Well, Trump’s move to separate children from their parents at the Southern border, along with ALL the LIES he accompanies with the “plan” are finally catching up with what “we the people” are really dealing with regarding our “so called” president.  Pundits are acknowledging the white nationalist movements here and in Western Europe (Read “The Hitler Virus” if you’re interested in getting better informed – you  won’t get anything written in that book via our so-called “liberal media”) and, more and more, we’re hearing references to WW II as “pundits” try to wrap their minds around what on earth is going on in America.  One thing that is clear, and pundits – to their credit – are pointing out, is Stephen Miller – one of Trump’s “advisers” – is a driving force behind using children as “bargaining chips” for a draconian immigration policy.  If you remember (or even if you don’t) Miller was allowed on the sets of the Sunday morning talk shows some time back and he couldn’t resist flashing the “white power” hand signals as he was being interviewed.  His “white nationalist” background is undeniable.  And, he fully supports tearing children from their parents – to punish them for seeking asylum in “the land of the free.”

While there are MANY children who may NEVER see their parents again – I’m not kidding, their parents have already been deported back to Guatemala and it’s not clear if ANYONE knows where their children are LOCKED up! – Trump and his sycophants continue to use these children as their, as mentioned above, “bargaining chip” to get MEXICO to pay for Trump’s wall.  (I truly hope you see the sarcasm there)  Now, let us just presume that, say, Congress would submit to this horrific attempt at BLACKMAIL, and give Trump his ridiculous “wall.”  Then, what are they going to do next?  This really reminds me, in a different sense, of Bush/Cheney LYING America into the Iraq fiasco.  The first part was easy – toppling Saddam Hussein’s government – the second part, not so much.  The disruption in Iraq and the Middle East continues to this day.  There was NO forethought given to “what do we do next?”

Well, with now OVER 2300 children in “custody” in various places around America and, apparently, NO PLAN, as to how to reunite them with their parents, it’s becoming crystal clear this TRAGEDY could be going on for years to come.  Evidently, Trump and his minions are good at race baiting, buy lousy at data collection!  I hate to use this language, but it PISSES me off every time I think about it.  And, when I heard the little children wailing for their parents and saw that there were facilities for children as young as 8 months – children STILL nursing being taken from their Moms – it brought tears to my eyes.  This is the country I grew up in, the country I love, the country that has a history of making huge mistakes, and this one could be near the top of the disasters – but, in today’s “age,” we SHOULD know better.  And Trump, I don’t believe he has a soul.  I don’t believe he sees these children as anything more than “bargaining chips.”  And, he’s certainly not been shy about how he feels about their parents – fleeing unimaginable circumstances in an effort to provide these children a hope for a better future.  What’s wrong with that?  To Trump, they are like “animals” and he wants to prevent them from “infesting” America!  I want to say, “Are you kidding me?”  But, we all know, this is the reality of Trump’s America!

Honestly, if this doesn’t wake up the American public as to the immediate danger Trump poses to our traditional way of life, our standing in the so-called “free world,” and our ability to govern ourselves in a way that honors ALL Americans, then I don’t know what will.  Trump is the fuhrer to the “white nationalist” movement in America AND other places around the world.  Make no mistake, there is a REAL anti-immigrant, white nationalist movement in more places than the United States.  Again, read the “Hitler Virus” and you’ll get a good idea of the seriousness of “we the people” putting a stop to this – right here, right now.  Trump actually has an ambassador in Germany ginning up the neo-Nazi foment over there – right in front of Angela Merkel’s face!  Which should surprise no one after Trump’s debacle at the G-7 Summit.

People in Great Britain are coming to the understanding that Steve Bannon (along with Trump) and his Cambridge Analytica were key proponents of the Brexit vote that took Britain out of the European Union – this is the same group that (likely) worked with Vladimir Putin and his Russian cyber criminals to help vault Trump into the “White House.” Britains are coming to their senses, at least to the point where they don’t want Trump setting foot in their country.  And, that’s going to be the case in the countries of our traditional allies.  However, Trump will continue to feel comfortable in the presence of Putin, Kim, Erdogan, Duterte, and any other dictator around the globe.  I believe this reality is finally sinking in to a larger and larger MAJORITY of Americans – and, this tearing babies from their mothers has more and more Americans noticing the parallels to Trump and the Third Reich!

When you look at pictures of Putin and you see that sly grin on his face, you should understand it’s because he’s succeeding in his plan to undermine the free democracies in the “West” through the most devious of means.  He’s figured out how to weaponize the internet – and, it remains to be seen how much culpability the internet based “apps” he’s “weaponizing” (like “Facebook” and “Twitter”) actually “own.”  Trump is acting like Putin’s “puppet” and, hopefully, it won’t be too long before Robert Mueller can help us understand why.  Trump is SO arrogant that he’s actually got a “summit” in the works with Putin as I’m writing this.  He believes there is NOTHING he can do what will cause his “base” to waver.  Apparently, that includes tearing children from their families.  The so-called “party of family values” seems to be a very distant memory.  (Actually, they NEVER had me fooled!  That’s much of what has motivated me to be writing on this site for the past 10+ years!

By watching what is happening in America – the children being held as hostages to their white nationalist “plan” – you can see to what degree these republicans will go to get what they want.  I’ve pointed out for years they believe “the end justifies the means.”  These babies are “little brown people” and, it’s the “browning of America” which has Trump and his most fervent supporters at a froth.  Trump, Kelly, Miller, and the others in the “White House” could care less about the kids – they just want their “wall.”  Obviously, MEXICO is NOT going to pay for it – which apparently causes Trump much consternation – so, they’ll use the children to force “we the people” to pay for it – and, the rest of Trump’s anti-American immigration desires.

This whole Trump disaster was born out of the election of Barack Obama.  The reality for a whole bunch of white Americans – especially white American males – that “white” Americans are soon to be a minority in THEIR nation, was apparently too much for many to handle.  Well, the “Tea Party” sprung up with their loathsome racist signs representing President Obama in many disgusting poses – along with speeches from leading republicans in Congress encouraging this blatant racism – and, along came Trump with the “birther” movement.  This was a match made in – well……… HELL!  Now, we have Trump as president, the so-called “freedom caucus” controlling the House (they of the “Tea party”), babies being torn from their Moms and Dads, and republicans en masse standing idly by – or, for the ones who are “retiring” they may be speaking out – cautiously – apparently because the worst fear of today’s republicans is being on the receiving end of a critical “tweet” from Trump.  As the saying goes, “you can’t make this stuff up!”

Yesterday, Trump signed an “executive order” designed to calm all us soft hearted “liberals” all the while (in the fine print) emphasizing the continuation of the so-called “zero tolerance” policy.  Apparently, families will be put in prison together – again, families in over 99% of cases fleeing unimaginable violence and seeking asylum.  Because these asylum seekers don’t meet Trumps criterion for immigrants – ie they’re NOT from Norway (if you get my/Trump’s drift) – I believe he refers to them  as “vermin.”  These are, for the most part, very hard working people wanting to raise their children in peace.  Here’s the first thought that comes to mind: “What’s so wrong with that?”

We all know what Trump is about – and, fortunately, more and more “news” outlets are figuring out what is going on.  Today, I FINALLY saw several references to Nazi Germany as people are trying to fully understand what is going on in our country and what kind of “animal” somehow got “elected” (with THREE MILLION fewer votes than his opponent) to be our so-called president.  More and more people are understanding the importance that “we the people” vote the republicans out of control of Congress because they are impotent in dealing with their OBLIGATION to act as a “check” on the executive.

In the House, you’ve got the “freedom caucus” who define “freedom” almost exactly as Trump defines it.  Then you have Paul Ryan as the Speaker who is in over his head in attempting to deal with all of this.  I get the impression Ryan is perfectly willing to put up with Trump if that allows him to get his “wishes.”  (like the tax “scam” which is funneling TRILLIONS from “we the people” to Ryan’s  and the republican’s “donors” while slowly pushing our economy back toward the ledge Bush/Cheney had pushed us over back in 2008)  Now, Ryan has to be feeling a bit of depression thinking about the legacy he’s leaving as he prepares to “high tail” it out of Washington DC.

And, Mitch McConnell.  He’s already “cemented” a place in the dregs of the American history books based on his  overt RACIST behavior in dealing with President Obama.  McConnell made it NO secret his (and the republican’s) MAJOR goal was to ensure Obama’s “failure.”  Of course, McConnell FAILED to cause President Obama to “fail,” but he did set records in OBSTRUCTION.  Which, by the way, causes me to shake my head EVERY time I hear Trump complain about the “Democrats obstructing,” and lamenting the filibuster rules in the Senate – apparently oblivious to McConnell’s 700 filibusters during Obama’s two terms in office.  Filibusters that had a negative impact on all Americans as it was the root cause of the stagnation in Congress.  Trump has called McConnell virtually EVERY nasty name in the book, yet he continues “kissing up” to Trump – apparently giving no fore thought to his own legacy – which is just not going to be a good one.

Because of the so-called electoral “map” I don’t see democrats retaking control of the Senate in 2018, but, based on the possibility Trump could last our his term, I see the democrats retaking the “White House” AND the Senate, along with the House, in 2020.  Here’s the challenge for the democrats going forward.  Stop running from your own fundamental beliefs – based on how you’re reading the polls.  Take a history class on what Democrats and “liberals” have done to benefit this nation.  Then put your focus on health care for all, a true balanced budget (with a YUGE, In the words of Bernie Sanders, cut in military spending).  I believe democrats need to be welcoming to more people – especially, people in the so-called “pro life” movement.  I believe there is more in common among both sides than is generally acknowledged.  I could write about this ad nauseum, but, in short, I don’t believe hardly anyone WANTS an abortion – and, the abortion issue is MUCH more complicated than is generally discussed publicly.

I realize there are “extremes” to any position – but, essentially – for example – to me, this issue with children being pulled from their families at the border is a “pro-life” issue.  To me, early childhood education, and health care for Mom’s, children, and families in general is a “pro-life issue.  I won’t get carried away here, but what I’m saying is there’s lots of room for those people “on both sides” to find a place somewhere in the “middle” to create a significant majority to put Trump and his ilk into the history books.  And, in my mind, it’s up to “we the people” to lead the FIGHT to stop this spread of “white nationalism” as its spreading around the globe.  If we don’t stop it here, it very likely won’t be stopped “there.”  (meaning countries in Western and Eastern Europe)  I’ve said it before – when November comes around and it’s time to vote – it’s “all hands on deck.”  Do whatever it takes to get yourself registered so Trump and company’s voter suppression tactics won’t work!

Final Thought:  I apologize for any “foopahs” – This has been as emotional a “rant” as I can remember.  I’ll try to edit it later.

As I’ve said many times here, it’s hard to keep up with the “stuff” flowing at the “wall” (pun intended) – being “thrown” by Trump and his absurd surrogate Rudy Giuliani – both of whom are LIARS extraordinaire – while hoping some of it “sticks” as they apparently are attempting to cut off Robert Mueller’s findings “at the pass.”  Unfortunately, about 35% to 40% of Americans are, according to what I’ve heard, STUPID enough to actually believe these LIARS.  But, that’s not the worst part in all this for me.  As a Christian (I guess you’d have to call me a “liberal” Christian – kind of like Jesus) the part that grieves me the MOST is that Trump’s “base” appears to be the right wing Christians (mostly in the South and the so-called “rust belt”) who, many of them, have a history of racism – and, now a willingness to support a RACIST and FASCIST in the “White House.”

I’ve been writing for years about how hard it is for me that the republican party has been supported by Christians as they continue to assuage policies that run as polar OPPOSITE to what the Bible teaches.   Well, yesterday was the “icing on the cake.”  Both Sarah Sanders (who regularly – and, apparently, willingly LIES from the press secretary’s podium – total heresy to anyone who’s ever held that position before her – not including, of course, Sean Spicer) AND Jeff Sessions used TWISTED views of Biblical scripture to justify the INHUMAN policy of taking little children from their Mom’s as they enter the United States seeking Asylum from vicious violence in countries to our South.  In the past couple of months OVER 2000 CHILDREN have been separated from their parents – while their parents are sent to federal prisons – supposedly awaiting decisions regarding their pleas for asylum.

I’ve been pointing out for years now that republicans are turning young Americans away from Christianity by the droves.  Well, Trump and his press secretary and his Attorney General are putting this anti-Christian political behavior on STEROIDS!  It’s almost as if the closer Robert Mueller gets to Trump the MORE damage he’s going to create for all us “weak” Americans – like, for example, those of us who agree with our allies who believe in democratic values, the environment, and protecting “the least of these” in the words of Jesus Christ.

Trump continues to lament he is hamstrung by a society that believes in a “free press,” a country which believes in the rule of law and that “no one is above the law,” AND a country that, to a certain extent, has the ability to actually vote a president out of office – or “check” him/her via voting the opposing party into control of Congress in mid term elections – as he lavishes PRAISE on the world’s WORST dictator Kim Jong-un – over and over.  Trump actually made the comment that he wishes “his people were as ‘loyal’ to him as the North Koreans are to Kim.”  Trump later tried to walk that STUPID comment back as a “joke” – but, what president would make such a joke about someone who’s MURDERED an untold number of his citizens AND put many in what are called “gulags.”  (Apparently, Kim MURDERED three of his top “generals” before going to Singapore in an effort to ensure he would still be “Supreme Commander” upon his return.  (Trump even joked about that)

So, here’s the reality for any right wing Christian who might end up on this site.  If you believe Trump to be a “Christian,” you’re a FOOL.  (I wish I could come up with a more tepid term)  If you believe Trump cares about Christians any more than knowing he can keep you in line by appointing right wing judges – you’re a FOOL!  If you believe Trump EVER tells the truth, you’re a FOOL!  If you believe the assertions by Ms. Sanders and Mr. Sessions that the Bible supports their policy of separating children from their parents at the border, you’re a FOOL!  If you believe Trump’s claims the Mueller probe is a “witch hunt,” you’re a FOOL!  If you believe virtually ANYTHING Trump or Giuliani say, you’re a FOOL!  If you believe Fox “news” (Trump TV) you’re a FOOL!  I could go on and on, but I hope you get my drift – and, I’d love to have a dialogue with you, but as soon as I debunk the stuff you’ve allowed yourself to believe about Trump you’re likely to start yelling or throwing things.

