This morning I was listening to democrats who are rationalizing why they have not started into an impeachment “inquiry” regarding individual 1’s “clear” criminal activity both while in the “White House” and prior to him becoming our so-called president. Of the members of the House, Barbara Boxer, speaking on MSNBC, said, “They are in a search for the truth and they are in a search for proof.” Well, I’ve read Robert Mueller’s report twice and I watched his testimony – both of which we’ve heard over and over “We need to wait for Mueller’s report” and then “We need to hear Mueller’s testimony.” Now it’s a “search for the truth and a search for proof.”

That last sentence, to me, says democrats don’t believe Mueller’s report – because, if they haven’t found “the truth” and “proof,” then, what were we waiting for? Mueller, basically, gave democrats (and, we the people) a plethora of evidence – both in the report – and, in his testimony, which was confined to “the four corners of the report.” If this wasn’t so serious I’d say all this democratic procrastination has become laughable. Not only was there many PROVABLE instances of OBSTRUCTION in Mueller’s report but individual 1 has ordered consistent OBSTRUCTION of Congress as he’s ORDERED virtually EVERY “fact witness” to defy the subpoenas issued by House committees.

This is all really serious and, as I’ve pointed out numerous times on this site, “we the people” have no alternative but to depend on democrats to carry on the FIGHT against this brazen ATTACK on the fundamental institutions of our nation – which would be our “free and fair elections” and our Justice Department at the core – but other institutions as well. Individual 1 has found his “Roy Cohn” in William Barr and the faith of the American people in our Justice Department is heading toward a “cliff” that will be hard to survive if Barr pushes us over it. When too many of our citizens lose faith in the Justice Department as being (at least somewhat) fair then our republic is in serious danger. Additionally, as Mueller said in his testimony, (and, as I’ve been pointing out here – sorry for “patting myself on the back”) “the Russians are here right now and they plan to be involved in our 2020 election.”

Essentially, if the democrats can’t find the “evidence” and “proof” they need from what is in Mueller’s redacted report (they’re FINALLY going to court to get access to the Grand Jury information) they simply need to publicly state they are relying on the voters to decide whether or not individual 1 should continue to be president. Those who have been paying attention KNOW the “evidence” supporting impeachment is overwhelming. It was obvious to me as I read through Mueller’s report – both times – Mueller compiled the evidence FOR CONGRESS on at least 10 instances of OBSTRUCTION of Justice – providing it for them because he was prevented from charging our so-called president with a crime because of the now infamous OLC memo.

However, when, in the report, Mueller stated – “If we had confidence after a thorough investigation of the facts that the president clearly did not commit obstruction of justice, we would so state. Based on the facts and the applicable legal standards, however, we are unable to reach that judgment. The evidence we obtained about the president’s actions and intent presents difficult issues that prevent us from conclusively determining that no criminal conduct occurred. Accordingly, while this report does not conclude the president committed a crime, it also does not exonerate him.” – the inference is undeniable. But for the OLC memo individual 1 would have been indicted for OBSTRUCTION of Justice – at least five times (those last words are my conclusion) This would indicate democrats don’t want an impeachment inquiry, but also know how pissed off their “base” will be when they actually say that out loud. So, they just “slow walk” all this “evidence” to a point when it will be too late for said inquiry. (It’s close to too late as I’m writing this)

Apparently, democrats were seeking something they SHOULD have known was impossible when they subpoenaed Mueller to testify – meaning some kind of explosive interview – and, what they got was confirmation of all the reasons they SHOULD have opened the impeachment inquiry months ago – they HAD the EVIDENCE and the PROOF the day Mueller’s report was made public. (Actually, from my standpoint – I’ve been paying attention all along – I wasn’t surprised by much in Mueller’s report – they COULD have started impeachment hearings long ago) I’ve been pointing out since before Mueller’s report was publicized that Nancy Pelosi would continue to BLOCK an impeachment inquiry – because, that’s what she’s done before.

While I respect Ms. Pelosi, I think she’s blocking IMPEACHMENT inquiries for POLITICAL reasons – exactly what she has said SHOULDN’T happen. Every member of our government, obviously including members of Congress, take an oath to defend the Constitution – which, to my mind, would include holding the president accountable for “high crimes and misdemeanors” by members of Congress. What democrats are apparently saying is that committing OBSTRUCTIVE acts – something Mueller said “We concluded the obstruction of justice statutes can validly prohibit a president’s corrupt efforts to use his official powers to curtail, end, or interfere with and investigation.” – aren’t “high crimes and misdemeanors.” And, worse yet, to me, is when you read the OBSTRUCTION statutes, which Mueller explains in painstaking detail, individual 1 is also OBSTRUCTING Congress as they are “investigating” whether he OBSTRUCTED the Mueller investigation. It’s really “tipping” on the absurd. It’s OBSTRUCTION of OBSTRUCTION! Yikes!!!

One more thing about OBSTRUCTION. Mueller points out OBSTRUCTION is an extremely serious legal offense – a serious FELONY. Preventing people from interfering in investigations is fundamental to preserving the integrity of the Justice system. That’s why EACH obstruction offense, if found guilty, carries the punishment of a substantial fine and up to TWENTY years in prison – that’s for each offense. Individual 1 allegedly has committed MULTIPLE “obstructive acts.” And, Mueller was quite clear, if Congress fails to act, the evidence was “memorialized” so that “at a later date” – like, after individual 1 leaves office, he can be indicted for these heinous acts!

Those who support individual 1 are saying “so what?” The acquaintance I know who is an individual 1 supporter referred to Mueller as making a “fool” of himself in the testimony. That, while people I know who watched the testimony and support impeachment have said to me the republicans, like Jim Jordan, Matt Gaetz, and Louis Gohmert were the ones who made fools of themselves. I, personally, tried to focus on the details of what was said (again, I had read the report twice prior to Mueller’s testimony) and, there were only a few things which surprised me. (I fully expected the republicans, like Jordan and the others, to focus on attacking either the process or Mueller himself, instead of the findings of the report – which is exactly what they did)

As I stated in my previous post, one of the “surprises” came from a republican from Colorado – his name again slips my forgetful mind – elicited from Mueller that individual 1 can be indicted once he’s out of office. I would have expected that bit of information to be “honed” out by a democrat – evidently, they didn’t think it was important – but, essentially the two “yes” answers to the question “Can the (so-called) president be indicted after he leaves office?” gave them (democrats) the answer to the question they were probing during the entirety of the morning session. Surprisingly, it took a republican to elicit if from Mueller.

When Mueller said individual 1 can be indicted after leaving office it was the same as saying “If we could have indicted the president, save for the OLC memo, we would have.” He couldn’t, and if you had read the report you would have known he wouldn’t, answer that question due to the constraints he put on himself and also were confirmed by the Justice department prior to the testimony. Mueller, clearly, intended from the start to leave it to Congress to “finish the job” he – and his team – started. I’m not a “stable genius” – like our so-called president – but, I’m smart enough to connect the dots Mueller provided – so, to me, the democrats continuing to slow walk this process as if they’re “looking for proof” or “looking for evidence” is disingenuous at best, and shameful, at worst.

Remember, while the attention of America is focused on the ARGUMENT as to what degree our so-called president is a CRIMINAL, there are thousands of immigrants fleeing unimaginably horrific homelands trying to protect their children finding themselves, first of all, separated from their children, and secondly packed into cages like “sardines” so that they can’t even lie down to rest. And, I’ve read that they are also subjected to 24 hours a day of light – which, in both instances, is TORTURE. I truly hope I’m wrong, but I have no doubt our so-called president would lose not one “wink” of sleep over ordering this inhumane policy – in his mind – as a deterrent for others who might be seeking asylum in America.

I was hoping to make my point a bit more succinctly – believe me, I understand my tendency to get carried away with too many words – but, to me, it’s time for the democrats to “s@#t or get off the pot!” This “slow walk” they’ve been on for the past several months, apparently with no “appetite” for IMPEACHMENT right from the start is continuing to make them look “weak.” If there’s no impeachment “at the end of the tunnel” they should simply say so. They could still seek testimony “for the record” but simply make it clear to “we the people” that it’s up to us to determine if individual 1 deserves to continue as our so-called president. Yes, I know that the Senate will not “convict” if individual 1 is impeached, but, to me – just as it was back in 2007 – that is irrelevant. The House has its role and the Senate its role.

I believe what the democrats in the House of Representatives are confirming in this “crisis” is that they are spineless. Maybe that’s the result of the diversity of their caucus, but the bottom line in this instance still is “If this doesn’t fall into the category of High Crimes and Misdemeanors” – regarding ALL the illegal acts of individual 1 – then what would it take? In the run up to the 2016 election he famously said, “I could shoot someone on Fifth Avenue in New York and my supporters would still support me.” Well, if he did that, I have to wonder, “Would the democrats impeach him” for that?

Nancy Pelosi has now “etched in stone” that authorizing TORTURE is NOT a “High Crime or Misdemeanor” (as per Bush/Cheney and TORTURE) and now she is setting the precedent that committing MULTIPLE acts of OBSTRUCTION of Justice, committing campaign finance (essentially bribes) payoffs to hide illicit affairs just prior to an election, willingly taking the help of a foreign “adversary” to get elected, separating children from their parents and then deporting the parents without their child, putting people in CAGES under 24 hour lighting without room to lie down, LYING to investigators AND to the American people, committing NUMEROUS emoluments violations, and, generally, believing the (so-called) president can do whatever he wants – none of these acts are “High Crimes and Misdemeanors.”

At some point democrats will realize republicans will not cooperate with ANYTHING they want to accomplish. (this has been reality for YEARS) They’ve been given the responsibility to provide ACCOUNTABILITY for all the misdeeds of the republicans via their overwhelming election victory in 2018. There is no reason for democrats to be acting as if they FEAR individual 1 OR his base. At some point, the issue becomes what is “right” vs. what is “wrong.” Trust me, “we the people” know the difference and the expectation is for democrats to act aggressively to COMBAT the ILLEGAL activity of individual 1 and his sycophants. This “activity” goes well beyond what I’ve pointed out here – they are eviscerating our institutions systematically on a daily basis. “We the people” appear to be “chasing our tails” trying to keep up with all the SCANDALS. It’s up to democrats in Congress to “reel” this republican ASSAULT on our basic principles in, and that action starts with IMPEACHMENT.

However, as I said above, the democrats need to act (almost immediately) or publicly state they are focusing their attention to legislation – which Mitch McConnell will BLOCK at every turn – and the 2020 election. It’s coming across as if the democrats want endless “investigations” in order to keep all of individual 1’s misdeeds right on the “front page.” I believe that could turn off way more voters than it energizes. Here’s what I believe would “energize” the democratic base, as never before – “Nancy Pelosi cancels the House summer break and orders the beginning of an IMPEACHMENT inquiry of our so-called president.” Now, that would get some people’s attention! (including individual 1)

I got up this morning, somehow, (I live out West and it was early for me) and decided to check in on the Mueller testimony. My first thought was the statement we’ve heard over and over of late, “In this ‘battle’ between the republicans and democrats over the misdeeds of individual 1it’s as if the democrats are bringing a knife to a gun fight. My disappointment, as I listened, was not only with the democrats, but also with Mueller. Democrats were trying to find a way to get Mueller to say, outright, that individual 1 committed “OBSTRUCTION of Justice, and Mueller was just as determined NOT to say anything beyond what was “in the report.” (Although, for those of us who have read the report, we KNOW the answer to that “question.”

It was one democrat after another asking leading questions, read directly from the report, and Mueller giving “yes or no” answers. In fact, Mueller was evasive during the entire part of the testimony I listened to (the first part with the Judiciary Committee). So, the democrats FAILED to get him to say that: “could he have charged individual 1 with OBSTRUCTION he would have done so.” And, one after one, they continued attempting to “break through.” During all this time, one republican after another attempted to get Mueller to admit the investigation was started by the Steele “dossier.” Some of the republicans, as I anticipated, were obnoxious thugs as they went through their questions (Jim Jordan, Matt Gaetz, Louis Gomert, are you here?).

However, there was ONE republican who gained the MOST information and maybe the least attention. I don’t know his name, only to say he’s got silver hair and he started his 5 minutes by complimenting Mueller on his previous service, to include his service in the Marines and various terms as U.S. Attorneys and as the director of the FBI. This republican was confused by the reality that Mueller, essentially, made a declination in regard to individual 1’s part in any conspiracy with the Russians yet made no declination in regard to the OBSTRUCTION statutes which Mueller outlined in detail. He then asked the question which, in my view, should have been “pounced on” by the democrats when he said, “Could the president by charged with OBSTRUCTION once he’s out of office?” Mueller succinctly responded, “Yes.”

I was simply a sixth grade teacher for the latter third of my working life and have pointed out on this site several times I’ve never been accused of being smart, which is why I’m so confused as to why the democrats on the committee were unable to pick up on the answer to the question I referred to above. When Mueller responded to the question about whether individual 1 can be charged with OBSTRUCTION after he leaves office by simply saying “yes” he was indirectly answering the question of whether Mueller would have charged individual 1 with OBSTRUCTION “had he not been our (so-called) president.” In fact, Mueller points out in the report, that the accumulation of the evidence was for the purpose of “memorializing” the evidence should it be used in the future.

This all being said, another thing that stood out to me, which was NOT surprising is that the republicans, not one of them while I was watching, attempted to challenge the actual evidence about the OBSTRUCTION in the report. There was one republican who challenged Mueller’s interpretation of the OBSTRUCTION statute – but, if you’ve read the report, you KNOW that Mueller went to great detail to explain the statute and leaving the reader to make the interpretation as to its “connection” to the evidence. They, along with me, and likely almost everyone who took the time to read the report could easily see that the EVIDENCE causes one to see the direct connection to individual 1’s behavior and the OBSTRUCTION statute.

Therefore, with the one exception (I just learned it was representative Buck, republican of Colorado) I wrote about above, the republicans spent their time attacking Mueller and attempting to connect the origin of the report to the so-called “Steele Dossier.” And, true to form, our so-called “liberal media” appears to have seen exactly what the republican sycophants wanted them to see. The democrats wanted Mueller to simply say, “If this evidence would be applied to anyone beside the president he would have been indicted.” They wanted him to say it outright. Well, in subtle ways that is exactly what Mueller said – but, even the so-called experts on the media are not/will not be picking up on this.

The republicans are masters at manipulating the media and individual 1 is the master of the masters of media manipulation. The democrats backed themselves into the corner where they find themselves by their FEAR of actually AGGRESSIVELY bringing individual 1’s misdeeds to life via an impeachment INQUIRY. As I’ve said endlessly on this site, I consider Fox “news” a right wing propaganda arm of the republican party and, today, clearly the republicans in the House Judiciary Committee were making “talking points” which can be used by Fox to further their propaganda scheme designed to create what Karl Rove once referred to as the “permanent republican ‘majority.'”

