According to Nick Fuentes: “You gotta recognize the fact that this is a godless country…I hate it. It’s immoral. It’s wrong. It’s heinous. It’s evil. But this is an evil country, and this country will surprise you with how evil it is. And that’s why you’ve got to get this out of your head that there is some silent majority cavalry that’s going to come out of the woods and save us at the last minute. It’s not.” And, then this neo-NAZI added: “When you look at these things like abortion, it’s popular …And you can thank the Jewish media for that. Abortion is popular, sodomy is popular, being gay is popular, being a feminist is popular, sex out of wedlock is popular, contraceptives-it’s all popular at all. That’s not to say it’s good. That’s not to say I like that. Popular means that people support it, which they do. It sucks, and it is what it is, but that’s why we need a dictatorship. That’s unironically why we need to get rid of all that. We need to take control of the media or take control of the government and force the people to believe what we believe or force them to play by our rules and reshape the society.”

Here’s why neo-FASCISTS like Fuentes HATE people like me and why they refer to liberals – showing their IGNORANCE – as being the “fascists.” I will not indulge you farther other than to say I’ve posted the DEFINITION of Fascism here numerous times and FINALLY some of the people in the so-called liberal media are recognizing that is where the GOP has “gone.” I listened to a member of the “liberal press” the other day suggesting people SHOULD vote out republicans because this “rot” has infected the republican party and has spread to where it’s beyond fixable. Not to pat myself on the back – OK, that’s exactly what I’m doing – I’ve been saying the republican party needs to “go” for over 10 years on this site. (Maybe closer to 15 years) It’s as if those who run the 24/7 Cable “news” outlets need to have irrefutable evidence before they can see the “writing on the wall.”

Why would I be bringing up Nick Fuentes? Well, if you read my previous post you know I wrote about Fuentes and “Ye” (AKA Konye West) having dinner with Donald Trump at Mara Lago last week causing a “stir” among – well, democrats and disenchanted republicans. Why that surprised anyone is beyond me, but here’s the next chapter in that fiasco. First off, Trump claimed he had no idea who Furentes was (although there were reports he was interested in some of what he said) and, then, just a couple days ago, guess what? Yep, there was Trump posting on his social web disaster (I can’t remember the name) that the CONSTITUTION should be “terminated” so that he could be re-instated as president. I’m not kidding!!

Trump was apparently complaining about how Twitter failed to publish photos of a “naked” Hunter Biden prior to the 2020 presidential election. In his mind, that was so egregious that our consitution should be terminated suggesting it cost him the election. Publishing these photos would have violated Twitter’s rules, at the time, but, Trump is now suggesting (since Elon Musk took over Twitter?) these photos SHOULD have been published. (Honestly, had the photos been published, I believe I, for one, would STILL have voted for Biden – of course, I wouldn’t have viewed the photos) Well, as I tried to process this STUPIDITY it dawned on me – then, shouldn’t the naked photos of Stormy Daniels along with the photos of Trump snuggled up next to her along with the suggestion he had an affair with her while Melania was pregnant with Barron been published? Have you ever wondered why Trump paid $130,000 to keep those photos private?

Here’s a brief explanation of why I, and I’m sure most, consider Fuentes – and, of course, Trump, such wack jobs: First, I’ve written a complete post about the abortion issue and it’s way more complicated than our “liberal media” would have people believe – but, to keep it simple, if you don’t believe in abortion, DON’T have one. (Of course, if you’re like I was 45 years ago when my wife, pregnant with our first child, began having a miscarriage you’d probably do the same thing I did – which was rush her to the hospital as she was bleeding profusely where she had what amounted to an abortion – although the fetus was already dead). If you don’t believe in sodomy, don’t participate in it. etc. etc. The idea of Fuentes’ “dictatorship” (or Trump’s suspending the constitution) tells you all you need to know about the right wingers in the republican party. And, trust me, it goes much deeper than Fuentes and Trump.

I just purchased the January 6th Select Committee’s report which is supposed to be published this next week (just prior to Christmas) and, after reading that I should have much more detail about how deep the ROT actually goes. For example, it came out last week on Congressperson sent texts to Mark Meadows suggesting Trump invoke “Marshall Law” in order to prevent Joe Biden from taking the oath of office. (The dude’s in Congress and couldn’t spell “Martial” correct – although I misspell my fair share of words, I’m just not a member of Congress) I believe republicans in Congress like Jim Jordan, Scott Perry, Mo Brooks (former as of January 1), Andy Biggs, Paul Gosar, Marjorie Taylor Greene, and Louie Gohmert – and maybe others – very well could be part of the CONSPIRACY to overthrow our government. Will the Committee refer those who refused to answer subpoenas to the Justice Department? I doubt it, although I believe it’s totally appropriate. Will this mean members of Congress, in the future, won’t have to testify if they don’t want to? Yikes!

Personally, I’m on the edge of my seat waiting for the hammer of Justice to fall on Mr. Trump – and, potentially, on members of his family based on the lawbreaking which apparently was routine in the “Trump Organization.” I’ve been lamenting (with MILLIONS of other Americans) on the Justice Department allowing Trump to continue his illegal conduct when the EVIDENCE of his lawbreaking has been public for several months now. I keep thinking Merrick Garland fears to response of the right wing militia movement in America – AKA white nationalists – in the event Trump is indicted. And, Trump, sensing that FEAR, actually, in an interview with Hugh Hewitt, suggested that his supporters would react violently to him being arrested. And, I’ve said, all along: “Bring it on!” Let’s get this overwith – because the DAMAGE to America will be far greater if Trump is NOT indicted than what possibly might happen if he is. And, I have to admit, when AG Garland announced a “special counsel” (Jack Smith) to investigate Trump I thought: “Here we go” – more delays which will end up with NOTHING happening. Well………………………………..

I was wrong about Jack Smith. It appears he is AGGRESSIVIVELY pursuing the investigation into Trump’s participation in the INSURRECTION along with MANY of those who allegedly COULD be part of a charge of SEDITIOUS CONSPIRACY. On this site I’ve, on several occasions, pointed out what it takes to be part of a CONSPIRACY (not much) and it’s obvious to me there are a plethora of high level republicans who should be doing two things right now – one: shaking in their boots and two: getting good defense LAWYERS. I’ve also, on several occasions, listed – off the top of my head – the obvious co-conspirators with Trump in the attempted coup d’etat: Mark Meadows, Rudy Giuliani, Jim Jordan, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Scott Perry, Paul Gosar, Andy Biggs, Mo Brooks, Jenna Ellis, Jeff Clarke, John Eastman, Sidney Powell, Steve Bannon, Peter Navarro, and Ginni Thomas – Oh yes, can’t forget Ted Cruz, Josh Hawley, and Jody Hice – plus all those involved with the fraudulent elector scheme and, I’m sure many others. Will Jack Smith charge this many people – especially with so many members of Congress involved? I doubt it – but, I, for one, would welcome it. Maybe prosecute in “waves” as they’re doing with the “Oathkeepers.” (Everytime I write that I have to wonder, “what oath?”)

I was a sixth grade teacher for the final 23 years of my working life (occasionally 7th graders) and I continue to struggle understanding how the so-called “mainstream media” seems to always be playing “catch up.” When “little old” peop;le like me figure stuff out way before hand. It seems it should ALWAYS be the other way around. For example I’ve written extensively how the White Nationalists/supremacists – AKA “KKK” members of our society who were pretty much pushed “under the rocks” until Obama was elected, openly claimed Trump to be their “vehicle into the mainstream of American politics.” (Many consider Trump their “fuhrer”) I read that exact claim coming from David Duke and Don Black – both former “Grand Wizards” of the KKK after doing a little research following reading the book “Rising out of Hatred” about Don Black’s son Dereck. The information has been there since Trump started calling Mexicans “rapists.”

Making the connection to Trump’s “policies” and his “base” to the neo-Nazi movement in America should not have been that hard. You’re starting to see those references routinely on some of the “non” mainstream sources of information, but still the corporate media is very timidly refusing to go there – from what I can muster. As I’ve stated here, when I watch television, if it’s not sports related, it’s usually MSNBC. My daughters watch CNN claiming MSNBC is “too liberal” and all I can think of is they’re both corporate news outlets and they seem more concerned with the possiblity of lawsuits caused by “going to far” than in actually reporting the TRUTH about what is driving this wedge deeply into our country. And, to me, I’ve come to believe it’s more on the media than on the democrats to rescue “we the people” from what is more and more becoming a direct attack on our constitution.

Another thing which has been obvious to me – but I rarely hear mention of in the “news” is the reality the right wing assault on America will not slow down one bit based on one – or two – or however many lost elections they endure. They work from the “bottom up,” they have unlimited funding for their covert operation, and the ONLY way to stop them is to vote republicans into the history books (I know I’ve said that ad nauseum) and EXPOSE their surreptitious funders into the “sunlight.” We know about the Koch “brothers” (now “brother”) and much of their network of WEALTHY “old” American money which emerged from the John Birch Society and is re-imerging using Trump as their “mechanism” – what MOST people have no idea about would be – one example – groups like the “American Legislative Exchange Council” – usually referred to as “ALEC” – working at the state legislative level to pervert our political process in a way which could ultimately make the next coup d’etat successful. As many pundits HAVE said, they think January 6th was simply a “trial run.”

Final Thought: This is a “rant” over the course of several days – a rant here and a rant there – but, one last thing I’d like to reaffirm is how Trump is NOT the entire problem (although, I hope to live long enough to see him convicted of at least SOME of his criminal conduct) just the mechanism for those in America who don’t believe our system of government – a democratic republic – works for them. These are people who have (finally) begun to be labled as “neo-fascists,” “autocrats,” or some other anti democratic characterization. That is, because they DON’T believe in “democracy,” and THEY believe progressives to be the “fascists” because there are more of us than there are of them – thereby justifying (in their minds) the extreme anti-democratic behvior which has become the norm on the “right.” The last thing they would consider, would be actually trying to expand their “base” by working to meet the needs of “we the people.” Of course, that would really aggravate the white nationalists who comprise the majority of the republican “base” – so, they’d have to make a choice. At this point, who knows if it’s even possible? Fuentes just came out and said what many of the others won’t say in public – “We need to take control of the media or take control of the government and force the people to believe what we believe or force them to play by our rules” – That’s the bottom line that has been driving all the voter suppression stuff and other parts of the right wing agenda which progressives MUST continually be AWARE of.

The best example of this is coming into public view as text messages received by the January 6th Committee are becoming public – messages sent to Mark Meadows from various members of Congress. Honestly, as I read through some of them – and, again, I’m JUST a retired 6th grade school teacher – I couldn’t help but laugh – at which point I would remind myself I’m reading text’s from MEMBERS of Congress and their ABSURD premises are actually DANGEROUS simply because of their position in government. These messages are full of grammatical mistakes I wouldn’t have accepted from my 6th graders and the logic was even worse. We have numerous members of Congress getting sucked into some of the most wild conspiracy theories you can imagine – and, they were passing this garbage along to Trump, who apparently is susceptible to this nonsense as well. The bottom line: The CONSPIRACY to foment the INSURRECTION on January 6th, 2021 included, as I’ve stated many times (including above) many members of Congress and the EVIDENCE of this is becoming public drip by drip. And, they’re not finished!

A reminder of a few things I’ve predicted since January 20, 2017: First, there would come a day when Trump would regret his walk down the escalator at Trump Tower announing his candidacy for president – if that day hasn’t happened by now – it appears it soon will – due to the impending CRIMINAL investigations gaining “steam.” Second: I said, early on, Trump would last as president until the republican members of Congress had had enough. Well, I certainly didn’t think it would take this long – but, I believe that day is fast approaching as more and more republicans realize they can’t “win” with him. (Enter, Ron DeSantis – who’s cleverly been positioning himself for this “day” over the past four years – a man much more conniving than Trump) Third: the EVIDENCE of what really happened on January 6th, 2021 would come out, “drip by drip” and Trump’s CRIMINAL conduct would be fully exposed. I would suggest that last one reminds me of going to the Movie Theater and seeing the sign regarding the next movie – reading: “Coming Soon!”

