Merrick Garland, the Attorney General confirmed during the beginning of the Biden Administration comes to the office with widespread respect as an a-political jurist and believer in “we the people” having a “fair” Justice Department. So, he comes to this office at what appears to be possibly the most perilous time in our nation’s history. Today, the US Senate voted against having a “bi-partisan commission” studying what happened on January 6th, 2021, how the INSURRECTION came about, who and what were behind it, who paid for it, why weren’t re-enforcements sent to the Capitol Building for over three hours after the police lines were breached. and what kind of communications were happening before, during and after the siege. One other thing which MUST be made public – who were the members of Congress giving tours of the Capitol Building in the days leading up to the siege – when the Building was supposed to be closed to visitors? I have my guesses, but I’ll wait until the FACTS are made public.

The bottom line here is the republican party has made it clear they want to “move on” from January 6th, 2021 because they KNOW it won’t look good for them – especially, because they’re in the “grip” of individual 1 – conceivably more-so than when he was still our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president. The vote was simply a confirmation that Moscow Mitch will continue the OBSTRUCTION of EVERYTHING which is the same thing he did during the Obama administration. The “onus” for what is necessary to FIGHT back against what the republicans are doing since individual 1 lost now rests on – the obvious choice – Joe Manchin, but ALSO right at the feet of Attorney General Garland.

Republicans DON’T want to have any public investigation of January 6th, 2021 so it has to come from other sources – and, to me, the most significant would be the Justice Department holding individual 1 to account for INCITING the INSURRECTION. Of course, republicans wouldn’t like that, but it was none other than Moscow Mitch – in his “impassioned” speech following his cowardly vote to acquit individual 1 right after IMPEACHMENT #2 – who suggested our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president “could” be held accountable in a court of law. Individual 1 SHOULD get the opportunity to defend his actions in a court of law BECAUSE 5 people DIED as a result of him INCITING the crowd into frenzy.

It’s been reported he sat in the “White House” and watched the INSURRECTION with a sense of joy – reportedly saying “These people love me” as they were ransacking our nation’s Capitol Building chanting “Hang Mike Pense” after erecting a gallows with a noose on the Capitol grounds. To show you what pathetic COWARDS the republicans are – both Pense and his brother, who’s a member of the House – have since shown their fealty to the disgraced TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president who sat in his chair as the assault on the Capitol Building was under way and “Tweeting:” “Our Vice President Pense has failed us” or words to that effect. Even that wasn’t enough to get the Pense’s to publicly denounce the “worst person in the world” – individual 1.

So, how have republicans responded to being “hitched to the WORST person in the world?” They’re attempting to change the rules in states across the nation making it more difficult for those who tend to vote for democrats to vote. They even want to be able to change the results if they don’t like the results of how the people vote. Now, keep in mind, EVERY one of their VOTER SUPPRESSION tactics is aimed at “Black and Brown” Americans, young Americans, and others who tend to vote for democrats and, if “Black and Brown” Americans STILL vote for democrats, somehow, despite all the attempts to restrict their access to the polls, the state legislatures want to be able to CHANGE the results to their own liking. Simply put: This is “un-American.”

I know people who voted for individual 1 who have said to me: “I don’t believe in democracy.” And, of course, they’re talking about America’s form of government – which, by the way, is not a (pure) democracy. We’ve had a “democratic republic” since the days of our founding fathers, but right wing Americans have been attacking our system of government since, by my memory, the days of Ronald Reagan. And, of course, there’s an underlying “principle” in all of these attacks on our “democracy” since the day Reagan was elected. It’s all based on RACISM. Every republican I know is repulsed at the idea they’re a RACIST, yet they continue to support a political party which has a BASE embedded in their midst who are the worst kind of racists – white supremacists. This is all FACTUAL – when you look at the (recent) history of America, you see what appears to be a conspiracy made up of RACISTS to move into America’s “mainstream” via the republican party.

In my memory, it all started with Reagan, but, of course, it’s been part of America’s history since the first boatload of slaves arrived over 400 years ago. People like me, based on the reality we have “Black friends,” have been too naïve to realize how serious this issue really is. I remember talking to my teaching partner, a Black man who remains one of my heroes – now from heaven, when Barack Obama was elected and saying, “I didn’t think I’d live long enough to see this happen.” He agreed, but, of course, he KNEW what was likely to happen as a result of Obama’s election. When I saw the movie “42” (about Jackie Robinson) it helped me to understand what President Obama was facing as our FIRST President of “color.”

Reagan made the announcement of his campaign for the “White House” from Philadelphia Mississippi, where three Civil Rights workers were murdered back in 1964, which is when I realized republican politicians spoke in “dog whistles” and I’ve been witnessing this ever since – AND, of course, individual 1 “expertly” turned republican “dog whistles” into “bull horns.” And, now – right in the light of day, the republican party his getting beyond the “dog whistles” and they’re doing their VOTER SUPPRESSION of people of “color” right out in the open. How do they justify all this? Well, of course, it’s via “dog whistles.” Makes me a bit sick to my stomach that I have to write this – America SHOULD have gotten beyond this by now – but the reality is there are MILLIONS of overt RACISTS in this nation.

I’m presently reading “Alt America: The Rise of the Radical Right in the Age of Trump” by David Neiwert, While I understood the issue with the republican party being ruled by RACISTS, Mr. Neiwert gives a factual history of those who have been pushing this “deplorable” epidemic for the past 50+ years. Recognizable (at least to me) names like David Duke and Don Black of the KKK (along with MANY others) are listed in the book (should be required reading for America’s politicians) along with those in the “mainstream media” who’ve worked to perpetuate the RACIST “identity politics” in America – people like Sean Hannity, Bill O’Reilly, Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, Alex Jones, and Tucker Carlson among MANY (sadly) others. I’ve always called these people to be willing to LIE for MONEY. Limbaugh is gone, but, for example, Carlson is presently speaking directly to the White Supremacists like Duke and Black and continuously LYING about the 2020 election – keeping the “Big Lie” aflame.

Reagan started all this – meaning the present day group of people who self-proclaim to be “patriots” who are willing to “die” to overturn our national government – apparently, into a totalitarian response to the democratic republic which has given them the “freedom” to be planning their seditious ambitions. Obviously, it’s metastasized since the days of Reagan and the willingness to LIE has been put on “steroids” by individual 1 AND, over this past weekend, none other than Michael Flynn – keep in mind we’re talking about during the Memorial Day weekend when “we the people” are supposed to honor those who’ve given their lives for our freedoms – suggested we should have a “Myanmar type coup” in America. Republicans still believe individual 1 is going to be “re-inaugurated” by the end of summer.

I’ve been calling on the Justice Department to be holding individual 1 accountable for INCITING the INSURRECTION since the day I watched all those IDIOTS charge into the Capitol Building, people who even defecated in the hallways and smeared the “results” on the walls of this cherished building, urinating on the walls, smashing doors and windows, and ransacking the desks and offices of our Congressional leaders – all to demonstrate their disdain for our democratic republic. Clearly, all this happened because of our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president’s INCITEMENT. FIVE people DIED during this attack and there MUST be accountability for those who STAGED it, along with those who carried out what they thought were “orders” from individual 1.

Well, now we’re looking to our Military leaders to step up and hold “General” Flynn accountable for calling for a “Myanmar style coup” in America. This wasn’t the first time we’ve heard seditious language coming from Mr. Flynn – there were multiple reports he was calling for this in meetings with individual 1 prior to the attempted INSURRECTION. He’s a retired General and he gets a pension from the Army AND his language SHOULD be intolerable. I’ve read several reports which suggest Flynn SHOULD be called back to active duty and COURT MARSHALLED for SEDITION. I realize our military leaders SHOULD be busy eradicating our military of those who support the right wing SEDITIONISTS in our midst, but Mr. Flynn SHOULD face accountability for his “deplorable” words. Words MATTER! (Especially when you’re a leader with a national standing).

The commentators on outlets like Fox “news” use the “freedoms” Flynn would be suggesting we get rid of via the coup d etat to spew RACIST garbage with impunity. I’ve been listening (via SMALL segments of time, as much as I could stomach) to Hannity, Carlson, and Limbaugh (among others) for years. THEY, in my view, are part of the “basket of deplorables” and they’ve become emboldened by right wingers getting away with CRIMINAL behavior for years. Republicans have been doing so since the days of Reagan – including Reagan himself in the Iran/Contra fiasco), Bush/Cheney regarding authorizing WAR CRIMES, and, of course, individual 1 with a litany of illegal activity which very well could confirm my suggestion he’s nothing more than a cheap mob boss. This is what republicans have been voting for for years.

Unless both Joe Manchin and Krysten Sinema relent on their obstinance regarding modifying the FILIBUSTER so the democratic agenda can be passed into law – most importantly Senate Bill-1 which is the “For the People Act” originally passed in the House, “we the people” will be depending on Mr. Garland to save this nation. The “For the People Act” would nationalize voting regulations, would regulate campaign financing, and would require non-partisan redistricting in states all across the nation – among other important benefits for “we the people.” In addition, democrats could pass the “John Lewis Voting Rights Bill” which would restore sections 4 and 5 of the Voting Rights Act which was decimated by the Roberts Court back in around 2013. The national wave of VOTER SUPPRESSION bills began shortly after that “deplorable” Supreme Court decision. Roberts claimed Section 2’s protections were adequate – so, we’ll likely find out this year if Manchin and Sinema don’t relent. Republican assaults on voters since the 2020 election are onerous – there’s no other way to describe what they’re doing.

Attorney General Garland is obligated to intervene to stop our delusional TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president and the others who helped him gin up the thousands of Americans who came to Washington DC on January 6th, 2021 with the express purpose of overthrowing the American government’s ability to complete the “peaceful transition of power” which has gone on in this nation since, well, the beginning of the republic. These are people who claim to believe in the constitution but, apparently, have no idea what’s in it. The process which Mike Pense was overseeing was, in essence, a non critical process which is ceremonial in nature. Of course, republicans, en masse, chose to make a circus of the proceeding – even AFTER the INSURRECTION attempt – by objecting to the elections in various states – Pennsylvania for one.

So, it’s up to Mr. Garland to follow through on his promise during his confirmation hearings to investigate the INSURRECTION and hold those accountable who staged the encounter – so that the 500+ “stooges” who thought they were following the “orders” of their “fuhrer” won’t be the only ones held to account for this “deplorable” attack on the foundation of our government. I’ve written this before, but it all reminds me of the Abu Ghraib scandal of Bush/Cheney. Clearly the TORTURE was authorized by those at the top of their administration – including both Bush and Cheney – but, the only ones who faced legal accountability were the Army “grunts” who thought they were “following directions” as they committed WAR CRIMES on numerous Iraqi citizens. I really hope that scenario is not repeated in the case of January 6th, 2021.

Final Thought: Shelby County v Holder was the Supreme Court decision which “gutted” the Voting Rights Act of 1965 – a law which was re “confirmed” many times prior to this “deplorable” decision by the Roberts Court. The Court gutted Sections 5 and 4 of the Act which has led to ALL the recent egregious VOTER SUPPRESSION bills being pushed by republicans in almost EVERY state in the Union. This is why the John Lewis Voting Rights bill MUST also be passed this year by the Biden administration. And, we know that will be impossible unless both Manchin and Sinema relent on their support of the FILIBUSTER in the Senate as it exists today. Republicans “modified” the filibuster in order to get their judges confirmed and democrats should, at a minimum, modify it to allow a “majority” vote in the Senate (and House) to get voting rights legislation passed. Passing the two Voting Rights bills will go a long way to turn back the republican CORRUPTION which has infected our nation.

I’ll write more about this “infection” soon, but suffice it to say, the “infection” in the republican party began MANY years ago and, like any “infection,” if you fail to address it over time the “infection” just continues to get worse. Well, the “infection” is so bad now it appears to me the solution is “amputation.” When investigators (Like the FBI) report about the dangers of the “right wing extremists – ie white nationalists/supremacists” the republican party immediately takes offense – as if the report is attacking them. We’re talking about reports which NEVER once mention the word “republican” – it’s the republicans who immediately take a defensive stance as if to say they understand outfits like the KKK are part of their base – and, they’re OK with it! Yikes!!! Stay tuned!!!

Occasionally one of the sites which are funneling “FAKE NEWS” – meaning misinformation to people who, apparently, get sucked in to their networks, finds my email address. The latest is “Patriot News Network.” You’d almost expect a “news network” with that name to be made by “patriots.” However, it didn’t take me long to realize this is just another right wing “white nationalist” “network” which is fueling HATE. As usual, I used the “junk email” part of my email program to “block this sender.” Only because I just can’t bring myself to digest the GARBAGE that sites like this put out. However, I’m well aware there are MILLIONS of Americans who either “believe” this GARBAGE or are unsuspecting of its origins and take it for “truth.”

You don’t have to read much (as I tend to do) or “fact check” what they’re spewing out to understand what their agenda is, but, sadly, many Americans don’t fact check anything – or if they “do” it is done with the same “bent” you get from people who put out GARBAGE such as what’s on the “Patriot News Network.” I spent only a few minutes researching what was on their “site” and, of course, the real “racists” in America are the African American leaders or, more specifically, anyone who is a democrat or, like me, an independent who finds himself supporting democrats simply because the right wing (republicans) in this nation are hell bent on destroying our republic – as was evident on January 6th, 2021. Naturally, in the eyes of the “Patriot news Network” the real “patriots” on January 6th, 2021 were the INSURRECTIONISTS. That’s all you need to know.

In my last posting I brought up the word “irony,” a word I made sure my sixth graders understood while I was still teaching. Well, some of these right wing groups choose names which would presuppose those who flock their way (sheep?) don’t understand that word. For example, the “Patriot “news” Network” would suggest if you adhere to their shtick you’re a “patriot,” right? Wouldn’t that seem obvious? Well, whoever is behind this abomination are part of the sycophancy to individual 1 and, therefore, are anything but “patriots.” At least from my perspective, you can’t be considered a “patriot” if you’re supporting someone who’s a sycophant to Vladimir Putin. You can’t be a “patriot” and then engage with the Russians in order to get “elected” (albeit with MILLIONS fewer votes than your opponent).

Individual 1 has proven himself to be an ALL TIME LOSER and, yet, the “republican base” (who believe themselves to be the “real patriots”) continues to demonstrate fealty to someone who cost them the Senate, the House, and, of course, the “White House.” That’s some serious LOSING! So, where are republicans in Congress “betting” the road back to POWER runs? You guessed it! Right through Mar a Lago! Talk about betting on a LOSER! (Not a “patriot” but and organized CRIMINAL)

Years ago I owned a small “herd” of thoroughbred race horses and, out of necessity, found myself training them at the race track. In the process I came across MANY old men who spent the bulk of their free time betting much of their retirement income on the “ponies.” Many of them seemed to just keep betting on horses which were LIKELY to be “losers.” If the odds were 50-1, well, their eyes would light up. I couldn’t help but think of these men as I was listening to Mitch McConnell explain why he was urging republican Senators to vote AGAINST the proposal for an INDEPENDENT commission to study the – “get to the bottom of” – INSURRECTION of January 6th, 2021. By rights, EVERYONE in Congress should have voted for this “bipartisan” commission. They were all there, but…………………

In the case of my FRIENDS at the race track, I always looked up to them as men who had worked hard lives and who ALWAYS told the TRUTH. Many of these men were Black and, in my view, “were profiles in COURAGE” simply to get to this advanced stage of life. (Everyone was, at least, in his 70’s – I was in my late 30’s/early 40’s – I learned a LOT from them) To me, these men were “WINNERS” – they just bet on horses I knew were LIKELY going to LOSE. And, of course, none of them were republicans. They wouldn’t get near someone like individual 1! That just demonstrates the pathetic level of today’s republicanism. They’re “betting” on a politician with worst odds than a 99-1 horse at the racetrack. (Unless, of course, the race is “rigged” which is exactly what republican politicians are attempting to do with our electoral system,)

Well, beginning with Moscow Mitch and going right down the republican line of Senators – and MOST of the republicans in the House – I feel as if I’m looking at a pathetic group of COWARDS every time I take the effort to listen to their – as I said above – shtick. Why on earth would ALL of these members of Congress refuse to endorse a BIPARTISAN commission to STUDY the causes of the INSURRECTION – which had every one of them COWED in a room in the Capitol as the INSURRECTIONISTS were chanting “hang Mike Pense” and searching for Nancy Pelosi? 140 Police Officers were injured DEFENDING, among others, ALL these republicans – three of which (Police Officers) are no longer with us and one who lost an eye among the MOST egregious of the serious injuries.