Republicans continue to suggest that any “collusion” involved in this matter was between the Russians and the, get this, the democrats. That, despite the HUNDREDS of examples of meetings between Russians directly connected to the Kremlin and Vladimir Putin AND, members of individual 1’s campaign plus their repeated instances of LYING about those meetings. The suggestions by republicans that somehow the Clinton campaign must have surmised early on they were going to LOSE the election – in early 2016 – and so they “colluded” with the Russians to find “dirt” on individual 1 in order to cause the investigations which have dominated the previous two years of our political discourse defies rationality. However, I know people who believe that – because “Sean (Hannity) says so.”

What ended up being very interesting, and likely because of the cerebral head of the House Intelligence Committee, Adam Schiff, the afternoon session was almost completely different from the morning session. Plus, there was no Jim Jordan, Matt Gaetz, or Louis Gomert, in the afternoon session. There was actually, in the afternoon, at least one republican who attempted to elicit information from Mueller about how best to address the attack by the Russians on our Election of 2016 – I didn’t get his name, but he was a republican. My wife and I (she being a “conservative”) looked at each other in surprise that this particular republican seemed to be interested in the actual issue – the Russian ATTACK on America in 2016!

When it got to the end of the interview of Mueller, Devin Nunes, who I won’t go into detail on my opinion of him – other than to say it’s not good – he chose to pass on his opportunity to badger Mueller for an additional 5 minutes. Nunes had been leading the attempt to connect the Clinton campaign with “Russian Collusion” due to their taking over the Fusion GPS investigation and their hiring Christopher Steele who ultimately produced the now infamous “Steele Dossier.” Nunes and others made clearly inaccurate (LIES) comments about that “dossier” and how it became public (not to mention the veracity of much of what was in it).

A little history lesson: The “oppo research” which led to the “dossier” was initially funded by a republican entity. The democrats took over paying for it after individual 1 became the “presumptive” nominee of the republicans. Steele, a former MI6 “spy” (in Britain), was, according to David Corn, alarmed by all the “stuff” he was “hearing” about individual 1 and his “ties” to Russia, to the point where he decided he had to inform the FBI of what he was finding – acknowledging his information was not corroborated at that point in time – although much of it ultimately proved to be accurate. It was also given to the FBI, at one point, by John McCain. And, it MUST be made clear that the “dossier” DIDN’T start the “Russia investigation.”

According to Mueller’s report and reporting we had heard well before Mueller concluded his report the beginnings of the “Russia investigation” came from an FBI contact who is an official from Australia who happened to be drinking beer with George Papadopoulus in London during May of 2016 when Papadopoulus bragged about the campaign having access to help from the Russians who claimed – via Joseph Mifsud – they had the “Clinton Emails.” Republicans actually focused much of their “attack” on Mueller’s credibility in session 2 on why Mifsud wasn’t charged. This foolish “attack” by the republicans caused the afternoon session to be much more damaging to individual 1 than the morning session.

Of course, as strong as the afternoon session was, the morning session was a plethora of sound bites for those Americans who get their “news” from Fox and the other right wing propaganda sites on the internet. This is why I don’t believe there will be much difference in the “polling” which Nancy Pelosi seems fixated on in regard to whether or not there will be IMPEACHMENT hearings. Of course, as I predicted before the Mueller report became public, Pelosi was NOT going to have the “appetite” for impeachment. She blocked an impeachment inquiry – despite GW Bush/Dick Cheney/Don Rumsfeld all authorizing TORTURE which claimed an untold number of lives and TARNISHED America’s image in the world – an image which individual 1 seems to want to make even worse – back in 2007 just as she’s blocking democrats from an impeachment inquiry RIGHT NOW!

The democrats’ refusal to hold the republicans who authorized TORTURE to account back in 2007 has led to this behavior from individual 1 and the brazenous of the republicans who act as if the Russian ATTACK in 2016 was immaterial – their only interest is protecting a so-called president who has ALLEGEDLY committed MULTIPLE felonies. Republicans view the democrats as “liberal wimps.” Democrats must understand this, but you’d have to wonder as you watch this why they continue to portray this image. The abuses of power coming from the present “White House” should be ALARMING and democrats waiting for republicans to “get onboard” with stopping it appears to many beside myself as pathetic. If individual 1 is to be stopped it’s up to democrats along with “we the people.”

The way the House Committees are set up, there was no way to prevent the republicans (like Jordan, Gaetz, and Gomert) from having a “Fox ‘news’ soundbite moment” – but maybe at some point our “liberal media” will connect the dots between the republican communication strategy and the “Big Lie Theory” of Joseph Goebbels. Maybe that would be enough to get democrats to move forward on an impeachment “inquiry” – because, as Mueller said, (and, as I’ve been saying since day 1 of the Russia investigation) the Russian attack is going on “right now and will continue into the next election.” In my mind, patriotic Americans MUST demand that democrats aggressively stand up for our republic – up to this point in time, clearly, Vladimir Putin is getting exactly what he wants!

I find it sadly ironic that it’s the republicans who are willing to allow the Russians a “free hand” as Putin is attempting to recreate the “former Soviet Union” by undermining the “Western democracies” and the NATO alliance which has held America and her closest allies together since WW II. Wasn’t it Ronald Reagan who republicans treat as a demigod and claim he brought down the Soviet Union? Are republicans oblivious to what Putin is “up to,” or do they just not care? Or worse yet, are they “on board?”

Unfortunately, there are many Americans who are far removed from “the Greatest Generation” – meaning the peers of my parents and grandparents – those who led us out of the Great Depression and fought against Hitler in WW II. Those of us with ties to that generation of Americans are repulsed when we see the neo-Nazi’s walking in places like Charlottesville wearing Nazi armbands and chanting “Jews will not replace us.” To us, NONE of them are “very fine people.” Sorry! And, when we hear about Soviet dissidents being poisoned in Great Britain or the reality of Jamal Khashoggi being cut to pieces by Mohammad bin Salmon’s “bone saw,” and watch as our so-called president wants to look the other way, it’s – well – a bit depressing. Yet over 40% of Americans support individual 1!

It clearly is Vladimir Putin who is pushing this resurgence of the fascism of 1930’s Germany and it’s still to be determined the extent of individual 1’s actual connection to this right wing “wave” spreading across the Western World. If “we the people,” in reality, don’t want to be a part of this fascist movement, we have a stark choice to make in 2020. And, democrats have a stark choice to make in 2019, AND SOON! Mueller was very evasive in the early session when the topic was “OBSTRUCTION” – and, if you’ve read the report, you know Mueller wrote Volume II with the expectation the House would make the determination as to whether the EVIDENCE which was produced rises to the level of OBSTRUCTION of Justice. (It clearly does, as per the letter signed by OVER 1000 former prosecutors) Right now, as I’ve said above (and many other times) Nancy Pelosi doesn’t have the stomach for an impeachment inquiry.

It was obvious that Mueller has a whole different outlook in regard to Volume 1 of his report – the section focused on the “collusion” issue. While “collusion” was NEVER the focus of that part of the investigation, they (Mueller’s team) attempted to make a provable case of conspiracy between members of individual 1’s campaign and the Russians. While they failed to make that connection, you could see from Mueller’s animation (well, he’s really not what you’d call an “animated” person) he was alarmed by the number of meetings between the campaign officials and people connected to the Kremlin, the LYING that took place to HIDE the meetings, the evidence which was destroyed, and, in general, the lack of PATRIOTISM displayed by individual 1, his family, and members of his campaign. Mueller said, “Every American should be concerned about this.” Well, MILLIONS of us are, and we’re wondering if the democrats are missing something here? As the saying goes, “times a wasting.”

Final Thoughts: Those of us who grew up during and were part of the Civil Rights movement and cherished American ideals like what is written on the Statue of Liberty (Bring your tired and…………) were aghast, but not surprised, when individual 1 referred to countries in Africa and places like Haiti as “shithole countries” – because we’ve KNOWN all along our so-called president is a RACIST – but, it still grieves our hearts when we see people crammed into cages at our Southern border to the point where they can’t lay down and, additionally, young CHILDREN being pulled from their parents and also crammed into cages which, to MILLIONS of Americans like me, is making the dark side of this nation grow. It’s sad and it’s a DEPLORABLE way to discourage people in dire situations seeking asylum – fleeing hunger and violence – and from attempting to gain this asylum in America. Our country has been BUILT on immigration and valuing immigrants – in fact, we’re ALL immigrants to varying degrees – including the “Native Americans” who immigrated to North America over 10,000 years ago from Asia.

Issues like what’s going on at the border, the Russia “stuff,” individual 1’s connection to Jeffrey Epstein, the Emoluments abuses, and on and on all seem to get “washed under the rug” simply by the enormity of trying to keep up with all the scandalous behavior emanating from those connected to the “White House.” It’s numbing, which appears to me to be part of the strategy. Just brazen out in the open CORRUPTION which becomes more and more difficult to “harness” by the very fact so much of it has transpired, it’s no secret, we see it happening in real time, and there’s NO appreciable accountability. I predicted this when President Obama said, “We’re going to look forward instead of back” in regard to ALL the illegal activity of the Bush/Cheney administration. That was, to the republicans intent on continuing their scandalous pilfering of America’s taxpayers like sitting in front of a green light! This will ONLY stop when democrats MAKE it stop by standing up for our CONSTITUTION and saying “no mas” – “we’re going to put a stop to this CORRUPTION no matter what republicans do.”

I have a friend, who is a supporter of individual 1, and who texted me this morning predicting this will be the end of the democratic party – “this” meaning the “Russia investigation” and its aftermath. Of course, he’s getting his information from right wing websites – but, that’s how individual 1’s supporters think and, if democrats believe they’re going to “sway” people’s thinking like this person, they are sadly deluding themselves. I’ve said this for years, there is a war going on for the heart and soul of this nation – and, the republican party has been, for years, leaning closer and closer to fascism and, they fight dirty. It’s the VOTERS of the country who will determine how far we continue to go in allowing this attack on our traditional values and institutions and, if democrats continue to FEAR the voters getting “mad” at them for defending the CONSTITUTION, they will be continuing to ENABLE this right wing scourge. My hope lies in the young people of America who, I believe, will vote for the LIBERAL values which made America the “leader of the free world” (Yes, despite many “hiccups”) and will repudiate what individual 1 stands for. If we fail to do so, God help us!

I spent the last third of my working life as a sixth grade teacher (a great privilege), and I don’t consider myself all that smart. That’s why as I was driving around today listening to a lot of MSNBC I tried as best I could to NOT find myself YELLING at the car radio. When I admit to not being that smart I do have to say my expectation would be that those with a platform in our “liberal media” SHOULD be smarter, and certainly, our “leaders” in Washington D.C. SHOULD be smarter. I guess that’s why it seems so frustrating when I feel both the democrats and the “liberal media” can’t seem to help themselves from being “played” by individual 1.

So, in the past few days I pointed out goal number one for individual 1 is to get “we the people’s” attention as far away from Jeffrey Epstein as he could possibly cause to happen. Just this past weekend I pointed out he was going to do something “brash” (I can’t remember my exact words) so that the headlines would go in a different direction. Individual 1’s goal was that no one would be talking about Epstein and, most certainly, the investigative reporters would get their attention focused in a different direction. How was he going to do this? Well, how about ANOTHER disgusting RACIST “tweet.” It works every time and it’s working today, as I’m writing this.

Of course, this is a no risk move by the so-called president, even though many think he’s doing the democrats a favor by giving them a reason to “pull together.” There’s no risk for individual 1 because his supporters both already KNOW he’s a disgusting RACIST and they DON’T care. Today, when he spoke on the “White House” lawn I could hear on my radio the crowd cheering as he doubled down on his RACIST trope suggesting the four House “women of color” could return to their countries of origin if they don’t like it here. (Of course, this is the country of “origin” for three of the women involved)

Ironically, individual 1 who’s been complaining about virtually EVERYTHING you can imagine about our government and those who have committed their lives to public service for as long as I can remember. Keep in mind, I never watched the “Apprentice” and the only thing I knew about individual 1 before he made his xenophobic entrance into the 2016 primaries was he led the “birther movement,” he exposed himself as a RACIST during the episode with the “Central Park Five (doubling down on that one with the birther movement), and he had multiple BANKRUPTCIES in his background. Oh yes, I was aware of his womanizing and his marriage infidelity. Other than that I knew nothing of him.

Ironically, his main rationale for suggesting these four women should return to their “countries of origin” (again, I have to point out that in three instances that’s AMERICA!) is because “They’re complaining about everything.” Well, of course, like virtually EVERYTHING which comes from individual 1’s mouth, that isn’t remotely true. Yes, they’re complaining about his DEPLORABLE strategy at our Southern border which, in essence when you see men CAGED in areas where they can’t even lie down because they are crowded in so tight – I believe meets the international definition of TORTURE is criticism well deserved. Of course, as I said above, the real reason behind these disgusting words from individual 1 is all about Jeffrey Epstein!

True to form, it’s working. For two days now our “liberal media” has been focused on the “SHOCKING” reality our so-called president is a RACIST! Obviously, anyone who questioned that before this past weekend has been watching too much Fox “news.” On my way home tonight I actually heard someone who is in his cabinet suggest you can’t call individual 1 a RACIST because he has a member of his cabinet who is Asian. That’s like saying “I’m not a racist because I know someone who has a Black friend.” I’m constantly amazed at how STUPID individual 1 assumes “we the people” are, and, sadly, how many Americans actually fall for his shtick. Of course, the reality is that there is a larger segment of America falling into the “White Nationalist” camp than most would like to admit. They were referred to as “deplorables” in the 2016 election by someone who had a poor campaign and STILL got 3 MILLION more votes than individual 1. That person predicted pretty much MOST of what has transpired over the past almost three (miserable) years.

So, is the Jeffrey Epstein connection to individual 1 going to be “old news.” Well, I often wonder how much “coordination” is there between the “liberal media” and those behind his campaign. If you remember, back in 2016 he received a couple BILLION dollars worth of FREE advertising by outlets like, sadly, MSNBC. You would think Fox “news” doesn’t need the help, but MSNBC is so fixated on individual 1 they are like “sitting ducks” for his media manipulation. And, people like Chris Matthews and Chuck Todd view themselves as the experts and, I believe, have no idea how they’re being played. It worked so well in 2016 it shouldn’t be surprising to see individual 1 following the same strategy again as he sets his sights on 2020.