Kanye. Elon. Trump. OK, Buckle up, the next two years of republicans holding a (very slim) majority in the House of Representatives is – as I’m sitting down to write this – a month from becoming reality. Maybe the only thing surprising about that “tweet” (Yep, it was a tweet from Jim Jordan who stands to become the chair of the House Judiciary Committee) is that it didn’t include Nick Fuentes and, maybe, for good measure David Duke. Kanye West – AKA “Ye” – seems to be working his way to the bottom of the “gutter” with, yesterday, his public praising of Adolf Hitler to “tweeting” an image of a swastika embedded in an image of the “Star of David.” Apparently, that was too much for “Elon’s” “absolute free speech.” And, for good measure, check out some of Fuentes public remarks to see why I might suggest he should have been included in Jordan’s “tweet.” (Fuentes is not shy about his desire for a neo-Nazi takeover of America’s government so he could FORCE people to believe his “stuff”)

Elon. What should be interesting is how “low” Mr. Musk is willing to take his “brand” as he fully exposes his political inclinations. I mean, why do you think Jordan had “Elon” on that “tweet” for the 55 days it was “up” only to be unceremoniously deleted yesterday? Not because of Elon’s allowing a HUGE increase in RACIST messaging on his “toy” Twitter, but, instead, due to Kanye (“Ye?”) spewing incredibly ignorant anti-Semitic garbage on – hold on – Alex Jone’s “infowars” which is, apparently, too much for even Jordan and the so-called “Freedom Caucus.” (Oh, by the way, this on the same day Jones declared bankruptcy in his attempt to avoid paying the $1.5 BILLION he owes the families of children MURDERED at the Sandy Hook Elementary School slaughter) “Elon” appears to be an “uncloseted” republican now that he has purchased Twitter. He made a last second “push” to get Americans to vote “republican” in the midterms and he’s opened the “floodgates” to right wing mis/disinformation. No Tesla for me. Just sayin……….. (Oh yes, I have to add, he’s a fan of “DeSanctimonious”)

And, the other guy on their list. Donald Trump. We know that Jordan, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Matt Gaetz, Paul Gosar, Andy Biggs, Louie Gohmert, and other far right members of the House are – and likely will be – diehard Trump sycophants. Why? Well, I’ve got six years of posts in the Archives which will somehow explain that – but, really, now that the LOSING has reached unprecedented levels, why still? Apparently, Trump’s incredible pathalogical LYING continues to be, in their minds, their best course to gaining MORE power. Or is it? The latest reports I’ve seen show Trump trailing Ron “DeSactimonious” badly in the polling and, as Trump continues to demonstrate how FEARFUL he is of being INDICTED – which is LIKELY to happen within the next couple of months they’re, apparently “rethinking” their “Tweet.” Trump is imminently facing a criminal conviction of his “organization,” he’s facing a civil action against his “organization” which COULD destroy it, he’s facing at least TWO significant civil lawsuits, he’s a target in at least THREE CRIMINAL investigations, and very possibly a fourth, and ALL of this could put him in various courtrooms for the next several years. When he was first elected I said he would last ONLY until the republicans turned on him – which, admittedly, I thought would happen several years ago – but, it’s hard to picture him as a WOUNDED political figure who is likely headed toward JAIL remaining the “head of the party.”

And, the House republicans have plans to muck up the entire process over the next couple of years because, well, “that’s what they do.” However, just as a “thought,” consider Kevin McCarthy does NOT necessarily have a CLEAR path to the Speaker’s gavel – despite that being his life’s OBSESSION. To be clear, it takes 218 votes for someone to become the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Everything I’ve seen suggests republicans will have 222 members in the new Congress. That means, if McCarthy loses FIVE votes in the vote for Speaker, well, you can figure out what would happen. OK, maybe not, but consider this; there are FIVE members of the House affiliated with Matt Gaetz (alleged child sex trafficker) who claim under no circumstances will they vote for McCarthy – which, if true, means his “dream” will not come true.

In the genre of “positive thinking, add to that last thought there just might be some practical members of the House in the republican party who aren’t looking forward to republicans making fools of themselves for the next couple of years – maybe a bit tired of the “Freedom Caucus” (Greene, Gaetz, Gosar, Biggs, Perry, etc. etc.) and also tired of McCarthy showing himself to be one of the MOST spineless politicians in recent American history – who might not be OK with two years of McCarthy as speaker and Marjorie Taylor Greene “calling the shots.” They, in reality, if they exist, actually have MORE power than ANY of the “kooks” who get all the publicity in republican political circles. Do they exist? Well, I have no idea, but let me give you a possible scenario.

Say there’s a group of moderate republican members of the House who are willing to work with democratic members of the House in an attempt to actually “get stuff done” and not allow the House to become a “three ring circus.” Brace yourself – this group of republicans could CONCEIVABLY pick one of their own to become the Speaker with the help of democrats. Actually, it would ONLY take FIVE of them – but, I’m suggesting if there was a group of maybe 40 or 50 members who are tired of the Trump stuff and believe their job is actually to create legislation – in this case, legislation which would represent compromise with the democrats. This group COULD choose the next Speaker by making an agreement with democrats to vote for their choice as Speaker. Does this group exist? As I said above, I have no idea, but it would certainly be well received by a large segment of America in my view.

You’re completely correct (I know what you’re thinking) – it would really “piss off” the likes of the right wing wack jobs in the party, but, over the course of the two years – assuming this coalition actually “got stuff done” – it could totally change the narrative in our politics. What we’ve been witnessing over the past several years is the growing power of this hard core right wing group of republicans which have turned America’s republican party into a cesspool of racism, anti-semitism, xenophobic rhetoric, etc. etc. It appears to me, this is the scenario which could prevent someone like Marjorie Taylor Greene from becoming one of the most powerful members of the House – simply because McCarthy’s AMBITION won’t allow him to demonstrate even a modicum of principal.

I wrote the preceeding words yesterday, and after a night to think about this, I’ve got another “doozy” to propose. How about Liz Cheney as the next speaker of the House? The Speaker doesn’t have to be a member of the House and, as of the first week in January Ms. Cheney will no longer be a member simply because she had the GUTS to “tell the truth” in regard to Trump. Now, the only part of that scenario which gives me pause is that Cheney sits on the “opposite side of” virtually everything I believe – with the exception of the telling the TRUTH and all that kind of “stuff.” I mean, who would you rather see as the Speaker – McCarthy or Cheney? Based on my proposition Ms. Cheney and the republicans who would vote her into the Speaker’s chair (along with the democrats in the House) would be FORCED to work out compromises with the democrats in order to get anything done. Could Ms. Cheney block the DAMAGE the “Freedom Caucus” wants to inflict on “We the people” I believe the answer is YES to most of it. However, an interesting proposal, don’t you think? And, I can guarantee you, it’s POSSIBLE!

Final Thought: My brother-in-law has repeatedly requested I write something positive. Well, I’m doing the best I can and usually my 75 year old mind comes up “empty.” However, I believe my suggestion of Liz Cheney for the Speaker of the House is a POSITIVE suggestion – The more I think about it, the better I like it. Wouldn’t it be nice if republicans and democrats HAD TO WORK TOGETHER? Well, in this scenario, I believe that would be the result. The big question then, are there enough republicans willing to work something like this out with the democratic caucus. To me, it would be a major POSITIVE for both political parties and subsequently for “We the People.” I’m not holding my breath, but………………….

OMG!! Just as I’ve feared for the past TWO years, Merrick Garland doesn’t have the “stones” to handle the job he’s been given and his place in history will be a critical one, but not one which Mr. Garland would want. Today Mr. Garland named a special counsel to investigate ALL the potential charges against Donald Trump. No idea what this special counsel, Jack Smith, will ultimately determine, but one thing is certain – this will drag out the timeline of a decision to prosecute/not prosecute our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president. Just as I feared – as I said above – Garland wants to put something that is OBVIOUS onto someone else’s “plate.”

Trump is the MASTER at projection. When you listen to him play the role of a “victim” you can hear his supporters TOTALLY sucking his LIES in. Trump puts his corruption onto whatever convenient place which might allow him to continue his CORRUPTION without consequence. Let’s be clear – Trump should have ALREADY been indicted for INSTIGATING the INSURRECTION at the Capitol on January 6th, 2021 PLUS the reality he attempted to STEAL several THOUSAND documents from the National Archives which included HUNDREDS of classified documents some of which were of the HIGHEST sensitivity deserves indictment. In fact, there were something like 40+ folders labled “classified” that were EMPTY which likely makes all this even WORSE!

I mean, where do you think the documents which WERE in those empty folders went? I almost hate to speculate. Do you really think the documents found in Trumps office weren’t viewed by others? Keep in mind, these documents in the possession of any OTHER person would havve quickly resulted in an indictment. So, when “we the people” say “no one is above the law” what we really seem to mean is “unless it’s a high level republican politician who will raise holy hell.” Remember, Matt Gaetz has been credibly ACCUSED of “child sex trafficking” by his “buddy” who’s in jail in Florida and has provided all the EVIDENCE which would be needed to indict virtually anyone – yet. Mr. Garland apparently didn’t have the guts to prosecute Gaetz either.

I’m part of a “chorus” of MILLIONS who’ve been fearing the WORST when it comes to Merrick Garland – and, now our worst fears have been realized. Garland is suggesting he’s appointing this special counsel because Trump has – earlier than ANYONE in American history – announced his candidacy for the office of president. I hate to tell him this – obviously Mr. Garland is much smarter than me – the more time which passes until a “charging decision” is made the WORST this will become. If they choose NOT to prosecute that will be as DISASTROUS a decision as could possibly be made. And, the closer we get to the actual campaign of 2024 the more likely Garland will find a way to “chicken out” of charging Trump. Again, DISASTROUS.

If Mr. Garland thinks this gets him off the hook or makes it seem this is “apolitical” it’s Mr. Garland who is delusional. Trump’s “putting his hat in the ring” should NOT have been a surprise. He’s been violating our legal system for MANY years – well before he ever put he decided to run back in 2015 and this decision by Mr. Garland is perfect for what Trump was wanting to gain from becoming a “candidate” once again. Trump was losing his “grip” on the republican party after the mid terms which had, at best, a “pink wave.” If there is anything which might allow Trump to win the nomination next year, this will be it. Ron DeSantis is probably as frustrated as I am. And, ultimately Garland is still in charge and will be responsible for any charging decision, so what on earth does he think he’s gaining here?

For example, the evidence which is already public regarding the CLASSIFIED documents being STOLEN from the National Archives – the Presidential Records Act required ALL documents regarding the president’s activities to be recorded for “posterity” – would suggest Trump SHOULD be indicted “forthwith.” And, is there any question whether or not Trump INSTIGATED the assault on our nation’s CAPITOL on January 6th? If you question that, I question your ability to rationally interpret facts!

Obviously, having a “special counsel” will cause this process to be delayed, at best, from my perspective, and, at worst, will give Garland the opportunity to hide behind someone else in a failure to hold Trump accountable. Keep in mind, when we’re talking about the CONSPIRACY to overthrow our government – leading to the ATTACK on the CAPITOL – there’s a bunch of others involved in the CONSPIRACY, including several members of Congress AND the wife of a Supreme Court Justice. Does Garland need a “second opinion” when gathering the courage to INDICT people like Jim Jordan, Scott Perry, Rudy Giuliani, Louie Gohmert, Matt Gaetz, Mark Meadows, other members of the House “Freedom Caucus,” Sidney Powell, Geffrey Clark, John Eastman, Mike Flynn, Steve Bannon, and Ginni Thomas? The evidence of their involvement in the SCHEME to overthrow our government – the exact words used by Trump when he said “Mike Pense had the authority to overthrow the government” – is all part of the public domain. Why does Garland need another lawyer to find the guts to prosecute these people?

Here’s the bottom line of how I look at this. And, I’m going to use the words of Mike Flynn when he was speaking for Trump during the 2016 campaign at, I believe, the convention – “if I did ONE TENTH of what these people have done I would be in jail” – stealing a term from myself – FORTHWITH! Not only is Mr. Garland’s reticence to prosecute Trump resulting in “we the people” being subjected to another couple of years listening to his pathalogical LYING, but it’s energizing his “base.” The “scuttlebut” regarding Garland was he feared the backlash from all the violent members of Trump’s base and, now, he’s just pouring gas on that “fire” by putting all this off. Another six months or year (hopefully not longer than that) won’t make Trump any less GUILTY.

As I’ve (and millions of other Americans) said many times here, “NOT charging Trump will create MORE damage to this republic than whatever his supporters might attempt to do if he’s prosecuted. What are they going to do? Will they attempt to break him out of jail if that’s where he ends up? I don’t think so, but if that would be the plan my response would be “good luck.” If Trump is NOT charged – that could be as much a threat to the future of our republic as we just faced in the mid term elections. The reality there’s a large segment of our nation who are willing to accept a fascist regime – not only in federal office, but also in the state governments where the ultimate decisions on our voting takes place.

