I recently told a good friend I’m ready for a break from all the writing – which, in essence, is like writing in a diary because I have NO idea who might happen across these words. Today, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about how many times here I’ve said, “The truth will come out, drip by drip” regarding the CORRUPTION of individual 1, his closest enablers, and his “army” of sycophants who make up the top section of his CULT. As individual 1’s own niece said on national TV the other night, he wouldn’t give the “time of day” to the “peons” (my characterization) who make up the bulk of his CULT. He simply depends on them to support him no matter what “drips” come out about his CORRUPT behavior. (And, of course, send him their hard earned MONEY)

So, today I’m watching “Deadline Whitehouse” on MSNBC hosted by former republican Nicole Wallace where the information which has come out in the past few days indicating individual 1 and the above mentioned “enablers and sycophants” – including, at this point in time, six SITTING republican members of Congress along with Mark Meadows the chief of staff for our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president – very well may have committed CRIMES as they attempted to INCITE a mob to interfere with “the peaceful transfer of power” in a way to allow individual 1 to remain in office.

Was it a conspiracy to commit SEDITION? (I’d say, “yep”) Was it a conspiracy to OBSTRUCT a lawful function of the Congress? (“yep,” once again) These are SERIOUS charges should they come about. They would make individual 1’s CRIMINAL exposure in the investigation of the Manhattan DA look like “small potatoes.” Both of the potential violations of our system of LAWS about SEDITION and OBSTRUCTION call for serious penalties which include PRISON terms up to 20 years (each). The discussion on MSNBC had to do with how would that affect our country? As if these violations of LAW should maybe be ignored because of what I’ve speculated prior to now – Merrick Garland’s FEAR of individual 1’s base.

To me, the question of whether or not individual 1 BROKE the LAW simply based on what has already been public knowledge is a “no brainer.” I’ve read “I alone can fix it” by Philip Rucker and Carol Loennig, I’ve read “Peril” by Bob Costa and Bob Woodward, I’ve read “Landslide” by Michael Wolff, and I recently finished “Betrayal” by Jon Karl – all of these books are the results of numerous interviews (HUNDREDS) with those involved in the final days of individual 1’s reign. When you read them and follow the other information coming out – “drip by drip” – it’s hard to believe their wasn’t violations of the LAW!

I’ve written previously I believe, as a non lawyer, I could convince a jury individual 1 was responsible for what happened on January 6th, 2021 at our nation’s Capitol. It would be harder for me to argue the OBSTRUCTION charges which COULD have been taken up by AG Garland, stemming from Mueller’s report, allegations Mr. Garland obviously is shying away from. However, I believe Liz Cheney will be FORCING the issue as time goes by and the 1/6 Committee continues their investigation. Will they be subpoenaing the likes of Rudy Giuliani, Jim Jordan, Andy Biggs, Mo Brooks, Louie Gohmert, Paul Gosar, Matt Gaetz, and one other Congressman ( Scott Perry?) who I can’t remember his name along with our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president? Can you imagine individual 1 sitting for a deposition? (The CHARGES could grow like chia seeds combined with a bit of water!)

I started this a couple weeks ago: I’m going to try to “finish the thought.” I’ve said several times here I believe I could get a guilty verdict (disclaimer: I’m no lawyer – but I did take a constitutional law class in college back in the sixties :o) regarding individual 1’s INCITING the INSURRECTION along with his CLEAR OBSTRUCTION of the duties of the Congress – based on publicly reported data. I mean, it’s a “no brainer” – unless you frequent right wing media. Really, attempting to OVERTHROW a function of our government, in the past, would have received “bipartisan” rebukes from America’s elected officials. We NOW have a situation where “conservatives” FEAR individual 1’s backlash for a single word which might seem negative to him. Therefore, fascism = OK.

Check out the emails, phone messages, texts, etc. public servants who refuse to “kiss the ring” of our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president receive from the “god fearing” right wing FASCISTS which make up a significant portion of his base. (Does ring stand for ASS?) The THREATS now go toward not only “liberal politicians” but, also, school board members, teachers, doctors, nurses, and other public servants. Here’s the phone messages we NEED to hear about – those coming from individual 1’s sycophants on January 6th, 2021 and the days preceding all the way back to the election along with HIS phone records. Trust me, all these people wouldn’t be fighting subpoenas if they were INNOCENT. (Otherwise, wouldn’t they want to give out the information to clear themselves?)

There’s no way, at this point, for even individual 1’s sycophants to salvage his “legacy” because anything any of them would defend during his reign (there wasn’t much unless you like right wing judges – and that was the work of Don McGahn and Moscow Mitch) is, well, now indefensible – he attempted to OVERTHROW our elected government via a MOB he told to “Go to the the Capitol and fight like hell or you won’t have a country anymore.” Well, we still have a country, don’t we? It appears republicans are busy passing voter suppression laws across the nation so that we don’t have a republic anymore. Projection personified!

I believe Liz Cheney is betting the January 6th Select Committee is going to be able to do what it appears Merrick Garland is unwilling to do and that is gather the “goods” on individual 1 making his CRIMINAL conduct undeniable. We’ll see how Mr. Garland will respond should the committee send criminal referrals to the Justice Department. Here’s a couple “red flags” for me – Matt Gaetz has been rumored to be in the “sights” of the Justice Department for “child sex trafficking” for over a year now – is there a good reason he’s not been indicted? Is the reason AG Garland’s temerity? – the second “red flag” for me is the CRIMINAL referral for Mark Meadows which was handed out at least a couple weeks ago. Will the Justice Department take this referral to a Grand Jury asking for an indictment?

The Select Committee is acting as if they’re going to pursue prosecution for anyone who refuses to honor a subpoena. Of course, the Congress cannot INDICT anyone – they are depending on the Justice Department to carry out the prosecution of the CRIMINAL referrals they send their way. I still remember Nixon’s gang of thieves – virtually ALL of them ended up in PRISON and had democrats not been timid since then we wouldn’t be facing this problem today. Reagan and HW Bush were “let off the hook” for Iran/Contra, GW Bush and Dick Cheney were let off the hook for authorizing TORTURE, and that caused republicans to believe democrats don’t have the “stones” to prosecute high level CRIMINAL activity.

Talk about the epitome of PROJECTION – do you remember republicans – individual 1, Mike Flynn, and others leading chants of “Lock her up” over Hillary Clinton’s emails? (Of course, we now KNOW Mark Meadows AND individual 1 – likely among others – were using their private cell phones to be doing government business – far WORSE than anything Clinton may have done. In fact, Meadows and Jared Kushner were using an encrypted app [Signal?] right out of the “White House”) Throughout his time in office individual 1 was attempting to get his various Attorney Generals to “lock up” anyone from Mrs. Clinton to Barack Obama – with about every perceived “enemy” (remember Nixon?) in between.

I, personally, believe the future of America rests in individual 1 facing INDICTMENTS for his role in the attack on our Capitol. Just as I said back when Obama took office: “It was a grave mistake to block investigations into the WAR CRIMES of Bush/Cheney.” It was obvious to me the “next time” would be far worse. Well the same thinking is still appropriate. STOPPING the republican lawlessness will either get stopped or we will cease to be a “nation of laws and not men.” The “next time” their actions will be progressively worse – and, I don’t believe I’m the only American who believes our republic is too close to the “breaking point” to allow that to happen.

Here’s what I would say to Merrick Garland: “You’ve become Attorney General at a crisis point in American history and it’s time to “s@#t or get off the pot.” If you don’t have what it takes to actually defend our system of laws then maybe the best way forward would be to resign while Biden still has time to get someone else confirmed. Of course, republicans can probably block another candidate – so, the reality is YOU are going to go down in history as VERY important person in this time of CRISIS. Enforce the laws or confirm to those who believe the laws are intended simply for us “little people.” The “ball” is in your court.

Final Thought: It appears the CORRUPTION goes well beyond our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president. There’s a KNOWN list of six or seven members of Congress who appear to be neck deep in the CONSPIRACY to overthrow the election and there’s a few more suspected. (Yes, I’m talking about Marjorie Taylor Green and Lauren Boebert) There’s a group of incompetent lawyers led by Rudy Giuliani, John Eastman, Jeffrey Clark, and Sidney Powell. There’s Senators who may be on “shaky ground” like Lindsey Graham.

All of these people walking around as if they have nothing to fear really reminds me of Abu Ghraib. Several Army “grunts” spent time in the “brig” for, in essence, thinking they were following orders as they TORTURED Iraqi’s – many who were simply gathered up by American troops who were breaking down doors and terrorizing the Iraqi population we “supposedly” were there to help. Well, now we’ve got over 700 “grunts” who are facing prison terms up to 20 years after storming the Capitol thinking they were following the orders of their “commander in chief.” I can tell you, if these are the only people paying the price for the INSURRECTION this country will be “teetering” on the “cliff.” I’m not sure “we the people” will be able to bring her back from the “brink.”

For years I’ve been pointing out the PROJECTION of individual 1 where if he accuses ME of something, that means HE’S doing it. Well, the so-called “Stop the Steal” movement where he was accusing the democrats of massive “fraud” is simply the “mother of all PROJECTIONS.” In truth, it was individual 1 committing the massive FRAUD amid his attempts to ACTUALLY steal the election. Individual 1’s call to Brad Raffensperger, the Secretary of State of Georgia, was worthy of a trip to court to defend himself, and, of course, there’s always more. There were several other phone calls along with a plethora of LIES ginning up his CULT to storm the Capitol on January 6th, 2021.

I, almost every day, listen to people discussing what happened on January 6th, 2021 (as individual 1 himself, remember this date forever) as they’re piecing together ALL the evidence which seems to point ever more clearly toward our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president and his closest enablers as the “STEALERS in chief,” by referring to the “Stop the Steal” almost casually. “Stop the Steal” was part of the “plan” of Roger Stone prior to the 2016 election. However, we were FORCED to endure 4 years of individual 1’s incompetent “governing” prior to understanding what those three words really meant.

Now you have about 25% of Americans actually believing the NONSENSE which was spewed by individual 1 beginning well before the November election. People might be wondering, “How did we get to this point?” Well, I’m getting ready to read a book about Facebook (They’ve had to change their name in an attempt, I guess, to rid themselves of all the negative press – speaking of which, I’m regularly seeing adds on TV paid for by Facebook to brainwash “we the people” they are some kind of “caring” corporation – one, of course, who buys up their competitors! Yikes!!!) and my answer to that question is one word: (OK, technically two) “The INTERNET.” The internet has become a toxic mess of CONSPIRACIES which are so outlandish you have to wonder how they get published.

In fact, individual 1’s attempt to STEAL the 2020 election was pretty much the result of his PROJECTION using the INTERNET. Of course, his main platform was “Twitter” and his campaign was busy spreading MIS/DISINFORMATION (lying) on Facebook and Facebook was choosing to PROFIT off the LYING. So, our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president managed to draw a HUGE crowd to Washington D.C. on January 6th, 2021 and, along with some strategic enablers, INCITED their MOB to attack our Capitol with the expressed purpose to OVERTURN the 2020 election somehow giving individual 1 “another four years.”

I keep thinking back to individual 1’s attacks on Liz Cheney which went well back before the INSURRECTION. Big Mistake! I’m no fan of Ms. Cheney’s politics, but I have to say it’s not a good idea to get on her BAD side. (Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned) I believe she will come out of all this as one of America’s great HEROES (Heroine?) because I have no doubt she’s dead set on connecting the “dots” all the way up to the TOP – and, that would mean our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president along with Mark Meadows, John Eastman, individual 1 Jr., Mo Brooks, MTG, Jim Jordan, etc. had better be prepared for “full exposure” – along with many more. I think the Select Committee is determined, and Ms. Cheney is “deadly” serious.

As far as I’m concerned there’s TWO major things I want to see happen “sooner rather than later.” First, I look forward to individual 1 and his ENABLERS becoming TARGETS of Justice Department investigations. In fact, I believe it’s time for Merrick Garland to appoint a “Special Counsel” to investigate the INSURRECTION – from the TOP down. This time, I don’t believe individual 1 should have an option whether or not to appear for a deposition and STALLING won’t be an option. As we all KNOW, he can’t do anything without LYING – so, I’m guessing, there would be a lot of “I’m invoking my FIFTH amendment rights.” However, there’s no doubt the 1/6 Committee has enough “circumstantial evidence” to CONVICT him of (maybe) SEDITION.

