My apologies to anyone who might happen here who supports individual 1, but our so-called president is an IDIOT when it comes to running our government. It almost feels as if the DAMAGE he’s doing to the traditional institutions which have served Americans well for generations are out of spite. It’s like he’s the oppositional BULLY in the sixth grade who says if you (the teacher) tell me not to do something, well, that’s like a “green light.” Today’s “scandal” is related to individual 1’s rogue behavior as he tries to envision himself as the “commander in chief” while putting the world on edge in regard to the situation in Iran.

Apparently, today, individual 1 proved himself to be totally dysfunctional as he keeps people wondering what kind of blunder is he really capable of. Apparently, there was a decision to “bomb, bomb, bomb Iran” (in the words of the late John McCain) which he called off at the last moment – according to him because he was told 150 Iranians would die as a result of the American response to Iran shooting down an American drone – which the Iranians claim was in their air space and, of course, the Americans claim was over international waters. Individual 1, in an interview with one of my least favorite “reporters” (Chuck Todd), claimed the response wouldn’t be proportional. (I actually agree with him – it’s just that, like in every other instance, either he’s LYING or proving, once again, that he’s an IDIOT.

Why would I make such a harsh statement, you might ask? Well, can you imagine what it means that an airstrike was imminent and our so-called “commander in chief” – as final permission was being asked from the military leaders – wanted to know what the level of casualties would be. OK, if you’re still not “getting it” let me explain. It’s unreal that a military action could get to the point where the missiles were ready to “fly” and individual 1 is asking how many people will be killed? Isn’t that maybe one of the first questions which should be dealt with during the planning stage? I have to ask: “Was there a planning stage?” Was individual 1 even involved in the planning and to what degree? I have to tell you that although I’m very happy the air strike was canceled, I have even LESS confidence in individual 1 as the “commander in chief” than before this incident. (Which was already close to ZERO)

I’ve been saying since the start of his “term” it’s just a matter of time until this bumbling so-called president is going to be pushed into a crisis by someone who would love to see America further torn apart. I keep telling myself Osama bin Laden has totally succeeded in his goal to cause America to tear apart from the inside out when he planned the 9/11 attack. And, of course, Vladimir Putin is right there trying to stimulate that result. (Although, even Putin sees the folly – for the world – in the U.S. starting another WAR in the Middle East – in this case with Iran. Won’t it be interesting if, at some point, we learn individual 1 actually called off the attack via Putin’s orders????)

And, keep in mind, this is all the work of individual 1’s attempting to push Iran to the point where they come on their knees asking him to back off on the sanctions he cinched up after “tearing up” the “Iran Nuclear deal” – ostensibly because it was part of President Obama’s legacy. (If that’s not clear to you, tearing down Obama’s “legacy” is a key part of individual 1’s own “legacy” – and, I believe, history will not be kind to this obsession) I have to say if individual 1 actually believes the Iranians are going to come begging for “mercy” he’s as deluded as Don Rumsfeld and Dick Cheney were when they claimed the Iraqi’s would treat Americans as hero’s for toppling the regime of Saddam Hussein. (Actually, some of those same deluded advisers – ie John Bolton – are part of this emerging fiasco)

As usual, I can’t keep up with the scandal a day administration of individual 1 and, I’m sure this is individual 1’s goal. (I started this post a couple weeks ago and just didn’t have the gumption to finish it until I saw the pictures of the immigrants in CAGES to the point where, in some instances, they can’t even lie down) I’m getting numb to all this and having to force myself to keep paying attention. I’m realistic enough to understand it is the younger generation of Americans who will be those who STOP this takeover of our republic by this BULLY who seems to have not only republicans shaking in their boots in fear of a nasty tweet but apparently democrats as well, because talk of IMPEACHMENT has subsided as democrats wait for the testimony of Robert Mueller – which will be followed by more excuses as to why IMPEACHMENT is “off the table.”

Actually, I’ve been wanting to write about my frustration with the democrats – a frustration I’ve been periodically pointing out since the 2007 Congress which failed to act against the TORTURE being authorized by GW Bush/Dick Cheney/Don Rumsfeld – authorizations which essentially made them WAR CRIMINALS. Not only did the democratic controlled House (under Nancy Pelosi’s first term as the Speaker) fail to act to hold Bush/Cheney/Rumsfeld accountable – while the world watched in horror – but, then, in 2009, upon taking the oath of the office of President of the United States – an oath which requires the president to “faithfully defend the constitution and the laws of the land” (That’s my poor summary of the oath, but you get the idea) – Barack Obama said, in regard to the illegal acts of Bush/Cheney/Rumsfeld, “We’re going to look forward instead of back.” I’ve written endlessly of the folly of that decision – one result being the lawless administration of individual 1 – who, I’m sure, is counting on the same “philosophy” after he’s voted out of office – hopefully, in 2020 if not IMPEACHED sooner!

Individual 1 continues to push the boundaries of what has been traditionally acceptable in this country and the democrats continue to allow him to do so. I’ve said many times that, sadly, “we the people” are depending on the democrats to stop what has been a slow republican assault on the American system of government – beginning with the administration of Ronald Reagan in 1981. Apparently, democrats have accepted that we just have to persevere until 2020 to have the opportunity to remove individual 1 from office. Ms. Pelosi seems to fear the independent voters to the point where she’s BLOCKING the IMPEACHMENT inquiry which SHOULD be well under way as I’m writing this. Individual 1 has a plan to continue dominating the news cycles with “stuff” that would be unacceptable at any other time in my life, most of it “IMPEACHABLE.”

This democratic plan – which comes across to many – most importantly republicans – as WEAK, just seems like “more of the same.” It’s like democrats are coming to a duel with a Frisbee. While Ms. Pelosi is worried about turning off independent voters via an IMPEACHMENT inquiry, the real problem, as I see it, is democrats turning off their progressive base – which will cause many to fail, AGAIN, to vote come November of 2020. Individual 1 continues to push the boundaries of acceptable behavior and democrats continue to be almost invisible. Not only are democrats failing to act aggressively to STOP individual 1 but they are also almost naively losing the MESSAGING battle – while we all know individual 1 is pummeling Facebook with real “Fake news” – AND, likely, with the help of Vladimir Putin and the Russians. Putin is likely laughing at democrats as much as anyone because he really didn’t like how Barack Obama was attempting to block his push to undermine NATO and break up the traditional Western alliances.

So, while individual 1 causes one “scandal” after another – to the point where I’m not the only American becoming numb to the reality he keeps “getting away with lawless behavior” – the democrats are demonstrating they are in “over their heads.” I started pointing out, years ago, this is a WAR for the heart and soul of America and those of us who believe in bottom up government and the ideals of the New Deal have no choice but to depend on democrats to return this nation to sanity. That is a frustrating situation for someone like me. I believe well over 50% of Americans want nothing to do with individual 1, but the democrats MUST figure out how to get them to the polls. And, individual 1 has no limits on what he’ll “stoop” to in order to remain in office past 2020.

For example, the potential fiasco which originally caused me to start writing this post was the potential for a WAR in Iran. Trust me, if individual 1 would believe WAR in Iran was the way to get re-elected, well, you “get” where I’m going with this. Keep in mind, his “advisors” (If anyone can advise him about anything) are Mike Pompeo and John Bolton – two “classic” Iran WAR hawks. And, there are people in the Senate like Lindsey Graham who would be right there encouraging individual 1 (likely on the golf course) not to take any “crap” from the Iranians – who the administration is attempting to push into a corner – with the possibility that someone does something to create an unnecessary (and stupid) “crisis.” Of course, in the last few weeks we’ve heard nothing of the Iran situation and now the “news” is focused on the OUTRAGE at our Southern border – people packed into holding CELLS like “sardines.” (a quick aside: Yesterday I saw a “clip” of Lindsey Graham standing next to Bill Barr as Barr was pointing out individual 1 – with Barr’s help – will find a way to get around the Supreme Court in regard to the “citizenship” question on the census – likely dictatorship 101 – and Graham just looked pathetic. He’s become the iconic image of the pathetic “lapdog.” Sad!)

America has a history of “stains” which began with slavery nearly 400 years ago. It includes the genocide of Native American cultures and, in WW II the herding of Japanese Americans into holding CELLS similar to what is happening on our Southern border right now. We’ve allowed our CIA, over the years, to remove democratically elected leaders from office in countries where our corporate “leaders” were intent on plundering the natural resources of those nations. (In fact, that is how the “issue” with Iran originated – with the overthrow of their leader Mosaddegh, leading to the brutal regime of the “Shah of Iran”) And, of course, the invasion of Iraq in 2003 is another “stain of epic proportions.” Individual 1 is piling more “stain” on what will soon be the next chapter in American history. What is happening at our Southern border will not be soon forgotten around the world – even if the republicans succeed in getting “we the people” to choose to “look the other way.”

Progressives feel as if there is no way we can make a difference, there’s no way we can stop something which seems to be as disgusting as anything in recent memory – watching the pictures of these people who are simply seeking refuge being packed into CELLS inhumanely – pictures which will NEVER go away. Honestly, it breaks my heart to be writing this and, as someone who votes in EVERY election, the feeling of hopelessness is deflating. And, to me as a Christian, the WORST part of this latest “stain” is that individual 1’s “base” is dominated by the so-called “evangelic Christians.” Along with individual 1 we see the leaders of the so-called “Religious Right” encouraging this inhumane policy – actually cheering it on. For those Americans who need a “history lesson” they need to read about Germany in the late 1920’s and early 1930’s. The parallels to individual 1 and his “Christian” base are startling!

Final Thought: If you don’t understand my final point, read the biography of Diedrich Bonhoeffer.

One More Thing: This post has been sitting here for a couple weeks (at least) as I try to force myself to ignore individual 1. While paying attention doesn’t feel good, neither does ignoring – in fact, that feels much worse – because I KNOW what is at stake. Yesterday my brother-in-law sent me an article which you can read by clicking HERE. It expresses my frustration with individual 1’s “base” much better than I could ever hope to do. I feel it’s the “Christians” who scoff at Jesus when he says “What you do to the least of these you do TO ME” who, ultimately, are responsible for individual 1 and his brazen lawlessness. They’re encouraging it!

Stop and think, just for a moment, about people who’ve enjoyed “White privilege” for their entire lives referring to those in the African American and Latino communities along with progressive thinking Americans (like myself) as “liberal elites.” We’re talking about people like Jerry Falwell Jr. and Ralph Reed. What’s the saying? “Come on man!” Enough said. If you’ve gotten this far – read the article which is linked above!

A short while back my brother-in-law sent me a link to an article in Bloomberg (you can check it out HERE) about an economist’s predictions (A French economist named Gabriel Zucman) who has extensively studied how the tax system has been a key enabler of the income inequality which many (less individual 1, apparently), probably MOST, see as one of the great challenges of our time. Zucman (and a peer) have been studying how the wealthy in America accumulated their money, where they keep (hide) it, and how the tax policies allow them to grow it. (That’s my summary – you can read the article itself, it’s quite interesting)

What was maybe the MOST interesting to me was, with me being NO economist, how much what they’ve found has been clear to those like myself who’ve been paying attention to this – what I’ve called – “highway robbery” from “we the people” which started during the Reagan years and continues to this day. For example, the ONE piece of significant legislation passed in individual 1’s first two years in office was another OBSCENE tax scam which will funnel ANOTHER couple TRILLION dollars from the pockets of America’s middle class taxpayers into the coffers of the top “1%” and a bunch of corporations who weren’t paying taxes in the first place (and, had TRILLIONS “stashed” in places like the Cayman Islands.)

Reagan famously said, “I’m going to cut your taxes and balance the budget.” Well, unless you’re one of the idiots (sorry) who watch Fox “news” you know how absurd that was then and progressively more absurd as of this past tax scam. What’s the saying? “Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.” Well, I haven’t heard the version which points out we’ve been “fooled” FOUR times as of this writing – and, if the House hadn’t been turned “blue” I GUARANTEE you, the republicans would be at it again.

Their promise is that the rich people are going to “trickle down” the HUGE amounts of cash they’re pilfering from the tax rolls (many of them don’t think they should be paying ANY taxes – and, in fact, some of them don’t – especially after this last go round) and we’ve seen OVER and OVER again, what a charade that “promise” is. In this last scam the trickling down went right from their benefactors into the campaign “war chests” of the republicans who passed the bill after being badgered by their donors – who expect a return on their investment. How much did they get? you might ask. Well, for example, Sheldon Adelson – feeling no sense of shame or embarrassment – shelled out $30 MILLION to the republican Senatorial campaign committee as a way to say “thanks” for what was exponentially MORE than that going his way – in just the FIRST year of the scam.

Even individual 1, who stood before adoring crowds – most who will tell you he’s “honest” – while he was LYING straight to their lovely faces as he claimed he would not benefit from the scam and saying “my rich friends are not happy with me” – only, right after signing the bill, retreating to his Florida mansion and telling the patrons (who pay $200,000 for membership) “I just made you all a lot of money” – made MILLIONS on the scam. So much for “honesty,” right? (Of course, anyone without their head in the sand – or their eyes and ears aimed at Fox KNOWS individual 1 is a pathological LIAR.)

This kind of garbage has been going on for over 40 years – it just keeps getting more extreme the longer “we the people” allow it to continue. While rich people have been trying to find creative ways to get RICHER for far longer than the years from Reagan’s “trickle down” nonsense to today, it just keeps getting worse in each new version. Reagan’s “plan” was the original stimulus, in my lifetime, for the out of control deficit spending which has pushed the National Debt past $20 TRILLION. As I said earlier, Reagan promised to balance the budget – which had a deficit – as I remember – somewhere less than $50 BILLION when he took office (I’m thinking it was around $35 BILLION which, true to form, Carter had cut in half after the Nixon/Ford era.)

By the time Reagan left office the ANNUAL deficit was somewhere NORTH of $200 BILLION (which seemed astronomical at the time, at least to me, but today’s republicans make that look like a balanced budget). Of course, Reagan was followed by HW Bush who actually reneged on his promise: “Read my lips, no new taxes” when the deficit ballooned almost to $300 BILLION. That allowed Bill Clinton to become president – to my thinking a conservative democrat – and, surprise, surprise – when he left office there was a SURPLUS of around $250 BILLION per YEAR! Yes, this was around the time of the so-called “dot com crash” and a mild recession (at least compared to the ensuing Bush/Cheney recession President Obama inherited) and I won’t soon forget listening to Dick Cheney say “Ronald Reagan proved deficits don’t matter” as he was putting the first of two tax scams in place. Well, after these TWO tax scams the ANNUAL deficit was around $1.5 TRILLION and the economy was in tatters as Bush/Cheney left town “with their tails between their legs.”

