It’s seeming likely to me that the solution to the issue of Russia ATTACKING America during the 2016 election to either help Trump win the election – which few thought would happen – or, more likely, to discredit Hillary Clinton in order to weaken her as the assumed winner of the election is going to require the mid-term election of 2018.  Republicans, in concert with Fox “news,” Rush Limbaugh, and the rest of the right wing water carriers on TV, radio, and the internet are setting the stage for either stopping the investigation into Trump’s involvement with the Russians or undermining the findings so that republicans will ignore any findings that prove unfavorable to Trump.  Our nation is at a crossroads and so many of us who’ve never had to defend our constitution or our way of life should be on the edge of our seats.  These “republicans” – I no longer consider them the republicans I grew up watching – MUST be stopped.

They are trying to undermine the FBI, the CIA, any media outlet that doesn’t agree with their fomenting dogma, and pretty much the traditions of America.  They call themselves “conservatives,” but, based on my understanding of what is a conservative, I see no resemblance.  Just the idea that our great traditions mean nothing to them is a disqualifier in my mind.  Their continual willingness to “give us our money back” via “tax cuts” – where ALL the money they “give back” is borrowed (and, doesn’t go to “we the people” anyway) – is NOT, at least to me, conservative.  I’ve been lamenting about “conservatives” ballooning our national debt since the days of Nixon.  They will argue this point – but, the evidence shows that with “conservatives” in power – the deficit (and debt) goes up and during democratic administrations it goes down.  That’s just the FACT.

Of course, they would argue that during President Obama’s term the national debt rose more than at any time in history.  Naturally, when doing so they “FORGET” the reason is due to what Obama “inherited” from Bush/Cheney (who, by the way, “inherited” a surplus from Clinton/Gore).  Not only did Bush/Cheney leave a budget deficit that was $1.5 TRILLION annually ALONG with the “Great Recession,” but they REFUSED to help in the process of bringing us out of the recession – presumably, they would have been OK with “we the people” falling into another prolonged DEPRESSION – that would certainly have caused Obama to “FAIL” – which was their number one goal (they publicly admitted this) – instead of saving the country from economic disaster.  STILL, by the time Obama left office the annual deficit was reduced around 70%.  And, these people call him a “liberal,” or “socialist,” or even some called him a “communist.”  Now, these “conservatives” are jacking up the debt – AGAIN – and, throwing American tradition to the waste basket.  I, personally, don’t refer to them as “conservatives.”

Robert Mueller is a lifelong registered republican, he’s a decorated ex-Marine, and when he was appointed special counsel to investigate the Russian intrusion into America’s 2016 election he was hailed as the best choice – one of the most honorable and respected members of the FBI pretty much EVER – by virtually everyone – including, notably, people like Newt Gingrich.  (I’ve lately been pointing out my belief, ultimately, that Donald Trump and Fox “news” – when all is said and done regarding this era of American governance and politics – will reside in the history books along side Benedict Arnold.  That’s right – as TRAITORS.  Well, as far as I’m concerned, put Mr. Gingrich right there – and Steve Bannon, Devin Nunes, and I could go on.)  Well, now, “conservatives” in our Congress seem to think the FBI, the CIA, and Mueller are all criminals – because the investigation is potentially leading Mueller right into the “White House.”

This group of “conservatives” have, at least some of them, suggested members of the FBI and Mueller’s staff should be “marched out in handcuffs.”  This is DEFINITELY the mindset of people in BANANA REPUBLICS.  I recently read an article in Business Week about how things work in the Philippines under Rodrigo Duterte.  Trump, and his followers, seem to be longing for that same mindset.  You simply intimidate or “disappear” anyone who disagrees with you.  (Interestingly, Duterte gained power largely via weaponizing Facebook – sound familiar?)  For some reason Trump and his followers don’t want to allow the legal system to take its course – evidently, because it appears to be headed directly toward the oval office.

Personally, I understand Trump’s trepidation – of course, he knows what he’s done (I suppose it’s possible, he doesn’t understand how the Russians may have turned him into an “asset,” although his refusal to recognize their ATTACK and to criticize Putin would suggest otherwise), but to have members of Congress “circling the wagons” prior to Mueller’s investigation concluding suggests republicans may be planning to disregard his findings.  It certainly makes me feel they all understand Trump is guilty of some level of criminal activity and they are willing to put their control of power over Country.  Supposedly, our nation is based on the premise that we are “a nation of laws and not men.”  That is, NO ONE is above the law.  Apparently, all these “conservatives” are suggesting Trump – and them – are above the law.

Well, I’m coming to the conclusion that not only is Trump a threat to the fundamental values of America, but so are many of these people who are encouraging what amounts to sedition.  I’ve seen reports of people preparing to arm themselves for the “civil war” if Trump is found to have violated laws and is impeached.  He’s been “ginning” them up for this very time. It’s why he’s been attacking the media, so that his followers won’t believe the TRUTH once it’s out there, actions which, of course, have always had me assuming the truth will not be favorable to Trump.  When you look at his history – where he’s bullied his way through life and gotten away with who knows how many legal transgressions – this should not be surprising.

And, when you consider so many republicans were willing to look the other way regarding Trump’s admitted sexual predator behavior (admitted in more than one setting) it’s not surprising they would be laying the groundwork to “look the other way” regarding collusion with Russia AND obstruction of justice.  This is just how Trump does things – he’s the deal maker, right?  Well, to me – and, I’m pretty sure MILLIONS upon MILLIONS of other Americans agree with me that, if Trump is a criminal, he should face the consequences – one of which means he should no longer be president.  And, if republicans defend a president who’s committed crimes they should no longer be in Congress.  And, if Fox “news” (and other media outlets) commit sedition, they should be held accountable for their actions.

I’ve said this many times here – 2018 can’t come soon enough for me.  I’m sure republicans are counting on “liberals” petering out in their angst toward Trump and they’re expecting they’ll find ways to keep themselves in power in 2018.  I suppose that is likely in the Senate as there are around twice the number of Democrats up for re-election as republicans – and, many of those republicans are in supposedly “safe” seats – but, who knows how large the “wave” will be by 2018.  At this time, there are HUGE numbers of people stepping up and running as democrats for the 2018 election and if “conservatives” continue attacking our FBI and CIA and Mueller (remember, these are the so-called “law and order” people) the number of democratic challengers for 2018 will likely increase even more.  I believe the “resistance” is REAL.

I know democrats are trying to protect Mueller and the investigation as ALL members of Congress and ALL Americans should – we NEED to know what happened and whether or not Americans were working with the Russians to effect the results of the election.  That just can’t be allowed to happen under any circumstance.  Really, this investigation shouldn’t be partisan – this should be the focus of any American.  If we lose confidence in our voting system then Putin and the Russians have accomplished their most fervent goal.  It’s becoming clearer it’s possible we have our own citizens who would be OK with that.  One of the things I’ve always read about republicans came from Paul Weyrich when he said, “Republicans do better when fewer people vote.”  Well, the challenge for 2018 is to get as many people to the polls as possible.

Should this democratic “wave” sweep over the 2018 election, the next “requirement” is the democratic leadership MUST listen to the “will of the people.”  The reason most people are frustrated with government is because their “will” is hardly ever the result coming out of D.C.  “Obamacare” was unpopular, at first, because there was no “public option” – which was popular with 75% of Americans.  In 2006 democrats were elected to end the war in Iraq and the result was the so-called “surge.”  Bush was not impeached because democrats were like a friend of mine – they were “chicken.” I could give a list of other issues where the “will of the people” was ignored in Congress but if you’re still reading this post, you likely know what I’m talking about.  Hopefully, the “wave” of 2018 will give enough democrats the courage necessary to make sure this sedistic behavior coming from “conservatives” apparently willing to defend Trump under any circumstances is consequenced.  Disagreeing is part of the American “culture” – undermining the “rule of law” and our constitution is unacceptable behavior.  Apparently, “conservatives” are checking to see if the rest of us are paying attention.  I am, and I’m hoping 2018 will prove I’m far from alone!

Final Thought:  I don’t “do” Facebook – although almost everyone else I know does.  After reading the article in Business Week about the Philippines and how Facebook was used to suppress dissent I’m seeing huge “red flags.”  What I’ve read about Facebook’s role in helping the Russians achieve their goals in our election had already raised “red flags.”  I’m beginning to feel that Mark Zuckerberg is someone who is dangerous – either purposely or unwittingly.  It appears to me, at least in America, it’s possible Facebook should be facing regulation.  Apparently, Facebook is being used in nefarious ways all around the globe.  I’m not sure how it works, but I, for one, don’t want Zuckerberg having the power to determine the outcome of elections in America.  Simply put, that, under any circumstances, should NOT be possible!

There’s a good chance we’re going to survive what’s going on in America these days (despite Trump supporters spending their spare time at the shooting ranges), the question is, will our republic still be the same and will the “rule of law” still be intact.  I’ve been lamenting where the republican party was headed for over 10 years (on this site – much longer counting before I started writing) and, now they seem to have reached the tipping point.  It appears a significant number of members of Congress, especially in the House, are coalescing around Trump and, beyond all reason, even suggesting the investigation into the Russia intrusion into our previous election is a “silent coup.”  That is absurd, but now that Paul Ryan’s “wet dream” has manifested itself in this “tax overhaul” – which is actually a TAX CUT for the wealthiest Americans – over 80% going to the top 1% – they’re swooning over Trump in ways that would make grown men GAG – except for those men (mostly white) who watch Fox “news” and listen to people like Rush Limbaugh, Michael Savage, and the other propagandists of the fourth Reich who are Trump’s “base.”  (More on that later)

Republicans crammed through their tax cut which will make many of them even more wealthy and appease their donor class who were already EXTREMELY wealthy, but can’t seem to get enough (is this what you call “draining the swamp?”).  Today, one day after the scam was approved they lined up in the Rose garden and took turns trying to see who could be the MOST pathetic cult member as they, one by one, – similar to Trump’s original cabinet meeting where members went around the table thanking him for the incredible privilege of giving up their moral person-hood to him in exchange for their willingness to promote his LYING agenda – spoke about how Trump is “maybe the greatest president ever” (in the words of Orrin Hatch) because of his willingness to sign a tax cut bill that virtually no one, including Trump, knows what’s in it and what will happen because of it.

The only thing most of us know about this tax cut bill is that people like Trump (and, unfortunately, that last “holdout” among republicans, Bob Corker) will gain MILLIONS from provisions in the bill designed specifically for them.  There’s a provision in the bill for Ted Cruz and who knows how many other republicans have guided taxpayer funds from the treasury to their check books as they claim they’re “giving the American people their money back” – in the disingenuous words of Paul Ryan.  That statement is preposterous on its face – I’ll explain how later.  The unbelievable republican celebration almost (seriously) made me PUKE and, I can only imagine what our friends around the world are saying to each other.  Especially, the ones we expect to fund this massive giveaway – of which over 80% goes to the top 1% in America. (OK, I know I said that already, apparently it really bugs me)

Lest I forget, let me remind you it’s been the republicans whining about the national debt for the past 8 years while President Obama was in office.  A little history:  GW Bush/Dick Cheney left the country in a TERRIBLE mess – what easily could have been another Great Depression, but  was commonly termed the “Great Recession” (thanks to Obama’s stimulus “package”) where a MILLION jobs per month were being lost and the annual deficit was $1.5 TRILLION – yes, that’s correct, EACH year!  That’s what Obama “inherited.”  President Obama managed to get that (annual) deficit down to around $400 BILLION by the time he left office.  During those 8 years, I worried about my hearing because the NOISE coming from republicans complaining about the deficit was so LOUD – in fact, they were pinning the Bush/Cheney deficits on Obama BEFORE he took the oath of office.  (then, of course, they REFUSED to help him eradicate it)  Republicans even blamed Obama for the TARP bailouts that were the handiwork of Henry Paulsen – Bush’s Treasury Secretary – you know, another bastion of “free markets” – like these republicans who just passed this massive tax cut giveaway to the least needy in America.  (some refer to this as “corporate welfare” – of course, the republicans don’t believe in “welfare”)

On the one hand they were BLAMING Obama “out of the box” for the Bush/Cheney BAILOUT, their DEFICIT, and anything else bad they could use their Fox propaganda machine to turn unsuspecting Americans against our first person of color living in their “White House.”  On the other hand they were all claiming to be fiscal conservatives.  Over the last 7 years of Obama’s presidency the economy was on a CONSTANT upward climb.  Every month increased job growth and reduced unemployment – to the point where we were well under “full employment” when Trump took office with over 200,000 new jobs per month – for over 80 STRAIGHT months.  And, true to form, Obama’s successes “ended at the water’s edge.”  By that, I mean republicans have refused to acknowledge the gains of this past year having been largely the result of the economy President Obama “gifted” to Trump.  Republicans are what I call “the I’ll have my cake and eat it too” crowd.

