Yesterday a presumably “liberal” whack job opened fire with an assault weapon on a field of republican lawmakers practicing for the annual Congressional “bipartisan” baseball game in Washington DC.  Of course, just as I feel a sense of disgust when any “whack job” (I characterize anyone who’d purposely try to kill people that way simply because, to me, you’ve got to be crazy to do such a deplorable act) does something like this, I thought I’d just sit back and observe the conversations that ensued thinking that most of these acts of violence in America – that seem to have political overtones – in the past have been aimed at “liberals” or “liberal” institutions.  I’m thinking of the attack in Denver on the Planned Parenthood operation, for example.  To me, it’s always interesting to listen to the dialogue after something like this because our “liberal” gun laws are bound to be part of the discussion – and, we know where a certain political establishment sits on that subject.

Obviously, there was a lot of “coming together” on Capital hill after one of the leading republican legislatures was critically wounded along with, I believe, a staff member and members of the Capital police – who, by the way, have been credited with saving a major tragedy by killing to perpetrator before he could kill who knows how many of the members who were practicing for the baseball game.  I have to say that, despite my negative feelings regarding the republican party and what they’ve done to America in the last 35+ years I shared in the thankfulness that a larger tragedy was avoided.  (to me, the solution to the problem of the republican agenda lies at the voting booth)  And, I had to agree with most observers that the rhetoric in Washington (DC – I live in Washington state – which almost feels like a different country than DC) is inflammatory and might be what is leading to some of these acts of violence.  Personally, I worry for people who are in Congress (it wasn’t too long ago that Gabby Giffords was attacked in Arizona) and, I especially worry for people in the media who’ve been relentlessly and verbally – in a vicious manner – attacked over and over again by Donald Trump.

The man who attacked the republicans was, apparently, a volunteer for Bernie Sanders in the 2016 presidential primary campaign.  I’m not sure if we’ll ever know what triggered this action on his part, but we know that both Bernie and Trump “connected” with many of the Americans who are frustrated and fed up with the way government has been functioning for the past many years.  If you’ve read many of my posts on this site you’ll already know that I place the “blame” for that mostly on republicans for their “obstructionist” strategy since the days of Bill Clinton.  While I don’t focus much of my writing on the democrats, I don’t give them a “pass.”  It’s my opinion that the democrats, in many cases, don’t have the courage to stand up for their own convictions.  For example, in the 2014 mid-term elections there were few democrats willing to defend the policies they had pursued under the leadership of President Obama, from what I could tell, because his “popularity” was down.  It’s apparent to me that the one thing the American electorate won’t support is “timid” politicians.  And, many democrats have come across as checking the way the wind is blowing before taking a position on issues.  On many occasions I’ve referred to that as spineless.

That all being said, there’s a couple things that have happened in the past few days that have caused me to gain more clarity in my mind as to how we’ve managed to get to this point.  With a shooting like the one which happened yesterday there were members of both parties hugging each other and FINALLY talking about the need to “work together” and tone down the rhetoric.  But, almost predictably, there was one republican who stayed true to form – and, in my view, is as unable to “tone down the rhetoric” as the man who sits in the “Oval Office.”  That man is Newt Gingrich.  As I would have predicted, Gingrich came out with a statement that was laced with the, apparently in his mind, awful word “liberal.”  I took, as I listened to a broadcast of what was apparently a Facebook post, (I don’t do Facebook) it was as if Gingrich was placing blame for this shooting on those “on the left” who oppose Trump.  As if it’s their rhetoric that has inflamed the political “waters.”

Listening to that post brought back many (unpleasant) memories I have of Newt Gingrich.  To me, he is one of the main reasons America finds itself in this terrible quandary where the country is so clearly divided.  I remember when he was first in Congress Gingrich was the man who first pushed the “obstructionist” strategy.  The plan was for the republicans to stop as much of government from functioning as possible and BLAME the democrats.  He initiated the attacks on the word “liberal.”  He had outlets like Fox “news” (at the time with former republican dirty trickster Roger Ailes at the helm) on board with his plan – and, to this day, they’ve been participating – to the point where those on the air at Fox can be regarded as pathological liars – give them a “talking point” and they’ll repeat it until they can’t talk anymore – and, he had the right wing talkers on the radio airwaves, led by Rush Limbaugh, supporting his plan – “hook, line, and sinker” – all this, since the days of Ronald Reagan.

During the Clinton administration (which, despite the personal shortcomings of Bill Clinton, brought the economy into the Black – leaving an annual budget surplus of $250 BILLION for Bush/Cheney to squander away), if you remember, it was Gingrich who initiated the strategy of “shutting down the government” in order to “get his way.”  Of course, this “strategy” backfired majorly and it helped Clinton to “recover” from the constant attacks coming from right wing republicans.  (leading to Clinton being called “the comeback kid”)  Gingrich, in the midst of his own infidelity, led the impeachment push against Clinton for Clinton’s disgusting actions with an intern in the White House.  While Clinton’s personal behavior turns me, personally, off – similar to my feelings about Trump – the hypocrisy of the republicans during the Lewinsky scandal was almost unbelievable.  If I remember correctly, there were several members of the House republicans who led the impeachment charge who were essentially doing the same thing at the same time.  Gingrich was the “leader of the pack.”

Due to his own infidelity, at one time, Gingrich was “banished” from the national political scene only to return in the last few years attempting to either win the White House or gain a position of importance from, at this time, Trump.  I’m not going to get into all the hypocrisy or flip flops of Gingrich in this posts, but suffice it to say there’s much to discuss.  What caught my eye was his attempt to place blame for the shooting the other day on those who are “resisting” Donald Trump.  It’s as if he’s applying for SOME job – ANY job in government.  (it was rumored he wanted to be Secretary of State after Trump “won” the election.  (with 3 MILLION less votes!)  It’s as if, every time I forget Gingrich existed, here he comes with something that is aimed at making himself relevant again.

Prior to blaming “the left” and their attacks on Trump for the shooting, Gingrich was encouraging Trump to “fire” Robert Mueller, the “special counsel” now leading the so-called “Russian investigation.”  Just three weeks after coming out with strong support for the appointment of Mueller because he’s “impeccable for honesty and integrity” and saying “the media should now calm down,” Gingrich came out with a “tweet” saying “republicans are delusional if they think the special counsel is going to be fair.”  OK, in case you’re confused – he’s talking about the same person.  Mueller is, of course, the “special counsel.” So, you might ask, what changed?

Well, from my perspective, not much changed – but, I’ve been operating on the logic relating to all the circumstantial evidence that’s been “drip, drip, dripping” out since it became apparent there’s something Trump doesn’t want “we the people” to know about regarding his dealings with the Russians.  So, now we have Newt Gingrich suggesting to Trump that he “fire” the special counsel because this man who’s got “impeccable integrity” isn’t going to be fair.  All this reminds me of the commercial on TV where two people meet and say EXACTLY what’s on their mind – like, “I’ve got alternative plans in case this date doesn’t go well.”  Well, since Mueller’s appointment, it’s becoming more apparent that, for Trump, this isn’t going well.  Evidently, in Gingrich’s eyes, that means Mueller is no longer “impecably honest.”  In fact, the more Trump listens to people like Gingrich, the worse it gets.  But, somehow, Gingrich has remained as a “voice” in the republican party despite a career full of folly and failure.

I could (and might have to) write an entire post on the ramifications of Trump listening to Gingrich and “firing” Mueller, but that’s for another day.  (Actually, Trump can’t fire Mueller, he’d have to find someone in the Justice Department to do so – starting with Rod Rosenstein, the man who appointed Mueller. who would most certainly resign before firing Mueller – or, Rosenstein could refuse and force Trump to fire him – then forcing Tump to work down the DOJ heirarchy until he could find someone like the man Nixon found during the infamous “Saturday night massacre” – Robert Bork, who severely damaged his career by following the “orders” – to fire Mueller.  If this happens, it will be interesting to see how many people would refuse or resign regarding the president’s “order.”  Trump would be dooming his presidency!

My point today, however, is how did we get to the point where the talk in Washington DC is about the level of the rhetoric and what it is doing to how our nation’s government functions and how it affects “we the people” who love this nation and are frustrated by the dysfunction in our nation’s capital.  That’s kind of a “what came first, the chicken or the egg?” argument, but I think a strong case could be made that the dysfunction was purposeful and was the strategy Newt Gingrich put in place to bring Washington to a standstill and give republicans a way to blame democrats for government failures.  Republicans are again proving they’re much better at winning elections than governing, but this shooting brings up how deep the divide in America really is.  To me, while Newt Gingrich is blaming rhetoric on “the left” for the DC shooting, it is his own “rhetoric” over the years that’s at the crux of America’s political divide.

Final thought:  I’ve been saying, almost since Trump took office, that he will inevitably be impeached – whether by this republican congress, or by the one “we the people” will elect in 2018 if republicans don’t act first.  If Trump decides to “fire Mueller” – which, I believe is possible – as Gingrich has suggested, I would be surprised if Trump lasted another month after doing so.  Regardless, the “ship of state” is anchored down going nowhere and republicans must be getting very frustrated with the lack of “production” while they have control of the Congress.  I don’t think it will be too much longer until the damage Trump is doing to “we the people,” the American image around the world, and to their own party here at home becomes so apparent to them (republicans in Congress) that they decide to act.

Delusional:  characterized by or holding idiosyncratic beliefs or impressions that are contradicted by reality or rational argument, typically as a symptom of mental disorder.  Today, as I was driving around doing errands, I listened to Sean Spicer give his first “daily brief” since Donald Trump returned from his “first overseas trip.”  As I listened to Spicer’s incredible description of what I saw, all I could think of was the word delusional.  Trump, apparently, is delusional – and, his surrogates either share that diagnosis – or, they just have to force themselves to LIE repeatedly to the American people as a way to continue being employed.  I don’t want anyone to lose their job, but I have to believe people like Spicer and Conway (and others working for Trump) are doing serious damage to their long term career opportunities.  I’m guessing, for example, Spicer is prepared to “go down with the ship,” but I often just feel a sense of empathy for him – that his job is defending what is clearly Trump’s directions and not informing the public of the actual White House “doings.”

Of course, there is truly a “divide” in America and I’m the first to admit that I don’t understand the so-called “Alt Right” – so, there surely is a “landing spot” for Spicer and Conway and Bannon and the others who came from Breitbart.  (Well, actually, I believe Spicer was somewhat part of the “mainstream” of republican circles before Trump)  Breitbart, to my knowledge – and, again, I don’t pay much attention to those “circles” – is the American version of the Russian journalism that actually “invented” the “Fake news” phenomenon.  Obviously, as a devious political strategy, “Fake news” is very effective.  Of course, Trump has attempted to “turn the tables” on actual “Fake news” by claiming that any news reporting on him that he doesn’t like to be “Fake news.”  At least, “we the people” are now aware of the strategy so, hopefully, in the future it won’t be as effective.

My son, at one point (and, unfortunately, him and many of his friends – “20 somethings” – don’t participate in politics) pointed out to me how people create “fake” websites in order to scam people on the internet.  Websites that look real to someone like me who’s unsuspecting of anything “evil,” allowing the perpetrator to either get someone to “click” where they shouldn’t, give info they shouldn’t, or in the case of politics – believe information that’s been made up.  Since he’s pointed that out to me, I’ve run into many situations where people are using the internet to “intrude” on unsuspecting old people, like myself, with offers and websites that actually look real but are FAKE alternatives.  I’ve learned to always check the URL before I click on ANYTHING and, often you’ll see one letter changed from the real website’s address – so, that even the fake URL looks real without close inspection.

So, Spicer started his news conference with one of the more incredible descriptions of something I had actually witnessed that I’ve ever seen.  The first thing he did was refer to Trump’s trip as “historic” in the sense that it was “wonderful” – something more impressive than foreign trips by other Presidents.  Despite the FACT the Europeans were shocked at the way they were treated by Trump and the FACT Trump actually kissed up to the Saudi’s in an astonishing way – evidently, as other “leaders” have done – apparently because of the oil in Saudi Arabia – ignoring the FACT that MOST of the 9/11 attackers were Saudi’s and it’s not a public “secret” that funding for Al Qaeda and ISIL – in large part – comes from members of the vast array of Saudi “princes.”

