Progressive: Here’s the definition

• Moving forward; advancing.
• Proceeding in steps; continuing steadily by increments.
• Open to or favoring new ideas, policies, or methods.

As the Northeast part of America is suffering from the SMOKE generated from the wild fires in the West, maybe more republicans will begin to realize the so-called “Green New Deal” is “past due” instead of “dead on arrival” in Moscow Mitch’s U.S. Senate. McConnell rules the Senate even when he’s in the minority – it’s been this way since the day he committed to “making Barack Obama a one term president.” (Of course, on that he failed – but, in damaging this nation he succeeded) Now, he’s committed to doing everything he can to prevent the progressive agenda of the democrats and Joe Biden. Here’s the question I have for republicans: “How bad does it have to get before the reality of the circumstances sinks in to you?”

I’ve been pointing out for years that republicans won’t react to emergencies until it’s usually too late. Meaning “reactive” instead of “proactive.” Well, the climate crisis is HERE and, still, republicans (and democrats like Joe Manchin) continue to take MILLIONS from the fossil fuel industry and continue to vote against the PROGRESSIVE legislation PROGRESSIVES have been pushing for years now. Here’s the deal: For those of us who have children (and, in my case, grandchildren) this is the existential CRISIS of our times.

Then there’s the coronavirus! During the term of individual 1 the crisis was, for all intents and purposes, with the exception of a month or so, our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president was MIA from his duties to “protect the American people – i.e. keep them safe” – better put, it was a dereliction of duty from individual 1which exceeds anything which has ever occurred in America by a president. I listened to an interview when individual 1 referred to the “herd mentality” he was “pushing” – which, of course, in his tortured use of the English language really meant he had “adopted” the “strategy” pushed by NON epidemiologist Scott Atlas. That “plan,” which called for our solution to be NO solution at all was convenient for individual 1 because he could IGNORE the pandemic. After all, who was doing MOST of the DYING from the disease caused by the virus?

OK, I know that was a dumb question! It was MOSTLY African Americans, members of the Latinx community, Native Americans, older Americans and poor Americans. That “plan” would have accepted a death toll of as high as 6 MILLION of our people as “worth it” in order to “save” Wall Street. I actually listened to the Lieutenant Governor of Texas pointing out it would be “worth it” for us OLD people and the others sacrificing out lives for the good of the economy. Talk about your typical republican short sightedness. Well, that should be obvious as I just mentioned the republican BLOCKADE of an attempt to mitigate the climate crisis.

I just (once again) checked the website “Worldometer.info” where every reported case of Covid-19 (I’m reading a book which refers to it as SARS-Cov-2) is recorded. The number of reported DEATHS are being reported, and the data is broken down into state by state categories. As we all (SHOULD) know, the problem of the recent spike in infections is coming, largely, in the areas where people have refused to get vaccinated. Many talk in terms of “red states” v “blue states” – but, I believe it should be referred to as vaccinated v unvaccinated.

For example, I live in a “blue state” (Washington) but there are increasing numbers of infections here, despite the FACT our state reached the 70% threshold of people who’ve been vaccinated. I live in a “red county in a blue state” and the numbers are going UP – regarding people who are testing positive with Covid. By and large, the increases are caused by those who REFUSE to get vaccinated – because the vaccines are WIDELY available – and FREE. However, the real issue is with the actual “red” states, where the issues are SEVERE. Today, Florida reported OVER 12,000 NEW infections (and, keep in mind, Florida’s governor prevents the FULL story from coming out of that state), Missouri reported 3346 new cases, Louisiana 2834 new cases, Georgia 2144 new cases, Arkansas 1860 new cases, Arizona 1174 new cases, Texas almost 5000 new cases, Mississippi 1199 new cases, North Carolina 1800 new cases, Oklahoma 1581 new cases, Utah 815 new cases, Tennessee 1412 new cases, and on and on. Do you get the idea? These are ALL “red” states OR governed by republicans!

Many of these states have less than half the population of the state I live in, so that makes the numbers even more startling/worrying. The national numbers which just a few weeks ago were down to close to 10,000 new cases per day are now more than 50,000 – in just about a three week period. Scientists have been warning us about the so-called “Delta variant” for months now and, of course, it’s now here – in full force. The reports I heard earlier today said 83% of ALL the new cases across America are of that “variant.” I personally know several “anti vaccers” who either have Covid as I’m typing this, or who have recently recovered from it. I know these people from my affiliation with my Christian beliefs. (And, I have to add, I refuse to allow other Christians who are, in my view, acting in ways which very well could be called heresy when it comes to “politics” to cause me to give up my beliefs – but, I digress)

One example of one of my Christian acquaintances who contracted Covid – both he and his wife are “leaders” in our church – which causes the “hair on my back to stand on end,” I’ll elaborate. I had heard the husband had the disease one week and the next week I was at a local hardware store where the sign on the entrance was “If you’re fully vaccinated you may enter our store without a mask” – the honor system – and, there he was WITHOUT a mask. I KNOW he’s NOT vaccinated, what I didn’t know at the time was how long it had been since he was diagnosed with the disease. I could tell by the look on his face when he saw my wife and me he was uncomfortable because he KNEW we KNEW he SHOULD have been “masked up.” He hurried out the door. This is the kind of dishonesty coming from Christians which makes my – well, I just said it above.

Republicans have been virtually encouraging their “sheep” to refuse to get vaccinated, they’ve been arguing against wearing masks for the past year, and now we’re seeing more and more of them in the hospitals – with doctors and nurses who had actually thought the worst was over and NOW they’re back “in the trenches.” Many of them complaining about “burnout” and wanting to be “done with all of this.” The reality is they’re dealing with serious Covid patients who DIDN’T have to be in the hospital – simply by getting the “shots in their arms.” And, these doctors and nurses are STILL doing everything they can to save as many lives as they can! Some leading republicans are now actually recommending people get vaccinated. Why? Well, it appears a large segment of those going into the hospital these days are part of the republican base.

Kind of encompassing “all of the above” in “how do we deal with all of this,” is the democratic proposal for the so-called “infrastructure” plan – around $4+ BILLION in INVESTMENT into the critical infrastructure of our nation both structural and investment in our people – an investment which is far overdue. We KNOW republicans will BLOCK this badly needed INVESTMENT into our nation and our nation’s people for as long as they can get away with it and, as the climate crisis intensifies, their obstinance will be making it more dire for the rest of us. And, they’ll respond to its passage just as they did after attempting to BLOCK the “Covid Relief Bill” and, then, taking credit for its passage after the fact. These people are DEPLORABLE! (And, there’s too many of them to fit into a “basket.”

PROGRESSIVES have been pushing for various INVESTMENTS into the American people for as long as I can remember – more often than not to be BLOCKED by republicans. (OK, when I was young, it was the democrats – they’ve, essentially, changed sides since the Voting Rights Act of 1965 – speaking of which, republicans on the Supreme Court have succeeded in “gutting”) Harry Truman was pushing the idea of a national health care bill, which has seen various other iterations since, and, ALWAYS, it’s the republicans/”conservatives” who BLOCK the proposal. We’ve got the Affordable Care Act but that’s still a far cry from “national health care,” and, yet, republicans have been attempting to repeal it since the day it was passed.

Republicans attempted to stop Clinton’s budget proposal which led to one of the greatest economic expansions in American history without a single republican vote, they voted en masse to Block Barack Obama’s attempt to turn around the Financial Crisis of 2008 which could have resulted in another “Great Depression,” making the recovery far slower than need be. And, now they’re voting in “lock step” to BLOCK virtually EVERYTHING which is proposed via Joe Biden and the democrats in Congress – despite the FACT most of their proposals are supported by OVER 70% of the American public.

Republicans are willing to sacrifice the fundamental values of this nation in a BRAZEN attempt to regain POWER without giving the MAJORITY of America’s voters a reason to support their agenda. As it stands, there is NO agenda and republicans are SHAMELESS in their willingness to find a way to gain POWER without creating any kind of agenda. This is why their actual agenda (OK, I know I just said they don’t have one, but…..) is simply to BLOCK enough voters from being able or willing to cast a ballot (for a democrat) in order to create an even greater threat of minority rule than what currently exists. (I’m talking about things like the Senate and the Electoral College which are two things which allow for republicans to “win” with less than a majority) The reason republicans spend so much energy to castigate “liberals” is because they have no defense against a “progressive agenda.” (Other than “what about abortion” – which is the issue republicans have LIED about (and dodged a true dialogue seeking a solution) since the early 80’s – again, a story for another day).

Final Thought: Next week the beginning of the House Select Committee investigating January 6th, 2021 will start with a group of Capitol and Metropolitan Police Officers who were BEATEN and injured as individual 1’s MOB, with their Confederate flags as weapons (Other flags as well) attacked our nation’s Capitol building. I’ve listed an endless barrage of republican “stupid” over the past 18 months or so and Kevin McCarthy’s attempt to pollute the committee with the likes of Jim Jordan and Jim Burns was pure stupidity. Did he really believe Nancy Pelosi would allow him to get away with this? Or, was he planning this to be the way he could boycott the committee – AFTER, he torpedoed his own plan for a BIPARTISAN “9/11 type” Commission?

Who knows, but, in both instances, we’re talking more republican “stupid.” Kind of like individual 1 and Moscow Mitch refusing the democrats “offer” to help our now TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president gain a victory last November. I’ll go to my grave believing if republicans in the Senate had passed the so-called “HEROES Act” – which was sent to the Senate in May of 2020 individual 1 would have won re-election. That bill had MOST of what was in Biden’s “Covid Relief Bill” supported by OVER 70% of Americans. So, now, McCarthy has given the democrats a free run – as they will be getting HUGE audiences as they “investigate” what we all saw with our own eyes – and those of us paying attention saw clearly in the days leading up to January 6th, 2021 as individual 1 was GROOMING his foolish cult members to believe they could actually overturn the results of the election by telling them “Fight like hell or you won’t have a country anymore.” This all is going to be “front and center,” likely right up until the 2022 midterms – democrats reminding America’s voters what’s at stake as they replay all those videos which are becoming more prevalent. (Also, this will remind progressives that Merrick Garland SHOULD be doing his own – well the Justice Department, that is – into the January 6th INSURRECTION)

I have to add: I pointed out above; yesterday Florida had OVER 12,000 NEW cases of people INFECTED with the “Delta variant” of Covid-19 – the MOST contagious and dangerous variant of the disease, by far, in just that ONE day! Well, what do you know? Suddenly, Ron DeSantis, one of the WORST governors in the nation when it’s come to addressing the pandemic, was front and center espousing the “virtues” of the Covid vaccines. The only news I had heard about DeSantis and the vaccines, earlier, was him getting his own, early on, and giving preference to his political supporters for the “shots” when they weren’t readily available. This recent SURGE stands to not only make DeSantis look incredibly bad (or should I say, “worse than he already looked”) but is also threatening the rest of America because Florida is like the American “petri dish” of the Delta variant. I had surmised this before the data became public. (In fact, Florida and several other “red states” don’t submit their data on many days – apparently, another attempt at hiding the TRUTH.)

Today, as of 9:00 PM Eastern time none of Alabama, Iowa, Kansas, Idaho, South Dakota, and Alaska had reported. Do you see the parallels here?

Here’s one of the definitions of “pollution:” “defilement; uncleanness; impurity.” This is EXACTLY what individual 1 has done to the republican party. His so-called “big lie” has spurred republicans all across the nation to attempt passing voter SUPPRESSION laws aimed at SUPRRESSING the votes of “persons of color” among others. (also, young people and poor people – ie, people who might vote for democrats) It’s the SLEAZIEST time in American politics in my lifetime and, sadly, the “Christian right” is right at the forefront of this heresy. And, they’re (republicans) doing this with MORE than their voter SUPPRESSION tactics in the various legislatures. They have no SHAME and they’re doing it wherever there seems to be a possibility to cause “people of color” to stay away from the voting booth.

Here’s the latest example: There’s an African American in Texas, Hervis Rogers, who was registered to vote, but was about two months from the end of his parole on charges of over a decade ago. This guy was working TWO jobs, got to the polling place right BEFORE the polls closed, stood in line for OVER six hours to cast his vote in the Texas PRIMARY in 2020, and IMMEDIATELY had to return to one of those TWO jobs after casting his vote. As it turns out, you CAN’T vote in Texas if you’ve been convicted of a felony until after your parole period ends. We’re talking two months away from OVER ten years of parole. Mr. Rogers, who now has a family and has been a model citizen for years, becomes a “pawn” in the Texas “push” to encourage people of color in that state to NOT vote. Their Attorney General would be Keith Olberman’s “worst person in the world” if he was still on the airwaves! (The “dude’s” – AG Paxton – been under indictment for securities FRAUD for OVER six years!)

So, Mr. Roger’s vote (in the PRIMARY) was about one year ago and fast forward to the “Special Session” of the Texas legislature where republicans are attempting to make the most difficult state in America in which to vote even more difficult with another “Georgia like” voter SUPPRESSION bill – which Texas democrats are fighting “tooth and nail,” and, sure enough the Texas authorities ARRESTED this HARD WORKING man – who had no idea he was ineligible to vote – he was registered – they’re holding him in jail for a $100,000 bond – I kid you not, AND they’re threatening him with ANOTHER 20 years in prison – for what? To SCARE other “people of color” away from the polls in their state?

This is the POLLUTION which now almost completely PERMEATES the republican party as a result of their fealty to our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president. The LYING and the CHEATING have become the NORMAL for “today’s” republican party (OK, it’s been going on for years – and, I know what you’re thinking! What about the democrats? That’s a TOTALLY false dichotomy! The democrats are FAR from perfect – as are we all – but they don’t hold a candle to republicans when it comes to LYING, CHEATING, and SHAMELESSNESS! The republican party has become almost pure EVIL!) This makes me want to start the “Go Fund me” page for this Mr. Parker! (Although, someone helped him post bail and he’s out of jail for now) It’s no wonder African Americans in America are so angry! Simply put, this AINT Justice! (There’s another example of almost the identical situation in Texas with an African American woman – facing “only” five years – for not even actually voting – people who’ve “done their time” trying to do their “civic duty” and not understanding the law in that “deplorable” state) SHAME on Texas!

And, of course, MORE SHAME on individual 1! This guy is a career CRIMINAL – fraternizing with various members of the MOB for years and, because he’s a white nationalist the republican party has embraced him “hook, line, and sinker.” He’s willing to do what previous republican presidents wouldn’t do – OK, I’m actually talking about GW Bush – and that is pathological LYING in order to “feed” the white nationalist base what it wants to hear. And, for those of you republicans who react to that “charge” by saying, “I’m not a white nationalist” I say, you can’t have it both ways – either you’re “with them or against them” – republicans have been putting it in those words for years – “either you’re with us or against us.” Well, obviously, I’m against them!

