I wrote recently that individual 1, referred to as a MORON by at least two of his original cabinet appointees, is much more “cunning” than many of us realized. His SCHEME to overthrow our government had been “birthed” well before the November 3rd, 2020 election and, as those of us who are watching the hearings of the Select January 6th Committee can clearly see, he ALMOST succeeded. I’ve been pointing out America has long had a corporate/government partnership (since the days of Reagan – which followed the infamous “Powell memo”) – the definition of Musolini fascism – but, of course, that’s never good enough for republicans so they enlisted our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president to do what Adolf Hitler failed to do back in the 1940’s. He nearly pulled it off and still could – because he won’t be deterred unless Merrick Garland decides to deter him.

Cunning, you ask? Yep! So, if you’re watching the 1/6 hearings there can be NO doubt in your mind individual 1 is “GUILTY as sin” No here’s my point: Clearly, individual 1 is watching the hearings and he realizes he’s in “deep doo doo.” Naturally, his reaction is, well, NO surprise. Tonight, I read a post he put in his “Truth” Social – Twitter rip off. In it he made a point to claim he actually BELIEVED he’d “won” the election – despite the OVERWHELMING evidence he was told otherwise NUMEROUS times. (And, of course, he said he still believes it) Why would he make such a preposterous claim?

I’ve heard numerous RESPECTED former prosecutors point out the hardest thing to prove in cases like the MANY individual 1 may be defending himself in is “intent.” Some have asked, “Did he really believe” what Bill Barr called bullshit? Now, I’m suggesting he’s “cunning” not STUPID. (He thrives because he knows his supporters are STUPID – to the point they’ve grifted him about a quarter BILLION dollars since he LOST the 2020 election) The reality is our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president is preparing his DEFENSE in advance of what I’m certain he BELIEVES will be his indictment for NUMEROUS felonies.

There’s so many possible charges individual 1 SHOULD be facing it’s hard to keep up. The judge in California who ruled John Eastman’s emails had to be given to the 1/6 Committee said it’s “likely” both Eastman and individual 1 committed the FELONIES of OBSTRUCTING an official proceeding of Congress and FRAUD against the United States of America. That’s for starters. Of course, the charge of “Seditious Conspiracy’ is much more serious and, to me, it appears obvious individual 1 and a plethora of his associates committed that offense.

We don’t hear much about the legal issues he COULD be facing in New York – where, apparently, the successor to Cy Vance as Manhattan’s DA has decided NOT to proceed with an indictment of individual 1 (and his children) because, well, who knows. Two prosecutors who were on the case for over a year resigned in protest saying, “our former president committed several FELONIES.” Will that case get revived? Who knows, But, individual 1, his eldest son, and his daughter Ivanka are going to be questioned under oath in mid July. The entire family “organization” could be in danger if New York’s AG wins a civi lawsuit alleging FRAUD by individual 1 and his children.

And, remember, his organization is already facing 15 FELONY charges which were already filed along with his former top aide being charged with FELONIES as well. Do you understand why I’ve been calling him a low level MOB boss for several years now? And, none of this even mentions Fani Willis in Fulton County Georgia who has a “Special Grand Jury” going on right now, as I’m writing this, which potentially could result in a RICO charge – meaning people like Mark Meadows and Lindsey Graham could get caught up in individual 1’s illegal behavior.

RICO stands for “The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act.”  The law was brought in to help tackle large scale criminal organizations in the US. That would allow Ms. Willis to indict individual 1 and those who participated in his attempt to overturn the 2020 election in Georgia in one felled “swoop.” When you listen to the 67 minute recording of individual 1 berating Brad Raffensperger – Georgia’s Secretary of State – attempting to get him to “find 11,780” votes – well, you’d have to be STUPID not to understand THAT is actual “election fraud.” (Fraud seems to be a common adverb when looking at individual 1’s behavior)

I read a column in the Washington Post tonight by Eugene Robinson titled “It will be bad if Merrick Garland prosecutes (individual 1 – he, of course, used his surname), and worse if he doesn’t.” If you’ve been on this site in the past you likely know I’m a firm believer in “no one is above the law.” Richard Nixon proved (I thought) “we the people” DON’T believe “if a president does it, it must be legal.” However, since the days of Watergate, our justice system has progressively proved maybe Nixon was correct.

For example, Ronald Reagan and George HW Bush were in, up to their eyeballs, in the Iran/Contra fiasco. In “Iran/Contr” the Reagan administration was secretly selling ARMS to Iran, which was subject to an arms embargo (The Iranians had captured a large group of Americans out of the American Embassy and held them hostage – ironically until Reagan took office – raising other questions), and used the money to fund the Nicaragua “Contras” in an effort to topple Nicaragua’s “leftist” government – a CLEAR violation of Congress’ “Boland Amendment” which prohibited funding of the Contras.

Both Reagan and Bush (HW) went without punishment while several others in the Reagan administration were convicted of serious FELONIES. All were eventually pardoned by HW Bush in the latter days of his administration. This set the stage for the NEXT republican administration, that of GW Bush and Dick Cheney. Both GW Bush and Cheney admitted on national TV to authorizing TORTURE for their so-called “enemy combatants” (determined by them – or their “assigns”) and one of the first things Barack Obama did once he became president was to STOP all the investigations into the WAR CRIMES of the Bush/Cheney/Rumsfeld administration. (Donald Rumsfeld was Sec. of Defense) I stated at the time, this would just be another “signal” to republicans that democrats didn’t have the stomach to stop their lawlessness. And, I said it will just get progressively worse.

I still FIRMLY believe that and, just imagine, how much worse can it get? Well, if you’ve paid attention to individual 1 since he was BOOTED out of the nation’s capital with his “tail between his legs,” he believes he’ll be back in POWER if he “chooses.” His lackeys have been busy changing election laws in numerous states since his failed coup d’etat. Apparently, there are a lot more Americans who don’t believe in our democratic republic than I thought. These “lackeys” are still busy and they’ve got their sights set on the offices of Governor, Secretay of State, and House of Representatives in various key states. IT CAN GET A LOT WORSE!

Here’s the reality: If republicans gain control of Congress (they already CLEARY have control of the courts) it won’t matter who the American people VOTE for in 2024 because republicans in Congress showed their “hand” in 2020. They will simply “object” to the results in states they “need” in order to control the Electoral Vote count and have the POWER to “overturn” the 2024 election – completing what they failed to do in 2020. As many people have said, 2020 was simply the “trial run.” And, sadly, MOST Americans have no idea what is going on. Of course, we can count on democrats to FAIL in pointing this out – if history is any gauge.

I talk to as many people as I can and most of them believe I’vel lost my “marbles.” It just doesn’t seem fathomable to them this could be true. Hopefully, they’re watching the 1/6 hearings which are pointing out what myself (and many others) have been saying for several years now. This republican party continues to tilt strongly to the “right” and it appears to have adopted out and out fascism at this point in time.

Remember, the “base” of the republican party is comprised significantly of outright white nationalists who are, at a minimum, neo-Nazi’s. If you don’t believe me, take another look (online) at the so-called “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville, Virginia back in 2017 – with the “good people on both sides.” You tell me who the “good people” were carrying the Tiki Torches and chanting “Jews will not replace us” while wearing swastika armbands and/or carrying confederate flags. David Duke was there and praised individual 1 for his “good people on both sides” comment. Yikes!!!

My point here is that while it may be true that when it comes to governing individual 1 is a MORON, when it comes to his self preservation he’s not only “cunning” but he’s simply put DANGEROUS. He appears to be void of any moral compass – he’s a MASTER con man a MOB boss. The “conservative Christian” community made the classic “deal with the devil” because individual 1 allowed Moscow Mitch and Don McGahn to flood the court system with right wing judges. And, individual 1 placed THREE right wing (and dishonest) judges on the Supreme Court – which will be a problem for a generation (unless progressive succeed in expanding the Court)

The issue with the Court, in fact, SHOULD motivate progressives to VOTE against republicans for the next MANY MANY elections – and, of course, to vote AGAINST individual 1 or those trying to take his “place.” I firmly believe if democrats lose control of Congress in the 2022 mid-term elections the republicans will have succeeded in achieving what Karl Rove called the “permanent republican ‘majority.'” It will be a kind of the American version of apartheid. As I’ve stated here before, Merrick Garland is, historically, on the spot. He had to decide if he has the stomach for prosecuting individual 1 – and the rest of us can do nothing but “sit on the edge of our seats” in anticipation. He will be roundly criticized one way or the other! And, prosecuting individual 1 will be the first step in salvaging this nation’s principles.

Final Thought: Every day I try to read something about what is going on in Ukraine – I do NOT want to allow myself to get tired of paying attention to Putin’s war of aggression there – a clear view of fascism (Putin’s Russia). I would just point out to anyone reading this that Putin’s war with America has not slowed down and you can be as sure as the sun rising in the East that Putin will have his “paws” all over the upcoming election in America. The last thing he wants to see is President Biden having success – kind of like republicans. How much they’re working in “unison” we may never know – but, rest assured they’re working toward the same end. My hope is the American people will FINALLY see through this “deplorable” partnership.

It didn’t work for Putin in 2020 because, likely, many more Americans were aware of what he’s up to, but the reality is while there were MILLIONS more people voting for democrats, there were also MILLIONS more voting republican. In fact, something I found interesting in watching the 1/6 hearings was something Brad Raffensperger said regarding why individual 1 LOST in Georgia. There were at least 28,000 Georgians who didn’t cast a vote for persident but voted everything else down ballot. So, had all Georgia’s republicans cast a ballot for individual 1 he would have carried the state by around 15,000 votes. So, good on all thos Georgians who had the audacity to refrain from voting for a CRIMINAL and I hope we see more of that in 2022. Individual 1 is a CANCER on this nation – the “cure” is in the hands of AG Garland!

I wrote the above yesterday – the day the Supreme Court overturned 100 years of gun safety laws in New York – now an “open carry” state (with more states likely to follow) and, today, they did what most have been watitng for and overturned Roe v Wade. Judges who had pledged in confirmation hearings they would honor precedence in this matter were, well, LYING. They were ruling on a case from Mississippi which severely limited Roe, but instead of agreeing to that case they decided to “go the full nine yards.” I know “Christians” who are very happy about this, but the reality is abortions will still happen – this ruling will simply create serious health care issues for an untold number of women in America. I have to wonder how many of them are planning to VOTE come November.

Several months ago, when I first allowed myself to use the word STUPID (a word I loathe) regarding republican leaders (and sadly many of their followers) I pointed out the results of some of their decisions. First was the so-called “HEROES Act” the democrats in the House “gave” to individual 1 (and republicans) during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. As Nancy Pelosi said, this will help us “crush the virus.” Of course, Moscow Mitch (republicans controlled the Senate) labled it “dead on arrival” with individual 1’s blessing. Passing that piece of legislation likely would have led to another (disastrous) four years of our now TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president.

Naturally, that decision led to the January 6th, 2021 INSURRECTION the result of individual 1 being the world’s WORST loser. And, of course, the INSURRECTION and MORE republican STUPIDITY led to the January 6th Select Committee. Republicans had the option of a 9/11 type “Commission” with equal representation and, not surprisingly, voted it down. (As usual, thinking is not a characteristic of republican leaders – and, the “flock” almost always does what they are “told”) The result of this STUPIDITY is very possibly going to be what, in conjunction with Supreme Court decisions which get the attention of just about EVERYONE, very well could be a massive move to the polls in November by people who don’t want America to be a fascist state (anymore than it already is).

Time will tell. I’ve always thought democrats were expert at pulling DEFEAT from the “jaws of victory” – but 2022 could very well see the shoe on the other foot. Of course, republicans have a decided advantage due to gerrymandered districts in determining the control of the House, but I just have a feeling democrats could gain a few seats in the Senate – enough to counter Manchin and Sinema – and, if they can keep control of the House it could be possible legislation aimed at “we the people” might actually happen. Make no mistake, I believe Joe Biden is pushing the most progressive agenda since LBJ. He believes in the “Bottom up Middle out” approach to governing. Let’s hope the Roe decision and the 1/6 hearings get enough people’s attention for them to realize what is at stake going forward for our nation!

Here’s the alarming reality as I see it – looking at the “West” while I’m thinking about Ukraine. Way too many people who live in Europe and the United States are either part of the right wing lurch toward authoritarianism OR apathetic when it comes to what is taking place in Ukraine. It’s as if we don’t want our sweet lives affected by anything going on in far away places (Although, Ukraine is a part of Europe). Kind of reminds me of what I’ve read about the beginnings of WW II. I’ve pointed out here my total support of President Biden who, I believe, is fully attempting to prevent WW III. (At least regarding his commitment to Ukraine)

I’ve read recently where the promises of support for Ukraine from countries in Europe borders on emptiness. Weapons Germany has promised are going to be delivered “by the end of July.” My thought when I read that was, “Are you kidding me?” The Ukrainian people are putting up a valiant FIGHT in order to save their democracy from the world’s leading menace, Vladimir Putin, and members of NATO are “going to be sending aid” at the end of next month. (After further reading, the Germans have to train the Ukrainians how to use the weapon I referred to above)

I read today where Biden has authorized another $1 BILLION in military hardware to be sent (immediately, I believe) – but, if I understand the recent appropriation from Congress, there’s $54 BILLION allocated. To me, let’s get on with it. How are the French and the Germans and the other members of NATO going to react once Putin pushes beyond the boundaries of Ukraine? Or, do they believe they can simply allow the Ukrainian people to be slaughtered and that will be the end of it? Do we have some “Neville Chamberlains” out there? My hope is the Ukrainians push the Russians OUT of their country – and, that includes Crimea. But, clearly, it won’t happen without a solidified response from NATO.