Combined with the ability of the democrats to “pull defeat from the jaws of victory,” (I know I’ve used that a bit much lately, but I believe it’s true – and, it’s a bit scary considering the stakes), the FACT the Russians are still involved and they’ve taught individual 1 “how to do active measures,” AND the willingness of outlets like Facebook and Twitter to allow themselves to be the “engine” for the real “fake news,” it’s a bit sobering feeling as if MSNBC is, “wittingly or unwittingly,” working on individual 1’s behalf. Yikes!

Moving on: Well, as usual it’s taking me a few days to finish this posting. So, just to confirm what I wrote a few days ago, the beginning of this week – at least on MSNBC (and, I checked for a few moments CNN) – the focus of the DISGUST on our so-called president for the past few days has been, just as I’m sure he KNEW, has been his RACIST tropes against the so-called “squad.” MSNBC doesn’t even take the effort to explain whatever words the four congresswomen supposedly made causing individual 1 to interpret them as “hating America.” The way they portray individual 1’s RACIST comments aimed at the “squad” would almost suggest they (the squad) did something wrong. Of course, anyone who’s been paying attention knows if individual 1’s lips are moving he’s LYING! Sadly, he knows how to MANIPULATE the so-called “liberal media” – and, at least, MSNBC unknowingly (I hope) fall for it.

Now, today (it’s already Tuesday – well past any talk of individual 1’s connection to Epstein and tomorrow Robert Mueller will be testifying about his report to the House. Seemingly, democrats are just hoping they can get the reality we have a president who commits “high crimes and misdemeanors” on a weekly basis, yet he has a “base” which could care less. Everyone knows individual 1 is a LIAR, everyone knows he’s a RACIST, everyone knows he gained his office with the help of the Russians (well, unless you watch Fox “news”), most Americans saw individual 1 cower next to Vladimir Putin in Helsinki and say “I believe him” (instead of our intelligence community), everyone knows individual 1 has been OBSTRUCTING justice in the Mueller investigation along with OBSTRUCTING Congress as they investigate Mueller’s findings, and everyone knows he believes TORTURING people fleeing violence and poverty in Central America is the way to stop people legitimately seeking asylum in America from coming here. And, there’s MORE……………..

This is all disgusting but I believe individual 1 knows that if “we the people” find out the truth about what was going on behind the closed doors of the parties he and Epstein were part of back “in the day” – before Epstein was first charged with sex trafficking – even some of his steadfast “Christian” supporters might abandon him. The accusations of sexual misconduct which ranges up to and including rape that have accumulated over the past three years aimed at our so-called president haven’t been enough to get the attention of all the so-called family value “Christians” who make up much of individual 1’s base. Once I looked closely at the Epstein indictment and Epstein’s relationship with individual 1 I predicted our so-called president would cause the focus of the media’s attention to change. I’ll say it again, individual 1 is playing our so-called “liberal media” as if they were a cheap musical instrument.

Final Thought: The “attention” in America is changing to Robert Mueller’s testimony before the House Judiciary and Intelligence committees tomorrow. I’ve read Mueller’s report twice now and, to me, there’s NO question that individual 1 has committed MULTIPLE offenses of OBSTRUCTION of Justice. Mueller explains the OBSTRUCTION laws in detail at the end of Volume II and, if you’ve closely read his “evidence” in the report, it’s clear our so-called president is more of a CRIMINAL than “just” the campaign finance FELONIES he’s an unindicted co-conspirator according to the Southern District of New York’s US Attorney’s office – crimes Michael Cohen is now sitting in jail resulting from his part in the conspiracy to HIDE two of individual 1’s affairs from voters just prior to the 2016 election. There’s likely MUCH more for individual 1 to account for after he leaves office due to the 12 or so other ongoing investigations into his business activities. He still comes across to me as a mafia boss.

There’s just so much to be concerned about, but every day “we the people” are sitting in our homes and having plenty to eat, there’s a few thousand people at our Southern border stuffed into cages like sardines – in ways that, as I said, are TORTURE. (When people can’t even lie down because of a lack of space – to me, that is TORTURE) This is another area individual 1 is attempting to change the focus of the media in another direction – as if we don’t see the pictures of the people in the cages in the news, then it’s not happening. This all breaks my heart and causes me to believe this is a very dark part of America’s emerging history books. If you’re reading this, try to get as many people as you can to VOTE against this abomination in 2020 because I believe the democrats don’t have the GUTS to impeach this sad excuse for a president!

Today, as I was wandering through our local Costco, killing a bit of time before I had to go to an appointment, I checked out their collection of books to sell – I read everything I can which provides actual information about our government – past and present. It’s true I don’t buy and read books from those who are associated with Fox “news,” because when I’ve tried in the past I just find pages FULL of LIES, but today I saw a book written by Mark Levin titled “Unfreedom of the Press.” I decided, while I had a bit of time, to read as much of it as I could in order to see if it was worth 16 of my dollars. It wasn’t!

As usual, it brought up another OMG moment. This Levin person is educated, but – I guess LYING is a requirement of people on Fox – the book (and I only read maybe 20 pages) was FULL of LIES! As I said above, when I talk to someone who supports individual 1 almost EVERY time they are a Fox viewer. Many are sensitive to me suggesting that and they LIE about it, as if they know what’s being funneled into their brains – but, it only takes a few moments for them to “give up the ghost.” (For example, when someone refers to “Sean” in supporting their opinions it becomes crystal clear why they believe what they believe,)

In reading Levin’s book, in the section regarding the Mueller report, he was essentially regurgitating the LIES of William Barr. It’s no wonder the Fox viewers are so ignorant – they get a sophisticated barrage of calculated LYING as a “steady diet.” Levin’s book is premised on the accusation the “liberal media” is affiliated with a political party (democrats) and he spent MOST of the time, on the pages I was reading, lamenting on how dangerous that is to our “democracy” (actually, it’s a republic – the “checks and balances” of the constitution are designed to prevent America from becoming a true “democracy” – and, the “free press” is a key part of the “checks”) with nary a word about Fox. It really reminded me of the projection of individual 1 – where when he’s accusing democrats of something, you can be sure that’s exactly what he, himself, is doing. As I read through Levin’s book, I was thinking he needs to look in the mirror.

In fact, it was Levin’s main premise that caused me to decide to take a good look at his book to see if I could justify buying it – to get the perspective of “the other side.” (It grieves me to write that because in so many ways I consider myself a “conservative.” The present day “conservatives” likely make Edmond Burke “roll in his grave” on a daily basis.) I agree that when a major media outlet becomes totally affiliated with one political party it is a danger to our republic. What was missing was his analysis of Fox “news.” His focus, in the pages I read was the New York Times. Well, as I said, even the Fox viewers know they are receiving partisan propaganda that is the platform of the republican party. Sorry Mr. Levin, but I’m not buying your book!

I believe Fox will end up right next to individual 1 in the dregs of American history books when all is said, done, and written about this era of America and it has finally come to an end. Sadly, I don’t think that will be an excuse for all the “Christians” who are supporting a political party, which has been commandeered by individual 1 and doesn’t remotely resemble the fundamental values they claim to believe in. Most of these same people were the ones criticizing me for questioning their blind loyalty to Bush/Cheney as the STUPID invasion of Iraq was happening. Now, they (mostly) have come to understand the folly of that “war.” Time will cause them to realize the folly of their support for individual 1 although when you question it, at this point in time, they (the ones I know) start yelling.

I’m on my second time reading Mueller’s “report” and, as I read what was in Levin’s book I felt certain Levin has NOT read the report – he was simply regurgitating Barr’s LIES – evidently, because it’s what he wanted to hear, when Barr made them, and, maybe, he’s too lazy to do the reading. It says on the inside book cover that Levin has a law degree so if he had read Mueller’s report he wouldn’t be writing “no collusion” – for one thing – because Mueller was as clear as he could be that “collusion” was NOT what they investigated. If FACT, you can’t read that report without seeing a lot of “collusion.” What Mueller couldn’t do, partly because of the LYING by witnesses and the destruction of evidence, which caused “The Office” to determine charging anyone with “conspiracy” (which is what they investigated – NOT “collusion”) could not be proved “beyond a reasonable doubt,” was to charge people like individual 1 Jr. or Jared Kushner with conspiracy – Mueller even suggested the “Office” would not likely get a conviction because the boys didn’t know any better. Yikes! OK, not being able to prove “conspiracy,” even though it was a close call, was Mueller’s conclusion in Volume I.

Of course, Levin also said “on obstruction.” Again, he’s got a law degree, so I have to conclude he DIDN’T read the report – because, I don’t see how ANYONE could read that report (Volume II) and come away saying “no obstruction.” I’ve heard several former US Attorneys say their conclusion was 10 or 11 PROVABLE cases of “Obstruction of Justice” charges could realistically be given to individual 1 based on the evidence in Volume II. I was a school teacher in my working life (the last part of it), so clearly I’m no lawyer (although I studied constitutional law in college back in the 60’s), but in my reading of Mueller’s report (the first time) I felt there were about FIVE obvious cases of “Obstruction of Justice” which individual 1 SHOULD be charged with. Mueller goes into great detail to explain the law, how the laws work, and why OBSTRUCTION of JUSTICE is such a serious CRIME.

When you read the report, it becomes really clear that Mueller “has a point” when he explains how serious OBSTRUCTION is to the legal system. Essentially, OBSTRUCTION is what people who want to damage the legal system – essentially CRIMINALS – do on a routine basis. It’s a SERIOUS felony! We’re talking about things like encouraging witnesses in an investigation to LIE, intimidating witnesses to a crime, essentially doing anything that would OBSTRUCT (Impede) the government’s ability to investigate criminal activity. Trey Gowdy gave individual 1 the best advice I heard in the past 3 years when he said, “If you’re innocent, act like it.” Well, individual 1 SHOULD have taken that advice, but calling witnesses “rats” and threatening their families is NOT “acting like it,” firing those investigating you is NOT “acting like it,” asking associates to OBSTRUCT and then trying to get them to LIE about it is NOT “acting like it,” and I could go on – but, read the report! (My advice, also, to Mr. Levin – and countless members of Congress – especially republicans – who clearly have NOT taken the time to read the report is READ THE REPORT!)

The reality “we the people” are facing is that we have what amounts to an organized crime boss as our so-called president who’s an unabashedly racist, xenophobic, misogynistic, narcissistic, and, to top it all off, is a pathological LIAR not to mention an admitted sexual predator. (If you’re not familiar with pathological LIARS, it means he believes his own LIES are truthful as they are continuously rolling off his tongue) And, he demonstrates all this on almost a daily basis – I think he can’t help himself. All through the Mueller report there’s evidence given by his surrogates about how they counseled him (individual 1) to just ignore the Russia investigation and do his job. As Gowdy advised, “act like you’re innocent.” He couldn’t force himself to do it. The morning “tweet storms” have become normal now in America. But, apparently, what individual 1 didn’t understand was EVERY one of those “tweets” was “evidence” in regard to the OBSTRUCTION investigation.

If you followed all this I’m sure you’re familiar with all the reporting where individual 1’s advisers along with his republican brethren were constantly counseling him to “stop tweeting,” to no avail. Well, all through Volume II of the Mueller report the notes at the bottom of the pages refer back to “tweet” after “tweet.” Here’s the deal, when you’re our (so-called) president (or, for that matter, any other citizen) the fact you’re using “Twitter” to OBSTRUCT an investigation you don’t like is just as if you were doing it in person. The fact MILLIONS of followers could see your “tweets” aimed at intimidating witnesses, harassing Justice Department employees, threatening the Special Counsel, etc. etc. does not exonerate you. In fact, it’s just a public display of STUPIDITY – especially when you find out about all the legal advisers telling individual 1 “don’t do this – it’s ‘OBSTRUCTIVE.'”

Here’s the other frustration for progressive Americans. As certain as we are that individual 1 is going to commit another “High Crime and misdemeanor” almost on a daily basis – certainly actions warranting investigation – we’re almost as certain that Nancy Pelosi is going to BLOCK the IMPEACHMENT inquiry which is so clearly needed. She did this with Bush/Cheney/Rumsfeld when it came to the offense (apparently, to her, minor) of authorizing TORTURE and she’s doing it now in regard to having a mafia boss as our so-called president. It remains to be seen as to which republican administration causes the MOST DAMAGE. Of course, the DAMAGE from the ill-conceived invasion of Iraq in 2003 is ongoing. Much of the DAMAGE being caused by individual 1 is “flying under the radar” and what he’s doing to this country will take a generation to “fix” if it’s fixable.

I’ve said this many times: It appears to me individual 1’s red hats with MAGA on them should really say MC/RGA – Make China and Russia great again! I believe China is just “licking its chops” at all the opportunities individual 1 has just handed over to them. The pulling out of the Paris Climate Accords signaled to the Chinese they have a free hand in leading the way in renewable energy technology and the pulling out of the TPP has given China a free hand at dominating the Southeast Asian economy – something President Obama was attempting to “short-circuit” – and, even many democrats couldn’t figure that one out. I believe when all is said and done in regard to the so-called “Tariff war” individual 1 will be exposed for further ignorance – if that’s possible.

There’s two entities making it possible for this nightmare to continue. First, and to me foremost, it’s Fox “news” and the right wing media outlets which have spawned off of them and secondly is a bunch of republican legislators totally lacking in guts (kind of like democrats of the past 30+ years). When legislators are more focused on getting re-elected than on fulfilling their oath of office they should no longer be in office. Sadly, that is the reality “we the people” are facing with MOST legislators in our nation’s capital. There are a few with guts, but I don’t see a long line in that category. (And, it’s only one republican – who I guess had to drop out of the republican party for having guts – and that’s Justin Amash – someone I admire although I disagree with much of what he believes)

This is why, at least so far, I haven’t heard one republican repudiate individual 1 for his disgusting RACIST attack on the group of freshmen (women) democrats in Congress – which I wrote about in my previous post. The following “tweet” was disgusting, but, as usual, individual 1′ is doubling down on his RACISM which is more disgusting and, to me even worse, is the “lockjaw” of republicans in Congress. Here again, is the “tweet:”

So interesting to see “Progressive” Democrat Congresswomen, who originally came from countries whose governments are a complete and total catastrophe, the worst, most corrupt and inept anywhere in the world (if they even have a functioning government at all), now loudly and viciously telling the people of the United States, the greatest and most powerful Nation on earth, how our government is to be run. Why don’t they go back and help fix the totally broken and crime infested places from which they came. Then come back and show us how it is done. These places need your help badly, you can’t leave fast enough. I’m sure that Nancy Pelosi would be very happy to quickly work out free travel arrangements!

I wrote extensively about this previously, but as I was looking at it, there was one more thought I wanted to pass on. In my previous comments I forgot to mention three of the four women this “tweet” was aimed at were born in the United States. So when individual 1 says: “So interesting to see “Progressive” Democrat Congresswomen, who originally came from countries whose governments are a complete and total catastrophe, the worst, most corrupt and inept anywhere in the world” – he’s apparently talking about America isn’t he? Do you find that disgusting? Is he suggesting the government he’s in charge of is “a complete and total catastrophe, the worst, most corrupt and inept anywhere in the world?” Well, as long as he’s in charge, I guess I would have to agree with him.

