I often refer to the times I have breakfast with a friend of mine who is a devout supporter of individual 1 and the last time I talked to him he made a reference to the “swamp” suggesting people like Ambassadors Taylor and Yovanovich were part of the “swamp.” I tried to explain to him individual 1 is at the tip of the pyramid representing the “swamp” but I didn’t have time to convince him. Well, I’ve heard the same reference since that breakfast because I tried to listen to a bit of Fox “news” (Trump TV) and either they are mimicking my friend or vice versa. (I’ll let you make the inference) So, I thought I’d try to clear this up a bit with this posting.

During the first part of the Obama administration the Supreme Court made a ruling regularly referred to as “Citizens United” – shortly after the confirmation of Samuel Alito to what has been the “Robert’s Court” since Alito put on his robe. When I was still teaching I remember asking many (if not most) of my cohorts – all “educated” and presumably voters – if they knew what “Citizens United” was. To a person, NOT one of them had any idea what I was talking about. Well, it was this decision which opened the floodgates to unidentified MONEY flowing into our political process which has turned was was already a CORRUPT process into something almost unbelievable to me.

I still vividly remember in Obama’s first (I think) State of the Union speech him pointing out this decision would open our process to FOREIGN money and Alito sitting in the front row of on site witnesses to the speech and shaking his head in a “no way” manner – with, of course, Obama – over time – being proven correct. For example, we’re likely to NEVER know how much Russian money came into the 2016 election cycle – all we know is it was considerable. It was reported that they funneled at least $30 MILLION through the NRA aimed to support individual 1. Additionally, I’ve read where Moscow Mitch allegedly received $800 THOUSAND and Lindsey Graham allegedly received over half a MILLION from the Russians.

Of course, the CORRUPTION in America’s political system goes much deeper than the Russian money which helped to pollute the 2016 election cycle. America is flush with multi-millionaires – I learned tonight from my son that Hong Kong this past year exceeded New York as having the most people with wealth exceeding $30 MILLION. However, America has no shortage of wealthy people who pay off politicians to ensure they become even wealthier. (Of course, America isn’t even in the top ten of countries based on the AVERAGE income of her people – because the issue of income inequality is real – but, that’s a story for another day) That said, America’s wealthy have plenty of funds available to fuel CORRUPTION allowing them to funnel MONEY by the MILLIONS to America’s politicians.

And, of course, they’re just not “giving” the money away as if they were in their church pews, in their minds they’re making investments. I remember republicans publicly mentioning prior to the one piece of significant legislation republicans have managed since individual 1 took office, the tax “scam” of 2017. They expected this “scam” in return for all the MONEY they’re “giving” republicans. (Don’t get me wrong, their are democrats getting some of the money FLOWING to Washington DC from the “top 1%.”)

How much do bills like the tax “scam” affect these wealthy people? Well, I don’t know for sure because the reality is, while I’m thankful for what I have, I’m not one of America’s wealthy. (When I donate to a campaign it’s usually $10 – $20) To show his appreciation for the tax “scam” Sheldon Adelson sent the republicans a check for a cool $13 MILLION. I don’t know if that seems like a lot of money to you, but, to me, well………………..

The “swamp” is the people in our government on the receiving end of these payments and those who are making the payments – and, then giving instructions surreptitiously in regard to what they expect in return. We’re seeing in real time one way how this “swamp” can backfire on those who are “swimming” in it. For example, what’s one way to get your dream job of being an Ambassador to somewhere exotic around the world? Well, donate a MILLION dollars to a candidate and then hope they win.

Take for example, Gordon Sondland – presently the United States Ambassador to the European Union. Did he work his way up through the State Department over many years like Ambassadors Taylor and Yovanovich? Nooooo! Mr. Sondland gave a MILLION dollars to the individual 1 campaign in some sort of way. Now he’s looking up at the bottom of the bus which seems to be rolling right over him. Apparently, he’s having trouble telling the TRUTH in his testimony (so far, his deposition) and tomorrow (as I’m writing this) he has the chance, I believe, to actually tell the TRUTH in his actual testimony in the IMPEACHMENT hearings of individual 1.

As we watch these hearings it’s becoming apparent how severe that “swamp” problem is in America. Of course, individual 1 keeps saying he’s concerned about CORRUPTION in Ukraine – as he’s exacerbating the issue of CORRUPTION in Ukraine – and, as the hearings proceed, the reality of the issue of CORRUPTION in America is glaring at “we the people.” Of course, the best way to perpetuate the “swamp” is for a politician to convince his/her followers the goal is to “drain the swamp” – while actually being the “head” of the swamp.

And, in the case of individual 1, he’s clearly the “head” of what he’s supposed to be “draining.” Today, I watched as much of the third day of IMPEACHMENT hearings as I had the time to watch and that I could stomach. I started trying to watch, for example, Devin Nunez and quickly realized his “Job” was to spew the conspiracy theories Vladimir Putin initiated in an attempt to get the focus of the “meddling” in America’s 2016’s election away from Russian and on to Ukraine – as if the “meddling” was the Ukrainians trying to get Hillary Clinton elected. Yikes!!!

To make it worse, as far as individual 1 is concerned, not only is Putin attempting to cause him to believe this nonsense, but along with people like Nunez, Jim Jordan, and, apparently, now Elise Stefanik, individual 1 has his attorney, Rudy Giuliani spewing the same garbage. All of the investigations individual 1 appears focused on and seemingly willing to dive onto the “sword” for have been TOTALLY debunked – repeatedly.

A few weeks ago I wrote a post pointing out someone who CHEATS at golf – as individual 1 has widely reported to do – likely CHEATS at everything. If you read the Mueller report (I did TWICE) you know individual 1 CHEATS at politics. (I’ve been pointing out republicans CHEAT at politics for years – and, I’ve been dumbfounded as to how democrats seem to let them get away with it) Individual 1 asked the Russians to help him in 2016 very publicly and what he did in Ukraine SHOULD be no surprise because he publicly did it and he also publicly stated he would welcome foreign assistance in a campaign in a recent public interview. It’s as if he’s doing it publicly so it MUST be OK. And, there’s more!

If you don’t know who Rick Wilson is, I’ll give you a clue. He’s a republican consultant who wrote a book titled “Everything Trump Touches Dies.” I have the book and started reading it and couldn’t make it all the way through because I struggled with Wilson’s unwillingness to understand the “conservative” movement he seems to think is separate from individual 1 actually laid the “groundwork” for this deplorable so-called president. That said, he’s correct that those who choose to surround themselves around individual 1 will long be remembered as almost traitors when all is said and done with this chapter in American history.

The “swamp” individual 1 pledged to “drain” includes people like Mike Pompeo, the Secretary of State, Mike Pense the Vice President, Rick Perry who just resigned as Secretary of Energy, Gordon Sondland the Ambassador to the European Union and, of course, Rudy Giuliani who used to be known as “America’s mayor” before he stained himself via his devotion to individual 1. Oh yes, I can’t forget William Barr, the Attorney General who was mentioned on the infamous phone call several times and has been globetrotting in an effort to prove these conspiracy theories – the results yet to come – BUT, all these people COULD be facing LEGAL jeopardy because this certainly appears to be a CONSPIRACY and all their names have come up in the evidence. We’ll see – but, if you’re looking for evidence of a “swamp” – look no further!

I believe these “swamp mates” were up to something more than setting up individual 1’s shakedown. We’ll learn more as the trials of Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman go forward – these are the Russian “thugs’ who were hanging out with Rudy Giuliani who was referred to as one of the “three amigos” who were neck deep in CORRUPTION of their own in Ukraine. It won’t surprise me if Giuliani wasn’t working his way into the Ukraine Oil and Gas industry – which has the potential to produce huge amounts of money – with Giuliani trying to make himself another “oligarch.” We’ll see…………………………

Final Thought: Today Lt. Colonel Alexander Vindman testified. Vindman, who is a Jewish refuge from Russia who immigrated to America with his twin brother 40 years ago speaks fluent Russian and Ukrainian and was on the now infamous phone call that started the IMPEACHMENT inquiry. Lt. Colonel Vindman (Who had to remind Devin Nunez that is how he is to be addressed – NOT as “Mr. Vindman) reported the call almost immediately because he recognized the inappropriateness of the call – and, did what he was trained to do. He has done EVERYTHING he has been trained to do and has been courageously testifying in the face of a plethora of attacks coming from republicans in all “directions.”

It was reported tonight Lr. Colonel Vindman is going to be relocated to an Army base in order to protect his safety because of the mountain of threats coming at him from the “deplorables” who support individual 1 and react with threats toward anyone who questions our so-called president. This is sad. Of course, it also means our National Security team in the “White House” will be less one of their key contributors. What I heard was it takes 5 years of training for someone to gain the qualification to fill Lt. Colonel Vindman’s position – and, there are few people with his qualifications. That’s the sad reality of our government under individual 1 – if you tell the TRUTH you’re either a “rat,” a “traitor” (I find that characterization quite interesting), a “scum bag,” or a “never trumper.” And, our country becomes worse for it!

If individual 1 REALLY was concerned about “corruption” in Ukraine over the past 6 months or so, which included the suspension of badly needed military assistance for the Ukrainians because of this “concern,” he needn’t look any further than the mirror or the many pictures of Rudy Giuliani available online. Of course, if that’s not enough he could look at the State Department’s 2019 “yearbook” at their “leader” Mike Pompeo, or he could check out the photos of William Barr at the Justice department or how about all the photos of Lev Parnos and his buddy Igor Fruman (with him in the “White House”) who were trying to help Giuliani (and, likely, Gordon Sondland and Rick Perry) pull off a money making scheme via Ukraine’s surplus of Natural Gas. All wannabe “oligarchs.” They all are the epitome of CORRUPTION! (Oh yes, don’t forget Mike Pense)

You have to believe one of the reason’s individual 1 seems so enthralled with Vladimir Putin is because he’s (Putin) widely reported as one of the top two or three wealthiest people in the world and those who cozy up to him end up becoming very rich “oligarchs” themselves. I believe individual 1’s envy aimed at Putin will/should be his ultimate undoing. The list of reasons why our so-called president should be IMPEACHED is lengthy and he seems to be more than willing to make it longer via his corruption in plain sight which often works to Putin’s benefit. Individual 1 is proving that the issue of “corruption” goes well beyond the borders of Ukraine. “We the people” have been dealing with this “in plain sight” for nearly three years now. Yikes!!! The Ukraine “stuff” is what may be individual 1’s undoing – but, the DAMAGE to America goes way beyond this one instance where he’s been “caught with his hand in the cookie jar.”

I would comment on how STUPID it seems our so-called president is acting, but it just KEEPS happening. For example, when Ms. Yovanavich was called home from Ukraine – IMMEDIATELY – based on threats to her personal health, she was attending a memorial of a Ukrainian woman who had been killed for FIGHTING corruption – killed via being covered with ACID. Not the kind of acid the “hippies” ingested back in the 60’s. No, we’re talking about the type of acid which happens to people who gain the disfavor of, say, Vladimir Putin. What did individual 1 mean when he was quoted as saying “she’s going to go through some things?” Considering where she was at the time, just think what was likely going through her head as she was told to catch the next flight home. Individual 1 MUST be thinking none of his STUPIDITY will ever be revealed.

And, prior to individual 1, who would have guessed the entire republican party would be the heroes of Russian state television as their people are watching these republicans doing the Russians’ “bidding?” From multiple reports I’ve heard, the Russians are watching the IMPEACHMENT hearings very closely and virtually LAUGHING at the spectacle being put on by our republican party. They claim these republicans are simply proving Vladimir Putin’s point that “democracy” is “corrupt” and can’t be relied upon. They, for example, are regularly laughing at the incompetence of individual 1 and, apparently, feeling this entire process is proof that America is vulnerable and weak. They feel it was easy for the Russians to upend our “democracy” (republic) through their “active measures” campaign which was instrumental getting individual 1 into the “White House.” (and, of course, it’s ongoing with virtually NO push-back coming from the “White House.”)