Additionally, the idea of promising something like $350 BILLION worth of sophisticated military equipment to the Saudi’s was “historic” certainly gave me pause.  Why on earth are we continuing to arm them at this level (if that is actually what happens – most of what Trump has claimed in his propaganda regarding “job creation” has been phony)?  Is that the way we create jobs in America now?  I guess that decision will end up being “historic,” but I certainly have some reservations about how it will be characterized when “push comes to shove.”  I guess what I’m trying to say is that I have NO confidence that this (supposed) arm sale was part of any coherent Middle East foreign policy that will have any kind of positive result for them or us.  I’m certainly no expert on the region, but continuing to arm the Saudis at such a significant level certainly raises red flags in my mind.  I guess, we in America will forever be willing to “look the other way” from the 9/11 reality in return for the oil.

And, to me, a massive arms sale to Saudi Arabia sends a very disturbing message to the Shia who’ve been at odds with the  Sunni’s – which is what the Saudi’s predominately are – about the allegiances of the United States.  On the one hand we say our main objective is to “defeat ISIL” (which is made up of Sunni’s) and then we throw our military support to the “home” of Al Qaeda and the terrorist organizations started by Osama bin Laden.   Remember, the ruling majority in Iraq are Shia and the source of the war is Shia v Sunni.  Again, it seems we (America) have no coherent foreign policy in dealing with this MESS that was exacerbated when George W Bush/Dick Cheney LIED the United States into invading Iraq all the way back in 2003.  I often wonder how Bush and Cheney are able to sleep at night knowing what damage they’ve done to the stability of one of the most critical parts of the world (not to mention the number of people DEAD as the result of their fiasco)?  It seems almost like an unsolvable problem – and then along comes Trump whose  actions are like pouring gas onto the fire.

Every time I listen to Trump it’s as if he’s operating in another universe.  The words that come from his mouth, almost every time, defy reality.  His claims rarely have any basis in FACT, and he’s convinced his supporters that anything reported about him that is negative would be “Fake news.”  He seems to be operating as if the so-called “Russian investigation” will just go away now that he’s fired James Comey, the (now former) director of the FBI, and he promotes his “legislative agenda” (which has gone nowhere) as something “very great” with no seeming connection to the realities of his own proposals.  Every time I listen to him the word “delusional” comes to mind and I’m reminded our president is a pathological liar.

For example, while bashing the Affordable Care Act (and, purposely attempting to undermine it – I truly believe Trump is the nation’s head racist – and, he could care less about people’s health insurance – he wants to dismantle ANYTHING with President Obama’s name attached to it) Trump is proclaiming the “health care” bill put forth by Paul Ryan and the House as something “wonderful.”  He ignores the FACT that the CBO estimates that 23 MILLION less people will be insured and that for anyone not in the younger healthy “class” premiums will skyrocket.  He also says NOTHING about the TRILLION dollar tax cut – which is what his “health care bill” really is and how it will cut almost $800 BILLION from Medicaid.  This bill will lead to realities that will truly make Trump’s presidency “historic” should the Senate go along with the House – but, the sad reality is the damage caused by all this will take YEARS to fix.

Evidently, the idea of fixing the Affordable Care Act is not “on the table” with Republicans because the last thing they want to do is help supplement President Obama’s so-called “legacy.”  What I don’t think they realize is that as every day passes they make Obama look much BETTER.  Heck, Trump is even, from my perspective, making George W Bush look better.  I’m not sure how long today’s republican party will continue to put up with Trump, but I believe he’s already etched himself into a place as the WORST president in the countries’ history (that’s historic!) and, as I’ve said many times here, the extent of the damage is still to be determined and it’s pretty much up to the republican party to determine when they’re going to “pull the plug” on this man.

Unfortunately, and this becomes clearer every day, what lies on the other side of Trump isn’t much better.  I believe Mike Pense has already begun the process of preparing for the ascendancy – I’ve read where he’s set up a “Super PAC” for the fundraising.  Pense, during his short term as Vice President has shown himself to be a willing LIAR as well.  I’m not sure he would fall into the “pathological” category and I’m not sure which is worse – a pathological liar or a “willing liar” – although, on thing I am sure of, they’re BOTH really BAD!  Right behind Pense in the line of ascension is Paul Ryan.  He’s another republican who’s exposed himself as, at a minimum, a willing liar.  By that, I mean he doesn’t have a second thought of standing before reporters and clearly LYING about the most basic things.  This “health care” bill has so many holes in it no one would have enough fingers to “plug the dike.”  Yet, I’ve heard with my own ears Ryan claim that “no Americans will go without health care.”

Of course, Ryan would claim he’s being “honest” because he’d point out if you become sick and you don’t have health insurance you could just go to any emergency room and they would be obligated to give you treatment.  I probably don’t have to explain to you why that is such a bogus claim – but, suffice it to say that the last time I was in an emergency room (6+ years ago, and for less than four hours which included something like five minutes with an actual doctor) the charge was $6000 for what seems like almost no service.  And, without health insurance my savings, at the time, would have been more than wiped out.  Had I have needed to be admitted, I would have faced financial ruin without health insurance.

Even with the Affordable Care Act there’s still MILLIONS of Americans without health insurance – but, with “Trumpcare” that number will increase by 23 MILLION.  Additionally, some people insured via the ACA can’t get into the doctors of their choice.  So, what should be happening is the ACA being FIXED – with a bipartisan solution (like a “public option” or a plan to head us toward a “single payer” “Medicare for all” system.  But, what we’re getting is a republican party trying to figure out a way to “repeal the ACA” with a “replacement” that angers the fewest number of right wing voters and allows them to give a YUGE tax cut to their benefactors.  Again, when they call their plan “health care” they are being DELUSIONAL.

Trump’s explanation of his foreign trip, his description of his “successes” so far in his administration, his claims about the “Russia investigation,” and virtually anything that comes from his mouth or the mouths of his surrogates ALWAYS comes across as delusional.  And, we have a republican congress that is apparently allowing their party to become the “party of Trump.”  They’re going to have to defend Trump as we get closer and closer to 2018 and hollow rhetoric will become less and less effective.  Many of the Americans who have benefited from what President Obama managed to get through an obstructionist congress during his two terms in office are people who voted for Trump (presumably because they couldn’t stand Hillary Clinton).  Trump’s delusion is soon to be their reality and it could get ugly.

Additionally, I can’t bring myself to believe there’s many Americans who are going to be willing to “look the other way” when the TRUTH about the Trump campaign’s involvement with the Russians becomes apparent.  The circumstantial evidence that there was COLLUSION is becoming overwhelming and the investigation by Robert Mueller is bound to overflow into the Trump financial empire – that’s likely to be wound tight by obligations to Russian sources of MONEY.  I’ve read enough sources that have said Trump’s preponderance to file bankruptcy, thereby STIFFING lenders and workers out of MILLIONS of dollars, left him no choice but to seek financing for his projects from abroad – with much of the money coming from Russia.

This would explain why Trump has yet to say one negative word about Vladimir Putin, why he’s not been quoted once as to having ANY concern about the Russian attack on our election (he didn’t even bring it up in his conversations with James Comey), why he met with the Russian ambassador and foreign minister shortly after firing Comey and exclaiming to them that the firing would “take away the pressure of the Russia investigation,” and, probably the most interesting part of this, why he continues to praise Michael Flynn and contact him encouraging Flynn to “stay strong.”  (Makes you wonder what Trump’s hiding and what Flynn knows – I’m guessing we’ll learn the latter before Flynn has to go to jail – what he knows about Trump and the Russians is likely his “get out of jail free” card.)

I’ll end this by saying that listening to a majority of republicans in the congress brings that word to mind again – delusional.  What becomes apparent is with republicans in Congress it’s all about politics and not about honor.  If they had taken their oath of office seriously, they’d be lining up as I’m writing this to end America’s present nightmare.  (Actually, for me, I’m almost hoping the republicans hold out until 2018 and let “we the people” vote in democrats to put them (democrats) on the spot as to whether they would impeach Trump – I don’t think Trump will make it that long – but, I’m concerned that Pense is even more dangerous – because, with him at the top Republicans could probably get their draconian agenda passed)  We (Americans) are drifting here at home – with MAJOR needs that should be addressed in a progressive manner – and, our standing in the world is reeling.  We will be able to recover from this, but it depends on how long Trump is allowed to live in the White House as to how difficult the recovery will be.  Kind of reminds me of smoking cigarettes.  The longer you do it, the harder it is to clear your system of the damage.  “We the people” all need to be praying that there’s no significant international crisis while Trump is still at the “helm.”  That would be the “thing” that could make the damage he does almost irreversible – the man is delusional!

I was reminded today as I was listening to John McLaughlin, former director of the CIA, about the “goal” of the Trump administration, as put forth by White Nationalist Steve Bannon; to “deconstruct the administrative state.”  The Trump administration is busy trying to destroy virtually everything “we the people” have fought for since the days of the Great Depression.  The evidence of administration connections to ruthless dictators around the world is becoming irrefutable and the attacks on fundamental American institutions – which might block his efforts – like the media, the FBI, and the intelligence community in general – not to mention the other parts of the “administrative state” (State Department, EPA. Education, etc., etc.) – should get people’s attention – even many who voted for Trump but still actually believe in our “democracy.”  Remember, they’ve been brainwashed since the days of Reagan to believe “the government’s the enemy.”

I keep wondering how long this stuff will continue before the republicans in congress take notice and intervene for “we the people.”  Lately, I’ve been rereading “A Family of Secrets” by Russ Baker for about the fourth time.  It’s a reminder to me that presidents who get on the wrong side of the intelligence community don’t have their terms end well.  After reading this book again, I’m convinced JFK’s demise was the result of the CIA and the eastern oil alliance conspiring to bring Kennedy’s administration to a premature ending.  Deposed CIA head, Allen Dulles – fired after the boggled Bay of Pigs invasion – was one of the “investigators” on the Warren Commission along with others who had no interest in discovering what really happened to Kennedy.  It should surprise no one that Kennedy’s assassination has never received complete closure.

Then there was Richard Nixon.  The Watergate burglars were led by CIA agent (also of Bay of Pigs fame) E. Howard Hunt and a bunch of Cubans also involved in the bungled invasion.  Of course, Nixon was undermined by his own paranoia and the ensuing cover-up.  However, to me, and if you disagree I would suggest you read this book – it is well documented – Nixon was “outed” by the same force that got Kennedy.  The CIA along with the oil alliance which helped the CIA set up “secret” outposts around the globe following WW II, had several reasons to dislike Nixon.  One big one was Nixon’s lack of support for the “oil depletion allowance,” along with his overtures to China and Russia – both in opposition to the strong “anti-communist” nature of the CIA at that time.  Now, I have to say I was no supporter of Nixon back then – but, until much later I had no idea he was undermined by the CIA.  If you read Baker’s book it’s hard not to wonder how much power the intelligence community actually has.  Every time there’s a new president elected I have this picture in my mind of that person’s first order of business being the CIA instructing him/her on the job’s “expectations.”  I don’t think Nixon was paying attention.

Now, fast forward to Donald Trump.  He’s picked “fights” with several organizations that I don’t think he understands what he’s dealing with.  The so-called “liberal media” has definitely, to me, seemed much more “liberal” (if that is what you’d call standing up to Trump) since Trump began his relentless attacks on them – routinely calling anyone who reports what Trump is actually doing as “Fake news” – a term which actually originated during the election from the Russians’ strategy of finding ways to get ridiculous stories published via America media circles (or, them – the Russians – creating crude facsimiles of websites and “reporting” on them as if real – of course, people using the media to spread their propaganda is nothing new – to me, there’s a difference).  Several times in the campaign Trump mentioned that anyone in the media who was “nice” to him would be OK – however, anyone who says anything negative about him will get BLASTED as Trump will fight back without any respect to integrity or actual FACTS.

