Apparently everyone who’s paying attention in America EXCEPT our so-called president understands what Vladimir Putin’s objectives are as he foments his surrogates around the world pushing to destabilize the Western alliances that have worked to keep countries, including America, MORE safe (than likely would be otherwise) for the past 70+ years.  Yes, America has her issues – and has had over her history – but, one thing she’s accomplished since WW II is preventing Russia – ie the “former Soviet Union” from accomplishing goals of international domination.  (Unfortunately, there are those in America with the same objective)  It’s clear to me Putin has been “busy” trying to re-ignite what Peter Wyden refers to as the “Hitler Virus” which is the right wing “nationalistic” movement being led by Trump in America and spreading across Europe as I’m writing this.

Clearly, Trump has some kind of “connection” to Putin that many of us in America are trying to figure out “why?”  Why does he NEVER say anything negative about Putin?  Why do MOST of his “foreign policy” decisions end up on Russian TV where the commentators are saying things like “I never thought I’d live to see an American president supporting Russian objectives like this?”  (or words to that affect)  Why is Trump doing Putin’s “bidding” as he seems to be undermining our NATO alliance?  Why does Trump feel empowered to actually meet with Putin BY THEMSELVES in a so-called “summit” and what is he prepared to give away for NOTHING?  (If his “summit” with Kim Jong-un is any indication of his diplomatic ability)  Why is Trump so comfortable LYING (all the time) to the American people?  And, while changing the subject just a bit, here’s maybe the biggest “why” for me:  Why are the republicans WILLINGLY going along with Trump’s selling America out to Vladimir Putin?

Despite my constant “ranting” about the need for “we the people” to vote out “today’s version” of the republican party, I’ve always said, “We do need two political parties.”  It’s just that today’s version of the republicans – which has been “trending” in this direction since the days of Reagan – has “evolved” to where people like me are seeing them as “un American.”  Yes, I totally believe in the republicans’ “free speech” rights – however, it’s time for “we the people” – at the voting booth – to overwhelmingly REJECT Trump’s republican party next November.  If we fail to do so, it’s possible by 2020 this country will be unrecognizable.

While I’m sure I disagree with him on much, I have much respect for (former) republican Steve Schmidt – who I’d like to see challenge Trump for the republican nomination in 2020 – of course, he’d have to rejoin the party.  He’s a republican with a grasp on both world and U.S. History in a way that certainly impresses me.  The difference between Schmidt and, for example, the republicans in the House who yesterday made (Benghazi like) fools of themselves as they “grilled” Peter Strzok for, seemingly, forever – and, the difference is HONOR and actual patriotism.  The republican House members seem to have no concern that “we the people” were (and are being) attacked during the 2016 election and beyond by Putin’s cronies.

Trump is doing DAMAGE (as I’ve called it) to America that could possibly last well beyond whatever time I have left on this planet (I’m a “baby boomer” in my 70’s) and, it grieves my heart the amount of DAMAGE he’s doing to my (and quite possibly your) children and grandchildren – AND, for example, those who are risking their lives to immigrate to America seeking asylum from extreme violence in countries like those in Central America. Trump denigrates good people fleeing violence to get to America as generation upon generation of immigrants have done while he kisses up to, as Keith Olberman used to say, “the worst person(s) in the world.”

Lately, Trump has been referring to Kim Jong-un as “chairman Kim” AND as a very smart and good “leader.”  Had any other president said he/she would like “his/her people to respond to him/her as Kim’s people responds to Kim in North Korea” – it would be at the top of news cycles for weeks – or more.  (If you’re confused the “him/her” is in reference to the reality that we SHOULD have our first female president as I’m writing this)  In Trump’s case, it barely brought a “whimper” from our “liberal media.”  Kim, of course, simply KILLS anyone who even disappoints him, let alone criticizes him.  And, he does it in the most BRUTAL ways.  Apparently, Trump is willfully oblivious to this.

And, of course, Trump has put Kim right in the middle of the international stage with their “so-called” summit in Singapore where Trump came away with a piece of paper causing him (Trump) to claim: “I’ve solved the nuclear threat in North Korea that our previous presidents were too stupid to solve.  It was easy”  Of course, while those words were coming from Trump’s mouth – and, he also said, “many are saying I deserve the Nobel Peace Prize” – Kim’s forces were wrenching UP their nuclear program while likely having a good laugh at Trump’s digging his own “hole” deeper with each passing day and each successively STUPID remark about their meeting.

Before meeting with Kim, Trump had withdrawn from the Iran deal that was actually NEGOTIATED over an excruciatingly LONG period of time by expert diplomats, ultimately with Secretary of State Kerry right in the middle.  This was an agreement that involved the major world powers and Trump torpedoed it right before declaring – based on an unsigned piece of paper – that he’d solved the North Korean nuclear problem.  The world is watching and collectively scratching their heads – with the exception of the Russians.  Next job?  Prop up Putin’s place on the “world stage.”  Yikes!!!