How did this transformation of the republican party happen? Well, succinctly put, Fox “news” – also referred to these days as “Trump TV.” (It’s hard for me to say that name) Fox has been the source of much of the “White Nationalism” which has emerged over the past 30+ years in America. Of course, in reference to what I just said above relating to Russia, you can be sure Vladimir Putin is an emerging force for “White Nationalism” around the world – instigating much of the neo-Nazi movement across Western Europe which is alarming to people like me. (Of course, not alarming to Mr. Putin or individual 1) For example, Brexit was partly the result of Putin’s “active measures” campaign coming from his Russian “cyber warriors.” Not to short change the role Steve Bannon played via Cambridge Analytica as they worked along side the Russians pushing for Brexit. (Of course, individual 1 was cheerleading Brexit as well)

And, these republicans putting on a “deplorable” display in a futile attempt to defend individual 1 in these IMPEACHMENT hearings are cementing their place in the wrong section of future American history books. For example, I’ve been watching as much of the hearings as I can stomach and it’s no surprise to me when I see reports that Elise Stefanik is being considered the “star” of individual 1’s defense. As I watch her it makes me a bit sad because I do believe America needs two parties and she comes across to me as a very bright young lady. However, her defense of individual 1 is going to stain her reputation nationally for the foreseeable future. (She’s likely in a gerrymandered district so her seat is safe)

Republicans “installed” their number one “hit man,” Jim Jordan into the “intelligence” committee to have someone who is able to LIE with impunity – a necessary “trait” for anyone who is defending individual 1 – and, of course, every time he gets the opportunity to talk during the hearings Jordan makes a fool of himself everywhere but on Trump TV. Stefanik is emerging as the “other” republican willing to LIE in defense of individual 1 and at the potential expense of our nation. I have to say, it’s been surprising to me seeing a young lady in the republican party who seems to have so much potential staining her reputation in such a manner. Becoming a “star” in today’s republican party likely will have ONLY short term benefits.

I often write of the DAMAGE individual 1 is doing to various parts of our republic and it goes so much deeper than these IMPEACHMENT hearings. To me, it’s not only critical individual 1 gets IMPEACHED, but, at the same time, “we the people” MUST find a way to “educate” everyday Americans who are living their busy lives – including the many who’ve been brainwashed by Trump TV – as to some of the things he and his cohorts – who largely make up the SWAMP he was supposedly to “drain” – are doing to the “fabric” of our nation. (In fact, I’m planning a post about what makes up the “swamp” so many of individual 1’s supporters are worried about)

Today, I signed an online petition aimed at preventing the privatization of our National Parks, as one example of potential DAMAGE flying “under the radar.” Those who’ve been paying attention KNOW that individual 1 and his “swamp mates” have their sights set on drilling for oil, mining for whatever, in essence getting their dirty “hands” on the treasures of America which have been assiduously protected since the days of Teddy Roosevelt. For heavens sake, individual 1 is still claiming he’s saving the coal industry. Of course, in that instance, the coal industry is NOT savable, but as it slowly “dies” individual 1 has made it possible for the industry to do much MORE damage on the way out! For example, they’re dumping their waste directly into West Virginia rivers once again – and, who knows what else?

My point here is there’s a lot of DAMAGE coming out of individual 1’s administration every which way you turn and much of it will be discovered after he’s gone from office. Right now the focus in on the SHAKEDOWN of Ukraine and the other foreign policy disasters individual 1 is foisting on people around the world. For example, It was just a month ago that our so-called president pulled the American troops from Syria who were protecting the Kurds who were responsible for much of the “heavy lifting” in the battle against ISIS. These Kurds continue to be slaughtered at the hands of president Erdogan of Turkey – and to make matters look so much worse – individual 1 invited Erdogan to the “White House” amid this ongoing slaughter, sending a message to the Kurds which I can’t even imagine how they’re receiving it. And, make no mistake, “we the people” are responsible for this because individual 1 represents all Americans – whether we like it or not.

To me, this is why it’s so IMPERATIVE for the democrats to IMPEACH individual 1 and put the “onus” on republican members of the Senate to decide if this kind of behavior is acceptable in America. Their decision will be setting a precedent for all future American presidents and, I’m sure, many republican members of the Senate understand the next president will likely be a democrat and they’ll need to think about whether they want to normalize, for example, presidents committing EXTORTION to benefit themselves in who knows what kind of way. And, do you think this is the only time individual 1 has used his office to benefit himself?

Take for example the HORRIBLE decision to allow the Turks to, essentially, “ethnically cleanse” the Kurds from Northern Syria – where they had established a “homeland.” What do you think individual 1 got in return from Erdogan as he played “let’s make a deal” over the phone one evening? Do you think his “Twin Towers” in Istanbul were part of the negotiation? Foreign leaders have totally figured out how to “play” individual 1 and, seriously, their people are laughing at him – and, of course, by extension, at “we the people,” as he’s getting “played.” While Erdogan was in the Oval Office it was reported he was sending coded messages back to Turkey where people were watching on TV and getting a good laugh. (Sadly, I have to add, the Kurds are NOT laughing at him – they are bitter about America’s BETRAYAL)

Republicans (along with outlets like Fox, Breitbart, and others) are enabling this. I said when individual 1 was first elected that he would last only until the jobs of the members of Congress were in jeopardy. Well, republican members of the House have been “retiring” in droves since the early days of this administration leading to the democratic majority and, this year, there are over 20 republicans in the Senate up for re-election – some of them in places where people are realizing what individual 1 is doing to this nation. Their vote in the impeachment “trial” very well could determine their political future.

The American people aren’t STUPID – many are simply working their butts off to keep their families “head’s above water.” Sadly, many of them either don’t want to participate in politics at all, or they’ve been “undone” by getting “sucked in” to Fox “news” AKA “Trump TV,” However, I’ve personally been surprised by the number of people I personally know who are watching the IMPEACHMENT hearings. My hope is that these hearings will cause people to register to vote in record numbers – especially young people who have the MOST to lose if this NIGHTMARE somehow were to continue – sending a clear message to republican Senators that the IMPEACHMENT trial had better be taken seriously.

I’ll say it once more – this IMPEACHMENT hearing is about a sitting American president EXTORTING (bribing) political favors from a vulnerable “ally” who he could care “less” about. If they got overtaken by Russia, it would be “no sweat off individual 1’s brow.” (Sadly) However, there is SO MUCH MORE! We’re not even talking about all the OBSTRUCTION of Justice exposed in Mueller’s report along with the COLLUSION with the Russians – which will become clearer as more of the redacted parts of Mueller’s work becomes public. The “list” just goes on and on.

Final Thought: As I’ve stated in a couple of my previous posts I believe the greatest danger to the democrats “case” to IMPEACH individual 1 will likely come from William Barr who, I believe, may be “concocting” a scheme to further undermine Mueller’s work – beyond what he did at the outset of the report being publicized. Keep in mind, there have been reports of Barr circling the globe looking for evidence to support the conspiracy theories which would suggest some nefarious plot to undermine individual 1’s administration well before anyone thought he had a “snowball in hell’s” chance to actually “win” the election. I believe Barr will indict SOMEONE with the idea to take the focus off the IMPEACHMENT hearings and eventually the trial in the Senate if Barr fails to intervene in the House’s proceedings.

Keep in mind a couple things: First, Barr has refused to answer legally drawn up subpoenas from various House committees and secondly, Barr’s name has come up in the Ukraine scheme on several occasions. A “plethora” of the people surrounding individual 1 need to be thinking that if a democrat wins the “White House” in 2020 the statute of limitations on what appears to be NUMEROUS criminal acts and/or conspiracies will be far in the future. Assuming “we the people” elect someone who doesn’t believe in the “looking forward instead of back” philosophy which President Obama adopted to the glee of GW Bush, Dick Cheney, Don Rumsfeld, and many of their accomplices – keep in mind this MESS in the Middle East is largely the work of the Bush/Cheney regime – which included openly authorizing TORTURE. I believe enabling that led to the brazenous of individual 1 and his republican sycophants.

Even my friend who I regularly mention here who is “devoted” to individual 1 (it’s hard for me to understand, but…….) and who voted for Bush/Cheney (I believe he just votes for the republican – period) agrees they were responsible for hundreds of thousands of people losing their lives along with creating the aforementioned “MESS.” Well, as republicans are “want” to do, individual 1 is in the process of creating “the mother of all messes” and he’s surrounded by people who very likely will be facing legal jeopardy if “we the people” elect someone who actually believes we are a nation of laws – and simply because you’re violating laws from the Oval Office you don’t get a “pass” OR a pardon. My hope is that everyone of these people in individual 1’s “orbit” from his family members to the cohorts of his “swamp” will be fully investigated – and, that includes Mr. Barr. Just sayin………………….

Tonight it was reported that individual 1 asked William Barr to hold a press conference and state he (individual 1) hadn’t done anything wrong in his phone call with Ukrainian president Zelensky. Somewhat surprisingly Barr apparently declined. In the reporting I saw (“The Last Word” on MSNBC) it wasn’t mentioned this was the exact same thing which got James Comey fired because he refused to say publicly that individual 1 was not under investigation in the “Russia thing.” I don’t think our so-called president will fire Barr, as he’s largely responsible for it taking the Ukraine scandal to put individual 1 in danger of IMPEACHMENT.

If you were one of the (what I call) top 1% – meaning the 1% of Americans who read the Mueller report – you would know this IMPEACHMENT inquiry going on as I’m writing this SHOULD be the second one. However, Barr made certain the Mueller report was “sidelined” via his “summary” right after Mueller finished and his (incredibly problematic) press conference just an hour or so prior to releasing the redacted version of the report. And, of course, he’s worked to prevent the Congress from seeing the redacted portions of the report since that day – so, in effect, Barr prevented Mueller’s report from ending up in an impeachment “inquiry” in the House, which by my reading (I read it twice), was Mueller’s intention.

I haven’t been one to put Mueller into the heroic category some suggested due to his failure to aggressively push for the public to get a clear understanding of what his group came up with. The episodes of OBSTRUCTION of Justice in his report are SERIOUS breaches of our legal system, which Mueller made clear as he explained the seriousness of OBSTRUCTION – but, in my view, he FAILED to follow through in the face of repeated legal VIOLATIONS coming from our so-called president. He said, from the start, he was impeded by the OLC memo which prohibits as sitting president from being indicted. As any BULLY would, individual 1 has pushed THAT boundary to the point where the Congress MUST intercede.

Barr remains the “wild card” here. Even though it’s been reported he refused to hold the press conference stating individual 1 “didn’t do anything wrong,” I DON’T trust him as far as I can throw him. (Which, trust me, isn’t far – like ZERO) Barr has been roaming around the world attempting to validate the very conspiracy theory individual 1 was EXTORTING the Ukrainians over in regard to the so-called “server.” Apparently, individual 1 is referring to a server that would be holding all of Ms. Clinton’s missing emails. They (individual 1 and Barr) seem to be trying to prove the “Russia investigation” originated in Ukraine (despite ALL the evidence pointing directly at the Russians – including the IP addresses of the computers which did the ILLEGAL hacking of the DNC email server and the account of John Podesta.

Barr has a tremendous amount of power and he could come up with some kind of “spying” accusation against members of the intelligence community – with reports in the last week or so suggesting the Prosecuting Attorney (I believe located in Connecticut) has the ability to file criminal charges in relation to the beginnings of the “Russia thing.” They still don’t believe the story of George Papadopoulus spilling his guts to an Australian diplomat in a drunken episode in London – which this diplomat reported to the FBI. Papadopoulus admitting the Russians had the DNC emails and were going to release them during the campaign is what morphed into the Russia thing.”