Trump seems to “shoot straight from the hip” in his response to circumstances virtually as they arise.  He’s the classic 6th grader I dealt with during my years in the classroom who was constantly getting in “trouble” due to issues caused by “blurting out” – where I would be constantly trying to teach students to “think before they would say something.”  Additionally, Trump has the classic signs of a bully – but, I believe he’s getting a taste of reality regarding what happens to bullies who are unable to get their way.  Attempting to bully the media and the intelligence community is beyond foolish – it’s STUPID!  As I’ve said before, Trump seems to be “in way over his head.”  He’s essentially encouraging the media to intensify their investigations of him and his surrogates by making one baseless charge after another against them and, in regards to his standing with the intelligence community, well, firing Jim Comey was really STUPID – especially, the way he went about it.  One thing that is blatantly clear from reading Baker’s book is that the intelligence community is a close knit brotherhood.

Had Trump fired Comey the day he took office the news of the firing probably would have received the response he expected – but, right after Comey publicly announced that the FBI was investigating his campaign, including possible criminal investigations, made it look REALLY bad.  Of course, making something look really bad isn’t good enough for Trump, so – the next day – he gave an interview with Lester Holt of NBC where he ADMITTED he fired Comey because of the “Russia Investigation.”  Then, he STUPIDLY topped that off by meeting with the Russian Foreign Minister and Russian Ambassador in the Oval Office (with ONLY Russian journalists present) where he confirmed to them he fired Comey (who he disparaged to the Russians – one of them the same guy involved in “scandal”) to take the pressure of the Russia investigation off of himself – STUPID – and, then to top it all off, he disclosed some of the most sensitive of Classified information to the Russians.  As someone said – “you can’t make this stuff up.”  It’s beyond STUPID! (if you ask him, Trump will tell you “I’m smart”)

Of course, trying to minimize the effect of the media and the intelligence community would be the work of someone who has authoritarian tendencies.  Along with those “tendencies” you also have the attacks against the judiciary and complaints about the constitution.  There, to me, is ample evidence suggesting Trump and his surrogates feel comfortable in disregarding the “laws of the land.”  Combining all this with his “bromance” with Vladimir Putin and his comfort with other dictators around the world, even republicans in congress should be seeing MAJOR red flags!  World leaders are beginning to flee from America and, despite Trump’s “base” supposedly being very loyal, republicans in Congress who took an oath to support our Constitution and the “laws of the land” need to be “stepping up.”  Whether they like it or not, the solution to the Trump problem lies in the hands of the republicans – they’ve got control of Congress.

Today is the day Trump is suspected to be going to pull America out of the so-called “Paris Climate Accords.”  (He actually did it!) From what I understand, the “Accords” are voluntary and possibly more symbolic than anything else – but, in reality, the only two countries in the world who are not signatories to the agreement are Syria and Nicaragua.  I’ve questioned many times on this site as to how much DAMAGE Trump will be allowed to cause before republicans in Congress do the inevitable and IMPEACH him – well, the Climate Accords might be significant along those lines – although, Trump may actually decide not to pull out – he promised his “White Nationalist” base he would pull out during the election – you know – anything President Obama was for, they are against – but, from what I can tell, NUMEROUS CEO’s around the country are counseling Trump to keep America involved.  The end result of America pulling out could conceivably, from my perspective, help catapult China further into the “lead” in the fight against “Climate Change” along with speeding up their goal to be the world’s leading economic power.

From what I’ve heard and read, China is focused on pushing the “green” energy agenda.  Renewable power sources, for instance, obviously are the “future” – but, in America, the republican party and people like Trump are still stuck in their commitments to oil and coal.  The sooner “we the people” get beyond that “reality,” in my mind, the better – especially for our children and grandchildren.  I’m bringing this one aspect of “what’s going on” up as an example of the actual and potential damage of continuing with Trump in the “White House.”  Everyone in Washington DC understands there are already multiple reasons Trump could legitimately be impeached – not the least of which would be his violations of the emoluments clause of the Constitution.  Republicans are waiting for the political winds to shift to the point where their own jobs are in jeopardy – which, I believe is ALREADY the case for many of them – before they take up the reality that Trump has “got to go.”  If nothing else, I’m sure his overall incompetence is wearing thin on republican leaders in Congress.

So, Trump is not only attempting to “deconstruct the administrative state,” he’s undermining America’s standing in the world.  I listened to as much of his speech yesterday as I could stomach, while he was announcing withdrawing America from the Climate Accords, and one thing he said really caught my attention.  “When are people around the world going to be laughing at the United States?”  Well, I don’t believe that time is here – I think they are shaking their collective heads and wondering what the hell has happened to America – but, there are many who seem to be trying to find ways to tolerate what is going on who are LAUGHING at Trump as a way to mitigate their concerns and/or anger.  He has evolved to a somewhat pathetic person, who clearly doesn’t understand what’s happening to him – and, as the investigations get closer and closer to him, in my mind, he becomes even more dangerous.  2 out of every 3 Americans believe we (America) should be leading the fight against “Climate Change” – not, handing that role to China.  Only 20% of Americans support Trump’s “health care” (tax cut for the rich) bill, and most want him to honor his pledge to support Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid.

If Trump succeeds in “deconstructing the administrative state” the American people will suffer extreme damage for years to come.  I’m not the only person in this nation waiting to see which republican (if any) will have the courage to step up and lead the charge to stop the DAMAGE Trump is inflicting on the rest of us – sooner rather than later.  Remember, what he calls an “overwhelming victory” in last year’s election was actually the largest LOSS in America’s history of any president who managed to win the office despite LOSING the popular vote – in Trump’s case by 3 MILLION votes!

He has NO MANDATE, and he continues to push the divisive agenda promoted by the likes of Steve Bannon and Steven Miller – both “White Nationalists.”  Every day we’re a bit closer to November 2018 – I can’t imagine there’s many republicans who want to go to the polls defending the “deconstruction of the administrative state” to people who don’t understand that includes Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, Food Stamps, unemployment INSURANCE, Meals on wheels, early childhood education, children’s healthcare legislation, the ACA (which should – and could – be improved), and the list goes on.

Final Thought:  Speaking of “history,” the history books are going to give Trump a spot that I can’t imagine anyone would want – and, I’m saying that without any consideration to the investigations which are ongoing.  His general incompetency and his narcissistic behavior is likely to put him at the bottom of the list of presidents.  (George Bush is smiling)  Should the “evidence” lead to Trump’s financial dealings with the likes of the Russian Oligarchs – we could be talking about legal issues worse than Nixon – with, at this point, still the possibility of espionage involving – certainly – some of his surrogates, and very possibly Trump himself (I, for example, don’t believe Michael Flynn and/or Jared Kushner were operating as “rogue” diplomats in their covert meetings with various Russians connected to Vladimir Putin)

The other day I may have experienced what bothers me most about the reality of Donald Trump as president.  I was asking a friend of mine, who voted for and supports Trump, about how he felt about the “health care” (Tax cut for the rich) bill and the proposed budget.  He said, “It won’t affect me.”  The cutting of “Meals on wheels,” “it won’t affect me.”  And, a couple more examples, but I’m sure you get the point.  Additionally, the idea that Russia interfered in our election doesn’t bother him” “everyone is doing it.”  The FACT that Trump is turning off our traditional allies and making “nice” with various ruthless dictators around the world doesn’t bother him – or, he doesn’t believe it’s true.  He’s convinced the media is “Fake” and he doesn’t believe anything – apparently, unless it comes from Fox “news” or right wing websites like Breitbart, etc.

This is a good man,  He’s worked hard his entire life and I certainly respect his right to his own opinion.  It’s just that what he believes – and, it goes beyond the above – he’s OK with the cuts to virtually everything people like me believe in, he’d be OK with the total dismantling of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Education Department, OSHA, etc. and, somehow, as a Christian he believes in Trump as a person.  Trust me, I work on him in that regard – I don’t see how anyone who calls themselves a Christian can be a supporter of Trump.  I “get” the “hope” that Neil Gorsuch’s appointment to the Supreme Court will end legalized abortion – there are MILLIONS of republicans who vote republican for that very issue – I believe – but Trump?  To me, this would just be another example of accepting that “the end justifies the means.”

My friend apparently doesn’t believe Trump accused himself of being a sexual predator in the “Access Hollywood” tapes – but, it’s right there for anyone who wants to see/listen to it.  He doesn’t believe the women who came forward to expose Trump for that very behavior – or, the reports that Trump routinely walked through the dressing rooms of the “beauty pageants” he supported while the contestants were changing their clothes – including the “Miss Teen USA” pageant” where it was reported he walked in on 15 – 16 year old girls changing their clothes – some with no clothes on at all (who called it “creepy”).  To me, this behavior is more than creepy!

My friend, and Millions of other Americans, don’t have second thoughts about Trump’s history of racism – and, the FACT he’s associated with and financially supported by leaders of the White Nationalist movement in America.  It doesn’t seem to bother him or them that Trump’s support comes from groups like the skinheads and the KKK.  Either they don’t care, or they support Trump as he pushes the “White” and “authoritarian” agendas around the globe.  He’s turning off our traditional allies that we’ve stood side by side with since WW II – plus, those from the former “Soviet Union” who have since joined NATO.  Trump’s cavalier attitude is raising red flags EVERYWHERE except with his “base” who have been brainwashed to believe he is going to “Make America Great” again – whatever that means.

I mean, I’m having a hard time figuring out how taking health insurance from MILLIONS will make us “great again.”  Also, not sure how another YUGE (Thanks Bernie) tax giveaway to the wealthiest in America will make us “great” again?  (Of course, Trump, himself, will presumably save MILLIONS from his “tax plan.”  I really don’t understand how that FACT doesn’t sink in to those who support him.)  Of course, so far Trump has been unable to get a single thing through Congress – it’s probably Obama’s fault :o) – but, at some point republicans are going to try to put some sort of legislation together – because, it’s reflecting on them as well.  I keep wondering, how long are republicans going to put up with Trump’s incompetence – and, his destruction to what “we the people” have held in importance for the past 50+ years.  How much DAMAGE will Trump be allowed to accomplish before republicans, themselves, say enough already?  The sad reality, to me, is that republicans in Congress believe Trump will sign whatever they might bring him, so the rest, apparently, is OK.

Not only is Trump turning off our traditional allies, but he’s kissing up to a group that I would describe as “strange bedfellows.”  I “get” that the United States still relies on Saudi Arabia for our oil – but, Trump’s giving the Saudi’s access to, what was reported ultimately would be, $350 BILLION worth of sophisticated military hardware in my mind tells the Middle East that the United States is taking sides in this endless war with the Sunnis and Shia.  I really find it interesting the way Trump (and, to be fair, other America leaders) have failed to accept that most of the 9/11 attackers came from Saudi Arabia – and, that they are the money behind Al Qaeda (and, possibly, ISIS).  To me, the “war” between the Sunni’s and Shia is none of our business and, obviously, we should NEVER have invaded Iraq back in 2003.  If you’ve read any of my earlier posts you would know that my biggest “beef” with President Obama was his willingness to “look forward instead of back” regarding all the LIES and the TORTURE associated with the Bush/Cheney regime and their invasion of Iraq.  To me, that let Bush and Cheney (and others) off “scott free” for committing war crimes.  (Over a MILLION people died and MILLIONS were uprooted from their homes)

Donald Trump is further evidence that the system for electing presidents in America is SCREWED UP!  The electoral college has got to go!  Bush was “elected” by the Supreme Court, thanks to some “hanging chad,” the president elect’s brother as governor of the key state where it took the Court to defeat Al Gore, and despite Gore’s winning the so-called – but, apparently meaningless – “popular vote.” And, now we have Trump as the “winner” despite actually LOSING by around 3 MILLION votes – and, acting as if he has a mandate to undermine virtually everything this nation has stood for over the past 70 or so years.  Today I read how Angela Merkel, the chancellor of Germany, stated that, essentially, Europe must fend for itself – the alliance of nations that formed after WW II – NATO – is on unsound footing because of Donald Trump.  If anyone understands the danger of a “White Nationalist” movement, it would be the Germans!

