppose) Talk about wanting it “both ways.” However, the real “kicker” in all this, to me, gets back to my definitions above. I personally don’t see ANYTHING resembling “conservative” in the “present day” republican party and, in addition, I don’t see anything resembling “Christianity” in the rank and file behavior of those claiming to be republicans. As I’ve stated, also, many times here, I see a stark parallel to America’s so-called “Christian right” and the “Christian right” which made up the “base” of supporters for the Third Reich back in 1930’s Germany (more on that below).

When you read the definitions of “neo-Nazi’s” and “fascism,” terms of classic PROJECTION of republicans thrown aimlessly at democrats, you can see a clear parallel to where individual 1 and his prominent supporters (Mike Flynn, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Matt Gaetz, Jim Jordan, Steve Bannon, Paul Gosar, Mo Brooks, and others) are attempting to take “we the people.” The “America First” campaign was classic “nationalism,” the racist memes and “dog whistles” coming “fast and furious” from these “republicans” are classic fascist signs, and the attack on traditional institutions and values fully demonstrates these people are NOT “conservatives.” (Steve Bannon, while still part of individual 1’s administration famously was quoted as saying their “number one goal is deconstruction the administrative state.” That’s not the words of a “conservative!”

But, as usual, there’s ALWAYS more! And, on this next one, which I’ve been harping at for the past three plus years, I really don’t understand why our “liberal media” doesn’t just come out and “educate” all of America’s “uneducated voters” (and, many of her “educated” ones) that the LYING which permeates the republican party is part of a scheme which they “adopted” from the Third Reich (OK, Hitler himself) called the “Big Lie theory.” Yes, they’re referring to individual 1’s claim the “election was stolen” as the “Big Lie,” but what about the THOUSANDS of other LIES? What about all the recent LIES? Why do republicans, in unison, repeat their LIES over and over?

And, of course, “two siding” the issue of politicians “LYING” is ridiculous. The democrats don’t hold a “candle” to the LYING of the republicans – I don’t know, maybe because they’re not organized enough, or, just maybe, because the democratic party is not composed of a bunch of FASCISTS. Now, are all republicans “fascists?” Of course not. But, on the other hand, if you believe that, well, THEN you have to BELIEVE the party is made up of a BUNCH of cowards! I’ve always accused democrats for being either passive or being spineless, but they’ve got NOTHING on the republicans in Congress who KNOW BETTER but continue to support individual 1 with their COWARDLY silence. (And, keep in mind, Mitch McConnell – i.e. “Moscow Mitch” – is just a different version of the same “animal.” He’s just WAY more sly and sleezy than individual 1 and some of his disgusting sycophants – either way, willing to sell out America for the sake of POWER!)

And, speaking of fascists and, well, Steve Bannon, today marked the German elections where Angela Merkel is being replaced after 16 years. And, true to form, just as he did with individual 1 back in 2016 with his neo-Nazi base, Bannon has his “tentacles” in Germany pushing the right wing neo-Nazi movement there – and presumably in other countries in Western Europe. If you remember, another of the “white nationalist” “neo-Nazi” types in America’s media, Tucker Carlson, spent a week in Budapest kissing up to Viktor Orban, who, I believe meets the definition of a “fascist.” However, I read recently an article in the “Bulwark” which argued he’s NOT a fascist but a “Kleptocrat.”

So, in the name of “definitions:” A “Kleptocrat” is one who runs “a government characterized by rampant greed and corruption.” To me, when you look at Orban’s history as the RULER of Hungary it’s a “fine line” to call him a “Kleptocrat” as opposed to a fascist. Personally, I believe the “Miriam Webster” definition of fascist is pretty much met by Mr. Orban. There’s a reason why Carlson spent a week there broadcasting his show to America’s “suckers” in the Fox “news” viewing audience and there’s a reason why the white nationalists in America tune into Carlson’s show on a regular basis. Here’s the deal: The white nationalists/neo-Nazi’s/fascists in America are part of a “movement” which permeates the various borders of Western “democracies.”

People I know who consider themselves part of individual 1’s CULT have openly said to me, “I hate democracy.” I know at least a couple of them who would support a “race war” with the hope it would lead to another “civil war.” OK, you’re wondering where I’m going with this semi “history lesson.” I’ll get back to my long held belief democrats are “spineless.” Now, I do have to say, there are a few “young” democratic members of the House who I believe have GUTS, but, at the top, this still appears to be a problem. And, let me give you my PRIME example: Merrick Garland!

It’s true Mr. Garland SHOULD be a member of the Supreme Court, and had his appointment been confirmed, I believe there would be much less belief the Court is made up of a group of right wing political HACKS! However, Mr. Garland finds himself as the Attorney General at a time in American History which calls for someone with the COURAGE to meet the challenge of the time. And, first and foremost in that challenge, of course, would be holding our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president to account. How would he do this? Well, let me count the ways! OK, I don’t have enough fingers. But, for starters, our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president continues to find ways to “broadcast” to his CULT the so-called “Big Lie” the 2020 election was stolen.

That’s not helping anything – especially when any American who’s been paying attention to REALITY understands individual 1 SHOULD be under investigation by the Justice Department for INSTIGATING the INSURRECTION of January 6th, 2020, Now, I’m no lawyer, but I believe, with simply the EVIDENCE which is NOW part of the public record I could argue to a JURY why he’s GUILTY of SEDITION and get a conviction. I believe our Attorney General is NOT acting because he FEARS the backlash! (SHOULD I use the term “spineless?”) To me, that SHOULD have NOTHING to do with whether a former president – especially a TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president – is INDICTED for illegal activity – especially an attempted coup d’etat!

Of course, as I said above, there’s ALWAYS more! How about the TEN instances of OBSTRUCTION of Justice “memorialized” by Robert Mueller in his report on the “Russia Investigation” where, when asked during his Congressional testimony if individual 1 could be prosecuted after leaving office? His ONE word answer, was “YES!” That’s not enough for you? Well, why do you think I refer to him as “individual 1.” He was the “unindicted co-conspirator” in the Campaign finance FELONY which helped send Michael Cohen to prison for three years. Shouldn’t he face accountability for that? Is he actually “above the law” as he clearly believes?

We KNOW his buddy Vladimir Putin will claim a double standard should individual 1 be indicted, but WHO the hell CARES? Let Putin face the music in his own country as his MOB behavior becomes more understood by the Russian people while he continues to rob them of all the GREAT Russian natural resources – mainly OIL and GAS – from which he’s created his incredible WEALTH (and, likewise, to his inner circle of political sycophants and “oligarchs”)

As OIL becomes less and less valuable, the Russian economy is likely to continue to suffer. Yes, Putin’s opponents end up in jail (gulags), but to compare what he does with what we do (or SHOULD do) couldn’t be MORE opposite. In fact, I believe Putin is behind much of the divide created since individual 1 announced his candidacy back in 2015 with the Russian “Active Measures” campaign – along with what’s happening also in Western Europe. In addition, (as an aside) at some point I believe “we the people” will FULLY understand the “collusion” which helped individual 1 “win” the “White House” in the first place.

Lest I forget, there’s also the issue of individual 1 clearly attempting VOTER FRAUD by trying to intimidate various government officials around the country to overturn their 2020 election results – prior to his last gasp effort to BLOCK the certification of the Electoral College votes on January 6th, 2021 by INSTIGATING the INSURRECTION. As MORE and MORE information becomes public Mr. Garland is going to be looking very “spineless” unless there’s an investigation going on which “we the people” don’t know about. (Seems as if it’s pretty hard to keep something like that a “secret.” For example, take the investigation of Matt Gaetz. It appears there’s a plethora of EVIDENCE connecting him to a sex trafficking ring, among other allegations and, yet, he’s still walking around “free” while spouting clearly fascist BS. But. the existence of an investigation is public knowledge)

I’m not sure who I’m the most fed up with here? The republicans who are clearly attempting to turn America into a version of what Karl Rove referred to as the “permanent republican ‘majority'” back when he worked for GW Bush – Of course, today’s republicans are taking it much farther than anyone could have imagined back when Rove first “coined” the phrase. Or the members of the Justice Department who seem to be “crickets” as more and more EVIDENCE makes it clear there was a CONSPIRACY to commit SEDITION on January 6th, 2021.

The number of republicans with NO spine makes the democrats look like the reincarnation of a bunch of Audie Murphy’s. I keep wondering, what on earth are they afraid of? Well, the likely answer is all the death threats they’ll receive from the white nationalists who identify with republicans because of individual 1. Honestly, I can’t imagine why anyone, other than an overt racist, would allow themselves to be associated with that “bunch?” That being said, is AG Garland’s Justice Department living in FEAR of the same dynamic? This is the greatest threat to our government in my lifetime.

Where does the solution to this national “threat” lie? Well, sadly, we keep coming back to Attorney General Garland. And, if he’s got some slow moving investigation going, in my view, he needs to speed it up. What more does he need for “probable cause?” Five people DIED in the INSURRECTION, more died soon thereafter (Capitol Police officers committing suicide after the experience) and MILLIONS worth of DAMAGE done to the Capitol Building. This thing was planned ahead of time and individual 1 was the PLANNER. There’s NO way the 600+ INSURRECTIONISTS charged, so far, should bear the BRUNT of that seditionist attack on the “heart” of our democratic republic with extended jail times. It really is time for Attorney General Garland to INDICT individual 1 and allow him to defend himself from a charge of SEDITION! (I added the definition of Sedition above to alleviate any possible confusion)

Final Thought: I follow the statistics on the “pandemic” pretty closely on “Worldometer.info” and it’s becoming very interesting as we’re getting closer to the 700,000 number of Deaths attributed to the virus. (Clearly, the number is much higher) I’ve been pointing out the CHEATING going on in many republican led states for over a year now – when you follow this daily it becomes obvious. To me, the worst offender will likely be the republican nominee for president in 2024 should Mr. Garland do what he SHOULD as explained above. Without individual 1 “mucking up” the republican field the “front runner” would be none other than Ron DeSantis – who appears to be making his case by being the WORST governor in the nation regarding his fundamental job – ie “keeping Floridians safe.”

And, to me, making matters worse – but, likely in the eyes of the republican “base” making things better – he’s been CHEATING on the statistics repeatedly. Florida’s reports to “Worldometer.info” – or wherever they get their data – each day suggests around 3 – 5 Floridians are DYING from the virus when, in actuality, other places who are less public but actually collect the REAL data have been saying over 300 Floridians are DYING per day from this virus. That’s NOT just “another flu” as DeSantis and other republicans would have you believe.

My point: SHOULD AG Garland do the “right thing” it does not solve the republican party problem. It doesn’t change they’re attempting to suppress the votes in almost EVERY state in the union, it doesn’t change the FACT they have no “agenda” aside from “white grievance,” and it won’t keep another right wing wack job from gaining the nomination – maybe DeSantis, or the governor of Texas, maybe Kristi Noem of South Dakota – whose state looks REALLY bad despite the CHEATING, and there are several more. Also, until “we the people” begin PURGING republicans who oppose our “democracy” from Congress, this crisis will continue. And, considering all of that, my biggest concern is “will progressive voters (OK “liberals”) stay focused for the next SEVERAL years – because it will take that long to turn the “pendulum” back to the left.

Yes, Joe Biden is attempting to make a significant “first step” but, it appears, there are at least two “democrats” who are going to prevent Biden’s “agenda” from making it through the Senate. Hopefully, the “infrastructure bill” and the so-called “reconciliation bill” will pass in some form – but, in my view, without the Voting Rights legislation being passed “we the people” could be taking a giant step backward. And, we still don’t know the full effect of the right wing Supreme Court on several critical issues. (And, I’m not even bringing up the potential crisis with funding the government and the debt ceiling issue – America 2021!) Stay tuned…………………..