Yes, it’s true the stock market got a kick in the butt because all the money changers are – and have been – anticipating this tax cut and all the executive orders removing (much needed) regulations intended to keep them from getting out of control again and creating another financial nightmare.  Well, now Trump is making his imprint on the economy and causing the next financial meltdown to to gain steam.  And, guess what, they’ll find a way to blame it on either President Obama or Hillary Clinton when it happens – count on it!  (or the next president, depending on when things crash)

Republicans say with this tax cut “we’re giving the American people their money back.” (honestly, Paul Ryan had a grin from ear to ear as he said that – along with “I’ve been waiting years to say this”) Well, that’s absurd on its face in so many ways – I’ll try to keep my focus as I explain.  First, this is almost ALL BORROWED money.  That means, it’s likely not OUR (meaning “we the people’s”) money.  It might come from China, or Saudi Arabia, or the Federal Reserve (they have high tech printing presses) or, God forbid (this thought just crossed my mind) Russia.  What we know is – it’s not “we the people’s” money.  The DEBT will be increased by at least $1.5 TRILLION (which, coincidentally, is the size of the tax cut) and I’m guessing with everything else they’re either doing or not doing, the debt will increase by at least DOUBLE that.  That’s been the result of the previous tax scams – the 1981 Scam perpetrated by Reagan and the 2001 scam perpetrated by Bush/Cheney – where Dick Cheney famously said, “Reagan proved deficits don’t matter.”  Evidently, with republicans deficits ONLY matter when a democrat is in the “White House.”  So, two things:  1.)  It’s not “we the people’s money and 2.) “we the people” aren’t getting it!

Further, even if this was actually being done with real money – that is, money ponied up by us “Middle Class taxpayers” – again, they wouldn’t be returning it to “hard working Americans” – as claimed by Ryan and other republicans willing to sell their souls to the donors who they can’t stay in office without.  (that’s because there’s not enough “little guys” willing to send them money AKA Bernie Sanders to fund their campaigns)  Over 80% of this money is going to the top 1% and, (Yes, I know that’s the third time I’ve said that, but it’s important info) as the saying goes, someone’s got to pay for it.  Well, that someone apparently, based on what I’m seeing from these people is our children and grandchildren (unless we keep voting in republicans and then it could be our great grandchildren).  I honestly don’t know where bankruptcy for our nation lies, but I’m guessing republicans are planning that for the next democratic administration – or the one after that – if they think they can pull off this scam one more time.  Who knows, if Fox “news” can stay in business…….. maybe.  Their “plan” is like one of my dreams, where I go to the bank and borrow way too much money and the banker says, don’t worry, you don’t have to pay it back.  We’ll contact your children or grandchildren. Wow!

Republicans claim “growth” is going to pay for this tax cut.  I’ve listened to and read from numerous respected economists and the ONLY one who I’ve heard make that claim is the guy who works for Trump.  Most say, even with the rosiest prognostication the increase to the deficit will be at least  a TRILLION over ten years.  What this means is that the reduction in the deficit caused by Obama’s policies will likely end this year and, as Reagan once famously said, “here we go again” and the national debt will balloon even more. Look at it this way – if a tax cut would stimulate the economy enough to pay for something like this it would have to be in a downturn.  We’re in a boom cycle – so it’s much more likely this tax cut will “stimulate” inflation more than any other outcome.  Why stimulate something that doesn’t need stimulating?  You know what I mean?

Despite their complaining about deficits to the contrary, this is what republicans do.  What’s interesting is that we’re fast approaching another place where we’re “hitting” the debt ceiling – should be interesting to see what all the deficit hawks in the republican party – who annually threatened default during Obama’s years – have to say.  Tomorrow, republicans have to attempt to keep the government open – that should be interesting.  They’ll probably shut it down and find a way to blame democrats – who, at a minimum are going to want a solution to the DACA issue.  This is America in the 21st century. Maybe a more likely scenario is another “kicking the can down the road.”  You know the saying – “never do today what you can put off until tomorrow.”

This all was foreshadowed by the “Powell memo” back in 1972 when republicans in concert with the Chamber of Commerce took aim at workers and unions while propping up a corporatocracy.  Of course, I don’t believe anyone, at the time, in their wildest dreams could have imagined anyone as BAD as Trump in the “White House.”  (forgive me Mr. Hatch)  This tax cut is bad enough – but, it will pale if republicans allow the continued attacks on our FBI, Justice Department, AND the Mueller investigation – as if there was no ATTACK on America by the Russians in the last election.  If you read about how authoritarian regimes are weaponizing outlets like Facebook, Twitter, etc. around the world to foment their dogma, it’s easy to see how the Russians easily could have swung the election – like they’re bragging in Moscow.  This is serious business and the rule of law MUST prevail!

I believe Trump may very well come off as connected to organized crime – either in the U.S. or via connections to Russia once Mueller’s probe is completed.  I certainly hope there’s a majority of Americans who aren’t OK with that.  Theoretically, you’d think republicans would be keeping a distance between themselves and Trump until they know how much he’s been compromised. (Can you imagine them if this was Obama under investigation?)   We know there was Russian involvement and it appears that, for example with the Facebook and Twitter “weaponizing,” it couldn’t have been done without “guidance.”  (And, I’m not talking about guidance from Moscow or some other place off of America’s shores)  If Trump is compromised by Russia, either wittingly or unwittingly, he’s a danger to our republic.  If he’s been involved in money laundering of Russian money (or his own) and/or he was aware of the collusion during the campaign, he should face the consequences.

Jared Kushner, it seems to me, would be the one who would have been helping the Russians to “focus” their Facebook and Twitter attacks in the most effective direction.  I find it hard to believe they would have known how to provide the REAL fake news so efficiently without assistance.  There’s too many coincidences to suggest the Trump administration is innocent of wrongdoing as the Russians were ATTACKING the fundamental premise of our republic – our right to vote.  If republicans put their power ahead of their country in this – well, as Kellyanne Conway said referring to child predators (she, of course, was speaking of – before Trump decided to support him – Roy Moore) – “There’s a special place in hell………..”  You know the rest.  Well, to me, there’s a special place in hell for politicians who put power ahead of patriotism.  And, in this instance, patriotism REQUIRES finding the TRUTH about the Russia ATTACK on our nation in 2016 and beyond.  (I believe it’s ongoing – and, with Jeff Sessions in Charge our Justice Department is doing absolutely NOTHING about it!

Kushner, to me, is next in Mueller’s “sights.”  And, Donald Trump Jr. may not be far behind.  You could add Mike Pense to that, Kellyanne Conway, and Steve Bannon – to name a few that appear to me to be vulnerable.  This crew is as corrupt as they come from what I can tell.  We pretty much know how Trump will react when his son or son-in-law are either indicted or given opportunities for plea deals – the question is how will republicans react?  If today’s slobber session in the Rose Garden is any indication – our nation, as a “nation of laws and not men” is far more under attack than anyone could have imagined.  I’ve predicted Trump’s Tiki Torch carrying supporters will react with violence should he be found “wanting” – as far as the law is concerned – the question is – will they get away with it?  As Rachel Maddow says, “watch this space!”

I spent the eight years of the Obama administration listening to republicans complaining about the deficit, taking us to the “brink” every time the issue of the debt ceiling would come up.  Republicans would threaten, each time, to shut the government down and/or take us into default.  Yet, the first year republicans have control of every part of the government, we’re looking at a “tax reform” that will take hundreds of BILLIONS from the working class of America and shift it to the “top 1%” – just as people like me predicted.  Unfortunately, we’re stuck with these people until at least 2018 and, possibly Trump until 2020 because republicans are coalescing around Trump in what appears to be a “firewall” to protect him from his past misdeeds – which are likely to be exposed soon by Robert Mueller.

When people understand what’s in the tax scam republicans are likely to get through Congress – more to prove they can do SOMETHING than to do something USEFUL – people who don’t like Trump and the republicans are going to be even angrier.  For example, when they fully understand that Trump’s claim he won’t benefit from the scam is ludicrous and that they are the ones not benefiting from the scam the anger will increase.  When the reality of the increased deficit shows its ugly “face” people will, or should, be angrier – at republicans.  They can’t pin this on democrats because the bill was written in the offices of Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell and MOST members will vote on it without reading it.  Trump is set to gain at least a BILLION dollars because of this tax scam.

Those of us who are in the working class should dislike this scam especially when we discover the “bottom line” is going down once we factor in the increase in our health care costs because of republicans repealing the “individual mandate” from the Affordable Care Act along with the increases already from Trump’s purposeful attempts to ruin our health care system.  Obviously, Trump hates anything with President Obama’s name attached to it.  I’m guessing that Trump’s actions are not only making the Affordable Care Act more popular, but Obama as well.  I keep thinking of the saying “how low can you go” when I think of Trump – and, he keeps proving he can go “lower.”  There appears to be no limits as to how low he can go.

Clearly, the best hope for those of us who don’t like having a LIAR, a narcissist (well, I suppose you could argue that being a narcissist to some level is required for someone who wants to be president – but Trump is in the stratosphere of narcissists!), a misogynist, a racist, and a Nazi as our president is Robert Mueller.  Despite the reality that Trump often seems STUPID in some of the things he does and says, he’s not to STUPID as to be unsuspecting as to what’s coming “down the pike” from Mueller.  Trump knows what he’s done and very likely feels it must be legal because he’s been getting away with it for years – but, Mueller is one of the BEST FBI investigators of our generation and Trump is in trouble – and he KNOWS it!

So, true to Trump’s “form” he fights back – and, in this instance he’s fighting back before the “you know what” hits the fan.  He’s ginning up his “base” to believe the FBI is “dishonest” (can you believe Trump – the man with almost 2000 CONFIRMED LIES since he took the OATH of office – claiming anyone is dishonest?  Especially Mueller and the FBI.  You’ve got to be kidding me.  He’s basing his claim on text messages from one person who was part of Mueller’s team that was anti Trump and, to a degree, pro Clinton.  Of course, as soon as Mueller discovered the text messages this person was removed from the investigation.  Apparently, the recipient of the texts had already left – either the Mueller team, or the FBI.  I’m not sure if Trump is trying to require FBI agents to “pledge loyalty” to him – as he attempted to get James Comey to do – but, think about what that would mean if it’s true.  (well, if you watch Fox “news” I doubt if you have the ability to think – this or anything else that’s not their propaganda through) There are those in Trump’s “circle” evidently claiming the FBI is planning a “coup de tat.”  Yikes!

Let me explain this if you don’t understand.  A coup de tat (most people just say “coup”) is the ILLEGAL overthrow of a “state” (country) by the military or “some other elite force.”  What Trump (and his supporters) clearly fear is the FINDING of the Mueller investigation.  Again, Trump is smart enough to KNOW what he did – whether it’s collusion with the Russians (he’s been on the phone with Putin pretty regular of late) OR the OBSTRUCTION which would relate to firing Comey AND his attempts to protect his son from clearly being STUPID.  I can see the argument that NONE in the Trump “circle” had any idea what they were getting into when the campaign started, but as the saying goes “ignorance of the law is no excuse.”

And MOST Americans as old as Trump know, from the Watergate years, “the coverup is worse than the crime.”  I’m still not sure what all the crimes were/are in this instance, but it’s clear Trump didn’t learn from Nixon.  His attempts to cover up whatever involvement he and those in his campaign had with the Russians has been, well – at best, SLOPPY.  At worst, it has been crime family like.  I believe we’re going to learn much about Trump and his “dealings” for the past several years when Mueller’s investigation is finished.  Tangled web of following the money will likely tell us why Trump refused to show his taxes.  One lesson for “we the people” from this entire episode SHOULD be NO ONE ever is allowed to run for president without showing his/her tax returns BEFORE any election – “IRS audit” or not.  (The “audit” claim, to me, was always laughable)

So, if Trump is in trouble regarding the Mueller investigation, it will not be a coup de tat.  The reality is, and always has been, that the republicans in Congress will decide Trump’s fate should Mueller expose “high crimes and misdemeanors” that we don’t already know.  Of course, there are many beside myself who claim Trump has already committed “high crimes and misdemeanors.”  Richard Painter – the ethics lawyer in the GW Bush White House – has repeatedly pointed out how Trump is continually violating the emoluments clause in the Constitution as he enriches himself via foreign money being spent in his hotels.  (Of course, as I said above, he’s enriching himself with the tax cut as well – the most brazen “theft” of taxpayer money in my lifetime).  However, realistically, if Trump’s transgressions via the Mueller investigation meet the “high crimes and misdemeanors” level of traditional American jurisprudence Trump is laying the ground to encourage his “base” to believe it is “fake.”  And, apparently, republicans in Congress are laying the “groundwork” to agree.

If Trump is removed from office, at least in 2018 it will be because the republicans in Congress decide to take their oath of office seriously.  Suggesting there was no Russian ATTACK on our electoral process is LUDICROUS – but, apparently, those defending Trump are accepting of the Russians being involved in his success – no matter the level.  We’ll never know, more than likely, if their involvement actually swung the election – but, hopefully, we’ll learn if Trump’s campaign was working with them to do so.  By all reports I’ve read, the Russians didn’t believe they could actually cause Trump to win – they were attempting (and they seem to have succeeded) to sow discontent and disenchantment with our system and create problems for Hillary Clinton.  When you see some of the Facebook adds they ran it’s really hard to believe they didn’t have help – but, we all wait for Mueller.  Trump seems to know what’s coming – and, true to his form, I believe that’s what is behind the “coup” talk.  He, and his closest supporters, know Mueller has the “goods” on him.

I’m guessing, again – I believe once Mike Flynn decided to cooperate with Mueller Trump knew it’s just a matter of time until the “high crimes and misdemeanors” are public.  Flynn was at his side all the way through the campaign AND, more importantly, the period between the election and the inauguration – when the “stuff” with the Russians became more public AND Flynn had his contacts with the Russians where, apparently, there was a “quid pro quo” regarding sanctions. It all will be interesting once the investigation is made public – and, despite the right wing efforts to smear Mueller, he will still be regarded as one of the most honest and capable FBI agents in our generation.

