When I read about/listen to the BILLIONAIRES who’ve lined up behind Trump I often get a bit sick to my stomach. I would completely stop paying attention to what the American people have inflicted upon themselves – except that I have children and grandchildren. Today, it was an article regarding an interview Jeff Bezos gave in New York to, I believe, Andrew Ross Sorkin – I think of the Times. I’m not going to read it again because my stomach can’t take it.

And, of course, in the eyes of someone like Bezos I should, at the ripe old age of 77, go back into teaching and keep my mouth/”pen” shut. (OK, I don’t write with a “pen”) Bezos is “optimistic” about Trump , calling him “calmer” than in his first term. He defended his decision two weeks out from the election to prevent the Washington Post, which he “owns,” from making an endorsement of Kamala Harris – for nearly 50 years, every presidential election the Post has made an endorsement, and, of course, Bezos was the FIRST to congratulate Trump on his “victory.”

One of the things that stuck out to me was Bezos saying the paper isn’t doing well financially right now – maybe his decision to intervene is a large part of the reason. I was among 250,000 subscribers who canceled their subscription after the Bezos decision. In just the first few days. Maybe his plan to make it profitable once again will involve pandering to the MAGA crowd. What a suckup! Just the overview of his comments shows a man who, despite his claims to the contrary, is all about the MONEY. And, I can virtually guarantee you, the Trump/Musk partnership brought Bezos along like a strike of lightning. I mean Bezos’ “Blue Origin” space company is second fiddle to Musk’s “Space X” and, I’m sure, Bezos’ sucking up to Trump is aimed at preventing Musk from, you know, doing something “untoward.”

Musk is winning the “I’m the richest person in the world” from Bezos partly because Bezos apparently had a midlife crisis which caused the dissoloution of his marriage – to a wife who was integrally involved in the success of Amazon.com. By my calculation her 4% stake in Amazon, at its present value would be worth about $84 BILLION. Now, maybe one of the reason she got divorced from Bezos (her name is Mackensie Scott) is her level of philanthropy. She’s been giving her wealth away to non profits since the divorce – but, had they stayed married Bezos might be numero uno. I think he looked at the possibilities of what Musk might do and it made his stomach a bit queezy.

Shortly after Bezos caved to the idea of being OK with America as a fascist state – as long as Trump’s administration “cuts regulations” (so he can make more money? Or, maybe so the government anti-monopoly people would get off his ass? Do you really think he cares one way or the other about the lurid details outlined in Project 2025? I wrote the other day about all the groups who ended up pushing Trump “over the finish line” with me guessing close to zero of them actually had read Project 22025. My guess is Bezos hasn’t read it – or maybe he has and is just playing dumb.

He might be playing dumb because along with Musk and Zuckerberg, and the other American OLIGARCHS – when the economy goes into the dumpster they will all be swooping in to, as I’ve said before, “pick up the scraps.” If you think the corporate ownership of housing – which has been pushing up prices since the last recession – cause by the Bush/Cheney administration – is bad, my prediction is: “You haven’t seen nothing yet.”

In my view, it’s via a lack of messaging ability ALONG WITH the almost yearly – during election years – habit of democrats to be afraid of their own shadows. They don’t have the courage to defend their own fundamental beliefs. Now, I have to admit I was encouraged, from a pragmatic point of view, to see Kamala Harris campaigning with Liz Chaney. Personally, I didn’t find Dick Cheney’s endorsement of Ms. Harris to be of much value at all – in fact, a turnoff to people like me who despised his actions as V.P. back in the “we’re authorizing torture” days of republican “rule.”

I don’t expect people like Bezos to be admitting the reason they aligned themselves behind Trump is for what they will gain via the extension of the so-called “Trump tax cuts” which are due to expire at the end of 2025. Those tax cuts are estimated to peel off another $4+ TRILLION from the wealth of America’s Middle Class MOSTLY into the hands of the OLIGARCHS who have aligned themselves with Trump. (Musk’s “investment” in Trump has already returned a “profit” in the neighborhood of 30 TIMES the $277 MILLION he supposedly “donated” to the campaign.

I doubt Bezos or any of the others consciously understand their alignment with our government is foundational to turning a “democracy” (actually “democratic republic”) into a fascist state. Trust me, the Russians are jumping up and down at what lies ahead in less than 2 months. Do you really believe Putin doesn’t have “Kompromant” on Trump? Or, like me, do you believe the so-called “pee tape” actually exists in the hands of the Kremlin? Here’s my question: Why were the Russians so involved, once again, in helping to get Trump elected. I mean the 80+ bomb threats that showed up at American polling places on election day were traced right back to the Kremlin.

The Russians, once again, were filling as much social media space as they could on Xwitter and Facebook, and, I’m sure other social media platforms. I mean it’s bad enough witnessing an “American” TV network owned by an Australian who’s more interested in young ladies than his business which spews right wing hate (i.e. bullshit), but to have autocrats around the world helping to funnel actual “fake news” via any and all “avenues” of the social media world. And, are these foreign entities sending money to Trump? You’d have to be one of America’s “uneducated voters” to believe otherwise.

Speaking of America’s “uneducated voters” – as a retired Middle School teacher – I was “aghast” at the report saying over half of America’s voting public has an eqivalent education of 6th grade, or less. To me, that’s in large part due to the so-called “No Child Left Behind” initiative of the Bush/Cheney era. I was teaching back then and I referred to it as “Many Children Left Behind.” That legislation actually FORCED schools to focus on standardized testing out of a sense of survival. Me, working in a high poverty school, seeing tests made up by White university educators using words and language my students didn’t/couldn’t understand. Causing many of them to drop out of High School.

I worked in, as I just said, a high poverty school and remember what that legislation did to our curriculum. Far less “project based” learning and more attempts to prepare students to be successful on the standardized tests. It certainly, at a minimum, made learning less fun. And, as someone who expected my students to make an effort to succeed, I, on two or three occasions, suggested students who were “lost” should do the sixth grade again only to be rebuffed by the district administration. Too expensive?

In every instance where I failed to have a student held back I watched that student’s lack of success all the way through High School until they decided to drop out. IN other words, students were pushed through the system without even making an effort to succeed. Schools were forced to adapt to the reality of the standardized testing (standardized to who?) in order to avoid being labeled a “failing school” and facing possible closure.

Failing to “get through” to students like that was difficult for me to “handle.” Early in my career, at a staff meeting, we listened to a school counselor who advised those of us who were fairly new to teaching that “you won’t succeed with every student” and, if you don’t learn how to deal with that reality, you’ll likely “Burn out” in just a few years. And, like in any profession, with experience comes a level of expertise. At least for me, I realized that as the years accumulated I became a better teacher. (Also, I refused to focus on getting my students to “pass the tests”)

But “half the American voting public with a sixth grade or less level of education?” That really bothers me – as a former sixth grade teacher. However, I know several of my peers – from my high school back in the 1960’s who have admitted to me they haven’t read a book since high school – in some instances, except the Bible. Most of the people I know, in my age group, won’t read a book if I give it to them and absolutely don’t want to talk about politics. The people I know who watch Fox “news” actually get angry if you attempt to understand their thought process. I’m talking about so-called “Baby boomers.”

And, it’s my generation who are responsible for Trump. We are the ones who’ve benefited the most from the ability to enter America’s Middle Class – yet we’re willing to leave to our children and grandchildren a country which doesn’t resemble the nation we grew up in. Basically, what’s happening – or going to be happening – is the throwing away of 250 years of self rule. I truly hope I’m wrong about that because I don’t expect to be around to see what’s left standing after Trump finishes his “retribution.” And, keep in mind, he’s like an organized “crime boss.” He could care less about what’s standing when he’s finished – which hopefully will be in four years (or sooner if “we the people” somehow succeed in voting in enough democrats to actually get him impeached (AGAIN) and convicted (the third time). Yes, I “get” that’s very unlikely.

Bezos, Musk, and Zuckerberg are far from the only OLIGARCHS who are lining up behind Trump. Do you really believe Elon Musk spent between $200 and $300 MILLION to help Trump get elected to help “we the people?” Maybe what it will take to break the cult hold Trump has on MILLIONS of Americans will be for him to succeed in his Project 2025. It really does remind me of the “Robber Baron” days which led to the “Great Depression.” That,, of course, will be unpleasant for us all (well, except the OLIGARCHS) but it might “wake up” some of the MAGA faithful. I mean if they voted for Trump based on the price of “eggs” as the saying goes, “they ain’t seen nothin yet.” (What are all the baby boomers going to think when Trump et al goes after Social Security and Medicare?)

For example, if the Trump administration actually attempts to “round up” the 12 MILLION undocumented members of oiur society – a group of people who are, mostly, a hard working part of the communities where they live – a group of people who pay a lot of taxes and don’t get much in return – a group of people who work in many jobs which would go unfilled without them – a group of “essential workers” – then the “you know what” will be hitting the “fan.” The cost to our economy will be in the MANY BILLIONS of dollars.

The bottom line here is people like Bezos could care less about anything besides their own bottom lines – or in Bezos case the bottom line of the company he vacated the role of CEO a few years back but continues to make him one of the richest (number two) people in the world. He can “sweet talk” about his “optimism” for Trump’s administration all he wants, but I ain’t “buying it.” I’m 77 and I’d really like to focus on other things besides politics at this point in my life. But, I don’t anticipate I’ll be able to do that because what “we the people” did on November 5th is so antithetical to everything I’ve learned in my lifetime. I feel compelled to be part of the “resistance.”

The democrats abandoned the best president in my lifetime in Joe Biden. I’m making a lot of predictions here – many of them dire (and, in all honesty, I hope I’m wrong) – but, my guess is the “fruit” of Biden’s greatest successes will begin to arrive in the first year of Trump’s administration and Trump will take credit for those successes and his cult following will believe him. Plus, the so-called “liberal media” has been so one sided in it’s willingness to – in the M.O. of Fox “news” – fair and balanced that we just had an election where the FACT one of the candidates was a 34 times FELON and it wasn’t hardly even an issue.

The FACT hurricanes, wildfires, and other weather events – like each year becoming the “hottest” year on record wasn’t enough to make the Climate Crisis even an issue – so “we the people” voted in a died in the wool Climate Crisis denier – a person who publicly offered a quid pro quo to oil executives in exchange for a BILLION dollar “donation” to his campaign. One of the candidates was responsible for a right wing SCOTUS which will torment America’s younger voters for their lifetime – with the likelihood it’s going to get much worse before it gets better – and, somehow, the issue of the court wasn’t a key part of the campaign – obviously, in my view, it should have been a MAJOR issue in Ms. Harris’ campaign.