Today I’ve become 74 and I’m going to start my celebration (not:) by beginning a post with thoughts that crossed my mind this morning and thoughts I’ll lose if I don’t jot them down. I’ll finish this in the coming days. Recently I wrote about how the “Proud Boys” (what they have to be “proud” of evades me) decided to get involved in an “anti-masking” demonstration outside a local High School – eventually causing the school (and two neighboring schools) to experience a “lockdown” during the first week of the new school year where kids were finally back in the classrooms.

As I’ve been reading more about what happened there and what is happening across the nation spurred on by the right wing republican party attempting to keep their CULT members at a fever pitch heading toward the 2022 Mid term elections where it’s clear they’re looking for issues which will rile up their “base.” Originally, it was Humpty Dumpty (or some such character – oh yes, it was “Mr.” Potato Head”) and it’s evolved to the anti-mask anti-vax movement which is KILLING those who refuse the FREE “shot” all across the nation and, believe it or not, the so-called crisis over “critical race theory” (CRT).

So, if you noticed at the top of my “blog” (if that’s what this is) I spent the last 23 years of my working life as (mostly) a sixth grade teacher. (I’ve mentioned many times individual 1 has often reminded me of a sixth grader – but, I digress) Here’s how I view “critical race theory” from a teacher’s point of view. In teaching American History it seems to me it’s impossible to ignore issues like slavery, lynching, Jim Crow, the Tulsa “massacre,” etc. etc. These topics can be taught without the teacher influencing the “thinking” of the students – i.e. “critical thinking” – which was a key skill I attempted to teach to my sixth graders.

Here’s an example of how I taught (apparently) critical race theory – even though, at the time, neither me, my students, nor their parents understood the teaching in those terms. American History has always had a “soft spot” for teaching about Christopher Columbus who “sailed the oceans blue in 1492.” His “discovery” of America was him landing in the Caribbean apparently in the Bahamas. The natives, the Taino “Indians,” inhabited the island (Hispaniola?) and there are numerous articles on the internet about what happened during Columbus’ time with the Taino’s. The way I had my students study this was they were to write an essay with the title EITHER “Columbus a Hero” or “Columbus a Villain.”

Their responsibility was, first of all to research both sides of the “issue,” then, write a cogent essay where whatever position they took was supported by credible evidence. (And, there are numerous articles which would support each position) Of course, they were to read the various articles, decide their position, and then use information from the articles to support their point of view – why they believed one side and not the other. Of course, when you read about Columbus’s actions you get a good picture of what happened to Native American culture once the Europeans began to inhabit North America. Most of my students, but not all of them, came to the conclusion Columbus was a “villain” although their grade was based on the quality of the essay they wrote – notwithstanding their choice of topic. (Back then “Columbus Day” was still a holiday)

We didn’t get directly into the topic of slavery because that was not in the curriculum “years” of History we were teaching and not all teachers chose to follow suit in how I dealt with this issue. But, my point is, even sixth graders are capable of reading multiple points of view on a topic and making up their own minds on what is the “correct” position. Obviously, when the topic becomes “slavery,” “lynching,” “Reconstruction,” “Jim Crow,” “Juneteenth,” “Tulsa,” etc. people who are believers in the “lost cause” don’t want their children to understand the “warts” in our History. The reality in America right now is there is an undercurrent of moneyed elites who surreptitiously are FUNDING the right wing ASSAULT on our nation – including our nation’s Public Education system. They view themselves as “libertarians,” but, in reality they are promoting fascism – in it’s purest form. Yikes!

And, this group is supported by the talking heads on outlets like Fox “news,” “Newsmax TV,” the OANN network (full disclosure, I’ve not watched this one, only read quotes from what has passed over their network), Breitbart, etc. They have developed a large following of “minions” who, in my view, are incapable of “critical thinking” in any area – when I talk to those who I KNOW (many of them will deny this) who watch Fox their words are a regurgitation of what comes out of the mouths of people like Hannity, Carlson, Ingraham, etc. These people are NOT “conservatives,” they are full blown supporters of autocrats. A requirement of the GOP “leadership” is being willing to LIE for money and power. Sad! (Rush Limbaugh used to call the “minions” “ditto heads” – and, they had no objection to being called “ditto heads!”)

To me, a dialogue between “liberal” and “conservative” principles, when it comes to politics, is quite healthy. Here’s the problem: These terms have been HIJACKED by what is now represented to “we the people” by the republican party. Just imagine even 20 years ago a bunch of THUGS like the so-called “Proud Boys” showing up at a republican rally as the “security.” The moneyed interests behind this evolution of the republican party, most notably the now infamous “Koch Brothers” (today “Koch Brother” because one of them died) have surreptitiously been working to transform as many legislatures in America as possible to their “libertarian” (neo-fascist) point of view. They are smart, they have UNLIMITED funds, and they are ruthless – which is exactly why individual 1 appeals to them. Simply flatter him and he’ll bend to your wishes!

I’m guessing even Charles Koch is beginning to realize he “bit off more than he can chew” by backing individual 1 – an example of an narcissistic organized criminal becoming a politician. He does a good job of “playing dumb” when he’s asked about support from, for example, David Duke – pretending he doesn’t know who Mr. Duke is. Rrrrright! And, after saying he didn’t know who the “Proud Boys” are during a presidential debate he then asked them to “stand back and stand by” – not many “politicians” have that kind of “stones” to “dog whistle” during a debate on national TV. But, as happened for four years, our so-called “liberal media” allowed him to “get away with it.”

There are some members of the “Proud Boys,” along with members of the “Oathkeepers,” “3 Percenters,” and other right wing “militia er street brawler” groups facing extended JAIL time due to their ASSAULT on the Capitol during the January 6, 2021 INSURRECTION because they “stood back and stood by” waiting for the, in essence, “charge” command from their fuhrer er “commander in chief.” As I’ve said here several times, why are they in JAIL (OK, I actually KNOW why) and NOT the one who sent them on the “mission?” (Which was to impede the certification of Joe Biden’s landslide – based on individual 1’s own characterization of the 2016 election results – VICTORY) Just as in Abu Ghraib the “grunts” go to JAIL and those who “authorized the mission” go “scott free.” ONLY in America! (I wish someone would pass these words on to Merrick Garland, just sayin…………)

Speaking of “Only in America,” this coming weekend there is planned another MOB demonstration in Washington D.C. in support of the OVER 500 INSURRECTIONISTS who stormed our nation’s Capitol Building on January 6th, 2021 with the INTENT of overthrowing our government in support of individual 1’s so-called “Big Lie.” (Of course, his “Big Lies” came “hot and heavy” from the day he announced his intention to be a candidate back in 2015 – over 36,000 “Big Lies” during his four years in office.) Naturally, our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president had to “weigh in” by calling those facing charges for the INSURRECTION “great patriots.” Well, with “patriots like these” who needs……………….. Who else is calling them patriots? Yep, you guessed it, none other than Vladimir Putin! Stay tuned………………

Final Thought: I’ve pointed out how Ron DeSantis, governor of Florida, has been attempting to LIE about the disaster his (non) “policy” of (not) defending his state against the Covid-19 pandemic has caused to the people of Florida – apparently, in order to “raise” his political standing with the republican “base” – and, as the TRUTH comes out his FAILURE of LEADERSHIP is far worse than most of us understand. As I’ve done since the first reports of the SARS-Cov-2 virus (i.e. Covid-19) spreading across America I’ve followed the “data” on “Worldometer.info.” It became apparent to me, early on, several republican led states (not just Florida) were LYING about the severity of the virus in their state. DeSantis is simply one of the most egregious.

So, during the past month or so, Florida’s “data” has been very “spotty” as far as listing the numbers of new infections each day – anywhere from 10,000 to 30,000 – according to other sources, the best I can tell is an average of over 20,000 PER DAY – of new infections. On “Worldometer.info” it has not been unusual for Florida to report tens of thousands of new cases with anywhere from 5 to 8 deaths – with today’s total reported as “5.” So, I did a bit more research today and discovered OVER 1500 Floridians DIED just TODAY from the virus their governor is not only REFUSING to fight, but seems to be actually “fighting” to help it spread.

Several states don’t report any data and there are several others which don’t report the number of DEATHS for each day – and, despite all this, according to the “Worldometer.info” site there’s still around 2000 Americans dying from the so-called “delta variant” EACH day. What we know, is the number is MUCH higher than that. And, over 90% of those DYING from Covid-19 have NOT been vaccinated. Republican governors in numerous states are actually preventing their constituents from “mandating” vaccines and/or mask requirements – essentially saying, “their right to refuse protection from the virus makes it OK to spread it to others.” For republicans, when it comes to the vaccines it’s “My Body My Choice.” When it comes to the women of Texas, not so much! (This is what I call “right to life hypocrisy” in one of its MANY forms) Yikes!!!

One last thing: I have an acquaintance who I became simply unable to tolerate when he became too much a part of individual 1’s CULT – he continues to refer to republicans who support individual 1 as “conservative and Christian,” and led me to believe he believes the “Big Lie” about the election (among other “Big Lies”). He once referred to Covid as “just another flu” when talking to me about it – although, since I lost contact with him, I’ve heard he and his wife actually contracted it, I don’t know how bad of a “version” they got and I prayed they would fully recover, unbeknownst to them. The reason I bring this up is because I believe he would/will move to Idaho the first chance he got. His daughter is an RN in Boise and Idaho is a VERY “red” state – full of so-called “militia” members including a cell of the Atomwaffen crack pots (ie Nazi’s) – plus Idaho is one of the least vaccinated states (for Covid) in the entire Union.

So, I can’t help but think of his daughter (I also have a daughter who is an RN) because the Hospitals in Idaho (his daughter works in one of them in Boise) are well past overflowing with desperately ILL Covid-19 patients. In fact, Idaho is trying to transfer patients from their hospitals to their neighboring states (Oregon and Washington) which also have hospitals who are facing serious Covid situations, just not as CRITICAL as Idaho. Today, the government of Idaho announced their hospitals are now “triaging” care based on perceived chances of survival and, if you need an “elective” or emergency surgery, well, you’re “SOL.” (i.e. S@#t out of Luck) Will all of this cause any change in his thinking? Likely not. My guess is he’ll blame Joe Biden for the debacle in Idaho, Florida, Mississippi, Texas, Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Indiana, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana, Alaska, etc. etc. – do you see the underlining issue here? Enough said………………..

A few thoughts off the top of my head which I’ll try to elaborate on in the coming days/weeks. I suppose I’m losing my “fire” to keep writing, although will likely change as the right wing assault on our nation continues. First, I haven’t heard a word from any of the republicans who were predicting individual 1 would return to the “Oval Office” on August 13. it’s August 24 as I’m typing this and our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president (who’s also a LOSER in, likely, a record number of lawsuits) is still stuck in Mar a Lago. Is there a better place for him? Absolutely! How about some actual U.S. prison – maybe a private one.

Secondly, today – for whatever reason – I’ve been wondering how the Matt Gaetz investigation is proceeding. He’s, of course, very prominent in the QAnon “universe” which claims democrats are child sex abusers – or something like that (disclaimer, I don’t do “QAnon” so I’m paraphrasing what I’ve heard, second hand) – it should be interesting how that “community” responds should the indictment many are predicting comes about – an indictment which allegedly accuses Gaetz of “child sex trafficking.” (Will that make him a democrat?)

Thirdly, and hopefully lastly – at least for today – I’m, as usual, following the continued pandemic as it spreads across the nation – mostly in the South. Maybe up to two months ago I saw the beginnings of this happening in Florida and with Florida being under the “leadership” of Ron DeSantis it should be no surprise Florida was the “trigger” to the spread of the so-called “Delta variant” of the Sars-Cov-2 (Covid-19) pandemic. With leaders like DeSantis “we the people” could be looking at an “endemic” instead of a “pandemic.” I believe, back then, I predicted the “rest of us” would be paying a “price” for the intransigence of Mr. DeSantis!