The list of Trump’s “transgressions” goes on and on, but there’s another thing “we the people” should be thinking about.  Of course, our attention has been on how much influence the Russians ACTUALLY had on the 2016 election in regards to Trump v Clinton.  While there seems to be no evidence of Russians actually changing votes, it seems apparent to me, there were many people influenced by their TARGETED propaganda campaign – both propping up Trump and blasting Clinton in areas where many swing voters reside.

We KNOW James Comey’s ill advised letter to Congress 11 days before the election likely changed enough votes in the key states that swung the Electoral College in Trump’s direction (Florida, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin – remember Trump LOST the “popular vote” by almost 3 MILLION votes) – but, what we haven’t been paying attention to is what were the Russians up to regarding the campaigns for the Senate.  There was a lot of speculation the Senate was going to “flip” to democratic control prior to the election itself.  And, it’s proving CRITICAL to long term American interests – the make up of the Senate after the election.

For example, RIGHT NOW there’s a big “battle” going on for Trump’s SECOND Supreme Court nomination.  Shortly after the 2016 election Mitch McConnell, who had BLOCKED President Obama’s Supreme Court nominee Merrick Garland from getting an “up or down” vote in 2016, “blew up” the filibuster in regard to Supreme Court nominees opening the “door” for Trump to easily get Neil Gorsuch on to the court and NOW he’s got a second nomination – another right wing corporatist – who will impede “we the people” for much longer than I will be alive.  Here’s the rub as I continue thinking about this (and, keep in mind, I see no way democrats will be able to stop this nominee) – what were the Russians doing in regards to Senate campaigns?

It would only have taken two democrats who lost to actually win to “flip” the Senate and allow democrats to block these nominees.  I would say, at the minimum, Trump should have had NO nominees until the Mueller investigation is complete.  Now, he’s going to have TWO nominees beholden to him if and when any  charges against Trump reach the high court.  While Trump’s nominees SHOULD recuse from any decision before the court, I don’t expect it.  That would take what I referred to above with what’s missing from the republicans in the House: HONOR.

So, you think I’m loony?  Well, Ron Johnson was re-elected to  his Senate seat in 2016 in somewhat of a surprise by defeating Russ Feingold.  What if the Russians were targeting this seat – There’s no question in my mind they were busy in Wisconsin, essentially working in conjunction with the voter suppression tactics there which kept as many as, from what I’ve heard, 75,000 from voting – they certainly would understand Feingold would be no surrogate to Putin.  But Johnson?  Well recently, over the 4th of July holiday no less, Johnson was in Russia schmoozing with Russian leaders (with 6 other “patriotic” republicans) who may or may not have been involved in the election “meddling.”  Johnson came home sounding like Trump:  “They said they didn’t do it and I believe them.”

What if the Russians actually succeeded in helping the republicans hold the Senate?  These Supreme Court nominees will have an effect on our nation for the next 30+ years.  As the evidence becomes clearer that (at a minimum) some in the Trump campaign were aiding this Russian ATTACK on our election – how will people react when they have to “digest” that an illegitimately elected president with an illegitimately elected Senate put TWO justices on the court while “we the people” were trying to figure out, in Trump’s own words, “what the hell is going on?”  (And, if republicans hold the Senate in 2018, which is likely, Trump could get one or two more nominees.  “Put that in your pipe and smoke it!”)

To say the Trump “era” is going to be a significant part of American History is looking more and more like an understatement.  It won’t be because of his unparalleled unpopularity – both here and abroad – but, instead, by the DAMAGE he manages to inflict before it’s totally clear what a menace he is to our nation.  Not only are “we the people” facing the ever more likely scenario that the Russians and Vladimir Putin succeeded in determining who our 45th president (so-called president – with 3 MILLION less votes than a “girl”) would be but, even MORE devastating, Putin and the Russians will have determined the right wing make-up of our Supreme Court for the next 30 or more years!

The Russians were busy in the presidential election and, very likely, in the Congressional elections as well.  I FULLY expect them to be right in the middle of the 2018 Mid Terms with people like Mr. Johnson of Wisconsin showing they are as gullible as Trump.  Yikes!!  It keeps getting worse.  And, the so-called “summit” between Putin and Trump is yet to come.  What would you give to be a “fly on the wall” in the room with just Trump and his idol Putin?  We’ll likely NEVER know what was said!

Full disclosure:  I started this post before the Putin/Trump “summit” and I’m publishing it post summit.  That means, as of this moment I know what a FOOL the so-called president of the United States made on the “world stage.” (AGAIN) This is after previously making a fool of himself in the Kim Jong-un “summit,” the NATO “summit,” the G-6 (Trump would like it to be the “G-7” again, with Russia included) “summit,” and in virtually EVERY other thing he does. So, NONE of this is a surprise anymore.  I believe his meeting with Putin would have been declared a “success” had he simply declined to comment to the reporters question regarding the election meddling.  You have to watch his answer to believe it – in my mind, even if you’re a republican who supports him.  It was the worst exhibition, in my mind, by ANY president during my lifetime.  It made me long for GW Bush and “mission accomplished.”  It was THAT bad!