Mueller pointed this out, but Barr is traipsing the world attempting to create an alleged crime, in my view, where he can indict someone like John Brennan or Andy McCabe,to take the focus off the IMPEACHMENT hearings, giving outlets like Fox “news” (noise) the ability to take the focus of individual 1’s base off the hearings allowing republicans to more easily vote to acquit individual 1in the Senate. I actually will be surprised if Barr does not intercede on individual 1’s behalf. Barr is simply proof that the reason so many republicans are staying “in line” with individual 1 is due to his willingness to attempt to LIE himself out of any situation arising from his belief he’s above the law. It’s becoming apparent to me republicans view the constitution as nothing more than an impediment to their objective of turning America into a quasi fascist/corporatocracy which is run by the very “deep state” they claim to be “draining.”

As time has kept moving, today is the date of the first public impeachment hearing and I’m listening to Ambassador Bill Taylor as I’m typing this. Right before Mr. Taylor and the other witness George Kent gave their opening statements the republicans showed their “plan” to try turning this hearing into another spectacle – similar to what they accomplished when Cory Lewandowski appeared before the Judicial Committee regarding issues emanating from the Mueller investigation. Devin Nunez is an embarrassment to those of us who are old enough to remember when LYING in public would be looked upon VERY unfavorably by both parties. Then, one by one republicans made “point of order” interruptions to Chairman of the committee Adam Schiff’s opening remarks making it clear they don’t like being in the minority – without saying it with those words.

They accused Mr. Schiff of knowing who the “whistleblower” is and that he had met with the whistleblower prior to both their meeting today AND also before the complaint was actually submitted (according to the whistleblower law). They all know these accusations are FALSE. The republicans want to be able to question the whistleblower and are clearly attempting to make his/her identification public – which, obviously, violates the whistleblower act. Just their attempts to “out” the whistleblower – who’s views are clearly not needed at this point because his complaint has been corroborated many times over by witnesses who are/will be testifying in these public hearings – will likely impede future whistleblowers from coming forward.

Ambassador Taylor’s opening remarks are clearly creating a dark picture of individual 1’s “shakedown” of Ukraine’s newly elected president who is attempting to rally his nation in their FIGHT against the Russians where over 14,000 Ukrainians have DIED attempting to make the separation from what was the former “Soviet Union” – essentially – complete. The suspension of the military aid to Ukraine had the potential to cause MORE Ukrainians to DIE. Just the FACT the Russians are aware of the unmitigated support of the United States to Ukraine’s future and freedom may lead to a quicker end to the war. Part of the strength the Ukrainians have in ending the Russian invasion of Ukraine is the support of the U.S. and our European Allies.

This entire incident has the “stink” of individual 1’s relationship with Vladimir Putin where it appears Putin has “something” on individual 1 which has led to our so-called president appearing to doing Russia’s “bidding” over and over – which would include this EXTORTION of President Zelensky of Ukraine. This entire Ukrainian scandal seems to me to simply be an extension of the “Russian thing” where individual 1 OPENLY asked the Russians to help him find Hillary Clinton’s “missing emails.” Individual 1, since this scandal “broke out,” has publicly endorsed the FACT the believes it’s OK to solicit help on his campaigns from foreign governments DESPITE the FACT he clearly has been informed this behavior is ILLEGAL. It is a clear violation of FEC (Federal Election Commission) regulations (laws).

Both Ambassadors Taylor and Kent, in their opening statements, have been impressive. I put the computer (streaming on CNN) on pause for a bit so I could make a couple of my “first impression” observations. First, I can see from the look in Adam Schiff’s eyes he’s determined to prevent the republicans from turning these hearings into a “s@#t show.” At the same time, it’s clear the republicans are going to focus on many issues none of which are related to the substance of the allegations against our so-called president. Both of the first two witnesses have made it clear they were witnessing a complete “shakedown” (mafia style – my observation) of the newly elected Ukrainian president. And, they’ve tied the scheme directly back to individual 1 (Reminder: As stated above, he admitted on the “White House” lawn “he did it”).

Another first observation: As I’ve said in relation to this entire national nightmare, Devin Nunez has been auditioning for a terrible place in the American History books. His opening statement was a rambling, nonsensical compilation of republican “talking points” which have been foisted on “we the people” since the first day we learned individual 1 was really as inept and immoral as was indicated in the 2016 campaign. Many of the republicans who lambasted him back then are on the “front lines” attempting to rationalize his ILLEGAL behavior every day in our nation’s capital. And, Nunez is often times “leading the charge.”

For these hearings, the republicans “temporarily” have put another “hit-man” Jim Jordan (Sadly, from Ohio where my extended family resided for several generations prior to my parents moving to Washington right after WW II – Jordan has his own set of “deplorable” baggage which, apparently, republicans are willing to accept – so much for “the party of family values”) on to this committee. Jordan is likely to be attempting to be the stimulus for the “s@#t show” I referenced above. This is appearing to be a battle of wills with Schiff on the spot to run the hearing in an appropriate manner with the substance of the allegations driving the questioning.

Well, after the first time I listened to Jordan doing exactly what I expected him to be doing I had had enough of the hearing. Everything which was being said, except for one phone call, was stuff I had heard already. Ambassador Taylor reported that a member of his staff had, at a restaurant in Kiev, heard Gordon Sondland on a phone call with individual 1 where our so-called president told his (Taylor’s) assistant he (individual 1) cared more about getting “dirt” on Joe Biden than about the future of Ukraine – it really says all you need to hear. Other than to wonder where else is individual 1 using his power at the helm of the United States to extort assets which benefit himself.

Final Thought: Today, while the IMPEACHMENT hearings were underway, individual 1 was meeting with Erdogan of Turkey, another of the world’s dictators who he openly admires. It was Erdogan on the other end of the phone call which led to Turkey INVADING Syria’s Kurdish region dislocating hundreds of thousands of the very Kurds who helped America’s forces in the battle against ISIS – essentially ceding the Kurdish “home” to the Turks – who not only pushed so many out of their homes but KILLED over 250 Kurds as they moved in – some of them in the same manner of ISIS which caused so many around the world to be repulsed.

Here’s what’s going through my head as I’m thinking about this. While the IMPEACHMENT hearing is related to individual 1’s willingness to cede Ukraine to the Russians by holding the support – which, by the way, without the whistleblower coming forward, likely would NOT have been sent to Ukraine because the aid was released just days ahead of the end of the fiscal year where it would have been “ash canned” due to fiscal rules in out government. Had individual 1 NOT been “caught” who knows what would be going on in Ukraine right now?

In fact, it was reported that Ukraine’s President Zelensky was about to “beg” for the assistance in a CNN interview by telling individual 1 what he wanted because they were so desperate for this aid. Well, stop and think about all this. What do you think is going on with Turkey? What did individual 1 “get” in order for Erdogan to get his meeting in the “White House?” Do you really think the only place our so-called president is “cheating” for his personal benefit is in Ukraine? I personally believe “we the people” will be learning about his ILLEGAL behavior long after he has left the “White House.” (Some are suggesting he won’t leave even after being voted out of office if it takes that to get him “gone.”

I have to wonder how many members of Congress actually read the Mueller report. Today, I listened to a democratic member of Congress, Steven Lynch of Massachusetts, talking about the potential timeline of the present IMPEACHMENT inquiry. When comparing this investigation to the “Russia thing” he pointed out one of the problems with the Mueller report was the amount of time it took to get from the “drip drip” of what was in the report to the point where there could have been impeachment hearings. When Rep. Lynch was referring to the Mueller report he said, “in the report there was no collusion although it left open the possibility of OBSTRUCTION.”

My first thought was, did he actually read the report? Suggesting the report said there was “no collusion” was almost a similar “spin” to William Barr, or the republican “talking points” saying virtually the same thing. Had he read the report I don’t think there’s any way he would say that. Mueller was CRYSTAL CLEAR in his report they didn’t even consider whether or not there was “collusion.” They investigated whether or not they could “prove beyond a reasonable doubt” if there was a conspiracy between the individual 1 campaign and the Russians to affect the results of the election. Mueller stated they couldn’t prove a conspiracy to the satisfaction of “the office” but, they were clear in their report they were NOT exonerating our so-called president. Mueller also added, “The lack of cooperation from the administration affected their ability to come to a conclusion” – or words to that affect.

In fact, Mueller suggested the reason individual 1 Jr. wasn’t indicted (along with Jared Kushner) was because “the office” concluded they did not understand their actions (while, in essence, COLLUDING with the Russians) were ILLEGAL. Mueller was not an aggressive prosecutor in all of this – despite what you hear from individual 1 and his sycophants. And, for a democratic member of Congress (Mr. Lynch) to suggest OBSTRUCTION was left as a possibility almost boggles my mind. What Mueller CLEARLY did was leave it up to the Congress to decide if the OBSTRUCTION was impeachable because he was prohibited from INDICTING a sitting president. There was evidence of at least 10 instances of OBSTRUCTION of Justice in Mueller’s report.

So, now we’re on to the Ukraine scandal – which, when it gets right down to it is the result of the very same issue which started the Mueller investigation – individual 1 COLLUDING (or, in this instance, attempting to COLLUDE) with a foreign government to help him with his next (in this instance) campaign. The difference, however, is the “cast of characters” involved in what amounts to almost treasonous behavior – because the ultimate benefactor of these unthinkable actions coming from the “White House” is, again, Russia. In this scandal it appears, along with Rudy Giuliani, Ambassador Gordon Sondland, Rick Perry we also have Mike Pense, Mike Pompeo, and Attorney General Barr right in the middle of all the “action.” This “action” caused unknown DAMAGE to the Ukrainians FIGHT against the Russians who have invaded their (Ukraine’s) Eastern provinces. (Everything individual 1 does seems to benefit Russia! Just sayin.,.,,)

Likely the key to the “action” mentioned above is the involvement of our Attorney General in an ILLEGAL campaign finance scheme which likely precludes any involvement with our Justice Department in the investigation. For example, the “whistleblower” complaint was forwarded to the Justice Department and they would have buried it in the “dregs” of the department to NEVER have been publicized had the “whistleblower” not pursued the issue once he/she found out it was being buried by Mr. Barr. Of course, Barr’s name was mentioned multiple times in the complaint (as it was in the “summary” publicized by the “White House”) during the now infamous phone call and it’s outrageous Barr was NOT forced to recuse from anything involving this issue. ALL these people are corrupt up to their eyeballs!

What is undeniable at this point in time is that this “shakedown” has been ongoing since the first day President Zelensky took his oath of office in Ukraine. Anybody who’s been paying attention KNOWS, for example, Rudy Giuliani has been over in Ukraine pushing for the president of Ukraine to provide some kind of “dirt” on Joe Biden due to his son Hunter’s position on the board of a Ukrainian Energy company since the day Zelensky was elected. Additionally, Giuliani (and others) has/have been chasing the (many times) debunked conspiracy theory the Ukrainians have Hillary Clinton’s server which holds the “missing emails.” Giuliani, with the help of Sondland and Attorney General Barr are pushing to prove it wasn’t the Russians who interfered in the 2016 election, but instead it was Ukrainians and they were helping Mrs. Clinton. Yikes!!! (And, by the way, an American ally had hacked into the actual room where the Russian hackers were at work and Mueller had the IP addresses of the computers which broke into the democrats servers and stole the emails – ie the RUSSIANS did it!)

It’s been clear for some time our so-called president has mental deficiencies but, evidently, his issues are spreading to those around him. I keep thinking of the title of Rick Wilson’s book, “Everything Trump touches dies.” You would think Mr. Barr would be smarter than this, but……..? I keep wondering if he actually read Mueller’s report as well as the Congressman mentioned above. In fact, I have to wonder how many members of our government actually read the report. I read it twice and, yes, it’s a bit dry, but if you’re part of the government and have the responsibility to take your OATH seriously, to me, reading it is the least “we the people” should expect. I’m fairly certain my own representative DIDN’T read the report. To me that’s shameful, but I digress!