We’re seeing in America, as the January 6th Select Committee is releasing the information it has collected in its inquiry of what actually happened on 1/6, 2021 and the months leading up to the INSURRECTION – that, individual 1, who in many ways comes across as a “moron” (to use a description from a couple of his cabinet officials), was actually very CUNNING in his plan to upend nearly 240 years of American democracy. And, obviously, he’s not finished with his attempted coup d’etat. You can check out my previous posts for my thoughts about that AND the role Merrick Garland has as democracies around the world are under assault.

But, as I watch Putin’s actions and I compare them to the actions of individual 1 while he had the reigns of POWER in America, the similarities are striking. While both seem deranged, I’ve come to conclude that both are sinister orgainzed CRIMINALS. Putin, who has Russia “by her short hairs,” and individual 1 who has cast a “spell” on maybe 20 – 25% of the American public seem like “two peas from the same pod.” In both cases it appears they have managed to pull together CULT followings by abusing social media – most notebly, Facebook. Yikes!

Much of what I read about regarding the Russian people and how they believe the words coming from Putin’s mouth – a LIAR on the same magnitude as individual 1 – demonstrates the intoxicating power of media outlets focused on pure propaganda and social media outlets more concerned with MONEY than mis/disinformation on their sites. In America there’s Fox “news,” “Newsmax,” and various other right wing outlets keeping the “ditto heads” in order along with Facebook, where mis/disinformation quickly becomes “viral” – but, in America there are choices and some of the media outlets are actually attempting to do investigative journalism – something which is outlawed in Russia.

So, you look at the one fourth of Americans who’ve “bought the cool-aid” of individual 1’s blathering you see something resembling the Russian people. To me, it’s a much sadder phenomenon because of the “choices” people have when looking at the Americans who continue to support the so-called “big LIE” – most of them KNOWING it’s exactly what William Barr called it in his 1/6 testimony – “Bullshit” – but, many of them can’t pull themselves away from information they (SHOULD) know is, well, “Bullshit.” It’s called “willful ignorance.”

On a more positive note, there ARE those in Russia who understand what Putin is doing is MURDERINGG, in many instances, their relatives and LEVELING Ukraine in a brutal attempt to prevent the people of Ukraine from choosing their own leaders. Reports have Russians sympathic to Ukraine’s plight involved in sabotaging various strategic targets inside Russia. Kind of like the “underground” which developed during WW II in places like France.

In my view, too many people are worried about the cost of gas and groceries – which clearly are affected by the WAR in Ukraine – with little concern to the possibility this WAR could metastisize outside of Ukraine’s borders. What if Putin decided to push into Poland? Are “we the people” (I’m talking about Americans, of course) going to keep complaining about the price of gas instead of putting our support toward stopping Putin’s aggression? Honestly, I’m seeing Putin in a Hitler like “light” and I hope enough people in the “West” have studied their History books relating to WW II. This could get very ugly very fast – especially, if Putin has some rock solid agreement with China. I remember he went to Beijing right before he ordered the invasion.

My son is 32 and very perceptive and we discuss the Ukraine situation virtually every day – he is much more pessimistic than me about Ukraine’s chances for “success.” (Probably a more realistic position – especially, as I become aware of the “casual” response from the major European countries in getting arms to the Ukrainian “front”) The more concerning part to me is his disdain for politics – he doesn’t like politics to enter into any of our conversations. I tell him that’s exactly where the people I’m apposing want you to be. Disgusted with politics to the point where he doesn’t vote. To him, the cost of filling his tank while most jobs don’t pay enough to make even having an apartment where we live “affordable” is the result of “politics.” (And, largely, I don’t believe he’s wrong)

To a degree, it’s hard for me to argue with that – but, by my way of thinking, that’s because not enough people vote AGAINST republicans – too many Americans don’t vote. And, in the upcoming elections in America – critical for many reasons – the pundits believe republicans will retake control of Congress – in an election which may be the key to preserving America’s republic as it has stood for those 240, or so, years. As Benjamin Franklin famously said, “you’ve got a republic, if you can keep it.”

All of this is tied together and it’s incumbent on the American people to take the next step in pushing this nation closer to its “ideal” and that will require voting the vast majority of republicans in Congress out of office. This is a challenge in one country after another in the so-called “West.” The one “democracy” which clearly believes in their right of self government enough to FIGHT for it is Ukraine – from where I’m sitting. Which almost breaks my heart.

The optimist in my says enough Americans will tune into the January 6th Committee’s hearings and enough will be paying attention to several upcoming Supreme Court decisions to understand the gavity of the situation the MAJORITY of Americans are facing. Solving the problem will require VOTING in large enough numbers to overwhelm the voter suppression tactics put forth by republicans in one state after another. It will require enough democratic Senators willing to get rid of the filibuster to, well, get rid of the filibuster.

Getting rid of the filibuster will require democrats to have enough confidence in their own beliefs to actually codify them into law. And, it will require democrats to be WILLING to fully defend the “bottom up middle out” approach to their domestic agenda. It will require them to have the courage to implement a progressive agenda, should they somehow retain control of Congress with enough Senators to actually pass Biden’s agenda this November. And, it will require them to LEARN how to compete in the world of “messaging” – where they’ve been woefully inadequate for as long as I can remember.

Not only is America’s domestic agenda at stake this coming November, but, additionally, our position as a leader in regard to NATO and relationships with Europe. I believe the Europeans are understandably cautious in their dealings with the U.S. because they are smart enough to see individual 1 “laying in the weeds” with the intention of retaking POWER in 2024. I’ve said this many times before on this site, but I believe individual 1 is more of a threat to the U.S.’s republic than Hitler was in WW II. I do not question he will attempt to align America with Russia and China should we be STUPID enough to vote him back into POWER again – and, the likes of the other republican “hopefuls” don’t offer a much brighter, if as bright, a “picture.”

I pray that “we the people” – in our short attention spans – don’t grow weary of supporting Ukraine, especially if Congress is “flipped” come November (as most “experts” predict) To me, the valiant FIGHT being put forth by the Ukrainian people has been inspiring. I’m no fan of America’s “war machine” – but, Ukraine has made it clear Putin has been attempting to undermine the world’s “democracies” for the past couple decades and he believes his “active measures” campaign designed to destablize America has created this opportunity for his “wet dream” of reconstituting the Soviet Union – starting with Ukraine. Very few people believed Ukraine was willing or able to put up the FIGHT which so far has exposed the weakness of the Russian military – but, one thing remains clear – Putin is a ruthless tirant who will stop at nothing in order to achieve his goals. Stay tuned……………….

Final Thought: I don’t agree with the consensus that President Biden blundered the U.S. out of Afghanistan – to me, there was no “easy way out” and Biden was “hamstrung” by the agreement individual 1 made in 2020 with the Taliban. The bottom line, to me, was: 20 years was nearly 20 years too long for America to have been entrenched in Afghanistan. The fact their “army” folded in a matter of days prior to our exit just confirmed that reality. I clearly remember America’s exit from Viet Nam, also with her “tail between her legs” and there’s just no way to “smoothly” exit a “war” you’ve clearly lost.

That being said, I don’t agree with President Biden on everything, just as I didn’t agree with President Obama on everything. Of course, I didn’t agree with individual 1 on almost anything although there have been things I’ve agreed with regarding republican presidents in the past – my evolution to voting AGAINST republicans began with Bush/Cheney and their LYING “we the people” into Iraq and their INCOMPETENT actions leading to the 20 year fiasco in Afghanistan. Biden’s soon to embark on a trip to Saudi Arabia which seems to be flashing a few “red flags” – and, I hope and pray it’s not a desperate attempt to get them to pump more oil – at the expense of some kind of long term defense agreement.

However, it’s not hard for me to think of reasons why it’s imperative for “we the people” to vote in a Congress with enough democrats for Biden to enact his domestic agenda not to mention the importance of protecting against key parts of the republican agenda – which I can’t believe I have to write about after four years of individual 1. For example, most progressives I know are alarmed at the makeup of the Supreme Court. Well, it should be obvious to ANYONE that if republicans gain control of the Senate there could be ADDITIONAL right wing judges added to the court. Right now it’s 6 – 3 – just imagine 7 – 2 or worse. There would be no way to even consider expanding the court in that case.

The court will be an issue for EVERY election going forward for well beyond my lifetime. Democrats should HAMMER that point ALL the time – every election. But, that, of course, is not all. Voting rights legislation was blocked because of two recalcitrant democratic Senators – progressives need MORE democrats in the Senate – which means they MUST vote in substantial numbers this November – there are several good options to flip seats – but, there are also contested seats for Senators already there. And, controlling the House is imperative is ANYTHING is going to be accomplished. Not only voting rights but CLIMATE legislation is critical, MORE infrastructure legislation is necessary to bring America into competition with other countries around the world, student loan debt should be addressed as well as reasonable gun legislation (like BANNING assault weapons and high capacity magazines)

The cost of higher education, making health care a right instead of a privilege, and balancing the budget via tax increases on the wealthy – including a “wealth tax” on the “wealth” of the billionarie class – are just a few more of the issues which COULD be addressed by YOUNGER and more PROGRESSIVE members of the House and Senate. My hope is young Americans will vote in record numbers despite republican attempts to prevent them from doing so. The future is theirs and I believe there are too many CORRUPT members of Congress (mostly republican) and too many who are way too old. Republicans don’t want young Americans and “Black and Brown” Americans to vote and they’re doing everything in their power to discourage them from voting. I can tell you this, if they allow republicans to take control in 2022 it won’t become any easier – and the stakes will be astronimically higher – posiibly too high for our constitution to withstand the right wing assault!

I’ve shared often here I’m a 74 year old retired 6th grade school teacher. I’ve been paying attention to politics since my earliest days when I clearly remember my Mom and Dad arguing over Eisenhower and Stevenson – my Dad the republican and my Mom the democrat. As I look back, Dwight Eisenhower was, in my view, a very positive president. Most Americans take the Interstate Hiway system, for examle, for granted. I still remember my Dad driving my brother, my two sisters, and my Mom and me, from our home in Vancouver, Washington to visit our grandparents in Ohio. There were a lot of two lane roads and the trip took several more days than it would on the Hiways which resulted from the investment pushed by Eisenhower.

As I look back to my early childhood there were some key “assumptions” which made it possible for “baby boomers” (especially those of us who were white) to move into the middle class and above without mortgaging our futures with heavy debt. I graduated from High School in 1965 and the cost of going to college was almost incidental (I did have to borrow $3000) during my first “run” at becoming “educated” – which, for me, didn’t result in a diploma – I left school during my final quarter due to family issues. As they say, “The times they are a changin.”

Of course, they’ve been constantly changing and what’s on my mind today is the culmination of the so-called “Powell memo” written back in 1971 by soon to be Supreme Court Justice Lewis Powell laying out the “roadmap” for the overwhelming of America’s republic by corporate interests. Ronald Reagan put Powell’s plan into ful force and we’ve seen over 40 years since then of MONEYED interests taking the reins of POWER in this country I was born in and have loved since my earliest days. Honestly, some of the “stuff” going on in today’s America is DISGUSTING! (I thought maybe “deplorable” was a more appropriate term)

I’m going to start this with a situation close to my heart in my personal life, I love to play golf, which is undergoing an issue that kind of encapsulates today’s America – which I can sum up with one word – MONEY. If you follow professional golf at all you KNOW the Saudi’s are attempting to start a competing “tour” with the professional tours in the U.S. and Europe – among other “tours.” They are offering staggering “bonuses” to lure top golfers onto their “circuit” – reportedly $200 MILLION to Phil Mickelson and $100 MILLION to Dustin Johnson (along with others) – to get them to abandon the PGA tour where they’ve made MILLIONS of dollars competing and untold more MILLIONS with their endorsement deals. Personally, I’m disgusted by these – what I’ll call – “turncoats.”

However, that’s simply the way of today’s “world.” Go with the MONEY! If I had hundreds of MILLIONS in the bank would I be able to turn down an offer of another hundred? – especially based on knowing where it came from? I would hope so, but, who knows. (Tonight I made a $5 donation to Beto O’Rourke’s camaign for governor in Texas – to give a bit of perspective) Personally, I’ll NEVER watch a moment of this new tour on TV and I definitely won’t attend – the second round of their season will happen just a few miles from where I live. This simply reminds me of what has become “normal” in America.

Everyone knows we’re in the THIRD year of a once in a century pandemic where BILLIONAIRES have seen their wealth increas exponentially. Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and a bunch more have become even FILTHIER rich and, yet, still do whatever they can to avoid TAXES. And, Musk – who spends a lot of time pulling his foot from his mouth – has now offered $44 BILLION of his “play money” in an attempt to purchase “Twitter.” Interestingly, “Twitter’s” stock price has dropped about 20% since his offer and, by all accounts I’ve read, Musk is fighting an epidemic of “cold feet” – which could cost him a “cool BILLION.”