The second major thing I’d like to see happen is for the Senate to carve out a spot on the FILIBUSTER allowing the VOTING RIGHTS legislation to PASS Congress so President Biden can sigh it into LAW. This would be the best way I can see to stop the “slow rolling” attempt at another coup d’etat by individual 1’s white nationalist followers who have been busy (are busy) enacting Voter Suppression Bills all across our great land. Are you listening Mr. Manchin and Ms. Sinema?

The challenge to save America as a functioning democratic republic is daunting. This “challenge” didn’t begin with individual 1, but he’s the ultimate LIAR who is the perfect “vessel” to get the politics of people like Don Black, David Duke, Paul Gosar, Jim Jordan, etc. into the so-called “mainstream.” To republicans, the “mainstream” means RIGGING (OK, more examples of their PROJECTION) the system to ensure MINORITY rule. By that, I mean rule by those pushing “white grievance.” They KNOW they can’t win – without changing their “ways” – unless they succeed in RIGGING the elections. (Which they’re busy attempting to do)

I’ve been saying for (at least) the past year “The Truth will come out – drip by drip.” Well, the “drips” are getting larger and I believe we’re going to see the “Tea Party” wing of the republican party being shown for what they are. As I’ve said before, it was the “Tea Party” “insurrection” of the republican party as a backlash to the election of Barack Obama as our first President “of color” which “spawned” individual 1’s entrance as their “savior.” I pointed out above his proclivity to LIE pathologically was what really endeared him to republicans, many of whom have now adopted this “deplorable” trait.

Well, enter Liz Cheney. For all the things “liberals” disagree with her, my bet, at this point in time, is that her HONESTY is something even most LIBERALS admire. Last night she – and other members of the Select January 6th Committee, began reading some of the email and text messages they’ve received, some of it from other members of Congress – emails/texts which made it clear the ASSAULT on the Capitol was well funded, well planned, and, thankfully, unsuccessful. And, as you listen to Ms. Cheney it becomes clear we’re finally hearing words suggesting there COULD be CRIMINAL referrals coming from the Select Committee – more than the “Contempt” charges sent to the Justice Department today for Mark Meadows.

And, it’s becoming more clear why Mr. Meadows decided not to testify. I believe he was more worried he’d have needed to invoke his Fifth Amendment Right against self incrimination than the “executive privilege” claims – preposterous as they are – which have been in the “news.” For heaven’s sake, Meadows was at the forefront of members of Congress going after Hillary Clinton for her use of a personal email server (just as Colin Powel and Condoleezza Rice had done before her) while he was using his personal phone along with encrypted messaging devices to HIDE his communications from the required government record keeping of all communications. Wouldn’t you call this HYPOCRASY? Surprise, surprise!

I’ve been part of the CHORUS of Americans demanding our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president be facing charges for January 6th, 2021 (among other CRIMINAL activity). Most of the people I’ve listened to have suggested his CRIMINAL liability for the INSURRECTION rested with a charge of INCITEMENT – an extremely difficult charge to prove. Enter Ms. Cheney: Last night she SUGGESTED individual 1 may have violated the LAW against OBSTRUCTION of Congress (Penalty: 20 yrs.). She spelled it out and my first thought was individual 1 likely responded as he had when he discovered Robert Mueller had been appointed as “Special Counsel,” – “I’m F@#$ed.” I believe there’s a bunch of republicans feeling the same way! Stay Tuned…………….

Final Thought: For years I’ve pointed out, as a “Christian,” I have NEVER understood how “Christians” could make up the bulk of individual 1’s base – many looking at him as if he’s their “savior.” It boggles my mind – I know people with whom I’ve gotten to the point where I can’t even have a discussion with them because their comments are so radical and absurd – they are fully aligned with those who are seeking ways to turn America into a fascist (apartheid) state. I know someone who adopted and raised three African American children (now adults) who’s made comments which made me SHUDDER inside – comments I took to be overtly RACIST!

I’ve never felt comfortable that I was able to fully explain my thoughts regarding this dilemma – until about two nights ago. I’m presently reading “The Cruelty is the Point,” by Adam Serwer – a columnist for “The Atlantic.” The book is a group of essays focused on the “Past, Present, and Future of individual 1’s America and, in it, the first of a series of essays which has to do with the REAL Robert E. Lee – the focus of the “Unite the Right” protest in Charlottesville where, now infamously, individual 1 claimed there were “good people on both sides” (much to the “glee” of David Duke, sorry, couldn’t help it) – in the essay there was a quote from Frederick Douglass which captured my thoughts completely: “Between the Christianity of this land and the Christianity of Christ, I recognize the widest possible difference.” Enough said!

I have to add one more thing: I’ve suggested many times here about the results of republican STUPIDITY on themselves and maybe their blocking the “9/11 Type Commission for 1/6” will end up being the MOST egregious mistake they’ve made (for their own benefit) for years. Let me put it as simply as I can: Liz Cheney, Jamie Raskin, Adam Schiff, and NONE of the other members of the Select Committee would have been part of that “Commission.” It’s a time of year to be THANKFUL – personally, I’m thankful the republicans are often so STUPID! (Check the archives for other examples) I’m thankful for the “Select Committee on January 6th).

I’ve written a seemingly endless number of posts regarding my disdain for our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president and his attempt to put the finishing touches on America’s tilt into FASCISM. Well, of late, I’ve come to the conclusion a “bit player” in individual 1’s emergence as potentially America’s “dictator” is much more dangerous than individual 1 himself. In fact, this THUG was kicked out of the “White House” due to the reality he was getting more media attention than his boss. And, of course, I’m referring to Steve Bannon – who is fighting the January 6th Select Committee’s Contempt charges – not to benefit individual 1, but to benefit himself.

I’m convinced Bannon has, in essence, “volunteered” for this charge of Contempt to put himself into the news as the “martyr” of the “deep state’s” rejection of the “basket of deplorables” in the words of Hillary Clinton. Of course, this “basket” is full of racists, homophobes. xenophobes, misogynists, and right wingers ranging from “neo-Nazi’s” to full blown “heil Hitler” Nazi’s. In my view, Bannon falls closer to the latter (Nazi) to the former. His upcoming trial date (next summer) will allow him to build up his audience on his podcast where he’s busy radicalizing as many unsuspecting suckers as he possibly can – before he gets his one or two year jail term. Of course, Bannon is doing everything he can to make his sentence the “max” because, I believe, he feels that will set him up for “big things” once he’s out and individual 1 is running in 2024.

Here’s the deal, Bannon is MUCH smarter than individual 1 and he has his sights set well beyond the shores of this great nation. Along with the right wing media in this nation who are acting like TRAITORS Bannon is pushing for a true FASCIST authoritarian “government” in the USA and MOST of Western Europe. I don’t watch these right wing media outlets, but, today, I saw the cover of Newsmax’ “magazine” where Vladimir Putin was shown as the new “hero” (my characterization) of “conservatives” absent from individual 1 – who Putin helped put into the “White House” – being still in office.

From the standpoint of Mr. Bannon I suppose you would consider Putin your “hero” because he’s been busy undermining the Western “democracies” for (at least) the previous 10 years and that is right up Bannon’s “alley.” Bannon (and, likewise, Putin) has nothing but disdain for “democracy” – despite benefiting from it in the U.S. for much of his adult working life. Of course, that “benefit” allows him to spend piles of $$$ in order keep himself in the “limelight” as he causes his court case to last as long as possible. (My personal wish would be that Bannon would have a second court case by the time this first one gets to trial – and, of course, that would be an indictment over his role in planning the January 6th, 2021 INSURRECTION)

Now, here’s the deal: I’ve been pointing this out for years now – although MOST people I know look at my funny – but, I believe, over time, it will become clearer – America has been lurching toward “fascism” for, what I believe, is 40 years, but, certainly for the past 10+ with the right wing Supreme Court enabling the corporate takeover of our government to accelerate. I’ve pointed this out, by definition, the “Mussolini” form of FASCISM results from the corporate/government coalition which has been getting more extreme since the days of Ronald Reagan (“Trickle Down” economics) where republicans have succeeded in helping to funnel TRILLIONS of taxpayer dollars to the wealthy corporate executives who’ve increased their “stranglehold” on our economy ever since.

It should be undeniable to even the most ardent “conservative” that corporate executives have gained WAY too much POWER over the years, to the point where people like Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, Elon Musk, Tim Cook, etc. etc. are not only CONTROLLING too much of our economy, but, also – finding ways to AVOID, in some cases, paying ANYTHING toward the “common good” in the form of taxes. As if they’re doing all us “little people” a favor by CHEATING on their taxes in foreign tax havens, among other ways of CHEATING. (Of course, individual 1 was the classic CHEATER, except, in my view, his jealousy of the REAL billionaires led him to wanting to be like Vlad – who is REALLY the richest person in the world)

Well, individual 1’s unbelievable level of narcissism led him to be “looking for ‘love’ in all the wrong places” – opening the door to leaches like Bannon who, as I said above, is MUCH smarter than our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president. Bannon’s re-emergence back into individual 1’s good graces was fueled by his attempt to get a PARDON by supporting the INSURRECTION and his cunning plan to use individual 1 to further his ultimate goal, which, I believe, is to overturn Western Democracies into Fascist dictatorships.

And, of course, we’re seeing the support he’s getting from other right wing media outlets. Fox “news'” Tucker Carlson spent a fawning week broadcasting his show from Hungary as he was kissing up to Viktor Orban and saying, “What do we have to do to have this type of government in America?” (Or words to that effect) Individual 1 was kissing up to dictators his entire time in office – in fact, he was kissing up to Putin long before he announced his run for office. And, Bannon has been associated with the farthest right portions of Europe’s neo-Nazi/Nazi movements and essentially makes no bones about it. So, should it surprise anyone that Carlson is pushing a white nationalist agenda?

In America there is a growing number of right wing white nationalists – white nationalist sympathizers/racists who get their “information” from places like Fox, Newsmax, OANN, Breitbart, Bannon’s podcast, and some places that make those sites seem tepid. The reality is there is a significant SWATH of America which NEVER hears the actual TRUTH about the 2020 election (by now, they likely wouldn’t believe it if they heard it – have you talked to a Fox viewer of late?), they don’t believe/understand their “white grievance” is cloaked in racism, and without the FCC or some other entity intervening regarding the MISINFORMATION flowing on America’s PUBLIC airwaves – and, make no mistake, ALL these media companies are operating on PUBLIC airways – it appears the ONLY solution to this problem lies with the Justice Department.

I’ve said many times how I’m concerned Merrick Garland doesn’t have the stomach for the job at hand – which is to ENFORCE our laws – and, those who were involved in the planning, paying for, ginning up, etc. of the INSURRECTIONISTS on January 6th, 2021 OBVIOUSLY broke the LAW on that date. Sedition is AGAINST the law – I’m no lawyer and I’ve known that since I was in college taking Constitutional law back in the 1960’s but my eyes are still working – 1/6 was SEDITION. I’m concerned AG Garland fears individual 1’s base as much as Congressional republicans do – and, for that matter, republicans all across this land. The sooner individual 1 is defending himself in Court, from my perspective, the better.

And, regarding all these sycophants of our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president who are refusing to answer lawfully authorized subpoenas from the Select Committee investigating January 6th – I say THROW the book at them. I don’t understand all the options but Congressional “inherent Contempt” seems like the best option to me – although Bannon spending 2 years in jail will, at least, shut him up for a while. I’m sure Mark Meadows knows this, but once you choose to go the “Criminal Contempt” route, there’s no turning back – going back and testifying isn’t then an option – and, the Committee will get your “testimony” from other sources. There’s some really SMART lawyers on that Committee – plus Liz Cheney is there and, well, she’s no fool.

I believe Steve Bannon needs to be recognized as the seditious THUG he is by the Justice Department and, along with the fact he’s being prosecuted for his refusal to answer to the subpoena, keep in mind, he was right in the middle of individual 1’s “war room” and the planning which went into the INSURRECTION. Personally, I believe that’s his greatest legal liability. Heck if both he and individual 1 were prosecuted for SEDITION (20 yrs.?) all we’d have to worry about in 2024 is Ron DeSantis. None of them could succeed without all the CHEATING going on in the different states as republicans attempt to make their state elections “democratic proof” – but, somehow I have enough confidence in the American people to see through this façade and, ultimately, put it to rest.

It will take a combined effort by democrats, independents, disaffected republicans, and a younger generation which sees through the corporatism which has engulfed our nation over the previous 40 years. Joe Biden is making a good first step, but democrats continue balking at the so-called “Build Back Better” legislation which, at this point proposes just under $200 BILLION in new spending PER YEAR – which is PAID for via increased taxes on corporations and the wealthiest Americans – including wealthy tax CHEATERS and faces obstruction from a couple democrats and ALL republicans – while spending $768 BILLION on the defense appropriation bill, THIS YEAR, flies through Congress with “bipartisan support.” Go figure!