Seeking this aid from Ukraine for the benefit of individual 1’s campaign is illegal no matter who’s doing it and where it comes from. Yes, it’s true if others outside his “orbit” are collecting “oppo research” which doesn’t come via the Ukrainian government, I believe that is not illegal. The election laws are clear when they say “no candidate for office can solicit or receive anything of value for their campaigns from a foreign source. Soon after individual 1 considered himself “in the clear” of the Mueller investigation after Robert Mueller testified before Congress he was on the phone to the president of Ukraine seeking help for his next campaign, essentially doing the same thing he pulled off with the Russians, via the Ukrainians.

Obviously, what made this all MUCH worse was the FACT individual 1 had blocked the release of the desperately needed military aid which had been appropriated by an overwhelming bipartisan vote in Congress as leverage to FORCE the Ukrainian president to publicly open an investigation into the Bidens. (An investigation which long before had proven “empty”) As I stated above, aside from the benefit this would do for individual 1’s campaign, the suspension of the military aid caused an unknown (to us) amount of DAMAGE to the Ukrainians in their FIGHT against the Russians. They were almost begging for the “javelins.” (Which I believe are anti tank missiles)

I believe “we the people” will never know the details of what has transpired in this scheme coming from the “White House” until after the November 2020 election and William Barr has been removed from the Justice Department. I believe Barr, himself, will possibly be liable for his own actions in this matter. It appears to me Giuliani is involved in MUCH more than the issue with trying to force the Ukrainians to investigate the Bidens. There’s HUGE amounts of money involved with the Oil and Gas industry in Ukraine and it looks like both Giuliani and Rick Perry (and maybe Sondland and who knows who else) were trying to get in on the action! Yikes!!!

One member of Congress after another, when questioned in public, seems to show themselves to be, especially if it’s a republican, trying to make up words on the spot. EVERY republican feels they MUST defend this EXTORTION by individual 1 and too many democrats come across to me as if they haven’t read the Mueller report which makes me wonder where are they getting the information they are using to determine their position on IMPEACHMENT. It kind of explains to me why it took so long to get a majority of democrats in the House to support IMPEACHMENT. In this case, it appears that public knowledge of our so-called president committing EXTORTION, where he provided the PROOF himself, was what it “took.”

In my mind, the scariest part in all of this is the number of our “leaders” in Washington – both parties – who are struggling with the courage it takes to honor their oath of office. This IMPEACHMENT “inquiry” SHOULD have been on the “front burner” long ago – as many of us have been clamoring. Republicans continue to show their FEAR of individual 1 while focusing on keeping their job at the expense of our republic. And, many of the democrats are in the same boat – because, had they read Mueller’s report this Ukraine thing would be NO surprise. In fact, I have to wonder how many other situations would mirror this one during individual 1’s time in office.

Final Thought: Here’s another comment that might well be taken with offense by many, but, to me is just real. Last night I watched part of individual 1’s rally in Kentucky (where Rand Paul further soiled himself by the side of our mafia boss in chief as he lobbied for the whistleblower to be “outed”) and many of the people in the audience were wearing tee shirts with the lettering on the front reading “Read the Transcript.” I keep wondering what is the level of STUPIDITY among “we the people.” I guess I think in terms of what I used to teach my sixth graders – like READ various points of view when forming your opinions with the emphasis on READING!

So, these people are wearing shirts with words that are absurd on the chests – where anyone watching on TV can clearly see. For starters, the “Transcript” has not been published – so no one CAN read the “Transcript.” The ONLY thing “we the people” COULD read would be the summary of the phone call in question because THAT is what has been published. Obviously, anyone wearing those shirts was admitting to being susceptible to the right wing propaganda which is making them look to be FOOLS.

Now, had the shirts read “Read the Summary of the Phone Call” that would suggest they had read the Summary and were OK with THEIR president EXTORTING the Ukrainians for the benefit of his 2020 campaign and the benefit of Vladimir Putin and the Russians. The bottom line is it IS the SUMMARY of the Transcript, which is what has been published and has individual 1 facing IMPEACHMENT. I’m guessing close to NONE of the people wearing those shirts has READ anything relating to the details of why individual 1 is LIKELY to be IMPEACHED. I really don’t want to refer to them as STUPID (even though that thought has crossed my mind) because, outside of politics many of them may be “very fine people” – who knows. But, wearing that shirt makes them come across to anyone who’s actually READ the summary and the other available documents regarding this EXTORTION scam as STUPID. I wish I could say it differently!

One more thing: Now there are (actual) transcripts of the depositions which have been taken by the House Intelligence Committee. How many of those people wearing the shirts at individual 1’s rally do you think will read those transcripts? (The first couple covered over 500 pages – and, it appears there will be two more released each day) Do you think these people will watch the public hearings republicans have been pushing for? The bottom line is these people come across to be like a group of SHEEP being herded toward slaughter. Individual 1 comes across as a cult leader and these people wearing the shirts will some day learn they were part of a cult which attempted to undermine the constitution of the United States of America.

My hope is the constitution will be standing when that day arrives!

Golf is considered a game of honor. People who play the game are understood to follow the rules and to bring penalties on themselves when appropriate. For example, if you’re in a spot where others can’t see what you’re doing and something happens which requires a penalty stroke you are obligated to call the penalty on yourself. You’re expected to “play the ball as it lies” amid a bunch of other rules. Individual 1 is famous for playing with his own set of rules – apparently thinking he “owns” the golf course so he can make his own rules. He seems to be operating under the same “rule book” as he “leads” our nation. (Where he’s “leading” it is what is so alarming to so many Americans)

I just finished writing a letter to the representative of the district where I live, a republican, pointing out my disappointment she failed to show the courage necessary to vote for the “impeachment inquiry” vote in the House the other day – a vote republicans have been clamoring for since the actual “investigation” began a few weeks back. In the letter to my representative I pointed out the corruption she is, essentially, voting in favor of by not supporting the “investigation” – as if EXTORTION is OK as long as it’s happening by the GOP – because I can guarantee anyone these republicans would be apoplectic if a democratic administration had done even a sliver of what individual 1 has done.

For example, picture in your mind Louis Gohmert if Barack Obama had tied a request for political “dirt” on his imagined opponent from a foreign nation to aid to that same foreign nation. He would NOT be calling an investigation into that behavior a “sham” and he wouldn’t be threatening “civil war” over investigating a President Obama. Personally, I believe he, and anyone else in the Congress who suggests (and, in effect encourages) a “civil war” if individual 1 (or any other president) is impeached SHOULD be Censored at the very minimum and being thrown out of Congress SHOULD be an option. (By the way, people like Gohmert were suggesting a “civil war” when Obama was in office apparently because they really struggled with a person of color in the “White House”)

By now, everyone knows individual 1 is NOT going to change. What you see is what you get! And, what we see is getting worse all the time. (I guess, maybe, that means he is changing – for the worse) When someone is a pathological LIAR they actually believe the words they’re saying as those words “tumble” off their tongues. I believe a person’s relationship with the law is quite similar. For example, I believe individual 1 has operated as if the laws don’t apply to him for most of his life which may explain why he believes the summary of the phone call which “triggered” the impeachment inquiry was a “perfect call.” (Despite the FACT it included an ILLEGAL “ask” when he requested “dirt” on Joe Biden – a simple FACT, that is ILLEGAL!)

Quite frankly, individual 1’s brazen disregard for our system of laws is so alarming to me I end up here too many days writing with the hope at least one person might find this site and choose to VOTE in the 2020 election – hoping the republican party gets voted into the History books – to be reconstituted with something that at least resembles something which represents actual “conservatives,” (Conservatives along the lines of Edmund Burke) The fact our Congress is full of people like Gohmert, Steve King, Jim Jordan, Matt Gaetz, Devin Nunez, and I could go on, indicates there’s a significant portion of America which gets their “news” from Fox “noise” which is an organization seemingly dedicated to furthering the goals of Vladimir Putin by turning Americans against each other via (actual) “fake news.” (Fox “news” is now being referred to by many as “Trump TV”)

I often wonder who is actually funding Fox which, if you actually do the work to understand what the TRUTH is in regard to actual political “news,” is hard to stomach for even one minute. When I try to force myself to watch Fox I can never make it even to the one minute place. Not only are their commentators (at least the ones I’ve seen) extreme right wing extremists, they willingly LIE on one issue after another. And, this idea of “blind loyalty” which is the apparent fundamental belief of today’s “conservatives” reminds me of 1930’s Germany. (And, by the way, individual 1 is a second generation American via Germany) At one point in the 2016 campaign individual 1 actually had his supporters raising their arms similar to a “heil” salute. And if you’ve ever seen any of the embarrassing examples of individual 1 requiring his sycophants, while sitting in the Oval Office, one by one, to express their “thanks and loyalty” to him as the cameras are watching, you know what I’m talking about. The republican party seems to be a cult!

Getting back to Gohmert’s suggestion if individual 1 is IMPEACHED there’s going to be a “civil war.” (Boy, that will put William Barr in a tough spot as the leader of the Justice Department). I’ve written about a friend of mine who’s an individual 1 supporter and who I often meet for breakfast. He’s also shared the “civil war” prediction with me at our breakfast meetings. He watches Tucker Carlson and Sean Hannity on Fox and I’m not sure what right wing websites – he doesn’t like to admit he’s getting all this right wing propaganda but much of what I hear from him I hear from the other sycophants who are part of individual 1’s cult. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine one of America’s two political parties could evolve into a cult, but, well, “it is what it is.”

The truth around all of this is that those “very fine people” we all saw carrying tiki torches, wearing Nazi armbands, carrying Nazi flags, and chanting “Jews will not replace us” are heavily armed with the very assault weapons many “liberals” want off the streets. Should Mr. Gohmert’s prediction come true we’ll see the law enforcement personnel likely be some, if not most, of the victims of the damage those assault weapons can cause. Those are “weapons of war” and anyone who doesn’t understand our constitution is the foundation of our republic is someone who may result to violence if things don’t go their way.

The reality is we are facing a challenge to our constitutional form of government beyond almost any in the past – maybe with the exception of the ACTUAL civil war. Americans have become very comfortable with a way of life which is likely not endurable. There are only so many resources in the world and this reality seems to be part of the divide which is tearing America apart. Over my lifetime – I started paying close attention to politics about the time JFK was assassinated. Using the constitution as the “rules” with live by it’s becoming clear individual 1 doesn’t understand what’s in the constitution and has no willingness to be guided by it. He feels he is able to “do whatever I want.” (The classic mantra of a sixth grade BULLY)

If some kind of “insurrection” occurs with either the impeachment or the voting from office of individual 1 – who you KNOW will claim “foul” if he’s VOTED out of office – will partly be the result of the ginning up of the white nationalists and the right wing base of “evangelical Christians” by outlets like Fox (I’m now saying “noise” – as I said above many refer to them as “Trump TV”), Breitbart, and other right wing organizations SHOULD be held accountable for any seditious commentary which comes across their airwaves.

The bottom line out of all this which has come from “Trumpism” is we MUST make sure the CONSTITUTION is standing tall at the end. We must make sure those who are self dealing in this incredible day of INCREASED corruption don’t succeed in undermining the “rule of law” in America. Getting individual 1 out of office will not be easy – it’s going to be the challenge for those of us who believe in the “rule of law” to VOTE in massive numbers that leaves no doubt on where the American people stand. Aside from the DAMAGE done domestically by this mafia boss in the “White House” there is massive damage to America’s image around the world which will need to be repaired. And, trust me, people in the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and other places in NATO will be watching the election of 2020 as eagerly as most Americans.

Those around the world aren’t “in the dark” about the reality that Vladimir Putin has “something” in individual 1 which has our so-called president working in Russia’s behalf since, virtually, from the first day he was in office. For example, the only reason the sanctions placed on Russia by President Obama have not been removed is because of what was exposed in the Mueller investigation – the more than 100 meetings between individual 1’s campaign officials and the Russians along with Mike Flynn (in my mind, on the orders of individual 1) telling the Russians the sanctions put on them by Obama for the election interference would be removed once individual 1 was in office.