Final thought: “We the people” need to be thankful William Barr did not enter the “scene” until the final stages of the Mueller investigation. I have no doubt he would have terminated the investigation early had he been in office sooner and, had he been the original Attorney General for individual 1 there would have been NO investigation. He seems to be as willing to accept the help of the Russians as individual 1 (and his surrogates) as well. The cyber warfare that is ongoing could well be the undoing of the America as most of us has known it. Countries around the world have seen that individual 1’s narcissism has prevented “we the people” from an appropriate response to Russia’s “active measures” almost encouraging other bad actors to “join the fray.” William Barr has soiled his own reputation and is doing untold DAMAGE to the Justice Department – the institution which is the MOST important in America’s hierarchy of institutions to remain “a political” – Barr is attempting to turn the Justice Department into an “arm” of the president. It is critically important he fails. As with individual 1 I don’t understand why republicans don’t understand this could conceivably “boomerang” on them???

When Mueller “finished” his investigation there were 12 sealed investigations “farmed out” to various districts and, from what I’ve heard Barr has already terminated 7 of them. So far there’s been little to no reporting on this. Additionally, Mike Flynn apparently is no longer “cooperating” – whatever that means and the Roger Stone indictment is still pending a trial. It wouldn’t surprise me if everything Mueller had in the “pipeline” gets blocked by Barr. His allegiance is clearly to individual 1 and NOT to his oath to “faithfully defend the constitution and the laws of the land.” Yikes!

OMG! Alan Dershowitz has caused my stomach to curl, often, as he’s been visibly attempting to defend the indefensible when it comes to individual 1 over the previous couple of years. I’m always reminded of the OJ trial and Dershowitz helping Simpson get away with a double murder, and now the Epstein case – we discover it was Dershowitz (and Ken Starr) meeting in a hotel working out the details so that a sex trafficker (of teenage girls) could avoid the prosecution most EXPERTS say he deserved. It’s almost daily that I’m reminded of the hypocrisy (well beyond that of MOST of us “normal” humans) which seems to be attached to our so-called president and the people he associates with.

Of course, Dershowitz will have little trouble rationalizing away his part in defending Jeffrey Epstein who was, allegedly, running a sophisticated “ring” of what amounts to child prostitution. Who all was involved? Well, hopefully “we the people” will find out. To me, the two most notable men attempting to distance themselves from Epstein are individual 1 and Bill Clinton. (OK, for those with their heads in the sand, “individual 1” is the name Donald Trump was given by the prosecutors in the Southern District of New York – yes, the very same prosecutors who are bringing the case against Epstein – for paying off a “porn star” so that she wouldn’t “spill the beans” of his affair – while his third wife was home taking care of his latest child, then a baby – the payoff coming right before the 2016 election. That payoff – and, the other one for another illicit affair which happened at the same time – was a FELONY and Trump became “individual 1” as an “unindicted co-conspirator” with Michael Cohen – who made the payments at the direction of “individual 1” and is now in JAIL partly because of those payments) Time will tell how involved those two men were with the “young girls” Epstein was using.

If you’ve read much history involving individual 1 you can understand why this is making him nervous and why his “Roy Cohn” – William Barr our so-called Attorney General – would “unrecuse” himself in regard to this case (one day after recusing) knowing his CLIENT may need some more “defense” as the Epstein case unfolds. I heard Barr’s reason for the recusal, but not for the “unrecusal.” Clinton, almost immediately, pointed out the number of times he had been on a plane – apparently Epstein’s – all for the “Clinton Foundation.” Epstein was noted as a philanthropist – one thing he doesn’t have in commen with individual 1. Individual 1 seemed, at first, to hardly remember Epstein – until even he realized how ridiculous that was going to “play.” Now it’s “We had a falling out- maybe – 15 years ago.” Well, my best guess is the “fallout” happened when Epstein faced the MINIMAL consequences for getting caught in his lurid “side business.” (Of course, the prosecutor was individual 1’s labor Secretary – remember, he only hangs with the “top people”) I wonder how many people BELIEVE individual 1 when he attempts to put distance from someone he once complemented on Epstein’s “love for beautiful women” including “younger girls.” (If not obvious, NOT me!)

Speaking of sex predators and young girls, if you’ve never read about individual 1’s history with the Miss Teen USA pageant or heard his interviews with Howard Stern regarding “owning” the pageant you probably aren’t aware of all the (young teenage) girls reporting individual 1 walking into their dressing room while some were nude “because I’m the owner.” His boasts about “stalking” (my inference) the teenage girls would leave one to wonder (certainly, I’m wondering) how much individual 1 was involved with Epstein’s “business.” His boasts about walking through the dressing room and “checking out the girls – because I’m the owner” was very similar, to me, with his boasting on the “Access Hollywood” tape. “I can do this because I’m famous, they’ll let you do it.” Individual 1 even boasted “I’d be dating Ivanka if she wasn’t my daughter” euwww!

If anyone believes individual 1 will be telling the truth in regard to Epstein, I can almost guarantee you they’re watching Fox “news.” I have no idea how much, if any, involvement he had with Epstein’s – what amounts to a – child prostitution ring, but I can tell you I don’t believe I’m the only American who is suspicious. My suspicion was escalated when I heard about Barr “unrecusing” in regard to the case. It’s been reported Barr is going to “supervise” the case. Why on earth would that be necessary? Is it because the reports of individual 1 and Epstein in parties with these young girls keep “popping” up?

There’s no doubt Washington D.C. (I have to add the “DC” because I live in the state) was corrupt to the core before individual 1 said he was going to “drain the swamp.” I agreed, the “swamp” needed to be “drained.” However, making the “swamp” “swampier” is no way to drain a “swamp.” Individual 1 has increased the CORRUPTION in our government exponentially. It’s as if he’s trying to be a Putin “wannabee.” I’ve always felt some of admiration of Putin comes not only from Putin’s ability to “take care of his opponents” (in whatever way he chooses) but also his wealth. It’s been reported by many that Putin is actually the wealthiest man in the world – it’s just that Russian wealth is tied up in the Russian Mafiya – which Putin runs. All those “oligarchs” you read about are beholden to Putin for EVERYTHING they own.

It’s also been reported ad nauseam about how individual 1 is using his office to add to his own personal wealth, I’m just a bit skeptical he’ll be able to keep up with his idol Putin. Of course, the emoluments cases in the courts are still “languishing” and they’ve been in the works for the past two years and, it wouldn’t surprise me if we find out it’s Dershowitz advising individual 1 on how to avoid losing those lawsuits. That’s one of the great ironies in all this to me. I’ve written endlessly about my grief in regard to the FACT it’s the so-called “Christian right” which makes up much of individual 1’s “base,” and when I talk to people I know who fall into that category I often hear them complaining about “lawyers.” Yet, “der leader,” seems to be affiliated with the sleaziest of those who practice law. Let me repeat, not only was Dershowitz key in getting Epstein “off” (with an incredibly light sentence regarding what can only be described as a “horrific” crime) but he was key in getting OJ Simpson “off.” And, now he’s working to get individual 1 “off.” (And, by the way, William Barr is well on his way to destroying our Justice Department – while, as usual in these days, republicans sit idly by.

Additionally, these right wing “Christians” seem to have an objection to the lawyers who are defending immigrants who are being abused en masse, pro bono. Speaking of the immigrant “crisis” – which individual 1 is trying to exacerbate, I’m expecting something even more brazen than what has been exposed in the last week or two in order to get the focus of “we the people” off of Epstein. That’s how this works, “we the people” are constantly being manipulated to the point where we can’t keep up with all the CORRUPTION, therefore, there is NO accountability for any of it.

And, of course, democrats play right into the hands of individual 1 and his “handlers” who have absolutely NO moral compass – plus republicans have a bunch of “Christians” who will NEVER believe anything negative about der leader – which is what allows their “strategy” to work. (Imagine where all these “Christians” would be had President Obama say – paid off a porn star to silence her in order to get elected, had worked with the Russians to get elected, had committed OBSTRUCTION of Justice multiple times (by some accounts 10), had sided with Putin over our intelligence community on the world stage (hell, had met with Putin for two hours with no one else present), had committed OVER 5000 provable LIES per year while in office, had claimed he could grab women by the pussy because he was famous, had exchanged “love letters” with Kim Jong un, had enabled MBS after he had a U.S. resident and journalist MURDERED (and dismembered with a BONE SAW!) because he was getting so much MONEY from the Saudi’s, had tripled the annual deficit in just two years, and the list goes on and on. I hope you get my point.) Democrats need to understand what is at stake here and that following traditional political “norms” to fight this is insufficient! I’ve said this many times now in regard to an IMPEACHMENT inquiry, “If not now, when?”

Well then, what is my point tonight? To me, there’s something “fishy” in regard to individual 1’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein and, I believe both William Barr and Allen Dershowitz will be doing everything in their power to make sure “we the people” never find out about it. Individual 1’s own words from the early 2000’s in regard to Epstein have to make you wonder, don’t they? He not only commented on how they both (Epstein and himself) love beautiful women but he made a really curious remark about how Epstein loves “young women.” Here’s the exact quote, “I’ve known Jeff for 15 years. Terrific guy,” Individual 1 told New York magazine in 2002. “He’s a lot of fun to be with. It is even said that he likes beautiful women as much as I do, and many of them are on the younger side.” Doesn’t that make you curious? I guess my point is, “Democrats, you are enabling disgusting policy because of your FEAR of independent voters while YOUR base KNOWS an IMPEACHMENT inquiry is LONG overdue!”

As usual, it seems to take me days to put together what I feel is a collection of my thoughts worth publishing (I’m sure in the eyes of many NONE of my thoughts are worth publishing) – even though, when I started, I never imagined anyone ever finding my “diary” – the home of my venting which started after GW Bush LIED “we the people” into Iraq – maybe, up to this point in time, the WORST decision by any American president EVER. However, individual 1 and his supporters are motivating me to write even more frequently. I HATE the idea his “base” is made up mostly by “evangelical Christians.” I just can’t understand how they can support him, PERIOD! The abortion issue, in my mind, is not worth the DAMAGE being done to our nation by the most CORRUPT (so-called) president EVER! (Mulligans are for the golf course, period!)

When I make this next comment it won’t be the first time: I fully believe democrats are the experts at pulling “defeat from the jaws of victory.” I want to finish this post by elaborating on that comment in addition to my prediction individual 1 would find an ugly way to get the attention off of Epstein.

Well, this past week we saw a squabble amongst democrats make it out of their caucus as the so-called “squad” – the four freshmen (women) democrats of color, “AOC” – Alexandria Ocasio Cortez, seemingly the leader, along with Rashida Tlaib, Ayanna Pressley, and Ilhan Omar – who aren’t afraid to speak their minds and are only going to take so much of Nancy Pelosi’s “pragmatism,” and their frustration “boiled” over. They clearly are targets of the right wingers and they don’t back down from the attacks. From my stand point, “ya gotta love it!” So a little friction in the democratic caucus “spilled onto the street,” and, of course, der leader couldn’t resist.

Well, before I comment on individual 1’s “new low” (and, in my mind, strategically so) let me just say I hope the democrats can pull together understanding the issue is DEFEATING individual 1 over their policy agenda. All the “ideas” in the world they want to throw around are meaningless unless they can defeat our so-called president ALONG with Mitch McConnell. Almost as critical as getting individual 1 out of the “White House” and into the courtroom would be defeating McConnell and gaining control of the Senate. Back to my “final point.”

So, like a shark who senses blood in the water, (I know, a per “Stormy Daniels” individual 1 fears sharks, but hang with me) individual 1 saw this “squabble” and, sure enough, he pictured a way to get “we the people’s” minds off of Jeffrey Epstein and all the stories beginning to surface of them doing the “young girls” scene together. Individual 1 knows exactly how the “liberal media” will respond to his darkest tendencies and he knows his base could care less, so here’s the “tweet” designed to cause us all to forget Epstein:

“So interesting to see ‘Progressive’ Democrat Congresswomen, who originally came from countries whose governments are a complete and total catastrophe, the worst, most corrupt and inept anywhere in the world,” Individual 1 wrote on Twitter, “now loudly and viciously telling the people of the United States, the greatest and most powerful Nation on earth, how our government is to be run.” Individual 1 added: “Why don’t they go back and help fix the totally broken and crime infested places from which they came. Then come back and show us how it is done.”

I could go on and on about what a RACIST, NATIVIST, XENOPHOBIC AND DISGUSTING “tweet” that was – one of the WORST – but, that’s individual 1’s intention. In fact, I don’t do “Twitter” but when I was trying to find the “Tweet” I noticed he already had over !69,000 “retweets” with hearts next to them. I’m guessing that’s from his White Nationalist followers. He accomplishes two goals in one tweet – the MOST important is to get people’s minds off his behavior with Epstein AND the “young girls.” (I’ve seen it reported he allegedly raped a 13 year old girl at one of Epstein’s parties – although, I haven’t seen any details supporting the accusation, but…….) and secondly, to assure his “deplorable” supporters he’s still got their backs. The comment was just further confirmation he’s a racist and I’m sure he finds it amusing watching all the “liberal” commentators discussing whether this is the worst comment ever. They’ve almost forgotten Mr. Epstein. We’ll see how it all plays out.

The “High Crimes and Misdemeanors” are coming faster than “we the people” can keep up. And, it’s like the schoolyard bully DARING anyone to stop him. Of course, if it was up to the “squad” we’d be well into the process of IMPEACHMENT – despite the FACT Pelosi is correct that the Senate won’t convict. But, the “squad” is CORRECT that the House shouldn’t make decisions of what’s “right or wrong” based on the Senate. They should make those decisions, well, based on “right and wrong.” End of story! For as long as I can remember Democrats have been considered by MANY Americans (myself included) as “spineless.” Their pandering over IMPEACHMENT isn’t helping that image!

My apologies to anyone who might happen here who supports individual 1, but our so-called president is an IDIOT when it comes to running our government. It almost feels as if the DAMAGE he’s doing to the traditional institutions which have served Americans well for generations are out of spite. It’s like he’s the oppositional BULLY in the sixth grade who says if you (the teacher) tell me not to do something, well, that’s like a “green light.” Today’s “scandal” is related to individual 1’s rogue behavior as he tries to envision himself as the “commander in chief” while putting the world on edge in regard to the situation in Iran.