Final Thought: I started saying the TRUTH will come out “drip by drip” shortly after the INSURRECTION of January 6th, 2021 AND, over time, I’ve been progressively been being proved correct. Well, it appears the January 6th Select Committee is bordering on some real INCRIMINATING evidence aimed directly at individual 1, and, I believe, we’ll have Liz Cheney to thank for that as much as anyone. As the saying goes, “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree” and, I’ve said this numerous times here, I’m not fan of Cheney’s father Dick, but one piece of advice I’d give regarding each one – select your “enemies” carefully. (And, I have to admit I admire Ms. Cheney’s willingness to give up her seat in Congress in order to OUT individual 1’s ILLEGAL behavior)

Today, our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president got a “double whammy.” He was subpoenaed to appear for a deposition in the NY AG’s investigation into various FRAUD allegations on January 7th, 2022. (Couldn’t they have scheduled it one day sooner?) I’ve listened to several legal “experts” explain the ONLY way he’ll be able to dodge this deposition would be to invoke the FIFTH amendment protection “into self incrimination.” Do you remember him famously stating, back in 2016 “The Fifth Amendment is for members of the Mob” – OK, thanks for reminding me – that’s what he’s going to do. (And, by the way, at least a couple of his advisers on 1/6 are doing the same thing – talk about irony)

On top of that GOOD news – well, for many of us that is – individual 1 ALSO LOST his appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals to prevent the national archives from handing over about 700 pages of documents relating to January 6th, 2021 that Joe Biden refused to invoke “executive privilege” over. Of course, individual 1 believes he still has that “privilege” – but BOTH the district Court AND the Court of Appeals have said “executive privilege rests with the executive” – in this case that would be Joe Biden (unless you’re a QAnon wing nut)

As I keep saying, the TRUTH will come out. What’s that sound I’m hearing? Drip, drip, drip! Stay tuned!!!

One more thing: Recently, individual 1 was interviewed on Fox “News'” Mark Levin show where he – grab your seatbelt – came right out and ADMITTED he FIRED James Comey to block Comey’s investigation which, he ADMITTED, would likely have taken him down. (I’m paraphrasing – you have to see this one to believe it) So, why is this significant? He ADMITTED to OBSTRUCTION of Justice – right there on Fox! Will Merrick Garland do anything about this – OK, there’s probably a good chance Garland doesn’t watch Fox – but somebody MUST have informed him. Just another AG Garland headache? Likely. I mean Robert Mueller “memorialized” the evidence of up to TEN instances of OBSTRUCTION which Garland is highly likely NOT to investigate. Sad!

It appears the Supreme Court is bound and determined to make it clear what they’ve been “up to” over the past 21 years as they are helping to turn our nation into a fascist state. Now, the issue at hand, which is abortion, isn’t really the key to my thinking on this, but it will likely make it clear to a large swath of America what the Court has been doing, kind of behind the scenes, but which will be on the front pages once they make their anticipated decision in the Mississippi abortion “ban” case. It appears three or four justices who, in their Senate confirmation hearings, led people to believe “Roe is settled law” will be, well, unsettling it.

So, let’s take a quick spin through the recent History books. In 2000, if you’re as old as me, you saw one of the original right wing MOBS in Florida causing Al Gore’s apparent victory in that state – governed by the BROTHER of GW Bush – to be overturned in Bush’s favor – without allowing for the recount which was happening (and, as far as I know the ACTUAL results have NEVER been published – can you imagine if Gore had the individual 1 precedent?) and INSTALLING GW Bush/Cheney into the “White House.” And, we all know what happened during their reign – well, lest you forget: Iraq, Afghanistan, Huge deficits, TWO tax cuts for the rich, and an economic meltdown as they left office with their “tails between their legs.”

That’s just the start. Shortly after the economic meltdown, which President Obama and VP Biden managed to turn around (while consistently reducing the deficit during their 8 years in office) the Roberts Supreme Court made the “Citizen’s United” decision which overturned 100 years of election finance laws identifying corporations as “people.” The necessary decision for America to move toward being a “Mussolini style fascism” – ie corporate/government partnership. The amount of “dark money” entering our political process since then has been staggering. I will never forget watching Sam Alito shaking his head as if to say “no, no,” as President Obama (correctly) predicted the entrance of FOREIGN money into our politics because of that decision. This caused me to think, these judges have no idea the consequences of their decisions – in this case the classic case of “judicial legislating.”

Oh, but as I always point out, there’s more. Next was John Roberts, in his majority opinion as section five of the 1965 Voting Rights Act was GUTTED – saying we had “outgrown” the need for the requirement for states with a history of voter suppression to get “pre-clearance” from the Justice Department prior to enacting new “voting laws.” Well, we’re seeing the results of that decision over and over in 2021 – some are calling this time “Jim Crow 2.0” as states are attempting to make it more difficult for “certain people” to vote – of course, meaning “Black, Brown, young, and poor people.

If that wasn’t enough, then section two of the Voting Right’s Act was, in essence, made “null” by a decision where Alito gave the majority decision – meaning the Court was affirming the rights of states to discriminate against minorities in drawing up their district boundaries – ie, gerrymandering. I know many “educated” people who have no time for politics and, if I would run any of these abuses inflicted by the Court (with the exception, maybe, of Bush v Gore) by them the likely response would be “huh?” “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” When I was still teaching I asked over 20 teachers, all with Master’s Degrees, what they thought of Citizen’s United. In EVERY instance the response was, “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

Well, many of these teachers will be paying more attention to the Court after Roe is overturned. Yes, I know of a few teachers who oppose Roe, but MOST of them – whether they opposed abortion or not – felt it was “the woman’s right to choose.” I believe the makings of a HUGE backlash may be “brewing” as America waits for the most watched decision of the Court in the modern era. It will be interesting to see how women respond to the impending Court decision. I believe it’s going to be significant one way or another, but most believe Roe will either be overturned or significantly “gutted.”

As I’ve said here, I know many people who are one item voters and that’s their opposition to abortion. For the ones I’ve been able to talk to, it’s interesting how they respond when I point out to them abortions won’t stop should Roe be overturned. Are they concerned about those girls/women who will end up with “backroom” abortions? Are they worried about the women/girls who would die? Honestly, I’m not sure. And the plethora of issues the Court is likely to end up deciding will go a long way in determining if America will stand as a democratic republic. Citizen’s United, as I said above, introduced to a “slow roll” of Mussolini type fascism to “creep” into our nation and now we have individual 1 hell bent on turning America into a German type (WW II) type of FASCIST state.

Don’t believe me? The supporters and sycophants of individual 1 have been busy since January 6, 2021 – when the INSURRECTION failed – working on INSURRECTION 2.0. I have to admit one area where I’ve been wrong on this site was in calculating the response of the republican party to the “antics” of our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president. And, the issue with abortion is far from the ONLY issue which will end up in the Robert’s Court. There are voter suppression bills “popping up” in states across the nation – states which have republican legislatures – designed to allow these legislatures to guarantee their elections will work out in their favor – one way or the other.

This is where I really miscalculated how republicans would respond to individual 1. I actually thought (and wrote) that individual 1 would last only until republicans tired of his ridiculous “antics” and they would be the ones to put a stop to these “antics.” Of course, I was dead wrong. Republicans didn’t read Mueller’s report, or if they did – like William Barr – they wrote it off as “no big deal.” They refused to convict individual 1 in EITHER impeachment tria – even the 2nd one where they could have ended his participation in America’s politics once and for all. Most republicans in Congress live in FEAR of individual 1 – FEAR of a potential right wing primary opponent.

The Justice Department is bound to be challenging MANY of these voter suppression bills (or, at least they SHOULD) and, now, the reports are filtering out regarding racially motivated “gerrymandering,’ including in Texas where the increase in population via the Census comes from “people of color” and these people have been gerrymandered out of the political process. In North Carolina they have proposed a “map” almost equal to the one which has been blocked legally in the past presumably based on the idea the Court will now support their racist gerrymander. And, this is happening in multiple states.

I honestly believe Merrick Garland accepted a job which, if he had the option again, he would turn down. There are now 700 people INDICTED for the INSURRECTION, yet, as of my writing this, not ONE of the actual INSTIGATORS have been indicted. From my “layman’s” point of view, it’s clear several people, including our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president, deserve to be defending their involvement in the INSURRECTION in a court of law. It’s really hard for me to watch these 700 facing prison – some lengthy prison sentences – while those who drew them to D.C. on that fateful day and ginned them up to ASSAULT our nation’s Capitol building with the clear intent to stop the certification of Joe Biden’s CLEAR election win appear to walking away “scott free.”

Worse than that, for me, is individual 1 continues promoting the so-called “big lie” and we have actual media outlets that are using public airwaves to LIE to their viewers in a way which is promoting the white nationalist movement which is now the BASE of the republican party. I still remember (quite well) the Watergate fiasco back in the 70’s and almost EVERY one of the enablers of Richard Nixon ended up in prison – including Nixon’s Attorney General. To me, what happened – and is happening – regarding individual 1 makes Nixon’s criminality look like “child’s play.” I’m pretty discouraged by the silence coming from the Justice Department regarding the INSTIGATORS of the INSURRECTION. Like I’ve said before, I believe Merrick Garland is NOT investigating the INSTIGATORS because, like individual 1’s sycophants in the republican party, he FEARS the “base” – of which about 8%, according to polls, are willing to take up arms to restore individual 1 to office.

Let me be clear: Until AG Garland gains the COURAGE to hold our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president and his enablers to account – a man whose CORRUPTION is “off the charts,” – things will continue to deteriorate. Here’s the deal: individual 1 should be defending himself in court NOT furthering his racist vendetta against the fundamental values of the American republic. Let’s get this over with! The sooner the better!

Final Thought: I just listened to a report on the so-called “Omicron” variant of the SARS – Cov-2 pandemic (COVID) where Anthony Fauci said, “So far there doesn’t appear to be a great degree of severity to it” which I took to mean it’s not MORE severe than the “Delta” variant. The MSNBC program I was watching had a “flash” which read “Fauci said Omicron looks LESS severe than other variants.” To me, my first thought was “This is likely how he (Fauci) keeps getting all the death threats.” He did NOT say it was “less severe” than other variants, I believe he was attempting to keep people from panicking based on reports it’s more “transmissible” – keeping them from assuming this “wave” was going to be worse than the “Delta” variant.

The truth is – no one knows for sure yet – although it does appear if you’re vaccinated the vaccines are – so far – proving effective in “breakthrough” cases against “Omicron.” And, unless I’m totally mistaken, I believe other variants have not become problematic if they’re “weaker” than the “Delta” variant – which, of course, is still the prevalent cause of the disease associated with SARS-Cov-2 – and is still raging across America, filling hospitals in many sections of the country and, once again, on the increase.

As I’ve said here numerous times, when I watch “news” on TV I choose MSNBC because I believe their “hosts” are at least trying to get things “right.” But, the level of “false equivalency” with the issues of this nation exist there – just at a miniscule level to Fox “news,” “Newsmax,” “OANN,” etc. The above example of their ability to “interpret” comments is discouraging. I listen to the people on MSNBC referring to what President Biden is attempting to accomplish and, at times, you would think he’s accomplished NOTHING – despite ALREADY signing into law TWO extraordinary pieces of legislation – considering republican OBSTRUCTION. (OK, one of the pieces was bipartisan – which is an incredible victory in itself) MSNBC allows “progressives” to focus on what hasn’t passed Congress as opposed to what has during Biden’s first year.

I’ve said for a couple of years I would eventually write a post about my thoughts concerning the subject of abortion. The time has come because, it appears, the Supreme Court will soon be challenged to, in essence, overturn “Roe v Wade.” I grew up prior to Roe and was a very naïve young man when I entered college in 1965. I went to college, mainly, to play basketball and when I was a junior at Western Washington University (back then “State College”) in 1967 I was introduced to the “free love” years – as they were called at the time – and where students who I knew who were sexually active were paying $75 for what amounted to unsafe abortions.

At the time, as I remember it now, I didn’t have a second thought about what was happening other than it seemed wrong to me. In 1973 when Roe was decided by the Supreme Court, again, I didn’t think much about it because it didn’t affect me. However, when the first pregnancy I was involved with ended in a miscarriage and my wife had, in essence, the same procedure as an abortion – the fetus had died – I was thankful she was healthy after the procedure – which by the standard of the recent Texas law could have been deemed to be an abortion.