Final Thought; But, would those who just didn’t want a woman as president, have listened had those (Climate, the Court) arguments been made. PLUS, the “Musk total” is still being tabulated, but as of the last count I saw, he forked out over $277 MILLION into Trump’s campaign plus varying campaigns of republicans running for Congress. Kind of makes George Soros seem like a peon. As I’ve written before, young people, women, and Hispanics swung significantly during the last couple weeks of the campaign to Trump. I have maintained Ms. Harris failed to respond to the “transgender surgeries in prison ad” which Trump’s campaign spent $29 MILLION on in the closing weeks of the campaign. I saw it at least a half dozen times (I’m not in a swing state)A and kept waiting for Ms. Harris to point out the “issue” originated in Trump’s first term. A great example of the power of LYING – er misinformation. It’s as if the democrats and republicans are playing by two different rule books.

I’ve been pointing out here for nearly 20 years that if the democrats continue to fail to realize this political battle is a “war” – then they will continue to be, ultimately, the losers in the long run. Al Gore didn’t fight the egregious Court declaring Bush/Cheney the victors in 2000, Barack Obama said “we’re going to look forward instead of back” regarding the TORTURE publicly authorized by GW Bush, Dick Cheney, Don Rumsfeld, and others – which a court in SPAIN wanted to prosecute. I wasn’t the only one saying the next abuser of our legal system would be worse, and, sure enough, along comes Trump. Now, it’s Trump with the anti-democratic fascist group behind Project 2025 and we’re about to get a view of what Karl Rove referred to as “the permanent republican ‘majority,'” – of course, which is no “majority” at all and will be even less of one going forward. Yikes!!! God help us!

A couple things: First, don’t forget the SCOTUS, in essence, created an “imperial presidency” – specific for Trump. (Part of the fascist takeover or our government – which “we the people” voted into office.) Second: I read an account of Joe Biden’s accomplishments in the “Daily Kos” and I couldn’t help but think of why weren’t they “touted” more during the campaign. The list is long and reminds me, once again, of why I’ve NEVER been a democrat. They seem afraid to “tout” their own successes:

“Joe Biden became President and, following the liberal Democratic blueprint he lowered the cost of medications, expanded overtime guarantees, prevented discriminatory mortgage lending, cracked down on “junk fees” and overdraft charges, bolstered rural economies by directing agencies to promote competition and take on monopolies, penalized college programs that trap students in debt, put $50 billion toward subsidizing microchip production in the U.S., allocated $1.2 trillion into the nation’s infrastructure, took the number of uninsured Americans to an all-time low, added about 15 million jobs, raised the wealth of ordinary families to a record $156.2 trillion, and had by the end of his term income increases outpacing price inflation. That’s just some of what he did specifically for the middle class and omits his record on foreign affairs and climate change. Nevertheless, John Doe (i.e. independent voter who’s benefited from Biden’s agenda) again held his nose and voted for Trump because—the price of eggs.” I’ll say it again, Lord help us!

I tried what seemed endlessly here (and “in real life”) to get people to actually read “Project 2025” and virtually NONE of the people I recommended it to actually did that. I’m guessing the “score card” on this site was somewhat the same. Well, in the short segments I’ve been able to bring myself to watch/listen to on MSNBC – as they, what I’ve referred to as “putting lipstick on a pig” – get closer to reality more and more people are beginingg to understand what’s coming down the “pike” in “2025.”

I tried to point out the people who put that document together weren’t kidding and weren’t fools. They are going to be the “engine” behind Trump’s second administration and they have no respect for America’s 250 years of republican rule. To them, the constitution has become a nuisance which just gets in the way of them forcing their will on “we the people.” They were able to change the narrative from one of the most successful presidencies in our lifetime (Biden’s) and convince almost 50% of America’s voters to re-elect likely the WORST president in America’s history. (OK, right up there with Herbert Hoover).

Speaking of Herbert Hoover, it seems to me that’s exactly where we’re headed next. Trump is planning to combine eviscerating America’s traditional institutions while passing along a (something like) $4.5 TRILLION tax cut to the OLIGARCHS who helped get him elected. And, wouldn’t you know, Jeff Bezos was the first to congratulate Trumpo on his “victory” and shortly thereafter – who shows up at Mar a Lago to “break bread” (likely from McDonald’s) – but Mark Zuckerberg. So, you’ve got BILLIONAIRES lined up to kiss Trump’s ass while the worst of the bunch (Elon Musk) will be in charge of firing all the federal employees he doesn’t like – as he claims he’s going to trim $2 TRILLION from our annual budget. (Just try to imagine where those cuts will come from)

Combining Musk’s plans with Trump’s (and Project 2025’s) plans and you have a recipe for an historic period of recession/depression. The last near depression caused by republicans – thanks to Bush/Cheney in 2008 was bailed out by Barack Obama and, yes, Joe Biden as they pulled “we the people” back from the “brink” of what was then called the “Great Recession.” Of course, there’s nothing “great” about these economic crises if you’re one of the many Americans living from paycheck to paycheck. Which includes a large segment of Trump’s “base.”

This is how either bad the democrats messaging is or how deceitful the republicans message machine is, or both. Joe Biden walked the picket line with the United Auto Workers while Trump congratulated Elon Musk for being the champion of firing workers who wanted/expected collective rights. Musk is a notorious asshole – perfect for the Trump vendetta against America. Yet, 40% of America’s unionized workers voted for Trump. I guarantee you, NONE of them took the time to read Project 2025.

And, it appears women just can’t bring themselves to vote for a woman for president. Just as in 2016 Trump, a serial sexual predator, (by his own admission) received well over 50% of the vote from America’s women voters. That was a hard one for me to understand. Trump has turned being pregnant into a life threatening disease (well, exponentially more than it already was) and, in every state that has voted for reproductive rights, so far, the vote has garnered at least 57% of the vote – yet they voted for Trump again. Clearly MOST American women didn’t take the time to read Project 2025. (When the national abortion ban is voted in, it will supercede all these states’ laws giving women reproductive freedom)

And, let me digress here just a moment. I’m not someone who “believes in abortion.” I believe in allowing women to determine what’s best for themselves by themselves. I don’t view my role in society as to tell someone else what to do regarding their own personal health (or pretty much anything which doesn’t affect someone else) – and, don’t give me the “once the egg and the sperm unite” it’s a human being. That’s the thinking of those who oppose in vitro fertilization. And, “women’s health” goes way beyond the issue of abortion. And, forgive me, watching old white men making these decisions for women is really a bit much. Women are dying all across the “red states” who’ve instituted “Trump abortion bans” – needlessly.

Back to my original thought. There are groups of people who swung toward Trump during either the last stages of the campaign or due to issues like the war in GAZA which, in my view, wasn’t very well thought out by those who cast their vote AGAINST Kamala Harris because of the Biden policy toward Israel. For example, there are large enough groups of Arab Americans and Palestinian Americans in Michigan to swing the vote from Harris to Trump. Well, they succeeded. Now, the ambassador to Israel is going to be Mike Huckabee. He doesn’t even believe Palestinians exist. What’s the old saying? Be careful what you wish for.

And, in Pennsylvania – where Elon Musk was busy throwing his wealth around – amounts that to him are equal to “chicken scratch” – in order to swing young voters toward Trump – i.e. buying votes. And, it worked. Like i’ve said before here, not only was he safe in violating campaign finance laws – because, well, you know – Trump – but, by helping Trump “win” the election all of Musk’s other legal issues with the government went “poof.” Maybe that’s why he’s become so close to Trump – they’re now like blood brothers – they’ve both gotten away with “bloody murder.” (For you without the ability to “think critically” that was a metaphor.)

Do you believe all those young people who voted for Trump had read Project 2025? My guess is close to NONE of them had. Why do I say that? Take the issue of Climate, for example. Do you believe the Climate Crisis is going to affect people like me (and Trump and Musk and Zuckerberg and Bezos and ………….. fill in the blank with an OLIGARCH or a “baby boomer”)? Of course not. I’m nearly as old as Trump and the OLIGARCHS all have island paradises set up to allow them protection from their bad decisions due to their unlimited supplies of MONEY. Zuckerberg is the impoverished one of the group – well, not counting Trump – with a net worth of around $200 BILLION. By the time Musk finishes his dismantling of our institutions he’ll likely be pushing a new worth of $500 BILLION. NONE of these OLIGARCHS seem to be able to get enough MONEY.

Musk and Zuckerberg both opened their Social Media platforms to a torrent of mis/disinformation – much of it, once again, coming from Russia as they were facing the real possibility of a slight increase in their tax obligations – not to mention Biden’s administration had the unmitigated gall to fund more IRS agents to actually focus on some of the richest tax CHEATS in the country – which likely included Trump himself. Yet, young people voted in increased numbers for probably the WORST possible candidate for their long term interests. (Not only the Climate issue, but the SCOTUS, the Education department, voting rights, civil rights, and on and on – once again, I’m pointing out here, they likely didn’t even think about reading Project 2025 – after all, Trump said he didn’t know anything about it. And, they believed him! (Sorry, but that’s STUPID stuff)

What about the Hispanic voters. They swung significantly from Biden/Harris to Trump. Do you think they read Project 2025? OMG – Trump’s actually threatening to deport some of them – or their spouses. And, what about the Dreamers now? I’m certain I had MANY Dreamers in my classroom over the years – some of my favorite all time students. I really hope none of them voted for Trump – although that won’t matter if Trump’s goons actually follow through on mass deportation of productive Americans who SHOULD have a “path toward citizenship.” Trump seems to think he can end “birthright citizenship” – a constitutional guarantee – via an executive order. And, do Hispanics actually believe the SCOTUS will stand up to Trump – when they as much as crowned him the King – while protecting him from his own criminal conduct?

I mean, even in Pennsylvania communities which had large concentrations of Puerto Rico citizens who were voters – guess what? – large segments of them voted for Trump – despite, at his fascist gathering at Madison Square Garden – to commemorate another fascist gathering at the garden back in 1939 (likely attended by his father) – Puerto Rico was referred to as an “island of garbage” floating in the ocean. Silly me – I assumed that would be enough to catch these people of Puerto Rican descent’s attention. Obviously, I was wrong. An astounding number of them voted for Trump.

I’ve stated here many times I’m a Christian who refuses to allow the “Christians” who support Trump to rob me of my belief in Jesus. The past few weeks as I’ve been listening to sermons while sitting in the church with an estimated 70% of those present – including the “elder” who spoke today – who voted for Trump I keep reminding myself that I hope they didn’t read Project 2025 and they’ll someday be like the German “Christians” back in the 1930’s and 40’s who ultimately came to their senses. But, sadly, I see that many of these people treat Trump as an idol. By my reading of the Bible, that’s a “no no.” (And, as humans, we’ve been granted “free will” so, for those Christians who support Trump because of the abortion issue – I don’t believe that will cut it come “judgement day.”

And, as a Christian, do you really believe aligning yourself with people like Musk, Bezos, Zuckerberg, Peter Thiel, and the OLIGARCHS lining up behind Trump is according to scripture? I haven’t met one “Christian” in person so far (aside from myself) who’s read even the prologue to Project 2025 – just that SHOULD make it clear the document – 900 pages worth – is a roadmap to fascism. And, the authors of the “roadmap” are going to be directing Trump step by step along the way. This should explain it all to you – these guys are fully aligned with Steve Bannon – he who’s been urging fascism around the globe along with his buddy Tucker Carlson. (The same Carlson who was quoted as saying he loathes Trump – finally rid of him – after the INSURRECTION).