Apparently, today, individual 1 proved himself to be totally dysfunctional as he keeps people wondering what kind of blunder is he really capable of. Apparently, there was a decision to “bomb, bomb, bomb Iran” (in the words of the late John McCain) which he called off at the last moment – according to him because he was told 150 Iranians would die as a result of the American response to Iran shooting down an American drone – which the Iranians claim was in their air space and, of course, the Americans claim was over international waters. Individual 1, in an interview with one of my least favorite “reporters” (Chuck Todd), claimed the response wouldn’t be proportional. (I actually agree with him – it’s just that, like in every other instance, either he’s LYING or proving, once again, that he’s an IDIOT.

Why would I make such a harsh statement, you might ask? Well, can you imagine what it means that an airstrike was imminent and our so-called “commander in chief” – as final permission was being asked from the military leaders – wanted to know what the level of casualties would be. OK, if you’re still not “getting it” let me explain. It’s unreal that a military action could get to the point where the missiles were ready to “fly” and individual 1 is asking how many people will be killed? Isn’t that maybe one of the first questions which should be dealt with during the planning stage? I have to ask: “Was there a planning stage?” Was individual 1 even involved in the planning and to what degree? I have to tell you that although I’m very happy the air strike was canceled, I have even LESS confidence in individual 1 as the “commander in chief” than before this incident. (Which was already close to ZERO)

I’ve been saying since the start of his “term” it’s just a matter of time until this bumbling so-called president is going to be pushed into a crisis by someone who would love to see America further torn apart. I keep telling myself Osama bin Laden has totally succeeded in his goal to cause America to tear apart from the inside out when he planned the 9/11 attack. And, of course, Vladimir Putin is right there trying to stimulate that result. (Although, even Putin sees the folly – for the world – in the U.S. starting another WAR in the Middle East – in this case with Iran. Won’t it be interesting if, at some point, we learn individual 1 actually called off the attack via Putin’s orders????)

And, keep in mind, this is all the work of individual 1’s attempting to push Iran to the point where they come on their knees asking him to back off on the sanctions he cinched up after “tearing up” the “Iran Nuclear deal” – ostensibly because it was part of President Obama’s legacy. (If that’s not clear to you, tearing down Obama’s “legacy” is a key part of individual 1’s own “legacy” – and, I believe, history will not be kind to this obsession) I have to say if individual 1 actually believes the Iranians are going to come begging for “mercy” he’s as deluded as Don Rumsfeld and Dick Cheney were when they claimed the Iraqi’s would treat Americans as hero’s for toppling the regime of Saddam Hussein. (Actually, some of those same deluded advisers – ie John Bolton – are part of this emerging fiasco)

As usual, I can’t keep up with the scandal a day administration of individual 1 and, I’m sure this is individual 1’s goal. (I started this post a couple weeks ago and just didn’t have the gumption to finish it until I saw the pictures of the immigrants in CAGES to the point where, in some instances, they can’t even lie down) I’m getting numb to all this and having to force myself to keep paying attention. I’m realistic enough to understand it is the younger generation of Americans who will be those who STOP this takeover of our republic by this BULLY who seems to have not only republicans shaking in their boots in fear of a nasty tweet but apparently democrats as well, because talk of IMPEACHMENT has subsided as democrats wait for the testimony of Robert Mueller – which will be followed by more excuses as to why IMPEACHMENT is “off the table.”

Actually, I’ve been wanting to write about my frustration with the democrats – a frustration I’ve been periodically pointing out since the 2007 Congress which failed to act against the TORTURE being authorized by GW Bush/Dick Cheney/Don Rumsfeld – authorizations which essentially made them WAR CRIMINALS. Not only did the democratic controlled House (under Nancy Pelosi’s first term as the Speaker) fail to act to hold Bush/Cheney/Rumsfeld accountable – while the world watched in horror – but, then, in 2009, upon taking the oath of the office of President of the United States – an oath which requires the president to “faithfully defend the constitution and the laws of the land” (That’s my poor summary of the oath, but you get the idea) – Barack Obama said, in regard to the illegal acts of Bush/Cheney/Rumsfeld, “We’re going to look forward instead of back.” I’ve written endlessly of the folly of that decision – one result being the lawless administration of individual 1 – who, I’m sure, is counting on the same “philosophy” after he’s voted out of office – hopefully, in 2020 if not IMPEACHED sooner!

Individual 1 continues to push the boundaries of what has been traditionally acceptable in this country and the democrats continue to allow him to do so. I’ve said many times that, sadly, “we the people” are depending on the democrats to stop what has been a slow republican assault on the American system of government – beginning with the administration of Ronald Reagan in 1981. Apparently, democrats have accepted that we just have to persevere until 2020 to have the opportunity to remove individual 1 from office. Ms. Pelosi seems to fear the independent voters to the point where she’s BLOCKING the IMPEACHMENT inquiry which SHOULD be well under way as I’m writing this. Individual 1 has a plan to continue dominating the news cycles with “stuff” that would be unacceptable at any other time in my life, most of it “IMPEACHABLE.”

This democratic plan – which comes across to many – most importantly republicans – as WEAK, just seems like “more of the same.” It’s like democrats are coming to a duel with a Frisbee. While Ms. Pelosi is worried about turning off independent voters via an IMPEACHMENT inquiry, the real problem, as I see it, is democrats turning off their progressive base – which will cause many to fail, AGAIN, to vote come November of 2020. Individual 1 continues to push the boundaries of acceptable behavior and democrats continue to be almost invisible. Not only are democrats failing to act aggressively to STOP individual 1 but they are also almost naively losing the MESSAGING battle – while we all know individual 1 is pummeling Facebook with real “Fake news” – AND, likely, with the help of Vladimir Putin and the Russians. Putin is likely laughing at democrats as much as anyone because he really didn’t like how Barack Obama was attempting to block his push to undermine NATO and break up the traditional Western alliances.

So, while individual 1 causes one “scandal” after another – to the point where I’m not the only American becoming numb to the reality he keeps “getting away with lawless behavior” – the democrats are demonstrating they are in “over their heads.” I started pointing out, years ago, this is a WAR for the heart and soul of America and those of us who believe in bottom up government and the ideals of the New Deal have no choice but to depend on democrats to return this nation to sanity. That is a frustrating situation for someone like me. I believe well over 50% of Americans want nothing to do with individual 1, but the democrats MUST figure out how to get them to the polls. And, individual 1 has no limits on what he’ll “stoop” to in order to remain in office past 2020.

For example, the potential fiasco which originally caused me to start writing this post was the potential for a WAR in Iran. Trust me, if individual 1 would believe WAR in Iran was the way to get re-elected, well, you “get” where I’m going with this. Keep in mind, his “advisors” (If anyone can advise him about anything) are Mike Pompeo and John Bolton – two “classic” Iran WAR hawks. And, there are people in the Senate like Lindsey Graham who would be right there encouraging individual 1 (likely on the golf course) not to take any “crap” from the Iranians – who the administration is attempting to push into a corner – with the possibility that someone does something to create an unnecessary (and stupid) “crisis.” Of course, in the last few weeks we’ve heard nothing of the Iran situation and now the “news” is focused on the OUTRAGE at our Southern border – people packed into holding CELLS like “sardines.” (a quick aside: Yesterday I saw a “clip” of Lindsey Graham standing next to Bill Barr as Barr was pointing out individual 1 – with Barr’s help – will find a way to get around the Supreme Court in regard to the “citizenship” question on the census – likely dictatorship 101 – and Graham just looked pathetic. He’s become the iconic image of the pathetic “lapdog.” Sad!)

America has a history of “stains” which began with slavery nearly 400 years ago. It includes the genocide of Native American cultures and, in WW II the herding of Japanese Americans into holding CELLS similar to what is happening on our Southern border right now. We’ve allowed our CIA, over the years, to remove democratically elected leaders from office in countries where our corporate “leaders” were intent on plundering the natural resources of those nations. (In fact, that is how the “issue” with Iran originated – with the overthrow of their leader Mosaddegh, leading to the brutal regime of the “Shah of Iran”) And, of course, the invasion of Iraq in 2003 is another “stain of epic proportions.” Individual 1 is piling more “stain” on what will soon be the next chapter in American history. What is happening at our Southern border will not be soon forgotten around the world – even if the republicans succeed in getting “we the people” to choose to “look the other way.”

Progressives feel as if there is no way we can make a difference, there’s no way we can stop something which seems to be as disgusting as anything in recent memory – watching the pictures of these people who are simply seeking refuge being packed into CELLS inhumanely – pictures which will NEVER go away. Honestly, it breaks my heart to be writing this and, as someone who votes in EVERY election, the feeling of hopelessness is deflating. And, to me as a Christian, the WORST part of this latest “stain” is that individual 1’s “base” is dominated by the so-called “evangelic Christians.” Along with individual 1 we see the leaders of the so-called “Religious Right” encouraging this inhumane policy – actually cheering it on. For those Americans who need a “history lesson” they need to read about Germany in the late 1920’s and early 1930’s. The parallels to individual 1 and his “Christian” base are startling!

Final Thought: If you don’t understand my final point, read the biography of Diedrich Bonhoeffer.

One More Thing: This post has been sitting here for a couple weeks (at least) as I try to force myself to ignore individual 1. While paying attention doesn’t feel good, neither does ignoring – in fact, that feels much worse – because I KNOW what is at stake. Yesterday my brother-in-law sent me an article which you can read by clicking HERE. It expresses my frustration with individual 1’s “base” much better than I could ever hope to do. I feel it’s the “Christians” who scoff at Jesus when he says “What you do to the least of these you do TO ME” who, ultimately, are responsible for individual 1 and his brazen lawlessness. They’re encouraging it!

Stop and think, just for a moment, about people who’ve enjoyed “White privilege” for their entire lives referring to those in the African American and Latino communities along with progressive thinking Americans (like myself) as “liberal elites.” We’re talking about people like Jerry Falwell Jr. and Ralph Reed. What’s the saying? “Come on man!” Enough said. If you’ve gotten this far – read the article which is linked above!

A short while back my brother-in-law sent me a link to an article in Bloomberg (you can check it out HERE) about an economist’s predictions (A French economist named Gabriel Zucman) who has extensively studied how the tax system has been a key enabler of the income inequality which many (less individual 1, apparently), probably MOST, see as one of the great challenges of our time. Zucman (and a peer) have been studying how the wealthy in America accumulated their money, where they keep (hide) it, and how the tax policies allow them to grow it. (That’s my summary – you can read the article itself, it’s quite interesting)

What was maybe the MOST interesting to me was, with me being NO economist, how much what they’ve found has been clear to those like myself who’ve been paying attention to this – what I’ve called – “highway robbery” from “we the people” which started during the Reagan years and continues to this day. For example, the ONE piece of significant legislation passed in individual 1’s first two years in office was another OBSCENE tax scam which will funnel ANOTHER couple TRILLION dollars from the pockets of America’s middle class taxpayers into the coffers of the top “1%” and a bunch of corporations who weren’t paying taxes in the first place (and, had TRILLIONS “stashed” in places like the Cayman Islands.)

Reagan famously said, “I’m going to cut your taxes and balance the budget.” Well, unless you’re one of the idiots (sorry) who watch Fox “news” you know how absurd that was then and progressively more absurd as of this past tax scam. What’s the saying? “Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.” Well, I haven’t heard the version which points out we’ve been “fooled” FOUR times as of this writing – and, if the House hadn’t been turned “blue” I GUARANTEE you, the republicans would be at it again.

Their promise is that the rich people are going to “trickle down” the HUGE amounts of cash they’re pilfering from the tax rolls (many of them don’t think they should be paying ANY taxes – and, in fact, some of them don’t – especially after this last go round) and we’ve seen OVER and OVER again, what a charade that “promise” is. In this last scam the trickling down went right from their benefactors into the campaign “war chests” of the republicans who passed the bill after being badgered by their donors – who expect a return on their investment. How much did they get? you might ask. Well, for example, Sheldon Adelson – feeling no sense of shame or embarrassment – shelled out $30 MILLION to the republican Senatorial campaign committee as a way to say “thanks” for what was exponentially MORE than that going his way – in just the FIRST year of the scam.

Even individual 1, who stood before adoring crowds – most who will tell you he’s “honest” – while he was LYING straight to their lovely faces as he claimed he would not benefit from the scam and saying “my rich friends are not happy with me” – only, right after signing the bill, retreating to his Florida mansion and telling the patrons (who pay $200,000 for membership) “I just made you all a lot of money” – made MILLIONS on the scam. So much for “honesty,” right? (Of course, anyone without their head in the sand – or their eyes and ears aimed at Fox KNOWS individual 1 is a pathological LIAR.)

This kind of garbage has been going on for over 40 years – it just keeps getting more extreme the longer “we the people” allow it to continue. While rich people have been trying to find creative ways to get RICHER for far longer than the years from Reagan’s “trickle down” nonsense to today, it just keeps getting worse in each new version. Reagan’s “plan” was the original stimulus, in my lifetime, for the out of control deficit spending which has pushed the National Debt past $20 TRILLION. As I said earlier, Reagan promised to balance the budget – which had a deficit – as I remember – somewhere less than $50 BILLION when he took office (I’m thinking it was around $35 BILLION which, true to form, Carter had cut in half after the Nixon/Ford era.)

By the time Reagan left office the ANNUAL deficit was somewhere NORTH of $200 BILLION (which seemed astronomical at the time, at least to me, but today’s republicans make that look like a balanced budget). Of course, Reagan was followed by HW Bush who actually reneged on his promise: “Read my lips, no new taxes” when the deficit ballooned almost to $300 BILLION. That allowed Bill Clinton to become president – to my thinking a conservative democrat – and, surprise, surprise – when he left office there was a SURPLUS of around $250 BILLION per YEAR! Yes, this was around the time of the so-called “dot com crash” and a mild recession (at least compared to the ensuing Bush/Cheney recession President Obama inherited) and I won’t soon forget listening to Dick Cheney say “Ronald Reagan proved deficits don’t matter” as he was putting the first of two tax scams in place. Well, after these TWO tax scams the ANNUAL deficit was around $1.5 TRILLION and the economy was in tatters as Bush/Cheney left town “with their tails between their legs.”

However, true to republican form (and, this thought reminds me of a republican I listened to tonight on the small segment of the “All In” show on MSNBC which I could barely stomach – I’ll try to elaborate later) by the time Barack Obama took the oath of office republicans were BLAMING him, not only for the Bush/Cheney DEFICITS – remember, they were $1.5 TRILLION, jobs were being lost at the rate of 800 THOUSAND per month, and the fear of another DEPRESSION was real – but republicans also were BLAMING Obama for the TARP bailout. And, sadly, our “liberal media allowed them to get away with it.