I recently finished reading a book about Facebook and, in it, Mr. Zuckerberg was portrayed as a complete asshole – focused on making as MUCH MONEY as he possibly can no matter the consequences to “we the people.” January 6th, 2021 was helped along by various Facebook groups who actually did their scheming right on that platform. Zuckerberg (likely continues to) hestitates to allow “hate speech” to be taken down on Facebook under the guise of “free speech.” (Similar to Musk’s stated intention to allow individual 1 back on Twitter) – This is all “poppycock.” Simpy put, it’s about the MONEY!

Why should this be surprising? Since Mr. Powell’s memo, the corporate takeover of America has been very sophisticated and, apparently, near complete. Where’s the outrage for Musk “investing” money which SHOULD be going into his own companies to buy Twitter. Oh yes, that’s been the American way since Reagan – larger corporations buying up smaller entities and gaining even MORE POWER. (While spending MILLIONS to avoid paying taxes) It’s happened in one industry after another. I mentioned Zuckerberg, and he’s a good example. A company appears to be COMPETING with his, well, the solution is to BUY it. Solves the problem. In Musk’s case, it appears to be simply a RICH man who is somewhat out of control.

When I was in my formative years (pre Reagan) the income tax structure was set up to FIGHT exactly what we’re seeing routinely these days. Corporations and executives were encouraged to put PROFITS back into their own businesses – or otherwise pay tax rates which at one time were about 90% for excess profits. Reagan took this “theory” on with his so-called “trickle down” economic SCAM leading to two MAJOR outcomes. HUGE increases in both the income inequality in America AND the Federal budget deficits and ultimately, of course, the national debt exploding. Yikes!

Republican policies have been so draconian they’ve needed to find ways to convince America’s voters to keep supporting this lurch toward outright fascism. Their solution, which has worked famously, is to focus on “wedge issues.” And, of course, republicans are much better at the messaging necessary to make this strategy work because they WILLINGLY adopted the “Big Lie Theory” of the Third Reich in the 1980’s and have been getting away with it ever since. Then, along comes individual 1 and it’s possible the prolific number of LIES – while numbing to people like me – may be getting the attention of enough Americans to put an end to this political carnage once and for all. We can hope. (I have to add, I have an acquaintance who’s part of the CULT who I couldn’t convince he was wrong supporting individual 1 with OVER 4 years of occasional breakfrasts together.)

We won’t know until the mid terms of 2022 are complete – and, trust me, many – including most republicans – believe it’s a foregone conclusion that republicans will retake control of Congress this coming November. Will the American people allow this to happen? If I said I wasn’t a bit worried I’d be LYING. I’ve written recently about how discouraged I am that so many Americans seem to be more worried about the price of gas than the future of our republic. To them, inflation is more important than the war in Ukraine. There are a couple events which I believe may mitigate that situation.

First, tonight was the first night of the January 6th Committee’s public hearings. (After listening to Liz Cheney’s opening remarks I couldn’t help but think of the saying: “Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.”) Will that change the political narrative? I hope so. Will it lead to individual 1’s indictment? Again, I hope so (along with a bunch of others – see below for starters.) Secondly, soon the Supreme Court is expected to OVERTURN Roe v Wade – another egregious example of republican justices “legislating from the bench.” That one very well could get the attention of enough women who VOTE to cause a bit of alarm with Moscow Mitch – who has promised to attempt to take the anti abortion issue to full blown legislation as a way to get republicans to the polls. Should be interesting. I’m 74 – my concern is for my children and grandchildren – and, it’s a real concern. Is America going to become a full blown fascist state? (It could be argued we’re already a “Mussolini fascist state” – corporate/government partnership) Stay tuned…………….

Final Thought: Tonight was the first night of the January 6th, 2021 Select Committee’s report and there was footing showing the “legitimate political discourse” perpetrated by individual 1’s followers as they STORMED the Capitol – supposedly in a “tourist visit” – bludgeoning members of the Capitol Police and defacating on the walls of our nation’s Capitol (along with much more destruction and theft) – this was NO normal group of constituents filing through the Capitol “taking pictures.” Not only were the INSURRECTIONISTS portrayed HONESTLY, but there was information which came out we didn’t know prior to this evening.

One example I noticed was when Liz Cheney pointed out there were a group of republican lawmakers who lobbied for PARDONS from individual 1 prior to him leaving office. Why would a member of the House believe he or she needed a pardon? (OK, you know the answer to that question, don’t you?) Here’s something I picked up on – Ms. Cheney identified ONE of the members seeking a pardon and that was Scott Perry of Pennsylvania. The others we were led to believe we may or may not find out who they are.

Well, after the hearing, on MSNBC, Adam Schiff was interviewed and asked specifically to “name names” regarding the PARDON seeking members. He said he was unable to name anyone, but then slipped by saying something like the Committee subpoenaed a group of Congress members who chose not to comply with the Subpoenas – implying that was the group who were seeking the PARDONS. (Were they the ones leading surveillance tours?) We’ll see in the days to come, but, I believe, that would suggest we’re talking about Jim Jordan, Mo Brooks, Kevin McCarthy, Andy Biggs, and, of course, Mr. Perry. I don’t believe Mr. McCarthy, from what I’ve heard, was involved in the PLANNING of the INSURRECTION, but, the others, “not so much.” Cheney gave the line of the evening: “Trump will be gone, (I hate writing that word) but the republican dishonor will remain.” Things SHOULD get more interesting by the day! Stay tuned!!!

OK, I’ve got to ask this question: “Are you paying attention Merrick Garland?” (Update, HE IS! He said he’s watching every minute of every session)

OMG – I forced myself to tune into Tucker Carlson tonight as he was BRAGGING that Fox was the only “news” organization not showing the January 6th Committee’s hearing. He questioned, “why aren’t these channels focused on $5 a gallon gas, or inflation which is higher than at anytime in most American’s lives” – and, I can’t remember what else. Pure BULLS#$T (In the words of William Barr), deflection, and dishonesty. We know he’s speaking to about 3 – 4 MILLION “ditto heads” and, had they been tuned in it likely wouldn’t have made any difference. Remember, Carlson has lamented “why can’t we be like Hungary?” Where Viktor Orban, Hungary’s dictator, is the perfect role model for individual 1 loving republicans. Creeping fascism! Yikes!!! Fox “news” is an American trajedy!

I used the word ARROGANCE the other day when I was writing about the level of belief by republican after republican that they are “above the law” – while, at the same time, suggesting they believe in the consitution. That is, they are inferring the laws are meant for you and me, but not for them. Today gave us one of the FIRST (in what I hope will be an avalanche) instance of listening to members of individual 1’s “inner circle” blowing “steam” after he was arrested for REFUSING to answer to a subpoena from Congress – and, of course, I’m talking about today’s arrest of Peter Navarro. OMG, Mr. Navarro was beside himself because he was “handcuffed” taken to jail and “put in leg irons.” He said, “They could have just called me.”

I couldn’t stop shaking my head in disbelief listening to Navarro complaining about his potential future reality – and, that’s being in jail. On top of all this, it appears Navarro is going to represent himself in court because he doesn’t want to spend the money for an attorney who would lead his defense. Of course, Navarro has ADMITTED to participating in the CONSPIRACY to overthrow the 2020 election for president – right on national TV. And, he pointed out his part in the CONSPIRACY was done at the side of none other than Steve Bannon. Personally, I believe Mr. Navarro’s legal jeopardy may very well go far beyond a “Contempt of Congress” felony. Might him and Bannon be part of a “Seditious Conspiracy” (with individual 1 and a plethora of other sycophants to our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president)?

It was also announced today the Contempt charges against Mark Meadows and Dan Scovino will NOT be pursued by the Justice Department – apparently, because they at least negotiated with the Select Committee – in Meadows case, the text messages and email messages he turned over to the Committee have been – according to reports – critical in the Committee’s ability to piece together the TRUTH of what happened on January 6th, 2021 and the months leading up to the INSURRECTION. Personally, I believe Mr. Meadows has much greater worries than any contempt charge.

For example, by all reports, Meadows was right in the middle of virtually EVERY part of the CONSPIRACY to overthrow the government he gave an OATH to defend – against “all enemies foreign and domestic.” I believe Meadows will be given the opportunity, eventually, to cooperate with the Justice Department as this investigation approaches the Oval Office. What “we the people” already KNOW, publicly, in my mind, is enough to hold individual 1 accountable for – what actually, by definition, amounts to TREASON. That’s what the “Oathkeepers” and “Proud Boys” facing Seditious Conspiracy charges are facing and it makes sense that, at a minimum, individual 1 should be facing the same circumstances. It appears to me, Meadows is going to have to make a decision of how “loyal” he really feels to individual 1.

I’ve been suggesting individual 1 is nothing more than a cheap “mob boss” for the past three plus years and, for those of us thinking along those lines, it was NO surprise today when it was reported Mike Pense’s chief of staff, on January 5th, 2021 warned Pense’s Secret Service detail – the head of that detail – that Pense could be facing physical peril on January 6th, 2021 because individual 1 was going to “turn on him.” If you watched the INSURRECTION in real time on January 6th, 2021 you saw the gallows erected on the Capitol grounds and the rioters chanting “Hang Mike Pense” as they stormed through the broken windows and broken down doors while individual 1 was “tweeting” to these thugs who had erected the gallows.

Here’s the “tweet:” “Mike Pence didn’t have the courage to do what should have been done to protect our Country and our Constitution, giving States a chance to certify a corrected set of facts, not the fraudulent or inaccurate ones which they were asked to previously certify. USA demands the truth!” Following this “tweet” INSURRECTIONISTS, some carrying twist ties for tying someone’s hands behind their back, increased their push to find (and “hang”) Mike Pense. Naturally, they were after Nancy Pelosi as well – who knows what they would have done had they captured any of the members of Congress who were gathered into secured locations. And, Mike Pense? Nancy Pelosi?

Well, Pense was taken below the Capitol – to a still undisclosed location, where there was a caravan of bullet proof vehicles waiting to take him away to safety. Now, I haven’t been, nor am I today as I’m writing this, anything close to a “fan” of Mike Pense, but I have to say I’m thankful he REFUSED to get in the SUV the Secret Service wanted to cart him out of the Capitol in – he said, “I’m not getting in that car.” Pense was aware of the “plan” which could have succeeded had he been removed from the Capitol with the “president pro tem” of the Senate taking over the certification of the Electoral College vote count. No one knows what would have happened had Pense been moved, but the plan was for the chaos to prevent the final certification of the votes leading to, possibly, a declaration of “martial law” by individual 1. There can be NO question, individual 1 was attempting a coup d’etat on January 6th, 2021!

I say all this because I believe Mr. Meadows, Mr. Scavino, plus Mr. Navarro and Mr. Bannon, along with very possibliy OVER 100 others have much more to worry about than Contempt of Congress subpoenas. If Merrick Garland truly follows through on his promises that anyone involved in the INSURRECTION in ANY level ” whether they were present that day or were otherwise criminally responsible for the assault on our democracy” will be held accountable SHOULD give the aforementioned cabal a bit edgy. I’ve defined a “conspiracy” here numerous times and there can be NO doubt individual 1 and a WHOLE bunch of sycophants could be facing the MOST serious of charges. Whether or not you approve of our government when you attempt to OVERTHROW the most fundamental part of our republic, the “free and fair election of our leaders” you are committing TREASON.

There can be no doubt the democratic party, when they’ve been in “power,” seem to be overly passive in fighting against this long term assault on our republic by the republican party which has continued its “lurch” to the “right” as they’ve long since come to an apparent conclusion that regaining POWER will be done through LYING to the public over and over again. It appears that as we approach the “mid term” elections this coming November, the democrats continue to be fearful about actually FIGHTING for what’s at stake come November. My fear is, once again, they’ll shy away from defending their OWN core beliefs!

Here’s a simple observation: If the republicans win in November the ONLY thing which will happen in the following two years will be retribution from republican members of the House and Senate who survive by stoking “culture wars.” To those Americans who are disappointed in what President Biden has “delivered,” the solution is simple – vote more democrats into the Senate – enough to overcome the filibuster, AND vote more democrats into the House. This would make Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema no longer the roadblock to progressive legislation coming from Congress. Both Manchin and Sinema COULD have been very beneficial to the process had they NEGOTIATED with the other democrats – but, they chose to simply BLOCK President Biden’s agenda – supported by 98% of democrats in Congress – because of, apparently, promises they made to their largest DONORS. This, of course, is exactly why so many Americans are turned off by their government. Democrats NEED enough Senators to overcome their obstinence! (More republicans solves NOTHING – unless you believe in fascism)

Republicans, and, in essence, those I witness in the “news” media, still are talking as if individual 1 will be the republican nominee in 2024. That tells me a significant portion of our country continues to believe, just as individual 1 and his sycophants, that they are above the law. In my mind, individual 1 should be in court in 2024 instead of running for president. (Or, in jail by then) Just as Peter Navarro felt he could explain his “Green Bay Sweep” on a national TV show, individual 1 came out and actually said, “Mike Pense COULD (my emphasis) have overturned the election.” Essentially admitting to his “intent.” The coup d’etat is no MYSTERY. The ONLY thing that is a mystery to me is just how many members of Congress are going to be “outed” in the January 6th Select Committee hearings. Stay tuned………………

Final Thought: I’ve come to conclude a significant portion of the American public is willfully ignorant – but, don’t ask them, because they’ll tell you they DON’T watch Fox “news” (or lie about it) and, or, they know how to find stuff on the “internets.” I’ve encountered several people in my own “sphere” who act as if you offended them when you suggest “you watch Fox don’t you?” and, then, after a full throated denial they will refer to “Sean” or “Tucker” as the conversation evolves (as if Sean Hannity or Tucker Carlson are their long lost buddies – on a “first name basis”). THEY apparently assume I’m an idiot (which may or may be somewhat true) but I can piece this type of doublespeak together without a lot of effort.