Trump’s suggestions about the FBI being in “tatters” is absurd and interesting considering people like me believe he’s in office because of the FBI.  Reports I read (and heard – from my right wing friends) suggested, during the election the FBI was, in large part – those involved in the “email” investigation – opposed to Mrs. Clinton.  Clearly, James Comey is as responsible as anyone for Trump being in the “White House.”  So, I find it interesting they are the target of the right wingers today.  Evidently, having it “both ways” is their mantra.  Look up the video of Newt Gingrich on Mueller, for example. when he was chosen as special prosecutor and what he’s saying now.  I totally believe MOST Americans will not fall for Trump’s attempt (along with republicans like Gingrich) to turn America into the “fourth Reich.”  “We the people” aren’t as stupid as they think.

Obviously, with the tax cut, they think we’re pretty stupid.  But, most people I talk to (save for those who watch Fox – and listen to people like Rush Limbaugh, Michael Savage, etc.) believe Robert Mueller is fair and honest and will support whatever his findings are.  If Trump and his supporters on Trump and GOP TV continue attacking Mueller and the FBI, we’re in for the greatest challenge to our Constitution in ALL of our lifetimes – in the HISTORY of this great nation.  If Trump is not challenged and held accountable to the law, America will become a pariah in the eyes of the world – with the exception of Russia and places who operate like them.  We will be forfeiting what our forefathers fought for and gave to us.

For those in America who continue complaining about our “government” I would remind them the government is “we the people.”  We’re responsible for who gets elected and Trump is there, along with many of those who support him because of all the people who choose not to vote.  There’s too many Americans who fail to take their responsibility to vote seriously and my hope is, at the very minimum, Trump motivates young people to get off their butts and become involved with the political process.  It’s not only a responsibility, it should be considered a great privilege.  It’s the reason America was great LONG before Trump ever opened his LYING mouth.  If these HORRIBLE tax cuts AND the talk of Robert Mueller and the FBI planning a coup doesn’t get the attention of fair minded Americans then this nation is in trouble.  I choose to believe we’ll NEVER allow someone like Trump to turn America into a Fascist state.  The time for resistance is NOW and every day Trump and his surrogates (or those in Congress who are choosing to enable him) remain in office.

Final thought: Personally, I’ve been beyond disappointed in people like Bob Corker, Jeff Flake, Susan Collins, John McCain, and Lindsey Graham as they’ve violated their own principles in voting for a tax scam that not only eviscerates our health care system, but pushes the deficit back up into the stratosphere – likely in a year or two more than a TRILLION dollars per year.  President Obama worked hard to cut the deficit from the $1.5 TRILLION  per year – that he inherited from Bush/Cheney (Cheney who famously said, “Reagan proved deficits don’t matter) and, despite constant republican obstruction, by almost 70% (to near $400 BILLION per year) when he left office.  By next year it will likely be almost twice the deficit Trump inherited.  Republicans don’t care about this, because they are the ones benefiting from the transfer of wealth from the bottom to the top.  It’s disgraceful, and, at some point, it has to stop.  I say it should stop NOW – but, clearly, republicans don’t listen to me or the MILLIONS of people like me who don’t want to saddle the next generation with this terrible burden.  Sad!

I’ve been pointing out for years the importance of voting this present version of the republican party out of office en masse.  Well, it’s getting more important than ever.  2018 can’t come soon enough for me, and I can only hope the energy that showed itself in the “Women’s March” the day after Trump’s inauguration (which was minuscule compared to Obama’s) will grow.  This needs to be a national repudiation of this republican party which, as I’m writing this, is coalescing around Trump and all the baggage that goes with doing so.

Just a few months ago republicans were touting the merits of Robert Mueller as one of the most honest and reliable members of the FBI and the perfect person to be the special counsel.  Some republicans even seemed to be concerned that our nation was ATTACKED by Russia in the last election – an ATTACK that is ongoing – AND that Trump and his administration are curiously ignoring.  Now, we’ve got one republican after another lining up with Trump as he attacks the FBI, and indirectly Mueller – those in Congress are DIRECTLY attacking Mueller as being “biased” against Trump.  This is because these people are smart enough to see the “writing on the wall.”  Trump is in Mueller’s “cross-hairs.”  Mueller really IS following the facts!

Mueller is NOT biased, the facts, simply speaking, are leading him right into the “Oval Office.”  I believe Jared Kushner will be the next person indicted and Trump Jr. is a likely target – although, from what I can tell he’s less vulnerable – except, you KNOW he’s going to LIE somewhere along the lines if he’s interviewed enough.  These people ALL LIE all the time.  Most legal experts I’ve seen, with the exception of those on Fox “news” – which should be named “GOP news,” are postulating that Trump has committed OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE on more than one occasion.  It’s clear to anyone following this “drama” that Trump’s trying to stop the investigation – before it gets to him and his family. (Now, even his lawyers appear to be lying)

The reason I’m feeling Trump is MORE dangerous than I originally thought is because I miscalculated how many republicans would join forces with him as his wrongdoing comes closer to the open.  What’s most disturbing about this to me is their willingness to ignore the Russians meddling in our republic – meddling which is going on still and our government is turning a blind eye to it because republicans control the agenda.  To me, Trump is repugnant and his willingness to upend virtually everything progressives have fought for over the past 70 years will be generational damage if he’s allowed to get away with it.  Like many others, I’m not sure republicans will support Mueller’s findings if it implicates Trump – which appears LIKELY!  Yes, we’re talking about a constitutional crisis – full blown!

I’ve said many times I believe republicans fear Trump’s base which showed its “colors” at Charlottesville with the Tiki Torches and Nazi slogans.  These were NOT “very fine people” as Trump claimed.  These are people like David Duke, former head of the KKK.  Most of them, from what I’ve read, are armed to the hilt.  Where I live, which is called the “left coast,” many of the Trump supporters I saw during the campaign were wearing holstered hand guns as they carried their “Make America Great Again” flags and signs around.  It didn’t work where I live, but, obviously, there were enough disenchanted Americans in the rust belt to swing the Electoral College for Trump by a razor thin margin. (despite the FACT he lost the “popular vote” by 3 MILLION votes!) We’ll likely never know how much the Russians and the voter suppression tactics of the republicans affected that outcome.

America was great before Trump took office – as he furthers his agenda and more of these right wing republicans cozy up to him it’s becoming less great all the time.  I recently read a right wing article (I can’t remember the publication) which was ridiculing President Obama’s economic record and trying to ignore the REALITY that Trump is riding the economy Obama left for him – one that was creating jobs EVERY quarter for 7 years and was bordering on BOOMING the day Trump took office.  Just as Obama was STUCK with the economy he inherited from Bush/Cheney for the first year (a disastrous one at that – they almost pushed us into another “Great Depression”) Trump lives off of Obama’s economy to this day.  Once his budget and other “stuff” (including this terrible tax cut) take effect, then he will be able to claim the results – good or bad.  It’s disingenuous for him to claim credit for what Obama and the democrats created – which, by the way, he derided during the election.  If he leads us into a recession, America won’t seem so great.

Since Trump took office, he’s been cozying up to one dictator after another while turning our traditional friends in Europe away.  I’ve heard reports that the Brits don’t want Trump to set foot on their soil.  If “we the people” don’t stand up against this brazen attack on our traditional institutions we stand to be isolated from the friends we fought for and with in WW II.  This is bad, It’s REAL bad!

And, democrats.  What are they doing?  I’m not sure if they have a coherent plan, I’m not sure if they have leaders who have a clue as to how to defeat this Trump “movement.”  Trust me, there’s MILLIONS of Americans who will support the right person who’s willing to stand up to Trump and his supporters.  Trump’s “approval rating” is nearing 30% – yet, for some reason people like Lindsey Graham – who I once thought would be one of the courageous republicans to stand up against Trump – are joining him in trying to turn the focus of all the investigations back to who else,  but Hillary Clinton.  Yikes!  There SHOULD be a democrat who can mobilize a national resistance to this republican nonsense and to Trump and create a situation where people are motivated to start cleansing “We the people” from this disaster in November of 2018!  Obviously, we won’t be able to count on the republicans.

Republicans have been “investigating” Hillary Clinton for as long as I can remember.  I guess they’ve forgotten the last hearing where she was grilled for 11 hours in front of the Benghazi committee – where she made them all look as if they didn’t understand how the government functions.  If you were a republican, you had to be embarrassed.  Well, apparently, here we go again.  Astonishingly, republicans are claiming the Mueller team is “pro Clinton.”  When I heard that, all I could think was “are you kidding me?”  If anyone remembers, it was James Comey who swung the election to Trump with his ill timed announcement that the “email investigation” was re-opened.  I remember, at the time, watching the effect that had on the polling – which was terrible for Mrs. Clinton.  So, the reality is, Clinton lost.  End of story, right?  Well, evidently, she is their plan to deflect the attention from the likely reality of Mueller’s probe.

I knew republicans have short term memory issues – it didn’t take them long to forget the damage done by Bush/Cheney to our economy – shortly after President Obama was inaugurated I still remember republicans blaming him for the TARP bailout (Initiated by Bush’s Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson) AND the 1.5 TRILLION deficit – EACH YEAR!  Many republicans still believe Obama was responsible for the TARP bailout (thanks to Fox “news”)!  Sadly, over the term of Obama’s presidency the so-called “liberal media” let republicans, time and again, blame Obama – and their “blaming” was relentless – for the deficit which was reduced from that $1.5 TRILLION per year when he took office to around $400 BILLION when he left.  (I can’t count how many people I’ve pointed this FACT out to who have said, “really, is that true, I’ve never heard that”) Now, the first thing republicans are doing is making the DEFICIT much worse and, of course, you don’t hear a peep out of all the so-called “deficit hawks.”  Sad!

Trump clearly has fascist tendencies along with all his other “baggage.”  I’m struggling to understand why so many in the republican caucus are now aligning themselves with him – as he’s out campaigning for Roy Moore – who, himself, has mountains of baggage beyond the claims he was a pedifile and sexual predator when he was in his thirties.  Thankfully, Alabamians – at least most of them – are able to put country and morality ahead of their political party and are likely to vote Doug Jones into the Senate as a Democrat.  Jones, by the way, seems to me to be a very practical and honorable man.

One thing that has bugged me over the years is the democrats willingness to pretty much ignore places like Alabama and other southern states – mostly because of the abortion issue.  Well, to me, that’s a stupid strategy.  First of all, there SHOULD be a dialogue in this nation about the issue of abortion.  That’s an issue for another day – here – but, it’s clear to me, the ONLY reason the Alabama election is even close is because of that issue.  Most Alabamians, as well as other parts of America where many people vote based on this issue, are hard working, honorable people.  It’s a “fools errand” for democrats to continue ignoring this and pushing people away because of making the abortion issue a “black and white” issue.

America is at a defining point in her history – and, we need to come together as a people.  We ARE the “Melting pot” of the world.  We’ve been a refuge for people who have been victims of all sorts of terrible circumstances and it’s what makes us “great.”  We need to honor our diversity and Trump and his followers are trying to do the very opposite.  I believe there’s a “wave” of resistance to Trump going across America – but, until 2018 there’s a LOT of damage Trump and the republicans can do – starting with this terrible tax cut.  We the people MUST stay strong – if republicans go after Mueller and attempt to “short circuit” his investigation we need to stand up by the MILLIONS to protest.  If Trump is guilty of “high crimes and misdemeanors” he SHOULD face the consequences and republicans should NOT attempt to circumvent their oaths to the constitution.

The problem is NOT Hillary Clinton.  She lost.  She’s done.  It’s time to move on for republicans.  The problem is NOT Barack Obama (Oh, do I miss him in the Oval Office) his term is over and its a shame republicans seem to be on a vendetta to turn us back to before he took office instead of building on what he started.  (I guess they’ve really forgotten what they left Obama)  The problem IS a foreign adversary ATTACKED our nation – well beyond ANYTHING we’ve ever seen before – and, quite possibly members of Trump’s campaign were working with them to affect the election.  We NEED to know this.  (I wish the Congressional investigations weren’t so “political” – due to republicans trepidation about the REAL outcomes)

Finally:  My guess is that Trump’s “crimes” will include “stuff” that happened well before he took the oath of office.  (It really is hard for me to use the word “oath” in the same sentence with Trump – he’s proven his word is certainly not his bond)  Republicans will really NOT like seeing that.  However, he’s clearly committed enough offenses already that we KNOW of to justify impeachment.  Personally, I believe Mike Pense is right there with him – participating in the conspiracy to OBSTRUCT JUSTICE.  Sadly, if Congress does it’s duty, this would leave us with Paul Ryan in the Oval Office.  That would take America “from the frying pan into the fire.”  It’s going to be tough making it to 2020 – one way or the other!

As this “drama” we call the Trump administration moves forward I continue to write about what I call the “damage” being done before “we the people” will manage to end this nightmare.  It’s mounting fast and it’s becoming hard to decide what is the most egregious of what Trump is doing to our republic.  As I force myself to watch as much Fox “news” as my stomach can tolerate it’s becoming clear that republicans have chosen to put power ahead of country.  Surprise surprise! (I’ve been pointing this out for years)  They have chosen to ratchet up the attacks on Robert Mueller, the FBI, and presumably the intelligence community as they anticipate Trump will eventually face charges which could potentially be the most egregious against anyone who’s ever inhabited the “White House.”