I’m going to rest now and I’ll finish this later – but, the reality that Sarah Sanders is willing to stand before the American people and use scripture to justify tearing families apart, – who are already likely facing a lifetime of PTSD based on what they’re fleeing – putting little kids who don’t even speak English in detention centers, some of them under 5 years old (one, who reportedly was still nursing) – and, supposedly, many soon to be in “tent cities” in 100 degree weather – well, that’s completely over the edge to me.  It’s Saturday evening and tomorrow I’m going to church knowing that many in the congregation are part of the FOOLS I’m talking about.  And, while I hate to refer to anyone with that type of language, I’m clearly losing my patience with people who REFUSE to FACT check information.  And, the worst part is I KNOW I can’t talk to any of them about this because they’ve been BRAINWASHED!  They remind me of the Germans who helped bring Hitler to power back in the 1930’s!  Think that’s hyperbole?  Well, do a little fact checking and research on who was Hitler’s base back when his campaign slogan was “Make Germany Great Again.”

And, one more thing before I go to bed – and, I’ve written quite a bit about this, including my previous post – check out the “Big Lie Theory” of Joseph Goebbels – the propaganda chief of the Third Reich.  That will explain to you – if you’re one of the FOOLS I’m referring to above – how Trump and the republicans have gone about BRAINWASHING you!  Trump is a FASCIST and his surrogates are willing to LIE to protect him, Giuliani is willing to LIE to protect him, and the republicans in Congress are willing to LIE to protect him.  (In my mind, Rudy Giuliani should be held accountable for OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE just as Trump, as he goes about attempting to UNDERMINE the Mueller investigation.  The law is clear – if you’re attempting to block, stop, or in any way undermine an investigation, that’s OBSTRUCTION – full stop!

I know I’m supposed to go to bed right now – but, Giuliani’s LIES keep swirling around in my head (of course, Giuliani doesn’t tell a LIE Trump hasn’t already told or is not sending him out to tell).  Yesterday, I listened to Giuliani LYING about the IG (Inspector General) report concerning the Justice Department’s query into the Clinton email investigation. OMG!  If you just listened to both Giuliani and Trump you’d think that report was about the FBI’s investigation into Trump.  NOOOOO!  It was about the Justice Department’s handling of the Clinton email probe and it essentially exonerated the FBI from any wrongdoing – aside from pointing out James Comey made “errors in judgement” regarding the Clinton email investigation and his press conferences – the second of which is likely why Trump is president should have been, at a minimum, overseen by his boss, the Attorney General.  The second one should NEVER have happened.  However, the report also points out Comey’s intentions were honorable.

And, the part of the report pointing out the two FBI agents who were having an illicit affair and were exchanging unflattering emails and texts about Trump (and Clinton) were inappropriate and, likely both face losing their jobs – I believe one has already “moved on” and the other was “re-assigned” once Mueller found out about their texts – NONE of this was new.  Both Giuliani and Trump have attempted, as “we the people” knew they would, to make this report sound as if Trump “didn’t collude or obstruct” – which the report did NEITHER!  The report said the FBI showed NO bias in their actions!  For all you Christians supporting Trump, when is the LYING going to catch your attention – and, do you even care?

OK, I just got home from church and it’s Father’s day so I’m headed to visit my children and grandchildren – but, I’ve got to add another thought to this “rant.”  And, for sure, I’m ranting!  The actions of my government are deplorable!  So, all I could think about this morning is that Trump is USING the children who are being TORN from their parents and put in tents in 100+ degree weather as “pawns” in his attempt to get “we the people” to pay for his ridiculous “wall.”  Trump wants $25 BILLION to be appropriated for his wall before he’ll sign any legislation that would reunite these children with their parents and, hopefully, would solve the “Dreamer” issue – which, by the way – just like the “children from parents issue” – was the work of our so-called president.

Despite all you FOOLS chanting “Mexico” every time Trump would ask “and who’s going to pay for it?” at his rallies while he was promising this STUPID wall – he KNEW all along that Mexico paying for the wall was STUPID.  In fact, at that time, Trump didn’t believe he was going to “win” the election (despite having Russia on his side) so his campaign “promise” would never be an issue.  However, once in the “White House” Trump, who apparently NEVER says “sorry,” has been trying to figure out how to FORCE Congress to have “we the people” pay for the wall.  And, now he’s stooped to about the LOWEST level he possibly could be pulling these children from their parents, putting them in detention like facilities in gut wrenching heat, and then BLAMING the democrats for his actions.  Honestly, if you EVER believed Mexico was going to pay for Trump’s “wall,” you’re a FOOL!  I’m going to leave it at that – and, if you’re offended by anything I’ve said, point out why I’m wrong!  Give me evidence that what I’m saying is not factual!  I’m definitely up for the conversation.  These tents full of kids who SHOULD be with their parents because their situation was already BLEAK, make me sick to my stomach.

If you’re eligible to vote and you choose not to participate in November, in my mind, you’re part of the problem.  I’ve always said, “we need two viable political parties” for our system of government to work.  It’s up to “we the people” to vote OUT this version of the republican party – in the past, there have been republicans who would shudder at what’s going on today – but, today’s republican party gave us a pathological LIAR (and racist, fascist, etc.) and, it’s up to the rest of us to put a stop to this NIGHTMARE.  And, if you believe it’s right to tear these families apart – using their children as bargaining chips for that STUPID wall which “Mexico is going to pay for” – I’m praying you’ll come to your senses – but, sadly, I believe you’re a FOOL!

I’m writing down a couple things from today’s news that I want to elaborate on later, but want to make sure I don’t forget.  (As I’ve said, I’m old, and I forget easily) I just read the byline of a Washington Post article referring to the IG report (from the Justice Department regarding the “Clinton email investigation”) published today – the report Trump has been frothing at the mouth for weeks hoping it would, apparently, exonerate him from the “Russia thing.” (Giving him “cover” for firing James Comey because he treated Hillary Clinton so “unfairly” – if you believe that, well……..)  The other byline was a reference by Gary Cohn, Trump’s former economic “adviser” (can anyone advise Trump?) where he stated Trump’s “trade war” has the potential to “wipe out gains of GOP tax ‘scam’ (my characterization – he actually referred to it as the “tax law”) by increasing inflation and prompting consumers to take on more consumer debt” thereby “possibly pushing the economy into another downturn.”

In the first article what really caught my eye, other than the misleading byline was the statement, “The 500-page report also found that other senior bureau officials showed a “willingness to take official action” to prevent Donald Trump from becoming president.”  Well, first, I haven’t read the report – it’s 500 pages and would take me a couple weeks of pre bedtime reading – but, secondly, I’ve listened to several people who have and that sentence seems completely disingenuous to me from what I’ve heard.  Virtually EVERYONE I heard today, characterizing the report, claimed the MOST undeniable FACT from this report was James Comey’s “insubordinate” actions helped Donald Trump become president.  To suggest there were “Senior bureau officials” taking action to prevent Trump from becoming president is ludicrous.  There were a couple FBI agents who were, inappropriately, having an affair and “tweeting” stupid stuff about Trump (and, by the way, about Hillary) and one of them made an inappropriate comment about “stopping” Trump.

This was in August of 2016 and, to say the least, there was NEVER any FBI action designed to “stop Trump.”  On the contrary, ALL the FBI action that was the main focus of the report was aimed at Comey and how he handled the Clinton “Email scandal.”  His press conference where he blasted Clinton’s “reckless” use of a personal email server, while, at the same time exonerating her of any illegal action was “panned” as being outside the normal protocol of the FBI.  First, he should have had his message approved by his BOSS, the Attorney General, Loretta Lynch – which, if you’ve read his book, you know why he chose not to.  (If you haven’t read his book – I found it a good read – he was concerned about the meeting Ms. Lynch had on the Phoenix “tarmac” with Bill Clinton and possible conflict of interest – essentially, in his own mind, attempting to protect Ms. Lynch.)

Furthermore, Comey was roundly criticized for his decision to write the letter to Congress stating the Email investigation was being re-opened 11 days prior to the election.  That was in clear violation of FBI “protocol” – although, again, after reading Comey’s book, he claims there was no “written” requirement giving him guidance.  Just as before, he didn’t feel he could run this by Ms. Lynch because of the possible political ramifications.  The bottom line here is this shows the intimidation the GOP members of Congress have inflicted on everyone associated with our government.  The reality is, Comey’s decision to write that letter to Congress right before the election IS the REASON Trump is our so-called president. (There continues to be “debate” about whether or not Comey’s STUPID decision led to Trump – but, even Trump’s closest associates saw the change in the polls after that blunder.  Read: “The Devil’s bargain”) Combining that with the Russian interference, the GOP voter suppression antics, the BILLIONS from the Koch’s and others, AND all the LYING and, well, now America is under siege by a fascist and his white nationalist followers!  (Russians are actually claiming they “own” Trump on their national TV – Yikes!)

I’ve subscribed to the Washington Post and the New York Times because I feel an obligation to do my small part to support the investigative journalism required to educate those Americans who choose to get their “news” in places NOT associated with Fox, Breitbart, Limbaugh, et al.  (I also support “The Nation” AND “The Lowdown” if you’re interested in participating in keeping investigative journalism alive in America – The “free press” is “enemy number one” in the words of Trump)  That being said, the lead in to the article titled “Watchdog blasts Comey, documents major missteps in Clinton probe” was very misleading, in my view.  I know too many people who don’t read the entire article (in fact, almost EVERY person I know – again, I’m in my 70’s – so, I’m talking about the peer group that includes many Trump supporters – doesn’t read AT ALL, sadly) so, it bothers me when a paper like the Post provides a lead in which could confirm some people’s worst thoughts – and, be totally wrong or, at the very least, misleading.

Again, the interpretation of what the report said by those who wrote this article differed from virtually every other interpretation I saw today in key areas.  First, the reference to “numerous reports of unprofessionalism, bias, and misjudgement” simply rehashed what “we the people” already knew – and, that was the two “love birds” in the FBI “tweeting” back and forth in very unflattering “tweets” regarding Trump.  (Of course, there was no mention they weren’t too flattering of Mrs. Clinton either)  The part we didn’t know already was the one “tweet” where Peter Strzok claimed “we’ll stop him.”  Almost in the same sentence, the report pointed out there was no significant bias overall in the FBI’s handling of the Clinton investigation AND, as we all know, the ONLY investigation which was made public WAS the Clinton investigation.  So, ALL of Trump’s “tweets” are nonsense regarding this matter, but the ONE thing we know for SURE, there will be more “tweets” on the horizon AND, they will be almost universally LIES.

As any FASCIST would, Trump will keep twisting this issue – using this report to help him in his attempt to either stop the Mueller probe or turn enough Americans into believing his “witch hunt” claim to make any finding totally “political.”  Here’s an interesting “tidbit” – for those of you who haven’t read “Russian Roulette” by David Corn and Michael Isikoff – Trump came up with the “witch hunt” scam around the time he was inaugurated.  (I loaned out my book, so I can’t remember exactly when – it was as soon as he realized the “Russia thing” was real)  This is in the true nature of a proponent of the “Big Lie Theory.”   I keep going back and forth, as I try to figure out Trump’s true nature, from mob boss to fascist.  I’m beginning to think the “answer is, all of the above.”  The parallels to 1930’s Germany are “eye popping.”  (When I see examples of the purposeful LIES I have to question my “analysis” that Trump is pathological in his LYING)

Speaking of “The Big Lie Theory” which was the brainchild of Joseph Goebbels back in the days of the Third Reich, as I watch commentators on TV lamenting the number of LIES and “falsehoods” coming from Trump and his associates and then mentioning how the LIES keep getting repeated, I just WISH someone would clue them in to what is happening.  Maybe if more of Trump’s supporters (and the TV commentators themselves) were aware of, and constantly reminded, that we have a “so-called” president using the strategies that “made Germany “great again” back in the 1930’s more people would realize what’s at stake in the November elections AND the Mueller findings.  Trump’s transgressions, from what I can tell, are going to go way beyond the conspiracy with Russia that helped get Trump “elected.”  (Remember, Vladimir Putin felt he was undermining Hillary Clinton’s presidency in much of their ATTACK during the 2016 campaign)  Trump has problems on the “horizon” with what Michael Cohen might reveal in an attempt to stay out of jail for the rest of his natural life (and, in regards to Cohen, keep in mind, many of the charges he faces are/will be STATE charges and Trump CAN’T pardon him for state charges.  (Which Trump, himself, may be facing – charges from New York state – related to his “foundation” which was apparently used as a “piggy bank”)

I’ve been saying for quite some time Trump appears to me to be nothing more than a mafia boss who has managed to bloviate himself into the “White House” thanks to the denigration of the republican party over the past 35+ years AND all the money their donors possess thanks to all the “trickle down” tax cuts.  Let’s face it, “we the people” will have to overcome BILLIONS the Trump “donors” will spend to save the 2018 mid terms for him so that the House republicans can prevent him from being impeached.  I find it interesting that even Trump’s blowhard TV “lawyer” – Rudy, who’s proven himself capable of LYING comparably to his “boss” – has been sharing the strategy they’re already implementing to fight impeachment.  They’re attempting to turn a LEGAL battle into a POLITICAL battle which they believe can be “won” using the aforementioned Third Reich strategy of “The Big Lie Theory.”