My thoughts were (and still are) that when a sperm cell and an egg combine, needing only “food and oxygen” to grow you have a living “thing.” To me, this is irrefutable. In total transparency I was not a “fan” of Roe when it was first decided. As I look back, I’m thankful I was never in a position to be part of a decision ending in an abortion (Well, I’m REALLY thankful that miscarriage wasn’t considered an “abortion”). That being said, it should be obvious I WOULDN’T be the one having the procedure. I have, over the years, however, given the subject considerable thoughts. Several things have caused my thoughts to evolve.

One instance which has, for years, affected my thinking: I know a woman who was RAPED at knife point many years ago resulting in a pregnancy. She chose to terminate that pregnancy, as I would have totally supported (had I been asked), and, I have to add, she had considerable misgivings post procedure. I bring this up because it’s clear to me this is an issue which us “men folk” just are incapable of understanding. Even if you take the position of many “Christians” that “Roe” should be overturned, that would do NOTHING to solve the problem of women experiencing unwanted pregnancies – for a PLETHORA of reasons.

As I watch all of this transforming it appears to me it’s, essentially, MEN who are leading the “charge” to take abortions back into the “back alleys” – which affects these MEN hardly at all. As I said above, I’m thankful I haven’t had to be in this position – other than the miscarriage involved in the pregnancy of my first child. Had I lived in Texas and my wife been forced to carry an already deceased child, well, I would have done whatever I could have to protect the health of my wife. (And, I know of several other women who had fetuses die “in utero” and had the same procedure – a couple in “late term”) The Texas law which prevents almost ALL abortion procedures makes NO exceptions – for example, for rape, incest, or for the health of the mother. In a perfect world no woman would be faced with this decision.

Of course, we don’t live in anything close to a perfect world. Over the years my views have evolved to where my present belief is “if you don’t believe in abortion, don’t have one.” One of the more memorable moments of the 2016 campaign for president was when individual 1 was interviewed regarding his views on abortion. He seemed hesitant when he said, seemingly in an obligatory manner, he supported a ban on abortions. (This was an “about face” from previous comments he’d made) He went further by saying “any woman who has an abortion should be PUNISHED.” As is always the case, no reference to the MAN involved in the unwanted pregnancy.

In answering a question regarding the draconian Texas anti-abortion law governor Greg Abbott suggested in Texas they were going to eliminate ALL rapes. Of course, that was one of the more STUPID comments I’ve ever heard coming from any politician, but, sadly, Abbott has not been rebuked as I thought he would over such a STUPID comment. I guess one of my curiosities is who on earth is this decision over a women’s body being determined by; MEN? I know “Christians” who have rationalized their support of individual 1 over the possibility of Roe being overturned – what I call the classic “deal with the Devil.” And, that all doesn’t make me “pro abortion.” I wish NO woman would be forced into this decision. I’ll say it again, “if you don’t believe in abortion don’t have one.”

Curiously, now we’re seeing an interesting irony coming from abortion opponents and those who are fighting to prevent Roe from being overturned. For years women have been saying “My body my choice” in support of “A women’s right to choose.” Now, of course, many of those fighting to control what a woman can do with her body are saying “my body my choice” in justifying their refusal to get a “jab” which might prevent them, and/or those around them, from going to the hospital with Covid-19. Interesting, huh? I’ll add to that, I’ve come to the conclusion over the years to two things: First as a MAN I shouldn’t be the one making this decision for a woman which I have no idea of who she is – leading me to the second “conclusion” – I believe it’s the woman’s right to decide what to do with her body.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I don’t believe virtually any woman takes having an abortion, or not, as a casual decision. As I stated above there could be a PLETHORA of reasons a woman would consider an abortion. I won’t begin listing them, but, in my view, if she chooses the procedure it SHOULD be SAFE! I’m a Christian and one of the things which convinced me to believe in the teachings of Jesus is because of the “free will” necessary to make that decision “real.” I really believe in “free will” and that whatever “consequences” might occur from “a woman’s right to choose” would be between her and her spiritual beliefs. And, of course, it’s not that simple.

Try a little empathy. Consider a woman who becomes pregnant and is unable to raise a healthy child – again, for a PLETHORA of reasons. As a society, over the years since when I was back in those college days, it seems to me we’ve made it more difficult to escape being “poor.” (And, by that I mean financially) What happens to that child AFTER it’s born? Say we’re talking about a single Mom who can’t care for the child financially. I suppose republicans would suggest “have the baby and put it up for adoption.” A little over simplified in my view (It takes, essentially, a year of a woman’s life to bear a child). Let’s take a look at what republicans COULD be doing to reduce the demand for abortions.

They could support universal health care – especially for those in low socio economic situations. They could support things like FOOD STAMPS, housing subsidies, “universal Pre-K,” family medical leave, support for childcare, etc. etc. – I think you get my drift. All those things are part of the “Build Back Better” agenda of Joe Biden which will receive NOT a SINGLE vote from republicans by the time it’s passed. Republicans don’t support the “Child Tax Credit” – which is a “lifesaver” for several families I’m familiar with. So, picture yourself as a woman who becomes pregnant with no means to support the child. Do you want to gamble republicans won’t gain control of Congress and the “White House” while you’re raising that child?

Heck, countries around the world are hesitant to TRUST the United States because of the possibility either individual 1 or someone as VILE might succeed in “winning” a future election (Remember, Putin is still “busy” with his “active measures” trying to use our “freedoms” against us – supporting individual 1 surreptitiously). I wrote a while back, after reading about the “bounties” key to the Texas abortion law, I had an idea on how to reduce the demand for abortions. Fine the MAN who’s responsible for an unwanted pregnancy $10,000 maybe $20,000 and that very well might reduce the demand for abortions. That’s really the thing for me, why are MEN deciding on what women can do with their own bodies? Why do men constantly get away with creating the problem and then “getting out of town?” Stay tuned………

Final Thought: It won’t be long and the Supreme Court will be deciding whether Roe will stand or not. I listened to the confirmation hearings of EVERY one of the members of the Court (with the exception of Breyer). Roberts, Alito, Gorsuch, Kavanaugh, and Barrett all said, in essence, Roe was “settled law” and they believe in “stare decisis.” I look forward to comparing their decision on the upcoming challenges to Roe with their testimony before Congress. Clarence Thomas claimed he had never thought about it during his confirmation hearing and then, a few months later claimed Roe was “wrongly decided.” (Does that mean he LIED to Congress? Seems a bit “fishy” to me.)

As it’s looking Roe will be either overturned or “cut off at the knees” I can’t help but think back to the confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh, who was confirmed thanks to votes by republican women, like Susan Collins, saying they got assured Roe would be “safe.” And, keep in mind, NONE of the three individual 1 appointments would have passed save for Moscow Mitch “making a cutout” in the filibuster to get extreme right wing justices passed with ONLY republican votes. Democrats like Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema have to be aware if McConnell ever gains majority status in the Senate the filibuster won’t stand in the way of anything he might want passed.

Kavanaugh was CREDIBLY charged with assaulting women while in High School and College and, in addition, to “drinking beer” to the point where he could use being inebriated as an excuse for his behavior. Additionally, there was NO credible investigation of charges which arose during the confirmation proceeding. Here’s the deal: The Supreme Court is on the verge of labeling themselves as exactly what the claim they don’t want – and that’s a group of “political hacks.” And, of course, they’re lifetime appointments!

In the past week “we the people” have seen the disparity in America’s CRIMINAL Justice system as Kyle Rittenhouse was acquitted on ALL charges in his MURDER trial in Kenosha, Wisconsin while a Black man in Oklahoma, who was on death row via VERY questionable evidence, got his DEATH sentence commuted to “Life in Prison” – at the last moment even though the evidence used to convict him had been recanted long ago AND two BLACK men who were convicted 56 YEARS ago in the murder of Malcolm X again, on the basis of QUESTIONABLE evidence which was long ago recanted, were exonerated, FINALLY – after losing 56 years of their freedom – well, only one of the two men is still alive. These things happened within days of each other and couldn’t show the problem in our Justice system any clearer – as clear as BLACK AND WHITE!

The Rittenhouse situation was no surprise to me – I didn’t watch the entire proceeding, but I saw enough to figure out he was likely to get off. First of all, the JUDGE was – the best way I can put it – WEIRD! Also, it was apparent from the beginning the judge was sympathetic to Rittenhouse – to the point where his phone went off and his ring tone was the rally music of individual 1’s campaign rallies. Rittenhouse was even allowed to pick his own jury out of a “Bingo like” box which I found over the edge. There was more which, to my mind, prejudiced the courtroom in favor of the defense – which is why the acquittal did not surprise me – in fact, I would have been surprised had their been a guilty verdict. (It will be interesting to find out how the jury came to this conclusion)

Rittenhouse, of course, has become the “darling” of the white nationalists in America. The FACT he was photographed having beers with Proud Boys while flashing the white power hand sign should give you a good idea of where we are today. And, of course, there have been photographs of Rittenhouse supporters outside the courtroom this week also feeling comfortable flashing the “white power” hand signal. (You know, the one Stephen Miller was “flashing” on the “Sunday Talk shows” while representing individual 1 a few years back.) And, surprise, surprise none other than alleged child sex trafficker Matt Gaetz wants to give Rittenhouse an internship. OMG – what the hell is going on in America?

Let’s just look at the FACTS. Rittenhouse brought an ILLEGALLY purchased AR-15 to Kenosha along with his back pack which he claimed was a medic kit while he LIED by saying he was an EMT. He SHOT and KILLED two young men – there’s no disputing this. He was packing an ILLEGAL weapon while in Wisconsin under the age of 18 – remarkably, the judge in the case “threw out” the weapons charge – suggesting the AR-15 could be considered a hunting weapon. Yikes!!! And, all of this was on LIVE video. In fact, I happened to be watching coverage of the protests in Kenosha to the SHOOTING of James Blake when Rittenhouse MURDERED the TWO men who were NOT allowed to be referred to as “victims” by the judge. In stead, they were allowed to be called “arsonists, rioters,” etc. adding to the likelihood the jury would consider Rittenhouse’s actions as “self defense.”

I watched in a state of “TV shock” as Rittenhouse shot the first “victim” – there was a group of people so that MURDER wasn’t as obvious to me – then he started to run away and the other “victims” chased after him yelling “he just killed someone.” As they attempted to disarm him, right in the middle of the street, he shot and KILLED one of them and nearly blew off the arm of the second one. It wasn’t clear from what I saw that the guy who got his arm blown off had a gun, but he admitted in court he did have a weapon and pointed it at Rittenhouse – but, by that time TWO people were already DEAD. It’s hard for me to imagine how carrying an illegally obtained weapon into a situation where you’ve NOT been invited and then MURDERING a couple “protestors” is “self defense.”

Of course, listening to people like Lauren Boebert, Gaetz, Marjorie Taylor Green, and Paul Gosar argue over who gets to have him as an “intern” and THEN seeing him side by side with individual 1 at Mar a Lago tells you all you need to know. Of course our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president called him “a very fine young man.” You know, “good people on BOTH sides.” Which leads me to my “thoughts for the day:”

As I’ve been saying for MANY years, America is in a fight for the heart and soul of the nation. Of course, I’m nearing the “end of the road” (I’m 74) so I really don’t want to leave this earth with America a full blown fascist state – something unthinkable to me before I realized the full ramification of individual 1’s ASSAULT on our republic. And, as I’ve said here several times now, I believe the most important person, based on our political reality, in stopping this ASSAULT is Merrick Garland. It’s been OBVIOUS for SEVERAL years now that the democrats in our nation, who, I believe, are trying to address the needs of our “MIDDLE” and “lower” class of our people, economically, but their willingness to “fight” on the “battlefield” created by the republican party is almost, well, pathetic.

Democrats have been watching, kind of in disbelief, at the disregard for our LAWS coming from republicans at the top of the “ladder” – those in politics, and those who feed these politicians the MONEY. I really hit my “soap box” after GW Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld, and others were allowed to authorize TORTURE with no consequences after LYING America into two intractable – and incompetently “fought” – “wars.” We literally turned the nation of Iraq almost upside down with the number of Iraqi casualties in the Millions. In my mind, with Iraq’s OIL as the ultimate “target.” I have always felt President Obama’s refusal to allow full investigations of the TORTURE was a critically BAD decision. It simply further emboldened right wing “thugs” who STILL believe democrats don’t have the “stomach” to stop them.