However, true to republican form (and, this thought reminds me of a republican I listened to tonight on the small segment of the “All In” show on MSNBC which I could barely stomach – I’ll try to elaborate later) by the time Barack Obama took the oath of office republicans were BLAMING him, not only for the Bush/Cheney DEFICITS – remember, they were $1.5 TRILLION, jobs were being lost at the rate of 800 THOUSAND per month, and the fear of another DEPRESSION was real – but republicans also were BLAMING Obama for the TARP bailout. And, sadly, our “liberal media allowed them to get away with it.

If you don’t remember, the TARP “bailout,” it was the work of GW Bush and Hank Paulsen, Bush’s Treasury Secretary – and, of course, the former CEO of Goldman Sachs – as they put together a plan to use $700 BILLION middle class tax dollars to allow the Wall Street banks, which created the “Great Recession” via their obscene and dishonest gambling with – and, then LOSING, huge amounts of middle class Americans money. Of course, with the BAILOUT it was the middle class Americans who LOST AGAIN while the Wall Street bankers ARROGANTLY paid out bonuses to the very people who created the problem in the first place – AND, they used TARP money for the bailouts. It was understandable for Americans to be upset, but NOT with Obama. The BAILOUT was totally the work of Paulsen and Bush (and, of course the members of Congress who felt they had no choice but to approve the plan – although, they really did have a choice. But, that’s a story for another day – Actually, President Obama did use TARP money to SAVE General Motors and Chrysler – and the MILLIONS of jobs that support them!)

In fact, it was the BAILOUT which the so-called “Tea Party” used to justify their inception, when in reality, if you were watching their rallies, it was their RACIST reaction to a president who descended from a father from Kenya. (Of course, this led to the “birther movement” which led to individual 1 and here we are today – but, I digress) My point here is the system has been rigged for the rich for as long as I can remember and it was intensified under Reagan and “put on Steroids under Bush/Cheney and then even worse under individual 1. And, of course, now that a republican is in the “White House” deficits, again, “no longer matter.” (except to me and, I believe, my brother-in-law – he lives in Pittsburgh so I’m guessing – I’m in Washington state – yes, it’s on the “left coast”)

The point of all this is to say, this funneling of tax revenue from the middle class to the top “1%” is NOT healthy for the economy in the long run, and individual 1 may be a symptom which proves that point – at least in the eyes of Zucman (and, of course, me – although, again, I’m no economist – although I’m thinking of taking an online class from Paul Krugman) One of Zucman’s fears is this continued (and progressively worse) income inequality will lead to right wing demigods. Well, as my kids would say when in the car “Are we there yet?” Enter individual 1. This group at the top is well funded, it’s much more sophisticated than us “progressives,” it has NO scruples, and it’s fully committed to the philosophy “The end justifies the means.” Those of us paying attention have known this about republicans for years, but it’s gotten to the point where “it’s getting serious.” (I have to wonder when democrats will figure this out???)

There are many wealthy people in America who have studied history and, in particular, Karl Marx. And, while Bernie Sanders is in no way pushing the idea of Marx’ form of Socialism (Sanders believes in “Democratic Socialism – something we’ve had to some degree in America since FDR – it’s just that most democrats are afraid to say so) there are rich people in America who understand what COULD happen if the disparity of wealth in America continues unabated. Marx points out how as the people at the top of his “triangle” (yes, the top “1%”) becomes smaller and those at the bottom (proletariat) becomes larger, well, some kind of revolt becomes inevitable. Right now in America, according to Zucman’s research, less than ONE TENTH of “1%” – meaning 170,000 out of 330,000,000 (330 MILLION) Americans control OVER 20% of the nation’s wealth. The top “1%” controls something like 40% and the BOTTOM 90% controls just over 25% – with a large segment (maybe 30%) at the bottom with virtually NOTHING! As the saying goes, “This is a sad state of affairs.” (But, apparently, NOT to republicans)

To make matters even worse, this group at the top is HIDING something in the neighborhood of $8 TRILLION in off shore accounts which make it even harder for people like Zucman to produce totally accurate data. That’s correct, people like Adelson who can “shovel” several MILLION to their republican stooges to keep this scam afloat just can’t get enough – they have to HIDE BILLIONS in places like the Cayman Islands so they can avoid paying ANY taxes on the money. The tax rate keeps getting chopped down for these people, but it’s NEVER enough. (Doesn’t that make you wonder why the politicians in the republican party keep doing this? I guess the answer is obvious. The question, to me, is why do their voters keep voting for them? Is that STUPID? or what?)

There are democrats who are trying to address this issue, but I have to believe a couple things are likely to happen. (Remember, even the so-called “liberal” media outlets are CONTROLLED by conservative corporations) First, the democrats have a way to “pull defeat from the jaws of victory” so I’m anticipating this scramble of virtually EVERY democrat in the country with any name ID, thinking this is their opportunity to become president, will lead to fighting amongst themselves to be individual 1’s “Twitter target” in 2020 that could become self-defeating. Secondly, I believe it’s likely, as I suggested above, the democrats will get blown away in the messaging “wars” upcoming. (From what I’ve heard, this is already happening on the “digital” front – democrats STILL haven’t figured out “fake news” is real – they need to understand “projection” and soon)

The other day I was listening to MSNBC as I was driving around and the usual “fair and balanced” theme was on full display as I was yelling at my radio because the person who was representing progressives seemed oblivious to the FACTS as stated in the Mueller report and, along with the moderator, was letting the “conservative” – whoever it was – get away with one LIE after another. This happens all the time on MSNBC so I can only imagine what goes on elsewhere. Plus there’s at least a couple of the moderators on MSNBC who I believe may be nearly as narcissistic as our dear leader. Additionally, reports I’ve heard suggest democrats are being outspent on Facebook and other Social Media by 10 to 1. As I stated above, that’s the real haven (along with Fox) for “fake news.” (Or, in the words of Kellyanne Conway, Individual 1’s “alternative facts”)

The first narcissistic moderator who comes to my mind, for me, is Chris Matthews (with Chuck Todd a close second – as you can see, when I tune in the TV – or satellite radio – it’s on MSNBC. And, he apparently sits in the place of royalty at MSNBC – but, to me, he went a long way in legitimizing individual 1 back in the 2016 election cycle – along with MSNBC which gave (and continues to give) individual 1 BILLIONS in free advertising. These TV moderators are part of the top “1%” and I believe it is totally naive to believe they are going to give, for example, some of the more progressive ideas coming from the younger democrats much of a platform – especially when it comes to “taxing the rich.” To me, Matthews is constantly trying to come across as the political expert while he’s exposing himself to moments of pure progressive heresy. No details here, but I’ve written about this in the past if you’re interested – it’s in the archives.

The bottom line here is that Zucman is the brains behind some of the more progressive proposals coming from people like Elizabeth Warren and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez dealing with income inequality and fighting it through the tax code. I’m not sure Ocasio-Cortez’ proposal to increase the marginal tax rate back to 70% on income over $10 MILLION ( per year) was the result of Zucman’s research, but he certainly backed her proposal. When I was in my early working life the top tax rate was 90% and that was put in place during the Republican administration of Dwight Eisenhower. And, by the way, the growth rate in America was stronger before Reagan began the assault on middle class taxpayers – and, Oh by the way, if you’re an individual 1 supporter, middle class income has been stagnant since Reagan took office! Just sayin………………… (And, that won’t change as long as our so-called president – or others of his ilk are in the top office in the land)

I keep waiting for democrats to “step to the plate” and FIGHT BACK! But, as you could tell by going through the archives here, it’s NOT going to happen unless “we the people” MAKE it happen. We MUST show up at the polls in 2020 and make it clear the present level of CORRUPTION is unacceptable. We need to hold BOTH republicans and democrats accountable for a willingness to accept this behavior. As I’ve said, it appears to me the politicians on “both sides of the isle” in Washington DC are operating out of FEAR. The republicans fear being on the end of a mean “tweet” coming from individual 1 – I don’t know why, is there NO honor any more? (hashtag, I like Justin Amash, a republican with guts!) And, the democrats are afraid to do what their obligation to their own oath of office calls for. (IMPEACHMENT hearings)

Their oath (republicans AND democrats) is to defend the constitution. Their oath SHOULD cause them to be in an IMPEACHMENT inquiry NOW. They SHOULD be holding EVERY one of those in individual 1’s realm accountable for their willingness to OBSTRUCT justice by refusing to answer to legally binding subpoenas. People SHOULD be going to jail if they continue to refuse to testify, turn over documents, or whatever the subpoena requires. Our so-called “law and order” so-called president is tearing down our justice system piece by piece. This is how tyrants work and if “we the people” really do want to see this issue of “income inequality” overcome – which is an incredible challenge – to me, like David v Goliath – it will require a democratic party which is not going to live in FEAR of the next election. I’ve been pointing this out for years, the democrats need a “spine” and, based on their lack of will in dealing with the ARROGANCE of individual 1, “we the people” are still waiting.

The bottom line here is if there is ANY chance for “we the people” to see the type of changes one would logically want based on the data Zucman clearly put forth we MUST rely on the members of the democratic party individual 1 will attempt to label as a SOCIALISTS in the next election. And, we will have to rely on people like Matthews NOT giving our so-called president one “inch” of help as he tries to put this label on whatever democrat is facing him in 2020. Is this a “pipe dream?” Probably so, but, as the saying goes, there’s more of us than there are of them – in relation to the middle class v the top “1%.” And, I have to say this again, there are plenty of members of the top “1%” who understand the issue and support fixing this problem – which will require some modification of the tax system to offset years of republicans pilfering middle class tax payers – it’s inevitable. Sooner would be better than later.

To make this happen, individual 1 needs to go – he needs to get his “just rewards” – which means a chance to clear his name in a court of law. I wish him luck. Also, Mitch McConnell and MOST of the republicans in Congress need to go (If there are others, like Amash, that would be awesome) and democrats MUST restart what was once called their 50 state plan. They MUST retake the Senate if ANYTHING progressive is going to get done. And, when I say “progressive” I’m talking about a government which works from the bottom up. A government which honors the reality of what we call the “commons” is/was/will be the work of the blue collar workers of this nation. I’m talking about those who build/built (and should be rebuilding) the infrastructure of the nation which benefits us all.

What republicans have done over the past 40+ years reminds me of what has been done by business people called corporate raiders (like Mitt Romney). People who buy a corporation, come in and put the business in huge debt while selling off its assets, and then leaving the workers as the victims as they declare bankruptcy and move on to their next target. In America, that type of business model has, in many circles, been considered “strategic” and “wise.” The corporate raiders make a lot of money for themselves and their shareholders. The workers are left to “hold the bag.” To me, that’s an appropriate analogy to what has been happening in the “trickle down” world of America since the day Reagan took the oath of office.

Clearly, the “workers” are rebelling and MILLIONS actually believe individual 1 is going to solve this problem. Due to the “alternative facts” they’re being fed on a daily basis by right wing media outlets (and, yes, to some extent by the so-called “liberal media”) many actually still believe individual 1 is working on their behalf. It’s up to the democrats to change that narrative and educate “we the people” as to how to solve this critical problem. To me, the future of America is on the line in the 2020 election. Not only MUST individual 1 be defeated, BUT democrats MUST follow through on the progressive changes, economically, the people like Zucman are demonstrating, with data, are necessary. What’s the saying? “We can’t go on like this.” Well, it’s true, and it’s time for the democratic party to show some guts. (I have to add, I’m not a registered democrat) A few more members of Congress like Justin Amash (republican) and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (democrat) would make me much more encouraged about the future of America!

Final Thought: Trust me, I know I have a tendency to ramble. I don’t plan these posts out ahead of time (I know I should – but, essentially, I’m just venting for my own sake – I appreciate that people find and read this) and, the fact you’re still reading, well, thank you. I said, above, I would elaborate on what I heard on the MSNBC “All In” – with Chris Hayes show. (Who, by the way, I consider quite intelligent) As he does, occasionally, Hayes was interviewing a republican (I can’t remember the name, only that he was from Wisconsin) and, as usual, the republican – who was a member of the House – was LYING (over and over again) – I’m sure he would say he was giving us “alternative facts” – as he was rationalizing away the (based on the word of OVER 1000 former prosecutors – both republican and democrat) ILLEGAL behavior of individual 1 in the Mueller Report. It wasn’t clear to me he had actually read the report but the part which really bugged me was that, as usual, the guy was BEYOND rude.

To me, when you agree to come onto someone’s show you are agreeing to answer the questions the moderator puts forth. In this instance this (relatively young) guy simply upped the level of his tone and started spewing the republican talking points – which, by the way, as I just stated, were – if you’ve read Mueller’s report – “alternative facts.” He did NOT allow Mr. Hayes to even ask a question – let alone answer a question. Mr. Hayes was doing everything he could to give the guy an opportunity to actually answer (politely) a question, but he couldn’t because the guy just shouted him down for the entire segment he was on the air. If I knew the guy, I would say it was embarrassing. Not knowing him, it was EXTREMELY rude and disgusting. But, I just have to add here, that’s today’s republican party. LYING (“alternative facts” – if you’re stupid, that means LIES), bullying behavior, and disrespect (rudeness).

If you’re wondering where the “chasm” in American politics came from – well, this was a great example. I believe this type of behavior was initially “instilled” into the republican “game plan” back when Newt Gingrich came up with the idea that the only way for republicans to gain power in the House was through obstruction. They’ve been doing this since the “Contract for (I’ve always said “on”) America back in the early 90’s, Mitch McConnell adopted it in the Senate and used it to OBSTRUCT virtually everything President Obama proposed (700 filibusters then and, now he’s doing it with everything the House proposes as the majority leader of the Senate – come on Kentucky, let’s get rid of this guy), and, with the “election” (with 3 MILLION less votes than his opponent) of individual 1, the OBSTRUCTIVE behavior has evolved to rude BULLYING behavior which has NO connection to facts and has become OBSTRUCTION of Congress and of Justice – IN PLAIN SIGHT! I hope I live long enough to see the day when Americans clearly have rejected this type of behavior and the republican party has either been voted into the history books or reformed into something that would resemble the classic definition of the word conservative as defined by Burke.