I’ve predicted on several occasions that Donald Trump will find himself along side Benedict Arnold when His place in American history is finally written.  Right next to Trump will be Fox “news” which is an entity that has chosen to use it’s position of having a place on the public media spectrum to BRAINWASH unsuspecting Americans who actually believe they are receiving true information and, when they turn off the TV, they believe they’ve been informed.  The BRAINWASHING goes so deep that if you’re a “progressive” (liberal) you can’t even talk to them.  Today, I talked to a lady who actually said she can’t talk politics with anyone who disagrees with her.  She claimed she was “informed” and said she watches “Fox news all the way.”  I’ve seen this over and over – these people get red in the face when their beliefs are questioned.  This particular lady said, “I’m a conservative” as if that was a measure of pride. (And, as if she could actually define what is a “conservative.”)

I didn’t engage in any discussion with this woman but I guessed she was a supporter of Trump and, had there been a discussion I inferred that she would be claiming Robert Mueller is a biased political hack that should be fired – along with his entire staff.  Keep in mind, his staff is considered the “Cadillac” of investigation staffs.  His investigators are considered the best of the best, they’re considered “a political,” they’re committed public servants who’ve taken an oath to the constitution, and – if you’ve committed a crime and they are investigating, you’re likely “up a creek without a paddle.”  Well, it’s not only obvious to people like me that Trump is in trouble, but also Fox “news” and Trump surrogates in the republican party.  The republican solution to this problem is to attack the investigators prior to the investigation’s findings – evidently to justify what they will do at that time.

What this implies is that republicans in Congress are laying the ground for their justification in refusing to IMPEACH Trump when the Mueller probe is finally published.  This would suggest republicans will support Trump’s plan to pardon those who get caught up in Mueller’s probe – which likely would include Jared Kushner, Trump Jr., Hope Hicks, Mike Pense, and many others.  I’ve watched these republicans giving cover to Trump all year as they’re supposed to be investigating the Russian ATTACK on our nation.  Each time Trump pushes the “bar” well beyond anything MOST Americans consider acceptable, continuing to do the work of the Russians by undermining our “democracy” and further pitting American against American – doing the work the Russians would be unable to do without Trump’s (and the republicans’) help – I can only imagine the smile on Vladimir Putin’s face.  I believe republicans are willing to accept this in exchange for Trump’s signature on a Tax bill which has the republican donors slobbering all over themselves.  And, whatever else they can manage to get through Congress prior to 2018.  This is shameful!

Can anyone out there imagine what republicans would have done had Barack Obama used Russian intelligence to win either of his elections to the White House.  I’ve been thinking Donald Trump’s election saved us all from a plethora of investigations into Hillary Clinton and I’m pretty sure she would already have faced impeachment had she won the last election.  (Well, actually, she DID win the election – she was defeated by the electoral college)  That last thought brought another to mind – just think what republicans would have done had Obama lost to McCain or Romney by 3 MILLION votes, but carried the Electoral College.  My thought is that would have been the end of the “college.”  (Is it a “college?”)

Here’s how I see this present situation playing out – Trump will be facing numerous charges due to the reality that investigators like Mueller “follow the facts” wherever they lead.  I believe Trump is vulnerable in several areas that likely have nothing to do with politics – other than to explain Trump’s “curious” bromance with Vladimir Putin and Russia.  Trump very possibly has money laundering liability from what I can tell by watching varying reports regarding his real estate “empire,” and his issues with “stiffing” banks over the years – to where Trump had to rely on Deutche Bank for money – a lender with HUGE issues regarding “laundering” Russian money over the years.  Both Trump and his son in law have significant exposure via loans totaling hundreds of MILLIONS with Deutche Bank.  As Mueller peruses Trump’s tax returns he’s likely to find many connections to Russia which may answer many of the questions “we the people” have been asking since we learned Russia ATTACKED America on Trump’s behalf in 2016.  Of course, as stated above, republicans appear to be setting the stage to disregard the findings of the Mueller investigation.

Which brings me back to the “damage” Trump is doing to this nation. (I wish I could think of a more sophisticated term)  I believe “we the people” are facing the possibility of the absolute MOST “damage” possible coming from this DEPLORABLE person and his impending disregard of Mueller’s findings.  It’s been documented that he’s LIED over 1600 times since taking office, but the Most disingenuous LIES are being perpetrated RIGHT NOW as I’m writing this as Trump is gearing up his counterattack to Mueller.  Obviously, Trump KNOWS that Mueller is “right around the corner” because, despite the observable FACT that Trump is delusional, he KNOWS what he did and he KNOWS Mueller probably KNOWS as well – if by no other way, through Michael Flynn – who’s obligated to tell it all to save his own “skin” and that of his son’s.

For starters, to suggest Flynn “lied to the Vice President” was preposterous on its face when they used that as the excuse for firing him AND anyone paying close attention would KNOW Flynn does “have a story to tell” as was suggested when he originally sought “immunity” to “spill his guts.”  I believe the LIES coming from the “White House” suggesting Flynn “lied to the Vice President” has put many “White House” employees from that time period, including – of course – Trump, but also Pense and others in jeopardy.  Anyone “in on that LIE” would be potentially part of a conspiracy to “OBSTRUCT JUSTICE.”  Trump’s lawyers and Fox “news” are now pushing the RIDICULOUS theory that the “president can’t obstruct justice.”  That theory is, of course, PREPOSTEROUS!

Trump and the right wing message centers along with all the programmable “water carriers” are going after Mueller and the FBI in real time (Yes, these are the very people who claim to support “law and order” while they prepare us for disorder).  They’re trying to lay the groundwork for being able to justify not IMPEACHING Trump when Mueller is done – and, instead starting an investigation into Mueller, himself, and the FBI!  I’m NOT making this up!  If Trump and Fox “news” succeed, this will lead to the very instability Putin was attempting to cause – only, he thought Hillary Clinton would be the president.  This would be a “very fine” bonus for Putin – well beyond his “wildest dreams.”  It would also threaten the very existence of our republic.  I’m guessing, because of Trump’s ginning up his “base,” and the existence of damning evidence Trump cannot hide – one way or the other – there’s going to be people in the streets after the “smoke clears.”

If Trump is allowed to get away with this, America stands to become what I heard a republican in Congress today refer to what we’d resemble if we “allow Hillary Clinton to get away with all of her crimes” and that’s a “banana republic.”  I don’t know who the Congress person was speaking, but that was a classic case of “political projection.”  Accuse your opponent of your own intentions.  If we become a nation allowing leaders to disregard the laws, one allowing our presidents to tell the justice department who to investigate, if we accept that our leaders are “above the law,” and if political aspirants have to live in fear that they will be prosecuted should they lose an election – then we will have allowed ourselves to slip into “third world” status.  You’re correct – that would be a “banana republic.”

Trump is pushing an extremely dangerous narrative and “we the people” MUST resist!  If he goes after Mueller upon the conclusion of this investigation, then “when the smoke clears” Trump needs to be held accountable for ALL his actions in a court of law.  It’s time to make it clear our leaders are not above the law.  The biggest mistake of Barack Obama, in my view, was when he chose to “look forward instead of back.”  The Bush/Cheney regime violated NUMEROUS laws and Obama chose to allow them to “go to pasture” peacefully.  This cannot happen with Trump.  He’s pushing this nation to the brink of a constitutional disaster that could change America forever.  He’s aligned himself with people who wear NAZI armbands and shout NAZI slogans – we CAN’T allow him to succeed.  His authoritarian personality has been obvious from the start – what wasn’t as obvious to me was the number of republicans who would jump on his “bandwagon.”  I’m not sure what they fear, but they’ve “got to go” as well.

Final thought:  The next couple of months are the MOST critical and dangerous to our republic in my lifetime (I’m 70).  I hope and pray that “we the people” are paying attention and that we won’t allow Trump to succeed in the MOST brazen OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE in American history.

I know I sound like a broken record, but it’s hard to keep up with all the “Trump stuff” and all the “republican stuff” because it’s coming at “we the people” at breakneck speed.  It’s hard for me to focus on one topic at a time.  Of course, there’s the “Russia thing” which is definitely “heating up” now that Michael Flynn is OFFICIALLY in the “cross hairs” of Robert Mueller and there’s the republican tax scam which – well it really is a tax cut – will take the issue of “income inequality” that many in America agree is the number one economic issue and – well, true to form – makes it WORSE.

Virtually every estimate – save for those of Trump’s economic “chief” or the republicans in Congress themselves – shows that eventually – meaning in the next 10 years – there will be a shift of hundreds of BILLIONS going from the pockets of working Americans to the check books of the top 1%.  I’d call this “highway robbery” but, it’s worse than that.  It’s a bunch of LYING republicans making a frantic attempt to keep the checks flowing from their “donors.”  You know, the people who’ve bought and sold our Congress – at least the republican’s side of it.

Not only are the rich (again) PILFERING the “poor” in America – and, in the most SHAMELESS manner I’ve ever seen (I’ve been around since the days of Eisenhower) – but, republicans have their sights squarely set on undermining Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security.  This has been part of Paul Ryan’s dream for as long as I’ve been aware of him.  The FACT Donald Trump, himself, PROMISED over and over again on the campaign trail that – not like Hillary Clinton – he would not touch Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.  That’s because so many of the unsuspecting dupes that voted for him rely on those programs to survive.  Should be interesting to see how they respond once they figure out they’ve been “had.”  Unfortunately, it may be too late at that point.  I’ve been writing for years – “we the people” NEED to put this present version of the republican party into the history books!

I forced myself to watch the republicans (well, for a while – as long as I could stand it) slobber all over themselves after passing the bill in the Senate at around 2:30 AM on a Friday night. (December 2nd – officially)  I kept asking myself, “How do these HORRIBLE people sleep at night?” (Of course, they were wide awake in the middle of that night)  It wasn’t long ago that Lisa Murkowski, John McCain, and Susan Collins prevented the republicans from gutting the health care law without a viable alternative – saying either, as in McCain’s case – the process was disgusting; he said he want’s a return to “regular order” where republicans and democrats work together to pass reasonable legislation – to Collins and Murkowski who objected to the cuts to Medicaid and Medicare in the republicans attempts to “gut the Affordable Care Act.”  Surprise, surprise – this tax cut is a “back door” way of gutting the Affordable Care Act AND cutting Medicaid and Medicare – with Social Security right around the corner.

I’m sorry Mr. McCain, the process hasn’t changed, PLUS, this bill is LIKELY to increase the deficit by at LEAST twice what the Congressional Budget Office is predicting ($1.4 TRILLION) so McCain’s support is baffling – he MUST have made some kind of back room deal – which is another of his (previously) pet peeves.  Then there’s Murkowski – who was voting against the “health care” fiasco – which had nothing to do with “health care” and was all about TAX CUTS because of a stated defense of Medicaid and Medicare.  Well, that went away for her “sweet heart” deal – which, from what I could tell, is the opening of the Arctic wildlife refuge to OIL DRILLING.  You know, in Alaska you can’t get enough oil out of the ground no matter what it does to the environment – and, republicans don’t seem too concerned that the polar ice caps are melting at a rapid pace – so, this shouldn’t be too surprising, I guess.  I couldn’t stand to watch long enough to hear all the other “deals” included in the package – but, one thing it’s not – and that’s a real “Middle Class tax cut.”  Apparently, for a year or so maybe 90% of workers will get a slight tax cut.  But……………

In the Senate bill they’ve agreed to repeal the Individual Mandate in the Affordable Care Act – saving their donors an additional NEARLY $400 BILLION which makes this bill even more cynical.  What that means is – according to estimates I’ve seen – there’ll likely be something like 13 MILLION less people insured and the rates for everyone else will increase 10% or more.  Basically, young “healthy” people will likely go without insurance and the less people insured means the more those who are insured will pay – either because of people who use the emergency room for their health care and can’t pay the bills or insurance pools with less “healthy” participants.  What this means for all us “Middle Class” recipients of a few hundred dollars in tax cuts (which decline yearly to the point where MOST will actually pay more progressively over the next 10 years) are HIGHER medical premiums that will offset any tax cut.

Once again, the “rich will get richer” and screw the rest of us.  This is how republicans deal with the issue of income inequality.  They make it WORSE.  Their arrogance is beyond my ability to believe what’s happening – and, the reason it’s happening is because so many Americans have been fooled into voting them into office.  Yes, it’s TRUE that Trump was DEFEATED by the largest number of votes via the popular vote than any president in American history who managed to carry the “White House.”  If “we the people” are unable to get rid of the Electoral College this could continue because more and more Americans have been forced from rural areas into the cities or suburbs – so, many in those areas legitimately would feel their voted doesn’t count because when a person can LOSE by 3 MILLION votes and still “win” it seems something’s terribly wrong.

The last two republican presidents have managed to make it into the “White House” despite LOSING the popular vote and, in both instances, under questionable circumstances – even considering the Electoral College.  In the instance of GW Bush, it was the right wing Supreme Court that intervened in a manner that should have caused MORE of a negative response from progressives.  It probably didn’t happen because Al Gore was too willing to allow Bush to steal the vote from him in Florida.  That was a shady circumstance, but it doesn’t hold a “candle” to Trump aligning himself with the Russians to win the “White House.”  If Trump manages to “get away” with that one, this nation could be doomed to the ash heap of history.  If “we the people” are unwilling to see this Mueller investigation through and demand the republican Congress “do their duty” then we deserve what we get.