And, “We the people” can’t depend on republican governors in several states to allow “truthful” data to come out. For example, and speaking of DeSantis, I’ve been speculating for over a year now that he’s “cheating” on the statistics coming from his state. An example from a couple days ago – Florida was reported to have almost 25,000 NEW cases in one day – their hospitals are FULL of Covid-19 patients – and, there was ONE death reported. I mentioned last year how republican governors were ordering their health departments to “gigger” the death certificates of people who died of Covid – by saying, instead, they died of pneumonia. I believe the death toll from the disease caused by the virus is much HIGHER than reported. For heaven’s sake, there are several (republican run) states who aren’t reporting ANYTHING. (Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota among them – and, yes, once in a while you see a report coming from one of those states – but it’s less than sporadic – which simply means the INFECTION of America is WORSE than we are led to believe.

OK, yes, I”m also thinking about the American withdrawal from Afghanistan today (7 days till the “deadline”), how could anyone who pays attention to the news not do so. I was reminded of my previous post where I mentioned about some people I recently visited in a rural part of Southern Oregon who thought Joe Biden was “screwing up” the withdrawal from Afghanistan. I presumed they were talking about all those Afghani’s who were trying to escape the country now that the Taliban has taken control, but – NO – they were lamenting the opposite – that there would be an influx of Afghan refugees coming to America. As I mentioned in the post, they are AVID Fox “news” viewers – it’s on their TV much of the day.

Well, that was then and this is now. (It’s Sept. 5th) Regarding the withdrawal from Afghanistan, it surely could have gone smoother, but, as I wrote a couple weeks ago, there was no way it was going to be “smooth” considering the Afghan “military” either “laid down their arms” or headed into the hills to fight another day – time will tell. Regarding my friends in Southern Oregon, I’m guessing it won’t be long and Tucker Carlson will be spewing more of his white nationalist hate regarding the “dilution” of America because of the Afghan refugees which make it here. I don’t even know how many of the 120,000 who “got out” are on American soil, but, if you’ve been around this site at all it should be obvious I believe “we the people” should put out the “welcome” sign for as many as can get visa’s from the State Department.

Do I feel bad for those who wanted to leave but couldn’t get out? Yes, but 120,000 is a pretty incredible accomplishment – especially when you consider the circumstances. Do I want the U.S. to continue BOMBING targets in Afghanistan? Well, NO! Why not make it a clean break? We’ll soon enough know whether the Taliban are able to create a functioning government and, from what I’ve read, the possibilities aren’t that great. The country has been “ruled” by factions led by “warlords” for (maybe) centuries (I can’t remember and I’m too lazy to go back and reread the books I’ve read on Afghanistan). What I know is the “outcome” of our “adventure” in Afghanistan was predictable from the day we provided the airlift to get Osama bin Laden into Pakistan back in 2001 and began the so-called “war on terror.”

Speaking of the “war on terror,” I know this wasn’t one of my original thoughts to this rant, but I kind of hope our Justice Department will actually venture into a “war” on the terrorists residing in our own country. Those connected to the INSURRGENTS who ransacked our nation’s Capitol Building on January 6th, 2021 are spread all across this nation. If we truly are a “nation of laws and not men” then the Justice Department SHOULD hold those to account who are threatening the very fabric of the nation. And, it shouldn’t, in my mind, be centered on the schmucks who are too STUPID (sorry) to understand they’re being fed a steady stream of LIES, but, instead, those who are spreading the LIES and INSTIGATING their “low information voters.”

I’m sure you understand, first and foremost, I’m talking about individual 1. The FACT he’s the MOST corrupt president (TWICE IMPEACHED and a two time popular vote LOSER) in this nation’s history (with the possible exception of Andrew Johnson) should have the attention of the various PROSECUTORS who SHOULD be putting cases together with the intent of holding him to account. And, yes, I’m talking about Merrick Garland first and foremost. For heaven’s sake, he’s the unindicted co-conspirator in the “Stormy Daniels” payoff which landed Michael Cohen in jail. Wouldn’t fairness suggest he must face the same charges? And, what about all the OBSTRUCTION evidence “memorialized” by Robert Mueller? Shouldn’t those legal transgressions be further investigated? And, naturally, the INSTIGATION of the Assault on our nation’s Capitol Building with the INTENT to overthrow the election (along with mountains of corroborating evidence as to his INTENT – well, what on earth is Mr. Garland waiting for?

Here’s a couple similarities I see between the republicans and democrats. Republicans won’t agree to ANY legislation designed to mitigate the Climate Crisis until the disasters are so great even their BRAINWASHED supporters demand action – and, of course, it will likely be too late to make much of a difference. On the other hand, democrats will fail to hold the republican assault on the fundamental values of America to account until it’s too late and they are in the position of being virtually blocked from regaining a majority in Congress or gaining the “White House” because they FAIL to act on voting rights legislation. Republicans ALREADY have STACKED the courts in their favor, have the potential to control Congress with a MINORITY of support to the “tune” of TENS of MILLIONS – and, that’s the people that manage to actually vote – I’m not even counting the MILLIONS who will be disenfranchised due to all the VOTER SUPPRESSION bills being passed in various states. (And, I didn’t even mention, directly, partisan gerrymandering)

I’ve always felt the reason individual 1 is so appealing to republicans is due to his WILLINGNESS to CHEAT! I’ve been saying for years the republican M.O. is “The end justifies the means.” They’ve been LYING and CHEATING for as long as I can remember. And, of course, they consider democrats “weak” because they continue trying to “play by the rules.” Additionally, it doesn’t help that each time the democrats PROVE their unwillingness to hold republican “leaders” to account for BREAKING our laws, it just further empowers them to take it even further – and, of course, I’m referring to them BREAKING even MORE laws.

That gets me back to Matt Gaetz. I questioned as I started this rant what was going on with him? We keep hearing (OK, I keep hearing) he’s going to be indicted in a couple of weeks. I keep reading about Mr. Greenberg in Florida who is apparently providing MOUNTAINS of evidence implicating Mr. Gaetz along with several other prominent Floridians in his sex-trafficking racket. The last I’ve heard is the prosecutors are “negotiating” with Gaetz’ attorneys – which, I’m not sure what that means? Certainly, there couldn’t be a “bigger fish” could there? (Well, if you’ve followed my rants at all you’d know I speculated about Roger Stone. Could he be entangled in this “deplorable” mess? I did see one photo of Stone, Greenberg, and Gaetz with the proverbial s@#t eating grins you might seen on three older men having sex with young girls. Just sayin……………. Stay tuned……….

Finally, the Covid-19 (SARS-Cov-2) pandemic. I follow the statistics virtually every day on “Worldometer.info” where every reported case is logged into their HUGE database. (They keep track of much more than Covid) As I’ve repeatedly pointed out, there are several REPUBLICAN governors who apparently have ordered their health departments to stop reporting the data. Some of them report the cases but not the deaths. DeSantis of Florida is a bit of both. For one week recently, with an average of around 25,000 NEW cases EVERY day being reported in Florida they were reporting 8 deaths each day.

Well, I knew that wasn’t possible. The Florida hospitals are SLAMMED with Covid patients. The reports on the original “waves” of the virus stated roughly 10 percent of the cases reported ended up in hospitalizations and this “Delta variant” is MORE transmissible and MORE deadly – so, that would mean, likely, MORE than 2500 new cases needing hospitalization in Florida EVERY day – over the past month or so. So, I did a little more “digging” and, last week, Florida was averaging around 325 deaths (at least) per DAY from the virus. (100 more than just two weeks prior) When you look at the maps showing where the worst Covid infections are nationally you see bright red in Florida and not quite as bright red in the surrounding states, moving North. Obviously, many people travel into and out of Florida every day.

And, one last thing – it’s apparent “we the people” have no tolerance for “shutting things down” to “stop the spread” and, it seems almost the opposite. Personally, I love ML baseball and tonight I was watching (on my computer via streaming) the Giants Dodgers baseball game – maybe the two best teams in baseball. Oracle Park in San Francisco was FULL of yelling fans – only a small few of which I saw wearing masks. Talk about your “super spreader” events. And, of course, College Football stadiums are full of “rabid” YELLING fans and the NFL starts next week. It appears to me this “wave” is going to get far worse before it gets better and, if a “variant” which is not at least slowed down by the present vaccines, well, look up the word “endemic.” Just as I implied “we the people” won’t deal with a serious crisis – no matter our “political affiliation” – until it’s too late – well, I see the definite possibility with Covid-19.

The Concession workers in Oracle Park are going on strike because of the dangerous situation they’re in just working the Giants games. (If you don’t know baseball, Oracle Park is in San Francisco) In the past week or so 20 of the workers have contracted Covid. They’re claiming it’s NOT safe for them to work – and, well, as they say, the “proof is in the pudding.” Just try to imagine how many of the 45,000 or so “fans” at the game tonight will be in the hospital next week. And, picture that for all the other baseball and football games across this land. Reports I’ve read suggest the “Delta Variant” can be spread from one person to 9 or 10 others. If there were even half a dozen people who were infected but didn’t know it at that game, just picture how many others will be infected by, well, NOW! (It’s a few hours AFTER the end of the game) (Do you understand the word “exponential?”)

Joe Biden is doing everything he can to mitigate the spread of this virus, but people either are vaccinated and believe they’re “safe” (which is somewhat true, but not completely true – there are more and more “breakthrough” cases being reported) or, seemingly, they’re unvaccinated and believe the virus is a hoax. When you see THOUSANDS of people crammed together and almost NONE of them even wearing a mask like at Oracle Park, well – at least I – see what looks like, as I said above, a “super spreader event” – and, maybe I should add “on steroids.” I’m sure President Biden feels as if his hands are tied. The political division in America has been exacerbated to the point where many people are not even open to “science” and many of the others think they’re “safe.” (due to being vaccinated) And, the virus keeps spreading!

Here’s how bad its gotten. I live in a small community which seems to be evenly divided politically, but since my days in high school back in the early 1960’s there has been overwhelming support for our public Schools. (And, by the way, as a sixth grade teacher I taught history in a way which didn’t shy from America’s “warts” and no one objected) So, a couple of days ago a young lady at one of our high schools (and, apparently, the same situation happened at a neighboring Middle School and Elementary school) refused to wear a mask and was not allowed to attend. Her parents protested and enlisted the support of one of the right wing militia groups you read about regarding protests in Portland, Oregon. (We’re right across the Columbia River).

The Militia guys (from a group calling themselves “Patriot Prayer” along with some “Proud Boys” – trust me, they’re anything but “patriots” or “proud”) actually TRESPASSED on the school grounds (along with the young student’s mother) and the police had to be called to remove them – I haven’t heard if any of the “patriots” were arrested, but three schools had to be put on “lockdowns” because of the “crisis.” The High School has over 2000 students and ONE decided to put the district to the “test.” I worked for this district for over 20 years and I have to add, I hope they “stick to their guns.” I read where they’re trying to “work things out” with the parent, but this parent and her children have a history of bullying – I know, because my granddaughter was a victim of it a few years back – and, it was devastating for her. I would say to the parent, “you have two choices – your child wears a mask while at school or you can ‘home school’ her.”

Final Thought: OK, I “get” I said 1 LAST thing above, but speaking of pro sports, I’m going to make a prediction. Many teams are going to find themselves unable to actually play the games at some point going into the fall. I’m thinking mainly football teams, especially the teams in the areas of the country which are, well, “on fire” with the Delta variant. Just this past week the Boston Red Sox have had 10 players (this is out of 28) put on the “Covid” list and they can’t play until they test negative something like two or three days in a row – after their symptoms subside. (And, God willing, none of them will get the “bad” Covid)

Teams which have to travel to Florida, Texas, Louisiana, Georgia, Alabama, and other Southern states will be heading into the “teeth” of the “storm.” Just picture over 100,000 screaming Dallas Cowboy’s fans at a game with the roof of the stadium closed and all those Covid “particles” flying in the air. Even if you’re vaccinated I’d say it wouldn’t be worth the $150 or so you’d have to shell out for the average seat in order to expose yourself to this Delta variant – but, in the true American spirit I’m guessing it will take deaths of some prominent “fans” to get the attention of those who want their fan base in attendance “come hell or high water.” Should be an interesting Fall. (And, by the way, I hope my prediction is wrong! Usually, i’m correct, mainly because most of my predictions are “no brainers” – and, I believe this one falls in that category. (Just ask the Concession workers at Oracle Park)

Today is September 9, 2021 and, it appears, in 9 days a bunch of right wing “wingnuts” are planning to converge on Washington D.C. “demanding justice” for the OVER 500 INSURRECTIONISTS who are facing a series of charges which range from very little to a lot – regarding the amount of “jail time” being handed out to those who attempted to overthrow our government as it has “stood” for about 250 years. So, I have to add, I’ve been demanding “justice” for those 500 plus who’ve been indicted, but for the others who have yet to be identified. OBVIOUSLY, if you’ve been around here before, you know my definition of “justice” is far removed from that of, for example, the “Proud Boys” (what a STUPID name for a group of street thugs).