It seems as if EVERY time I listen to one of the republicans in Congress speak about what has transpired with the RUSSIAN attack on our nation – well beyond anything “everyone does” (Although, it’s true the CIA has had its “fingers” in several OBSCENE overthrows of elected officials our “leaders” didn’t like over the years – most of these egregious actions supported by the very republicans – or their predecessors – who have lived in fear of “communism.” In the case of Iran in the 50’s, it was all about the OIL) I feel a sense of HORROR at their LYING and rationalizing. In this instance I’m talking about remarks I heard today coming from the mouths of Mark Meadows and Lindsey Graham in regard to individual 1’s most recent gaffe.

Of course, this is about individual 1 “doubling down” on his belief that taking “information on your opponent” from a foreign source (which, clearly, is ILLEGAL) would be OK. In reference to Chris Wray’s confirmation this would be ILLEGAL individual 1 said, “The FBI director is wrong.” In essence, individual 1 is giving more reason for “we the people” to actually read the Mueller report. (I’ve read it – I’ve actually started reading it a second time – it’s very dense and full of information) Mueller clearly laid out in his “Volume 1,” which was aimed at investigating the “Russian interference in the 2016 election and any coordination with the individual 1 campaign” – that no conspiracy was able to be proved beyond a reasonable doubt – meaning believing the evidence would LIKELY lead to a conviction in a court trial. What Mueller said, essentially, was they weren’t looking for “collusion” but, that there was “collusion” and proving a conspiracy lacked evidence – largely due to destruction or hiding (using electronics that was encrypted) of evidence (along with LYING).

So, getting back to Meadows and Graham, they made it clear the republicans have gathered and come up with another scheme to rationalize their lack of concern with individual 1’s comments that simply put an exclamation point on the “COLLUSION” which took place in 2016 and very well could be ongoing as I’m typing this. Of course, both Meadows and Graham had their DEFLECTION strategy planned prior to facing the microphones. And, as usual, it was “Hillary, Hillary” – or words aimed at “Hillary.”

Here’s their rationale: “The real problem was with the democrats and their $6 MILLION spent by hiring a foreigner to gather information on individual 1.” (Or words to that affect) Of course, they were referring to the so-called “dossier” that was submitted to the FBI by Christopher Steele back in 2016 and referenced what Steele found as alarming evidence individual 1’s campaign WAS COLLUDING with the Russians. Republicans continue to (falsely) claim the “dossier” was the “trigger” of the FBI counterintelligence investigation into individual 1 and his campaign. (Apparently, the republicans have no interest in actually reading Mueller’s report)

Apparently, republicans believe the existence of this dossier makes individual 1’s COLLUSION with the Russians – and, after yesterday’s remarks who knows who else individual 1 would be willing to align himself in an election – as if they are the same. (Of course, even if they were telling the truth and CORRECT – which, as usual, they’re NOT – they are suggesting “two wrongs make a right.” But, let’s look at this from the lens of FACTS.

First, what ultimately became the “Steele dossier” was initiated as “oppo research” by a conservative group, I believe called “The Free Beacon,” and, once individual 1 had secured the nomination they backed out. The Clinton campaign then took over the funding (I believe they may have become involved with “Fusian GPS” (which is the company which hired Christopher Steele) sooner, but the bottom line in all of this was that it was Fusion who hired Steele and somehow people (like Steele) were aware there was some kind of “collusion” going on with the Russians and the campaign of individual 1. Steele, a former member of the British intelligence agency counter to the CIA and an expert on Russia, according to the American journalists who interviewed him led by David Corn (of “Mother Jones”) was SHOCKED by what he was finding.

Set aside the “salacious” part of the “dossier,” which may remain a ???? for ever (unless a video actually appears at some point in time – some people question whether the existence of the video is the reason individual 1 is so FRIENDLY to the Russians and, in particular, Vladimir Putin), Steele himself said his report was based on secondary information he received from former informants (at least one who “prematurely” has died) that SHOCKED him to the point where he decided he needed to give his information to the FBI. (If you missed it yesterday, that’s exactly what individual 1 said you don’t need to do – if you find foreigners intruding on an election)

Of course, CONTRARY to what virtually EVERY republican says when they’re talking in public, the “dossier” is NOT what initiated the so-called “Russia investigation.” The reality is (if you don’t want to believe me, read Mueller’s report) an Australian diplomat who met George Papadopoulos in a British Pub while, over beers, Papadopoulos was sharing that the Russians had stolen DCCC and DNC emails which they offered to help individual 1’s campaign. This “But what about” strategy of deflecting attention off of what is clearly the MOST corrupt group of people ever to occupy the highest offices in this land – by the republicans who would have been going apoplectic had President Obama done anything close to individual 1 – is going to, eventually, be the MOST egregious part in all of this.

Think about this. It’s the Congress which is the “check” against the other parts of our government – just as the Justice Department is a CHECK AND the “fourth estate” (the media individual 1 calls the “enemy of the people”) is a CHECK. People like Meadows, Graham, along with Devin Nunez, Jim Jordan, and a few other bloviators willing to defend the indefensible continue to SOIL themselves and their ultimate reputations. In fact, they’ve gone “full throat” in their attacks on Justin Amash, designed to keep the rest of republicans “in line” with the we’ll “primary” you response if you don’t follow the herd, Amash being a republican who actually read Mueller’s report and has come out calling for our so-called president’s IMPEACHMENT. Amash, no matter whether the republicans succeed in defeating him in 2020 will end up being one of, if not the most, significant HERO’s in all of this. Republicans have “abandoned ship.”

Well, here we go again, I’ve got to point out once again for those of us who aren’t willing to accept this type of corruption all “we the people” have to stop this in its tracks are the democrats. I’ve pointed out numerous times here Nancy Pelosi showed in 2007 – 2008 that she’s unwilling to initiate IMPEACHMENT proceedings unless there’s a sure outcome in the Senate – which really grates on me (despite the reality I like Ms. Pelosi and respect her political acumen). In 2008 her inaction said TORTURE was not something we should consider a “high crime or misdemeanor.” So, now we’ve evolved to the point where people like me are shaking our heads as to would there EVER be a situation where democrats would follow their OBLIGATION to defend the constitution as a solemn oath. Our present so-called president has so brazenly shown a disregard for our LAWS and our CONSTITUTION that we have to wonder, when it comes to IMPEACHMENT, “if not now, when?”

It’s true MOST of the American people will NOT read Mueller’s report and they have become numb to all the scandalous behavior which is becoming beyond “normal” because the democrats are unwilling to put a stop to it. It appears Ms. Pelosi fears that doing the “right thing” could cause a political backlash from individual 1’s supporters while she’s apparently feeling no FEAR from a backlash from “we the people” should she fail to act. I believe this entire episode is creating an atmosphere where we could end up with more than two parties. If neither of them are willing to honor their OATH then we MUST find an alternative solution. My personal hope is that, in this instance, the democrats come together in an act of courage and commitment to the CONSTITUTION.

However, the sad reality we’re presently facing is that if democrats fail to act the DAMAGE – which I’ve been talking about for over two years, much of which “we the people” have no idea what DAMAGE is being done to our fundamental institutions while we’re focused on the “scandal of the day” – this DAMAGE could become exponentially worse. While republicans are acting like sycophants who fear causing dear leader to write a nasty tweet aimed in their direction and democrats keep hoping these cowering republicans will somehow read Mueller’s report individual 1 is threatening WAR in the Middle East by seemingly trying to push Iran into a situation where they lash out at the American ships and troops individual 1 (and his WAR monger national security adviser John Bolton) has sent into the region. Republicans believe the one certain way to get re-elected is to start a WAR.

This increased DAMAGE I’m talking about could happen in the next year and a half and, from my vantage point, if the democrats are still “sitting on their hands” they will share the BLAME with the republican sycophants. It’s as if the leaders of our nation in Congress are driven by FEAR – just a different FEAR – on “both sides of the isle. In the meantime, “we the people” are sitting here bracing for what could be a MAJOR disaster.

The ultimate CHECK for an out of control executive in the “White House” is “we the people” – but, I’m even getting impatient with a significant segment of our population – including many of the people who will reliably vote against individual 1. The Mueller report is readily available and I still don’t know one person who has taken the time to read it. Add to that, there’s a bunch of other stuff the people I know are not paying attention to – like, the polar ice caps are melting at an increasing amount, the republicans are in court attempting to eviscerate what’s left of the Affordable Care Act – with NO replacement (and, trust me, any replacement republicans would offer would be unacceptable), Wall Street continues to make money using money (and risking other people’s money), our so-called president is incredibly CORRUPT, and, one thing which republicans are no longer complaining about, individual 1 has pushed the deficit above $1 TRILLION per year and climbing. Yet, there’s still 40% of Americans who support this thug of a so-called president, and a significant number of those who don’t (thankfully) support individual 1 but, don’t know why (well, other than he’s “deplorable”).

My point is every day the democrats continue to say “we’re investigating” I’m getting more angry. They are the main hope for those of us who want the DAMAGE mitigated. IMPEACHMENT hearings are the ONLY way to educate this nation on what is in Mueller’s report – which, from my vantage-point is impeachable in either volume. I clearly remember Watergate (which, to me, was far less egregious) and it was the hearings which “educated” the public on the gravity of the “high crimes and misdemeanors” (which, by the way, are eerily similar to individual 1’s foopahs) of Nixon, leading to his resignation. (I don’t believe individual 1 will EVER resign – unless he gets a promise of a PARDON from Pense)

It’s through IMPEACHMENT hearings where those who watch propaganda outlets like Fox will be “educated” about their so-called president and all his LYING! (The latest LIE which really got my attention was him telling the interviewer in his latest STUPID interview – George Stephanopoulos – that he had read the Mueller report, which he claimed said “no collusion.” Sadly, the Fox audience likely believes him) Even Fox will be unable to “filter” the IMPEACHMENT hearings in a way to continue their strategy of dumbing down America. (There are studies which show those who watch Fox are less informed than those who watch – or read – NOTHING! Just think about that!) America’s two political parties are progressively looking more PATHETIC! Democrats have a small window to change this and failing to act could lead to four more years of individual 1! Yikes!

Final Thought: People need to be watching the Iran situation carefully. If you don’t think individual 1 would instigate a WAR with Iran in order to save his situation, well, I’ve got a bridge……….. Individual 1 is looking at his “day in court” once he’s out of office – Mueller made it clear in Volume II the evidence he laid out will be relevant once he leads office – not to mention the issue in the Southern District of New York where he gained the moniker “individual 1” based on his involvement in TWO felonies. Add to that a plethora of other investigations which will progressively be coming to a “head” as we approach 2020. There are a LOT of people who recognize the DANGER he poses to America and they will be intervening as they are able. To me, this leads me to believe the Iran issue is more significant than our “liberal media” is giving it. They will fail to properly discuss the Iran issue until it’s at the disastrous stage. I hope I’m wrong, but I would NOT put it past individual 1 to instigate a WAR thinking it would keep him out of jail.

Once again, my apologies for publishing this without re-reading and editing!

Today Robert Mueller finally broke his silence (Well, by the time I published this it was a few days ago) and, essentially, restated what is clearly written in his report. I’m almost done reading the report and it’s clear to me, and I MUST preface my comment with “I’m not a lawyer,” Mueller has carefully laid out the evidence of UNMISTAKABLE obstruction of Justice by individual 1. Likely the most important part of Mueller’s comments today was his CLEAR attempt to cause people to understand our present Attorney General is a LIAR. Well, of course, Mueller isn’t quite so “clear” but he does make it clear William Barr LIED to the American people on at least THREE occasions.

When Barr suggested Mueller came to no conclusion so that he had to draw one – in regard to OBSTRUCTION – was a BLATANT LIE! Mueller, as has been retold many times already – including by me – had the intention of leaving any accountability to Congress. (Are you listening Nancy Pelosi?) When Barr said “no collusion” – based on the report – multiple times, he was LYING every time he said it. And, virtually everything Barr said in his press briefing – which, I believe, will be put in the “infamous” category at some point if it’s not there already – was LIES! He suggested, for one example, that Mueller was not guided by the OLC guidelines that “a sitting president can’t be indicted” which couldn’t be further from the TRUTH. (If you’re an individual 1 supporter that means it was a LIE – I’ve now read the entire report! I started this post a week or two ago – I can’t seem to “keep up”)

Something which is not clear, as I listen to people discussing the reality we’re all living with – and, by that I’m talking about a CRIMINAL in the “White House” – is the evidence in Mueller’s “volume I” – which was all about whether there was a criminal conspiracy between the Russians and the Americans. Mueller concluded there was “insufficient evidence” to prove a conspiracy, but what he also implied was there WAS “collusion.” (And, by the way, there WAS evidence – just not “sufficient” – of a conspiracy) Additionally, it appears to me Mueller was suggesting the OBSTRUCTION may have prevented the investigators from being able to make a clear conclusion on a conspiracy charge. As I read the report I came away thinking individual 1 Jr. and Jared Kushner were not charged because either they were able to hide evidence (Kushner and his use of things like “What’s App” which apparently is well encrypted) or too dumb to know any better – which would apply to individual 1 Jr.

Sadly, at the end of his remarks, Mueller stated he doesn’t want to testify about the report before Congress – saying “My testimony would be the report.” I really hope democrats DON’T give him that choice. He MUST appear in front of the Congress in IMPEACHMENT hearings to make sure ALL Americans understand what is in the report and what it actually means. Keep in mind, almost ALL of what is in the report is stuff which didn’t surprise me. Individual 1 was doing his OBSTRUCTING right out in the public. It’s just that “we the people” don’t understand the nuances of the legal system – which Mueller explains in painstaking detail. I certainly don’t understand the “USC” (I assume that means United States Code) but, as Mueller is explaining it there can be NO DOUBT individual 1 committed obstruction MULTIPLE times.

In fact, as I was reading the section where Mueller is explaining the laws and how they “connect” to the actions of individual 1 I realized individual 1 is CONTINUING to obstruct, again right out in broad daylight, as he OBSTRUCTS the Congressional proceedings. By refusing to provide requested documents and by encouraging witnesses to NOT appear, from my reading of the laws Mueller is explaining in the report, well, we’re looking at MORE obstruction! I’ve been saying this for well over a year, Individual 1 comes across to me as a mob boss. As all this plays out, that becomes clearer and clearer.