If you’re not familiar with the “theory” – here’s how it goes:  If you repeat a LIE over and over again, and enough people repeat the same LIE over and over again, your “target” audience will believe your LIE is actually true.  Here’s the reality of what happens to those who implement this “strategy.”  They become PATHOLOGICAL LIARS.  Take Fox “news” for example.  (I, and many others, now refer to it as “Trump TV”)  A pathological LIAR actually starts to believe his/her LIES are actually the truth because they’re so used to LYING.  Trump is a pathological LIAR.  Now, in his case, I don’t, for a minute, think he’s purposely using the “Big LIE Theory.”  I think he’s just a LIAR.  It’s the people at Fox, the people at Breitbart, the Limbaugh’s and all the right wing “talkers” on the radio airwaves who tell LIES that are “orchestrated.”

For example, it was reported recently how the Sinclair broadcasting network uses this theory.  They send out “orders” to their MANY TV stations (they own and CONTROL around 200 TV stations in virtually every corner of the country) on the LIES that are to be repeated OVER and OVER again – thereby convincing their unsuspecting audience the LIES are actually true.  I keep wondering why more TV commentators who have the “podium” to “educate” the American public this is going on – yet they don’t?  Why is this?  (In many instance, it’s likely because they work for Sinclair)  I don’t know and, if I wasn’t an old retired teacher in a rural setting I might try to question them on this.  I can’t remember the name of the commentator who was pointing out how someone was LYING over and over – yet didn’t seem to “get” it’s a planned strategy – I just remember her last name was Alcindor.  (I remember that name because when I played basketball back in the 1960’s, my team shared a locker room with UCLA and their star was “Lew Alcindor” – who, changed his name to Kareem Abdul Jabbar)  I wanted to yell at the TV set!

By now, more and more people are coming to grips with the reality that Americans “elected” a FASCIST as our so-called president.  (Despite the FACT 3 MILLION more people voted for his opponent, he was helped by voter suppression tactics, and he’s now “owned” by Russia – in the words of commentators on Russian TV)  Trump slammed Justin Trudeau as weak as he praised Kim Jong-un as “strong” – similarly to how he did the same with President Obama as he praised his “idol” Vladimir Putin.  Trump is attempting to turn America into an authoritarian fascist regime while the dictators around the world cheer and America’s traditional allies are jaw dropped in dis-belief.  If you’re reading this I hope you’ll commit to VOTE in 2018’s mid term election and, if you know how to connect with people who have a “place on the stage” of America’s public airwaves – either send this to them, or encourage them to research the “Big Lie Theory” so they can educate America’s public – who are unaware of what’s happening to them! (It’s BRAINWASHING)

Here’s my wish.  To: NBC, CNN, MSNBC, the WaPost, the NY Times, or whoever has a platform; please educate “we the people” on “The Big Lie Theory” of the Third Reich!  Connect the “dots” to the use of this theory by the Trump administration AND the minions who are supporting a fascist takeover of America.  Expose Fox “news” as the enemy of “we the people” they are.  Call out people like Limbaugh and the second rate right wing “talkers” like Lars Larsen (in my area) who are willing to LIE for money.  It’s gotten well beyond my opinion versus your opinion.  It’s time for Americans to get back to talking to one another in a way that respects each other WITHOUT all the LIES.  And, if you’re arguing with me and you’re regurgitating what you saw/heard on Fox, or what you heard from Limbaugh, Larsen, or any of the others – please do a little vetting before you start throwing things because I challenge your false information.

Well, I got carried away (not the first time) and didn’t get to my second point – about Cohn’s comment regarding the impending trade war and how it may “wipe out gains from the tax law.”  (Yes, I called it, as I always try to do, the “tax scam”)  I’ve written about it a lot and a couple of my predictions were mentioned by Cohn – only, I don’t think the tariffs will necessarily be the cause – and, that is INFLATION and the possibility of another recession – sooner rather than later.  What Cohn didn’t mention (as no republican seems to want to do) is the HUGE boost to the deficit based on Trump’s (and Cohn’s) economic policies – most pointedly the tax “scam.”  I’ll try to get to this later!

I have to admit I’m watching a lot less “news” lately because, for me, the reality that Trump is our “so-called” president is just getting more and  more depressing.  Yet, the other day I was watching his impromptu “news conference” as he was leaving for the G-7 summit where he ASTONISHINGLY made a public push for RUSSIA to be let back into the “group.”  While most of the public response was to point out how brazen it was (and, incredibly STUPID) for someone under investigation as conspiring with Russians to get “elected” in the first place to continue his public “bromance” with Vladimir Putin (instantly MORE questions were injected about what on earth does Putin have on Trump – every time I hear that question I think “Golden Shower” video) I noticed a comment Trump made that, so far, has gone “under the radar” in what TV I’ve watched (or listened to on my satellite radio in my car) since Trump’s incredibly ARROGANT remarks.

Trump keeps it coming so fast it’s hard to keep up. (which, likely, is his strategic plan) But, after making the pleading for Russia’s inclusion in the “G-7” Trump said, “We’ve got a world to run and Russia’s a big part of it.”  “We’ve got a world to run?”  What did Trump mean by that?  Isn’t he the so-called president of the United States?  (With the help of the Russians)  But, “a world to run?”  Well, I’ve been pointing out Trump is a FASCIST since, basically, he was a candidate for the office.  (At times I’ve tried to be polite and use various “authoritarian” euphemisms)  Does he really have a vision of “running the world?”  If you haven’t noticed Trump has an “affinity” for virtually every TYRANT around the globe with apparent disdain for America’s traditional “democratic” allies.  What’s up?

As I’m starting this post Trump is in Singapore getting ready to meet with “little rocket man” himself, Kim Jong-un.  Kim is maybe the most cruel dictator on the planet, but that won’t be an issue with Trump.  And, Trump is acutely aware of this, because I heard him lay it out with my own ears some time back when Kim was still “little rocket man.”  Kim, as have other world leaders – especially dictators who want something from the U.S. (for example Russia, Saudi Arabia, the Philippines, Turkey, etc.) have figured out how to “play” Trump.  Just tell him what a wonderful guy he is.  He’s in Singapore dead set on “earning” the Nobel Peace Prize.  From what I’ve seen he’s already given it to himself.  If you haven’t been paying attention Trump has claimed to be the greatest U.S. president ever.  Yikes!

I don’t think there’s anyone who wants to see violence break out on the Korean Peninsula, and it would be great if North and South Korea could FINALLY reach a peace accord.  While, superficially, it appears Trump (and, I’m sure this is what Trump believes) has “scared” North Korea to the negotiating “table,” it appears to me the country he has scared is South Korea.  They are the ones who would experience disaster if the U.S. attacked the North – which, quite possibly, would be the start of WW III.  (Reports I’ve read suggest MILLIONS in Seoul South Koreans are in Kim’s “sights” every day.)  As I’ve said, if there’s a peace prize to come of these “negotiations” it should go to the leaders of South Korea.  I still remember them “breaking the ice” at the Winter Olympics while Mike Pense sat close to members of the North Korean delegation as stoic as one can get.  Moon Jae-in is the one who’s managed to get these two unpredictable tyrants to the “table.” (And, one more thing, I can’t imagine South Koreans wanting to be part of North Korea – with the gulags, etc.)

As Trump headed to Singapore to meet – and, in the process, give Kim his long awaited “prize” – to be sitting on the “world stage” with the president of the United States – one of Trump’s top advisers gave “a special place in hell” for Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.  That’s right, while Trump will be giving his “handshake” to Kim, he will have just lampooned one of America’s MOST upright allies.  This is all unbelievable to me – and, what I’m certain of is there will be little to NO backlash from republicans in Congress and elsewhere and Trump’s base will suck it up (with a little help from Sean Hannity and the Fox “Big Lie” machine).  I keep thinking I’m watching a Woodie Allen movie and I’ll wake up to reality any day now – but, I’m pretty sure I’m wide awake and this is actually ALL happening!  Yikes!!!

I love the country I’ve grown old in, but I’ve always realized we are not all that we claim to be.  I’ve spent a lot of time reading about American History and there are many “black marks” that “we the people” are either, unaware of, or ignoring. When I say, “unaware of,” I’m talking about all the Americans who grew up in my era – the 1950’s and 1960’s – who were able to drop out of school in their teens and find decent work.  Many of these people make up the “white nationalists” of the Trump supporters.  I know people my age who say they haven’t read a book since they were in school back in the 60’s.  Most of them, who support Trump, get their “news” from Fox “news” (AKA Trump TV) and do absolutely no “vetting” of information.  I’ve seen several polls which claim Fox viewers to be the least informed of all Americans – including those who don’t watch TV at all!  It’s almost as if they’re volunteering to be BRAINWASHED!

Here’s a bit of the “truth:”  (Yes, it’s my understanding based on a lot of books) America was founded as a SLAVE nation.  In our constitution women had NO right to vote and African Americans were considered 3/5 of a person.  Ouchee! That’s for starters!  James Polk, very unscrupulously, managed to “acquire” virtually the entire Southwestern part of America – From Texas to California in a less than scrupulous “deal” from Mexico.  Did I forget the Louisiana purchase – a great real estate deal!  And, Alaska???  Our founders and early leaders were expert real estate “brokers,” just ask the remnants of the American Indian tribes which inhabited most of this nation prior to the invasion of the Europeans!

The Civil War was the place where Abraham Lincoln became what many have described as the greatest president in American History (including over Donald Trump, if you can believe that – Trump certainly doesn’t ).  Lincoln’s place in history can be argued, but what is true is he didn’t believe African Americans were “equal” despite the emancipation proclamation.  He was trying to end the Civil War via that “proclamation” and, from what I’ve read, Lincoln believed the solution to the problem of slavery was to send the African Americans back to Africa.  That being said, the end of the civil war brought about the “Jim Crow” era – which to a certain extent continues to be a “stain” on America to this day.  Clearly, Trump is a racist remnant of “Jim Crow,” and the bulk of his supporters – to varying degrees are racists.  Don’t believe me – take a look back at the march on Charlottesville this past year – where all those “very fine” neo-Nazi’s carrying tiki torches and chanting “Jews will not replace us” made a public spectacle that forced Trump to give us certainty in our claims he’s a racist.  (Of course, his history is filled with evidence)

During WW II America declined the opportunity to get Jews out of Germany prior to the Holocaust AND after.  The reality is we accepted more Nazi’s to America after WW II than Jews who were still in the concentration camps.  If you’re interested in a sobering view of what happened post WW II read “The Hitler Virus” by Peter Wyden to help you understand there’s many neo-Nazi’s in America to this day and Trump is “their guy.”  The best way I can describe this book is “eye opening.”  However, my point here is to make clear that “we the people” need to understand our own history as we participate in “self government.”  Self Government should not be the destruction of government it SHOULD be focused on creating a government “by the people FOR the people.”  Trump (and others) are scheming how to create a government that is “for themselves.”  While Trump is busy keeping us all on the edge of our seats wondering when he’s going to be impeached, he and his brethren are “cutting off” one “fat hog” after another.

He’s making MILLIONS as president, his children are making untold MILLIONS, his cabinet members are raking it in and even his “enemies” are getting richer.  Bob Corker, who likes to come across as a “never Trump” guy (while voting with Trump close to or at 100%) stands to make MILLIONS off the tax “scam” he swore he’d vote against if it “raised the deficit by one penny.”  Well, evidently, raising it by OVER one TRILLION dollars PER YEAR wasn’t enough to get him  to vote against it – even though he’s leaving Congress.  In his case, the HUGE increase in the deficit was OK as long as he got his share of the tax “scam” which has been estimated to be in the MILLIONS!

So, what I’m getting at here is that apparently Trump is simply going to be the “latest” stain on America’s “Lilly white” self image.  I could have mentioned above, Viet Nam, Iraq, Afghanistan, the internment of Japanese Americans during WW II, the assassinations of Martin Luther King, JFK, RFK, and the list could go on.  But, what keeps going through my mind is trying to understand how could we possibly have ended up with Trump – and, then I think about something my son (who doesn’t participate in the “process” – he doesn’t vote – a typical young adult who is taking so many privileges for granted – the sure way to lose them) said to me right after Trump was elected.  He said, “maybe Trump is what is needed to accelerate America’s push to the bottom.”  (or words to that effect)

Well, as I picture in my mind Trump coddling the worst dictator in the world and giving “a special place in hell” to our closest ally – I have to hope this is the “bottom.”  I have to hope there are enough Americans – liberals, conservatives, independents and whoever who see the problem with that picture to begin the process of “Making America Great Again.”  (That process won’t begin until Trump is impeached, jailed, or whatever lies ahead for him AFTER he’s out of office)  And, when I’m reading about the “Hitler Virus” and then I hear Trump’s  ambassador in Germany is ginning up the right wingers there and I remember Steve Bannon has been active in turning Europe toward Fascism I simply shudder.  I keep writing because it makes me sick to my stomach thinking this is the country I’m partially responsible for leaving to my children and grandchildren.