Trump is a daily example of EXTREME narcissism and pathological LYING on display and, as I’ve said MANY times here, “we the people” are stuck enduring this as long as REPUBLICANS choose to force us to do so.  (It would be interesting trying to figure out who’s the bigger LIAR:  Trump or Putin?) Considering the emoluments violations alone, Trump has pushed the “high crimes and misdemeanors” bar set by our founders past any conceivable limit.  That SHOULD be enough to get republicans in Congress’s attention.  But, regarding the “Russia thing,” which, in my mind, is much more significant than Trump’s FLEECING of America, I guess this republican Congress will need to be hit up side the head with devastating EVIDENCE from Robert Mueller to even consider ending the MOST tragic nightmare in American political history.

Kids torn from their parents hasn’t been enough; OBVIOUSLY the Access Hollywood tape and the subsequent 19 female accusers wasn’t enough; the “Stormy Daniels” saga wasn’t enough;  the “very fine people” in Charlottesville wasn’t enough; the MULTITUDE of LIES hasn’t been enough (in fact, to be in Trump’s administration, it seems, rule number one is a willingness to LIE); the tax scam pushing the deficit over $1 TRILLION (this year and likely MOUNTING going forward) wasn’t/hasn’t been enough; (Oh yes, EVERY republican (except McCain) was complicit on that one), and, now, Trump SELLING OUT our nation and our nation’s intelligence community while standing next to Putin in front of a world TV audience likely WON’T be enough for these republicans to act.  Actually (and sadly) the list is much longer than that.  The message to the American people is “loud and clear” – get your butts to the polls in November and vote these republicans out of office or this nation will be begging Russia to be our friend – because no one else (except maybe North Korea) will be interested.  And, trust me, the economic hardship European countries and Asian countries can inflict on America will make even Trump’s “base” regret the day they somehow brought themselves to vote for him!  I’ll say it once more; Yikes!!!

Trump keeps the “stuff” coming so fast that “we the people” continue to ignore “scandals” that would have made noise around the nation in years past.  For example, we all KNOW (I guess, with the exception of Trump, himself) that the Russians and Vladimir Putin intervened in our previous election (along with elections all over Europe) in order to further Putin’s attack on Western “democracies.”  He succeeded in helping Trump into the “White House” along with the Brexit vote in Great Britain and turning one nation after another in Europe toward totalitarian right wing rule.  So, I REALLY found it interesting that on the FORTH OF JULY, the day most republicans spend driving around with flags waving from their “rigs,” that little to NO notice was taken that SEVEN republican senators were having the “easiest” meeting Russian oligarchs have experienced (with American “leaders”) the Russians can remember, right in the middle of Moscow.  And, that “liberal media” republicans rail about hardly noticed.  (OK, I can’t resist.  Can you imagine if this would have happened with democratic senators during Obama’s administration – even without the “meddling” issue?)

Of course, there’s an election looming in November and these republican senators KNOW “experts” are predicting a “blue wave” and republicans, in their “the end justifies the means” mentality are looking for “help.”  As they, themselves, would say, they’re all about “winning.”  Apparently, what is needed in November is another swath of Russian cyber criminals finding ways to “gin” up the republican base and further turn American against American in an attempt to mitigate the so-called “wave” they believe is coming.  It worked for them in 2016 so why would anyone think they won’t stoop to this level in 2018 AND as long as it continues to bring the outcome wanted by both the republicans and the Russians.  (I guess this is all the Russians had to do to get republicans kissing up to them! Yikes!!!)

Personally, I was astonished that on the day Americans celebrate their “independence” republican senators were in Russia drumming up support which shows their “dependence” on the Kremlin to keep “winning.”  Things have gone so wrong in America that MILLIONS of Americans are either willingly oblivious to the “Russian invasion” of our nation, OR worst, WILLING to allow it.  And, it appears, the republicans in Congress are encouraging it in a last gasp effort to prevent the House from “flipping” to democratic “rule.”  And, sadly, “rule” is the correct term because republicans and democrats will not be “working together” for the foreseeable future.  And, if you’re thinking it’s a problem with “both sides” – you’ve been brainwashed by the “liberal media” we keep hearing about (especially in places like Fox “news”).  The division in America is the direct result of disgusting republican politicians like Newt Gingrich who proclaimed “obstruction” as the way forward back in the 80’s and 90’s when republicans had been in the minority for the bulk of the previous 50 years.  (Mitch McConnell took OBSTRUCTION to record “heights” during Obama’s presidency with something in the order of 700 FILIBUSTERS)

From Gingrich’s perspective, back then, the solution was LYING to the American people and BLOCKING anything republicans could block in Congress to make government look bad.  Since the days of Reagan, republicans have been complaining about government while, at the same time, working OVERTIME to control government.  The reason for this SHOULD be obvious.  Since Reagan’s “trickle down” tax cuts, republicans have been FLEECING America’s taxpayers by the TRILLIONS and I have to wonder when “we the people” – with the help of our “liberal media” – will wake up???  The recent version of this tax “scam” will be increasing America’s debt by TRILLIONS and do you think there’ll be a single republican in Congress complaining?  Do you remember them blaming Obama for the Bush/Cheney debt crisis – for 8 solid years?  In fact, they started blaming Obama for the Bush/Cheney debt crisis BEFORE he took the oath of office!

