I’ve been pointing out for years “we the people” are in a WAR for the heart and soul of America.  it appears many democrats are figuring this out, but the question is – is it too late?  Also, do they have the will to put an end to the present day version of the republican party.  We all heard John McCain (God rest his soul) lamenting the return of “regular order” – which simply referred to the time when republicans and democrats were able to “work across party lines” to “get things done.”  Beginning with Newt Gingrich and, of late, with the so-called “Tea Party” and Mitch McConnell, “regular order” has become a thing of the past.

Republicans have adopted “whatever works” with no compunction to “morality” – all the while claiming to be the “party of moral values.”  The Reagan years were when I started seeing the “adoption” of the “Big Lie Theory” – although I didn’t recognize it until a few years ago.  (I listened to a pundit lamenting how republicans were repeating the same LIE over and over again and pointing out it appears to be an effective strategy for them – WITHOUT referring to where they got the idea!)  They have believed “the end justifies the means” for as long as I can remember.  (I go back to the days of Nixon)  And, they’re pulling out all the stops for this upcoming mid-term election which, if they hold off the so-called “blue wave,” America will likely become unrecognizable to progressive thinking people.

Some of the stuff they’re doing is so WRONG yet they’re doing it in plain sight.  It’s like the bully saying “what are you going to do about it?”  And, sadly, despite the importance of this upcoming election, it’s likely that well more than HALF of America’s voters will fail to cast their ballot.  Of course, part of that stems from the voter suppression tactics republicans have put on steroids since our right wing Supreme Court, curiously, struck down key provisions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.  Do you see the coordination here between the politicians and the members of the judiciary?  Do you see why judges are their #1 priority?  Do you see why republicans feel they’re so close to their “permanent republican ‘majority?”  Which only requires about 40% of the public to support them in order to succeed.  It’s disgusting to realize they figure there are enough “uneducated voters” – as Trump put it in the campaign of 2016 – for them to continue their plundering of America’s wealth.  I don’t believe “we the people” can endure much more of their “plundering” before we’ve reached the so-called (like in another VERY important area) “tipping point.”

Take for example what has been exposed in Georgia during this 2018 election.  If you’ve been anywhere besides under a rock you know Georgia has a long history of voter suppression aimed at people of color.  Well, in this year’s governor’s race we could be seeing “deja vu all over again” AND arrogance at its “finest.”  (that was sarcasm if you don’t “get it”)  Georgia’s Secretary of State is running for Governor against a Black woman who is a very credible candidate with a good chance to be the first woman of color to reach a governor’s mansion in U.S. history.  Her name is Stacy Abrams, I’ve listened to her, and she is a VERY impressive candidate.  Presently, polling shows the “race” within the margin of error – meaning Ms. Abrams very well might win.  Her opponent, the state’s Secretary of State is in charge of the election in which he’s a principle.  What’s the saying? “Put that in your pipe and smoke it!”  What’s more, he’s “freezing” 54 THOUSAND voter registration applications – of which – naturally – 70% represent Black voters, not to mention how many might be Latino.  I think you can see what’s going on here!  “Win at all costs”

Honestly, it sickens me to be constantly writing about this stuff – especially what’s going on in Georgia right now as I’m typing these thoughts.  I think back to the 2016 election and in the key states that swung the electoral college to Trump (despite LOSING the election by 3 MILLION votes) voter suppression was “alive and well.”  Take Wisconsin, for example.  Trump “won” by something less than 25 thousand votes.  I saw reports that 350 THOUSAND people were blocked from voting via the voter suppression law Wisconsin’s republicans passed prior to the election.  Remember, Wisconsin was originally the home of the John Birch Society – which has evolved into their republican party.  (“Google” the Birch society if you don’t know what that means) The same could be said for North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Michigan.  Here’s what we know – in EVERY district in America where republicans can get away with dirty tricks to win elections, that’s what they’re doing.  “Win at all costs”

None of this even takes into account the “Russian invasion” which accelerated once Trump became a possibility to win the nomination.  And, to think there was “no collusion” – well, “Come on man!”  We KNOW there was collusion – we just don’t know to what degree.  We don’t know how much “kompromat” the Russians have on Trump.  And, “we the people” don’t know how much he’s intertwined with organized crime, not only involving Russians, but the other major “crime families” which were “stationed” in New York over the years – and, for many of them, likely still “stationed” there.

If you saw, the other day, where the Justice department seized and froze assets of Russian Oligarch Oleg Deripaska, you got a “bird’s eye” view of how they “launder” their “ill gotten gains” – robbed from the Russian people.  They plunder Russia’s natural resources and then “invest” the money with people like Trump in real estate and other ventures outside of Russia.  Before Trump bankrupted his casino’s he allowed MILLIONS of Russian mafiya money to be laundered through their “turnstiles.”

Deripaska, of course, is the Russian Oligarch “connected” to Paul Manafort and already sanctioned by the U.S. government.  One of the “homes” in question is in New York and was purchased in 2008 (yes, during the “Great Recession” when home prices were tumbling) for $42 MILLION.  I believe he’s got property in Trump Tower (along with a plethora of other Russians involved in the Russian “mafiya” – read, “Trump/Russia” by Seth Hettena) which also was “seized.”  Additionally, he’s got very expensive real estate holdings elsewhere.  Deripaska ,and the other Russians “laundering” their money via Trump’s real estate, is/are “attached” to Vladimir Putin and seem to have unlimited funds to use buying assets in America and Europe.

I could go on and on about all the stuff I consider “wrong,” but I try to limit my rants as much as I can.  Aside from all the “stuff” mentioned above, there was another announcement this past week by the CBO that confirms what I’ve been saying ALL year and contradicts what Trump’s economic advisers have been saying ALL year.  Not only will the tax “scam” of 21017 NOT create the necessary revenue to pay for itself, but, just as I predicted it was like pouring GAS onto the annual budget deficit – the one Trump promised to get rid of (as he claimed his businesses weren’t submerged with debt – another of his long line of LIES his supporters willingly believe) AND, as I predicted, the CBO just announced this year’s deficit will top $1 TRILLION with the amounts BALLOONING into the foreseeable future.  This is BAD!

It took President Obama 8 years to reduce the $1.5 TRILLION deficits he inherited down to $400 BILLION when he left office – and, true to form for republicans, it took Trump less than a year to essentially TRIPLE the deficit.  And, when Trump’s impending recession – and, trust me, the other thing you can count on from the tax “scam” is the recession will arrive sooner rather than later and it will be more intense.  When the inflation picks up, which is also inevitable based on Trump’s policies, the cost of managing this debt will skyrocket – and, if “we the people” don’t elect a democratic Congress and get Trump out of office “sooner rather than later” – republicans will attack things like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid like never before.   They’ll claim, “we just don’t have the money!”  They won’t say why and they’ll NEVER consider cutting the defense spending.

None of this should surprise anyone – it’s just that, as I mentioned above, the “tipping point” is on the horizon – in more areas than one.  The plundering of America MUST stop!  I guess it’s kind of like what the “oligarchs” are doing in Russia – I’ve just been too naive to figure it out sooner – at least to the degree it’s happening.  The “oligarchs” in America are what are referred to as the “top 1%” and, what has become apparent, is they “can’t get enough.”  If you remember, prior to Congress cramming this “tax scam” through, even people like Lindsay Graham were pointing out the republican “donors” were demanding this get done.  These “donors” were “cashing in” to the tune of, in some instances (the Koch brothers) possibly the BILLIONS.  In many instances, including Trump – who famously said, to a crowd in Phoenix as I forced myself to watch, “Trust me, I won’t benefit from this tax plan.  My wealthy friends are not happy with me, but they’ll be OK.”

That was just another of the pathological (or calculated) LIES Trump pushed out of his mouth during his first year in office.  According to the fact checkers he had spewed out over 4000 LIES by the end of his first year in office and, by now, it’s over 8000!  Of course, Trump cashed in by the tens of MILLIONS, at least – (Many people dispute Trump’s claims to how much he’s “worth” – he’s got a documented history of exaggeration) – yet his audiences suck it all in.

One example of why they did the tax “scam” would be Sheldon Adelson – the owner of gambling casinos in Las Vegas and Singapore –  who reportedly gained $670 MILLION in the FIRST QUARTER of 2018 because of the tax “scam.”  You read that correctly – $670 MILLION.  Well, shortly thereafter, it was reported Paul Ryan was “feeding at the trough” and got Adelson to “donate” $30 MILLION to the republican PAC, which, by the way, wouldn’t exist except for the Citizens United decision of the Supreme Court – led by two activist judges (Roberts and Alito) appointed by GW Bush.  As you can see, the DAMAGE caused by these republicans will be ongoing for a generation because they’re packing the courts with judges who will encourage this type of corruption.  Republicans believe the wealthy elite should “rule.”

I hope you can see why I’ve been calling this a WAR for the heart and soul of America.  To me, Trump is the perfect “stooge” for the money changers who are behind this purge of America’s traditional values.  The Russians refer to him as a “useful idiot.”  While he’s willingly doing his narcissistic best to, in the words of Steve Bannon, “deconstruct the administrative state,” America’s “oligarchs” continue to plunder our nation’s wealth and put it in their bank accounts – “laughing all the way to the bank!”

I didn’t see the 2016 election as “the most important” of my lifetime – for one thing, I certainly miscalculated the degree Congressional republicans would accede to Trump – I can only imagine what it would be like for Hillary Clinton to be dealing with this Congress.  Two years of watching Trump and how he fits into the republican strategy of their “permanent republican ‘majority,'” has convinced me this upcoming election is the most important of my lifetime.  Republicans will do whatever they can to stop the “Blue Wave.” Voter suppression is one tactic and who knows what else?  I’ve said this many times, “we the people” have the privilege of voting – if we choose not to exercise it, or we choose not to take it seriously enough to research the issues, we deserve what we get.

Right now the “system” is tilted strongly to the “right.”  If you’re not familiar, that’s the “territory” which produced the likes of Putin, Duterte, and Erdogan in today’s world and the Third Reich in 1930’s Germany.  It’s hard for me to imagine we’ve evolved to this point, but the combination of a sophisticated propaganda scheme, a “busy” society, and a group of “leaders” who are willingly corrupted by whatever money comes around have put us in the position where our nation could be undermined from WITHIN!  In the 1950’s President Eisenhower warned us about the potential damage caused by the “Military Industrial Complex.”  I’m sure he couldn’t even imagine someone like Trump could EVER make it to the “White House” – to be used to exacerbate the issue.  It’s up to “we the people” to CORRECT what is presently threatening our nation.  If we don’t show up at the polls, God help us all!

I’ve been writing about how the republican party has adopted Joseph Goebbels’ “Big Lie Theory” for years now – and, lamenting how our “liberal media” continues to “look the other way” – often times wondering about how Trump and republicans keep repeating the same “untruths.”  I’ve also been pointing out we’re in a WAR for the heart and soul of this nation since well before Trump arrived on the scene AND that republicans have a plan “affectionately” called “the permanent republican ‘majority'” – the first time I heard it was coming from the mouth of Karl Rove – where they gain a stranglehold on our nation’s government – the “White House,” the Congress, the Courts, and the media – the very government they so much seem to despise – a stranglehold which will be difficult to “unwind” once they have intimidated the “liberal media” to “shut up.”  It’s all in plain sight!

For example – right now, earlier this evening, our so-called president – who evidently doesn’t have a job to do other than fly around the country and give campaign style speeches to – well – MOBS – was pushing the new narrative which is that democrats are in favor of “mob rule.”  Last week I had breakfast with a friend of mine who is a die hard Trump supporter and he kept using the word “mob” in talking about democrats.  Well, obviously, I haven’t been listening to the right wing media outlets of late – I wondered what the heck is he talking about?  Are demonstrators now being referred to as “mobs?”  Well, not only are demonstrators being referred to as “mobs” – apparently, referring to the THOUSANDS of women who descended on the Capital in PROTEST to the confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh – CREDIBLY accused of sexual assault when he was in high school and college – but, apparently, the crowds chanting “lock her up” are considered, like Kavanaugh, choir boys and girls.  Does anyone remember Richard Nixon?

So, now “we the people” are hearing the word “Mob” or the phrase “Mob rule” repeated OVER and OVER again by not only Trump, but his surrogates and his sycophants.  Apparently, this is in reference to Mitch McConnell using the term in reference to American citizens expressing their right to address THEIR government during the Kavanaugh “proceeding.”  Lest you’ve forgot, the allegations against Kavanaugh were severe, there were MORE than one, AND they were not fully investigated.  McConnell was clear from the start – Kavanaugh was going to be on the court.  The result is Kavanaugh will be forever working with a “cloud” over his head AND the court has LOST more of its credibility with a large segment of the American public. Is it any wonder MILLIONS of Americans are beyond frustration?

I can only imagine the other justices on the court are going to be uneasy sitting next to a man who has pulled them down via his unbridled ambition – while bringing charges of sexual assault and visual examples of his partisanship to the court.  Has ANY other judge in American history  promised “what goes around comes around” prior to his/her assention to the court?  I’m sure the judges now all rue the day when democrats control the Congress – both houses – with this year a good chance democrats will take control of the House.  They will NOT forget Kavanaugh’s divisive rhetoric anytime soon!

Reports were that Trump’s “base” is all fired up now that the Kavanaugh hearings became so contentious – apparently caring less as to the allegations against him – as opposed to “winning.”  Clearly, the court, Kavanaugh, and even Trump would have benefited from a full FBI investigation into the allegations against Kavanaugh – but, it’s clear the republicans didn’t want to take a chance that the democrats would take control of the Senate – highly unlikely, based on the “map” this year – so they were willing to put a STAIN on the Supreme Court that could be difficult to remove.  (It’s HIGHLY unlikely Kavanaugh, for example, will EVER be impeached – although, it wouldn’t surprise me if further investigations were ordered should the dems control one of the Houses of Congress)

Getting back to my first point, this repeated use of the word “Mob” and the phrase “Mob rule” is just the latest attempt by the republican propagandists to stoke even more FEAR into those Americans (sorry) STUPID enough to be falling for their shtick.  This has been going on now for years and it just irks me listening to Americans in “mobs” (closer to the true definition of a “mob” – here’s Webster’s definition:  “a large and disorderly crowd of people; especially : one bent on riotous or destructive action.”) at Trump “rallies” chanting “Lock her up” to a bunch of people who, themselves, are in danger of being locked up and attacking ANYONE who “demonstrates” against Trump.