We at least have to give Congress credit in the FACT the reason individual 1 was unable to remove sanctions on the Russians is because that would have been too obvious even for the republicans in the Senate. In fact, the Congress actually voted for additional sanctions with, if you remember, individual 1 attempted to “slow walk” before he was finally forced to put them in place. However, since that day, he’s actually succeeded in removing some sanctions which, hopefully, will be investigated as to who benefited from that action. I do know that Oleg Deripaska was one who benefited which seemed to be a “good deal” for Jared Kushner.

The bottom line here is the Russians hope individual 1 survives and that they can help him gain “re-election” (with who knows how many less votes than his opponent in 2020?) while MOST Americans can’t wait for him to be out of office along with our traditional allies around the world. How many of the countries like Russia, Saudi Arabia, Hungary, China, etc. will be happy to see individual 1 in office for another four years finishing off the “America” they are trying to undermine. Both sides can see America is getting destroyed from the inside out – the difference lies in those who wish for the America “before individual 1” and those who wish for the destruction of the “America” which has led the “free” world since the days of WW II.

It will take a MASSIVE response from those who consider themselves in the “resistance” because individual 1 has become the all time “cult leader” – leading a confluence of right wing neo-Nazi’s and “conservative Christians” similar to the group which brought Hitler to power in the late 1920’s, ironically with the campaign slogan “Make Germany Great Again.” I said at the start of this post that it should be no surprise to anyone that individual 1 willingly CHEATS at politics due to the fact many who’ve played golf with him suggest he CHEATS at that “game of honor.” And, republicans have long showed themselves to believe “the end justifies the means.” So, it’s going to be a difficult challenge to end this nightmare and will require a massive turnout at the polls – EVERYWHERE!

And, I’ll end this by saying, democrats must be FIGHTING for every vote – including places considered “individual 1 country.” A 50 state strategy, to me, is required and hopefully democrats will have the funds necessary for that type of campaign. As President Obama used to say, he wasn’t fighting for the red states or the blue states but the United States of America – that SHOULD be the norm. When all is said and done, it’s imperative we have an Attorney General who leaves no doubt that we are “a nation of laws and not men.” To those who have stocked up cache’s of weapons to “protect” themselves from the government, it must be clear to them, as to me, the constitution is the basis of our republic and “we the people” are OBLIGATED to honor it.

Final Thought: Should there be any form of insurrection in this nation it MUST be met with an overwhelming response which lets anyone know who thinks that is an acceptable form of “protest” in American it is unacceptable. And, if you use weapons in your “protest” you will be met with an overwhelming force from our police, FBI, or whatever response is necessary. At some point more and more of individual 1’s supporters will understand they are supporting a corrupt and inept person who has no idea what he got himself into. I said, long ago, individual 1 would “rue the day he got ‘elected'” – well, since, I’ve also said that day likely passed long ago. However, his nature – the “fight back and attack” anyone who disagrees with him won’t let him accept that and he will FIGHT until the very last day he can legally call the “White House” his home – and, from many reports, beyond that day.

Our constitution is being put to the test and, I for one, am STRONGLY on the side of the constitution. Sadly, I know people who could care less about anything but keeping this demagogue in office. There’s a lot more coming out each day as the IMPEACHMENT inquiry advances. You can expect republicans to be involved in a full force SMEAR campaign against anyone who might actually testify in the inquiry. This should continue to be interesting – I’m telling those around me who are younger, this is a critical point in American History – pay attention!!!

So, as usual, these past few days are FULL of “stuff” coming from individual 1’s administration which is mind boggling – including how he presented the killing of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in Northern Syria – thanks to intelligence from the Kurds whom he had recently betrayed. For example, over the weekend General John Kelly – individual 1’s second chief of staff – tried to make himself look prescient suggesting he had warned individual 1 “not to hire a ‘yes man’ to replace himself” – suggesting Mick Mulvaney is a “yes man” and that’s why our so-called president is being IMPEACHED. Well, from my perspective, Kelly is not much better than individual 1. (The only reason individual 1 wasn’t impeached during Kelly’s time as chief of staff is because William Barr undermined Mueller’s work)

It’s still as clear as a bell in my mind watching Kelly stand at the podium in the White House’s communication room LYING about individual 1’s disparagement of a fallen soldier to the soldier’s wife – while her (African American) Representative was sitting in the car listening to the call. Individual 1 called on Kelly to defend his actions toward this widow which ended up being a barrage of MORE LIES! In the course of all of Kelly’s LIES, as supposedly being the “one” who could defend individual 1, he showed himself to be a RACIST and a misogynist (while he was trying to say something like “In my day women were respected”) attacking congressperson Wilson by saying things which were provably FALSE about her and then, just like his boss and for “good measure,” he couldn’t resist LYING about President Obama. Kelly soiled himself for the History books!

Additionally, in the interview, Kelly seemed to be suggesting he was a “truth teller” during his term as the Chief of Staff in his relationship with individual 1. Keep in mind, if you read the Mueller Report, Kelly wasn’t able to keep individual 1 from committing, by some accounts, at least 10 examples of OBSTRUCTION of Justice. I’ve always been curious as to how Generals like Kelly can stomach the relationship individual 1 has with Vladimir Putin, for example. If anyone would understand the threat Putin poses to the United States and our Western Allies it would, seemingly, be our “Generals,” but I noticed nothing but SILENCE coming from Kelly during his time in office as individual 1, time and again, was “making Russia ‘great’ again.”

So, apparently Mr. Kelly feels a bit of a reprieve that the IMPEACHMENT is NOT coming on his “watch.” However, it should have – although Nancy Pelosi was correct all along when she said, “individual 1 (she, of course said “Trump”) will IMPEACH himself” – which is exactly what he did once he realized the Mueller report was not going to “get” him. The phone call at the center of the Ukraine scandal happened ONE day after Mueller testified to Congress. Does that give you the same thought it gave me regarding what was in individual 1’s brain once Barr undermined Mueller? “I’m in the clear, I really can do ANYTHING i want.” (I have to add the obvious, individual 1’s abuse of power did not start with the aforementioned phone call)

And, watching those republicans attempting to continue their defense of this despicable so-called president is beyond alarming. The LYING is endless – it’s all they got! I’m sure the defenders of individual 1 are flabbergasted by all the career diplomats who actually believe answering a lawfully drawn up subpoena is a moral obligation or duty. Individual 1 has been implementing the mafia practice of “loyalty” (ie no one “talks” to the authorities) – apparently struggling with the idea he’s in charge of the “authorities.” (and wondering why they are not “under his thumb” – with the exception of Barr)

I’ve been writing about how individual 1 has come across as a mafia boss to me for a couple years now and the evidence implying I was correct continues to mount. I still remember when he called Michael Cohan a “rat” when Cohen decided to “tell the truth” to authorities after individual 1 abandoned him during the investigation from the Southern District of New York which now has Cohen spending 3 years in prison. When interviewed about Cohen, individual 1 (I heard this myself at least twice) said “flipping should be illegal.” He really hates the idea of his subordinates actually telling the truth to investigators. Isn’t that mafia like?

And, speaking of his connection to the mafia, there’s a plethora of information in the public domain about individual 1’s connections to the crime families in New York and the Russian Mafiya which, apparently, bailed him out of several of his BANKRUPTCIES via various money laundering schemes. Then there’s his most recent “adviser” who’s been arrested, Lev Parnos, one of Rudy Giuliani’s infamous Ukrainian mafiya “side kicks” during his shakedown of the new Ukrainian government. Last night (10/29) I happened to watch the Rachel Maddow show on MSNBC which included a very interesting “bio” of Mr. Parnos. Yikes!!!

I included the date so you can check out their archive should you choose – but, Mr. Parnos has a history which would indicate individual 1, despite his claims to the contrary, doesn’t actually “hire the best people.” Ms. Maddow gave a history of Parnos that goes back to a group of “investors” who were ripping people off for MILLIONS of dollars and were directly connected to organized crime families. There are damning questions about where Parnos gets his money and, keep in mind, Giuliani HASN’T been paying him – he’s been paying Giuliani! To the tune of half a MILLION dollars! And, there are clearly questions, from what I’ve read, into what kind of scheme Giuliani, along with Ambassador Sondland and Secretary of Energy Rick Perry, were part of, apparently, a scheme aimed at getting “in on” Ukraine’s great oil wealth.

It looks to me like not only did individual 1 VIOLATE our laws (election laws, bribery laws, and ????) but also Giuliani, Mike Pompeo, William Barr, Sondland, Perry, and likely others need to be “lawyering up.” When all is said and done – and, make no mistake, I’m not predicting when that will happen (Fox “noise” has a large audience which will consider this all “nothing” which will likely delay any finality on this issue) – I believe there’s evidence suggesting individual 1 will be regarded as a traitor. There’s too much evidence suggesting the “connection” between him and Vladimir Putin goes well beyond what is publicly known as I’m writing this and what would be diplomatically acceptable under any other circumstances. There have just been too many “coincidences” in regard to individual 1 doing Russia’s “bidding” for my liking. (This is another situation which DEMANDS our next president not follow President Obama’s plan of “looking forward instead of back” when he “looked the other way” from the CRIMES of Bush/Cheney – these people need to be held accountable! (Otherwise we’ll soon be facing the next song on a “broken record”)

Stuff is going to continue coming out, it’s just not for certain there will be enough by the time the Senate has to vote as to whether or not republicans will feel the “need” to “convict” and remove individual 1 from office. (That will cause the so-called “alt right” to hit the streets if it happens) There is undoubtedly a significant portion of America who are part of the “White Nationalist” movement that is spreading across Europe (and triggered by none other than Putin and his Russian cyber warriors themselves) and causing so much division across our nation. It will be difficult to get all the DAMAGE caused by individual 1 out in the open so it might be “fixed” once he’s no longer ruining this nation. And, speaking of………..

Republicans and their apparent NEED to practice Projection; I watched excerpts, today, of republicans in the House as they were defending the indefensible – where the democrats had brought up a vote (they’ve been clamoring for) for an impeachment inquiry, setting up public hearings (which they’ve also been clamoring for) where our so-called president was offered more opportunity to cross examine witnesses than previous presidents in impeachment inquiries their strategy remained the same – which is “showboating.” But, how do they do this? Well, that’s were the projection comes in.

While individual 1’s actions are, over and over again, working to the benefit of Vladimir Putin to the point where I’m not the only American questioning what Putin has on him – it was interesting watching his republican defenders in the House today. While as Nancy Pelosi and the other democrats were making their case for the “impeachment inquiry” (which seems to have been well under way for the past couple of weeks) next to a large American Flag sitting on a tripod right next to their microphone. Well, you’d expect the republicans to stand next to that same flag wouldn’t you? But, NOOOO! They, of course, chose to stand next to the “hammer and sickle” of the former Soviet Union (which Putin is working to reconstitute – with individual 1’s help) – suggesting, I guess, being given the right to cross examine witnesses in public sessions, to them, is “Soviet Style” politics. Personally, I found it offensive and ironic!

Final Thought: I’ve grown tired of the daily grind of keeping up with the scandalous behavior of individual 1 and the willingness of the republicans in Congress to continue enabling him. Combined with Fox “noise” our republican “leaders” are allowing MILLIONS of Americans to be confused as to what is happening. People I know who watch Fox and support individual 1 don’t understand we’re talking about CRIMES in this Ukraine scandal (to a level which, I believe, goes well beyond the now infamous “phone call), additionally CRIMES laid out in the Mueller report (which individual 1 apparently thought because he “got away with them” quite possibly leading to the scandal in Ukraine), and, most seriously, that individual 1’s shakedown of the president of Ukraine was a significant threat to the national security of both Ukraine and America! So, I MUST continue doing my small part of the RESISTANCE!