I’ve often pondered on the amount of damage Trump might do before republicans come to their senses and IMPEACH him from office.  Well, the fragmentation of our traditional allies around the world – while, at the same time, sucking up to the dictators – is DANGEROUS territory – but, are republicans even noticing this?  For those of us who can’t even imagine how someone like Trump could become president, this is a difficult position.  I just believe his incompetence will eventually lead to a disaster of major proportions – just not sure from where it will evolve.  I’m thinking that the disaster is most likely to be in the form of an economic downturn that could be far worse than the “Great Recession” Bush/Cheney gave us.  And, of course, republicans gave no help to President Obama as he put together policies to pull us out of that “mess,”  and I’m, for one, not confident they would understand how to pull us out from the next big “mess.”  (Trump claimed he inherited a “mess” – was he not paying attention in 2009?)

However, there’s this military thing that republicans seem to want to exploit.  Somehow, I believe there’s “stuff” going on with our military that is not being reported – we’re all busy trying to figure out if any Americans colluded with the Russians during the last election.  I believe that while our focus is on the Russians there’s a LOT of the damage I worry about that is “flying under the radar.”  I mean, why would anyone want to increase our military spending by “Yuge” amounts and then not do anything with it.  At some point, our “leaders” (I hope) will come to the realization that spending more on our military is actually making us less safe.  We seem to be incapable of visualizing how those in other nations view that.  It’s like the old saying, you push a mouse into a corner and he will strike back.  Additionally, from my perspective, building more bombs is NOT the way to create new jobs!

2018 can’t come soon enough for me (actually, I’m hoping to still be here for election day that year).  However, I have to hope that democrats have learned being anti-Trump isn’t enough to regain control of Congress.  It seems our politicians – across the board – have determined that playing to people’s fears is the way to win.  That’s what terrorism is designed to do – play to people’s fears.  Osama Bin Laden understood how to defeat America – we are undoing ourselves from the inside out – based on FEAR.  That’s got to stop or we will end up destroying all the good that came from the “greatest generation.”  (Those Americans who brought us through the Great Depression and helped win WW II)

So, democrats need to come up with a message.  (personally, I’ve always been an “independent” voter – but, under present circumstances I can’t bring myself to vote for any republican)  My first suggestion would be to start pushing IMMEDIATELY for the so-called PUBLIC OPTION that SHOULD have been part of the ACA.  As republicans are trying to figure out how to dismantle “Obamacare” (The Affordable Care Act) the democrats should be suggesting how to FIX it.  The original bill was very complicated and I’m not pretending to understand where it needs fixing, but – short of implementing a single payer system of health care (ie Medicare for all) the “Public Option” would be a great place to start.  Who knows, maybe even republicans, at this point, would go along.  (OK – I know that’s ridiculous – but, a guy can hope can’t he?)  Democrats need to give voters a reason to vote for them, and the PUBLIC OPTION just might get people’s attention.  Even some of the people who voted for Trump!

Somewhere along the line several “right wing” websites got my email address and they are constantly flooding my inbox with their crazy “stuff.”  Of course, it’s mostly 2nd amendment this and 2nd amendment that, or anti Hillary Clinton “fake news” – as if it’s coming directly from the Kremlin – or it’s preposterous lines of defense for Donald Trump.  I’ve tried to “unsubscribe” – but, evidently, clicking that button only assures them they’re sending their propaganda to a real email address so, every day it’s “delete, delete, delete” and delete some more.  Today’s email from (I believe) “Patriot News” had its leading byline reading something like “Guess who else gave classified information to the Russians, think 43, 44.”

I rarely do anything but delete this garbage, but this one – well, I almost tried to figure out how to respond – but, my better senses took over and I stopped just in time.  The Trump enablers, almost to a “t,” use deflection as a way to justify one stupid blunder after another.  Usually, it’s “Hillary Clinton did this,” or “Hillary Clinton did that,” or “Barack Obama did ………….” – I think you get the point.  In most cases their stupidity is such that I choose to just “delete” and mark it up to some kind of Fox “news,” Rush Limbaugh, NRA conspiracy to keep unsuspecting “conservatives” across America in the dark.  However, some of the “stuff” Trump is doing just can’t continue to be “justified” because someone else did it so it’s OK for Trump.  In the case of sharing classified information, certainly other American presidents have shared classified information – even with the Russians.  Like in most areas, Trump either doesn’t understand the protocol or doesn’t care – neither choice is good.

In this case, Trump shared information of the HIGHEST level of classified labeling WITHOUT getting the approval of the entity (in this case Israel) who provided the intelligence for our nation.  That’s the difference and it’s a YUGE (using Bernie Sander’s adjective) difference!  Had Trump requested permission from the Israeli’s to pass this info to the Russians there would be – as the Trump people like to claim regarding the Russian “investigations” – “no there there.”  That he didn’t do that has led to reports that the Israeli’s (with whom he’s meeting as I’m writing this) were “furious” with Trump’s decision.  Additionally, it’s been reported that the sharing of that information with the Russians has put an Israeli “contact” inside Syria into “jeopardy.”  Should that person (or persons) come to harm, this “story” will “get legs.”  Additional “fallout” from Trump’s decision to share this info with the Russians were reports that other sources of intelligence around the world are considering “clamming up” with regard to America because they don’t trust Trump with the “secrets.”

People in other parts of the world are not stupid – despite the attempts of the right wing media to portray America as the only civilized nation in the world – or something to that affect.  Most of them are “shaking their heads” at what’s going on in the United States.  How on earth did this buffoon get elected president?  (Millions in America are wondering the same thing – that’s why there’s so much interest in the so-called “Russian investigations.”)  The Parliament in Briton held a vote as to whether they would even allow Trump to enter their country.  Trump’s election in America has led to several European countries voting against the white nationalist movement that was gaining steam in Europe before Trump took office (which I consider a plus – the movement is spurred on by white nationalists).  He has put the reality of this movement “front and center” – and, thankfully, most people around the world are rejecting it.  America will REJECT it as soon as “we the people” have the opportunity – which appears will be in the elections of 2018.  At that point in time we’ll find out if democrats have developed a “spine” and if they will do what – should they gain control of Congress – the republicans didn’t do prior to 2018.  (Consider me skeptical – I still remember democrats taking back the House in 2006 and refusing to impeach Bush/Cheney for the illegal TORTURE due to political expediency – I’m really hoping this WON’T be deja vu all over again)

If you can’t figure out what I meant when I somewhat predicted “what republicans didn’t do prior to 2018, here it is:  The republican party could end this nightmare by impeaching Trump.  So far, from what I can tell, there’s just a handful of republicans who are willing to “jump ship.”  They are clearly PROVING what I’ve been saying  for years – it’s all about the POWER with them.  They’re good at obstructing, they’re good at LYING to win elections, they’re smart and sophisticated when it comes to manipulating the political system, they believe the “end justifies the means” and they’re willing to do or say whatever it takes to win elections – BUT there’s one thing they’re very BAD at:  GOVERNING.  Republicans are proving under Trump they have no idea how to make government work.  Their idea of governing is cutting pretty much anything that provides help to someone in need, giving MORE and MORE tax cuts to the wealthiest Americans, and SPENDING unlimited amounts on the military to create more (MILITARY) “jobs, jobs, jobs.”  Of course, to justify all this spending, they need to keep us in ENDLESS wars.

Today, Trump’s budget proposal would cut almost $2 TRILLION from “the least of these” and GIVE $7 TRILLION to those who don’t need it – over the next 10 years.  The list of campaign promises Trump will have broken if he could somehow get this budget past the democrats in the Senate seems endless.  Let’s just say Trump is very comfortable with MILLIONS losing health insurance, food stamps, meals on wheels, school lunches, early childhood education, along with the demise of Medicaid, cuts to Medicare, and an surreptitious attack on Social Security.  Corporations that are already HORDING Trillions of dollars in profits from the Obama years will be laughing all the way to the bank.  Trump says “I’m smart,” but then he wonders why so many Americans are already sick of him – he wonders why our country is divided.  Honestly, he doesn’t seem that smart to me.

Here’s a view of how this all would play out from another angle: By the time republicans finish with their budget proposals if they can somehow cram them through Congress while they still have the majority, there’ll be something like 24 t0 30 MILLION Americans without access to health insurance over the next 10 years and an additional 7 to 10 TRILLION dollars added to our national debt.  In the case of the latter, they will either blame President Obama for the debt or they’ll take the line of Dick Cheney during the last republican give away to the wealthy (in 2001 and 2003 with massive tax cuts for the wealthy that, at the time, turned a $250 BILLION surplus into a $300 BILLION deficit – and, that was only because the two wars weren’t reported as part of the deficit) and say, “Ronald Reagan proved deficits don’t matter.”  Obviously, to republicans, deficits only matter when a democrat is in the White House.  (And, I might add, not one republican supported Bill Clinton’s budget which led to the YUGE surplus in the late 1990’s)

And, that doesn’t even look at the damage from the other proposed draconian cuts.  I spent the last half of my working life as a Middle School teacher in a high poverty school.  I could go on and on about the damage the cuts to school lunches, early childhood education, elimination of the support for children’s health, the cuts to Medicaid, the cuts to food stamps, etc. will have on those Americans living under the poverty line.  Honestly it makes me sick thinking there’s enough republicans who believe in “every man/woman for him/herself” – while virtually every one of them are part of the privileged few.  And, the saddest part (maybe the part that makes me the angriest) is that most of these people are in the positions they’re in because of what many refer to the “commons” that they want to undermine.  (and, I haven’t even brought up the environmental stuff, or the assault on regulatory agencies, or all the “science denials.”  The damage from Trump and his republican enablers, as I’ve said numerous times now, could be devastating!

People, including Trump, are talking/complaining about the reality that our nation is “divided.”  And, the truth is they’re correct – at least in pointing it out.  When you get a glimpse at these right wing websites like I’m getting every day in my inbox you can see why the nation is divided.  I believe it goes back to the election of Barack Obama.  What I certainly didn’t understand at that point in time was the underlying level of RACISM that still existed in America.  During my years as a middle school teacher, I was seeing 11 – 12 year old students who seemed to be “color blind.”  I worked for many years as the partner of an (incredible) African American teacher and we used to joke that students would constantly get our names mixed up.  Black or White didn’t seem to matter to them.  Obviously, President Obama was “before his time” as he tried to create an atmosphere where there was just “The United States of America.”  I believe those who clearly opposed him because of the color of his skin (and, Trump would be at the “head of the class” with the so-called “birther” movement) will ultimately garner a shameful place in American history.

America’s “greatness” has nothing to do with Trump’s “Make America Great” movement that is backed by White Nationalists, neo Nazis, members of the KKK, etc.  Whether those “conservatives” who ultimately jumped on Trump’s bandwagon want to admit it or not, they have chosen alignment with the aforementioned groups – and, no matter how this all turns out, they won’t be able to change that.  Some republicans may come to their senses and “jump ship” – but the longer they wait, the more damage Trump will do and they will have to share in the responsibility.   Seriously, when the “Russia thing” finally is fully public knowledge, the republicans supporting Trump will bear some of the responsibility – and, I’m guessing MOST Americans DON’T want Russia (or any other foreign nation) meddling in our elections – any American who would cooperate with something like that would be committing TREASON.  However, no matter the results of the “Russian Investigation” Trump has proven himself unfit to hold the office – he’s already, on several occasion tried to interfere with the investigations, and he’s proven he has no idea what he’s doing as president.

It will be interesting to see where “Patriot News,” Breitbart, and the other right wing sites like them stand if and when this Russia connection becomes irrefutable.  Are they actually wanting a “holy alliance” with Russia?  Of course, Trump has shown admiration for other hard core dictators around the world beside Vladimir Putin like Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey.  Just today I was reading about Enes Kanter, a basketball star in the NBA whose country of origin is Turkey.  Kanter is a critic of the Turkey DICTATOR Erdogan who’s responsible for the jailing and/or murder of hundreds of thousands of Turks, and he (Kanter) was recently in Europe promoting his foundation when the Turks canceled his passport and tried to get him returned to Turkey.  He suggests, had they succeeded, that would be the last we ever would have heard of him.  Of course, Trump is a supporter of Erdogan – evidently his crimes against “humanity” just like Putin’s are of no concern to Trump.