I likely won’t forget (and, at 71 I forget much) Michael Flynn leading the chant – lock her up – at the republican convention in 2016 in reference to Hillary Clinton and her emails.  Well, who’s going to be locked up now?  And, Trump leading a crowd in Mississippi to “lock her up” referring to Christine Blasey Ford was beneath contempt.  Tonight, he had them chanting this somewhere in Iowa to Diane Feinstein.  Does anyone wonder why there’s a 30 point gap in favor of democrats with women?  And, keep in mind, it’s Trump, his son and son in law, and others associated with his “crime family” who very well could end up being the ones, like Flynn, locked up.

If you haven’t studied the Nazi’s in Germany of the 1930’s Goebbels was the head of propaganda and he developed “the Big Lie Theory” – which goes like this:  “you repeat a LIE often enough and people start believing it’s true.”  I’ve been observing this for years.  You often hear of how republicans are using this theory as “talking points” – where you hear the same LIE from one pundit to another in orchestration with political “leaders” and those controlling the airwaves – ie Rush Limbaugh and the other right wing “water carriers” on the radio airwaves – which, by the way, are CONTROLLED by right wing corporate interests – AND, those on our TV’s like Fox “news” and ALL the local TV stations across America controlled by Sinclair Broadcasting.  Last year, a good example went viral, of Sinclair’s execs DICTATING to all their local stations what would be the “evening news” in unison.

The problem republicans, and Trump – the perfect buffoon for the “money changers” behind the scene who are “pulling the strings” – are having is with the small percentage of the “media” they don’t control.  Like (what Trump calls the “failing”) New York Times, the Washington Post, CNN, MSNBC, and outlets like Free Speech TV where you find some of the few remaining “liberal talkers” who get broadcast on the radio – if you can find a station not owned by Clear Channel that’s willing to put them on the air.  These outlets are still doing “investigative reporting” – and, reports are that they cause Trump to throw things when he’s eating his cheeseburgers and drinking his diet coke right before bedtime – you know, when he torches the “Twitter” universe.

Reports are coming out almost daily through the above named outlets – due to the almost unbelievable amount of leaking coming from Trump’s “White House” AND due to the relentless investigating by some reporters who are going to end up in the upper echelon of American history – looking WAY down on Trump and his sycophants place next to Benedict Arnold – when all is said and done with this NEW chapter in America’s dark history.  Those who’ve benefited from “white privilege” will not easily give up what they appear to believe is their “birthright.”  Considering almost all of us (meaning “we the people”) are “immigrants,” it’s rather astonishing to me listening to the right wing supporters of Trump give their reasons for supporting him.

However, the proceeding with Kavanaugh clearly showed why Trump’s supporters are supporting him.  It’s all about the Supreme Court and Roe v wade.  That makes the argument simplistically, but, in reality, it’s a simplistic argument.  Today, for example, I listened, on MSNBC, to a college student who was the head of the campus republicans at the University of Nevada being asked what those he represented supported?  As usual, with republican, he couldn’t come up with a coherent answer to the question.  My first thought was a college “republican” should be able to give a good answer, although he said something like “we’re in favor of reducing health care costs.”  Well, he – like the republican “leaders” he apparently supports – has no idea how to do that, although he did say they weren’t in favor of repealing “Obamacare” without an alternative – which, of course, leaves republicans with no answer – because, they’re only about winning elections and NOT governing.

Just as it was in the 1930’s in Germany, the “Big Lie Theory” is all about winning “elections” and CONTROLLING how “we the people” think – obviously, back then “we the people” were Germans.  Interestingly, the people who “fell” for the shtick back then were the “conservative Christians.”  Do you see the parallel?  And, there’s other parallels I’ve pointed out several times you’ll find in the archives if you’re interested.  Republicans have proven over and over again they are inept at governing but obsessed with “winning” – AT ALL COSTS.

It only took Bush/Cheney less than two years to turn a $250 BILLION surplus into a $250 BILLION deficit and less than three years to LIE “we the people” into what appears to be ENDLESS warfare in Afghanistan and Iraq – warfare that has spread across the Middle East and into Africa and will be “out of control” as long as “we the people” allow our “leaders” to pursue “winning.”  It could be the disaster that ultimately destroys America’s standing as “leader of the free world” as if our “leaders” learned NOTHING from Viet Nam.  What’s the old saying?  “Those who ignore history are bound to repeat it.”  President Obama inherited an economy in “free fall” with annual deficits of $1.5 TRILLION as the “parting gifts” of Bush/Cheney.  Remember, Bush/Cheney were the result of a “conservative” Supreme Court.

President Obama’s administration orchestrated what policies they could, in the face of Mitch McConnell attempting to ensure their failure with 700 FILIBUSTERS, policies which reduced the deficit (republicans screaming all the way) by 70% “down” to $400 BILLION as their administration left office.  Of course, Trump (and his republican enablers) have the deficit OVER $1 TRILLION already – and, that’s going to skyrocket when the predictable result of the “tax scam” AND all the deregulating via executive orders (remember, republicans hate them) causes the next “Great recession” – which, I believe, will be in the next two years – it may be on the horizon already as signs of inflation are emerging – with Trump already complaining about the Fed raising interest rates – he appears to have NO clue.

Trump is BRAGGING about the economy – which appears to be flourishing – but, it’s already showing the signs of “over heating” one would expect from the short sighted republican greed.  Remember, the “tax scam” is taking OVER a TRILLION dollars from “we the people” and funneling it to corporations and wealthy individuals who were already “swimming” in money.  Trump inherited a healthy economy and does nothing other than to “pump” money to those who didn’t need it and encouraging the same kind of financial recklessness which caused the crash in 2007.  Hang on!  (And, what if there’s a real trade war with China????)

Interest rates are on the rise and will need to be increased enough to halt inflation which will put a halt to the housing “boom” which is the engine driving the present economy and, likely, housing prices are going to hit another “roadblock” in the next couple of years.  (take a breath – I know a run on sentence when I see one ;o)  Where I live that will leave many people “under water” – similar to what happened in 2007 and 2008.  Around here builders are building new homes as fast as they can to, what we used to say when I was farming, “make hay while the sun shines.”  The “bubble” is expanding and I have NO confidence the republicans will know what to do when it bursts.

Occasionally, I listen to Trump’s head of the Office of Economic Development – he speaks with a constant s@#t eating grin on his face – and, I have to personally question his bonafides.  Part of me wants to hope he’s correct – but, I don’t trust ANYONE connected to Trump in any way – and, my instincts from observing the economy since in my teens tells me danger is on the horizon.  For example, the last time I listened to him he was still predicting rising revenue from all the jobs created will offset the deficits caused by the tax scam.  Reports I’ve read elsewhere say deficits NORTH of a TRILLION for the foreseeable future.

To me, everything Trump does is short sighted and poorly thought out.  Yet his followers will believe anything he says.  I never watched the “Apprentice,” but, apparently, Millions of Americans did – and, the other day, I heard a report that is where Trump got his popularity.  Well, evidently, those who got to know him there don’t realize he’s been bankrupt 7 times and it’s been the Russians (and his daddy) who continually bailed him out.  At some point Mueller will point out how connected Trump is to Russian money and how much those around him are connected to the Russian “mafiya.”  And, that would include Kellyanne Conway and Don McGahn – the “White House” counsel.

Russian money is heavily invested in America’s republican party – it’s not just Trump.  Read “The House of Trump/House of Putin” by Craig Unger and “Trump/Russia” by Seth Hettena.  (McConnell, Graham, to name a couple have received hundreds of thousands of dollars from Russian oligarchs living in America – and, virtually all of these “oligarchs” are connected to Putin and part of the Russian mafiya)  There is no doubt in my mind the Russians are the reason Trump is in the “White House” and things will get dicey when the 60% of Americans who realize this is “bad” understand “how bad is it?”  When it becomes clear Trump’s so-called presidency is illegitimate – what will that mean regarding Kavanaugh?  And, what will the MOBS yelling “lock her up” be doing when they realize they’ve been duped?

So, we have a so-called president in office with the help of the Russians and attempting to stay in office using propaganda techniques developed by the Nazi’s in 1930’s Germany.  Is it any wonder we have HUGE throngs of protestors converging on our nation’s Capitol?  With the so-called president having been accused of the sexual misconduct he bragged about on video tape by at least 19 women and whose legitimacy is in question having nominated a man CREDIBLY accused of attempted rape among other sexual misconduct to the Supreme Court and then pushing the nominee through without a thorough investigation is it any wonder women are turned off and protesting en masse?  And, calling that “mob rule” while leading a mob in chants of “lock her up” regarding the accuser – well, we’ll see how that plays out in November.  As I’ve said many times, this is a WAR for the heart and soul of America.  It appears democrats are FINALLY beginning to realize this.

If those Americans who see what’s happening with Trump don’t vote in November, this country will be facing disasters I couldn’t imagine just a few years ago.  (My next post should be about climate change deniers)  My biggest disappointment with President Obama was that he didn’t appear to understand the gravity of what was happening.  He didn’t understand what the result would be when he (in trying to do the honorable and traditional thing) “looked the other way” to the ILLEGAL behavior of GW Bush and Dick Cheney – both credibly WAR CRIMINALS.  When “we the people” are unwilling to “police ourselves” – that is, hold ALL Americans to the rule of law, our republic deteriorates.  We’re seeing that in “spades” as we now have a so-called president with TWO allegations of committing felonies and likely much more legal jeopardy to follow – a man with a history of bullying and pushing legal boundaries – and 35 to 40% of America OK with that.

I can’t remember an election I’ve anticipated with more concern.  And, keep in mind, I’m not sure democrats have the “stones” (I apologize for a sexist analogy – I can’t think of anything more appropriate.  I’ll add, there are hundreds of WOMEN running for office as democrats and I believe they will be much stronger than their male predecessors)  necessary to carry the fight should they gain control of the House.  If they don’t understand this is a WAR – democrats will continue to find themselves in the minority!  I hope they look back to 2006, digest what happened, and DON’T do a repeat performance.  Republicans will NOT lose graciously!

Like MILLIONS of other Americans (and, many around the world) I’ve been closely watching the confirmation process which is likely to put Brett Kavanaugh, an accused sexual predator, onto the highest court in our nation.  He ALREADY sits on the 2nd highest court in the land, which, to me, seems to be a travesty in itself.  There’s been much that has come out in these hearings, but very possibly MORE that won’t be allowed to come out because the MALE dominated GOP doesn’t want it to come out – they want Kavanaugh on the court ASAP!  Even this “so-called” investigation, which has a limit of one week and a seriously flawed (in my view) limit on who will be questioned, appears to be all for “show.”  As Mitch McConnell said, “Brett Kavanaugh will be confirmed to the SCOTUS!

That means both Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski will vote for a man who has been credibly accused of sexual assault – they should know better.  That likely means there are democrats who will “go along to get along” by voting for Kavanaugh in an attempt to save their seat because they live in a state which voted for Trump.  That means Jeff Flake and any other senator who votes for Kavanaugh will have ignored the MANY instances where he appeared to be LYING in his testimony, let alone the evidence of sexual abuse.  That would mean ANY one who votes for Kavanaugh will have ignored his blasphemous response to Dr. Ford’s COMPELLING testimony.  That will mean they’ve ignored his arrogant answers to questions from democrats where he was openly dismissive of their questioning.  He came across as a PARTISAN hack!  Evidently, in the eyes of Trump and his sycophants in the GOP, “just what the doctor ordered.”

Seriously, behavior that turned my stomach came across as exciting to Trump.  Even Jeff Flake – who’s trying to portray himself as some kind of “progressive” champion – he appeared on stage with Chris Coons at the MSNBC sponsored “Global Initiative” this past weekend – will vote for Kavanaugh and he said, “It’s understandable to me how he (meaning Kavanaugh) could react that way (meaning his combative testimony).  I might do the same had I been accused of these things.”  Here’s the rub for me – there’s too many accusations and too many people corroborating Kavanaugh’s aggressive, divisive, obnoxious, partisan behavior.  Evidently, in the eyes of the GOP this is judicial prudence.  Yikes!!!!

From what I’ve read, the FBI has been severely limited in the “scope” of who they can question – kind of like the hearings where there were NO “follow up” questions allowed.  From the standpoint of the republicans it’s JAM this through as quickly as possible and hope Ruth Bader Ginsberg has health problems so we can go through this again.  The ONE thing they’re hoping to get from Trump’s fiasco of a presidency is CONTROL of the courts for at least a generation – and, in this, they are succeeding.  Anthony Kennedy, who retired to open up this seat for Kavanaugh, and, who has been proclaimed by “liberals” as some kind of great jurist (please, spare me!), stepped aside so that Trump could put Kavanaugh on the court.  I could go on and on why I consider Kennedy to be nothing more than a right wing supporter of a corporate takeover of America – but, I’ll save that for another day – just, every day when you think of what a hack Kavanaugh is – remember it was Kennedy who wanted him on the court!  (And, remember, the likely reason Trump chose Kavanaugh in the first place was his views on the “unitary executive” – Trump sees him as his “Roy Cohn”)

Of course, republicans are making it a sticking point in this “investigation” to make sure the FBI gets nowhere near Michael Avenatti who has a client with the most salacious of all the allegations against Kavanaugh – and, likely (knowing Avenatti) the MOST corroborated.  Therefore, Trump and his sycophants want NOTHING to do with him or the woman who came forward seeking him to represent her.  Did Avenatti find her hiding under a “rock?”  Likely NOT.  Very likely, she sought him out because she felt he would protect her should her accusations become public – because, the sad reality is that sexual assault victims routinely receive the responses we saw from Kavanaugh, Lindsay Graham, Chuck Grassley, Orin Hatch, and the other republicans.  Is it any wonder why women victims of sexual assault remain silent?