The FACT a group of “election deniers” failed to win a select group of governorships and offices of Secretaries of State was a reprieve to those of us who want the American “experiment” to continue – but, make no mistake, these people are not going away until the American voters VOTE them into the history books. That means this version of the republican party needs to be DEFEATED. And, despite all the celebrating by American pragmatists that the “far right” failed in their bid for a “red wave” understand they will keep coming back like a bad dream. Republicans gained control of the House and, despite the reality it was by a razor thin margin, their disruptive ANTICS are going to happen.

Thankfully, between Biden’s veto pen and the fact Democrats continue to have the majority in the Senate – again, by a razor thin margin – we’ve put off the impending DISASTER, but maybe not for long. The 2024 election will give republicans the opportunity to retake the Senate and, of course, they’ll be going all in to regain the “White House.” It will be the FOURTH straight election which will be the “most important election in my lifetime, And, as in the previous 3 elections Donald Trump will be right in the middle of it – whether he wins the nomination or not. When you look at how easily he gets republicans to fall under his spell you can be certain that a large part of his plan via the earliest announcement of a campaign for president in American History is his usual strategy of “delay, delay, delay.”

Just think about the possibility Trump fails to win the nomination and, say, someone like Ron DeSantis does, and should DeSantis prevail in the 2024 election (God forbit!) you can bet that Trump will EXPECT DeSantis or ……………….. (fill in the blank) to PARDON him. Should Trump somehow convince enough Americans to put him back in the “White House” do you think he’s NOT going to pardon himself? Trump has been DARING the American Justice system to hold him accountable for his misbehavior for YEARS – well, before he ran for office – and, he’s not going to stop until he’s sitting in a cell someplace – and, “don’t hold your breath.”

Final Thought: It’s now Monday and I wrote the previous posting last Friday after hearing about Garland’s appointment of Jack Smith as a “special prosecutor” in the two cases trudging along toward, hopefully, INDICTMENTS of Donald Trump. That’s exactly how the news caused me to feel – and, I’m simply hoping the day will come SOON when Trump fails to BULLY his way out of facing accountability for his CRIMINAL conduct. Since last Friday I’ve listened to several “experts” in the law who I have great respect for and, to a man (I think they were all men) they suggested Garland had done “the right thing.” Several suggested that, despite appearances this appointment would SLOW down the process, they believe it will actually speed it up. I remain open to being proven WRONG and, in fact, I’m HOPING I’m proven wrong. From my point of view Trump can’t be INDICTED soon enough. It REALLY is time “we the people” prove that “no one is above the law” in America. All of us who’ve been paying attention to politics over the past 50 year know that “hope” is/has been a “pipe dream.” Let’s just say, “no time like the present to start.”

This will simply be one more reason why it will be imperative for democrats to win elections for the foreseeable future – for example, to prevent a republican president from pardoning Trump once he’s FINALLY convicted. We are about to witness the REAL reason why this is an imperative as we watch what republicans are going to do with a margin of 3 votes in their majority and it’s going to be disastrous. Mark it down! NOTHING useful will get done and MUCH which is destructive very well might “get done.” For example, will republicans succeed in “kneecapping” Social Security and Medicare? Will they actually cause America to DEFAULT on her debts? We know they’re going to be focused on REVENGE because Keving McCarthy will be depending on Marjorie Taylor Greene for the speakership. Put that in your Space Lasers and “smoke it.” Stay tuned………………….

I’ve waited over a week now to publish this, and, by all accounts (again, of the legal experts I respect) the appointment of Jack Smith as the “special counsel” is a positive step. (despite my feelings otherwise) I’ll say this, the Justice Department had NOT admitted there was an investigation of Trump re: January 6th, 2021, and we now KNOW for sure there is one and it’s fairly far along. While I’m waiting to see the results of the “Special Counsel” I continue to believe Trump SHOULD have been indicted long ago. Today, a couple “Oathkeepers” were CONVICTED of “Setitious Conspiracy” – the SAME charge I believe Trump and the MANY who participated in his part of the CONSPIRACY to overthrow a free and fair election SHOULD face. Now, Stuart Rhodes and Kelly Megs are facing 20+ years in prison for their FOOLISH attempt to overthrow our government. And, there’s two or three MORE groups – including some “Proud Boys” (of “Stand back and stand by” fame) facing the same charges. Do you think today’s verdict is going to cause a rush of defendants to the “bargaining table?” Maybe guilty pleas with an agreement of cooperation? Time will tell……….

I’m going to write a small (I hope) piece on how STUPID Trump continues to be as this issue with all the documents he STOLE from “we the people” as he left Washington DC with his “tail between his legs” back on January 20, 2021. Let’s deal with Trump’s “defense” one absurd claim at a time. First of all is “These are mine” – the MOST absurd of the claims – Trump believing he could take whatever he wanted from the “White House” to Mar a Lago. It doesn’t take a brain surgeon to understand EVERY document created while in office is subject to the Presidential Records Act – meaning it/they go to the National Archives to be filed away for “posterity.” Before the now infamous FBI’s exercizing a search warrant for the documents still at Mar a Lago this past August we KNEW he had taken documents ILLEGALLY and, we also KNEW, that, while in office, he had destroyed documents by tearing them up/ flushing down a toilet (I’m not kidding) or “torching” them in a “White House” fireplace.

So, This was KNOWN and then we learned Trump had LIED (or had his attorney LIE) to federal Agents about the remaining documents (at the time, they turned over 30+ CLASSIFIED documents) stating there weren’t any more – yep, a LIE. (is that a “little lie?”) This LIE led to the search of Mar a Lago where thousands more document were found along with over 100 more sets of CLASSIFIED documents – some of the mose extreme sensitivity – documents apparently causing the DOJ to suggest the Espionage Act may have been violated. This is where some of Trump’s claims become absurd, from my standpoint. It’s as if everything Trump does regarding these documents and his attempt to STEAL them from “we the people” just makes it wose for him.

First of all, it appears the most OBVIOUS legal liability Trump is facing would be the OBSTRUCTION of Justice violation outlined in the original search warrant. To me, that charge has nothing to do with whether or not Trump magically did a mind meld on the documents to declassify them, but, in reality, NONE of the three areas of concern – meaning “there was probable cause a crime had been cimmitted – as put forth in the warrant – require documents to be “CLASSIFIED.” Of course, Trump has managed to manipulate the proceeding to make it all about whether or not the documents were “DE classified.” The claims are absurd on their face – but, let’s assume somehow Trump de-classified the documents.

The violation of the Espionage Act has NOTHING to do with whether the documents are classified – it has to do with whether or not there are documents directly having to do with defense department documents – probably, documents which include secretive material. Yep, had Trump actually “de-classified” the documents that wouldn’t change whether or not they were documents which pertain to secretive defense department information. Reports are there were extremely sensitive document having to do with the nuclear program of Iran and the intelligence capabilities of the Chinese. Some are suggesting, prosecutors won’t prosecute if the documents weren’t classified.

But, there’s another way to look at this. As HIGHLY classified documents, it appears there’s a good chance these documents would NOT be able to be used in court as evidence because of the sensitivity on their pages which could NOT be shown to anyone who might be on the jury – not to mention, all the others involved in a criminal proceeding. However, if Trump actually DID de-classify them – well, then anyone can look at them – which likely would be his defense regarding all the people he’s shown them to in the past year and a half. Should this be the case, then it would make sense the DOJ would file CHARGES against our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president for violating the Espionage Act. Oh yes, and don’t forget about the OBSTRUCTION charge. (If you read Mueller’s report – I did TWICE – you know how significant OBSTRUCTION is)

Trump SHOULD have simply returned ALL the documents when first prodded, but EVERYTIME he comes up with another “strategy” to defend himself, he gets in DEEPER. God help us if, in the upcoming mid-term elections, “we the people” are STUPID enough to put these LYING republicans back in control of Congress. I SHUDDER to think what the next two years will be like – instead of signing legislation, President Biden will be signing VETO’s. And, how “we the people” can have such a low “approval” of Biden blows me away. I’ve said here several times here Biden wasn’t my choice for the democrats – but, clearly, I was WRONG. He was the perfect candidate for the present times. I truly hope progressives show up at the polls on November 8th and that the suppression bills of republicans won’t succeed in overturning the results if democrats win.

Final Thought: Every day I feel more of a sense of grief for the Ukrainian people – those FIGHTING the Russians and those who are being forced from their homeland by Russia’s fascist dictator. We KNOW the Russians are TORTURING Ukrainian captives, we KNOW they are purposely bombing civilian targets and the energy system, and we also KNOW the Ukraine forces have the Russians fleeing from one place after another in the South and East. Here’s what I think – EVERY time the Russians blow up a Power station or blow up a residential structure the Ukrainians SHOULD take another “chunk” out of that bridge connecting Russia with Crimea. Additionally, I’m not sure why this “war” is confined to Ukrainian soil. Why aren’t the Ukrainians venturing in to begin making this war more “painful” for the Russian people. I “get” the threats of nukes – but, the WORLD can’t allow Putin’s threats – made because he’s LOSING – to carry the day. It’s kind of the same feeling I have with Trump’s threats about what will happen if he’s indicted. These kind of threats simply can’t rule the day. Putin, Trump, these are right wing organized criminals. They are both pathological LIARS and obscene narcissists. They represent a faction of the WORLD’S population which needs to be STOPPED! Sooner rather than later!

OK – the American people kept the Senate in the control of the democrats – by “razor thin margin” and, also by a razor thin margin, they put the republican wack jobs in the House back in charge. One thing we can count on – they’re going to “get to the bottom” of Hunter Biden’s life come hell or high water. Will they impeach Biden? I almost hope so. We are going to be faced with two years of the republican revenge tour. Honestly, not sure how I will respond to all this – I’m getting tired of writing about the republican “crime family.” It was reported today that Merrick Garland has appointed a “special counsel” to complete the INVESTIGATIONS of Trump and his fellow CONSPIRATORS regarding the January 6th, 2021 along with the investigation of the STEALING of classified documents from the National Archives. Who knows, some of these republican members of the House who are flapping their lips regarding to their plans for the House once they take over might end up with more to think about. People like Jim Jordan, Matt Gaetz, Louie Gohmert, Scott Perry, Andy Biggs, and others were reportedly part of the planning for the overthrow of our government on January 6th. Stay tuned………………

Keep in mind: Several of the major democratic accomplishments of the previous two years won’t really take full effect until this next two year cycle. Here’s the reality of American politics: not a single republican voted for any of this (except the “bipartisan infrastructure bill”) and they’ll be at the head of the line taking credit for the after effects. For example, when inflation comes down, the republicans will be falling all over each other to take credit (even though it’s already started to come down). When THOUSANDS of good paying jobs are created by the “Chips Act” there you’ll find republicans attempting to take credit! Count on it!!!

It’s just a few days until the 2022 mid-term elections in America and, in the county where I reside (in Washington State) a typical “America 1st” LIAR is likely to become our next representative in the House – because, as a republican leaning district, our previous representative, Jaimie Herrera Beutler got “ousted” for having the audacity to vote for Trump’s IMPEACHMENT after he instigated the INSURRECTION on our nation’s Capitol. Just this morning I was watching a football game and, sure enough, there was Joe Kent looking straight into the camera and LYING about his opponent – and, conversely, about himself.

Take for example the actual republican “platform” as put forth by Rick Scott, the head of the republican Senate campaign committee, called the “American Rescue Plan.” Part of this “plan” would lead to an increase on the income taxes of MOST Americans earning less than $150,000. Well, sure enough, there was Kent this morning accusing his opponent of proposing tax increases on Americans earning less than $150.000. Just that one statement demonstrates why Kent is perfect for today’s republicans – not only is he proving his competence as a LIAR, but, he’s demonstrating his ability to use projection as a poltical tool. (Putting your own shortcomings onto your opponent – republicans are expert at this)

I’ve paid attention, as much as I can – because there’s not much publicity with this campaign – to this contest and I’ve done considerable research on Kent – who has been affiliated with one white nationalist after another – which hasn’t been publicized much in my view. In his profile publicized after he filed for the election Kent said the congressperson he most identifies with is Matt Gaetz – he of the suspected (alleged) “child sex trafficking” issue – which Merrick Garland apparently doesn’t have the “stones” to allow an indictment. Maybe Garland is thinking the indictment of Donald Trump will be all “we the people” can stomach at one time but Gaetz isn’t the man you want hanging around with your young daughter. Mr. Kent, mark my words, will be palling around with Gaetz, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Jim Jordan and, well, you can figure out where this is going – the gang who attempted to help overthrow the 2020 election.