The really discouraging thing to me when I think about my “fellow Americans” is the shear number of them who seem more worried about the price of gas at the pump than the FACT our democratic republic remains under assault from within. Or, just as problematic with me is the complaining about the gas prices and NOT about the Russians MURDERING Ukrainians by the scores EVERY day. Reports of the murdering and raping of Ukrainian civilians by Russian troops should have EVERY American up in arms. Yet, what I hear about is “inflation” (a world wide issue due to the pandemic AND the ILLEGAL invasion of Ukraine) and “gas prices.” (Likewise) (By the way, the “liberal media” perpetuates this type of thinking) It kind of breaks my heart because I’ve loved America for the past 70+ years and I’m discovering more and more of America which is getting hard to “love.”

My body is continuing to work toward failure, so my “bucket list” seems to be getting a bit shorter. Right at the top of the list – NOW – is that individual 1 will find himself in a jail cell within the next few months – as the evidence of his crimes become so OVERWHELMING – to those willing to listen (Merrick Garland?). Yes, there’s a significant portion of Americans who’ve allowed themselves to be sucked into his CULT – and, there’s a significant portion of America’s media conglomerates who continue to support the “slow motion” coup d’etat which has continued since January 6th, 2021 – not to mention the billionaire class and corporate entities which look out for their own self interest (MONEY) as opposed to the interest of “we the people.”

This will be an “uphill climb” but, as an optimist, I still believe the American people will not allow a cheap small time organized crime boss to destroy 240 years of self government. Time will tell!

The sheer amount of ILLEGAL corruption which occurred during the reign of individual 1 on our nation was dizzying. The incredible amount of LAWBREAKING was so brazen (arrogant? presumptuous? cavalier? haughty? cocky? you fill in the blank) it was difficult to keep up. It seemed like “we the people” (who care about a “nation of laws and not men”) were chasing our tails. Sadly, we’re STILL chasing our tails because individual 1 (along with Steve Bannon and other sycophants) continue what has now been called a “slow motion” coup d’etat. I’ve written this several times, Merrick Garland, whether he likes it or not, has been pushed into a position of significance in American History. Progressives continue to hope our constitution will be able to stop this attack on the foundation of our nation. Garland will be either a hero or “goat.”

Individual 1, Bannon, Mark Meadows, and a whole bunch of others who were involved in the CONSPIRACY (including a Supreme Court Justice’s wife) to overturn the 2020 election are acting as if they are immune from our legal system. To me, that’s on AG Garland. Every day he doddles along makes this all worse. There are republicans all across America attempting to undermine our system of laws – EVERY day. And, if they’re not subject to those LAWS then, I suppose, they’re correct when they assume “democrats” don’t have the “balls” to stop them. This is going to come to a head ONE way or the OTHER!

God, I’m tired of writing – mostly to myself. But, it’s God who spurs me on because He tells me what republicans are doing to the WORLD does NOT reflect His teachings. For heaven’s sake, since 19 CHILDREM were MURDERED in Uvalde Texas – just two weeks ago, there have been an additional 18 MASS shootings in America. There are HUNDREDS of MASS shootings in America EVERY stinking year. And, for the past nearly 20 years (since GW Bush allowed the assault weapons ban to “expire”) it’s been (MOSTLY) republicans standing in the way of SENSIBLE gun safety reforms – many which have the support of something like 90% of Americans! I wrote the other day about ALL the legislation of recent years that the MAJORITY of Americans support yet NEVER even gets a vote in the U.S. Senate – a body which suffers from MINORITY rule. Guns are at the top of this list!

So, today, the 18th MASS shooting took place in a Tulsa, Oklahoma hospital where 4 people died and 10 more were injured. Probably wouldn’t have made the “news” except for all those DEAD children being buried this week in Texas. And, clearly, the problem standing in the way of solutions is republicans in the Senate. Is it just Mitch McConnell? We KNOW he’s taken gobs of MONEY from the gun lobby ($1.2 MILLION just from the NRA) but, surprisingly, it’s Mitt Romney at the head of the pack with over $13 MILLION just from the NRA. Not surprisingly, the top 48 members of the Senate on the NRA’s “wish list” are ALL republicans as are ALL the top “earners” of NRA cash in the House. Do you see why THEY are the problem on this issue? But, I digress! (Sorry)

Am I concerned about the proliferation of gun violence in America? Of course! However, to me, the major concern is the above metioned “slow moving coup d’etat” being promulgated by republicans inspired via the LYING of individual 1. Honestly, I never even imagined saying this kind of stuff about either of America’s two political parties. But, I’ve LONG seen the republican push to attain POWER at any COST! Which is why I’ve been “lobbying” for America’s voting public to vote these people into the history books.

The republicans are MUCH more sophisticated than the democrats – who, in my mind, still don’t fully understand the gravity of what is happening right under their noses. The “Koch brothers” put a plan into place over 20 years ago and it pretty much has been “flying under the radar” – until recently. They’ve been focusing on local politics as well as national politics. Keep in mind, the Koch’s (now the “Koch” – David Koch has died) have UNLIMITED funds and they definitely operate via the mantra “the end justifies the means.” 40 years ago they were on the fringe of political thought.

The Koch’s were largely responsible for the so-called “Tea Party” movement – the backlash to “we the people” having the audacity to elect an African American to be our president. The “whiteness” of their scheme to gain their so-called “permanent republican majority” – when they’re fully aware republicans represent only one third or less of this nation – has become more and more OVERT as time has gone by. Republicans welcomed in the “Tea Party” – a movement based on “white nationalism” – with “welcome arms” because they were desperate for a way back into POWER – after the debacle of Bush/Cheney.

They showed they have no SHAME as they attempted to destroy President Obama’s administration and then, when – with the help of the Russians and James Comey – they managed to get individual 1 elected, the RACISM just became MORE and MORE overt. Watching all this from afar has simply confirmed to me that when CORRUPTION is the means to POWER, too many in our society will choose POWER. I’ve got a couple examples – the first of which is right in individual 1’s family. Jared Kushner is a practicing Jew and, yet, virtually everytime individual 1 showed his true RACIST “colors” what did we hear from Kushner? Yep, “crickets.”

There’s another example which I learned from a book I (tried to) read a month or so ago titled “A Team of Vipers.” The author, Cliff Sims, was “plucked” out of Alabama during individual 1’s 2016 campaign and became an intregal part of his “White House” once our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president was in office. As I read the book I felt as if Mr. Sims (a young man) seemed like a genuine Christian – of course, coming from Alabama, a “conservative Christian.” That part was what kept me reading until I got close to page 200. What kept turning me off was Mr. Sims devotion to individual 1 and his ability to look past ALL the ILLEGAL “un Christian” stuff, ALL the LYING, and ALL the “deplorable” smears which were (and are) fundamental to how individual 1 operates. (Not to mention individual 1’s PHONY attempts to keep “Christians” in line.)

For example, all the marriages and the KNOWN affairs didn’t seem to bother Mr. Sims. The Access Hollywood tape didn’t seem to bother him – to me, at that point, he SHOULD have said “no thankyou” to the prospect of working in Washington DC. But, as I said above, “POWER” definitely “corrupts.” It seemed to me, as I was reading the book, Sims allowed himself to be USED by individual 1 as he became somewhat the “White House” “tattletale.” At the point where I simply became disgusted by Mr. Sims (admitted) behavior, I had to put the book down. I kept thinking, this is how so many “Christians” have become part of the CULT. Are “judges” worth sacrificing our democratic republic and our moral compass? Well, unfortunately, based on “Christians” I know I believe the answer to that question is yes!

So, at this point – should Merrick Garland choose to be on the side of history which relates to how we saved our nation from authoritarianism (or worse) – the question becomes how many of these “Christians” are going “down with the ship?” I’ve pointed this out several times, a “CONSPIRACY” is defined as “An agreement to perform together an illegal, wrongful, or subversive act.” Or, “An agreement between two or more persons to commit a crime or accomplish a legal purpose through illegal action.” Legally, if you DISCUSS the ILLEGAL activity with someone in the group and ANYone of the members of the group takes an action which is part of the “plan” then YOU are part of the CONSPIRACY and legally accountable.

Think of Ginni Thomas, Mark Meadows, Jim Jordan, Scott Perry, Mo Brooks, Paul Gosar, Andy Biggs, Steve Bannon, Rudy Giuliani, John Eastman, Jenna Ellis, Jeffrey Clark, Roger Stone, Matt Gaetz, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Louie Ghomert, (and, maybe) Ted Cruz, Josh Hawley, and who knows who all else was actually involved in the plan to overturn the 2020 election. What we do know is there was a CONSPIRACY and it started in the Oval Office with individual 1 and Meadows pushing to get Mike Pense to violate his constitutional DUTY in certifying the Electoral College results. There were something like 100 people who signed FRAUDULENT elector documents which, likely, was both a STATE, and a FEDERAL crime. Does Garland want to take all of this on? Of course, this is on top of prosecuting OVER 800 of the INSURRECTIONISTS who physically STORMED the Capitol!

DOJ recently subpoenaed Peter Novarro, a member of individual 1’s inner circle, who on national TV and, apparently, in a book, admitted to taking part in the CONSPIRACY along with Mr. Bannon. They devised the so-called “Green Bay Sweep” which was part of the scheme to get VP Pense to block electors from key states to be subsituted by the FAKE (fraudulent) electors which was put together by a “White House’ team (apparently, including Giuliani, Eastman, and Ellis). This is part of the group of people, apparently, the American voters think should be back in POWER! Yikes!!!

As I said above, the problem of keeping up with ALL the ILLEGAL activity almost ends up with NONE of it being prosecuted. Looking JUST at individual 1 – he committed around 10 potential cases of OBSTRUCTION of Justice – just in the Mueller investigation. Mueller pointed out the COLLUSION in volume 1 of his report and explained “collusion” isn’t a “crime” and they couldn’t prove a “conspiracy” to the point they could prove in court. Holding back the Congressionally approved assistance for Ukraine (so he could bride Ukraine’s president) was likely ILLEGAL. Individual 1’s associates violated the “Hatch Act” routinely as they did political activity on the “White House” grounds or while on official duty – it was as if they simply refused to acknowledge the existence of the Hatch Act.

The payments to the two women with whom individual 1 allegeldly had sexual affairs (while his wife was bearing his final son) right before the 2016 election gave him his new name (with me) “individual 1” in the case against Michael Cohen where he was listed as an unindicted “co-conspirator” – simply because DOJ believes a sitting president can’t be indicted. However, once out of office he COULD have been indicted – but, individual 1 hasn’t faced consequences for any of this. Nor has Mr. Garland chosen to pursue the 10 instances of Obstruction of Justice “memorialized” by Robert Mueller in the “Mueller Report.” This was when I began to feel bad about Garland and the DOJ.

Individual 1’s now infamous phone call to Brad Raffensperger, the Secretary of State in Georgia, along with other phone calls and attempts to BULLY Georgia’s authorities charged with overseeing elections has led to a Grand Jury in Fulton County Georgia where our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president is the TARGET of a possible SERIOUS indictment – maybe even a RICO charge (along with others – are you paying attention Mark Meadows and Lindsey Graham?) Like I said, it’s all “dizzying.” And, it’s a challenge to the strength of our constitution – essentially a piece of paper – like none other in the history of this nation. Sadly, there are many “Christians” in America who would destroy our constitution, in the name of – what? – the constitution! Makes you wonder how many have actually read it???

Final Thought: The January 6th Select Committee in Congress will begin to make public their report in about a week (I’m writing this on June 2nd). I’m looking forward to it, I have to wonder how many Americans will actually watch the public hearings? I believe the hearings will show the level of the CRIMINAL activity which occurred during individual 1’s reign. Will Merrick Garland be in the audience? Is the Justice Department up for indicting a former president – even a TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president? Millions will be on the edge of their seats looking to find out. This is what I’ve been asking: Individual 1 violates our LAWS with IMPUNITY! Is anyone at DOJ paying attention?

Off the top of my head I can think of numerous issues in America which have the support of MOST Americans that NEVER seem to get addressed. And, in almost EVERY instance the PROBLEM with getting something done in Washington DC is because of, yep, you guessed it, republicans. I’m going to list some of these issues which, with my faulty (old person’s) memory, come off the top of my head. Naturally, one day after 19 (or more) elementary school children perished in West Texas to a miltary style weapon (in the hands of a high school student) is where I feel I MUST start.