I’ve said this multiple times on this site that I have good friends who’ve “bought the cool-aid” and are supporters of our so-called president. This morning I had breakfast with one of them and my head was spinning by the time I headed home. Let me preface what I’m going to say by saying my friend has told me in the past he doesn’t believe individual 1 LIES. And, much to my chagrin, he continues to demonstrate a connection to right wing conspiracy theorists and/or Fox “news.” I love my friend, but I often come away from our conversations wondering “how can he believe this crap?” Today, I took the Mueller report to breakfast and, despite the fact I’m not quite finished with it, I offered to give it to him to read on a trip he was soon to partake. He declined. He won’t read anything I offer him because he believes it’s all “biased.”

That’s such a tired-some argument to me. If you read something and you have questions about it, keep looking for perspective from someone else – and, keep reading. To him, Robert Mueller is no republican – of course, Mueller’s been a registered republican his entire adult life – and when I pointed out Mueller IS a republican my friend said you probably think McCain was a republican. I looked at him as close to cross-eyed as I could and he said, “No one believes McCain was a republican, he was a “Rhino” – and, then as if I was confused he said, “Republican in Name Only.” He thinks I should be reading the “books” which ostensibly have been “written” by the Fox “news” talking heads. I did that ONCE (for another friend who’s a “republican” and who agreed to read a book I gave him – which, of course, he never read) and it was all I could stomach (but, I read it). Every time I try to WATCH Fox “news” I can’t make it more than a minute or two because the LYING is always coming “fast and furious.”

I have a hard time connecting my friend with the “White Nationalist” movements which back individual 1 and is spreading across Europe, but that’s the sense I’m getting. During his working years he and his wife adopted and raised (at least) three African American children so when he gives that “sense” (White Nationalism) I get very uncomfortable. The reality, as I’ve pointed out numerous times here (and, to him) is that the so-called “Tea Party,” which my friend and many others I know identify with, was based on (and driven by) racists as a backlash to our first African American president. That being said, it grieves my heart that so many Americans are supporting a racist, misogynist, narcissistic, and CRIMINAL so-called president. And, they are prepping a major ATTACK aimed at Robert Mueller which will be the typical individual 1 way of dealing with someone who he feels has said ANYTHING which is not massaging his narcissism. Yikes!! Today, my friend said, “Just wait, you’re going to find out what a bad man he is” while pointing at Mueller’s name on the front of the book. “It’s going to come out soon!”

As I continue to process all that is going on I’m getting close to re-aiming my “ire” at the democrats instead of the republicans. Anyone who’s been paying attention knows that had President Obama used the Russians (or any other foreign entity) to get elected, OR had he committed OBSTRUCTION multiple times (one time, for that matter), or had he ILLEGALLY covered up an affair with a porn star, (Just picture that one) he would long ago have faced an impeachment inquiry – the political consequences be damned. They impeached President Clinton because of LYING about sex. (For that matter republicans threatened to impeach Rod Rosenstein if he hadn’t turned over highly classified information last year) Democrats (with Ms Pelosi as Speaker) looked the other way from WAR CRIMES in 2007 and 2008 “because the Senate won’t convict” So, I’ve been predicting they will fail to act again. However, the ABUSES of power by individual 1 becomes MORE EGREGIOUS every day – to the point where “we the people” are becoming numb to the “scandal a day” strategy. If these abuses don’t cause the Congress to act, well, then we have to ask, what will it take??? The “beat just continues to go on.”

Today, I listened to individual 1, while on the “White House” lawn doing his “it was a hoax, a witch hunt, there was no collusion, no obstruction” routine spewing out LIES faster than I can talk. He was referring to Robert Mueller and his (now it’s) 18 “conflicted” associates as “Never Trumpers” (Which, I suppose, by now, most of them are) in ways that couldn’t have been MORE dishonest. The Mueller report didn’t even slow individual 1 down (I don’t know why I would think it would?). He continues OBSTRUCTING Justice – only now, he’s OBSTRUCTING the Congressional investigations – with a continuation of showering “we the people” with LIES!

For example, individual 1 claimed Mueller had, one day before he was appointed Special Counsel, come into the “White House” in an attempt to get Comey’s job as FBI director and that individual 1 said “no.” (Of course, we ALL know by now – well, except for my friend I had breakfast with today, that when individual 1’s mouth is moving he’s LYING) The TRUTH is that Mueller was INVITED to the “White House” to provide “advice” in regard to who and what they should be looking to find a new director. I might add, if Christopher Wray was chosen based on Mueller’s advice, he did a good job. The POINT, however, is that individual 1 has been LYING about this since the day Mueller got appointed as Special Counsel – in his normal way of attempting to intimidate – in this case – who knows who. Because, clearly, Mueller is immune to individual 1’s intimidation.

In fact, what’s clear in reading Mueller’s report is that he was “memorializing” virtually EVERY “tweet” which came from individual 1’s unprotected cell phone and, despite individual 1’s attorneys’ futile attempts to get him to stop “tweeting.” Over and over again as I was reading the report I noticed Mueller referring to “tweets” coming from our so-called president which “we the people” were shaking out heads at as they occurred in “real time.” It was as if individual 1 was focused on repeatedly “shooting himself in the foot.” Stupid!

By my calculation there were at least 4 or 5 examples of individual 1’s behavior which CLEARLY falls into the parameters of the LAWS which were designed to prevent OBSTRUCTION of justice – clearly an offense Congress was concerned with stopping. Each violation is subject to a consequence of 20 YEARS in prison. Some people are claiming there are at least 10 examples. For me, the OBVIOUS ones numbered at around, as I said, 4 or 5. Mueller went to great length to lay out the actual laws, he pointed out the arguments made by individual 1’s counsel, and he explained why or why not those arguments made any sense. To me, there’s NO QUESTION our so-called president committed even MORE crimes than those he committed before taking the oath of office. (And, I’m not talking about the Russian “collusion”)

Mueller doesn’t want to testify before Congress, but he’s suggesting people read the report. Well, as I said above, MOST people, and certainly those who’ve been BRAINWASHED by Fox “news” WON’T read it and the ONLY way they’re going to get an idea of what is in the report is if Mueller testifies before Congress and democrats draw it out from him. I’ve said this before: “While most people have described Mueller as an American “hero” because he was a Marine during the Viet Nam era and he’s served for most of his adult life in the Justice Department (and, clearly, as I read the report I felt he’s brilliant in the detail in which he’s laid all this out), in this instance he’s no hero to me unless he decides to willingly testify and make his conclusions clear to “we the people.” There’s just too much riding on this – “we the people” PAID him to do this investigation and we deserve to find out EVERYTHING he found – one way or the other!

While my friend I refer to above denies this, I believe the ONLY logical reason for him (a Christian) to be supporting someone like individual 1 is because he’s been opposing abortion since the day Roe v Wade was decided at the Supreme Court. I’ve said at some point I’m going to write a post about abortion (that day is getting closer) but, today, there’s a court hearing in Missouri which could lead to the closing of the ONLY clinic in Missouri where a woman can access abortion care. I would say I’m conflicted (actually, I am) but I will – would – NEVER have to deal with this issue – except when my first wife had a miscarriage and, essentially had the same procedure which brings up an entire different set of “what ifs” – but my friend is FOCUSED on this issue and I believe all the different moves aimed at overturning ABORTION across the nation, in his mind, are because of individual 1’s election. And, I don’t think he’s wrong.

This is largely why I believe democrats are hemming and hawing about whether or not to go forward with an impeachment inquiry. They understand there’s a set group of voters who are going to support our so-called president come hell or high water. But here’s the reality. There WAS both “COLLUSION” and “OBSTRUCTION” and the obstruction is ongoing. it’s time for democrats to “grow a pair” and start the IMPEACHMENT inquiry – educate the American public.

I started this post a while back. I’m going to publish it, mainly because I write to vent my own frustration and somehow it makes me feel better when I publish it. If you’re one of the 200 – 400 who show up every day and you’ve read this far, Thanks! More to come!

The first time I saw William Barr giving public testimony I said to myself, “This is not going to end well.” (From my perspective, the country’s perspective, and – ultimately – from the perspective of the people who are continuing to support individual 1). Barr is systematically working to be individual 1’s “Roy Cohn” and he, and his boss, are clearly counting on the reality that very few Americans will actually read Robert Mueller’s report. When I first got the report from Barnes and Noble my first thought was most people I know would be intimidated by the sheer volume of the 400+ pages crammed into a small paperback version. In the report that I got I believe, considering both volumes, there are at least 800 pages. For example, I’m not finished with Volume II and I’m on about page 350 (and Volume 1 was nearly as large) with many pages to go.

Most people AREN’T going to read this and with Barr out sending a message to as many people as possible that “There’s no collusion and no obstruction” he fits into the place I first put him – as maybe the MOST dangerous person to our republic who’s still breathing. Barr is systematically attempting to undermine Mueller. And, from what I heard him say in an interview which closely followed Mueller’s report – clearly designed to do just that – Barr is completely disregarding the Russian ATTACK – similar to his boss. (Along with those two, the only other members of our government who believe there was NO Russian ATTACK on the 2016 election would be the republicans in Congress. It also helped them after all)

By now, most people who are following this know that there is one republican who actually read Mueller’s report and came to the same conclusion I have – that our so-called president is a CRIMINAL – and his name is Justin Amash. I’ve always pointed out I’m an “independent” and I’ve said the reason I vote FOR democrats is because I’m usually voting AGAINST republicans. Well, I have to say, I’ve now listened a bit to Amash and I’m impressed. That’s not to say I would agree with him on every issue – but, I admire his GUTS! I’d love to have the opportunity to have breakfast with him and have a dialogue about his view of what would be best for this nation going forward. We’d likely disagree on much, but the dialogue, I believe, would be interesting.

The reason I bring this up is because Amash went one step farther than coming out in favor of individual 1’s impeachment, he actually decided to face his voters face to face in a Town Hall. (As an aside – my representative, who is a republican, refuses to give Town Halls. She does her version on “conference calls.” In that case I would say “no guts.”) The result of Amash’s Town Hall was many republicans cheering him (of course, there were those who admonished him – likely people unwilling to read Mueller’s report) and, in one instance, a very telling moment. One of the reporters at the Town Hall who was interviewing the audience participants got an interview with an individual 1 supporter which was particularly telling. A lady who was interviewed was explaining that she was under the impression individual 1 “had done nothing wrong and was completely exonerated” she was surprised to hear what Amash shared from Mueller’s report. She blamed the fact she “listens to conservative media” for her ignorance – which, I would say, was an accurate comment.

It’s been clear for some time individual 1 is a BULLY and we’re seeing the same tendencies from his supporters. Yesterday, on Fox “news” Joe DiGenova claimed if the democrats impeach individual 1 there will be “Civil War.” I’ve heard this same sentiment from my friend I mentioned in my previous post who is also an individual 1 supporter and also watches/listens to “conservative” media. Individual 1 AND his supporters have become used to BULLYING the democrats in Congress and they’re having a hard time understanding the WILL of the people who voted the democrats into control of the House of Representatives. It’s true the White Supremacists in “cells” all around the country are armed to the hilt, but if our institutions are not capable of dealing with them flooding into the streets, then individual 1 is succeeding in “deconstructing the administrative state.” (Of course, Bill Barr is the head of the Justice Department, which we’d be depending on stopping any insurrection)

If “we the people” actually care about this republic, then their BULLYING MUST fall on “deaf ears.” If we truly are a “nation of laws and not men” then individual 1 needs to be ushered into his place in the lower regions of the American History books. Mueller was clear the reason he couldn’t file a charge of conspiracy with the Russian “invasion” of 2016 was largely because of the LYING of witnesses and the destruction of evidence. For whatever reason, Mueller chose to look the other way from some of that – i.e. the June 9, 2016, meeting in individual 1 Tower from which individual 1 dictated the main LIES – LIES to the media and “we the people.” As I’ve stated previously, individual 1 Jr. and Jared Kushner well could (SHOULD) have been indicted. I believe Mueller didn’t feel the public battle would be worth it – he claimed he didn’t indict because a conviction wasn’t a certainty due to the LYING and destruction of evidence.

America has evolved to the point where some “growing pains” are inevitable. The racism which has, at times, ruled the day in America, and over the previous few decades (pre individual 1) had simmered “under the rocks” has been, once again, energized by our so-called president and his White Nationalist base – make no mistake, these are the people threatening “Civil War.” And, where are many of these people located? Surprise, Surprise – in the South and other states which made up those in the original confederacy. The “White Nationalists” have been looking for a “savior” for years and individual 1, a man with NO moral compass, is their perfect leader. And, their leader, did NOT come from the “top of the heap.”

Here’s another part of the reality “we the people” are faced with as someone with the credentials of individual 1 is our so-called president. In fact, our government is more and more under the control of both individual 1 and his son-in-law who both very likely SHOULD have been indicted by Mueller’s investigation. Both individual 1 AND Jared Kushner are “sons who were born on third base” and BOTH have struggled to get “home” on their own. They BOTH inherited massive amounts of money and real estate and BOTH were proficient at requiring their Father’s to bail them out of poor decisions. Individual 1 has been bankrupt at least 4 and maybe 7 times, (I’ve read different “totals”) and, it appears, Kushner was able to use his place in our government to pressure the Qatari sovereign investment fund to bail him and his Father out of a terrible investment at 666 (You can’t make that number up – talk about appropriate) 5th Avenue in New York.

It appears to me the LAWBREAKING coming from individual 1 and various members of his family is routine. They (the family) appear to believe the laws in America were “made for you and me.” (And, obviously not them) Of course, Kushner’s father has spent “time” in prison for some of his “hubris” and his son appears to believe it can’t happen to him. Additionally, individual 1, himself, is an un-indicted co-conspirator to TWO felonies and faces somethng like another dozen (or more) criminal investigations; these FACTS are good reasons many more people than myself are referring to him as a mob boss. It’s because that’s how he acts! I mean, added to everything else at least 4 or 5 OBSTRUCTION of justice offenses and, by some accounts up to a dozen, shows a fundamental disregard for our system of laws that SHOULD be unacceptable even to republicans. (Consider if Barack Obama had clearly obstructed justice a half dozen or more times WWRD? (What would republicans do?)