As I was reading the article (where Kanter said he wants to become an American citizen) something really interesting caught my eye – this at almost the exact same time I read an article of how Michael Flynn, Trump’s fired National Security advisor, was claiming the “fifth” as he refused to send subpoenaed materials to the Senate Intelligence Committee.  Kanter is a supporter of an exiled Turkish Muslim cleric named Fethullah Gulen who’s stationed in Pennsylvania and is leading the opposition to Erdogan from America.  Interestingly, I believe this is the man Flynn allegedly was conspiring with Turkish officials to kidnap and return to Turkey bypassing America protocol.  Flynn received over half a MILLION dollars in just a few months working on behalf of Erdogan, surreptitiously, in the United States while also working on Trump’s campaign and ultimately from Trump’s cabinet.  And, without reporting as a “foreign agent.”  Yikes!  Does anyone besides me wonder why Trump is such a fan of Michael Flynn?!

We got a good “up front and personal” viewpoint of how the Turks work last week as Erdogan was welcomed into Trump’s White House – to me, almost unbelievable on its face.  Of course, recently, Trump congratulated Erdogan for gaining an even stronger “grip” on Turkey’s society via what many reported as a bogus election, so it was no surprise he invited him to a “state visit.”  What I didn’t hear any Trump commentary on was what happened as Erdogan returned to his hotel after the visit.  There was a small group of protestors outside wherever it was that Erdogan was staying – and, instead of just ignoring them and returning to his suite, Erdogan’s “body guards” violently attacked the protestors and, in one scene that I saw, a couple Erdogan guards were KICKING a protester in the head as he was lying on the ground.  Other guards were wielding billy clubs and smashing people in the heads with the billy clubs.  John McCain suggested the Turkish ambassador should be kicked out of the country.  I didn’t hear anything from Trump.  I believe he admires people like Erdogan and part of his frustration is his lack of ability to respond to protests in like manner.

Honestly, I don’t expect much remorse from “Patriot News” if Trump is found to have conspired with the Russians to influence the election.  A more likely scenario, to me, will be that Trump’s financial dependence on Russian money – and, the possibility that he helped Russians “launder” large sums of money – will become public knowledge – which won’t bother those at “Patriot News” and their brethren either.  Whether or not any of the dealings are “illegal” will be irrelevant to those who think like me – if Trump is “vulnerable” to Russian influence – that is to say, if he’s an unwitting Russian “asset” – he shouldn’t be anywhere close to the “White House.”  I believe the part of the country that “Patriot News” appeals to will blame any negative findings on Obama, Clinton, or “liberals.”  Or, how about the media?  The truth won’t matter to them.

Those pushing sites like “Patriot News” are also those who are encouraging Americans to arm themselves to the “teeth,” they push stocking up on  the type of food rations that would suggest they’re the conspiracy theory people who think the government is the enemy.  These people want the benefits of government, but they don’t want to pay taxes and the only way they participate is to try to tear government down.  They used to be the “fringe” in American politics – but, evidently, the internet has given them a way to push their message on a grand scale – I have no idea how many have “bought into” their philosophy – but, the reality is that Donald Trump is president – so, they are way more than the “fringe” in today’s world.  God help us!

Final Thought:  I’m going to click “unsubscribe” once again, but I’m guessing the link doesn’t work.  Maybe I should keep the emails coming just to keep a sober realization of how the extreme right in America are thinking – and, to help me understand why the “divide” in America is not ending any time soon.

I got an email today forewarning me that Lawrence O’Donnell, the host of “The Last Word” on MSNBC will have his show canceled as of early June.  Unfortunately, I can’t say I’m surprised.  O’Donnell is probably the most knowledgeable cable “news” host there is when it comes to understanding the way our government works.  Also, he “tell it like it is.”  Most of what he predicts actually happens and, for people like me (I guess I’m a liberal), it’s refreshing to listen to someone who doesn’t “beat around the bush” when it comes to the American political scene.  Hopefully, O’Donnell will “land” somewhere and continue to be a voice for those of us who are fighting against the DAMAGE Donald Trump and the republicans who are enabling him can accomplish until “we the people” come to our senses and vote these people (Trump and his enablers) out of office.

I’ve written how MSNBC played a significant role in Trump’s ascension to the “White House” during last year’s campaign.  I had to turn them off because EVERY time I turned them on there was Trump, Trump, Trump.  In all my years of following politics I’ve never seen anything like how they allowed themselves to be “played” by Trump.  I could only guess at the amount of free publicity they gave him – all, in my view, for the purpose of pushing their ratings and generating as much income as possible from the election.  The outcome was irrelevant to them.  Now, many of the “hosts” on MSNBC are still enamored with Trump, but the present agenda is all the “breaking news” regarding the one Trump “foo-pah” after another.  While O’Donnell clearly is on the “never Trump” side the reality is that MSNBC is owned by Comcast.  Our “liberal media” is in the hands of about 9 or 10 “conservative” corporations – and, people like O’Donnell very possibly don’t sit well with whoever is on the board of directors.

Shortly after Comcast purchased NBC (“parent” to MSNBC) Keith Olberman was fired.  Now, I’ve heard many stories about Olberman being difficult to work with, but, to me, the reality was that he was too “liberal.”  I know nothing more about O’Donnell than he’s a very competent host of his program and he definitely seems to me to be a “liberal.”  One of my great fears is that these corporations who own our “liberal media” are, one by one getting rid of the true “liberal” spokespersons.  So, will Rachel Maddow be next?  And, then Chris Hayes?  I can tell you this, the rust belt in America and much of the South, from what I’ve heard are exposed to Fox “news” (which should be called GOP “news”) and right wing talkers like Limbaugh, Hannity, O’Reilly, Savage, and the like – and that’s it.  It’s no wonder they voted for Trump and it’s no wonder they’re the people in America who believe Trump’s preposterous claims about our “Fake news.”  (a strategy he took right from the Kremlin)

I’ve seen this coming.  Recently, MSNBC gave a prime time spot to Greta Van Susteren of Fox “news” fame.  I try to listen to her, but she’s clearly not been completely cleansed from the brainwashing that goes on at Fox.  And, the latest “addition” to the MSNBC “news” staff is Nicolle Wallace who was part of the Bush/Cheney administration and worked on John McCain’s staff during the 2008 election.  We, in America, make it seem like we’re the “land of the free” and we criticize other nations who don’t have “freedom of the press,” but, right before our eyes, an incredibly sophisticated propaganda scheme seems to be playing out.  If we get to the point where there’s just one perspective (“conservative” whatever that means these days) then for all intents and purposes you’ll have to look on the internet for anything resembling a “free press.”  And, I can guarantee you, there’s people working to control that venue as well.

Many people (like myself – in my naive way) want to think of MSNBC as the “liberal” alternative to Fox.  If you’re a “liberal” their messaging just sounds better (most of the time).  But, slowly, they seem to be purging the “liberals” from their airwaves and plugging in republicans – even if they’re “moderate” republicans.  Let’s face it – those who comprise the board of directors of Comcast are similar to any other corporate “heads” in America and, it’s all about the bottom line, shareholders are supreme, and their role as the “fourth estate” is seemingly secondary.

We’re in a critical time in American history and people like me are concerned that the foundation of our republic is under assault and “we the people” MUST do whatever we can to stop the Russians, any other country which would attempt to interfere with our “free” elections, and the Trump people who have conspired with the Russians during the last election.  People like O’Donnell have the knowledge to understand what is actually happening to “we the people” and taking him off the air says volumes about Comcast and NBC.  His willingness to “tell it like it is” most likely will be his undoing with the corporate “heads.”

I believe there are members of the staff of MSNBC who understand the role they played in enabling the success of Donald Trump.  The HUGE amount of free airtime they gave Trump – I mean, they played numerous Trump speeches on the campaign trail from start to finish – I’ve never seen anything like that before – helping to give him “legitimacy” in the eyes of who knows how many Americans.  Remember, Trump LOST the popular vote by almost 3 MILLION votes and carried the electoral college by a razor thin margin in several key states.  It didn’t take much to turn several key states from “blue” to “red.”  For example, Chris Matthews and Chuck Todd, who I’ve referenced in frustration many times (saying Matthews should “know better” because he worked for democrats for years as a staffer and speech writer) now, I believe, fully understand the DANGER Trump presents to our nation and, I have to believe they have some level of remorse for their role in enabling him.  Their “tune” has changed now that Trump’s incompetence and arrogant behavior is undeniable and they are no longer “coddling” him, but it will be interesting to see if O’Donnell’s departure affects their messaging going forward.  I’m sure they want to keep their jobs.

Another thing that will be interesting – I just thought of this, I don’t watch much “regular” TV but, Trump, I believe, had a show on NBC – will be if Trump has any “sway” with the people “upstairs” at NBC.  Could he be the reason they’re letting O’Donnell “go?”  Honestly, that wouldn’t surprise me.  Just log into the stock market news (I usually log into “Yahoo Finance”) and you’ll see a very different view of Trump.  From what I can tell, those on Wall Street could care less how Trump got elected.  What they care about is whether or not he can cut their taxes and repeal regulations that were invoked after they almost destroyed the economy in 2007-08.  Just like with the “heads” at Comcast, It’s all about the money.  And, by further reducing the “voices” heard by “we the people” they can more easily continue with their brainwashing “every day Americans” into thinking that by giving Wall Street executives MILLIONS in tax cuts we’re all going to get better jobs.  That foolish nonsense didn’t make sense when Reagan initiated it in the 80’s, it hasn’t made sense since Reagan, and it doesn’t make sense today – but, go figure – republicans are still getting away with it and they, and their benefactors, are “laughing all the way to the bank.”  (The way they get away with it is brainwashing via right wing media – I have to wonder, is MSNBC headed in that direction?)

It’s people like Lawrence O’Donnell who are willing to expose the THEFT of America’s resources taking place in the highest levels of America’s corporate hierarchy and, by extension, via republicans in Congress, which makes him dangerous to them.  If you read this post and you agree, please write to letters@msnbc.com  and state your concerns (I’ve already done so).  You could call 212-664-4444 to share your concern.  Honestly, I wouldn’t want ALL “liberal” voices on the air – I’m fine with others disagreeing with me.  (It’s nice when you can actually dialogue about differences without getting angry)  I just feel that the purging of liberal voices from the airwaves is a conspiracy that goes beyond the bottom line of corporations.

Years ago, in my local market (Portland. Oregon) there was a radio station “on the left side of the dial” that had “progressive talk.”  During one of President Obama’s campaigns, I believe it was the one against Mitt Romney, the station was closed down and replaced by ANOTHER sports talk station.  What was most interesting to me related to the justification based on “ratings.”  Of course, after “ratings” was given as the excuse to why they made the programming change it became public knowledge that the “progressive talk” programming had 8 times the audience of the sports talk programming.  I believe the same can be said for “The Last Word.”  I’m pretty sure, based on what I’ve heard, that the ratings for MSNBC during O’Donnell’s time on the air have gone WAY UP.  Supposedly, there are days when he “beats” Sean Hannity who is in the same time slot at Fox.  That would have been unheard of prior to this year.  So, why would MSNBC cancel a show (“The Last Word”) that’s getting progressively more popular?  I’m going to call that number above and ask that question for myself.