And, make no mistake, being the victim of a sexual assault can create a “life sentence” for the victim.  I personally KNOW several victims of sexual assault and it really made me angry listening to Kavanaugh and the other republicans (and, unquestionably, Kavanaugh IS a partisan republican hack) attempt to act like they really care about this issue.  I personally know people who couldn’t bear to even listen to this testimony because it brought up so many bad memories.  I’ve known women who have PTSD (several, at the time, I didn’t understand or recognize the symptoms) and suffer panic attacks due to sexual assault – and, it doesn’t go away.  Yes, counseling can help, but the fear and other repercussions don’t go away.

Even if you would suggest that maybe ALL these women are LYING – as Trump did to the 19 accusers who came forward after he admitted on tape that he’s a sexual predator – Kavanaugh LIED repeatedly in his testimony, according to MANY sources I’ve read.  (I have to wonder if Flake and the other “undecided” voters in the Senate are “checking this out?)  Apparently, Kavanaugh was LYING about much more than his alleged sexual deviancy.  So, wouldn’t you think LYING before a congressional committee (about anything) and exhibiting EXTREMELY boorish behavior in public – admitting to being a partisan hack – would disqualify you for the federal bench?  Apparently, in the eyes of republicans, it does just the opposite!

Of course, outlets like Fox “news” and the right wing bloviators who dominate the radio airwaves – like Rush Limbaugh – are “ginning” up the right wing “low information voters” who suck up whatever “red meat” they’re “thrown” and your typical Trump supporter is going to be “angry as hell” if Kavanaugh gets his “just rewards” – which would be accountability for his previous actions and his LYING to Congress.  I guess if you’re a Trump supporter you’ve come to accept LYING as routine and “no problemo.”  I can GUARANTEE anyone who happens upon this site that should Kavanaugh be confirmed the DAMAGE to the court will be ENORMOUS and he will NEVER be considered “legit” for as long as his tenure lasts.  He will have a “cloud” exponentially larger than Clarence Thomas and should he render opinions such as many fear (and, I’m not talking about Roe) I predict, at some point – after democrats have taken firm control of Congress – which will be one of the results of his confirmation – there will be a move to impeach him from the bench entirely.

I believe Kavanaugh’s most prudent action would be to remove himself from consideration citing the damage all this is doing to his family and return to his place on the Court of Appeals.  That’s highly unlikely because he comes across as a VERY ambitious member of the judiciary.  And, it may be “the Supreme Court or nothing” – because, if two republican Senators decide to vote against him it’s possible the allegations of his LYING to Congress will be considered more seriously – and, his position on the bench AT ALL will be in jeopardy.  As I’ve said, to me, it was EMBARRASSING watching his testimony following that of Dr. Ford.  When he referred to the Clinton’s as part of the “smear campaign” against him I thought EVEN republicans would see how that alone should disqualify him from the Supreme Court (or any court, for that matter).  But, apparently, in their eyes any anti-Clinton comment is received with aplomb!

I just finished reading “The House of Trump and the House of Putin” by Craig Unger – and, I would recommend this book to anyone interested in contemporary American politics – with the clear inference being that without the Russians Trump would NOT be our so-called president – and several fronts – which I’ll explain in more detail at another time.  (You SHOULD read this book)  The bottom line appears that what we, in America, have is an illegitimate (so-called) president, accused by (at least) 19 women of sexual impropriety and a man who’s LIED over 8000 times since taking office nominating a man accused of sexual ASSAULT by at least 4 women (as in most of these instances, there are likely more who don’t want to come forward) and, based on accusations from multiple sources, has LIED in his Congressional testimony over and over – for the highest COURT in our land.  When “they” say elections have consequences, well here’s the proof!

When I keep asking myself why don’t they just withdraw this nomination and start over?  I keep coming back to what appears to be the Kavanaugh reality.  He’s the MOST likely jurist who Trump could nominate (and, not really piss off his right wing base) who will defend our so-called president against whatever might come from the Mueller investigation.  I believe Trump and the republicans are anticipating that the House is very LIKELY to swing back to Democratic control starting next January.  Trump surely expects to be impeached AND, there ALREADY  are two FELONIES where he’s been named as an “unindicted co-conspirator” ie – by Michael Cohen – and, there’s very likely MORE “stuff” coming down the “pike.”  Not only from Cohen’s cooperating agreement of Manafort’s cooperating agreement or the other cooperating agreements – but, when you read Unger’s book mentioned above and “Trump/Russia” by Seth Hettena – it’s clear Trump’s connection to Russians (and, mainly the Russian “mafiya”) goes way back in time and is VERY deep!”  I believe one reason Mueller is taking more time than most of us would want is because he’s turning up a plethora of illegal activity committed by Trump and his (small) circle of associates over the past 30 or so years.

I’ve said many times I believe Trump to be acting like the head of an organized crime family.  Well, after reading the two aforementioned books it’s clear to me I’ve been “right on.”  And, this is going to pull in Trump’s sons, possibly his daughter, and very likely, in my mind, Jared Kushner.  The connections to Russia with Trump and those surrounding him is stark – when you actually learn the details.  The more I learn the more frustrated I become with our so-called “liberal media” – the media that “gave” Trump $2 BILLION worth of FREE advertising in the 2016 election (he is the master at media manipulation) – for failing to “educate” we the people on Trump’s actual inter-connection with the Russian mafiya – I’m guessing Mueller is not missing this!  This is why Trump’s been BRAINWASHING his “low information” base (he called them “uneducated voters”) since the election to prepare them to NOT believe Mueller’s findings.  Calling the investigation into the “Russia thing” a “witch hunt” because he knows where the investigation is likely to go.

Like you would expect in any “crime family” Trump has an “obligation” to protect his “brethren” – who, in this instance, happen to be Vladimir Putin and the Russian “oligarchs” who depend on people like Trump to “launder” their ill-gotten gains as they’ve been plundering Russia’s natural wealth since Putin took control at the turn of the century.  And, Trump is the prefect “stooge” for Putin in his attempt to recreate Russia’s “imperial destiny” – requiring the undermining of Western democracies which have lured the former Soviet satellite states into NATO –  apparently why Trump is trying to do Putin’s bidding as he, also, attacks NATO.  Our 24 hour “news” cycle has long ago forgotten Trump’s dreadful performance next to Putin in Helsinki, but, to me, it was (and is) confirmation the Russians have “kompromat” on Trump.  At the time, I agreed with those who claimed Trump’s words were “treasonous” – and, his actions during the election and after may very well be proved to corroborate that characterization once Mueller’s investigation is complete.  Witch hunt?  I don’t think so!

Final thought:  I’ve talked ad nauseum about the “DAMAGE” Trump will have done by the time republicans FINALLY decide “enough is enough” and impeach him.  Obviously, I miscalculated the republican party – they are even worse than I thought.  Even Jeff Flake, who occasionally says something that gets my attention, votes with Trump EVERY time – to me, almost worst than those who just go along with their crowd.  Flake knows better!  Putting Kavanaugh on the court – and, keep in mind, early on in this process I suggested to democrats to “choose their battles wisely” – my thinking being that Trump is going to be able to make this choice regardless – will be DAMAGE that could do more to destroy our country than anything else Trump does – Kavanaugh could be on the court for 30+ years.  So, we’ve got an alleged sexual predator and LIAR (and, likely “winning” a “rigged election”) appointing an alleged sexual predator and LIAR to the Supreme Court!  That’s America in 2018!!!

One more thing:  The Russian money and influence goes much deeper in today’s “Citizens United” America than just Trump.  The Supreme Court in “Citizens United” – just as President Obama predicted – opened up the “doors” to foreign money coming into our elections and BUYING off our politicians – in “The House of Trump and House of Putin” Unger lists the members of Congress who have benefited from, what to me seems like massive amounts of, Russian money “donated” into their campaign coffers.  Hopefully, I’ll write more on that later – but, buy the book and read it (along with “Trump/Russia” – they point out similar scenarios).  I also recommend Clint Watt’s book “Messing with the Enemy” which clarifies in great detail what is referred to as “active measures” regarding Putin’s attack on America and Europe.

As usual: my apologies for the lack of editing – I’m just going to post this.

Last week a couple of REALLY WONDERFUL friends of my wife’s, from 30 years ago, were passing through where we live and they stopped to visit.  We had a great time – me getting to know them – having dinner, having a bit of a shortened “game night,” and, an extended conversation before bedtime.  There was a nice breakfast in the morning and, then, they were on their way back to California.  Both the husband and wife, in my short “evaluation,” would fall into the “conservative Christian” category – regarding spiritual (and political) beliefs.  The lady who was a roommate with my wife some 30+ years ago in Southern California decided to start a conversation regarding Trump.  What she discovered – in a nice way :o) – is that I’m not a “passive listener.”

Both her and her husband, in my “humble” opinion, were/are the perfect targets of the right wing BRAINWASHING that’s been permeating America since the 1970’s.  They both were strongly Trump supporters – but, virtually EVERY piece of information they used to defend their “position” (keep in mind, both of these people don’t like politics AT ALL) was NOT factual.  The ensuing conversation lasted until the “wee hours” because I’m just not able, anymore, to listen to people regurgitating what they’ve heard on Fox “news” or some other right wing propaganda “machine” without initiating a dialogue.  The great thing about this “conversation” was we were able to talk to each other with NO ONE getting mad – which is usually my experience with people who watch Fox “news.”

They pointed out some other media outlets they feel give “unbiased” information, which I should have written down and checked out simply because, to me, this was a positive conversation that I wish I could have with other “conservatives” who believe Trump is a “conservative.”  To my wife’s friend’s husband’s credit, he accepted a book I asked him to read and told me he’ll actually read it.  The $20 I spent on the book was worth the chance to get him to see the “real Trump.”  (The book was “Trump/Russia” by Seth Hettena)  The first reaction of my wife’s friend was “the book is liberal.”  I pointed out the book was full of researched “facts” and my suggestion was to check them (the facts) out to see if they’re actually true.  (which I’ve already done ;o)

In previous posts I’ve referred to Trump’s reliance on “uneducated voters” and these two (great) people are perfect examples of this – in my view.  Accept, other than politics, they’re NOT uneducated.  The lady is a retired school teacher and her husband was a contractor (builder) in his working days and shared his days of taking physics in college with me – I never asked if he graduated from College – but, clearly, both of them are “educated.”  They just don’t have a “grasp” on American history – at least that was the conclusion I came to talking to them.  My main thought, as the conversation ensued, was I really wish there were more “conservatives” like these two people willing to dialogue about an issue they’re very sensitive about.  (Although, they referred to “liberals” in a manner that would suggest too much Fox “news”)

And, I say “sensitive,” because Trump has his supporters really believing the “Russia Investigation” is a “witch hunt,” and that “there’s no collusion.”  No matter what Mueller says at the end of his investigation, it’s going to be hard convincing “conservative Christians” that Trump is connected to organized crime, that he’s a LIAR, that he’s a racist, and on and on.  These two people didn’t want to hear that “stuff” – but, to their credit, we kept talking and, hopefully, the book will be read.  I asked, “If Trump conspired with the Russians to get elected, would you consider that bad?”  Well, after a long pause, the answer was a tepid “yes.”  They just don’t believe the reporting from the NY Times, The Wa. Post, MSNBC, CNN, and any other place in the media world that’s been labeled “liberal” by Fox and the other right wing propaganda machines.  In other words, they’re “drinking the cool-aid” and don’t know it!

We didn’t talk much about the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court, although one of them mentioned his name with the suggestion he’s being railroaded by “liberals.”  Well, there’s no doubt “liberals” are opposed to his confirmation, but – and, I have to say, as usual, I started this post days ago and now Kavanaugh is freaking out in front of the Senate committee which is hell bent on confirming him come “hell or high water.”  To me – and, I guess I’ve evolved into a “liberal” over the years, it’s embarrassing listening to the republicans on this committee, who’ve backed themselves into a “corner” by trying to “jam” this nomination through without even allowing ALL the pertinent information which SHOULD have been relevant to a nomination for a LIFETIME appointment to the Supreme Court be “heard.”

Granted, allegations of sexual misconduct (some of it bizarre to say the least) were made public after the last part of the process and referring to Kavanaugh when he was in high school and college.  As someone who’s had his “moments” in life, especially in my high school and college days, I could easily understand if Kavanaugh had said he didn’t remember any incident such as alleged by Ms. Ford as opposed to categorically denying it.  Especially in the face of all the evidence regarding his braggadocio regarding drinking and sex in his high school yearbook AND the evidence brought forth by members of his class at Yale PLUS a group at Yale which was called “Tits and Clits.”  Let me summarize my thoughts at this point, Brett Kavanaugh is NOT the “choir boy” he attempted to portray himself. (Even had he said he couldn’t remember, I would not believe him – I just don’t believe you wouldn’t remember something like this – unless, I guess, if you’re a sloppy drunk)

Here’s how this will play out if this man is confirmed to the Supreme Court.  We’ve got a likely ILLEGITIMATE (so-called) president with NUMEROUS outstanding accusations of sexual misconduct nominating a man with multiple outstanding allegations of sexual misconduct for the Supreme Court.  In Trump’s case the women bringing the allegations (close to twenty of them – after Trump, essentially, admitting to exactly what was alleged) were ALL referred to as LIARS.  Kavanaugh is attempting to deflect blame on Senate Democrats AND, remarkably, “the Clinton’s.”  In neither instance have the charges received a full investigation from the FBI – which, by the way, has a division specializing in investigating crimes which happened many years ago and are related to sexual offenses.

Kavanaugh may well manage to get today’s republican party to confirm him – which will really demonstrate how removing the “filibuster” from the process is going to politicize the court even more than it already is.  And, Kavanaugh’s opening remarks SHOULD have caused his nomination to be voted “down” by itself, but, in today’s environment, I don’t trust republicans in any way – they’ve been “hornswaggled” (I made that word up for lack of a better imagination) by Trump.  His (Kavanaugh’s) opening remarks showed a man who is clearly PARTISAN (which, by the way, is one reason why he SHOULDN’T be on the court and why democrats originally opposed him) AND a man who is ill-tempered to be on the highest court in the land.