The list is long of the groups who will suffer because of the vote of the American people in the 2024 election. We’ve proven for certain how ignorant we can be. And, of course, there are a plethora of people who are the losers – and, I haven’t even mentioned Ukraine – whose people may be the greatest LOSERS of this abomination by the American voting public. When you think of Ukraine I’m sure, unless you are unable to think, you’ll understand why Putin was so involved once again in our elections. His future was likely at stake as much as Trump’s. Now, Trump avoids accountability for an incredible “crime spree” while those who stormed the Capitol and bludgeoned 140 police officers are soon to be going free. Yikes!!!

Final Thought: As usual, I once again have gotten a bit wordy. As I sit here each day and watch the reality of Project 2025 fast approaching I can’t help but wonder how many Americans still have no idea of what the next couple of years (at least) are going to be like. I’ve been lobbying for “we the people” to vote what I have referred to as “Today’s Republican party” into the history books, for about 20 years now. (With Trump, a true American TRAITOR – right next to Benedict Arnold) but they (republicans who despise our constitution) keep coming back like dry rot which isn’t fully removed. It just keeps spreading and getting worse – to the point now where the entire “structure” (the foundation of our government) is at risk. Apparently, it will take something far greater than the DAMAGE republicans have inflicted on “we the people” over the past 40+ years to get the attention of our voters. It’s likely going to get very “dark” over the next few years.

I have to add: In regard to my mention of the “Christians” who support Trump – I keep thinking they will realize – sooner rather than later – that they’ve made a “deal with the devil.” Maybe thiis is God’s way of getting Americans to appreciate what they take for granted and get their focus on “the least of these” as they are commanded in scripture. And, I don’t claim to be an intellectually powerful Christian and I fully understand “I am weak where He is strong” and I’m supposed to deal “with the log in my eye” before I worry about the “spec” in someone else’s eye. That being said, I fully believe, as Christians, you can’t put your belief in BOTH Trump and Jesus. It’s one or the other!

OK, one more thing: Today, thankfully, Joe Biden FINALLY pardoned his son, Hunter, after four years of republicans spinning their wheels trying to connect Hunter’s (minuscule – compared to, for example, Jared Kushner’s – questionable financial dealings) to the sitting President. I “get” that Biden said he wouldn’t pardon Hunter, but that was before he, likely, took a look at Project 2025 and all the whack jobs Trump has nominated for his cabinet positions and other positions in his government. The expected Bulls@#t came from republicans, but I had to take a second look at what Jared Polis, the governor of Colorado said: Something like it’s a sad day when a president pardons a relative (my characterization) – because, “No one’s above the law, not a president or a president’s son.”

That one got to me. I mean it was the case from Colorado disqualifying Trump from the ballot that allowed our esteemed SCOTUS to prove that comment from Polis is pure Bullshit! (Sorry) And, we’re about to see a FLOOD of republicans who are going to prove that “if a republican does it, it must be legal” – tweeking the words of Richard Nixon just a bit. I mean, the tax charges against Hunter came long after he paid the missing taxes back. Should we measure Trump, or his House compatriots like the fool James Comer, by using the same “microscope?” Trust me, for the next few years the Trump administration is going to be taking an axe to our constitutional form of government while Trump, individually, will be attempting to pile up “cash” at an enormous rate – while trying to be like Vladimir. Anyone who can’t see that hasn’t looked at Project 2025 or the OLIGARCHS behind it.

For years I’ve been pointing out around here the foundation for a fascist takeover of a free society is a government/corporate partnership. The United States has been inching its way in that direction since the day Lewis Powell sent his now infamous “memo” to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce back in 1971 laying out the strategy republicans have used to combat the “New Deal” of FDR and the “Great Society” of LBJ. Slowly but surely even democrats have been getting sucked in allowing “we the people” to evolve to where we are – a right wing government leading a society full of oligarchs.

Donald Trump along with the authors of “Project 2025” are attempting to strip even more “power” (?) from U.S. government institutions and, assumedly, transferring that “power” to corporate interests. I mean, we’ve been witnessing this slow walking “coup” over the previous 50 years – since, especially, the administration of Ronald Reagan. The attacks on unions will, once again, increase. The attack on education seeming as if it’s going to reach peak is almost obvious – with the threat to disband the Department of Education and to “grab” the endowments of the major universities – acting as if daring the Congress or the Courts to stop them.

Stopping unions and dumbing down education are two fundamental ways to destroy functioning democracies. But, of course, as usual, there’s more. I read the other day where Comcast is planning to spin off MSNBC and CNN – likely as the result of their fear of what Trump is intending to do to block his perceived “enemies.” Their chicken s@#t solution is to simply make the issue “go away.” Of course, Trump won’t be mad at them if they get rid of anything resembling “progressive.” One thing Trump has proven – America is full of chicken s@#ts. Sad!

Read any book on how democracies devolve into fascism and you’ll see what’s happening in America right now. You have oligarchs like Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Peter Thiel, Mark Zuckerberg, etc. etc. lining up seeking Trump’s favor. Of course, they could care less about Trump, actually, what they care about is how much MORE money can they accumulate? Trump is attempting to turn the U.S. into another Russia and these oligarchs are simply fine with that because, well, (at least for the time being) Trump is their “buddy.” That is, “for now.”

Trump has promised to pardon some of “America’s worst” – people who attacked police officers as they attempted to “hang Mike Pense” (as Trump said, in essence, Pense had it coming) and, do you really think these thugs won’t be willing to do Trump’s bidding? They’re a bunch of traitors, along with Trump. Several of them were convicted of one of the most heinous crimes in America, (or any other democracy) seditious conspiracy. That means they were convicted of attempting to overthrow our government. Like I said, TRAITORS – including Trump.

Now, don’t get me wrong. Trump isn’t the initiator of all of this. The creeping movement toward fascism started well before Trump. Trump simply is the convenient “vehicle” getting those behind this “movement” to the “mainstream.” We’re talking about right wing corporate interests, white nationalists, “Christian” nationalists, and those Americans who’ve been sucked in to the right wing propaganda networks. Like Fox “News,” “Newsmax,” and various other right wing outlets/platforms willing to LIE in order to make money. After all, America is full of “uneducated voters” – Trump’s favorite.

Republicans have been working on this transformation of America since David Koch ran for Vice President on the Libertarian “ticket” back in 1980. Anyone paying attention has watched as the so-called “top 1%” has grown almost exponentially since Reagan took office while their taxes have dropped in about a third (my guess). I remember when I was a child in the 1950’s the top tax rate on individuals who made over a certain amount was around 90%. Since Reagan, that top tax rate has come down and our deficits and national debt have gone up. TRILLIONS has been purged from America’s Middle Class up to (trickle up economics) those at the top leaving large swaths of America wondering “what happened.”

I’ve not only witnessed this “transformation” during my adult life (I’m 77) I’ve also witnessed democrats continually failing to FIGHT BACK. Joe Biden did the most, that I can remember, to “turn this ship of state” with his plan to build our government from the “bottom up and middle out.” Biden’s major shortfall: messaging. Democrats either don’t/won’t “toot their own horns” or, more likely, don’t have the courage to run on their own fundamental beliefs/achievements. That’s why I’ve NEVER been a democrat.

Of course, people like Musk, Bezos, Zuckerberg, and a bunch of other Silicon Valley BILLIONAIRES along with Wall Street bankers didn’t like what they were witnessing – despite the FACT America’s economy, as I’m writing this, is the strongest economy in the world. Trump has “hired” Elon Musk to trim BILLIONS from America’s economy – with Musk promising “short term pain.”

Where do you think Musk/Trump are planning to cut? Do you think they’ll cut from the bloated American Defense budget – which would include the BILLIONS promised to Musk’s Space X? Do you think they might want to cut back from the “Trump tax cuts” which increased the deficit a couple TRILLION in his last administration? Of course not!

The cuts will come from programs like Medicare and Medicaid, school lunches, Head Start, the Children’s health network, the bludgeoning of U.S. institutions (like the aforementioned Dept. of Education), etc. etc. One thing we can be sure – Musk and his cronies WON’T be the ones experiencing this “short term pain.”

Trump has promised to repeal “Obamacare” (i.e. The Affordable Care Act) Republicans have attempted to do this something like 60 times. Should they succeed, not only will MILLIONS lose health insurance, but, also, the deficit/national debt will go up even more. Not to mention the health consequences on those who lose their insurance. Plus, of course, it was the Affordable Care Act which prohibited insurance companies from discriminating due to “pre-existing conditions.” Have stuff wrong with you? You’re on your own. Under those circumstances EVERYONE suffers and pays MORE.

Not to mention, people who have health insurance can keep their children on their plan until their children are 26 years old. For young people trying to get their lives started, this is a key part of that process. It’s hard enough for young people to pay for housing and the other expenses of starting a family without having exorbitant medical bills. To give an example of where we’ve come, back when I was young and raising a family, I had no medical insurance at the time of the birth of my two daughters – both by C-section. The first one, in 1975 cost $3000 (Including the surgeon who was brought in to do the surgery) and the second one, in 1977 cost $5000. It took me about two years to pay off both debts. I can’t imagine the same thing in today’s environment.

Then there’s the issue of women’s health – which many focus on the issue of abortion. I’ve pointed out here the first pregnancy I was involved with ended in a miscarriage, which took me only a few months to pay off – the cost (1973) was about $200. I often think about, what if I lived in the heart of Texas and the same thing happened today? Yikes!! I would do what would be necessary to save the life of my wife, but, at the time, I didn’t have the money to travel to another state for treatment which could be life threatening – as we’ve all seen by the number of women who are dying because of Trump’s abortion ban.

Final Thought: I keep trying to figure out how we got to this place. And, the answer is always the same. Republicans are a bunch of LIARS. That seems to be a pre-requisite for anyone who wants to be a significant part of that party. And, as stated above, there’s a long list of OLIGARCHS in America who are just fine with that, as long as they keep accumulating MONEY. When it gets right down to it, I believe Elon Musk, the richest OLIGARCH, was the reason Trump LIED his way back into the “White House.”

Musk used his social media outlet Xwitter to spew mis/disinformation aimed at specific groups of people which helped, in the closing two or three weeks of the campaign, to swing the vote in Trump’s favor. Take, for example, his ILLEGAL scheme of offering $1 MILLION each day to voters in Pennsylvania – on the surface for signing a petition – but, in actuality to vote for Trump. To me, this was key in swinging young people toward Trump in the last couple of weeks of the campaign. Do you believe Musk will be held accountable for this scheme by Trump’s DOJ? Of course not!