Yesterday I heard (and read) how Donald Trump believes the “Russia investigation” is the greatest “witch hunt of a politician” in American history.  The first thought that came to my mind was what is a “witch hunt?”  So, I “googled” it and this was the answer:

Witch Hunt: “The searching out and deliberate harassment of those (such as political opponents) with unpopular views.”  OK, I “get” that Trump has “unpopular views” – I mean, when you really think about it he’s angered MILLIONS by pushing a “health care” bill that’s really a tax cut and will take health insurance from them (approximately 24 MILLION according to the last estimate I read) and it will damage Medicare and possibly destroy Medicaid; he’s attacking the environment in numerous ways – which would include brazenly opening several “treasured” American “landmarks” to oil drilling; he has a history of racism and misogyny;  he’s “overflowing” the “swamp” instead of “draining” it, and he’s LIED so much that the only people who still believe ANYTHING he says are the ones who watch Fox “news” or listen to the many “conservative” (whatever that word means anymore) “talker” broadcasts that permeate the radio airwaves.  For example, the LYING of Rush Limbaugh has been documented many times over, but the so-called “ditto heads” continue allowing him into their brains.  Limbaugh’s and Fox’s audience make up a significant portion of Trump’s “base.”They probably believe the investigations are a “witch hunt” and Trump has very strategically convinced them the “media” is “Fake news.” (Of course, they believe that Fox is “real news” – it’s the others who are “fake”)

The problem for Trump is there are still “adults in the room” in Washington DC and around the nation.  As one person put it the other day, “If it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck, it’s very probably a duck.”  The “circumstantial evidence” surrounding Trump and his surrogates during the campaign and during his first four months in office is overwhelming.  It’s NOT  a witch hunt when people KNOW, for example, the Russians “intruded” in our election with the intent to help Trump and hurt Mrs. Clinton.  I could go on about ALL the evidence that would suggest the Trump campaign was “colluding” with the Russians, but whether it’s true or not – it’s IMPERATIVE that “we the people” find out.  You would think that if Trump really was “innocent” and, as he says, wants to get this behind him as soon as possible that he wouldn’t be LYING, his surrogates wouldn’t be LYING, and he’d welcome a non-partisan investigation which is what most people think will happen with the “special counsel” Robert Mueller.

Here’s what to me would actually qualify as a “witch hunt” – as long as Trump brought this up.  Say for example the American people somehow managed to elect a President who descended from an African American – like, say Barack Obama.  Now, picture some person leading a campaign questioning whether or not this person was an actual American citizen and therefore eligible to be president.  For example, say this person would demand a BIRTH CERTIFICATE for this person, evidently because the person was NOT white!  And, picture if this person persisted in this “birtherism” for, maybe, up to FIVE years playing to the dark side of millions of citizens – despite clear evidence (which no “white” president has ever been publicly expected to produce) that this president was born in, say, Hawaii – just to paint a hypothetical scenario.  Even after a birth certificate (that no other president has ever had to produce) was published this person persists in claiming that the president is an “illegal alien” and not eligible to inhabit the “White House.”  Now, if something like that would ever happen – THAT would be a WITCH HUNT!  Based on his comments yesterday, I’m sure Trump would NEVER participate in an actual “witch hunt.”

Donald Trump is the MASTER at projection.  When he accuses someone else of something, his records need to be checked.  I mean, it’s getting a bit ridiculous on all the hypocrisy coming from Mr. Trump and those who surround him.  Just last week Trump revealed sensitive CLASSIFIED information – which, it’s true, he’s the ONLY person who can declassify anything he wants – to, of all people, the Foreign Minister of Russian AND the Russian “ambassador” who is in the middle of much of the collusion “stuff.”  After claiming Hillary Clinton should be “locked up” for using a private email server that “could possibly” compromise “classified” information, well, you probably “get” where I’m going with this one – to me, giving it outright to an adversary is well beyond “Clintonish.”  (Of course, the question then becomes; does Trump consider the Russians as “adversaries?”)

And speaking of “lock her up,” Trump reportedly is continuing his “relationship” with Michael Flynn – to the point of contacting him against the orders of his legal counsel, encouraging Flynn to “stay strong” (think about that one – what do you think Trump means by that?) and suggesting there will be a job in the White House waiting for Flynn once all the investigations are over.  Of course, Flynn’s major objective right now is to avoid a judge or jury saying “lock him up” which could be tricky “water” to “tread.”  I mean, just from what is public knowledge Flynn is going to need a compassionate judge or jury to avoid jail time (or a pardon by Mr. Trump – do you think that thought has anything to do with “stay strong?”).

Then there’s Paul Manafort.  Yikes!  This guy’s also got some serious “issues.”  When I observe what’s going on with Manafort I think that Trump my be the “vehicle” that discourages uber wealthy pontificaters from seeking high public office.  As I’ve said a few time in prior posts, I feel Trump is WAY in over his head in thinking “he’s the only one who can save America” – or that he’s going to “Make America great again.”  It appears Manafort’s monetary dealings with Ukraine and Russia are going to get a “review” that wouldn’t have happened without his participating in the Trump campaign.  To this day I’m guessing NONE of them, Trump included, thought he had any chance of “winning” and now the “ship’s coming in.”  Trump didn’t “vet,” apparently, anyone who came “on board” his campaign.  The fallout from that is going to be severe – for Trump and those who he allowed in and shouldn’t have.

In fact, I’m convinced that even if Trump has no connections to, or had no knowledge of, the collusion with the Russians, other aspects of his “empire” are about to be “investigated” and the likelihood that Trump’s been doing some “naughty” stuff along the way, it seems to me, is likely to be exposed.  Take for example, money laundering.  No, that’s not taking your cash to the laundry and running it through a cycle – that’ working with someone else to HIDE money – where it came from or where it’s going.  Here’s an example that could be possible “money laundering.”  Say someone purchased an estate in Florida, for example, at an enormous price – like something like 45 MILLION dollars – never moved in and then, maybe a year or two later, sold the same property to – maybe – a Russian “oligarch” who’s trying to hide large amounts of money from someone – for 100 MILLION dollars.  Now, I’m not smart enough to put all this together, but I’m guessing if someone did something like that they wouldn’t want, for example, someone like Robert Mueller, checking it out.

“Special Counsels” usually have a very wide latitude for their investigations.  In other words, they follow the “FACTS” wherever they lead.  If you’ve been paying attention to the “Russian investigation” you’ve probably heard that phrase.  That’s exactly why I believe Trump is using the term “witch hunt.”  No matter his involvement in the “Russia thing” I believe the reason he’s been unwilling to release his tax returns is because he doesn’t want ANYONE “snooping” around in his business.  I have a feeling lots of “stuff” is going to come out that has nothing to do with the “collusion” in the campaign.  It may tell a story about Trump’s “connection” to Russia – and, explain why he’s such a fan of Vladimir Putin – I’m guessing there’s a financial “connection.”  Also, there’s other countries around the world where Trump is doing business and I’m sure he wants “we the people” to know NONE of the details of that.  It’s going to get interesting at some point.

So, what Trump calls a “witch hunt” is not likely to end any time soon – and, it will be interesting how this affects the draconian agenda the republicans are attempting to cram through congress.  Trump, yesterday, claimed the “special counsel” is causing a “divide” in our nation.  As I’ve stated here, it’s Trump’s agenda – which the republicans are wholly “on board” with – that is dividing the country.  And, apparently, it’s going to get worse before it gets better.  Republicans will continue to push this right wing “stuff” – democrats will fight them tooth and nail – and it’s likely not much will get done (although, I have to admit, I don’t know how much of the republican “agenda” will require 60 votes in the Senate).   As I stated in my previous post, the “special counsel” will likely give Trump more time before he has to face the reality of all the investigations – so, there could be a lot more damage done to “we the people.”  However, every day republicans put up with Trump is a day closer to 2018 when “we the people” will have the opportunity to correct this problem.

Final Thought:  I’ve said several times that, in Washington DC, Trump’s in “over his head.”  Here’s an example:  Trump thought people would be happy when he fired James Comey.  He claimed Comey was unpopular with the FBI.  He sent Sarah Huckabee Sanders out to claim “numerous FBI agents have thanked us for firing Comey.”  Well, it appears the TRUTH is that Comey was revered in the FBI and he left behind a lot of written memos regarding EVERY interaction he had with Trump.  And, those in the FBI who are unhappy Comey was fired have a lot of “ammunition” to “get” Trump.  Trump’s bullying ways are coming back to haunt him – and, in my view, he’s no match for those in the FBI and intelligence community.  It was foolhardy of Trump to antagonize them prior to and after taking office.  Again, he’s in WAY over his head!

Virtually every time I force myself to listen to Donald Trump speak the word “pontification” comes to my mind.  Today, I decided to look up the meaning so I “googled” the word and the “Urban Dictionary” says this:

Pontification: “The act of speaking out for the purpose of hearing oneself speak.
Posturing…speaking to people that don’t really care what you say one way or another since you’re speaking solely to front yourself as “someone in charge”.
Speech or written communication that is generally pointless except to cast favorable light upon the speaker or author as if the message were a pronouncement from on high.
Usually full of shit.”  Generally, I don’t use that kind of language (the final sentence although, I have to admit, there have been times after hearing Trump speak I’ve thought it) but after reading the definition I understood why that word (pontification) keeps coming to mind.

Yesterday, I heard excerpts of Trump speaking at the commencement of the Coast Guard Academy and, true to form, he was “pontificating” about how he’s the most attacked president, by the media, in the “history of the United States.”  Actually, I’m the same age as Trump so I have had access to the same period of history regarding the “contemporary” part of that comment – and, very probably, have at least as much understanding of American history as Trump.  My first thought coincides with the last sentence in the definition referred to above.  At this point in time, I think for Trump the best way to state it is “you haven’t seen ‘nothin’ yet.'”

For those of us who witnessed the Watergate scandal that led to the resignation of Richard Nixon I believe it’s fairly easy to say that the negative reporting (from Trump’s perspective) is in the infant stages.  Yesterday, a “special counsel” was appointed by Rob Rosenstein, he of the now infamous “memo” leading to the firing of James Comey, and from my experience in following politics that appointment did a couple serious “things.”  First, I believe it will give Trump more time in the White House – if, as many believe, he’s legally vulnerable.  The counsel, Robert Mueller, will need time to get a staff, get sufficient funding, and, basically, review all the evidence that is already in the “pipeline” regarding the alleged “Russian collusion” by members of the Trump campaign before he can “start.”  Also, Mueller, most believe, is expert at “keeping the lid” on his work and “we the people” very might have no idea what the result of his investigation will be until it is completed.  One way or the other, this will give Trump time and it means lots of media “drama.”

Now, Trump has repeatedly shown that he’s expert at “shooting himself in the foot” with his random tweeting and foolish comments to the press along with a clear demonstration to all who are paying attention of his incompetence when it comes to governing.  One of my main concerns since the day Trump was elected was how much DAMAGE he would be able to inflict on “we the people” before republicans say “enough already” and remove him from office.  With the special counsel that day very likely has moved farther along on the calendar.  Personally, (I’m just a retired school teacher) I don’t know how the “special counsel” affects the Congressional committees (that have very low “approval” regarding their ability to act fairly) which quite possibly could be the source of information that would lead to an impeachment inquiry.  I believe it’s possible, for example, that Mueller’s investigation could prevent James Comey from testifying in open session before either of the Congressional Intelligence committees (or the other committees who would like to “grill” him) and it could prevent the “so-called” memos Comey was writing each time he encountered conversations with Trump from becoming public.

For example, the alleged memo that states Trump attempted to get Comey to stop the investigation into Michael Flynn, if it’s actually true, could be enough to get Trump impeached.  Most people would consider that “obstruction of justice.”  And, who do you think will be believed, Trump or Comey? Trump, himself, admitted to asking Comey on three different occasions if he was under investigation – once in a setting where Trump said Comey was attempting to keep his job (whatever that meant – if you’ve read many of my posts you know I don’t believe a single word coming from Trump’s mouth).  The reality is that Trump is in pretty deep whether he participated in any collusion or not.  As Richard Nixon found out “the cover up is usually worse than the crime.”  In this instance, if there was a crime, it’s REALLY a bad one, because I believe colluding with the Russians to swing an election would be TREASON.  And, that’s BAD!

Curiously, (and, in my mind, stupidly) Trump continues to support Flynn publicly and today it was reported that a few days ago Trump contacted Flynn to encourage him to “stay strong.”  So far, I haven’t heard anyone having the same reaction I’ve had to that little “tidbit” – but, to me Trump talking to Flynn at all is a HUGE RED FLAG.  Why would he be encouraging Flynn to “stay strong?”  If Flynn is innocent of any wrongdoing (well, we know that’s not true) he should just tell the truth – no problem, right?  I’m guessing there’s some kind of “arrangement” with Flynn to assure him if he gets to the point where anyone’s chanting “lock him up” (as he famously did against Hillary Clinton at the Republican Convention last year) Trump has the authority to “pardon” him.  If you remember the Bush/Cheney administration we had a good example of how the executive can protect those who “take one for the team.”