Having Kavanaugh on the court will cause MILLIONS of women all across America to be outraged that a man accused of these assaults on women could be deciding their future as far as control over their own bodies.  With each Senator being limited to 5 minutes with no follow up questions it’s clear Kavanaugh was well schooled on how to deflect from the questioning, effectively limiting the amount of questions Senators were able to ask.  And, probably worst of all, Kavanaugh clearly showed his partisan bonifides both in his prepared remarks and his outbursts during the questioning.  Clearly, he has an issue with women because he was repeatedly interrupting the women asking questions in a manner that I can only say was RUDE!  He was argumentative with senators (democrats of course) and just caused me to shake my head that this is the person Trump sees as a “great man.”  Yikes!!!

Most of the focus is in the allegations of Christine Blasey Ford toward Kavanaugh when they were both in High School.  However, there are three other women who have “come forward” although it’s clear republicans would love to just ignore their allegations – although, some of them are in the bizarre category – beyond “boys will be boys” while they’re in college.  One lady said she was drugged and then gang raped while at Yale – with both Kavanaugh and the friend who was in the room when Kavanaugh allegedly attacked Ms. Ford (I believe Ms. Ford) present – she couldn’t remember if they participated in the “rape.”  There are other people who were at Yale during that time apparently willing to corroborate what was going on at the time in the group labeling themselves – as I said above – as “tits and clits.”  Wowee!!!

The thought goes back to my friends who visited last week.  I have no idea if they watched the hearings yesterday – likely they did not and their view will be “guided” by Fox “news” – and, I’m guessing they will fall into the group of people supporting Kavanaugh’s confirmation.  (I sincerely hope I’m wrong)  I personally know people – both men and women – who’ve been victims of sexual assaults in one way or another who can’t stand to watch what’s going on here.  Just listening to Ms. Ford opens up the “wounds” many victims of this type of assault have swept under the rug.  You have to have lived under a rock in America to FAIL to know that at least ONE THIRD of America’s women have been sexually assaulted.  The damage is pronounced and it’s enduring.  Putting this person (Kavanaugh) into a position as important as the Supreme Court shows how “low” the republican party has evolved.

There’s a simple solution – although republicans won’t do it – and, that’s pull the nomination and nominate someone who hasn’t committed this type of misbehavior.  Kavanaugh KNEW what he’d done in the past and must have known that his nomination was going to cause the most complete scrutiny.  He’s now a judge on the second highest court in the land – he should have considered that as a blessing not to be ruined by ambition.  Kavanaugh presented himself as a “choir boy” – which few of us are.  However, coming across as a sexual predator is a bad look for the highest court in the land – and, no matter how republicans in the Senate view this, that’s how he’s coming across to a significant MAJORITY of Americans.  With Kavanaugh republicans have proven they are all about POWER over process. Once again, they’ve said “women don’t matter!”  This November’s election should be interesting.

Final thought:  There’s so much swirling around in my head – but, if you watched the hearing yesterday you saw a female prosecutor flown in from Arizona who did the “questioning” for republicans when Ms Ford was giving her testimony.  This lady was evidently “FIRED” shortly into the questioning of Kavanaugh.  Apparently, Sen. Graham couldn’t resist jumping in with his own RIDICULOUS claims of some kind of “liberal” conspiracy to take down this judge – as if Kavanaugh’s own actions weren’t the cause of all the trouble.  To me, Kavanaugh and the republican men supporting him, were embarrassing.  And, just to be clear, I’m a WASP (White Anglo Saxon – well maybe not Protestant – 71 years young)

Also, it’s time for Grassley and Hatch to just go out to pasture.  Grassley is REALLY embarrassing!

To anyone with an interest in politics, or who feels the necessity to participate in keeping America “free,” or who believes in the spread of “freedom” around the globe, it’s hard to purge Trump from your mind – at least until he’s wherever his “next stop” is after the “White House.”  Sadly, Trump dominates the news and that’s apparently just the way he likes it.  I guess the world’s #1 NARCISSIST wouldn’t have it any other way.  Today, along the Atlantic Coast, Hurricane Florence was wreaking havoc and, yet, much if not MOST of the “news” was centered on Trump and his “troubles” which appear to be growing day by day.

“We the people” are hearing more and more “experts” each day – meaning former FBI agents, former U.S. Attorneys, etc. referring to Trump and the investigation into his campaign and, essentially, into his “business” as similar to an organized crime investigation.  Personally, it dawned on me about 8 to 10 months ago Trump is like a La Cosa Nostra “boss.”  I started pointing this out the more I kept hearing Michael Cohen being referred to as his “fixer” and listening to Trump, himself, express his disdain for “his” Attorney General Jeff Sessions because Sessions wasn’t “protecting him like Holder did Obama.”  Of course, what Trump doesn’t understand is there was NOTHING for Holder to protect Obama from.  Other presidents haven’t operated like Mafia bosses – well, except the president of Russia, Vladimir Putin.  Does it make you wonder why Trump has such an affinity for Putin?

Well, today, Paul Manafort – who’s got clear ties to Russian and Ukrainian mob “figures” – decided he’d rather take his chances with Robert Mueller than with Trump and agreed to a “cooperation agreement” in the “Russia Investigation.”  This was a big enough story to “nudge” Hurricane Florence to the side as, clearly, I’m not the only American on the “edge of my seat” waiting for Trump to get his “just rewards.”  Even if Trump didn’t “collude” with the Russians, which has been unclear based on his dealings with Mueller’s investigation (he’s not acting like an innocent person), it is clear, at least to me, that Trump has REPEATEDLY obstructed justice.  If you’re not familiar with what that means – it’s just that if you attempt to interfere with an ongoing criminal investigation you are “obstructing it.”  For example, if Trump was “dangling a pardon” in front of Manafort, as it’s been reported, that would be obstructing an ongoing investigation – even if you’re the so-called president.  What’s the old saying? “Rules are rules.”

For anyone old enough to remember the Watergate scandal, Nixon was “undone” by the cover-up.  I’m still not sure what Trump is covering up, but it appears to be something.  And, it also appears his son and son-in-law may be in Mueller’s “crosshairs.”  That should cause Trump to “blow a bigger gasket” than he’s routinely been “blowing” of late.

I started this post a few days ago, and as old people are likely to do, I got a bit sidetracked – plus, my fingers are sore from all the typing I’ve done of late.  So, since I last wrote – and sent my prayers to my friends in North Carolina – a lady who claims Trump’s nominee for the Supreme Court, Brett Kavanaugh, sexually attacked her when they were in high school has come “forward.”  (She really didn’t want to)  Of course, this is an allegation that very likely will end up being a “he said, she said,” but the circumstances remind me of ladies I’ve known over the years who have experienced sexual abuse who NEVER come forward because doing so just exacerbates the TRAUMA they’ve experienced.  So, in Congress, it’s likely republicans will believe Kavanaugh and democrats will believe the accuser (who, I believe has now become identified).

The reason I pointed out she’s “now become identified” is because the reason given for this accusation not coming out until now is because the lady making the accusation did NOT want to be publicly identified.  Well, now she’s been identified and has, therefore, agreed to testify before Congress.  We can all imagine how that will go.  Remember, the republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee are ALL white and ALL male.  (Some are actually “holdovers” from the Anita Hill inquiry)  I can just picture how they will question this lady and how that’s going to go over in this “me too” era.  Democrats didn’t even give Al Franken the opportunity to defend himself against possibly “trumped up” – pun intended) allegations.  Franken was accused of touching women inappropriately while having pictures taken at the state fair – aside from the original complaint involving the lady sleeping while Franken mocked groping her.  This allegation involves Kavanaugh forcibly attacking a young lady at a party while in high school – all during some apparently heavy drinking.

Of course, republicans will attempt to somehow continue their “full court press” to get Kavanaugh confirmed.  If they succeed, it will place TWO of the five “conservatives” on the court with MUCH in common.  If you’re old enough, this is almost like deja vu all over again – considering the confirmation hearings for Clarence Thomas.  Thomas is a great reminder that, if confirmed, Kavanaugh will likely be on the court when my daughters (ages 40 and 42) are my age – 71.  And, that will make TWO judges with credible accusations against them regarding sexual impropriety voting to determine the reproductive rights of MILLIONS of American women.  It’s certainly not hard for me to understand why so many women are concerned about this nomination.  (Reminder, it’s a bunch of white men – all republicans – who will determine if this man gets an “up or down” vote in the Senate – and, then, it will be incumbent on the two republican women in the Senate to decide what place they want in the history books.)

Republicans have totally shown their “hand” as they’re dealing with this – what one commentator on MSNBC called a “late hit” – because, the allegations have come out toward the end of the process.  (albeit, a process they’ve been RUSHING through)  These appointments are totally political at this point in America.  I heard one comment supposedly coming from the “White House” which said, “If they (democrats) succeed in blocking Kavanaugh, we’ll just nominate someone even more conservative.”  Apparently, what that means is should these allegations prove credible enough to derail the nomination there will be retribution with an even less palatable nominee.  That is, the “pay back” will be someone despised by women even MORE than Kavanaugh.  That tells me, judges are no longer expected to be “a-political.”

And, of course, there’s a plethora of reasons to the claim Kavanaugh should not be on the Supreme Court (or the Appeals Court where he now sits) based on his testimony on previous occasions – along with what he’s said in these hearings.  Clearly, Kavanaugh is ambitious.  Read HERE if you want to understand why democrats are so upset that republicans are cramming this process through as quickly as they can.  It really is unsettling feeling as if politics is the driving force in the nominating process of Supreme Court justices – and, you have to give republicans credit for that phenomenon.

From what I’ve heard, Diane Feinstein had the accusation last July but was willing to honor the accuser’s wishes to remain anonymous.  I’ve read many people point out Feinstein could have handled this much better – although, she did refer the allegations to the FBI which does the background checks (and, of course, they didn’t pursue the allegations).  Feinstein didn’t even share the allegation with her fellow democrats.  However, this does put republicans in a bit of a bad spot as much as they want to “jam” this nominee through.  If republicans don’t fully “vet” these allegations and cram Kavanaugh’s nomination through, he will be FOREVER tainted as long as his judgeship lasts.  (I believe, when democrats retake the Senate and House and ALL the info which republicans are blocking regarding Kavanaugh’s time in the Bush “White House” becomes public he will be in danger of impeachment.)

Yes, it was Joe Biden as head of the Judiciary Committee when Anita Hill’s accusations were essentially ignored, but if the Senate does this again, and with republicans in “charge” at this point in time, America’s women will rightfully feel a major sense of disgust.  (More-so than many already do – remember, around TWENTY women have been called LIARS by a so-called president who is LYING at a record pace and who actually ADMITTED to being a sexual predator on the Access Hollywood tape)  I guess the question becomes, how many judges do we want on the Supreme Court with allegations of sexual assault levied against them.  (In Anita Hill’s case it was “sexual harassment”)

I certainly don’t believe all this Kavanaugh “stuff” was pre-planned to take the spot light off of the “Russia thing” and the FACT Paul Manafort is now a cooperating witness to a president who comes across to people like me as a mob boss.  Trump’s stuffing the courts with right wing judges is what keeps his “Christian” base giving him “mulligan after mulligan” – but, as the person in the “White House” was quoted above as saying, “We’ll just nominate someone more conservative” – and, short of taking control of the Senate in November, there’s little democrats can do to stop the confirmation of these judges.  Republicans believe they can “weaponize” the courts while Trump is in office.  But, the reality facing Trump is the “Russia thing” is closing in around him and Manafort may well be the last part of the noose.  2019 should be really interesting!

Last night I started Reading “House of Trump/ House of Putin” by Craig Unger – it was hard to put it down when it was time for me to sleep.  This is the second book I’m reading/read that clearly shows Trump’s LONGTIME connection to the Russian “mafiya.”  I’m not sure why it’s so hard for our “liberal media” to be “educating” their audiences to the reality Trump’s connection to Russia goes back at least 30 years.  Trump’s businesses would have failed without Russian money bailing him out of bankruptcy after bankruptcy.  It’s alleged Trump allowed over a BILLION dollars to be “laundered” through his real estate businesses.  Rachel Maddow did use the example of a property Trump had purchased in Florida and subsequently sold a couple years later to a Russian “Oligarch” for $90 MILLION ($45 MILLION profit) in CASH!  Russians routinely take “ill gotten” gains and turn them into American real estate holdings which appear to be legitimate.  And, Trump clearly was a willing “partner” in this charade.

And, these Russian mafioso have been duly connected to the La Cosa Nostra families who were skimming MILLIONS (likely BILLIONS) from New York taxpayers in the 80’s and 90’s – and, Trump appears to have been connected to many of them over the years.  Additionally, Michael Cohen appears to have connections to the mafia which run deeper than has been reported by the “main stream media.”  (At least, I haven’t seen reporting on the “connection.”)

Trump is in deep with the Russians and Robert Mueller knows it all.  Trump’s family is involved and Mueller knows it all.  I believe Jared Kushner’s family may be involved as well – and Mueller knows it all.  That appears to me why Trump is NOT acting like an innocent man – as Trey Gowdy suggested he should – IF HE’S INNOCENT!  It’s obvious to many more than myself that he’s NOT!  Why republicans in Congress are willing to “sink” with this “deplorable” person is beyond me.  So far, there’s NOT ONE willing to put his/her career on the line based on “principle.”  So, now, as Manafort spills his guts to Mueller and Congressional republicans cram an accused sexual assaulter into a position on the Supreme Court, if “we the people” don’t understand the IMPORTANCE of voting republicans OUT of Congress in November – we deserve the consequences!  It really is time for “we the people” to make a stand!

Again, my apologies for publishing this without taking the time to re-read it.  Maybe later!