And, they may be correct – but, if they’re going to be stopped it will have to be by AG Garland, who, so far, doesn’t appear to have the “stomach” (either) needed for this task. For example, based on what is happening in the so-called “Select January 6th Committee” in the House – which, by the way, appears to be an ATTEMPT at some semblance of accountability – it appears to me the Justice Department is NOT investigating the INSTIGATORS of the INSURRECTION at the Capitol. If they were, the issue with people refusing to abide by legally enforceable subpoenas wouldn’t be solely an issue with the Committee. There would necessarily be some sort of coordination of what the Committee is doing with the Justice Department aside from depending on them to enforce Committee subpoenas from the likes of Steve Bannon, Mark Meadows, and any of the others who choose jail time over telling the TRUTH about their involvement in the riots.

The ultimate irony here is, likely, the most important member of the Select Committee is none other than Dick Cheney’s daughter Liz. Ms. Cheney very well could be one of the most important people in America should we manage to save our republic from this FASCIST takeover which has been slow moving for years coming from republicans, but put into “high gear” with individual 1 – a pathological LYING narcissistic, racist, xenophobic, misogynistic, demagogue who fully embraces the “Big Lie” theory of Joseph Goebbels and the Third Reich. Sadly, the republican party has come along side our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president more out of FEAR than anything else. He has the undying support of Americans who are either white nationalists/supremacists themselves, or who fall for the BullS@#t coming from the talking heads at Fox “news.”

Republicans FEAR Fox nearly as much as they FEAR individual 1. For example, recently I saw an interview Chris Christie gave on MSNBC with Nicole Wallace – and, to put it mildly, Ms. Wallace did NOT simply throw “softball” questions at Christie. In fact, she asked him to defend what Fox “news” is doing to our republic and his first response was “I don’t watch Fox.” Well, of course, both myself and Ms. Wallace new that was a LIE (for heaven’s sake, Christie is a republican and participated fully in individual 1’s 2020 campaign – and 2016’s as well, for that matter – where LYING is a requirement). Soon after saying that, Christie said, “I don’t watch Tucker” and then referred to Sean Hannity and Laura Ingraham as “Sean and Laura” as the “only Fox programs I watch.” OK, there you have it.

Christie was on a “book tour” of his book in which he’s trying claim he’s now on the “high road” and he’s distancing himself from individual 1. Apparently, he sees himself as a competitor for the 2024 republican nomination. Shortly after his interview with Ms. Wallace I saw him on Fox (In a brief moment of weakness for myself) as he was attempting to “have it both ways.” For me, just another typical republican. Fortunately, there are “atypical” republicans out there who realize the gravity of the situation and they could end up being the heroes in all of this – should “we the people” band together and put this republican party “to bed” in the next few elections.

I’ve been an independent voter for the past 53 years, but since the “Newt Gingrich” era I’ve found myself, save for a few instances, ALWAYS voting AGAINST republicans. It appears that will continue even though my republican representative in the House was one of the COURAGEOUS republicans, at least in my mind, who voted FOR IMPEACHMENT #2. However, since that day this representative, Jaimie Herrera-Beutler has shown herself to be “cowering” back into the “pack” and voting with her caucus even though both SHE and I know what she’s supporting is WRONG. For example, she failed to support the vote to censor Paul Gosart, she didn’t support Cheney when she SHOULD have, and she didn’t vote for the so-called Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill knowing it was of critical importance to our community (We have a bridge issue of importance). I just can’t picture myself voting for that!

Getting back to Mr. Garland. Because the democrats ONLY have 50 Senators in their “razor thing” Senate majority and because two of them are Kyrsten Sinema and Joe Manchin there are obstacles the democrats likely WONT be able to accomplish legislatively. To me, Ms. Sinema is more despicable than Manchin – Manchin, for heaven’s sake comes from West Virginia so you would kind of expect some of what he’s doing, but not Sinema. Figuring out her motivations will likely happen AFTER she loses a bid for re-election in 2024 (unless she becomes a republican and Arizona’s new election laws make it impossible for a democrat to win) – because she’s apparently receiving a lot of corporate “funding” designed to keep her from agreeing to key democratic agenda items – like, for example, voting rights legislation which will require a “carve out” of the filibuster to get passed.

So, if there’s going to be accountability for individual 1 and the others who planned, paid for, and INSTIGATED the INSURRECTION of January 6th, 2021 it’s going to have to come from the Justice Department. It appears to me, at this point in time, that Mr. Garland believes prosecuting the “stooges” who stormed the Capitol is sufficient – leaving the instigators to get off “scott free” so as not to rile up their “base” any more that necessary. The cowardice of the Justice Department to – AT LEAST – be investigating those who INSTIGATED the INSURRECTION which, of course, would HAVE to include individual 1 – is simply reinforcing the belief among republicans that they can violate our existing laws with IMPUNITY. And, this belief has filtered down to those who are part of the right wing militias – armed to the teeth and believing our government is AFRAID to deal with them. Here’s the deal, at some point this will have to happen and the longer Mr. Garland waits the worse the situation will get. Mark my words!

Individual 1 is already planning his “return” and state legislatures run by republicans, all across the country, are “jiggering” the system so that either democrats can’t win, or, if they do, the state legislature can overturn the election results. In their case it’s “heads I win, tails you lose.” Will “we the people” stand up to this? Can we protect our republic without violence? On that one I sincerely doubt it because, it appears, these right wing “militias” have permeated almost every state in the union threatening public servants across the board – election officials, public health officials, school board members, teachers, doctors, nurses, etc. etc. And, in my mind, there are ALREADY laws on the “books” to put a stop to all this, but are our elected officials willing to enforce them. I don’t believe, for example, “free speech” allows someone to threaten someone else with violence. I don’t believe authorities have to wait for the violence to be carried out to act. One reason, I believe, so many people don’t respect our laws is because many of them are not being enforced.

In my “first life” – when I was in college in the 1960’s I clearly remember studying a philosopher named “Hobbes,” who said, “Don’t pass a law you will be unable to enforce” – or words to that effect. I’m reminded of his “words” consistently in our land with is supposedly governed by “laws and not men.” Individual 1 and his CULT followers are set on PROVING the fallacy of our constitution – which is no better than “we the people’s” belief in it.

Final Thought: A year or so ago I read “Rising out of Hatred” by Eli Saslow about Derek Black’s transformation from a white nationalist/supremacist – the son of Don Black and Godson of David Duke, both former “Grand Wizards” of the KKK. Don Black runs the white supremacist website “Stormfront” which is a portal for many of America’s RACISTS. After reading that book I did a little research I SHOULD have done long ago and it brought me from Don Black and Duke right to the “base” of individual 1 and the role Tucker Carlson plays in the attempt to turn America into a right wing RACIST/fascist apartheid society. In fact, in a recent interview with Derek Black, I read how those who support the KKK regularly RECORD Carlson’s TV shows so they can watch them multiple times.

So, it shouldn’t come as any surprise the David Duke is now, on his podcast – think of who his audience might be – saying individual 1 and Carlson are both basing their success on his ideas which didn’t work for him when he was running for office. This revelation (I don’t listen to his podcasts so I read his quote elsewhere) simply supports the concern of “progressives” toward much of what I’ve been RANTING about now for a number of years. I read, early on in individual 1’s reign, how both Black Sr. and Duke were excited they had a candidate to take their beliefs “into the mainstream.” The “you know what” is hitting the fan!

I have to start this “rant” by admitting I’m no economist, but I do pay attention to the economy and I listen to the “experts” – and, of course, they come in all “flavors” – meaning you have to do a little “research” before you decide the credibility of who you’re listening to. And, beyond that, a bit of common sense will help understand what the reality is “we the people” are dealing with as we look into the future. I do have to add, the main economist I listen to is Paul Krugman who gave a basic “course” on economics as a “Master Class” online in which I participated.

Here’s what’s driving my latest frustration. The FACT there is inflated prices right now – largely resulting from the ARP (American Rescue Plan) – inflation which was predicted earlier this year by people like Krugman who claimed it would be “short lived.” MOST of the people I’ve listened to haven’t talked about where this inflation is coming from – although, on Yahoo Finance this morning I FINALLY listened to an economist explain the real cause of this inflation. And, he’s not totally focused on the FACT more people have money to spend due to the ARP, but significantly, the problem is more DEMAND than there is SUPPLY.

I’ve been making this argument since the days Reagan introduced “trickle down economics” back in the early eighties. Right now there is, due to COVID a suppressed supply – and, there are varying reasons for this. Essentially there is a supply chain “bottleneck” which goes beyond the problem of getting goods to market via trucks, rail, etc. Yes, there are container ships sitting off the west coast which are waiting to be off-loaded, but, in addition, there has been a shortage of computer chips for the past year or so and that shortage is expected to last for, maybe, another year. This is the result of COVID and largely originated during the term of “the other guy” – even though “we the people” are not sophisticated enough to make that connection so the reality is the “present guy” gets the blame – especially via the “liberal media.”

We have an “issue” in America where people have become entrenched in a political divide which, obviously, is affecting our economy. For example, there are STILL about 75 to 80 MILLION Americans refusing (for various reasons – some quite legitimate) to get vaccinated for COVID. That, likely, means another “surge” – which will likely be happening globally to an extent. In America, we have the “distinction” of being the WORST country in the world at dealing with COVID and I put the root cause of that at the “feet” of individual 1. (Brazil gives us a “run for our money”) It’s hard NOT to place the “anti-vaxx” population in the so-called “red corner” – directly at his – as I said – “feet.”

Almost EVERY (but, not all) anti-vaxx person I’ve personally talked to is part of individual 1’s CULT and gets their “information” from Fox “news,” “Newsmax,” “OANN,” or worse – if you can get worse than that (and, I’m sure you can in the dregs of the white nationalist hard core “swamp”). Here’s the deal; The “novel” coronavirus is SERIOUS – it’s KILLED over 5 MILLION people worldwide and close to 800,000 in America alone. (Likely much more than that because there are right wing governors who’ve been LYING about those DYING in their states since the beginning – because they didn’t want to make either themselves – with their poor planning – or, individual 1 look bad.) Trust me, when all is said and done, people like Ron DeSantis, Kristi Noem, Gregg Abbot, and other right wing governors are going to be on the wrong side of COVID in the History books.

So, my point is, attempting to emerge from a once in a century pandemic is definitely a driver of the inflation which we’re experiencing at the moment – again, according to people like Krugman it’s “temporary” and it’s “expected.” Once the SUPPLY catches up with the DEMAND it stands to reason the inflation numbers will cool off. And, when looking at the so-called supply “bottleneck,” the supply issue should be receding in the next few months – some say by Christmas.

Another issue in inflation numbers is they are calculated “year over year.” Well, 2020 wasn’t what I’d call a “booming” year regarding the economy. It led to job LOSSES which caused individual 1 to be the FIRST president in recent memory – maybe back to Herbert Hoover – to leave office with a net NEGATIVE job growth – meaning more jobs LOST than GAINED during his four (long) years in office. So, when comparing September or October 2021 to the same months in 2020 it would make sense there would be higher prices – although, that also doesn’t get at the “crux” of the matter.

The other day I was looking at a chart showing today’s inflation numbers broken down into categories. The largest increase, of course, was in gas prices – although, I have to say I’ve gone through the “ups and downs” of gas prices for almost 60 years (I bought gas for 19 cents a gallon in my earlier years). When gas prices get too high people buy less gas – the “supply and demand” thing once again. During the first year of the pandemic oil producers reduced their output because the DEMAND went way down – there were container ships outside of ports where there was little to no demand for the OIL they were transporting. The ships were stuck out at sea. Well, now the opposite is happening and you’d expect that to lead to higher gas prices.

However, it’s not just gas prices at the head of the list of prices pushing up “inflation.” Transportation costs – meaning airline tickets – have gone up because more people are flying – especially for business – and, due to the pandemic, the airline industry was at a “crawl.” That doesn’t affect a large segment of the population directly, but it does count in the inflation “numbers.” Things like “used cars” are up close to 30% because of the chip shortage and the difficulty in buying a new car – and, of course, that would lead to new cars being more expensive. Does that affect me, directly, NO! But, indirectly, it affects the inflation numbers which our ‘liberal media” publishes on a nightly basis causing people who are doing just fine in their households to be feeling as if “the economy is off on the wrong track” in surveys.