Well, we all know why republicans are all so COWED, don’t we? They’re AFRAID of individual 1, of all things. They’re afraid of one of the most pathetically sad men in this country. Most republicans will tell you: “I believe in law and order.” However, what they’re really emphasizing as they vote down the BIPARTISAN commission to “get to the bottom of” the January 6th, 2021 is they have no appetite to support “law and order” unless it’s for police officers who’ve MURDERED Black people in various parts of the country. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin claimed the INSURRECTIONISTS were “peaceful” and he wasn’t worried from them (despite COWERING in a Capitol Building room during the INSURRECTION) – but, if it was “Black Lives Matter” protesters, well, he’d have been worried! I’ve heard members of the House claim the INSURRECTIONISTS are the victims and also, from one member, they were like Capitol visitors just taking pictures from “inside the ropes.” Are their voters STUPID enough to believe that stuff?

What do they believe their voters are going to do when individual 1 gets indicted? What are they going to do when they discover the ACTUAL person who’s being held accountable for “sex trafficking” is Matt Gaetz? I’ve called individual 1 a “Mob boss” for years now and, it appears, we’re all about to find out why. Will it be from the Manhattan DA, the Fulton County Georgia DA? The Justice Department: re – the alleged OBSTRUCTION of the Mueller investigation or the INCITING of the INSURRECTION? Or, how about the Southern District of New York and the investigation where individual 1 got his name? Remember, Michael Cohen has already been charged in that investigation and, now that individual 1 no longer has the protection of the OLC memo, is the Southern District of New York going to prove “no one is above the law.”

Individual 1 has been getting away with challenging our legal system since he first got his hands on his father’s MONEY. His in court right now because his niece is SUING him for CHEATING her and her brother out of their inheritance. By all accounts he CHEATS at golf – that’s REALLY bad if you know nothing about golf. We all KNOW he CHEATED to “win” the first election (with 3 MILLION fewer votes than the WOMAN he ran against in 2016) and, we know he’s still CHEATING as he claims he “won” the 2020 election while “grifting” MILLIONS of dollars from the members of his CULT – ie, the republican base. When I listen to the rationale of some of these people who believe individual 1’s LIES, I actually shudder. There’s one driving force behind this CULT and that is the “fear” they’re losing their “white privilege.”

For years republicans have spewed a LIE they believe in “free markets” – while, ALL the time pushing to regulate these markets to the advantage of their benefactors – their donors. This is exactly why you have someone like Charles Koch sitting in the background spending untold MILLIONS to prevent actual progress in this nation. (One of his “think tanks” is behind MOST of the voter suppression laws being proposed/enacted across the country) Those behind the scenes pulling the republican “strings” (I’ll call it the “Koch network”) are very sophisticated and individual 1 is the perfect “stooge” for their GREEDY policies which funnel more and more MONEY into their GREEDY hands. He’s a pathological LIAR, but he knows “where his bread is buttered” so his LIES are aimed at benefiting his wealthy friends – and, of course, himself – therefore, they support him.

There doesn’t seem to ever be enough for these people. Like who’s going to have the most BILLIONS? And, now that we have a president who wants to INVEST in America and the American people via an “infrastructure” bill – which will be paid for by INCREASING taxes on those who’ve been benefiting from the so-called “trickle down” economic policy of republicans since the days of Ronald Reagan – well, these RICH people are now “up in arms.” Biden wants to raise their taxes to what they were before the republican tax “scam” of 2017 along with raising Corporate taxed to a still low 25%, or so. Elizabeth Warren is proposing a “wealth tax” of 2 cents for every dollar ABOVE a net worth of $50 MILLION and something like 3 cents for every dollar of wealth above a BILLION. Trust me, all these people will continue to get RICHER while they LIKELY benefit MORE from the investment of $2 TRILLION into America’s infrastructure and another $2 TRILLION, or so, into the American people.

I’ve actually heard several people, all white and all who’ve been very financially successful during their long lives of white privilege (which they don’t recognize), call Joe Biden a “socialist.” I always wonder if they’ve read Marx’ writings and if they remember what he predicted in regard to Capitalism. If anything, Biden is attempting to restore a balance to America’s economic “landscape” which would “head off” true socialism. In reality, America has been a socialistic republic since the days of FDR. Of course, with the republicans, there goes the rub. And, by the way, here’s another “irony.” Republicans have been brainwashed to believe those who support the democratic party are “elitists.” That’s right, the “Koch Brothers,” the DeVoss family, the Coors family, etc. etc. are NOT elitists??? Barack Obama was referred to as an “elite.” How does the republican base fall for these ridiculous LIES.

Are there wealthy “elite” people in the democratic party? Of course there are. In fact, in the 2020 election Mike Bloomberg (who used to be a republican) was spending a “GOB” of money in an attempt to get individual 1 sent packing out of the “White House.” Bloomberg, supposedly, spent a hundred MILLION just in Florida – which should prove he doesn’t know where to put his money or Floridians are, by and large, part of the STUPID members of individual 1’s CULT. Remember, it’s people in Florida who voted Matt Gaetz into Congress as a republican member of the House. And, they voted Ron DeSantis in as their governor. I guess my point here is “we the people,” by and large, are shielded by the real “elitists” who are “pulling the strings” of too many of our politicians – and, I believe, it’s safe to say MOST OF THEM are republicans. But, as usual, I digress………….

Back to Biden as a “socialist.” Yikes!! I know people who’ve actually got advanced degrees from various universities who’ve suggested this. And, several of them have been collecting Social Security for years. If republicans actually succeeded in undermining Social Security AND Medicare (Reagan predicted Medicare would destroy our nation – we would become “socialists”) I’m guessing at least some members of the CULT would start to take notice. Republicans have been scheming to find ways to stop the “New Deal” since the days when it was enacted. LBJ’s “Great Society” turned the South into a republican “stronghold.” Are you BLIND to the reason why? It’s all been about protecting “white privilege” and subjugating “the other” for as long as I can remember. (Once again, I’ll add, I’ve been interested in politics since the days of Dwight Eisenhower) Republicanism has evolved into full blooded “white nationalism” in what will ultimately be a futile attempt to stop “progress” in America.

They don’t want anything to change. I could go on explaining this, but if you don’t understand what I’m talking about it wouldn’t do any good – and, the explanation puts an ugly face on where America stands right now. Of course, the reality is, the ugliness has been there for, in essence, the entirety of America’s existence as a democratic republic. However, the BEAUTY of America, in my view is the FACT the constitution is a “living document.” It has, over the year evolved and it continues to evolve – although, I do anticipate some “bumps” as we go forward – because of the brazen work of Moscow Mitch ramming right wing judges up and down our court system. You can bet republicans will be attempting to “turn back the clock” by using the courts to block progress in turning America into a “more perfect union.” (Of course, she will NEVER be a “perfect” union)

Right now, as I’m writing this, there are “cells” of right wing activists all across the land who have armed themselves to the “teeth” and are willing to create another “January 6th, 2021” when the opportunity arises. The FACT maybe as many as 1000 of them will become indicted for the January 6th, 2021 attack on our Capitol (Despite republicans’ attempt to “forget” that date, I will NEVER forget it) may deter some, but it’s apparent it has fueled the HATE of many others. Some of the voter SUPPRESSION bills in various states (and, I’ll say it again, most of them were “written” by one of Charles Koch’s “think tanks”) along with attempts to re-“audit” the votes of segments of various states where MANY African Americans voted is simply confirmation of the FACT the republican party has become even MORE racist than it seemed in the past.

These are the people behind outlets like the “Patriot News Network” (Actually, I believe their “name” might be a bit different – I deleted their emails and I’ve got the memory of an old man). People who believe the “real racists” are the African Americans who’ve had the temerity to get elected to office in various parts of the country. (With, of course, the exception of anyone of “color” who is a republican. – And, to me, I struggle to understand how anyone “of color” could find themselves in that organization) The point of all this is the ruthless and sophisticated and OF COURSE, the dishonesty which drives the republican party foments outlets like the “Patriot News” with impunity. And, obviously, there’s plenty of “dark money” to keep this GARBAGE popping up all the time. And, as LIARS go, those behind this GARBAGE likely, in their own minds, have convinced themselves they are the real “patriots.” Yikes! Stay tuned………………

Final Thought: One thing many republicans seem to forget, all the time, is that when they speak publicly what they say is RECORDED. And, still for many, there seems to be no shame. I’m thinking of people like Ted Cruz, Lindsey Graham, Marko Rubio, Paul Ryan, and Moscow Mitch McConnell, to name a few off the top of my head. They ALL spoke truthfully about individual 1 until they realized he CHEATED his way into office – which, almost immediately, turned each one into a sycophant. They’ve demonstrated over the past 4+ years the only thing which matters to them is staying in POWER. McConnell may have put himself at the top of the list by, first, voting to acquit individual 1 in the SECOND impeachment trial and secondly, and almost immediately, lambasting individual 1 and confirming virtually EVERYTHING the House Managers put forth as the evidence requiring a CONVICTION, and, now, wanting to forget January 6th, 2021 EVER happened. It’s disgusting – NO – it’s DEPLORABLE!

And, here’s the rub for republicans who continue to prove their own stupidity. Had they voted to CONVICT individual 1 he’d be completely “out of their hair” by now. He’d be prevented from even thinking about running again – which won’t happen anyway because he’ll be stuck in court. Had they done the “right thing” when they had the chance they would have doused the “fire” of the right wing extremists who’ve infected their party. Apparently, they’re perfectly OK with individual 1 as a CULT leader. Heck, if republicans in the Senate wanted individual 1 to remain in office, all they had to do was listen to Nancy Pelosi and vote in the so-called “HEROES Act” – which, is essentially what the Biden administration got enacted – along with the “weak” bill the republicans passed in December of 2020 – a bill which was “too little and too late.” Essentially, the republican platform is “staying in POWER” – by whatever means necessary. Aligning with a CHEATER like individual 1 works for them. In fact, he’s teaching them the “Art of CHEATING!”

I’m going to have to explain my next sentence right away for the sake of my own sanity. Individual 1 is like the sore on one of my toes, he JUST won’t go away. He lives for being as much in the “public eye” as possible – even if it’s negative reporting. So, I know I write about his DISGRACEFUL attack on the fundamental institutions of America ad nauseum, but I’m pretty sure he never reads what I write, so I don’t feel as if I’m contributing to the problem. What I’m doing is venting my own frustration with the REALITY there are still a large segment of the so-called republican party who believe the LIES of our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president. For some of these people I believe the characterization, sadly, I have to use is that word I’ve stated I actually hate; Stupid. Sorry! (By the way, the republicans didn’t soil themselves over Mitt Romney after he LOST in 2012 – by a margin much LESS than what individual 1 LOST in 2020)

For a bunch of the others (“republicans” er neo Nazi’s), the issue is they look at individual 1 as, in essence, their “fuhrer.” (look it up) If you do the research you discover the issue of white nationalists/supremacists is much DEEPER than most of us (well, people like me) realize, especially those republicans mentioned above. For example, I know people who, when I give them the truth, who can’t bring themselves to believe Tucker Carlson is a white nationalist. They say to me, despite the FACT they watch his show regularly, “I’m not a racist.” Well, the reality is, there are a bunch of Americans who ARE racists (de facto) and don’t understand it. I actually know a person who raised several children – via adoption – who are “African American.” When you listen to him, for example, denigrate one of them because she needs public support it – well I should say for me – raises the hair on my back. I tried for several years to placate this person, but finally reached the endpoint when he started spewing the so-called “big lie” to me, as if he actually believes it and, apparently, thinks I would as well. (I think he still does – Yikes!)

When I listen to people claim today’s republican party is based on “conservatism and Christianity,” my neck gets sore shaking my head. I don’t have enough fingers to count all the “conservatives” I know who have no idea what “conservatism” actually means. I guess as with all other “factual information” they believe it is whatever they want it to be. And, sadly, the same goes for “Christianity.” I know NUMEROUS “Christians” who, when you dig deep enough, don’t believe very much farther than their opposition to “abortion.” They are willing to make a “deal with the devil” (I’ll let you figure out who the “devil” is) in order to overturn “Roe v Wade.”

Of course, overturning “Roe V Wade” will not stop women from having abortions, therefore, not solving the issue. I’m old enough to know what things were like before Roe. Men were still “getting women pregnant” who didn’t want or were not capable of raising a child and these women were going through a procedure (abortion) which was widely available – I know this because I know “men” – boys at the time, I was in College in the 1960’s – who were paying for abortions. Then, as in now, it was the women – girls back then – who bore the negativity of an unwanted pregnancy. If they chose to have the baby many would be ostracized “back home” and, if they chose to have an abortion, they not only had to deal with the reality of allowing this baby to be killed, it was often done in very dangerous circumstances for their long term health.

Now, the “Christians” who’ve made this “deal with the devil” have little to no sympathy for the women who are left to deal with the responsibility of the unwanted pregnancy, they also seem to have no “appetite” for holding the MEN (boys) who CAUSE the pregnancy to accept responsibility for their actions. (If you remember, in the 2016 campaign it was none other than individual 1 who said, the “women should be punished.”) Here’s the part in all of this which causes the most frustration (OK, at times anger) with this scenario – there is, therefore, a significant portion of Americans who are willing to, in essence, tear up the CONSTITUTION which is the “root” of this nation – a living document which has been “molded” over time and, God willing, will continue to do just that despite all these “patriots” who are willing to subject themselves to authoritarianism – as long as it’s fomented by “their guy,” to turn our democratic republic over to a dictatorial nimwit.” Because of the abortion issue? Yikes!

And, keep in mind, all these “pro lifers” demonstrate a disrespect for LIFE in “oh so many other ways.” Take for example, young children. They vote against health care, food support, education support, and child care support – as a few examples off the top of my head – for America’s LARGE number of children growing up in poverty. Republicans, for that matter, like to pretend there is no poverty Among America’s children – unless, of course, they’re “children of color.” (Which, apparently means they don’t count) Then there’s the other end of the “spectrum:” Republicans have been fighting against Social Security and Medicare since the day each program (the two MOST popular in American history) was passed into law. Of course, individual 1’s incompetence has been considered to have been responsible for something like 400,000 (or more) of the DEATHS caused by Covid-19 – a disproportionate number coming from elderly Americans or Americans of “color.” And, republicans compare wearing masks to the Holocaust. There’s many other examples of republican incompetence, but maybe the MOST egregious is their sycophancy to a multiple, criminal LOSER!