Today I read an opinion column in the Washington Post regarding the words “Nazi” and “Fascism.” The author of the article was suggesting “both sides” throw these terms around “loosely.” And, to a degree, I “get” where he’s coming from. Certainly, while I disagreed strongly with much of the Bush/Cheney regime’s decisions I don’t believe I ever equated them with “Nazi’s.” I may have equated the republican party with neo-fascism due to my belief they were embedded with corporate America at the expense of “Main Street” America and, using the Mussolini definition of fascism, I may have felt Bush/Cheney were leading America toward becoming a fascist state. After all, it WAS Karl Rove who introduced (at least by what I heard) the “concept” of the “permanent republican ‘majority'” – in essence an attempt at minority rule which has metastasized since the “election” of individual 1.

Keep in mind, there’s only been ONE election in the past 30 years where a republican has “garnered” a majority of the votes in a presidential election – and, it could be MANY years before that happens again based on where the party has gone under the “leadership” of our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president. This is EXACTLY why republican state legislatures are busy all across the land attempting to “FIX” the voting system so FEWER people (democratic leaning) will participate – plus, in some states, they’ve even adopted provisions where if they don’t like the results (meaning the legislature) they can simply overrule the “will of the people.” If that’s not neo-fascism it’s dangerously close.

And Mitch Daniels, the author of the above referenced article SHOULD read “Alt America” by David Neiwert to get a better idea of what makes up a significant portion of the republican “base.” We’re talking about the “Oathkeepers,” the “Three Percenters,” the “Proud Boys,” the people at White Nationalist portal “Stormfront,” sites like the “Daily Stormer,” and many other White Nationalist/Supremacist websites along with “deplorables” like Tucker Carlson and Sean Hannity on “right wing” TV – and, from what I’ve seen it gets worse on the more radical TV stations like “Newsmax,” and “OANN.” These are places where you find MANY people with Nazi tattoos, Nazi paraphernalia, confederate flags, and people who consider individual 1 their “fuhrer.” I’ve said it before, individual 1 is a greater threat to America’s republic than was Hitler back in the days of WW II.

This is where we’ll discover if this is a “nation of laws and not men.” “We the people” age going to find out what Merrick Garland is “made of.” We all saw January 6th, 2021 on National TV – LIVE! and, as we’re witnessing republicans attempt to do their latest History “whitewash” – individual 1 called it somewhat of a “love-fest.” He actually said, “There was so much love there” and he said, “The doors (To the Capitol Building) were open” – apparently, he missed watching the bashing in of the doors and windows with their individual 1 flag poles – although, by several reports, our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president was watching the ENTIRE thing unfold on his “White House” TV’s and was enjoying it. Reportedly telling Kevin McCarthy (OMG a sad soul) when McCarthy was begging individual 1 to call off the INSURRECTIONISTS: “Well, Kevin, apparently they’re more upset about the election than you are.” (I’m not kidding!)

Clearly, as individual 1 is spreading his most RECENT LYING about January 6th, 2021 he’s laying the “groundwork” for his defense SHOULD Mr. Garland do what is “called for” and INDICT our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president for, you guessed it, INCITING the January 6th, 2021 INSURRECTION! When talking about all the “LOVE” present with the INSURRECTIONISTS who put over 140 Capitol/Metro Police Officers in the hospital with three of them dead within days of the INSURRECTION, individual 1 goes out of his way to suggest he said NOTHING to motivate them all to be there – breaking the windows and doors, doing $1.5 MILLION in damages to the building, defecating in the hallways and SMEARING IT (yuck!) on the Walls, urinating on the Walls and some of the historical treasures, trashing various offices, chanting “Hang Mike Pense,” and looking for Nancy Pelosi with “twist ties.”

If these people came with “LOVE” on their minds and if individual 1 telling them to “fight like hell or you won’t have a country anymore” is NOT something which should be in the “crosshairs” of the Justice Department, then why should we continue to FOOL ourselves that “In America no one is above the law?” We saw this with Bush/Cheney and the WAR CRIMES committed and people like me said if you “look forward instead of back” it will simply be worse the next time. Well, we’re at the critical stage at this point because if it gets worse than what was done by individual 1 then we “won’t have a country anymore.” (I’ve, for years, pointed out when his mouth is moving he’s LYING and he’s all about “projection” – if he accuses YOU “of it” that means he’s GUILTY “of it.”

Individual 1 claimed he was going to “drain the swamp,” but what he’s done is further POLLUTED it. The saddest part to me is the number of Americans who’ve fallen for his shtick. Not only was he attempting to encourage his “rabid” followers to, in essence, overthrow our government and the “peaceful transition of power” but, he, in all his incredible INCOMPETENCE and dangerous narcissism, he will be responsible, in our history books, for the DEATHS of, by all accounts, 400,000 Americans (maybe much more) because of his (lazy) refusal to do ANYTHING to mitigate the effects of the pandemic. NOW, despite the FACT he got vaccinated, he’s overseeing his cult followers refusing the vaccines apparently for political reasons. We hear him regurgitating ridiculous “conspiracy theories” coming from QAnon and other whacked out sourcing – because all those “LOVERS” buy into them without a second thought and it, apparently, makes him feel “LOVED.”

I know my focus here seems to always be on republicans, and, justifiably so – but, here’s the rub: If democrats don’t realize this is a WAR for the “heart and soul of this nation” (I’ve been saying that for over 10 years) these “deplorable” republicans will prevail. I’ve pointed out they won’t “go away” until “we the people” have voted them into the history books – and, trust me, they seem to understand this more than the democrats. Which is why republicans are busy attempting to do “Jim Crow 2.0” all across the nation while, at the same time, “grooming” democrats like Kyrsten Sinema and Joe Manchin so that democrats can’t get Senate Bill-1 and the John Lewis Voting Rights Act passed through the Senate.

All I can say here is I hope the democrats succeed in passing their “TWO” infrastructure bills through Congress, but if they don’t get the Voting Rights bills passed the consequences could be devastating, unless you’d be OK with people like David Duke representing you in Congress, or your local government. This is NOT hyperbole! We’ve got a large number of people who appear to be devoid of the ability to think critically (No, I’m not talking about the infamous “critical race theory”) and, it’s showing up in many ways – more than just the fealty to individual 1. Take for example, the “red states'” refusals to encourage their people to get vaccinated against the coronavirus.

Today, I looked on “Worldometer.info” (Where every case of Covid-19 is documented) and the results for the new cases of Covid-19 in America today – and, keep in mind we’re talking about the so-called “Delta variant” which is reportedly TWICE as dangerous as the original “variant” – the numbers are startling. There were over 35,000 new cases reported today AND neither Michigan nor Alabama were reporting – and, some of the states aren’t reporting daily deaths – these are “red states.” However, Florida, which hasn’t been reporting ANYTHING Covid related of late, there were almost 7000 new cases just today. The other states with startling high numbers of new cases were Missouri, Louisiana, Texas, Georgia, Arizona, North Carolina, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Nevada, Kansas, and Mississippi – are you getting the idea. And, keep in mind, in many of these states you can’t trust their health departments to be telling the truth. Here’s where you find the “truth” – in the hospitals where an increasing number of YOUNG Americans are finding themselves on ventilators. These republicans would rather die or have their family members die than participate in a vaccination program which they think would make Joe Biden look good.

In Tennessee the legislature has BLOCKED any encouragement for ANYONE to get a vaccine – and, not of just the Covid-19 vaccine, but ANY vaccine. They’ve even canceled the flu vaccine program planned for schools in the fall and discouraging vaccinations of young children – you know, like for measles etc. They FIRED a top doctor who simply shared the state’s law regarding the vaccinations of young Tennesseans. People, many of them younger, are going to die or be “saddled” with “long haul” Covid because of these right wing politicians in Tennessee. This is NUTS! (About as NUTS as believing individual 1 will be re-instated as our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president in August.)

Final Thought: As you can see the POLLUTION which has permeated the republican party is dense and deep. If you’re a member of the party and you are unwilling to demonstrate absolute fealty to one of the two or three WORST presidents in American history (via a poll by America’s leading historians) you become an instant outsider and it’s time for a deluge of death threats from all those “LOVING” people who ransacked the Capitol Building on January 6th, 2021. (Remember that date!) If it wasn’t for the “big LIE” regarding the election, well, then calling the insurgents “LOVING” would be considered the “Big Lie.” Remember, as I’ve said here many times, the “Big Lie theory” was the “brainchild” of none other than Adolf Hitler and was the main work of his chief of propaganda Joseph Goebbels. Remind you of anyone? Maybe Tucker Carlson? Sean Hannity? Sean Spicer? (Mitch Daniels, referenced above, should think about that before he criticizes people like me for using terms like “Nazi” and “Fascism” when referencing individual 1 and his sycophants)

I used to focus on Rush Limbaugh (he’s gone but not forgotten) and the other right wing talkers (which include the aforementioned Carlson, Hannity, and Sean Spicer) who are willing to LIE to their listeners/viewers for MONEY. Well, it’s become an organized propaganda brainwashing of the “republican base” over the past four years. Individual 1 took the LYING to new levels which may be why he’s dear leader of the republican party. To me, all of this is the very definition of POLLUTION! God help us if “we the people” don’t get busy on our job of voting these “deplorables” into the history books right next to Benedict Arnold! Stay tuned…………..

One More Thing: I just wanted to add that the “Stop the Steal” meme started prior to the 2016 election as individual 1 was planning on LOSING, not after individual 1 LOST to Joe Biden. It was Roger Stone who came up with the “idea” as our now TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president had refused to promise he would accept the results of even THAT election. I’m just pointing out individual 1 has been an incredibly POOR LOSER for, in essence, his entire life and he never cared about this country right from the start – he cares about his own brand – which, of course, he’s now ruined by his DISASTROUS four years in office, so he’s willing to “burn the entire house down” as retribution to the American people for voting him out of office. And, by the way, he’s willing to destroy the republican party in the process. The republican party began embracing “white grievance” after the election of Barack Obama and the emergence of the “Tea Party” to a degree which had been missing for years – at least from my vantage point. The “white nationalists” were at the fringes of our politics. Individual 1 was the perfect “stooge” for those who believe in white nationalism – not hyperbole, there’s a plethora of factual information if you’re willing to do a bit of READING! I read where Don Black, the owner of the “Stormfront” web portal said, “Individual 1 is out ticket into the mainstream of politics.” (Which is why they refer to him as their “fuhrer.”)

In my last post I wrote that my brother-in-law, who lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania has “challenged” (I used this word because it’s going to be a real “challenge”) me to write a post which is “optimistic” i.e., positive. Well, I’m going to give it my best shot, although I feel like “Flo” on the Progressive Insurance commercials when they try to get her to go a certain (short) amount of time without talking about insurance – me, not writing about politics. I’ve given this a lot of thought and I think I can be “optimistic” and still not TOTALLY ignore politics. Well, here goes!

My first thought when I want to be “optimistic” is to think of my wife who is still teaching (1st graders). And, of course, I STILL know many teachers even though I’ve been retired for about 6 years. TEACHERS are a group of people who SHOULD be honored and when you think of what they’ve been doing the past year and a half SHOULD make people feel OPTIMISTIC knowing there are so many Americans willing to commit their lives to teaching our youth. And, when you look at the young Americans who are the recent results of our PUBLIC education system – MANY of these young adults are simply BRILLIANT. I have confidence these young people are smart enough to make decisions which will benefit all of us as the “clock keeps ticking.”

My niece is an Occupational Therapist in one of the University of Washington hospitals in Seattle, Washington and she, and the people she works with, to me, are among the heroes of America. She got put into the Covid-19 ICU “team” out of necessity and did so willingly – as so many other people in our public health system have done since the beginning of the pandemic. My niece ended up getting a “healthy” dose of Covid, as did almost every one of her co-workers, and, yet, EACH one of them was right back on the job once they were cleared of the virus. These people have put in an incredible amount of INTENSE hours as they’ve been trying to save as many lives as they can from those who contract the disease caused by Covid-19 and need the ICU in an attempt to save their life. Happily, many of those lives have been saved. There are people all over this nation who’ve been helping to combat Covid-19 for the past year and a half and everytime I think of them, I feel positive.

My youngest daughter is a hospice nurse for the Kaiser health system in the greater Portland, Oregon area. She works with people who are near the end of their lives and she is committed to making each patient as comfortable and positive as she possibly can. They are “short staffed” because, based on my inference, not too many nurses want to work in this area. Before becoming a hospice nurse, my daughter was an oncology (cancer) nurse and she has “body bagged” people who have died and, honestly, I can’t believe my “little girl” is doing such things. However, I feel the rest of us should be very thankful for NURSES (and doctors, and, well, all the other people providing us our health care) – they certainly make me feel “optimistic.”

Another thing I’m really thankful for is the FACT I was able to get a vaccination for the Covid-19 virus – and, it’s working. I live in a rural setting, but the reality is I don’t have to wear my mask in almost every place I go. Life seems to be returning to “normal.” I know there are many people refusing to get the vaccines available to them for FREE – but, I prefer to think “positive” and I’m really thankful I was able to get the Pfizer set of two shots in my arm. My twelve year old grandson got his “shot” right on his 12th birthday – the first day he was “eligible.” That people this young are eligible for the shots makes me feel very optimistic.

Speaking of my grandson, for the past couple of weeks I’ve been able to watch his Little League team and, eventually, the “All Star” team to which he was selected. They just finished (won) the district tournament and it was great to see a bunch of energetic 10 to 12 year olds (one girl I’m aware of) having a great time playing baseball and exhibiting incredible sportsmanship. I watched several very competitive games and not one player showed any kind of “unsportsmanlike” behavior. For me, who played Little League back in the day when the parents were the main problem, when it came to sportsmanship, I didn’t see one adult doing anything “untoward.” In fact, the adults close to where I was sitting applauded the good plays of the players on the OTHER team. I found that very positive!

My oldest daughter has done much better than “dear old dad” and has become very financially secure. (I think she’s “rich,” but I don’t talk to her about money) She not only was volunteering to help in a plethora of ways with the Little League program – more than just my grandson’s team, but she volunteers in numerous other ways. One way I know of for sure is she’s on the “board” of one of the “homeless shelters” in our community and does more than I understand to help out there. (I’m guessing time and financial) You’d never know she’s “rich” when around her – although it’s obvious she’s a successful woman. When I think of all the ways she’s “giving back” I feel very proud of her and, with her and her sister, it’s a lot of my motivation for writing. They are the next generation and they’re far more progressive than – sadly – my generation. However, it’s these young people who are the reason I feel such optimism!

I said at the beginning of this post I think I can reference “politics” in a way that is “optimistic” and let me start by talking about Joe Biden’s “Covid Relief Bill.” By now most of us have already SPENT the $1400 which was part of that “Bill.” There were many aspects of that legislation which SHOULD give us a sense of optimism, aside from the $1400 which many of us could have done without. However, I know many people whose economic security was actually SAVED by that “Bill.” Furthermore, now these people are getting $300 per month for each child and it’s helping several I know to “get back on their feet.” I’ve told anyone who would listen that this bill was the FIRST time in my lifetime I witnessed such an INVESTMENT in the future of our people. To me, that helps makes me feel optimistic.