Other things on the list I can remember (off the top of my head) would be hotel rooms and rental cars. Of course, for many, this would be traveling for business once again but also people taking trips once again – which would be pushing the cost of these things up compared to 2020 when many hotels were nearly empty and not too many people were looking for rental vehicles – compared to now. Another category which has gone up significantly is appliances. I actually had to purchased a dishwasher earlier this year and it was almost impossible to find the one my wife and I wanted – because the manufacturing facilities overseas were closed down due to COVID. Well, that has caused “pent up” demand for appliances and the supply hasn’t caught up. My point is, the things most people REALLY depend on are rising in price much slower than the numbers you see in our “liberal media” and the 24/7 news cycle doesn’t (can’t?) take the time to actually educate viewers on the details of what they’re reporting. It’s up to “we the people” to do the research – and, most of us don’t – often times, myself included.

Here’s the bottom line to me – over the past year and a half “progressives” have pushed our government to “infuse” stimulus into our economy which has prevented an economic recession caused by the pandemic from becoming MUCH worse. And, this year, for the first time I can remember (OK, in a very long time – I was a young man when Medicare was enacted and, at the time, I had no idea the importance of that legislation) our government has passed two – and soon three – MAJOR bills aimed DIRECTLY at America’s Middle and lower classes which, of course, is going to STIMULATE the economy. As I mentioned above, I’ve been pointing out for years it’s DEMAND which drives the economy, not SUPPLY.

Yes, SUPPLY is important, but without DEMAND what are you going to do with the SUPPLY? It’s important to “marry” the two, but, to me, we’ve seen over 40 years of PROOF that “supply side” economics works only for the wealthy and leaves the working man and woman behind – which is, in my view, the cause of much of the discontent in our society. And, republicans, for years, have used their abuse of cultural “wedge” issues to HIDE the FACT they’ve been pilfering our taxpayers to the tune of TRILLIONS of dollars while suggesting they actually believe the LIES they’ve been pushing in order to get to those dollars. For example, while they’re “screaming” about deficits right now, their 2017 tax scam (which provided TRILLIONS to the “rich”) provided virtually NO stimulus and, recent reports suggest, will increase the deficit by $2.5 TRILLION over a ten year period.

In four years of individual 1′ administration, depending on the source, the national debt increased by between $7 TRILLION and $8 TRILLION – by percentage the “third most” in history – the debt was just under $20 TRILLION when he took office and close to $28 TRILLION when he left. Of course, some of that was the result of COVID, to be fair, but if we’re “fair” with our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING – disgraced – (ex) president, then shouldn’t we be “fair” with President Biden’s administration. The ARP is mostly funded via “deficit spending” although, as we’re seeing, MOST of the money is going right back into the economy so it’s actually generating economic benefits (which I’m not sophisticated enough to calculate – but, some say, for example, every dollar going into the child tax credit returns $1,75 to the economy – because it’s being spent). The infrastructure bill and the so-called “Build Back Better” bills are “paid for” by increases in taxes on wealthy individuals and corporate and individual “tax cheats.”

Let me explain that last comment – “tax cheats.” The BBB legislation includes money to provide the IRS resources to go after those Americans – largely wealthy Americans – who’ve been routinely CHEATING on their taxes for years. I’ve read a couple books on this topic and republicans have, over the previous few decades managed to strip the IRS of enough resources so they couldn’t go after the high level tax CHEATS because – well, in a word, LAWYERS. Rich people can afford the lawyers poor people can’t – so, in effect, MANY of the “audits” done by the IRS over the previous 30 or so years were aimed at people at the “bottom” instead of people at the “top.” Estimates are our “rich brothers and sisters” are “failing” to pay about $40 to $80 BILLION per year in owed taxes. That, along with the 15% MINIMUM tax on corporations, many which make BILLIONS and pay NOTHING will also raise LOTS of money to help pay for the BBB and the infrastructure bills working their way through Congress. (OK, the infrastructure bill is now law)

So, combined with the FACT the money from both the infrastructure bill and the BBB bill will “hit” the economy gradually means they will have a minimal effect on pushing up inflation, in the short term, and a significant effect in lowering it in the long term – meaning, it’s likely the “Fed” will not need to hurray up their plan for gradual interest rate increases based on the short term inflation data. All of this was to be expected. Of course, had the Biden administration not pushed out the ARP (American Rescue Plan) in March, there would be far less money in the economy, we’d STILL be in recession, and the pandemic would be even WORSE.

That leads me to one of my greatest frustrations with how our 24/7 Cable media works. It’s as if we live in a “what have you done for me lately” world – meaning, how you can manipulate the media plays a more significant role in public perception than what you’re accomplishing, to a large extent. I don’t think many are arguing the democrats are very POOR at messaging while the republicans are viewed as much better – largely because they’re willing to LIE about virtually ANYTHING – as I’ve said here many times it’s “the end justifies the means” philosophy of messaging. That is, LIE through your teeth and look like you mean it theory – or, as they called it back in the Third Reich “The Big Lie Theory.” Why do they do it? Because, obviously, it works.

I’m not suggesting that everything the democrats are doing is perfect, because I’m sure there will be parts of their plan which don’t work as intended. But, here’s the big difference between what they’re doing and what republicans have been pushing on “we the people” for the past 40+ years; The democrats are working from the bottom up and the republicans have been working from the “top down.” We’ve seen the “top down” repeatedly not “trickle down” to the rest of us while income inequality has been steadily INCREASING since the day Reagan took the oath of office. Given time, I believe it will be obvious working from the bottom up will be beneficial to – clearly, those at the “bottom” – but, also to those who’ve been doing OK for the past few years and, eventually, all the way up to the top. Businesses benefit from having customers with money to spend (which is another reason why the minimum wage should go up) and, right now, the challenge is to bring up the supply to meet the demand. This is a far better problem to have than too much supply for the demand. As the saying goes: “A high tide floats all boats.” That should always be the goal!

Final Thought: This all seems almost too obvious to me, but, well, look at where we’ve been. That said, just think about what it means to “bring up the supply.” In essence, it seems to me it means more JOBS. Someone has to create that supply and maybe this increased DEMAND will lead to more businesses producing their SUPPLY in America. Over the previous 40 years I’ve listened to an endless “chorus” of Americans complaining about factories “moving overseas.” Well, if BUYERS don’t have enough money to spend the obvious solution is to get the SUPPLY manufactured where labor is cheaper. Who knows, maybe all of this will lead to more manufacturing jobs produced in America. I remember reading about one of America’s first mass producers, Henry Ford, pointing out the importance of paying his workers enough so they could afford to purchase one of Ford’s autos. That is, if there’s insufficient DEMAND why produce the SUPPLY?

For the sake of our nation, I truly hope the plans of progressives begin to put those things in place where the improvements are most needed (for example, pushing broadband to rural areas) and working class people see improvements in their lives. Who knows, this might even bring down the “temperature” in deep “red” states. For example, Joe Manchin, who’s been vilified by many outside of Washington, hails from maybe the “reddest” state in the union, West Virginia. The legislation democrats are passing (hopefully, he could still be an obstacle) will likely benefit West Virginia as much as it will any other state – certainly MORE than the state (Washington) where I live. West Virginia needs more help and SHOULD get more help.

I still remember Moscow Mitch referring to the stimulus plans as “blue state bailouts” when, in reality, it’s the “blue states” which put MOST of the money into the federal “coffers” – that is much more goes “out” than what comes “in.” For example, Kentucky, McConnell’s home state is one of the four WORST in regard they take out FAR more than they put back in – so, as usual, the words coming from McConnell’s mouth, at the time, were completely FALSE. Well, now, even McConnell is proclaiming the benefits of the infrastructure bill to those in his home state. This is why these republicans are so repulsive to me. Now, McConnell did vote for the infrastructure bill after the so-called “bipartisan” committee negotiated it – but, only because he failed to “kill it.” But, not surprisingly, one republican after another has been claiming credit for the ARP despite the FACT not one of them voted for it. We’re already seeing this “history” repeating itself on the new legislation.

That being said, I hope the bill work and it’s up to the democrats to figure out how to message their agenda to “we the people” in a way to PREVENT individual 1 from ever “sniffing” a return to the “White House” again. Which leads me to where I’ll end this particular “rant.” Clearly, republicans FEAR these democratic initiatives will prove successful and, in anticipation that President Biden will not run for re-election in 2024 we’re already (as I predicted after the election of 2020) seeing the “Hillary Clinton style attacks” on Kamala Harris. Republicans are working overtime to convince as many Americans as they can that VP Harris is – well, I guess, and “ambitious woman” – or, who knows what. They’re doing Birtherism 2.0, and anything else they think might “stick.” Have to give them credit, they’re always thinking ahead. Stay tuned….

OMG, I can’t believe I’m going to write this. I actually look forward to listening to Liz Cheney these days. Remember, I’ve accused her FATHER on MANY occasions of authorizing WAR CRIMES and suggesting he should be held to account. She NEVER votes in Congress as I would – she didn’t even vote for the “bipartisan” infrastructure bill. Yet, every time I listen to her reference January 6th, 2021 I can’t think of ANYONE who “gets” what happened any better than her. I would love to hear what she thinks should be done to protect ALL the public servants who are REGULARLY receiving DEATH threats from right wing American fascists (er republicans).

For me, this gets me back to our Attorney General, Merrick Garland. I HAVE to believe there are already LAWS on the books which deal with the consequences for THUGS who feel emboldened to be THREATENING members of School Boards, Health care workers, Government employees – including members of Congress, Police Officers (Yes, there are TOO many members of Police forces who are sympathetic to right wing “militia” groups), etc,, etc. Mr. Garland AGGRESSIVELY enforcing our LAWS is simply a first step.

The bottom line is there is an organized MISINFORMATION network of media outlets which are brazenly pushing LIES to a large segment of our population. These outlets, like Facebook, Twitter, Fox “news,” Newsmax, OANN, and ever DARKER places on the internet, seem to be working overtime to turn America into a potentially FASCIST state which threatens anyone with violence who opposes their right wing views. Those who oppose individual 1 almost immediately begin receiving the VILE threats as if they’re the ones who are the TRAITORS – when, in reality, the definition of “TRAITOR” would fit perfectly with those who stormed the Capitol on January 6th, 2021 ALONG with those who INCITED them to attempt an overthrow or our ELECTED government, funded the INSURRECTION, organized it, etc.

This gets me back to Mr. Garland. As every day passes I’m getting the sickening feeling he’s one of those SPINELESS “progressives” I’ve been lamenting for the previous 15 years (or more). Why are all these people allowed to THREATEN violence against our public servants? Even those republicans who supported the “bipartisan infrastructure bill” are suddenly getting the “heat.” Why is all this OK? Does “free speech” include THREATS of violence? I mean, just the other day a sitting member of the republican party (albeit one of the two or three most pathetic) published an “anime” doctored to show him MURDERING Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez along with threatening an image of President Biden. Do we need one of the DERANGED members of the republican “base” to act on the suggestions of these thugs for something to happen to the original perpetrators?

Here’s why I’m concerned about AG Garland – as I’ve stated on this site before. He’s, so far, refused any actions against our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president – which, in itself, seems CRITICAL to me. So far, crickets! How about the prosecution of Matt Gaetz who “allegedly” participated in the “sex trafficking” of a 17 year old young lady (I keep thinking, “I wonder if it’s taking this long because Roger Stone is involved as well”) – does Mr. Garland fear the backlash of “MAGA world” so he’s not going to indict Gaetz? The same question goes for these THUGS who continue THREATENING those who oppose individual 1? I hope I’m wrong, but the more time goes by the worst it’s going to get – and, if they fail to act, well, then our “nation of laws” very well could crumble.

I really get the feeling that Mr. Garland is wondering what he was thinking when he agreed to this new job – he had a very “peaceful” spot on the DC Court of Appeals. I mean, it’s been over THREE WEEKS since the Justice Department received the CRIMINAL referral for Steve Bannon, and, as with all the rest, “crickets.” And, of course, now there have been close to twenty other subpoenas coming from the January 6th Select Committee and if Bannon isn’t CHARGED – and SOON – Mr. Garland will have simply made things so much more worse – for those of us who’d like to see this republic to survive – and, at this point it’s not guaranteed because the timidity of those like Mr. Garland is CLEARLY emboldening those who attacked the Capitol and their followers. If Garland doesn’t charge Bannon, then the Committee might as well shut down – none of the subsequent people receiving subpoenas are planning to “show up.”

OK, I’m taking a big breath! Today a Grand Jury returned an indictment of Steve Bannon on TWO counts of “Contempt of Congress.” That COULD result in 2 YEARS in jail should he continue to refuse cooperating with the Select Committee on the INSURRECTION. Well, this could mean, “here we go.” There have been OVER 20 other subpoenas sent to various members of individual 1’s “inner circle.” And, keep in mind, it’s ALREADY been determined “executive privilege” isn’t going to work. A reminder: “executive privilege” has NEVER been able to cover up CRIMINAL activity.