It’s now been 6 months since individual 1 LOST in a LANDSLIDE (over 7 MILLION votes) and he’s still LYING about the result of the election. He is a PATHOLOGICAL LIAR so it doesn’t surprise me he’s continuing this charade. However, the “rank and file” republicans have had more than enough time to digest the reality their “fuhrer” has been LYING to them by much longer than the time following his election DEFEAT. If they choose to continue subjecting their brains to entities like Fox “news,” “Newsmax,” “OANN,” Breitbart,” and some of the more egregious white nationalist websites like “The Daily Stormer,” or “Stormfront” they are CHOOSING to be brainwashed by these outlets – who’ve helped create individual 1’s CULT. This is NOT “conservative” or “Christian.” It offends me to listen to anyone claiming otherwise.

For several years now (much longer than the 5 years since individual 1 came on the “scene”) I’ve been pointing out the battle against “today’s republicans” (and, they keep veering farther off the “rails”) is a “war” for the heart and soul of our nation. Of course, in my mind, this “war” will be won or lost at the ballot box. What’s become clear since individual 1 began “grooming” his “stooges” about the so-called “election fraud” – keep in mind, this “grooming” began well before last November 3rd, is his responsibility for the INSURRECTION of January 6th, 2021. All these politicians have pollsters who inform them of reality and individual 1 KNEW well ahead of the election he was going to LOSE. He also KNEW there would be MILLIONS of votes via mail – especially because of the pandemic – and, he pointedly encouraged republicans NOT to send in ballots by mail, but to vote on election day. This way he KNEW early returns would favor him and he planned early on to “declare victory” before MILLIONS of ballots could be counted.

For example, in several of the states, the mail in ballots CAN’T be counted until after the ballots cast on election day. This is why one of my acquaintances assumed individual 1 was “winning” because the election day ballots in Pennsylvania, for example, favored him by around half a MILLION. Unfortunately for our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president there were almost 1.5 MILLION mail in ballots which favored Joe Biden roughly 4 to 1. I KNEW this because I didn’t have my “head in the sand” like individual 1’s supporters. The party affiliation numbers of the mail in ballots were published ahead of time, all though, of course, that doesn’t guarantee who anyone voted for, but it’s a pretty strong “hint.” I texted my acquaintance “don’t get ahead of your skis.” And, sure enough, after the election had been declared for Biden he was spewing the right wing “Big Lie” talking points – on this site even.

Despite the OVER 60 LOSSES in courts across America, all the way up to the Supreme Court (TWICE) these Americans, who do not seem to have the ability to think critically, STILL believe the LIES coming from individual 1 AND the COWARDLY members of Congress, who were barricaded into various rooms in the Capitol as the INSURRECTIONISTS were chanting “Hang Mike Pense.” And, some of the more egregious members of the republican party, like, for example, Ron Johnson, Louie Gohmert, and the dude from Georgia who likened the MOB to “tourists taking pictures as they walked between the ropes,” (Honestly, that guy might be the MOST stupid of them all) now all feel, apparently, that the ISURRECTIONISTS would have ignored them had they got their hands on one of them, because, well, just because.

One of these STUPID republicans, the other day, suggested (I believe it was Paul Gosar, who is a real, well “unique” example of a congress person – I’ll leave it at that) the real “victims” of the “insurrection” are all the “patriots” who are being ARRESTED by the FBI and it’s the members of the FBI who are the “insurrectionists” – or words to that effect. I’m not kidding! There HAVE been almost 500 arrests and “more on the way.” The FBI has video evidence implicating around 800 of these “patriots” who breached the Capitol, who attacked the Capitol Police – injuring over 140 of them, many seriously – and who knows how many now are suffering from PTSD, for example? – who bashed in doors, windows, ransacked Congressional offices and desks in the Senate Chamber, and, yuk, who defecated in the hallways and then smeared it on the walls of the Capitol Building with some urinating on those walls. Yep, to republicans in Congress, we’re talking about real “patriots.” (And, of course, their minions believe them)

As an aside, here’s a real irony – especially for someone living close to Portland, Oregon – after sending unmarked members of his “goon squad” to Portland to quell “George Floyd” instigated demonstrations which, by and large, didn’t exist (they were virtually ended except for about two blocks of the city) – individual 1 re-enacted a law which calls for a mandatory 10 year sentence for anyone damaging a Federal building by anything as minimal as graffiti to more serious physical damage (like bashing in windows and doors and, of course, defecating in the hallway of a Federal Building – if you get my drift) or even illegally entering a Federal Building. Do you see where I’m going with this? Like with all those (800, or so) “patriots” republicans in Congress are referring to, who now, based on individual 1’s edict, EVERY ONE of them is potentially facing a mandatory 10 year sentence if proven guilty of even “illegally entering” the Capitol Building on January 6th, 2021 – a date the republican party would LOVE if you’d simply forget it.

So, now the chair of the democratic Homeland Security Committee and the republican ranking member came to an agreement to form a “9/11 type” commission to “get to the bottom” of what actually happened on January 6th, 2021 – that date republican’s would like for you to forget – and Kevin McCarthy, maybe the MOST GUTLESS politician I can think of in my lifetime – and, trust me, there have been MANY – actually told his caucus NOT to vote for the bill creating this commission. His deputy, the ranking republican in the committee, did EXACTLY what McCarthy asked him to do. Of course, individual 1 wants NOTHING to do with any investigation into January 6th, 2021 – he’d ESPECIALLY like you to forget that date – because, well, he KNOWS exactly what it will find. And, it WON’T look good for him and some of the CULT might get wind of the findings. Of course, as I’ve said here many times, the TRUTH is GOING to come out – whether by “drip, drip, drip,” or, well, however, and whenever. (And, remember, there were OTHERS – Mo Brooks, Giuliani, Junior, etc. – who were part of the INCITING)

Individual 1 is in a “world of hurt” from multiple different directions. Like from the “South” – meaning the DA in Fulton County Georgia. That recorded call to Brad Raffensperger was a really DUMB idea and asking him (Raffensperger) to “find 11,780 votes” was even DUMBER than the phone call. And, then LYING about it, prompting one of Raffensperger’s “lieutenants” to release the call, was DUMBER yet. But, really, except for the CULT, not too many have suggested individual 1 is not, well, DUMB, you get my drift, right? Bottom line: There’s trouble ahead in Atlanta for our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president (and LOSER of OVER 60 court cases as well). Then there’s New York. Now, it’s been reported the Attorney General of New York has joined up with the Manhattan DA in a CRIMINAL probe of individual 1’s business which is located in Manhattan. Not only is he in legal jeopardy, but apparently, several others in the organization – including his children and the CFO among others – including the CFO’s children. It’s widely known those involved in real estate development in New York “often” have ties to the mob AND follow “questionable” legal strategies. Individual 1 has simply been able to “dodge” accountability for years (other than several FINES). We’re NOT talking about FINES here, now!

There’s also the Southern District of NY’s US Attorney’s office – who gave our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president (along with over 60 LOSSES in court cases) the moniker “individual 1” as they were accepting the guilty plea of Michael Cohen (rule of thumb: never turn on your “fixer”) who will, I presume, follow through on the prosecution which put Cohen behind bars – simply out of fairness – to prove, “no one is above the law.” And, individual 1 very well COULD be held accountable for INSTIGATING the INSURRECTION on the Capitol Building – in fact, by my calculation, you’d have to be brain dead to not come to the conclusion he was responsible for that attack. Don’t believe me – start reading the court filings of one INDICTED attacker after another – in their court pleadings. Some of them aren’t being very kind to our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president (including OVER 60 LOSSES in court). Many feel betrayed by the man who said he’d “be at the Capitol there with you.” (He NEVER saw a battle he couldn’t worm his way out of – although, on January 6th, 2021 – a day he’d like you to forget – instead of claiming “bone spurs” he simply went to the “White House” to ENJOY the proceedings on all the “White House” TV’s.

Clearly, HE thinks he’s above the law, so, now, it’s up to Merrick Garland to decide if that’s the case. At this point, it appears Mr, Garland may not have the stomach to “pile on” to all these other potential CRIMINAL charges against out TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president (who also LOST over 60 court cases). Sadly, Garland’s Justice Department has chosen to appeal a ruling by Judge Amy Berman Jackson who lambasted William Barr for his “disingenuous” (lying) court filings (and, testimony to Congress) regarding the Mueller report and individual 1’s alleged OBSTRUCTION of Justice – laid out very carefully in about 10 different instances in Mueller’s report. Judge Jackson ordered the “disingenuous” memo released to the public and it will now be about another year until “we the people” get to read this “disingenuous” memo Barr used to justify suggesting individual 1 could not be charged with OBSTRUCTION of Justice.

It’s perplexing to understand why Attorney General Garland’s department would continue this LIE – we can hope the Court of Appeals will agree with Judge Jackson – but, the reality is that now individual 1 very well could now by facing those 10 instances of OBSTRUCTION. I read Mueller’s report from page one to the LAST page and Mueller was very clear in explaining the significance of OBSTRUCTION and that the evidence against individual 1 was “memorialized” so that a future prosecutor could decide on whether or not to indict our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president (who’s LOST over 60 court cases as well as the two elections) now that he’s out of office. The reason Mueller didn’t seek an indictment was based on the OLC memo stating a sitting president can’t (shouldn’t) be indicted. Once out of office, “all bets are off.” Now it’s up to Merrick Garland to decide if “we the people” are going to PROVE that “no one is above the law.” I read Andrew Weissman’s book about his experience on Mueller’s “team” and he made it clear individual 1’s CONSTANT OBSTRUCTION prevented the full investigation of the “Russia thing.” Here’s the bottom line: individual 1’s criminal enterprise appears to be on VERY shaky ground. Stay tuned! If you’re a member of his CULT, my advice is – WAKE UP!

Final Thought: As a former 6th grade teacher I’m often reminded of the word “irony” because it was a word I often used with my students as we were studying literature. I always felt it was a word I wanted my students to fully understand. So, the IRONY I’ve been thinking a lot about lately has to do, surprise surprise, with individual 1. His CULT – republicans – seem to believe he’s “still president.” Reports I’ve read suggest over half of all “republicans” don’t believe Joe Biden is the “legitimate” president. Here’s why I find this such an “irony.” So, I’m sure you remember 2016 and the couple years which followed. Individual 1 “won” the 2016 election with the OBVIOUS help of Vladimir Putin and the Russian cyberwarriors. Above, I mentioned Robert Mueller’s report and the issue with William Barr’s “spin” of Mueller’s report suggested there was “no collusion.”

Well, if you’d read the report (as I did TWICE) you would KNOW there WAS “collusion” and you’d know Mueller even said they didn’t investigate “collusion” because there’s no law about “collusion.” The law prevents “conspiracy” to defraud the United States and Mueller said there wasn’t sufficient evidence to GUARANTEE a guilty verdict if there were charges – presumably against individual 1 Jr. or Jared Kushner – for COLLUDING with Russians in an attempt to get “dirt” on Mrs. Clinton. Mueller suggested they couldn’t prove Jr. and Kushner KNEW they were breaking the law when they took the meeting (June of 2016). Essentially, Mueller’s team suggested individual 1’s campaign was “too stupid” to know they were “colluding.” Of course, they prosecuted Roger Stone for, essentially, LYING about all his “colluding” with the Russians and/or Wikileaks.

Here’s my point: democrats had lots of reasons to claim individual 1 was an “illegitimate president” – but, Hillary Clinton conceded the election right away, Barack Obama met with individual 1 in the “White House,” individual 1’s “team” (as it were), and there were not blocks to the “transition team” (as it were). Democrats had far more reason to question the legitimacy of individual 1’s term in office because, well, he CHEATED to get elected – but, democrats would NEVER do what he’s been doing since November 3rd, 2020 – the date of his SECOND popular vote LOSING election – and, at this point in time, it’s largely up to Merrick Garland to ensure this abuse of our political process stops “right here, right now.” What is he going to do? Is he up for the challenge? The first “step” in this process leaves me with questions I was hoping not to have – when I listened to his testimony before Congress. But, the appeal of Judge Jackson’s decision mentioned above, has caused me to wonder. I really hope and pray Attorney General Garland lives up to the testimony I heard him give before Congress!

I wrote the other day about ALL the potential legal jeopardy our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president (who allegedly COLLUDED with the Russians to get “elected” in the first place) and how it’s baffling to me why republicans would continue to be backing a LOSER – someone who “LOST” not only the 2020 election, helped the GOP LOSE the Senate, helped them LOSE the House in 2018, and LOST over 60 court challenges to the recent election along with EVERY other court case which has been determined since he took office (the ones without William Barr’s criminal intervention) – see Don McGahn – soon to be (finally) testifying to Congress re: individual 1’s OBSTRUCTION of Justice of the Mueller probe.

Well, soon, it appears, the subject will be changing to individual 1 wannabe Matt Gaetz – he who has turned off virtually EVERY non deplorable person he’s come in contact with over the past few years – the man who, apparently, takes videos of his sexual “conquests” and shares them on the floor of the House with the other “moral” republican members. He’s the man who’s been rumored to have kept a “scorecard” of his “conquests” with extra points for “virgins” – with a group of his political peers. (This is why I’m so thankful my daughter interned for Patty Murray over 20 years ago – first of all, Ms. Murray is descent and secondly people like Gaetz weren’t around back then)

So, now it appears the “dalliances” of Mr. Gaetz’ are catching up to him via Joel Greenberg, one of his “good buddies” who is in the process of a “cooperation agreement” with the attorneys of Florida’s Central (I believe) US Attorney’s office. Mr. Greenberg has plead GUILTY to 6 FELONIES, including “sex trafficking” of a minor with the caveat the remaining 27 charges he’s facing will be dropped if he TELLS THE TRUTH (a challenge for ANY republican) and gives up ALL the evidence against the “other men” involved in his schemes of PAYING for sex – including with a minor aged 17. According to the charging document, not only was Greenberg paying this 17 year old (child) for sex (on numerous occasions) but so were “several other men” – and, to top it off, Mr. Greenberg was WATCHING while these “other men” were “doing their thing.” (my characterization – Yikes!)

Much of the speculation running rampant around Washington DC tonight was how long will it be before Mr. Gaetz is going to be indicted. Here’s the way I look at it, regarding Gaetz – who I’ve been forced to listen to way too much over the previous couple of years – he’s a true individual 1 (bootlicker) sycophant – EVERY time you hear him saying “I’ve never paid for sex” just picture in your mind that means “I can’t remember how many times I’ve paid for sex.” And, when he says, “I’ve never had sex with someone under 18” picture in your mind him saying, “who checks someone’s ID before having sex with them.” After all, apparently, the women involved in this alleged sex trafficking ring all came from some escort service website.

Of course, as always with anyone associated with individual 1, there’s got to be more. We’re potentially talking about all sorts of fraudulent behavior – apparently, Greenberg and his associates were creating fake ID’s for their victims and, likely, for themselves and this guy is such a nimwit that he got caught in virtually EVERYTHING. It appears he was even attempting to stick a political opponent with a FALSE sex trafficking charge. Greenberg is the guy who “won” the job as a “tax collector” and was requiring his associates to be “packing heat.” (OK, guns if you’re as ignorant as myself)

Here’s the first thing which came to my mind when I was listening to the reporting on the plea deal which Greenberg entered into today. Who were the other MEN. The agreement didn’t say the other MAN it precisely said the other MEN. Well, rampant speculation is that Gaetz is one of them – so I was left to wonder who else might be involved. I know this will sound even CREEPIER than the above, but is it possible one of the “MEN” could be Roger Stone? Here’s why I ask that question (and, I suppose, posit that as a possibility) – some of the photos published showing Greenberg and Gaetz together – in happier times – also show Stone in the photos. And, of course, it’s been suggested in previous articles I’ve read that Stone and his wife are known to be “swingers.” Look it up!