I’ve got so many things swirling around in my head to write about that, often, I end up not writing.  For example, right now we’re seeing the REAL effect of having a so-called president who is very likely in office because of the direct intervention into our political process by Vladimir Putin and his Russian operatives.  Right now, I’m reading Clint Watt’s book titled, “Messing with the Enemy” – a very interesting book focused on Social media and (the real) “Fake News.”  Reading this book has just reinforced my view that Trump “won” the “election” because of Putin – and, that’s without knowing for sure if he was actually knowingly in “cahoots” with Putin – which is a very real possibility.  (There must be a good reason Trump is trying to stop Robert Mueller’s investigation)

So, the result of all this is an illegitimate (so-called) president is going to create MASSIVE lasting DAMAGE on this great nation by filling the courts with right wing judges and putting (at a minimum) two judges on the Supreme Court.  And, the judge being interviewed as I’m writing this is (typically) evasive about positions he HOLDS on critical issues like health care (especially women’s), guns, the rights of minorities, corporate POWER, and MORE.  This guy has certainly not impressed me and, again, there’s a REASON why republicans act as they do.  In this instance, they’re attempting to HIDE this guy’s (actually, it’s Brett Kavanaugh) record from, not only, “we the people,” but especially (it appears to me) other members of the Senate and their key constituents.  For example, both Susan Collins (Maine) and Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) have pledged to oppose any judge who would vote to overturn Roe.  We’ll see……

Now, don’t get me wrong.  I’m no fan of abortion.  I’m thankful I’ve NEVER been in a situation to have to deal directly with that issue – either in my own life or that of my daughters – but, that’s the point of those who believe women should have the right to control their own bodies.  It’s interesting to me all the places people who claim to favor “less government” are hell bent on intruding into the lives of others.  As a Christian it grieves me to have the following thoughts:  Often I see a direct parallel to zealous right wing “Christians” and those Muslims they profess to hate.  They “slam” Sharia law and then profess a harsh vision of Christ in an attempt to force their views on the general public.  There’s a reason why America is so divided and you can spell it out in one word: republican.  (Threre’s also a CLEAR reason why our founders were so focused on the “separation of church and state.”)

Trust me, it hasn’t always been like this.  Starting in the 70’s republicans (along with the Chamber of Commerce) aligned themselves with the so-called “Powell memo” – which was a strategy to push back at “workers” and reinforce the “future” of corporate interests in America.  (Read: Hedrick Smith’s “Who Stole the American Dream?”)  In the process, republicans commandeered the voting BLOCK of “right wing Christians” by professing they were “pro life” – as if they would somehow stop all abortions.  (And, by the way, should they succeed in overturning Roe, they will only have made abortions more DANGEROUS for those women seeking to have the procedure)  George W Bush was “pro life.”  Tell that to the HUNDREDS  of thousands of Iraqi’s who are now DEAD because of him LYING America into the “Iraq war.”  Tell that to the THOUSANDS of American troops either DEAD or WOUNDED in the endless battles of Iraq and Afghanistan – excursions that should have started and ended with the pursuit of Osama bin Laden – which COULD have been “finished” only MONTHS after 9/11.  To me, that’s NOT “pro life.”

Trump is attempting to embed a justice on the Supreme Court who believes presidents should not even be INVESTIGATED while in office.  His (apparent) rationale is that while he was working in the Bush/Cheney “White House” he saw how busy president Bush was after 9/11 and how investigations would have interrupted his ability to do his job.  To me, that argument is absurd.  Here’s the solution to avoiding investigations while in office (or any other time):  Follow the law!  If you’re going to commit crimes, you SHOULD be investigated.  I honestly thought that after what all of us who were alive during Watergate proved is that “no one is above the law.”  Bush/Cheney SHOULD have been investigated for the CRIMES they were committing while in office – so, that CRIMES could possibly have been stopped.  Like ILLEGAL wiretapping American citizens.  Like AUTHORIZING TORTURE!  To me, whether or not it’s the president, it should be clear if “you do the crime, you do the time.”

Here’s the sad reality about how our politicians deal with what amounts to unbelievable “white collar” political law breaking.  They tend to “look the other way” – which is likely why republicans are so “aghast” that anyone would object to Trump’s collusion (TREASON) with America’s number on adversary – Russia.  If you remember, Ronald Reagan and George H W Bush were issued a “free pass” for the “Iran-Contra” fiasco back in the late 1980’s.  Many surrogates were convicted of serious crimes, but Reagan and Bush…… well, what’s the saying, “Scott free?”  (To this day I believe even democrats felt sorry for Reagan because he was showing the signs of Alzheimer’s)   And, of course, GW Bush and Dick Cheney both admitted on NATIONAL TV after leaving office to authorizing WAR CRIMES and were never even investigated due to President Obama’s lack of will to deal with the “drama.”  (Maybe that’s why he was referred to as “no drama Obama”).  Even the Spaniards opened WAR CRIMES tribunals on Bush/Cheney and Obama persuaded them to “back off.”  So, it’s no wonder, I guess, that Trump views himself as “above the law.”  However…………….

We already know, for example, Trump is NOW an unindicted co-conspirator in at least two ADMITTED felony crimes.  I’ll say that again, our so-called president is credibly accused of committing TWO felonies!  And, that doesn’t even get into the “Russia thing” he’s so worked up about.  Seriously, if there was no “there, there” then why is he so fearful of Robert Mueller?  It appears to me that not only is our so-called president potentially liable for the most serious crime (Treason), but so are at least two members of his family – Don Jr. and Jared Kushner.  In my mind, there’s NO WAY someone who “we the people” aren’t even sure if his “election” (with nearly 3 MILLION less votes than Hillary Clinton) is legitimate should be allowed to nominate lifetime appointed judges.  And, this gets me to the cowardice of the republican party.

Honestly, I’m having difficulty stomaching the republican party in “the age of Trump.”  Some of what Trump is either doing or attempting to do is not that surprising to me.  However, the response of the republicans has almost SHOCKED me.  I would never have guessed they were such cowards.  I used to point out, at least in my opinion, the problem with democrats was they are “spineless.”  Well, the republicans are making the democrats look like Ninja warriors!  And, as I said above, Trump’s main “issue” (I’ll let Mueller define whether it’s criminal or not) is the so-called “collusion” with the Russians.

You can call out several of the republicans in Congress by name, but I’ll start, for now, with my almost DISBELIEF watching Devin Nunes ostensibly taking over the role of “chief obstructor of justice” for our so-called president.  Evidently, members of Congress are immune from obstructing justice – or else Nunes would be needing legal counsel.  He’s not even subtle about it – beginning with his “midnight ride” to the “White House” back when he attempted to give “legs” to Trump’s absurd claim that President Obama “wiretapped” him.  Nunes has taken the “reins” in Trump’s attack on the FBI and Rod Rosenstein, who is the deputy Attorney General in charge of the Mueller investigation.  I really don’t understand how members of the republican Congress can “get away” with attempting to undermine the investigation for Trump.  Another name that comes to mind is Jim Jordan from Ohio.  This guy comes off as a real “nut job” and, as someone who’s family originated in Ohio, it makes me kind of sad that Ohioans would elect someone like this – and, he’s facing his own allegations of ignoring sexual abuse when he was a coach at Ohio State University.

And, when people (including so called “liberal” pundits on TV) lament how Congress is dysfunctional as a deflection to how dysfunctional Trump and his “White House” is, I keep waiting for someone to point out the reason Congress is so DYSFUNCTIONAL resides in the republican caucus.  They’ve been OBSTRUCTING everything they can since the days of Newt Gingrich (OBSTRUCTION was a stated “strategy” – because republicans KNOW many of America’s voters are “low information” voters and they take FULL advantage) AND, right now, they have control of BOTH houses of Congress.  The DYSFUNCTION is theirs.  (If you remember, during President Obama’s two terms in office, Mitch McConnell instigated around 700 FILIBUSTERS)  Now, republicans are charged with “governing” and they have no idea what to do!

The other day, an unnamed member of Trump’s “team” posted an op-ed in the New York Times pointing out the utter chaos in the “White House” and, apparently, attempting to reassure “we the people” there are “patriots” (my word) working there who are attempting to keep the “ship afloat.”  Of course, Trump blew a gasket and his first “tweet” simply had the word, in all caps, TREASON! to express his outrage.  (I’m “reporting” this second hand, because I don’t do “Twitter” – or any of the Social media stuff)  Well, my first thought was “that’s like the pot calling the kettle black.”  I wanted to write a letter to Trump explaining to him what Treason really is.  There is something here which may very well end up at that level and that’s………………….

Trump’s own actions.  Treason is when an American takes sides with a foreign adversary in an attack on the United States of America.  Like for example, “colluding” on a cyber attack on an election.  I hope you get my drift!

In so many ways our so-called president is “dirty.”  The charges ALREADY issued in New York.  The charges to come in New York – keep in mind, there are investigations into Trump’s “foundation” which was forced to be shut down AND his other business dealings over the previous many years.  Trump, over the years, has shown himself to be a BULLY who’s managed to intimidate his way through something like SEVEN bankruptcies by simply pressing on when things go south.  We’re seeing that while he’s the so-called president.  He’s NOT going to resign.  He really believes he’s the greatest president who’s ever lived.  He really believes his “crowd” was larger than President Obama’s.  He really believes he had more votes than Mrs. Clinton.  He really believes he had decisive “victory” in 2016.  He really believes the polls show hims as “popular.”  He, and this is the “kicker,” really believes he’s telling the truth as the LIES flow from his tongue.

This is the work of an incredibly serious NARCISSIST, a PATHOLOGICAL liar, and a person who is completely DELUSIONAL.  And, he’s our so-called president.  And, there’s a segment of America who won’t believe the reality of what is happening – no matter what.  Trump’s true expertise is in his ability to look his supporters in the eyes and LIE to their faces.  His expertise is in preparing them NOT to believe anything which comes out from any of the MANY investigations that would suggest he’s committed a criminal offense.  I watched him the other day, I believe he was in South Dakota, preparing his audience for the likely reality he’s going to be impeached.  He said something like, “why would ‘they’ (whoever ‘they’ is) impeach someone who’s doing a great job?”  They he added “someone who’s done nothing wrong.”

And, the worst part is the people simply “buy” into his shtick.  I automatically think, “Do they not know he’s been credibly accused of two FELONIES?”  “Are they OK with the Russians influencing who our leaders are?”  “Are they OK with paying off people to “hush” them up right before elections and they LYING about it?”  I could go on and on.  I wrote recently about how “conservative Christians” are willing to give MULTIPLE – what their leaders have referred to as – MULLIGANS for Trump’s behavior issues – because they’re getting what they want.  I’ve said it before, but my greatest disappointment in the Trump FIASCO is that he gets his support from “Christians.”  That creates a real struggle for me!

Final Thought:  I listened today, while I was driving around to the head of Trump’s office of economic advisors – the guy who LIES to the camera with a s@#t eating grin on his face – about the economic “outlook.”  Of course, he failed to mention ONE WORD about the looming TRILLION plus deficits (and rising) – resulting from the tax “scam” – And, Congress essentially taking the “reins” off spending restrictions – a combination likely to “jump start” inflation.  As they were JAMMING the tax “scam” down our throats and they very same “advisor” was saying increased economic activity would offset the loss of revenue so that deficits would NOT rise – I pointed out my belief he was spouting “phooey.”  So, beginning next year the deficits will be over a TRILLION for the foreseeable future, and suddenly all the “deficit hawks” from Obama’s years have “lock jaw.”  Well, as interest rates rise, workers STRIKE for higher wages, (maybe through in a “trade war”), and the inflation cycle starts spinning, we’ll see maybe the worst DAMAGE, as I’ve called it, from Trump’s term as our so-called president.  Likely, that will be the focus of my next rant!

As usual, my apologies for posting this without editing.  The older I get, it seems, the lazier I get.  (I’m in my 70’s and I hope to live long enough to see Trump get his “just rewards.”

So much of what the Trump administration is doing is SHAMEFUL that it’s hard to focus on the “one thing” most disturbing – but, to me, as a Christian, maybe the most disturbing aspect of all this is that Trump’s “base” appears to be “Evangelical Christians.”  This has actually been much of the motivation for me to keep writing for years – that “Christians” are the “base” of the republican party.  And, now the “republican party” has become “the party of Trump.”  To me, it’s a “bargain with the devil.”

Many “Christians” have unabashedly defended their alliance with Trump (and, along the way republicans) in order to get judges in place that will somehow overturn Roe v Wade.  Of course, should that actually happen, one thing that won’t happen will be the “end” of abortions.  I’ve been alive much longer than when Roe v Wade was enacted – I began my first college career in 1965 – and, one thing I remember about college was it was easy for anyone interested to get an abortion – it just wasn’t safe.  Apparently, that’s what these “Christians” want to go BACK to.  And, clearly, they’re willing to associate with Trump to get there.  Honestly, it riles up my stomach to have to write those words.

Of course, then as I’m listening to conversation after conversation at church as numerous parents and grandparents are lamenting why their children are not “walking with the Lord,”  I have to question their thinking.  My own mother died thinking you have to be a republican to be a “Christian.”  With Trump, seemingly EVERY day, there’s a new scandal – one that it’s not hard to imagine would have brought incredible outcry (and, in Congress, endless “hearings”) from republicans had these scandals been the work of Barack Obama or one of the Clinton’s (or any other democrat).

Take today, for example.  I read in the Washington Post (which, by the way, if you’re a republican, I’m sorry, but it’s an actual NEWSpaper) how the Trump administration is taking passports from AMERICAN citizens because, in the case of over a thousand, the Midwife who delivered them in South Texas 30 – 40 years ago, in the 1990’s, admitted that, in two instances, she lied on birth certificates for TWO babies born in Mexico.  So, now Trump and his sycophants are demanding PROOF from ALL the babies she delivered, many 40 years ago, that they were born in America despite the FACT they’ve got birth certificates AND passports – which they’ve had for YEARS.  Proof that is likely impossible to provide.  This would include many AMERICANS who’ve served in the military and many who are actually part of the border patrol today!  To me, Trump is the one who’s un-American!

And, no matter what he does, “Christians” continue to look the other way, because it apparently doesn’t matter to them.  They’re getting what they want (or, at least they hope so) in the “short term” and the “long term” be damned.  They are willfully oblivious to all the LYING, all the CORRUPTION, and all the DAMAGE Trump is inflicting on this nation.  It doesn’t matter to them that RUSSIA attacked our nation (and, with Trump’s “permission,” continues to do so) and that the person in the “White House” is something resembling a MOB boss – if not actually a mob boss.  They (“Christians”) would likely be supportive of the Mueller investigation being stopped AND they’ll likely be disbelieving if it ends up incriminating Trump.  Keep in mind, Trump has ALREADY been “incriminated” in the Cohen investigation via the Southern District of New York!  (And, incredibly, Trump continues to claim he can take over the investigation into HIMSELF if that’s what he decides!  Talk about “Putin like.”)