With William Barr’s help individual 1 is attempting to put the final “nail” in the “America as we’ve known it coffin” as republicans push to turn America into a fascist state – what would likely be termed Mussolini type fascism. (You can look it up – I’ve explained it here before) Essentially, we’re looking at a corporatacracy combined with an autocracy. (Read “The Family” by Jeff Sharlet) Some are even suggesting individual 1 will be difficult to get out of the “White House” once he’s either voted out or impeached. The OBSTRUCTION has morphed into a BRAZEN obstruction of the democratic led House of Representatives as if to “flip the bird” to Nancy Pelosi and the other leaders of their party. (This SHOULD be another Article of IMPEACHMENT) My prediction: democrats will continue their attempt at finding a “moral” and “appropriate” solution to individual 1’s OBSTRUCTION while looking straight at individual 1’s “middle finger.” It actually grieves my heart I feel the need to write that.

Final Thought: (As a way to solve the democrats problem) Yesterday I saw a video on YouTube made by three former republican Attorney Generals (I believe they were actually “deputy” Attorney Generals) from the Reagan era, the HW Bush era, and the GW Bush era pointing out individual 1 committed (in their words) up to 10 violations of CRIMINAL Obstruction of Justice. As I was watching this video I thought to myself the democrats SHOULD call people like them – former republican prosecutors – to TESTIFY before the House Judiciary Committee and allow THEM to explain what is in the Mueller report. The issue at hand is finding a way to EDUCATE “we the people” on what is in that report. As I stated above, I’ve read it, but MOST people are not going to do so. If “we the people” KNOW what actually happened (Obstruction – and, near conspiracy regarding Putin and the Russians) If I can find that video again I will include a link. If you watch it you’ll know what I’m talking about! OK, I found it, if you’d like to view it click HERE

Finally, I listened to as much of an interview Jared Kushner gave the other day which I was able to stomach and, it appeared to me, Kushner is taking his “imperial” position way too seriously. The few times I’ve heard words coming from his mouth I find myself just shaking my head. I keep telling myself “Only in America” – where we are more and more controlled by the 24/7 hour cable news cycle and, sadly, Fox “news” is a significant “player.” Individual 1 and his family members are such pathological LIARS they actually believe the LIES as they roll off their tongues. Kushner fits right in and I believe he sees himself as individual 1’s successor! I’m not kidding! Yikes!!!

Today individual 1 made a couple things clear in regard to why he’s such a danger to the United States as people like me know it. And, make no mistake, I’m fully aware of the “pimples” America has accumulated over the years (“pimples” is probably way too kind a word) – beginning with the genocide of Native American nations and slavery and evolving to fear of communism after WW II which led to the American equivalent to what the Russians did to us during the 2016 election in places like Iran (is it going to be deja vu all over again?), Chile, Panama, IRAQ and various other places around the world. Given all the “pimples,” there have always been those who believe in the founding documents and believe “we can be better.”

Say what you will about individual 1’s policies, he’s likely to be our so-called president until the end of 2020. In the meantime, here’s a couple things he’s doing which are, as I said above – at least in my view – VERY dangerous – in the top ten of individual 1’s “very dangerous.” First, he’s figured out how to weaponize social media – in a way not too dissimilar to how the Russians do it – what they call their “active measures.” And, the second part of my point also mirrors the Russians, individual 1 will go way beyond LYING on social media (which I don’t, personally, participate in) to make his “point.” NOTHING is too low for him!

For example, as was reported earlier today in regard to individual 1’s “temper tantrum” as reported by Nancy Pelosi where he abruptly left a meeting (which he only temporarily appeared) ostensibly intended to deal with infrastructure and, then, gave a pre-arranged press briefing in the Rose Garden of the “White House” – individual 1 lashed out at Pelosi in a worst than DISHONEST manner on “Twitter” and “Facebook” – according to the reporting I heard. Pelosi had accused individual 1 of orchestrating a “cover-up” which he appeared to use as his excuse to “go off.” (Think Stormy Daniels when contemplating whether he’s capable of a “cover-up”)

Of course, individual 1 uses “Twitter” to disparage his opponents – or, for that matter, anyone he notices saying “bad things” about him. Apparently, he’s also got a sophisticated “Fake News” scheme going on “Facebook” as well. In this instance, individual 1 appears to have published a video of Ms. Pelosi which has been “doctored” without identifying whatever was done to modify the video. It was sent to his MILLIONS of followers on “Twitter.” Now, as I said, I don’t do “Twitter” (or “Facebook” for that matter) so I’m “reporting” this based on what I heard on MSNBC, but here’s what I believe is very bad about this.

First, the willingness to go beyond LYING takes the depravity of individual 1 a step lower, AND, sadly, the apparent willingness of “Twitter” and “Facebook” to allow themselves to be the “vessels” for disinformation adds to the danger of these days. In fact, that MAY be the most dangerous part of all of this. We KNOW from individual 1’s own words he “loves uneducated voters.” Meaning, there’s a BUNCH of Americans who are “buying” this crap “hook, line, and sinker.” I actually know some of them – and, I have to say, in most instances, the reason they’re “uneducated” is because they watch Fox “news” and/or listen to the likes of Rush Limbaugh. The brainwashing campaign has been ongoing, at least to what I’ve managed to notice, since the mid to late 80’s and the introduction of “social media” has made it all the more dangerous.

When anyone decides to go “toe to toe” with individual 1 what you can be assured of is he will go “lower.” (If you remember Michelle Obama saying “when they go low, we go high – well, individual 1 is the opposite – with him it’s “how low will he go” – and, I believe there are no limits) In her attempt to mollify her caucus, many of who are ready for an impeachment inquiry RIGHT NOW, Pelosi was pointing out her assessment of the FACTS, which she said indicate our so-called president is orchestrating a cover-up. What other conclusion is possible when the “White House” is REFUSING to allow ANYONE who’s EVER been associated with it to either hand over documents to the House or testify? That would suggest individual 1 is COVERING UP something! Otherwise he’d be saying give them the documents, testify ASAP so we can get this over and move on. But, of course, NOOOOOOO! He’s attempting to HIDE something – which, well, means a “cover-up.”

The worst part of all this to me is individual 1’s BLATANT putting his “tin pot dictator” tendencies on the “front page” and showing he’s capable of breaking any law or destroying any person in his attempt to somehow legitimize his presidency – which is getting more illegitimate every day. While democrats seem to be focused on defeating individual 1 in 2020 and are showing their traditional lack of will when it comes to IMPEACHMENT – suggesting if they do an impeachment inquiry they will be helping individual 1 get re-elected – our so-called president continues to push his obstruction to extremes we’ve NEVER seen before. Of course, I predicted this impeachment timidity based on 2007, the first year Nancy Pelosi (who I admire, by the way) became Speaker of the House. For me, at the moment 2020 is NOT my focus. The reality is, in my view, the BULLY in the “White House” needs to see ALL his misdeeds during “executive time” – ie when he’s watching TV. If he’s not held accountable for his misdeeds America will be no longer a “nation of laws.”

To me, the reality of democrats failing to act (and, by the way, SOON) will be almost as catastrophic to America as the DAMAGE individual 1 is causing to this nation. And, keep in mind, I’ve been almost continuously writing about this DAMAGE for two plus years and most of us have no idea the extent of what they’ve done while we’re all focused on the “scandal of the day.” While democrats are claiming they can “walk and chew gum” – meaning both legislate and investigate – individual 1 is clearly able to do the same – only his mantra is LYING (continuously) to “we the people” while setting up his brazen attempt to turn America into something which would make Vladimir Putin proud.

As individual 1 is lashing out, as he did on TV this past week, he demonstrates (over and over again) he’s the master of projection. I’ve been pointing this out since his early days in the “White House” but he’s put it on “steroids” of late. The best example I can think of was the other day when he accused people like James Comey, Andrew McCabe, “and maybe people higher up” (did he mean President Obama?) of “treason.” Of course, if anyone committed “treason” it would be individual 1 himself. The connection with Russia was NOT made clear in the Mueller report (I’m half way through volume II) other than to say individual 1’s campaign was willing to accept the help of the Russians. The “office” was unable to prove a “conspiracy” to a level where a conviction was a certainty. (Clearly, there WAS “collusion” and Mueller pointed out the LYING and the destruction of documents impeded the investigation)

When individual 1 is bloviating about our media as perpetrators of “Fake News” be cautious about what you read on “Facebook” or “Twitter.” Or, if you watch Fox “news” you’re getting a constant barrage of “Fake news” on a daily basis. Individual 1’s campaign (for 2020) has been busy flooding “Facebook” into the states he sees as “necessary” in order to gain re-election with “fake” propaganda. States like Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin are the “lucky” recipients. It was reported recently a “super PAC” affiliated with individual 1 is “investing $250 MILLION in this “fake news” campaign already. (This is the main benefit to individual 1 and republicans of the tax scam) And, remember, with Steve Bannon’s help, the republicans have the ability to send very targeted “fake news” to key areas.

The republicans AND individual 1 are far better at CHEATING than democrats. Keep in mind, I’m not suggesting democrats don’t put out advertising which is arguably false. To me, there’s a huge difference between “arguably” (we’re debating something) and “blatantly” (Wow, that was on purpose) LIES. Or, as our mainstream media likes to call it, spin. Now, we have a so-called president who has an Attorney General who is BLATANTLY LYING on his behalf and is now “investigating the investigators.” In “collusion” with individual 1’s claim that James Comey, Andy McCabe, and others committed TREASON Barr has become maybe the most dangerous person to our constitution in the nation. It remains to be seen what DAMAGE Barr will be willing to enhance, but the POWER individual 1 entrusted to him is unprecedented and dangerous. We all just need to hope he doesn’t get away with “cherry picking” intelligence in a way to create a false narrative for his boss. (OK, I know that’s unlikely)

And, of course, if Congress (the House) intervenes and calls Barr to explain what he’s doing, he will refuse to appear and there will be more subpoenas getting thumbed at from republican noses with the apparent strategy of relying on the courts individual 1 and Mitch McConnell have been STUFFING with right wing ideologues/judges who they apparently believe will look at the Justice Department from the same “lens” as Barr. To me, this attack on the investigators is a concerted plan to counter the impending impeachment inquiry. Individual 1 believes he’s one step ahead of the democrats and he may be correct. He’s certainly good at reinforcing his crap on the so-called “base.” He may succeed in causing his 40% to tune out from any impeachment hearings and, I can tell you – from reading as much of the Mueller report as I have, there is NO doubt individual 1 has committed crimes.

It’s now up to Congress to determine if a president is “above the law.” The parallel between the impeachment of Bill Clinton and what SHOULD be the impeachment of individual 1 is stark to me. And, I don’t think the democrats are seeing it this way – they may not be capable of doing so. In Clinton’s case, clearly he was impeached for “political reasons.” It’s really interesting to listen to the recorded comments of people like McConnell and Lindsay Graham from the Clinton impeachment trial in the Senate. And, don’t get me wrong, I’ve often said I had always considered myself a “conservative” – until, well, the word got “trampled” by republicans using it to fool “we the people” – and, I was very unhappy with Clinton in regard to his personal behavior. What he did in the Oval Office with Monica Lewinsky was, to me, BAD! That being said, I certainly didn’t see it as “impeachable” – nor, did I see LYING about it as impeachable.

The republican used that situation in an attempt to destroy a president who was successful in EVERY other way, from what I could tell, beside his personal failures. And, ironically, several of the republicans who led the “assault” on Clinton were soon ‘retiring” from the House because of their own personal shortcomings. (Gingrich was maybe the worst of the bunch) My point: Clinton’s impeachment was POLITICAL. So, now we have a president doing things which SHOULD warrant impeachment “In plain sight” – using the words of Ms. Pelosi. But, almost in the same breath she says, “the president is ‘taunting’ us into impeachment.”

So, the reason democrats are NOT impeaching individual 1 is POLITICAL. If this doesn’t show the difference between the two parties I don’t know what would. In just the part of Mueller’s report I’ve read to date, there is a plethora of reasons laid out painstakingly by Mueller which SHOULD require impeachment – EACH one of them. And, Mueller isn’t even mentioning the campaign finance violations at the Southern District of New York which got Michael Cohen 3 years in jail and where individual 1 got his new name. Our so-called president is listed in the Court documents as an “unindicted co-conspirator” in two FELONIES. These two FELONIES, by themselves may have been enough to cause him to “win” the 2016 election (with 3 MILLION fewer votes than Ms. Clinton). Couple that with what’s IN Mueller’s report and I’m really confused by the lack of will coming from the democratic Caucus..

Democrats want to investigate and “get the facts in front of the American people.” What better way to do so than in an impeachment INQUIRY. From what I’ve read this would give them much more POWER to actually FORCE the “White House” to turn over requested documents and to FORCE all the people who are now refusing to testify to – well, TESTIFY! And, for those who wish to continue this stonewalling there should be a nice comfy JAIL somewhere for them to contemplate whether or not they believe America is a “nation of laws and not men.” The way you stop BULLIES is you punch back. “We the people” are depending on democrats to do the “punching.” Recent history doesn’t have me feeling all that confident!

Final Thought: Clearly individual 1 has a strategy of “stonewalling” in order to “run out the clock.” He’s covering his (donkey) both ways – the stonewalling to push things to a point where it’s impractical for impeachment hearings AND the Barr ATTACK on the intelligence community – with the POWER to selectively declassify ANYTHING he chooses (think: “cherry picking”). Just as Vladimir Putin is using our “openness” in regard to our society AGAINST us, individual 1 is using the reticence of the democrats almost as a weapon. My thought (I don’t want to use the word “fear”) is that if democrats don’t TAKE THE INITIATIVE soon it will be too late. Barr is busy with a plan to undercut the rationale for the Mueller report which will pacify individual 1’s supporters and insulate them from any hearings where the actual report is put on their TV screens. (So far, I’ve offered my copy of the report to almost 10 people and I haven’t found one person interested in reading it.)