Wouldn’t that just be the “karma” Mr. Stone deserves after getting bailed out of 7 FELONIES by the combination of William Barr and individual 1 – two people hell bent on proving some Americans ARE above the law. Both Barr and our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president would have you believe they stand for “law and order.” However, as I’ve said here MANY times, the TRUTH will come out, even if it’s “drip, drip, drip.” As we can see with this Gaetz situation it’s happening and individual 1, by my prediction, won’t be far behind. However, if it’s possible, individual 1 will be facing even more SERIOUS charges than Mr. Gaetz. And, that’s keeping in mind, the “child sex trafficking” charge – should Gaetz actually face that charge and be convicted, carries an AUTOMATIC 10 year MANDATORY sentence.

Speaking of 10 year mandatory sentences, picture if you’re one of the OVER 400 INSURRECTIONISTS who stormed the Capitol Building thinking individual 1 had asked them to do so – in fact, telling them he’d be there with them (although, what he meant was he’d be there in spirit while he was watching in glee on “white House” TV’s). Was even ONE of the INSURRECTIONISTS paying attention to our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president last summer as he was sending his “goon squad” to Portland, Oregon in order to quell a “riot” which didn’t exist (I live right across the Columbia River From Portland)? Did even ONE of the INSURRECTIONISTS stop to think of what their fuhrer said would happen to anyone illegally entering or damaging ANY federal building?

Here’s his EXACT “tweet” (Obviously, before he was BANNED from “Twitter”): Anarchists, Agitators or Protestors who vandalize or damage our Federal Courthouse in Portland, or any Federal Buildings in any of our Cities or States, will be prosecuted under our recently re-enacted Statues & Monuments Act. MINIMUM TEN YEARS IN PRISON. Don’t do it! @DHSgov

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 27, 2020”

That’s correct, a MINIMUM of TEN years in PRISON for ANYONE who breached the Capitol Building on January 6th, 2021. So far, almost 500 INSURRECTIONISTS have been arrested and charged and, if you believe the FORMER (so-called) president, the MINIMUM charge for any of them will be 10 YEARS in PRISON. Now, I’m of the belief those in the Justice Department under a Biden administration will likely be a bit more lenient for, at least, some of the individuals who’ve been arrested – or who are likely to be arrested going forward. Apparently, the FBI has photographic evidence of something like 800 people who COULD be arrested and charged for the siege of the Capitol.

It’s not surprising to me to be seeing MANY of the INSURRECTIONISTS wondering why they’re being charged and individual 1 is NOT. Well, I have to admit, I’m asking myself the same question – but, in my optimistic mind, I’m thinking the Justice Department, under Merrick Garland, will be taking it’s sweet time deciding if the ex president’s INCITEMENT on the 6th (and, I’m guessing, they’re going over the “grooming” he was doing prior to January 6th, 2021 along with EVERY word he spoke on the 6th PLUS what he was doing during the siege while NO reinforcements were authorized (for three hours and, only, after an intervention by Mike Pense), before determining if there’s a “winnable” CRIMINAL case against our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president. By the time they make a determination, they may need to “get in line.” (If you know what I mean)

I’m going to end these thoughts tonight by wondering if and/or when both individual 1 AND Matt Gaetz are going to be headed to a court room. Can you just imagine the commotion if and when that happens? And, what if my “speculation” about Roger Stone proves correct – or, who are the “other men?” I’ve been pointing out for years the republican party is CORRUPT to its core and EVERY day more evidence comes out to PROVE this. Well, I’m predicting the next 6 months are going to be historic in the level of republican CORRUPTION which will be exposed! And, then, try to imagine the backlash which will be coming from the nutjobs who have the loudest megaphones in the republican party. (Most republicans are too scared to stand up for what they’re supposed to actually believe – but, that’s a story for another night)

For heaven’s sake, some weird Congressman from Georgia, for example claimed in Congressional Session (that’s official) that the INSURRECTIONISTS could be “confused for any other tourists” except for the “LYING” media. I’m not kidding, he actually said that! Another, this nutjob from Arizona (his siblings actually encouraged to voters to vote AGAINST him) actually suggested the “patriots” who STORMED the Capitol Building chanting “Hang Mike Pense,” were looking for Nancy Pelosi carrying “twist ties,” and had erected a gallows with a noose on the Capitol Grounds are the “victims.” He suggested the ones committing the crimes are the members of the Justice Department arresting and CHARGING these “patriots” with criminal activity – like SEDITION. How are these weirdos going to react when all the trials commence? Stay tuned!

Final Thought: There were suggestions (and questions) that members of Congress were giving “visitors” tours of the Capitol Building on the nights preceding January 6th, 2021 – when the building was closed to visitors. I’ve always presumed there would be video of these “tours” if they actually happened – and, if the “members” were associated with the INSURRECTIONISTS prior to the INSURRECTION they would be “rooted out.” Well, it’s coming to no surprise to me hearing that Marjorie Taylor Greene actually had taken one of the INSURRECTIONISTS to the office of Alexandria O’Casio-Cortez prior to the INSURRECTION. Of course, this would mean this person knew how to get around inside the Capitol. And, if the reports of “tours” prior to the 6th pan out, it could be very problematic for anyone accused of that, especially if anyone in the “tour” participated in the BREECH of the Capitol Building. I’d, personally, love to know who, if anyone, was giving tours prior to Jan. 6th, 2021 to ANYONE who was involved with the INSURRECTION attempt. I’m predicting Marjorie Taylor Greene Will eventually be EXPELLED from the House – it’s just a matter of time.

And, Oh by the way, Lauren Boebert won’t be far behind. There’s STILL much to be learned about the day of and the days surrounding January 6th, 2021 – a day which undoubtedly will “live in infamy.”

Once again, my apologies for publishing without editing!

I’ve been writing exhaustively about what a “DEPLORABLE” person individual 1 is for, well, the past five plus years. Today is the day, on the surface, it appeared individual 1 continues his “stranglehold” on the republican party as Liz Cheney – no friend of ANY progressive on policy – was excommunicated from her position of leadership in the republican caucus for – yep, you guessed it – the mortal sin in the republican party of telling the TRUTH. So, I was thinking as I drove around today that the problem isn’t individual 1 – he’s just the convenient pathological LIAR who has NO moral compass so is the perfect “leader” of the white nationalists who make up a significant section of the republican base. However, it’s clear the problem goes much deeper than individual 1.

For example, take Fox “news” for example. I can only stomach a few seconds of Fox at a time because I understand their LEVEL of DISHONESTY almost the instant I turn it on. Several of the “prime time” hosts on Fox are maybe MORE responsible for the state of America than individual 1 because they’re allowing their “megaphone” to be the “funnel” for the LYING which has become normalized in the republican party. Keep in mind, this LYING has been a key part of the republican party going all the way back to Ronald Reagan. (OK, you’re right, Nixon – although, there were republicans in Congress willing to stand up to Nixon) This LYING as “policy” goes all the way back to Lee Atwater and Newt Gingrich.

You’re correct, democrats fudge on the TRUTH as well, but this issue is like “men against boys.” And, of course, individual 1 is willing to LIE about anything. In fact, as with all pathological LIARS I’ve ever encountered (a few while I was still teaching) “when his lips are moving, he’s LYING.” We’re talking about 35,000 observable, provable LIES during four years in office. That’s likely the “the “mother” of all records which will NEVER be broken.” Move over Joe DiMaggio!

It makes no sense for republicans to continue supporting a LOSER like individual 1 – remember, he’s now LOST two elections (popular vote), his party LOST the House in 2018 and the Senate, House, and “White House” in 2020 along with OVER 60 court cases as our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president proved himself to be the “mother of all poor LOSERS.” Of course, with the help of the aforementioned Fox “news” hosts like Hannity, Carlson, etc., the people at Newsmax, the people at OANN (I have to admit, that’s the one I’ve yet to encounter), Breitbart, and various whacked out conspiracy hotspots – yes, I’m talking about QAnon among others (and, there ARE others) continue to spew the so-called “Big Lie” to the republican base which has proven to have a significant MAJORITY incapable of critical thought. Yikes!

But, keep in mind, the republican party makes up less than a third of America’s voting public – so, this “base” is less and less important as time rolls on. For example, a large part of it is made up of my peers – older white people. Here’s the reality when republicans are making a “bet” for 2022 and 2024. By 2022 there’ll be fewer of us old white people (significantly) and MORE of America’s young people who are REJECTING the RACIST republican party in burgeoning numbers. Yes, republicans are “busy as bees” attempting to restrict access to the voting booth and rigging their districts against those who tend to vote for democrats, but, I don’t even think that will work. (I suspect the democrats will figure out how to get S-1 passed – McConnell’s claim he’s focused on “blocking everything coming from the democrats” maybe just might be what Joe Manchin needs to understand there’s no path to bipartisanship.

Here’s what the republican party has become. (Read “Rising Out of Hatred” by Eli Saslow) Check out Don Black and his web portal “Stormfront.com” where you’ll find his work and that of David Duke – both former “Grand Wizards” of the KKK, who consider Tucker Carlson their hero on the TV. According to Derek Black, the son of Don and the subject of the aforementioned book (I highly recommend it) the white nationalists not only watch Carlson, they record his shows so they can go back and watch them over and over. I have acquaintances who won’t watch Fox because “it’s become too liberal” and they (mostly) watch Newsmax. I’ve only tuned into “Newsmax” a couple times and I lasted only seconds, as what happens with Fox – because the LYING IS profuse.

And, some of the people I know, who are “respectable” members of our local community (and, go to the same church I attend) regurgitate QAnon NONSENSE in such a way I have to be cautious because it’s so absurd I have to guess if they’re joking. Sadly, to this point in time, they’re NEVER joking. I made the mistake with one of them to say, “surely you’re not STUPID enough to believe that nonsense. Well, sadly, the answer was YES, that person IS stupid enough to believe it and DOES believe it. He told me, “Biden’s not president. America is two countries and the Civil War has never been settled.” Then he went on about the “Rothchild’s” money and I had to cut him off. I’ve been listening to anti-Semitic Rothchild “stuff” for MANY years, but never in a way suggesting – well, I’m 73, I can’t remember the details, only that it was, well, STUPID. I’ve been calling these right wing whack jobs STUPID, of late – reluctantly, because I hate that word, but I can’t think of anything else. Take a listen to some of individual 1’s supporters in interviews when they try to explain why they support him. Listen to people like Paul Gosar and Louie Gohmert – a couple dandies!

So, getting back to my original point, the problem in America right now is NOT individual 1 – he’s going to be too busy defending himself in Court within the next few months to be worrying about his political (lack of a) future. The problem is the very significant portion of America who believe in an American version of apartheid – white nationalism – and, they’re desperate to create obstacles to VOTING which might allow them to regain POWER in the next couple of years so they can continue their assault on our constitution. These republicans, who claim to be “for law and order” are doing everything in their power to find a way to create a situation where they can RULE with a minority of – what is likely to be, by 2024, well less than 40% of the voting public. (Their plan: voter SUPPRESSION and partisan GERRYMANDERING)

I use to claim the problem with democrats was they were “spineless” – but, today’s republicans are making the democrats come across as “Genghis Khan.” Take for example, Kevin McCarthy. Here’s a man who believes in absolutely,,,,, “NOTHING.” For example, today he led the purging of Liz Cheney (a true conservative) from the House leadership because she refuses to agree that Joe Biden won the election and individual 1 is LYING about the “election being stolen.” So, right after leading a (secret voice – complete chicken s@#t)) vote to oust Cheney for a woman who was far more “moderate” than Cheney until she saw the opportunity to replace her in the caucus – Elise Stefanik, ugh – McCarthy stood in front of the “White House” and said this, “No one questions that Joe Biden is the legitimately elected President.” OK, ??????? These people are NUTS! (Later, I believe, he reversed himself again – with a “socialist” comment thrown in)

Not only are some (OK, many republicans) continuing to question the outcome of the election, but now I’m hearing a different tact. (Apparently, the last three “Q” predictions of individual 1’s return to power having come and gone they need a new “strategy”) So, I pointed out right from the start after the election it’s just a matter of time until the attacks heat up on Kamala Harris. Why would that surprise anyone? – for heaven’s sake, she’s a woman (that’s obvious), she’s half Black (not as obvious unless, well, you’re “in the know” – that means NOT a republican), and she’s half Asian. Talk about your “three strikes and you’re out” from the republican party point of view. If you read this “Otto” this is the republican party you “call home.”

Well, there has to be some way to bring grief on the Biden administration considering Joe Biden has an approval rating North of 60% and his policies are getting approval ratings above 70%. There you have the perfect legislation republicans can unite to OBSTRUCT. But, apparently, that’s not working for them, so, of late, I’ve been hearing a different approach. Here’s how it goes: Joe Biden couldn’t possibly be coming up with all this progressive legislation which so many people approve – he is so old he has trouble getting out of bed in the morning. If you’re a republican, beware, it’s the “liberal” Kamala Harris behind all this legislation. She’s the actual one doing all the work, Biden is just a convenient figurehead. Wow! (Actually, the kind of reminds me of the tax scam of 2017 for some reason)

Of course, I remember that same scenario back in the early 2000’s with Bush/Cheney. Many were speculating Dick Cheney (father of Liz, of course) was the actual president because he was responsible for MOST of the agenda – like the tax cuts and the LYING us into Iraq. Well, I’ve read about that administration extensively and would suggest that claim was partially correct. Cheney was certainly critically involved in the tax cuts and he was devious about it – in fact, he was devious about how he chose himself to be Vice President (but, You’ll have to read Bart Gelman’s book “Angler” to get the full picture) so there is some truth to the claim about Cheney, at least for the first term of GW Bush. But Harris – I believe Joe Biden is treating her just as Barack Obama treated him – he’s giving her many important responsibilities, but the claims on Fox and other places to the contrary are based in typical republican misogyny and racism. Are you surprised? I’m only surprised it took this long for the attacks to ramp up.

Individual 1 is going to play this out as long as his sycophants (and his cult followers) continue to allow him to get away with it. But, I’m predicting right here and right now, the end is “nigh.” The District Attorney in Fulton County Georgia has that tape of the call asking for just 11,780 votes with the Secretary of State – and, apparently, there were other recorded calls – which violate Georgia State law and, likely, Federal law – this episode could result in a RICO charge because there were others, apparently, involved (Lindsey Graham?). The DA in Manhattan is zeroing in on what appears to be a series of charges – like Bank Fraud, Insurance Fraud, Tax Fraud, etc. and the Southern District of New York still has the infamous “individual 1” case which SHOULD be prosecuted. Then there’s the INSURRECTION – should the “stooges” individual 1 INCITED be the only ones held accountable? (I’ve written this reminds me of Abu Ghraib were the Army grunts went to prison for following what they thought were orders and those who gave the orders: Bush/Cheney, Rumsfeld et al) got off “scott free.” Is that going to continue to remain America’s system of justice? – remember Reagan and HW Bush got off for Iran/Contra – at this point it does appear some are “above the law.”)

And, of course, now it appears the Justice Department may be zeroing in on the TEN plus examples of OBSTRUCTION of Justice in Robert Mueller’s report which individual 1 escaped because of the OLC memo “suggesting” a sitting president SHOULDN’T be indicted (which has become Justice Department policy and Mueller honored it) AND because William Barr LIED about what was in the report. A Federal judge has now admonished Barr, and, essentially, accused him of LYING to her court AND to Congress plus now Don McGahn is planning, after two years of legal “wrangling” to testify to Congress about what he witnessed while in the “White House.” There could be issues with his testimony (individual 1 can still claim “executive privilege”), but it appears just a matter of time until our former TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president could be defending himself against charges of OBSTRUCTION – a charge Mueller said in his report is fundamental to our system of LAWS.