I believe those who stormed the Capitol on January 6th, 2021 were a bunch of TRAITORS. They SHOULD be facing charges of SEDITION – which is one of the most serious of charges possible. Yes, there are those who “got caught up in the moment,” but, in reality, were part of the group chanting “Hang Mike Pense” and looking for Nancy Pelosi – in order to execute them. They even went so far as to construct a GALLOWS on the Capitol Building’s grounds. This is a group which either believes in FASCISM or is willing to accept it in order to create a circumstance where us “progressives” (ie “liberals”) have no place in America’s government.

Here’s the ultimate irony: These people claim to “hate government” yet are willing to go to extremes not seen in this country for nearly 175 years in order to get their way which would include controlling the government they profess to hate. Go figure! Here’s another interesting irony: These INSURRECTIONISTS claim to be motivated by “freedom” and “liberty,” yet you hear the almost exact “talking points” of none other than Vladimir Putin spewing from the mouths of one after another of them. Recently I reluctantly began using the word “stupid” on this site and I hope you can now understand why – if that was a problem for you.

When I talk to people who watch Fox “news” who are my age and refer to Sean Hannity or Tucker Carlson as “Sean” or “Tucker” I know there’s NO possibility for any kind of “critical thinking” dialogue regarding politics. And, there are many adults my age I know who claim “I don’t watch Fox” who, when you talk to them about politics you realize they’re LYING. It’s not that you’re having a dialogue over opposing opinions, it’s that they are regurgitating, almost to the word, of their Fox “news” brethren. In other words, like the modern republican, they’re LYING to you. Why??? Because, as several have come out and said to me when I’m ONLY trying to understand how they came to their opinion, “You’re NOT going to change my mind.” I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard that.

And, maybe the worst in all of this, virtually in every instance, these people are offended by the thought that by supporting individual 1 they’re associating themselves with white nationalists – meaning, of course, RACISTS. I even know one person who raised 3 adopted African American children who has allowed himself to regurgitate OBVIOUS racist memes as he defends himself for being part of individual 1’s CULT and denigrating his own adopted daughter for accepting help from the state they live in. (As if he’d prefer she was living on the “street”) Eventually, it all became, in that instance, too much for me – when you combine that with a claim (indirectly) the “election was stolen,” and associating himself with those predicting a “civil war.”

And, speaking of those who are predicting a “civil war,” you guessed it, we’re talking about the cells of right wing “militia” types spread around the country who clearly believe in the white nationalist movement which is fueled by public talking heads like those who spew their LIES from outlets like Fox, Newsmax, Breitbart, etc. etc. There are people who are “free” because of the last minute pardons coming from individual 1 and, yes, Steve Bannon, I’m talking about people like you – who are doing their best to undermine the Biden Administration at the detriment to our nation. Similar to what republicans have been doing since the days of the Reagan administration.

I know people who I consider “reasonable” who want to “both sides” all of this – like the LYING happens the same on “both sides” – but, the truth is, the democrats are a diverse group of people who believe in traditional democratic norms and the republicans have evolved to a CULT willing to destroy this nation’s fundamental institutions in order to prevent their “white privilege” from being eroded in any kind of way. The propagandists like the talking heads at Fox have been LYING to the American people for nearly 40 years with the “plan” of turning what was once the far right fringe into the “permanent republican ‘majority,'” i.e. permanent “rule” by a MINORITY of Americans.

Along those lines, we’ve all seen a plethora of republican controlled states across the nation instituting VOTER SUPPRESSION laws after witnessing the power of the “Black and Brown” communities along with young Americans when they choose to vote. In Georgia, for example, their new law is designed to create LONG LINES at the polls in the places with large African Americans AND if you offer food or water to someone standing in line for SEVERAL (sometimes up to 6 or 7) hours you’re committing a FELONY! I kid you not! And, on top of that, if African Americans STILL show up to vote and the state legislature doesn’t like the result, they have the power to overturn the “will of the people.” (They are trying to make sure, for example, that Raphael Warnock will be short lived as the first African American Senator for Georgia)

These are the people who have allowed themselves to be convinced that the attempt to overthrow our government were like “tourists” visiting the Capitol and taking pictures. OK, I know what you’re thinking. That’s completely STUPID. We all saw the INSURRECTION unfold on national LIVE TV. You can’t make this stuff up. That’s why I started referring to many of the people who fall for the republican LYING as “stupid,” because they’re using less critical thinking skills than the most struggling of my former 6th grade students. I’ve asked this many times on this site – why do people believe all these republican LIES?

So, let me say it once again. The “Big Lie Theory” was devised by none other than Adolph Hitler back in the late 1920’s in Germany. It became the “tool” of Joseph Goebbels, the head of propaganda of the Third Reich, to create the CULT following which enable Hitler to, well, we all know what he did and I’m sure in the “camp” which doesn’t want their RACISM to permeate the United States of America. They used the “Big Lie Theory” because, well, it works. When political leaders – or their talking heads – repeat LIES over and over enough to their unsuspecting “minions” (individual 1 called his “minions” his “uneducated voters”) soon they believe the LIES are actually true. And, pathological LIARS like our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president evolve to believe their OWN LIES as they roll off the tongue.

Here’s my suggestion for the solution to this problem. First, those who STORMED the Capitol Building on January 6th, 2021 should face the strictest consequences available to prosecutors. I realize with now almost 600 indictments (and more to come) the tendency is to accept plea deals which keeps prosecutors from having to argue these cases in Court – but, I agree with those who are coming to our nation’s Capital on September 18th that the INSURRECTIONISTS deserve “justice.” (As I said above, I’m sure we disagree what that means) But, should that be it? Absolutely NOT!

If you were watching the INCITEMENT of the “mob” on January 6th, 2021 you saw individual 1’s oldest son, his son’s girlfriend (OMG – she’s a weird one), Rudy Giuliani, Mo Brooks, and individual 1 himself, ENCOURAGING the “mob” to “go to the Capitol and fight like Hell” or “you won’t have a country anymore.” Brooks encouraged the “mob” to “Kick ass and take names” and, of course, that’s exactly what the “MAGA minions” attempted to do. They caused MILLIONS in damage to the Capitol Building, five people lost their lives during the INSURRECTION and two Capitol police officers took their own lives within days of the assault.

So, the NECESSARY next step, in my mind, would be Merrick Garland and the Justice Department bringing charges of SEDITION against those I just mentioned including individual 1. When you are encouraging people to overthrow our government, well, that’s committing sedition. In case you’re confused, here’s the definition of SEDITION:

se•di•tion pronounced: sĭ-dĭsh′ən (From American Heritage dictionary)

• n. Conduct or language inciting rebellion against the authority of a state.
• n. Insurrection; rebellion.
• n. A factious commotion in a state; the stirring up of such a commotion; incitement of discontent against government and disturbance of public tranquility, as by inflammatory speeches or writings, or acts or language tending to breach of public order: as, to stir up a sedition; a speech or pamphlet, abounding in sedition.

There’s more from the “Free Dictionary:”

Sedition is the crime of revolting or inciting revolt against government. However, because of the broad protection of free speech under the First Amendment, prosecutions for sedition are rare. Nevertheless, sedition remains a crime in the United States under 18 U.S.C.A. § 2384 (2000), a federal statute that punishes seditious conspiracy, and 18 U.S.C.A. § 2385 (2000), which outlaws advocating the overthrow of the federal government by force. Generally, a person may be punished for sedition only when he or she makes statements that create a Clear and Present Danger to rights that the government may lawfully protect (schenck v. united states, 249 U.S. 47, 39 S. Ct. 247, 63 L. Ed. 470 [1919]).

The crime of seditious conspiracy is committed when two or more persons in any state or U.S.  territory conspire to levy war against the U.S. government. A person commits the crime of advocating the violent overthrow of the federal government when she willfully advocates or teaches the overthrow of the government by force, publishes material that advocates the overthrow of  the government by force, or organizes persons to overthrow the government by force. A person found guilty of seditious conspiracy or advocating the overthrow of the government may be  fined and sentenced to up to 20 years in prison. States also maintain laws that punish similar  advocacy and conspiracy against the state government.

I was going to say, “I rest my case,” but, then, I heard one of these right wing talking heads who’s encouraging what some are calling “INSURRECTION 2.0” – he actually said, “when was ‘INSURRECTION 1.0?'” – this “dude” was encouraging people to come as he stated – with no sense of SHAME – “come to the Capitol on September 18 to the Capitol Building which was built by your “forbearers.” The guy was about as white as my Costco tee-shirt, but the Capitol Building was largely built by SLAVES. What’s wrong with these people?

Final Thought: What on earth do you believe all these people who get PAID to LIE to the American people over various media outlets are going to be saying if Merrick Garland actually does what’s called for here and charges those who CONSPIRED to instigate the INSURRECTION with SEDITION? Can’t you just picture individual 1 sitting in a courtroom in Washington D.C. facing a courtroom “of his peers” (is that possible?) and his white nationalist “base” reacting? Do you think Attorney General Garland has nightmares imagining this and that’s why there’s no investigation by the Justice Department above and beyond the “minions?” I’ll take a page from individual 1’s own playbook, “nothing good comes from ‘weakness.'” Mr. Garland MUST prove he’s “up for the job.” If, truly, in America “no one is above the law” then it’s time to prove that. Stay tuned……………….

One more thing: If the September 18 “INSURRECTION 2.0” actually amounts to something, I hope the FBI is there with their cameras looking for some of the 300 INSURRECTIONISTS from version 1.0 who are still being identified. Do you believe any of those people would be STUPID enough to actually return for the second version? I wouldn’t put anything past these people!

My apologies for publishing without re-reading. The older I get the lazier I get!

So, I don’t like to “toot my own horn” (OK, maybe just a little), but just the other day there was Kevin McCarthy, maybe the most despicable (deplorable?) politician possible – and, in today’s republican party that’s “saying something – there he was THREATENING the telecommunication companies which got a “preserve records” order from the Select Committee investigating the INSURRECTION of January 6th, 2021. Yep, right out in the open, telling these companies the “republicans will be in power again” and “we won’t forget.” I guess what he’s saying the republicans won’t forget is if these companies comply with LEGALLY authorized subpoenas coming from the committee. You know, the committee which is attempting to “get to the bottom” of the entirety of who was involved with the INSURRECTION. (That’s an attempt to OVERTHROW our system of government – because they don’t like LOSING an election)

A sitting member of the House of Representatives making such a THREAT regarding legal requests for information to be preserved in order to find the TRUTH about who was behind the INSURRECTION should be unthinkable. However, we KNOW individual 1 was the MAIN instigator, but there were others involved including likely some members of the House – who, apparently, McCarthy is attempting to protect. His THREAT is a prime example of what I’ve been pointing out for years now. Only, I’ve focused on individual 1 as the MOB boss – McCarthy is coming across as a “goon” who is doing the bidding of his “boss.” So, if you check the legality of this THREAT I believe you would learn that this is CLEARLY an egregiously CLEAR example of “OBSTRUCTION of Justice.”