I’ve pointed out I’m reading the “Mueller Report” and, as of last night, I finished “Volume 1” and have now read the introduction to “Volume 2.” Going through all this I just keep shaking my head wondering how could “we the people” allow someone like “individual 1” to reach the “White House.” And, as far as I’m concerned, while Mueller clearly has the credentials of being a “hero” based on his “previous life,” I didn’t find his conclusions in “Volume 1” that heroic. Clearly, Mueller is a (true) “conservative” and he took a very conservative approach to his decisions in “Volume 1.” Remember, “Volume 1” is about the possibility of a conspiracy between Russia and the individual 1 campaign.

Why am I saying Mueller was conservative in his conclusions regarding any conspiracy between members of the campaign and the Russians? Well, he gives a lengthy explanation regarding the now infamous June 9, 2016 meeting between individual 1 Jr., Jared Kushner, and Paul Manafort with Russians promising “incriminating evidence on Hillary” coming directly from the Kremlin in their attempt to help individual 1 become president. Of course, I have to say “I’m not a lawyer” to preface these thoughts, but I took Mueller’s words as a lengthy rationalization of his decision which, to me, said he wanted nothing to do with a battle with our so-called president’s son and, by extension, the president himself. (For the life of me, I don’t understand why so many Americans seem to fear individual 1?)

To me, if this meeting wasn’t an indication of a “conspiracy” to defraud the United States, well I’m just not sure what it would take to meet that thresh-hold. It appeared to me Mueller was “bending over backward” to allow individual 1 Jr. and the others in the meeting (Manafort had his own separate problems) to escape accountability. And, he was looking at the meeting as if it was a “campaign finance violation” – at least that’s how I understood his explanation as to why the “Office” didn’t bring charges on both individual 1 Jr. and Kushner – instead of a “conspiracy to defraud the United States” between those Americans in the room and the representative(s) from the Kremlin.

All I could think of as I read this part of the report was everything I’m hearing in regard to why individual 1 should be impeached is focused on the OBSTRUCTION part of Mueller’s report, which is covered in “Volume 2.” However, from where I’m sitting, the meeting of June 9, 2016 sent about as clear a message to the Russians as could be sent: “We’re more than willing to accept any help you can provide.” (And, if you believe individual 1 did not know of that meeting beforehand, well I’ve got a bridge………. ) Of course, from that date until the November election there’s no dispute as to the FACT the Russians were busy providing that “help.” In the report it points out that the Facebook “fake news” perpetrated on unsuspecting Americans and coming from the Russians reached 126 MILLION Americans. (And, that “fake news” was, it appears to me, coordinated with the “fake news” coming from individual 1’s campaign. It’s clear the Russians were being encouraged)

As I read Volume 1 the number of meetings between the Russians and those in individual 1’s campaign seemed staggering – but, I thought, “well, they should be able to meet with them if they want.” But, of course, my logical brain then took over and I thought: “Why, then, did they LIE about virtually EVERY meeting?” Clearly, there’s still “more to the story” and, it seems to me, “we the people” may NEVER find out all that took place in that 2016 election. But, all the LYING along with individual 1’s repeated attempts to BLOCK the investigation tells anyone who thinks logically they’re HIDING something! Whether what they’re HIDING ever becomes public knowledge remains to be seen. (Keep in mind, the actual vote count in the 2000 election [in Florida] which was blocked from being finished by our right wing Supreme Court has never been made public in the aftermath – and, trust me, the election officials know exactly how that vote SHOULD have come out – “we the people” seem to often be “protected” from the TRUTH – which, likely will the case in this instance) And, publicizing the TRUTH would include what I suspect democrats would do after individual 1 is VOTED OUT in 2020. (I can hope) Time will tell!

One thing Mueller has made clear to me as I’ve started reading “Volume 2” of his report is that while a sitting president can’t be indicted (and, he gives all the reasons why – based on the OLC “memo” of 45 – or so – years ago) the evidence of any wrongdoing can be (and is being) “memorialized” so that once the president is out of office he/she can “face the music.” (My phraseology – in other words – individual 1 can have his court dates in 2021 – or after he’s removed from office in the unlikely event republicans stop worshiping this demigod.)

In fact, in the first few pages of “Volume 2” Mueller makes it clear what a LIAR we now have at the head of the Justice Department. I watched, at the time with dismay – the dismay has increased – as William Barr gave an incredibly poorly conceived news conference prior to submitting Mueller’s REDACTED report to both Congress and the public. Barr, of course, KNEW he was LYING, but the purpose of his remarks was aimed at the “uneducated voters” who individual 1 loves so much and that they (Barr and individual 1) KNEW would NOT read the report. (I’ve already offered my copy to several individual 1 supporters and NONE are interested in reading it) Barr’s clear intention was to convince those “uneducated voters” (who, clearly, he KNEW – with the help of Fox “news” – would believe his comments and therefore believe individual 1 was blameless) they didn’t need to read the report. Yikes!!!

Barr even went so far as to suggest there was “spying” on individual 1’s campaign – presumably nefarious “spying” – and he said there would be investigations into the investigators – and he’s followed through by authorizing them. Barr not only mimicked individual 1’s own words as he, on maybe five occasions, in his press conference said, for instance, “there was no collusion” – based on Mueller’s findings. To me, coming from the Attorney General of the United States, that was among the MOST incredible LIES I’ve heard in American politics – EVER! As I read “Volume 1” Mueller made it clear there was NEVER any attempt to find “collusion” in their investigation. As even the talking heads at Fox pointed out numerous times, “collusion is NOT a crime. Mueller clearly pointed out there is NO crime of “collusion” and what their investigation was looking for was “conspiracy” between the Russians and members of individual 1’s campaign.

Mueller also pointed out that while they were looking into the possibility of any conspiracy between the Russians and those in the campaign that all the LYING and, in some cases, destruction of evidence (along with things like people having conversations using encrypted devices to apparently HIDE whatever they were doing), plus a general lack of cooperation with many witnesses (for example, neither individual 1 nor his son were interviewed – I believe because Mueller KNEW they would contest subpoenas and drag the investigation out for, likely, years) making it impossible for Mueller’s team to get a full picture of what they were investigating. Mueller, essentially, said the evidence of “conspiracy” was insufficient to suggest an indictment would result in a conviction – and, of course, in this instance we’re talking about individual 1 Jr. and Jared Kushner.

All of that, to me, made it all the more disappointing, after reading the first volume, that both individual 1 Jr. and Jared Kushner were NOT indicted. I believe BOTH of them were, at a minimum, right on the “line” (to me, over the line) on more than one occasion. Kushner clearly LIED about his meetings with various Russians and, it still seems to me, he was – in one case – attempting to solve the IMMENSE problem he had with a property located at 666 5th Avenue in New York with one of his meetings with the chairman of a Russian Bank witch was under sanction when he took the meeting. If you want to know why Kushner fits in so nicely in individual 1’s administration, read “Kushner, Inc.” by Vicky Ward. I whole heartedly recommend that book for anyone who reads and wants to be better informed than what you get on TV. (Remember, Kushner had to “update” his SF-86 form several times – likely the reason he was recommended to NOT get a “security clearance” – as he tried to HIDE his meetings with Russians and other foreign nationals – like MBS, with whom he was communicating with an encrypted device, for example – it says right on that form that failing to be truthful is a FELONY)

So, as I said above, I’ve just started reading “Volume 2” which is focused on “OBSTRUCTION.” Despite Barr’s OTHER major LIE, Mueller makes it crystal clear that he was honoring the OLC (Office of Legal Counsel) memo which states a “sitting president can not be indicted” and that he always viewed his purpose as to provide a pile of evidence that will be “memorialized” for Congress, should they choose to act (Impeachment – which is where any “indictment” should arise, in the view of the OLC memo) Mueller, also clearly, explained why he wasn’t coming to a conclusion that individual 1 committed a crime – because, without the ability to indict him he felt making an accusation would put individual 1 in a position where he couldn’t defend himself. Short of the indictment, Mueller plainly also said, “If I could exonerate the president I would, I can make no such claim.” (Or words to that effect)

Sadly, before the Mueller report came out I predicted how the democrats would respond – and, that they would do anything they could to avoid impeachment. I pointed out this is EXACTLY what happened back in 2007 when “we the people” voted democrats into control of the House to hold a president and vice president who both LIED America into an incredibly STUPID war AND who BOTH authorized TORTURE – BOTH of them “war criminals” and no impeachment because the republicans won’t convict in the Senate. Now, we have a so-called president who’s gone beyond even what came about during the Nixon Watergate scandal and the democrats are still doing whatever they can to look like they’re being tough without, well, ……. being tough. Just making an inference from the first few pages of Volume 2 it’s clear to me individual 1 SHOULD be witnessing an impeachment inquiry ALREADY. Whether democrats can “pull themselves up by their bootstraps” and do the right thing, only time will tell. But, I can tell you with certainty that if democrats don’t act soon, they will be stamping themselves with nearly the same low place in American History which individual 1 is destined to fill. Individual 1 is the greatest danger to America in my lifetime!

Final thought: As I said above, I’m not inclined to put Mueller into the “hero” category, at least when it comes to this investigation. Whether Barr managed to intercede once he became individual 1’s “Roy Cohn” remains to be seen. Keep in mind, Barr was confirmed during the last month or two of the investigation. and he didn’t shy away from making sure we all knew he was Mueller’s BOSS. So, maybe there was something we don’t yet know about, but, that being said, I’m seeing Mueller as someone who HAS to realize the gravity of this situation and, yet, he seems to be more than willing to allow others to interpret his words. Yesterday, it was reported that Mueller does NOT want to appear in public to testify about his report. Personally, I hope he doesn’t get away with this – what to me would be an – abomination. Mueller MUST appear in public to clarify the Barr LIES while the American people are watching!

I keep thinking “How long until individual 1 crashes our economy?” Tonight, I’m thinking I should be thinking “How many ways is individual 1 going to undermine our economy?” Of course, this would be as he’s trashing most of what has been traditional “norms” in this nation for generations. Individual 1’s sycophants are helping him REFUSE to co-operate in any manner with the House committees who want to exercise the OVERSIGHT “we the people” put them in charge of the House to do in the 2018 election. This is ONE of the ways this “regime” is pushing to tear this nation farther apart. Clearly, individual 1 does NOT want “we the people” to actually see the evidence Robert Mueller found in his nearly two year investigation.

As I’ve said here numerous times of late, I’m reading the Mueller report and I’m nearly half way through Volume 1, which is dealing with the “Russia thing.” I can say, from what I’ve read, there WAS “collusion.” Now, Mueller clearly says they weren’t looking at “collusion” because “collusion” doesn’t fall into the legal code. What Mueller was investigating was whether or not there was a provable CONSPIRACY between individual 1 or any of his surrogates with the Russians who were CLEARLY and “systematically” (in the words of Mueller) ATTACKING our election with the stated purpose of helping individual 1 end up in the “White House.” So, when individual 1 says “no collusion” that’s just one more of the 10,000+ LIES coming from our so-called president.

The result of all this is that the Russians are STILL “meddling” into our open system of government and using our “freedom” against us. You can be sure that the Russians will be much more sophisticated in 2020 and that there are Americans we may or may not ever know who are helping them. This strategy of turning one American against another in an attempt to cause as many of our citizens as possible to throw their hands in the air and say our politics are so messed up that they choose not to participate is a “partnership” between individual 1 and his republican enablers along with Vladimir Putin and his Russian cyber warriors. This is an ATTACK on our nation and our (so called) “commander in chief” is silent!

Most Americans will NOT read Mueller’s report so it’s IMPERATIVE democrats find a way to get Mueller, Don McGahn, and others with knowledge of this investigation in front of the American people. Nancy Pelosi did the same thing she’s doing in 2019 back in 2007 when we had a president and vice president who were WAR CRIMINALS authorizing TORTURE. If there’s no guarantee republicans will convict in the Senate there will be no impeachment inquiry. (I really hope that “strategy” changes – at some point in America “history” – meaning “we the people” WILL hold our leaders accountable for lawbreaking)

So, all this FIGHTING with Congress is one way individual 1 may cause our economy to crash. Essentially, there’s NOTHING getting done in our nation’s capital because Mitch McConnell is OBSTRUCTING everything the House is sending to the Senate and McConnell and individual 1 believe getting right wing judges appointed is all they need to do to get re-elected. So, the next possible disaster is individual 1’s so-called “trade war” with China which, apparently, he was able to cause with the stroke of a pen. I listened to him the other day suggesting the American economy is so much stronger than China’s that they’ll need to “cave” (my term) eventually. Well, all I could think of was what if the Chinese decide to start selling off their US Treasury bonds? Tonight I heard one “expert” suggest if they simply refused to buy them for one month the U.S. economy would be drastically affected and interest rates would skyrocket. I believe China has far more power than individual 1 understands and just the slightest miscalculation could cause enormous negative consequences – beyond those which have already happened. (And, by the way, sending money to farmers to offset the tariff disaster is a confusing way to deal with this this home made “crisis”)

Of course, when it comes to individual 1 and the DAMAGE he’s creating for “we the people” there’s always “more.” So, the NEXT issue which could “tank” our economy is individual ‘s arrogant and, from my vantage-point, STUPID intimidation of Iran. Of course, the STUPIDITY started with his pulling out of the so-called “Iran nuclear agreement” – likely because if was a major accomplishment for the Obama administration. Individual 1’s personal animosity toward Obama goes way beyond what is healthy for our nation. After pulling out of this agreement, which Obama (et al) managed to get both China and Russia to participate in, individual 1 put sanctions on Iran which are apparently effective enough to have Iran on the verge of responding to.

Add to this that individual 1’s National Security Adviser is John Bolton who was part of the Bush/Cheney regime which LIED America into the DISASTROUS invasion of Iraq back in 2003 and you have the potential for what could be beyond catastrophic. Individual 1 has ordered an American carrier group into the Persian Gulf and, supposedly, his administration is ordering 120,000 American troops into the region – ostensibly in an attempt to bait the Iranians into starting a conflict. This will give Bolton (and, individual 1, who might be getting “played” by those in his own administration) an excuse to invade Iran – something Bolton has wanted to do since the days John McCain sang the refrain “Bomb, Bomb, Bomb Iran.”