To summarize my point here: individual 1 is the symptom. He’s the “vehicle” which has brought the right wing white nationalist movement into the mainstream of America’s politics. These people have republicans in Congress acting as if they’re afraid of their own shadows. I have to admire, although I vociferously DISAGREE with much of what comes out of Liz Cheney’s mouth in regard to policy, that this LONE woman has the guts to stand up to individual 1. I can guarantee you it will be Liz Cheney who comes out of this on top – NOT Kevin McCarthy. McCarthy has proven himself to be devoid of any belief system and he can’t even figure out if he’s for or against the LIES of individual 1. Today’s “Houdini Act” was almost comical – except it’s really serious business. To me, McCarthy is almost more PATHETIC than individual 1.

It says in the Bible to “love your enemies” (and, I have to say, I don’t consider these people my “enemies” we’re all Americans) so, I’ll say here “I love them.” (OK, that was hard) But, I’ll love it even more if the American people come to their collective senses and vote as many of these TRAITORS to our nation as possible out of office in 2022. There were actually members of Congress today suggesting the INSURRECTIONISTS were “peaceful protesters” and that the victims of January 6th, 2021 was individual 1 and all the “nice” people being “targeted” by the FBI and getting arrested. One member of the House republican caucus actually regurgitated the LIE that the INSURRECTIONISTS were NOT individual 1 supporters. (Have you heard how many of the INSURRECTIONISTS are basing their defense on “individual 1 asked me to do it?”)

America is at a crossroads and the republican party is in a shambles. As Joe Biden, himself, has said, “We need two functioning, responsible parties which can work together to ‘get things done.'” Liz Cheney is dedicating herself to salvaging the republican party by going after individual 1 and “telling it like it is.” I have to admire that and, of course, I hope she succeeds, but not with a party which believes the right wing nonsense she spews – but, if they could work with democrats, well, that’d be OK. I have an acquaintance who lamented republicans are the party of “Christians and conservatives.” Well, I’m a Christian and I don’t recognize much of what is coming from the mouths of the leaders of the republican party to be “Christian.” For example, “Thou shall NOT LIE.” That’s fundamental. I’m always reminded of Jesus’ words, “What you do TO the LEAST of these, you do TO me!” Finally, we have a party which is focused on the “least of these.”

What Joe Biden and the democrats are doing has been long overdue in this nation and I hope they have the GUTS to keep it up. They are enacting policy which provides benefits to the American people from the “bottom up.” Over 80% of Americans are directly benefiting from the “American Rescue Plan” – not even taking into account the benefit we’ll all get from the massive agenda to FIGHT the Covid-19 pandemic (which seems to be working, by the way.) Now they want to push through an INFRASTRUCTURE plan of over $2 TRILLION – which is badly needed – and the “American Families Plan” (a bit less than $2 TRILLION) which is also badly needed – AND, They want to PAY for it be raising taxes on America’s wealthy and American corporations which, in many cases, have been paying ZILCH for the past many years. A LARGE percentage of Americans support ALL of this. Just NO republicans in Congress.

And, something I’ve thought a lot about is Elizabeth Warren’s proposal to tax the WEALTH of America’s “BILLIONAIRES” by charging a “wealth tax” of 2 cents on EVERY dollar over – get this – OVER $50 MILLION and “a bit more on every dollar over $1 BILLION. Think of it, Jeff Bezos would FINALLY be expected to “pay his fair share.” His wealth GREW over $50 BILLION in just the past year. He’s trying to figure out what to do with it, so he’s buying a $500 MILLION boat which, because of the size of it’s masts can’t have a helicopter pad, SO the solution is a smaller boat (OK. yacht) with a “helicopter pad” which he can land his helicopter on and then be transferred to the larger yacht. He’ll STILL be able to do this after paying Ms. Warren’s “wealth tax.” The more I wright about republicans the more I find them “deplorable.” Stay tuned!

Final Thought: Another thing Joe Biden is doing which I like is fully funding the IRS with the mandate they collect the taxes from the tax cheats in America who’ve been getting away with simply not paying their taxes – or CHEATING on their taxes. The IRS has actually been auditing way MORE low end tax filers than the wealthy CHEATERS because they haven’t had the funding to go after the cheaters. This was a clear strategy of republicans which Biden is somehow reversing. I’ve even heard him saying he’s going after those who hide their profits in “tax havens” like the Cayman Islands. Here’s the good news for America’s wealthiest: By focusing on the tax cheaters Biden won’t have to raise taxes on the “wealthy’ as much. Here’s the bad news: It’s America’s wealthiest people who are doing the cheating which would include “stashing” money in “tax havens” in the Cayman Islands and other places where they can get away with it. What ever happened to actual “patriotism?”

And, when I say “patriotism” that doesn’t mean driving around with an America flag and an individual 1 flag flying from your rig – whatever it is you drive. I’m going to use that word I hate, once again: STUPID. That’s just a STUPID “look.” Just the other day I came across a group who “launched” a pop up tent next to the road on a busy street I happened to drive by. They were selling individual 1 2024 flags and, of course, “F Joe Biden” flags. I thought, who would allow these people to do this on their property – what business owns that property was the first thought in my mind. Well, whoever it is, I have to applaud. They turned the sprinklers on which must have worked because when I returned a while later they (and their “deplorable” flags and signs were GONE. I do have to admit, when I drove by, as the sprinklers were coming on, I rolled down my passenger window and yelled “F you guys.” I immediately had to ask God for forgiveness as I should do after my judgmental rants. But, then I think, most of my predictions have come true – so maybe this is prophecy. (This is why I hate it that I’ve come to be using the term “stupid” after listening to so many of individual 1’s supporters. He uses the phrase “uneducated voters” – and, when he says he loves them – do you really believe him?

I’ve been writing about my belief the republican party (as it’s now comported) SHOULD be voted into the history books for around 15 years and, it had to be heading for the right wing “cliff” to get me started. George W Bush/Dick Cheney brought the “deja vu all over again” perspective to my persona when they LIED America into the Iraq FIASCO (which has the Middle East discombobulated to this day) AND they did version two of the republican “trickle down” philosophy (I call it “trickle up”) – which, of course, began during the reign of Ronald Reagan and got progressively worse up to the administration of individual 1. I hit the panic button when America FOOLISHLY entered Iraq and then began TORTURING the so-called “enemy combatants.”

Well, if it’s possible to get worse than the administration of our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president – the (so-called) president who LOST two elections and over 60 court cases fighting the reality of the SECOND defeat in the 2020 election by a record number of votes – over 7 MILLION votes it could be what’s going on in republican “circles” right now. Of course, while the democrats are busy trying to make the lives of America’s working class and Middle class BETTER the republicans are OBSTRUCTING EVERYTHING and attempting to kiss up to the man who caused them to LOSE control of BOTH houses of Congress and the “White House.” Go figure!

The only way to explain what republicans are doing as I’m writing this is they’ve gone “completely off the rails.” In Arizona, they’ve got a “recount” of the votes in the largest county in the state (of course, a county which voted for Biden) being run by a whack job who is a delusional conspiracy theorist and now has control of over 2.1 MILLION ballots (likely illegally). Yikes! Of course, in Arizona and MANY other states around the nation republican state legislators are attempting to pass VOTER SUPPRESSION bills – their typical philosophy to make it so FEWER people may vote – instead of encouraging MORE people to vote and defining policies which appeal to those voters. Their present “policy” is FEARMONGERING. (OK, that’s what they’ve been doing for years)

Their FEARMONGERING seems to work with America’s “uneducated voters” which predominantly would seem to be those Americans who feel as if “white privilege” is “waning” and they are willing to do whatever it takes – including the INSURRECTION of January 6th, 2021 – to prevent democrats – who are supported by a majority of the “people of color” in America – from gaining POWER. For example, Mitch McConnell has publicly stated what is in essence the same thing he said after the election of Barack Obama and that is republicans are unified in OBSTRUCTING everything the democrats are FOR. So, now democrats can focus on convincing Joe Manchin and Kristen Sinema the FILIBUSTER is in the way of the progressive legislation which this nation desperately needs.

Those at the bottom of the “food chain” in America, for example, NEED higher wages, women who’ve been forced out of the workforce because of the lack of child care need HELP with the cost of childcare so they can go back to work, there’s a HUGE issue with food insecurity in America which democrats are addressing, there are issues with public education AND higher education which the democrats are addressing, America’s infrastructure is not only “crumbling” but much of it is falling way “behind the times,” America MUST address the issue of renewable energy – including supporting electrifying our automobiles and putting charging stations strategically along our highways, there are places across the nation which NEED high speed internet, and on and on. “We the people” support the Biden agenda and McConnell and the republicans OPPOSE everything. As is their history, republicans care about POWER and NOT about the health of this nation. (Remember, much of what Biden is proposing will HELP ALL Americans, including those republicans whose representatives are OPPOSING it – and, once passed we’ll hear those same republicans taking credit for the benefits of the legislation!)

Here’s where the republican party has gone. Liz Cheney is one of the most “conservative” members of Congress – frustratingly so, from my perspective. She’s soon to be removed from her position of leadership in the House republican caucus for, naturally, telling the TRUTH about individual 1’s DEFEAT last November and WORST yet for republicans, attempting to hold individual 1 accountable for the INSURRECTION on our nation’s Capitol Building as our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president urged his (ignorant) followers to attack the proceeding in Congress where the Electoral College votes were officially confirmed. This was SEDITION, pure and simple – and, that CHARGE should be aimed at individual 1 as well as MANY of those who chose to BREAK IN to the Capitol Building on January 6th, 2021 – a date which will remain in “infamy” in American history.

I was pointing out for over three years individual 1 was headed for a place in American history books right next to Benedict Arnold. Here’s the irony with this. I’ve listened to “republicans” in various parts of America being interviewed regarding, for example, Liz Cheney. One after another (I’ve heard) referred to Ms. Cheney as a “traitor.” THEY are supporting individual 1 which, in my view, makes them the “traitors.” It’s as if they have NO ability to think critically. It’s against the LAW to attempt to OVERTHROW the elected government in America (as in virtually every nation on earth). It’s the republicans in this nation, who are STILL supporting the (awful) person responsible for their LOSS of the House, the Senate, AND the “White House” and who was willing to throw our constitution “under the bus” who are the problem in this nation right now.

Clearly, there’s a significant segment of our population who do NOT believe in our constitution, despite claiming they believe in “law and order.” I believe our nation has been infiltrated by the people who believe in this manner in ways which create significant challenges. For example, the INSURRECTION on January 6th, 2021 included MANY members (or former members) of our military and our police departments. Clear and simple, the issue our nation MUST deal with is “white nationalism” and the “rot” which goes along with it. After reading “Rising out of Hatred,” a book focused on the son of Don Black, former “Grand Wizard” of the KKK and close associate of David Duke (another former “Grand Wizard” – who is the “god father” of Black’s son, Derek, the subject of the book) I got a closer look at the core of the white nationalist movement in America – a group which actually refers to individual 1 as their “fuhrer.” These people viewed individual 1 as their “vehicle” into the mainstream of American politics. Yikes!!

I have friends (some, apparently, former) who have fallen for this shtick. Virtually everytime I point out to ANY of them they’re supporting a RACIST movement they respond by saying, emphatically, “I’m not racist.” I suggested to one of them, the other day, “you’re watching too much Fox “TV,” His response was, “I don’t watch Fox, it’s become too liberal, I watch Newsmax.” I just have to shake my head – there’s no talking to these people. They have no idea they’re supporting a movement which is aimed at overthrowing our way of government – which has stood the test of time for over 240 years. Some of them actually believe individual 1 will be “re-installed” as our president after the Arizona (fake) recount is finished. (As an “aside,” I’m guessing those who are responsible for the Arizona recount will be facing federal charges for mishandling votes which are supposed to be “under lock and key” at all times.)

As the democrats are attempting to meet the needs of the American people it SHOULD be more and more clear the republicans have NO agenda other than OBSTRUCTION. This is what they did for the 8 years of Barack Obama’s administration and, then, they did virtually NOTHING during the reign of individual 1 aside from enacting a $2 TRILLION tax cut (scam) which funneled HUGE amounts of taxpayer dollars to America’s wealthy elite. This is one of the reasons I’ve started referring to those who support these republicans as “stupid” – it took me years to evolve to that word – as they refer to democrats as “elitist.” My God, this nation faces one irony after another!

Speaking of individual 1, I’ve also pointed out numerous times I read Robert Mueller’s report TWICE (it was 800 pages in the small paperback version I got from Barnes and Noble) AND it was clear there WAS “collusion” between individual 1’s campaign and the Russians back in 2016. Mueller simply pointed out there was insufficient evidence to support a “certain” conviction relating to “conspiracy” to bring an indictment against, for example, individual 1 Jr. or Jared Kushner – who, according to Mueller, didn’t understand (were too stupid to understand) they were breaking the law by meeting with Russians to get “dirt” on their political opponent. However, the FACT the Russians interfered on individual 1’s benefit was not in dispute – unless you believe the LIES of our TWICE IMPEACHED two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president. Mueller was able to identify the actual computers in Russia which STOLE information from the DNC and John Podesta. In addition, individual 1’s reluctance to hold the Russians accountable has empowered FURTHER Russian interference in America’s “stuff.”

So, it will be on the “plate” of Joe Biden to respond to the international organized crime sanctioned by the Kremlin in Russia. Just today, in America, there’s a significant attack on the private infrastructure of America via a ransomware attack coming from a group of cyber CRIMINALS located in Russia. Of course, Vladimir Putin will deny responsibility, but everyone who pays attention to what is going on in Russia KNOWS nothing like this happens without Putin’s “blessing.” For those who look at Russia with a clear mind there is no doubt Putin is running the world’s greatest criminal enterprise – maybe in history. In the process, he, along with the so-called “oligarchs,” are robbing the Russian people of much of the natural wealth of their nation.

Sadly, I have to admit, America is also the home of a group of “oligarchs” (we seem to refer to them as the “top 1%”) – they are also pilfering “we the people” of America’s riches. I’m feeling as if Joe Biden is willing to deal with this issue in the United States so, now, we’ll see how he chooses to deal with the FACT the Russians continue to “mess” with our nation. It really is an ATTACK – albeit a cyber ATTACK – but, we’d better get a plan to deal with this in a way which encourages the Russians to “but out” or it will get worse. I’m guessing America has the capability to create a lot of “cyber” issues for the Russians should we decide to respond in a way to “get their attention.” Putin is busy all over the Western world in an attempt to undermine our “open societies” and turn that openness against us.

Individual 1 was/is the vehicle for Putin’s ATTACK on “we the people.” He’s got his “cyber warriors” constantly pushing the real “Fake news” onto “social media” platforms like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, etc. Facebook is becoming a behemoth MONOPOLY and until our government responds to this MONOPOLY our nation will continue to be torn across the middle. I read a book about “Cambridge Analytica” and how they STOLE the data of 157 MILLION Americans which they then grouped into “neighborhoods” and, then, filtered “FAKE news” to these people in support of individual 1’s 2016 campaign. Jared Kushner and Steve Bannon were the two members of individual 1’s campaign who were “connected” with Cambridge Analytica. That data, by the way, was shared with the Russians and they are STILL pumping misinformation (“Fake News”) onto America’s Social Media platforms – stuff suggesting democrats are the “racists” and discouraging people from taking the Covid-19 vaccines. Yikes!

The challenges of this time are making it apparent Joe Biden has the opportunity to be one of the great presidents in American history. If he can encourage the entire democratic caucus, especially in the Senate, to vote for the progressive agenda which is presently “on the table” he will end up next to FDR in the history books. Of course, republicans have been working to undo the “New Deal” since the days of the Great Depression (which, of course, they caused – ie see Herber Hoover in the history books) so it shouldn’t be a surprise they’re voting AGAINST the badly needed legislation which democrats have “on the table.” As I stated above, it’s high time “we the people” vote the republicans into the history books!