Trump continues to demonstrate through his STUPIDITY in regards to how “justice” works in America what a dangerous threat he is to the United States and the so-called “Western world.”  Trump’s affinity toward DICTATORS around the world is no longer a secret.  He admires, MOST, Vladimir Putin of Russia for reasons “we the people” will, hopefully, at some point understand. Of course, Trump’s MAIN purpose as he holds the “highest office in the land” is to “railroad” Robert Mueller’s investigation – which suggests Trump doesn’t like the impending results while NONE of it has been “leaked.”  What Trump is good at is MANIPULATING and LYING and obfuscating!  And, it’s clear he’ll go to ANY length to protect himself from what must be serious “transgressions” because he appears willing to “torpedo” America’s Justice Department in the process.  (Apparently, Trump’s former “main purpose” – repealing anything with President Obama’s “signature” on it – is now on the “back burner”)

Trump is very “cagey” as he goes about his attack on Mueller’s investigation.  He’s attacking it on multiple fronts.  Clearly, Trump has experience in figuring how to get around America’s legal system.  He’s been doing it all of his business life.  (Which is why I’ve said he appears to me to be the head of a mafia crime family)  On the one hand he’s got his “court jester” Rudy Giuliani out there saying the absurd, ridiculous stuff Trump, himself, can’t say publicly – but he KNOWS Trump TV will use in their BRAINWASHING of those American’s STUPID enough to think they’re being informed by their watching of Fox “news” – AKA “Trump TV.”  Thereby preparing the BASE to disagree with anything Mueller comes up with.  One of the other “fronts” I’m finding more interesting by the day is Trump’s new “toy” – the pardon power.  Today, he suggested he was going to pardon Mohammad Ali!  Yikes!  Yes, pardons are done posthumously, but Ali’s conviction was overturned by the Supreme Court years ago – this is apparently another stunt Trump is pulling to convince African Americans he’s “with them.”  (And, the “pardon power” was not intended for reckless, impulsive use)

Then, he suggested he’d pardon whoever the NFL players, who are kneeling during the Anthem AND who he called “sons of bitches,”  want if they’ll just bring him examples of people who are unfairly imprisoned.  Well, while I hope they can bring him some examples to pardon, AS USUAL, Trump doesn’t appear to “get it.”  The NFL players were taking a knee during the national anthem to call attention to the police brutality and the profiling of African Americans across America.  For example, they can’t bring Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown, or the countless other African American (mostly – but, not entirely) men who’ve been victimized by police brutality stemming from routine traffic stops or other illegal police behavior for pardons.  The only people “pardoned” in most of these instances are the police officers.  Recently, a young black person was shot in the back and killed in his GRANDMOTHER’S back yard – where he routinely entered her house.  He can’t be pardoned – but, I admire people like Colin Kaepernick, who, by the way, apparently gave up his job as an NFL quarterback because of standing up for his beliefs, was the first to “take a knee.”  To me, it’s Trump who’s the …………… (what he called them).  (This travesty of justice is why I’ve decided to quit “fantasy football” – “fans” on “both sides” can protest and speak their minds in more ways than one.)

I had an acquaintance (who’s a Trump supporter) explain to me, in this instance, the young man killed in Sacramento had been allegedly vandalizing cars in the neighborhood before the police SHOT him in the BACK.  I asked my friend if he thought the kid deserved to be shot for breaking a few car windows (or whatever he was alleged to have been doing) and my friend, who watches Fox “news,” answered, “yes.”  We work on dialogue with each other and respecting each other’s views, but this is a hard one for me.  Regardless, Trump’s comments just confirm he’s clueless about why the football players are taking a knee.  BUT, he believes he can diffuse the situation with his new “toy.”  He’ll pardon his way out of the problem.

Well, here’s what I think he’s really doing.  He might be STUPID enough to NOT understand the “taking a knee” problem, but what he does understand is how to “muddy the water” in Mueller’s investigation, and “gin” up his “base” – the only “jury” that matters to him – and, that’s the people who are daily BRAINWASHED by Fox.  I believe he’s going to publicly PARDON so many people in so many different “unfair” situations, that his “base” won’t think twice when he begins PARDONING all those under investigation that matter to him. (Including himself!) I believe Don Jr. is in legal jeopardy.  We KNOW he’s LIED to Congress – and, likely to the FBI if Mueller has interviewed him.  Like his father, he’s incapable of NOT LYING! (OK, I could have written that as “telling the truth”)  Jared Kushner seems to be in all kinds of “hot water” and, he could be a candidate for state charges as well as federal charges (which would be a problem for Trump’s pardoning power – but, Rudy did say he was “disposable”).  The evidence I’ve seen would suggest, like his father-in-law he may have an issue with money laundering.

While Rudy suggested Jared is “disposable,” what if Mueller holds Ivanka accountable, or what about Sarah Sanders, or – well, the list could go on and on?  Trump, today on national TV, AGAIN claimed he has the ABSOLUTE POWER to PARDON anyone, including himself!  Why do you think he keeps preparing us for this?  Do you think it’s inevitable? Is he numbing us to all his pardons so it will seem routine when he starts pardoning those around him?  My understanding of the constitution is that the president (even if it’s a republican) can’t pardon himself out of impeachment – but, could Trump head off charges that would follow impeachment for egregious charges from Mueller EVEN the republican Congress can’t ignore?  This republican Congress is almost MORE of an EMBARRASSMENT to me than Trump.  I could see making the case that Trump didn’t know what he was getting in to – but, the republicans in Congress?  Evidently, their oath to the constitution means no more to them than it does to Trump – to which, it obviously, means NOTHING!  Speaking of Congress;  Are the republicans willing to let Trump pardon himself out of criminal activity?

When reporters get Trump around a bank of microphones in one breath he’ll say, regarding pardoning people in the Mueller probe, “I haven’t even thought about it.”  Almost in the next breath – well, I’m guessing you know what’s coming – Trump claims his “ABSOLUTE” right to pardon himself.  I actually kind of hope we end up finding out if he’s correct on that one.  I can’t imagine our “founding fathers” intended the pardon power to give the president the power to pardon himself, therefore allowing him/her to do virtually ANYTHING in office – making him/her “ABOVE THE LAW.”  Just picture these republicans if Hillary Clinton was president pardoning herself from illegal activity that was proven by a special counsel.  Politics in America has finally reached the Bizarro world stage!  Are we finally a “banana republic?”

And, Trump – with the help of Sean Hannity and Fox – has his “base” BRAINWASHED to the point where he feels comfortable making public overtures to Vladimir Putin – despite the Russian attack on our most basic institution (the voting booth) with OVERWHELMING evidence the ATTACK was ordered by Putin himself.  And, the OVERWHELMING evidence is that Putin has been “at it” in Western Europe as he is in the middle of attempting to recreate the “former Soviet Union.”  Is Trump complicit in this?  Is Trump willing to turn America into a Soviet Style dictatorship?  You might think that is foolish talk – but, just look at the evidence.  I’ve pointed this out MANY times on this site – Trump has all the makings of a FASCIST dictator.  He’s going after the free press, he’s attempting to get his political opponents JAILED, and he’s constantly attacking the Justice Department and the Intelligence community.  His administration is tearing down the traditional American institutions which have provided safety to the American people in so many different ways. (By the way, if you haven’t heard, Trump’s appointment to be ambassador to Germany is doing Trump’s “bidding” in an attempt to undermine Angela Merkel’s government – “ginning” up the right wing neo-Nazi’s)

As I’m writing this, Trump is in Singapore for his meeting with Kim Jong-un – who is maybe the most brutal dictator of them all.  This will NOT be part of Trump’s “agenda.”  I’m convinced Trump believes he can come away from this meeting with a Nobel Peace Prize – putting him on an even “footing” with the man he may hate the most, Barack Obama.  However, I believe if anything good happens from this meeting it will be the work of the leader of South Korea – who’s responsible for getting the two wackiest leaders in the world together.  I don’t believe Trump is capable of negotiating a complex agreement and I also believe the other leaders in the world know exactly how to “play” him.  That is what I expect will happen.  Neither the North Koreans nor Trump have any history of thinking you can trust their “word” so this should be interesting at the very least.  Of course, talking is better than bombing, but I never believed even Trump was STUPID enough to bomb North Korea and start WW III!

My point is, Trump hasn’t seemed to view a dictator he doesn’t either like or envy.  Clearly, he’s attempting to turn America into as close to a dictatorship as his republican brethren in Congress will allow – until “we the people” have the opportunity to STOP him in November.  As Trump began his journey that now has him in Singapore, he was first FORCED to attend the “G-7” Summit in Canada – which our closest allies are now calling the G-6.  Trump, at the outset, made an impassioned plea that RUSSIA – I’m not kidding – should be let back into the group – making it the G-8.  At the same time, his “policies,” which his base seems to love, has the other members saying it’s now apparently the G-6 +1.  Trump is turning toward RUSSIA and against Great Britain, Germany, France, and Canada – to name a few of our closest allies.  (at least, our FORMERLY closest allies)  If “we the people” don’t stop this, it’s not going to end well.

I’ve shared, as I’ve read them, the many books I’ve been reading since I started venting on this site – which was after Bush/Cheney LIED us into the Iraq fiasco.  The book I’m reading right now is called “The Hitler Virus.”  This should be required reading for any American who doesn’t believe that first, Trump is a FASCIST, and second, that the spread of FASCISM is not a serious threat to the world order.  There are other books you can read – like Madeleine Albright’s “Fascism a warning,” and Brian Klaas’ “The Despots Apprentice.”  To me, it is irrelevant what happens with Trump and Kim in Singapore – Trump MUST be stopped.  And, the way to do that is to vote the republicans out of control of at least ONE House of Congress – preferably BOTH – but, it will take a minor miracle to vote republicans out of control of the Senate, simply because most of the seats up for election this year are already held by Democrats.

Democrats SHOULD be campaigning in every state, every district, for every office they can win – in order to send the message to the world that “we the people” do not  support this person who’s coddling our adversaries and pissing off our allies.  The DANGER of Trump should have been obvious when Steve Bannon was in the “White House” and said their main objective was “the deconstruction of the administrative state.”  That’s code for destroying our government as it presently exists.  Bannon – via Cambridge Analytica – was involved in influencing the Brexit vote in Britain, and was involved – along with Putin – in pushing right wing neo-Nazi’s in other areas in Europe – such as Marine Le Pen in France.  The Trump/Russia “connection” poses the greatest danger to the world since WW II.  I’ll say it again, it’s up to “we the people” to stop it this November!

Final Thought:  As I said in a recent post, it will take “all hands on deck” to succeed in stopping this unprecedented POWER grab!  Trump is the perfect “stooge” for those “pulling the strings” surreptitiously in the so-called permanent republican “majority.”  With their voter suppression tactics, their dishonest advertising (with unlimited funds flowing in from the “tax scam” benefactors), the help of foreign money and advertising (thanks to the Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision along with a vulnerable internet “firewall”), and a court system that is becoming MORE and MORE stacked to favor a corporatocracy – an unprecedented turnout for a mid-term election will be required to stop Trump in his “tracks.”  If you’re reading this and you haven’t been “sucked in” by Fox, Breitbart, Limbaugh, Hannity, Savage, Jones, and on and on – the right wing “water carriers” – then hopefully you consider yourself part of the resistance.  Speak to people, encouraging them to vote – it’s time to show the world we are rejecting Fascism.  We will “fix” the problem created by our 2016 election – BUT, we’ll stay true to our constitution and, assuming Trump is NOT impeached, we’ll vote him out in 2020 and we’ll create a “check” in 2018!  (Once he’s “gone,” he can no longer pardon himself and he’ll have to face up to his transgressions – and, hopefully we won’t elect another President Obama who chose to “look forward instead of back” when blocking the NEEDED investigations into the Bush/Cheney “crime family.”  You can’t heal a wound without exposing it.  And, Trump is the result of ignoring the transgressions of Bush/Cheney!  Not Again!

I want to write this BEFORE Trump’s “summit” with Kim Jong-un that is scheduled to happen next week in Singapore.  Trump has already given Kim something he has wanted for a long time and that’s a place on the international “stage.”  What got him there?  Obviously, it’s his nukes.  What does he want?  At this point I’m not sure.  One thing he wants, for sure, is to still be “in charge” when he returns to North Korea.  What does Trump want?  Probably at the top of the list would be the Nobel Peace prize – which, if this works out, should go to the leader of South Korea who is responsible for all of this.  One thing I feel confident about is this meeting is more important to Trump than to Kim.

Is Kim going to give up his nuclear arsenal?  My instincts tell me if he agrees to do that he won’t be the “Supreme Leader” when he returns home.  Don’t get me wrong, I would love them to give up their nukes!  I’d love it if everyone gave up their nukes.  (That, of course, would include the U.S.A.)  However, probably not going to happen.  The leaders of North Korea have to believe the reason this meeting is happening is because of the nukes and I can’t imagine them believing – especially after the recent Iran agreement being “torn up” by Trump – they can trust America after what’s happened over “all these years.”

It appears to me this entire situation is a VERY complicated one.  Trump seems to be implying that he’s just going to negotiate a wonderful agreement with Kim on the spot.  OK, it’s true, I’d love to see something positive come from all this – but, it seems to me there should be some kind of negotiating going on with the lower levels of the State Department to set up clear parameters to this meeting – with some kind of tentative agreement reached beforehand.  Oh yes, I had momentarily forgotten, our State Department has been obliterated under Trump and we don’t even have an ambassador in South Korea.  This is Trump at his authoritarian best – it’s him and him alone who can solve this problem.  That alone almost makes me wish for him to FAIL.  However, it looks as if this is all set up to fail without any wishes from me.

Most of what has happened under Trump’s “watch” – which he believes makes him the greatest president in the history of the country – is ALL short term thinking.  (With the exception of the judges he is nominating to lifetime positions – nominations that makes his right wing base very happy)  For example, Trump is counting on the pittance in many people’s weekly paychecks due to the tax cut to make them vote for republicans in November.  Most people are not falling for this scam – but, it is what it is.  Why is it short term thinking?  Well, first of all, this summer “we the people” will start seeing the ADDITIONAL rate hikes to health insurance as a result of the “tax scam.”  So, most workers will lose out and, in many cases, not even notice – or, understand why.  Trump will find a way to blame Obama.  The tax “savings” will be offset by much higher expenses in health insurance costs.  Another “consequence” of the tax scam will be an uptick (of yet unknown amount) in INFLATION.  The “downstream” effect of INFLATION could be significant to America’s economy.  Possibly recession!  (Trump is “banking” on this effect not happening until AFTER November’s Mid Terms.  In reality, INFLATION will make Trump even more wealthy because of his real estate holdings – unless, of course, there’s a severe recession – in inflation, real estate values go up)  And, I haven’t even mentioned the deficits which will exceed ONE TRILLION dollars per year for the foreseeable future.  That’s correct, the “tax scam” will be ENTIRELY funded with BORROWED money! (And, then some)

So, with all this (and more) coming “down the pike” at Trump and the republicans regarding long term consequences for short term decisions Trump is DESPERATE for this meeting with Kim to “go well.”  He’s kind of boxed himself in by “tearing up” the Iran deal, which was considered by most to be a good and fair agreement – so, he’s got to get something better.  This all should be interesting, to say the least.  I’ve always said I’m not the type to hope “my” president fails, but, to be honest, I’m not claiming Trump as “my president.”  To me, he’s the “so-called” president that “won” a “rigged” election that had an as yet unknown amount of Russian influence to an unknown effect.  He’s an admitted sexual predator, he’s a pathological LIAR, a misogynist, and a racist – off the top of  my head – there’s nothing I look forward to more (excluding the health of my family and friends and the continuation of America as a “nation of laws and not men”) than the day Trump is OUT of office.  Whether he gets impeached or gets VOTED OUT in 2020, I hope I live to see the day.  (If you haven’t been around here, I’m “getting up there”)  To me, Trump is an embarrassment to the office he is “holding.”