Naturally, republicans wont even make a whimper about how the annual deficit was reduced by Obama’s administration by over 70% until republicans took it “skyward” again.  Trump and his surrogates are so busy first tearing little kids from their parents and then trying to figure out how to re-unite them that issues like the deficit aren’t even in the conversation.  I guess we’ll have to wait for he recession to begin the discussion of how bad this latest version of the tax “scam” is affecting Trump’s “base.”  (And, of course, the rest of us)

Today I was reading about how members of Trump’s administration are being heckled when they go out in public and it was Gingrich, himself, who was quoted as saying the people heckling members of Trump’s cabinet are “totalitarian.”  What’s the saying, “That’s like the pot calling the kettle black.” The “hecklers” are upset, for example, by the REALITY of the almost 3000 children who are “homeless” and “parentless” due to Trump’s heartless policy of separating these kids from their parents who are committing the “terrible” crime of fleeing oppressive violence in their Central American homeland. I guess the reality that a HUGE (thankfully) majority of Americans finds this policy of destroying families repugnant makes those complaining the loudest “totalitarians.”

It appears Trump and his surrogates didn’t think this one out very well – like most of what they do – and they have no idea how to re-unite many of the children with their parents.  Keep in mind OVER 100 of these kids are less than 5 years old, some as young as 2 months, leaving nursing mothers in our federal prisons while their babies are “who knows where.”  (I’m just trying to imagine who would separate a nursing baby from her mother?  Is it any wonder MILLIONS of Americans are reaching the “boiling point?”)  My two daughters were BOTH nursing babies for well over a year in each case and I keep trying to figure out who is damaged the most in these scenarios – the mother or the child?  For some reason my mind is struggling as I picture lactating mothers just suddenly being without their child.   And, then, every psychologist I’ve listened to are saying the trauma to the child will be a lifetime “sentence.”  As I’ve said before, I almost start crying as I type the words.  I can’t believe MY country would stoop to such “deplorable” levels!  But, we were warned, weren’t we?  (Trust me, there’s a reason Trump continues to demonize Mrs. Clinton – to short circuit people from re-thinking what they did in the case of those who either didn’t vote or voted for him and AGAINST her)

So Trump supporters like Gingrich are referring to the “resistance” as “totalitarian” while republican senators are meeting with Russian leaders on the FORTH OF JULY in MOSCOW and coming away saying, just like their fuhrer Trump, “They said they didn’t do it” regarding the ATTACK on our 2016 election.  Like these Russians are such kind, honest chaps the republicans are developing new “friendships.”  And, now, while Trump is under increasing pressure from the Russia investigation, as if to flip his middle finger at those Americans who actually believe in our “independence,” Trump is soon off to meet with Putin, himself.  And, does it surprise anyone, the meeting will be in private with just the two of them.  (Do you wonder what they’ll be doing?)  Here’s what I wonder:  “Will Robert Mueller figure out why Trump is subjecting America to the will of Vladimir Putin?  What will it take for Americans in the “heartland” to sour on this vile so-called president?  How much “damage” will he be allowed to inflict on this nation before republicans in Congress say “enough already?”  Honestly, it doesn’t look promising from my vantage point.

When you look objectively at what Trump is doing – here and around the world – you see there are exactly TWO people benefiting the most;  Putin and Trump, himself.  I often, and this is not a sarcastic comment, wonder if they’ve got some kind of partnership?  We all know Trump LIES about everything – he’s, by MOST accounts, a pathological LIAR.  He’s been LYING about his wealth for decades (built despite something like SIX bankruptcies – screwing workers and bankers by the scores upon scores) – is this his motive – attempting to leverage his position into Putin like wealth?  Reports are that Trump has relied on Russian money for years and it has also been reported that Putin’s “oligarchs” manage to get filthy rich, do you think Trump…………?  I don’t know, but maybe that’s Trumps shtick – ARROGANTLY ripping off as much money from being our so-called president as he can before he’s “caught.”  I believe he’s assuming he’s above the law and no matter what happens he’ll walk away with the money “Scott free.”

On top of the reality we’ve got republican leaders smooching with Russians right out in clear sight and our “liberal media” hardly notices, what about North Korea – as long as we’re talking about all the DAMAGE being done to America by Trump.  First, he “tore up” the nuclear agreement with Iran – an agreement that was NEGOTIATED with experts from several nations and hammered out over the course of many months.  Then Trump decides to elevate Kim Jong-un to the international “stage” – instantly a “win” for Kim – and then walks away with a piece of paper with a few meaningless words written on it and declares himself the winner of the Nobel Peace Prize.  Trump actually said, “Thanks to me North Korea has been denuclearized.”