I keep thinking back to the time of Richard Nixon. The process of “getting to the bottom” of what happened was excruciatingly slow. However, for anyone not around at that time, virtually EVERYONE who participated with Nixon in his attempt to CHEAT in order to “win” an election AND to go after his “enemies list” ended up in JAIL. It appears Bannon looks forward to spending a couple years in jail for his fuhrer, but what about all the others Congress wishes to speak with. Individual 1, as any mob boss would, will be making THREATS to anyone who cooperates as opposed to going to JAIL. Of course, will the judges overseeing the cases of these people who choose CONTEMPT provide them with maximum sentences? How serious does our Justice system actually consider this?

I keep wondering, what happens once people like Bannon complete their sentences? Can they be subjected to additional charges if they continue to refuse to cooperate? This all will be determined as we go forward, but keep in mind, in the previous 38 years there’s only been one other “CONTEMPT of Congress” charge – it happened during Reagan’s reign on America. That tells you all you need to know about individual 1: Over the past 38 years EVERY person who’s been called to testify before Congress have (at least) showed up. This is what you get when a MOB boss is “elected” to the Oval Office. But, as always, there’s MORE:

The ROT engulfing at least a third of our nation because of individual 1 goes well beyond anything which Nixon could have accomplished had he “gotten away with it.” And, keep in mind, in my view, until the day our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president is CHARGED for INCITING the INSURRECTION we have a long way to go. Not only do I believe that, but everyone else involved on January 6th, 2021 should be held to account, I also believe the FBI should be actively investigating the political THREATS coming at public servants all across this nation and PROSECUTING those making the THREATS to the fullest extent of the LAW possible. That is, IF we truly are a “nation of laws and not men.”

It should be CLEAR by now individual 1 is a DELUSIONAL, narcissistic, sick “puppy.” Yet. those in his CULT remain obsessed with turning America into a FASCIST state. And, I won’t again get into how words like “FASCISM” get thrown around with “impunity,” but suffice it to say if you actually know the definition of FASCISM you’d understand the democrats are as far from fascists as you can get. Giving a “mandate” to cause people to decide between their job or a “jab” is NOT fascism. There have been NUMEROUS vaccines I’ve been “required” to get in order to do things like – go to school – like join the military, etc. over the previous 74 years. Here’s the bottom line: individual 1 is a FASCIST! I’m OK if you simply call him a pseudo Mob Boss, OK! But, if you’ve decided you’re part of the CULT – that’s on you! By now, you SHOULD know better! Sadly, there’s a significant portion of America who qualify for the term (I hate) STUPID! Yikes!!!

Final Thought: I often talk about the republican obsession with PROJECTION and, almost every day, we’re seeing examples of this – like today when Marjorie Taylor Green was referring to the 13 House republicans who voted for the so-called “bipartisan infrastructure” bill (which almost ALL republican members of the House will be claiming credit for once the “ribbon cutting” begins) as TRAITORS. Usually she reserves that accusation toward democrats, but I guess this situation is “special.” Of course, when all is said and done in the investigation into January 6th, 2021 we’ll have a much better idea of who the “TRAITORS” really are. And, of course, the speculation is one of them will be – you guessed it – Marjorie Taylor Greene. Stay tuned………….

I’ve been pointing out since January 6th, 2021 the importance of holding individual 1 accountable for INCITING the INSURRECTION. Since that time I’ve watched Attorney General Merrick Garland come across as being AFRAID of the “base” of our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president just as a majority of republican members of Congress. True to form, individual 1’s M.O. is to always be on the OFFENSIVE (and, trust me, he’s OFFENSIVE – but, I digress) and, with the help of people like Tucker Carlson he’s attempting to ensure if he’s INDICTED the “right” will become apoplectic claiming it’s all “political” – after all, according to Carlson’s latest endeavor January 6th was a “false flag.” That is, the “FBI had infiltrated the WHITE NATIONALIST groups which stormed the Capitol and had infiltrated their “command centers” actually orchestrating the SEIGE!” Now, if you actually believe that, well, you’re as STUPID as Carlson assumes you are. (And, of course, you’re not alone)

The farther away from January 6th, 2021 and the MORE A.G. Garland refuses to act, the worse it’s going to get for this nation. Not only am I thinking he’s going to let individual 1 off the “hook” for a NUMBER of CRIMES, it’s beginning to look as if he’s being very TIMID in dealing with Steve Bannon’s refusal to comply with a subpoena from the Select Committee investigating January 6th, 2021. It’s been a few weeks now since Bannon’s recalcitrance was sent to the Justice Department in the form of a CRIMINAL referral and, so far, well, “crickets.” What the hell is the Justice Department, and by extension, Garland waiting for? Do they really think they can simply let this go? I can virtually assure you, if Bannon is not INDICTED for refusing a Congressional subpoena, we’re all in trouble and A.G. Garland will be castigated for his cowardice. Now, of course, I’m hoping it will SOON happen – that is Bannon will be INDICTED, but, think about Matt Gaetz – it’s been “rumored” he’s going to be INDICTED for “child sex-trafficking” for MONTHS now – and, again, “crickets.”

We KNOW that if (and when) individual 1 gets INDICTED – there’s LOTS of possibilities, his “base” will react in some kind of MOB action. Here’s what I say, “Let’s get it over with. The SOONER the better.” This country cannot continue to function as a democratic republic if we CONTINUE to allow our “leaders” to break our laws with impunity. When I was much younger I had thought we PROVED that “when the president does it it must be legal” – in the words of Richard Nixon – to be COMPLETELY false – a REAL “false flag.” Nixon was saved from CRIMINAL prosecution by an ill-advised Pardon from Gerald Ford – which “smelled” at the time and continues to “smell” to this day. BUT, a plethora of his sycophants were indicted and CONVICTED of various FELONIES – and spent considerable time in PRISON!

But, as I often say here, with republicans, there’s always more and they’ve proved numerous times they’re undaunted by history. Ronald Reagan was let off the “hook” for the Iran/Contra fiasco as was George HW Bush. More recently, George W Bush/Dick Cheney/Don Rumsfeld et. al. were let off the HOOK for clearly authorizing WAR CRIMES by Barack Obama who famously stated “we’re going to look forward instead of back.” I’ve written about the FOLLY of that decision a PLETHORA of times on this site – all in the archives.

And, now we have the MOST corrupt president, likely, in our history (Andrew Johnson maybe gives him a “run for the money”) in individual 1 – who COLLUDED with the Russians (read Mueller’s report if you don’t believe that), OBSTRUCTED Justice during Mueller’s investigation numerous times, cheated to get “elected” in the first place (paying off two women to hide illicit AFFAIRS while his present wife was pregnant with his last – thankfully – son), got IMPEACHED twice (and, republicans will very likely rue the DAYS they chose NOT to convict him and remove him from America’s political scene), pocketed MILLIONS during his term in CLEAR violation of the emoluments clause in the Constitution, CONSPIRED to overthrow “the will of the people” after the 2020 election and, I could go on and on and on and, well, you get the point.

This is ALL bad – that is – the behavior of individual 1, but, I believe HISTORY will give Merrick Garland a very bad place – maybe not next to Benedict Arnold which is where individual 1 is going to land – along with MANY of his supporters and sycophants – but BAD none the less. Whether he likes the spot he’s in or not, the future of this nation may rest with him as much as with anyone else – including President Biden, the Congressional democrats, Joe Manchin, Kyrsten Sinema (and, by the way, Manchin and Sinema are not looking that good right now – I’ll say more about that in a bit) As I said above, every day which passes where Mr. Garland leaves the impression he’s afraid to act makes all this become worse. (And, leads to MORE criminal conduct coming from republicans)

Individual 1, and by extension – if you haven’t noticed – his supporters, are a bunch of BULLIES. The way you respond to a BULLY is you “punch them back” right in the face. Well, I’m not suggesting actual violence, I’m suggesting our Justice Department ENFORCE laws which are already on the books. I’ve said this before, I believe – with public information – I (obviously, a non lawyer) could successfully argue a case AGAINST individual 1 and several of his sycophants of a CONSPIRACY to commit SEDITION – one of the most egregious of offenses to our system of laws. (And, by the way, OBSTRUCTION falls into that category as well) To me, it’s well past time for A.G. Garland to act – at the bare minimum, INDICT Steve Bannon and prosecute him to the fullest. Yes, he’s a willing “martyr” to the cause, but, well, so what? And, INDICT anyone else who refuses to cooperate with the investigation into January 6th, 2021.

While I’m still thinking about it, I said I’d add more to the Manchin and Sinema dilemma facing democrats. First of all, there is part of Manchin’s argument I absolutely agree with – and, that is before expanding benefits to Medicare democrats should make Medicare and Social Security SOLVENT well into the future. Obviously, there’s much I disagree with Manchin on and his blocking Clean Energy proposals doesn’t look good when you consider where his MONEY comes from – it really IS a bad “look.” But, to me, the “LOOK” for Sinema is even worse.

Her BLOCKING the government from “negotiating drug prices” for Medicare – arguably bringing a SAVINGS of $700 BILLION (over 10 years – all the “money” talked about in the BBB plan is over 10 years if you hadn’t noticed) while also blocking the reversal of portions of the 2017 tax scam which benefit the wealthiest Americans and corporations who used the money to buy back stock – well, to me, that’s “undemocratic.” Manchin and Sinema very well could be responsible for “torpedoing” Biden’s agenda which, I hope they understand, would put them in the same category as Moscow Mitch, but, again, I digress.

That all being said, the more I think about all of this the more I think about our Attorney General. Yes, he’s got a mammoth job in “fixing” the Justice Department from the damage caused by Jeff Sessions and William Barr, but, that can’t be done by shying from OBVIOUS issues of “White Collar Crime.” Individual 1 is now brainwashing his sycophants to believe “The real insurrection was November 3rd.” He has convinced about 30% of America that African Americans shouldn’t be ENCOURAGED to vote. He KNEW places where people were allowed to “vote by mail” was an issue for him because it was, in his mind, too easy for people to vote – he wanted them to have to stand in long lines during a pandemic in order to cast their vote.

And, keep in mind, the limitation of polling sites in places which are predominantly accessed by “people of color” is what leads to those long lines – in some cases people waiting as much as 7 HOURS in order to cast their ballot. In the predominantly WHITE precincts, it’s “in and out” in a matter of a few minutes. Coincidence? I think NOT! Which gets me back to Mr. Garland. If Congress isn’t going to FIGHT for the right for Americans to be able to vote no matter where they live or who they are, then it’s up to the Justice Department. They’re going to have to prove they can “walk and chew gum at the same time.” There’s a lot on the “plate” of the Department, but that’s just how it is. If Mr. Garland thinks it’s too much, my suggestion is he resign and allow President Biden to nominate someone who’s “up for the job.”

Here’s a suggestion for AG Garland, for starters: INDICT Steve Bannon and make it clear you’ll defend the right of Congress to INVESTIGATE and follow through on it’s OVERSIGHT obligation, FULL STOP! Republicans are OBSTRUCTING, they’re OBFUSCATING, and on and on, by the droves! Why? Because, for the past 40 years they’ve been progressively getting away with it. It’s been getting worse since Iran/Contra and it’s hit unbelievable levels since the reign of individual 1. Come on AG Garland, s@#t or get off the pot! INDICT Bannon or admit you’re too scared of individual 1’s base!

Final Thought: I’ve written almost endlessly about the tendency of republicans to practice PROJECTION! So, I’ve got to write about the latest “woke” (I think I learned what that means to day after talking about Aaron Rogers with a friend) accusation coming from someone I consider the “worst person of the world” (on days when it’s not Ted Cruz) – Josh Hawley. He’s making a NEW push for his plans on the “White House” by suggesting “The ‘left’ (my quotes) is attacking America by saying America is systemically oppressive and men are systemically responsible.” He goes on to say, “We’ve got to say spending your time not working, and we’ve got more and more men not working, spending you time on video games, spending your time on PORN while doing nothing is not good for you, your family, or this country.” This is the guy who, in the past, has accused women of causing “sex trafficking” by discovering birth control. Yikes!

This guy actually went to Stanford and, I think, Harvard Law School (OK, neither matters much – Scott Atlas was a professor at Stanford – he of the “herd mentality” under individual 1) yet he comes across as a complete NUT job! Here’s the PROJECTION question I have for him. Are you suggesting, Mr. Hawley, you are “productive” while you’re accessing PORN? You can almost “take it to the bank” when one of these republicans are accusing you of something they consider “bad” it’s because THEY’RE doing it – and, of course, pretending they’re NOT! It’s as certain as your clock striking NOON tomorrow, and the day after, and the……….. You get it! Stay tuned………………….