My hope, of course, would be that those republicans who voted for Herrera Beutler in the primary would not be able to stomach Mr. Kent enough to vote for his opponent, Marie Perez – who is a small business owner in a small community in the eastern part of this district. (The totals for Beutler and Kent were very close.) I also checked Ms Perez out – via her website – and was pleasantly surprised to find a very pragmatic progressive. After visiting her website I sent her my MAX donation of $25 – I’m an old man without enormous resources so I have to spread my donations around in small amounts. (The penalty for that is the 250 email messages in my inbox every day – many coming from who knows who running in places all around the country.)

I don’t stop the flow of emails to my inbox because I believe the time I have to spend each day deleting several hundred messages is the least I can do in regard to this upcoming election because there are people who I decide I need to send a few dollars to – usually a guarantee they’re going to lose (unfortunately, from my standpoint). For example, some of the people I’ve sent money to lately are Tim Ryan (in Ohio), Katie Porter (in California), Raphael Warnock (in Georgia), John Fetterman (in Pennsylvania – several small donations), along with donations to various groups – like the Lincoln Project, Vote Vets, and I can’t remember the others. Anyway, I feel obligated to participate in this election in, I understand, a very small way.

I wish I could do more for Marie Perez but my body is somewhat failing so I don’t get around too much these days – but, I did, for the first time in my life, write a letter to the editor of our local newspaper – yep, we still have an actual newspaper which gets delivered to our paper box every day – except Monday. Interestingly, I know people saw the letter, because I got a message from one of my former teaching partners (actually, he was a long term sub for me when I had my knee replaced back in 2004). I know he’s a republican – whether my opinion struck home with him I don’t know – but, the gist of my letter was asking republicans to take the time to consider whether or not Kent is OK to them.

Are they OK with having a white nationalist, a LIAR, and an election denier as our representative? Sadly, according to all the pundits, it will take a miracle for Kent to lose simply because the county where i live is chuck full of republicans who vote republican reflexively. I can say this for sure, because I know and talk to many republicans who have no idea what republicans actually stand for. To most of them it’s all about the abortion issue. But, also, most of them are clearly not understanding how racism as infiltrated their party. The bottom line for me is, it will be embarrassing to live in the county which sends Joe Kent to Congress! I hope it doesn’t happen, but it appears likely it will – another republican election denier in Congress trying to latch onto Marjorie Taylor Greene as a way to access POWER. Yikes!!!

Final Thought: I can guarantee you that if the “miracle” I referred to above actually happens you will see attacks on the election department in my home county. Republicans will be up in arms and they’ll definitely claim “the election was rigged.” I don’t think it will get to that point, because Kent is clearly favored to win, but I actually hope it does. I’ve taken my votes and my wife’s votes to a local drop box in the hope there would be some wack job attempting to intimidate people who are voting – like what we’re seeing in places around the country. I was definitely going to confront whoever may have chosen that route with my crippled up body. Oh well, it’s a good thing we don’t have to deal with that stuff around here.

How did we get here? A certified wack job breaks into the home of Nancy and Paul Pelosi with a couple hammers, finds Pau Pelosi, 82, sleeping and, to make a short story shorter he ends up bashing Mr. Pelosi in the head with one of his hammers, cracking his skull – right in front of the Police Officers responding to a 9-1-1 call. And, sadly, as could be expected, some of the deranged members of the so-called MAGA movement show up on Social Media with, what they believe to be “funny” responses – the most notable, to me, coming from Donald Trump Jr. (Is he FINALLY making his papa proud?) The absurd “tweets” went right up to the new “chief twit” Elon Musk who proved immature, spoiled brats can be just as STUPID as immature sons of TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) presidents who are also spoiled BRATS!

Well, from this perspective, this is – REALLY – the work of Vladimir Putin – at its foundation. Putin started his “active measures” against America and other Western Democracies, where he discovered he could use the freedoms we take for granted against us long before he helped Trump “win” in 2016. This is where the actual “fake news” became commonplace. Misinformation flooded Social Media platforms and the Russians, later in conjunction with Trump’s 2016 campaign, became expert at targeting their mis/disinformation on platforms like Facebook and Twitter. (Mark Zuckerberg’s passion for making as much money as possible left Facebook a “sitting duck” to the Russian misinformation “troops.”)

I have to add, members of the republican party were highly susceptible to this attack on our nation – I mean, I remember being assaulted as a “liberal hippie” back in the 1960’s once I realized the TRUTH about the Viet Nam War – and, once again – in a nuanced manner – after the ILLEGAL invasion of Iraq in 2003 when I expressed my outrage at a small Community Church I was attending – where the demonizing of “liberals” was already imbedded into the brains of many republicans. Iraq was like “Deja Vu all over again” to me regarding my experience during the Viet Nam era and, once again I was ostracized as a “liberal.” (I have to add that, since then, several members of that church have apologized)

So, republicans were easy prey for Putin – and, eventually Donald Trump. Credible reports suggest the Russians started “grooming” Trump back in the 1980’s. He’s what they would call an “unwitting idiot.” But, Trump was perfect to carry on the work of Putin in America because of his narcissistic pathalogical LYING. Both Trump, and Putin, have proved our Justice Department is easily intimidated. Trump has been “stepping over” one legal “boundary” after another – for well before his four years in the “White House” – and he’s still walking free and sending INTIMIDATING messages to Merrick Garland and the rest of those in the department. And, of course, Putin was simply laughing at Robert Mueller indicting his hackers involved in the “active measures” caompaign.

If you’ve read about the organization Cambridge Analytica, set up in England prior to the “Brexit” campaign, and responsible for the hacking of Facebook allowing both the republican party (via Steve Bannon and Jared Kushner) and the Russians to pinpoint the “tendencies” of 157 MILLION Americans prior to the 2016 election – flooding Facebook with phony advertising full of “fake news” and, not only turning MILLIONS of Americans against Hillary Clinton, but beginning the process of indoctrinating Americans (radicalizing) leading to days like January 6th, 2021 (and the INSURRECTION) or, more recently October 28, 2022 when one of these radicalized (STUPID) people broke into Nacy Pelosi’s home and nearly killed her husband – with a HAMMER no less.

There can be no doubt where this dude’s motivation came from. He’s a strong Trump supporter, a QAnon afficionado, a white nationalist, an anti-semite (I guess those two go together, don’t they?), I suppose those on the “right” would refer to him as “scum” had he been a “liberal” attacking a republican. And, of course, they (republicans) would expect democrats to respond in an empathetic way had “the shoe been on the other foot.” Here’s the IRONY which we see repeated OVER and OVER with republicans – the republicans REQUIRE you to be a LIAR to have any chance of success in their “party” – and, of course, the reason this THUG who attacked Mr. Pelosi justified his actions because Ms. Pelosi is the leader of the “party of lies” (apparently, the democrats) This happens ALL the time!

Republicans after republicans were finding ways to obfuscate, dissemble, deflect, divert, or, sadly, make light of what happened to Mr. Pelosi. To me, how can you make fun of someone who’s had his head bashed in by a hammer – republicans are defensive because they KNOW their cowardice and rhetoric is what is motivating people like this to attempt to KILL or KIDNAP politicians who they believe disagree with them. The lady who might end up as Arizona’s governor (Kari Lake) made light of the attack, Donald Trump Jr. showed a couple “tweets” making a joke of what happened with a couple disgusting entries into Elon Musk’s new toy. I have to add, I’m sorry Jr. – but, your choice of “briefs” made me shake my head – I guess we used to call it “underwear.” I haven’t worn anything resembling your apparent “briefs” since I was in the eighth grade – that’s over 60 years ago. I’ve seen photos of your Dad in his tennis outfight wearing the same choice for “underwear” – as visible through his tennis shorts. Eeauu! Yikes!!!

Is this going to get better? Well, it seems not anytime soon. As I’ve been saying for years, until the Justice Department holds those “at the top” to the same laws which those of us at “the bottom” are susceptible to – this will continue. There are right wing “militias” all across America which want to start the next “civil war” and, should democrats prevail in the November elections that could happen sooner rather than later. (My biggest concern in such a scenario is how many of our Police and or National Guardsmen have been sucked into the right wing MAGA movement?) Who knows how many democratic members of Congress are in the “crosshairs” of these right wing wack jobs? And, what will republicans do in response to an uptick in right wing political violence? What happens when a member of Congress is killed? Will republicans remain quiet? Will they make more jokes? (Well, assuming it’s a democrat)

I have to wonder how will republicans respond when the “shoe is on the other foot.” Keep in mind, the last time I checked, you’re not checked for your political affiliation when you purchase and AR-15 for example. As far as I know, African Americans can purchase weapons too, I think. I have no idea what lies ahead, but I seem to have an active mind. And, NONE of this is particularly FUNNY – I hate to share that with people like Trump Jr., Elon Musk, Ted Cruz, Jim Jordan, etc. etc.

That being said, I have to add, as I’m thinking about “how did we get here,” the so-called “Tea Party.” A backlash to “we the people” doing the “unthinkable,” in the eyes of people like Charles and David Koch, by electing a “person of color” as the 44th President of the United States. To this day I believe Barack Obama is the MOST popular political figure in America – but, the TRUTH is, it was the “Tea Party” which set the stage for the emergence of Donald Trump via the so-called “birther movement.” And, it’s been the “Tea party” members who have slowly taken over the republican party allowing IN people like David Duke, Don Black, and a host of others involved in the white nationalist movement – which, as I liked to say at the time, was “hiding under the rocks” until the election of Obama.

Trump is the master manipulator – well, with the exception of Putin – and, now they’ve succeeded in accomplishing Putin’s “wet dream” of turning America into TWO factions fighting at each other’s “throats.” Of course, the faction “close to Putin’s heart” is the one headed by Trump who created a MASSIVE cult following across America – full of people like the guy who attacked Nancy Pelosi’s husband. I mean have you no shame? The man was in his sleep and he’s 82 years old – and the dude cracked him over the HEAD with a HAMMER! OMG!!!

Less than a week (from when I’ll likely publish this rant) will be the mid-term elections of 2022 which most “experts” expect will allow republicans – the same group which keeps causing disastrous results in their INCOMPETENT leadership – to take control of Congress. We’ll be right back into the malaise which encompassed our country during the LONG four years of the rein of our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president. Here’s what they’ve promised: they’re going to, of course, vote to impeach Joe Biden. Maybe they’ll do it twice because, well, Trump has taught them the value of LYING and REVENGE. They are promising to go after Social Security and Medicare – by threatening to BLOW UP the American (and maybe world) economy over the debt ceiling. (Democrats have until January to get rid of the Debt Ceiling requirement – which is pretty much STUPID in its own right – and, I can virtually guarantee you will still be there in January)

Of course, republicans are planning to make the so-called Trump “tax scam (er cuts)” permanent. That would simply mean they would be “permanent” until the next time democrats gained control of Congress (which would hopefully be in two years – although “election deniers” say it will be “never” if they “win” in November). Republicans have shown they are OK with the use of VIOLENCE to get their way. They consider democrats weak – because democrats keep focusing on governing and they don’t fight back against republican overreach. Republicans will also impeach Merrick Garland in an attempt to protect Trump from the legal accountability he so deserves. (Plus, they’ll attempt to defund the Justice Department to block attempts at indicting Trump and his co-conspirators – which, I believe, includes the wife of Clarence Thomas) Some of them carry copies of the constitution around with them with no idea what it says. Trump is NOT “above the law” and it’s up to Mr. Garland to hold him to account. There are mixed messages as to whether he has the courage to do so, I’ll believe it when I see it. But, that’s how we got to this ugly place – a combination of Vladimir Putin enabling (and mentoring?) Trump to take advantage of cultural issues which were lying “under the surface” when Barack Obama was elected President. God help us!