Early on, I likened Trump – via many similarities – to a certain German back in the 1930’s who’s “base,” by the way, was “conservative Christians” – but, lately, probably during the previous 6 – 8 months I’ve been comparing Trump to the head of a La Cosa Nostra family.  Michael Cohen was his “fixer.”  Think about it, who employs a “fixer?”  Trump has a history of association with organized criminals from both Russia and America.  That’s no secret.  What is interesting to me has been the lack of willingness from our “liberal media” to point this out – especially considering there’s a plethora of PUBLIC evidence the Russians are responsible for his “election.”  (with, of course, 3 MILLION less votes than Mrs. Clinton) (Read “Trump/Russia” by Seth Hettena)

So, lets go over a few things – keeping in mind “Christian” leaders have suggested they’re giving Trump a “mulligan” on actions which are hard to accept “Biblically” speaking as they justify enabling him.  (OK, I may have just made up a word – “Biblically” – at least according to the spell checker)  Recent court findings, where Trump has credibly been ACCUSED of ordering his “fixer” to pay hush money “in order to influence the election” would suggest we revisit a PLETHORA of Trump’s LIES.  Of course, the first one is he LIED that he knew nothing of the payments.  He LIED about the affairs (the two involved in the HUSH MONEY payments).  He LIED about whether or not he made the payments.  And, to me, this whole affair (no pun intended) is further EVIDENCE that there’s LIKELY more women, beside the 19 who came “forward” prior to the “election,” who’ve had their “pussies” grabbed by Trump without their consent.  But, again, “Christians” continue to give him a “mulligan.”  (How do you think they’d have responded to these charges had they been directed at President Obama?  19 women accusing him of grabbing them by the pussy?)

Do you remember all the outrage emanating from charges that then Secretary of State Hillary Clinton had an email server in the basement of her home?  (Similar to what previous Secretary’s of State Condoleeza Rice and Colin Powell had?)  Do you remember all the “fuss” over whether classified information was compromised?  This coming from republicans (and Christians) everywhere, including those who now work in the “White House.”  Well, surprise, surprise – not only is Trump, himself, using a phone that is not secure but others in his administration have apparently been using unsecured devices to communicate – like, brace yourself, private email servers.  But, they apparently get another “mulligan.”

And, do you really think taking children from their parents – some, it appears will be separated permanently – is “Christian?”  Putting children in what can’t be described any other way but in cages, to me, is NOT “Christian.”  Taking NURSING babies as young as 2 MONTHS away from their Moms is unbelievable to me – I can’t even consider a “mulligan” for that – but “Christians?”  I keep trying to figure out who it’s worse for – the lactating Mom or the little baby.  I’ve actually come to tears thinking this is MY government doing this.  But, trust me, there will be no mulligan from me!

And, LYING right to the faces of his supporters – in a rally in Phoenix (which I happened to watch as much as I could stomach) – about the tax “scam” still sticks in my craw.  Trump standing in front of a few thousand rabid supporters and saying, “This tax cut will not benefit me or my rich friends which is why it’s called the “Middle Class tax cut” (OK, i can’t remember the exact name) really bothered me.  Part of what bothered me the most was the FACT the people in the audience just sucked it in – with NO regard for the TRUTH.  And, of course, they’re the ones giving all the “mulligans.”  Of course, Trump and his sycophants gained MILLIONS – some HUNDREDS of Millions (The Koch brothers likely BILLIONS) from the tax scam.  And, America’s national debt will increase by a couple TRILLION (at least) from the scam – that money going into the pockets of our “top 1%.”  Sorry, but NO “mulligan” from me.

And, pulling the U.S. out of the Paris Climate Accord, pulling out of the TPP, pulling out of the Iran nuclear agreement, repealing one environmental protection after another, giving a “green light” for coal companies to dump their sludge back in West Virginia’s rivers, throwing our intelligence community under the bus while standing next to Vladimir Putin – the man who likely orchestrated Trump’s “victory,” and I could go on – these issues affect way MORE people than the “evangelical Christians” and they’re being orchestrated by a man who’s likely an illegitimate occupant of the “Oval Office.”  “Christians” are giving Trump more “mulligans” than you can buy at a fund raiser golf event.  All these mulligans are bringing SHAME to America and to those who are granting them – the “right wing Christians” in America.

As I’m writing this, the funeral service for John McCain is happening in Washington DC.  Appropriately, one of McCain’s last wishes was that neither Trump nor McCain’s running mate Sarah Palin, from the 2008 campaign for president, would be present at his funeral.  He wished that he would be eulogized by his two predecessors – the two men who prevented him from becoming president, Barack Obama and George W Bush.  While I mostly disagreed with McCain, I learned to respect him over the years.  His last action, the “thumbs down” which blocked the HORRIBLE republican attempt to “repeal and replace” the Affordable Care Act, I believe will someday be regarded as a key component of America’s push for health care for all and will be a key component of McCain’s “legacy.”  His last action will place him apart from the republicans who are giving all the aforementioned “mulligans.”

I always thought McCain would be one of the republicans with the courage to stand against Trump and refuse to give the “mulligans.”  Of course, McCain was a republican and he voted, up until he could vote no more, with republican “stuff” – including the tax “scam” – but, I believe, his “thumbs down” will be remembered more than any other vote when the history of this day is finally written.  I’ve pointed out that Trump and his sycophants will end up in our history books next to Benedict Arnold.  Which brings the thought to my mind that many have said McCain’s choice of Sarah Palin was the impetus of what eventually brought Trump into the political “limelight.”  McCain realized, at some point, the “error of his ways” in that choice – I’ve read where republican “advisors” were the ones who pushed the choice of Palin – with virtually NO vetting.  So, I find it not surprising that Palin was not invited to his funeral.

Today, as I was driving around listening to MSNBC’s coverage of McCain’s “pre-funeral” – where members of Washington’s “regulars” were speaking about their remembrances of the senior Senator from Arizona as his body lies in “state” in the Capitol Rotunda.  One of the speakers was Mike Pense.  I have to say, I’m not sure I’ve EVER listened to someone who comes across more DISINGENUOUS than Pense, as I listened to him today.  There’s only one reason I have a sense of hesitation regarding the IMPEACHMENT of Trump: Mike Pense!  Every time I think of Pense as our next so-called president I start to gag.  I get pictures of him, in my mind, following Trump like a new born puppy dog, tongue out, tail wagging – willing to do whatever his MASTER requests.  And, I have on doubt Pense has well hidden “contingency plans” already in place – anticipating his “time in the sun.”  It’s almost enough to make we want to endure Trump right up until the 2020 election.

I’m not the first to say this – but, I’ll say it (AGAIN) – the upcoming mid-term elections are the MOST IMPORTANT elections in my lifetime!  (I started voting in 1968 – and, by the way, haven’t missed an election since)  If the first two years of Trump aren’t enough to get progressives off their BUTTS and to the polls to vote for DEMOCRATS (and, yes, I’m a lifelong INDEPENDENT – I’ve just been voting AGAINST republicans since this right wing push started back in the 1980’s) then, the United States as we’ve known it for the past 80+ years will be teetering on becoming unrecognizable.  And, to me, the saddest part of it all will be the fault will largely lie with “conservative Christians.”

Final Thought:  Trump’s threats to take over the investigation into himself is right out of the annals of third world DICTATORS!  In America, we GET to vote.  In essence, we deserve what we get – and, despite the FACT we all know there’s a bunch of CORRUPTION coming from Trump and the Russians, it’s still up to the rest of us to put a stop to it.  Recent polls have suggested many republicans  wouldn’t mind America “looking more like Russia.”  Well, count me OUT on that thought!

One more thing:  Listening to Mitch McConnell and Paul Ryan giving their (hypocritical) thoughts regarding McCain – as they talked about the special place he’ll hold in American history – all I could think of was Senator McCain won’t have to worry about either of those two cowardly republicans infringing on his “space.”  Sorry to be so negative, but Trump is our so-called president and these two “leaders” have put their interests and the interests of the “money changers” above the interest of our nation and their OATHS to defend the constitution.

For example, taking health insurance AWAY from MILLIONS of Americans is NOT “The American way!”  Railing for 8 years against budget deficits (created by the previous republican administration) while our first African American president attempted to reduce them and then VOTING to RAISE the deficits (which Obama had helped bring down) with nary a whimper about why this is so BAD seems to be “the republican way!”

As I often do, my apologies for the lack of editing – I’m just too lazy right now.  Trust me, I know I’m writing mainly to myself – it’s like my diary – but, if you’ve happened by and gotten to this point – thanks for reading and sorry for the mistakes.  Hopefully, at some point, I’ll come back and fix them.

American politics in the “age of Trump” just continues to become more and more BIZARRE.  Two days ago Michael Cohen entered a plea in a New York courtroom to 8 FELONIES which included two “counts” which implicate our so-called president with his own two FELONIES.  I listened to the questioning from the judge and the response from the prosecuting attorney and this isn’t a “he said, he said” situation.  The court has overwhelming evidence to support both Cohen’s conviction AND that of an unnamed politician who is unmistakably Donald Trump.  (Plus a couple more individuals which includes David Pecker of the “Enquirer” who has since been granted immunity to tell all he knows about payments made in Trump’s name to [apparently] several women in order to hide their stories from Trump’s supporters.)

What this means is our so-called president was not only seeking help from the Russians to RIG the 2016 election, but he was paying off women who he had illicit affairs with to BUY their silence in an attempt to “influence the outcome of the election.”  Whether or not these payments were responsible for Trump’s “election” (with nearly 3 MILLION fewer votes than his opponent) will NEVER be known – but, what is CLEAR is the payments were violations of election law – although, Trump’s “squirming” has already begun – which includes even MORE LIES – and, of course, Congressional republicans either coming to his aid or continuing their “affair” with “lock jaw.”  It seems every day one thing which is made clear in all of this is republicans haven’t taken their oath of office very seriously – almost as if the ATTACK by the Russians never happened and the only thing important is protecting Trump at all costs.

Essentially, Trump is now an un-indicted “co-conspirator” in the FELONY to which Cohen has plead guilty.  A day after PECKER (am I the only one who sees the irony in this man’s last name) gained immunity for his testimony in this matter Trump’s long time accountant (the guy who writes the checks) Allen Weisselberg was also granted immunity.  So, while our “liberal media” is struggling to point out the reality which exists in America – our so-called president is a criminal, very possibly a TRAITOR – presumably because they FEAR Trump’s “base” as much as the republicans in Congress, there’s a growing number of Americans getting angrier there’s an illegitimate person in the “White House” who’s changing the “face” of our court system for the next generation.  Appointing judges that will be “there” long after he’s gone from office (and, possibly facing these criminal charges in a court of law).

Trump confirms his “la Cosa Nostra” image on a daily basis.  And, I’m sure like many others, I’ve been pointing out Trump appears to be a “mob boss” for over a year.  Originally, I saw him as a fascist authoritarian, but lately it’s becoming even more clear he’s operating as if he’s still running a mob organization while “running” our government.  Trump is so ingrained in his persona that (it appears to me) every LIE that comes from his lips, to him, is actually the truth – a clear confirmation that he’s a PATHOLOGICAL LIAR – as I (and many others) have claimed since the campaign).  Michael Cohen has long been referred to as Trump’s “fixer” which, in itself, indicates an organized crime organization.  I mean, who needs a “fixer?”

All of this Michael Cohen stuff is the direct result of the courage of Stephanie Clifford (AKA Stormy Daniels) with the expert help of her attorney Michael Avenatti.  I, for one, find it very ironic that Trump’s demise will likely be focused on his relationship with a so-called “porn star.”  And, to put “icing on the cake,” Karen McDougal was a playboy model who also was paid by Mr. Pecker for her story, which he “killed,” without that being her intention.  (The Trump people – and others – call this “catch and kill” as ways to prevent information from becoming public)  In Cohen’s plea he stated the payments were for the purpose of “influencing the outcome of the election.”  Whether or not these payments succeeded (in influencing the outcome of the election) they were ILLEGAL.  And, Trump doesn’t get a “pass” because his “fixer” made the payments – the payments were made “at the direction of ‘candidate 1’.”  (Of course, “candidate 1” is Donald Trump)

So, within minutes of Cohen’s plea agreement ALONG with all the damning evidence, Trump and his sycophants started the fight to continue the “defense of Trump” at all costs.  And, of course, this included amped up attacks on Jeff Sessions and his (appropriate) decision to recuse himself from the Russia investigation.  Clearly, in Trump’s mind, Sessions is the problem in ALL of his present difficulties because he viewed the Attorney General as his, like Michael Cohen, “fixer.”  He expected Sessions to protect him from any illegalities – like the “Russia thing.”  Had Sessions blocked the Russia Investigation, Trump likely feels as if the Cohen situation would never have become public knowledge if Sessions had his “back.”  (Although, I believe that underestimates one Michael Avenatti)

Yesterday, in a Fox interview, Trump stuck his “foot in his mouth” a couple more times – which has likely been noticed by media pundits, I just haven’t seen evidence of this.  Trump claimed that “flipping” should be illegal.  That should say it all as far as anyone questioning Trump’s struggle with the TRUTH.  (last week Trump’s TV lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, of course, claimed “truth isn’t truth” – I’m not kidding, this all just becomes more BIZARRE every day)  In the same interview where Trump claimed “flipping should be illegal” (he calls people who tell the TRUTH to authorities “rats”) Trump admitted that HE made the payments to “hush” Stormy Daniels AND Karen McDougal – that the payments did not come from campaign funds!  They came from his personal funds Trump should consult with REAL lawyers before he talks to Fox “news” (AKA Trump TV) or anyone else in the media.  He just admitted to a federal election law violation because he LIKELY didn’t REPORT these funds prior to the election.  (Can you picture $280,000 in hush money on his campaign expense form?)