This all has evolved well beyond the reality we have a bumbling, unfit, demagogue with a cult following in the “White House.” The DAMAGE being done to the “fabric” of America is growing maybe exponentially every day. There are people in places in our traditional institutions who are “flying under the radar” and are committed to destroying the institutions they “lead.” Just as I’ve said our rights are much easier given up than getting restored just as our institutions are easier torn down than built back up. As republicans have overseen the destruction and decaying of America’s infrastructure so they are overseeing the destruction of the State Department, the Department of Energy, The Agriculture Department, etc. etc. Pay attention and VOTE!!!

I keep wanting to take a break from bloviating on this site, then I think about what individual 1 is doing to this country – likely pushing us to the brink of fascism. And, before you go thinking that is hyperbole, check out what fascism is. Check out the politics of many of his followers on the so-called “alt right.” Do some research on Steve Bannon who, I believe, is still working behind the scenes to further the right wing assault on our nation he was openly pushing when he was actually working in the “White House.” The book I’m reading right now, “Siege” by Michael Wolf, documents how Bannon, for example, is still pushing the right wing Neo-fascist agenda across Europe. Personally, I believe people like Bannon are scheming on who they can push onto “we the people” after individual 1 is either removed or voted out of office.

People like Bannon, behind the scenes, acknowledge individual 1 is “stupid.” There have been an “endless” number of former “White House” aids who have referred to individual 1 as anything from the “stupid” Bannon was quoted in Wolf’s book (and there was an adjective which begins with the letter “F” and the ending “ing” preceding the term “stupid”) to the word “moron” which came from the mouth of former Secretary of State Rex Tillerson (and, of course, Tillerson used the same adjective preceding the word “moron” as Bannon used prior to the word “stupid”) John Kelley and James Maddis have also been quoted in different “circles” as laying very unflattering descriptions of individual 1 at various times including the same descriptive terms as Bannon and Tillerson.

These are the people close to our so-called president – the people who were supposedly going to keep up the “guard rails.” The “generals” who, now, individual 1 is denigrating (as he does to anyone who disagrees with him – maybe, somehow, he’ll read this blog – Oh yes, he doesn’t read) are now warning of the expanding disaster in Syria. Today, I saw video of the America troops, who are withdrawing from Northern Syria – leaving the Kurds to likely be facing genocide in the coming days – with the Kurds throwing rotten fruit and tomatoes at the vehicles carrying the troops – troops, who, by the way, from all accounts of people on the scene, are ashamed they are leaving these Kurds to the whims of Erdogan – who is one of the prime ruthless thugs who individual 1 seems to admire. Apparently, the guard rails are gone!

I’m having a hard time getting the pictures of what is happening to the Kurds out of my mind. and it’s very likely going to get worse. I keep trying to imagine what republicans would be saying if President Obama had done something like this. It was Obama who initiated the policy which created the “partnership” with the Kurds who did the “heavy lifting” in the battle against ISIS. I still remember the republicans criticizing Obama for following the “plan” initiated by GW Bush on the withdrawal of American forces from Iraq. I suppose individual 1’s supporters aren’t sophisticated enough to remember their so-called president calling Obama the “father of ISIS” – or something of that nature as he (individual 1) was, later, taking credit for “defeating ISIS.” (Which was simply another of his MOUNTAIN of LIES)

Republicans were not shy about criticizing Obama’s (kind of) pulling American troops from Iraq, but as I remember it, he still had troops fighting ISIS in (Mosul) as he left office. However, I believe it was Obama who initiated the plan for American troops to be working indirectly in the fight against ISIS via special forces (the “small footprint” strategy – meaning their guys do the dying – like in the case of the Kurds) supporting either the Iraqi troops or, in Syria, the Kurds – who, essentially, both, rendered ISIS to be scattered around the world and caused them to lose their “caliphate.” This situation the Kurds presently find themselves in, is just going to get worse – and, I can picture individual 1 attempting to LIE his way out of responsibility for all the Kurds being slaughtered as it’s going to be reported by what he WILL call the “fake news.”

OMG, I just listened to individual 1 claim, “I defeated ISIS.” He was referring to the Kurds and how “they are no angels,” and how we didn’t have an endless agreement to defend them (or words to that affect) forever. He was referring to the agreements made during Obama’s term in office and, while I, personally, don’t want American troops “in endless wars” – the reality is the section of Syria occupied by the Kurds was relatively stable and they were holding over 10,000 ISIS fighters in detention (fighters who likely are escaping during this debacle). My first thought, individual 1 taking credit for personally “defeating ISIS” made me think of “bone spurs.” The idea individual 1 would actually be part of defeating ISIS is maybe the MOST absurd thing I’ve heard yet during individual 1’s time in office, and that’s saying something!

I’ve also heard individual 1 and his sycophants justifying the extortion of the military aid they used as a way to get the Ukrainians to provide them some “dirt” on Joe Biden and a pathway to FOOL “we the people” into thinking it was the Ukrainians “interfering” in the 2016 election and they were doing so to help Hillary Clinton by claiming our nation does not have an endless agreement to support Ukraine. again, OMG! It’s as if EVERYTHING he does is aimed at helping Vladimir Putin. Are we ever going to find out why? I keep talking about the DAMAGE individual 1 is doing to America and what it will take to correct it, but what about Ukraine? Individual 1 is, basically it seems, helping Vladimir Putin to gain even more of a foothold in Ukraine – that will only be able to be undone by even more sever sanctions on Russia or military confrontation.

So, here’s the results of individual 1’s “foreign policy:” The Ukrainians are “staggered” by the threat of the “conditions” put on the much needed aid that they would invent something on Joe Biden individual 1 can use in his next election battle. I’ve heard reports that individual 1 has intimidated Ukraine’s president Zelensky into seeking a “compromise” with Putin that has the people of Ukraine, again, up in arms. This is bad, but personally, watching American tanks leaving Syria with the Kurds throwing rotten tomatoes, potatoes, and other “projectiles” at the vehicles carrying our troops who are leaving the Kurds “with their tails between their legs.”

Of course, it’s not the troops themselves who the Kurds are angry with, it’s individual 1. They are using the word “betrayal” whenever a reporter can get an interview. But, they understand that MOST of the American people are devastated by the condition they’ve been put in by our so-called president. Can you imagine what the troops AND those the troops are protecting around the world are thinking? The reality is that Vladimir Putin is on a “rampage” around the world in his attempt to turn the “West” inside out via the Russian’s “active measures” while he’s trying to recreate the “former Soviet Union.”

And, all of this is happening while there’s a serious “IMPEACHMENT inquiry” going on in the House of Representatives which is LIKELY going to result in Articles of IMPEACHMENT being passed in regard to individual 1’s incredible ABUSE of power. Sometimes I have to wonder if he simply believes there are no laws, or the laws simply don’t apply to him. (And, I’m thinking this is not a new thought process for him – I believe he felt the same way as he was when managing his criminal enterprise – the “Trump Organization.”

Republicans, at some point, are going to be put “on the spot” as they will need to vote on whether this mob behavior coming from the “White House” is acceptable to them. Each one of them will be deciding what spot they want in the future American History books. Do they want to be “resting” next to individual 1 and Benedict Arnold or do they want to be in a place where Americans who spent their lives defending the constitution – no matter what – find themselves. I’ve said this all along: Individual 1 is a disgusting person. He’s an incredible narcissist, a racist, a misogynist, a xenophobe, and a pathological LIAR.

Sadly, as I’ve also said many times, his base is the so-called “Evangelical Christians” – who MUST be struggling to find ways to justify their support of this person with what they read in the Bible. Today, individual 1 claimed the IMPEACHMENT inquiry was like a LYNCHING. OMG! This was said, apparently to again “gin up” his base. Well, is a reference to LYNCHING something the Christian community “buys?” It will take years for America to recover from what this thug is doing to this nation. He’ll take us all down with him if that’s what he thinks will save him. And, remember, he’s got to be thinking that once he’s no longer our so-called president, he can then be indicted!

Final Thought: In Wolf’s book, there is a much clearer explanation of the MONEY LAUNDERING scheme individual 1 carried out in Florida with a property he “purchased” for $41 MILLION (The first I heard of this was via the reporting of Rachel Maddow on MSNBC) – ironically STEALING the property from Jeffrey Epstein – and then, without doing virtually ANY improvements to the property reselling it to a Russian, Dimitry Rybolovlev, for $96 MILLION in an obvious money laundering scheme. There are even questions as to whether or not that individual 1 “purchased” the property in the first place as a “front” for someone else – maybe even Rybolovlev. Likely Epstein didn’t make more of an issue with this because he had his own problems at the time and individual 1 was well aware of what they were.

As I’ve said, “I can’t keep up!” I wrote this a week or two ago and didn’t publish it because, well, there was “other stuff” – so, I’m going to publish it now – my apologies for the lack of editing (which, often, is “par for the course” in my writing – keep in mind, if you find this, I have no idea how or why :o)

Since I wrote this Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi has been killed and, of course, according to individual 1 he (and his bone spurs) did the killing. I’m sure I’ll write more about all that later.

Every day I learn something else that causes me to yearn for the day individual 1 is no longer destroying (what’s left of) our democratic republic. I can’t remember who said it but I still remember when I was young (likely High School age in the 60’s) hearing someone (maybe JFK) warning “we the people” that the only way our republic could be “defeated” was from “the inside out.” Well, that’s exactly what is happening with individual 1 and his (deplorable – Hillary Clinton was correct) supporters who put their TOTAL power ahead of our nation’s best interests and the constitution. Make no mistake, individual 1 is a “White Nationalist” and many of his supporters are “White Nationalists.” I’ve personally seen several images of people connected directly to his administration brandishing the “White Nationalist” hand signal.

Individual 1 has placed people into various traditional government institutions with the intent to destroy the very institutions they have taken an OATH to protect and defend. Today I read where the former head of the VA’s office of Accountability and Whistleblower protection, Peter O’Rourke, actually was using his office to retaliate against whistleblowers (does that sound familiar?) and stifle their claims. This came out in an Inspector General report which said, “the office’s first executive director, Peter O’Rourke, ‘leveraged his power as head of the whistleblower office to end investigations into allies and failed to provide basic reports to Congress on the office’s operations.'” Of course, O’Rourke has now “moved on” and is now the executive director of the Florida Republican party. Yikes!!!

The article (in “The Daily Kos”) went on to say, “In its first two years of operation, the [office] acted in ways that were inconsistent with its statutory authority, while it simultaneously floundered in its mission to protect whistleblowers,” the report said. It didn’t provide adequate training for the investigators it hired and “did not have an approach that ensured comprehensive and impartial investigations,” it concluded. “The [office] itself engaged in actions that could be considered retaliatory.” What a racket for Trumpers—a perfect “catch and kill” system to hide corruption within the administration. “The report’s findings of failings in all these areas help explain the significant challenges [the office’s] leaders face today in establishing trust and achieving its intended goals,” said Michael Missal, the department’s inspector general.”

A couple things – first, this appears to be individual 1’s way of preventing any of the problems which appear to be rampant in the VA system – as “we the people” have an OBLIGATION to support MILLIONS of military veterans who have returned home from duty in places like Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, various places in Africa, and more – with many of them desperately needing medical treatment which is not readily forthcoming – preventing the shortcomings from becoming public. During Obama’s terms as president there were issues publicized but I don’t remember a concerted attempt to block whistleblowers – although, it’s been no secret that whistleblowers have (and do) face/faced peril by coming forward. This is/has been a problem. As far as I could tell, Obama was no “saint” in dealing with whistleblowers.