Trump’s supporters are “devout” and it’s still questionable to me whether or not the republicans in Congress will act if Trump is accused of impeachable offenses by the Mueller probe.  In fact, it’s apparent even Trump is expecting to be charged with something “untoward” based on his actions and those of Rudy Giuliani – his “TV lawyer.”  Giuliani, himself, is willing to “soil” his own reputation, what was left  of it, by willingly LYING on TV for Trump – in an effort to BRAINWASH his base into believing the Mueller probe is “out to get Trump.”  Just imagine what they’d be saying if this probe was aimed at Hillary Clinton.  (Which they’d obviously prefer)  They’re willing to DESTROY the foundational institutions in America to protect Trump from accountability to what might be significant illegal activity.  (And, by the way, Trump’s “bromance” with Vladimir Putin and Russia goes on – incredibly!  He wants a “summit” with Putin and wants Russia back in the G-7 – which is apparently going to be the G-6 because of Trump’s reckless use of tariffs.  This is ARROGANCE at its highest!)

Speaking of Giuliani, earlier tonight I finished another post I’d been working on (it’s really hard to keep up with all of Trump’s scandals!) where I nominated (actually chose) Giuliani as “The Worst Person in the World” (pulling the idea from the archives of Keith Olberman) for a series of OUTRAGEOUS comments he made while further SOILING himself as Trump’s TV “lawyer” while in Israel.  Clearly, the right wing Israelis have issues similar to right wing Americans as they appeared to “soak” it all up.  Giuliani was BAD!  How bad was he, you ask?

OMG!  He started off by claiming Kim Jong-un got on his “hands and knees, right where we want him” as he “BEGGED” Trump to attend the “summit.”  Does Kim watch MSNBC? (I’m guessing Fox “news” – AKA “Trump TV” – didn’t show Giuliani’s comments)  Giuliani followed his “begged” comment with a reference to “porn” that brought laughter to more sophisticated observers than myself – I”m guessing there was an inference to “porn” in Giuliani’s comments (I really am “old fashioned”) that Kim may actually understand and that weren’t very complimentary.  But, speaking of “porn,” Giuliani then went off on a tirade about “Stormy Daniels” and how Trump wouldn’t have an affair with her because, “Have you seen what she looks like?”  (I wrote in my other post, evidently Giuliani hasn’t looked in a mirror lately – PLUS, he apparently hasn’t seen the pictures of Trump with his arm around Ms. Daniels – actually Stephanie Clifford – at the golf tournament where the assignation apparently took place.)

Giuliani suggested Melania Trump doesn’t believe her husband had this affair (while she was pregnant with their son) while it’s OBVIOUS to just about EVERYONE she has to have known about it.  She may NOT have known about the $130,000 in hush money Michael Cohen paid to keep her quiet right BEFORE the 2016 election – but, of course, it’s no secret now.  In fact, she also NOW knows about the “hush money” paid to the Playboy model also right before the election – both deals which could get her husband in even MORE “hot water.”  Then there’s the money Michael Cohen paid a maid at Trump Tower, allegedly for Elliot Brodie, for an affair resulting in an abortion.  Rumors are suggesting Brodie was a “stand-in” for Trump on that one, but who knows, as I said above, it’s hard to keep up.  Cohen, again, was the “fixer.”  Giuliani’s comments about his lack of respect for women like Stormy Daniels who make their living “selling sex,” and pointing out how Trump’s THREE wives (the last two the result of AFFAIRS while he was married to the previous one) are so much more classy and “respectable.”  They would never sell their bodies for “money.”  (That caused a furor today as pictures of Melania Trump’s nude photos – which she posed for in return for MONEY – apparently are the “rage” on “Twitter.”  (I don’t do “Twitter” so this is “second hand,” but I have to admit that a couple of years ago I saw one of Melania’s nude photos on the internet.)

Giuliani was attempting to “put lipstick on a pig” as he implied Trump and his wives – and, by extension Rudy and his wives – are incredibly (my adjective) respectable.  As I said, Trump ended two marriages via AFFAIRS with his soon to be “next wife.”  And, according to, I think it was “Buzzfeed,”  Trump’s first wife claimed he “raped” her at some point during their marriage.  This is the episode where Michael Cohen went all “mafia fixer” on the reporter who wrote the article and he claimed a married woman cannot be “raped” by her husband.  This is where many people began questioning where Cohen received his law degree.  But, I digress………  Giuliani’s comments, in Israel no less, were so disgusting it’s hard to believe someone could be in a position of “authority” in ANY country and be that STUPID.  But, then again, he’s working for Trump. And, by all accounts, Trump approves of Rudy’s incredibly STUPID comments.  (And,  by the way, apparently Rudy is in the middle of his third divorce – from a woman he was having an affair with while she was working for him AND while he was still married to his second wife.  In today’s America this is one of our “spokes people.” Respectable??? Yikes!)

Sadly, there really is a swath of America that believes Trump is telling the “truth” when his lips are moving, people who believe Giuliani is reputable, and believes Trump’s “policies” are good for America.  People around the globe wonder what they’re “smoking?”  Here’s an upcoming issue: the G-7 Summit is this coming weekend in Canada and, I’m guessing, the other “six” members are just as loathe for Trump to show up as he is NOT excited to go.  Trump really doesn’t like anything that is not butt-kissing, and he’s not going to get it from our closest allies – all of whom he’s pissed off with his dishonest excuses for threatening a trade war.  The reality, which all of Trump’s supporters seem to believe is inconsequential, is that Trump is creating fissures across the globe that could be catastrophic in the “long run.”  (quite possibly the “short run” as well)  Just one example that quickly comes to mind:  What if the world community turns from the dollar as the world’s leading exchange currency?  (Trump is already “making China great again” on so many “fronts”) I don’t know what that would mean, but, in my mind, it doesn’t sound good!  (I’ve mentioned many times on this site, “I’m no economist”)  The FACT Fox “news” viewers believe both Giuliani and Trump “tell the truth” is just further confirmation why they are the least informed of ALL Americans!  (Including those who don’t watch/read news!)  I want Mueller to finish every bit as much as Trump – I just want to make sure he is FINISHED!  It’s time to get this recent “blot” on America’s history over with!

Final Thought:  My original thought in starting this post was to make my thoughts clear before Trump meets with Kim (if it happens, now that Kim is “on his knees begging.”).  I continue to believe it is Trump who is most wanting this meeting to succeed.  I’m guessing Kim will have achieved what he wants if the meeting takes place and he’s still the “Supreme Leader” when he returns to North Korea.  Kim is quite possibly the MOST brutal dictator in the world and, it seems clear, Trump could care less about his (and his family’s) BRUTAL treatment of the North Korean people.  Trump really wants that Nobel Peace price and he’s willing to go to any lengths to get it.  I believe Trump believes that is his “ticket” to keeping republicans in control of Congress and, by extension, him in the “White House.”  Personally, I don’t think there’s any way Trump prevents the “blue wave” coming in November.  I do believe there’s no way democrats gain control of the Senate – or even if a miracle happens and they gain control of the Senate – there’s no way republicans vote to convict in the Senate even if democrats would vote to impeach in the House.  Remember, there’s history here on this subject – and, Nancy Pelosi was right in the middle of it.

In 2006 democrats took control of Congress (both houses) in response to the Bush/Cheney illegal wars, the TORTURE, and the tearing down of government institutions (sound familiar?) with the expectation BOTH Bush and Cheney would be impeached as WAR CRIMINALS.  The democrats refused to act because it was not “politically expedient” – I got that “straight from the horses mouth” as I quizzed my (democratic) representative at a local Town Hall.  (He was later voted out of office and we’ve had a republican ever since – who’s now on “shaky ground” largely due to Trump)  My guess is it will be deja vu all over again.  They’ll say “Why impeach him when it’s not going anywhere in the Senate?”  Of course, you didn’t hear that from republicans in the days of Bill Clinton and, if you’ve noticed, republicans have been more energized ever since.  I hope democrats take a look at recent history.  Remember, “those who ignore history are bound to repeat it!”  (I’ve been saying this for years and hoping democrats figure it out – this is a “war” for the heart and soul of America)

I’ve commented many times that Trump reminds me of the sixth grade bullies I used to encounter in my career as a sixth grade teacher.  They keep pushing until you draw CLEAR lines they CAN’T cross or the consequences are severe.  In the case of a sixth grade student the consequence, should the student keep PUSHING after several warnings and interventions, is expulsion from the school.  Where I live that leads to the student going through a program called “back on track” in an attempt to get them to learn they don’t get to ruin school for everyone else.  In Trump’s case, “we the people” (unfortunately) are relying on republicans to provide the “interventions” necessary to prevent the “severe consequences” – which, of course, would be IMPEACHMENT.

Apparently, in today’s “climate” in Washington D.C. – due to Trump’s (and Trump TV along with the other right wing perpetrators of the “Big Lie Theory”) constant LYING and his “base” falling for the LIES – the republican party doesn’t have the “stones” to attempt the “interventions” necessary to clarify the BOUNDARIES which Trump won’t be allowed to cross.  He’s “crossing” them at will and, while he does it, “thumbing his nose” at his republican enablers as if to say, “go ahead and try to stop me.”  In the process, Trump is expertly preparing his “base” to NOT believe ANYTHING that comes from the Mueller investigation of Russia’s ATTACK on our nation during the previous election – AND ongoing – with the mid terms in mind.  Trust me, the Russian ATTACK will continue as long as we allow it.  Kind of the same thing as Trump’s ARROGANCE toward American “norms” – the Russians are doing the same thing.  Why wouldn’t they – if no one is going to stop them.

The goal of the Russians is to exacerbate the political divide in America – in essence, using our open society AGAINST us – as they work to undermine as many countries in the “West” as they can.  Vladimir Putin is set on trying to recreate the “former Soviet Union” and he’s willing to do “whatever it takes” to accomplish his goal.  To what extent Trump is collaborating with Putin is unknown at this point, and may never be totally known.  But, what is CLEAR, is Trump is doing NOTHING to stop Putin and his Russian cyber warriors from causing as much division in America as they can.  Who they’re working with hopefully will become clear when Mueller finally gives his report, that HOPEFULLY will be made public – my guess is Cambridge Analytica will fit in somehow somewhere with the CONSPIRACY to COLLUDE with the Russians AGAINST the laws of the United States.

Rudy Giuliani claimed Mueller has said he’s  planning to finish the “Obstruction” phase of his investigation by September.  I can only hope that’s true.  It’s apparent Trump will be accused of OBSTRUCTING JUSTICE in Mueller’s report – it’s hard to imagine he won’t come to that conclusion – although, one thing which is clear is that Mueller won’t be swayed by any of us armchair attorneys out in cyber space – he’ll make a fair report.  It appears to me, based on all the reports about Mueller’s negotiating for an interview with Trump that he wants to give Trump the benefit of the doubt.  I know right wingers believe it’s a “perjury trap” – but, that’s only because EVERYONE in America and around the world understands Trump is a pathological LIAR.  I believe Mueller genuinely wants to understand Trump’s “intent” in the firing of James Comey and some of the other things that could easily be considered OBSTRUCTION.  To me, there’s NO DOUBT that Trump is trying to “short circuit” the investigation because he KNOWS what he’s done that’s problematic.

Recently, the flurries of pardons – another Trump example of his willingness to push the BOUNDARIES – because he “can” – appear to be further attempts to OBSTRUCT the investigation by sending not so subtle messages to potential witnesses who are in legal jeopardy themselves – like, for example, Michael Cohen, who could cause Trump even more nightmares than he’s already having if he “flipped.”  However, I would caution Trump, the government already has MILLIONS of documents from Cohen that will, if there’s anything nefarious, make Cohen’s “flipping” unnecessary.  Cohen’s “flipping” would be designed, in his interests NOT Trump’s, to keep him closer to his family than he might if he doesn’t cooperate.  One reason I believe that is because I’m convinced one of the reasons Cohen’s problems are coming from the SDNY’s (Southern District of New York) prosecutors office is because the Attorney General of New York is “sitting in the shadows” to file state charges against Cohen if Trump attempts a “pre-trial pardon.”  It’s almost as if Trump and Mueller are playing a game of chess.  Except, of course, this is NO game!  (It appears Trump’s ultimate defense is he believes he can pardon himself! Yikes!!)

If you’ve read any of my recent posts this will be redundant, but I’ve been calling Trump a Fascist since before he was elected.  I recognized the similarities with a German from the 1930’s early on.  Of course, I don’t know how intentional it is, but it’s certainly suspicious.  Just the “Make America Great Again” – which is ALMOST identical to Hitler’s campaign slogan “Make Germany Great Again.”  Both men running on a “platform” based on racism and nationalism.  Both men believing they are/were above the law.  Recently, Trump’s legal team “floated” their belief Trump actually IS above the law – claiming he could even shoot someone and not be liable for criminal charges – the ONLY check on him, according to the lawyers, is IMPEACHMENT.  They are claiming that the special counsel law is unconstitutional (evidently, they’re feeling it’s not going to work out well for them) and that it is IMPOSSIBLE for Trump to OBSTRUCT justice.  That tells me they believe he’s obstructed justice.