If you don’t remember, the TARP “bailout,” it was the work of GW Bush and Hank Paulsen, Bush’s Treasury Secretary – and, of course, the former CEO of Goldman Sachs – as they put together a plan to use $700 BILLION middle class tax dollars to allow the Wall Street banks, which created the “Great Recession” via their obscene and dishonest gambling with – and, then LOSING, huge amounts of middle class Americans money. Of course, with the BAILOUT it was the middle class Americans who LOST AGAIN while the Wall Street bankers ARROGANTLY paid out bonuses to the very people who created the problem in the first place – AND, they used TARP money for the bailouts. It was understandable for Americans to be upset, but NOT with Obama. The BAILOUT was totally the work of Paulsen and Bush (and, of course the members of Congress who felt they had no choice but to approve the plan – although, they really did have a choice. But, that’s a story for another day – Actually, President Obama did use TARP money to SAVE General Motors and Chrysler – and the MILLIONS of jobs that support them!)

In fact, it was the BAILOUT which the so-called “Tea Party” used to justify their inception, when in reality, if you were watching their rallies, it was their RACIST reaction to a president who descended from a father from Kenya. (Of course, this led to the “birther movement” which led to individual 1 and here we are today – but, I digress) My point here is the system has been rigged for the rich for as long as I can remember and it was intensified under Reagan and “put on Steroids under Bush/Cheney and then even worse under individual 1. And, of course, now that a republican is in the “White House” deficits, again, “no longer matter.” (except to me and, I believe, my brother-in-law – he lives in Pittsburgh so I’m guessing – I’m in Washington state – yes, it’s on the “left coast”)

The point of all this is to say, this funneling of tax revenue from the middle class to the top “1%” is NOT healthy for the economy in the long run, and individual 1 may be a symptom which proves that point – at least in the eyes of Zucman (and, of course, me – although, again, I’m no economist – although I’m thinking of taking an online class from Paul Krugman) One of Zucman’s fears is this continued (and progressively worse) income inequality will lead to right wing demigods. Well, as my kids would say when in the car “Are we there yet?” Enter individual 1. This group at the top is well funded, it’s much more sophisticated than us “progressives,” it has NO scruples, and it’s fully committed to the philosophy “The end justifies the means.” Those of us paying attention have known this about republicans for years, but it’s gotten to the point where “it’s getting serious.” (I have to wonder when democrats will figure this out???)

There are many wealthy people in America who have studied history and, in particular, Karl Marx. And, while Bernie Sanders is in no way pushing the idea of Marx’ form of Socialism (Sanders believes in “Democratic Socialism – something we’ve had to some degree in America since FDR – it’s just that most democrats are afraid to say so) there are rich people in America who understand what COULD happen if the disparity of wealth in America continues unabated. Marx points out how as the people at the top of his “triangle” (yes, the top “1%”) becomes smaller and those at the bottom (proletariat) becomes larger, well, some kind of revolt becomes inevitable. Right now in America, according to Zucman’s research, less than ONE TENTH of “1%” – meaning 170,000 out of 330,000,000 (330 MILLION) Americans control OVER 20% of the nation’s wealth. The top “1%” controls something like 40% and the BOTTOM 90% controls just over 25% – with a large segment (maybe 30%) at the bottom with virtually NOTHING! As the saying goes, “This is a sad state of affairs.” (But, apparently, NOT to republicans)

To make matters even worse, this group at the top is HIDING something in the neighborhood of $8 TRILLION in off shore accounts which make it even harder for people like Zucman to produce totally accurate data. That’s correct, people like Adelson who can “shovel” several MILLION to their republican stooges to keep this scam afloat just can’t get enough – they have to HIDE BILLIONS in places like the Cayman Islands so they can avoid paying ANY taxes on the money. The tax rate keeps getting chopped down for these people, but it’s NEVER enough. (Doesn’t that make you wonder why the politicians in the republican party keep doing this? I guess the answer is obvious. The question, to me, is why do their voters keep voting for them? Is that STUPID? or what?)

There are democrats who are trying to address this issue, but I have to believe a couple things are likely to happen. (Remember, even the so-called “liberal” media outlets are CONTROLLED by conservative corporations) First, the democrats have a way to “pull defeat from the jaws of victory” so I’m anticipating this scramble of virtually EVERY democrat in the country with any name ID, thinking this is their opportunity to become president, will lead to fighting amongst themselves to be individual 1’s “Twitter target” in 2020 that could become self-defeating. Secondly, I believe it’s likely, as I suggested above, the democrats will get blown away in the messaging “wars” upcoming. (From what I’ve heard, this is already happening on the “digital” front – democrats STILL haven’t figured out “fake news” is real – they need to understand “projection” and soon)

The other day I was listening to MSNBC as I was driving around and the usual “fair and balanced” theme was on full display as I was yelling at my radio because the person who was representing progressives seemed oblivious to the FACTS as stated in the Mueller report and, along with the moderator, was letting the “conservative” – whoever it was – get away with one LIE after another. This happens all the time on MSNBC so I can only imagine what goes on elsewhere. Plus there’s at least a couple of the moderators on MSNBC who I believe may be nearly as narcissistic as our dear leader. Additionally, reports I’ve heard suggest democrats are being outspent on Facebook and other Social Media by 10 to 1. As I stated above, that’s the real haven (along with Fox) for “fake news.” (Or, in the words of Kellyanne Conway, Individual 1’s “alternative facts”)

The first narcissistic moderator who comes to my mind, for me, is Chris Matthews (with Chuck Todd a close second – as you can see, when I tune in the TV – or satellite radio – it’s on MSNBC. And, he apparently sits in the place of royalty at MSNBC – but, to me, he went a long way in legitimizing individual 1 back in the 2016 election cycle – along with MSNBC which gave (and continues to give) individual 1 BILLIONS in free advertising. These TV moderators are part of the top “1%” and I believe it is totally naive to believe they are going to give, for example, some of the more progressive ideas coming from the younger democrats much of a platform – especially when it comes to “taxing the rich.” To me, Matthews is constantly trying to come across as the political expert while he’s exposing himself to moments of pure progressive heresy. No details here, but I’ve written about this in the past if you’re interested – it’s in the archives.

The bottom line here is that Zucman is the brains behind some of the more progressive proposals coming from people like Elizabeth Warren and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez dealing with income inequality and fighting it through the tax code. I’m not sure Ocasio-Cortez’ proposal to increase the marginal tax rate back to 70% on income over $10 MILLION ( per year) was the result of Zucman’s research, but he certainly backed her proposal. When I was in my early working life the top tax rate was 90% and that was put in place during the Republican administration of Dwight Eisenhower. And, by the way, the growth rate in America was stronger before Reagan began the assault on middle class taxpayers – and, Oh by the way, if you’re an individual 1 supporter, middle class income has been stagnant since Reagan took office! Just sayin………………… (And, that won’t change as long as our so-called president – or others of his ilk are in the top office in the land)

I keep waiting for democrats to “step to the plate” and FIGHT BACK! But, as you could tell by going through the archives here, it’s NOT going to happen unless “we the people” MAKE it happen. We MUST show up at the polls in 2020 and make it clear the present level of CORRUPTION is unacceptable. We need to hold BOTH republicans and democrats accountable for a willingness to accept this behavior. As I’ve said, it appears to me the politicians on “both sides of the isle” in Washington DC are operating out of FEAR. The republicans fear being on the end of a mean “tweet” coming from individual 1 – I don’t know why, is there NO honor any more? (hashtag, I like Justin Amash, a republican with guts!) And, the democrats are afraid to do what their obligation to their own oath of office calls for. (IMPEACHMENT hearings)

Their oath (republicans AND democrats) is to defend the constitution. Their oath SHOULD cause them to be in an IMPEACHMENT inquiry NOW. They SHOULD be holding EVERY one of those in individual 1’s realm accountable for their willingness to OBSTRUCT justice by refusing to answer to legally binding subpoenas. People SHOULD be going to jail if they continue to refuse to testify, turn over documents, or whatever the subpoena requires. Our so-called “law and order” so-called president is tearing down our justice system piece by piece. This is how tyrants work and if “we the people” really do want to see this issue of “income inequality” overcome – which is an incredible challenge – to me, like David v Goliath – it will require a democratic party which is not going to live in FEAR of the next election. I’ve been pointing this out for years, the democrats need a “spine” and, based on their lack of will in dealing with the ARROGANCE of individual 1, “we the people” are still waiting.

The bottom line here is if there is ANY chance for “we the people” to see the type of changes one would logically want based on the data Zucman clearly put forth we MUST rely on the members of the democratic party individual 1 will attempt to label as a SOCIALISTS in the next election. And, we will have to rely on people like Matthews NOT giving our so-called president one “inch” of help as he tries to put this label on whatever democrat is facing him in 2020. Is this a “pipe dream?” Probably so, but, as the saying goes, there’s more of us than there are of them – in relation to the middle class v the top “1%.” And, I have to say this again, there are plenty of members of the top “1%” who understand the issue and support fixing this problem – which will require some modification of the tax system to offset years of republicans pilfering middle class tax payers – it’s inevitable. Sooner would be better than later.

To make this happen, individual 1 needs to go – he needs to get his “just rewards” – which means a chance to clear his name in a court of law. I wish him luck. Also, Mitch McConnell and MOST of the republicans in Congress need to go (If there are others, like Amash, that would be awesome) and democrats MUST restart what was once called their 50 state plan. They MUST retake the Senate if ANYTHING progressive is going to get done. And, when I say “progressive” I’m talking about a government which works from the bottom up. A government which honors the reality of what we call the “commons” is/was/will be the work of the blue collar workers of this nation. I’m talking about those who build/built (and should be rebuilding) the infrastructure of the nation which benefits us all.

What republicans have done over the past 40+ years reminds me of what has been done by business people called corporate raiders (like Mitt Romney). People who buy a corporation, come in and put the business in huge debt while selling off its assets, and then leaving the workers as the victims as they declare bankruptcy and move on to their next target. In America, that type of business model has, in many circles, been considered “strategic” and “wise.” The corporate raiders make a lot of money for themselves and their shareholders. The workers are left to “hold the bag.” To me, that’s an appropriate analogy to what has been happening in the “trickle down” world of America since the day Reagan took the oath of office.

Clearly, the “workers” are rebelling and MILLIONS actually believe individual 1 is going to solve this problem. Due to the “alternative facts” they’re being fed on a daily basis by right wing media outlets (and, yes, to some extent by the so-called “liberal media”) many actually still believe individual 1 is working on their behalf. It’s up to the democrats to change that narrative and educate “we the people” as to how to solve this critical problem. To me, the future of America is on the line in the 2020 election. Not only MUST individual 1 be defeated, BUT democrats MUST follow through on the progressive changes, economically, the people like Zucman are demonstrating, with data, are necessary. What’s the saying? “We can’t go on like this.” Well, it’s true, and it’s time for the democratic party to show some guts. (I have to add, I’m not a registered democrat) A few more members of Congress like Justin Amash (republican) and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (democrat) would make me much more encouraged about the future of America!

Final Thought: Trust me, I know I have a tendency to ramble. I don’t plan these posts out ahead of time (I know I should – but, essentially, I’m just venting for my own sake – I appreciate that people find and read this) and, the fact you’re still reading, well, thank you. I said, above, I would elaborate on what I heard on the MSNBC “All In” – with Chris Hayes show. (Who, by the way, I consider quite intelligent) As he does, occasionally, Hayes was interviewing a republican (I can’t remember the name, only that he was from Wisconsin) and, as usual, the republican – who was a member of the House – was LYING (over and over again) – I’m sure he would say he was giving us “alternative facts” – as he was rationalizing away the (based on the word of OVER 1000 former prosecutors – both republican and democrat) ILLEGAL behavior of individual 1 in the Mueller Report. It wasn’t clear to me he had actually read the report but the part which really bugged me was that, as usual, the guy was BEYOND rude.

To me, when you agree to come onto someone’s show you are agreeing to answer the questions the moderator puts forth. In this instance this (relatively young) guy simply upped the level of his tone and started spewing the republican talking points – which, by the way, as I just stated, were – if you’ve read Mueller’s report – “alternative facts.” He did NOT allow Mr. Hayes to even ask a question – let alone answer a question. Mr. Hayes was doing everything he could to give the guy an opportunity to actually answer (politely) a question, but he couldn’t because the guy just shouted him down for the entire segment he was on the air. If I knew the guy, I would say it was embarrassing. Not knowing him, it was EXTREMELY rude and disgusting. But, I just have to add here, that’s today’s republican party. LYING (“alternative facts” – if you’re stupid, that means LIES), bullying behavior, and disrespect (rudeness).

If you’re wondering where the “chasm” in American politics came from – well, this was a great example. I believe this type of behavior was initially “instilled” into the republican “game plan” back when Newt Gingrich came up with the idea that the only way for republicans to gain power in the House was through obstruction. They’ve been doing this since the “Contract for (I’ve always said “on”) America back in the early 90’s, Mitch McConnell adopted it in the Senate and used it to OBSTRUCT virtually everything President Obama proposed (700 filibusters then and, now he’s doing it with everything the House proposes as the majority leader of the Senate – come on Kentucky, let’s get rid of this guy), and, with the “election” (with 3 MILLION less votes than his opponent) of individual 1, the OBSTRUCTIVE behavior has evolved to rude BULLYING behavior which has NO connection to facts and has become OBSTRUCTION of Congress and of Justice – IN PLAIN SIGHT! I hope I live long enough to see the day when Americans clearly have rejected this type of behavior and the republican party has either been voted into the history books or reformed into something that would resemble the classic definition of the word conservative as defined by Burke.

It seems as if EVERY time I listen to one of the republicans in Congress speak about what has transpired with the RUSSIAN attack on our nation – well beyond anything “everyone does” (Although, it’s true the CIA has had its “fingers” in several OBSCENE overthrows of elected officials our “leaders” didn’t like over the years – most of these egregious actions supported by the very republicans – or their predecessors – who have lived in fear of “communism.” In the case of Iran in the 50’s, it was all about the OIL) I feel a sense of HORROR at their LYING and rationalizing. In this instance I’m talking about remarks I heard today coming from the mouths of Mark Meadows and Lindsey Graham in regard to individual 1’s most recent gaffe.

Of course, this is about individual 1 “doubling down” on his belief that taking “information on your opponent” from a foreign source (which, clearly, is ILLEGAL) would be OK. In reference to Chris Wray’s confirmation this would be ILLEGAL individual 1 said, “The FBI director is wrong.” In essence, individual 1 is giving more reason for “we the people” to actually read the Mueller report. (I’ve read it – I’ve actually started reading it a second time – it’s very dense and full of information) Mueller clearly laid out in his “Volume 1,” which was aimed at investigating the “Russian interference in the 2016 election and any coordination with the individual 1 campaign” – that no conspiracy was able to be proved beyond a reasonable doubt – meaning believing the evidence would LIKELY lead to a conviction in a court trial. What Mueller said, essentially, was they weren’t looking for “collusion” but, that there was “collusion” and proving a conspiracy lacked evidence – largely due to destruction or hiding (using electronics that was encrypted) of evidence (along with LYING).