Just think about how stupid that is, from the standpoint of those young people. First, if Musk succeeds in causing “temporary pain” in his new role in government, who do you think it will affect most? Of course, it will be young people who are the most susceptible to recessions, which, of course, is what Musk is planning to cause. Taken in concert with Trump’s promise to “deport” MILLIONS of Americans who are undocumented and to place tariffs on goods coming from key American trading partners – the DAMAGE could be historic. One thing’s for sure, People like Musk and Trump will be the one’s to PROFIT from the DAMAGE.

Joe Biden is leaving Trump with the greatest economy in the world. Record numbers of jobs have been created during Biden’s four years as president. He got several bipartisan bills passed including “first steps” in dealing with the glut of guns in America and with the issue of Climate Change. To me, for young people, there should have been no issue more important than Climate Change or gun violence – yet, it was hardly a topic during the campaign. In addition, the Supreme Court will now likely be guaranteed to be a rogue right wing court for the next 40 years. Why was that not a more significant part of the campaign? (Obviously, it would have had to come from the democrats)

The Court and Climate SHOULD have been the two most important issues, from the standpoint of young people – yet, the cost of a gallon of gas seemed to be more important (ironically, one of the key Climate Change issues). And, by the way, the price of gas has been higher than it is now MANY times in my lifetime – especially when you factor in inflation. The inflation young people were complaining about resulted from emergence from the pandemic and the war in Ukraine. America’s young people proved, at least to me, that the issue of critical thinking is a “work in progress.”

When I studied how the vote went I could come to no other conclusion than Elon Musk was key in getting Trump elected. He invested between $100 and $200 MILLION in the scheme. And, keep in mind, Musk is an immigrant who came here ILLEGALLY. He was supposed to be a student, but NEVER enrolled at Stanford. Like Trump, he was born with a “silver spoon” and, like Trump, is a narcissistic, racist autocrat. Musk was raised in South Africa during the Arpartheid era and seems to favor that form of government here – and, with the pile of MONEY necessary to achieve his vision. Yikes! Stay tuned!

I have to add: When Musk and Trump are finished “torching” the economy, it will be Musk, Bezos, Zuckerberg, Thiel, and their ilk who will be the ones who “swoop” in and “clean up the scraps.” We’re headed for one of the “darkest” periods of American history – which, is filled with dark periods. I still maintain, Trump, Musk, the other OLIGARCHS who participate in this assault on America’s foundation, AND the members of Congress who have/will been/be complicit in the scheme will ultimately end up right next to Benedict Arnold in the history books. It’s going to take a lot of “pain” to get to that point – and, not the type of pain Musk is proposing. Read Marx “Communist Manifesto” along with Hitler’s Mein Kampf. Lord help us!

Too lazy to find out about Musk using “Google?” Well then, click HERE – I’ve done it for you! You can also click HERE.

So you think Trump is going to the “White House” to “drain the swamp” do you? Well, I’ll get started here by inserting a quote of about three paragraphs from a recent Washington Post column – derived from visiting a couple “gala’s” at Trump’s Florida residence/rich people’s hangout:

“I struggle to find 20 senators who would vote for Matt Gaetz — no way Gaetz gets confirmed,” said one Republican Senate adviser. “The Senate is not going to give up its advise and consent role for these guys. There are still a lot of senators who take their jobs seriously.”

While the crises emerged behind the scenes, a steady stream of people flowed through Trump’s Palm Beach resort — billionaires, financiers, socialites, family, spouses and political activists — for a series of celebratory events. Former Trump adviser Stephen K. Bannon, who was recently released from prison after a conviction for contempt of Congress, spoke at another Mar-a-Lago gala Friday for the Conservative Political Action Committee. Argentina’s President Javier Milei also made an appearance at the club.

“It’s a more sophisticated swamp, but it’s crazy. I’ve never seen anything like this. You’ve got all these jamokes (i.e. an inept person or persons) from Florida, who have barely ever seen Washington, D.C., talking about how they’re moving up here. People are trying to hire relatives,” said one person who has been observing the spectacle for days.“You go to the club and run into all these creatures.”

For anyone reading this who voted for Trump because he was going to “drain the swamp” brace yourself. Honestly, if you’re not one of these (actual) “elites” you’re going to feel the effects of what’s coming down just like the rest of us. I mean, do you really believe Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Peter Thiel, and a “swamp” of other Silicon Valley BILLIONAIRES – who don’t want to pay any taxes let along MORE taxes have plans for all us proletariat’s? What do you think when Trump says “I love uneducated voters?” Here’s the deal, Trump wants to be the American version of Vladimir Putin (one of his idols) and he’s going to have a “swamp” of American Oligarchs to prove it.

Trump taking an oath to faithfully defend the Constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic (apparently, I’m in the “domestic” partition) and to see that the laws will be faithfully executed is like asking the fox to promise to take care of the chickens as he’s given domain over the chicken coop. Yikes!! Trump will apply the “laws” (as he sees fit) in regard to HIS “enemies” while guaranteeing his cronies will be, just like him (thanks SCOTUS) above the law. And, until he oversees the tanking of our economy, the minions who voted for him won’t know the difference one way or the other. I wrote the other day I know several “educated” Trump supporters who can’t identify our three branches of government. (But Fox “News” has convinced them they’re “informed”) And, by the way, the Senate is part of Congress!

Trump supporters are gloating. I went to church this morning and was about to pull into a parking space only to see a sign pained on the back of a SUV which said, “my son loves Donald J Trump.” I couldn’t bring myself to park next to that car – just in case I would get to my car as he/she got to theirs after the service. I’m trying real hard not to cause a “stir” while, at the same time, not allowing these people to cause me to abandon my own beliefs. Like, for example, believing in Jesus!

I find it interesting to hear people, like Trump, talk about the Ten Commandments. Talking about Trump, for example, I’m not sure there’s a single one he actually follows. That’s what really bothers me about all this. How can you claim to believe in Jesus and then act like Trump, a two time divorcee with three wives he’s committed adultery against – a pathological LIAR, a misogynist, a xenophobe, an overt racist, a 34 times FELON, a serial “alleged” sexual abuser (who actually admitted as much on the “Access Hollywood” tape), a civilly convicted, according to the judge, rapist, a person civilly convicted of $88 MILLION in defamation, the head of a business CRIMINALLY convicted of multiple accusations of FRAUD, and, individually convicted (civilly) of close to half a BILLION dollars in bank, insurance, and tax FRAUD.

When Jesus says, “What you do TO the least of these you do TO Me,” and “What you do FOR the least of these you do FOR Me,” I honestly don’t visualize Donald Trump. Yet, his “base” seems to be largely made up of Evangelical Christians. I have to wonder if these people don’t look at Trump as an “idol?” That would be another issue. I’ve asked myself several times, “Is Trump the Anti-Christ?” I just don’t see what “Christians” see in this “deplorable” man.

Well, regardless, Trump is going to be attempting to bypass our constitution (to which he’ll take a worthless “oath” on January 20’th of 2025. “We the people” need to brace ourselves with the hope the DAMAGE isn’t “life threatening” for our democratic republic. The SCOTUS has given him the power to violate our laws with impunity and do you really think he won’t take advantage of that? I mean, he really does come across as an organized crime boss. Where’s his Roy Cohn? I would suggest it’s John Roberts!

Lastly, Trump has made some incredibly RIDICULOUS nominations for cabinet level positions in his new administrations. Two of them have been credibly accused of sexual misconduct of the highest level. Pete Hegseth, the Fox “News” personality nominated to be Secretary of Defense allegedly paid off a woman who claimed to have been drugged and then waking up in Hegseth’s room after a sexual assault – i.e. rape. As I listen to those “analysing” this – suggesting Hegseth SHOULDN’T be confirmed – I have to wonder why would Trump pull this nomination? It clearly takes some of the focus Trump was found by a jury of doing the same thing. Classic deflection.

Speaking of someone who gives Trump cover for his own sordid past look no further than Matt Gaetz. If there’s anyone more disgusting than Trump (highly unlikely) it would be Gaetz – credibly accused of committing sexual exploitation of a minor (that means he had sex with her), paying for sex (and bragging about it on the floor of the House) and using illegal drugs (cocaine) during drug infused sex orgies. Allegedly, Gaetz was involved in flying young girls somewhere into the Caribbean (remind anyone of Jeffrey Epstein?) for sex orgies. For Trump, the perfect nomination to be our Attorney General. Gaetz has something in common with Trump, for sure.

And, the trueline between them leads right to Merrick Garland. Now there’s two sides to this issue because it became clear to me Mr. Garland had no stomach for taking either Gaetz or Trump to court to answer for their transgressions. It one point it became clear Gaetz would be indicted after compelling evidence became public about his sexual proclivities – along with the drug use and the paying for sex. I’ve never doubted the investigation was blocked by Mr. Garland himself.

If you’ve been paying attention you’re (if, like me, painfully) aware AG Garland dragged his feet regarding Trump’s involvement in the INSURRECTION of January 6th, 2021. In fact, I believe except for the Select House Committee on January 6th Trump would NEVER have been indicted for his involvement in the assault on our Captol. Had they begun the investigation at the same time they were going after the “intruders” – those who were found guilty of ASSAULTING Police officers – Trump would have faced a “jury of his peers” well before the 2014 election. Who knows, maybe the young people – who seem to have no concern for the SCOTUS and Climate Change – would still have “swung” toward Trump in the election? it was reported the other day that half of America’s voting public has the equivalent of a sixth grade (or less) education. As Trump, himself, has said, “I love uneducated voters.” Yikes!!

Final Thought: Does anyone believe the GOP members of the Senate will have the courage to say “no” to some of these RIDICULOUS appointments to Trump’s cabinet – choices which require the “advice and consent” of the Senate – according to our constitution? I don’t think so. When it comes to Gaetz, our “conservative Christian” Speaker of the House seems to leave his morality at the door as he leaves for work every day. (Explanation: speaking out of both sides of his mouth – i.e. republcian politics)

It’s not just Gaetz and Hegseth. Alleged Russian (witting or unwitting) asset Tulsi Gabbard has been nominated to, get this, be the Director of National Intelligence. That’s overseeing the CIA and 16 other intelligence agencies with a potential Russian spy. Holy Cow! But, as usual, there’s always more. Stephen Miller, alleged “White nationalist,” is back to head the “White House” immigration policy (i.e. separating children from parents at the border) Kristi Noem to head Homeland Security, and JFK Jr. to head HHS among other Project 2025 picks. What on earth could go wrong? (And, I’m not even suggesting the issue of Elon Musk slicing $2 TRILLION from our economy along with a fresh new tax cut for Musk and his BILLIONAIRE friends – as a way to fight our deficits)

I have to wonder how all the people I know who support Trump will react when America’s economy heads to severe recession or possibly another depression? Maybe this is how Trump et al plan to get “we the people” to feel good about working in the fields to help harvesting our food supply. My guess it won’t be long till people refuse to acknowledge they were among those who voted for Trump!

The Transitional Oligarchy: Democracy’s Last Stand?