Scooter Libby was convicted of lying to prosecutors in the case where Valerie Plame, a CIA operative, was “outed” as retribution for her husband telling the truth about uranium and the country of Niger.  To me, there was no way Libby should have been the one “prosecuted” for an offense that could possibly have put many lives of CIA operatives at risk (we’ll likely never know).  I believed then and I still believe the person responsible for “outing” Plame was none other than Vice President Dick Cheney himself.  Of course, Cheney is as sly as they come and, again, Libby “took one for the team.”  GW Bush “commuted” his sentence (instead of pardoning him – which would have been too obvious) and Libby went down as the “good soldier.”  I’m suspecting there’s some kind of arrangement for Flynn via Trump and we’ll never hear the full story from Mr. Flynn – especially if he’s facing the “lock him up” ending to the story.  And, mark my words, if Flynn is found guilty of any crime, Trump will pardon him.  Trump isn’t nearly as subtle as Bush/Cheney – so, I believe it will be a full pardon.  (I mean, why else would they still be having “stay strong” conversations?)

Today, I forced myself to listen to a couple minutes of Trump’s (pontificating) comments after meeting with the President of Colombia.  True to form he was referring to all the “wonderful” things that have been accomplished already in his administration.  “All the jobs with Ford and GM” (as if they actually exist or they’re the result of something he did?), and all the “wonderful” things we’re going to get done.  Massive tax cuts, health care, and massively building up our military.  Essentially, even though I believe democrats can block almost all of his intentions, just listening to him makes my stomach queezy.  Like, “We’re going to enact the greatest tax cut in the history of America.”  Yikes!  (of course, that would include his “health care” bill, which is really one YUGE – in the words of Bernie Sanders _ tax cut)  If he would get his way, the deficit hawks in the republican party would have another $10 TRILLION or more to blame on the next democratic president – and, more than likely a disastrous economic meltdown to blame on President Obama – trust me, they’ll find a way)

Most people are realizing, at this point, that the Russians succeeded beyond – very probably – their wildest dreams in undermining our democratic institutions.  I don’t for a minute believe they thought they’d actually succeed in getting Trump elected – I believe their vision was to drive the divisions in this nation in a way to make another Clinton presidency a failure.  Obviously the Russians have a clear understanding of how insecure Americans are right now.  Republicans have played to the fears of Americans after 9/11 to cause “we the people” to allow government intrusion past the previous boundaries – “in order to keep us safe” –   Trump has adopted the “strategies” of the Russian “oligarchs” – attack the media on one hand and claim the media is putting out “Fake news” – and, then, on the other hand, participate in putting out “fake news.”  The end justifies the means – and, the “end” is POWER.

Every time I hear Trump speak I have to wonder how so many Americans could have been fooled into voting him into office (history will likely say the reason was Hillary Clinton).  I’ve said many times I believe Trump to be the epitome of a narcissist – here’s the meaning:  Narcissism is the pursuit of gratification from vanity or egotistic admiration of one’s own attributes.  Trump doesn’t need anyone else “patting him on the back” because he’s too busy doing it to himself.  So, it shouldn’t have surprised me when I read the definition of pontification – a word I’d heard used over the years but had never given much thought to – why I think of that word virtually every time I listen to Trump.  It’s like his “point” is ALWAYS to draw favoritism to himself.   There’s an old biblical proverb: “The FOOL is the one who thinks he knows, the WISE man is one who knows he doesn’t know.”  I’ll let you decide how this applies to Trump.  (OK, it could – and does – apply to all of us – very much including me, but we’re not president)

As Trump’s presidency has progressed I’ve noticed he appears angrier and angrier each and every time I see him.  His face seems to always have at best a stern look and at worst it’s bright red as if he’s ready to bite someone’s face off.  The rumors of what it’s like inside the White House tell of yelling and cursing at his aides and you can see the tension on their faces every time they face a camera.  There seems to be no joy.  Except for ONE time!  Last week, at the urging of Vladimir Putin, Trump welcomed a couple Russian diplomats, one being the “Ambassador” (spy) that had secret meetings that were LIED about by several Trump surrogates, including his son-in-law Jared Kushner, Attorney General Sessions, and former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn, and the other being the  Russian Foreign Minister who actually joked about FBI director Comey’s firing as he entered the “Oval Office.”

True to form, there were no American press representatives in the meeting, so it probably seemed likely to Trump that nothing would come of it – like maybe no one would even know the meeting took place (one day after Trump admitted to FIRING Jim Comey because of the Russian investigation).  What was originally the hardest part of all this for me to process was that the only way “we the people” found out about the meeting was through the Russian News Agency TASS.  On their website were numerous photos of Trump, the Ambassador, and the Foreign Minister evidently having a wonderful time.  It took a while to dawn on me, but that was the first time I could remember seeing Trump with a broad smile on his face since his early days in office.  Obviously, the “optics” came across as Trump being in friendly company.  On the heels of the Russian interference in our election and the investigations into the Trump campaign’s possible collusion this did not make things look better for Trump.

At the time, to me, it was simply another example of the arrogance of Trump as if he can do whatever he chooses and he’ll be given a “free pass.”  It appears to me Trump believes the republicans are either afraid to “check” him or he foolishly believes they’re in “accord” with him.  As I’ve said many times since the election, I believe republicans will “put up” with Trump only as long as he’s not endangering their own positions – which is getting REALLY close as I’m writing this.  Depending on how “deep” the trouble is, I believe republicans may already be close to the end of the “plank.”  Trump was all smiles in his dealings with the two Russians, but I don’t for a minute believe there’s many in his “base” who will continue “smiling” with him if the evidence turns “south” on these investigations.  I can’t imagine Americans being OK with political leaders committing treasonous acts – and, at some point, even the republicans in Congress are going to have to face the reality of Trump’s folly.

Even if Trump is totally innocent of any collusion with the Russians during the election, his incompetence is putting America in a very vulnerable situation.  There is nothing remotely funny about all this.  And, while republicans are deciding how long to put up with Trump’s nonsense, “we the people” are watching his surrogates undermine their own credibility by CONSTANTLY LYING to the American people.  It’s as if they don’t understand “we the people” want to know what’s going on with our government and we want our government functioning efficiently. The other day I watched deputy press secretary Sarah Sanders essentially lashing out at the press corps with a stern angry face – all they while she was damaging herself by attempting to defend Trump’s (and hers and the others) LYING.  Trump and his “team” are near the point where they’ve lost ALL credibility.

One of the reasons Trump’s in the White House is the frustration – misplaced as it was – with so many Americans at the dysfunction in Washington DC.  However, right wing media outlets successfully put the blame on President Obama for all the OBSTRUCTION that was the publicly stated strategy of Mitch McConnell and the republicans in the House.  McConnell was filibustering anything coming from Obama’s White House and republicans in the House were not only blocking Obama’s agenda, but they were busy working to undermine Hillary Clinton for several years before the 2016 campaign.  Unbeknownst to them (I’m sure) they were working in concert with the Russians on that “front.”  As we look back, there was some really bizarre behavior by Trump and his surrogates during the campaign that is coming back to “haunt” them.  A couple examples off the top of my head:  Mike Flynn leading the “lock her up” chant and Trump calling Mrs.Clinton “Crooked Hillary.”  The topper may end up being Trump continually accusing Mrs. Clinton of being unfit for office because of allegedly (and carelessly) compromising “classified information.”  I personally heard him on that one several times.

So, speaking of carelessly leaking “classified information,” every day there seems to be another revelation about Trump that just makes me shake my head and wonder how long is this charade going to continue?  Today, it was the report that during the aforementioned meeting in the White House with the two Russians, Trump, himself, leaked Classified information of the highest order – and, to the Russians yet.  Had anyone else done this it would be a criminal offense, but since the president can de-classify anything he/she wants he’ll get away with another absurd FOLLY.  However, the fact he can’t be legally held responsible for leaking Classified information, he’s potentially harmed the nation’s security in, to this point, undetermined levels.  The reports state that this information was sensitive enough that our “allies” (who are actually watching all this – maybe closer than many Americans) may decide to refrain from passing information to American intelligence out of fear that Trump will pass it on to our adversaries (this information apparently came from strategically placed allies who may now be able to be uncovered by the Russians).  To me, whether Trump did this unknowingly (some reports suggest he was bragging) or not is irrelevant.   He’s the president and it’s becoming clear that none of us, republicans, democrats, independents, libertarians, and you name it are “safer” with Trump in the White House.  The question in my mind:  “Is he a buffoon or a turncoat?”

Virtually no one believes anything that is said by Trump or any of his surrogates – they’ve all proven a willingness to LIE for this president – and, there’s going to be a time, probably sooner rather than later, when a REAL crisis will emerge and America is going to be extremely vulnerable and no one will believe a word coming from Trump’s or his minion’s mouths.  For heaven’s sake: Trump is the “Commander in Chief” – process that for a few minutes.  It’s SCARY.  The man not only doesn’t know what he’s doing, he’s irrational, he’s narcissistic beyond imagination, and he’s a pathological liar – which means he actually believes his own lies as the words are spewing out of his mouth.  You can tell watching him speak – he’s making things up as he goes – and, afterward he tries to twist reality in a futile attempt to make the latest LIE not be a LIE.  That’s how classic LIARS work and he’s a danger to “we the people.”  Come on republicans, do the right thing!  AT this point the “secret’s out” – so, republicans are now complicit if they don’t stop this man from doing more damage to our country.

Unfortunately, Mike Pense has been compromised because he’s been caught LYING for the Trump cause on several occasions.  And, the way Pense LIES shows a man with a strong lack of character – and he’s next in line!  Yikes!  After Pense, in the “chain of command” comes Paul Ryan – another incredible LIAR.  I’ve watched him carefully as he attempts to hide a HUGE tax cut for the wealthiest Americans inside a “health care bill” that robs MILLIONS of Americans from access to health insurance and his willingness to LIE is also alarming.  I know most people say “all politicians lie” – but, this year it’s gotten to the ridiculous stage.  President Obama, no doubt, spun issues – but, for the most part, he told it like it was.  Even George W Bush is looking much better to me (minus Dick Cheney).  The Russians succeeded in undermining our “democracy” (it’s actually a republic) and the turmoil we’re dealing with is likely to be putting smiles on Vladimir Putin’s face and it could last at least until 2020.  It’s just that if Trump is allowed to continue “flipping off” our constitution the damage could become almost irreparable.  This could get a lot worse in a HURRY.

There’s NO WAY the Justice department, under the direction of Jeff Sessions and Rob Rosenstein can lead what’s left of the investigation into the Russian interference in our election and Trump’s connection to it and have any semblance of support from the America people.  There needs to be a “special prosecutor” who has the resources to bring all of the investigations to a close – and it needs to get started forthwith.  Also, as much of the investigation that can be done in public needs to be done in public.  This is a potential crossroads in American history.  Regardless of how any investigation turns out (and, hopefully, there was no collusion – although the circumstantial evidence that’s been made public to this point would suggest otherwise) the reality is that we have a president who is not able to do the job.  America can not endure four more years of this – the man doesn’t appear to have learned ONE thing since the first day he took office – and, it’s on the republicans to do something about it.  They wanted the majorities – you know, their “permanent republican majority” as Karl Rove called it – well, now they have it and it’s on them to act in a way that puts this nation’s interests above their party.