When I heard those words I have to say my jaw dropped!  What the @#*k?  Was my actual first thought.  Does Trump have any conception of recent American history?  Does he really think that piece of paper is an agreement?  If you remember, as he was attempting to destroy the Iran agreement he ridiculed President Obama for making such a “stupid” agreement.  Well, I guess President Obama will get the last laugh – EXCEPT that NONE of this is funny.  Trump continues to come across as an imbecile.  He’s been referred to as an “idiot,” a “moron,” and “stupid” in private by his closest surrogates (and, who knows what else?) and he’s putting it all on display with his MORONIC “negotiating” with Kim.  Here’s the reality for republicans – your fuhrer is being played by “little rocket man.”  Wow!!!  And, republicans continue to go along with all this.  Maybe the next move by the seven senators that preferred Moscow to their own country in celebration of “independence day” are next to visit North Korea to cozy up there.

As the saying goes: “You can’t make this stuff up.”  What is going on in our government since Trump was “elected”  (Yes, with the help of Putin AND with 3,000,000 LESS votes than a girl) would be UNBELIEVABLE if it wasn’t playing out right before our eyes.  I’ve come to the conclusion it’s going to take an economic disaster to get the attention of Trump’s “base.”  I’m not sure how bad it has to become before the “ditto heads” who get their “information” from Fox or the right wing bloviators on the radio airwaves even attempt to “fact check” the LIES that are coming from Trump and company “fast and furious.”  Picture how those republicans who were in Russia on the 4th would have responded to Hillary Clinton cozying up to Putin and getting played by Kim.  Do you think they’d be having this “love fest?”  Do you think they’d be suggesting the Nobel Peace Prize for Mrs. Clinton for elevating Kim to the “international stage?” Let alone being made a fool by the North Koreans?

I could go on and on (and, I likely will in a few days) – I haven’t even brought up Rudy Giuliani and his (and Trump’s) brazen attack on our Justice Department.  Of course, the “Russia thing” very well could be part of Trump’s “scheme.”  He keeps us jumping around from one scandal to another while I believe the FLEECING is likely at record heights.  Hopefully, at some point we’ll all learn the total of the “emoluments” Trump is skimming from “we the people” as our so-called president.  As I said earlier, it’s entirely possible in my mind he’s trying to “be like Vlad.”  The bottom line, for Trump and his surrogates, it’s likely going out in public will continue to garner the attention of the “resistance” and members of Trump’s “team” will face more taunting as time goes by.  The bottom line for “we the people” is that Trump’s PLUNDERING of America – with all the lasting damage that entails – will continue until republicans put “we the people” (ie their country) ahead of their pocket books.  Stay tuned…………………….

Final Thought:  I apologize for posting this without editing (I used to have a friend editing, but he’s become too busy).  I just listened to Trump berating the leader of NATO while, at the same time, bashing Germany in an unbelievably STUPID rant.  (Except for the reality that it was Trump speaking – so the FACT it was STUPID – well – that’s the new “norm”).  My mind is moving on to MY next rant!

There are some (former, I’m guessing) republicans who actually see what’s really happening with our so-called president and his attempt to usurp as much power as he possibly can.  Two examples are Nicole Wallace, who was the communications director (I believe) for George W Bush and Steve Schmidt who was the campaign manager for John McCain when he ran against President Obama back in 2008.  I’m pretty sure if I had the privilege to have a breakfast with either one with a conversation centered on politics it would be an interesting conversation, to say the least.  My views would likely not be parallel to theirs.  However, the conversation would be enjoyable, it would be interesting, and we’d likely come away with a bit more sensible views – because we’d be able to talk with transparency and with a lack of concern about differing perspectives.

Schmidt has become one of my favorite “pundits.”  He appears occasionally on MSNBC and he’s figured out what is happening to our nation and he doesn’t “mince” words.  I haven’t heard him actually say, “fascist,” when describing the dangers of Trump and his republican enablers.  But, he is fully aware of the parallels between Trump’s administration and the Third Reich back in the thirties in Germany and he’s actually willing to speak about it in front of the cameras.  Additionally, Schmidt is one of the few pundits I see on TV who shows they are engaged in educating themselves about what’s going on around the world and is WILLING to share the TRUTH when the camera’s are on.  Today, for example, I heard him reference the right wing (fascist) movement that is spreading in Europe (which Trump supports) and point out the true objective of Vladimir Putin which is to destabilize Western “democracies.”

I realize people who watch Fox “news” (Trump TV) will never hear this type of commentary – and, sadly, of all the people I know who support Trump, the ONLY reading they do is when they read their Bibles.  Now, don’t get me wrong.  I read the Bible.  I’m a Christian.  However, I feel an obligation to educate myself as to what is really happening with our/my government.  “We the people” are supposed to be responsible – it is OUR government!  What Trump is up to has no connection to what I’ve read in the Bible and it’s pushing our country closer to fascism virtually every day.  Additionally, what Trump is doing has no connection to the constitution as well!