I’ve written ad nauseum how those who call themselves republicans live in the “world” of projection and it’s never been more clear than some of the recent “stuff” coming from the mouths of members of individual 1’s CULT as they fight against Covid-19 vaccines, school boards, public health officials, and, of course, “liberals.” In the past couple of days I’ve heard several of the supporters of our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president referring to anyone who disagrees with them as “fascists.” I’ve confronted this IGNORANCE on several occasions, so here we go again.

One of the whack jobs actually complained about the “corporate/government” cabal in his accusation and that he and those around him were suffering from a fascist government. OK, to a certain extent, the “Mussolini” form of fascism actually is a corporate/government – I’ll call it a “cabal” – here’s the rub: And, this has been one of my complaints since the days of Bush/Cheney – this corporate/government “cabal” is the result of our republicans in Congress enabling America’s largest corporations because of the MONEY being funneled into their campaign coffers. Of course, when you PROJECT everything – you would accuse what you’re all about to those you oppose.

Here’s the other “rub:” The FASCISM most of us think of when we think of fascism is that which was the work of the Third Reich back in the days of Adolf Hitler. I’ve pointed out many times here – for years – the parallels between the tendencies of individual 1 and the history of how the Third Reich turned Germany into the world’s pariah back in the 1930’s. Our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president even uses derogatory references to Germans in describing those in his own family, apparently as a way to hide his motives. He continues to push one LIE after another to his “base” and they suck it up with the help of outlets like Fox “news” – and Tucker Carlson who, if Keith Olberman was still on TV, would be the “WORST person in the WORLD” on a regular basis – Carlson’s latest endeavor, apparently, is a “documentary” calling “1/6” a “false flag.” These people won’t be happy until our constitutional republic has been torn COMPLETELY apart.

It’s not possible for me to believe the bulk of those “leaders” now in the republican party actually believe the so-called “Big Lie” or that “1/6” was a “false flag.” For heaven’s sake, they were there on January 6th, 2021 when ALL of them were herded out of the House and Senate chambers as the INSURRECTIONISTS who were hell bent on stopping the certification of Joe Biden’s election and “hanging Mike Pense.” They know the truth. But, now virtually ALL of them are either participating in the “Big Lie” or cowering in the corner unwilling to say anything which might cause individual 1 to endorse a “primary opponent.” Of course, this all goes right back to the republican dependence on PROJECTION.

When they claim “The election was stolen,” that means their intention is to STEAL the next election (and the one after that, and………….OK, you get it). When they claim there was election “fraud” that’s because they’re the ones committing the ELECTION FRAUD. When Marko Rubio calls Bidens agenda “Build Back Socialism” because it spends a couple TRILLION (aimed at “we the people”) that’s to take the attention off the $2 TRILLION tax cut he and every other republican voted for in 2017 which was, well, SOCIALISM for the top 1% – if you buy his argument. Of course, no republican will bring any of that up and their constituents are, well, – OK, lots of them – “stupid.” They fall for this stuff without a second thought.

The truth is there are a multitude of “outlets” willing to accommodate individual 1’s “base” by participating the LYING – for MONEY! For me, the most obvious disgusting purveyor of misinformation (LYING) is Fox because I don’t do “Social Media.” (Unless, this is “Social Media”) However, the so-called “Facebook papers” are shining a pretty bright light on Facebook’s – and, by extension Mark Zuckerberg’s – willingness to foment LIES in order to “energize” people who don’t think for themselves, therefore bringing in MASSIVE amounts of advertising dollars. Naturally, there’s a large group of “others” but for the time being the light is going to be shining on Facebook – who’s tried to “sweep” all this “stuff” “under the rug.” Again, for MONEY!

Facebook is getting OUTED more and more these days as the driving force behind America’s turn toward the political cesspool that features individual 1 and his sycophants (and CULT members). Now, we have more political leaders talking about breaking up Facebook and, “sure as shootin,” here come the phony commercials about “American innovation.” I’ve seen an add several times making FALSE claims about all the great things “technology” is doing for America suggesting it’s the driving force behind our economy. Yes, “technology” plays a part, but what drives our economy are WORKERS and when workers don’t have decent jobs the economy suffers.

During the pandemic the top BILLIONAIRES in America got even MORE filthy rich – including the likes of Jeff Bezos and WORSE Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg. The reports coming out show Facebook KNEW their “algorithms” were exacerbating MISINFORMATION – ginning up people via their “dark sides” – sides of people vulnerable to FEAR MONGERING – and they KNOWINGLY letting this garbage go viral on their platform! Worst yet, according to newly released documents, they actually ENCOURAGED it! So, after the third time I heard the “technology is great” propaganda add on TV I checked who paid for it. You guessed it – “The American Edge Project” paid for it and “The American Edge Project” was founded by – you guessed it again, FACEBOOK!

I long ago figured out the beginning of Facebook correlates to the divisions among Americans which have grown worse and worse since they started their platform seemingly welcoming MISINFORMATION if it makes them more MONEY. And, Oh by the way, Facebook is busy with other advertising trying to convince “we the people” – or whoever – that they welcome federal “regulation.” I suppose, as I try to process what I’ve seen, they’re pushing for “anything” but “breaking” them up. If you’ve read anything about Teddy Roosevelt and the “Trust Busters” back at the turn of the 20th Century, you can see “we the people” seem to be reliving that era – only, the TRUSTS today are much more sophisticated and have UNLIMITED funds which they can use to BUY off politicians. And, it’s working!

And, I’m not just talking about republicans when I point out corporate interests BUYING off politicians. We’ve seen an obvious example of democrats being BOUGHT by corporate interests as Joe Biden has been attempting to get his “Build Back Better” agenda through Congress. It has gone without saying the republicans would OBSTRUCT Biden’s agenda at every turn (Moscow Mitch promised this from the start), but the recalcitrance of Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema tell you this corruption runs both ways. Manchin might as well be part of the Fossil Fuel industry and the amount of money they’ve funneled to him is, well, staggering.

Ms. Sinema, for example put the Kybosh to the part of the bill where Medicare could “negotiate” prescription drug prices and WORST put the “nea” to the idea of reversing SOME of the individual 1 tax cuts. Manchin, who “hails” from one of the poorest states in the union (which desperately needs this bill) put the Kybosh to seniors getting dental and vision coverage (full disclosure: I became a “senior” many years ago) and, in addition, to those who thought there might be free community college which very well could lead to empowering MILLIONS of Americans who want to improve their “lot” in life. The part that has bothered me the most is seeing BOTH of these democrats fraternizing with republicans who, I believe, very well could be using them to do what McConnell is unable to do with his never ending filibusters.

Personally, I believe both Manchin and Sinema are relishing the spotlight as EVERYONE else in the democratic party is on board with much more than what these two democrats may or may not ultimately agree to. I believe, no matter how this turns out, both Manchin and Sinema will be considered almost turncoats to what got the democrats elected in 2020. It won’t affect Manchin because he’s my age (74) isn’t up for re-election until 2024 (when he’ll be 78 – so what if he loses) and he’s a “democrat” in a ruby “red” state. On the other hand, I believe Ms. Sinema must have a lucrative job lined up which she may or may not wait for 2024 to take. She’s a HUGE disappointment to those who supported her candidacy just a couple years ago.

Sadly, and I say this because it’s the media’s position, that if Manchin and/or Sinema manage to scuttle Biden’s agenda – and, they’re getting down to the “wire” where if they can’t get it done SOON they may not get it done – they could be plunging a “knife” into the democratic party. Now, my position would be that democrats need to be even more committed to making “we the people” understand it’s important to vote in even MORE democrats so one or two can’t put a “monkey wrench” into the entire process. We’ll better understand the motives of both Manchin and Sinema shortly, but they stand to be putting themselves into the wrong section of the American History books if they contribute to a resurrection of individual 1.

To me, the largest obstacle to democrats (and disaffected republicans and independents) would be the so-called “liberal media” and their “unique” way of looking at things. For example, I’ve been following the Governor’s elections in (mostly) Virginia and New Jersey and many are claiming the Virginia election will be a “barometer” on the Biden presidency. While I don’t have a problem with that characterization, here’s where I have the problem. First, I’ve heard several media reports that democrats in Virginia are disaffected by “the failure of democrats to ‘get anything done.'” Talk about your “what have you done for me lately.”

Does the “media” forget that in the first couple of months of Biden’s administration democrats passed the most targeted – toward America’s middle class – legislation in my lifetime. In individual 1’s FOUR years republicans passed two significant pieces of legislation. The most obvious was the tax SCAM of 2017 which funneled about $2 TRILLION taxpayer dollars to America’s “top 1%” and American corporations which were already sitting on a TRILLION of “cash” – therefore using the tax SCAM to buy back shares. The other significant piece of legislation was the “CARES Act” which democrats FORCED republicans to accept some “liberal” positions due to the severity of the Covid crisis.

Now, of course, as I pointed out above, democrats are attempting to pass an incredible combination of an “infrastructure bill” and the “we the people” bill (my characterization – the “Build Back Better” bill) – both at the “mercy” of Senators Manchin and Sinema. I believe the bill passed in March was the best thing I’d seen in my lifetime so why is the “media” allowing the mantra of “democrats can’t get anything done” to be pushed by right wing pundits? Yes, it will be disappointing if Manchin and/or Sinema “torpedo” Biden’s “Build Back Better” bill (and, if they do, I hope “progressives” block the so-called “bipartisan” infrastructure bill) but, if they do, the solution isn’t to BLAME democrats for “not getting anything done” – but it would be to elect MORE democrats! (And, keep in mind, for my lifetime I’ve been an independent – I now vote AGAINST republicans, at least for the foreseeable future – which, at my age, could be “forever”)

Let me just point out one of the hypocrisies (one of MANY) in the republican “positions.” We all know many republicans oppose ABORTION. (Many times I’ve said, at some point in time, I’ll make a post on that subject) OK, so here’s how I look at that. Personally, if the issue had arisen in my lifetime I would say I’m opposed to abortion. The ONLY way I would support it would be to save the life of the mother, or in the case of rape, incest, etc. The first time I was going to be a father my wife was given a medication which caused a miscarriage. I rushed her to the hospital and they performed what amounted to an abortion – the fetus was already dead. That happened without a second thought.

So, here’s my thoughts about the issue if it happens to YOU! If you don’t believe in abortion, don’t have one. (Although, I believe in the case of the miscarriage, virtually everyone would do what we did) I find it odd stuffy OLD men who say they believe in getting government out of our lives want to control the lives of America’s women. And, of course, the MEN involved in many unwanted pregnancies face no consequences. What’s up with that?

And, as usual, there’s more. Put yourself in the place of a woman who believes she’s in no position to have a child (maybe ANOTHER child). Well, republicans are saying if you choose to terminate that pregnancy (do republicans believe in free will?) we also don’t believe in providing ANY support for you once that child has been born. Take for example the “Build Back Better” bill put forth by President Biden (even that which hasn’t been pared back by Manchin and Sinema) – there are several portions of that legislation aimed DIRECTLY at children who are growing up in poverty. The universal Pre-K, the support for Child Care, the help with health insurance, etc. etc. are issues which are designed for those women who CHOOSE to bring a pregnancy to term.

Ideally, the numbers of unwanted pregnancies could somehow by lowered, maybe by providing more responsibility to MEN, but, in the mean time, the attempt by democrats to reduce the childhood poverty rate in America, to me, is welcome news. It’s NO surprise, I’m sure, that NOT a single republican will vote for these programs designed to help those children whose mothers chose to carry their pregnancy to term when their financial means are insufficient. As I said above, they call THIS socialism, while the tax SCAMS never get characterized as SOCIALISM – even though it’s government giveaways to the “rich.” The contrast couldn’t be more clear! (Wouldn’t you like to know how many republicans have had abortions? Just saying) Stay tuned………

Final Thought: If the Supreme Court upholds the recent Texas law aimed at overturning Roe v Wade by a scheme to allow the enforcement of the law to be done by “citizen” “vigilante’s” who can sue anyone involved in an abortion which takes place after six weeks of pregnancy (when many women still don’t understand they’re pregnant) – well, then all bets are off. If that scheme works, I’m going to write to my state legislature and suggest they pass a similar bill where if anyone is proven to purchase or own a “long gun” with automatic capability they can be sued by ANYONE who finds out with a bounty of $25,000. (we might as well, kick up the penalty a bit)