I’m 74 years old and as far back as I can remember republicans (and, yes, some democrats) have been in the “pocket” of the so-called “gun lobbly.” What we’re talking about is the NRA and the gun manufacturers who pay the NRA to pay politicians to work to twist the “second amendment” into knotts. Most people I know (reflexively) support the “2nd amendment” as if they’ve even read the second amendment. There can be much debate about what the 2nd amendment “guarantees” to Americans, but I can say things like AR 15’s isn’t one of them. The ability to fire deadly bullets at a dizzying speed isn’t something guaranteed by the 2nd amendment (unless you’re making these things). The second amendment wasn’t written to protect Americans from their own government, but from (at the time) what was considered the possible threat of foreign invaders.

Something like 90% of Americans support, at a minimum, some kind of universal background check system designed to keep guns out of the hands of people who might do something as horrific as what happened in Texas yesterday. That would be a start – but, for some reason there are 50 republicans in the Senate who will BLOCK any attempt at ANY reform to the gun laws in America. There are people taking “legal” weapons and turning them into weapons which are capable of mass shootings and the “stuff” used to do so seems to be readily available. For heaven’s sake, I see NO reason for someone to own a gun capable of MASS murder for the purpose of “defending yourself” of “hunting.” Give me a damn break! Addressing this stuff SHOULD not be so hard.

I listened to a line of republican Senators this morning blaming democrats for “politicizing” the issue of guns – saying, gun legislation won’t stop people like this from committing this type of MASS murder. The past TWO mass shootings which have made it to the national news media (trust me, many don’t) were BOTH committed by 18 year old “children.” This SHOULDN’T be this hard, but when you listen to these republican Senators – EVERY one of them taking HUGE amounts of money from the NRA and gun manufacturers – it seems as if the ONLY hope for ANY progress lies in the American public doing what I’ve been lobbying for over the past 20+ years and that is to VOTE these republicans into the history books. That won’t, of course, solve the problem immediately, because logic tells us it’s going to take YEARS to turn the issue of gun violence around in America. There are over ONE MILLION guns in private hands in this country – and, likely a bunch more “on the way” as every time something like this MASSACRE happens, right wingers go out and buy MORE guns – just in case the Congress comes to its senses.

I’m not someone who would have supported an abortion in my lifetime when it could have been an issue – except in extreme circumstances. For example, when I was producing children the first pregnancy of my life (of course, I wasn’t the one pregnant) ended in a miscarriage – which was resolved (after the fetus had died) via what amounted to an “abortion” – I believe they called it a “D and C.” In some states now days that would expose myself and my wife at the time to potential criminal liability. Then there’s the cases of rape and incest and I can’t imagine a young girl (or any girl/woman) suffering from either of those terrible crimes being forced to take a resultant pregnancy to term. To me, even suggesting that is the crime. I’m a Christian (who actually believes in the “teachings of Jesus”) and possibly the greatest thing I appreciate about it is that I’ve (and all of us) have been blessed with “free will.” My theory about abortion (I’ve written an entire post which is in the archives if you want to argue with me) is if you don’t believe in it don’t have one.

Something in the neighborhood of 65 – 70% of the American public believe somewhat the same thing – they don’t want Roe v Wade to be overturned by the right wing Supreme Court – which is continuing their ASSAULT on the rights of the American people. I pointed this out long ago – a “right” is much easier to lose than to regain. And, when it comes to this court, keep in mind they’re going to be “there” for the next generation. This all started (in my memory) when the Court installed Bush/Cheney into the “White House” back in 2000. (As I look back on that, Al Gore’s “gentlemanly” acceptance of that decision looks like pure weakness to these republicans. Can you imagine individual 1 if he’d lost by a decision of the Court?) The Court has participated in this “slow motion” coup d’etat in our nation since that Bush v Gore decision.

There have been numerous decisions of the right wing Supreme Court which are either very “unpopular” or are “flying under the radar.” This has led to the Court experiencing likely the LOWEST “popularity” in my lifetime – NOT simply based on the Roe reversal which is upcoming. The “Citizen’s United” decision – with those I know who even know what it was – is very unpopular (MOST have no idea what it was – or did) because MOST Americans don’t want corporations (and foreign nationals) having an untoward influence on our elections. This Court, prior to individual 1’s appointees, gutted the Voting Rights Act of 1965 (and, we’re seeing the result of that across much of the nation this year) and they’ve gone so far as to, in essence, “approve” partisan gerrymandering. That is an issue which only seems popular with the political party who gets away with it in their own state. (Usually republicans) Yikes!!!

We’re going to see an “uproar” which will be possibly the most significant number of protests since the “women’s march” right after individual 1’s inauguration once the court’s decision to overrule Roe v Wade becomes final. Of course, Congress made a futile attempt to “codify” Roe once it became apparent what the Court’s decision would be – after the “leaking” of Sam Alito’s (weird) opinion reversing Roe – but, as usual, there were 50 republicans voting to BLOCK the attempt. (Including, the socalled “pro choice” republicans) Again, I wouldn’t choose to support an abortion in my own circumstances (you’re correct, as a male …………… well, you figure out the rest of what I’m thinking) but a WIDE majority of Americans support a WOMAN having the right to make that choice for herself. And, the list of factors going into that choice is a LONG one!

The curious thing to me, as I pay attention to the “mood” of the American people these days, is, by all accounts, it appears the republicans have the “inside track” to retake control of Congress in the next election. It is this logic which has caused me to use the term “stupid” on this site for the past several months. I “get” that gas prices are high, inflation is an issue, but it saddens me to think the American people are unable to look beyond that “today” issue and see things based on the “big picture.” This is exactly what republicans have been (masterfully) planning for years. Whether it’s the culture “wedge” issues or the “issues of the day” we’ve been programmed to look for who to BLAME in virtually EVERY instance. Who’s fault are the high gas prices? (can’t figure it out, blame the president) Who’s fault is inflation? (Must be Biden) Biden isn’t getting his “promises” through Congress – it’s his fault. This is the catch-22 we’ve found ourselves in over the past many years. In some instances, the fault is obvious, but in others, not so much.

For example, Vladimir Putin has invaded Ukraine and I don’t believe there are many Americans who can even picture what WW III would be like. Clearly President Biden doesn’t want anyone to have to experience that for themselves. To me, paying more at the gas pump is a small price to pay for attempting to STOP Putin in Ukraine. (I’ve been saying for YEARS he wants to reconstitute the “former Soviet Union.”) In fact, to me, I’ve become a strong supporter of President Biden even though I wasn’t during the democratic primary season. Seeing the NATO alliance being UNITED, to me, is a big deal. My 32 year old son doesn’t believe Biden had much to do with that – he gets much of his news off “social media” (Reddit) – the ONLY “social media” I experience is occasional videos (usually regarding my attempting to learn more music in my old age) on Youtube. I believe Biden is making decisions based on what he believes is the “right thing to do” regardless of the political consequences – and, it seems to be costing him “popularity.” (To me, a refreshing sight!)

I have to add here, I’m not much of a “fan” of our so-called “liberal media” although I’m very grateful we have a “free press.” To me, outlets like Fox “news” and other right wing sites are nothing more than propaganda arms of the republican party – but, I understand, those who hang out there think the same thing (in reverse) of what I watch (when I watch anything) which is MSNBC. I usually watch a show led by one of Bush’s communication people, Niclole Wallace, on MSNBC. For some reason, I “connect” better with former republicans who, in my view, have come to their senses than with someone who’s maybe a bit farther “left.” That being said, I voted for Bernie Sanders in the democratic primary in my state back in the 2020 primary season. (I’m personally very THANKFUL the voters were much smarter than me and chose President Biden to navigate through these “treacherous” times.)

Today, as I was driving around – listening to MSNBC – I, as usual, got a bit frustrated listening to journalists commenting on the “gun issue” which is first and foremost in MANY people’s minds as I’m typing this. One of the journalists was sharing the results of her unofficial “polling” while she was in Minnesota when these NINETEEN children (and two teachers – I’m a retired teacher and my wife is still teaching) were MURDERED. She said the people were blaming politicians in Congress and suggested “both” republicans and democrats share in the blame – why? Because they can’t seem to get any legislation done regarding this issue. I wanted to slug my radio (I’ve become calmer in my old age, thankfully) – yes, there’s are TWO democrats who are HELPING to BLOCK Joe Biden’s agenda (and the democratic agenda) – Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema – by now virtually EVERYONE paying attention knows their names. But, for HEAVEN’S sake, there are FIFTY republicans in the Senate who ALL vote against VIRTUALLY EVERYTHING – the “BLAME” is not equal. Clearly, the solution is to elect MORE democrats to the Senate and keep democrats in control of the House. There are two AWESOME democrats running for the Senate in Ohio and Pennsylvania – and, with everyone else on the ballot re-elected the democrats would have enough cooperating members to get rid of the FILIBUSTER! That’s a solution to the problem!

As stated above, the list of issues with the support of HUGE majorities of the public which NEVER even get voted on in Congress seems endless to me – and, in almost EVERY instance it’s republicans BLOCKING the votes. I’ll go into one other that I can list off the top of my head – and, one of the most frustrating from my vantage point. When President Obama was working to pass the “Affordable Health Care” bill, there was a provision for a “public option” which had the support of something over 70% of the American public. It would have caused insurance companies to COMPETE with an entity that didn’t have close to 30% of it’s income going to management overhead – items like these companies put in place to prevent customers from being able to access their insurance benefits (I recently experienced this with Blue Cross). This has led to what appears to me to be a very CORRUPT health care system as I’m writing this.

When President Obama was attempting to get his bill through Congress two things happened which ended up preventing even a vote on the “public option.” First, and sadly, Ted Kennedy died and was replaced (in Massachusettes) by a republican who was going to vote against the public option (with ALL other republicans – who voted against ALL of the Affordable Care Act – at the time there were [almost] 60 democrats until Kennedy’s death (Al Franken was still waiting the official end of his WINNING campaign). The other issue was the former VP candidate with Al Gore in 2000, Joe Lieberman – who’s wife was an executive with a large insurance company. OK, you know the rest – no public option – not even a vote. (As I was writing that I couldn’t help but think of Ginni and Clarence Thomas – I don’t know why? What’s the old saying? “The more things change the more they stay the same”)

Final Thought: I could go on (and on and on and ………..) but that’s enough for this particular rant. I cried when I first heard the news of the little children being MURDERED in Texas. I cried when I first heard of the “shoppers” MURDERED in Buffalo NY. I’ve cried several times as I FORCE myself to continue paying attention to the TRAJEDY unfolding in Ukraine – more human SLAUGHTER every day – instigated by a MADMAN. Before I became a teacher I worked for several years in a sawmill. It’s HARD physical work and youi’re working with, what was in my mind, the epitome of “blue collar” workers. People get maimed and KILLED working in sawmills and the logging industry which supports the mills. I always thought, as a sawmill worker, I was incapable of CRYING. Obviously, time has changed that thought. I even CRIED a time or two in my 20+ years in the classroom working with underprivileged children – but, lately, there seems to be a lot to CRY about.

Here’s the good news to me: “We the people” have a decent, honest, compassionate President which we, hopefully, will learn to appreciate. I go to bed many nights thinking of what it would be like if our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president would have allowed Nancy Pelosi to help him combat SARS-Cov-2 (OK, the COVID 19 pandemic) She, and the House democrats TRIED to help with the so-called “HEROES ACT” and Moscow Mitch declared it “dead on arrival” in the Senate with individual 1’s approval. In a long line of STUPID coming from the previous administration that one could “take the cake.” However, that pathological LYING “former guy” is OUT and I shudder to think of what would be happening in this world if he still had the reins of POWER. We DO have the possibility of voting them OUT!

But, as has been happening for the past 40+ years, republicans are busy attempting to LIE themselves back into what’s important to them, and that’s POWER! That’s their agenda, POWER! I used to listen to Thom Hartman (and, still do occasionally) and, today, I read a posting as “Daily Kos” by Mr. Hartman which encapsulates my issue with republicans much better and more succinctly than I can. If you’re interested, click HERE – It’s a great, and in my mind, IMPORTANT read! Stay tuned…………….

So, Eric Holder just confirmed what I’ve speculated about for the past 12+ years and that has to do with his “institutional” pholosophy which FULLY explains to me why those who authorized TORTURE in the Bush/Cheney/Rumsfeld administration were NEVER prosecuted. These three men – and others – admitted to authorizing TORTURE and both George W Bush and Dick Cheney admitted this on prime time TV and said they’d do it AGAIN! I’ve lamented many times listening to Barack Obama say “we’re looking forward instead of back” as he (and AG Holder) blocked ALL the investigations into the lawbreaking of the Bush/Cheney administration soon after President Obama took the oath of office.

Holder mentioned his “institutional” beliefs as what has caused him to refrain from suggesting, despite OVERWHELMING evidence suggesting GUILT, that individual 1 and his co-CONSPIRATORS should face indictment. What apparently changed his mind is the FACT the evidence of ILLEGAL behavior has become so overwhelming he’s, to my mind, coming to his senses. Mr. Holder said the same thing I’ve felt is holding back Merrick Garland from prosecuting individual 1 and those who participated in the coup d’etat with him and that is Garland’s worry about the “divisiveness” of indicting our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president.