My friends who have been virtually BRAINWASHED by Fox are unable to have any kind of conversation – with one exception – I have a really good friend who I can dialogue with and we can disagree without being disagreeable – with most of them, they start yelling (in one case, throwing things) when you challenge their positions with facts.  It’s clear the people on Fox have their audience believing what they hear is “gospel.”  When all is said and done with the “Trump era” Fox is going to be facing a rude accounting.  I’ve said it before, Trump, his congressional enablers (led by Devin Nunes), and his other enablers – most notably Fox, are headed for a place in American History right next to Benedict Arnold.

Now, Trump could convince his followers Benedict Arnold was an American hero and Fox would go along with it.  That being said, personally, I continue to believe that ultimately, the rule of law and common sense will prevail.  I’ve gotten to the point where I can’t even handle a few seconds of checking out what they’re saying on Fox – every time I try, it makes my skin crawl.  Unfortunately, for someone like me who is intensely wanting to understand what is REALLY happening in America there aren’t a lot of options for information (aside from books – with legitimate authors – NOT “ghost” writers out of the “Big Lie” propaganda “factory”).  I usually end up watching MSNBC, but – despite their public persona of being “liberal” – they give Trump an unbelievable amount of free advertising.  One thing I have to admit Trump is expert at is manipulating the media for his own benefit.  And, they have no idea how he’s using them.  I believe he understands he’s making them a lot of money with his “stuff” – seemingly, a new “scandal” every day – and, he ends up being the focus of virtually their entire agenda.

Now, as someone who’s been through Watergate (as an “interested bystander” – ie viewer) I’m kind of in the same mindset.  I’m trying to coach myself to be patient in waiting for Robert Mueller to start the final stages of his investigation – which, I believe, will be centered on “collusion” – Fox has had a campaign to explain “there’s no law against collusion, so I’ll call it what it REALLY is – TREASON.  Who all will be caught up in the final “indictments” is still unclear, but I’m guessing Trump Jr., Kushner, Bannon, and even Pense SHOULD be sleeping a bit “sweaty.”  However, I put the word “should” in upper case letters because I believe these people are so arrogant they believe they are above the law.  My hope is that Mueller will make it clear, ONCE and for ALL, that no one – including ANY president is “above the law.”  Neither are a president’s family members and associates.  I thought this was determined during Watergate, but – as I’ve said many times here – my main complaint with President Obama was his decision to “look forward” when it came to the CLEARLY illegal activity of the Bush/Cheney regime, which left the impression in the eyes of republicans that their “leaders” were/are not subject to all these “stupid” laws that, for example, prevent politicians from working with foreigners to get elected!

While I believe a significant majority of Americans are longing for a president who comports him/herself with dignity and compassion, much of what Trump believes he can do, I believe, stems from Obama’s decision to “look forward.”  Bush and Cheney being forced to face up to the issue of TORTURE, for example, would have left a much different political environment today.  (Trump has claimed he’ll “authorize waterboarding and a lot more” – this coming from another American leader who did every thing he could – five deferments – to avoid serving when it was his time)  I try to imagine what republicans would be saying had Hillary Clinton won the “White House” and then it would have become public knowledge she worked in concert with Putin to win the election.  (Do you even recognize these republicans?)  The list of LAWS Trump has already “broached” is getting longer by the day – and, we still haven’t heard the results of Mueller’s investigation or the investigation in New York centered on Michael Cohen’s mafia like “fixing” – who MUST have a real “story” to tell authorities if he decides he doesn’t want to spend MANY years in jail because of Trump.  (Remember, Cohen is likely facing STATE charges – which can’t be pardoned by the president)

Right now, as I’m writing this, there are over 2000 children who’ve been taken from their parents and many who are likely in a position where they’re facing the reality they may never see their parents again.  Add to that, they will then be forced to go to court before facing deportation.  I guess the Trump “officials” are HOPING the kids find their parents when they’re shipped to who knows where.  Remember, some of these children are as young as 6 months and WERE nursing babies.  I get tears EVERY time I write about this – likely making me a “wimp” in Trump’s eyes – he of the five deferments AND 3 MILLION less votes in the election he “won.”  (With the help of the Russians AND the republican voter suppression tactics!)  So, the other day it was announced that Anthony Kennedy is retiring from the Supreme Court, giving Trump the opportunity to place another Neil Gorsuch type on the court.  Gorsuch is clearly a partisan republican and he’s the result of Mitch McConnell BLOCKING President Obama’s choice of Merritt Garland in 2016.  This is why right wing republicans, especially evangelicals, like Trump – he’s filling the courts with lifetime judges who are corporatist right wing fascist leaning judges who MIGHT overturn Roe v Wade.