Final Thought: America has a history with many “dark places” which we’ve been attempting to IGNORE for the entirety of our own history. We like to criticize others around the world why we’re ignoring our own problems. Well, it’s time to face up to our own issues – which includes saying NO to the republican party which can’t seem to shed itself of its RACIST past (and, now present) at the ballot box. As an optimist, I believe the young people in this nation overwhelmingly are (will be) rejecting the party of individual 1. Republicans fully understand their white nationalist agenda is in jeopardy – which is why they are attempting to pass restrictions to VOTING in over 45 states. It’s NOT going to work and the democrats have to power to demonstrate that by passing SR-1 which will reform the process of voting and districting all across the country. Additionally, they have the opportunity to “fix” the Voting Rights Act with the “John Lewis Voting Rights Act” legislation. John Roberts and Sam Alito should be having problems sleeping at night because of their choice to GUT section five of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 – making all of this necessary.

I’ve been trying to point out to my “conservative” friends they’ve been BAMBOOZLED by one of the most corrupt “con men” to come along in some time. Of course, when you read about individual 1 and his so-called “business” acumen, it becomes very clear he’s nothing more than a small time organized criminal. As I’ve told a few of these “conservatives” the truth is going to keep coming out about our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president and those who have closely associated with him. For example, the “news” will be plastered with the “story” of Matt Gaetz – who I’ve referred to here often times as one of the lowest of the low in Congress – but, I digress. Gaetz, of course, is facing possible charges of “sex trafficking” if you read the NY Times or the Washington Post, or watch MSNBC or CNN (I personally, when I watch, it’s MSNBC.)

How will Gaetz problems be connected to individual 1? Well, likely there will be no connection although there’s photos of Gaetz posing next to Roger Stone, so, anything’s possible. Apparently, there are other members of Congress who chose to “dally” around with the girls Mr. Gaetz was – well, if you believe the reporting, PAYING for sex. And, apparently, the “good ol boys” weren’t too particular in checking the young girls’ ID’s. Earth to Gaetz, just in case you don’t get this, 17 and under is WAY TOO YOUNG! And, Gaetz, according to the reports, is following in the footsteps of his “fuhrer” by getting engaged in December and, then, in January, having another “dalliance” with one of his online sweethearts. OK, it’s not the same as being with a porn star while your wife is giving birth to your child, but, well, it’ll have to do – at least in the eyes of the Justice Department. Yikes!!! Ugh!!! Yuck!!!

For at least two (or three) years I’ve been pointing out that, eventually, the TRUTH will come out – and, I was referring to the person who’s LIED more than ANY other person I’ve ever witnessed (over 35,000 LIES during his reign of terror in the “White House” – of course, I’m referring to individual 1. I started this post (the first couple of paragraphs) a few weeks ago (about the time the “stories” referring to Gaetz began to circulate) – and, about the time I had surgery on both wrists for carpal tunnel syndrome – with a wavering motivation to keep writing. Things are going well with Joe Biden as president so I keep sitting on the edge of my seat waiting to find out if the Justice Department – without William Barr – might become a department based on “equal justice for all” under the law once again – or, at least more focused on reaching that “optimistic” point in time.

Well, yesterday, the FBI raided the homes and offices of Rudy Giuliani and Victoria Toensing which should make individual 1 even more nervous than he’s likely already feeling. After all, the DA in Fulton County Georgia has him “in the crosshairs” of a potential RICO charge, the DA in Manhattan, New York, already has the “goods” on our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president and it appears it’s just a matter of time until individual 1 will be in a New York Courthouse, AND you have to believe Merrick Garland is spending HOURS upon HOURS considering whether (or not) to CHARGE individual 1 for INCITING the INSURRECTION of the Capitol on January 6th, 2021. So, add to all that, the reality he’s likely knee deep in the “stuff” Rudy Giuliani is headed to. With him (individual 1), it never ends!

Giuliani, last night, chose to go on Tucker Carlson’s show, the favorite program of the white nationalist community (according to Derek Black the son of the man who runs the “Stormfront.com” website – a home for many of America’s hard core white nationalists) where Giuliani made some really preposterous statements. It was over 50 years ago when I studied Constitutional Law while in my first attempt at college, but even I knew Giuliani’s claims about why the FBI would execute a warrant on someone were completely bogus – the reason the FBI executes a warrant, especially on an attorney, is because they have evidence of a CRIME which is strong enough to get a judge to give them the permission they need – they believe the “evidence” they collect will reflect that criminal activity. Giuliani had the audacity to suggest the FBI’s warrant was politically motivated. He suggested the ONLY reason the FBI is supposed to exercise a warrant is if evidence might be destroyed! Nonsense! The republican party has allowed itself to be a cesspool of LIARS! Warrants are required to show “probable cause” of a crime in order to be approved by a judge. Full Stop!

Here’s what we’re likely to find out if all the “leads” are followed based on what Giuliani was doing while he was hanging out with Ukrainians connected directly to the Kremlin: the actual level of “collusion” between individual 1 and Vladimir Putin. We’re also likely to find out the depth of the “collusion” between other top republican officials and the Russian government. Keep in mind, there are reputable reports the Russians funneled $30 MILLION into the 2016 campaign via the NRA – which was also the “home” of Marina Butina, the Russian “plant” who was convicted of “spying” and, ultimately, sent back to Russia from prison – received in Russia as a hero for what she was doing in America. Also, remember Ron Johnson, Senator from Wisconsin, who was warned about being a “useful idiot” of the Russians, but kept spouting their “talking points.” Question: does a “useful idiot” understand they’re considered an “idiot” by the Russians?

So, is it bad to have an American president (or Senator) who is operating as a “useful idiot” for the Russians? Well, in my opinion, there’s not a lot which could be worse. This makes it so clear why the previous two elections, where people voting for democrats showed up in record numbers, was so important. We were on the “edge” of the abyss in regard to our democratic republic. January 6th, 2021 is the evidence of how far individual 1 would go to put himself into position as America’s first autocrat. This is also why I believe it’s SO important for the Justice Department to be holding him accountable for the INSURRECTION because he’ll keep spewing his LIES until he’s been locked up where he belongs.

I’ve stated here my fear January 6th, 2021 might end up with similarities to the disgrace of the previous republican administration. If you remember, after the “Abu Ghraib” fiasco, only the Army “grunts” went to jail. Those who authorized the TORTURE (Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld, etc.) got of “scott free.” So, now those who’ve been charged in the INSURRECTION attempt number over 500 and could swell to well over 600. Should they be the ones who spend decades in prison, or should the man who primed them to charge the Capitol Building be held to account. Well, in my mind, the answer is “all of the above.” We can only hope!

So, it’s been a few more days: I keep pointing out the TRUTH will come out, drip by drip. Well, yesterday Judge Amy Berman Jackson, in a case involving a group going by the acronym “CREW.” who filed a “freedom of information act” lawsuit against William Barr and the Justice Department regarding Barr’s misleading (LYING) “memo” in response to the “Mueller Report.” I’ve pointed out numerous times HERE that I read Mueller’s report TWICE and that it didn’t clear individual 1 of “collusion” with the Russians – it simply stated there wasn’t sufficient evidence for an indictment for “conspiracy” (and, of course, individual 1 was NOT going to be indicted anyway because of the infamous OLC memo suggesting a sitting president may not be indicted WHILE IN OFFICE.) and, in the second part of Mueller’s report there were 10 episodes suggesting individual 1 committed obstruction of justice.

In regard to the instances of OBSTRUCTION, there is where Mr. Barr may be in trouble for LYING to Congress in regard to what was really in the report and the process the DOJ went through to “support” his contention Mueller left it to him to determine whether there was OBSTRUCTION or not. Of course, by actually reading the report (it was long and tedious reading) it was OBVIOUS to me Mr. Barr was LYING when he published his original “memo.” The TRUTH is Mueller didn’t charge individual 1 because of the OLC memo, but he purposely left the evidence for the possibility of individual being charged once out of office. Mueller made it a point to help the reader of his memo understand the importance and seriousness of the charge of OBSTRUCTION.

I read the book of Andrew Weissman’s book, “Where Law Ends: Inside the Mueller investigation” and it appeared to me several of the lawyers involved in Mueller’s investigation felt Mueller was way to “conservative” and were frustrated by Barr’s LYING about their report. So, as the “drip, drip, drip” continues to come out not only is individual 1 potentially in MORE trouble, but so might be people like Barr and the DOJ attorneys who were “disingenuous” in Judge Jackson’s court when this situation was first argued in front of her court.

I’ll say it again, “this is a nation of laws and not men” and if “no one is above the law” then all of these people who were LYING in court and were LYING to “we the people” SHOULD be facing accountability. Mueller was clear in his report he was “memorializing” the evidence of OBSTRUCTION for a FUTURE possibility for an indictment. So, for all you sycophants of individual 1 – members of his CULT – as I said above, you’ve been bamboozled by an expert con man – and, I have to wonder how you’ll react once he begins facing the plethora of CHARGES which appear to be “coming down the pike.” My guess is a bunch of you won’t believe the charges and you’ll continue allowing him to “grift” you for more of your cash. Yikes!

I have to add one more thing: Today, on my way home from an appointment I was listening to Nicole Wallace’s show on MSNBC and she interviewed a republican who had the audacity to “tell the TRUTH” in a campaign for the House in Texas and got 3% of the republican vote. That’s correct, just like Liz Cheney, telling the TRUTH in republican circles is a “death wish” politically. Here’s the rub for me, when I listened to this person I didn’t come away impressed with what he was saying other than republicans should be telling the TRUTH – which appears to be a non-starter in republican circles – his reference to his “conservative principles” not allowing him to agree with the “big spending” democrats was such a turn-off to me. He said he voted for individual 1 – who increased the DEFICIT way more than what will happen under President Biden and the democrats. Republicans just can’t understand the difference from “spending” and “investing.”

What the democrats are actually proposing is INVESTING in this nation and this nation’s working class people – I’ll say it again, INVESTING. “Spending” is like what republicans did with their $2 TRILLION tax giveaway for the wealthy in this nation – which returned virtually NOTHING to America’s working class. And, keep in mind, democrats have several proposals on how to PAY for these INVESTMENTS – and the increase in taxes they’re proposing is aimed at those who benefit MOST from the INVESTMENTS they’re proposing. The modernized infrastructure will help corporate interests exponentially, the INVESTMENT in things like free community college, child care, food stamps, education, high speed internet in underserved areas, fighting the pandemic, etc. etc. etc and it makes sense for corporations who are paying little to NO taxes to be paying their “fair share.” And, the republicans fear mongering against taxes being raise on income above your FIRST half MILLION or so is disingenuous as is most of their OBSTRUCTION. Here’s the reality, republicans do NOTHING but OBSTRUCT – this has been going on since the days of Newt Gingrich.

The American people are solidly behind virtually everything being proposed by President Biden’s administration so far, but republicans in Congress have united AGAINST anything the democrats want to do. Their interest is POWER and, clearly, as we saw on January 6th, 2021 they have NO will to actually defend our constitution. To republicans it’s as if the INSURRECTION didn’t happen – for God’s sake, what are they going to be saying during all the upcoming CRIMINAL cases where people will be claiming they STORMED the Capitol because they believe “their president” encouraged them to do so – to “stop the steal?” We’re going to find out how STUPID those Americans who continue being “grifted” by individual 1 really are. We continue to see evidence of one member of the republican caucus in Congress after another staining themselves in an attempt to look away from the LIES of our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president.

Of course, because they (republicans) control the state legislatures of a majority of states, the VOTER SUPPRESSION tactics of the republicans may succeed in causing more grief in this nation should democrats like Joe Manchin and Krysten Sinema continue to balk at either removing the filibuster or modifying it so SR-1 can make it through the Senate – even if it gets modified to get Manchin’s approval. There are MANY proposal’s of legislation which are supported by significant majorities of the American people which will require a modification or removal of the filibuster to get through Congress. We’ll be listening to republicans claiming democrats are trying to turn America into a Socialist nation – a claim which is ABSURD on its face.

Well, enough of that, I want to talk about Joe Biden. I have to admit I was all wrong when he was running in the primaries. I “got” many democrats, independents, and “never you know who (I can’t bring myself to write the name)” republicans wanted Biden because they felt he had the best chance of beating individual 1. However, it’s turning out Biden may end up going down as a historically important and successful president. Assuming democrats can somehow get Manchin and Sinema (and, maybe a few other democrats) to modify the filibuster. As i said above: Republicans see democrats as “spending” when what they’re doing is INVESTING in America. Stay tuned!

Individual 1 and republicans are busy proving that telling the truth is an unwelcome concept in their “party” going forward. For example, several republican elected officials in Georgia stood up against our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president when he brazenly continued LYING about the results of the 2020 election, especially in Georgia. So, the state’s republican controlled legislature responded to democrats WINNING elections in their state by passing an onerous “election integrity” law which is aimed at preventing people “of color” (ie people who vote democratic) from accessing their RIGHT to vote. (The bill is being called “Jim Crow 2.0”)

So, those republicans who stood against individual 1 are now the actual casualties of the so-called “cancel culture” we keep hearing from republican officials as they complain about “liberals” and “woke corporations.” Georgia’s Secretary of State, Brad Raffensperger has, essentially, been “defrocked” by the new law – he will no longer be in charge of the “election integrity.” In fact, if the Georgia legislature doesn’t like the result of an election, they can just “cancel” it now. And, if you give water to someone who’s planning to vote and willing to stand in line for hours to do so, well, you’ve just committed a felony. (Temperatures are often in the 90’s in Georgia during election season)

And, Governor Brian Kemp – OMG, isn’t he one of the greatest examples of someone on his knees asking forgiveness – though it’s not at the altar in church, it’s at Mar a Lago in Florida, the home of our disgraced former (TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSTING ex) president. It’s as if Mr. Kemp is rethinking his actions when he defended the INTEGRITY of the Georgia vote which was RECOUNTED as least THREE times that I know of and the results came out the SAME each time. Individual 1 needed 11,780 votes (which didn’t exist) to “carry” the state. How could he have stood in the way of individual 1’s attempt at MASSIVE voter fraud.

Should be interesting if individual 1 is INDICTED for his attempt to INTERFERE in the Georgia results by getting Mr. Raffensperger to “find” enough votes for him to “win” the state. Here’s the bottom line in all this – the republican party has become so CORRUPT it’s almost embarrassing to watch – and, yet, they keep pushing the boundaries. In the next 6 to 9 months I believe we’re going to see individual 1 indicted (somewhere), Matt Gaetz appears headed to court – if not prison, and, there’s a bunch more with their “fingers in the pie” of CORRUPTION. And, now, we have an Attorney General who actually believes we are “a nation of laws and not men,” Stay tuned!!!

To the people I know who are still republicans, here’s the deal: Instead of attempting to appeal to a broader section of the public with their message (at present there is NO message – ie, no platform except what makes individual 1 happy) they are attempting to reduce the number of people who can cast a ballot in our elections. Of course, this is nothing new with the republican party – which, essentially became entrenched in the South when LBJ signed the Voting Rights Act and the Civil Rights Act back in the early to mid 1960’s, (I was in High School at the time) And, of course, led by John Roberts the Supreme Court “gutted” that voting rights Act a few years ago leading to republican attempts to block African Americans and Latinx Americans from voting ever since.

it’s just that now their attempts are BRAZEN and they’re happening in a majority of states – especially those states which might vote for democrats. Yikes!!! (And, of course, in true republican projection many of them are accusing democrats of being “fascists” – which is what individual 1 [second generation German] was attempting to impose on “we the people” – and, of course republicans are all for it if it means they can remain in power and continue funneling taxpayer dollars to their donors. Republicans depend on their voters being “uneducated” – which tells us why individual 1 declared “I love uneducated voters” back in the 2016 campaign. Little did we know……………..