The road ahead could lead to dictatorship or renewed liberty, as the American people confront the corrosive power of wealth in politics…

Thom Hartmann

Nov 18, 2024

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Oligarchy is a form of government where the richest people in a country have captured its political system (or even filled it with themselves) and use that control to direct much of the government’s efforts to increasing their own wealth and power.

We’ll soon again have a billionaire president — helped to power by the richest billionaire on the planet — with his election campaign funded in large part by at least $2 billion in direct, reported donations from roughly 150 billionaire families.

It appears that the other roughly 350 billionaires who openly funded Trump in 2020 chose, this time, to instead donate to “dark money” SuperPACs created by five corrupt Republicans on the Supreme Court with Citizens United that don’t list their donors or, in many cases, even report their expenditures. With an estimated $15 billion spent on this 2024 election, their expenditures probably dwarf the ones we know about (and collectively they carpet-bombed Americans in often-deceptive political advertising).

And none of that covers the additional billions in “free media” Trump got from FOX “News,” rightwing hate radio, and Musk apparently altering the Xitter algorithm to favor messages friendly to himself and/or Trump while suppressing anti-Trump or pro-Harris posts.

This is extraordinarily bad for average Americans: With billionaires calling the shots in the upcoming Trump administration we can expect more pollution, fewer consumer protections, a war on unions, a frozen $7.25 federal minimum wage, bigger subsidies and grants to billionaires’ companies (from the fossil fuel industry to defense and SpaceX), lower taxes on the morbidly rich, and cuts to social services and entitlement programs.

But far more concerning is the simple reality that oligarchies are merely transitional forms of government, as I mentioned on Ali Velshi’s show Sunday morning and wrote in The Hidden History of American Oligarchy.

Ever since Ronald Reagan embraced neoliberalism (free trade, gut unions, low taxes on the morbidly rich) the top .01% have pillaged the American working class, essentially stealing over $50 trillion over the past 43 years and using that money to buy megayachts, penis-shaped rockets, European chateaus, private jets, and to fill their money bins.

So far, Republicans have been able to largely distract Americans from this naked theft by tossing out red herrings; blaming the ills of America on immigrants, big-city Black people, teachers, and the queer community.  But there’s a limit to how long you can gaslight people; eventually working-class Americans figure out what’s going on and who’s behind their falling behind previous generations.

When that happens, oligarchies begin to tremble, something that’s been gradually happening for several decades. People protest, what’s left of union movements stand up, and progressive political parties begin to get a significant toehold on the national debate. The success of Bernie Sanders in his presidential efforts is an example of the leading edge of this dissatisfaction and dawning realization by average citizens of an early indicator that we were approaching this cusp.

Once protest against the oligarchs buying politicians and manipulating government reaches a critical mass, the oligarchy is faced with a terrible but necessary choice.

They can allow democracy to proceed and end up being voted out of power (as happened in Brazil when Bolsonaro was thrown out), sometimes even facing jail themselves (as happened here in 2020, although Merrick Garland dragged his feet for two long years).

Or the kleptocratic government can clamp down on their opposition, labeling protestors and democracy-advocating politicians as terrorists and “the enemy within,” using the power of the state (guns and jails) to suppress popular pro-democracy movements.

This latter path was the one Vladimir Putin chose as Russia moved from democracy to oligarchy and then to outright dictatorship. Speak up and go directly to jail, if you’re not killed outright like Alexi Navalny was. It’s also the path Viktor Orbán, the man many Republicans claim is their role model, has taken in Hungary.

And, if the rhetoric coming from Trump and his acolytes is translated into action starting in January, that is the path America will soon take.

Numerous Americans have been warning about this ever since Trump’s first term in office (and some, including me, for decades before).

Reagan began the destruction of the middle class (which has gone from two-thirds of us in 1981 when he came into office to 43% of us having that wealth today), Bush and Cheney used 9/11 to expand presidential authority, six corrupt Republicans on the Supreme Court granted king-like powers to Trump, and now the wannabee Mussolini is echoing traditional fascist rhetoric about women, minorities, the press, and his political opposition.

Soon, millions of Americans will be confronted with a choice. Will they, like “good Germans,” Russians, Chinese, and Hungarians did, abandon politics and go back to sports, music, and keeping their heads down? Or will they — like millions in Brazil, Chile, and Ukraine — stand up, protest, join the Democratic Party (while it’s still legal) and form a real resistance to an oligarchy that appears bent on morphing itself into America’s first raw tyranny?

In particular, it appears we’re approaching a time when Democratic state governors will need our support in their efforts to resist Trump’s fascist impulses. And, as our mainstream media continues to act like Trump is merely business-as-usual, help sustain independent media that engages in radical truth telling (there are many on Substack: check out my recommendations).

And it’s not too late for America to return to democracy; the next election of great import will be in two years and we all need to prepare.

Those who have faced the violence of state oppression have told us about the importance of times like this.

Elie Wiesel said, “We must take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented,” and Martin Luther King Jr. told us, “He who passively accepts evil is as much involved in it as he who helps to perpetrate it. He who accepts evil without protesting against it is really cooperating with it.”

We still have the power to make the choice to resist, awaken others, and organize. Seize it, before it’s gone.

The Hartmann Report is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my daily work to prevent fascists from taking over America, please consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

I’m 77 and I could have never considered a majority of voting Americans would vote for a candidate who was leading a political movement which can arguably be called a fascist organization. On several occasions on this site I have asked anyone who might find themselves wondering why anyone would refer to Trump as a fascist to read Project 2025 – a MANDATE put together by about 170 so-called “conservatives” who are directly related to a Trump presidency and who, I believe, will be the “puppeteers” silently running the second Trump administration.

I, of course, am virtually gutted by the FACT the American people voted for a man who couldn’t be more disgusting than Trump as their new president. This is a sad commentary on “we the people.” Trump is a FELON. He’s been adjudicated by an unanimous jury to have committed a sexual assault which he compounded to the tune of $88 MILLION worth of defamation. He’s been found LIABLE for $450 MILLION of fraud with his business based on his PATHOLOGICAL lying which, of course, has been a key part of his political career, his business career, and his personal life. I’m just getting started.

His FELONY conviction was for 34 charges – all 34 counts found guilty by a unanimous jury – which will be hanging over his head until, well, until it isn’t. The reality is he can’t pardon himself from these charges – although he will probably be able to get his buddies on the SCOTUS to somehow twist themselves into pretzels finding a way to dismiss these charges. (At this point I’ve accepted I won’t live long enough to see Trump in jail, therefore torpedoing my bucket list’s final goal) Nevertheless the American people have decided to elect a serial common criminal as the person who’s pledged to see that our “laws are faithfully enforced.” (Unless they, of course, apply to him) The SCOTUS, in essence, granted Trump cart blanche to violate our laws at will. Does anyone see the irony here?

But, as usual, there’s more – there’s always more with republicans. Trump has shown his racism overtly during the 2024 campaign (on numerous occasions) which will likely become more overt as Steven Miller enacts the Project 2025 plan to purge America from those who are not “real Americans.” (Whatever that means. Miller, himself, is a second generation American just like Trump) Trump is a misogynist and a xenophobe to boot. (Here comes another “Muslim ban.” Trump cheats at golf and if you know anything about golf you know you are “trusted” to follow the rules honorably. You know where I’m going, everyone knows Trump is NOT honorable. If you cheat at golf you’ll CHEAT at everything.

Trump is a serial sexist and alleged sexual predator. The young Americans who voted for the first time in this past election had, in most instances, not even heard the Access Hollywood tape recording of Trump’s admission to his serial sexual assaults. Around a couple dozen women came forward accusing Trump for, at a minimum, of his groping them against their will. Of course, Trump said they were ALL lying. Right!

Anyone who doesn’t believe Trump found ways to CHEAT during this past election is simply kidding themselves. We all know the Russians were involved once again with the aim of helping Trump, one of their “useful idiots,” to “win” another four years (or more?) in the “White House.” They were sending bomb threats to polling stations as people were lined up planning to vote. What else were they doing? Well, we know they were busy on social media pushing the original “fake news” which will likely never be known because America’s tech “gurus” – like Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg opened their social media platforms to whoever were willing to pay MONEY to them – which, they can’t seem to get enough.

America’s “tech gurus” were among the first to fall in line behind Trump. Musk “invested” between $100 and $200 MILLION in helping Trump’s election bid – conceivably violating the laws in the process (he was also communicating with Vladimir Putin along the way – also likely illegal) – of course, there’s no chance Musk will be prosecuted – just as Trumps indictments will now simply “go away.” Musk gained $16 BILLION on the first day after the election and he’s “worth” $285 BILLION as I’m writing this. Jeff Bezos – who blocked his newspaper the Washington Post from their endorsement of Ms. Harris’ campaign – is worth about $225 BILLION and he was the first to call and congratulate Trump. Zuckerberg is worth close to $200 BILLION and opened his platform to right wing misinformation prior to the election. I could go on

BILLIONAIRES across the Wall Street spectrum were funneling money to Trump’s campaign in numbers we’ll never know due to the SCOTUS disgusting “Citizen’s United v Federal Election Commission decision back in 2010 opening the flood gates of MONEY to PAC’s which are not legally allowed to coordinate with campaigns. Of course, Musk’s PAC was OBVIOUSLY coordinating with Trump’s campaign and who knows about the other BILLIONAIRE money which was flowing into Trump’s campaign?

I say all this as I’ve been listening to democrats and disaffected republicans who have places on the Cable news outlets – like MSNBC – finding ways to try to make sense of what happened and put forth, somehow, a positive spin on what just happened. Well, count me out on that front. These people don’t seem to realize the reality which just happened. Trump will be in the “White House” while surrounded by those 170 (or so) right wing wack jobs who put together Project 2025. If Trump strays from the “plan” they will be “shouting from the tree tops” – but, count on this, these people know how to manipulate our narcissistic president elect. Trump has accomplished his goal of winning the election as his way of avoiding jail-time. Running a government? Not so much – he has no idea how it works – but, these Project 2025 leaders do. You figure this out! Yikes!

To me, the pundits I’ve listened to who are trying to put a positive case on all this are fooling themselves. Around here I’ve always made predictions and more often than not I’ve been correct. I often hope I’m wrong because my predictions about what America has become is not what you’d call positive. Here’s the first one – by the end of this term in the SCOTUS both Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito will retire opening up the ability of Trump to appoint two more right wing judges to LIFETIME appointments to the Court and they will be YOUNG. Trust me, Judge Aileen Cannon will be one of the new appointments to the Court and democrats will have NO power to stop her from joining the Court – a Judge who is incompetent as a District Judge who will be on the SCOTUS.

Anyone who doesn’t understand republicans are focused on bringing in people to the government who are willing to make a LOYALTY pledge to Trump and the Project 2025 hasn’t been paying attention to those on the “right.” This group of people are avowed racists and their purpose is to purge America of those they accuse of “poisoning the blood.” The American people actually voted for this group of people. That’s the reality we all have to face. Kamala Harris kept saying, at her rallies, “we’re not going back.” Well, the voters said, “Yes we are.”