People around the world are watching what’s going on in America – it seems to me – closer than a too large segment of our own people.  In Britain, they’re attempting to BLOCK Trump from stepping onto their soil.  His racist “stuff” has just gone over the edge with them – especially, after he chose to “re-tweet” some “tweets” from a group in Britain with NAZI affiliation.  I don’t do “Twitter” so I’m only repeating what I’ve read and heard.  Today, I listened to a reporter from an English publication ridiculing Trump and pointing out how our Middle Class is getting “screwed” by the republican “tax cut.”  I know too many people around me who have no idea what’s in the tax cut, who benefits, or ANYTHING else that’s  part of “current events.”  You bring up the topic of politics and they get angry – “I don’t want to talk about it.”

Yesterday, as I had predicted some time back, Michael Flynn became the center of the “Russia thing.”  Now, I didn’t predict he’d plead guilty to just one charge of LYING to the FBI, but  what I did predict was that he was the next “domino” to fall AND, that he would “cut a deal” in order to protect his son.  My thinking was Flynn has enough “ammunition” for Mueller to give him what many have already referred to as a “sweet heart deal” – because, essentially, he’s vulnerable in a NUMBER of serious situations – along with his son.  In my mind, as soon as I heard Flynn Jr. was also in the “cross hairs” of the investigation I thought it’s just a matter of time until Flynn “flipped.”  Say what you will about Flynn – (and, I’m sure I have) I figured he’d do whatever he could to protect his son.  Trust me, Mueller wouldn’t have made this deal with Flynn to get Jared Kushner or Trump Jr.  His sights are set on Trump Sr!  And, he wouldn’t have made this deal if he didn’t have what he needed to get Trump.

I’m figuring Mueller is going to come after Trump from several different angles – not just the obvious, that he’s OBSTRUCTED JUSTICE.  There can be NO DOUBT that Trump obstructed justice – in essence, he admitted to doing so in his interview with Lester Holt, and then, a few days later, “doubled down” in his meeting with the Russian Foreign Minister and Russian Ambassador in the Oval Office where he denigrated James Comey and claimed that “now the pressure of the Russia investigation is off.” (or words to that effect) Since then, he periodically makes things even worse for himself with his “tweeting” – including this past weekend admitting he knew Flynn LIED to the FBI while Flynn was in the “White House” and when he asked James Comey to “drop the investigation.”   It’s so obvious to me that Trump is in SERIOUS legal jeopardy that I often wonder why the republicans in Congress continue supporting him.  The two thoughts I keep coming back to is – one: he’ll sign anything they can produce or two: they’re afraid of his VIOLENT base – the white nationalists – you know, the “very fine” people carrying the tiki torches at Charlottesville while wearing NAZI armbands and chanting NAZI anti Semitic slogans.

Either way, they’re going to face a dilemma when Mueller finishes his probe – of course, the last stage will likely be the report to Congress on Trump’s “high crimes and misdemeanors.”  (Trump’s already well past “high crimes and misdemeanors” – as I’ve said many times, he likely will find himself in the American history books right next to Benedict Arnold – AND, Fox “news”)  Republicans will either need to IMPEACH Trump or face even MORE wrath from the voters in 2018.  Today, Trump’s approval rating was at 33% – the lowest yet, but, I believe it will eventually drop into the mid twenties because even many of those who chose to vote for him despite the FACT he’s an admitted sexual predator will not be willing to accept his connection to the Russians – along with what I believe will be a plethora of other illegal acts – many which will have to do with his previous business dealings that likely turned him into a “Russian pawn.”

Yes, there’s got to be a reason Trump criticizes virtually EVERYONE except Vladimir Putin.  He’s gone after MOST of the republicans on Capital Hill, yet, here they are walking arm and arm with him as they CRAM this tax cut down “we the people’s” proverbial throats.  I think republicans are cramming this bill because they want it signed into law before Mueller clues people in on who will be signing it.  And, obviously, having someone with Trump’s BAGGAGE only speeds these republicans up because they don’t care who signs the bill – they just want those checks to keep coming.  Now, here’s an interesting thing to think about:

Once Trump signs this bill it seems to me the republicans in Congress may become much less attached to Trump.  Trump’s about to head to Alabama to campaign for Roy Moore – who may be an even worse example of a sexual predator than Trump himself.  They certainly both have a lot in common – but, the reality is that there MUST be some republican women who are going to notice who’s leading their party and who may start taking a stand against the type of behavior Trump and Moore represent.  Republican members of Congress likely will be feeling less attached to Trump once this bill is signed and, I guess what I’m saying is maybe this will increase the chance they suck up the courage to IMPEACH Trump – as they should have done already.  I’ve written ad nauseam about the DAMAGE he’s doing to our country and it’s pushing the irreparable – it’s up to the republicans to put a stop to it.  Maybe once they get their bill they will stop sucking up to this terrible man.

Don’t hold your breath on that last thought, but I can hope can’t I?  So, here’s the deal.  It appears republicans will get their tax bill done within the next week or two.  Hopefully, “we the people” will continue calling Senators and Congress people to demand they stop this thing – or, at least turn it into a real “Middle Class Tax Cut.”  I’m no economist, but I understand enough about how this all works to know that when the economy is booming (as it is) saying you’re passing a tax cut to get the “economy moving again” is an insult to intelligence of the American people.  And, that they’re getting away with it just shows that the American people either aren’t paying attention or aren’t “intelligent.”  I kind of hope it’s the former, but……….  And, suggesting this tax cut is going to generate enough extra revenue to pay for itself would be laughable – but, they’re claiming this again.  I guess “we the people” don’t remember even back to Bush/Cheney.  They took a $250 BILLION surplus (that was projected to pay off the debt in 10 years) and turned it into massive deficits with ONE ill timed tax cut package and then, after starting an invasion of a sovereign nation for the first time in American history (a nation which hadn’t attacked the U.S.) they, incredibly, managed to pass a second tax cut.  (At least, Bush/Cheney actually sent checks to Middle Class families to produce a short term “boost” to the economy in the first tax cut – which, of course, didn’t last)

These republicans float an endless supply of LIES every time they do this – and, every time they do it, they and their donors “laugh all the way to the bank.”  Of course, Trump is the greatest LIAR I’ve ever seen.  He’s beyond pathological!  The other night I saw him speaking to a rally somewhere, with a big smile on his face saying, “This tax bill is really going to hurt me.  I’ve got some really wealthy friends and they’re not too happy with me” And, the audience sucked it up.  (That’s why I include the possibility of “lacking intelligence” when I’m trying to understand his supporters)  By all accounts Trump and his family are set to gain well over a BILLION dollars from this tax cut.  Of course, we’ll never know the total because his taxes are in that endless IRS audit! (His followers believe that – in fact, they still believe Mexico’s going to pay for the wall and President Obama was born in Kenya).  So, here’s what I proposed to the Senators from my state the other day when I called them – call Trump’s bluff.  And, I believe this SHOULD be the democratic strategy.  They all – EVERY ONE OF THEM – should say – if Trump PROVES the tax bill “hurts him” they’ll all vote for it.  Mr. Trump, show your tax return!

Final Thought:  I said at the beginning of this post, I can’t keep up with all that is happening with Trump and the republicans.  Obviously, the two big deals right now are the tax cuts and the “Russia thing.”  This tax cut, along with all the deregulation that’s happening under the radar in Trump’s administration is likely to lead us into a recession – one that could be severe and one that republicans will not know how to pull us out (remember 1929) – but, if that’s what it takes for them to get the courage to end this Trump NIGHTMARE then so be it.  Trump is ruining this nation for my children and grandchildren and your children and grandchildren (if you’re lucky enough to have them).  “We the people” MUST stay active in the so-called “resistance” to push Congress to save our nation.  The time is now!

Final prediction: When Trump’s son and son in law become entangled in Mueller’s investigation and face charges – in Kushner’s case, it’s HIGHLY likely and soon – I think Trump will go after Mueller.  Then we’ll find out if republicans in Congress really care about this nation and the constitution that’s carried us for well over 200 years more than the “checks” they’re expecting after the tax cut.  Obviously, Trump arrogantly views himself as being above the law – kind of like an American Putin. We could be at a cross roads!

In Jeff Sessions testimony to the House on November 14th, where he was continuing to “forget” strategic information and forcibly stating it’s a LIE to accuse him of LYING, he brought up his meeting with the “Russian Ambassador” that he forgot to tell the Senate about AND he failed to acknowledge on his SF-86 form and said the meeting lasted “probably 45 to 50 minutes.”  When asked if campaign issues or the issue of Ukraine came up (the previous day prior to the meeting Trump surrogates had changed the republican stance on Ukraine) Session’s memory seemed to immediately come back.  He not only remembered the conversation being on Ukraine, he also remembered meeting just prior to meeting with the Russian Ambassador to meeting with the Ambassador from Ukraine.  No one in the committee meeting seemed to recognize this was Sessions ADMITTING to at least one more meeting he failed to disclose on his SF-86 form.  Clearly, Sessions has “selective” memory loss.

Almost immediately on hearing him “remember” the meeting with the Ambassador from Ukraine I had to wonder why NONE of the members of the committee questioning him didn’t WONDER the same thing coming INSTANTLY to my mind.  “How is it you can remember a meeting with the Ambassador from Ukraine but you’re not able to remember the one with the Russian Ambassador?”  To me, that makes Sessions’ “I forgot” excuse for not sharing his meeting(s) with the Russian Ambassador – well, LIES!  I mean, wouldn’t someone be MORE likely to remember the meeting with the Russian Ambassador?  Isn’t Russia more significant to American interests than Ukraine?  I’m pretty sure if you’re reading this post on this site it’s LIKELY you understand pretty much EVERY member of the Trump administration is either a LIAR or is willing to LIE to keep his or her job.

“We the people” were led to believe, for instance, that General John Kelly was the upright, honest type who might bring some kind of normalcy to the “White House” when he took over as chief of staff.  Then there was the issue with the “Gold Star Families” and Trump’s now infamous phone call to the widow of Sargent La David Johnson who was killed in Niger under still mysterious circumstances.  In trying to defend Trump’s insensitive call to Johnson’s widow Kelly (who apparently coached Trump through the call) showed himself to be a racist and a LIAR as he inexplicably made a poorly thought out attack against the Florida Congresswoman who happened to be riding in the car when Trump’s words were taken as disrespect.  Of course, the matter could have been solved with a simple phone call apologizing with something like, “I’m so sorry if you took my words to be disrespectful, that was certainly not the intent.”  But, Trump and, apparently, Kelly don’t operate that way.  So, Kelly showed he “fits right in” at the “White House.”

I watched in dismay for several months as Sean Spicer would get behind the podium of the “White House” press secretary and – well, …….. you knew this was coming, he would LIE!  On the very first day he told what many may consider the “whopper of the century” when he got behind the podium and slammed his fist to the lectern while stating, “The crowd at Trump’s inauguration was the largest crowd in American history to witness an inauguration, PERIOD!”  And then just stomped out of the room.  Even though he was performing for “an audience of one” – as we all later learned is ALWAYS the case when someone is speaking for the so-called “president” (the one who got THREE MILLION fewer votes than his opponent – the GREATEST loss in American history for anyone who’s “won”) he still “failed” because, evidently, his suit was the wrong color or something along those lines.  Spicer proved to be quite willing to LIE to keep his job, but, apparently not well enough, because he’s gone now – but, rest assured, he’s not missed by too many – because, Sarah Sanders seems MORE adept at LYING than Spicer every thought about being.  And, she can do it with a really NASTY tone to the LIE.  Ms. Sanders, from my view, is an expert proponent of the “Big Lie Theory.”  (Actually, that seems to be a republican “must” these days)

That’s where EVERYONE gets the SAME “talking points” and hits the airwaves in an attempt to FLOOD the outlets of American information with LIES – that promote the dishonest agenda of the “White House.”  Sanders, today, almost – in my view – soiled herself as she attempted to “deflect” and LIE in regards to ANOTHER set of INSENSITIVE racist words coming from the mouth of the so-called “commander in chief.”  Trump, again, referred to Elizabeth Warren as “Pocahontas” – in a disparaging manner apparently because she claims to be part Cherokee.  Of course, calling her “Pocahontas” doesn’t disparage Senator Warren it just shows Trump’s insensitivity to those of Native American heritage in our nation.  I’m not sure if Trump has any frame of reference when he does this stuff – honestly, as I’ve said before, he reminds me of the spoiled rich kid bully when I was a sixth grade teacher.  Sanders showed her unfortunate willingness to “carry the water” for Trump as she deflected a plethora of questions from reporters wondering why Trump continues his DEPLORABLE racist behavior.  Today’s episode was done in the presence of three WW II “hero’s” referred to as the “Navajo Code Talkers” who created an unbreakable code used by our troops in WW II.  It was their native language!  Trump couldn’t even honor them without putting his “foot in his mouth.”

From what I can tell, anyone defending Trump or his agenda ends up LYING.  And, I’ve pointed out many times on this site that – what I call – DAMAGE is piling up fast.  It’s almost hard to keep up with it all.  Now, if you envision these LYING republicans to be the ones to set the agenda for our children and grandchildren and you watch Fox “news” (I’m talking to “baby boomers”) you’re probably happy.  Personally, I’m getting more alarmed every day.  So far, Trump and the republicans don’t have a signature legislative “victory” (with the exception of Judge Gorsuch) but Trump’s been busy overturning EVERY Obama era executive order he can AND working to undermine decades of efforts to protect the environment.  (It’s as if Trump and his financial backers are thinking they won’t be around long, so screw the young people in this nation)  I mentioned LYING Jeff Sessions above – well, he’s been busy reworking the Justice Department to turn it back into an agency spending more time prosecuting marijuana users and less time prosecuting “white crime.”  Additionally, the Justice Department STILL has not “lifted a finger” in an attempt to thwart the attack on our nation by Russia, that I believe is going on as I’m writing this.  Additionally, Trump and Sessions are putting a plethora of “conservative” judges on various federal “benches” – with lifetime appointments, and they’re cynically picking young white men who are politically “connected” – many who are considered “unqualified” by the American Bar Association – including one who’s never even tried a case in his life.  This will be LASTING damage!