Of course, if you – like me – read the Mueller report TWICE you would understand individual 1 committed possibly as many as TEN examples of OBSTRUCTION of Justice as he was (successfully) OBSTRUCTING Rober Mueller’s investigation of the “Russia thing.” So here’s the question which keeps coming up in my head: What on earth is going on in our Justice Department and is Attorney General Merrick Garland up for the job? Maybe they’re really investigating all this, but I seriously doubt it. Mueller made it clear he “memorialized” the evidence of OBSTRUCTION so that individual 1 could face charges once out of office. And, the list of LEGAL indifference coming from republicans is beginning to look endless. I mean, this has been going on for as long as I can remember. (Reagan got “off” for the Iran/Contra scandal as did HW Bush. GW Bush/Cheney got “off” for WAR CRIMES they admitted to authorizing, and individual 1 – well, the list is too long for this post – l’ve wondered for years, “what are the democrats afraid of?”)

Obstruction is the standard practice of members of organized crime (individual 1’s organization?) and attempting to INTIMIDATE prosecutors to stop them from investigating is routine. Mob bosses believe they are “above the law.” Individual 1 CLEARLY believes he’s “above the law” and his brazen disregard for our system of LAWS has filtered down to his sycophants. Just as individual 1 SHOULD be facing CHARGES so should NOW McCarthy be facing charges of OBSTRUCTION.

Keep in mind, when you’re attempting to OBSTRUCT an official investigation – which Congressional investigation are included in the statute – you don’t have to “succeed.” Just the THREAT made by McCarthy – which was made in a public setting – SHOULD be the catalyst for an investigation coming from our Justice Department. AG Garland MUST restore the respect the Justice Department MUST have with “we the people” in order to stop the group of neo FASCISTS who now have fully infiltrated the republican party – a political party which NOW has no connection to our constitution other than some IRRATIONAL connection to our “2nd amendment” – which, by the way, DOES not guarantee many of the “rights” the GOP (and their main benefactor the NRA) have imagined. Suggesting the 2nd amendment “guarantees the right to carry a AR-15 automatic weapon,” for example, is absurd.

The GOP, now, appears to be a massive organized crime syndicate – and, of course, individual 1 seems desperate to remain the “mob boss.” Maybe the DA in Manhattan, NY will follow through on their investigation and INDICT our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president for what appears to be an organization deep in bank fraud, insurance fraud, and just about any other “fraud” you can imagine. Then there’s the DA in Fulton County Georgia – Fani Willis – who is apparently investigating individual 1’s attempt to overturn the election results in Georgia via the now infamous phone call to Brad Raffensperger – the Georgia Secretary of State (and, apparently, other calls and calls by others close to individual 1 – like Lindsey Graham) – it’s hard to imagine that attempt at BULLYING Raffensperger and various other officials in Georgia NOT resulting in an INDICTMENT of our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president – other than, our system of justice seems to FEAR going after those in “high” places.

We know ahead of time how the CULT will react once individual 1 is INDICTED – for heaven’s sake, they are – in many places around the country – threatening VIOLENCE (and “civil war”) over the actions of government officials attempting to mitigate the SURGE of Covid-19’s “delta variant” by mandating the wearing of masks in indoor premises – including schools. There are people, and politicians, attempting to prevent school districts from mandating mask wearing while students are at school. As a retired teacher when I hear people threatening school board members, administrators, or teachers I get a bit angry. What on earth is wrong with these people? Just today it was announced the FIRST young child in the state I live in (Washington) had DIED of the coronavirus – which technically is called SARS – CoV-2. “SARS” means Severe acute respiratory syndrome – and, yet, there are people who want to prevent “mask mandates” in our public schools.

In addition, our governor has mandated ALL teachers MUST be vaccinated against the virus by the middle of October – meaning, they need to get the first shot within the next few days. My daughter, who’s son is in Middle School, was told by someone there are about 200 teachers who are going to quit because they aren’t going to get vaccinated. Personally, I don’t believe that’s true, but I’d say to any teacher unwilling to get the vaccine (unless they have a valid reason) – “good riddance.” Go work somewhere else. Who knows, I might get a call wanting me to come back why they find replacements. This irrational behavior is happening all across this nation and it’s being encouraged by right wing media – like Fox “news,” Sinclair broadcasting (which controls MOST of the “local” TV stations across America), “Newsmax,” etc. It is obvious today’s republican party has “gone off the rails” and has become the “base” of individual 1’s plan to turn America into another Russia, or Hungary, or Turkey, or the Philippines, or ?????? And, right wing media is supporting this!

I can’t tell you how many “conservatives” I’ve listened to saying, essentially, if elections don’t go their way the solution to that is “civil war.” Of course, there is a much greater segment of America which identifies with “white nationalism” than people like me understood back when Barack Obama was elected as our 44th president – bringing America’s racists out “from under the rock” – first in the “Tea Party” and ultimately with the pathological LIAR individual 1 – the one person who is morally bankrupt enough to succeed as the leader of the republican party.

I started referring to individual 1 as a “mob boss” about three years ago. Now we’re seeing how deep his corruption has INFECTED the republican party. The so-called “Tea Party” was founded on the principle of “white nationalism” (OK, Racism) and, back then I knew people who supported that “party” who were offended when I pointed out it was full of RACISTS. And, at one time a pastor I knew back then emailed me with a list of beliefs he had and he asked me, as if I’d say “no:” “does that make me a racist?” Just as George Washington would have done (“I can not tell a lie”) I answered “yes.” My friend, the pastor, just couldn’t comprehend his disdain for Barack Obama was “rooted” in RACISM. I know many others in the same “condition.” At a certain point it becomes impossible for me to dialogue with them.

Here’s the deal: If “we the people” fail to stand up to this ASSAULT on our nation (which, by the way, is also coming from the Kremlin and Vladimir Putin) we could easily lose what MOST of us take for granted – and, I’m talking about many in individual 1’s CULT who’ve been BRAINWASHED by Fox, Newsmax, Sinclair, etc. This right wing movement has been going on for years and me, just a sixth grade teacher, has seen it coming for YEARS. I continue to wonder where the democratic party stands? How much FIGHT do they have? Are they willing to face this ASSAULT head on?

Ground zero in the FIGHT must be led by Merrick Garland, and the indications, so far, is that he’s not up to the job. When politicians feel empowered to commit OBSTRUCTION right out in the “daylight” we’re losing out country supposedly founded on the “rule of law.” Kevin McCarthy SHOULD be indicted IMMEDIATELY for ATTEMPTING to OBSTRUCT the commission intending to find the TRUTH behind the attempted INSURRECTION of January 6, 2021. Because of this republican party almost EVERY day “we the people” are reminded of the downturn happening in this nation. 6

Final Thought: Here’s a few issues off the top of my head which seem to be the republican “playbook” for destroying out constitutional republic from within: Let’s start with the Covid-19 crisis which is out of control because right wing republicans are refusing to get vaccinated and refusing to wear masks. (I see them refusing to wear a mask at our local Kroger and, essentially, saying “what are you going to do about it?” Kroger’s management is unwilling to stand up to them) Republican governors – in particular, Ron DeSantis – are LYING about the severity of the pandemic in their states. In DeSantis case, the reports of those DYING from the virus coming out of Florida are absurd. I’ve been pointing this out for over a year. Other republican led states aren’t even reporting the severity of the virus in their state.

How about Climate Change? Republicans have been BLOCKING attempts to combat this SERIOUS (likely the MOST serious) crisis. I mean, how many disasters will it take for republicans to “get it?” Democrats are proposing a bill which makes a “start” in dealing with this issue, but there won’t be a SINGLE republican supporting the bill. And, actually, there’s at least a couple democrats who might not support it – which, of course would be the end of it. (Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema) Democrats control a razor thin “majority” in the Senate which means the challenge for “we the people” is to elect MORE democratic Senators. (And, BTW – if “we the people” don’t vote in more representatives to the House Kevin McCarthy could become the Speaker of the House! Yikes!!! Come on people – get registered!)

The right wing influx of judges which is the “greatest” achievement of Moscow Mitch and individual 1 is presently rearing its ugly head via the 6-3 right wing majority on the Supreme Court. It didn’t take it long once Amy Barrett was confirme for the issue of abortion to raise its ugly head. Now, as I’ve said, I’ve got mixed feelings about abortion – it grieves my heart that so many women feel the necessity to have that procedure. As I’ve said here many times, this issue is far more complicated than MOST people I’ve talked to about it. To me, it’s not a “black and white” issue. I believe abortions will happen whether the court overrules Roe v Wade – they will just be, in many instances, especially with poorer women, UNSAFE. Also, as I’ve said, you RARELY hear about the responsibility of MEN in regard to unwanted pregnancies. The bottom line is the Supreme Court upholding a TERRIBLE law in Texas (my God, I’m glad I DON’T live in Texas!) which, potentially, will pit neighbor against neighbor. This decision simply tells us what eh possibilities of this Court could be going forward. Further evidence of the importance of progressives VOTING in 2022’s Mid Term election.

My final thought for tonight would be about “health care.” For example, even during a “once in a century” pandemic (hopefully) they continued to BLOCK attempts to provide health insurance for ALL Americans. The bottom line in this republican vendetta is that things like the Covid-19 crisis simply ends up being FAR worse than it should be and, yet, there they are attempting to BLOCK legislation which empowers MORE Americans to have access to health care. I could get into the LYING (using the strategy of the Third Reich), the pilfering of taxpayers seemingly endlessly (“Trickle down” economics), and, among other issues, their false support of “law and order.” Republicans are DESTROYING the fundamentals of our nation and, as I’ve said for years, “we the people” have no choice but to depend on democrats to stop them. (Most progressives are not like the right wing militia members who believe if they can’t get a “majority” the solution is violence) Stay tuned………………………

I did not risk my life in Viet Nam ONLY because my left knee, which got, essentially, ruined during a High School football game made me undesirable for the Marine Corps – of which I enlisted (in the Marine PLC) in 1967 – when the doctor who checked me out as I was headed for boot camp in Quantico, Virginia said, “Son, if the Red Chinese were marching down Broadway (in Portland, Oregon) we wouldn’t take you and I walked out of that meeting with an “honorable discharge from the U.S. Marine Corp.” At this point in time I have no idea what happened to that piece of paper, but what I will NEVER forget is how I came to understand Viet Nam was a prime example of America’s leaders LYING “we the people” into “unwinnable” “wars” and refusing, right up to the disgraceful exit to admit the war was a mistake. I believe there are still those who believe we should have stayed. Yikes!

So, if you’re new to my little diary in cyberspace, I started writing after the Bush/Cheney regime invaded Iraq and turned Afghanistan into the false reason for doing so (Actually, vice versa). I started this “blog” (if that’s what it is) toward the end of the Bush/Cheney “era” after beginning my effort to READ as many books as I could giving the actual TRUTH about what was happening in the TWO invasions which, to me, were like “deja vu all over again” – as if our “leaders” learned NOTHING after Viet Nam. And, neither George W Bush nor Dick Cheney had an excuse because they lived through the Viet Nam FIASCO just as I did (Although, neither served – well, GW managed to avoid service through his “Daddy’s” political connections putting him into a Reserve Unit which he failed to attend – but, that’s a story for another day). I was a High School Senior at the time of the Gulf of Tonkin “resolution” which was LBJ’s mechanism for LYING “we the people” into what turned out to be such a DISASTER – both for our nation, our troops, and the Vietnamese (and Cambodian) people.

The invasion of Afghanistan, arguably to catch Osama bin Laden and render Al Qaeda “out of business” after “9/11,” turned out to be part of the justification used by Bush/Cheney for their ILL-ADVISED invasion of Iraq. What MOST Americans – at least the ones I know who I’ve talked to about this – don’t understand is Osama bin Laden (and his “troops”) were cornered at a place called “Tora Bora” within a short while after the U.S. entered Afghanistan back in 2001. Astonishingly, the U.S. troops/ partners (Afghani’s mostly, I believe, from the “Northern Alliance”) were ordered to evacuate bin Laden and his “troops” to Pakistan via an airlift the U.S. agreed to with Pakistan to get their (Pakistan’s) “fighters” out of Afghanistan. They (Bush/Cheney) wanted the “war” in Afghanistan to continue so they could LIE about Al Qaeda being embedded in Iraq. Capturing bin Laden would have removed the Bush/Cheney rationale for invading Iraq. (Along with claiming Saddam Hussein had “weapons of mass destruction.”)