And, speaking of Joe Biden, he makes me feel OPTIMISTIC! I wasn’t one of his supporters and didn’t vote for him in the Washington primary. However, I’ve come to feel he’s the perfect person for the CHALLENGE he inherited. One reason there are so many people like my brother-in-law who are depressed by the ongoing partisan divide in this great nation is because of the previous four years of individual 1’s reign in Washington DC. Biden is just a likeable “fellow” and he truly does believe he’s going to bring back “bipartisanship” to our nation’s Capital. I’m a bit skeptical (I’ve already begun another post about republicans) but I’m very thankful Biden is our PRESIDENT and I believe he’s trying to do what’s right for “we the people.” I won’t get into the “roadblocks” because my focus here is on optimism – and Joe Biden “reeks” of “optimism.”

I could go on – those examples are thoughts off the top of my head – but I’ll leave it at that. I believe feeling a sense of optimism is merely a question of seeing the “glass half full” instead of “half empty.” In other words, it’s a choice. I “get” it’s much more difficult for some people to see things from an optimistic perspective and I have to add that, despite my posts which mostly are “aimed” at my disagreement with the republican party as it exists presently in America, the reality is that I really am an optimistic person. I suppose that could change, but I’m thankful, despite what I consider the “deplorable” republicans, to have spent my life living in this great nation.

Nothing’s guaranteed in life and I fully understand our nation is facing an assault on her fundamental institutions she hasn’t faced since WW II. I’m OPTIMISTIC “we the people” – enough of us – will FIGHT to save our republic from what “ails” us – and, ultimately, the young progressives among us will prevail. The right leader has always come along at the right time in our nation’s history and I believe we may be witnessing another example of that in Mr. Biden. And, as this all shakes out, I’m CHOOSING to be optimistic!

Final Thought: As usual, I’m too lazy to re-read this before posting it, so I apologize for the “foopahs.” The bottom line is I’m thankful to still be breathing, let alone writing – so, hopefully, I’ll get around to doing what I always insisted my 6th graders do before ever turning in their writing. The good news for me, I’m not doing this for a grade! ☺

I’ve been writing for well over 10 years about the necessity of “we the people” voting the, as I’ve called it, “present day republican party” into the “history books.” Well, it hasn’t quite happened yet, but the necessity is getting more serious. Over the years of this “blog” (to me, it’s my “diary” in cyberspace – where I vent my frustration with American politics) the republican party has become more extreme, it has LURCHED to the “right,” and the underpinnings of its RACIST foundation has become more overt – seemingly, by the day. And, of course, you can lay much of the BLAME for this at the feet of individual 1 (“co-conspirator 1”?), but the reality is our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president is simply a symptom of the problem. The republican party was filled with the likes of Mitch McConnell, Lindsey Graham, Marco Rubio, Paul Gosar, Devin Nunes, Kevin McCarthy, Louie Gohmert, Andy Biggs, Jim Jordan, etc. etc. well before individual 1 ever set foot in the “White House.” It was individual 1 who “invited in” the likes of the KKK and other white supremacists who now make up a large “block” of the republican “base.” Yikes!!!

I’ve used the analogy of an INFECTION – which if it’s allowed to go untreated – simply spreads and gets more serious over the course of time – until it leads to death. Well, while I’m not “wishing” death on any individual, including “individual 1,” but, I’m so looking forward to the day when this version of the republican party is situated next to Benedict Arnold in the history books. I’m getting very old – it can’t happen fast enough for me. It’s up to “we the people” to make this happen, NO matter how difficult republicans manage to make voting.

Not only have these republicans been OBSTRUCTING any kind of “progressive” legislation for as long as I can remember – certainly back to the days of Gingrich – it’s as if they relish the idea of preventing America from becoming a “more perfect union” because that would mean inclusion for all the groups republicans appear to HATE – which, of course, would include “liberals” to which I take personal offense. The “cost” of their actions (actually, inaction) is mounting fast and, I have to wonder, what would cause them to change? The answer which continues to crop up in my head is for the VOTERS to take charge of this problem.

However, as usual, the republicans are trying to stay one step ahead of people like me, and, as I’m writing this, they’re busy making sure the voters CAN’T put them into the history books because, in accordance with their “leader” individual 1, they are busy “cooking the books” – OK, that was maybe the wrong idiom – but, the reality is republicans are busy in almost EVERY state attempting to make it more difficult for as many democratic leaning voting blocks to participate in our elections as possible, therefore allowing “minority rule.” Will they succeed? Time (and, the willingness of democrats to realize this really is a WAR for the heart and soul of America) will tell.

Personally, I’m counting on the young Americans to do whatever it takes to register to vote and to send ANOTHER resounding “message” to republicans in 2022. Is it likely? Well, according to most experts, the answer is no. But, call me an optimist! I just hope enough people are actually paying attention to what a “deplorable” mess the republican party has become and I have to hope Americans by the tens of MILLIONS say NO to what they’re offering.

Think about it: republicans want FEWER Americans to be able to participate in our elections. They ALL voted against the Covid Relief Bill passed by a pure party line vote in the early days of Joe Biden’s presidency – but, hopefully, even republicans are looking at the “numbers” of Americans contracting “Sars-Cov-2” and can see the HUGE difference from what was happening during individual 1’s time in office. The day of the inauguration (a bit over 6 months ago, 3000 Americans DIED of Covid – that DAY! It was happening at that rate EACH day! And, still, individual 1 was only concerned with his so-called “Big LIE.” Today, the number of Americans who died from the disease caused by the virus was just over 300. Still too many, but, as the saying goes, “Come on man!” Reports suggest at least 400,000 of the DEATHS (and, likely more) resulting from Covid-19 are clearly the result of individual 1’s incompetence (ie: inaction). And, yet, despite constant reminders of what a “LOSER” he was/is – the republicans continue to support him.

I understand this with the hard core white nationalists/supremacists because without individual 1 they will have to crawl right back under the “rocks” where they were hiding until Barack Obama was elected president and the Koch Brothers, in concert with Fox “news,” orchestrated the “Tea Party” movement. But, when it comes to policy, republicans have virtually NONE – and, that’s NOT hyperbole. Their “policy” is to be AGAINST anything democrats are for – in lock (freaking) step! Of course, after the passage of the Covid Relief bill with nary a republican vote of support, many of them were taking credit in their communities for the benefits of the bill – typical republican hypocrisy! – for example, the Covid bill FUNDS police all across America, republicans ALL voted against it – they’re the ones who want to “defund” the police!

So, now, republicans are against any kind of investment in the American people – which is a large part of the democratic plans to get this nation successfully into the 21st century in a way where we can compete with the likes of the Europeans and the Chinese going forward. Here’s the real “rub” for me – because I have children and grandchildren who actually “get it” in regard to what lies ahead for them if this OBSTRUCTION continues – and, of course, I’m talking about the “Climate Crisis” and republican efforts IN UNISON to block the democratic proposal – which is (sadly) much less than the so-called “Green New Deal” – legislation BADLY needed. Just today I read about the community of Lytton, British Columbia which was “consumed” by a wildfire after three record breaking days of HEAT – with the “pinnacle” being a day where they endured temperatures of 121 degrees Fahrenheit! The entire town is gone! in British Columbia no less! When will republicans stop calling the “climate crisis” a “democrat hoax?”

I live about 400 miles South of Lytton (OK, what was “once” Lytton) near Portland, Oregon and we had three days of intense HEAT with the “peak” being a day where the high temperature was 118 degrees. It was REALLY hot! A record for where I live and, God willing, the small community where I live will avoid the fires – but, the danger is HUGE – in fact, not only are the Fourth of July celebrations – with the fireworks show – canceled, it’s not even legal to sell ANY fireworks in the county where I live – at least that’s what the road signs I’ve seen say. And, the “pop up” tents where the fireworks sellers were planning to do their business are empty. My point is, the Climate Crisis is REAL, it’s a HUGE danger to those coming behind us old people, and it’s our patriotic DUTY to do something about it! Of course, that last sentence will fall on deaf ears to virtually ALL republicans!

It wasn’t that long ago when John McCain was the republican nominee for president. I never thought I would view him in such “lights” – but, to me, with all his “warts” he’s the kind of republican I thought would stand up against individual 1 and cause the republican party to reject our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president – voting to convict him after what SHOULD have been his FIRST impeachment following ALL of the allegations of OBSTRUCTION of Justice in the Mueller report. Of course, despite being in a fight against Cancer, McCain managed to be the object of individual 1’s ire even before he saved the Affordable Care Act with the now infamous “thumbs down.” The reality of the republican party can be shown no clearer than a quick look at McCain’s “buddy” Lindsey Graham – who went from calling individual 1 a “kook” (and more) to kissing up to him on the golf course. To me, there’s not much which could be viewed as more PATHETIC!

And, by the way, in volume one of Mueller’s report there was PLENTY of evidence of “collusion” – Mueller made it clear they weren’t investigating that “charge” because there’s no law on the books against “collusion.” Mueller said they didn’t believe they could support a charge of “conspiracy” connecting individual 1’s campaign and the Russians “beyond a reasonable doubt.” (In essence, Mueller said individual 1 Jr. and Jared Kushner were too dumb to know the June 2016 meeting with a group of Russians promising “dirt” on Hillary Clinton was an ILLEGAL act. It wasn’t even a month after William Barr finished LYING to “we the people” about Mueller’s report, causing individual 1 to claim “full exoneration,” (NOTHING could be further from the TRUTH) that individual 1 was seeking “foreign aid” for his next campaign causing IMPEACHMENT number one. At that point I understood the republicans in the Senate would NEVER get rid of our (now) TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president. They live in FEAR of him.

My point is republicans had ample opportunity to rid themselves of the “plague of individual 1” TWICE and they chose FEAR of losing their jobs over the PATRIOTISM called for, over and over, as individual 1 trampled on the “norms” of American politics. During IMPEACHMENT #2 republicans had their best opportunity to put individual 1 and his rabid white nationalist base to “bed” for good by simply voting to CONVICT him of what was OBVIOUS – his INCITEMENT of the INSURRECTION. He’d be nothing more than an afterthought at this point with the exception of the most fervent of America’s racist’s and they could be participating in an INVESTIGATION of January 6th, 2021 instead of OBSTRUCTING it. Individual 1 would be barred from even the thought of holding office again, and republicans could be concentrating on “resurrecting” their party from the MESS he (would have) left it in. Instead, they all still are putting up with his volatile “wrath” and many are going to get “primaried” anyway – their biggest FEAR.

I suppose I’ll feel the necessity to keep writing about the need for “we the people” to give Benedict Arnold the company he deserves (as mentioned above) for a few more years – if I last that long. I simply hope, for the sake of my children and grandchildren and yours that “we the people” come to our senses and do our duty to our country and this world. I can think of a whole bunch of things democrats want to accomplish in the face of this republican OBSTRUCTION, but, to me, none of it compares to the determination of the republican party as they attempt to force us to IGNORE the Climate issue because of their intransigence.

And, make no mistake, there are a few democrats in the Senate who conceivably could be right there in the history books next to the republicans if they continue to follow the same “playbook.” Republicans have pushed these issues to the “brink” – Voting rights, human infrastructure, and, of course the Climate Crisis – they’re BLOCKING progress in each of those areas and MORE. I’ve always called democrats spineless, but republicans are giving new meaning to that derogatory claim – let’s hope, finally, ALL the democrats will grow a spine and FIGHT for Biden’s progressive agenda! Don’t lose sight of the republican agenda: CHEATING (in virtually everything if it accomplishes the goal), LYING, and using the tools of the Third Reich to BRAINWASH their base into believing their LIES!

It’s been a couple days since I wrote the above and since then the individual 1 organization has been indicted on 15 counts of fraud and, of course, CHEATING (on taxes). Do you remember individual 1 claiming the fact he didn’t pay taxes made in “smart” in one of his debates with Hillary Clinton? (the one, I think, where he was stalking her) And, a quick reminder I’ve been referring to our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president as a “wannabe mob boss” for the past three years. Well just the other day, I was proven correct – as his “enterprise” along with his “Chief Financial Officer” were indicted on “A 15 year tax fraud scheme.” I’ve also predicted individual 1 and his children will be caught up in a “RICO” charge which will expose their “organization” as a totally CRIMINAL entity. I’m not sure who I would like to see held to account more, individual 1 or individual 1 Jr.?

Which reminds me, it is up to Merrick Garland to follow through on his promise to fully investigated the January 6th, 2021 INSURRECTION – including the events leading up to the storming of the Capitol Building – which would include the role of individual 1, Rudy Giuliani, individual 1 Jr., and Mo Brooks (and, maybe, others) in instigating the rioters who invaded the Capitol, injured upwards of 150 police officers, ransacked to Capitol Building to the “tune” of a couple MILLION dollars – including some really DEPLORABLE Acts – and came dangerously close to achieving their goal of disrupting “the peaceful transfer of power.” Republicans were really bad 10 years ago, when I started writing about the need to vote them into the history books, but they are a WHOLE lot worse today – and, apparently, determined to get even more worse by the day.

Final Thought; Individual 1 is beginning to sound like Paul Gosar as he’s gone into full “deflection” mode regarding the indictment of his business. That might work on his CULT following, but not on the rest of us. He has now joined the right wing chorus attempting to use Ashli Babbit and the INSURRECTIONISTS arrested by the FBI as his deflection “tools” as he’s trying to cause the rest of us to forget what we saw on January 6th, 2021. His latest grievance is that the INSURRECTIONISTS are getting arrested but not the protesters in the BLM movement. Even suggesting the two are the same is so absurd I have to, once again, say that anyone who believes a word coming from individual 1’s mouth is ……………. STUPID! (sorry, I don’t like that word either – but, well, “it is what it is”)

My brother-in-law lives in Pittsburgh and he would like me to write a posting which is positive. Well, I’m going to attempt to write on focusing on things which are positive with limited references to pure politics. Stay tuned……………………

Ever since individual 1 lost in a LANDSLIDE (by his own definition) we’ve been listening to republicans SHOUTING “Stop the Steal” regarding their fantasy our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president actually was “robbed” of his rightful place as America’s fuhrer. Well, I’ve talked about republican “projection” ad nauseum and this is just another prime example of just that. Talk about attempting to “steal” elections? What was individual 1 doing when he called Brad Raffensperger? Also, take a look at some of the VOTER SUPPRESSION bills running through republican led legislatures all across this great land. If this “Grand Theft” is not stopped by our nation’s Congress we very well could see much worse than people being arrested on felony charges for giving someone standing for hours in the HOT sun in Georgia waiting to vote a drink of water. Say enough of those voters endure that sun and actually vote for an outcome which doesn’t satisfy that state’s legislature, well, the members of the legislature can simply overturn the “will of the people.”