Then, I’ve written about the “Middle Class Tax cut” where the Middle Class will be financing a “tax cut for the rich” by paying higher taxes.  And, this one may be the MOST cynical of all the agenda items on Trump’s and the republican’s plan to give “we the people” for Christmas.  I could go on and on about this so-called “tax cut.”  (And, I already have – you can check out my last two or three posts)  But, let’s talk about some additional thoughts perusing through my mind over the last couple of days.  It’s been reported that, in order to keep the tax cut from adding MORE than $1.5 TRILLION to the deficit over the next ten years the so-called tax cuts for the “Middle Class” (which they’ve claimed is the motivation for the bill – that could be the “LIE of the Century”) will be phased out gradually during the next ten years.  Well, that’s pretty CYNICAL in it’s own right – because even republicans admit that those making less than $75,000 will face a tax increase within the next couple of years – and, then it gets worse!  (But, rest assured, the top 1% are well protected – as are corporate interests, especially the MULTINATIONAL corporations!)

Here’s something hardly anyone is talking about – personally, I haven’t heard a single person bringing this up.  In the Senate version of the bill the “individual mandate” of the “Affordable Care Act” is being repealed.  This will, within 10 years, cause at least 13 MILLION Americans to lose health insurance coverage (some will choose to go without coverage) AND, it will raise the rates for the rest of us at least 10% MORE than rates would otherwise be raised.  Now, it will be easy for LIARS like Trump and the republicans to hide these additional costs in their LIES – but, the reality is this will make the “hit” on Middle Class families even worse – especially those living on $75,000 per year or less.  They MIGHT get a small “tax cut” but the increase in their health insurance will MORE than offset any “cut.”  I.E. – they (you and me) could be paying MORE as soon as 2018!  There’s MORE:  Within 5 – 10 years the increase in tax liability for the MAJORITY of Middle Class families will skyrocket.  It will be significant!

Of course, right now, all those deficit hawks in the republican party – well, apparently, the “cat’s got their tongues” because ALL the complaining about the deficit has stopped!  They’re not saying a word about how this tax cut will BALLOON  the deficit.  And, believe me, if they say it’s going to add $1.5 TRILLION it’s going to be AT LEAST twice that.  And, of course, there were “mechanisms” put into the economy when President Obama was being OBSTRUCTED at every turn while in office that republicans will use to claim they MUST cut spending to cover these HUGE deficits – that THEY’VE created, but will find a way to blame on democrats.  (Should be interesting to see if they can continue to blame Obama)  This is where Paul Ryan’s “wet dream” comes into play – and, that is a full frontal attack on Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. (Plus, programs like school lunches, meals on wheels, unemployment insurance, CHIP, Early Childhood Education, and I could go on and on) We’ve already seen the first “hit” and it’s going to get more intense was we go forward.  (The INSTANT this bill becomes law Medicare will be CUT by $25 BILLION per year!) The republican estimate of $1.5 TRILLION being added to the deficit is based on rosy predictions of increased economic activity resulting from this action.  Like, for instance – more jobs (we’re already at full employment), higher wages (wages have already started “ticking up” as the result of the recovery started by Obama – remember, Trump is still working on President Obama’s “coattails” – despite his willingness to claim credit for what he had NOTHING to do with) all leading to a higher growth rate and increased tax revenue.

Well, earth to Trump and the republicans – you’ve pulled this SCAM at least twice before in my lifetime and it doesn’t work.  Yes, we could continue moving in an upward direction for another year or two – but, by the time this Trump fiasco starts to really “kick in” – meaning in a year or two – the “bottom’ is likely to fall out and “we the people” will be relying on these sicko’s to figure a way out – and, I for one, am not looking forward to how this will all play out.  Just common sense says this tax cut is designed to “give” something to all those rich Americans who support republicans because – well, because republicans give them huge tax cuts every chance they get – despite the FACT they don’t need it.  Even during this fiasco I’ve heard Trump’s top economist reference the so-called Reagan “tax overhaul” when talking about this.  That, again,  is LYING just plain and simple.  ]

The Reagan “tax overhaul” – as I remember it (I suppose I could look it up, but I’m too lazy) happened as a result of the Reagan “trickle down” tax cuts.  The idea you can cut taxes on the “rich” and “balance the budget” is just as phony today as it was in the 1980’s.  If the “tax overhaul” of 1986 did anything it actually RAISED revenue to offset the terrible deficits caused by the original “trickle down” tax cuts.  Additionally, the economy wasn’t booming along back then – there was a terrible recession (or two) during the 1980’s.  How I remember the “overhaul” of 1986 was that I ended up paying higher taxes, but I was OK with it because they raised the payroll tax taken out for Social Security and Medicare to strengthen those programs (and, I’m thankful for that today, because I’m finally collecting Social Security after paying into it for over 50 years)  Americans would be OK with a “tax overhaul” if that’s what it was.  They’d be OK with a “Middle Class” tax cut, if that’s what it was.  I guarantee you, they’re NOT OK with this tax cut – and, the numbers who are unhappy with it will grow as more “Middle Class” tax payers realize they’re “taking it in the shorts.”

The LYING coming from Trump and the republicans is obviously NOT going to stop.  They’re going to do everything they can to cram this tax bill down our collective throats in the next week or two.  “Progressives” are still hoping there’s at least three republicans in the Senate with a conscience – there’s so many problems with this bill, I’ve only come up with a couple more thoughts tonight and I’ve listed many others in previous posts – hoping all republicans won’t continue to be rubber stamps for Trump and, in this case, Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell.  Obviously, all the “deficit hawk” complaining over the previous 8 years was just “hot air,” but there’s plenty of other reasons to stop this bill in its tracks – one major one is that I don’t believe the members of Congress understand what’s in the bill and the “unintended consequences” could be disastrous..  It should take something like 6 months for legislation like this to make it through Congress – but, not this year if republicans want to keep getting the “checks.”  The saddest part, to me, of the Trump experience is how people are numbed to the LYING.  And,the LYING about this tax bill could lead to economic disaster!

If you’ve been to my “blog” since Trump was inaugurated I’ve pointed out the MAJOR problem, as I see it, is how much damage Trump will be able to cause before he’s either IMPEACHED or voted out of office – and, it’s MOUNTING fast!  It’s hard to keep up with everything because we’re getting HIT from all sides.  There’s the push for fossil fuels and the denial of climate change – which could end up being the worst DAMAGE caused by Trump – but, that’s just the “tip of the ice berg.”  Just recently, it was announced that Trump’s team will repeal the restrictions on large Telecom’s from creating so-called “fast and slow” lanes on the internet – as his FCC “chair” repeals “net neutrality.”  MILLIONS of Americans will be unhappy with this one.

There’s the so-called “Middle Class Tax Cut” that’s a tax cut where the Middle Class will be funneling their tax dollars to the people in America who least need the help – the top 1%.  That one could prove to have lasting negative values to the Middle Class that we won’t understand for maybe years – Congress is pushing this through at break neck speeds so they can say they accomplished SOMETHING this year AND so their “donors” keep donating.  This “tax cut” is maybe the MOST cynical action of a very cynical republican party I’ve seen – because “we the people” won’t know what “hit us” until it’s too late.  Of course, if enough of us raise a “stink” before it’s actually voted on – who knows – maybe there’s three republicans in the Senate who have somewhat a conscience and will vote NO on this terrible bill.  It reminds me of what’s called “reverse Robin Hood” – that is, taking from the POOR and giving to the RICH.

Of course, there’s the “Russia thing.”  Many in the media are struggling to understand what this amounts to – if it all proves true – and, that is TREASON!  Evidently, it’s being called “collusion” because Fox “news” has determined there’s no law against “collusion.”  But, there ARE laws against espionage, TREASON, conspiracy to commit crimes against America, election laws, and OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE to name a few that seem to be in the “cross-hairs” of the “special counsel, Robert Mueller.  I don’t understand why people are still wondering about “collusion?”  The meeting that Trump Jr. Manafort, and Jared Kushner had on June 9, 2016 ended that question.  It’s irrelevant what “dirt” was involved in the meeting – just that they WILLINGLY took the meeting says it all.  They were involved with the Russians to get Trump elected.  I don’t even they thought they would succeed – the Russians, I believe, hoped for – at best – to undermine our electoral process and create a divisive environment for Hillary Clinton to operate in.  What’s the old saying, “Be careful what you wish for.”

Now, Trump is the president – and, at a minimum, we KNOW the Russians ATTACKED our republic AND – even if it’s until Trump is out of the “White House” – we KNOW what they’re up to and we can defend against it in the future.  Sadly, we also KNOW that the Russians are still at it and Trump is totally OK with that.  Based on Testimony from Jeff Sessions, who heads the Justice department, we’re STILL doing NOTHING to combat the Russian interference in our “democracy.” (It’s really a republic)  It’s up to “we the people” to VOTE these people out of office.  I’ve been saying for years – we have a responsibility to vote republicans – as they are presently constituted (Steve Bannon, for heavens sake, seems to be a leading spokes person for republicans – that SHOULD say it all).  Republicans are masters at manipulating the media, but the Russians are teaching them new ways to get Americans to be voting against their own self interests AND ways to cause neighbor to be arguing with neighbor.

The other day I was reading about the ensuing election in Alabama where Roy Moore is facing charges of sexual impropriety in ways that SHOULD cause – at the minimum, in my view – people who are Christians to refuse to vote for him.  Even the most conservative of republicans in Congress say, “I believe the women” who are accusing him of sexually assaulting them – and, worse in my view and that of many others – when they were under age while he was in his thirties.  There was a quote from a woman in Alabama who was going to vote for Moore and I was taken aback by what she said.  She pointed out she “can’t watch the cable news because they’re dishonest” or something of that sort.  Well, on that I’d have to agree – especially if she was talking about Fox.  However, her rationale for voting for Moore mirrored that of Fox – so, my first thought was she was LYING (that’s what republicans do – well, in my view, more than the rest of us – we’re all guilty of our own perspectives which may “wobble” from time to time – but, I’m talking about willful LYING) and, then she said, “I have to read to stay informed.”

I couldn’t help but wonder, “what on earth is this lady reading?”  Personally, I guess the reason this “stuck” in my mind, is because I’ve become a near prolific “reader” since the day Bush/Cheney took us into Iraq based on clear LIES.  That’s when I decided to start expressing my opinions (complaining :o) AND I decided I needed to educate myself further than what I could find on the TV – regarding current events.  Plus, this all caused me to start reading as much as I can about American History – essentially from the Great Depression up to this time – with a few “side trips” to the revolutionary war period, Jefferson, Madison, Hamilton, Polk, Grant, and Lincoln to name some that come to the top of my mind.  I had to wonder what this lady was reading to come to the conclusion Roy Moore was better than either voting for a “liberal” or not voting or writing in someone else.  My conclusion, we’re reading completely different stuff – although, I believe we BOTH read the Bible – I’m confused with her interpretation.

So, if Roy Moore gets elected to the Senate, to me that just compounds the “damage” I keep talking about regarding the Trump era.  This guy is bizarre before you start questioning his past sexual misconduct – but, we’re looking at having both a president and member of the Senate with MULTIPLE allegations of sexual misconduct running our country.  Yikes!  Roy Moore will stand alongside Trump in much of his draconian plans for “we the people.”

As I was thinking about the “damage” to this nation via the Trump administration, Moore reminds me of more that we should all be worrying about.  Take for example all the young people who came to this country years ago when their parents immigrated illegally.  They were granted what I understand to be permanent residence with the opportunity to become citizens during President Obama’s administration in a program I’m not over familiar with called DACA.  These young people are often referred to as “Dreamers.”  Of course, Trump – as he’s apparently trying to purge any memory of President Obama – repealed “DACA” a couple months ago and gave Congress six months to “solve the problem” – which, apparently wasn’t a problem until he repealed Obama’s executive order.  Now, we’ve got almost a MILLION young people who know no other homeland – AND who identified themselves trusting they would be part of this program – potentially facing deportation – to who knows where?  Draconian is too nice of a word to describe this Trump maneuver – let’s hope Congress sees fit to “fix” this – but, I’m guessing it will be used as a “hostage” to get democrats to agree to some other piece of draconian legislation “down the road.”

Then there’s health care.  Trump’s been going after the Affordable Care Act (AKA “Obamacare”) since before he took office.  Of course, as in MOST other areas, Trump has no idea what he’s talking about and, in this case, what to “replace” the health care law with.  He suggested there would be a “repeal and replace” on his desk the first day of his term.  Well, as Trump himself has said since, “Who knew health care could be this complicated?”  Well, most of us who’ve been paying attention for the past 60 years knew.  What Obama was attempting to do has been repealed by republicans since the days of Truman.  This is a fight that separates America from EVERY other “advanced” nation – MOST nations have “universal” health care and, believe it or not, their “outcomes” are superior to those in America.  The childbirth statistics in America are somewhere in the thirties in relationship to the best outcomes world wide.  Republicans would have you believe we’re the “top of the heap” when it comes to health care – but, the only way that’s true is we’ve got the least percentage of people covered and the highest costs in the world for health care.  I guess the important part to republican is the CEO’s of the large Health Care conglomerates, like “United Health” are among the highest paid executives in the World – and, they give among the most to republicans!