I can’t remember the name of the first book I read on Afghanistan, but, in summary, it focused on the INCOMPETENCE of the American “adventure” there and that book was written within a couple years of the beginning of this American FAILURE. The numbers of Afghani’s and Iraqi’s who were either KILLED or dislodged from their homes during the past 20+ years is UNTHINKABLE – but, here in America, we NEVER seem to hear about what this “colonial adventurism” has done to those countries – what we hear about is the terrible DAMAGE to our own troops (understandable, but for how many years was this going to go on?)

Coincidentally, I have to say as I was driving home today and listening to my XM radio – the “news” was full of people attempting to BLAME Joe Biden for a situation which has, predictably, become very chaotic. Biden is resolute in bringing our troops home and HOPEFULLY, he’ll manage to get as many Afghans who are in danger for helping American troops out as well. But, what I was listening to today on the radio, some of it from Vets who I’ve been financially supporting for the past several years (when I’m able), had me YELLING at my radio.

I’m fine with former troops who want to get interpreters and other Afghans who SHOULD be relocated to America – at least out of Afghanistan – but, what seems to be the American “way” of BLAMING Joe Biden f0r what is happening ,to me, is disgusting. Personally, I APPLAUD Biden for having the GUTS to do this knowing he was going to be getting “HEAT” from all sides – including from places like former members of individual 1’s administration – who still haven’t learned “don’t throw rocks out of a glass house.” While I agreed with individual 1’s desire to get America out of Afghanistan, the bottom line is, as usual, not with the process. They “set the table” for what has happened in the previous few weeks.

Most people don’t remember individual 1 actually wanted to bring the leaders of the Taliban to Camp David – which somehow he was talked out of – and that his administration and members of his administration met personally in Afghanistan and made an agreement which, in essence, FORCED Biden’s hand. Today I listened to Richard Engel in a very emotional diatribe about all the people in Afghanistan who are in danger because of the Taliban takeover – which, was, basically, set in motion last year via the agreement made with individual 1’s administration. The drawdown of American troops from around 10 to 12,000 down to 2500 at the time President Biden took over gave Biden two options: Get out or create another “surge.” Anyone who’s been listening at all to Biden knows he’s been in favor of getting our troops out for years and, another “surge” just wasn’t going to happen.

And, plllllease, the recriminations coming from former members of individual 1’s administration, including Mike Pompeo, who was key in negotiating with the same people he’s now calling “butchers,” as usual, makes me want to gag. I can only hope, in my lifetime, to see the day when the American people who frequent media outlets like Fox “news,” “Newsmax,” and the others will tire of the relentless barrage of LIES coming their way – at some point in time. And, I have to say, I’m not that much impressed with MSNBC, which, when I can stomach “news,” is where I go. All I’ve been able to think this past week when I tune in to ANYWHERE is “do you believe we should stay in Afghanistan, well, FOREVER? Getting out was bound to be MESSY. By the time Biden took over, the U.S. was, in essence, “occupying” Kabul. The Taliban were already moving on the rest of the country. We COULDN’T remain there with 2500 troops, period, full stop.

I believe President Biden was EXACTLY correct when he said we shouldn’t be fighting in a country where their troops aren’t willing to fight for themselves. The bottom line to me is how can “we the people” support keeping thousands of troops in Afghanistan indefinitely – which, when you listen to people like Engel and others in our “liberal media” complaining about “the way we’re withdrawing” with nary a word about how it really came about with the Taliban taking over the country without firing a shot. The Afghan troops simply threw down their weapons. In fact, as I already pointed out, there are reports the Taliban were negotiating with various “war lords” ever since the agreement made by the “other guy” early in 2020. This was all predictable – just not that Kabul would fall in a matter of a couple days – with virtually no fighting. but that it would “fall.” Obviously, “we the people” don’t understand the Afghan culture. (And, in that I include myself)

Yes, there’s the issue with the women and girls. I would think that would be enough for the “men” to use the arms and training they had from the Americans for the previous 20+ years to put up a fight. What will be interesting will be how the Taliban respond to about 6,000 American troops at the Kabul airport as they attempt to get the Afghans who wish to leave, along with all the diplomats, and other Americans flown out of the country. My guess is the Taliban will simply watch this happen, BUT if they choose to instigate a conflict I believe they’ll find something far different from the Afghan troops who simply laid down their (formerly ours now the Taliban’s) guns. I believe the Americans will respond aggressively to any challenge coming from Taliban fighters.

Remember, it only took American troops a matter of weeks to rout them out of the country back in the early 21st century. I guess my point in all of this is the American media seems to be always on the prowl for sensationalism – and, in this we have “bipartisanship.” Look, the date of our withdrawal has been no secret since the early days of Biden’s administration – in fact, he originally said by “9/11.” While I “get” there are bureaucratic issues for the Afghani’s who want out – all these members of the military who are now flooding the airwaves with their “angst” about those Afghani’s who helped Americans and might be left behind, why did they wait until now to make this an issue? They’ve had a YEAR and a HALF!

I remember Viet Nam and I just don’t believe there’s a way to exit a “war” you should NEVER have been in, one that has ALWAYS been “unwinnable,” without it being “messy.” Yes, individual 1, Mike Pompeo, and others made it more difficult but I don’t blame them either. It was going to be MESSY – chaotic – however you want to characterize it. And, trust me, just as, I presume, those who didn’t agree with individual 1 would have been “clamoring” about the withdrawal had he been smart enough to actually “win” an election, it’s no surprise to me listening to our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president, along with Pompeo and others, attempting to put ALL the blame on Biden and NONE of it on themselves. That’s America’s politics anymore. If you remember, up until just a few years ago, the “norm” in America was that “politics” stopped at the “water’s edge.” (Meaning our borders, if you’re too young :o)

The use of media which has no accountability for reporting via FACTS along with Social Media (disclaimer, I don’t use “Social Media” – unless this would be “Social Media”) which has been weaponized via the strategies of our worst adversaries – and, yes, I’m talking about the Russians and their “active measures” campaign intended to drive “wedges” (i.e. “wedge issues”) between Americans – and politicians who’ve adopted their assault on our nation and are spewing their actual “talking points” – is, to me, the “root” cause of the destabilization of America which is happening in “real time.”

And, the so-called “liberal media” – if there is such a thing – in my view, got sucked in to the “Blame Game” regarding the withdrawal from Afghanistan with little attempt at rational thought. Even someone like Richard Engel, who I’ve always respected, seems to me to be way over the edge emotionally when reporting on this “chaotic withdrawal.” I mean, what on earth did he expect?

Do I feel badly for the women of Afghanistan who are devastated by the return of the Taliban to power? Absolutely! However, again, how long would it take to create an “army” from the Afghan people willing to FIGHT the Taliban to protect their women? My guess is, if 20 years wasn’t enough, then 30 years wouldn’t be either. And, does Engel or any others in our “liberal media” really believe there was an “unmessy” way to get out? Especially, considering the agreement made between the Taliban and individual 1 in February of 2020. Really, when you get right down to it, if anyone’s to BLAME for how messy this is turning out, in my view, it’s George W Bush, Dick Cheney, Don Rumsfeld and the so-called “neo-cons” who were “hell bent” on invading Iraq when they took office in 2001 and used the “intrusion” into Afghanistan, ostensibly to get bin Laden, as their “mechanism” to achieve their ultimate goal. (Iraq’s oil)

Final Thought: Just recently I was in a rural area close to the Southern Oregon Coast visiting a couple who build guitars (classical and flamenco). They are wonderful, HONEST people – I had taken an instrument they built for me back in 1973 to be repaired a few months ago and was now picking it up. Before leaving I went into their home to say goodbye and, sure enough, on a big screen TV there was Fox “news” and, of course, without thinking I said something along the lines of “you shouldn’t be watching that.”

Well, I’ve got enough experience in life to fully understand that was a “non starter.” Suddenly, the conversation became very defensive and, then (at least to me) offensive. Unsurprisingly, as I now think about it, the Joe Biden attacks started – two aneurisms, screwing up Afghanistan, and not actually being the president. I was a bit shocked, but I shouldn’t have been. I know many other “Fox viewers” and the end result is always the same – don’t talk about politics with them – which, by the way, was not my intention – I just thought it was good advice :o). The saddest part in all of what was a very short dialogue was the reason “Biden is screwing up Afghanistan” – it wasn’t because he can’t get the Afghani interpreters and other helpers of Americans out, but that he might! I wasn’t going to get into any kind of “discussion” so I just said my goodbyes and headed home with my 48 year old instrument. It just grieved me to witness (once again) what Fox has done to so many fine unsuspecting Americans. (I’m sure if you suggested their opinion on the Afghans was “racist” they’d say, “who me?”)

I knew these people 50 years ago and would have completely lost touch except for my desire to have them repair the instrument they originally built for me in the early seventies. Nowadays, any kind of dialogue beyond the guitar seems impossible. And, sadly, some of what has become (what appears to me) their “core beliefs” would be what you hear on Tucker Carlson’s program on a nightly basis. I was very sad on my way home! (And, oh, by the way, if you don’t “get it” – America has ALWAYS been a “nation of immigrants” – no matter what Tucker says! Very likely, somewhere in your family tree you are an immigrant)

Oh yes! Because I didn’t want to “go there” I said NOTHING about the aneurisms – The husband who is 79 years old and was the one who brought up the aneurisms as if that FACT renders Biden incapable of thought and, therefore, being president – I didn’t, but should have, pointed out the “brain surgery” relating to the “aneurisms” took place in 1988. That FACT would likely have made little, if any, difference to his thinking. But, whatever!

Florida’s governor, Ron DeSantis, has found a way to get the “DEPLORABLE” statistics of how the latest “wave” of the Covid-19 crisis is impacting his state. Simply block the publication of statistics coming from state health agencies. I usually follow the statistics at “Worldometer.info” where, essentially, EVERY reported case of new infections, “serious/critical” illness from Covid, and deaths are tabulated. I’m finding it interesting that several republican led states are NOT reporting their results. Periodically, we see the results from Florida and you can see why DeSantis might be a bit “edgy” considering his brazen (and ignorant) decisions allowing the virus to run RAMPANT in his state – affecting many of the states around his.

Today, it was Florida, Iowa, South Dakota, Kansas, and Nebraska failing to report – all with republican governors and ALL having rapidly INCREASING numbers of people infected with the virus. Heck, Kristi Noem in South Dakota, who very well could be the WORST governor in the nation regarding attempting to protect her state from the ravages of this virus, seems to be very good at hiding the statistics of late. However, as an estimated 700,000 “biker dudes – and, of course, dudettes” converge on Sturgis South Dakota for their annual “rally” – we’re likely to see an even greater “spike” in South Dakota and the neighboring states in the next few weeks. (Actually, I started this rant a few days ago and, since, Montana and North Dakota’s NEW infections are rising almost exponentially – and, yep, still no reporting from South Dakota)

Will those statistics get published so that “we the people” have complete information as we attempt to fight off this pandemic – probably NOT. There are other states which are clearly being ravaged by the disease caused by Covid-19 which are NOT reporting the number of people who are DYING from the disease. Why? Who knows! Republicans have managed to turn this pandemic into a political issue – and, of course, they’re still calling it a “democrat hoax.” As if none of this is happening. (In South Dakota no reporting and places like Florida – occasional reporting, although, for example, today ANOTHER 25,000 NEW cases with hardly ANY deaths. Missouri, lately, around 4,000 NEW cases per day and NO reports of the numbers of people DYING. In these state and numerous other “red” states, you CAN’T get into a hospital – they’re FULL of Covid patients – and, of course, there are unvaccinated people in EVERY state, so this Delta variant is now just about EVERYWHERE.)