Should that happen I believe the prediction of my acquaintance who suggested “individual 1 would win in a landslide” and subsequent to that there will be MILLIONS of “liberals” in the streets could very well come true. We all know which side is a proponent of this un-American “plan” to “win” elections and, quite possibly, this is going to bring the American “divide” to a head. For example, republicans across the country will not be happy if Joe Manchin gets his version of S-1 passed and they’re spending every waking hour trying to prevent that outcome. Just yesterday I read parts of an Op-Ed by Kyrsten Sinema suggesting she’s more entrenched in defense of the filibuster than even Joe Manchin. I believe the republicans are “working” Ms. Sinema and it wouldn’t surprise me to find out they’re funneling “campaign funds” her way, in order to “keep her in line.” I hope I’m wrong, but……………. (Let’s just say, it wouldn’t surprise me)

Before individual 1 I thought: “Not much surprises me in American politics” – but, now? Well, put that last thought on steroids. I’ve mentioned I’m presently reading “Alt America” by David Neiwert and, it seems, every page is an eye opener. He lays out in detail the rise of the “Alt Right” from the days of its earliest (white supremacist) proponents to, at the point in the book I’m at right now, the present day extremists who have been pushing for another “civil war” in America for the past 10+ years. It should be no surprise to anyone paying attention to American politics that the election of Barack Obama to the “White House” put these people on even more of an “edge” than they’d been prior to that. Of course, as I’ve written here numerous times, I was aware of the former KKK “heads” David Duke and Don Black being strong endorsers of individual 1 and I became aware of some of the websites at the “heart” of the “white supremacist” movement – like “Stormfront” or “The Daily Stormer” and I’d heard of “4Chan” and “8Chan” – although I’ve never logged into ANY of them as of this writing.

Neiwert gives detailed information about all of them and how they’ve been key in “radicalizing” young WHITE Americans – using the SAME techniques as Al Qaeda or ISIL in their recruitment and radicalizing of the young targets for their “causes.” I’ve also learned about a group calling themselves Atomwaffen who are described HERE by the Southern Poverty Law Center. When you read the description of this group it SHOULD get your attention. These are pure Nazi’s and many of the other right wing groups in America, groups intensely supporting individual 1 and referring to him as “fuhrer,” are either overtly or covertly supporting the “ideals” of the Third Reich. Members of the so-called “liberal media” have picked up on the “repeated LIE” strategy of those considered “mainstream republicans” by the “mainstream media” BUT you NEVER hear them pointing out this “strategy” comes STRAIGHT from HITLER and the Third Reich. Many, if not MOST, of these groups are calling for, as one of the more egregious examples of their depravity, the “extermination of all Jews.”

In fact, I’ve read on more than one occasion, the ONE thing about our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president which they HATE is that his daughter married a Jew and has converted to Judaism. Apparently, individual 1 is the ONLY chance for these “deplorables” to further “infect” the “mainstream” of American politics so they make an exception. Isn’t that just how American politics works? Which has led me to another thought.

Have you wondered why an EX (so-called) president who has an EXTENDED streak of LOSING could keep such a “stranglehold” on the republican party? I mean Mitt Romney simply lost one election to the MOST popular politician in America (Unless Joe Biden has surpassed him), Barack Obama, and you saw republicans running away from him as if in a stampede. But with individual 1, who very well will totally DESTROY the republican party, are they “running away?” Of course not, it’s like a bunch of SHEEP who are going to go in whatever direction their delusional leader takes them. And, keep in mind, he’ll likely be spending MORE time in Court over the next three years than on the campaign trail. Who knows how many investigations of his MAFIA like behavior are going on as I’m typing this. We KNOW the Manhattan DA’s investigation is nearing the point of indictments and, as I suggested two years ago, the individual 1 ORGANIZATION should be a candidate for a “RICO” charge. You can read the definition of a RICO charge HERE. (I’m making this easy for you)

Speaking of RICO charges, I have a strong suspicion some of the groups mentioned in Neiwert’s book could very well be facing the same charges as the Justice Department and the FBI get more serious about investigating them. Take the group “Atomwaffen” for example. When you read their “manifesto” on their website there’s no “grey area.” These people are “wacko” and, hopefully, they’ll get STOPPED by our government before they are able to follow through on their stated goals. One of the things which really stood out to me was that there are ACTIVE members of our military in this – and others of these – group(s). These white nationalist/supremacists MUST be purged from our military ranks AND the ranks of our police departments as swiftly as possible.

We’re seeing many members of Police Departments purging themselves as they are quitting because there feelings seem to be hurt by the idea they be held to account for using behavior which is too aggressive and aimed at “persons of color” on an inappropriate level. For heaven’s sake, we saw Derek Chauvin staring into the camera as he MURDERED George Floyd with no apparent concern he would face ANY accountability for what he was doing. Sadly, there have been too many “Derek Chauvin’s” putting their knee on too many George Floyd’s – but, at least, now we have a sense there will be accountability for police brutality.

Disclosure: Today is the day the first indictments of individual 1’s “organization” and the CFO Allen Weisselberg was charged with “Grand Larceny.” More on that in a bit, but in writing about the issue with Police brutality and George Floyd I couldn’t help but think of all the republicans who say they believe in “law and order.” That, of course, would include the “Proud Boys,” the “Oathkeepers,” the “Three Percenters,” and other right wing members of the “militia” movement in America. These people believe in their “image” of what is “law and order.” I almost gag at times when I listen to their interpretation of the “constitution” they’re “defending.” We saw how much they believe in “law and order” on January 6th, 2021. Individual 1 claims to be a “stalwart” of “law and order” and, yet, he’s a small time mafia boss. That is a “small time mafia boss” with a BIG mouth – and MILLIONS of republicans are STUPID enough to fall for his LIES. Many STILL believe the LIE he “won” the 2020 election.

However, the bottom line is the republican strategy to “pack” the courts while individual 1 was turning the rest of our nation into a “hot mess” will be paying dividends to them for years to come – UNLESS the democrats can take advantage of the two years (actually, much less than that because of our system of almost perpetual elections) where they have the opportunity to pass some truly progressive legislation – “we the people” will be facing mounting obstacles to protecting our democratic republic due to the right wing extremism of the Supreme Court. Today the court put the finishing touches on their assault on the Voting Rights Act of 1965 by, now, essentially “gutting” section two after doing the same to sections four and five about 8 or 9 years ago. This is the work of Sam Alito and John Roberts with, now, the concurrence of the appointees of individual 1. Today’s decision by the court (you can look it up) will simply encourage those states who are passing laws intended to diminish the ability of people of color, poorer Americans, young Americans and older Americans to vote. It’s disgraceful, but it will also put the “onus” on the democrats to “fix” the problem with Senate bill one.

I’ll end this by getting back to the CHARGES filed against the company of our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president and I believe not only him, but his children, could end up caught up in this investigation. And, of course, he no longer has the protection of the so-called “OLC memo” which prevented, for example, Robert Mueller from INDICTING him for his OBSTRUCTION of justice during the “Mueller probe.” I wrote early in his term as our (so-called) president he would come to loathe the day he decided to CHEAT his way into the “White House.” I’ll say this again, he’s nothing more than a cheap mob boss, and the republican party has chosen to “hitch their wagon” to his CORRUPTION.

I’ve read many books about individual 1, his connection to the Russians, his connection to various MOB organizations, and about when I learned he actually was willing to CHEAT his brother’s children from their inheritance and, by all accounts, he’s a “serial” CHEATER at GOLF – for heaven’s sake. And, he was willing to CHEAT to win elections – leading to TWO IMPEACHMENTS – but, maybe his greatest strength, is he’s been able to intimidate people into being “loyal” to him. If you remember, back when he was debating Hillary Clinton, when she pointed out he hadn’t paid taxes for over a decade he didn’t deny it he simply said; “That makes me smart.” Therefore, NONE of this SHOULD be a surprise to anyone!

There’s little doubt that the leaders of the republican party will continue to stand by our TWICE IMPEAHCED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president because they know his “base” (Proud boys, Oathkeepers, etc. etc.) won’t abandon him and they fear them. The issue of “White grievance” overrides virtually all rational issues for republicans. My hope and prayer is that those republicans who are republicans because they’ve always been republicans and they aren’t “critical thinkers” – but, are not part of the right wing white supremacists who are INFECTING this nation – would decide to demand their “party” return to it’s principles which seemed to be “normal” prior to the days of Newt Gingrich when there actually was “bipartisanship” and when many of today’s right wing “leaders” were part of the “fringe” of the political spectrum. The FACT republican leaders are afraid of the TRUTH about January 6th, 2021 says it all. Republicans not only operate via FEAR mongering, they seem to live in FEAR of the TRUTH. God help us all if that doesn’t change!

Final Thought: Every day I can’t help but think of those in Florida dealing with the collapse of the building which seems to be where around 150 Americans are buried in a pile of concrete and rubble. My “instincts” suggest to me the rising level of the ocean (this apartment building was right on the coast) very well could have been significant in the cause of this tragedy. As these thoughts go through my mind I keep witnessing where republicans CONTINUE to block attempts by democrats to pass their “Climate” agenda. I live in Washington state and just the other day it was 118 degrees at my home – the third of three days where the temperature was OVER 108 degrees. This caused me to check the weather forecast and I was a bit shocked to see the next rain is predicted around the time of my birthday in September – today is July 1st. While we have less rain during the summer months, this is further evidence of the extreme weather around the globe. The DROUGHT which covers MUCH of the farmland in the Western United States SHOULD be a concern, even to republicans. I have to wonder, how bad will it have to get before they “get it?” Stay tuned………………….

me.)

I’ve been writing for OVER ten years about the republican plan for their “permanent republican majority” – the first time I heard the phrase was back in the Bush/Cheney regime when Karl Rove introduced the “plan.” They’ve NEVER stopped with this “plan” and, every time they lose an election, their willingness to do whatever it takes to accomplish what would, in essence, be rule by the minority (white people), gets more egregious and intense. What we’re witnessing today is an unbelievable attack on the foundation of our democratic republic. If the COURTS, which were filled with right wing (and in many instances totally unqualified) judges, allow this assault on our republic, individual 1 may have succeeded in doing what Adolf Hitler failed to do back in the days of WW II. (And, remember, individual 1 is the “symptom” the “disease” is the republican party and the billionaire benefactors “pulling the strings” in the shadows)

I’ve been writing lately about the importance of Merrick Garland following through on the promises he made in his confirmation hearings to investigate individual 1’s CRIMINAL behavior while in the “White House” – which went well beyond INCITING the INSSURRECTION. General Garland is finding himself in a critical place in what will be American History – one way or the other. Joe Biden KNEW he was running for president to “save the soul” of this nation and he is ALSO in a critical place in what soon will be part of our history. This WAR for the heart and soul of this nation will continue, I believe, likely past my lifetime. This is why I’m encouraging young people to do whatever they MUST to protect America by “jumping through the hoops” republicans are creating in order to keep them from voting.

Here’s the key part of some of these VOTER SUPPRESSION laws – state legislatures are giving themselves the “right” to overturn the elections in their states if they don’t like the results. I’m not kidding with that – it seems IMPOSSIBLE to me that Americans in state legislatures would STOOP to such an incredibly onerous level – but, here we are. So, if the democrats fail to get the “For the People Act” and the John Lewis Voting Rights Act” passed this year, well, “we the people” will have to rely on the courts – and, do you have confidence in the Supreme Court with 6 right wing judges? As I said above, I’ve been writing about this “republican plan” for almost 15 years and, my guess is some of the original instigators are not so on board as it’s gone off the “rails.” (It took me a while to start writing once I realized the severity of the issue)

For example, it was Liz Cheney’s dad who was associated with Rove back at the turn of the 21st Century. Ms. Cheney is kind of “on and island” in standing up against individual 1, but you don’t hear a “squeak” from her condemning all this VOTER SUPPRESSION. However, I believe Dick Cheney’s (sort of) boss GW Bush is likely a bit concerned with what he’s seeing – I really don’t believe he would support this plan to accomplish what they were unable to keep – remember, just as individual 1 had for two years, the Bush/Cheney regime had total control of the government for at least six years. They had their own form of incompetence and, just like individual 1, left an incredible MESS for their successor, but Bush/Cheney left town with their “tails between their legs” and we didn’t hear much from them once President Obama was in office. Individual 1, not so much! (Remember, it was the right wing Supreme Court who put Bush/Cheney in the “White House” in the first place)

Just as I predicted regarding our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president, ALL the TRUTH will “seep” out, drip by drip, and it’s beginning to gain “steam” as we’re seeing, based on reports of the illegal Justice Department “spying” on members of Congress, their associates, their families, and even their children – not to mention individual 1’s own “White House” Counsel Don McGahn. This is simply one more scandal and there were so many during individual 1’s time in office people became numb to it all – which is a bad reaction. This leads individual 1’s sycophants to continue believing he’s facing one “witch hunt” after another – but, the reality is our TWICE IMPEACHED two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president appears to be a serial OFFENDER of our system of laws. He believed (believes) he’s above the law and, as I’ve said, the challenge for Merrick Garland is to prove him wrong.

It’s hard for me to understand how republicans – well, those who DON’T identify with the KKK and other white nationalist/supremacist “circles” – can continue to follow individual 1. But, the reality is the republican party was severely “infected” before individual 1 commandeered them and, of course, the “infection” is just getting worse. Do you remember our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president saying “You’ll get tired of all the winning?” Well, technically, he’s been a LOSER on all fronts. It’s true republicans managed to get their tax “scam” passed in 2017, but that’s about it – and that “scam” is about as popular as, OK you knew this was coming, individual 1 – which aint very popular. So, yesterday was just another in the LONG line of DEFEATS (ie LOSING) associated with individual 1.

By now, everyone KNOWS individual 1 LOST over 60 court cases as he challenged what was called the MOST secure election in American history (by his own head of the government overseeing the election – an individual 1 appointee) OVER 60 times and, in every instance, “more LOSING.” Well, as another example of ALL the LOSING, yesterday the Supreme Court may have put the “endless” republican attempt to overturn the Affordable Care Act (AKA “Obamacare”), for another example of LOSING, by ruling against still ANOTHER republican led attempt to overturn the law. Even two of the individual 1 appointed judges ruled against the lawsuit which, of course, was “championed” by none other than individual 1 himself. He always claimed republicans had a “better and cheaper” version simply waiting in the wings which they would enact as soon as “Obamacare” was destroyed. Well, of course they didn’t have ANYTHING “waiting in the wings,” they still don’t and this is simply another example of republicans trying to further their “war” on the poor in America and the Middle Class families which get subsidies from “Obamacare,” and ALL the American families who’ve been able to keep their children on their own policies until they reach the age of 26. (Thanks to individual 1’s non-response to the Covid-19 pandemic there are now over 10 MILLION Americans on Medicaid – which is possible only because of the ACA)

So, how did republicans respond to this (latest) DEFEAT (that’s another word for LOSING which is the opposite of “winning” – just sayin) – they attempted to repeal “Obamacare” OVER 70 times while never lifting a finger in an attempt to make it better? It’s always been tear it down – republicans have been fighting AGAINST the idea of “National health insurance” since before I was born (1947) so democrats have been forced to do the “battle” incrementally. LBJ got Medicare and Medicaid passed the year I graduated from High School (1965) and, even then republicans fought against it. In fact, Ronald Reagan famously said, ” providing government health coverage for the elderly would, if adopted, lead America to  become a socialist hellhole.” (He said this in 1961, four years before Medicare was enacted into law) Republicans throw hyperbole like this around and, seemingly, are NEVER held to account for their inaccuracy. (OK, I’ve digressed! My mind spins out of control when I think of all the reasons Americans SHOULD be voting AGAINST republicans!)