(I wrote the above a couple weeks ago (or longer, I can’t remember) – it appears I’ve been on “vacation” from fomenting my frustration toward republicans. However, make no mistake, I’m still really frustrated with republicans and continue to hope more and more Americans come to agree with my contention they need to be voted into the history books. I pointed out soon after individual 1 lost (the second DEFEAT at the hands of the voters – the first in the Electoral College) the November election that these republicans “weren’t going anywhere.” They won’t go away until the voters have made it clear they have NO FUTURE in American politics. It’s not going to be easy and hopefully the NEXT election will be another “nail” in their “coffin.”

Keep in mind, though, they’ve gerrymandered Congressional districts all across America (including the one I live in) where it’s almost impossible for a democrat to win an election. For the past 20 or so years, even in the years where republicans win a majority in the House, the democrats pull MILLIONS more votes. And, the Senate – that’s the most “un democratic” body conceivable. Plus, keep in mind a majority of republicans still believe individual 1 actually “won” the election v Joe Biden. (Despite LOSING by OVER 7 MILLION votes)

Here’s the reality the “respectable” republicans I know refuse to accept: Not only the “deplorableness” of individual 1, but also the reality “their” republican party was hijacked by the right wing of America – led by the racists who hang out at places like “Stormfront.com” – during the leadup to the 2010 election following the election of Barack Obama as our FIRST African American president. There’s a significant portion of America who watch outlets like Fox “news,” and worse “Newsmax” and worse yet “OAN.” It’s “OAN” which is “overseeing” the ridiculous fiasco which is going on in Arizona as I’m typing this as the right wing radicals in the republican party are doing everything they can to “prove” there was “fraud” in the 2020 election.

Now, I do have to agree with them – there was “FRAUD” in the 2020 election – the problem they’re NOT going to like is that it was individual 1 committing the FRAUD. i’m still sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for the DA in Fulton County, Georgia, to determine who all should be INDICTED for the attempt by our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president to BULLY Georgia’s election officials to “find 11, 780 votes” – “one more than needed to change the result of the vote.” Not only SHOULD individual 1 be held accountable for this attempt at FRAUD, but so should Lindsey Graham, and possibly others. Who knows how many recorded phone calls the Georgia election officials received.

And, of course, with individual 1 it always gets worse. I certainly haven’t forgotten January 6th, 2021 – I’m sure most republicans are attempting to put that date out of their “memory banks,” – unless, of course, they were there and now facing YEARS in prison for invading our Capitol Building on that day – actions leading to the deaths of three police officers and with four others dying as well. I believe individual 1 very well may be in the “cross hairs” of Attorney General Merrick Garland for INCITING the INSURRECTION at the Capitol – that’s a “stay tuned” – as is the potential of individual 1 and members of his family facing a “reckoning” with the DA in Manhattan regarding potential wire fraud, bank fraud, and insurance fraud among other possibilités regarding his CORRUPT business practices. All of this is “on the agenda.”

I didn’t even mention the reason I refer to him as “individual 1.” That’s the name he was given by the Southern District of New York as they were sending Michael Cohen to three years behind bars for his role in paying off the two women threatening to go public about affairs they had with our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president right before the 2016 election. So, add to the above “allegations” election FRAUD and TAX FRAUD. Seems as if FRAUD is a way of life for individual 1 (and, very possibly, members of his family – you should read about the Kushner’s, for example)

Final Thought: While all the above continues to move in the right wing world of America we have Joe Biden actually WORKING to attempt making the lives of the American people (including republicans) better. The first bill, which was aimed at relief for those who have lost their income or portions of it during the pandemic along with various sections of the bill aimed at “crushing the virus” in the words of Nancy Pelosi. (I’ve said this before several times here – had the republicans agreed to the democrats “HEROES Act” which was passed nearly one year ago, individual 1 would still be our (so-called) president. That was one of the most obvious examples of the STUPIDITY of “today’s” version of the republican party. They know how to (cheat to) get elected, but they have NO idea of how to govern.

So, we can all – republicans, democrats, and independents alike -be thankful Joe Biden is in the “White House” and NOT individual 1. Things are much better here at home (with the exception of the threats posed by right win extremists) and, especially, things are looking up abroad. The biggest problem with our “National Security,” from the standpoint of our relationship with our traditional allies, is they are apprehensive wondering whether or not the American public might vote these republicans back into power in the upcoming elections. And, I have to say, I’m a bit concerned with the possibility there may be enough American votes who will allow all the voter SUPPRESSION bills metastasizing across our nation to keep them away from the polls – therefore leading to another episode of individual 1 or one of his sycophants. Can you imaging Ted Cruz in the “White House?” for example. Yikes! I’m trying to end this rant on a positive note, so if you’re not a white nationalist – actually, even if you are – we should all be thankful Joe Biden WON the 2020 election – by one of the largest “landslides” ever. (Over 7 MILLION votes!)

As usual, I’m publishing without re-reading and editing – so, my apologies for the foopahs.

If you’ve been around here it would be no secret when I choose to watch “TV news” I tend to find myself on MSNBC. That being said, I also find myself often times YELLING at the screen as commentators use terminology which just makes me shake my head. I’ve mentioned many times my frustration with the so-called “liberal media” FAILING to remind viewers of where the “Big Lie (theory)” originated (Adolf Hitler) and there’s another “word” I’m hearing which is starting to fall into the same category of what I’d call “unintentional misinformation.” Today, for example, I was listening to “conservative” Charlie Sykes referring to his “long time acquaintance” Ron Johnson as someone in “conservative circles.”

Here’s the deal with me. Words like “conservative” have been hijacked from the English language. People like Ron Johnson, who’s regurgitating racist “conservative” theories in public, is a member of what I call “today’s republican party” which is NOT a bastion for “conservatives.” Johnson, Rand Paul, Ted Cruz, Josh Hawley, Mitch McConnell (AKA “Moscow Mitch”), Mike Lee, Lindsey Graham, Marco Rubio, and I could go on – the republicans in the Senate (And, I’m not even mentioning the House because republicans there are so far over the edge, well………….) are NOT “conservatives,” they’re a bunch of right wing reactionaries. Based on their willingness to destroy our republic, I’d refer to them as neo-fascists if not just fascists. My guess is if you asked each one of them to define “conservative” they’d turn and walk away – with a confused look on their face. They’re POWER hungry racist reactionaries who would accept fascism if that is necessary to keep them in POWER.

For anyone who doesn’t understand what I’m suggesting, here “Miriam Webster’s” definition of fascism: “A political philosophy, movement, or regime (such as that of the Fascisti) that exalts nation and often race above the individual and that stands for a centralized autocratic government headed by a dictatorial leader, severe economic and social regimentation, and forcible suppression of opposition.” Webster then adds: ” a tendency toward or actual exercise of strong autocratic or dictatorial control, early instances of army fascism and brutality.”

Here’s more: “The Italian Origin of Fascism” – still from Webster’s dictionary: ” The words fascism and fascist have long been associated with the Fascisti of Benito Mussolini and the fasces, the bundle of rods with an ax among them, which the Fascisti used as a symbol of the Italian people united and obedient to the single authority of the state. However, Mussolini did not introduce the word fascista (plural fascisti) with the 1919 organization of the Fasci di combattimento (“combat groups”), nor did the fasces have any direct connection with the origin of fascista. In Italian, the word fascio (plural fasci) means literally “bundle,” and figuratively “group.” From at least 1872 fascio was used in the names of labor and agrarian unions, and in October 1914 a political coalition was formed called the Fascio rivoluzionario d’ azione internazionalista (“revolutionary group for international action”), which advocated Italian participation in World War I on the side of the Allies. Members of this group were first called fascisti in January 1915. Although Mussolini was closely associated with this interventionist movement, it had no direct link with the post-war Fasci di combattimento, and in 1919 the word fascista was already in political circulation. It is, however, to the Fascisti in their 1919 incarnation—who seized power in Italy three years later—that we owe the current customary meanings of our words fascism and fascist.”

So, for all you republicans out there who believe “the 2020 election was stolen,” and who languish in the right wing “echo chamber” of MISINFORMATION – much of which comes from Vladimir Putin’s cyberwarriors – ie direct from the Kremlin – I’m just letting you know you’re supporting a movement – ie individual 1’s movement (I can’t bring myself to type his surname) – which has brought the danger of fascism closer to America’s republic than Hitler ever managed back when my father was part of the military participating in the effort to squelch the spread of fascism. Essentially, we’re talking about white nationalism attempting to stop the inevitable in a country which is known as the “melting pot” because we’re ALL a bunch of “immigrants.” And, if that’s too much to understand, I’m talking about America.

Of course, “Native Americans” migrated here THOUSANDS of years before the white Europeans “IMMIGRATED” to America who then “helped” Africans to “IMMIGRATE” to America in slave ships to be sold at auction if they survived the trip at sea. Here’s a little aside for those of you who are supporters (still?) of individual 1 (who will soon find himself in court as “we the people” attempt to PROVE we are a “nation of laws and not men.”) – our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president is a SECOND generation GERMAN IMMIGRANT to this nation. Many of those AMERICANS who he referred to as coming from “shithole” countries are descendants of AMERICANS who were (brought) here 400 (or so) years ago. Do you get my point?

And, on top of that, MANY of those “conservative Christians” who make up individual 1’s “base” are descendants of the very people who’ve been persecuting our African American brothers and sisters since, well, in some cases the entire 400 years (or so). They are the descendants of those who participated in the lynchings which followed the “freeing of the slaves” during the Civil War. There’s no way to sugarcoat this. America is facing a BARRAGE of attempts to SUPPRESS the votes of our African American brothers and sisters as I’m typing this. The Governor of Georgia, who himself, disenfranchised upwards of 500,000 Georgians in order to “win” his election back in 2018 just signed the first of the bills aimed at making it HARDER for “Black and Brown” people to vote (along with young people) and, in case they do vote and the legislature doesn’t like the results, they can override the “will of the people.”

This isn’t just happening in Georgia. Iowa has already passed a VOTER SUPPRESSION bill which is aimed at those in the “Black and Brown” community (or, essentially, those tending to vote for democrats) and, in Arizona, there’s legislation which very well could make Georgia’s bill look moderate. (Although, it’s hard to make a bill which makes it a FELONY to provide WATER to someone standing in the HOT SUN for up to TEN hours in order to vote seem “moderate”) Arizona’s legislature also wants to be able to override the “will of the people” if they vote, for example, a democrat in a federal election for president. They want the right to be able to choose “their electors” for the Electoral College if the people “make the ‘wrong’ choice.” OMG!!!

When you look at the definition of FASCISM, you see it playing out all across the so-called “red states” – especially those states which consider themselves “red” but are trending to “blue.” There can be no denying individual 1 has exhibited ALL the characteristics of a FASCIST – it’s just that he was “throttled” by our constitution which withstood a “full frontal assault” during his four (LONG) years in office – but, especially OBVIOUS at the “end,” when he was refusing (which he’s still doing – the so-called “Big Lie”) to accept the results of his DEFEAT at the polls. Of course, he’s actually LOST twice – but, in 2016 he “won” the Electoral College despite actually LOSING the “popular vote” by around 3 MILLION votes. Even back then he was indicating he would not accept the results of the election if he “lost.”

And, of course, back then “we the people” had no idea he was “cavorting” with the Russians as both they and his campaign had “data” from over 150,000 Facebook users which they bombarded with the ACTUAL “fake news.” Another aside: Whenever you’re listening to individual 1 bloviating you can be assured any accusation he makes originates with him – the epitome of projection. You can count on it as much as you can count on the sun rising each day in the East. I read the Mueller report TWICE and there’s NO doubt individual 1 was “COLLUDING” with the Russians. Our “liberal media” helped engrain that possibility as something Mueller was “investigating” in our public mindset.

Well, when you read the actual report, Mueller was NOT investigating “collusion” because there’s NO statute which defines or is aimed at “collusion.” What they were investigating was whether there was a “CONSPIRACY” between Russians and individuals involved in individual 1’s campaign which could be proved beyond a “reasonable doubt.” For example, then individual 1’s “number 1” son, along with his son-in-law Jared Kushner and his campaign manager (at the time) Paul Manafort met with a group of Russians to get “dirt” on Hillary Clinton, Mueller decided, essentially, they were too stupid to understand that was ILLEGAL. (Yep, it’s ILLEGAL to take ANYTHING of value from a foreign entity in order to help your campaign – like it or not, that’s the LAW) Of course, by the time Mueller had arrived at that conclusion Manafort was already being tried for NUMEROUS other ILLEGAL transgressions so, well, you “get it” don’t you?

What I’m saying is there was “COLLUSION” all over the place in individual 1’s campaign against Hillary Clinton with the Russians. (That was, essentially, what Roger Stone, for example as “alleged” to be doing when he was convicted of SEVEN felonies) Everyone paying attention saw our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president, himself, requesting the Russians “find the thirty thousand missing emails” if they were “listening.” Well, of course, he KNEW they were “listening” and, sure enough, within 5 hours the HACKERS were attempting to breach Mrs. Clinton’s email accounts and the accounts of her campaign. (They had already gained access to the accounts of the DNC and those of John Podesta – which, of course, they strategically released emails and other data from those accounts during the campaign – “allegedly” at the direction of Roger Stone who was “connected” in some kind of way with “Wikileaks.”

Here’s the deal: by definition Vladimir Putin is a FASCIST – although many refer to him as the “boss” of the worlds largest organized crime syndicate. Him and his so-called “oligarchs” have been pilfering the natural resources of Russia – which, by the way, are bountiful – for the past 20 years, or so, that Putin has ruled Russia with an “iron fist.” I suppose you could just refer to him as a “dictator” – but, to me, that’s simply parsing terms. And, of course, individual 1 has expressed and admiration of Putin for far longer than his (reign of terror) time as America’s TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president and, it appeared to me he was jealous of Putin’s POWER in Russia and was attempting to USURP similar POWER in America by overriding our constitution. The “climax” of that attempt happened on January 6th, 2021.

There can be no doubt the FAILURE of the INSURRECTION on January 6th, 2021 (“A date that will live in infamy”) is the “stimulus” for the OVER 250 VOTER SUPPRESSION bills which are progressing through republican state legislatures all across the nation. This is the reason it’s important for “we the people” to ELECT as many democratic (and, I’ve always been an “independent” but dangerous times calls for responsive actions) governors who can VETO any of this repugnant “Fascistic” legislation which might make it to a governors desk. Of course, many of the states where this is happening have republican governors who will sign the legislation – “or else.”

People complain about the “tribalism” which is happening in America, but those of us who call ourselves “independents” along with those republicans referred to as “never individual 1 (ers) – I just can’t bring myself to write the word), must align ourselves with the democrats in order to STOP this FASCIST assault on our republic. I believe our system needs (at least) two parties which are “functional,” but the republican party has proved itself DISFUNCTIONAL – so the rest of us are OBLIGATED to fight back against what they’re attempting to accomplish. And, trust me, I understand my 73 years have had the benefit of “white privilege” and I believe this nation will not “heal” until we truly understand we’re a “melting pot” and our nation was designed on the notion of democratic rule with built on protections for the minority. What republicans are attempting to do is create a nation which has MINORITY rule by those who believe in “white nationalism” – ie read the definition of fascism above and let this all sink in.