And, this you can count on! The front runners for the republican nomination for president in the next couple of years will be the governors who’ve done the WORST job of fighting the pandemic! Yep, you can count on that! For example, in “straw polls,” once you pull individual 1 out of the picture – which is likely to happen because he’ll be busy fighting his LEGAL battles in the various courthouses – it seems to be DeSantis as the “presumed front runner.” OMG – could all the voter suppression bills we’re seeing make something that dreadful possible? It’s as if DeSantis is “running to the bottom” in order to take himself to the “top” of the republican party.

Are republicans going to tabulate the number of school age children who DIE from the Delta variant in Florida because DeSantis has – if you haven’t been paying attention, grab your “seatbelt” – issued an order PROHIBITING schools from issuing “mask mandates.” Keep in mind, this past weekend there were OVER 28,000 new Covid infections in Florida EACH day! And, the Delta variant is “taking” more and more young people and children into Florida’s ICU’s – which, for all intents and purposes, are “full to the brim” with Covid patients – nearly 100% people who, for whatever reason, chose NOT to get vaccinated – or, worse, the CHILDREN of people who chose NOT to get vaccinated. Honestly, this brings up that word I hate, but it applies here: STUPID!

In my mind, not only is DeSantis STUPID, but those who choose to believe the garbage coming out of his mouth are STUPID. People are DYING by the hundreds – per DAY! – in Florida because, largely, their state government is “Missing in Action” in an attempt to mitigate the virus. (And, as I’ve said here many times, I believe DeSantis is REFUSING to allow the correct statistics regarding DEATHS from Covid in his state, and it continues) I saw this happening weeks ago, predicting what was happening in Florida would soon enough spread to those states around Florida and who knows how many more. Well, the verdict is in; It’s virtually EVERY state in the union. I live in Washington state, which has succeeded in vaccinating over 70% of her population. However, that leaves close to 30% unvaccinated (along with their children – we’re talking “adults” here) which is in excess of a million people (Washington has a population of near 8 MILLION) – therefore, even in this “blue state” there are close to 2,000 new cases of Covid-19 each day.

I’ve talked about my niece who works in a Covid ICU unit at one of the University of Washington hospitals in Seattle and my heart goes out to her and those on the same “team” for their dedication and hard work attempting to save as many LIVES as they can in the past year. Almost every member of the “team” contracted Covid prior to having access to the vaccines, but they all went right back to work once testing negative for the disease (er virus). I have to believe they’re all a bit frustrated with a WAVE of people who choose NOT to wear masks and have chosen NOT to get vaccinated. These medical personnel MUST be at or near burnout from the constant strain of dealing with this virus day in and day out – especially when MOST of those now in the hospital could have avoided this fate simply be getting the vaccine – which is readily available and it’s FREE. Yikes!

There are other right wing members of the republican party who are attempting to be as craven as DeSantis. For example, there’s Marjorie Taylor Greene who’s going around the country making FALSE claims about the attempt by the Biden administration to get as many Americans as possible vaccinated. She’s even compared the push for people to get vaccinated to the Holocaust. Yes, it’s disgusting, but that’s who she is. And, now “Twitter” has banned her for a week for spreading FALSE information about vaccines – although, she’ll be back doing so next week – count on it. I don’t do “Social media” but, from the outside, it appears to be culpable for much of the mis/disinformation spread throughout America in the past five or so years. It’s the favorite “vehicle,” for example, of the Russians – who are saying pretty much the same as people like Greene and DeSantis.

Of course, not to be outdone by Greene and DeSantis is Rand Paul. This is the guy who is so obnoxious he got attacked by one of his neighbors – who apparently didn’t like the way he was mowing his lawn? (Are we talking about two assholes here?) Well, this past weekend Mr. Paul made a video, about two minutes long, with a rant about how “we don’t have to do what” “they” – apparently, they is the government, of which Mr. Paul is a member – they are “mandating.” Of course, he (also) was referring to “masks” and “vaccines.” He pointed to the camera as he was talking to Nancy Pelosi (why? who knows) suggesting she would not cause “us” to “give in.” (my interpretation based on my weak memory – again, I’m an OLD white guy) Now, Mr. Paul is banned from his YouTube channel. (OK, for just one week, and like MTG, he’ll be right back at it once his “week” is up.)

Along with the Russians, individual 1 has been busy for over five years attempting to pry appart the natural “fault lines” which exist in America. They’ve used issues like race, trade deals, and abortion – among others – to cause Americans to believe “we are the enemy.” Not only have they wildly succeeded in hitting these “wedge issues” with a giant political “maul” (If you don’t know what a maul is, look it up – my sawmill days are resurfacing, it appears) Worst still, individual 1 has caused his CULT to believe our elections – of course ONLY for president – apparently ALL the other elections of various legislatures along with local initiatives were OK – just the FACT our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president got SLAUGHTERED in the election is the problem for republicans.

Well, tomorrow (likely today, yesterday, or ???? “whatever” – when you’re reading this) is August 13th, 2021 – the day the whacked out right wing conspiracy theorists have said is the day individual 1 will be re-instated as our president. Do you really believe this? Well, by the time you read this you’ll know these “whack jobs” are, well, WHACK JOBS! So, what is their NEXT ridiculous prediction. Maybe the next “theory” members of the CULT will follow will have something to do with the “pillow dude” – who’s facing a MULTI BILLION dollar defamation lawsuit from Dominion – the maker of SOME of the voting machines used in the elections. Maybe all the CULT members will buy pillows so the “pillow guy” can keep his face in the news.

America is being suffocated from within – and, HISTORY will BLAME individual 1 for being the catalyst – and, his “connection” to Russia will ultimately become public. Actually, as I’m writing this the Scots (Scotland) have an investigation into where individual 1 got the funds to purchase two golf courses in Scotland, including Turnberry. Rumors suggest individual 1 was using “laundered” Russian funds to purchase Turnberry and the other course in Scotland he purchased back in around 2006. The Scots suspect individual 1 used funds gained via organized crime and they’re demanding our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president show them were the money came from and where the money has been coming from since the purchases because neither property is “profitable.”

This look into the two golf courses may very well show the connection between individual 1 and the Russians. The “Royal and Ancient” Golf “home” has decided to take Turnberry out of the rotation for the “Open” championship. Individual 1 was FORCING various groups of Americans associated with out government (including members of the Air Force) to stay at Turnberry in order to cause “we the people” to help the property mitigate its losses. “We the people” need to see his taxes for the past 15 years at least. He’s a master “grifter” and, from all reports, he’s been cheating on his taxes for YEARS! Stay tuned…………….

Oh yes! Back to Mr. DeSantis (and some of the other republican governors attempting to make Joe Biden look bad by causing HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS of their own citizens to be exposed to or infected with the Delta variant of the coronavirus. They’re all trying to be the “new” version of individual 1 and it’s frustrating to watch – in fact, it’s causing MANY Americans to get angry with them – while their followers are yelling at anyone who wants them to stop spreading this virus to the “rest of us.’ Just as individual 1 was “Missing in Action” regarding the fight against Covid-19, so are DeSantis, Noem, Abbot, and other republican governors right now. And, with the help of right wing media outlets supporting them, they are simply ALLOWING the virus to spread “willy nilly.” Apparently, in the republican party the worst you are at governing is the “litmus test” for support from the “base.” Yikes!!!

Final Thought: I mentioned above I’m an “old white guy” and, as I was typing those words I couldn’t help thinking about how long it took me to understand the concept of “white privilege.” That is despite the FACT I spent 10 years working in tandem (team teaching) with an African American who, despite the FACT he’s “gone home,” will always be one of my heroes. I’ve had the fortune to have close relationships with several African Americans during my life, yet it still took me years to internalize the privilege I took for granted while listening to the many stories my friends shared with me about their life experiences – FAR different to my own.

My teaching partner graduated from High School in Youngstown, Ohio back in the early sixties being unable to read – he was simply pushed through, as happens still to this day. He joined the Air Force where he spent close to a decade in Thailand during the Viet Nam “war.” During that time he learned to read by reading his Bible and during the years after he left the Air Force (20 years of service – including a bullet next to his heart which may have ultimately been the cause of his death nearly 40 years later – it was too close to be removed) he started a small church, graduated with an undergraduate degree from a university, got a Master’s degree in Teaching, and ultimately a “doctor of divinity” all while dealing with the handicap of being a Black man in America.

My friend NEVER complained – in fact, when I would visit his church, one of his favorite worship songs was titled “I will not complain.” As I would hang out with him and with those in his church it was then I FINALLY internalized what “white privilege” actually means. I really question if I would have been strong enough to make it to where I am today without it. And, I wasn’t born into a “wealthy” family – in fact, for most of my youth I was raised by a “single Mom” who was working for minimum wages along with the small alimony she got from my Dad. I worked nearly full time during High School at a restaurant ($1.25 per hour back then) in order to have money to drive a car and have spending money. I seriously doubt, had I been Black, if I would have gotten that job. Had my family not been white, I don’t believe we would have been welcome in our little community. Oh yes, my Father was a racist who regularly used the so-called “N” word.

I began to realize the effect of my upbringing when I started playing basketball after I graduated from High School at the local Community College. About half my teammates were African Americans and my first reaction was “fear” because I’d never been around a Black person before and I was raised by a racist in all white schools. I was almost instantly ashamed of myself and soon became good friends with my Black teammates. I actually became angry at my Father, who had divorced my Mom years earlier and was remarried. I chose not to speak to him for years after I”d heard one too many “N” words coming from his mouth. Still, it took me years to fully understand what it meant to benefit from “white privilege.”

I say this because I believe MANY of the so-called “base” of the republican party – who now seem to be in a CULT – are motivated by the FEAR of the reality their “white privilege” is being challenged as our society becomes more diverse. Racism has become a “flash point” for me when I’m trying to dialogue with someone who disagrees with me. When I start hearing the “dog whistle” stuff being regurgitated – like, someone I know complaining about his own adopted daughter living off public assistance – as if he’d prefer she be on the street (She’s African American and was a “special needs child”) – I’m just losing my ability to tolerate it.

My point is, I’ve been around numerous African Americans who are, from my perspective, much STRONGER than myself – and, I’m talking about internal strength including spiritual strength – and, yet are forced to live on much less – I can’t help but realize how much I’ve benefited from being white. And, if America is to continue pursuing the goal of being a “more perfect union” I believe it is imperative for MORE of “white Americans” to internalize what it means to have “white privilege” and how that “privilege” is at the root of so many of our problems.

I have to add – there are issues with Native Americans which are going under the “radar” – I occasionally donate to “Indian Schools” in South and North Dakota and, it appears to me, “we the people” long ago stopped honoring the “agreements” (i.e. “Treaties”) made with the various Native American tribes. Additionally, it’s no secret many of the “right wing” members of individual 1’s CULT are what you’d have to call “haters.” People in the Asian communities, Latinx communities, LGBTQ communities, African American communities, Jewish communities, etc. have felt the violence which seems to originate out of the mouths of people like individual 1 and those who are his sycophants. God help us if we can’t figure out how to bridge these “divides.”

OBTW – Florida is AVERAGING more than 25,000 NEW cases of covid per day and her hospitals are at or near capacity. (In some cased over capacity) And, they don’t have enough doctors and nurses to address the numbers of SICK patients. My youngest daughter is a nurse and I say “God Bless those doctors and nurses who have been working OVERTIME for almost two years now in a desperate – in many cases – attempt to save the lives of patients, now, who refused to get vaccinated when it was available and FREE. The docs and nurses are, likely, getting angry with those who call Covid a “democrat hoax” and then need their help in the hospital. And, I don’t blame them one bit! Right wingers are threatening health care professionals who tell the TRUTH about this pandemic with violence. It really is, in my view, time for our Justice Department to “clamp down” on those who are threatening violence and those who are INCITING violence.