Interestingly, to me, is the FACT women had the POWER to control this election and prevent these right wing republicans from attempting to force them back into the kitchens under the “rule” of their husbands – and, of course, making babies in the process. Just as in 2016 – the other time America had the opportunity to FINALLY choose a woman as our president – far too many women voted for Trump once again, hard for me to understand. Do they understand if the republicans come up with a national abortion ban – part of the Project 2025 agenda – it will override their state constitutions? I really didn’t get that one.

Then there was the Hispanic vote. Trump is threatening to round up “illegal” immigrants and, of course, many of those under the microscope will be Hispanic members of our society – some people I learned to care deeply about when I was still a public school teacher. Yet, the Hispanic vote swung significantly enough toward Trump to put him back in the “White House.” This was also really difficult for me to understand. Many of these people came to America to get away from authoritarian governments and now they’re voting for one. Do they actually feel they won’t be targeted? I mean those from Puerto Rico were referred to as “garbage” and, yet, in Pennsylvania, for example, voted in alarming numbers for Trump. Even some Haitians reportedly voted for Trump!

I could go on, I’ll leave my predictions to the SCOTUS becoming even more radical (I’ll refer to the Climate Crisis on a later date) but, I have to lament that I live in a nation which is more comfortable with a TRAITOR – who attempted a coup d’etat back in 2021 – was credibly accused of something like 90 FELONIES, is – as I pointed out above – is a serial sexual predator (according to something like 25 women) – found by a unanimous jury to have committed what the judge referred to as “rape” – is a racist, a misogynist, a xenophobe – and those are his bright points – as our president. Even America’s women couldn’t bring themselves to vote for a woman for president. This is depressing!

Final Thought: I wrote the above shortly after the election and I’m still lamenting on what was going through the minds of the GROUPS which chose to either vote for Trump or “stay at home.” A couple examples: First – apparently MANY Puerto Ricans voted for Trump despite being referred to as “Garbage” at Trump’s Madison Square Garden fascist rally. Also, I have no idea how many Palestinian and Arab Americans either voted for Trump or stayed home – but, here’s what they got. Mike Huckabee as the U.S. ambassador to Israel. Huckabee famously doesn’t believe in Palestinians. Sadly, you often “get what you pay for.” And, of course, something like 8 – 10 MILLION progressives checked out on this election. Just like when Hillary Clinton ran – leading to the 6-3 right wing majority in the SCOTUS. And, that’s going to get worse! Stay tuned…. (if you can stomach this) – the s@#t is in the process of hitting the fan!

I’ve got another rant which is near complete, but there are some thoughts I’ve got to get out while they’re still swirling around in my head. And, of course, they relate to the recent election of Trump to another four years of destroying as much of America’s fundamental democratic republic as he can. And, if you’ve been paying attention to the initial picks Trump is making for his cabinet it’s entirely possible you’ve realizing what’s on the horizon. I know several “conservatives” who share the church pews (OK, in my church it’s chairs) and who voted for Trump who have NO IDEA what it really is they voted for. Most of them can’t tell you how our government is formed. Just recently I had a conversation (here) who didn’t understand that the Senate is part of the Congress.

And, of course, democrats are scrambling to figure out what went wrong. The answer, of course, is less complicated than they’re making it. The first reason, to me, can be explained in two words: gender and race. The second reason can also be explained in two words: Social Media.

You would have to be someone with your “head in the sand” to fail understanding that there continues to be a significant portion of our society which is bigoted to the point where when looking at a candidate for national office they would need to see a white male in order to give even consideration. Democrats need to understand this. Kamala Harris engineered an incredible campaign considering she had 107 days to pull it off. I do have to add here that back when democrats started falling off the “Biden bandwagon” I pointed out the winner of the 2024 election would be Biden or Trump. Sadly, I was correct.

I did point out at the time I’ve been lamenting democratic party failures for many years. The issue to me is democrats unwilling to campaign on their basic issues and, in the case of Joe Biden, their accomplishments. After democrats forced Biden from the race Ms. Harris was faced with some serious choices and one of them was to run away from the accomplishments of the Biden administration. I believe, when the history of this troubled time in America is written, Biden will be among the greatest presidents in American history. To me, similar to FDR and LBJ. (The LBJ time, of course, is soiled by the Vietnam fiasco) Add to that, I believe, Barack Obama will also be right up there.

Signature legislation from those times include the implementation of Social Security (and numerous “rights” we seem to take for granted) which has kept MILLIONS of Seniors from poverty (likely, including me) during FDR’s time (along with the rest of the “New Deal”) and Medicare, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Voting Rights Act of 1965 during Johnson’s time in office. (Of course, the Robert’s Court has taken dead aim on the Voting Right’s Act – gutting key portions of it) And, if and when Trump succeeds in repealing the Affordable Care Act (i.e. “Obamacare”) the importance of Barack Obama’s time in office will become more OBVIOUS.

Joe Biden’s accomplishments – which largely happened in his first two years and, even then he was working with razor thin majorities in Congress (if you’re not sure that means both the House and the Senate), are historical. Just off the top of my head the accomplishments included the American Rescue Plan of 2021, the incredible accomplishment of getting vaccines for COVID to every location in the country where people could get vaccinated – saving THOUSANDS of American lives. They passed the infrastructure bill which is working on fixing America’s aging infrastructure (If you remember, Trump failed NUMEROUS times to accomplish this).

Biden’s administration got a bill passed aimed at increasing gun safety (even though it SHOULD have been better, but, well…. republicans), they got the cost of (some) prescription drugs reduced by allowing Medicare to negotiate the prices (astonishing to me that Medicare was prevented from doing so), they passed the “Chips and Science Act” which is bringing the manufacturing of computer chips back to America creating THOUSANDS of good jobs in places that need them. Also, they passed the so-called “Inflation Reduction Act” which included a provision, the first SMALL step, in dealing with the Climate Crisis – designed to encourage the use of clean renewable energy.

The amount of jobs created in the four years of Biden’s administration was beyond anything on record – meaning the MOST – Trump is also in the “record books” with “job creation” as the LEAST number of net jobs when he left office as opposed to when he inherited the 75 months of job growth from President Obama. So, why would Kamala Harris run away from the Biden administration’s record during the 107 days of her campaign? Well, to me, abandoning Biden because of a poor debate performance (and, by the way, Trump had TWO poor debate performances) caused democratic “advisors” to, I guess, assume that was the direction Ms. Harris should follow.

I say that with my belief that Kamala Harris engineered an incredible campaign under the circumstances. Those democrats who are trying to figure out what happened need to understand the reality of the American public – not only the bigotry but also the level of political ignorance – and, I have to add, many of the “conservatives” I know are good hard working people who don’t even understand they voted for an overt racist. But, there’s a second part of this problem – explaining why we’re once again STUCK with Trump.

This one, to me, should be MORE obvious. For starters, Elon Mush owns the Social Media app Xwitter. Now, I don’t do Social Media (with the exception of – mostly – music on YouTube – but, I can virtually guarantee there was an endless flowing of mis/disinformation across “X” targeted by Musk and his tech savvy acolytes to specific audiences. For example, the war in GAZA was a weight around Biden by people who somehow thought Biden could order Bibi Netanyahu around. My guess is “pro Israel” stuff was sent to Palestinian supporting groups and vice versa. From what I’ve heard “X” has become a cesspool of right wing misinformation since Musk took over.

But, you have to also look straight at Mark Zuckerberg – another tech “mogul” who can’t seem to get rich enough. He, like Peter Thiel, has his own hideaway place to go (I believe it’s somewhere in Hawaii) when the shit hits the fan – which appears to be happening. Zuckerberg opened up Facebook to the same right wing political mis/disinformation which brought us Trump the first time and, well, my guess is there it was once again. If you remember (or don’t remember) an outfit called “Cambridge Analytica,” back in 2016 STOLE the data from 57 MILLION American households and organized it into “neighborhoods” where these LIES (let’s call mis/disinformation what it is) were spread causing a significant affect on the beliefs of unsuspecting Facebook users. Cambridge Analytica (CA) was a project both Steve Bannon and Robert Mercer were involved with and it used psychoanalyzing techniques to influence potential voters.

In addition to helping to get Trump elected back in 2016 CA was directly involved in affecting the voters who voted to break Great Britain away from the European Union via “Brexit.” Keep in mind, the Russians and members of Israeli intelligence got the data pilfered from Facebook allowing them to target American voters during the 2016 election of Trump #1. CA ultimately was forced out of business, but the damage to America had been done – PLUS the information regarding American voters was still in the possession of Bannon and the republican right wing supporters of Trump. I have no doubt they used this information once again in 2024.

Plus, you had Elon Musk (and who knows who else was involved with him) spreading GARBAGE on his website and, undoubtedly, on Facebook and other Social Media apps. Democrats seem to be woefully inadequate in understanding how all this works – but, clearly, Musk was “investing” heavily into Trump’s campaign via secret “PAC’s.” If you’ve watched the stock market and Musk’s auto company since the election you know exactly why he did it – Musk, like Zuckerberg, (and other American Oligarchs) can’t seem to get enough money – but, Trump’s “win” in the election is going a long way in determining if he has a ceiling.

I read “Proof of Conspiracy” by Seth Abramson which lays out the evidence of the conspiracy of the Trump campaign of 2016 with Russia, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Egypt (I think also Qatar?) to get Trump elected. Well, I have to believe the same “actors” were doing the same thing in 2024. I’ve written several times here that Vladimir Putin has been working for YEARS to use our (the U.S.) open society against us – as he attempts to convince Americans that “democracy” is evil.

Trump has proved he IS “above the law” and, as we await his new reign on America we’re seeing that anyone on his “team” will also be above the law. For example, take what Elon Musk is up to. (and Trump) It’s been credibly reported Musk was not only on a phone call to President Zelenskyy of Ukraine but has also been reported to be having conversations with representatives of Iran. Wouldn’t these by violations of the Logan Act? Of course, there’s no reason to even open an investigation because, well, the new Attorney General just might be Matt Gaetz. (I can’t believe I just typed that) Bottom line, Trump and his sycophants don’t believe in the rule of law. (for themselves)

So, democrats need to stop trying to figure out what Kamala Harris did wrong. True to their tradition they didn’t run on their incredible successes – because they have no idea how to win the messaging “wars” and their understanding, it appears, of Social Media is like boys against men in comparison to republicans. Musk, like Trump, is obviously willing to do whatever it takes to win. His buying votes in Pennsylvania and other “battleground states” was, to me, clearly illegal – almost unbelievably arrogant. But, he was betting he could help Trump win – so, there would never be an investigation.