All right, back to what is the next step for republicans regarding the FACT they LOST once more in their attempt to role back health insurance for those Americans who couldn’t afford it otherwise? and, as usual, the answer to the question is NOTHING! (Apparently, they’re hell bent on increasing their LOSING streak) They are incapable of doing anything which might help America’s middle class – apparently, doing NOTHING is what they call letting the “free markets” solve America’s burgeoning list of problems. So, this morning, as I was reading about the court’s ruling essentially ending the republican attempts to repeal “Obamacare” this is the message put out by the House republican leadership – Kevin McCarthy (maybe the MOST spineless politician I’ve ever witnessed), Steve Scalise (a real right wing Hack), and Elise Stefanik (a real “ambitious” “two faced” “back stabbing” politician) ” “Now, Congress must work together to improve American health care.”

I read that and, once again, my head started shaking as if I’ve become a bobblehead at a baseball park. These republicans have spent OVER 10 years, MILLIONS on frivolous LOSING lawsuits, over 60 attempts in Congress to repeal the bill, and FINALLY they’re saying what people like me have been saying since the day the public option was first voted down – “Congress, work to improve the bill!” The easy solution to this problem is to enact the “public option” – which, in essence would allow people to buy into a Medicare like plan – with ONLY 3% administrative costs – and cost controlling “limits” on what hospitals and doctors can charge for basic procedures. But, of course, that would be too easy and republicans would worry that by doing so they would help Joe Biden have a successful first (and, likely, last) term in office. (Oh yes, check out how much they receive from the insurance industry!)

You’ve no doubt already heard Moscow Mitch in what sounded like an “echo” from the days of Barack Obama’s presidency – “Joe Biden will get ZERO support from republicans – from Susan Collins to Ted Cruz republicans are united to make Joe Biden’s term as president ends a failure.” (or words to that effect) This is nothing new, this is the republican playbook since the days of Newt Gingrich in the House – turn Congress into a “hot mess” and blame democrats for the lack of bipartisanship. It’s worked off and on for the past 30 or so years, so why not? POWER is more important than progress for our nation – and, now they’ve got Putin helping them “pound” the “wedge issues” deeper into the fabric of our nation. So, what do you think are the chances republicans will “work to improve American health care?” Yep, that was a bit rhetorical because the obvious answer is “NADA,” “Nothing.” In other words, no one is “holding their breath.”

Obviously, republicans aren’t going to help doing ANYTHING as long as ANY democrat occupies the “White House” and they have the ability to OBSTRUCT in Congress – it’s just the way they work. And, don’t tell me it “goes both ways.” In individual 1’s final two years in office democrats did everything they could to keep him in power. It’s just that he AND Moscow Mitch were just too STUPID to take advantage of what, in particular, Nancy Pelosi was TRYING to “give” them. I’ve written this before, but had individual 1 and McConnell enacted the so-called “HEROES Act” put forth by Pelosi and the democrats, I believe individual 1 would still be in office today and there would have been maybe as many as a couple HUNDRED THOUSAND less deaths from the Covid-19 pandemic. But, of course, the bill was “dead on arrival” in the McConnell controlled Senate where the good of the American people is NEVER considered when it comes to legislation. The American people supported that bill overwhelmingly and, eventually, the Biden “rescue bill” by over 70% and soon a significant part of Biden’s bill will go into effect – the Child Tax Credits – an ACTUAL tax cut for Poor and Middle Class taxpayers who have children – an INVESTMENT into the American people republicans HATE – they’re calling it “Socialism.” Yikes!

This issue has simply made it simpler for republicans to put up a “smoke screen” in their never ending attempt to cause America’s voters to look the other way as a torrent of really BAD factual EVIDENCE regarding the abuses of POWER under individual 1 “drip, drip” out. And, of course, I agree with those who claim there have been so many scandals and NOT ONCE has our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president been legally held to account. Sadly, it appears, as I’ve said, that Merrick Garland is contributing to this problem. I hope I’m wrong – more on that later.

Here’s a good example of what I mean; Had our Justice Department (under AG Garland) chosen to FULLY release the “memo” which Judge Amy Berman Jackson ORDERED released because William Barr, in essence, LIED to the Court and to Congress about his absolving individual 1 of “OBSTRUCTION of Justice, then the next step would be following through on Mueller’s “memorializing” the evidence of the OBSTRUCTION, so that Mr. Garland could proceed with an indictment now that individual 1 is no longer protected by the OLC “memo.” There were TEN instances of OBSTRUCTION laid out in Mueller’s report (I read it TWICE – it was long and tedious reading) The bottom line, as hundreds of prosecutors have stated, if the subject of an investigation can INTERFERE in that investigation, then there’s no reason for Justice Department officials to appoint a “Special Counsel” in the first place. This issue is fundamental to America’s “rule of law.”

Here’s how it looks right now – just a small “snapshot” because the “drip, drip, drip” will continue. There’s a lot more “stuff” which is going to come out. OK, let’s start with why I refer to our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote (and over 60 court challenges to the election) LOSING (ex) president as “individual 1.” Michael Cohen was convicted of “campaign finance violations” for paying off two women who individual 1 had illicit affairs with (during his wife’s pregnancy and, apparently, in one instance, shortly thereafter) just prior to the 2016 election and shortly after the now infamous “Access Hollywood tape” – a crime committed “in cooperation with and at the direction of individual 1.” Cohen got three years in prison for his part and, so far, individual 1 has gotten NOTHING.

Naturally, you knew what would be next, right? On January 6th, 2021 individual 1 urged his MOB to go to the Capitol and “fight like HELL or you’re not going to have a country anymore” and almost 500 of them are now in jail and facing prison sentences of up to 20 – 30 years – which COULD (and should) include the charge of SEDITION (look it up) – and, individual 1 – so far NOTHING. Did he “INCITE” the mob? Of course he did – they did EXACTLY what he “charged” them to do. Did he go there with them as he promised? Of course he DIDN’T (Do you think the “bone spurs” acted up?) – he went to the “White House,” turned on the TV, and, by all accounts enjoyed watching his supporters ransack the Capitol Building while chanting “Hang Mike Pense.” He was quoted, by an eye witness, as saying, “Those people really love me.” (By the way, earlier I said Kevin McCarthy was the “most spineless politician I’ve ever witnessed – but, hey – Mike Pense gives him a good run for his “money” – I mean, shortly after his boss sicked a few thousand angry “mobsters” on him Pense was back a@#kissing individual 1’s – wait, I already said it, Yikes!) Maybe McCarthy and Pense are secretly TWINS!?

Yah, I “get” this is long and rambling – but, whenever I wonder (which is often) how people who otherwise seem to be good productive Americans can align themselves with an (alleged) serial sexual predator, a failed businessman, a TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (along with LOSING over 60 legal challenges to his most recent LOSS) (ex) president, a pathological LIAR, an overt RACIST, a misogynist, and a xenophobe (among other “endearing” features), my mind turns into a blur of recollections – some of which are things republicans used to claim they believed in. Apparently, we’re down to “cut my taxes” (if you’re rich) and give me right wing judges if you’re like MOST of the rest of us.

Every time, well ALMOST every time, I engage in attempting to understand this conundrum with a republican acquaintance I hear, in one form or another, the word “abortion” – as in, they’d rather live in a country run like Russia than have women in this country having control over their own bodies. Of course, no matter what they do there will be women having abortions – just like before Roe – and, as usual, they would say something like what individual 1 said in his first campaign – the women should be “punished.” Of course, the men? Again, NADA – like in the cereal “nothin honey.” (OK, that was a joke) And, I’m guessing you understand, women WOULDN’T need to even consider an abortion without the “help” of a man.

But, what the republicans, including ALL the people who support them are doing is NOT a joke and it threatens the fundamental values this nation was founded on and that is a constitution which is like a “living document.” It has evolved over time, it’s promises are being either realized or demanded by more and more Americans and it’s based on three co-equal branches of government “checking” each other so that those who take the OATH to defend it (the constitution) against all “enemies foreign and DOMESTIC” will do exactly that. There’s no provision in the constitution for “alternative facts,” for threatening violence if “we the people” don’t vote your “way,” or for finding ways to CHEAT to get your way. Republicans all across America are attempting to not only prevent as many “people of color” from voting, but they want to block the teaching of American history – as it has ACTUALLY transpired – in our schools because they’re desperate to prevent this nation’s “melting pot” from “melting” a bit more. They will “do whatever it takes” to preserve their “white privilege.” You see, they DON’T really believe in “free markets” unless they’re the ones setting the rules as to what is “free.” (Many believe teaching ACTUAL American history is “anti white.” Why do you suppose that?)

I’ll end this by saying outlets like Fox “news,” “Newsmax,” and “OANN” are bound and determined to continue “feeding” the white nationalist/supremacists in this country what they want to hear as long as it continues to make their companies and the talking heads in their companies richer and richer. Truth? My republican friends always resort to “Truth is in the Bible” and then they “hitch their wagon” to someone who is totally antithetical to almost everything I’ve read in that “Good Book.” Then they “deflect” individual 1’s reality with the issue of abortion, as if that justifies their “deal with the devil.” Personally, I’d love to see the day when there was no “demand” for abortions – but, the issue is way more complicated than reversing Roe. I’ve said before, that’s an issue for another day, but I certainly don’t believe it’s an issue which will be or should be or can be solved by MEN. And, in the right wing media circus it’s an issue which is used to perpetuate white nationalism/supremacy. Biden is correct, (and, well, in all “modesty” – OK, I’m not all that modest when it comes to these issues – I’ve been saying it for almost 15 years) there is a WAR going on for the heart and soul of America. In my mind, it’s up to “we the people to defend our democratic republic!

Final Thought: Back in 2015 via what are called “Active measures” – where the Russians spew disinformation across the social media networks in America (and other Western nations) routinely accessed by MILLIONS upon MILLIONS of America’s citizens – I believe not even Vladimir Putin, himself, would have guessed the success his ATTACK on our nation would accomplish – via the freedoms we take for granted and that he despises. And, I’m not talking about the election of individual 1 – which was, for sure, instrumental in the Russian success – but, what I’m talking about is Americans divided against each other. The Russians ATTACKED America at her weakest point and that is the racial “divide” which Putin recognized (correctly) and was, for him, the perfect “wedge issue,” Putin fully understands the racial issue has been an undercurrent in America since her inception and he’s exploiting it. He’s even referring to the INSURRECTIONISTS in the same terms as republican members of Congress – ie “patriots,” etc.

Putin succeeded in causing the white nationalist/supremacist faction in America to find a way out from the fringes of our political reality into the “mainstream” via our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president. People like David Duke and Don Black, both former KKK “Grand Wizards,” have openly stated they consider individual 1 their “fuhrer” and they continue to vigorously support him because he’s ‘on board’ with their values. So much for a republican party standing for “family values.” And, of course, “we the people” are listening to “journalists” like Sean Hannity and Tucker Carlson at Fox “news” repeating the Russian “talking points.” Well, I suppose you could say it’s Putin repeating the “talking points” of those at Fox, but, either way, this SHOULD be a “wake up call” to clear thinking republicans. But, it appears the “cult” following of individual 1 continues – and, of course, Putin continues to fuel it!

Sorry, on more thing: Individual 1 set the “ground rules” for CORRUPT republicans on how to “fight” the Justice Department in attempts to stay out of jail – and, of course, for him it’s worked for many many years – not just while he was our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING president – for example, the Manhattan DA probe is reaching back a reporte 8 – 10 years of his financial (miss) dealings and, allegedly, indictments are in the offing – this summer. But look at Matt Gaetz and Rudy Giuliani. While most defense lawyers suggest when you’re the subject of an investigation, shut up. However, that’s NOT the individual 1 “playbook” and we’re seeing the same thing with both Gaetz and Giuliani. It’s as if they don’t believe the Justice Department has the “stones” to take them on. Speaking of “stones” – writing that word reminded me I’ve wondered if Roger Stone is going to be “connected” to the same “sex ring” which seems to be engulfing Mr. Gaetz? OK, back to my point, as I’ve stated above and in prior posts – AG Garland is at a crossroads. Either this CORRUPT republican behavior – and, of course, it’s MOUNTAINOUS – will be held to account, or “we the people” will be on the brink of LOSING our “grip” on the democratic republic I feel such a connection to. I really hope AG Garland comes through and the Biden side wins the “battle” for the “soul” of America. But, as I’ve said, the “war” will continue until “today’s” republicans have been voted into the history books!

Of course, the republican party would be nowhere without those BILLIONAIRES who hide in the shadows and keep funneling MONEY to Moscow Mitch and the other republicans in the Senate, keeping them “toeing the line.” Kind of makes me a bit queezy in the stomach feeling the need to write those words!

Of late, I’ve been listening to people claim individual 1 has exposed the “weakness” in our constitution, although, I would suggest what our TWICE IMPEACED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president has exposed is the “weakness” in those holding public office who are AFRAID to honor their OATH to the constitution. Our laws and our constitution clearly would be sufficient to hold individual 1 and MANY of his sycophants accountable if we had political leaders with the courage to actually defend that document they’ve made what should be a solemn OATH to defend.

Of course, I’m talking about all those republicans who have subjected themselves to the control of individual 1 and the cult following he has because of his willingness to come along side the white nationalist/supremacist segment of America. (Which, by the way, is very large – larger than most of us understand) However, I’m also talking about the democrats who continue to act like the timid “fraidy cats” which have defined the democratic party over the course of much of my lifetime. It’s the democrats who cause me the most frustration, I have to admit.

Now, I’ve been an “independent” voter my entire life, although it should be obvious I tend to vote for democrats. The reality is I vote AGAINST republicans, because I just can’t stomach “today’s” version of the republican party. There are “red line” issues for me and one of those is the issue of race. The FACT the republican party has decided to associate themselves with the RACIST elements of our society as their “base” is a decision I can NOT support under any circumstances. Another issue for me is “climate change” and a third is the national debt. I believe, for example, the evidence shows over the course of the past 40+ years when there’s a democrat in office, they fight to pay for the “stuff” they want passed. The evidence is obvious, the real “sticking point” between republicans and democrats on the “infrastructure” bill is Biden’s commitment to PAY for it by raising taxes on America’s wealthy elite and corporations which have been CHEATING on their taxes for years. (Plus by increasing the IRS funding so they can go after all the rich American CHEATING on their taxes.)

Another issue I’ve already written about is my disappointment in Merrick Garland, Biden’s appointee to be the Attorney General of the United States. It almost feels as if he’s taking the Obama approach to legal accountability which is “looking forward instead of back.” I pointed this out when Barack Obama made that statement – you CAN’T prosecute CRIMINAL activity without “looking back.” If our Justice Department just “looked forward” there wouldn’t be prosecutions in the future. How can you prosecute CRIMINAL activity WITHOUT looking back?

The Justice Department IS looking back EVERY day as they’re hunting down the INSURRECTIONISTS who stormed our nation’s Capitol Building on January 6th, 2021. So far, they’ve found around 500 of the INSURRECTIONISTS who’ve been identified and charged with their CRIMINAL activity. Of course, virtually ALL those who entered the Capitol on January 6th, 2021 did so thinking individual 1 had “ordered” them to do so “or you won’t have a country anymore!” Others, like Mo Brooks and Rudy Giuliani and individual 1 Jr. urged the crowed to take “action” to overturn the certification of the Electoral College votes. So, why are these people NOT being investigated and indicted for their part in INSTIGATING the INSURRECTION? It’s ALL right out in the open – well, ON the TV screen!