What’s wrong with these people? The DIVISIVENESS of NOT holding individual 1 and those who CONSPIRED with him to overturn a “free and fair” election will be MUCH greater than “doing the right thing.” If “no one is above the law” then that SHOULD mean that individual 1, Mark Meadows, Jim Jordan, Scott Perry, Paul Gosar, Andy Biggs, Ted Cruz, John Eastman, Gini Thomas, Rudy Giuliani, Mo Brooks, and ALL those who signed FORGED fake elector documents which were submitted to the Senate and the National Archives, and who knows how many more?

I “get” that the Justice Department is ALREADY prosecuting over 800 of the “thugs” who stormed the Capitol on January 6th, 2021 and that’s a “daunting” task. (There’s several hundred more the FBI is attempting to identify) However, that’s no excuse for allowing the “ringleaders” to go unpunished. Individual 1 has been getting away with violating laws for so long he simply assumes he’s “untouchable.” In fact, this “looking the other way” has gone on since the days following Watergate. Ronald Reagan and George HW Bush BOTH escaped prosecution for their roles in the Iran/Contra CRIME back in the latter days of Reagan’s term in office. I mentioned above how Bush/Cheney/Rumsfeld got away with authorizing TORTURE, and, “the beat goes on.”

In fact, the parallel to the Bush/Cheney/Rumsfeld CRIMES to the CRIMES of individual 1 and his co-CONSPIRATORS is eye opening. Regarding the TORTURE which took place during the days of the Iraq and Afghanistan fiascos the ONLY people held accountable were the Army “grunts” who felt they were simply following orders at Abu Ghraib as they committed TORTURE day after day. Regarding January 6th, 2021 it looks more and more possible the ONLY ones who will be held accountable will be the SUCKERS who read those “tweets” “inviting” them to the Capitol on January 6th, “it will be wild.” Will individual 1 escape accountability once more? Stay tuned…………..

Well, what individual 1 has done over the past 5 years (and, actually, he was allegedly committing several versions of FRAUD in the years preceeding his move into the “White House”) makes the ILLEGAL activity of the republicans (GW Bush, Reagan, et al) who came before him look like “child’s play.” Our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president has “experience” at evading our system of laws as a pseudo MOB BOSS while running this business empire out of New York City. (He’ll soon regret having his business located in New York) It appears he’s learned how to intimidate prosecutors throughout his life and it’s worked for him. Yikes! (I’ve been saying, since Reagan was “let off the hook,” the misbehavior will only continue getting worse until SOMEONE is held accountable – as if “no one (really) is above the law.”

I keep hearing the so-called “experts” suggesting individual 1 is the “likely” presidential candidate of the republicans in 2024. Honestly, that puzzles me – but, then, I don’t think like Eric Holder and Barack Obama – despite the FACT I admire both of them – to me, it’s a “no brainer” that individual 1 and his co-CONSPIRATORS deserve to be facing SERIOUS charges of attempting to overturn a free and fair election in the United States of America. If these people are not STOPPED our nation’s FUTURE hangs in the balance. I’ve mentioned here many times a (former) friend of mine who became part of individual 1’s CULT and I clearly remember on several occasions him saying he doesn’t believe in “democracy.” That’s become part of the republican “mantra.”

Sadly, that opinion has become pervasive in the republican party due to the BRAINWASHING which has been ongoing for YEARS – far longer than individual 1’s emergence on the scene. Yep, the ROT in the republican party goes much deeper than just our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president. He serves a purpose for those white nationalists who felt he was their way to gain a stronghold in America’s “mainstream” of politics. I’m talking about people like David Duke, Don Black, and other extreme white nationalists who are connected in some kind of way to Tucker Carlson who keeps them on the edge of their seats every night on Fox “news” during his broadcast. Black’s son, Derek (read “Rising out of Hatred”) pointed out his father (former KKK Grand Wizard Don Black along with his god-father David Duke) records Carlson’s show each night so they can play it back over and over. Yikes!

So, worrying about more “division” by Merrick Garland is, in my view, a fool’s errand. Garland will go down on the wrong side of history should he not follow through on what is OBVIOUS; individual 1 is a serial LAWBREAKER. For heaven’s sake, Garland is NOT prosecuting the SEVERAL examples of OBSTRUCTION of Justice “memorialized” by Robert Mueller in his report following the “Russia Investigation.” (And, if you believe there was no COLLUSION, you didn’t read the report – I read it TWICE) He’s not prosecuting individual 1 for the case where he got the moniker “individual 1” in my writing. His former lawyer spent time in prison for paying off two women in violation of Campaign finance LAWS at his DIRECTION – he was listed as a “co-conspirator” – so why isn’t he being held accountable now? At the time it was the “OLC memo” preventing his indictment, but now, apparently, it’s “we don’t indict former presidents.” Fooey!

There wasn’t much concern for “divisiveness” in Holder’s time as AG when it came to whether or not Hillary Clinton should be investigated over using a private email server to do her email while Secretary of State – just as Colin Powell and Condoleezza Rice – an investigation even those who were involved thought was ill advised (ie it was political theater). It led to all the “lock her up” chants at the rallies for individual 1 as he “egged” his followers on – suggesting Ms. Clinton was some kind of serial criminal. Talk about your “projection!” Or, how about the “height of hypocrisy?” Well, if Secretary Clinton could be investigated while being a candidate for president, why wouldn’t an ex president, who clearly has committed CRIMES, (OK, the judge in California who’s decision re: John Eastman’s EMAILS – suggested individual 1 “likely” committed FELONIES) be worth a similar investigation?

I still remember the investigation into the “Clinton emails” being totally PUBLIC. It appears Mr. Garland will Keep the “lid” on any investigation of individual 1. Remember, the “Russia investigation” started three months before the election of November 2016 and the FBI kept that investigation completely “under wraps.” Am I the only person who finds it interesting that the Clinton investigation was public and NO one knew about the Russia “collusion” until well after individual 1 had taken (and lied about) his “oath” of office? In my view, politics in America plays out this way for two reasons, the most important being democrats allow it to happen. Of course, the other reason is because republicans follow “the end justifies the means” philosophy which allows them to condone this “deplorable” behavior – as long as they can get away with it.

Final Thought: IF the Justice Department is actually going to follow through on Merrick Garland’s promise to “follow the facts wherever they lead” regarding the INSURRECTION of January 6th, 2021 they likely are working their way from the bottom up. But, I want to look at this from the opposite direction to give an idea of what may lie ahead – should Mr. Garland actually decide to hold our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president accountable for attempting to OVERTHROW our elected government – for heaven’s sake, he said it publicly that “Mike Pense could have overthrown the election.”

So, working from individual 1 DOWNWARD you have to first consider ANYONE who communicates about ANY part of the plan is then part of a CONSPIRACY if anyone attempts to put the plan into effect. (My description) We KNOW individual 1 was “orchestrating” the scheme so here are some things I can remember just off the top of my head. First, this scheme was concocted well before the election of November 2020 and the “Stop the Steal” moniker was devised in 2016 by Roger Stone – possibly a starting point. I’ve read that Jim Jordan was communicating the “scheme” with individual 1 as early as November 10, 2020. We KNOW Ginni Thomas was encouraging the “scheme” from November all the way up to January 6th, 2021 and she was there at the INSURRECTION. Steve Bannon seemed to be lobbying for a pardon by supporting the impending INSURRECTION almost right from the start – maybe he’s got bigger worries than the charge against him of “Contempt of Congress.”

We KNOW Scott Perry (R Pa) was involved with the “scheme” as it was presented to the Justice Department when he introduced individual 1 to Jeffrey Clarke (or vice versa) back when individual 1 told the acting AG Rosen “Just say the election was corrupt and leave the rest to me and the R. Congressmen.” (Even, I suppose, you, if you’re a republican, can figure that one out) To me, that put’s Clarke and Perry right in the middle of all this. Of course, Mark Meadows is there for all of it, as well, and whoever the “R. Congressmen” (Jordan, Perry, and ???) are. Newsflash: Today, a Congressman from Georgia was identified by the 1/6 Committee as being one of the members of Congress giving “tours” on January 5th, 2021. Very interesting!!!

There’s Rudi Giuliani and the band of clownish “lawyers” (If they’re still lawyers) who were pushing the scheme and were involved in putting together the slates of FRAUDULENT “electors” from about six states – a key part of the scheme. (There were close to 100 of these FAKE “electors” who ALL signed FRAUDULENT docurments which were actually submitted to the National Archives) Of course, there was John Eastman who has been given credit for concocting the scheme individual 1 was pressuring Mike Pense to go along with – and, who’s been “accused” by a judge in his fight to prevent the 1/6 Committee from getting a bunch of his emails – along with individual 1 – of “likely committing” at least a couple FELONIES.

There were people like Ted Cruz and Josh Hawley along with over an ADDITIONAL 140+ members of Congress willing to OBJECT to elections they KNEW were free, fair, secure, and won by Joe Biden. I mentioned Ginni Thomas above, well, what did Clarence Thomas know, because he was a lone “NO” vote in the Supreme Court’s case regarding the Select Committee’s request for documents from the National Archives which very likely included something from his wife? As time goes by Mr. Thomas continues to expose himself as a partisan right wing hack – someone who clearly should NOT be sitting on the Supreme Court. (Along with two or three other Justices)

Will Mr. Garland actually follow through on his promise? Will he actually PROVE that “no one is above the law” – including a president or former president? I’ve pointed out here on numerous occasions that individual 1’s LAWBREAKING was so rampant that it’s almost as if prosecutors don’t know where to start. Robert Mueller “memorialized” 10 instances of “OBSTRUCTION of Justice” in his report regarding the Russian collusion investigation. The Southern District of New York listed individual 1 as “individual 1″ – a co-conspirator” with Michael Cohen in the Campaign Finance charges sending Mr. Cohen to prison. The DA in Fulton County Georgia is investigating individual 1’s attempt at election FRAUD (among other charges – possibly a RICO charge) in our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president’s attempt to overturn the results of Georgia’s election in 2020. You’ve probably listened to the 1+ hour tape of individual 1 attempting to BULLY Georgia’s Sec. of State to “find the missing 11,780………..”)

And, of course, apparently the NEW DA in Manhattan, based on reports from lead prosecutors he “inherited” from Cy Vance, has gotten “cold feet” in prosecuting individual 1 regarding what the two prosecutors who resigned called “obvious felonies.” And, none of this even mentions the New York Attorney General who very well may hold the “keys” to the future of individual 1’s business “organization” based on alleged FRAUD in multiple “venues” (ie tax fraud, insurance fraud, etc.) As I’ve said many times, I believe individual 1 to be a small time mob boss who managed to get “popular” by landing a TV “gig” with NBC years ago (I never watched it, but I’ve heard it was somewhat popular – Is that how we’re going to choose our presidents now?).

Well, again, where do the prosecutors start? If they do the right thing and make sure the INSURRECTION leads to accountability for those who CONSPIRED to actually overturn a “free and fair election” then you can see the number of people caught up in the CONSPIRACY (much more than I can list off the top of my head) could be in the hundreds. Prosecutors will work to find what individual 1 will call “rats” – people who will testify to the TRUTH in order to reduce their own CRIMINAL liability – but, I believe, our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president needs to face indictment for his CRIMINAL behavior as a way to send a signal to other politicians we are truly a “nation of laws and not men.” Stay tuned…….

Not sure how long it will take me to finish this rant, but with all the “hoopla” around the “leaked” draft of Samuel Alito’s “draft” opinion overturning Roe v Wade, I’ve got a thought I wanted to get into writing before it passes through my brain. First, I’ve found it somewhat interesting that John Roberts is more concerned with the “leak” of the opinion than what is in the opinion – suggesting a “liberal” law clerk MUST have been the “leaker” which, to Roberts is where his focus will apparently lie as opposed to focusing on what is in that draft which has created a STORM of protests all around the country (including the right wing county in which I reside).

Let me argue with the idea it was a “liberal clerk” who leaked this opinion – that makes no sense to me. What makes MORE sense to me is that one of the clerks of the five justices who are agreeing to overturn this “settled law” – which they ALL said they would honor in their confirmation hearings – would be where you’d find the “leaker.” I believe the thinking would be they want to get the “firestorm” over by the time the opinion has become official. That will take place in June and, whether you want to believe this or not, these justices are EXTREMELY political. They (likely) want to get all the blowback over “sooner rather than later” to minimize the effect of this decision on the mid term elections.

Make no mistake, it’s no secret “we the people” have a history of an extremely SHORT “attention plan” and, I believe, they want to get the blowback over with so when the actual opinion becomes “law” most of the protests will have already happened. I mean, for example, our “short attention span” has been a concern even of Volodymyr Zelensky – he worries about whether the American people will “stay the course” as his countrymen are FIGHTING and DYING in the WAR with Russia as they’re fighting to save a fledgling democracy. Sadly, and I believe he’s correct, most Americans are more worried about how much their gas is costing them than whether Vladimir Putin is STOPPED before he takes his BRUTAL war into other surrounding countries (like Muldova, etc.) – and, ultimately, into Poland and other former USSR countries ACTUALLY starting WW III.