Of course, we can’t forget foreign policy.  Whether we like it or not, our standing in the world is important to our way of life at home.  The reality is we are intertwined with many countries around the world – you often hear people say “China owns us.”  Well, it’s true that China has large investments in America, but I don’t think they “own” us – at least not quite yet.  But, what I’m really referring to are our alliances that have created a mostly safe world since WW II.  Europe and America have stood together since the 1940’s and Trump has been very dismissive of Europe and NATO.  Ruining those relationships could be devastating to us in many ways – including the one way that would affect even republicans – and, that’s economically.  Let’s all just hope the damage being done to our alliance with Europe is temporary and fixable.  While Trump is creating angst with Germany, France, Great Britain, and others in Europe, he’s openly kissing up to people like Putin, Erdogan of Turkey, and Duterte of the Philippines – DICTATORS.  It’s as if Trump just dreams of remaking America in the image of those “strongmen.”  These “checks and balances” are for losers – in Trump’s (and the aforementioned dictator’s minds).

My God, this is getting longer than I thought, but what about the environment?  Trump started his administration by OK ing the Keystone XL pipeline for one thing.  Well, this pipeline will travel over America’s greatest aquifer and, just the other day, the first part of the pipeline put THOUSANDS of gallons of the worst form of oil, tar sands, on the ground in South Dakota.  This is the very concern of people who don’t want that pipeline anywhere near the great farmland and water of America’s heartland.  And, worse, NONE of this oil is intended for domestic use and it’s waste will remain an American problem once the refined product heads  to China or who knows where.  Plus, all the “jobs” Trump talks about will be around 35 “permanent” jobs once the pipeline is completed.  It will create a couple thousand temporary jobs for the construction – but, is that worth the risk? Not to me.  And, I believe Trump has a financial interest in the completion of this pipeline – I KNOW the Koch brothers do.  Again, “follow the money.”  In America, we live by the “golden rule.”  “Them that have the gold, rule!”

If you’re still reading this post I trust you know what the Paris Climate Accords are – and, you probably know Trump pulled America out of the agreement – maybe only because President Obama was central to negotiating it.  This action, of course, sent a terrible message to the rest of the world, but, be assured, while Trump is pushing coal and tar sands oil, China is busy developing the most advanced clean energy technology in the world.  Trump’s days in the “White House” hopefully won’t last past four years (and, I’m saying that not only because I made a “double or nothing bet” with a friend that predicted Trump’s election) and, America will come around to a more committed push for clean energy – but, because of Trump (and his republican cohorts) America is likely to be way behind in the development of clean energy technologies – although, as I’m writing this I’m thinking – “thank you Elon Musk.”  I’ve got solar panels on my house and they produce enough energy for our use only about half the year – but, that’s enough for me to make the investment – and, there are still government incentives to help with the cost – so, “we the people” can still make a difference – although, I’m guessing the “Middle Class tax cut” may very well end the solar tax credit.  (I hope I’m wrong – I live in Washington state where it rains about half the year – and, of course MOST of the sun’s rays are blocked while it’s raining :o)

I could go on and on – of course, I know what you’re thinking, “You’re already way past ‘on and on.'” So I’ll end with the push to control the media.  It’s been reported that while the FCC is set up to repeal “net neutrality” – which will have, as I said above, MILLIONS protesting they’re ALSO rigging the rules for the media in a way that favors groups like “Sinclair Broadcasting” which have most of the channels that are favorable to Trump.  When the republicans are able to TOTALLY control the media AND manipulate the Justice department, “we the people” are in serious trouble.  This is a main part of the plan for a “permanent republican ‘majority’ which, of course, is nowhere near a “majority.”  Trump believes he can be reelected with a base of 32%.  We’ve all seen Trump BLASTING the “mainstream media” (which is actually attempting to do investigative journalism, I’ve personally subscribed to the Washington Post and New York Times online as a way to support this type of journalism).  Additionally, Trump has been lamenting that he can’t order the Justice Department to investigate his political opponents.  Just imagine what that would mean if he could fulfill his “dream.”  As I’m pondering all this it’s hard to decide what damage is the worst.  It’s all bad.  Trump is taking us back to the days of the robber barons.  The challenge for “we the people” is to stand against this en masse – no matter whether you’re a republican or democrat – you should be concerned with someone doing all this damage to our great nation!  I’ve pointed this out before – when the American History of this era is written – Trump and those enabling him will be viewed as Benedict Arnold was back in the beginning of this nation!  As Trump, himself, would “tweet,” Sad!

One (I promise) Final Thought:  I failed to mention Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid while I was writing this post.  The DAMAGE to these programs could be among the most significant to the MOST people in America.  I’m a “young” recipient of Social Security and Medicare.  It’s very easy for me to see how it prevents MILLIONS of America’s senior citizens from being in poverty.  And, if they are successful in undermining Medicare and Medicaid, this country will fast become unrecognizable.  These are the signature programs of the New Deal and Great Society of FDR and LBJ.  Back when this nation was what I called a “we” nation.  Ronald Reagan spurred so many Americans to believe this SHOULD be an “I” nation.  Young people in America don’t know the difference because they’ve only seen the latter – the “Reaganomics” part of America.  Trump is putting “Reaganomics” on steroids and, apparently, many in the top 1% are cheering.  I don’t believe we need leaders who are my age, but we do need leaders who understand we’re stronger when those who “have” are concerned for those who “have not.”

I’ve said this before, but it’s hard to keep up with the political disaster engulfing America in the form of the right wing republican party that sold its soul to the devil back in 2010 after America elected her first African American (well, half African American) president.  The reality is there are MILLIONS of Americans who felt they wanted “their country back” after President Obama was elected which led to the “tea party” that’s “gumming” up the “works” to this day.  And, still, republicans are trying to “cleanse” this nation of anything Obama – despite the FACT their alternatives are HORRIBLE.  For example, their “replacement” of the Affordable Care Act – which they “lovingly” call “Obamacare” – was – true to form – a TAX CUT aimed at the wealthy.  Essentially, that’s what republicans focus on – tax cuts for the RICH.

And, in this present circumstance, the idea that tax cuts for the rich is going to stimulate the economy would be laughable – except, first, I think they may pull it off and, secondly, there’s MILLIONS of middle class households like mine that will actually get a tax increase.  And, mind you, if I thought EVERYONE (above the poverty level) was getting a tax increase – including the so-called top 1% AND the money was going to pay down the national debt – I’d be OK with this.  But, suggesting the same OLD tired line that giving more money to the richest people in America is going to somehow “trickle down” to the rest of us and create more jobs is just – well – ridiculous.  The unemployment level right now is near 4% with 5% considered by many measures to be “full employment.”

Yes, there’s a serious problem with income inequality in America, but to suggest that by giving the top 1% an additional (from what I understand based on this article in Forbes) boost to their “take home pay” ranging from $100,000  per year at the bottom end to well over $1 MILLION per year at the top as a solution to that problem is absurd on its face.  We faced this same ridiculous argument during the Reagan years AND during the Bush/Cheney years.  Whether or not democrats or reasonable republicans (if there are any) can block this fiasco remains to be seen – but, the reality of why republicans are hell bent on getting this through by the end of the year is obvious – it’s one thing many have done a poor job of hiding.  Their benefactors are lining up and telling them if they can’t “deliver” on the tax cuts, the checks will stop coming.

Any one paying attention to American politics over the last few years understands republicans have been finding creative ways to buy off their legislatures.  Around the time president Obama took the oath of office the Supreme Court, in the Citizens United ruling, almost encouraged an avalanche of money into the political process – with no way to prevent FOREIGN money from seeping into the “fray.” (ie Russia)  This (foreign) money can easily be “laundered” into the process via advertising dollars which require NO acknowledgement of who paid for it.  Since that time, groups such as the infamous “Koch Brothers” have infested our political process with BILLIONS of dollars – to which, they are now expecting their return on “investment.”  This corruption is SO apparent, it makes it an even SADDER period in American history as “we the people” are forced to watch this – day by day.

It’s almost as if republicans consider this tax cut to be their last chance to FLEECE the American taxpayers before their party faces the wrath of the American voters pushing them toward the “sunset.”  But, it is what they do, it’s nothing new.  YET, there’s one more thing republicans can be counted on – they’ve been doing this almost as long as they’ve been fleecing America’s taxpayers – and, that is to investigate Hillary Clinton.  Now that she has lost in her bid to be president you’d think the investigations would end, but no!  Of course, we have a president who aligns himself with the likes of Vladimir Putin, Rodrigo Duterte the dictator of the Philippines, and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Turkey’s dictator, and apparently admires their ability to deal with both the press and their political opponents in ways reminiscent of the mafia.  So attempting to prosecute political opponents should be no surprise.

This is third world stuff – and, yet republicans continue to enable it.  It’s in places like Russia, Turkey, the Philippines and other places around the world run by dictators where you would expect political opponents to face constant harassment or worse.  These are places where the press is expected to “toe the line” of the person in power.  Stories of the journalists EXECUTED in Russia, Turkey, and the Philippines are not rare. (I use those three countries as examples because Trump has validated, from his perspective, the dictators from them)  Trump can only dream.  Of course, in America, he can’t have members of the press he doesn’t like “taken care of,” but, he can investigate Mrs. Clinton.  Let’s just hope the Uranium 1 investigation doesn’t last as long as the Benghazi one.  (And, to make matters worse,Trump’s bullying the Justice Department, based on American history, is as an egregious abuse of power as we’ve seen since the days of Nixon (possibly ever), but predictably republicans will tolerate it because, well, they’ve proven to have no boundaries in their support of Trump)

Prior to his trip to Asia Trump’s focus was on the tax cuts.  While there, as usual, he opened his mouth and out  came controversy – this time in his approval of Putin and trashing of our intelligence service.  He’s been busy attempting to walk back another batch of STUPID words while still pushing republicans to fleece America’s Middle Class with the tax cuts as he prepares to come “home,” and sure enough another scandal arrives.  On Trump’s arrival back in America he’ll be forced to weigh in on the sexual misconduct charges against his latest “favorite son” in Alabama, Roy Moore.  Moore has had far fewer (at least up till now) women accuse him of sexual impropriety than Trump, yet it will be Trump republicans will look to in their attempt to get Moore to “step aside.”  This could get a bit touchy.

While republicans are debating whether or not Roy Moore, the republican candidate for the Senate in Alabama is “fit to serve” because (now) five women have accused him of various charges of sexual assault when they were young ladies they are defending THEIR president who faced charges by SIXTEEN women of sexual harassment (of varying degrees) along with Trump’s BRAGGING about walking into the dressing rooms of beauty pageants he was sponsoring while the contestants were undressed – including the Teen USA pageant where the girls were 15 to 16 years old.  Trump’s claim:  “When you’re famous they just let you do it” after bragging that he can just grab a woman’s “pussy” with no repercussions.

Now, it was reported today, republicans were waiting for Trump to weigh in on the issue with Moore – which would be like “the pot calling the kettle black.”  What on earth has this country deteriorated to?  In Moore’s case I have to say the accusations of the women are totally believable – although, to be fair, it’s a “he said, THEY said” situation.  In my mind, I believe the republicans in Congress are MORE concerned with his other BAGGAGE to the point where they “believe” the accusers.  It’s almost as if they “HAVE” to believe them based on the current climate of men being accused of sexual harassment almost daily in the news.  Yet, Trump actually ADMITTED on the Access Hollywood tape (or should I say “bragged”) that he’s a sexual predator – and, yet the republican “base” (supposedly made up of predominantly “Evangelical Christians”) voted him into office – and, now, to rub it in more to people like me, republicans in Congress are protecting him from the “Russia thing.”  This is all getting a bit convoluted.

So, “we the people” are likely to spend the next week or two arguing about whether or not Roy Moore is “fit to serve” and republicans will attempt to get Trump to claim he’s not (what do you think Moore’s response to that will be?).  In the meantime, the push to FLEECE we the people will continue and there will be little notice in the “media.”  The affect of the tax cut on America’s Middle Class will be more significant than the issue with Moore, because, in actuality, I believe the voter’s in Alabama will decide whether or not he’s “fit to serve.”  If they still choose to elect him to this treasured office it will just be another “straw” in the reality that the America I envisioned as I grew up (during the 50’s and 60’s) is becoming unrecognizable.  Remember, it’s the so-called “Christians” who are backing Moore.  I have to say this – it appears to me these people haven’t read past the Old Testament.  Just sayin……………..

If I could have envisioned a way to undermine America’s standing in the world, a way to turn one American against another, to create an environment where violence seems more and more possible, having a man like Trump as president would be the perfect scenario.  Now that it’s actually happened, it’s up to the media to understand how they’ve been played, it’s up to the voters in this country to understand how they’ve been played, and it’s up to the politicians who actually put country before party to change how things work in Washington DC.  This tax cut SHOULD be the last straw with “we the people.”  It appears to me that over HALF of those in the Middle Class will be paying higher taxes – while people like Trump are “laughing all the way to the bank.”  When will “we the people” wake up.  We have about two weeks from when I’m writing this to stop this tax cut from happening.  I’m not encouraged we’ll be able to do it.  Remember, if republicans fail to deliver on this, the “checks will stop coming.”  To the republicans in Congress that would be like me being cut off from my Diet Pepsi.  Unthinkable!