I’ve compared this possibility – that individual 1 will be allowed to go without accountability to the Bush/Cheney administration when numerous members of their administration – including Bush, Cheney, and Don Rumsfeld – openly authorized and encouraged TORTURE. Torturing “enemy combatants” (which, GW Bush claimed he had the right to arbitrarily do) was WAR CRIMES – clear and simple. Of course, this is what Barack Obama chose to “look forward” and, in essence, ignore once he was in office. He actually STOPPED several investigations which were already underway by the time he took the OATH of office – to “defend our constitution.” (Bill Clinton’s Justice Department “looked forward” after “Iran/Contra” letting Ronald Reagan AND George HW Bush “off the hook” – suggesting they weren’t involved is, well, NOT believable)

lf our constitution allows some people to be “above the law” then we should simply acknowledge that so people like me don’t have to do all this writing. However, I believe our constitution and our system of laws are fully sufficient to hold individual 1 to account for his legal transgressions while in office. This is the ONLY way to stop this from happening in the future. Robert Mueller made it clear the EVIDENCE of individual 1 committing OBSTRUCTION of Justice could be prosecuted once he was out of office. In his report he claimed the reason they were “memorializing” the evidence was for someone else, in the future, who could hold individual 1 to account. Merrick Garland is “on the spot” as far as holding individual 1 to account. If there’s FEAR about the consequences of indicting an ex president, well, it should happen sooner rather than later – let’s get it over with. (Garland’s decision to block the release of Bill Barr’s memo showing his LYING about Mueller’s report suggests to me Garland has no stomach for prosecuting ANY of the 10 ALLEGED instances of OBSTRUCTION by individual 1.)

Obstruction is a basic CRIME upending our system of Justice. Mueller listed TEN instances of OBSTRUCTION committed by individual 1 as his (Mueller’s) team attempted to “get to the bottom” of the “Russia thing.” I realize election officials all across America are getting “death threats” for actually FAIRLY counting the ballots. So, I’m sure Mr. Garland understands what the result of indicting our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president will be. Many of these right wing RACIST groups will, potentially, react with violence. If this OBSTRUCTION is NOT going to be prosecuted then the “Special Counsel” law should be “shelved.” It has no “teeth” if the person being investigated can get away with OBSTRUCTING the investigation – IN PLAIN SIGHT – as in the case of individual 1.

And, here, I have to add I predicted the violence coming from individual 1’s supporters over one year prior to January 6th, 2021 in response to an acquaintance who predicted individual 1 would “win in a landslide” and “liberal mobs” will respond with violence. I told him he had it backwards, and – not wanting to pat my own back – time proved me correct! Sadly! Of course, I had no idea this VIOLENCE would include an INSURRECTION at the Capitol – or that the so-called “Big lie” would continue well into the next year and that republicans all across America would continue to push that “LIE” and use it to justify “Jim Crow 2.0.” The RACISM of the republican party is now on full display – it’s as if George Wallace is back and had taken over the republican party. Yikes!

This country is teeming with CRIMINALS willing to do whatever it takes to turn our democratic republic into an autocracy – something resembling Putin’s Russia. Honestly, that SHOULD give even individual 1’s supporters pause. Why would they want a country with a constitution which has been shredded, and, by the way, for some of them, the ONLY part of the constitution which registers in their minds is the “Second Amendment” – which, of course, they’ve abused over the course of time. Here’s what the Second Amendment actually says: “A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” Now, those words definitely are vague, but suggesting they mean there can be no restrictions on the “arms” “we the people” have a right to “keep” is, to me, absurd. (A topic for another day)

Individual 1 was committing SCANDALS on such a regular basis that “we the people” became somewhat numb to all of his CRIMINAL activity. He was IMPEACHED twice and easily could have been IMPEACHED on other occasions as well. He’s left the impression he’s impervious to any legal accountability and, now, there seems to be MILLIONS of his supporters who believe they can also threaten people with impunity. Individual 1 continues to act like a mob boss and his supporters believe they can send threats to election officials with no blowback. I hate to bring this up again, Merrick Garland, but it’s on you watch these egregious attacks on our constitutional republic will either be held to account OR they’ll be fuel for future lawless behavior. It’s pretty much as simple as that.

Final Thought: The optimist in me wants to believe the democrats can figure out a way to pass the legislation which would “head off at the pass” all the racist voter suppression bills I referenced above as “Jim Crow 2.0.” As I’ve said, I’ve been watching democrats act as if they’re afraid of their own “shadow” for most of my lifetime and, it appears, we could be in for, at least, a couple more years of this. And, of course, republicans will be busy gerrymandering even more districts making keeping the democrats in control of the House near impossible. And, the VOTER SUPPRESSION bills are clearly aimed at all the African American votes which republicans believe got Joe Biden into the “White House.” With the “conservative” democrats in the Senate, it may not be necessary for republicans to control Congress to be able to OBSTRUCT Biden’s agenda.

There are too many photos, for example, to my liking of both Joe Manchin and Krysten Sinema hanging out with republicans who clearly are attempting to keep them from supporting the democratic agenda. To me, Sinema is more difficult to understand, because her state is “turning blue” – well, at least prior to their VOTER SUPPRESSION bill which is aimed directly at “Maricopa County” which is the population center of the state – ie where the “people of color” reside. Should be interesting, stay tuned…………….

Oh yes, I still remember Chief Justice Roberts obfuscating as to why his court GUTTED the 1965 Voting Rights Act – sections 4 and 5 of it, which required “preclearance before states with a history of voter SUPPRESSION.” Well, now the Court has three more right wing judges, but the bottom line is it will have to be the COURTS which BLOCK “Jim Crow” 2.0 if the democrats are unable to get S-1 and the John Lewis Voting Rights Act bill passed “sooner rather than later.” To Garland’s credit, he’s suggested the Justice Department will begin that process and there are other “entities” who may be challenging these laws in Court. Will they be able to block this GIANT step backward in America – by the racists in the republican party – which, sadly, appears to be MOST of them – only time will tell!? It’s clear, there’s a large block of American “white people” who fear the loss of their “white privilege.” They would also tell you they believe in “free markets.” I’ve always said, there are NO “free markets” – only markets which are “free” by those who control them. The hypocrisy is palpable! OK, progressives – do whatever you have to do in order to cast your ballot in 2022!

My latest “reading” is “Alt America, The Rise of the Radical Right in the Age of Trump,” (ie individual 1) by David Neiwert. I’d LOVE all my “conservative” acquaintances to read this book, but I know NOT of a single one who would do so. The TRUTH of what has been happening to America since the days of Ronald Reagan is NOT something they’re interested in. In fact, I don’t know ANY of them who read anything aside from what they can find on right wing websites. And, of course, when they have their TV’s on, they’re watching propaganda outlets like Fox “news,” “Newsmax,” and “OANN.” I’ve read recently how Fox has gone farther off the “guardrails” since the day their election prognosticators pointed out Joe Biden would win Arizona prior to any of the other “prognosticators,” in order to keep their audience.

The Fox viewers were so outraged they would make that prediction, which, of course, was “right on,” but the viewers could care less. They’ve never been much “in” on the TRUTH if it doesn’t comport with their “wishes.” It was reported after this right wing “fiasco” Fox was losing viewers in droves to Newsmax – and, I can confirm I know some of the fleeing viewers – who actually told me “Fox is too liberal” – and, subsequently Fox has become even MORE outrageous in their attempt to get their viewers back – which seems to be working. Just as republicans are all about POWER so to is Fox all about the MONEY – no matter what damage is caused to this great nation. Republicans have accepted LYING as part of their “means to an end.”

So, in Neiwert’s book, the actual history of what took place on January 6th, 2021 is traced back to the beginnings of the right wing “populist” movement leading to today’s extremism from various groups attempting to instigate another “civil war.” The underlying foundation of ALL these groups is the white nationalist/supremacist movement which has been part of America since her earliest days. For example, much of today’s “extremism” on the “right” comes straight from the “bowels” of the KKK. Of course, the KKK was much more “out in the open” many years ago, but, today, leaders like David Duke and Don Black operate more stealthily, but, for example, the website “Stormfront.com” is a “hub” for much of the right wing “militia’s” who were at our nation’s Capitol Building on January 6th, 2021.

One of the groups I’m presently reading about in this book is the “Oathkeepers.” This group was founded by a paranoid ex-military person named Stewart Rhodes. This group and groups like it are full of members who are manipulated via FEAR mongering. The “Oathkeepers” are recruiting former members of the military and police departments – which is a bit alarming when you realize how many of those people are willing to be “sucked in” to these DISHONEST groups (Many were ARRESTED after January 6th, 2021). Rhodes is making a good living grifting off members who fall for his shtick and, of course, while there were numerous “Oathkeepers” arrested after January 6th, 2021 it was no surprise to me to find out Rhodes wasn’t one of them. Just as individual 1 will likely avoid accountability for INCITING the INSURRECTION, so to with Rhodes who encouraged his followers to participate, but when push came to shove, he was no where to be seen, just like individual 1.

Paranoid, I say and you might say, huh? Well, here’s a “quote” from Mark Potok on the Bill O’Reilly show back in 2010 after Rhodes claimed the Obama administration planned to “disarm Americans”: “What the group is really about is the fear that martial law is about to be imposed, that Americans are about to be herded into concentration camps, that foreign troops are going to be put down on American soil. The Oath Keepers say specifically, we will not obey these orders, we will refuse orders to put Americans into concentration camps. Now, is that dangerous? It seems to me the danger is that these are men and women, in the case of police officers, who are given a real power over the rest of us, sometimes the power of life and death. They make very important decisions. And if these men and women are animated by the idea that, you know, foreign forces are about to come into this country and put us under martial law and throw us all into concentration camps, I think there is a certain danger associated with that … They’re operating on the basis of crazy theories that may cause one them to draw a gun one day.” These people are fear mongering wack jobs!

Here’s the irony of all this: They call themselves “Patriots” and “Constitutionalists” – yet, there they were marching into the Capitol Building on January 6th, 2021 in an attempt to overturn the constitutional ordered process of certifying the Electoral College results of the 2020 election – results confirmed in OVER 60 FAILED – by individual 1 – (and frivolous) lawsuits after the election. I certainly DON’T call them either “patriots” or “constitutionalists.” I mean, suggesting they’re constitutionalists is absurd on its face, and “patriots?” I say, “Are you kidding me?” They use these names to help them recruit people who are unable to think critically. And, trust me, I know a bunch of “conservatives” who are unable to think critically.

One of the offshoots of the “Oathkeepers” was a group called the “Three percenters,” another group “grifting” off disaffected “conservatives” who, in essence, are “all in” on the white nationalist/supremacist movement in America. These types of groups go well back before President Obama took office, but, it seems, it was the election of our first President of “color” which spawned the “Oathkeepers” and, then, the “Three Percenters.” The “Three Percenters” “militia” was concocted by Mike Vanderboegh at about the same time as Rhodes started the “Oathkeepers,” and his “vision” was to enlist American gun owners. These are two examples of extremist “anti-government” groups who chose to represent our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president in an attempt to keep him in power after building up their groups via FEAR MONGERING. So, anti-government? Most of these groups claim what they really don’t like is when elections don’t turn out the way they would want – which is when they become “patriots.” Give me a break!

Just as individual 1 is delusional, so too are these groups who somehow have allowed themselves to be convinced they’re “patriots” and/or “constitutionalists,” or “conservatives.” As I’ve been thinking about what has happened to our country I’ve been reminded of the reality of an “infection” or, maybe a better analogy would be “dry rot.” In both instances when the “rot” or the “infection” first appears it is critical to address it or it simply continues to grow. The “infection” of all these so-called “militias” or “patriot movements” in America have been “festering” for years. Things got really “out of control” under the administration of Barack Obama as virtually ALL these groups were in “panic mode” once “we the people” had elected a person with African American ancestry to the “White House.” I’ll never forget Chuck Norris, in a public interview, warn of “10,000 cells” across America ready to “take our country back.” (From what? A duly elected president?)

Well, in addition, during the first years of President Obama’s administration we all saw the “Tea Party” emerge – with the help of the Koch brothers and Fox “news” – and the “Tea Party” became somewhat intertwined with many of these right wing militia movements – the “Oathkeepers” were right in the middle of many of the “Tea Party” rallies. And, if you saw what took place at those rallies you saw OVERT racism in a group which has now gained a stranglehold on the republican party. I’ve still got acquaintances who are “die hard” republicans who look at you funny when you point out the party is controlled by RACISTS. They always respond with “I’m not a racist” as if I should be ashamed to even bring it up. Of course, there’s one “conservative” I know who then points out “There’s going to be another ‘civil war.'” Yikes!

I would recommend to anyone who wants to understand the “underpinnings” of what is going on in America to read “Alt America.” It goes much deeper into the right wing extremism problem in America than simply the “Oathkeepers” and the “Three Percenters” and what led to January 6th, 2021. (If you’re confused why I keep writing that date it’s because I’m trying to do my part to prevent people from “forgetting” what happened) This extremism goes well back beyond President Obama – it seems to “grow” when there’s a democrat in the “White House” – but, the INSURRECTION is confirmation of what Chris Wray has been talking about since before January 6th, 2021, “the greatest threat to America is domestic right wing extremists.” Republicans in Congress would have us all believe this is “poppycock” – that the INSURRECTIONISTS were simply “visitors to the Capitol” and they’re being abused by the FBI.

This is where we have to look to Merrick Garland to follow through on the promises he made during his confirmation hearings – to investigate the INSURRECTION and the root causes behind it. As I’ve said here, over and over, the TRUTH is going to come out. In my view, it’s incumbent on Mr. Garland to expedite the process as much as he can within the bounds of the law. So far, I’m not that excited about his job performance. He’s appealing a judges ruling about a “memo” from Bill Barr which Judge Amy Berman Jackson said was “disingenuous” (translation: LYING) about Mueller’s report and the OBSTRUCTION allegations (which is likely to prevent any investigation of the OBSTRUCTION allegations against individual 1) AND he’s appealing the ruling which said individual 1 would have to “fend for himself” in the defamation suit filed against him by ONE of the two dozen or so women who accused him of sexual assault. Garland didn’t exactly gain my confidence with EITHER of those choices. (Even if he loses the appeals, another year or two has lapsed – therefore, Barr’s mission “accomplished”) “Looking forward” solves NOTHING!

Keep in mind, the Justice Department is scheduled to PROSECUTE around 500 cases involving the INSURRECTIONISTS – and counting, with a possible number in the 800’s if the FBI can identify all those caught on tape inside the Capitol on January 6th, 2021 – and, we can hope he’s going to be aggressive in these prosecutions. However, he’s showing signs of being timid in the face of a growing number of right wingers OPENLY expressing the desire to attack our government. So far, there’s NO reports he’s investigating individual 1, Rudy Giuliani, individual 1 Jr., Mo Brooks, or any others of those who worked up the crowd prior to the INSURRECTIONISTS invading our Capitol. Let’s just hope Garland doesn’t have the same FEAR of individual 1 shown by the bulk of republicans in Congress. And, is he not wanting to “poke the bear” by going after all the right wingers who are making seditionist threats online – for FEAR of stirring up violence? Here’s the deal: The longer our government ignores those making the online threats the worst the danger of violence will ultimately become.