The result of all this is becoming painfully clear. Trump is now naming some of the most incredible names for his cabinet in, maybe, history. I mean, Gaetz for Attorney General? It was interesting how he avoided indictment for his alleged sex trafficking and illicit drug use. And, RFK Jr. for the head of HHS? OMG! Will he be the one who succeeds in dismantling Medicare? And, his anti vaccine nonsense? Just recently, where I live, (a small county in Washington state) there have been over 400 cases of Whooping Cough and an outbreak in our elementary schools of the measles – mostly with children whose parents agree with Kennedy on opposition to vaccines. And, Tulsi Gabbard as head of the Department of Intelligence? Yikes! But, of course, there’s more: A Fox “News” host as Secretary of Defense?! God help us all!!!

While the finger pointing about “what went wrong” will continue and likely be pointed at President Biden or Vice President Harris – in my view – the fingers should be pointed at “we the people.” It shouldn’t have taken a lot of thought to understand what lies ahead as people were choosing to vote for a 34 times convicted FELON who faced over 50 additional charges, including Espionage, has been adjudicated civilly of committing what the judge equated to rape, and who has a long history of committing FRAUD as our president. No one can claim “ignorance” at this point. Why would anyone wonder why America is no longer a nation based on the “rule of law.” When this disaster permeates the American culture, we MUST be clear where we lay the blame. It should lie at the feet of the American voters. Stay tuned……

Final Thought: Speaking of wondering if America is still a nation based on the rule of law – and, how Trump has destroyed that fundamental value, there’s more. None could possibly compare to Trump’s promise to pardon those who participated in the January 6th, 2021 INSURRECTION, including those convicted of SEDITIOUS CONSPIRACY – in essence, an attempt to overthrow our government. Well, Trump is attempting to prove he’s managed to do this via the ballot box. Will republicans in Congress continue to cower in fear of this deplorable man? If Trump pardons those who have been convicted of assaulting the Capitol and Metropolitan Police officers who did battle with them for several hours – with some officers saying the attack was worse than anything they experienced in their military service in Iraq or Afghanistan – will republicans go along?

Sadly, my prediction is: Yes!

The thoughts are swirling through my head as I try to process that a majority of American voters chose a TRAITOR and a FELON to be the next president of the United States. Not to mention a alleged serial sexual predator and Fraudster. (I’ve got two rants going on in my head at once) My heart is grieved by what is happening in our nation. And, the most important part to me, as I was sitting in church today, I know about 70% of the people in the service voted for Trump. (In my state, it didn’t matter as much because Washington, as a state, voted for Kamala Harris) These people, during the service, made it clear to me they have no idea what is coming.

All I could think about as I was trying to get to sleep last night was all the times in this blog I’ve talked about the fundamental characteristic of FASCISM being a government/corporation partnership. This couldn’t have been more obvious as we all watched Elon Musk attempting (and apparently succeeding) with BUYING votes in Pennsylvania and other “swing states.” His $150 MILLION “investment” in Trump has already paid off to the tune of about an increase in his net worth of about $30 BILLION in the three days following the election. Trump is going to put Musk in a place where he’s overseeing his own financial empire. That’s not a good look – if you still believe in our democratic republic.

It’s not only Musk. Jeff Bezos, as we all know, blocked the Washington Post from endorsing Kamala Harris and was then the FIRST to call and congratulate Trump. These American OLIGARCHS know how to play Trump and they can’t get enough money – it’s like they’re making a rush to be the first TRILLIONAIRE. Musk is now worth close to $300 BILLION and Bezos is nearing $250 BILLION. And, there’s Mark Zuckerberg who’s worth around $200 BILLION. When you think about the POWER of Social Media and the coming reality the Justice Department will undoubtedly stop the lawsuits attempting to break up these corporations who have monopolies. Their “donations” to Trump have/will pay off handsomely. Corporate dominance of our society has been on a steady rise since Lewis Powell sent his now infamous “memo” to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce laying out the plan which has finally reached full truism. (It started to take shape with Ronald Reagan and Trump has applied the exclamation point)

That is simply the “foundation” of the reality we’ll all be facing (even for those of you who voted for Trump and haven’t read Project 2025). Trump has made “promises” which many seem to think were just his normal “hot air” – but, they aren’t aware of the number of corporate interests which were behind Project 2025. The shit is going to hit the fan starting on January 20, 2025. We’ll likely never know how many voters were purged during the election or chose to stay home. We’ll likely not know how many young people Musk influenced to vote for Trump. We won’t know the full effect of the hundred or so BOMB threats at polling stations across several “battleground states.” What we do know is that 3 out of 10 women who voted for abortion care in their states also voted for Trump. MORE women voted for Trump in this election than in 2016. And, he’s going to take care of them, “whether they like it or not.” This all is like a bad dream to me.

So, you think this is all hyperbole. Well, just think about what we KNOW. Trump will now get away with serial violations of the laws he’s soon expected to take an oath to “preserve, protect, and defend.” That oath is to the constitution which Trump has said he will terminate. Any “oath” Trump takes, this one with a hand on the Bible, will take place with his fingers crossed behind his back. When his lips are moving, he’s LYING.

We also KNOW Trump stole highly classified documents the last time he left office and, when he forced the FBI to search his home (Mar a Lago), there were Top Secret documents missing. Do you think they were shared during the SEVEN phone calls with Putin, which should have caused Trump to be investigated for violating the Logan Act? We KNOW Trump shared some of that CLASSIFIED information with strangers – do you really believe he would be capable of not sharing it with Putin? And, Musk? He has been calling Putin as well, what’s that all about? Trump, Musk, and anyone associated with Trump’s administration will be “above the law” on January 20th. And, is alleged FELON and disbarred attorney Jeffrey Clark really going to nominated to be the next Attorney General? Yikes! (So says Steve Bannon)

Then there’s Vladimir Putin. He has been vocal about his anger at the demise of the former Soviet Union, blaming the United States. He’s been polluting Social Media in America for much longer than the time we’ve been stuck with Trump and his sycophants. The leaders in Russia are doing jumping jacks with big smiles on their faces – they’ve succeeded at getting their “useful idiot” back in the “White House.” Putin has used our open society against us in an attempt to prove democracy doesn’t work. And, he’s had a compliant republican party whether those in the party recognize it or not. It appears Putin has succeeded. (My heart grieves for the valiant people in Ukraine)

I’ve been trying to listen to/watch “news” programs – I watch MSNBC when I watch anything – and I don’t last long as the program “hosts” and their guests are attempting to “put lipstick on a pig.” I’m not sure how many people fully understand what’s coming. Trump being manipulated by the worst dictators in the world – and NATO automatically on shaky ground. Elon Musk having untold POWER to further his own interests and to put “temporary pain” on the rest of us as he promised during the campaign. And, unbelievably to me, Robert Kennedy, in the words of Trump, “having his way with the medical” (or words to that effect). Bad dream? Sadly, not so! That’s just a small part of what’s coming. It’s like “democracy” has been tied to the tracks and here comes the train. It could get really ugly.

I only made it through the prologue and the first hundred or so pages of Project 2025, but I didn’t need to read any further. This is a roadmap to a fascist state and Trump is the perfect vessel for the 170, or so, right wing political “leaders” and the right wing corporate interests who laid out the plan which avoids what they refer to as the pitfalls of Trump’s first four years inflicting incompetence and pain on America. In their minds it SHOULD have been much worse. There were people in the “White House” who actually believed in the oath they had to take to get their jobs. That oath was to the constitution – this time the oath will be to Trump. I think the number of people who understand this are few and far between.

No one should be surprised at what Steven Miller will be up to in the new administration. Will he be able to actually lead a “roundup” of the “illegals” living and working in America? (Remember, Musk entered the U.S. illegally) These people don’t mind immigrants, as long as they are white. How does J.D. Vance talk to his IMMIGRANT wife, who is from India, as he’s spreading lies about Haitians eating “cats and dogs?” Trump (Drumpf) is a second generation German immigrant (who has repeated several of Hitler’s fond phrases) and he’s been married to (and cheated on) two immigrants. If they succeed, what will be the effect on our economy? (Hell, Musk is offering his “sperm” because he believes we need more babies.

And, to those women who voted for themselves to have autonomy over their bodies by voting for initiatives to put the right to an abortion in their state constitution and then voted for Trump, were they not aware that a prime focus of Project 2025 is to pass a nationwide ABORTION ban which would override their state’s new law? As someone whose first experience with pregnancy was with a wife who had a miscarriage – this is alarming. I actually didn’t understand, at the time, I was paying for what amounted to an abortion as my wife was taken from the emergency room bleeding out and had the procedure known as a D & C. (ie the same procedure as an abortion). I fear for any woman in that predicament who is denied health care because of draconian laws – written by WHITE men! It’s already happening in nearly half the U.S. states.

Do you really believe the laws will be faithfully “preserved and protected?” I, personally, don’t have any confidence, for example, that the Judge in Trump’s “porn star election interference” trial, where Trump was unanimously found GUILTY of 34 FELONIES will have the “stones” to give Trump the sentence he deserves. Remember, he was found in contempt of the court TEN times during the trial. Not once has he expressed a scintilla of remorse – consider if that was you. 34 FELONIES – guilty on all of them. Ten instances of CONTEMPT (where, if that was you, you’d have found yourself behind bars at that time), and NO remorse. Do you think the charges would be dropped? Do you really believe this judge will sentence Trump to prison time? (That would make J.D. Vance, temporarily the president I suppose) Trump will get away with ALL his criminal conduct – and, likely, a lot more before he’s done. He’s got almost unlimited IMMUNITY now!

Add to that the SCOTUS. They not only made sure Trump’s January 6th trial didn’t happen before the election, they were primed to help him out had he lost. However, from their vantage point just in case he manages to win, they have given him “cart blanche” to violate our laws with impunity. Not only will he get away with his criminal conduct, but so will Musk? He, to me, is virtually as arrogant in regard to our laws. Offering Million dollar payoffs to people in battleground states to “sign his petition” that they support the first and second amendments to the constitution, do you really believe that’s legal? Nice trick, especially because we know Trump’s justice department will look the other way – for heaven’s sake, that could have been a key contributor to Trump’s “win.”

Why do you think Jeff Bezos was the first to call and congratulate him? Bezos recently moved from Seattle to Miami because Washington passed a Capital gains tax on stock gains of over $250 THOUSAND of something like 7 percent. He, like Musk, doesn’t seem to have a limit to how much MONEY he thinks he’s worth. I don’t use Amazon and I, despite both my wife and I driving electric cars, there’s no way we’d drive a Tesla. In fact, if I had any pull, I’d be urging all Americans to avoid driving Tesla’s. (I drive a Polestar which is every bit as nice as a Tesla but without the “Musk.”)