One of the most consistent things I’ve observed about republicans, sept for the LYING, is the constant PROJECTION they spew in their propaganda “active measures” – to use the Russian term which seems apropos. If the republicans are accusing YOU of it, that means that’s what they’re doing. So, today as I was wandering through Costco itching to spend the money on my “Costco Shop Card” I got for buying a water softener for our home, I checked out the book section to see if there was something I wanted to purchase. As the saying goes, “The cupboard was bare,” although there was a book titled something about “authoritarianism” by someone named Ben Shapiro.

I had heard of him before and my thoughts placed him in the Fox “news” universe – or something similar – and when I read the reviews on the back cover all I could do was shake my head. I’m certain Mr. Shapiro would be a supporter of individual 1 and it seemed awfully strange to me reading about how the “left was pushing an authoritarian agenda” – or words to that effect. Reading the book cover it came across as as much of a distinguished work as one of Bill O’Reilly’s “Killing …………… (Fill in the blank) – other than – my guess is Shapiro may have actually written it.

Based on what I read on the cover his thesis is “the left” wants to “control” everything – your thinking, your rights, etc., etc. As I just said above, when you’re reading (or listening) to a “conservative” these days, if they’re making an accusation, just realize that’s where THEY’RE coming from. After, wasn’t it just about 8 months ago (now), that THOUSANDS of individual 1 fanatics were storming out nation’s Capitol Building chanting “hang Mike Pense.” I have to wonder “what is the ‘liberal’ equivalent to that?”

George Floyd protests, you say? Awe, come on, you MUST be able to do better than that. Even the protests in Portland, Oregon (just across the Columbia River from where I live), covered just a few blocks in the downtown area – around the Federal Courthouse – and, it’s true, some of the “protesters” put “graffiti” on the Federal Building. For that, individual 1 shipped in a bunch of “unmarked” Federal agents who were plucking various PEOPLE (most doing absolutely nothing more than “being there”) off the streets, taking them to undisclosed buildings, interrogating them, and then releasing them. What do you call that?

And, of course, individual 1, after “Portland,” re-instituted some obscure Federal statute which, he claimed, would include a MANDATORY 10 year prison term for ANYONE who illegally entered or did any damage to a Federal building. Just think about that as an aside. So far, the FBI has arrested well over 500 INSURRECTIONISTS with over 300 more in their “crosshairs” as they attempt to identify them. By individual 1’s “standards,” EACH and EVERY one of them SHOULD be facing a MINIMUM of 10 years in prison. Fortunately, our Justice Department has a bit more empathy – even for individual 1’s INSURRECTIONISTS – and they’re recommending much more LENIENT sentences for those who seemed to just get caught up in the “crowd.” (Although, they’re still MOSTLY going to be guilty of a FELONY)

Back to authoritarianism. Earth to Mr. Shapiro: I’m NOT the only one who’s been pointing out individual 1 and his republican sycophants are/were pseudo authoritarians. And, of course, we have the example of January 6th, 2021 to prove it. Not only did our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president first “groom” his followers for months before the election (The only way we can lose the election is if it’s ‘rigged'”), then encourage them to come to D.C. on January 6th, 2021 (“It’s going to be wild”), and then, along with Mo Brooks, Individual 1 Jr., Rudy Giuliani and others, “gin up” the crowd into a froth with phrases like, “Go to the Capitol – I’ll be there with you (another preposterous LIE) – and Fight like Hell, because if you don’t ‘Fight like Hell’ you’re not going to have a country anymore.”

Here’s the thing I’d say to Mr. Shapiro if I could speak to him personally. There’s a HUGE difference between a large MOB storming the nation’s Capitol with the intent of OVERTHROWING a “free and fair” election (Even if they believed the LIE that it wasn’t), injuring OVER 140 Capitol and Metro police officers, and then having over 140 members of Congress vote to OVERTHROW the election AFTER the INSURRECTIONISTS were turned away from the Capitol – with, of course, the blessing of individual 1 as opposed to protests in the streets because Police CONTINUE executing members of the Black Community seemingly ad nauseam. Not only are our African America brothers and sisters sick and tired of this, but so are a bunch of us “white folk” and any other freedom loving Americans. But, progressives DON’T attempt to overthrow out government. We VOTE!

I’m fine with the dialogue which SHOULD be happening between those on the “left” and those on the “right” (and, of course anyone else interested) but, for me, I draw the line with overt racism – such as what we see from individual 1 and MANY of his supporters – the infamous “basket of deplorables.” I can tell you to whom Hillary Clinton was referring when she made that ill advised comment in one of the debates with individual 1 back in 2016. For example, she was referring to the guy wearing the Camp Auschwitz shirt in the INSURRECTION – or the “Proud Boys” with the shirts suggesting “6MWE” (Six Million Weren’t Enough – meaning Jews murdered in WW II – ugh!) – or the Neo-Nazi’s in Charlottesville in 2017 carrying Tiki Torches and chanting “Jews will not replace us” while carrying Confederate flags and wearing Nazi arm bands, David Duke and Don Black – former “Grand Wizards” of the KKK. These are NOT people who are supporters of “democracy.”

And, of course, individual 1 referred to the neo-Nazi’s marching in Charlottesville (They called it the “unite the right” rally) as “very fine people” – to which, David Duke – who was there – responded with positive affirmation for our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president. These are the core of the group which attempted to overturn our “free and fair” election by STORMING the Capitol Building, trashing it, and attempting to find Pence and Nancy Pelosi in order to KILL them. This is their response to LOSING an election! Apparently, they DON’T believe in our democratic republic.

And, I have to say, most on the “left” are fine with VOTING and accepting the results – win or lose. It should be OBVIOUS, neither individual 1 nor his cult members see it that way. In fact, the term “Stop the Steal” was the work of Roger Stone and he came up with it shortly before the 2016 election. Individual 1 was planning his coup attempt way back then – if you remember, he never, even then agreed he would accept the result of the election if he LOST. (Which, of course, he did via the “popular vote” – by around 3 MILLION votes. In 2020 he set the record, he lost be OVER 8 MILLION votes.)

Another area where we find “common ground” between republicans and authoritarians is in the FACT they are fine with CHEATING in order to WIN. As the saying goes, “Whatever it takes.” Or, better stated, “The end justifies the means.” That’s been part of the republican M.O. for years, it’s just that individual 1 has NO “moral compass” and he’s a pathological LIAR which makes him the perfect “leader” for the wealthy “puppetmasters” who surreptitiously CONTROL the republican party. The objective is NOT “governing” – NO – it’s POWER! Plain and simple!

However, as I’ve stated here multiple times, the TRUTH will come out – drip by drip – and our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president is going to be very busy in the next couple of years defending himself in court. For example, in this past week we’ve learned FOR CERTAIN about the surreptitious plan individual 1 was working on behind the scenes AFTER he LOST last November 3rd – well, MOST of us paying attention already KNEW what is being corroborated with DIRECT evidence showing a CONSPIRACY between individual 1 and part of the Justice Department – mainly Jeffrey Clark along with Mark Meadows (chief of staff) and Lindsey Graham (lackey) and others – were attempting to get Georgia’s legislature to override the “will of the people” in what simply confirms these people should be facing serious charges – including individual 1 for the MOST corrupt action by any president in the history of this nation.

And, to Mr. Shapiro, this is the stuff of authoritarianism – not “progressives” demanding rights for every American citizen – including, most fundamentally, the RIGHT to VOTE! The fact you don’t like the results of the previous couple elections might suggest the republican party SHOULD change their “course” and attempt to actually broaden their “base” from the mainly white nationalists – who claim the cover of Christianity – to a more diverse organization which looks closer to the “melting pot” which is our nation. Our nation’s history is based on being a “melting pot” – people from all “corners” of the world immigrating to this country and, in the process, making America a better nation.

Sadly, this core of white “Christians” (and, believe me, I say that with a sense of sadness in my heart, because I’m a Christian) are acting like the Pharisees in the Bible and it seems as if they are wanting some kind of apartheid government in this nation. I believe this “backlash” all started when the reality of a man of “color” was elected president. What is now the republican “base” became susceptible to the fear mongering of the right wing, racist “leaders” of their party – who’ve been practicing out and out BRAINWASHING via the “Big Lie Theory” since the days of Reagan. They do it because, sadly, it works!

I’m not kidding! I can’t even have a conversation with people who watch Fox “news” or the other right wing media outlets. Usually, they start yelling and/or throwing things – in fits of defensive absurdity. That’s simply when I ask them “why,” for example, they support individual 1. I had one friend who I could talk to, but Covid prevented personalized dialogue and after the election (when all his predictions were off by 180 degrees – and, mine were right on – although I couldn’t even imagine the attack on the Capitol Building) his comments got so absurd it just became too hard for me to be, I’m sure, what he considered “civil.”

For example, he asked – after Joe Biden had been declared the winner of the election – how that would be proven. This was after all the votes had been counted! I went over the process in detail which culminated on January 6th, 2021 – and, each step of the way turned out EXACTLY as I explained it to him – including predicting a right wing protest at the certification of the Electoral College votes on January 6th – and, he accused me of “bullying.” Simply because I explained the TRUTH about the process which was unfolding as it happened. I’m sure he then, and probably now, believed/believes the election was rigged – because he allows the right wing propaganda into his head. The last I heard from him was the republican party is “conservative and Christian.” This was AFTER the INSURRECTION attempt! (More on that in a bit)

I point this all out because my former friend, who I see as a microcosm of the republican party, said to me on several occasions he didn’t believe in “democracy.” I always took that to mean pure democracy, not what is in our Constitution, a democratic republic with “checks and balances” designed to protect a “tyranny of the majority.” For years, I’ve suggested republicans are scheming to succeed in creating a “tyranny of the MINORITY” – because they realize they’re in the MINORITY (and, it’s getting worse) and their solution is, instead of attempting to broaden their appeal, to disenfranchise as many of the “other” as they can – so, they can still “win” elections. (While, of course, LOSING the “popular vote”)

As I’ve said, the gerrymandering, the “stuffing” of the courts with right wing judges – including a 6 – 3 majority on the Supreme Court – a Court which might possibly go along with the republican scheme because it WAS the Roberts Court which gutted the Voting Rights Act of 1965 – allowing for all the VOTER SUPPRESSION bills cropping up across this land as I’m writing this – and working to control “local legislatures” in the states – is the “plan” for the so-called “permanent republican ‘majority.'” So, I’d say to Mr. Shapiro when he brings up the issue of authoritarianism – you’ll NEVER find progressives storming our Capitol in a brazen attempt to overthrow our nation’s government – they’ll do their fighting at the ballot box. Your claim the “Progressives” in America are “authoritarian” is simply MORE projection! Stay tuned!…………..

Final Thought: I keep suggesting, at some point, I’ll write a post on abortion. I haven’t got around to it, but I have pointed out my prayer is America would find a way to minimize the demand for the procedure. In short I’ll say two things: First, MEN should be held accountable for their role in creating unwanted pregnancies and secondly, I’ve come to the conclusion my best advice would be, “If you don’t believe in abortions don’t have one.” It’s the Christian community which is so vocally opposed to “A woman’s right to choose” in regard to her own body. Well, if you believe in the Bible you MUST believe in “free will” and these decisions women make are between the woman and her spiritual beliefs.

I absolutely am thankful I was NEVER confronted with this decision, although I would have never gone along with an abortion unless the woman’s life (in this case my wife’s) was in danger. Many years ago my wife had a miscarriage and, at the hospital, the procedure performed as akin to having an abortion – other than she had already passed the fetus. I say all this because I find it ironic as a NEW wave of “SARS Cov-2” (The “novel” coronavirus) is ravaging our nation from the effects of the so-called “Delta variant” and right wing republicans are encouraging their followers to refuse to get vaccinated. The irony, to me, is listening to these people who want to “control” the bodies of America’s women claiming by encouraging vaccinations our government is attempting to take “control their bodies.” One thing about today’s republicans, they ALWAYS seem to want it “both ways.” Just sayin……………..