Which leads to my other point. Now individual 1’s time in office has been credibly threatened because there is one person in the government who had the courage to file a whistleblower complaint regarding our so-called president and his minions (Giuliani, Sondland, Pompeo, Pense, Barr, and likely others) attempting to EXTORT political favors from Ukraine while suspending military assistance which the country’s existence depended. Now we’re (unsurprisingly) hearing attempts by individual 1 and his sycophants to force this whistleblower to “testify in public.” They feel the (so-called) president should have the right to cross examine this person. (Of course they do – but, if the “shoe were on the other foot” they’d be claiming “foul” at a level which would make your ears twinge) The point of the whistleblower protection law is to (surprise) PROTECT the identity of the whistleblower so there’s NO retaliation!

Well, in both instances it’s clear individual 1 doesn’t like the idea of “whistleblowers.” To him, we’re talking about “rats.” (Do you remember that’s what he called Michael Cohen when Cohen said he was going to cooperate with the government and tell the truth?) I’ve been pointing out since year one of individual 1’s destruction of the office of the president that he comes across to me as a mafia boss. Of course, as time has gone by (and, I’ve read a bunch of books on him AND Vladimir Putin) it’s become clearer and clearer that individual 1 would like to transform our “government” into something that resembles the Kremlin. And, sadly, almost EVERY republican “still standing” in our Congress has shown the kind of fear I can only imagine those in government in Russia have for Vladimir Putin.

In Russia the dissident political figures and journalists find themselves either in prison or falling out of high rise buildings or ingesting poisons that make their deaths excruciatingly horrible. And, Putin has a way of finding those “dissidents” who manage to flee the country and find refuge elsewhere – like, for example, the “father and daughter” who were poisoned while living in England. They use poisons that make it clear who did it which is also a message to anyone else who might “cross” Putin. It’s always a slow death!

Poor individual 1 is left with blithering tweets showing his outrage at anyone who says something about him which is not a compliment. He has received “reinforcement” in the form of his new Attorney General William Barr who has made individual 1 even more dangerous. (Although, at some point, I believe members of the FBI and Justice Department may very well revolt on what Barr is “up to.”) In line with his (individual 1’s) attempt to MALR (Make America Like Russia) Barr is now leading an “investigation” into the “investigators” – ie the origins of the Mueller investigation that now has the ability to charge people with crimes.

It’s not apparent, at least to me, who they think they can charge with a crime regarding the investigation into individual 1’s COLLUSION with the Russians during the 2016 election. I’ve read from many different sources the so-called “Russia investigation” began when George Papadopolous decided to get drunk in a London Pub and BRAG to some guy who’s a diplomat from Australian that the Russians had “Hillary Clinton’s emails” which were going to be released to help individual 1. The guy from Australia passed this “information” on to the FBI (as Papadopolous SHOULD have). That is what started the so-called “Russia investigation.” (Mueller clearly lays it out in his report – which maybe even Barr did NOT read)

Keep in mind, while individual 1, Giuliani, Barr and others are trying to “prove” it wasn’t the Russians who got individual 1 elected in 2016 the Russians are still at it as I’m writing this. Add to that, those who are part of individual 1’s campaign are using the same “active measures” strategy of the Russians as they unfold their 2020 campaign. They are using Facebook as kind of a “home base” for their LIES. And, of course, if you’ve been paying attention, Facebook recently publicized their decision to allow dishonest political advertising on their platform with NO boundaries. When you think of the amount of people on Facebook (which, by the way, doesn’t include ME) you can see the potential POWER of LIARS like individual 1 on a platform like Facebook. Plus individual 1’s campaign STILL has all the STOLEN data they received via “Cambridge Analytica” during the previous “fake news” campaign.

For over three years now it’s been hard to NOT see individual 1 using Twitter as another platform for his LYING. And, clearly, just like Facebook, Twitter has no compunction in regards to self regulation regarding all the LYING. (Again, I don’t use Twitter, but in today’s world you can escape all of individual 1’s LIES Twitter routinely allows to be published. Twitter and Facebook, by all accounts, is how individual 1 keeps his “minions” in line. But, occasionally, there’s a sign of hope “out there.”

Just the other day, at the fifth game of the World Series where the Washington (DC) Nationals were playing baseball against the team from Houston, individual 1 decided to give the “fans” a treat by attending the game – actually going to an event which wasn’t pre-programmed with a bunch of “MAGA” hat wearing “deplorables” who are always warned to “drown out” anyone who might be a protestor until “security” can remove them from the site. At the game, individual 1, his wife, and the rest of his entourage were pictured on the “big screen” at the stadium (and these screens are huge) while the public address announcer pointed out the (so-called – that’s just me) “president is at the game.”

With big smiles on their faces all the people in individual 1’s “box” including our so-called president himself stood waving to what they imagined would be an adoring audience. (Not sure who suggested to him this was a good idea) Earlier in the day individual 1 had announced the killing of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in Northern Syria earlier that day. I’m sure individual 1 was expecting cheering from his adoring public after spending the morning BRAGGING about something which was reported happened in spite of him instead of because of him. (The decision to abandon the Kurds in Northern Syria – the same Kurds who provided the intelligence required to locate al-Baghdadi – caused our special forces to re-calibrate the timeline of the attack due to the changing nature of the Kurds being forced from their territory by the Turks and Russians – who, by the way, individual 1 curiously thanked in regard to the raid)

So, the look on individual 1’s face and that of his wife quickly changed from ear to ear smiles when the crowd in unison began BOOING. This wasn’t like a few BOOS, but a chorus of BOOS that permeated the entire stadium. But, it got worse for our so-called president. The BOOS soon changed to a chorus of chanting: “lock him up” reminiscent of the chanting individual 1 has encouraged at his rallies (it started at the 2016 Republican Convention) in regard to Hillary Clinton in regard for her “missing” emails. Apparently, the very emails which are LIKELY to get him IMPEACHED.

Yes, this whole saga regarding the so-called “quid pro quo” in the Ukraine scandal – where individual 1 is EXTORTING the Ukrainians to investigate the “origins of the 2016 investigation into Russian interference in our election” where individual 1 has bought into the crazy conspiracy theory there’s a server in Ukraine with all the missing emails and it was the Ukrainians who were “meddling” in the 2016 election to help Mrs. Clinton and NOT the Russians helping individual 1 – despite ALL the evidence to the contrary! (What’s worse – while individual 1 is focused on Ukraine – the Russians are “at it again” – with, apparently, no orders to stop them coming from “the top”)

All the BOOING at the World Series game along with the chanting: “Lock him up” confirms to me I’m not the only one who doesn’t believe individual 1 is a “stable genius.” This republican party has been headed for the right wing “cliff” for years and, I believe, it’s about to go over the edge. They fear this (so-called) president from one side of Capital hill to the other. After he’s been IMPEACHED it’s very unlikely the Senate will remove him from office, but they will ALL be forced to vote on whether or not they believe it’s OK to EXTORT political favors from other nations in return for things like foreign aid (or who knows what – individual 1’s “acting” chief of staff admitted on camera “we do this all the time.” What are the other examples of EXTORTION coming from this (so-called) president in mafioso clothing? (Again) Yikes!!!!

Final Thought: Speaking of the crowd chanting “Lock him up” – I believe a clear majority of Americans want individual 1 to “face the music” – regarding all the criminal activity – once he’s out of office. (Of course, his avid supporters think the criminal activity is OK because of various reasons – things they are willing to trade their morality for) Here’s the question I have. I’ve heard (and read of) individual 1 claiming he has the right to pardon himself. I’ve also heard discussions by legal experts about whether or not he’s correct in that assertions. Most say it’s not clear because NO ONE has ever broached the subject before – meaning we’ve NEVER had anyone in the Oval Office as CORRUPT as individual 1. So, I have to wonder, will he be able to avoid prosecution for his crimes – both before his “election” (with 3 MILLION less votes than Mrs. Clinton) and after by PARDONING himself on the way out? Seems like there’s something new EVERY day!

One more question: If somehow the Senate voted to remove him from office would that mean he no longer had the power to pardon? At that instant would he no longer be our (so-called) president and be unable to PARDON anyone? Stay tuned!

The republicans just keep getting more absurd as they are attempting to defend the ILLEGAL behavior of their so-called president. They continue to use the same “playbook.” During the Mueller investigation it was “There was no collusion,” followed by “collusion is not illegal” then followed by “Who gives a s@#t?” Of course, the ILLEGAL behavior of individual 1 didn’t stop with his “vindication” (by William Barr) following the Mueller report when almost immediately he was “at it again” when he called the newly elected president of Ukraine and attempted to extort “dirt” on Joe Biden in exchange for the duly authorized military assistance which had been authorized on a bi-partisan vote in Congress.

The democrats, mainly Nancy Pelosi and a bunch of “rookies” who had won in districts carried by individual 1 in 2016, had finally had enough. They began the formal (informal?) IMPEACHMENT process which has now evolved to kind of the same “shenanigans” republicans were relying on during the Mueller investigation. Have we gotten to the point where they are claiming EXTORTION is OK? Do you think they are thinking ahead to when there’s a democrat in the “White House” and, it now seems improbable, that they might have the majority in Congress again? (I’m not sure they are able to “think ahead”) I’m starting to think the republicans could be facing the same kind of era of being the minority they experienced in the 60’s and 70’s. I’ve been lamenting where this republican party has evolved for years. It’s time for “we the people” to put this to “bed.”

Yesterday Bill Taylor, an unimpeachable (no pun intended) diplomat who has a history which is almost the opposite of individual 1, gave testimony which is devastating to our so-called president. Adam Schiff is running the hearings of the intelligence community in a way to prevent each witness from hearing the others ahead of time – the depositions are happening in private. (By the way, similar to how republicans carried out the “Benghazi hearings”) The republicans don’t like getting the same treatment they gave the democrats when they were in control. Taylor is an honored Viet Nam veteran AND he’s been a respected foreign service “lifer” AND no one questions his integrity. Can you say that about individual 1? Today, the republicans actually “stormed” the secure room (SKIF) where the depositions are taking place stopping today’s activity – apparently objecting to the “process” for about 5 embarrassing hours. My first thought was: “Be careful what you wish for.”

I believe, at some point, these witnesses who are now giving depositions will be testifying in public. Just a reminder, a deposition simply lets the investigators know what to expect when someone is testifying in public. I think these republicans who are objecting to this process will be rolling their eyes when Bill Taylor testifies in public. Taylor, by all accounts, is the last in a line of former (or present) public servants who have confirmed individual 1 was EXTORTING the Ukrainians for an investigation which WOULD be ILLEGAL, this investigation would be coming from the Ukrainians, in exchange for military aid which was desperately needed to fight off, who else, the Russians. And, keep in mind, Taylor was pulled out of retirement by Mike Pompeo (and individual 1) to replace Marie Yovanovich who had been “railroaded” out of Ukraine (as our ambassador) because she was not cooperating with this EXTORTION scheme. Did they really think Taylor would succumb to their corruption? Yikes!!!

Matt Gaetz continues to cause me to wonder what is going on in the minds of the people who vote people like him into office. I have to wonder if his “moral compass” is as blank as individual 1’s? Gaetz is the one who was leading the group of republicans who “stormed” the SKIF where today’s deposition is taking place – brandishing their cell phones in an apparent attempt to make sure their disregard of any “norm” was part of their “message” and challenging the democrats to enforce ethics protocols. In fact, I’m now hearing these right wing thugs suggesting “quid pro quo’s” are not illegal. Just as a little further back they were saying “collusion” is not illegal. Here’s the part they will not have an answer for: it IS illegal to solicit “anything of value” from a foreign person or country in regard to an American election!

I’ve heard Gaetz in Congressional hearings and not once, in his attempts to defend individual 1, has he EVER (at least while I’ve been listening/watching) defended our so-called president’s behavior. When I was watching the hearings involving Michael Cohen, Gaetz (along with the other republicans in the Judiciary [Oversight? Intel?] Committee) did NOT use one word to defend individual 1, virtually EVERY word that came from their mouths were aimed at attacking Cohen. Just as with the “stunt” today, there’s NOTHING suggesting a defense of the (so-called) president’s actions – only an attempt to “muddy the waters” – which seems to be the “new normal.” Sadly, there’s NEVER any republicans objecting to ANYTHING being done by individual 1. Is anyone watching?