Sadly, I’m guessing Kennedy announcing his retirement will take the focus of our so-called 24/7 media off the TERRIBLE plight of the 2000+ children and all we’ll hear about for the next few days is the impending court appointee.  I don’t disagree Trump’s appointment to the Supreme Court is important, but, the reality is that people who think like me AND democrats can’t stop whatever he decides to do.  There’s no longer a 60 vote threshold in the Senate for confirmation and McConnell is already BRAGGING about how he screwed Obama AND got Gorsuch on the court.  It was Gorsuch a couple days ago who voted to OK Trump’s so-called “Muslim ban.”  We will be facing a right wing court for the rest of my life, and possibly worse if “liberals” choose not to vote in November.  The only way to stop Trump and this surge toward fascism in America is if people vote republicans out of office in November.  (I’m feeling as if 2020 isn’t soon enough – which is why I call this coming election the most significant in my lifetime)

And, while it appears there’s a good chance democrats could retake the House in the Mid-term election, it looks to me as if republicans COULD actually gain a couple seats in the Senate.  I really hope I’m wrong on that front, but 2 out of ever 3 seats up for election are now held by democrats – some in states won by Trump who appear vulnerable to say the least – with only around 10 republicans up for re-election.  A couple republicans “retired” – so their seats are open, but they’re in states considered “red.”  (interestingly, that’s the color affiliated with the Russians)  If democrats can’t retake the Senate Trump will likely get at least one more opportunity to fill a seat on the court.  In 2020 (or sooner) Trump likely will be gone, but his DAMAGE as I’ve been writing about since his so-called “election” will linger for a generation or more.

So, while “we the people” are likely to be engaged in a rigorous discussion over the Supreme Court and the DAMAGE Trump will be able to inflict on those of us who can’t stomach him and his fascist policies, there will be over 2000 children who are pushed out of the headlines.  This is how it works now in “Trump world.”  The scandals are coming so fast that they come and go in a matter of days and then we’re on to the next one.  To me, it’s like I can’t even recognize the republican party which has allowed itself to be commandeered by the right wing “Tea party.”  This resulted from the backlash to Obama’s election from all the white Americans who didn’t realize how racist they really were/are.  I’ve talked to a few who make racist comments and when I point out to them that what they just said was racist they look at me like, “Whaaaat?”  It’s like they want to say, “but he’s a BLACK president, our country’s turning “brown” – being against that isn’t racist.”  To me, it’s more concerning to have a person who doesn’t realize he/her is racist than an overt racist.

I’ve met many a Trump supporter who doesn’t feel supporting racists leaves an “imprint” on themselves.  I’ve only talked to a few about the children pulled from their parents, but some actually agree with Trump and Sessions that it’s a good way to discourage others from coming to “the land of the free.”  The actions of the Trump administration at the border, taking these children from their parents, is just one of the RACIST actions that will be “pinned” on the Trump “bulletin board” as History looks back on this dreadful time in America’s past (once it gets here – which, obviously, couldn’t come soon enough for me).  My hope is that progressive Americans realize while the Supreme Court appointment calls for an “all hands on deck” fight, they MUST NOT forget the immigrant children!  Additionally, making this “fight” a campaign issue would not be wise.  Do it now, get it over with.  (In reality, that’s the democrats best chance to work with moderate republicans like Collins and Murkowski to get a more palatable justice.  Democrats MUST not allow their anger at McConnell to lead to something worse)

I’ve talked for years about how the “puppet masters” who have been pushing the republican party to the right since the days of Reagan envision a so-called “permanent republican majority.”  Well, Trump is the perfect president for that “vision” – which believes a 40% “base” is enough to remain in power.   Even thoughtful members of the republican party had no idea what their “leaders” were envisioning.  Fortunately, there are “republicans” like Wallace, Schmidt, David Jolley – former member of the House from Florida, David Frum, I recently read his book “Trumpocracy” which is a very good read, James Comey (yes, a lifelong republican), Robert Mueller (also a republican), and, astonishingly to me, George Will, plus many other
“republicans” who realize what a danger Trump poses to the America we all love.  Listen, I’ve heard Trump associates refer to John McCain, George W Bush and his brother Jeb, and the others listed above as “rino’s” (republicans in name only).  In my mind, I’m thinking, “how has it come to this?”  To me, this “fight” is for the soul of America.

Final Thought:  Trump’s impending court appointment will go a long way to cement right wing principles in our judicial future, but it’s up to “we the people” to vote Trump’s republican enablers out of congress – that’s imperative and, if we fail, this country will become unrecognizable.  The real force behind this movement comes from the moneyed elite like the Koch brothers, the DeVoss family, the Coors family, business leaders like Sheldon Adelson, Wall Street elites, and others who put their financial GREED above everything else.  If you want to have a better idea of who this secretive group is, read “The Family” by Jeff Sharlet.  These people are expert at remaining “behind the curtain” (picture the “wizard” in the movie “The Wizard of Oz”) AND they have enormous POWER.  (The Koch’s themselves will “donate” over half a BILLION dollars in 2018 to help preserve the very Congress that GAVE them BILLIONS in the tax scam “because their ‘donors’ demanded it.”)  Republicans and their “donors” could care less about MOST of the Trump voters, but they’re expert at disguising themselves and their true intent!  And, the beat goes on!