Final Thought: I’ve been saying there’s a war for the heart and soul of America for about 20 years and I’ve lamented that democrats don’t seem to understand what is happening. Some of them are starting to “get it” but others seem to still be acting as if this election is just another election. The usual way Americans discover an issue is critical is when it’s too late. I’m not saying it will be “too late” if democrats fail to show up in November (and, who knows if “showing up” will matter in states with new election suppresion laws in place?) but, as I’ve said for years, it’s much easier to lose rights than to get them back. And, this Supreme Court is set on overturning some “rights” Americans have come to take for granted – well, again, I’m talking about democrats – rights which were fought for over the years and “assumed” part of our future – and, I have to believe the overturning of Roe was just the “tip of the iceberg.” Here’s how they think – if they could overturn Roe and democrats still not respond at the ballot box – well, “katy bar the door!” As Steve Bannon, himself, says, “buckle up!” Stay tuned…………………..

One more thing: I have a brother-in-law who lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (a KEY state in this coming election) who, apparently, thinks what I write is too depressing. He’d like something “positive.” My plan was to write about ALL the accomplishments of the Biden administration despite the Congress which has been “hamstrung” by the 50/50 Senate “majority” – with two reclacitrant democrats. The amount of legislation they passed would be historic under any circumstances, let alone in this combative climate. I hope to write about that, but even that could seem depressing should republicans take control of Congress next week. However, we’ll see……….

Look, Donald Trump is NOT the first threat to America’s Constitutional democratic republic. He’s just the most brazen threat in my lifetime and he’s managed to “light up” the white nationalists in America who were “hiding under the rocks” until Barack Obama was elected President in 2008. And, Trump continues to DARE the Justice Department to stop him – and, honestly, I’m not sure Merrick Garland has the stomach for what that would entail. Trump’s “entourage” continues to “grow” as people like Marjorie Taylor Greene, Matt Gaetz, Paul Gosar, Ted Cruz, Josh Hawley, and others fall in line as they see Trump as their “vehicle” into the so-called “mainstream” of American politics. And, they’ve got a good “friend” on their side. MONEY!

If you’ve followed the so-called “Koch Brothers” (now “Brother”) at all over the past 40 years you’d know Charles and David Koch began their political careers in the John Birch Society, they INHERITED an oil business which led to “Koch Industries” one of the most successful privately held businesses in America – each brother worth over $50+ BILLION the last time I checked a couple of years ago. David Koch passed away in 2019, but his brother Charles hasn’t slowed down a bit. The Koch’s have been responsible for the Heritage Institue, the Cato Institute, and, other right wing “think tanks,” plus they were largely responsible for the success of the “Tea Party,” and ALEC (The American Legislative Exchange Council) has their “fingers” into state legislatures all across the nation “helping” republicans get their legislation “right.” (funded by the Koch’s and their rich peers) It goes on and on, but the bottom line with (now) Charles Koch is he has an UNLIMITED amount of MONEY to spend on his “wishes.” And, he’s in his 80’s and seems willing to “tear the house down” before he dies. (Largely to protect the fossil fuel industry)

And, when you look at some of Trump’s most egregious “policies” (in that there were any “policies” at all) you can see the “importance” of making Mr. Koch and his network of DONORS happy. Koch industries, of course, is a business with its “focal point” in the oil industry. (Surprise, surprise) The Trump administration’s blocking of environmental regulations was received by Koch and his surrogates with enthusiastic approval. Keep in mind, the Koch Brothers inherited a fortune built by their father who went to the Soviet Union back in the 1930’s in order to sell a device used in the refinement of oil to Joseph Stalin – a device he couldn’t sell in America because it violated registered patents. He came back from Russia a multiple millionaire (in 1930’s dollars) and, thus, the beginning of Koch Industries. Plus,. their father, Fred Koch was part of the original John Birch Society. (If you’re not familiar with the “Birchers” I suggest you look them up)

Is it a requirement of children who oppose America’s democratic republic and who inherited their WEALTH to be from fathers named Fred? (Just sayin) While the Koch’s may have come around a bit over the years in regard to their alleged RACIST beliefs (again, check out the John Birch Society) it appears the same can not be said for our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president – who seems to be going farther off “the rails” every time he gets closer to receiving and INDICTMENT for one of his MANY choices to violate our system of laws – laws he feels as if don’t apply to him.

So, here’s the bottom line at this point in time. It’s (today) three weeks until the 2022 mid-term elections and, astonishingly, (at least to me) the predictors continue to suggest republicans are going to take control of (at least) the House of Representatives. Lately, I’ve been using the word “stupid” more and more – simply because I can’t come up with a better explanation for what is happening in this nation I’ve grown to love over the past 75 years. I’ll attempt to explain why I believe this in as succinct of terms as possible. Let’s start with the FACT over 50% of the American population is WOMEN. Well, are WOMEN going to VOTE in this election in order to protect their right to determine their own course of action regarding their health care. Of course, we all know, Roe v Wade was a victim of democrats failing to show up in 2016 allowing Donald Trump to move into the “White House.”

Mitch McConnell had the political instincts to refuse allowing Merrick Garland a vote when Barack Obama nominated him for the Supreme Court back in 2016 – motivating right wing (republican) voters much more than democrats during the campaign for president back then. The result was not only one “stolen” Supreme Court nomination for Trump, but, of course, two more before Trump was “fired” by “we the people” in 2020. Honestly, today I was listening to some democrats complaining that the overturning of Roe is the fault of democrats not doing enough over the years to “codify” it when they had enough votes. To me, that just goes to prove “stupid” in America is “bipartisan.” The democrats have no one to blame but themselves for failing to show up to vote – apparently believing there wasn’t much difference between Trump and Hillary Clinton. I’ll say it once more – STUPID!

So, now democrats, once again, have an opportunity to support Joe Biden to achieve some ground breaking success, but, they’re “unhappy” – so, they’re either not going to vote – or, for heaven’s sake – vote for republicans. Here’s what they’re voting for – if they’ve been paying ANY attention at all. First, they’re voting for maybe the most SPINELESS politician to come along in years to put Kevin McCarthy as the Speaker of the House. In essence, what they’re voting for in reality is giving POWER to people like Marjorie Taylor Greene, Matt Gaetz (he, another politician Mr. Garland doesn’t have the stomach to prosecute – even for child sex trafficking), Jim Jordan, and the whole right wing crew that goes along with them. They are going after Social Security and Medicare, they want a NATIONWIDE abortion ban, they’re threatening to cut off funding for America’s support of Ukraine, and, of course, they will try to IMPEACH Biden soon after taking control. For what reason – do they need a reason??? And, will democratic voters blame democrats in Congress should republicans gain control of the House? The bottom line is there are MORE democrats than republicans – so ………………………

Personally, I’m not willing to speak kindly to anyone who comes across my way who tells me they didn’t vote or voted for a republican and then complains about the absurd amount of chaos we’re experiencing as we have to endure them in office for the next two years. Here’s how republicans are going to go after Social Security and Medicare (both dear to my 75 year old heart) – they’re going to use the debt ceiling to extract – I don’t even know what they want to extract and I’m not sure they do – cutbacks which will affect us old people. The first thing I thought of the other day when it was announced Social Security recipients (full disclosure – I’m one of them – I paid into it for over 50 years before retiring) are due to receive an 8.7% increase in benefits come January 1, 2023 was that this will make it even MORE of a target for republicans. Are Americans even paying attention to all this?

I keep hearing reports the polling says the most important issue for most Americans in the election is “inflation.” And, I place much of the BLAME on this to the TERRIBLE messaging abilities of the democratic party. Without a doubt, inflation is a serious issue. But, one of the most important? Is inflation more important than the preservation of our democratic republic? Not to me. (And, when you take a close look at the republican scheme if democrats lose in November it could be quite some time (past my remaining lifetime) before the damage can be reversed – if ever (And, I don’t believe that’s hyperbole). Do women care about whether there’s a nationwide ban on abortion care? Remains to be seen. Do seniors care about whether they continue to receive their Social Security benefits? I hope so, but, again, it remains to be seen.

Do young people want the proposed forgiveness of up to $20,000 of student loan relief? Enough to actually vote? Well, republicans are busy, as I’m writing this, attempting to block the Biden administration from being able to follow through on this proposal. Do Americans really want responisible gun legislation? Well, if so, why would you vote for a republican? Are Americans bothered by the FACT republicans LIE pathologically – right to their faces – with impunity? Apparently, not – at least anyone who would vote for a republican. In FACT, the LYING has become even more egregious as we get closer to the election. Don’t believe me, just give Marjorie Taylor Greene about a minut of your time – she’s full on “MAGA.”

I could go on and on, but if “we the people” fail to show up to vote this November we deserve what we get. And, keep in mind, we MUST show up in MUCH greater numbers than republicans because of the gerryandering which has taken place over the past couple of census results. Plus, if you’ve had your head in the proverbial sand, you may not be aware of some of the voter suppression bills passed in various “red” states since our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president convinced about a third of the country the 2020 election was “stolen.” This was done without a shred of evidence. (Every example of actual voter fraud I’ve read about was committed by republicans finding ways to vote more than once – but, even those instances were MINUTE when compared to the total number of votes cast) Here’s how we KNOW the 2020 election was NOT stolen – Donald Trump FAILED in his attempt to do just that. And, republicans are already working on STEALING this upcoming election and those which follow.

Some of the “improvements” fall into the “what are you talking about” category – like, in Georgia it’s now a FELONY to give someone waiting in one of the long lines (they create purposely) either something to drink or something to eat. I’m not kidding. But, as usual with republicans, it gets worse. The Georgia legislature gave themselves the incredible power to overturn the results of the election should they disagree with the outcome. For example, if miraculously, Stacy Abrams would upset Brian Kemp in the race for Governor, the legislature could simply overturn the results and declare Mr. Kemp the victor. The same goes in the race between Raphael Warnock and Hershel Walker. Other state legislatures have followed sut since – like, I believe in Arizona. And, keep in mind with the gerrymandered districts, many states with a 50/50 split between republicans and democrats have significant republican “majorities” in their legislatures. For example, Wisconsin is a state with a demoratic governor which also voted for Joe Biden in 2020. They have eight members of Congress and SIX of them are considered “shoe ins” to win as a republican. Their state legislature is strongly republican despite, again, over HALF of the electorate voting for democrats in statewide elections. And, this is not uncommon. (Do both parties participate in gerrymandering? Yep, it’s just that, as usual, democrats are far less successful at it)

Let me finish this rant by going back to the issue of inflation. First, people SHOULD understand despite things seeming “peaceful” here, in Ukraine there is a brutal war where the Ukrainians are “fighting like hell” (to borrow a phrase from Trump) to preserve their democracy – and, it’s having an effect on inflation worldwide. In fact, in America inflation is less of a problem than in MANY other places around the world. Worldwide I say? Yep, the world is still coming out of the pandemic and supply shortages are a problem all across the globe. It’s totally unfair to blame Biden and the democrats. Do Americans really want to suggest the FACT their wages have increased is the cause of inflation? Do they want to go back to lower wages? Is the FACT more Americans are working today than at any time EVER in our past a problem for our working class people? Truly, I hope not. Are there any Americans who’ve noticed the price of a barrel of oil has dropped by about 30% in the past few months, but the price of gas at the pump has increased by the same amount? Does anyone else find that suspicious? (Apparently, this rise in prices is not “across the board” – but, is affecting those buying gas where I live)

Here’s the deal, there are a plethora of reasons why Americans should give Joe Biden an INCREASE in the number of democratic Senators plus continued control of the House. I’ve listed a bunch of them, but there are many more. And, just stop and think – what policy suggestions are coming from republicans which are first, HONEST, and second something aside from fearmongering? What suggestions do they have for making our lives better? Personally, I haven’t heard one. I keep hearing a bunch of absurd LYING. I, personally, live in the district of a republican Congresswoman who voted to IMPEACH Trump after the INSURRECTION and, of course, she lost in the primary to a Matt Gaetz wannabee, Joe Kent, who, in the first “debate” with his general election opponent – well, it won’t surprise you – LIED through his teeth, over and over. You’d have thought he was a Reagan republican. Question: Is Joe Biden the duly elected president of the United States? Answer: “Yes.” Question: “Was the 2020 presidential election stolen?” Answer: “No.” I just hope Trump saw the answers he gave to those two questions – let alone some of the others. Because Kent was a full throated “election denier” prior to that debate performance. Does Trump care how these questions are answered. You’d think Mr. Kent is a moderate – of course, in Congress he’ll be anything but!