So, getting back to Meadows and Graham, they made it clear the republicans have gathered and come up with another scheme to rationalize their lack of concern with individual 1’s comments that simply put an exclamation point on the “COLLUSION” which took place in 2016 and very well could be ongoing as I’m typing this. Of course, both Meadows and Graham had their DEFLECTION strategy planned prior to facing the microphones. And, as usual, it was “Hillary, Hillary” – or words aimed at “Hillary.”

Here’s their rationale: “The real problem was with the democrats and their $6 MILLION spent by hiring a foreigner to gather information on individual 1.” (Or words to that affect) Of course, they were referring to the so-called “dossier” that was submitted to the FBI by Christopher Steele back in 2016 and referenced what Steele found as alarming evidence individual 1’s campaign WAS COLLUDING with the Russians. Republicans continue to (falsely) claim the “dossier” was the “trigger” of the FBI counterintelligence investigation into individual 1 and his campaign. (Apparently, the republicans have no interest in actually reading Mueller’s report)

Apparently, republicans believe the existence of this dossier makes individual 1’s COLLUSION with the Russians – and, after yesterday’s remarks who knows who else individual 1 would be willing to align himself in an election – as if they are the same. (Of course, even if they were telling the truth and CORRECT – which, as usual, they’re NOT – they are suggesting “two wrongs make a right.” But, let’s look at this from the lens of FACTS.

First, what ultimately became the “Steele dossier” was initiated as “oppo research” by a conservative group, I believe called “The Free Beacon,” and, once individual 1 had secured the nomination they backed out. The Clinton campaign then took over the funding (I believe they may have become involved with “Fusian GPS” (which is the company which hired Christopher Steele) sooner, but the bottom line in all of this was that it was Fusion who hired Steele and somehow people (like Steele) were aware there was some kind of “collusion” going on with the Russians and the campaign of individual 1. Steele, a former member of the British intelligence agency counter to the CIA and an expert on Russia, according to the American journalists who interviewed him led by David Corn (of “Mother Jones”) was SHOCKED by what he was finding.

Set aside the “salacious” part of the “dossier,” which may remain a ???? for ever (unless a video actually appears at some point in time – some people question whether the existence of the video is the reason individual 1 is so FRIENDLY to the Russians and, in particular, Vladimir Putin), Steele himself said his report was based on secondary information he received from former informants (at least one who “prematurely” has died) that SHOCKED him to the point where he decided he needed to give his information to the FBI. (If you missed it yesterday, that’s exactly what individual 1 said you don’t need to do – if you find foreigners intruding on an election)

Of course, CONTRARY to what virtually EVERY republican says when they’re talking in public, the “dossier” is NOT what initiated the so-called “Russia investigation.” The reality is (if you don’t want to believe me, read Mueller’s report) an Australian diplomat who met George Papadopoulos in a British Pub while, over beers, Papadopoulos was sharing that the Russians had stolen DCCC and DNC emails which they offered to help individual 1’s campaign. This “But what about” strategy of deflecting attention off of what is clearly the MOST corrupt group of people ever to occupy the highest offices in this land – by the republicans who would have been going apoplectic had President Obama done anything close to individual 1 – is going to, eventually, be the MOST egregious part in all of this.

Think about this. It’s the Congress which is the “check” against the other parts of our government – just as the Justice Department is a CHECK AND the “fourth estate” (the media individual 1 calls the “enemy of the people”) is a CHECK. People like Meadows, Graham, along with Devin Nunez, Jim Jordan, and a few other bloviators willing to defend the indefensible continue to SOIL themselves and their ultimate reputations. In fact, they’ve gone “full throat” in their attacks on Justin Amash, designed to keep the rest of republicans “in line” with the we’ll “primary” you response if you don’t follow the herd, Amash being a republican who actually read Mueller’s report and has come out calling for our so-called president’s IMPEACHMENT. Amash, no matter whether the republicans succeed in defeating him in 2020 will end up being one of, if not the most, significant HERO’s in all of this. Republicans have “abandoned ship.”

Well, here we go again, I’ve got to point out once again for those of us who aren’t willing to accept this type of corruption all “we the people” have to stop this in its tracks are the democrats. I’ve pointed out numerous times here Nancy Pelosi showed in 2007 – 2008 that she’s unwilling to initiate IMPEACHMENT proceedings unless there’s a sure outcome in the Senate – which really grates on me (despite the reality I like Ms. Pelosi and respect her political acumen). In 2008 her inaction said TORTURE was not something we should consider a “high crime or misdemeanor.” So, now we’ve evolved to the point where people like me are shaking our heads as to would there EVER be a situation where democrats would follow their OBLIGATION to defend the constitution as a solemn oath. Our present so-called president has so brazenly shown a disregard for our LAWS and our CONSTITUTION that we have to wonder, when it comes to IMPEACHMENT, “if not now, when?”

It’s true MOST of the American people will NOT read Mueller’s report and they have become numb to all the scandalous behavior which is becoming beyond “normal” because the democrats are unwilling to put a stop to it. It appears Ms. Pelosi fears that doing the “right thing” could cause a political backlash from individual 1’s supporters while she’s apparently feeling no FEAR from a backlash from “we the people” should she fail to act. I believe this entire episode is creating an atmosphere where we could end up with more than two parties. If neither of them are willing to honor their OATH then we MUST find an alternative solution. My personal hope is that, in this instance, the democrats come together in an act of courage and commitment to the CONSTITUTION.

However, the sad reality we’re presently facing is that if democrats fail to act the DAMAGE – which I’ve been talking about for over two years, much of which “we the people” have no idea what DAMAGE is being done to our fundamental institutions while we’re focused on the “scandal of the day” – this DAMAGE could become exponentially worse. While republicans are acting like sycophants who fear causing dear leader to write a nasty tweet aimed in their direction and democrats keep hoping these cowering republicans will somehow read Mueller’s report individual 1 is threatening WAR in the Middle East by seemingly trying to push Iran into a situation where they lash out at the American ships and troops individual 1 (and his WAR monger national security adviser John Bolton) has sent into the region. Republicans believe the one certain way to get re-elected is to start a WAR.

This increased DAMAGE I’m talking about could happen in the next year and a half and, from my vantage point, if the democrats are still “sitting on their hands” they will share the BLAME with the republican sycophants. It’s as if the leaders of our nation in Congress are driven by FEAR – just a different FEAR – on “both sides of the isle. In the meantime, “we the people” are sitting here bracing for what could be a MAJOR disaster.

The ultimate CHECK for an out of control executive in the “White House” is “we the people” – but, I’m even getting impatient with a significant segment of our population – including many of the people who will reliably vote against individual 1. The Mueller report is readily available and I still don’t know one person who has taken the time to read it. Add to that, there’s a bunch of other stuff the people I know are not paying attention to – like, the polar ice caps are melting at an increasing amount, the republicans are in court attempting to eviscerate what’s left of the Affordable Care Act – with NO replacement (and, trust me, any replacement republicans would offer would be unacceptable), Wall Street continues to make money using money (and risking other people’s money), our so-called president is incredibly CORRUPT, and, one thing which republicans are no longer complaining about, individual 1 has pushed the deficit above $1 TRILLION per year and climbing. Yet, there’s still 40% of Americans who support this thug of a so-called president, and a significant number of those who don’t (thankfully) support individual 1 but, don’t know why (well, other than he’s “deplorable”).

My point is every day the democrats continue to say “we’re investigating” I’m getting more angry. They are the main hope for those of us who want the DAMAGE mitigated. IMPEACHMENT hearings are the ONLY way to educate this nation on what is in Mueller’s report – which, from my vantage-point is impeachable in either volume. I clearly remember Watergate (which, to me, was far less egregious) and it was the hearings which “educated” the public on the gravity of the “high crimes and misdemeanors” (which, by the way, are eerily similar to individual 1’s foopahs) of Nixon, leading to his resignation. (I don’t believe individual 1 will EVER resign – unless he gets a promise of a PARDON from Pense)

It’s through IMPEACHMENT hearings where those who watch propaganda outlets like Fox will be “educated” about their so-called president and all his LYING! (The latest LIE which really got my attention was him telling the interviewer in his latest STUPID interview – George Stephanopoulos – that he had read the Mueller report, which he claimed said “no collusion.” Sadly, the Fox audience likely believes him) Even Fox will be unable to “filter” the IMPEACHMENT hearings in a way to continue their strategy of dumbing down America. (There are studies which show those who watch Fox are less informed than those who watch – or read – NOTHING! Just think about that!) America’s two political parties are progressively looking more PATHETIC! Democrats have a small window to change this and failing to act could lead to four more years of individual 1! Yikes!

Final Thought: People need to be watching the Iran situation carefully. If you don’t think individual 1 would instigate a WAR with Iran in order to save his situation, well, I’ve got a bridge……….. Individual 1 is looking at his “day in court” once he’s out of office – Mueller made it clear in Volume II the evidence he laid out will be relevant once he leads office – not to mention the issue in the Southern District of New York where he gained the moniker “individual 1” based on his involvement in TWO felonies. Add to that a plethora of other investigations which will progressively be coming to a “head” as we approach 2020. There are a LOT of people who recognize the DANGER he poses to America and they will be intervening as they are able. To me, this leads me to believe the Iran issue is more significant than our “liberal media” is giving it. They will fail to properly discuss the Iran issue until it’s at the disastrous stage. I hope I’m wrong, but I would NOT put it past individual 1 to instigate a WAR thinking it would keep him out of jail.

Once again, my apologies for publishing this without re-reading and editing!

Today Robert Mueller finally broke his silence (Well, by the time I published this it was a few days ago) and, essentially, restated what is clearly written in his report. I’m almost done reading the report and it’s clear to me, and I MUST preface my comment with “I’m not a lawyer,” Mueller has carefully laid out the evidence of UNMISTAKABLE obstruction of Justice by individual 1. Likely the most important part of Mueller’s comments today was his CLEAR attempt to cause people to understand our present Attorney General is a LIAR. Well, of course, Mueller isn’t quite so “clear” but he does make it clear William Barr LIED to the American people on at least THREE occasions.

When Barr suggested Mueller came to no conclusion so that he had to draw one – in regard to OBSTRUCTION – was a BLATANT LIE! Mueller, as has been retold many times already – including by me – had the intention of leaving any accountability to Congress. (Are you listening Nancy Pelosi?) When Barr said “no collusion” – based on the report – multiple times, he was LYING every time he said it. And, virtually everything Barr said in his press briefing – which, I believe, will be put in the “infamous” category at some point if it’s not there already – was LIES! He suggested, for one example, that Mueller was not guided by the OLC guidelines that “a sitting president can’t be indicted” which couldn’t be further from the TRUTH. (If you’re an individual 1 supporter that means it was a LIE – I’ve now read the entire report! I started this post a week or two ago – I can’t seem to “keep up”)

Something which is not clear, as I listen to people discussing the reality we’re all living with – and, by that I’m talking about a CRIMINAL in the “White House” – is the evidence in Mueller’s “volume I” – which was all about whether there was a criminal conspiracy between the Russians and the Americans. Mueller concluded there was “insufficient evidence” to prove a conspiracy, but what he also implied was there WAS “collusion.” (And, by the way, there WAS evidence – just not “sufficient” – of a conspiracy) Additionally, it appears to me Mueller was suggesting the OBSTRUCTION may have prevented the investigators from being able to make a clear conclusion on a conspiracy charge. As I read the report I came away thinking individual 1 Jr. and Jared Kushner were not charged because either they were able to hide evidence (Kushner and his use of things like “What’s App” which apparently is well encrypted) or too dumb to know any better – which would apply to individual 1 Jr.

Sadly, at the end of his remarks, Mueller stated he doesn’t want to testify about the report before Congress – saying “My testimony would be the report.” I really hope democrats DON’T give him that choice. He MUST appear in front of the Congress in IMPEACHMENT hearings to make sure ALL Americans understand what is in the report and what it actually means. Keep in mind, almost ALL of what is in the report is stuff which didn’t surprise me. Individual 1 was doing his OBSTRUCTING right out in the public. It’s just that “we the people” don’t understand the nuances of the legal system – which Mueller explains in painstaking detail. I certainly don’t understand the “USC” (I assume that means United States Code) but, as Mueller is explaining it there can be NO DOUBT individual 1 committed obstruction MULTIPLE times.

In fact, as I was reading the section where Mueller is explaining the laws and how they “connect” to the actions of individual 1 I realized individual 1 is CONTINUING to obstruct, again right out in broad daylight, as he OBSTRUCTS the Congressional proceedings. By refusing to provide requested documents and by encouraging witnesses to NOT appear, from my reading of the laws Mueller is explaining in the report, well, we’re looking at MORE obstruction! I’ve been saying this for well over a year, Individual 1 comes across to me as a mob boss. As all this plays out, that becomes clearer and clearer.

I’ve said this multiple times on this site that I have good friends who’ve “bought the cool-aid” and are supporters of our so-called president. This morning I had breakfast with one of them and my head was spinning by the time I headed home. Let me preface what I’m going to say by saying my friend has told me in the past he doesn’t believe individual 1 LIES. And, much to my chagrin, he continues to demonstrate a connection to right wing conspiracy theorists and/or Fox “news.” I love my friend, but I often come away from our conversations wondering “how can he believe this crap?” Today, I took the Mueller report to breakfast and, despite the fact I’m not quite finished with it, I offered to give it to him to read on a trip he was soon to partake. He declined. He won’t read anything I offer him because he believes it’s all “biased.”

That’s such a tired-some argument to me. If you read something and you have questions about it, keep looking for perspective from someone else – and, keep reading. To him, Robert Mueller is no republican – of course, Mueller’s been a registered republican his entire adult life – and when I pointed out Mueller IS a republican my friend said you probably think McCain was a republican. I looked at him as close to cross-eyed as I could and he said, “No one believes McCain was a republican, he was a “Rhino” – and, then as if I was confused he said, “Republican in Name Only.” He thinks I should be reading the “books” which ostensibly have been “written” by the Fox “news” talking heads. I did that ONCE (for another friend who’s a “republican” and who agreed to read a book I gave him – which, of course, he never read) and it was all I could stomach (but, I read it). Every time I try to WATCH Fox “news” I can’t make it more than a minute or two because the LYING is always coming “fast and furious.”