Final Thought:  I’ve been watching MSNBC today and the “pundits” are disgusted by the alleged behavior of Roy Moore but it doesn’t seem to bring  back too many memories of Trump and the accusations against him.  You don’t have to look very hard to find many MORE women who accuse Trump of the same stuff Moore is accused of.  To me, both men seem deplorable.  It’s hard for me to accept that Trump is allowed to push a tax cut on “we the people” that majorly benefits him and negatively affects myself and MILLIONS of other Middle Class taxpayers.  And, to make it worse, the title of the legislation suggests it’s a “Middle Class” tax cut – AND, if passed Medicare and Medicaid will almost immediately be in the “cross-hairs” of the budget hawks.  (After I started this post Al Franken was accused of Sexual misconduct.  He actually admitted to doing so and almost immediately an ethics inquiry in the Senate began.  All democrats immediately denounced Franken’s behavior – maybe that show’s one difference between democrats and republicans – my question is – why hasn’t there been an investigation into Trump’s alleged sexual misconduct?  Why does he get a pass?  What is everyone afraid of?)

I started this post over a week ago – I can’t keep up with everything that’s been happening.  Trump finally came out and “endorsed” Moore – sort of.  He said, “Judge Moore has denied all the charges” – saying, basically, the women are LIARS.  Where do you think “Judge Moore” got that strategy.  Trump, and his advisors, are essentially saying an accused “child molester” is preferable to a democrat.  Yikes!

The so-called “Middle Class” tax cut may be the most cynical and dishonest thing pushed by Trump and the right wing republican party yet.  And, when are “we the people” going to figure this out?  If you’re reading this and you watch Fox “news” (with Sean Hannity who is apparently, now, one of Trump’s top advisors) – do yourself (and the rest of us) a favor: STOP!  There’s a reason studies find that viewers of Fox “news” are less “informed” even than Americans who watch NO news at all!  Fox is a poorly disguised propaganda arm of the right wing push in American politics.  When history is written about this era, Fox will be in the same light as Benedict Arnold was in early American history.  (Right along with Trump and company) It’s shameful!

Yesterday, I watched a “snipit” on MSNBC where Sherrod Brown was castigating republicans for their dishonest portrayal of the so-called “Middle Class” tax cut.  Listening to Orrin Hatch “defend” the republicans made me wonder how he (and the others) sleep at night.  This “tax cut for the rich” is the most absurd, the most dishonest, and the most cynical in my 50+ years of watching politics in America.  I still clearly remember the original “trickle down” tax cuts in Reagan’s first years and what they did to the economy and the deficits.  Reagan’s original tax cut actually led to the “tax overhaul” of 1986 which republicans refer to as the last “overhaul” of the tax code while they’re supposedly “overhauling” it again this time.  It’s just a complete LIE – what they’re doing is funneling money to corporations that don’t need it PLUS funneling BILLIONS to themselves and their benefactors.  Instead of strengthening Medicare and Social Security, this action puts them in jeopardy – exactly what Paul Ryan’s been “about” for years.  This tax cut is the result of rich republican DONORS demanding republicans give them a return on the MILLIONS they’ve donated over the past few years.

What that means is those “donations” weren’t intended to elect representatives who would do what’s best for “we the people,” BUT representatives who would RIG the system even FURTHER in favor of this group of people who just can’t get enough money.  Trump, himself, and his family stands to gain over a BILLION dollars from this tax cut which he, predictably, LIED about many times when he’s said he wouldn’t gain a cent from it.  As much as 50% of the Middle Class will pay MORE with that number going higher over the next few years (depending on how bad they damage the health insurance markets).  The most CYNICAL part  of this is that states that tend to vote democratic are TARGETED for higher taxes.  By eliminating the deductions for SALT – State and Local Taxes – people in high tax states will pay higher federal taxes.  Evidently, this is the republicans way to “get back” against states foolish enough to allow liberals to vote.

I heard one republican state that if they don’t pass this tax cut they will be “destroyed” in the 2018 Mid Term elections.  I get the feeling that after they pass it, they’re going to get “destroyed” worse than if they don’t.  When Trump’s “base” learns the truth about what he’s actually doing MANY of them will turn dramatically against him. For example, Trump promised he’d protect Medicare and Medicaid claiming, almost in the same breath, that Hillary Clinton was going to destroy them.  Well, as usual, Trump is doing exactly what he accused Mrs. Clinton of planning to do had she won the election (and, at the time, the “allegation” was absurd on its face).  Almost the minute this bill is signed into law Medicare will be cut by something like $25 BILLION just in the next year because of a provision called “Paygo” that requires, evidently, that Congress “pays as it goes” – in other words, “we the people” are going to be “finding” creative ways to pay for this “tax cut for the rich.”  Republicans, of course, put a “poison pill” in the Senate version of the “tax cut” where they repeal the “Individual Mandate” of the Affordable Care Act.  Estimates are this, if it passes, will cut 13 MILLION people from health insurance and INCREASE the premiums for the rest of us by an additional 10% over the increases already announced.

This is how they work.  The tax cut for an average Middle Class family might be in the neighborhood of a few hundred dollars while their insurance bill goes up over a thousand – which even people who are poor at math can figure is a losing proposition. I remember when I was working as a teacher many teachers complained that their salaries were not outpacing inflation – which was true.  What was interesting though, as I look back on it, was how increased medical costs always outpaced any increase in salary.  Of course, I was always thankful to be one of the “lucky” Americans to have health insurance – but I always noticed when my salary went up 2% the cost medical insurance went up 5% or more.  This is EXACTLY what the republicans have in store for MILLIONS of Americans with this so-called tax cut.  Many, in the Middle Class, may see a small decrease in their tax bill, but it’s likely to be offset by a more significant increase in their health insurance.  I believe the idea of repealing the individual mandate is to almost encourage many young, low income, Americans to NOT purchase health insurance – to HIDE the FACT their taxes would be significantly going up!

So, there will be republicans claiming “everyone got a tax cut” while ignoring the FACT maybe half of the Middle Class will LOSE when figuring “disposable income.”  Again, Trump himself and his family stand to gain over a BILLION dollars from this tax cut.  And, the MILLIONAIRES and BILLIONAIRES in his cabinet will gain much more than they lost be taking government salaries (although, many of them are making up for lost revenue by chartering planes on the government “dime” – including the Treasury Secretary who’s largely responsible for these tax cuts AND the draconian budget that’s targeting so many important social safety net programs intended to lift up the poor in America).  It’s almost as if they want us to be a “third world nation.”  Do you think their idea of how to get factories back in America is to push our workers’ wages down so they are competitive with countries like Mexico and China?  This tax cut is aimed at Wall Street NOT Main Street.  As the saying goes, “What else is new?”

I’m confident not one democrat will vote for this (although Trump has targeted a few senators up for reelection in states he won – we’ll see just how strong they are) but democrats don’t have enough votes to stop it.  Sadly, as will be the case until at least 2018, we are depending on at least three republicans in the Senate to find a conscience.  I wrote a while back about Jeff Flake’s inspiring retirement speech on the Senate floor due to his inability to run for reelection as a “Trump republican,” yet, there he is voting for virtually EVERY Trump issue.  If this was a real “Middle Class Tax cut” and wasn’t going to blow up the deficit, I’d be all for it.  Flake and Bob Corker claim to be against anything that increases the deficit – yet this bill will increase the deficit by at least $1,5 TRILLION over the next 10 years by conservative estimates.  I can virtually guarantee it will be much WORSE than that.  Hopefully, both Flake and Corker will vote against it – but, I’m not holding my breath.

Personally, I believe the actions being taken by Trump and the republicans right now are akin to taking a “pin” and poking the “bubble” that is forming from the booming economy.  Trump was handed an economy on the rise that needed a boost from the bottom up to become truly a strong sustainable entity.  As would be predictable from republicans they’re giving the “boost” to the top and at some point the “bubble” will burst and they won’t know how to fix it.  Their “tax cut for the rich” will simply put more money in the pocket of the top 1% and more money for corporations to hoard or use to further contract competition by allowing the large corporations to “gobble up” the smaller ones so “we the people” have even less choices in areas that protect our “freedom.”  For example,  the number of media outlets is shrinking and conservative corporate interests are consolidating their propaganda POWER in order to continue brainwashing all those people who believe Trump is telling the truth when his lips are moving.  This is serious!

This all is not happening by accident.  I’ve pointed out many times on this site republicans long ago adopted the “Big Lie Theory” of Joseph Goebbels, the head of propaganda for the Third Reich in 1930’s Germany.  (If you repeat a LIE enough people will believe it’s true)  This is not something we hear talked about in the so-called “liberal media” for “whatever” reason – I certainly don’t understand why “news anchors” as the people on MSNBC call themselves – are not REPEATEDLY pointing this out.  They’re pointing out the HUGE number of LIES Trump has spewed since his inauguration – something approaching 2000 according to the Washington Post – but, I haven’t heard much more than a “peep” as to why all the LIES are coming “fast and furious” from other republicans as well.  It’s not just Trump – but, anyone who’s going to stay in his administration for any length of time MUST be willing to spew the LIES..  I kind of felt sorry for Sean Spicer BUT, I’m feeling as though Sarah Sanders is much more willing to live in Trump’s universe of “alternative facts” – as Kellyanne Conway, another “master LIAR’ put it.  If you haven’t noticed republican pundits tell the SAME LIES as if they’ve been programmed.  Well, they essentially have been.

These tax cuts are so important to republicans – and getting SOMETHING accomplished THIS YEAR  is even MORE important – so they’re pushing them through at breakneck speed to the point where I don’t believe many of the people voting on the bill have any idea of what’s in it.  I certainly don’t – I’m just making predictions based on the superficial stuff that’s made the “news” and the history of republicans and what you can count on from them.  So, I guess the FACT that 5% of their “MIDDLE CLASS” tax cut is actually intended for those in the “Middle Class” we should all be grateful and be willing to look the other way as they gut Medicare and Medicaid, damage the Affordable Care Act causing MILLIONS to be without health insurance, and increase the DEFICIT by about two to three HUNDRED BILLION dollars per year all the while as they “inflate” another bubble.  I’m guessing, when it “bursts” they’ll find a way to blame President Obama.

And, keep in mind, this is all being done with a president who apparently COLLUDED with the Russians to get elected (although he got 3 MILLION less votes than Mrs. Clinton) and admitted on the Access Hollywood tape to being a sexual predator.  And, now republicans are depending on someone with similar accusations against him to win the election in Alabama to ensure they have another republican vote.  To me (I guess I’m a liberal – although I’m a Christian – I’m guessing Trump and his followers would suggest that’s impossible) both the COLLUDING with the Russians AND the sexual misconduct makes Trump unacceptable.  Actually, the “Russia thing,” to me, is the more disqualifying.  One thing I agree with Trump (apparently based on the words of Ms. Sanders) is that the voters get to decide the outcome of elections.  Well, unless the candidate breaks the law – like COLLUDING with a foreign nation OR OBSTRUCTING JUSTICE – or other “high crimes and misdemeanors” – then Congress SHOULD do their job and IMPEACH.

In the case of Judge Moore – I, like many, find the man despicable without the allegations of sexual misconduct.  Yet, I agree that the voters of Alabama SHOULD get to vote for the candidate of their choice.  I still am struggling as to how the so-called “conservative Christians” are able to look the other way from someone who’s an admitted sexual predator.  They overwhelmingly supported Trump so we shouldn’t be surprised that we’re seeing an “instant replay” in Alabama with Roy Moore who apparently has always “had it in” for the younger ladies.  He’s been accused of sexually assaulting a 14 year old minor about 30 or so years ago.  I actually heard the governor of Alabama state she believes the women who’ve made various accusations of sexual misconduct against Moore yet she’s going to vote for him because it’s more important to have a republican in Congress than someone who lacks moral clarity. (That statement really caused me to pause) I’m really confused as to how the people supporting Moore and Trump call themselves Christians.

Had both Moore and Trump admitted to their misbehavior (well, Trump actually did on the Access Hollywood tape) and asked the women for forgiveness – similar to what Al Franken did when he was recently accused of sexually harassing a lady on a USO tour 11 years ago – then I’d be more likely to understand and be more accepting.  I believe we all have issues of one sort or another and when another person’s been harmed it’s appropriate to apologize and ask for forgiveness.  Trump and Moore are lashing out at their accusers instead – both threatening to file lawsuits against the women.  This is why so many women NEVER say anything after experiencing sexual harassment or worse.  Moore actually told one of his victims, according to her report, not to tell anyone what happened because “NO ONE” will believe you.  Hopefully, that form of intimidation will no longer work.

The bottom line here is that republicans NEED Roy Moore in the Senate for at least the vote on this tax cut.  (although, no one’s reporting on how the democrat from Alabama would vote)  If our Congress was actually working for “we the people” instead of Wall Street, this wouldn’t be at issue.  In reality, if they really did give a tax cut that WAS aimed at the Middle Class – meaning those earning less than, say, $150,000 (for a couple) were the MAJOR recipients of the cut, the economy would actually get a significant boost – because the money would get SPENT.  And, the tax cut WOULD actually lead to more revenue for the government and help to reduce the deficit to the point where we could start paying down the national debt.  I’m not sure when “we the people” will come to understand that republicans complain about the deficit ONLY when a democrat is in the “White House.”  If you’re reading this and you live in a state where your Senator is republican – call him or her and ask them to vote against this terrible bill.  Remind them that their constituents, in reality, are who they owe their allegiance – not the wealthy “donors” who are clamoring for a “return on their ‘investment.'”