When all is said and done on this low-point in American history “we the people” have to hope that our “leaders” do, what at this point in time seems impossible, but as the saying goes “turn a lemon into lemonade.”  It’s time for the partisan infighting to come to an end and it’s time for the needs of the American people to supersede the wishes of the Corporate donors who’ve flooded Washington DC with TRILLIONS of dollars designed to create an atmosphere where the American people are fighting over “wedge issues” while the wealthy elite are plundering even more of he wealth of our inheritance – ie this nation.  If that requires republicans who are supporting the anti New Deal push of the last 35 years to be voted out then so be it.  But, ideally, this episode with Trump will cause many in Washington to realize their jobs are to do what’s right for the American people and that they don’t work for those who have the dollars to fund their re-election bids.  And, it would require democrats who understand that they, too, represent “we the people,” and NO ONE should be disqualified because of a difference in fundamental belief – ie the abortion issue.

I have breakfast almost every week with a friend of mine who (foolishly :o) voted for Trump and a person who sees the world entirely different than myself.  However, we first off realize there’s a “higher power” than us and all of this (to us it’s Jesus) and secondly we understand we can see things differently and still have great and productive discussions about the “issues of the day.”  I often call him a “whack job” and he simply calls me a “liberal” (which, evidently in “conservative” circles is worst than a “whack job” :o).  But, we do it in love and we can laugh at each other while we’re doing it.  Often, we long for the day when our “leaders” can come to the same place – where the different views are OK and the search for solutions lies somewhere in the “middle.”  Many in Washington DC, especially on the “right,” see “compromise” as a “dirty word.”  That’s bad.  Until we in America can get back to a place where our nation is once again a “we” society, this partisan “bickering” will continue.  People around the world are watching and the “terrorists” and the Russians are using our own insecurities to destabilize our government.

Final thought: As many have said over the years, the only way America can be defeated is from within.  Let’s hope our Congress realizes this before it’s too late!

If you’re reading this and you don’t understand that the reason Donald Trump fired Jim Comey, the director of the FBI, was because he (Trump) wants to impede – in fact, STOP – the investigation into the Russian interference with our election, you need to listen to the interview Trump (curiously) gave to Lester Holt of NBC a day or so after the firing.  In the interview, Trump essentially admitted to doing just that.  In my previous post I pointed out my contention that when Comey said he was “slightly nauseous thinking his actions 11 days prior to the 2016 election may have impacted the election” – meaning, in Trump’s eyes, it makes Comey sick to his stomach thinking he may be the reason this narcissistic, lying racist is president – was the final “trigger” for Trump.  I believe, at that point, Trump realized Comey was going to do him no favors in the investigation and very likely would “follow the evidence wherever it leads.”  Trump is smart enough to know that’s a bad deal for him.

Now the question becomes, “will Trump get away with it?”  And, sadly, the answer to that question may lie almost totally in the hands of the republicans – all of whom took an oath to “defend the constitution” when they accepted the responsibility of their office – but, I’m certainly not one who fails to see the level of CORRUPTION in Washington DC with all the money flowing into the “coffers” of our “representatives.”  I’ve mentioned several times on this site that I believe Trump will last only as long as it seems expedient to the republican leadership in Congress – because, their number one goal is to win reelection again and again.  The situation in the House should get real interesting if Trump is allowed to continue this disastrous course because they ALL will face the voters in 2018.  I’m guessing the 2018 election could be a landslide of historic proportions if Trump is allowed to continue his arrogant disregard for “we the people.”

The last poll I heard said Trump is now down to 36% approval which is EXTREMELY low for a president in his first 3 months in office.  If he continues to “tank” in the polls these republicans will be fighting to save their own “skins” before too long.  But, we have to wonder what actually will it take to get their attention.  Think of all the votes they’ve taken over the years where they disregard enormous consensus among the American people – and, then successfully BLAME the democrats (over the past 8 years it was always President Obama’s fault – they can’t blame him now – well, actually, they’re still doing it, but more and more Americans are seeing the absurdity in that strategy – FINALLY) – for example, had the “public option” passed in the “Affordable Care Act” (ACA) we wouldn’t be having the issue today with the “health care crisis.”  That, in itself, would have helped to solve many of the problems facing our health care system and it would have put us MUCH CLOSER to a “single payer” system which is the real solution to the problem.  Republicans have been blocking that idea since the end of WW II and are likely to continue doing so because of the aforementioned CORRUPTION (money) flowing into the nation’s capital.  But, I digress.

Trump spent five years claiming President Obama was an illegal alien – that wasn’t enough to disqualify him in the minds of his “base” – despite the absurdity (unless you’re a total racist) of the “claim.”  Most Americans saw first hand as Trump, himself, admitted to sexual predator behavior in the “Access Hollywood Tapes” – behavior that has had numerous confirmations from various women – including teenagers from the Junior Miss America pageant – and, in the minds of republicans and his “base” that didn’t disqualify him (despite the CLAIM of those in his base that they’re the “moral majority” or the party of “family values” – Trump, this weekend actually gave the commencement address at Liberty University – a right wing Christian University – is it any wonder why so many “millennial’s” are turning away from Christianity?)

Trump ORDERED his press secretary to make an absurd LIE about the size of the crowd at his inauguration – to most I know in his base – no big deal, “all politicians lie.”  He fabricated another “whopper” about 3 – 5 ILLEGAL aliens ALL voting for Hillary Clinton as the reason he LOST the popular vote by 3 MILLION votes – that didn’t seem to bother his “base” (and, I’m not talking about the FACT he LOST the popular vote – the LYING didn’t [and doesn’t] seem to bother them at all – including the republicans in Congress).  Trump has lied so many times that it’s hard to keep up with all of them and I’m absolutely CERTAIN that we don’t even know about many of the LIES.  For example, I don’t believe for a minute that Mike Flynn was negotiating about “sanctions” with the Russian “ambassador” without Trump’s knowledge.  That’s a LIE we’re still to “learn” about.  I don’t believe Flynn lied to Vice President Pense either – despite that being the “reason” he was fired.  I believe Flynn was following orders when he met with the “Ambassador” and he’s “taking one for the team” after being “outed.”  If you haven’t noticed, Trump continues supporting Flynn despite ALL the evidence implying the FBI should “lock him up.”  Do you think Trump doesn’t want Flynn to “tell his story?”

You would surmise Flynn would know he’d be “taped” by the NSA in any discussions with Russian “Ambassadors” (they’re almost always spies – and, by the way, Trump let this same guy – spy – into the Oval Office recently with an entourage of Russian journalists who some say could have “bugged” the “Oval Office”) but it’s likely something Trump would have “missed.”  Regarding allowing the Russians into the White House just a day or so after firing Comey was also “bad optics.”  But, apparently, Trump is going to have to either be caught “red handed” in the collusion investigation or just get REALLY REALLY stupid before his republican cohorts in Congress notice that he’s really messing up this country.  Obviously, the whole Russian scandal isn’t enough to get republicans in Congress to take notice and Trump continues to get support from his “base” – although the support is weakening.  I’m not sure how low it will have to get before Congressional republicans take notice.  Again, my belief is they’ll put up with this absurd nonsense until their own jobs are in jeopardy.  (A similar scenario occurred in the Bush/Cheney era as Iraq was invaded using a “credit card” pushing the national debt skyward and “conservatives” looked the other way)

I could go on and on about the LYING and how it hasn’t seemed to affect a significant portion of Trump’s “base.”  I believe Mitch McConnell and Paul Ryan continue to hold out hope they can CRAM as much of their cold hearted agenda through Congress as possible and they believe, and I think they’re absolutely correct, that Trump will sign ANYTHING with the thought he will be able to “claim victory” – even if he has NO IDEA what he’s signing – like with the TAX CUT disguised as a “health care” bill recently crammed through the House.  The “health care” part of that bill was irrelevant to Ryan and the republicans who wanted to repeal the ACA – how do I know this? – well, they passed the bill with no idea of the costs or effect of the bill from the CBO (which is HIGHLY unusual) – because, the one thing they’re clear on with the bill is that it will FUNNEL about $800 BILLION into the “coffers” of all those wealthy Americans (the top 2% plus corporations) who’ve been “investing” in them.  Just like real estate is all about “location, location, location,” republican politics is all about “tax cuts for the wealthy, tax cuts ……… hopefully, you get the idea.

My point here is that I’m not sure how bad it has to get before republicans in Congress take notice and do the right thing – which is to send Trump back to the real estate business.  Actually, if the investigations get far enough and the “collusion” is as bad as it appears it might be, there may be enough impetus to do some serious investigations into Trump’s “world” and, from my vantage point, it appears Trump could have some serious liabilities out there.  For example, there’s the house he purchased in Florida for $45 MILLION (yes, that’s a lot, especially when you’re not going to move into it) and then sold to a “Russian Oligarch” (who didn’t move into it) for $100 MILLION a year or so later.  What’s the saying? “Nice work if you can get it.”  Well, there are laws about money laundering and that one certainly looks a bit suspicious to me.  Also, this Russian “investigation” could lead to inquiries into where Trump gets his money which could be a bit awkward considering the reports about much of it coming from Russian “oligarchs” or Russian controlled banks – and, the connection with those Russians who were actively “hacking” the DNC in the election and trying to undermine the process.  Additionally, I’m guessing there’s good reason Trump doesn’t want to reveal his tax returns.

If the dots get connected it won’t really matter what Trump’s base thinks at that point – I mean, back in the days of Watergate, there were still many Nixon supporters when he resigned – there does become a point of “no return” in these things – and, I’m certainly going to do my part, if that happens, to point out that republicans in Congress seem way to comfortable with the possibilities here and are accepting of a lot of Trump’s “stuff” that if it was coming from Clinton or Obama I can only imagine their outrage.  I’m not one to suggest that democrats are innocent of hypocrisy, but compared to the republicans it’s “boys against men.”  The hypocrisy of these republicans is historic.  I believe history will suggest Trump’s presidency as almost unbelievable – despite the Russian interference and the Comey letter – which likely swung the election – because of the willingness of republicans to look beyond the reality of Trump’s personal history and behavior and how it says VOLUMES about the sincerity of their “moral positions.”  (I actually have a friend who said he voted for Trump because of “morality”)  Honestly, (I’m a – liberal, I guess – Christian) It’s  EXTREMELY hard for me to believe Trump would be invited to Liberty University to give the commencement address.  To me, that’s not a good “witness.”

What is going to be the reaction when Trump nominates a political partisan as the director of the FBI with the clear understanding they will put an end to the “Russian investigation” – which, from all accounts, was “ramping up” (Comey requesting additional resources) just prior to Trump’s firing him.  And, with Jeff Sessions and Rob Rosenstein leading the Justice Department I’m sure I’m not the only American feeling as if Trump could possibly pull off squelching the investigations.  Trump is not very subtle about his leanings toward authoritarian tendencies – he doesn’t like the “checks and balances” in the constitution, he’s busy convincing his “base” that the actual media is “FAKE,” while he’s pushing the narrative that Fox is actually “news” and he uses outlets such as Brietbart and the Enquirer as actual “news.”  What’s interesting to me is that the Russians are the experts at creating “fake news” and they did a lot of it during the 2016 campaign – now Trump has “hijacked” the idea and labeled those who are investigating him as “FAKE NEWS” – and, many of his “base” are “buying” it.  There’s a good reason why those who listen to Rush Limbaugh (a Trump supporter) are called “ditto heads” – I’ll let you figure that one out for yourself.

Personally, I want to know the FACTS about whatever involvement the Trump campaign had in the Russian interference into our election.  I’m concerned that republicans will be complacent in blocking the investigation – they confirmed Jeff Sessions, who has a history of racism, as Attorney General who – despite “recusing” himself from the investigation, supposedly urged Trump to fire Comey and he’ll likely “get away” with that one.  Assistant Attorney General Rosenstein has been compromised by his actions in the Comey firing and he’s the person who would have to appoint a “special prosecutor” – and, he’s unlikely to do so.  It’s been reported that John Cornyn might be the president’s choice to replace Comey – and, Cornyn is a partisan political “hack” who could conceivably stop the investigation.  At some point republicans are going to have to decide if they will put country before party.  Trump clearly fired Comey in an attempt to BLOCK the investigation – if he gets away with this – it’s on the republicans in Congress.  I’ve said this before:  2018 can’t come soon enough for me.  (Then we’ll have to find out if the democrats have the courage to do what republicans can’t bring themselves to do)