I have a hard time connecting my friend with the “White Nationalist” movements which back individual 1 and is spreading across Europe, but that’s the sense I’m getting. During his working years he and his wife adopted and raised (at least) three African American children so when he gives that “sense” (White Nationalism) I get very uncomfortable. The reality, as I’ve pointed out numerous times here (and, to him) is that the so-called “Tea Party,” which my friend and many others I know identify with, was based on (and driven by) racists as a backlash to our first African American president. That being said, it grieves my heart that so many Americans are supporting a racist, misogynist, narcissistic, and CRIMINAL so-called president. And, they are prepping a major ATTACK aimed at Robert Mueller which will be the typical individual 1 way of dealing with someone who he feels has said ANYTHING which is not massaging his narcissism. Yikes!! Today, my friend said, “Just wait, you’re going to find out what a bad man he is” while pointing at Mueller’s name on the front of the book. “It’s going to come out soon!”

As I continue to process all that is going on I’m getting close to re-aiming my “ire” at the democrats instead of the republicans. Anyone who’s been paying attention knows that had President Obama used the Russians (or any other foreign entity) to get elected, OR had he committed OBSTRUCTION multiple times (one time, for that matter), or had he ILLEGALLY covered up an affair with a porn star, (Just picture that one) he would long ago have faced an impeachment inquiry – the political consequences be damned. They impeached President Clinton because of LYING about sex. (For that matter republicans threatened to impeach Rod Rosenstein if he hadn’t turned over highly classified information last year) Democrats (with Ms Pelosi as Speaker) looked the other way from WAR CRIMES in 2007 and 2008 “because the Senate won’t convict” So, I’ve been predicting they will fail to act again. However, the ABUSES of power by individual 1 becomes MORE EGREGIOUS every day – to the point where “we the people” are becoming numb to the “scandal a day” strategy. If these abuses don’t cause the Congress to act, well, then we have to ask, what will it take??? The “beat just continues to go on.”

Today, I listened to individual 1, while on the “White House” lawn doing his “it was a hoax, a witch hunt, there was no collusion, no obstruction” routine spewing out LIES faster than I can talk. He was referring to Robert Mueller and his (now it’s) 18 “conflicted” associates as “Never Trumpers” (Which, I suppose, by now, most of them are) in ways that couldn’t have been MORE dishonest. The Mueller report didn’t even slow individual 1 down (I don’t know why I would think it would?). He continues OBSTRUCTING Justice – only now, he’s OBSTRUCTING the Congressional investigations – with a continuation of showering “we the people” with LIES!

For example, individual 1 claimed Mueller had, one day before he was appointed Special Counsel, come into the “White House” in an attempt to get Comey’s job as FBI director and that individual 1 said “no.” (Of course, we ALL know by now – well, except for my friend I had breakfast with today, that when individual 1’s mouth is moving he’s LYING) The TRUTH is that Mueller was INVITED to the “White House” to provide “advice” in regard to who and what they should be looking to find a new director. I might add, if Christopher Wray was chosen based on Mueller’s advice, he did a good job. The POINT, however, is that individual 1 has been LYING about this since the day Mueller got appointed as Special Counsel – in his normal way of attempting to intimidate – in this case – who knows who. Because, clearly, Mueller is immune to individual 1’s intimidation.

In fact, what’s clear in reading Mueller’s report is that he was “memorializing” virtually EVERY “tweet” which came from individual 1’s unprotected cell phone and, despite individual 1’s attorneys’ futile attempts to get him to stop “tweeting.” Over and over again as I was reading the report I noticed Mueller referring to “tweets” coming from our so-called president which “we the people” were shaking out heads at as they occurred in “real time.” It was as if individual 1 was focused on repeatedly “shooting himself in the foot.” Stupid!

By my calculation there were at least 4 or 5 examples of individual 1’s behavior which CLEARLY falls into the parameters of the LAWS which were designed to prevent OBSTRUCTION of justice – clearly an offense Congress was concerned with stopping. Each violation is subject to a consequence of 20 YEARS in prison. Some people are claiming there are at least 10 examples. For me, the OBVIOUS ones numbered at around, as I said, 4 or 5. Mueller went to great length to lay out the actual laws, he pointed out the arguments made by individual 1’s counsel, and he explained why or why not those arguments made any sense. To me, there’s NO QUESTION our so-called president committed even MORE crimes than those he committed before taking the oath of office. (And, I’m not talking about the Russian “collusion”)

Mueller doesn’t want to testify before Congress, but he’s suggesting people read the report. Well, as I said above, MOST people, and certainly those who’ve been BRAINWASHED by Fox “news” WON’T read it and the ONLY way they’re going to get an idea of what is in the report is if Mueller testifies before Congress and democrats draw it out from him. I’ve said this before: “While most people have described Mueller as an American “hero” because he was a Marine during the Viet Nam era and he’s served for most of his adult life in the Justice Department (and, clearly, as I read the report I felt he’s brilliant in the detail in which he’s laid all this out), in this instance he’s no hero to me unless he decides to willingly testify and make his conclusions clear to “we the people.” There’s just too much riding on this – “we the people” PAID him to do this investigation and we deserve to find out EVERYTHING he found – one way or the other!

While my friend I refer to above denies this, I believe the ONLY logical reason for him (a Christian) to be supporting someone like individual 1 is because he’s been opposing abortion since the day Roe v Wade was decided at the Supreme Court. I’ve said at some point I’m going to write a post about abortion (that day is getting closer) but, today, there’s a court hearing in Missouri which could lead to the closing of the ONLY clinic in Missouri where a woman can access abortion care. I would say I’m conflicted (actually, I am) but I will – would – NEVER have to deal with this issue – except when my first wife had a miscarriage and, essentially had the same procedure which brings up an entire different set of “what ifs” – but my friend is FOCUSED on this issue and I believe all the different moves aimed at overturning ABORTION across the nation, in his mind, are because of individual 1’s election. And, I don’t think he’s wrong.

This is largely why I believe democrats are hemming and hawing about whether or not to go forward with an impeachment inquiry. They understand there’s a set group of voters who are going to support our so-called president come hell or high water. But here’s the reality. There WAS both “COLLUSION” and “OBSTRUCTION” and the obstruction is ongoing. it’s time for democrats to “grow a pair” and start the IMPEACHMENT inquiry – educate the American public.

I started this post a while back. I’m going to publish it, mainly because I write to vent my own frustration and somehow it makes me feel better when I publish it. If you’re one of the 200 – 400 who show up every day and you’ve read this far, Thanks! More to come!

The first time I saw William Barr giving public testimony I said to myself, “This is not going to end well.” (From my perspective, the country’s perspective, and – ultimately – from the perspective of the people who are continuing to support individual 1). Barr is systematically working to be individual 1’s “Roy Cohn” and he, and his boss, are clearly counting on the reality that very few Americans will actually read Robert Mueller’s report. When I first got the report from Barnes and Noble my first thought was most people I know would be intimidated by the sheer volume of the 400+ pages crammed into a small paperback version. In the report that I got I believe, considering both volumes, there are at least 800 pages. For example, I’m not finished with Volume II and I’m on about page 350 (and Volume 1 was nearly as large) with many pages to go.

Most people AREN’T going to read this and with Barr out sending a message to as many people as possible that “There’s no collusion and no obstruction” he fits into the place I first put him – as maybe the MOST dangerous person to our republic who’s still breathing. Barr is systematically attempting to undermine Mueller. And, from what I heard him say in an interview which closely followed Mueller’s report – clearly designed to do just that – Barr is completely disregarding the Russian ATTACK – similar to his boss. (Along with those two, the only other members of our government who believe there was NO Russian ATTACK on the 2016 election would be the republicans in Congress. It also helped them after all)

By now, most people who are following this know that there is one republican who actually read Mueller’s report and came to the same conclusion I have – that our so-called president is a CRIMINAL – and his name is Justin Amash. I’ve always pointed out I’m an “independent” and I’ve said the reason I vote FOR democrats is because I’m usually voting AGAINST republicans. Well, I have to say, I’ve now listened a bit to Amash and I’m impressed. That’s not to say I would agree with him on every issue – but, I admire his GUTS! I’d love to have the opportunity to have breakfast with him and have a dialogue about his view of what would be best for this nation going forward. We’d likely disagree on much, but the dialogue, I believe, would be interesting.

The reason I bring this up is because Amash went one step farther than coming out in favor of individual 1’s impeachment, he actually decided to face his voters face to face in a Town Hall. (As an aside – my representative, who is a republican, refuses to give Town Halls. She does her version on “conference calls.” In that case I would say “no guts.”) The result of Amash’s Town Hall was many republicans cheering him (of course, there were those who admonished him – likely people unwilling to read Mueller’s report) and, in one instance, a very telling moment. One of the reporters at the Town Hall who was interviewing the audience participants got an interview with an individual 1 supporter which was particularly telling. A lady who was interviewed was explaining that she was under the impression individual 1 “had done nothing wrong and was completely exonerated” she was surprised to hear what Amash shared from Mueller’s report. She blamed the fact she “listens to conservative media” for her ignorance – which, I would say, was an accurate comment.

It’s been clear for some time individual 1 is a BULLY and we’re seeing the same tendencies from his supporters. Yesterday, on Fox “news” Joe DiGenova claimed if the democrats impeach individual 1 there will be “Civil War.” I’ve heard this same sentiment from my friend I mentioned in my previous post who is also an individual 1 supporter and also watches/listens to “conservative” media. Individual 1 AND his supporters have become used to BULLYING the democrats in Congress and they’re having a hard time understanding the WILL of the people who voted the democrats into control of the House of Representatives. It’s true the White Supremacists in “cells” all around the country are armed to the hilt, but if our institutions are not capable of dealing with them flooding into the streets, then individual 1 is succeeding in “deconstructing the administrative state.” (Of course, Bill Barr is the head of the Justice Department, which we’d be depending on stopping any insurrection)

If “we the people” actually care about this republic, then their BULLYING MUST fall on “deaf ears.” If we truly are a “nation of laws and not men” then individual 1 needs to be ushered into his place in the lower regions of the American History books. Mueller was clear the reason he couldn’t file a charge of conspiracy with the Russian “invasion” of 2016 was largely because of the LYING of witnesses and the destruction of evidence. For whatever reason, Mueller chose to look the other way from some of that – i.e. the June 9, 2016, meeting in individual 1 Tower from which individual 1 dictated the main LIES – LIES to the media and “we the people.” As I’ve stated previously, individual 1 Jr. and Jared Kushner well could (SHOULD) have been indicted. I believe Mueller didn’t feel the public battle would be worth it – he claimed he didn’t indict because a conviction wasn’t a certainty due to the LYING and destruction of evidence.

America has evolved to the point where some “growing pains” are inevitable. The racism which has, at times, ruled the day in America, and over the previous few decades (pre individual 1) had simmered “under the rocks” has been, once again, energized by our so-called president and his White Nationalist base – make no mistake, these are the people threatening “Civil War.” And, where are many of these people located? Surprise, Surprise – in the South and other states which made up those in the original confederacy. The “White Nationalists” have been looking for a “savior” for years and individual 1, a man with NO moral compass, is their perfect leader. And, their leader, did NOT come from the “top of the heap.”

Here’s another part of the reality “we the people” are faced with as someone with the credentials of individual 1 is our so-called president. In fact, our government is more and more under the control of both individual 1 and his son-in-law who both very likely SHOULD have been indicted by Mueller’s investigation. Both individual 1 AND Jared Kushner are “sons who were born on third base” and BOTH have struggled to get “home” on their own. They BOTH inherited massive amounts of money and real estate and BOTH were proficient at requiring their Father’s to bail them out of poor decisions. Individual 1 has been bankrupt at least 4 and maybe 7 times, (I’ve read different “totals”) and, it appears, Kushner was able to use his place in our government to pressure the Qatari sovereign investment fund to bail him and his Father out of a terrible investment at 666 (You can’t make that number up – talk about appropriate) 5th Avenue in New York.

It appears to me the LAWBREAKING coming from individual 1 and various members of his family is routine. They (the family) appear to believe the laws in America were “made for you and me.” (And, obviously not them) Of course, Kushner’s father has spent “time” in prison for some of his “hubris” and his son appears to believe it can’t happen to him. Additionally, individual 1, himself, is an un-indicted co-conspirator to TWO felonies and faces somethng like another dozen (or more) criminal investigations; these FACTS are good reasons many more people than myself are referring to him as a mob boss. It’s because that’s how he acts! I mean, added to everything else at least 4 or 5 OBSTRUCTION of justice offenses and, by some accounts up to a dozen, shows a fundamental disregard for our system of laws that SHOULD be unacceptable even to republicans. (Consider if Barack Obama had clearly obstructed justice a half dozen or more times WWRD? (What would republicans do?)

With William Barr’s help individual 1 is attempting to put the final “nail” in the “America as we’ve known it coffin” as republicans push to turn America into a fascist state – what would likely be termed Mussolini type fascism. (You can look it up – I’ve explained it here before) Essentially, we’re looking at a corporatacracy combined with an autocracy. (Read “The Family” by Jeff Sharlet) Some are even suggesting individual 1 will be difficult to get out of the “White House” once he’s either voted out or impeached. The OBSTRUCTION has morphed into a BRAZEN obstruction of the democratic led House of Representatives as if to “flip the bird” to Nancy Pelosi and the other leaders of their party. (This SHOULD be another Article of IMPEACHMENT) My prediction: democrats will continue their attempt at finding a “moral” and “appropriate” solution to individual 1’s OBSTRUCTION while looking straight at individual 1’s “middle finger.” It actually grieves my heart I feel the need to write that.

Final Thought: (As a way to solve the democrats problem) Yesterday I saw a video on YouTube made by three former republican Attorney Generals (I believe they were actually “deputy” Attorney Generals) from the Reagan era, the HW Bush era, and the GW Bush era pointing out individual 1 committed (in their words) up to 10 violations of CRIMINAL Obstruction of Justice. As I was watching this video I thought to myself the democrats SHOULD call people like them – former republican prosecutors – to TESTIFY before the House Judiciary Committee and allow THEM to explain what is in the Mueller report. The issue at hand is finding a way to EDUCATE “we the people” on what is in that report. As I stated above, I’ve read it, but MOST people are not going to do so. If “we the people” KNOW what actually happened (Obstruction – and, near conspiracy regarding Putin and the Russians) If I can find that video again I will include a link. If you watch it you’ll know what I’m talking about! OK, I found it, if you’d like to view it click HERE

Finally, I listened to as much of an interview Jared Kushner gave the other day which I was able to stomach and, it appeared to me, Kushner is taking his “imperial” position way too seriously. The few times I’ve heard words coming from his mouth I find myself just shaking my head. I keep telling myself “Only in America” – where we are more and more controlled by the 24/7 hour cable news cycle and, sadly, Fox “news” is a significant “player.” Individual 1 and his family members are such pathological LIARS they actually believe the LIES as they roll off their tongues. Kushner fits right in and I believe he sees himself as individual 1’s successor! I’m not kidding! Yikes!!!