Not only is our so-called president putting our constitution at jeopardy, but what is happening to the Ukrainians AND the Kurds is devastating to them and, not so coincidentally, beneficial to the Russians! Today there were videos on TV of the Russians, already, moving into Northern Syrian and occupying the land the Kurds were envisioning as their homeland – resulting from their battle against ISIS, arm in arm with American special forces – with the Russians warning the Kurds to get the h-e- double toothpick out of Syria if they want to continue breathing. And Ukraine? Well, the Ukrainians are understandably worried about whether or not the Americans are going to abandon them in the face of the Russian incursion.

If the Russians end up taking over Ukraine this will be an even greater disaster. Putin is active around the world and, it appears, individual 1 is working as a Russian asset. It’s hard to imagine an American president abandoning American allies as he’s done with the Kurds and possibly the Ukrainians and the republican party virtually in lockstep saying, well…… NOTHING! The republicans were beside themselves when Putin took Crimea and, as I remember it, they criticized President Obama’ sanctions (which have proven to be effective) as not enough. In fact, I believe Bill Taylor was one of those suggesting the Obama administration had not done enough in Ukraine. Now, individual 1 is attempting to get the sanctions removed – much to the delight of his idol Putin. Will republicans continue to look away.

Here’s the reality of the situation, that gets more serious by the day. Individual 1 seems to be working for the benefit of Vladimir Putin and Putin is gleefully filling ALL the voids our so-called president is creating. (Well, I should add, the Chinese are very quietly also filling some of the voids, and there’s more) The Russians and Chinese have become much closer since individual 1’s “election” (with 3 MILLION less votes than his opponent) and, based on what I read in “Putin’s World” by Angela Stent, Putin is making “deals” with the Saudi’s, the Iranians, the Turks, of course the Syrians, the Egyptians, and even the Israelis. When all is said and done regarding Putin’s “intrusion” into America’s 2016 election, I believe the final “verdict” will be: individual 1 has “Made Russia Great Again!” (And, the “green light” individual 1 is giving Putin around the world may be irreversible once this national nightmare has ended – plus, we may never know what Putin “has” on our so-called president???)

Final Thought: In the never ending quest of individual 1 to PROVE the Russians had nothing to do with his “victory” in the 2016 election (with 3 MILLION fewer votes than Hillary Clinton not to mention the James Comey blunder) it was reported today that William Barr has opened the possibility of a CRIMINAL investigation of the “investigators” – as he’s been flying around the world making an ASS of himself in front of our allied intelligence officers. Not only has Barr, from all reports, been up to his ears in the Ukraine scandal, but he’s pursuing, seemingly, every Alex Jones conspiracy theory you can find on the right wing blogosphere.

Today, I reminded myself of the time when Keith Olberman had a show on MSNBC and, on a nightly basis, he had a segment called “The Worst Person in the World.” It’s hard to imagine anyone taking that “honor” from individual 1 at ANY time, but tonight I came up with a new “winner” – at least for this one day. Today’s “Worst Person in the World” is William Barr. I’ve stated before that, for some reason, he seems to be “volunteering” for a place in the History books right next to individual 1 and Benedict Arnold!

Individual 1 claimed he was simply focused on “corruption” in Ukraine when he was (extorting) Ukraine President Zelensky to investigate Joe Biden and his son Hunter in return for the desperately needed military assistance our so-called president had previously BLOCKED despite bipartisan Congressional support for the assistance to be provided “forth with.” Well, as all is coming together on this fiasco we see the “corruption” was apparently coming directly from individual 1 and his so-called “lawyer” Rudy Giuliani.

Here’s where the “rubber is hitting the road” – long time non-partisan public servants are refusing administration attempts to shut them up and they are walking into the IMPEACHMENT hearings and willingly giving their depositions to the committees “investigating” individual 1’s brazen abuse of power – which has been ongoing since the day he took the oath of office, but has been brought to a “head” with his (curiously) releasing a transcript of his call with Zelensky where he ADMITTED to breaking American law in at least one way and likely several ways. The bottom line is it’s a VIOLATION of campaign finance laws to solicit ANYTHING of value from ANY foreign source. And, trust me, what individual 1 was soliciting from Zelensky was worth enough to make it a FELONY (over $25,000) because of the expense Rudy Giuliani has incurred trying to get “dirt” on the Biden’s. (Which, by the way, has Giuliani, very possibly, in the crosshairs of legal impropriety – if there is any legal accountability in America anymore)

Then top this all off by having individual 1, apparently in an attempt to change the narrative from the IMPEACHMENT inquiry, turn the Turks loose on our allies the Kurds in Northern Syria while also getting about 1000 American troops caught in the “crossfire.” Pictures of the Kurds being slaughtered by the Turks have maybe even had an affect on some of individual 1’s supporters. Just picture them – what would they be saying had President Obama done this? Of course, how many of individual 1’s absurd actions could we ask the exact same question? (In fact, I’ve even heard republicans suggest this is the “same” issue which arose when President Obama “pulled our troops from Iraq.” As usual, the similarities they suggest are absurd. Obama simply followed the agreed upon departure of American troops set forth by GW Bush – which, I must add, I was not in agreement with)

As was predictable, most observers are saying the “winner” in individual 1’s ABRUPT decision to pull our troops from Syria (mainly the troops protecting the Kurds) will be Vladimir Putin. Observers continue to “wonder” what does Putin have on individual 1? Not only is Putin the beneficiary of this blunderous action in Syria but likewise in Ukraine. Clearly the new president of Ukraine, who was committed to fighting “corruption” when he got elected has been somewhat intimidated by Giuliani and individual 1 (and, likely Ambassador Sondland as well) as they’ve been attempting to get Zelensky and his surrogates to provide some kind of “dirt” on Biden – who, I don’t believe, will end up being the democratic nominee. Overcoming the gains Putin has made BECAUSE of individual 1 will quite possibly take years!

Additionally, the real threat to the Ukrainians is the one coming from the Russians – who are presently attacking a couple of regions in Ukraine while individual 1 is attempting to pressure them (the Ukrainians) into caving to Putin. After the former Soviet Union disbanded, Ukraine agreed to give up their nuclear weapons in return for a guarantee from America and her Western European (NATO) allies to protect Ukraine from intrusions from Russia. Well, Putin seized Crimea in 2014 and President Obama instigated severe sanctions which have prevented Russia (and Exxon Mobile) from tapping into Russia’s vast oil reserves in the Arctic and Siberia. Putin wants those sanctions removed and he wants control of Ukraine’s oil reserves as well – which apparently are located in the Donetsk region where they are presently fighting. Obviously, if the Americans withhold military aid, it benefits Putin and the Russians. Plus, at some point, I see individual 1 attempting to remove the sanctions on Russia.

I’ve said for almost two years now individual 1 appears to me to be acting just as if he’s a mob boss. This morning I’m listening to Mick Mulvaney attempting to obfuscate and LIE his way out of a BUNCH of trouble he and individual 1 are in. It’s making my stomach churn. Sadly, there are surely people out there who actually believe what Mulvaney’s saying and have difficulty “reading between the lines,” but it’s obvious Mulvaney is describing IMPEACHABLE and ILLEGAL behavior. Individual 1, Mulvaney, Rudy Giuliani, Mike Pompeo, Mike Pense, and others are up to their necks in this ILLEGAL behavior regarding Ukraine. And, as I’m listening while typing I’ve got to add, the president doesn’t get to do whatever he wants in regard to foreign policy. These people can’t be GONE soon enough for me! (Wow! Mulvaney just confirmed that individual 1 and Co. was bargaining the military support for the political “dirt” ie a “quid pro quo” – are these guys actually this stupid? The answer appears to be YES!)

Just as he seemed to think breaking the law in plain sight makes it OK – as he solicited both the Ukrainians AND the Chinese to investigate the Biden’s while standing on the White House lawn in front of a plethora of cameras, apparently he believes the same thing regarding the emoluments clause to the constitution. So, this morning, as I tuned in, Mulvaney was giving their justification for having the “G-7” Summit next year at individual 1’s Doral Resort. Mulvaney had the temerity to suggest individual 1 would NOT profit from this meeting on one of his properties. All I can say is they believe “we the people” are more stupid than I thought.

Is this just another example of individual 1 attempting to get “we the people’s” attention off of the impending IMPEACHMENT? Well, if it works as well as his “plan” to allow the Turks into Syria leading to the potential genocide of the Syrian Kurds well, God help us. No matter how that “diversion” works out, once again, individual 1 has enabled Vladimir Putin to continue with his “laughing all the way to the bank.” As I’m writing this, there have been thousands of Kurds killed and upwards of 250,000 Kurds who have lost their homes and, I’m sure, people around the world have an even lower view of the United States based on this betrayal of the Kurds by individual 1. Right now I’m listening to individual 1 supporters claim they can “put the toothpaste back into the tube.” As I often say, Sad!!!

Today, a letter individual 1 sent three days after unleashing the Turks onto the Syrian Kurds to the president of Turkey was publicly released. It was embarrassing to listen to it as I heard it read by Nicole Wallace on MSNBC. Obviously, Turkey’s president Erdogan was as impressed with the letter as I as he reportedly crumbled it and tossed it to the trash can. I can only imagine how these dictators around the world speak of individual 1 in private as he’s attempting to seek their favor. Sad (again)!!! (I’ll attempt to find a copy of the letter I can link to)

Mike Pense is, as I’m writing this, speaking in Turkey in regard to a “cease fire” in the war zone that was created by individual 1’s impulsive decision to remove the American troops from Northern Syria. As both Pense and Mike Pompeo try to make this all look like it’s some kind of brilliant move on individual 1’s part Erdogan is getting everything he wanted from the start. Pense just said, “let me be clear, the president has been clear about American opposition to Turkey’s entrance into Syria.” In my mind I’m going, “Are you kidding me?” What would individual 1 say to the Kurdish leaders if he had to face them in person? I suppose his “bone spurs” would prevent that from happening!

Personally, I hope this cease fire works, but “I’ll believe it when I see it.” (It’s two days later, and it’s NOT working) Sadly, as I watch Pense and Pompeo in their news conference in Turkey I believe I’m looking at American leaders who have engaged in lawbreaking while in office and who have near zero credibility around the world. As I’m writing this they are participating, back home, in individual 1’s ILLEGAL refusal to answer legally submitted subpoenas. If they didn’t do anything wrong in regard to Ukraine – which is, obviously, the source of the subpoenas – then why not defend themselves via transparency. It’s as if they “do things” and then clean up the mess afterward. I don’t see much difference between the Ukraine fiasco and the BLUNDER in Syria. Other than the FACT, from the standpoint of the Kurds, the “mess” can’t be “cleaned up.”

Individual 1 continues to show himself to be a reckless, boneheaded, and ignorant decision maker to “we the people” AND those around the world. Right now, with Pense in Turkey, they are trying to undo something which may be impossible to undo. Pense, as usual, is fawning over individual 1 giving “credit” to both our so-called president and Erdogan of Turkey – while there are funerals en masse going on with the Kurds. It appears to me this may be a desperate attempt to get the remaining American troops out – the troops who’ve been blowing up their own facilities as they leave with “their tails between their legs,” before the Turks complete their objective of “ethnically cleansing” the Kurds from their homeland. Yikes!!!

Final Thought: I’ve got to stop – this is more “rambling” than my usual posts. I long ago accepted that it will take an overwhelming response at the polls by “we the people” to get this nightmare over. What has caused me to be so, I guess, more ANGRY than usual, it the betrayal of the Kurds. I’m not sure “we the people” will be able to recover from the damage associated with that BETRAYAL in my lifetime. Anything more I would write at this point would be redundant!