I pointed this out back when Barack Obama famously said: “We’re going to look forward instead of back.” To republicans, that was like a “green light.” Just more evidence democrats don’t have the stomach to hold them accountable. Therefore, we got the rise of the so-called “alt right” during Obama’s administration and, of course, then the administration of our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president to exacerbate things by making white nationalists/supremacists feel as if he was their “fuhrer.” I know that sounds hyperbolic, but check out those who hang out at Stormfront.com if you don’t believe me. Now, if individual 1 is not held accountable for at least SOME of the plethora of CRIMES he committed while in office, well, then it will just get worse the next time. That’s how it works. And, for any republican who happens across this site, NO, the democrats don’t commit CRIMES like the republicans in the White House. (I know what you’re thinking: “What about Bill Clinton?” – he LIED about sex; apparently “no big deal” to republicans after the LIES of individual 1! – Actually, on the Access Hollywood tape he told the TRUTH)

Final Thought: Today (actually last night) it was revealed the Sessions/Barr Justice Department was ILLEGALLY SPYING on democrats in the House Intelligence Community. Adam Schiff and Eric Swalwell. Not only were both Schiff and Swalwell SPIED on, but so were their associates, their staffs, and EVEN their families – including, at least, one minor – according to published reports. I’m pretty sure Attorney General Garland didn’t anticipate all the ISSUES left over from individual 1’s assault on our “rule of law,” but he REALLY needs to act – and, not in a way which simply puts off the inevitable – as he’s doing with the two (egregious) “appeals” I mentioned above. Not only should he be putting an emphasis on an investigation which won’t take more than a year (like an IG investigation), but he KNOWS who the “culprits” in the Justice Department are who participated in this act of Judicial cowardice and they should either RESIGN immediately or be FIRED. According to the reports, this SPYING was the result of demands coming from our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president – and, if you were paying attention you heard his demands – in real time – he wanted Schiff “arrested” – but, the SPYING had to be ordered by either Sessions or Barr or both and the Justice Department lawyers who participated KNEW better and SHOULD have resigned on the spot. So, based on reports, at least FOUR of them are still there, they SHOULD resign post haste or be FIRED by Mr. Garland. We’ll see how this goes, but, so far, Attorney General Garland hasn’t impressed me.

I will add: Today, Mr. Garland FINALLY announced the Civil Rights Division of the Justice Department would begin CHALLENGING the onerous voter SUPPRESSION laws being passed in one right wing controlled state after another. When the Supreme Court GUTTED Sections five and four of the 1965 Voting Right’s Act Chief Justice Roberts claimed “pre-clearance” was not needed any more for states with a history of passing voter SUPPRESSION laws aimed at minorities – as in African Americans. He said, at the time, Section two was sufficient to stop any attempts to disenfranchise voters based on their minority status. Well, let’s hope this is a sign Attorney General Garland is intent on holding Mr. Roberts to his word and that the rest of the Court agrees. The problem is, by the time these onerous bills can be challenged in Court we could be in the 2022 election cycle. I was glad to hear Garland say these laws were going to be challenged today, I’m just wondering what took the Justice Department so long? Stay tuned……

During IMPEACHMENT #2 republicans had the opportunity to put the NONSENSE which has now engulfed their “party” to rest by simply CONVICTING individual 1 for INCITING the INSURRECTION attempt of January 6th, 2021. They could have REMOVED the cloud individual 1 is going to hold over their “party” for good – he’d be, by now, just an afterthought and they COULD have attempted to resurrect their “party” by actually adopting a “platform” which could be part of a “battle of ideas” with democrats. However, as ANYONE who’s been paying attention KNOWS the republicans don’t have a platform. Their “strategy” is to BLAME democrats for “ills” most of which don’t even exist.

MOST of the “accusations” coming from republicans toward, well, anyone NOT a republican (like me) fit the pure definition of PROJECTION. This was one thing individual 1 was actually good at – besides, of course, LYING – that is, projection. If he’s accusing you of it, that means he’s doing it. So, if republicans are accusing democrats of it, it’s most likely because they’re doing it. I say “most likely” because, for example, I wouldn’t call republicans “socialists” – unless, maybe, you’re talking about “socialists” like Joseph Stalin. However, when they refer to democrats as “fascists” I’m immediately harkened back to January 6th, 2021 at our nation’s Capitol Building. There we saw an “up close and personal” view of “fascism” – or, I should say, pseudo fascism – or maybe it would be more accurate to say “wannabe” fascism. You know, “like the sign said” (on one of the shirts) “Camp Auschwitz!”

Democrats, in their dysfunctional way, are attempting to “right” many of the “wrongs” left behind by our TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president, but the reality is they’re stuck in a Congress where Mitch McConnell IS going to BLOCK virtually everything (except, maybe, a Defense Appropriation bill) proposed by democrats – because, in his mind and the minds of republicans, the way back to POWER is via OBSTRUCTION. This has been the republican “MO” since the days of Newt Gingrich. Will it continue to work? Well, only if democrats allow it – and, of course, that includes Joe Manchin and Krysten Sinema. So, the solution to what is happening in America right now lies with “we the people” – we MUST overcome the OBSTACLES and be focused on VOTING, no matter what – and, Merrick Garland MUST follow through with his promises during his confirmation hearings.

Manchin appears to be really confused. Is he a democrat, I hope so, or is he a democrat who loves the position he’s in where he, in essence, controls as much of what goes on in the Senate as Moscow Mitch. Just the other day he wrote and “Op-ed” in his local newspaper in West Virginia suggesting he doesn’t want to agree to the democrats voting right’s legislation because he doesn’t want to further divide the country. I read that and could only shake my head. What on earth does he think the 360+ VOTER SUPPRESSION bills across the country are doing? Are they not further DIVIDING “we the people?” Either he’s racially insensitive, or racially ignorant, or, well, I’ll let you fill in the blank. His “argument” makes no sense – but, both he and Krysten Sinema seem hell bent on protecting the filibuster – possibly at the expense of Joe Biden’s agenda – honestly, I’m getting the idea Manchin is feeling a bit too full of himself. McConnell couldn’t be happier. So, how will this problem be solved?

It’s true individual 1 is very likely facing indictment from the Manhattan DA AND the Fulton County. Georgia DA – but, if he – and the others who took the stage with him at the Ellipse in Washington DC on January 6th, 2021 – are NOT forced to face legal liability for their role in ENCOURAGING the mob to “attack the Capitol” – “or you won’t have a country anymore” – then our Justice Department is failing maybe it’s greatest test in our nation’s history. The ASSAULT on our Capitol was PLANNED ahead of time, unknown people (to the public) paid for it, the “stooges” who took part were “groomed” by individual 1 since well BEFORE the 2020 election, and FIVE people DIED from the ASSAULT along with two Capitol Police officers who took their own lives days later. There MUST be LEGAL accountability for all of this.

To top it all off, this past weekend, Memorial Day Weekend, Michael Flynn, in essence, agreed with a “former Marine” (?) – who couldn’t correctly pronounce “Myanmar” – that America should have a “Myanmar style coup d etat.” That’s the definition of Sedition – here it is:

“18 U.S. Code § 2384 – Seditious conspiracy, If two or more persons in any State or Territory, or in any place subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, conspire to overthrow, put down, or to destroy by force the Government of the United States, or to levy war against them, or to oppose by force the authority thereof, or by force to prevent, hinder, or delay the execution of any law of the United States, or by force to seize, take, or possess any property of the United States contrary to the authority thereof, they shall each be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than twenty years, or both.”

Well, it should be obvious to any REASONABLE American that the invaders of the Capitol have a big problem on their hands – many SHOULD be facing charges of Sedition. And, Flynn and the “Marine” he was talking to at a “QAnon conference” (What the hell is a retired Military “general” doing at a QAnon conference? you might be asking yourself and, well, I’ve got no good answer) and, maybe, all the people there cheering the response SHOULD be facing, well, something – because, in essence, they were proposing the overthrow of our elected government. Apparently, they think they’re following the constitution because, OK, I can’t explain that one either. Now you know why I’ve devolved to using the word STUPID on this site of late.

Getting back to Flynn. He’s collecting a general’s pension and can be called back to active duty at anytime up until – well, years from now. He’s a proven (admitted) LIAR, he’s suggested an overthrow of our government before – he suggested it to individual 1 prior to January 6th, 2021, and he SHOULD be held to account for his words. He COULD be called back to active duty and COURT MARSHALLED for what he said, or Merrick Garland could intervene based on a clear violation of the US Code mentioned above. The “Marine?” I’m not sure, he couldn’t pronounce “Myanmar,” maybe he heard about “Myanmar” on – I’d be guessing. But, the reality is it’s far more serious when a retired “general” is suggesting Sedition than when someone who can’t pronounce what he’s proposing – although, I’d be OK if BOTH of them were held to account. At some point in time our Justice Department is going to ACTUALLY prove we’re “a nation of laws and not men.” Or, else………………….

So, here’s how the “problem” I mentioned above will be resolved. Somehow, democrats will need to motivate their base to make a record turnout once again and, at a minimum, gain more seats in the Senate and, somehow – in the face of partisan gerrymandering which is already underway – retain control of the House. The American people will have to decide if they want a democratic republic and an authoritarian autocracy like what the Russian people have endured since Vladimir Putin took over some 25 years ago. Putin’s still sticking his nose too deeply into America’s “business” and he’ll continue until Biden “cuts it off” – if he’s capable of doing that. I’ve come to like Joe Biden much more than I anticipated, but I’m going to speak my thoughts regardless – just as I pointed out President Obama’s pragmatic foolishness I’ll do the same if Biden appears he’s going to repeat the same mistakes. In my view, not only is it imperative President Biden is agressive with Putin, so must he be agressive at home – especially when dealing with those who’ve been flaunting our laws for all too long – and, I’m talking about republican “leaders.” And, you know which ones!

I’ll add one more than before my actual “final thought” – which, tonight, obviously, will be “thoughts.” I don’t think it’s a “good look” for Biden’s Justice Department to be defending individual 1’s “stuff” in court. First, it was the so-called Barr memo which Judge Amy Berman Jackson ordered released and Merrick Garland’s Justice Department is appealing that ruling which will delay the release for at least another year. This memo has to do with the upwards of TEN OBSTRUCTION of Justice charges which Robert Mueller suggested individual 1 COULD face once out of office. Barr tried to “head these off at the pass” and Judge Jackson, in essence, accused Barr of LYING – both to the court and Congress. It appears this will be ANOTHER example of executive malfeasance given a “pass.” And, of course, giving this memo a “pass” will likely allow individual 1 to get ANOTHER “pass.” This is NOT what Garland promised when he was in his confirmation hearings. Now, it appears Garland’s Justice Department is siding with individual 1 in his defamation suit brought by one of his alleged sexual assault victims. “And, the beat goes on……..”

Final Thought: My brother-in-law lives in Pittsburgh, he’s as old as me (that’s pretty old), he operates a small business – which has gotten “smaller” due to the ruthlessness of some of America’s most “famous” corporations – like, for example, Apple – and, he’s worried about “inflation” because of all of “Biden’s spending” – or words to that effect. Sadly, I’m not back there to speak to him in person – I love Pittsburgh, but I hate FLYING (even before the pandemic) – but, I’m sure, there are many more who are thinking the same way. Well, the short answer I’d give him is “not to worry.” “A little inflation is good for the soul” of the country which is coming off the “brink” of another “Great Depression” (Seems as if that’s the routine “handoff” from republican administration to democratic administration these days) and would have been suffering from DEFLATION if not for the democrats “stimulus efforts” since individual 1 chose to ignore the FACT a serious virus was in the “air.”

Republicans were too STUPID to understand the so-called “CARES Act” – the BEST parts for “we the people” – was the work of Nancy Pelosi and the democratic House – which included the SBA loans which were “forgivable” to businesses who retained their employees and ALSO the extra $600 for unemployment benefits for the 20+ MILLION Americans who LOST their jobs because of the pandemic. That “Act” actually was key to reviving the Stock Market – which was the ONLY guage individual 1 had to measure the “health” of the economy and it helped many Americans have money for basic expenses – the weekly “bonus” to the unemployed really rankled republicans to the point they failed to understand it was their “ticket” for success in the 2020 election.

Had republicans been SMART enough to agree to the “HEROES Act” – another gem put forth by Ms. Pelosi, I believe individual 1 would still be in the “White House” because, obviously, Ms. Pelosi cares more about the health of our nation than the “health” of the democratic party. The “HEROES Act” was, in essence, the equivalent of the “weak” stimulus passed in December on a “bi-partisan” basis – which sent out $600 payments to Middle Class Americans (again, to the chagrin of MOST republicans – even though individual 1 actually understood the amount SHOULD have been $2000) – plus the “Covid Relief Bill” passed in the first month or so of Biden’s administration. In essence, these bills have prevented our nation from veering into “deflation” which is much WORSE than a bit of “inflation.”

I’ve read quite a bit of the writings of Paul Krugman, a true Keynesian economist, and he’s quick to point out the dangers of inflation are quite small and that a bit of inflation (above the 2% target) will likely be beneficial until we’ve actually recovered from the economic shock of the pandemic. If you’re worried about inflation get your house re-financed while the interest rates are still at historic lows, or buy the car you’ve been planning to buy. or whatever – because the Fed can shut off a too high rise in inflation by raising rates – but, even the Fed chair (Powell) has suggested a bit of inflation right now would be beneficial – providing it doesn’t get out of control.

For heaven’s sake, in many parts of America the minimum wage is still $7.25 per hour. That, to me, is worse than ridiculous – and, keep in mind, it’s still that low STRICTLY because of republican intransigence. When I first started working back in 1963 (as a “busboy” in a restaurant) the minimum wage was $1.25 per hour. Based on inflation, it SHOULD be AT LEAST the $15 per hour democrats are attempting to get passed through Congress as I’m writing this. It wasn’t a (totally) livable wage back in 1963 but it was FAR closer than the $7.25 today. And, in states like Arizona, if you’re a restaurant worker and getting tips, they don’t even have to pay you the $7.25. In Washington State, where I live, the minimum wage was above $13.50 across the state and, I believe, $15 per hour in Seattle, the largest city. Not only did this not adversely effect Washington’s economy, it apparently helped it because Washington is doing quite well.

“Biden’s spending” SHOULD be viewed as “INVESTING” in the American people. I’ve told anyone willing to listen to me, this is the FIRST time in my LIFETIME where I feel our government is actually INVESTING in “we the people.” (I was born in 1947) Of course, Eisenhower’s Federal Highway project was a great “investment” in the American people and there were others when I was too young to understand (GI Bill, etc.) but since the day Ronald Reagan turned “conservatives” against our own government – a move which has metastasized over the years, leading up to January 6th, 2021 with a bunch of white nationalists who view individual 1 as their “fuhrer” (causing their parents who fought in WW II – like my own – to “turn in their graves”) republicans have done virtually NOTHING but “trickle up” taxpayer dollars to Americans who don’t need the help. Their “theories” have proven BOGUS over and over again, yet the continue to push them because, well, enough Americans have fallen for their “shtick” and believe all their problems are the result of our “socialist” government.