Virtually every week Trump further supports my claim he’s a fascist.  He continues to act as if he is not subject to the laws, that he SHOULD be able to decide who’s prosecuted in America, and that he should be able to control what is said via the public media.  Today, there was a situation in the press briefing where reporters challenged Sarah Sanders about one of her (many) LIES – this one where she claimed Trump had nothing to do with the FALSE memo released after the June 9, 2016 meeting with Trump Jr., Paul Manafort, and Jared Kushner with representatives from the Kremlin who supposedly had “incriminating evidence” on Hillary Clinton.  Today, it was reported a letter from Trump’s attorneys to Mueller corroborated what we all knew already, that Trump dictated the memo which was based on LYING (why would that surprise anyone?) AND that Ms. Sanders (along with others in Trump’s “orbit”) LIED to the public about it.  Sanders was very defensive – but, the reality is she has already STAINED her reputation going forward due to her willingness to LIE  to the American people from that podium.  Prior press secretaries cringe every time they witness this – because, it’s an HONORABLE position where telling the TRUTH has been foundational for those privileged with that job.  I suppose, as long as Trump TV continues to exist (Fox “news”) there will be a place for Ms. Sanders once the Trump NIGHTMARE is over, but she is leaving a STAIN on that position (and, her own reputation) that may be hard to overcome in the days to come!

Our “liberal media” continues to “shudder” at the reality they’re facing and they continue to parse their words in a way to avoid any more conflict than is necessary.  When you study the history of this version of the republican party you realize what “we the people” are dealing with is EXACTLY what they wanted to create back in the days with what I called “The Contract ON America” (They, of course, called it the “Contract for America”).  This was in the early 1990’s and Newt Gingrich felt the ONLY way for republicans to gain control of the Congress was through OBSTRUCTION (and, then masterfully figuring out how to LIE about it and cause our “liberal media” to buy into “it’s both parties to blame”).

Obstruction has become a “way of life” for republicans since the aforementioned “contract” – except on those few occasions when they’ve had control of Congress and the “White House.”  When that happens, they soon confirm, while they’re good at winning elections and rigging the process, they’re virtually INEPT at governing.  It’s just a matter of time under these circumstances – Trump has another six months until his majority in the House MAY go “bye bye” – until the economy goes “south” and our standing in the world is further destroyed.  (I can guarantee republicans will find a way to BLAME democrats for the economic demise once it happens)  It’s actually happening as I write this but it might not be obvious until after the November elections.  Usually, when republicans screw things up, the democrats can finally win enough elections to retake Congress.  This year, the possibility of taking back the House, is strong.  (Very unlikely the Senate – short of a disaster happening sooner rather than later)

Trump is attempting to “short circuit” the impending “disaster” by claiming powers for the American Executive that are delusional, except for one sad reality – and, that is we have a republican party with members who are sadly lacking in COURAGE.  Trump, as I’ve tried to explain in pointing out his BULLYING tendencies, will PUSH the “boundaries” until he’s stopped – and, as I’ve said OVER and OVER – the SAD reality is “we the people” are depending on the very republicans who are showing virtually NO courage in the face of Trump’s POWER grab for – you guessed it – COURAGE!  Fascists CAN’T take over a country that is a republic or democracy without ENABLERS.  For me, even worse than BLAMING “republicans,” the MOST discouraging part of all this is Trump’s base is MOSTLY “conservative Christians!”  This is ANOTHER parallel to what allowed the Third Reich to succeed in Germany back in the 1930’s.

Those who’ve focused on creating division in America – starting with the republican’s “Contract ON America” in the 90’s, gaining steam with the incredible OBSTRUCTION and LYING that took place during President Obama’s administration – republicans ginning up the racist undertones that emerged after America chose an African American president – led by Mitch McConnell, and further exacerbated to an as yet unknown degree, by Vladimir Putin’s ATTACK on America – with the intent of dividing our people – turning one American against another are succeeding.  And, these guys are very sophisticated in how they go about their business.  They care not about the future of America – it’s all about gaining and MAINTAINING power!

If This wasn’t so serious, it would be laughable to me as I’ve listened to pundits suggest democrats and President Obama are “elitists.”  This coming from BILLIONAIRES who are expert at manipulating the minds of anyone who will subject themselves to their messaging – usually coming across Fox “news,” listening to people like Limbaugh, and subjecting themselves to apps like “Twitter” and “Facebook.”  As I’ve said, when all is said and done about this era in American History, Fox “news,” Trump, the right wing enablers in Congress, and the right wing bloviators on the radio airwaves, will find themselves in the ash heap of history next to Benedict Arnold.  They are propagandists in the same “light” as Joseph Goebbels of the Third Reich.  Check it out! (It’s not hard to find this information)

While “we the people” are CONTINUALLY focused on Trump’s scandals – justifiably so – as it’s up to us to prevent a FASCIST succeeding in getting a stranglehold on our nation’s government – there’s a lot of other “stuff” flying “under the radar.”  There’s little discussion of the tax scam which will “HIT” many middle class Americans next year (they won’t even understand enough to BLAME their increased health care costs on the tax scam), we’re not hearing much regarding the “DREAMERS” (evidently, those types of topics only gain attention when it’s critical timing), we’re not hearing about all the institutions under assault by Trump’s surrogates, and, today, I read about Senator Merkley from Oregon being denied entrance to an immigration facility that is apparently holding children who’ve been separated from their parents.  There’s a LOT of s@#t happening behind the scenes that, by the time “we the people” find out about it, people could be suffering needlessly.  I’m guessing Trump’s FASCIST tendencies are leading to many directives that ABUSE American laws or, at the minimum, American norms regarding political asylum.  “We the people” NEED to know what’s going on with the families fleeing violent countries and applying for asylum – for example.  Trump is an immigrant, he’s married to an immigrant (I think TWO of his wives have been RECENT immigrants) AND we’re “A NATION OF IMMIGRANTS.”

What’s happening to those people is just a small example of the DAMAGE I’ve talked about since Trump took the “oath” of office – and, much of it is going to take a long time to rectify.  And, the “beat goes on” simply because the republicans in Congress LACK the COURAGE to put it to an end.  Trump, as I’ve said, will continue pushing until he’s FORCED to stop.  It’s all about him and NOT about our country.  He’s the master manipulator – manipulating the media, manipulating the voters who support him, and, SADLY we’ve all watched him manipulate the republican party – turning it into the party of Trump.  It’s masterful what he’s doing to his party and, again, it mirrors what happened in Germany during the 1930’s.  As I heard someone say in a TV interview the other day, in November “it’s all hands on deck” – regarding the need for voters to show up!

Final thought:  In the memory of Keith Olberman’s time on MSNBC I’ve, since the “election,” come to believe Trump to be “the worst person in the world.” (WPITW) Well, now I’ve learned he has competition!  I’ve pointed out how it seems ANYONE who allows him/herself to be associated with Trump comes out on the “other side” DIRTY, there now has emerged a person where we can safely say, “this takes the cake.”  Yesterday, Rudy Giuliani was in Israel and had a “sit down” where someone foolishly gave him a “mike” and people were allowed to question him.  OMG!  Rudy accomplished a lot – but, to me, he put himself right in the running with Trump for WPITW!  He made comments about Stormy Daniels’ looks that would have you believe Rudy has NEVER looked in a mirror.  He made comments about Kim jong-un which, if they don’t scuttle the so-called “summit,” they should.  (It’s on Kim if he really is “begging on his hands and knees” to meet with Trump)  And, worst of all – at least if I was in Trump’s “shoes” it would be – he made comments about Trump’s wife that has caused the NUDE pictures of her sitting out in cyber space to be the most “googled” item of the day.  Rudy suggesting women who use their bodies for “profit” and all – seemed to forget about Melania’s “pre-Trump” days.  And, of course, Rudy’s big mouth apparently wasn’t informed of Trump, himself, appearing in porn movies “back in the day.”  It was, however, his self righteous comments about Stormy Daniels which would make Rudy today’s WORST PERSON IN THE WORLD!

In my last post I gave even more EVIDENCE as to why I’ve been calling Trump a FASCIST since before he was “elected.”  (You can visit the archive if you want)  Since I started the post several things have happened to make me even MORE sure that my “diagnosis” is correct.  The saddest part, to me, of what I’ve seen, occurred when I watched several Trump supporters interviewed after he finished LYING to them in a campaign style speech somewhere in Tennessee.  The people in the audience – everyone who was interviewed – believe Trump is telling the truth and that the “mainstream media” is LYING about the “Russia thing,” obstruction, and anything else Trump might end up being charged with.  One guy said, “the only way I trust our government is with Trump at the head of it.” Yikes!

And, the “anything else,” in my view, is going to include ILLEGAL financial “stuff” in Trump’s former “orbit” as the head of the “Trump organization.”  As I’ve stated, I believe Trump will be exposed as the head of what amounts to a “crime syndicate.”  There’s going to be issues of money laundering (some of that is obvious, if you’ve been watching this whole investigation unfold), likely bribery, extortion, and intimidation – to name a few ideas I, a non lawyer, have had come to mind.  It grieves me when I listen to hard working Americans who’ve “drank the cool-aid” of the right wing message machine that’s ultimately responsible for Trump.  At the same time, I don’t let them off the “hook” for NOT fact checking stuff they hear and allowing themselves to be BRAINWASHED.  If you disagree with these people, you can’t even have a conversation with them.

Today, Trump went a bit further in his ARROGANT attempt to claim his RULE over our constitution and the laws that have emanated from it.  He’s using his “pardon power” to send messages to all those people who might be tempted to “tell the truth” to Robert Mueller that he’ll simply pardon them should they choose to protect their fuhrer by LYING.  There’s a long list of people who’ve worked in the “White House” who are grappling with that dilemma – as Hope Hicks once admitted, she was “expected to tell ‘little white lies’ while working for Trump.”  Well, LYING to the FBI constitutes a crime with a penalty of jail, I believe, up to five years.  While I was watching this flurry of pardons explained today, many of the pundits were referring to Michael Flynn as maybe one of Trump’s targets.  However, in my mind, they’re forgetting some important “stuff.”

Of course, even Trump understands it’s a bit late to pardon Flynn because he’s been “cooperating” for over half a year now.  There’s probably not much else for him to tell Mueller.  I believe Mueller is delaying Flynn’s sentencing until he’s more clear on any charges that might be aimed at Trump himself.  What people need to remember about someone being pardoned.  First of all, when you accept a pardon you are admitting guilt, usually for a felony.  Secondly, once you’ve been pardoned, you can still be questioned regarding any investigation you might be involved in or have information which may be pertinent AND you CAN’T plead the “fifth.”

In Flynn’s case, I believe people need to remember that Flynn got a very “sweet deal” from Mueller in return for his cooperation.  Flynn was likely facing MULTIPLE felony charges relating to his ILLEGAL activity resulting in his representation of interests from Turkey and Russia.  He was clearly an unregistered foreign agent which is a felony AND, more importantly, his SON was right in the middle of all his controversial activities.  By agreeing to cooperate, Flynn, famous for leading the “lock her up” chant at the republican convention while saying, “If I’d done one tenth of what Mrs. Clinton did I’d be locked up for years,” got his SON off “Scott free.”  If Flynn is pardoned, he no longer would have firth amendment rights, which is another reason he won’t be pardoned, at least, until Trump is totally vindicated – if that ever happens. AND, if Flynn chooses to renege on his “arrangement” with Mueller, his SON could be facing multiple charges.  I have to wonder how many outrageous pardons would the republicans in Congress allow Trump before they “intervene?”

Michael Cohen may have been the MAJOR target of the message Trump was sending with his flurry of pardons today.  One of the people pardoned had pleaded guilty to virtually the same charges many “pundits” are predicting Cohen soon will be facing.  Here’s the “kicker” for Cohen’s situation – and, why I believe Robert Mueller will be considered brilliant when all is said and done – especially if Trump is uncovered as the menace to this nation I believe he is – Cohen can be charged, from what I understand, with state crimes (and, very well, that may be the “plan”), and state crimes can’t be pardoned by the president – only federal crimes!  (Here’s an article that explains Trump’s possible dilemma.)

The same situation that applies to Cohen in the Southern District of New York could be applied to Paul Manafort who is facing some of his charges in Virginia – and, that means if Trump is planning to pardon Manafort the Attorney General of Virginia could prosecute him there – even after he’s been pardoned by Trump.  Trump is attempting to use his pardon power, it appears, in a way to circumvent the laws and to undercut Mr. Mueller’s investigation – which is even supported by MOST republicans.  Investigations like Mueller’s, traditionally, have taken years to complete and the FACT that NOTHING is leaking from Mueller’s “team,” is causing anxiety on “both sides of the isle.”  I believe the American people want to know the TRUTH about whether or not members of Trump’s campaign were in cahoots with Russians, or other foreigners, in order to help them “win” the election.  I believe it’s the other “stuff” Mueller is finding as he “follows the money” that has Trump on “pins and needles.”

Trump clearly did not think he was going to “win,” so I’m sure he felt none of this would ever come out.  And, the reason he refused to show his tax returns was, I’m convinced, to keep the other stuff Mueller is finding – regarding his financial misdeeds – from ever seeing the light of day.  Why would anyone think his “it’s all about me” attitude as our so-called president would have been any different in his business dealings.  It’s public knowledge that Trump’s dishonest business practices, his failure to pay debts – including debts to lawyers, workers, and banks, and, essentially, his lack of connection to the truth, put him in a position where NO American banks wanted anything to do with him and his organization.  (And, he can’t even get a respectable attorney to represent him in all his problems)  His son’s have publicly admitted they used money from Russia to keep their business a float -that’s GOING to become a problem.  “Following the money” is going to get ugly for Trump – so, he’s attempting to find ways to protect what he knows is coming from Mueller via his LYING and, today, his reckless use of the power to pardon.