True to form, republicans in Congress continue “circling the wagons” around Trump as they show their disregard for our national security and our democratic process.  Some of them seem to NOT understand there’s a treasure trove of political comments on video tape in the libraries of places like NBC, CBS, and a plethora of other media outlets which is ready to show the hypocritical comments coming from Trump’s defenders like, for example, Lindsay Graham.  Graham, who I actually thought would be one of the “courageous” republicans to stand against Trump after the inauguration, was on TV the other day in essence supporting Trump’s intention to get rid of Sessions.  Now, I’m not a defender of Jeff Sessions, but I certainly don’t support removing him so that Trump can block the Russia investigation.  Republicans who think this investigation has gone on too long have a poor view of history.  For example, Watergate took over three years.

For heavens sake, republicans are STILL “investigating” Hillary Clinton’s emails.  It wouldn’t surprise me if Benghazi came up again.  Clearly, republicans in Congress are ripping off the American taxpayers by the TRILLIONS (check out who actually benefits from the tax scam) so, if it weren’t so serious, it would be comical listening to Trump like when he was interviewed in the aforementioned Fox piece.  He was asked directly if he thought democrats would impeach him should they retake the House in November.  His response was, again, BIZARRE.  He said, in his own defense – as if the FELONIES he’s committed should not matter – “If I was impeached the markets would crash and everyone would be poor” (I certainly was not clear who he pictures in his mind as “everyone?”).  Then he added something like (I’m going by my old person’s memory) “Without this thinking” – he was pointing to his temple – “the economy would crash” – as if he’s responsible, personally, for the present economic condition.

This was all said, as I pointed out, on Fox “news” – which means it should not be surprising there was no push-back from the interviewer.  I continue to be surprised that TV commentators – including the so-called “liberal” ones – fail repeatedly to point out that our economic situation is simply a continuation of the economic recovery instigated during President Obama’s two terms in office.  If you look at the graphs of economic growth – in just about every area – the rise is a straight line that began in around 2010.  In reality, the growth was greater under Obama than since Trump’s inauguration and, in my mind, it’s just a matter of time until the line in the graphs start going “south” as the result of the tax scam.  For example, there’s been little discussion that the deficit is heading “north” of a TRILLION dollars per year – which could “balloon” into record territory (that means worse than what Bush/Cheney left for Obama’s first day in office) if the economy heads into recession – which, to me, is likely on the “horizon” as I’m observing all the worker unrest in America – despite the so-called “rosy” numbers.

When the tax scam was approved I pointed out my belief that one result of the “scam” (OK, republicans refer to it as a tax cut or tax “reform”) would be an uptick in inflation.  In my (un-educated) study of economic history, a tax “stimulus” (which is what results from cutting taxes) should be enacted when the economy is in a “downturn” – not when it’s “booming.”  Inflation will result in higher interest rates which is likely to lead to a recession – which will take the already obscene deficit to, as I said, record territory.  Is this the “thinking” Trump was referring to when he tapped his temple suggesting he’s so brilliant he shouldn’t be impeached under any circumstances.

This would be the thinking which would support those who believe Trump to be an aspiring dictator – meaning that he believes he should be able to do ANYTHING he wants and he’s the ONLY person “smart” enough to make decisions.  He’s exposed the absurdity of his “thinking” repeatedly AND it’s doing untold DAMAGE to America every day he remains in office.  (I’m having a hard time getting my mind off the likely scenario that an illegitimate so-called “president” is setting up the court and courts for the lives of my children and MOST of the lives of my grandchildren – to me, this is ALARMING)  The HARM he’s doing is enormous!

Trump, soon after taking the “oath” of office, pulled the U.S. out of the Paris Climate Accord, pulled America out of the TPP, he’s pulled America from the Iran nuclear agreement, he’s threatened our relationship with NATO and the U,N., he’s attacked our closest allies and their leaders, he’s encouraged his associates in places like the EPA to undermine, in this case, the environment and in other agencies, the very purpose of their institution, he’s ripped children from their parents who are seeking asylum, he’s allowed FEMA to ignore the desperation in Puerto Rico, and who knows what other “DAMAGE?”  I’ve talked about what I call the “DAMAGE” since the first days of Trump’s so-called presidency and I’m now wondering how much additional DAMAGE is Trump willing to inflict on our nation in his futile attempt to remain in office.  In fact, I can envision that Trump views remaining in office as protecting himself from legal jeopardy – citing what many have stated; “the president can not be indicted.”

While Trump continues to show that he’s NOT a “stable genius,” Robert Mueller continues to demonstrate he’s a brilliant prosecutor.  “Shifting” the investigation into Michael Cohen to the Southern District of New York (SDNY) was a brilliant move by Mueller – in all likelihood preventing Trump from blocking the investigation.  In fact, it now appears Trump is – at a minimum – legally liable as much from the Cohen investigation as in the “Russia thing.”  I, for one, will not be surprised if the Cohen investigation “spills over” into the “Russia thing.”  All of this has exposed our so-called president as someone who refers to people who tell the TRUTH in court as “rats” – he believes “flipping” (which is, in essence, someone who’s committed crimes telling the TRUTH) should be ILLEGAL as I mentioned above.

I’ve given what seems to me as endless examples of how Trump is DAMAGING our nation AND how he’s violating our most basic laws.  This is the man who got five deferments to avoid service during Viet Nam AND who calls football players who protest police brutality to Black Americans by taking a knee during the national anthem at football games “sons of bitches” and unpatriotic.  So, in essence, our so-called president believes these football players are unpatriotic along with people like Michael Cohan who’s telling the TRUTH in court BUT, to him, a patriot would be someone willing to take an oath on the Bible in court to tell the truth and then LIE to protect the criminal activity of the “boss.”  Yikes!

Final Thought:   A few things I’ve said repeatedly here (on this site) come to mind again.  First, I’ve viewed Trump as a “mob boss” for at least a year – which really helps explain his connection to another “mob boss” – Vladimir Putin.  Another thing is I believe Trump will end up in America’s history books right next to Benedict Arnold.  Finally, I’ve said many times Trump would “rue the day” he decided to walk down those stairs in Trump Tower and accuse Mexicans of being “rapists and murderers.”  His criminal organization would likely NEVER have been unearthed had he not “won” the election.  In addition, I believe it’s likely his son and son-in-law are in legal jeopardy and will also be exposed in the near future.  Trump has railed against “rats” – and, I believe there will be a bunch of “rats” attempting to save their own “skins” by exposing the total reality of the Trump organization in the coming days and months.  Here’s the major question:  Will Trump’s base care.  Remember, his base are  the “evangelical Christians” who seem OK with a “pact with the devil” in order to get right wing judges.  At the minimum, it will be interesting how this plays out.

One more thing:  Since I originally started this post Senator John McCain has passed away.  While I was no supporter of McCain I certainly respected him.  His “thumbs down” which blocked the republicans CHEAP attempt to repeal the Affordable Care Act will likely be one of the main things he’s remembered by – with people “on both sides of the aisle.”  McCain’s death has given Trump one more opportunity to show what a small person he is.  I won’t get into the details, but I found it encouraging that Barack Obama and GW Bush will be delivering the eulogies for McCain and neither Trump nor Pense will be in attendance.  My respect for McCain was enhanced by his public rejection of Trump’s worst qualities.  Yes, McCain voted for the tax “scam” – but, I didn’t expect less.  He’s a republican, for heaven’s sake.  I mentioned Lindsay Graham above, and, he’s one of my biggest disappointments in this Trump saga.  Evidently, a few rounds of golf were enough to cause Graham to lose his mind – in regard to the harm Trump is doing to this nation.  He gave an impassioned speech this morning in the Senate regarding all he learned from McCain.  His support for Trump, of late, shows there’s one important thing he failed to learn from Senator McCain!

Well, is the latest scandal of the Trump “administration” working?  Supposedly, about two or three weeks ago Trump revoked the “security clearance” of John Brennan due to the FACT Brennan speaks what is called “truth to power.” (I mean the guy’s been a private citizen for almost two years)  Of course, that means Trump doesn’t like what Brennan is saying because, well, he’s telling (something Trump and his sycophants don’t understand) the TRUTH.  So, “we the people” basically had NO IDEA Brennan’s security clearance had been revoked – and, honestly, I believe most of us could care less – until TODAY!  Why do you think we found out today?

And, not only did we find out today, but Sarah Sanders spent the first few minutes of her press briefing LYING (again) to the American people about why Brennan’s clearance had been revoked and listed a bunch of other’s who’ve been critical of Trump who are having their clearances “investigated” (or a word to that effect).  So, my guess is the “plan” is to somehow get the topic off Omarosa – referred to as a “dog” by Trump – who appears to be using Trump’s own playbook as she threatens to “destroy” (bring to his knees?) Mr. Trump.  Is this plan of revoking security clearances going to work?  (I’m guessing each time they do this there will be less “shock.”  They’ll have to come up with something else.  Which, of course, they will)

Well, today it appeared to me it is working to a certain extent – Omarosa is not the focus of the discussions on MSNBC – people are sharing their disgust that Trump would go after someone critical of him in this “un American” manner!  But, is anyone really surprised?  I certainly wasn’t.  The only way this interests me is if it works – to change the topic from Omarosa who, yesterday, said she has PROOF that Trump knew about the stolen emails BEFORE they became public knowledge.  Now, digest that for a few seconds – and while you’re doing it – run through your mind how many times you’ve heard Trump say “no collusion, no collusion.”  (I’ve pointed out many times where that strategy came from – you’ll have to visit my archives – or “google” the Third Reich – go figure it out).  Trump is apparently scared to death of this woman he referred to as a dog.  Do you really think she’s intimidated by this – she’s been around Trump for years!

I’m tempted to buy Omarosa’s book – because it probably is a great edition of Trump’s own “art of the deal.”  Like how do you treat your “enemies.”  Maybe Trump shouldn’t have pushed Omarosa into the category of enemy.  Should you call a Black woman who allegedly has enough tapes of you and those around you to make everyone in your place of work scared to death a dog?  (So far, I’ve only heard of two people who don’t consider that a racist comment and they’re the two guys wearing the “I’d Rather be Russian than Democrat” shirts at Trump’s recent Ohio campaign style rally)  Trump continues to cause me to question his claim to be a “very stable genius.”

Here’s something interesting about how all this is playing out, not withstanding the next “act” of Omarosa – who I believe has plans to stay in the “spotlight.”  Brennan’s security clearance was cancelled by Trump due to Brennan’s expression of free speech.  However, his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, somehow gained this “coveted” clearance after lying repeatedly on his SF-86 form, after attempting to surreptitiously set up a “back channel” to Russia – clearing the way for communication beyond the reach of our intelligence community, meeting with Russians offering “incriminating evidence” on his father-in-law’s opponent during the election (“collusion” by definition), and, likely, more – but, NEVER speaking out.  Trump, himself, gave classified intelligence to the Russians shortly after firing James Comey.  Trump, shrouded in his hypocrisy, continues to act as if he’s got something to hide.

I’ve pointed out how many books I’ve read since I started writing here and the latest one is titled, “Trump/Russia a Definitive History” by Seth Hettena.  I’m just in the first few chapters of this book, but I can tell you it’s FULL of FACTS about Trump and his relationship with Russians.  It doesn’t take long in reading this book to put an exclamation point to the LIE that Trump has NEVER had any dealings with the Russians or anyone from Russia.  The section of the book I’m presently reading is explaining Trump’s actions during the years when he had built the Casino in New Jersey named the “Trump Taj Mahal.”  Of course, if you know much about Trump’s “history,” this Casino was involved in one of Trump’s bankruptcies – back in the early 1990’s.

What’s of the most interest to me as I read this book is that this Casino’s most significant “supporters” came from the Russian “Mafiya.”  Members of the “Russian Mafiya” were “busted” for LAUNDERING Millions through this Casino’s and the Casino’s faced huge fines as a result.  Trump, of course, managed to escape any personal legal liability, but the “ground work” of how he operates was set – and the REALITY that Trump’s claims of “innocence” when it comes to affiliation with Russians are simply part of the thousands of blatant LIES he’s spewed onto “we the people” since he took office as our so-called president.

This is all just more evidence that justifies the special counsels investigation into whether or not the Trump campaign was part  of the conspiracy to swing the 2016 election toward Trump.  It’s absurd to think members of Trump’s campaign were not involved (think Cambridge Analytica, Jared Kushner, and Steve Bannon) and now we have Omarosa suggesting Trump knew much more than he’s publicly acknowledged (surprise, surprise).  When you read this book, it just makes it crystal clear the Russians have some, as yet, undetermined level of “kompromat” on Trump which affected, not only, the election – but, also, what has happened since.

Americans MUST NOT forget what happened at the Helsinki Summit with Trump undermining out nation while standing next to a grinning Vladimir Putin.  It’s all going to eventually come out, but the more I learn the more I have to wonder, “Where in the hell are the republicans?”  Is their “agenda” more important to them than protecting our nation from interference, via cyber attacks, from other nations?  I’m guessing if the Russians suddenly had an affinity toward a democrat and did the same “stuff” they’ve done for the past few years building up Trump, well, all these republicans with their tongues tied would suddenly become the patriots they’ve always claimed to be.  Can you imagine their response had Barack Obama stood next to Vladimir Putin on the WORLD stage and thrown our intelligence community “under the bus?”

Last night I listened to portions of an interview on MSNBC with Steve Bannon, who claims he’s going to mobilize republicans to save the House for Trump in November.  My first thought was I hope he’s very public about this because I can’t think of anyone (other than Trump himself) who will motivate progressives to get their butts to the polls in November.  Listening to Bannon almost made my skin crawl as he was defending Trump’s “very fine people” comment referring to the neo-Nazi’s marching with Tiki Torches and chanting “Jews will not replace us” in Charlottesville last year.  Bannon, like Trump, gets support from Wall Street insiders while claiming to be a populist who’s all about “we the people.”

I feel myself heading off on a tangent – but, the reality is this is kind of like a journal to me and I simply let the thoughts “flow” – so, it appears it’s “Bannon time” for at least a bit.  Bannon was claiming republicans can “win” in November by running on the tax scam.  (He, of course, referred to it as a tax cut)  He claims “we the people” will see the benefit of all the money going into corporate “coffers” because it will “bring jobs back to America.”  Of course, that’s pretty much already proven to be “hogwash” and what he failed to mention was this year’s deficit will top ONE TRILLION dollars – again!