I’ve stated here I haven’t found ONE republican who claims democrats are “socialists” who understand what a “socialist” really is (they almost always confuse it with “communist”). America has been a – I guess I’ll call it – “socialist republic” since the “New Deal” and programs like Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, etc. And, since my “peer group” is a bunch of old people like me, I haven’t found a SINGLE one willing to give up their Social Security or Medicare benefit despite their claims “Biden is a Socialist.” If fact, most have said things like “Keep the government’s “hands” off my Social Security” – and, I’m not kidding. They get offended when you say, “You’re watching too much Fox “news.” Those who aren’t eligible for Social Security believe they’ll NEVER benefit from it – despite the FACT that is absurd – unless they keep voting for republicans! (Of course, they believe THAT because Fox, Newsmax, OANN, etc. say so)

So, what I’d say to anyone worried about “inflation” would be get rid of any variable rate loans you have – I learned that lesson back in the early days of Reagan – make sure ANY loans you have are “fixed rate” loans. Personally, I don’t believe the Fed will allow inflation to “spike” but I do believe the consider “a bit of inflation” helpful at this point in time – because the economy is STILL in the process of recovering from the guy who’s screwed up EVERY “inheritance” he’s ever received. Biden is doing EXACTLY what he should be doing and will likely be FORCED to push through the “infrastructure bill” and the “Families” plan of his agenda via some concocted reconciliation scheme because republicans would NEVER agree to invest in Middle Class Americans. This, by the way, is why Biden has an “approval rating” north of 60% and explains why individual 1’s “approval” always languished in the LOW “forties.”

I’ll end this “final thought” by saying the “kicker” in Biden’s (spending) INVESTMENTS in the American people and our future is, unlike republican “policy” – re tax scams, he’s planning to pay for the INVESTMENT by raising taxes on those Americans earning MORE than $400,000 per year and Corporations – including cracking down on corporations who are paying NOTHING in taxes and “stashing” profits in places like the Cayman Islands. This tax avoidance mentality is one of the many “deplorable” outgrowths of republican “trickle down” policy since Reagan took the oath of office. In fact, just by funding the IRS the calculation I’ve read is close to $1 TRILLION per year can be raised simply from tax CHEATS – rich people refusing to pay taxes or not paying what they actually owe. I’ve read from multiple sources the present IRS “audits” are focused more on people getting the “earned income credit” than on MILLIONAIRES cheating on their returns – if they even send one in – because, “It’s too expensive to fight them due to all their accountants and the IRS has been stripped of funding by republicans in recent years.” Novel idea – actually paying for these INVESTMENTS in America.

Finally, keep in mind, it’s these very wealthy people who don’t want to PAY any taxes if they can get away with it who will be reaping the greatest benefit of rebuilding our infrastructure or educating our people to the modern economy, or investing in child care for working parents, and on and on – ultimately, the revitalized economic benefits actually WILL “trickle up” to those at the top – and, likely, they’ll still be complaining about “socialism” and still be trying to avoid paying taxes. I’d give my idea of “alternate options” for these people, but I’ll save it for another day. Stay tuned…………………

I don’t know if I have the energy to finish this post, but I’ll start off by saying I read an article in the Washington Post (which I’m a subscriber) written by Robert J Walker titled “I’d be a republican if it weren’t for the republicans. So might many other African Americans.” It was a very interesting article and reminded me of my (now deceased) former teaching partner who was “African American,” had served 20 years in the Air Force (carrying a bullet too close to his heart to remove since the Viet Nam days), had his own church and was a phenomenal pastor, and an incredible educator as we worked together teaching 6th graders who came to our classes (mostly) from low socio economic families – many in “generational poverty.”

I always felt the same way about my friend (probably the BEST friend I’ve ever had) in regard to Mr. Walker’s article. He was – I want to say OBVIOUSLY simply because he was a “fire and brimstone” pastor – a devout Christian, but, as a Christian myself, I’ve been struggling as to why so many Christians remained devoted to the republican party once it was apparent it had been “overrun” by the “Tea Party” and then individual 1. The RACISM in the republican party should be OBVIOUS to anyone – for heaven’s sake, individual 1 STILL “rules the roost.” To me, it’s embarrassing watching republican “leaders” who KNOW BETTER kissing up to a TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING (ex) president who has a KNOWN history of RACISM. And, clearly, the republican party is resorting to what has been referred to as “21st Century Jim Crow” as a strategy to remain in POWER instead of appealing to our nation’s populace with “the battle of ideas” aimed at making life better for MOST of Americans.

I’m not going to go over this article in depth, but you can find it by clicking HERE if you’re interested. Well, right after reading Mr. Walker’s article, I read an article in the Post written by Senator Tim Scott a republican from South Carolina. What caused me to kind of “cringe” as I read Mr. Scott’s article was his repeated reference to “wokeism” or “woke supremacy” in his defense of himself remaining a republican and, in essence, lashing out at anyone who thinks he’s an “uncle tom,” or words to that effect. His article can be found by clicking HERE. Well, I’ve heard republicans using the word “woke” kind of “across the board” as they attempt to define those of us who believe in equality of ALL Americans and divide us from the reality the republican “base” is INFECTED by white nationalists/supremacists. That’s just a FACT. One which I sensed Mr. Scott was attempting to skirt.

The FIRST thing I had to admit, to myself, after reading Mr. Scott’s article was that I had no idea what “wokeism” or “woke supremacy” actually means. I’ve heard people like Ted Cruz using the term and other right wing republicans and I’ve just assumed it was another of their terms they put into the “Big Lie Theory” “hopper.” Meaning, they’re attempting, but using a term OVER and OVER again to “wedge” it into out public persona. So, I had to try to find out what “woke” and “wokeism” actually mean – if anything.

There are many articles on the “web” regarding the meaning of “woke” but I chose to read the “Miriam Webster” definition of “woke.” You can click HERE to read it for yourself if you choose. Here’s what I’ve gathered from reading Webster’s definition and some of the other articles I read including Mr. Scotts. (regrettably) My conclusion is the word “woke” “originated” in the African American community and has been “tied” by conservatives to the “Black Lives Matter” movement along with ALL those who sympathise or outright support that movement. So, what Mr. Scott seems to be referring to when he uses the term “woke supremacy” is “Black supremacy.” I truly hope that’s not the case, I’m just trying to figure out what his point was.

I “get” he’s been demeaned by many for being a Black republican senator – considering he’s had to support a bunch of RACISTS in his own caucus. I have to admit, it’s been hard for me to understand how he’s been able to justify doing so, but what little I’ve seen from him, I have to admit I’ve considered him a republican who MIGHT attempt to work with democrats on issues of significance to “we the people.” So far, MOSTLY disappointed – he couldn’t even bring himself to vote to CONVICT individual 1 in the face of OVERWHELMING evidence of GUILT. I really have struggled to understand why he wasn’t one of the GUILTY votes – but, again, that’s his prerogative.

What he describes as “woke supremacy” would, likely, be ascribed by him as my own struggle to understand how his “ideology matches what ‘i would ascribe’ to match his skin color. He refers to it as the “tolerant left’s intolerance for dissent.” I’ve written about projection before and just because Senator Scott is Black doesn’t excuse him from using the “word salads” which dominate the republican dialect these days. The “tolerant left” isn’t being intolerant to “dissent,” it’s pushing for tolerance for inclusion and fairness for all. This would include Mr. Scott AND all those republicans pushing for the “21st Century Jim Crow laws” which CLEARLY are aimed at discriminating against “people of color.” I really don’t understand how Mr. Scott can NOT be aware of what is happening across this nation and how he can support it, even if by his own silence in it’s wake.

And, drilling the word “woke” into the minds of the right wing Americans who are pushing the “intolerance” Mr. Scott seems to oppose, seems to be a contradiction I couldn’t look away from. The fact Mr. Scott has received what amount to racially biased threats – which are abhorrent and WRONG – just as anyone else, he has the right to his own ideology – as long as it’s NOT negatively impacting others – and if believing that makes me “woke” according to republicans, so be it. However, the term “woke” originated in the African American community and even Mr. Scott can’t cause me to believe it’s becoming part of the racist “dog whistling” of America’s right wing politicians and, to a degree, it grieves me that Mr. Scott is participating in that, in essence, BRAINWASHING of the “republican base.”

Why do I support the Black Lives Matter movement? Because I’m sick and tired of learning about, and in the instance of George Floyd (and a few others), Black Americans being MURDERED by Police Officers who, in most cases, simply “get away with it.” I’m sick of witnessing the discrimination by teaching partner (and many other African American friends) have endured over their lifetimes and CONTINUE to endure – enough ALREADY! Sadly, this country, right now, is experiencing a WAVE of discriminatory LAWS being considered or PASSED in states with republican legislatures aimed DIRECTLY at African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, poor Americans and young Americans with the sole purpose of RIGGING the future elections in this nation. It’s an abomination and I didn’t read anything in Mr. Scott’s article referring to this.

These laws were concocted and written by the Heritage Action group funded by Charles Koch’s Heritage Foundation. Mr. Koch was an early member of the John Birch Society, his father one of the founding members. If you don’t know what they stand for I’ll let you figure it out – but, suffice it to say, these new “laws” are totally aimed at preserving the control of our election system by white people. You don’t have to look very far to see where this republican party is coming from so, I have to say, while I wanted to read Mr. Scott’s article to understand his point of view, it’s almost as if it’s fallen on “deaf ears.” For example, I’ve been following some of the cabinet level appointments of Joe Biden who are African American and profoundly qualified and Mr. Scott has voted AGAINST almost (if not everyone of them) all of them. He voted AGAINST Kristen Clarke, a highly qualified Black woman, to run the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division TWICE!

I guess what I’m saying here is, while I would defend Mr. Scott’s right to believe whatever he wants to believe, I’m failing to understand his reasoning when he refers to “woke supremacy.” Sadly, that feels to me like a Black US Senator sending out “dog whistle” rhetoric to a “base” which really NEEDS to here the TRUTH. And, when I say TRUTH I’m not speaking in spiritual or religious terms. (Disclosure, I’m a “Christian” who struggles to understand people’s “religion” who profess to believe in Christ – but, that’s a thought for another day) The TRUTH I’m talking about is that individual 1 is NOT still the president – even the TWICE IMPEACHED so-called two time popular vote LOSING president. He LOST the election (by OVER 7 MILLION votes – a record “landslide”) he LOST over 60 court challenges to the result, in reality, he’s been a LOSER for most of his life – he’s managed by being in incredible BULLY.

The “walls” are closing in on individual 1 and he’s likely to be INDICTED, very possibly from multiple jurisdictions – one which SHOULD be the Justice Department – and he COULD be spending the rest of his days defending himself from legal jeopardy. And, that’s not even taking into account all the civil lawsuits he’s facing. He’s a “wannabe” mob boss who’s skirted the laws for years and it’s finally catching up to him. I wrote early in his regime he’d come to loathe the day he “won” the “White House.” (Of course, with the help of the Russians)

In unison, the caucus of republican Senators continue to “live in fear” of individual 1’s base – which is made up of people like David Duke, Don Black, and many other “leaders” of the white nationalist movement in America. I’m sorry, but Mr. Scott is choosing to be a part of that movement and, I believe, whatever his “ideology” as he refers to it, gets lost in the reality he’s associating himself with a group of Senators who are, at a minimum, supporting a RACIST agenda. It’s pretty much as simple as that. I could go on, but I hope I’ve made my point. (OK, I have to add one more thing. Mr. Scott seemed to call the democrats efforts to provide funding for “non-white farmers” as “reverse racism.” To me, that borders on outrageous! What was he saying when individual 1 was funneling BILLIONS to white farmers? Little of what he says makes sense to me)

Final Thought: Republicans are scrambling to find ways to keep themselves relevant via their attack on voting rights or their using what I referred to above as the “Big Lie Theory” “hopper.” That is, throwing around “word salads” to see what sticks. Phrases like “cancel culture,” or saying “woke supremacy” is as bad as “white supremacy,” or using Mr. Potato Head to make a point among others are all ways to avoid actually having a debate on ideas. All I hear from republicans is the HATE “liberals” and they’re UNIFIED in OBSTRUCTING Biden’s agenda – which, by the way, is POPULAR with OVER 60% of Americans. This is the classical attempt to RULE via the minority. Our system of government was designed to protect the rights of the minority via the “system of checks and balances” – the executive, the legislature, and the courts. It’s worked for over 240 years, yet republicans, including Mr. Scott, are attempting to find ways to prevent Americans from participating in the electoral process because they vote for democrats. To me, that’s simply CHEATING in plain sight!

One last thing: Mr. Scott referred to his “friend” Krysten Sinema who, he said, received “death threats” after voting against what he called the “job killing minimum wage hike” (That’s ANOTHER argument for another day – among many in his article). I don’t condone, in fact I condemn anyone making “death threats” to ANYONE and, I believe, they should be prosecuted for doing so – but, I find Mr. Scott’s mention of Ms. Sinema to be curious – just as I found a quick press briefing she held recently next to the Senior Senator (a republican) from Texas. It appears to me republicans are “grooming” Ms. Sinema to help her “steely” her resolve to continue supporting the arcane Senate procedure, the filibuster, used historically to support racism, among other obstructions. If fact, just as he did when President Obama was inaugurated, Moscow Mitch McConnell has publicly stated his intent to OBSTRUCT everything in the Senate as long as Joe Biden is president.

So, the reality is as long as the filibuster is not “reformed” or removed, Mitch McConnell continues to rule the Senate. And, I guarantee you this, if republicans succeed in SUPPRESSING millions of democratic leaning voters – or succeed in writing LAWS giving them the right to overrule the “will of the people,” depending on the results of elections, and then regain a majority in the Senate, Mitch McConnell, at that point will repeal the filibuster. Republicans, in my view, are grooming Ms. Sinema and, likely, Joe Manchin in order to be assured of their ability to OBSTRUCT. In today’s Senate and under today’s circumstances there’s NO chance there will be “bipartisanship” in the Senate.

I keep pointing this out, but, NOW, the 2022 election is the MOST important election in my lifetime. Progressives MUST flock to the polls in record numbers, once again, to vote a more significant democratic MAJORITY in the Senate and increase the democratic majority in the House so that the badly needed reforms this nation needs can be addressed. The needed response to the republicans MASSIVE effort at voter SUPPRESSION is a backlash which wipes as many of these republicans from office as possible. The sad reality is, if democrats can’t get the John Lewis Voting Rights Bill and the “For the People Act” passed this year controlling the House may be near impossible for democrats – due to the potential partisan GERRYMANDERING which will take place later this year without the “For the People Act.” Stay tuned………………

Once again, I’m violating my own (sixth grade) rules by publishing this without re-reading or editing. Call it laziness because that’s what it is! Sorry (if you actually got this far :o)