All of this furthers my contention Trump is a Fascist.  (And, who knows to what extent?  Read “The Hitler Virus” and “Fascism, a waning” if you want to get a sobering look at reality regarding the Neo-Nazi movements around the globe.)  Just that he views his pardon power as his “play thing” is alarming.  This just adds to the, what many are referring to as “scary,” DAMAGE I’ve talked over and over about which Trump is doing to America.  My optimistic side is telling me Trump is FORCING “we the people” to FINALLY deal with our demons.  I mean, this nation was founded on slavery and it’s the “white nationalists” who make up the bulk of Trump’s base.  Getting back to that rally in Tennessee – every one of the people interviewed espoused racial bigotry in their views – and, I’m guessing most of them would genuinely claim to NOT be racists if you asked them direct.  I don’t blame them – MOST of them have likely been watching Fox “news” (Trump TV) and listening to the likes of Limbaugh and the other right win bloviators on the radio airwaves for years – except that, like I said above, they SHOULD know enough to FACT check the information they’re putting in their heads.  They’ve been BRAINWASHED!

Which tells me, this FASCIST “thing” likely runs much deeper than just Trump.  The republican party will ultimately self-destroy over what’s been happening since Bush/Cheney left Washington DC “with their tails between their legs.”  Republicans, in my lifetime, have been great at LYING in their messaging without compulsion.  There’s a scandal, and, soon, both them and our “liberal media” have forgotten.  If you’ve forgotten, Bush/Cheney left Washington with an economy SHEDDING about a MILLION jobs per month, the stock market was in free fall – had dropped OVER 50% of its value in about a year, there were two ILLEGAL wars ongoing, they had stained America by publicly authorizing TORTURE, America’s institutions had been under assault, and MILLIONS of Americans were losing their houses on a regular basis.  The annual deficit was at $1.5 TRILLION (with a “T”) and our image around the world was in “tatters.”

“We the people” chose a person of African descent to pull us out of the greatest “mess” since the Great Depression and, thus, was born the “Tea party” in a clear backlash to the audacity of having an African American president.  Republicans were quickly on the ATTACK (especially after President Obama BLUNDERED by BLOCKING investigations into Bush/Cheney wrongdoing – seriously, compare that to Trump) and, with the Tea Party, the Trump presidency was “born.”  He led the RACIST “birther movement” and, if you were aware – AT ALL – of the underpinnings of the Tea Party movement, you KNOW it was built on RACISM – clear and simple.  The signs at their rallies were disgusting – and, present, were many leading republicans saying NOTHING about all the RACIST banter at the Tea Party’s inception, instead, encouraging it.  People like the Koch Brothers were funding it, and the republican party embraced it – to the point where, today, the so-called “freedom caucus” rules the day in republican politics.  Their leaders are the main Trump enablers in Congress.

Trump, and all his Tea Party enablers, appear to find the Russian interference “just fine” because it was aimed to help them. (I’ve said many times, today’s republican party believes “the end justifies the means”) You have to wonder how they’d be reacting if it was aimed at and succeeded in getting Hillary Clinton elected president.  Of course, that would have been impossible because, say what you want about Mrs. Clinton, she was no sycophant for Vladimir Putin.  All of this, including the abuse of the pardon power, is just further proof that Trump wants NO boundaries in his ability to RULE America – just like Putin in Russia, Erdogan in Turkey, Duterte in the Philippines, and countless other fascist despots emerging around the globe.  It really is up to “we the people” to put a STOP to all this – and, we CAN do it this November at the ballot box.  However, as I’ve said before, it “aint gonna be easy!”  Trump and his minions are doing everything in their power to keep their GRIP on POWER.

The republicans, since the days of Karl Rove, have been lamenting the time when they will achieve their “permanent republican majority.”  The “joke” in that plan is they know they’ll NEVER actually have a “majority.”  The way they accomplish this is to disenfranchise as many progressive voters as they can.  They’ve already “stacked the deck” via their classic gerrymandering – which they accomplished in 2010, and the “tax scam” has infused OVER a TRILLION dollars into the hands of republican “donors” who’ll be funneling HUGE amounts of their windfall back into republican “coffers.”  This was EXACTLY the purpose of the tax scam. (You won’t hear a “peep” from republicans this year about a deficit now back over a TRILLION dollars per year) They’ve been scheming as to how to circumvent the “checks and balances” in our constitution for decades – and, Trump’s ARROGANCE toward the laws makes him the perfect “standard bearer” for the stealth puppeteers who are directing the republican party from the shadows.  So, what I’m saying is the issue of Fascism goes way deeper than just Trump.  These republican “enablers” apparently have the same disease.  I’ll say it again, it’s up to “we the people” to put a STOP to all this.

Final Thought:  It appears that something in the neighborhood of 30+ percent of Americans have been BRAINWASHED to believe Trump is telling the truth while he’s LYING.  The sad reality, to me, is that racism is a much more serious issue in “the home of the brave, the land of the free” than I had imagined.  My amazement that “we the people” would elect a person of color to be president has turned to anxiety that we would elect an out and out racist to the “White House” who willingly BRAINWASHES his supporters via the Nazi’s “Big Lie Theory.”  There’s more than one historical precedent for all this – but, one in particular – and, I must remind you, Trump is of German descent.  And, probably Trump’s most brilliant skill is LYING to and manipulating the media.  I can only hope he’s “met his match” in Robert Mueller!  Wouldn’t it be ironic if it was James Comey who was responsible for his “election” and Robert Mueller responsible for his downfall?  And, personally, I believe the “downfall” could be a serious “fall.”  White Collar criminal like!

Every day I listen to pundits who want to “tip toe” around the issue here.  Either they are unaware of what is “Fascism,” or they are just too tepid to say it.  The ones I’ve heard refer to it, suggest those of us calling it what it is are just too “liberal.”  To me, that’s nonsense.  The EVIDENCE continues to mount, as does the DAMAGE.  The DAMAGE to America SHOULD be something even republicans care about – but, it’s becoming clearer and clearer their grip on POWER is more important to them than their oath to our constitution.  To me, President Obama was a pragmatist – but, even the so-called “liberal commentators” allow his detractors to suggest he was a “flaming liberal.”  This all while Trump is and has been taking credit for the booming economy Trump inherited from Obama.  Trump is doing everything he can to undermine that economy and, I believe, he will succeed – and, soon we’ll be back where we were with Bush/Cheney.  And, Fox will continue blaming it all on “liberals.”

If you’ve been on this site much you would know that I’m reading BOOKS all the time – books in the genre of “current events” or “politics” or history.  Right now I’m reading a very  good book by Madeline Albright that actually falls into all three categories: “Fascism, a warning.”  If you don’t know, Albright is a Jewish immigrant who’s father got his family out of Czechoslovakia during WW II just before Hitler’s invasion would have likely destroyed her family.  She has been a college professor since she retired from public service – her last job was Secretary of State during the Clinton administration.  In this book Albright gives the history of Fascism from Mussolini to the present day and, seemingly trying to be “polite,” tries to give the “warning” about what is happening in America under Trump.  She writes the book in a way to give the reader enough information to figure out what is potentially happening in America without coming out and calling Trump a Fascist.  Well, I haven’t been so polite.

I’ve also read “The Despot’s Apprentice” by Brian Klaas and he makes it clear that the Trump phenomenon is clearly following the “path” of other “despots” who’ve turned (mostly) fledgling “democracies” into fascist dictatorships.  As Trump makes his “philosophy” clearer by the day you can clearly see the parallels.  Just the other day, for example, he used an “executive order” designed to take rights away from federal workers who actually are part of unions which have negotiated (bargained) for workplace “rules.”  Of course, the right wing “echo chamber” – which is funded by the wealthy elite – is cheering this on because they’ve been fighting against union organizing since the 1930’s when our fathers and grandfathers (and now, great grandfathers) FOUGHT for the rights of workers to collectively BARGAIN.  This move is typical of a TYRANT who believes he gets to make the rules himself.   Sadly, in today’s America, there doesn’t appear to be the “push-back” there should be against this type of POWER GRAB.

Of course, Trump used the now too common strategy of quietly announcing this power grab late on a Friday, right before a holiday weekend – seemingly hoping to keep this out of the headlines – one more move by Trump that would fall into the “fascist” category via the definition of both Klaas and Albright.  If you’ve been paying attention – or NOT allowing yourself to get sucked in by the right wing “echo chamber” led by Trump TV (Fox “news”) – the actions by Trump which have “fascist” written all over them happen on a regular basis.  It’s so common that people – and journalists – are almost numbed by Trump’s ARROGANCE.

I wrote the other day how Trump – speaking of his arrogance and attitude that he’s the “decider” – forced the Commerce Department to negotiate a settlement with a Chinese Telecom that was using parts from American companies to construct their phones and then both using the phones for espionage in America and selling them to countries under American sanction.  Due to the companies violations of American law, the company had been blocked from purchasing parts from these American sources which, essentially, was going to shut it down.  Trump forced the change via the Commerce Department – which had “heads” in Washington – on “both sides of the isle” – “puzzled,” until a deal the Trump Organization made with China to finance one of their construction projects in Indonesia – bringing Trump MILLIONS – became public knowledge.  I think Trump just can’t help himself.  He was likely the head of a mafia type organization before becoming president (very possibly why he’s so worried about Robert Mueller’s investigation) and his fascist tendencies are apparently “in his bones.”

Sadly, the bulk of the republican party has willingly been supporting Trump and some of them have totally soiled their legacies with some of the embarrassing comments they’ve made in public.  One example that comes to mind was Orrin Hatch proclaiming Trump the greatest president ever after the tax scam was passed.  Of course, Hatch is in his 80’s, so maybe he was just having a delusional day – but, when all is said and done, those words could very well define him.  Republicans SHOULD be the ones speaking the LOUDEST about what Trump is “up to,” but, what they’re doing is proving me correct in all the posts I’ve made over the past 10 years lamenting their push to the “right” and how “we the people” NEED to make them part of America’s history – next to Benedict Arnold!

We’re already seeing clear evidence of why the tax scam was so important to them, and, to me at least, it’s embarrassing.  Sheldon Adelson is receiving a reported $680 MILLION windfall each year from the scam so, one of the first things he did was funnel $30 MILLION to the republican party – with the likelihood of MILLIONS more to come as we near the 2018 election.  Either democrats are completely SILENT on this, OR our “liberal media” is so enamored by Trump that he’s the ONLY thing they can talk about.  The tax scam SHOULD be part of the news on a regular basis – the DISGRACE of republicans passing a bill that takes OVER  a TRILLION dollars from the MIDDLE CLASS and funnels it to the top “1%” in order to keep BILLIONS coming back in return to their campaign “coffers” should be part of the NIGHTLY “news.”  “We the people” SHOULD be informed as to what is actually happening to this money.  But, we’re more focused on listening to every LIE that comes from the mouth of Trump.  And, Trump is smart enough to support this scam (of course, he’s also reaping MILLIONS from it each and every year) so that republicans will feel obliged to support his fascist behavior.  It’s disgusting and DANGEROUS.

Briefly, here’s a few more things that should be obvious to everyone paying attention that are “tendencies” of a fascist “leader.”  Trump is, virtually every day, attacking the “media.”  Of course, the attacks are focused on ANYONE who might call him out or disagree with him on ANYTHING.  He’s gone so far as to suggest he could repeal the license of media outlets that don’t report on him “favorably.”  He seems envious of “leaders” like Putin and Erdogan who simply jail reporters who report things they don’t like.  Trump is CONSTANTLY attacking the intelligence community and the Justice Department which is right out of the despot’s “playbook.”  Of course, what he really doesn’t like about our Justice Department and FBI is that they are investigating HIM and his campaign – which it’s appearing more and more likely each day was conspiring with foreigners to help him get elected.  Despite laws to the contrary, Trump appears to see nothing wrong with allowing foreigners to influence our elections.  The WORST part of this, to me, is that Trump is willing to DESTROY our Justice Department in order to save his own “skin.”

At one point, Trey Gowdy, one of the right wing republicans who appear to be enabling Trump, actually said to Trump:  “If you’re innocent, act like it.”  Well, of course, it doesn’t take a “brain surgeon” to realize Trump is NOT acting as if he’s innocent.  It appears to me that he’s looking at a “double barreled” shotgun – the Mueller probe and the investigation going on in the Southern District of New York “focused” on Michael Cohen.  I believe it’s very possible Trump’s greatest FEAR comes from the Cohen investigation which could uncover what seems to many to be the Trump organization being run as a mafia family.  Cohen has often been referred to as Trump’s “fixer.”  Silencing all the people (usually women, it appears) who have situations involving Trump he wants to hide from the public – like the issue with Stephanie Clifford AKA Stormy Daniels seems to have been one of Cohen’s top priorities.  Trump expects his surrogates (fixers) to simply make his transgressions “go away.”  Despots operate similarly to crime family bosses – which is why the Russian government, under Trump’s idol Vladimir Putin, is considered an organized crime syndicate – which Trump apparently wants to emulate.

And, of course, there’s one part of Trump’s resume that is TOTALLY our of the “depots handbook.”  Virtually all fascists who risen to power are RACISTS.  I’m not going to go to great length here to point out the “evidence” supporting the reality America’s so-called president is a RACIST – you can find it by “googling” Trump, racist.  It’s no secret – he based his campaign on maligning Mexicans, he called countries in Africa “Shithole countries, he refers to African American athletes who protest police brutality by taking a knee during the national anthem at NFL games as “sons of bitches,”  (and has suggested they shouldn’t even be in this country) and his history before campaigning for president was rife with racism – like leading the “birther” movement regarding President Obama.  Fascists are racists – and, Trump fits the “bill.”  What’s the saying, “If it walks like a duck………………………..?”