When was the last time it topped ONE TRILLION?  Well, republicans would BLAME President Obama – but, the reality is the last time the deficit topped ONE TRILLION dollars was the result of Bush/Cheney economic policies which led to the “Great Recession.”  President Obama, along with economists like Tim Geitner, slowly and steadily orchestrated a recovery which is still working – despite Trump’s tax scam and the trade war he’s instigating.  Obama oversaw policies which reduced the deficit he inherited by around 70%.  It was around $400 BILLION when he left office and it didn’t take Trump long to more than double it.

Bannon didn’t want to even discuss the FACT over 80% of the tax scam goes to the top 1% of Americans and Trump LIED to the collective faces of his supporters at rallies designed to support the legislation at the time, saying things like “It certainly won’t help me or my rich friends” – and, that his supporters are BRAINWASHED enough to believe him.  Bannon seems to think they (he and republicans) can LIE their way into a successful mid term election.  I’m sure he’s thinking, “We did it in the last election, we can do it again.”  And, likely, the Russians will be right by their sides in 2018 as well!

Progressives (liberals) don’t have a great “track record” of showing up to vote in mid-term elections (in all elections, for that matter – otherwise these republicans would have been gone long ago) and, I believe, that’s what republicans like Bannon are counting on.  Of course, they’re trying to “make sure” liberals don’t vote in November by making it as difficult as possible for those who tend to vote with democrats to actually vote.  From voter suppression to other tactics – like fewer polling places in democratic strongholds leading to long lines – republicans attempt to prevent as many people as they can from actually voting.

The way I see this re-emergence of Bannon is he’s trying to force his way back into the spotlight.  His expulsion from the “White House” and subsequent (what should have been) embarrassing support for Roy Moore has pushed Bannon into the shadows.  I believe he’s trying to prove it was him and not the Russians that got Trump elected in 2016.  Of course, if liberals (er progressives) fail to show up in the 2018 election we’ll be right back wondering how much effect did the Russians manage to exert on the process.  With Trump’s FAILURE to even acknowledge the Russian ATTACK on our electoral process and his action in Helsinki, he pretty much invited them to “give a hand” in 2018’s election.

The Russian government is like an organized crime family and, obviously, Trump feels right at home in Moscow, when he’s with Putin, and when he’s dealing with Russian leaders.  Trump has deep connections to Russians who are clearly part of the Russian “mafiya” and Mueller knows it ALL!

Final Thought:  I started this post about a week ago, and – true to “Trump form” this is all already “old news.”  No one is talking about security clearances a week after it was a major topic of the news cycle.  No one’s talking about Omarosa (although I believe she’ll find a way to work her way back into the headlines to help her book sales).  We’ve all moved on to the latest scandals and Trump’s NEWEST “Worst Week Ever.”  It will be interesting to see how long KNOWING Trump has essentially been accused of committing TWO FELONIES will remain in the news cycle.  Republicans continue to remain silent.  We all have to wonder what they will do when the inevitable happens – Trump going after Mueller?  Is there an even WORSE “Worst Week Ever” in store for our so-called president?  Stay tuned……………………….

If you’ve been on this site you would know I’m not one to be handing out compliments to republicans, except if “extenuating” circumstances.  For example, the other day I wrote about how I admire Steve Schmidt and Nicole Wallace, two (former?) republicans who appear occasionally on MSNBC.  Well, actually, Wallace has her own “show” and I like to watch it because it’s refreshing (to me) watching a republican who doesn’t “mince” words when describing the words and actions of our “so-called” president.  Others I’ve seen on MSNBC who I would love to be able to have a DIALOGUE with – knowing I see the world differently – are Jennifer Rubin, who is a “conservative” columnist for the Washington Post, David Jolley, a former republican member of Congress from Florida, and David Frum – author of a great book (I believe it was called “Trumpocracy” – I loaned it out) – on what Trump is doing to America – I think Frum was a republican speechwriter, maybe for GW Bush.

While I’m TOTALLY committed to supporting the demise of “today’s” republican party, my point is there are many sensible republicans who have the courage to make a stand against the Trump vendetta on their party – which, clearly, is now the “party of Trump.”  Maybe these are the people who will be around to pick up the scraps when Trump is finally FULLY exposed and they will try to put something resembling a true “conservative” option for America’s voters.  (The other day, after listening to Schmidt I thought to myself, “I think I’d vote for him for president”)  Maybe one which NOW will hold people to account for BLATANT LYING.  We saw LYING at an accelerated “clip” with the Bush/Cheney regime (which, I believe both Wallace and Frum were a part of) and it’s been put on “steroids” with the Trump takeover of the party.  And, everyday I’m watching republicans like the aforementioned scratching their heads wondering what to do – how to stop this current American NIGHTMARE?

Well, the other day I was listening to another republican – and, unfortunately, I can’t remember his name (I heard him again and I think his name is Mike Murphy, a republican “strategist”) – but, the question was posed (AGAIN) as to how to deal with Trump?  Despite ALL the scandals – like at least ONE a day – AND all the LIES, supposedly, in the past two months the average has been SIXTEEN per day (many are suggesting when Trump is backed into a corner he comes out “swinging” with even LESS regard for the truth) and, at least on MSNBC, there seems to be a lot of “head scratching” on how they should deal with a so-called president who’s LYING to his supporters, to the American people, and to those around the world who are parsing his every word.  This (unnamed, Murphy?) republican, who has managed campaigns for several prominent republicans, pointed out to the MSNBC host what I would agree is a potential solution!

A little context:  The discussion was centered on the danger Trump is putting journalists into with his divisive, threatening rhetoric at the campaign style rallies he seems to be holding in lieu of doing his actual job.  This (unnamed) republican (OK, Murphy – I think) suggested the way to stop Trump is for the media to stop covering his speeches to his base.  i believe he used the term – “suck the air out of the room” – meaning, take away the spectacle from Trump and deprive him of what he feeds off of – the “liberal media” he’s railing against.  Trump has to be against stuff – because he doesn’t understand how to get anything done in relation to the government.  I think Murphy’s (?) idea is “spot on” and “we the people” should simply turn Trump over to Fox “news.”  He wouldn’t know what to do!

Trump clearly is a DISASTER at governing, but what he’s really good at is MANIPULATING the media.  He’s been doing this for his entire life and it’s worked to keep him in business – despite something like SEVEN bankruptcies – and, it’s worked to keep him out of jail.  As I’ve said here several times (at least) I believe Trump is acting like the head of an organized crime family.  (Maybe that’s why he’s got such an affinity to Vladimir Putin – kind of like the eighteen wheel truckers “honking” at each other as they pass on the freeway)  Eventually, all the “stuff” Trump is desperately trying to prevent “we the people” from finding out – the “stuff” which may or may not show up on his tax returns – it’s all going to become public knowledge.  Where he’s obtained the HUGE amount of debt his organization owes, how he managed to find the “cash” to purchase several high end golf courses, and – among many other “question marks” – how he planned to finance his “Trump Tower” in Moscow which was in the works in the 1990’s and AGAIN in the works during the 2016 campaign.  As the saying goes, all the signs point to “this guy being dirty.”

Full disclosure:  I started this post a week or so ago, and have since already posted another rant.  Since I started this “rant” I also started reading “Trump/Russia” by Seth Hettena and, well, to say the least, this book is an “eye opener.”  My first thought as I’m reading is there’s a “plethora” of information connecting Trump to the mafia that is sitting right in front of our eyes.  I have to question why he was able to make it through a year of primaries and then the general election without his connection to the RUSSIAN “mafiya” being exposed.  I’m just in the beginning chapters of Hettena’s book (highly recommended! by the way if you’re a reader) and there’s enough direct connection with Trump and Russian gangsters – when Trump was operating (at least) two casino’s in Atlantic City, New Jersey and, over the years, in his prized “Trump Tower.”  Known Russian gangsters were laundering MILLIONS through Trump’s Taj Mahal casino plus some of his other hotels and Trump simply ended up paying fines for enabling it.

However, as you read the book you see Trump willingly working with Russians connected to their “underworld” (which, could include any Russian who was financially successful, by the way) in an attempt to build (actually remodel) a couple Hotels in Moscow near the Kremlin.  At the time, the Russians referred to Trump as “a millionaire without a dollar.”  His casino’s in New Jersey were going through bankruptcy – we all know bankruptcy is embedded in Trump’s personal history – and, apparently, this was the time Trump was discovering Russian sources of money for his real estate business in New York.  At this time there was at least one significant member of the Russian “mafiya” living in Trump Tower while evading other mobsters and the police (FBI).

I’m in the section of the book that goes into the history of Vladimir Putin and his ties to organized crime – which, it appears, is “run of the mill” in Russia.  So, Trump’s “connection” to Russia goes well beyond his proclamation that he has (and has had) no relationship, no loans, no projects in Russia.  Kind of reminds me of Bill Clinton saying, “I did NOT have sex with that woman” as he’s wagging his finger toward the camera.  Ironically, with people I know who support Trump, that is the signature point they use to vilify Clinton, saying things like, “He’s such a liar.”  And, of course, then telling me “Trump doesn’t LIE.”  (Which is irrefutable evidence to the power of “The Big Lie Theory” Trump and the republicans have “adopted.”)

With the exception of the republicans mentioned above I have to wonder “where are the rest of the republicans.”  We know Mitch McConnell will accept anything from Trump as he’s “plugging” judges into the judiciary at breakneck speed – the FACT it is entirely possible those judges were nominated by someone who, himself, was “appointed” by Vladimir Putin doesn’t bother McConnell and republicans who think like him.  I’ve long pointed out republicans have embraced the “end justifies the means” theory of politics decades ago.  If it takes the Russians to maintain power, then so be it – in the eyes of republicans like McConnell and, obviously, a whole bunch more.  I can only hope the wrath of the American people falls directly on their heads at the polling booths once this is all public knowledge.

You’re correct, I don’t expect the majority of Americans to seek books to read that aren’t ghost written for members of the Fox BRAINWASHING team.  The last time I was purchasing books from Barnes and Noble online I noticed the number of books by members of the Fox “team” was a bit alarming.  I’m certain those books will simply reinforce the BRAINWASHING being done every night on Fox “news” (AKA Trump TV) and I’m certain many people are falling for it.  I’m glad they’re reading, I just have to hope they verify the information with alternative sources and actual facts.  I once agreed to read one of those books for a friend who wanted me to “see the truth” and it was so full of LIES and misinformation (that were easily disproved) it was all I could do to make it all the way through.  Of course, the book I gave my friend to read never was even opened.  I called this “par for the course.”  (One of my hobbies in old age is golf)

So, as John Brennan recently pointed out, the COLLUSION (Treason) and OBSTRUCTION of Trump and his sycophants is pretty much undeniable at this point in time.  I’ve heard enough legal experts explain “conspiracy” to me (actually, I’ve also looked it up – AND, I studied a bit of law when I was first in college back in the 60’s) that it’s CLEAR Don Jr., Paul Manafort, and Jared Kushner CONSPIRED to “collude” with representatives of the RUSSIAN government – which is totally ILLEGAL – when they met in Trump Tower on June 9, 2016 to gain “incriminating evidence” on Hillary Clinton.  You’re simply not supposed to do that – even if you’re affiliated with Donald Trump – who clearly believes the LAW was written for someone beside him.

After reading the first part of “Trump/Russia” it’s clear to me Trump’s pushing the boundaries of what is legal goes WAY back before he ever ran to be our so-called president.  I will be surprised if Mueller’s findings don’t suggest Trump to be WAY more involved with shady characters, money laundering, bank fraud, intimidation, and who knows what else than Manafort – who Trump continues to refer to as a “very fine person.”  When you read about Manafort’s connection to the Russian “mafiya” and his funneling of MILLIONS of dollars through secret “tax havens” in places like the Cayman Islands (which, by the way, are the result of some of Tom Delay’s “greatest hits” as far as greedy republican donors would be concerned), along with his fraudulently gained bank loans, it’s hard – at least for me – to call him “a very fine person.”

Manafort may escape this first part of his two trials over his mafia like enterprise – Trump is busy making enough headlines that if even ONE of the jurors is a Trump supporter and reads what Trump is publicly saying there easily could be a mistrial – where one juror prevents the prosecution from succeeding.  This is one of the most egregious examples of how I’ve pointed out many times Trump reminds me of the sixth grade bully – he’s going to push the boundaries of what is “acceptable” until he’s forced to STOP!  Sadly, I don’t believe republicans in Congress will stop him because while all this “noise” is going on, they’re getting what they want “behind the scenes” – like in the case of all the judges.  To republicans in Congress the Russian assault on our basic fundamentals is secondary to their grip on power!  It’s sad, it’s deplorable, it’s disgusting, it’s shameful, it’s un-patriotic, it’s dishonest (surprise, surprise), and it’s breaking our nation in two.  Vladimir Putin has succeeded beyond his wildest dreams – I’m sure he’s got that s@#t eating grin on his face every time he thinks of Trump as our so-called president!

Final Thought:  I’m just happy there are republicans like the ones I mentioned above – like Wallace, Schmidt, Frum, etc. – because, in my mind, when all is said and done I believe they will be at the forefront of ultimately putting an end to this nightmare.  (Another name just came to mind and I can’t believe I’m going to write it – but, George Will, who I’ve never agreed with politically, has spoken out about the importance of republicans actually voting for democrats in the upcoming election to STOP Trump.)  I’ve said this since Trump was “elected” (with THREE MILLION less votes than Mrs. Clinton) it will be up to republicans to “fix” this problem.  I’ve just come to realize it will apparently be republicans who are not presently in office.

I’ve always accused democrats of being “spineless” (and, I’m anxious to be proven wrong) – but, this Trump fiasco will put a SPINELESS tag on republicans that will be hard to shed for many years to come!

I apologize for any “foopahs” – but, I’m too lazy to re-read this and edit it – so, it is what it is and I’m going to hit “publish.”