Any conflict with Iran will cause the oil and gas which flows through the Persian Gulf EVERY day to potentially be STOPPED! While America is now producing enough oil for our own economy (although it’s all funneled through the world markets) any choking off of the oil and gas which flows through the Persian Gulf could TANK the world economy in a matter of days. “We the people” don’t really understand how much so many countries around the world depend on this oil and gas and too many Americans can’t remember the oil crises we faced years ago because they weren’t born yet. I was farming in the late seventies and had my own 1000 gallon gas tank and I remember many of my friends coming to my farm to buy gas from me so they wouldn’t have to wait in line for a couple hours to fill their tanks. At some point it came down to an “odd and even” system based on the last number on your license plate as to when you could buy gas. I don’t remember ANYONE who liked that situation.

Aside from how STUPID it would be to invade Iran, I’m personally really tired of politicians who didn’t have the guts to serve in the military willingly sending other people’s children into places around the world where we don’t belong in order to make themselves look “tough.” Individual 1 LIED (of course, he LIES about everything, so this is no surprise) his way out of Viet Nam by getting a doctor to say he had “bone spurs” in his feet in order to get labeled “4F” which gave him a deferment from the draft. Just as both Bush/Cheney were also “draft dodgers” who started the Mid East “wars” (Afghanistan and Iraq) that seem to be never ending, now we have another draft dodger putting “we the people” in jeopardy of another STUPID war.

Every person I talk to who claims to support individual 1 has NO IDEA what they are supporting. I talked to the guy who fixes my cars the other day, one of my favorite people – an incredibly HONEST small business person, who supports individual 1. Of course, he had no idea why I was referring to him as “individual 1” and, as I went down the litany of why I believe individual 1 is a traitor to this nation, he pretty much had no idea what I was talking about. He said, “he’s better than Obama who went around the world apologizing for America.” I said, “When did Obama do that, I’m not aware of what you’re talking about?” Well, he didn’t know when Obama did that, he just knew he did it. He wasn’t aware of the FACT that his money in the stock market increased over 300% during Obama’s administration but he thinks individual 1 is the reason the economy is good. I said, “Do you watch Fox ‘news’?” and he said, “No,” But, the more I’ve thought about the conversation, I’m not sure I believe him. (Almost everyone I know who watches Fox “news” is unwilling to admit they do so – which tells me they are willingly accepting the propaganda)

I really like this guy and probably won’t have this discussion with him again (he was late getting home for dinner ;o) but, I hear it over and over again. When someone supports individual 1 they have no idea what they’re supporting. This particular guy said he’s totally opposed to racism, he looked quizzically at me when I pointed out individual 1 is a racist. He didn’t seem to like the idea that “we the people” are deeply in debt (over $20 TRILLION) but didn’t know what the effect of the tax scam on the debt is. I could go on and on (I did with him ;o) but, my point is this person was like so many others I’ve talked to who support individual 1 – they have no idea what they’re supporting. (Which is all the more reason for democrats to get the Mueller findings in front of the TV’s of as many of “we the people” as they can)

Of course, there’s more. Individual 1 and his sycophants are still hell bent on overturning The Affordable Care Act (ie “Obamacare”) which, in my view, will also cause an extreme “hit” to our economy which individual 1 has absolutely no conception of. This would be a disaster that is hard to calculate – at least for someone like me – but, our health system is already over priced and there’s too many Americans who have no insurance already. I believe if the republicans and individual 1 are successful in their court challenge of “Obamacare” that will also cause a “hit” to our economy. Costs will increase, potentially exponentially, for those who have health insurance in the face of around 20 – 30 MILLION Americans losing their insurance. (And, think of all those siblings who will no longer be able to be on their parent’s “plans” until the age of 26)

Finally, we now have an Attorney General who is willing to LIE for individual 1 and, essentially, do his bidding as he’s initiating investigations into our FBI and our Intelligence community. This is “Tin Pot dictator 101” when you look at the seemingly never ending attacks on our 4th estate – the free press. Individual 1 appears to me to be willing to tear down this entire nation to protect himself – knowing, as I’m sure he does – the level of illegal behavior he has participated in over the previous 30+ years – and, especially, since taking the “oath” of office. (Seriously, is he capable of taking ANY oath?) Our European allies are shaking their heads and continuing to wonder: “What the hell is going on in America?”

If the democrats do what they SHOULD and begin IMPEACHMENT hearings I would expect individual 1’s (LYING) ginning up of his “uneducated voters” and virtually encouraging all those “very fine people” he’s referred to into the streets. And, do you expect William Barr, as the head of the Justice Department, to hold them accountable. He’ll likely say something like, “Individual 1 feels as if he’s being unfairly treated.” Yikes!!

It’s apparent to me individual 1 is arrogantly thumbing his nose at our Judicial system feeling as if his “Roy Cohn” will defend him to the “hilt” and, that the court system he’s managed to “stuff” with right wing judges will defend him at all costs. This can be no less obvious than the recent wave of anti-abortion laws which will be flooding their way toward the Supreme Court which individual 1 feels confident the right wing court will uphold. They believe Roe v Wade will be overturned by these judges. Of course, this “fight” has no bearing on me (I’m almost 72) but I’m always amazed at the number of “conservatives” who claim to support “less government” pushing our government into the most intimate parts of our existence. I’ve said many times that at some point I’ll write a post on abortion – which may be getting close – but, suffice it to say that I believe “pro life” goes way beyond preventing women from access to abortions. (I can tell you I witnessed people having – well, I was told about it – abortions back in the 60’s before Roe. The difference from today was back in the 1960’s the danger to the woman in those “back room procedures.”

I believe this issue may motivate even more “progressives” to participate in the 2020 election. Keep in mind, there are many who are predicting individual 1 will not freely leave the “White House” even after being voted out. (Again, I remind you Barr is the head of the “Justice Department”) Individual 1 and those of his sycophants who participate in this massive obstruction of justice MUST face accountability – and, in my view, that includes Mr. Barr. And, I might add, if democrats don’t “click” the panic button as to the necessity to turn the Senate “blue” They’re making a HUGE mistake! More on that later.

Final Thought: I’m into the second volume of Mueller’s report and it’s becoming clearer and clearer – individual 1 is “thumbing his nose” at our system of laws. There’s a good reason (which I’ve pointed out many times since his inauguration) he continues to associate himself with the political “strongmen” around the world. He (and his republican enablers) is attempting to turn America into a country where the executive branch of the government controls EVERYTHING! Of course, republicans will regret this once “we the people” vote in a democrat as president – at that time, they will AGAIN become the proponents of “less government.” Yikes!!!

Of course, winning the “White House” in 2020 will lead to nothing more than a bunch of frustration unless democrats can also win control of the Senate. Their first target should be Mitch McConnell himself. I’m still finding it hard to believe there aren’t enough Kentuckians who see what McConnell’s been doing for the past 10 years to find him unacceptable. There MUST be a democrat in Kentucky who the dems can support in the upcoming election to get rid of him – FINALLY! And, there’s several other republicans in the Senate who should be vulnerable – they (republicans) are pushing to overturn two very popular things – the Affordable Care Act and Roe v Wade. No matter what you think about abortion, over 70% of America’s voting public believe a woman SHOULD “have the right to choose” what happens with her own body. Again, if the democrats can’t turn the Senate “blue” in 2020 our nation’s demise will continue!

I started writing in this “blog” – to me, it’s my place to “vent” and somehow thousands of people have found it – after GW Bush/D Cheney LIED America into an ill advised and disastrous invasion of Iraq. If you’ve been here much at all, you know I’m no fan of the republican party and my view of them has continually deteriorated since the “rise” of the so-called “tea party” – which has morphed into the party of individual 1. Clearly, the rise of “white nationalism” is not just an American issue, but is spreading throughout the Western world and, of course, who do you find “fanning the flames” in virtually every instance? Of course, I’m referring to Vladimir Putin. It’s almost as if he’s “betting” on a surge of neo-Nazi regimes around the world allowing him to recreate the “former” Soviet Union.

Putin can’t do this without the “help” of America and, of course, he’s got the perfect stooge in individual 1 which he managed to “nudge” into the “White House” via his cyber warriors and their strategy which they refer to as “active measures.” They’re doing this everywhere and the results have been very good for Putin. The Russian leader and his computer hackers extraordinaire (along with individual 1 and his former advisor Steve Bannon) managed to trick Great Britain into believing a break with the European Union would be a great idea – and we now have the Brit’s trying to figure out how to “Brexit.” Neo-Fascism is spreading across Europe like a bad disease and, under normal circumstances, you’d have the American leaders at the forefront of stopping it – but, of course, these are not “normal” times and individual 1 is no “normal” leader.

In fact, yesterday it was reported that individual 1 and, therefore, “we the people,” were the ONLY nation in the Western world failing to sign on to a plan to stop the spread of “White Nationalism” via social media [ie the Russians] propaganda – which radicalizes people who attack places of worship like what happened in Christ Church New Zealand – because, of all reasons, “freedom of speech.” This alliance was formed to fight against the radicalization of neo-Nazi’s who’ve attacked both Jewish and Muslim places of worship in the recent past and have publicly aligned themselves with individual 1. Just like those carrying tiki torches, wearing Nazi arm bands, and chanting “Jews will not replace us” – none of these people who believe killing Jews or Muslims are “very fine people” – to use the words of individual 1.

Just yesterday individual 1 WELCOMED the president of Hungary (Viktor Orban) into the “White House” – another of the rising authoritarian “White nationalist” leaders around the world individual 1 seems to both admire and envy. (along with Putin, for example, there’s been Rodrigo Duterte in the Philippines, [Recep Tayyip] Erdogan of Turkey, and the authoritarian leaders of Egypt and Saudi Arabia to name a few) Many of these leaders are clear supporters of antisemitism which really makes one wonder about individual 1’s “bromance” with Netanyahu of Israel – but, who knows, the world feels like it may explode at any moment. Individual 1 bringing Orban into the “White House” is similar to his putting Kim jong-un on the international “stage” with NO apparent benefit for the United States.

No American president of recent “vintage” would have allowed Orban into the “Oval Office” and, of course, they would NEVER have “hoisted” Kim onto the international “stage” where he was longing to stand without something more than a “love letter.” Worst than ALL this, to me, is the incredible disintegration of the republican party into a group of feeble sycophants willing to accept ANYTHING der leader throws their way. The before (individual 1) and after of some of these republicans kind of makes your stomach churn if you’re someone who actually believes in what MADE America “great” in the first place.

Now, the first step in “Making America Great Again” will be getting individual 1 out of office! What he has accomplished was getting all the right wing racists, misogynists, and xenophobes out from under the rocks so that the slow festering of their racism can be publicly dealt with. In addition, “we the people” can, should, and hopefully will take an HONEST look at how “uneducated” so many of our citizens really are. Of course, many are just too busy doing life to pay much attention to “politics” and they allow themselves to be intellectually manipulated by sound bites and headlines – along with allowing themselves to frequent media outlets espousing pure propaganda – ie, outlets like Fox “news.” It’s been proven these outlets “dumb down” the American people.

Here’s an example of how both ignorant and racially biased so many Americans are – ostensibly as a result of the effect of outlets like Fox: I read about a poll taken by a company in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania of 3200 Americans – the poll was taken randomly, I believe. It was a poll about math education of all things. One of the questions was “should arabic numbers be taught in school?” Of course, “arabic” numbers are the numbers we all grew up struggling with in math class – the numbers in the base ten system that start with 1, then 2, and so forth to infinity. You probably “get” where this is going. 56% of the respondents to the poll said “NO” to the question – meaning “arabic” numbers should NOT be taught in our schools. I saw that and wanted to laugh out loud until I realized the TWO things it meant. (And, I was a sixth grade teacher for over 20 years – I really hope none of my former students were in that poll)

The first thing that came to mind was the level of “education” among “we the people.” Personally, I assumed MOST Americans would know our number system is compiled of “arabic numerals.” Obviously, I was wrong. Secondly, the result of this poll shows the level of racial bias/animosity simmering among many of the people making up America’s “public.” I mean, why would anyone object to “arabic” numerals – even if they didn’t know what an “arabic” numeral was right off the top of their head, unless the name associated it with – well, let’s just say “Arabs?” And, why would that bother them anyway? I don’t want to put anymore of my personal thoughts down because, as I’m writing this, I’m getting an understanding of my own prejudice in regard to people who choose ignorance. And, as I’ve said recently, I’ve grown much less patient with people choosing willful ignorance because the “stakes” are getting much higher.

Many of my friends who still choose to be affiliated with the republican party are members of the church I choose to continue supporting. I don’t initiate the conversations there in regard to politics or individual 1 but I no longer allow them to make comments in support of him without my responding. And, often times (in fact, almost always) I get a regurgitation of the latest Fox propaganda – I even have a friend I went to high school with (we graduated in 1965) who refers to Sean Hannity as “Sean” – as if they’re friends. I can no longer stomach more than a passing “hi” to this person, sadly, because if I provide him with some FACTS he starts yelling and saying, “You’re not going to change my mind.” It’s a fruitless enterprise. (I once said, “if I give you a book to read, will you read it?” to which he answered, “No, I haven’t read anything – except my Bible – since I was in High School.” – and, this type of encounter with supporters of individual 1 is not at all unusual – and, it certainly makes me wonder what’s in his Bible that is so different from what is in mine)

So, I’m working my way through the “Mueller Report” and I can flatly state, “There WAS collusion.” As I’ve said, I haven’t gotten to the “obstruction” part yet (Volume II), but, as far as I’m concerned, there’s more than enough in Volume i to cause any Congress which is not ruled by political polls to initiate an impeachment investigation. “Collusion” may not be “illegal” but, to me, if we don’t make it clear that “partnering” with foreign governments to effect our election is “no way to get elected” this nation is headed for third world status. The “stuff” just keeps happening and our traditional allies around the world are shaking their collective heads as they gear up to FIGHT this right wing plague in their own nations with no help from the U.S. If fact, they see individual 1 as their opposition! Sad!

And, what, to me, is sadder, is the continued timidity of the democratic party. Individual 1 is taunting them – with a stone-walling “play out the clock” strategy (I believe Mueller cut off his investigation as he could see the “wall” of the election threatening any accountability for individual 1 from Congress looming) and, the democrats are saying they’ll NOT be “taunted” into starting an impeachment probe. Well, soon it WILL be too late and, maybe as it should be, “we the people” will be charged with ending the present regime. While democrats are failing to act, individual 1 and his “Roy Cohn” ie William Barr are attacking the FBI as if the original investigation was “illegal spying.” Today, individual 1 actually used the term “treason” in a “tweet” – talk about “projection.”