“We the people” will have the ability to do something about this in November of this year.  But, I can guarantee you it won’t be like the normal “mid term” elections.  Adelson has already thrown in $30 MILLION to help republicans and has pledged who knows how much more while the Koch brothers have pledged something in the neighborhood of $300 to $500 MILLION to support republicans running for Congress who are “true to the right wing message.”  The party of “FAMILY VALUES” has no interest in “family values.”  I don’t believe they ever have – they just use this premise to keep all the unsuspecting right wing “Christians” in line – the people who care about little beyond the abortion issue. (And, don’t get me wrong, MOST of these people are good working class people who had nothing to do with Charlottesville)  And, it’s true that one “success” for Trump, in their eyes, is the amount of right wing (corporatist – which they’re unaware of) judges who are going to be a bane on America for the next 20 or more years – republicans are pushing in “judges” who are as young as possible because they get “lifetime” appointments.

If Trump and the republicans are going to be stopped it will take a democratic party which realizes what’s going on and understands this is a “war” for the heart and soul of America.  I’ve listened to disenchanted “moderate” republicans who want to side with democrats cautioning the democratic party about shifting too far “left.”  To me, that’s the message that will lead to more of the same – tepidness on the part of “progressives” that will accomplish little and lead to, ultimately, just a different version of Trump.  This – meaning the modern day – republican party needs to be voted out of existence as a major force in American politics.  They are attempting to “turn back the clock” to the days of the robber barons – and, the reality is some of the “robber barons” were quite content with the Nazi’s of 1930’s Germany.

There was a lot of blood shed to create the gains for middle class Americans during the “New Deal” and the couple of decades that followed – before Ronald Reagan put into play the plans of the so-called Powell memo – designed to turn America into a corporatist state.  Which is the foundational meaning of fascism – a corporate/government partnership.  It’s time for “we the people” to realize what’s actually happening to our government.  People have watched it deteriorate – under republican administrations – since Reagan took the oath of office.  Republicans have adopted the “Big Lie Theory” of Joseph Goebbels – the chief Nazi propagandist – because it works.  That’s why you hear Trump claiming “witch hunt” (and other LIES) over and over and over an over and…………. you get the idea.  After Trump has repeated the “witch hunt” LIE often enough, most of his “base” actually believes it’s true.  He’s preparing them to disbelieve any findings coming from Mueller – because, other than Mueller, it’s Trump who knows the TRUTH.  If there was nothing there, Trump would be encouraging Mueller to find out what the Russians were up to so we could STOP them.  As it is, Trump is virtually encouraging the Russians to continue their bad behavior – it will be helpful to keep Trump in office!  If Trump wins, America loses.  That’s exactly what Vladimir Putin wants!

One other thing despots can be counted on is the ability to LIE.  And, Trump may not have anyone who’s a peer in this category.  He LIES with impunity and when called on it, he just keeps LYING.  And, it seems as if that’s the one requirement of his subordinates – the willingness to LIE under any circumstances.  Rudy Giuliani, in his desperate quest to be relevant again, has been busy on Trump TV casting LIE after LIE in his effort to be Trump’s “defense attorney.”  In the process, it appears to me Giuliani is just giving Mueller more “fodder” to support the case that Trump is OBSTRUCTING justice.  (I believe there are several others who could be vulnerable to the same charge – including republican members of the House.  To me, if you’re trying to BLOCK an investigation, you’re OBSTRUCTING it – hence, for example, Devin Nunes seems vulnerable to charges from my perspective – along with Mike Pense and others)  The point is, as you look back on history, one thing in common to all TYRANTS who’ve formed FASCIST governments is the willingness to LIE about anything..  To do what, in the words of Kellyanne Conway, is create “alternative facts.”

The bottom line is – and, obviously, I’m not as polite as Madeline Albright, the FACTS indicate that the so-called president of the United States is a FASCIST.  This isn’t a wild charge as was thrown routinely at President Obama by the “Tea Party” – a group that grew out of the backlash that “we the people” would elect a president who’s father was a Kenyan.  (Trump led that racist outrage)  The “charge” that Trump is a FASCIST is backed up by FACTS.  I’ve laid MANY of them out here and “we the people” and our so-called “liberal media” need to be calling it what it is.  At this point, the solution is for every American of voting age to commit they’re going to vote.  And, while I’ve always been an independent (before Reagan, I actually considered myself a “conservative”) it is incumbent on “we the people” MORE than ever before to vote for DEMOCRATS.  What we’re doing if making a clear statement to the WORLD that “we the people” are rejecting FASCISM.  And, if we’re fortunate, maybe we’ll end up with a Congress that has the courage to begin doing what’s right for our nation.

I’ve been trying to finish a post regarding my thoughts on the “gun issue” as I’m a retired teacher who spent many years thinking my school “could be next.”  However, as usual, Trump and his disgraceful supporters are keeping me too busy trying to keep up with all the DAMAGE (as I’ve chosen to call it) that continues pushing America toward ‘third world” status.  Which, by the way, I believe would be just fine with the “money changers” who are behind this right wing push toward fascism in America.  Most “pundits” don’t want to call it what it is, but slowly, but surely – one by one – more of them are “seeing the light.”  There’s enough printed material by people who SHOULD be considered “reliable” to expose what is happening with Trump – and, by extension, the republicans who’ve chosen to enable him.

For example, it doesn’t take a foreign policy expert (I admit, I’m not one) to understand that MUCH of what Trump is doing relating to foreign policy is – like everything else he does – all about himself.  I recently pointed out (and gave a link to the article where I read about it) how Trump, in his willingness to “help” a Chinese Telecom that is violating American sanctions and has allegedly committed espionage in our military and intelligence communities, apparently orchestrated a “deal” benefiting the “Trump organization” in Indonesia to the tune of multi MILLIONS of dollars as he ARROGANTLY violates our constitution on a daily basis.  But, the “issue of the day,” – it seems as if Trump’s daily BULLYING of our laws and norms is all part of his plan to “deconstruct the administrative state” – is his “pulling out” of the “summit” planned for June with Kim Jong-un of North Korea (who had already threatened to do the same).  It’s like two sixth graders arguing on the playground!

I have written on several occasions how Trump reminds me of a sixth grader who’s a pathological LIAR and a BULLY.  Seriously, (not sure if that’s the correct term for this thought) this would all be COMICAL if it weren’t so serious.  Trump wrote a letter to Kim that he published – without even notifying the South Koreans, who are the ones with the most at stake here – “pulling out” of the meeting he agreed to attend with NO forethought and likely, had the meeting happened, without planning ahead.  (I’m guessing the meeting will happen at some point because Trump is desperate for a successful outcome)  Trump was planning to come home from this meeting with an agreement that North Korea would “de-nuclearize.”  He had already given himself the Nobel Peace prize (actually, he stated “almost everyone thinks he should get the Nobel Prize), he had a commemorative coin minted showing him and Kim agreeing to this “deal,” (full disclosure, I’ve ordered 5 of the coins – and, their website is painfully slow)  and, presumably, he believes his ridiculous threats are the “secret to diplomacy.”

As I’ve said many times here, the worst part of all this is “the world is watching.”  Many leaders of  the countries making up our traditional allies MUST be looking forward to the day Trump is out of office more than many of us who consider ourselves part of the “resistance” – and, trust me, there are tens of MILLIONS of Americans who wake up every day hoping this is the day Trump is “gone.”  We likely want Robert Mueller to finish his report more than Trump.  Trump is an embarrassment to those who believe in representative democracy and, now, the questions I’m hearing from progressives and moderate republicans is whether the DAMAGE Trump is inflicting on our nation is going to be lasting.  To me, even had the “summit” with Kim happened on schedule, if the Nobel Committee had given Trump a “prize,” that would forever taint that process.  I thought their acknowledgement of President Obama was questionable, at best, but this would be ridiculous.  If anyone deserves a “prize” – should this summit actually happen – in my mind it would be the leader of South Korea.  The South Koreans are right in the middle of Kim and Trump arguing over the size of their nuclear “buttons.”

But, making a fool of himself over the North Korea “summit” wasn’t enough for Trump in one day.  He had to compound that BLUNDER with the words he “threw in” to the disaster that is the NFL.  NFL owners, yesterday, agreed to violate their players rights of free speech and expression by passing a “rule” where they are required to stand for the “national anthem.”  By doing so, and with Trump’s help with even more poorly thought out words (unless you’re a total “redneck” who’s ignorant of our constitution), they just made that “anthem” stand for less than it did yesterday.  When I joined the Marines in 1967 it was with the thought I would be fighting to protect the right of my college classmates to protest against the Viet Nam war – to burn their draft card if that’s what they felt they needed to do.  (full disclosure, I was medically discharged before I could be sent to Nam – likely as another body to fill one of the “bags” being sent home at the time by the thousands)

I find it beyond interesting that “we the people” are fine with watching (and cheering) as MOSTLY African Americans bash their heads together – with almost EVERY one who’s brain is checked post mortem being diagnosed with CTE – and, at the same time, CHEERING when our so-called president (who had 5 deferrals during Viet Nam, ultimately getting out of serving due to phantom bone spurs in his ankle) calls them “sons of bitches” if they kneel during the anthem in protest to all the police brutality aimed at African Americans across this land.  Today, Trump went so far as to suggest any football player who chooses to embrace his right of “free speech” shouldn’t be allowed to stay in this country.  Sadly, the NFL owners gladly go along with Trump – they’re (much of) the MONEY behind his election and avoiding confrontation to his base is more important to them than defending the ideals that “MADE AMERICA GREAT.”  (Before Trump began tearing her down)

This is exactly why I’ve chosen to discontinue my participation in one of America’s favorite pastimes over the past few years – fantasy football.  I’ve always joked about how, as an athlete, you’re taught “statistics are for losers” and how fantasy football is all about statistics.  Well, I would consider myself even more of a “loser” had I been willing to continue supporting the NFL after this latest example of America’s push to the “right.”  Honestly, much of what I’ve been forced to write lately is almost beyond my belief that it seems so necessary.  That America is tilting toward fascism – and, so many are OK with it – belies EVERYTHING I was taught growing up in the 50’s and 60’s.  And, some of our “leaders” are way too accommodating to Trump, to the point where I have NO confidence republicans will act patriotically once Trump is exposed fully by Mueller.  (It shouldn’t take Mueller’s report to see what’s happening)  The NFL owners seem almost to be the perfect example of what’s wrong in America:  “It’s all about the MONEY.”

It may seem unbelievable, but there really is MORE!  Today, in response to Trump’s accusation the FBI illegally “surveiled” his campaign (somewhat like President Obama wiretapping him) – a “conspiracy” Trump AND Alex Jones are calling “Spygate” –  the FBI succumbed to Trump’s BULLYING tactics by allowing a meeting where Devin Nunes, et al – including one of Trump’s defense attorneys (it’s unclear how much the attorney was allowed to view – but, it’s unconscionable he was even present) – were allowed to view CLASSIFIED information regarding an FBI informant who allegedly questioned George Papadopoulus and Carter Page during the campaign after the FBI was given evidence they were conspiring with the Russians.  (By all accounts, the other option was for the FBI to have interviews with them during the campaign which likely would have become public knowledge – so, in effect, what the FBI did was protect Trump’s campaign from being exposed as potentially doing what we now know they did.)  Having this meeting is unprecedented, but having Trump’s defense attorney present is even MORE unprecedented.  At some point, the FBI and “we the people” are going to need to push back against Trump’s BULLYING!

By Trump pushing for this meeting, the FBI informant was “outed” (do you remember Bush/Cheney and the outing of Valerie Plame?  And, the beat goes on!)  The reports I’ve heard and read since this happened have all indicated the DAMAGE Trump has cost the FBI for this LIE he’s pushing could be more significant than some of the other DAMAGE he’s causing.  Apparently, there are informants all around the globe who are re-thinking whether they want to cooperate with our intelligence community.  The reality is their lives are on the line as far as keeping their association with the FBI or CIA and whether their identity will be kept secret.  Clearly, Trump doesn’t think along those lines – it’s all about him and any lasting DAMAGE he does to our nation is simply “collateral in his mind – because he’s simply all about protecting himself.

And, if he was “innocent” wouldn’t you imagine he would simply focus on his job and let the investigation exonerate him?  Trump’s actions are those of a tyrant and, as I’ve said on many occasions, remind me of a mafia boss.  I’m guessing that when Mueller’s investigation is made public, that’s what “we the people” are going to learn.  That Trump was involved in organized crime prior to the “election,” and his family is still “trucking along.”  It’s no secret that the Russian government operates as a “crime family,” and I believe Trump will be exposed as “connected” to the Russians in ways that he clearly doesn’t want “we the people” to know.  I’m not sure if this was why he adamantly has REFUSED to make public his tax returns because I’m guessing much of his business was done “under the radar.”

I predicted long ago that Trump would loathe the day he decided to run for president – likely a response to the “roasting” he received from President Obama at a correspondence dinner a few years back.  Trump lives to “get even” with anyone who challenges him and Obama has been in his sights since taking office.  He’s repealed or reversed Obama era “stuff” it seems as if just because Obama was “for it.”  As I’ve said many times, it’s never about “we the people” with Trump (despite his campaign speeches that are filled with BLATANT LIES) – it’s all about Trump.  Can you remember ANYONE who ever “gave” themselves the Nobel Peace prize?  Trump has repeatedly claimed he’s the greatest president in American history – despite “polls” I’ve seen that rank him at or near the BOTTOM.  It’s all embarrassing, but until republicans act to honor their oath to the constitution, we’re all stuck with Trump.  Ouchee!!!  This is just another day in Trump’s America!

Final thought:  The “stuff” just keeps coming in a way that makes you think it’s purposeful.  While Trump acts with outrage to anyone who disagrees with him, he is continually pushing the boundaries of acceptability – just like the sixth graders I used to teach.  Here’s the biggest problem I see with all the “stuff” of today.  I very much expect Trump to attempt to resurrect the talks with Kim in North Korea – and, whatever agreement might come out of that, I believe the barbarous actions of the Korean regime toward its people will be secondary.  Trump’s goal in any negotiation will be to fulfill his personal claim to that Nobel prize.  And, if it doesn’t materialize, I’d say to the Nobel committee, “look out!”  (And, stop reading “tweets from Trump on “Twitter.”)