Final Thought: Some instances of how I’m expecting the upcoming election to give me stomach problems (at least temporarily) will be in a few governors races. For example, I really have to wonder about the people of Texas and Florida as it appears both Ron DeSantis and Greg Abbott are headed to victory. Plus, in Georgia, it looks as if Stacy Abrams will need a miracle to come out ahead of Brian Kemp (without the legislature intervening). What’s up with the people in Texas (where Abbott has abused his power repeatedly – from this viewpoint) and in Florida it seems to me DeSantis is worse. DeSantis is attempting to be the republican nominee in 2024 and he seems to believe continually pushing his behavior up to and over the legal lines will get him more republican votes. Sadly, he appears to be correct! And, Abbott, if you remember, he had his border fiasco costing Texans BILLIONS and he’s apparently done NOTHING to protect Texans from a power grid dangerously susceptible to freezing temperatures – likely to arrive this winter. What is wrong with these people? (Especially in Texas where they have the opportunity to elect a true friend of the working class in Beto O’Rourke – go figure)

I’ve said this so many times now it’s hardly worth repeating, except that it very CLEARLY is! The upcoming elections – and, I’m talking about well beyond this November’s mid-terms – will be critical to the future of this nation. Not only do “we the people” need to elect democratic majorities in both houses of Congress (plus the “White House”) but we need to elect LARGER majorities – especially in the Senate. I say this because this year’s election could hinge on the response to the “Dobbs” decision of the Supreme Court overturning Roe v Wade – but, as the saying goes, “we aint seen nothin yet!”

This present court is RULED by ideologues who are not only way off to the right of the mainstream in America, they are YOUNG! They’re going to be there for years to come. Think about this Neil Gorsich occupies the seat which SHOULD be held by Merrick Garland (let’s hope that comes back to “bite” MAGA republicans), Brett Kananaugh was credibly accused of committing sexual assault and gave an embarrassing performance in his confirmation hearing, and Amy Coney Barrett had her nomination rushed through during the 2020 election just weeks after the death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg – all three of them could be credibly accused of LYING during the confirmation hearings regarding “stare decisis” and their respect for “prededent.” Add to that Clarence Thomas is married to a possible co-conspirator in the attemtped coup d’etat of January 6th, 2021. And, I have to also add, I believe Samuel Alito was just waiting for more right wingers so he could institute his personal agenda on “we the people.”

I say that because, especially if you’re one of the MILLIONS of Americans who don’t pay much attention to politics, ANY time “we the people” get weak-kneed and allow republicans to control the Congress in, say, the next GENERATION, the danger exists that this 6-3 right wing majority could get worse. My personal hope is that those investigating the January 6th coup attempt will follow through with the investigation into Ginni Thomas which clearly, with what is already public knowledge, is a connection to Trump’s attempt to overthrow the government. For heaven’s sake, in her recent testimony to the 1/6 Committee it was reported she re-iterated her belief “the election was stolen.” Do you really believe in the 24 months encompassing the lead up to the coup attempt to her testimony of a few days ago she didn’t talk to Clarence about this? The only way I could respond to that is “Come on man!”

Ms. Thomas has been quoted as calling her husband her “best friend” and she’s also been quoted as saying she shared her thoughts only with her “best friend.” Of course, she denies she EVER talks to her husband about her politics, but, if you believe that I’ve got a bridge…………… OK, you know the rest. Here’s who she was “hanging out with” right before the election and all of the texts we now know she sent to Mark Meadows – Connie Hair, the chief of staff of Louie Ghomert – yeah, the man many consider the STUPIDEST member of Congress and one who is plum full of conspiracy theories. (You know, like the one Ms Thomas actually believed about Joe Biden – and other democrats – being sent off the coast of Guantanimo and executed – YIKES!! Who believes that kind of nonsense? Well, Ginni Thomas for one! And, her husband?????

If Mr. Thomas was forced to resign from the court that would balance things out a bit and, then, the situation wouldn’t be quite as dire – but, when you see the commitment of republicans to flood the judiciary with idealogues and partisans – there can be no let up in the importance of refusing to vote these people into positions of POWER – as I said – for a GENERATION. (If you’ve been following the rulings of Aileen Cannon in Trump v the United States you’ve seen a good example of what “conservatives” view as a “judge”) The reality is there are enough gerrymandered districts in the U.S. that the House of Representatives will, likely, always be at risk. For example, in the 2022 mid-terms I can see the possibility the TOTAL vote count for democrats running for the House could exceed 10 MILLION more votes than republicans and democrats could still lose their majority.

However, as it’s the Senate which confirms members of the Court, it’s much more important for democrats to control the Senate than the House. And, I’m talking, again, for the next GENERATION – or until either the court is expanded or a couple of the right wing judges retire or are impeached. Impeached you ask, incredulously? Well, in reality, Judge Kavanaugh allegedly LIED during his confirmation hearing which would not only make him a candidate for IMPEACHMENT, but also could lead to a CRIMINAL charge – LYING before Congress. Will this ever be followed up?

Highly unlikely, but, there is a “wave” of young people coming onto the political scene in America – people fully invested in the ideals from which the present day republicans live in fear – like, for example, Health Care issues (including, WOMEN’S health issues) the CLIMATE CRISIS – how many Hurricanes, Wildfires, etc. need to cause BILLIONS upon BILLIONS in damage before it registers with “conservatives?” (Not to mention the loss of life and the THREAT to the Earth’s very future) – How many MASS shootings must happen before sensible gun reform takes shape? – and, I’m talking, for instance, of an assault weapons ban – How large does the national debt have to grow before we grow our economy from the bottom up and tax the WEALTHY in fair accordance to their WEALTH? (Instead of the other way around) How many Americans must live without fulfilling their God given potential before we make public education FREE through four years of State College? (Heck, in Denmark, they PAY people to go to college! That’s called INVESTING in your people! I could go on and on, but I think (hope) you get the idea.

“Conservatives” will be shouting “Communism” or “Socialism” via their propaganda megaphones like Fox “news,” “Newsmax,” “Breitbart,” etc, etc. all the while attempting to convince whoever is susceptible to their “stuff” that they are not only “conservative,” but they also claim to be “Christian.” Well, to the “Christian” in them – as they are spewing this garbage propaganda, I would suggest a reading of Acts Chapter II in the New Testament. “44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,” Socialism? Communism? Pisha!

Republicans, in my view, long ago forfeited the right to expect “we the people” to believe a word they say. I’ve heard most all of my life that “all politicians lie.” Well, likely true – because I’m not sure I’ve ever met anyone who could credibly suggest they’d never told a LIE. (I believe the fairy tales about George Washington and the “Cherry Tree” for example, are just that, fairy tales) However, I do believe it is true there are honorable men and women in this world – including some who end up in politics. It’s just that republicans have fallen so FAR “off the wagon” that LYING has become NECESSARY for their existence. To me, this is exactly why Donald Trump became the de facto leader of their party. While he was in office he was LYING at such a clip it was almost impossible to keep up with tallying all the “misstatements” – as they were called by the team at the Washington Post who kept track. By the time Trump left office the total was in excess of 35,000 LIES! As the saying goes, when Trump’s lips are moving, he’s LYING!

Once again, I have to add here, while I do believe Trump is a pathological LIAR, i find the republican party’s adherence to the LYING more calculating. I’ve long suggested republicans adopted the “Big Lie Theory” of the Nazi’s in WW II – concocted by none other than Hitler, himself, I believe in “Mein Kampf” – where stating a LIE over and over will lead to people eventually believing it’s true. I actually sometimes believed Trump actually got to the point where he would believe his own LIES as the words rolled off his tongue. This is why, for example, his lawyers refused to allow him to be questioned by the Mueller investigation because they believed, at a minimum, he would LIE to the investigators. They actually considered him a f@#king LIAR!

My point is the republicans don’t deserve for “we the people” to believe a word they say. It’s as if they fully believe “we the people” are STUPID! And, are they correct? I guess that remains to be seen. I would say it’s safe to say their “base” is showing all the signs of STUPIDITY because, for example, most of the MAGA republicans I know, when I suggest to them Trump is a LIAR, they say something like “no way.” He LIES directly to their FACES and they cheer. Many of these people were devotees of Rush Limbaugh and willingly called themselves “ditto heads.” To me, admitting their inability to think for themselves. And, when I force myself to listen to (as much as I can stomach of) Sean Hannity or Tucker Carlson I just cringe that this kind of raw propaganda can survive in 21st century America.

And, trust me, I fully understand, Biblically speaking it says, “Judge not lest ye be judged,” and as I was listening to the sermon at the Church I attend today I was reminded, ONCE AGAIN – it’s difficult for me to be “all in” simply because there are so many Christians I can’t force myself to trust. For example, racism has become a “non-starter” for me (I was raised by an overtly racist father) and, to me, you can’t be a MAGA republican without “courting” racism, opposition to health care has become a “non-starter” for me, opposition to the Climate Crisis, opposition to assault weapons – essentially, you could sum it up as being a republican (with rare and welcomed exceptions) has become an issue for me. Every republican I know watches Fox “news” – which says it all! (Well, I do know a few who watch “Newsmax”)

Virtually EVERY MAGA republican causes me to simply turn away. Along with the issues I mentioned above, for example, listening to republicans complain an election – which was free and fair – was stolen makes me want to gag. And, on top of that, supporting suppressing the votes of African Americans – because you don’t believe they should have the right to vote (when their ancestors “immigrated” here well before NEARLY every MAGA republican – not that that should matter) repulses me. And, Oh, by the way, now republicans are going after the voting rights of young people and old people, like me, who might vote for democrats. I can’t help but “judge” that behavior – and, could NEVER approve it!

The bottom line, for me, is Donald Trump has been attempting to tear down our fundamental values and norms for the past 6 years – “deconstructing the administrative state” – as Steve Bannon – American’s ambassador of fascism – and, as I’ve been saying for YEARS – there is a war going on for the heart and soul of this nation. Trump “lanced the boil” and brought people like David Duke, Don Black, Marjorie Taylor Green, Jim Jordan, Scott Perry, Matt Gaetz, and sadly (I’m afraid) from my own district – soon to be embarrasment in D.C., Joe Kent into the “mainstream” of American politics. To me, our so-called “liberal media” isn’t sophisticated enough to call this for what it is. They’re still fooled by Fox “news” so-called “fair and balanced” LIE. Remember, no matter where it’s coming from, it’s still CORPORATE media.

To me, step one in the defense of our democratic republic will take place this coming November and MOST of the pundits and prognosticators are predicting exactly what I’m hoping here WON’T happen – that progressives FAIL to turn out in numbers large enough to STOP, at least for now, this right wing PLAGUE which has been spreading across America for the last few decades – in my mind, since the election of Ronald Reagan in 1980. It’s almost as if, in America, things have to be at the critical stage – analogy: the forest has to be on fire – before it gets the attention of enough poeple to do something about it. Have we reached that point? We’ve got about 40 days left before we find out.

If you’ve noticed, one of the two links I have on this site goes to the “Daily Kos,” a progressive blog. Aside from the small dollar donations I make to various candidates (unleashing THOUSANDS of emails into my inbox) for the past couple of elections I’ve been writing letters to people identified by the “Kos” as potential voters encouraging them to participate. (I also give $5 per month to the “Kos”) These letters are sent in a non–partisan manner – simply encouraging them to particiapate in the election. (I’m sure the targeted voters are progressive leaning – but, I simply encourage them to vote)

I will send 20 letters in about three weeks and I encourage anyone else who is trying to find a way to help out in this election to log into the “Daily Kos.” This only takes an hour or two to write the letters (they help – plus they have other ways to volunteer) and the cost is just 20 “forever” stamps and 20 envelopes. Just a thought if you’re wondering how you can help. If enough people volunteer, who knows? Maybe we can STOP the MAGA republicans from doing to America what Hitler failed to do in WW II! (Think that’s hyperbole? Check out Trump’s recent “rally” in front of a bunch of QAnon freaks – where they were giving him the “Seig Heil Salute.” Trump is full on into the QAnon conspiracy nonsense now!)

Final Thought: A while back I wrote my thoughts about the issue of abortion. This was prior to the Supreme Court overturning Roe V Wade, although I knew that was their (republicans’) objective. I pointed out, in my earlier life (I’m now 75), the first pregnancy I was involved in ended in a miscarriage. My wife started to bleed vaginally as her body was attempting to reject the fetus which had died. I rushed her to the hospital and they did a procedure which, in essence, was an abortion. It never crossed my mind, at the time, it was an abortion because neither of us would have even considered “such a thing.” So, since the overturning of Roe and the subsequent draconian legislation popping up all across the country – including republicans proposing to make a NATIONAL “abortion” ban, I’ve given the topic even MORE thought and I’ve heard many similar instances which have led to critical threats to women’s health.