I’ve lived through Watergate, I’ve lived through the Clinton “impeachment” (over a “blow job” – and, trust me, Clinton’s behavior [sex with a young intern – in the Oval Office no less] made my stomach “churn.” I have a couple daughters about the same age as Ms. Lewinsky), I’ve lived through Bush/Cheney doing a “deja vu” on Viet Nam and authorizing TORTURE will holding “enemy combatants” indefinitely with no ability to defend themselves – simply based on, well, who knows what. (I still remember reading about how Afghan warlords were “turning in” their enemies for a few thousand dollars and whoever that enemy was may still be at Guantanamo. “Enemy combatants” were herded into trucks with no ventilation and, when they arrived at the “black sites” where they were likely scheduled for TORTURE entire truckloads had suffocated. That reality, as far as I could see, never made it to our “liberal media.”

Now, I’m living through a pathological LYING narcissist of the most extreme nature, who’s also a racist, a misogynist, a xenophobe, and someone who is using strategies from the Third Reich and acts more like a Mob Boss than a politician. With an Attorney General who is a willing LIAR as well – and, I say that with confidence after just the part of what I’ve read already in the “Mueller Report” (Barr said there was “no collusion” several times in his extraordinary press conference hours before the redacted report was released. I’ve heard all the claims about his LYING in regard to “OBSTRUCTION” – but, there WAS “collusion” – without a doubt.) – individual 1, therefore, becomes much more dangerous. Barr heads up the Justice Department, for heaven’s sake.

I’ve been saying this for years, “unfortunately, ‘we the people’ have no choice but to look to the democratic party to put a stop to this right wing takeover of OUR government. Well, the dems are now clearly “on the spot” and I’m certainly not certain as to whether they will come through or not. If they’re waiting for the republicans to join them in some kind of “bipartisan” look at the “Mueller Report” what I would say is “don’t hold your breath.” I’ve said for years the biggest weakness of the democratic party has been the image they are afraid to defend their own fundamental beliefs. We saw that with the Affordable Care Act – they wouldn’t even talk about it until individual 1 made it popular. I believe if they don’t AGGRESSIVELY work to put the Mueller Report before the American people – likely via impeachment – I believe that will be among the worst mistakes of the last 30 years.

I’ve talked to many of my (baby boomer) friends and they, along with myself, are almost disbelieving that America could have degenerated to this point in time. They all are asking, “How could individual 1 have become our so-called president?” Well, if you’ve been visiting this site at all over the past decade (plus) you know that myself, while teaching a bunch of sixth graders, have been proclaiming the heavy leaning to the “right” by the republican party which was accentuated by the so-called “tea party” in 2010 – and, make no mistake, that movement was started via a RACIST reaction to an African American (half) being elected by “we the people” as the president of the United States. That was too much for the republican party and, apparently, about a third of the American public. Sadly, many of them are in my peer group – the baby boomers – and, after Viet Nam, the Civil Rights movement, etc., to me that is shameful. (Not to mention all the “Christians” who are somehow bringing themselves to support individual 1)

I’m no longer willing to give these people, who willingly expose themselves to the propaganda scheme of Fox “news,” and – many of them will say – I’m not a racist – a pass from what support for individual 1 says about their own personal character. If you “hitch your star” to the “wagon” of a RACIST – well, don’t tell me your not a racist – I’m sorry, but I’m tired of listening to people try to rationalize their support for a so-called president who is RUINING this nation. And, by the way, the economy, which he brags about (and, is fairly good) is not something he created. He inherited an economy which was like a large freight train which was gaining steam and he, so far, hasn’t destroyed it – although, if you’re like me, the tax SCAM, which is funneling close to $2 TRILLION to the top “1%” of Americans, along with a HUGE pile of money to corporations (many of whom, pay NO taxes) who were already FLUSH with cash and, now, the DEFICIT will go NORTH of $1 TRILLION and my prediction it will be closer to $2 TRILLION by the time the 2020 election rolls around and add in the “individual 1 tariffs” and the economy may be headed “south” by election time. Republicans don’t care about the deficit except when a democrat is in office! (Although, many do care about the tariff “war”)

Suppose someone suggests to me our so-called president is not a RACIST! Of course, that’s absurd because the evidence is overwhelming – beginning with him and his father refusing to rent to Blacks many years ago and extending, essentially, over individual 1’s life (leading the birther movement), but how about the rest of his “character:” he’s a misogynist, a narcissist (of almost unbelievable proportions), a xenophobe, and a pathological LIAR. Additionally, individual 1 is now threatening to start a war someplace in the world – Iran, Venezuela – who knows, apparently, using the republican “strategy” that the way to gain the support of the American people is to take us to war – it worked temporarily for both of the Bush’s – but, personally, I don’t believe there is ANYTHING individual 1 can do to gain the support of a majority of Americans – still, the reality is he’s got a serious war monger as his National Security Adviser who was key to taking us into Iraq 16+ years ago so, who knows? And, remember, individual 1 avoided Viet Nam by – what else would you expect – LYING. My point here is there’s no more passes to anyone I know who is continuing to support this mirage of a president who’s actually a mafia boss.

If you don’t believe me when I refer to him as a “mafia boss” – well, the evidence is overwhelming and it continues to mount – almost daily. I’ve pointed out many times individual 1’s long time connection to the Russian mafiya and I’ve read many reports that his real estate business in New York regularly did business with the Cosa Nostra in New York City on a regular basis. Of course, individual 1 – who’s supposed to be defending the constitution and the laws that have come from it – has encouraged witnesses to “stay strong” (If you don’t get that, he doesn’t like when people tell the TRUTH) and he called Michael Cohen a “rat” when he decided to tell the TRUTH to investigators. (He was even quoted as saying “flipping should be illegal”) These are the words of organized criminals and may be acceptable on a TV show, but NOT coming from the American (so-called) president. (Even one who actually LOST the election by almost 3 MILLION votes – to a “girl”) Now his son, individual 1 Jr., has been subpoenaed by the Senate Intelligence Committee and individual 1 has said, “if you come after “Don” we will come after you” – apparently, words directed at any republican in the Senate who would object to the FACT individual 1 Jr. either LIED to them or LIED to Mueller. I rest my case!

What’s made this all the more serious for me, likely along with MILLIONS of other Americans, is William Barr. It’s hard for me to believe that an Attorney General of the United States would obviously subordinate his constitutional oath and obligation to his willingness to work as the president’s “personal attorney.” Barr is essentially deferring to the orders of individual 1 – essentially abdicating his independence as the chief attorney of America – as he participates in the unbelievable, unconstitutional, and unconscionable scheme by individual 1 to BLOCK The House of Representatives from doing its constitutional job. The FACT individual 1 appears to be attempting to HIDE evidence which is in plain sight (I should get the Mueller report tomorrow) from those Americans unwilling to read the report for themselves should surprise no one, by Barr participating SHOULD raise major “red flags.”

And, of course, Barr did everything he could over the first month after Mueller gave him his report to cause as many Americans – apparently including individual 1 – as possible to believe the report “exonerated” the (so-called) president. From what little I’ve heard from those who’ve actually read the report (and, of course, individual 1 would not be one of them) Barr was incredibly DISHONEST in both the original “summary” (where he claimed there was “no obstruction”) and, then, in the almost unbelievable “press conference” where he LIED about something which was to be released a couple hours later – as if he was thinking no one would actually read it. Since Barr’s “exoneration” of the (so-called) president over 800 former prosecuting attorneys have signed a letter claiming volume two of Mueller’s report make a compelling case for OBSTRUCTION which they would have “brought” for anyone other than the president who’s protected by the so-called “OLC memo” which says a sitting president can’t be indicted.

Now Barr is refusing to BOTH, appear before the House Judiciary Committee and turn over the entire Mueller report to their committee – thumbing his nose at two subpoenas and now facing a charge of Contempt of Congress as if to say, “so what.” Individual 1 is attempting to BLOCK anyone associated with his regime appearing at a House hearing or providing any documents. As far as I’m concerned, this is an attempt by a “tin pot dictator” wannabee to eliminate – for now and what would be in the future – the ability of Congress to do their oversight responsibility which is clearly laid out in the constitution. Of course, for two years this was not a problem because the republicans controlled both chambers of Congress. It was almost comical (except for the serious nature of all this) when individual 1 claimed he was going to obstruct because the chair persons in the House are “partisans.” As if, I guess, to suggest the republicans who were in control prior to the 2018 election were not partisan. In reality, the republicans were, in my view, unpatriotic enablers of someone who was/is challenging America’s foundation.

For heaven’s sake, Barr has only been the Attorney General for a few short months – a job he seemingly petitioned for when he wrote an unauthorized article claiming individual 1 could NOT obstruct justice simply because he’s the (so-called) president. Barr is among a “sea” of republicans willing to sacrifice virtually EVERYTHING they’ve claimed they believe in to keep individual 1 in office. If you remember, Karl Rove used to talk about the “permanent republican ‘majority,'” a concept which always was a plan to keep republicans in control while having a “base” which clearly does NOT represent a majority of Americans. It’s plain, the “family values” they claimed to believe in NEVER mattered to them – it’s POWER that matters to them. This “majority” they talk about requires control of Congress, the Courts, and the “White House.” Individual 1 – with the help of Mitch McConnell – has stuffed the courts, for example, with a large number of right wing judges which will have an effect on America for at least a generation. (And, by the way, I’ve suggested for some time I was going to write a post focused on the abortion issue – and, this may soon be at the forefront of what individual 1 is “accomplishing.”)

In addition to stuffing the Courts with (white) right wing judges, republicans are doing everything they can across the nation to gerrymander as many Congressional districts as possible AND to SUPPRESS votes in any way they can get away with it in state after state – now, with a Supreme Court which may enable this voter suppression. And, of course, this suppression of votes is highly targeted to affect voters who tend to vote for democrats. I’ve said this for years, the republicans are so much more sophisticated than democrats when it comes to CHEATING – which would include the Russian ATTACK in 2016 and how they managed to TARGET Americans so judiciously – likely with help from individual 1’s campaign – if you remember, in the 2016 campaign Cambridge Analytica (Steve Bannon) STOLE data on over 50 MILLION Facebook users to help them in this targeting campaign. This is ANOTHER example of the republican mantra: “The end justifies the means.” What is the MOST frustrating for me is the number of individual 1 supporters who still claim their “morals” are important. Go figure!

Despite individual 1’s historically low approval rating among “we the people” the reality is MILLIONS of Americans are susceptible to the PROPAGANDA scheme of the republicans. It was reported today a right wing “super pac” is “investing” over $250 MILLION (already) into targeted areas of several states which republicans consider “critical” to individual 1’s re-election. They’re starting really early. (Of course, his view of his job is “executive time” [TV] and campaign rallies – NOT governing) This $250 MILLION, obviously, is part of the “payback” for the tax “scam,” and the brazenous of individual 1 “marches on.” (In fact, despite the last two years of investigations regarding the help from Russia, individual 1 is NOW seeking help from Ukraine ahead of the 2020 election in an attempt to sidetrack Joe Biden. Yikes!!!) Not only does individual 1 need to “go bye bye” in the 2020 election, but also “we the people” MUST vote out as many republicans (especially in the Senate) as possible.

This is where I have to talk about the democrats. They are facing the most important 18 months of my lifetime and if they continue to act timidly in the face of individual 1’s obvious attempt to “take over” America – to his personal benefit – “we the people” will lose much of what our fathers/mothers and grandfathers/mothers (and great grandfathers/mothers probably for MOST) FOUGHT for during the Great Depression and WW II. And, as I said above – SHAME on the baby boomers who’ve signed on to the individual 1 ATTACK on our nation. We’ve benefited for years from the benefits handed down by our fore bearers and, now, so many are willing to sell out to a demigod because of “fear of the other.” We are ALL immigrants (even the forefathers of Native Americans immigrated here thousands of years ago) and it’s time for the fear mongering to end – at least when it comes to the “least of these.” Individual 1 and the republicans MUST go! If you want to fear something, it’s what they’re attempting to do – check the history books circa 1930’s Germany! (While Individual 1 continues to give democrats his derogatory names I’m waiting for one of the democrats to call individual 1 “Draft Dodger Don.”)

Final Thought: As far as I’m concerned, I do NOT want a candidate who’s, like President Obama, going to “look forward instead of back.” I want individual 1, I want William Barr, I want Steve Mnuchin, and I want people like Devin Nunez who were complicit in the OBSTRUCTION of Mueller’s investigation to face LEGAL jeopardy for their actions. If individual 1 is truly operating a mini crime syndicate I want him to face a RICO charge. I want our Justice Department to PROVE that NO ONE is above the law – in a way that will prevent this type of political carnage from EVER happening again – and, I’m talking about everything but MOSTLY the partnering with foreign governments to gain political advantage.

As I’m writing this it’s being reported that Rudy Giuliani is on his way to Ukraine in a mission designed to undermine Joe Biden’s campaign. Evidently, that is who individual 1 fears the most. To me, the difference from what happened in 2016 with the Russians to what Rudy Giuliani is doing in Ukraine is minute – other than their brazenous has now caused them to think they can do it in “plain sight.” I can only imagine what kind of “encouragement” they’re giving to the Ukraine government!?

I started this post a few days ago and decided to re-read it and since, I’ve received the “Mueller report.” Well, I’m only part way through volume 1 (maybe 25%) and, holy cow, everyone seems to be talking about “did he obstruct or not?” Well, I haven’t gotten to that part yet, but I can tell you the EVIDENCE of COLLUSION (which Mueller is clear to say is NOT what they were investigating – “collusion” does not fall into the “criminal code”) is EVERYWHERE you “look” in the report – and, that is despite much of what I’ve read so far being affected by MANY parts which are redacted. Despite the redactions, and, to me no matter how Barr “spins” the report, individual 1 AND members of his campaign CLEARLY were welcoming the “help” from Russia. Additionally, there are indications in the part I’ve read which would suggest there was no conspiracy charge because the “Office” (as Mueller refers to the investigators) was unable to prove a connection between Russia and the individual 1 campaign which could be charged and proved beyond a reasonable doubt – even though the inference is there that there was a conspiracy. Mueller states there was much LYING and obfuscating making their investigation more difficult and, in some cases, preventing a definitive conclusion from being made. The HOUSE really needs to have the investigations which bring all of this EVIDENCE to “light.”