This is a sad commentary on “we the people,” but, to me, it’s totally justified. We’re soon to be fully informed as to who was integrally involved in the coup d’etat on the Capitol January 6th, 2021. There are mulitiple opportunities for “we the people” to vote republicans out of office this coming November, but most “pundits” are predicting republicans will win the mid-terms. Additionally, MOST Americans aren’t paying attention to the “down ballot” races for governors, Secretaries of State, Attorney Generals in the various states around the country, including the state legislatures which have been doing some egregious voter suppression “stuff” as they push individual 1’s “Big Lie” in one state after another. I call this the covert slow motion INSURRECTION. And, if “progressives” (ie liberals) continue showing apothy to the process, well, we deserve what we get.

And, by the way, getting back to my original thought, the right wing wack jobs in America are referring to the “leak” of Alito’s draft “the real insurrection.” I’m not kidding. One right wing pundit called this leak “one MILLION times more dangerous” than the people “walking through the Capitol” on January 6th, 2021. Kind of tells you where their interest will be lying (and by “lying” I mean LYING) once the Select Committee presents their public report which will likely conclude individual 1 is a CRIMINAL. To which, I will respond, “dah!” And, tell me something that’s not OBVIOUS. But, equating this “leak” to the ACTUAL INSURRECTION of January 6th, 2021 just tells you how STUPID these right wing pundits believe their “base” to be. Like, who would believe udder NONSENSE like that? Well, apparently MILLIONS of (stupid) Americans. (I really do hate that word, but…………… if the shoe fits……….)

The American people have the opportunity to REJECT individual 1’s CULT come November, but as you watch the Russian people and realize how BRAINWASHED they are – actually believing Putin’s claim of a “special operation” to “de-Nazify” Ukraine – you can easily see the parallel here, in the United States by simply looking at the audience of Fox “news,” “Newsmax” and other right wing propaganda outlets who follow the “Big Lie Theory” of the Nazi’s of the 1930’s in Germany to a “tee.” Why do they do it? Because, obviously, it works! Just try to have a conversation with a Fox “news” viewer. And, in my experience, those who get their “news” from “Newsmax” or “Facebook,” or _________ (fill in the blank with a right wing propaganda outlet) are even worse. When you confront their LIES with factual information they, well, again in my experience, start throwing things!

I hope we find out who the “leaker” was – and, personally, one way (side?) or the other, I could care less. But, I can guarantee you, if it was a clerk from the so-called “liberals” on the Court you won’t hear the end of it – and, likely, the so-called “liberal media,” as usual, will get sucked in on all the noise. If I’m correct and it’s someone associated with the right wing judges on the Court you’ll hear – well, “crickets.” Suddenly, it will be a non-issue. And, of course, in all of this the “conservatives” will be doing everything they can to take attention away from the ruling itself and what it suggests as the future of this court going forward. This right wing court is the “wet dream” of the so-called “conservative Christians” in America. God help us!

Final Thought: As I’ve said many times here, I believe republicans will do whatever necessary to “win” elections and maintain POWER. If I’m correct on my “premise” above, they’re attempting to mitigate the “damage” this decision will cause to the voting in November. Put another way, they hope “leaking” this document will, in the end, cause fewer “liberals” to vote in November. Focusing on the “leak” is creating another “shiny object” which is designed to take the focus off the real issue. Will “we the people” allow them to get away with this? Stay tuned…………..

Drip, drip, drip! The TRUTH about January 6th, 2021 continues to “drip” out – often times it feels like an open faucet – and, as I continue watching it I’m reminded of the YEARS I’ve been “lobbying” for the American people to vote “the present day republican party” into the history books. I keep thinking, “what is taking “we the people” so long to come to our collective senses. Of course, as I think those thoughts, I’m reminded of one particular person, a supporter of individual 1 (who claims to be a “Christian” and “conservative”), who I spent many mornings at a breakfast table attempting to talk sense to him and I can’t help but believe he’d be one of the 70% of republicans who still believe the ABSURD LIE “the 2020 election was stolen.”

Tonight, I watched excerpts of the gubernatorial debate in Georgia between David Perdue (individual 1’s lackey) and Brian Kemp (no friend of progressives) and, sure enough, as would be his “rite of passage” Mr. Perdue started out the “debate” claiming the “2020 election was rigged and stolen” and he suggested Georgia’s Governor Kemp was responsible because he didn’t facilitate individual 1 when our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSER (ex) president said, “All I want is to find 11,780 votes which is one more than we have” in his now infamous call with Brad Raffensperger – a call, by the way, which could (SHOULD) be ONE of the ways he finds himself defending his actions in court. Sycophants like Mr. Perdue continue to “soil” themselves as they unabashedly LIE to keep their standing with individual 1 and his “republican” base. There seems to be no end of people willing to do the same sorry stuff as Perdue in the quest for POWER.

And, as I’ve been pointing out for YEARS the most basic requirement for being a republican is LYING. In the case of the republicans in Congress – mainly the House – we’re talking about what seems to me like PATHOLOGICAL LYING. This is the fundamental reason I question the “bonafides” of people like my former acquaintance who support this stuff, when they’re intellectually capable of recognizing the TRUTH, and then claiming to be “conservative” and “Christian.” Personally, I find being “honest” one of the main tenets of Christianity, but, I guess, that’s just me. I fully understand I’m not supposed to be judgemental (“Judge not lest you be judged”) but I have to tell it as I see it.

Let’s just be clear: The election was NOT stolen. I find it interesting where all the members of Congress who WON while individual 1 LOST in their state in the same election actually voted against their own states “electors” on January 6th. Apparenetly, the results of THEIR election wasn’t due to “fraud,” or they won’t claim they STOLE their election – I don’t know any other way to say it.

I’ve said this for years: The republican party long ago adopted the “Big Lie Theory” of the Nazi’s back in the 1930’s until they were defeated in WW II and is the basis of Vladimir Putin’s CONTROL of the Russian people as he’s threatening to start WW III. I continue to be puzzled as to why our so-called “liberal media” doesn’t point out this reality that the republican party is ACTUALLY a fascist operation. We’re seeing MORE evidence all across the so-called “red states” of this reality. The party which, when I was younger, claimed to stand for ACTUAL “conservative” values which included “less government” and more “liberty” is now unrecognizable.

As a prime example of what is happening along these lines just take a quick look at the governor of Florida where Ron DeSantis is pushing through one policy after another attempting to undermine the rights of “certain” citizens in “HIS” state. They are pushing book bans, threatening teachers who “make white children uncomfortable,” passing voter suppression aimed at “persons of color,” passing a law which severely restricts abortion, and, on top of all this, they actually passed a bill which directly ATTACKS the Disney Corporation – removing a provision allowing Disney to control the area where it’s located – simply because Disney opposed one of DeSantis bills – the so-called “don’t say gay” bill.

Honestly, I have no interest in figuring out what is actually in that bill, I’ve simply read some of the potential fallout from DeSantis going after a corporation which has donated LARGE amounts to him and his republican co-horts for not being “sufficiently loyal.” This is classic authoritarianism. (ie fascism) What’s interesting is the “long term” result of this power play by DeSantis which is likely to be LARGE increases in taxes Floridians will end up paying to take over the resonsibility of this large area which has been a community completely “run” by Disney for over 50 years. For example, they have their own fire department, police department, etc. They also have about a $1 BILLION bond debt which the Florida government will be required to assume should their takeover pass “muster” in the courts. Should be interesting. Stay tuned………..

The first thought which comes to my mind is “will the Florida people actually vote this thug into another term in November’s election – where he’ll be standing for re-election?” Sadly, the answer which comes to my mind is they very likely will. DeSantis is attempting to be a more radical “individual 1′ and he’s OBVIOUSLY attempting to set himself up as the republican nominee for president in 2024. This is just one example of many I could list here, but the reality is the coup d’etat which was attempted on January 6th, 2021 is continuing – kind of in “slow motion.”

So, what is the answer to dealing with all this? Unfortunately, this is a MAJOR political BATTLE and “we the people” are “stuck” with relying on DEMOCRATS to stop this – and, with the exception of the Select Committee on January 6th – I don’t see a comparable response to what the republicans are doing coming from the democrats. I fully understand both Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema are going to find themselve in a very dark part of American history should the democrats get “slaughtered” in November as many are predicting. They continue siding with republicans to BLOCK President Biden’s signature legislation.

As I watch the Ukrainian people FIGHTING to protect their own “democracy” – a much NEWER “experiment” in self rule than that “we the people” seem to take for granted – I really STRUGGLE to understand why there isn’t a more OUTWARD response coming from PROGRESSIVES to all the right wing, authoritarian legislation passing in one “red” state after another. The reality is we’re going to find out if our democratic republic is worth FIGHTING for in the next FEW elections. If “we the people” continue falling for republican LIES I guess we deserve the consequences.

It’s clear at this point individual 1 continues to push the so-called “Big Lie” (virtually everything he says is a LIE) and those who were part of his CONSPIRACY to overthrow our constitutional form of government continue pushing the attempt to turn our nation into an actual fascist state. I have a hard time believing “we the people” will ALLOW this to happen, but as I just said “we the people” are depending on democrats to motivate voters to vote these republicans into the HISTORY books. Additionally, the Justice Department is either looking the other way from a clear CRIMINAL conspiracy or it’s dragging its feet in investigating what is OBVIOUSLY a CRIMINAL conspiracy to overthrow our government. Individual 1 confirmed this publicly in one of his rants aimed at Mike Pense – actually saying “he should have overthrown the election.” Yikes!!! What are you waiting for, Merrick Garland?

Right now the Justice Department is “sitting” on THREE criminal referrals regarding refusals to answer to subpoenas by Mark Meadows (who also committed election FRAUD in the election by his vote in North Carolina) and two other members of individual 1’s inner circle – one who ADMITTED on national TV to participating in a CONSPIRACY to overturn the results of the 2020 election via the so-called “Green Bay Sweep.” This plan was devised by Peter Navarro along with Steve Bannon and it was at the “root” of the attack on the Capitol. Navarro is one of those who received a CRIMINAL referral for refusing to appear via a subpoena and Bannon has already been indicted. These people are refusing to cooperate because they’re part of the CRIMINAL conspiracy which was fomented via the coup d’etat of January 6th, 2021!

On several occasions I’ve pointed out the STUPIDITY of republicans when they’ve been “saddled” with the responsibility of governing. They have no idea what that requires. Looking back, when Moscow Mitch declared the so-called “HEROES” Act, passed through the House “dead on arrival” with the support of individual 1, our now TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president’s re-election was doomed – it’s as if they “shot themselves in the foot.” I still remember Nancy Pelosi pointing out the bill was designed to “crush the virus.” I firmly believe, had McConnell and individual 1 embraced that legislation individual 1 would still be (tragically) in office. “Deep sixing” that legislation simply because it was passed by democrats was REALLY stupid!

But, with republicans, STUPID seems to be the “word of the day.” Obviously, individual 1 is the WORST LOSER ever and he chose to head a conspiracy to overthrow our constitutional form of government. At the time, and this is being confirmed every day as more evidence of the private conversations of leading republicans comes out, and I’m talking “post 1/6,” they had had enough of individual 1’s CRIMINAL behavior (which apparently he assumed was protected by a curious OLC memo of years gone by – post Watergate). However, KNOWING they could prevent individual 1 from being a political force in the future, the Senate chose NOT to convict him in his SECOND IMEACHMENT “trial.” Their COWARDLY action has led to much of the DIVISION gripping our nation to this day. More STUPIDITY!

But, as always, there’s MORE: republicans chose to BLOCK the proposed “9/11 style bipartisan commission” to study the January 6th, 2021 INSURRECTION. That (STUPID) decision resulted in the House’s “Select January 6th, 2021 Committee” which is due to give their public report during a couple weeks in June – about the time of primaries all across the nation for the mid-term elections. The committee has interviewed, as of this point in time, something like 935 witnesses and they have over 100,000 documents to sort through as they prepare to EDUCATE “we the people” regarding the ATTACK on our Capitol, who was involved in causing it, who funded it, and what was the “plan” and who participated in formulating the “plan.” There are, by my count, for example, over 100 people from various states who FRAUDULENTLY signed FORGED documents claiming to be the “real” electors from states Joe Biden clearly won.

When you think of it the number of people potentially caught up in individual 1’s CONSPIRACY to OVERTHROW our government. The Justice Department is already prosecuting around 800 – 900 of the actual INSURRECTIONISTS – but, of course, as I’ve said here often in the last year – where is the INVESTIGATION of individual 1 and those close to him who’ve publicly admitted to attempting to coerce Mike Pense into participating in their CONSPIRACY to overthrow our government. The Select Committee’s results will be very interesting, but you can count on Fox “news,” “Newsmax,” etc. etc. to be LYING about the results if they even cover the public hearings. Of course, several of the nighttime hosts on Fox are going to be exposed as saying one thing in their text messages to the “White House” and something entirely different on air. They’re all a bunch of LIARS!

Final Thought: I wrote most of this rant prior to the leaking of the Samuel Alito’s opinion re: overturning Roe v Wade. This, of course, will delight many republicans – including the acquaintance I’ve referenced who is a “conservative Christian” – according to him. Of course, overturning Roe will NOT stop women from having abortions – except for those who live in “red” states and can’t afford to travel hundreds of miles to find a clinic which performs abortions. I have to say (and I’ve written a post on “abortion”) that I’m NOT “pro abortion.” I just don’t picture myself as the one who will be the decision maker in such a difficult situation.