Now, in numerous states, we would have been PREVENTED from having the procedure which, thankfully, eventually allowed for two beautiful daughters to be born subsequent to that horrible day. There are states where my wife (at the time) would have been forced to carry the DEAD fetus until such time as she would have been at a critical stage regarding her LIFE. In fact, there are some states which don’t even include an exception to save the life of the MOTHER! To me, all of that is unthinkable. There are SO many ways these abortion bans are negatively impacting the health of WOMEN all across America – it’s, well, disgusting! I predicted, prior to the Court overturning Roe that combined with the January 6th Committee hearings and the Roe decision that might just be the impetus to swing the election in November against the trends being predicted by the prognosticators. There are, after all, a LOT of WOMEN in America – over 50% of the population by my “last count.” There’s not much I could agree with Liz Cheney prior to the 1/6 Committee, but I do agree that it appears to be time for WOMEN to assert themselves more into leadership positions in our national government. How could they do worse than men she’s around in today’s republican party?

OK, I have to add: I didn’t think I was going to believe this when Joe Biden ran for president. I actually like Biden and believe he came around at just the right time. While the political forces in America were knocking heads after Biden had done HIS first IMPERATIVE, which was defeating Trump – and the so-called “liberal media” was doing – I don’t know what – Biden was governing. The Covid Releif Bill, to me, was the best piece of legislation aimed at “the bottom up middle out” that I could remember since, well – dating back to the days of LBJ. He got us out of Afghanistan – and, don’t bore me with the “it was messy.” What the hell would you expect? One of Trump’s last actions as our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president was SURRENDERING to the Taliban. And, based on the agreement Trump made with the Taliban, it’s a miracle it wasn’t “messier.” Yes, there were people left behind, but that was simply going to happen – and, it was either “get out” or send in another 20,000 or so troops. A surge was a “non-starter!”

Biden’s biggest problem was the Senate “majority” was of the thinnest kind. And, with Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema (to me, Sinema worse than Manchin) it was impossible to pass anything which required even a “carve out” of the filibuster. Will all the voter suppression laws passed in various states make it impossible for democrats to win in places like Georgia, Texas, Arizona, or other “swing states?” Very possibly, unless progressives vote in record numbers come Nobember. But, the Biden Administration got more legislation passed in its first two years than, again, any administration I can remember – back to LBJ.

They got the infrastructure bill passed with republicans who voted against it taking credit all across this land (there were, of course, republicans who voted FOR it! – a miracle in itself). They got a “Chips bill” passed bringing the manufacturing of computer chips back to America, they got the so-called “inflation fighting” bill passed – or some such name as that – which contained a START in Climate Crisis legislation and they got a bill aimed at gun violence – much less than needed – but, a “start” passed, along with bills to address medical needs of veterans plus MORE. After all that, it appeared maybe Biden was actually going to address the serious nature of what’s at stake this NOVEMBER and agressively campaign! A very busy schedule. An ACTUAL president!

But, maybe the MOST important thing Biden accomplished – in the face of a tyrant in Moscow ILLEGALY invading her neighbor – and, of course, I’m talking about our 21st Century “Hitler,” Vladimir Putin sending war CRIMINALS into the sovereign nation of Ukraine – was unifying and mobilizing the NATO alliance to come to the aid of Ukraine and make it clear if Putin went “one inch” onto NATO soil he would face the full wrath of the entire European NATO alliance – the one Trump had come close to undermining. I believe the History books may call this Biden’s greatest achievement no matter how the rest of his term in office ends up. Remember, I’ve used the STUPID term in reference to many of my countrymen (I’m sure they might respond in kind) but, traditionally, in America, politics ends at the water’s edge (The Ocean if you’re, well ST…………). Of course, just another “norm” upended by MAGA repubublicans. in fact, there are many republicans who’ve sided with Putin in this ILLEGAL invasion. (Yep, I’m talking about you Tucker Carlson and, of course Putin’s greatest fan, Trump himself – Trump called Putin’s invasion “genius” – although, remember, he called himself a “genius.”) Many republican “officials” have expressed their “America First” frustration with Biden coming to the aid of Ukraine!

Not only is NATO stronger than anytime in my memory (maybe back to the fall of the Soviet Union) but, Putin’s adventurism has caused both Finland and Sweden to request to be included in the ALLIANCE. And, of course, Ukraine is trying to become part of the European Union and, when all is said and done I believe Ukraine will become part of NATO. Putin is now threatening to use nuclear weapons, but, I believe, even that is a really poor idea for Russia – and, I believe there are people in Russia who are more level headed than Putin who will put a stop to him before the rest of the world does it for them. A nuclear war is a devil’s bargain – and, if the Russian “nukes” are anything like their military – well, I don’t want to speculate because I hope it doesn’t come to that – but, stopping Putin in his tracks was imperative and it appears the Russian troops are presently on the “run.” The Ukrainians are incredibly courageous and, to me, much smarter than their Russian counterparts – but, the bottom line is Joe Biden has provided the leadership necessary to STOP Putin in his “tracks.”

Of course, the American people (and, again, to me, a large segment of our “liberal media”) are busy complaining about “inflation” and “high gas prices” – when “inflation” is a world wide issue – far worse in most places than America – and, compared to the rest of the world, our gas prices are NOT “high.” That’s a topic for another day, but Biden is attempting to stop WW III and, it appears, successfully (although, we won’t know for sure for a bit yet) and the American people SHOULD be giving him high marks for his world wide leadership. Will it happen? Probably not! But, my prediction is, the HISTORY books will give President Biden the high marks he deserves. (Fox “news” and the other right wing propagandists I’ve mentioned above continue to (using the “Big Lie Theory”) paint Joe Biden as an old (he is old – older than me) feelbly minded soul. (Of course, he’s much more physically active and mentally acute than Trump ever thought of being – go figure!) They make “fun” of the reality Biden is a stutterer! Surprise, surprise! Some of these republicans are rotten to the core!

That all being said, someone like Gavin Newsome is looking better all the time to me, as a national leader! I, also, believe it’s time for younger leadership – it just can’t come from the republican party – unless, for example, someone like Liz Cheney would emerge. While I fully disagree with her politics, there can be no doubt she’s got guts and she’s willing to put her principles and her oath to the constitution above her position in Congress! Well, you’re right, I’ve digressed!

Shortly after Donald Trump took the oath of office for the office of President of the United States back in 2017 I wrote: “Trump will come to rue the day he chose to run for the office of president.” Well, I believe that day likely has come. For God’s sake, let’s get this out of the way: Trump is CORRUPT up to his eyeballs! It appears the authorities, who seem to work at a “snail’s pace,” are FINALLY closing in on our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president. For anyone paying attention it’s no surprise the investigations seem to be virtually EVERYWHERE. There’s the investigation from the Fulton County DA regarding Trump’s (along with his sycophants) attempt to overturn the presidential election in Georgia, the pending civil suits – most prominently coming from New York’s AG which very well could put an END to the Trump Organization, the Manhattan DA (who seems timid in charging Trump with the FELONIES his former investigators said publicy were committed), The Southern District of New York’s US Attorney’s office and the IRS – both who received CRIMINAL referrals from New York’s AG’s office – and, of course the Justice Department’s investigations into the STOLEN Top Secret documents plus the January 6th INSURRECTION ivestigation.

Astonishingly, the republican party has degraded to the point where many are, apparently, threatening violence should Trump be indicted for ANY of the above CRIMINAL activity. For heaven’s sake, Trump has been “allegedly” violating the laws of this great land, in essence, his entire life. Members of the republican party – meaning, those who have been elected to Congress – have succumbed to the thirst for POWER they think comes with bowing to the knee of someone as disgusting at Trump. Plus, republicans all across this land continue spewing the nonsense that Trump is still the president. If you haven’t been watching close enough, Trump and his minions believe the votes from areas where there is a large number of African Americans voting shouldn’t count. Something, in their minds, is terribly wrong when these people are not only allowed to vote, but are encouraged to vote.

Naturally, republicans in state legislatures all across America have been busy passing laws which are intended to make it more difficult for “people or color,” young people, and elderly people in areas where there are many democrats more difficult to cast their ballots. This should give anyone with any knowledge of history a bit of a “red flag” as to what these people are up to. To me, it’s obvious – they want to make changes to our system which will allow the next coup d’etat to succeed. For me it’s hard to believe that states like Georgia and Arizona have passed laws which will allow their legislatures to send the “fraudulent set of electors” to the next Congress as the “real set of electors.” That is, if they don’t like the results of the election, they’ll simply change it. In Georgia (and, likely elsewhere) republican members of the legislature are already busy purging poll workers so that they can put in their own sycophants. Yikes!!!

Again, if you’re paying attention to the WORLD of politics, you know that, first, Tucker Carlson held his Fox “news” show in Hungary kissing up to Viktor Orban and, subsequently, the republicans invited Orban to speak at their CPAC get together. They also, invited the newly elected neo-FASCIST prime minister of Italy, Georgia Meloni to speak at one of their gatherings a while back. She has been publicly seen with America’s neo-fascist leader Steve Bannon who seems to pop up around any of the European right wing neo-fascist leaders like Orban, Meloni, France’s Marine le Pen, and, likely, others. There can be no doubt there is a neo-fascist movement all across Europe (including, sadly, Sweden) and, as I’ve pointed out many times on this site, Trump is the “linchpin” of all this, because if he can turn America into a fascist nation then the world will be facing what Hitler and Musolini failed to accomplish back in the 1930’s and during WW II.

I really hope Americans are paying attention to all of this. Most of us who are “baby boomers” had parents who participated in stopping Hitler and Musoline in WW II. My father, apparently, did hiis service in the Pacific in the fight against the Japanese. He NEVER talked to me about what he endured in his service. I can only imagine what it was, but he just didn’t want to talk about it – likely because of the memories it would stimulate. The bottom line is people like my father FOUGHT the Germans, Italians, and Japanese in WW II largely to prevent the spread of fascism to this nation (and Europe) – and, now, it’s back again (fascism, that is). I’ve written about this many times in the past year pointing out how the word “fascism” is used recklessly by republicans who seem to have no idea what fascism actually is. What Trump, Bannon, Putin, and others are pushing is a return to fascism in a way Hitler and Musolini failed back in the Second World War.

On that note, I’ve written numerous times about the critical nature of ALL the upcoming elections regarding keeping republicans from gaining control of the “White House” or Congress. If you haven’t noticed the POWER republicans have accomplished by STACKING the Supreme Court with right wing idealogues, well, you just have had your head in the sand. Trust me, the next Court session will include MORE decisions based on the political “whims” of the right wing politicians who put them in POWER. And, I have to add, sadly, the word POWER. That, of course should NEVER be the case with a Judge at any level, let alone on our nation’s highest court. But, the reality is this court MAJORITY will be there well beyond my lifetime. Voters MUST prevent the court’s majority from “growing” – which can only happen via a series of elections where “we the people” vote against republicans.

Today, for example, gave a great look into why it’s so important to vote AGAINST republicans. I’ve been writing for the past year (since her text messages to Mark Meadows became public) that Ginni Thomas, wife of Judge Clarence Thomas, seems to be a “shoo in” should the Justice Department charge Trump and his co-conspirators of SEDITIONS conspiracy, of being part of that conspiracy. I’ve defined a conspiracy AND SEDITION several times and, to me, there’s no doubt Ms. Thomas was part of the “plan” to overturn the 2020 election. Today, she testified to the January 6th Select Committee and claimed, once again, “the election was stolen.” When you look at some of her texts you get the feeling, “the light’s on, but nobody’s home.”

However, EVERYONE who were part of the planning, financing, and encouraging of the coup d’etat attempted by Trump qualify as co-conspirators. Will our Justice Department actually indict the wife of a sitting Supreme Court Justice? Well, Merrick Garland is facing decisions which will likely determine the future of our republic – as to whether or not people actually believe in America Justice is blind. Of course, most of us understand members of the African American communities have carried an undo burden regarding “justice” in America. Thankfully, African Americans all across America are aggressively standing up for their rights – which, of course, “triggers” the white nationalists who make up a significant share of the republican party. If “no one is above the law” then, I believe, Ginni Thomas will be part of a large group of right wing republicans who will be charged with CONSPIRACY to overthrow a free and fair election in America. Honestly, it doesn’t get much worse than that!