The point I’m Trying to make is that I believe “we the people” have allowed ourselves to be pushed over the tipping point into becoming a pure fascist state. (As I told my son this morning I’ve never more hoped I’m wrong) What will happen if they succeed in dismantling the Department of Education? (That coming from a retired public school teacher) What will happen if they succeed in purging America’s institutions of the dedicated public servants – who know the “ropes” – only to install their Trump loyalists? What on earth DAMAGE will RFK Jr. manage to inflict on the CDC, the FDA, the NIH? What will four years of allowing unvaccinated children into our public schools? (Measles, Small Pox, Polio and more – does Kennedy want a recurrence of these diseases?) And, dismantling the FBI and DOJ? That should be interesting – more people will be walking around while packing a weapon. Great! (not)

Not only will the safety of our food be at risk with Kennedy calling the shots (he’s going to focus on “Fruit Loops”) – the guy is a TOTAL wack job! But, when all these “illegals” are rounded up – many who do the critically important WORK of helping to harvest the crops of America’s farmers – what will that mean for our food supply? – and, for all those Americans who voted for Trump because they’re worried about inflation – well, do you think it might be possible for Trump’s group of incompetents to cause the prices of food to spike to new highs? (Again, I hope I’m wrong)

Is Trump really going to put tariffs on imported goods across the board? He still believes that’s a tax on the country of origin. However, it’s a tax on “we the people.” That SHOULD be easier to understand unless you’ve got a mind as demented as Trump’s. And, do you think putting these tariffs on will create ANY jobs in America? Hell, Trump gets the Bibles he hocks to “we the people” from China. Speaking of Trump’s con game – do you really think he’s not going to be busy figuring out ways he can PROFIT off this bonanza – letting the Project 2025 people figure out the details of running the government? I could go on and on with all the thoughts swirling in my brain, but this, so far, isn’t helping my feeling of gloom.

I have to say, I’m really disappointed in the American people. As I said, this right wing takeover of the government has been going on for over 50 years. It’s been methodical and the republicans have proven themselves to be much more strategic in their thinking than the democrats – not to mention, the republicans cheat and fight dirty while the democrats continue to want to put a positive face on things. I can’t stop this without ending with my thoughts about John Roberts and the other right wing members of the SCOTUS.

Lewis Powell was placed on the Court only one year after laying out the plan for corporations to take control of our government – leading to the “trickling up” of TRILLIONS of dollars out of the Middle Class to the top “1%.” Over the years, since Reagan, the Court moved farther and farther to the right culminating, in 2000, with the “crowning” of GW Bush/Dick Cheney over the “will of the people.” Talk about your “rigged” elections. Bush’s brother as governor of Florida and the Court stopping a recount which would likely have put Al Gore in the “White House” – thereby preventing the Iraq fiasco. (And, likely, the ensuing financial meltdown of 2007-2008)

But, as I always say, with republicans you can count on MORE. Along comes Roberts and Sam Alito and we’ve gone from the Citizen’s United v Federal Election Commission ruling OPENING the floodgates of DARK money (and foreign money) into our elections, (remember, “corporations are people”) followed by a gutting of the Voting Rights’ Act of 1965, followed by the end of “affirmative action,” followed by (maybe I’m out of order here) overturning of Roe, followed by the end of “Chevron deference” (which I, and likely most of you) don’t understand – I believe it takes the expertise out of government agencies and gives it to the incompetents in the Courts) followed by giving Trump unlimited IMMUNITY to violate our laws if he considers it “official.”

And, of course, both Sam Alito and Clarence Thomas are likely to retire at the end of the present term and Trump, likely, already has the replacements in mind. And, guess what, – and you heard it here (likely not) first – I believe Trump will reward Aileen Cannon for her “loyalty” in overseeing his Espionage case by promoting her to the Court. And, the democrats will be powerless to stop him. This will ensure the Court is in the right wing’s grip for 30 maybe 40 years. And, it wouldn’t surprise me if the republicans, to head off what democrats have been mumbling about, try to expand the court – one justice for each of the 13 appellate Courts. That would equate to four more right wing, lifetime appointed, Supreme Court Justices. Yikes!!!

Final Thought: I haven’t even brought up the Climate Crisis. How many Hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, wild fires, droughts, will it take for Trump and his sycophants to understand we have a problem here? Apparently, they all think if the world is really coming to an end they’ll be the ones going to heaven – despite all the LYING and CHEATING and the worshiping of MONEY, all the ignoring of the “least of these,” and a host of other “commandments” in the Bible. They’ve paid their $70 for Trump’s (China made) Bible (which everyone else can get for nearly FREE without Trump’s picture) so they’re “good to go.”

I found it interesting (or should I say depressing) that the states hit hardest by the Hurricanes earlier this year ALL voted for Trump/Vance. Apparently, the FACT 2024 broke 2023’s record as the hottest year yet doesn’t faze these people. The FACT both the Atlantic and Gulf waters are dangerously WARM – providing FUEL for the Hurricanes isn’t of concern in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina or North Carolina. It seems the citizens of Florida must be getting their homeowner’s insurance from “we the people.” I feel for my children and grandchildren that their country is going to lose AT LEAST another four years – which may be too many – in combating this crisis. This is simply a small sample of the thoughts SWIRLING in my head! Stay tuned!!!

Over the past two weeks I saw the same ad showing up OVER and OVER while I was watching football games and other stuff I can’t remember at this point in time. The ad depicted Kamala Harris as responsible for a policy where inmates in the federal prisons were getting transgender surgeries via a policy put in place by Kamala Harris. In reality, the policy in question was implemented while Trump was president the first time around. I didn’t see any push-back from Ms. Harris and, as I’m watching Trump win his second reign on America, it appears the consistent reason is the swing of Hispanic voters moving in Trump’s direction.

This despite the heinous rally at Madison Square Garden – reminiscent of the rally by the German American Bund back in 1939 – where those Trump had on the stage with him were, shall we say, less than complimentary of Hispanics. For example, as most people know, the people of Puerto Rico were referred to as an Island of garbage in the ocean – not to mention the other anti-immigrant messages. Well, it still hasn’t been called by the networks, but I’m calling this election for the most deplorable person I can imagine as being, once again, the president of the United States.

All I can say to the American people is, “you get what you pay for.” God help us!

Final Thought: I’ve been praying for Ukraine all the while during this election and my hope now is that President Biden will unload whatever amount of “assistance” is still available to him prior to January 20th. Also, for the Palestinians who voted for Trump or third party, well, pray for GAZA. It looks as if Trump is going to win in a – and, it pains me to write this – a LANDSLIDE!

Now we’ll see if the INSURRECTIONISTS get pardoned. Also, brace yourself, but Robert Kennedy is going to be in charge of the CDC, the FDA, NIH, and, in essence, HHA.

Tomorrow is election day and not too many people are going to read this, but I have to make a SHORT post regarding one part of this election which I couldn’t agree with Michelle Obama more. The last time I listened to her speak she said, “How can this election even be close?” That’s exactly what’s bothering me tonight no matter how this election turns out. Roughly HALF of the American electorate favor Donald Trump and the roadmap to fascism “Project 2025.”

That’s a sad state of affairs. And, trust me, those in Europe are possibly paying more attention to what that actually means than, likely, more than HALF of the Americans eligible to vote. From the European side of things, how could “we the people” vote into office someone who almost destroyed NATO his first time around and will likely do so if he gets a second chance? Plus, HE’S A FELON! When did America decide choosing someone who takes an oath to make sure the laws are faithfully defended who refuses to follow them? (And, incredibly, the SCOTUS gave him virtually a “get out of jail free” card – should he be able to VIOLATE that oath once again.)

But, we Americans? For God’s sake! He’s been convicted of sexually assaulting a woman by a civil court which placed a judgement of over $5 MILLION as his punishment. Part of that judgement was for DEFAMATION and, what did Trump do? Of course, he kept defaming her. Now he owes her over $83 MILLION! On top of that Trump was found liable for nearly HALF A BILLION dollars in various forms of FRAUD. If you’re not too aware of that = it just further “cements” Trump’s place in the hall of fame of LIARS.

Many of America’s first time voters have never heard the Access Hollywood tape – and, I blame democrats for that – but, thanks to some of Trump’s unhinged attacks on Ms. Harris my understanding is that tape has resurfaced – on places like TikTok. I don’t frequent the Social Media sites, but according to my grandchildren, most of our young people are found on TikTok. And MILLIONS of them now have heard Trump bragging about grabbing women by their “pussies.” He says, “when you’re famous they’ll let you do it.” How can anyone have a more demeaning view of America’s women?

And, Trump has convinced MILLIONS of Americans that he cares about “immigration.” Of course, he could care less about immigration, as long as the immigrants skin color is the correct one. I mean, he’s married to an IMMIGRANT. His grandfather was an IMMIGRANT (from Germany – their name was Drumpf) who married an immigrant. Heck, JD Vance is married to an IMMIGRANT from India, no less. How does she feel as her husband demeans Kamala Harris? Based on how he’s talked about women, he likely doesn’t care.

Donald Trump might be the MOST despicable person I’ve ever been forced to listen to, with the possible exception of Mr. Vance. These two men are making it clear to me there’s something really wrong with the nation I learned for about the last 70 years. I remember the days of Dwight Eisenhower, I remember JFK becoming president and then being murdered (when I was a Junior in High School). Then it was MlK Jr. getting murdered and then RFK getting murdered. That was a tough time for me.

LBJ caused the U.S. to lose face in the world by pushing the surge in the Viet Nam War, but he also oversaw the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 PLUS the implementation of Medicare. While the war in “Nam” is what most Americans remember from LBJ, but his signature legislation was the most significant in my lifetime UNTIL Joe Biden came along. Now we’re back at that familiar place in American politics where democrats can’t run on their accomplishments. Kamala Harris is doing a good job of putting herself in a position to continue what is the greatest economy, post pandemic, in the world.

For whatever reason (and I’ve heard them) the American people don’t believe the economy is good. To me, that’s a sign of how “spoiled” we’ve become and how susceptible we are to the corporate interests which control the Mainstream Media (MSM). Here’s the deal, there’s been a BILLION dollars spent on political advertising IN THE LAST WEEK! I know a lot of people who don’t want to hear/see another ad and just can’t wait until it’s over. Sadly, that’s exactly what those corporate interests want.

I’ve encouraged by the campaign run by Kamala Harris – when you think about it, she ran it almost flawlessly. For heaven’s sake, it’s only been about four months since Joe Biden decided to drop out. In addition, she’s been running against a REALLY despicable person. However, should this turn out the way I want it to, we must all keep in mind that Ms. Harris won’t get much done if “we the people” don’t give her a willing Congress. The reality is, the Senate is a true long shot for democrats. And the House? How could “we the people” ever vote republicans in charge of the House after the previous “deplorable” two years – where NOTHING got done – except a few “continuing resolutions” where a budget isn’t even voted on – they simply “kick the can down the road.”

I’m not sure if I want Kamala Harris to win more than I want Trump to LOSE. Keep in mind, one of the last two things on my bucket list is to live long enough (I’m 77) to see Trump go to jail. Even if Trump loses, as I said above, that won’t change the FACT almost half of this country plan to vote for him. Trump is a cowardly bully. who got slaughtered in his one debate with Ms Harris – leading him to cower out of any other direct confrontations with her. Trump is a pitiful old man. He’s a serial violator of our laws, a FELONY 34 times (with more to come). Why is this election even close? God help us!