This is NOT a two sides issue. Republicans are offering NOTHING in the realm of policy – save for tax cuts for their wealthy DONORS. They chose NOT to participate, for example in the recently passed on a pure “party line vote” the “Covid Relief bill” which is the MOST significant bill aimed as “we the people” in my lifetime. (And, as I pointed out above, I’ve been around for quite a while) OVER 70% of “we the people” supported the bill, but NOT a single republican could bring themselves to vote for it. Under individual 1’s “leadership” republicans had shown themselves to be incapable of governing – to them, it’s all about the POWER and pilfering as many TAX dollars as they can from the Middle and working class Americans as possible. EVERY time in the last 40+ years there’s been a republican in the “White House” their focus has been MORE tax cuts for wealthy Americans and their corporate benefactors. (Actually, it’s time for “we the people” to start boycotting businesses who are willing to fund members of Congress who are/were willing to overturn our system of government OK, another “aside”)

Democrats are pushing a couple bills aimed at making elections more fair – meaning, making it easier for EVERYONE or ANYONE who chooses to participate in the most basic right of being an American citizen – no matter where you came from. HR-1 (now SR-1) is aimed at, essentially, preventing these voting rights abuses which are happening all across the country from becoming LAW in ANY state. It’s like we’re back in the Jim Crow era where African Americans (and other “minorities”) are being forced to fight the battles of Civil Rights and Voting Rights all over again. The abuses which are happening are too many to list here, but the bills which are now in the Senate will legally preclude what these republican state legislatures are attempting to do. In addition, the HR/SR-1 would ban partisan gerrymandering, which is another “subtle” way republicans are working to create their “permanent republican ‘majority.'” That is, they want to embed “minority rule” in our nation so they DON’T have to do the “battle of ideas” in order to gain POWER. That’s because you could print their “ideas” on a single sheet of paper.

Final thought: I get going on these rants and can’t seem to stop, so my apologies for all the words if anyone actually makes it this far (I have no idea who might read this). But, here’s the deal, and it’s popping up everywhere, the FILIBUSTER is getting in the way of actual legislation “we the people” overwhelmingly want. The problem is people like Charles Koch, or the DeVoss family, or the Coors family, the Walton family, etc. – in other words the DONORS who fund the republican party and have turned it so dramatically to the right – don’t like it – so republicans as a BLOCK vote AGAINST legislation “we the people” want.

MOST Americans (including MANY “republicans”) want free and fair elections – with EVERYONE who is eligible and wants to vote being able to do so easily. (And, by the way, I’ve been voting by mail for years and it’s a great way to do so.) “We the people” want “common sense” gun reform. We want our infrastructure to be “updated” (fixed) and we want to combat the climate crisis. We want our nation to be able to INVEST in our PEOPLE and that will require the “wealthy” to pay more in taxes. They’ve been “benefiting” (pilfering) from the tax code for over 40 years. It’s time for the pendulum to “swing” in the other direction. (BILLIONAIRE wealth during the Covid pandemic has increased by $1.3 TRILLION while MILLIONS of Americans are facing eviction, food insecurity, etc.) If republicans continue to OBSTRUCT the legislation “we the people” favor, in the Senate, then it really is time for the filibuster to “go away.”

We’re at an inflexion point in history and the filibusters fate very well could determine the fate of our republic for the foreseeable future.

It NEVER seems to stop with individual 1. Just in the last day he’s been given another spot on Fox “news” to claim the “election was stolen” once again and he continues referring to the coronavirus as the so-called “China Virus” while, almost at the same time 6 Asian women in Atlanta were brutally gunned down by a young white guy. We’ll have to wait to learn more about him, but I’m a bit skeptical his motive was a “sex” issue. The officer who interviewed the shooter has recently posted online photos of anti Asian clothing he had purchased (or was selling?) previous to this heinous act. He’s the officer who claimed the shooter, “was having a bad day.” My guess is that officer was one of the many police officers in America who are sympathetic to individual 1 and the INSURRECTIONISTS. Just a guess, we’ll see how it plays out.

Regardless, Fox and other right wing media outlets continue to give individual 1 a platform to continue pushing what is now referred by many as the “Big Lie.” I’ve said this ad nauseum, but when will our “liberal media” point out at the same rate they refer to the “Big Lie” that “The Big Lie Theory” comes straight from the Third Reich via Joseph Goebbels, Hitler’s chief of propaganda. And, further, the “Big Lie Theory” was the work of Hitler himself. “If you repeat a LIE often enough people will believe it’s true.” Well, MILLIONS of Americans, who have an issue with thinking, believe individual 1 was robbed out of the 2020 election via “voter fraud” when the ONLY person committing significant “voter fraud” was INDIVIDUAL 1, himself.

The DA in Futon County Georgia is likely going to INDICT individual 1 for his BRAZEN phone calls to members of the Georgia Election officials (some recorded! oops!) as he tried to get them to “create 11,780 votes” – just one more than he needed to “win” the election in Georgia. Despite individual 1’s clear violation of Georgia state laws and, likely, federal laws, the republican legislature in Georgia is now considering a group of bills designed to SUPPRESS the ability of African Americans, poor Americans, young Americans, and others who might vote for a democrat in response to individual 1’s “Big Lie.” (And, oh by the way, Lindsey Graham might be in a bit of hot water for his attempt to get Georgia’s Sec. of State to “flip enough votes for individual 1 to “win.” Yikes!

Their justification for pushing these bills through their legislature is “voter fraud” – which doesn’t exist – but, in reality, it’s their desire to make it harder to vote. (I call this legislated “voter fraud”) They’re planning to make the lines LONGER, restrict “mail in voting,” and, at the same time, make it a crime to even provide WATER to someone standing in line for up to 10 hours waiting to cast their ballot (And, I’ll let you guess where those long lines will occur) – have we really stooped to such a low? Will Congress pass the voting protections republicans are standing in the way of in the U.S. Senate? Will Joe Manchin relent on his objection to republicans BLOCKING critical legislation via the filibuster? OMG!

If you’ve previously visited this “blog” (?) you know I’ve been “railing” against the republican party since GW Bush/Dick Cheney LIED America into Iraq back in 2003 – for me, a “deja vu all over again” moment in remembrance of the Viet Nam FIASCO. Our government, at the time, seemed hell bent on more “fiascos.” (For heaven’s sake, we’re still there and STILL in Afghanistan!) The bottom line to me is that the republican party puts virtually NO value in telling the truth. It’s always “the end justifies the means” – and, usually their “end” is focused on the so-called “top 1%.”

Of course, the racially motivated vendetta going on in America, fueled by the right wing “haters,” is the direct result of individual 1 trying to find something to BLAME for his own ineptness at dealing with the coronavirus pandemic which has put HUNDREDS of thousands of lost lives directly “on him.” (It also cost him the election – not “voter fraud”) America didn’t need to lose (at this moment) around 550,000 lives to this pandemic. Reports I’ve read suggest had our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president followed the same “path” as the South Koreans (who suffered their first Covid-19 death on the same day as the U.S.A.) America may have lost as few as 10,000 lives to the virus. Hense, his use of a derogatory term in attempt to BLAME his shortcomings on China.

Those of us who have been paying close attention to the spread of the coronavirus (Covid-19) were continually “shocked” by the BRAZEN LYING coming from individual 1, those around him at the “White House,” and republican governors all across the nation. I started pointing out I was noticing what appeared to be governors CHEATING on the statistics they were reporting regarding the effects of the virus in their states – as they “fought” to keep their economies “open” despite all the people DYING from this virus. Chief among the “culprits” I suggested was Ron DeSantis in Florida who, I believed, had ordered health department personnel to change the cause of death on death certificates for those dying of Covid-19 to dying from “pneumonia.”

And, of course, this was happening elsewhere. I still remember reading statistics of the “unexplained” increase in the number of cases of people dying from pneumonia which was way more significant than to be explained by “just one of those years.” This was one of the ways all the republican governors justified “opening” their states against the recommendation of the scientists who were telling us what would happen if these governors continued to operate without regard to the science. And, keep in mind, the numbers of Covid-19 deaths in some of these states – including Florida – are staggering. And, of course, the bigger problem, from my perspective is their recklessness affects the “rest of us.” And, of course, the scientists were correct! (The day individual 1 left office America was averaging close to 300,000 new cases of Covid-19 reported EACH DAY!)

And, for any republican who might happen on this website and wants to “pile on” Andrew Cuomo of New York, the difference from what happened in New York was whether the deaths from Covid-19 were reported to have happened in a nursing home or hospital – the total number of deaths reported was the same either way. And, of course, the underreporting which may have occurred in New York was because of the severity of the pandemic in its early stages there, causing hospitals to be full, resulting in (likely) thousands of New Yorkers having died in their homes. (No comment on Cuomo’s other issues) How many of those deaths were included in New York’s “data” is, well, to me, uncertain. However, there’s a HUGE difference in what happened there and what has been happening in Florida virtually this entire pandemic. To me, governor DeSantis is as incompetent in dealing with the virus as individual 1. (Of course, that makes him a “front runner” for the GOP nomination in 2024! He’s gotten away with things like providing vaccines for his donors – allowing them to “jump the line” among other irregularities)

Republicans are scared to death of the progressive agenda “on the docket” coming from the House and supported by MOST of the democrats in the Senate. It appears Senator Joe Manchin from West Virginia is going to make as much of his position as a “moderate” “swing” democrat as he can – and, in the end, it may well serve the democratic party well – if he follows through on his willingness to “modify” the filibuster. The voting rights legislation which is now in the Senate may be the most critical legislation in the FIGHT to “save” our republic from the authoritarian wing of the republican party.

I’ve been very clear in pointing out these republicans “are going nowhere” – and, of course, that statement could have two meanings. My “guarantee” is they will continue their racist, xenophobic ways until they’ve been voted into obscurity – right next to individual 1 and Benedict Arnold in the history books. However, they are not going away quietly and their “white nationalist” base is longing for a “second civil war.” Many of the voter suppression bills across America bring back memories of the Jim Crow era – which, I certainly would have hoped would be a “thing of the past,” but apparently, not. And, if you’re a republican in today’s world you can’t separate yourself from that reality. I know republicans who claim their agenda is “conservative and ‘Christian based,'” to which I say “hogwash.”

Today’s republicans are anything but “conservative” and to suggest what they’re doing is “Christian based” suggests they’re reading a different Bible than myself. In fact, one of my struggles with my own Christian beliefs is being around people who claim to be a “Christian” and then demonstrate a cultlike affiliation with our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president. Apparently, the OVER 30,000 LIES when he was in office – many directly to their faces – doesn’t resonate to them with the “ten commandments.” Just as the infidelity, the CHEATING in virtually every thing he does, AND all the lives which are gone because of his ineptitude. Of course, they’ll tell you they’re “pro life” and “it’s all about the judges.” Yikes!

Individual 1 is soon to be so busy defending himself, and likely in places along with members of his family, that, I believe, his political “fortunes” are coming to a screeching halt. (I believe he envisions himself redoing 2020 in 2024). He’s been busy “grifting” at an incredible pace since LOSING the election (along with OVER 60 court challenges to it – with some of his “lawyers” now facing potential sanctions for their frivolous claims in court) by a RECORD amount, apparently gathering hundreds of “MILLIONS” which he’ll use for his attorney fees. (If he chooses to actually pay his attorneys – which is NEVER a “given”) That will open the door to one of the “traitors” waiting in line to take the “helm” of the republican party. Will they succeed in SUPPRESSING enough voters to give them a chance moving forward? We’ll see. Republicans, long ago, decided they virtually hate democracy – they’re fighting for a perpetual “minority rule.” Kind of an American Apartheid. Sad!

Republicans have backed themselves into a corner which is getting smaller by the day. They’re NOT going to change their “message” in an attempt to gain more public support – they can’t because they’ll lose all the “Proud Boys,” the “Three Percenters,” the “Atomwaffen,” “Oathkeepers,” the “Texas Freedom Force,” those who cater to “Stormfront.com,” and other Nazi and white supremacist members of their “base.” They’re relying on people like Tucker Carlson, Sean Hannity, and other right wing media pundits to keep the “flames” burning – and it’s working on a dwindling audience. Republicans are seemingly focused on restricting the ability to vote of as many democratic leaning groups as they can and hoping democrats do what they’ve always done in the past and “snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.”

Hopefully the voter suppression tactics will simply cause more progressives to be committed to VOTING and their “civil war” can be defeated at the ballot box. I understand Texas is a so-called “red state,” for example, but this latest “freeze” which cost residence of Texas (those who survived it) THOUSANDS in expenses which SHOULD have been avoided (and, likely will be repeated if they continue voting in republican “leaders”) and, now, their governor has opened the state and pulled off the mask mandate right when the “B117” variant of the coronavirus (Often referred to as the UK variant) is taking “root” in Texas. And, of course, there’s a “plethora” of Texans who will refuse taking a vaccine. In other words, despite all the gains against this virus since Joe Biden took office, it almost appears as if there are republican governors who want to see another “surge” which they believe will make Biden look bad.

This would not be a surprise because it’s been apparent to me for at least 30 years that republicans care about controlling POWER and they have little interest in governing in a way which benefits the average citizen. Just as the republican members of Congress are likely to vote against ANYTHING Joe Biden is “for,” I have to question whether all these republican governors who are taking off any Covid-19 restrictions in their states, against the wishes of the scientists who’ve been RIGHT all along during this pandemic, are doing so for purely political reasons – meaning, an attempt to be able to BLAME Biden??? Seems stupid, but, time will tell. Stay tuned! Additionally, are these governors going to accept the Covid Relief funds? Those funds have no affiliation to “red” or “blue” states. Maybe governors like DeSantis or Gov. Abbot in Texas should “send the money back.” Stay tuned………………….

Final Thought: I guess what I’m suggesting is there are too many republicans in positions of “leadership” whether in Congress, governors “mansions,” or state or national legislatures who put regaining POWER ahead of what is good for “we the people.” After all, not a single republican voted for the “Covid relief bill” which was supported by three out of every four Americans. The benefit of that bill directly affects about 85% of Americans starting at the “bottom up.” It’s the absolute OPPOSITE of individual 1’s “signature” legislative “achievement” which cost the taxpayers almost the exact same amount but was aimed at the “top 1%.” These two bills are better than anything I can write in explaining the difference between republicans and democrats. And, keep in mind, the democrats “Covid relief bill” doesn’t discriminate between republicans and democrats.

EVERY family in America with a household income less than $150,000 for a couple or $75,000 for and individual received the $1400 payment – for everyone in their household. I, personally, know several families where the parents were (are?) supporters of individual 1 who were in desperate need of more than just the money they received. The benefits of the “Covid relief bill” go well beyond the $$$ and, I believe, republicans are scared to “death” this bill will be REALLY difficult to campaign against as it re-invigorates our economy once the pandemic has been “crushed” – which, I believe, as I said above, might be why some republican governors are refusing mitigation measures against the virus. (Keep in mine, that so-called “UK” mutation is the predominant form of the virus in several Southern states (Texas, Georgia, Florida, and others). The battle hasn’t been “won,” but at least we have leaders (democrats) doing everything they can to “crush the virus.”

Still on the agenda: Two bills aimed at protecting voting rights and fair elections (and redistricting), a MASSIVE infrastructure bill (which would include measures to encourage “green” improvements), and a tax increase for the “wealthiest among us.” (Can you picture republicans voting for any of that?) Many of us will be on the “edge of our seats” waiting to see if the filibuster gets reformed or dropped. Democrats control both houses of Congress and they have the ability to reform the “rules” which republicans are ABUSING in order to prevent legislation which is OVERWHELMINGLY popular among “we the people. Again, stay tuned!