And, do you think she really doesn’t talk to her husband about her far out right wing agenda? Do you think he’s unaware of what his wife is up to? To me, believing that would be absurd. I’m reminded of a judge who resigned from the Court around the time I was first eligible to vote – Abe Fortas. I don’t remember all of the details, but I vaguely remember the Justice Department (Remember, Nixon was the president and John Mitchell the Attorney General) got Fortas to resign be threatening legal action against his wife. I point that out because I believe a fair settlement of Ms. Thomas’ likely CRIMINAL exposure would be for judge Thomas to resign giving Joe Biden the opportunity to replace him with a judge similar to Merrick Garland, who SHOULD have been confirmed during the Obama administration – which would leave the court presently at a 5-4 conservative majority – with the likely swing voter being Justice Roberts.

I’ve listed here many times, off the top of my head, people who appear to have been part of Trump’s conspiracy to overthrow the will of the people. Remember, if you are ANY part of the planning, even periferal, (and Ginni Thomas was integral in the scheme from all the texts which have been made public) you’re part of the CONSPIRACY. In fact, I have to wonder when will someone in the “mainstream media” point out Ginni Thomas was part of the CONSPIRACY to overthrow our government! And, of course, Trump was the kingpin of it all. To say I’m anxious to see if Merrick Garland has the wherewithall (guts) to prosecute ALL of those who participated (Remember, there are several members of Congress) would be an understatement! Stay tuned……………….

Final Thought: It was reported today that Edward Snowden was granted Russian citizenship today via a decree from none other than Putin, himself. My first thought was, “How will Snowden respond if he’s drafted into the military to fight in Ukraine? Stay tuned……………

Also: Everytime I see an ad on TV regarding the technology industry, urging people to call their Congress person telling them to “back off” the idea of breaking up the Tech monopolies, I do a little research to find out who’s paying for the ad and, in almost every instance, the answer is either Facebook or Mark Zuckerberg himself. The lastest ad was put out in the name of the “American Edge Project” and you have to dig a little deeper to discover this “project” was originally put together by Facebook. They do a good job of hiding that FACT on the website of the “American Edge Project” but, as usual, this is Zuckerberg attempting to line up support to keep his MONOPOLY in tact. Will Congress actually break Facebook/Meta up? We can only hope………………

Oh to have been a “fly on the wall” a few weeks ago when Donald Trump was trying to figure a way out of his latest CRIMINAL exposure, another attempt to avoid accountability for egregious violations of the American “rule of law.” In an apparent act of STUPIDITY, he was attempting to KEEP a whole bunch of documents belonging to “we the people” including some documents labeled “Top Secret/SCI” – the most sensitive of documents which ALL members of the government need special clearances to view. And, he was LYING about them! Trump said, “they’re mine.” The government replied: “Not so fast!” More CRIMES for “The Donald?” I was visualizing Trump directing his lawyers to find a “Trump Judge” in order to “throw a wrench” into the obvious legal proceeding he was facing. That is, find a way to slow the process down. (He was warned about keeping these documents before he had exited the “White House.”)

Well, it appears they’ve been successful, at least temporarily. They found a judge, Aileen Cannon, who has granted Trump’s wishes with what MOST legal experts I’ve listened to (including William Barr – who I hesitate to call a “legal expert”) are suggesting this order from the bench would be laughable other than it, at least temporarily, has thrown that “wrench” into the Justice Department’s investigation. I’ve come to the conclusion the Justice Department MUST appeal this decision because if they don’t the absurdity of what she said could become “precedent.”

Obviously, I’m not a legal expert, and, based on what we’ve heard lately, it would appear William Barr accidentally took some “truth serum” and is busy shamewashing his record by agreeing Trump was WRONG in all facets of this “I stole THOUSANDS of documents, including the most sensitive of TOP SECRET documents – but, ‘I’m still the president so it’s an OK CRIME,'” because Barr, no doubt, is now on Trump’s s@#t list. He’s actually suggested Trump should be INDICTED and would likely be found GUILTY of CRIMINAL activity. Duh!!!! (Don’t forget, he also testified to the January 6th Committee and called Trump’s claim the “election was stolen,”
“BULLSHIT.”)

However, before you start falling for Barr’s shtick, keep in mind it was William Barr who, in essence, turned the Justice Department into a political arm of Trump’s CRIMINAL impulses. And, of course, if you’ve been following any of this you know if Trump is having an “impulse,” it’s very likely CRIMINAL. Barr interfered in investigations in both the Southern District of New York and the D.C. Attorney’s office – A quick reminder: Roger Stone, Mike Flynn, and Steve Bannon got favorable treatment NONE of the rest of us lowlifes would have received – plus, it was reported tonight on MSNBC that Geoffrey Berman witnessed Barr sticking his nose in one case after another answering to the whims of Trump himself – to me, allegations which very well could open Barr up to OBSTRUCTION of Justice charges. If you remember, Robert Mueller “memorialized” around 10 instances of OBSTRUCTION which he didn’t charge because of the OLC memo stating a “sitting president can’t be indicted” and, which Barr attempted to “whitewash.” (Successfully, apparently) Did they BOTH obstruct justice?

Well, now, tonight, Mr. Berman said it was Barr’s Justice Department which got Trump – as individual 1 – purged from the charging document which helped send Michael Cohen to prison for the Campaign Finance Violations eminating from the payoffs to a couple women who Trump didn’t want the voters, in 2016, to know he’d had affairs with while Melania was pregnant with (or raising) his final son. I’ve wondered on this site why hasn’t Merrick Garland pursued Trump who was, originally, listed as “individual 1” for coordinating the scheme along with Mr. Cohen and the editor of “The Enquirer.” Well, apparently, Trump’s participation in the scheme was “bleached” due to ORDERS from Barr. So, Barr doesn’t get to resuscitate his reputation now after all he did. (Remember, he out and out LIED about the Mueller report to “we the people”)

On this site I referred to Trump as “individual 1” for a couple years because that’s the “name” the Southern District of New York gave him as the “unindicted co-conspirator” with Cohen in the payoffs to the two women. (One of them is a “porn star”) I started referring to him again as Donald Trump recently because it became apparent the Justice Department wasn’t going to hold him accountable for that CRIME. It appears there are so MANY CRIMES to investigate when it comes to Trump that this one isn’t even in the “top ten.” Another issue which frustrates me is those TEN instances of OBSTRUCTION Mueller “memorialized” so that a prosecutor could investigate them once Trump was out of office. And, Don’t forget the “civil actions:” The NY AG is potentially attempting to shut down the Trump organization due to accusations of FRAUD, women have lawsuits against him in regard to his sexual misbehavior, and there are credible civil lawsuits against his actions/inactions on January 6th. A bad look for someone who can’t find competent lawyers, wouldn’t you say?

AG Garland, obviously, decided against pursuing the potential OBSTRUCTION charges stemming from Mueller’s investigation long before all of Trump’s other legal liabilities became so obvious. It seems as if that decision will seem like an “Oh well,” after ALL of the other Trump liabilities have been resolved. A reminder: Trump is facing potential CRIMINAL liability in Georgia’s probe of his attempt to overturn Georgia’s 2020 presidential election, his potential liability in Manhattan for various instances of FRAUD continues to be an active investigation, the January 6th INSURRECTION and charges of SEDITION loom VERY large, and, of course, ALL the documents referenced above – some creating exposure to the Espionage Act could be the FIRST place Trump faces “the music.” As I’ve said here before, the January 6th INSURRECTION could lead to a charge of SEDITION, but, in my view, add to that the STEALING of the documents owned by the Archives of the U.S. and discovering who got access to the Top Secret/SCI files COULD lead to a charge of TREASON! Put a bid Q on that! (Don’t get it, see below!)

I’ve been saying for years now, Trump will end up in the History books right next to Benedict Arnold. You can take that for what you may. And, a BUNCH of his sycophants – including Fox “news” hosts and other right wing “journalists” will be right there next to him – AND, this will include many sitting members of Congress as of this writing. The s@#t is getting very close to the “fan” and Trump very likely is feeling the “walls” closing in on him. That may explain some of his recent public remarks – highlighted by a “rally” he held this past weekend in Ohio, supposedly to support JD Vance’s Senate campaign in the Buckeye state. I say “supposedly,” because, as usual this rally was all about Trump and his blaming others for all his troubles. He did mention Vance, however, as he shared with the crowd they should support him because he was “kissing my ass.” What an aSSet! This was a crowd full of QAnon fanatics and they were saluting Trump almost as if he was Hitler reincarnated!

I’m just not energetic enough to write every day and, as I’ve said many times, it’s almost impossible to keep up with Trump’s CRIMINALITY. Sadly, in that same vein, our so-called “liberal media” has long ago succumbed to the temptation to “both sides” all the issues facing America these days and “chasing their tails” in regard to reporting on Trump. Because keeping up with Trump is dizzying. And, Trump takes full advantage of that – he gets away with one outrageous comment or action after another because the “mainstream” media just isn’t set up to “call it like it is.” And, of course, Merrick Garland, God Bless him, is either timid regarding the likelihood he SHOULD be indicting a “former president” or he’s detail oriented to a “fault,” causing him to be oblivious (or so it seems) to the need for him to ACT (expeditiously) in regard to INDICTING maybe the most DANGEROUS person in the world. (OK, I can’t really put him over his idol, Vladimir Putin, in that regard – so the “Second most……………”) Or should I say, the most DANGEROUS person he COULD indict?

I started calling Trump a “mob boss” a couple years before he LOST the 2020 election (by OVER 7 MILLION votes) and a fascist, maybe a bit before that. I’m finding it interesting to hear more and more “pundits” using those terms these days in regards to Trump and “MAGA” republicans. The CULT is like a massive organized CRIME syndicate. When you watch closely the investigations into Trump and his surrogates you see investigators comparing their investigation to previous investigations of organized CRIMINAL activity. Along the lines of the saying: If it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, it’s a duck. Well, in a simpler analogy – If Trump talks like a mob boss, acts like a mob boss, looks ………………! Well, put 2+2 Together!

Final Thought: I read the other day something, in the Washington Post, which is what I call “parr for the course” reporting – I read it over and over – in a publication I actually have a subscription to. Much of their reporting is OK, but stuff like this really rankles me. The report was about how the number of “foreign born” people in America had reached record levels under Joe Biden. The evidence? Well, they were using the results of the census which took place in 2020. The first thought which came to my mind was: “Who was president in 2020?” Of course, the answer is no, it wasn’t Joe Biden it was Donald Trump. While this doesn’t matter to me, it’s the reporting which bothered me. Obviously, Trump was president when the census took place – so, why didn’t the reporter acknowledge that? I have no idea, but it really did bother me. The “misinformation” propaganda in America is coming at “we the people” from all directions! I believe America is a “nation of Immigrants” – the so-called “boiling pot” and we all descend from “foreign born citizens” if you check out our heredity – some have families which have been here longer, but, to me, it matters not. (Of course, many African Americans families “got here” way before most of the rest of us) Stay tuned……………..

Another way this same issue “rankles” me is when I hear reoports of the “increase in crime” under Joe Biden using data collected in 2020. For God’s sake people, that would be information which occurred during the term of Donald Trump. Trump figured out how to use and manipulate the media early on after he gained the nomination back in 2016 and the “media” hasn’t caught up yet. Will it? Well, we’ll have to wait and see – and our republic’s future could hang in the balance.

Also: Trump world is so full of LIARS that not much surprises me anymore. So, Mike Lindell had his phone seized by the FBI and, in his complaint, he said, while speaking into a computer “zoom” screen, “I don’t have a computer, I do everything on my phone,” caught my attention. Was he at the library? Go figure!

“Coming Attraction:” I’m planning an attempt to compile my thoughts about the upcoming Supreme Court session. In the past year we’ve seen the result of Trump/McConnell/McGahn stuffing the courts with right wing (young) judges. The Supreme Court made FAR more egregious decisions aside from overturning Roe. “We the people” MUST understand that allowing republicans to control Congress can ONLY make the issue with the courts much more grave. A really good example of what I’m thinking has to do with Judge Aileen Cannon – the judge who, in essence, made a decision in support of Trump which, according to almost every legal expert I’ve listened to. is untethored to the law. I have to wonder how many more judges are there around the country who are willing to sully their own reputation among the legal community in order to “bend” to the MAGA movement? Regarding Judge Cannon all I can say is YIKES!!!