Here’s the reality of our “Supreme Court.” There are several judges appointed by republican presidents who, unsurprisingly, are a bunch of LIARS themselves. I’ve watched the confirmation hearings as far back as I can remember. I still remember the hearings for Clarence Thomas so I’m not surprised to see him violating what SHOULD be court ethics in regards to sitting on cases involving his wife (who, very likely is part of the CONSPIRACY to overthrow the government after the 2020 election). Samuel Alito implied he believed in honoring precedent in his hearings, as did Brett Kavanaugh, and, well, all of them. But, we know, from our recent history, their confirmation hearings are simply a “means to an end” – as is virtually anything regarding republicans.

Just keep in mind, the Supreme Court “annointed” George W Bush president back in 2000 when a full recount of the Florida votes (GW’s brother was governor of Florida at the time) would likely have given the “victory” to Al Gore. It was the right wing Supreme Court which decided the “Citizen’s United” case allowing BILLIONS of “unmarked” dollars into our election process, including who knows how much coming from foreign governments.

It was the right wing Supreme Court which has GUTTED the Voting Rights Act of 1965 allowing the FLOOD of right wing anti-democratic legislation (ie voter suppression bills) to be passed in a plethora of states. The court has virtually given its “blessing” to partisan gerrymandering and the list of egregious decisions goes on and on. If you’re a right wing “Christian” the overturning of Roe makes it all worth it – and, of course, there’s more on the horizon. With republicans, there’s always more – and, I’m not talking about progressive change – I’m talking about “turning back the clock.”

Will the Court’s decision to overturn Roe v Wade – apparently one step further than deciding the case before it coming from Mississippi – be enough to cause “progressives” to go to the polls and VOTE in November? Will it be enough for voters to understand the reason president Biden is unable to get his agenda through Congress is because he doesn’t have enough democrats in the Senate? There are several seats in the November Senate elections which will likely decide the future of this nation (at least in the short term) – although, gaining control in the Senate and losing it in the House would lead to the same thing – OBSTRUCTION! Time will tell, but, from my vantage point, if the combination of the Court’s actions and what we’re going to learn from the Select Committee on January 6th isn’t enough for the majority of Americans to realize it’s TIME to vote republicans into the history books – en masse – then we deserve what we get.

Republicans understand there are more “progressives” in America than “conservatives” – so, they have to find creative ways to “win” elections when the MAJORITY of voters oppose their “agenda.” This court is “stacked” in the favor of republcans and it will be for the next generation – my guess is at least 30 years. And, they are showing themselves to be willing to “soil themselves” in order to push what amounts to a political agenda. Remember, with republicans, “the end justifies the means.”

Look, I don’t do “Twitter” or any other social media platform, but I do see reporting on what shows up there. I’ve written extensively about my perception of Mark Zuckerberg as one of the “Worst people in the world” – in the words of Keith Olberman (years ago on MSNBC). I have also pointed out how I see the wedge being driven between the “right” and the “left” in America running a parallel “course” to the growth of these social media “empires.” That being said, yesterday I saw a “Tweet” from Rob Reiner which was simple and straight to the point AND, from my viewpoint, right on.

“It couldn’t be more simple. A vote for Republicans is a vote against Democracy.” A very succinct way of saying what I’ve been trying to say for the past 15+ years. Another of his “Tweets” says: “Democracy will not survive unless Donald Trump (individual 1 – in my words) is punished for trying to destroy it.” I remember watching Reiner on a TV sitcom many years ago, but the more I hear from him the more I admire his thinking! People with a “platform” need to continue speaking out. I was listening to MSNBC as I was driving around today and the democrats losing control of Congress was considered a foregone conclusion with the moderators. I keep wondering if people’s actions drive the news or if the “news” is what is driving people’s actions (and opinions). I don’t understand why ANYONE would vote for a republican under present day circumstances!

I say that because it’s just hard to believe, for me, that the American people are STUPID enough to vote for the very republicans who are attempting to undermine our democratic republic. The bottom line requirement for republicans in legislatures from our national legislature on down to the state legislatures around the country which are passing voter supression legislation is LYING. And, “we the people” seem to be unable to parse the LIES. Our “liberal media” continues to fail to report this LYING is part of a strategic “plan” based on the “Big Lie Theory” of the Nazi’s in 1930’s Germany. We’re seeing it in “spades” as we watch Vladimir Putin as Russians continues their ILLEGAL assault on the republic of Ukraine. And, as an aside, does anyone actually believe he’s planning to stop there? I’ve been pointing out he’s wanted to recreate the “Soviet Union” since he took the “reins” of power in Russia over 20 years ago.

Russia’s “active measures” campaign against the democratic nations of the “West” began several years prior to Russia’s “interference” in America’s 2016 election culminating in the success of helping individual 1 “win” the election. (with over 3 MILLION fewer votes than Hillary Clinton). Russia was also integral in “encouraging” the “Brits” to vote in favor of “Brexit” which passed with the help, also, from Steve Bannon and, you guessed it, individual 1. All these same “actors” were also attempting to encourage the French to vote Marie La Pen as French President four years ago and likely are still doing so today as we prepare for the next French presidential election. La Pen, of course, is – like individual 1 – focused on undermining the NATO alliance in an ACCORD with Putin and Russia and, is a right wing hack. (And, Putin et al are doing the same things to the Germans, and the …………… fill in the blank)

It somewhat “blows my mind” that the American people – and, I’m talking about “liberals,” “moderates,” and “independents” along with many “conservatives” don’t understand the importance of “we the people” fighting to defend our democratic republic. Why on earth would people want to return to a party controlled by individual 1. The republican leaders have been SHAMEFULLY cowardly in the face of what they KNOW is ultimately a “dead end” for their party. They are trying to prevent people of color and young people from voting – but, the reality is, it’s simply a matter of time until this republican party will be sent to the “ash bins” of history. Now is the time for this to happen.

The Biden administration has passed two historic bills – the first aimed via their “bottom up middle out” philosophy which SHOULD appeal to MOST Americans. The second will be responsible for the NEEDED repairs and upgrading to America’s infrastructure over the next few years – you know, the “infrastructure bill” individual 1 COULDN’T get passed over FOUR years of “infrastructure weeks” which accomplished NOTHING. We’re watching the Ukrainians “fighting like hell” (in the words of individual 1) – “or they won’t have a country anymore” for their democracy. Is that willingness to FIGHT for their democracy registering with “we the people?” And, do you really think Americans will be unable to see the difference between President Biden and his predecessor due to a “bout” with inflation which was totally predictable coming out of a monumental shock to our economy?

President Biden has pulled the NATO Alliance together beyond most people’s imagination as NATO countries are coming to the aid of Ukraine and imposing crippling SANCTIONS on the Russians – who are using their BRUTALITY against Ukraine’s civilian population as a weapon of “terror” against Ukraine because they are failing to defeat Ukraine’s military. Plus, Putin is “fear mongering” with his threats of using nuclear weapons. I don’t question whether Vladimir Putin SHOULD finally be declared a WAR CRIMINAL, I just believe it’s encumbent on those in NATO to be prepared to stop him – one way or another. (And, keep in mind, I believe GW Bush, Dick Cheney, Don Rumsfeld and other Americans were guilty of WAR CRIMES in their ILLEGAL invasion of Iraq back in 2003 – 2009 – by authorizing and committing TORTURE)

Can you imagine individual 1 dealing with the many issues facing President Biden? With our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president in office the Russians likely would have succeeded in their plan to “topple Kiev in a matter of days.” Do you really believe individual 1 would be sending BILLIONS in military aid to the Ukrainians to help them stop Putin’s ILLEGAL invasion of Ukraine? Hell, individual 1 was planning to pull “we the people” out of NATO had he “won” another term in office.

Obviously, I’m unable to find a succinct way of saying the same thing as what Mr. Reiner “Tweeted:” “A vote for republicans is a vote AGAINST democracy.” And, we’re not just talking about the U.S. There are neo-Nazi white nationalist groups all across Western Europe pushing for the same outcome as individual 1 is pushing in the U.S. – and now – with TOTAL obedience from the republican party.

Kevin McCarthy, Moscow Mitch, Jim Jordan, Andy Biggs, Paul Gosar, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Ted Cruz, Josh Hawley, Mike Lee, Ron DeSantis, Greg Abbott, Kristi Noem, and on and on are all SHAMEFUL sycophants of individual 1 and ALL have indicated a willingness to violate their OATH’S to the Constitution. Here’s how they view elections going forward, “Heads I win Tails you lose.” They actually support legislation giving state legislatures the ability to overrule the “will of the people.” In 2024 it’s possible the FRAUDULENT Electors which were part of individual 1’s scheme (conspiracy) to overturn his election LOSS – will be considered “legit.”

So, Mr. Reiner is correct! Under the circumstances we face today in America: “A Vote for Republicans is a vote AGAINST (my emphasis) Democracy!” If democrats don’t show up this year in the “mid term” election “we the people” deserve what we get. Stay tuned………….

Final Thought: Democrats actually have the opportunity to gain seats in the Senate with a strong turnout. it will take a major push to do so, but I can see a scenario (OK, I’m an optimist) where the democrats gain anywhere from 3 – 5 seats in the Senate. Should they manage to do so and keep control of the House, the “filibuster” will no longer be an impediment to legislation to fight Climate Change, to support our middle class families with children, young Americans in poor families with support for “early education, restore the Voting Rights bill, and many different benefits in the “Build Back Better” agenda of President Biden which was “torpedoed” by Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema, two recalcitrant Senate democrats.

Progressives (ie liberals) need to understand the reason President Bident didn’t get his signature legislation through. It was due to Moscow Mitch’s commitment to OBSTRUCT any democratic proposal AlONG WITH Manchin and Sinema’s help. Clear and simple, the democrats need at least two MORE members in the Senate to go along with control in the House. The only thing certain in the Senate is there will be 50 republican votes AGAINST almost any democratic legislation.

What is necessary for Biden’s domestic legislative agenda – the most progressive in my lifetime going back to LBJ’s “Great Society” – is continued control of the House and at least 52 Senate democrats. (Neither Manchin nor Sinema are up for re-election until 2024) Not only is Biden’s agenda “progressive” (Simply put, as I said, he needs at least two more Democratic Senators to get it passed) but, additionally, his leadership in the “West’s” support of Ukraine is TOTALLY laudable. To me, Biden’s low “favorability” ratings demonstrate the weakness of our “liberal media.” I’m still struggling to understand, despite my disgust with the republican party since, well, Reagan – how did they fall into the “grip” of an “alleged” ORGANIZED CRIMINAL?”

I still believe individual 1 will face (possibly multiple) indictment(s) prior to the end of this year – whether from Manhattan’s DA, Fulton County’s DA, or the DOJ – and, possibly “all of the above” and, it should be interesting watching the response coming from his “base.” It doesn’t take much of a LIE to get them worked up. Here’s what may be working in the democrat’s favor: Republicans blocked the “non-partisan January 6th 9/11 style Commission” and, therefore, got the “Select House January 6th Committee” which will be reporting out, likely, this coming June. That will be explosive – despite all the attention on Ukraine. I believe either the Committee will send a CRIMINAL referral on individual 1 to DOJ – or – we’ll KNOW he’s a TARGET of an ongoing DOJ investigation by then. That will get a LOT of people’s attention, but possibly getting more attention will the the Supreme Court, in essence, overturning Roe v Wade among other examples of “legislating” from the bench. Something like Two Thirds of Americans support a woman’s right to control her own body – meaning “the right to choose” in regard to abortion care. Will this cause MORE women to vote? I’m guessing it will.

I keep thinking I’m finding a MOUNTAIN of words to say what Rob Reiner said in nine! “A vote for Republicans is a vote AGAINST Democracy!” Yikes!!! If you’re a progressive, please make sure you’re registered to vote and, of course, VOTE!

I can’t leave without saying: I’ve been lamenting the BILLIONAIRES who have been increasing their wealth exponentially since the beginning of the pandemic and, yet, do EVERYTHING they can to avoid paying taxes for YEARS! I used my retirement savings account to put 32 solar panels on our home (we’ve produced 73,000 Kilowats since 2015) and my wife and I both have been driving electric cars since then. I must admit I’ve supported Tesla for years – UNTIL I finally got my fill of Elon Musk. The “straw that broke the camel’s back” was when, recently, he made a “play” for “Twitter.” Twitter’s board is attempting to fight off his bid, but now another one of the RICH tech wiz kids, Larry Ellison, appears to be willing to take a “break” from his PRIVATE Hawaiian Island – yep, you read that correctly, wanting to pair up with Musk in his “bid” for “Twitter.” These people have BILLIONS of dollars they’ll never need – allowing for the possibility they can purchase virtually anything they want – including, in their minds, established social media companies like “Twitter” so THEY can define “free speech.” It’s well past time for a wealth tax and, it seems to me, it’s time for regulations on platforms like “Twitter,” “Facebook,” etc. My suggestion would be causing THEM to be legally responsible for the veracity of what is published on their platforms. Just a thought…………………. Stay tuned…………….