One more thing:  Today I listened to a migrant Mom from Guatemala who is seeking to get her daughter back being interviewed and she was asked how she felt NOW about seeking refuge in America and what she would say to others.  (She’s fleeing extreme violence)  She responded by saying others should seek refuge in other countries because America has no heart.  For Trump and republicans this would be EXACTLY what they want to hear.  To them, their policies are working.  To a majority of Americans and the world, these policies make this nation virtually unrecognizable with her history as a welcoming place for immigrants.

I get a seemingly endless supply of emails (mostly) from democrats or democratically leaning organizations EVERY day seeking money.  I actually read some of them and, occasionally, I send some money when I have it and I feel it’s for someone or something I can get “behind.”  (Often, the little money I have to donate goes to veterans organizations that I HOPE actually use the money to help veterans – who, it appears to me, have a HUGE need, and, just like post Viet Nam, their needs are often not being met.  (Actually, somehow, some Trump supporters got my email address and I had to learn how to funnel their emails to the “junk” folder – because I’m not giving ANYTHING to ANYONE who’s affiliated with our so-called president)  The past couple days have been one democrat after another writing about their panic over the impending choice of the next Supreme Court justice – which, in reality, I don’t believe they can stop.  However, this is just like the democrats – they work and act almost like clockwork.

Now, it’s true they might be able to delay the nomination fight for a few months – they’re actually calling for the vote to be after the fall elections.  All I can think of is “are you kidding me?”  Do you really want to give the republicans who support Trump a reason to show up at the polls in November?  Take a sober look at the “map” for the upcoming election and the odds of democrats taking control of the Senate lie somewhere between very unlikely to impossible.  Of the seats up for election over 20 are now controlled by democrats – including several in states where Trump is popular (as hard as that is for me to believe – but, the very reason he’s popular is his ability to appoint right wing judges to the Courts – so, democrats, think about your typical knee jerk reaction to Justice Kennedy’s retirement) – and, only around 10 or 11 are republicans up for re-election.  (A couple republicans “retired” so their seats are  “open” but the reason they retired is the reason it’s unlikely a democrat will win those “open” seats – although, it’s not impossible.)

Before I get to my point for this evening’s rant (there seems to be a “rant” almost EVERY day) I would suggest the democrats would be much wiser to work with moderate republicans to force Trump to nominate a somewhat “centrist” judge in the mold of Kennedy.  (Keep in mind, Kennedy was surely a conservative in his voting record)  Democrats want to preserve Roe v Wade as “established precedent” as do at least a couple republicans – so, they have the power to force that issue if that’s what got them all worked up.  The reality is they are not in a position to stop Trump from nominating the next judge and they need to think clearly about their strategy.  In my mind, they are playing right into Trump’s “hands” and, as I said, they are too predictable.

While democrats are getting worked up about one Trump TERRIBLE scandal after another, or one HORRIBLE thing he says after another, he’s almost FLEECING them behind the scenes.  Let me give you an example.  As Trump is busy blasting and complaining about the “liberal media” he’s got sycophants on the “right” busy creating more opportunity for him to BRAINWASH all those unsuspecting “conservatives” who believe he’s actually a conservative.  I’ve been pointing this out for some time – Trump is a FASCIST.  Regrettably, the republicans in Congress, especially in the House, are right there with him.  They’re doing his “bidding” and they’ll willingly take over the job of OBSTRUCTING Mueller – as they’re doing – to protect him from the need to do so.  Evidently, Congress persons can OBSTRUCT justice – although, in my mind, if the president can’t, then the Congress shouldn’t be able to as well.  But, these “tea party” thugs are very adept at pushing the boundaries of the law just as their fuhrer.

So, what am I suggesting Trump is doing while democrats are busy arguing about a Supreme Court Justice they can’t stop?  Well, for starters, lets look at that “liberal media” he’s so enamored with attacking.  I don’t think there’s a “progressive” in America who doesn’t understand the DANGER posed by Fox “news” – a TOTAL propaganda machine for Trump – reaching millions of “ditto heads” every night.  Sean Hannity:  well, he’s truly one of the “deplorables.”  But, there’s another less well known, but, by virtue of being less well known, likely MORE dangerous “arm” of the media than Fox and that’s the “Sinclair Broadcasting network” which controls something over 200 TV stations in America.  Right now, Sinclair is attempting to merge with Tribune Broadcasting which will give them control of the TV stations “fed” into 3 out of every 4 American households.  Sinclair is claiming they are “divesting” stations to meet the requirement set up to prevent monopolies, but their plan is disingenuous, to say the least.  Their idea of divesting is moving stations to family members, associates, or others with the same “bent.”  This is how FASCISM takes hold in countries like America where the people just assume they live in a “democracy” AND many choose NOT to participate.  In the upcoming midterms, it’s likely far less than HALF of America’s eligible voters will head to the polls.  America has become the perfect setting for the republicans’ “permanent ‘majority.'”

Who knows how many surreptitious schemes Trump and his supporters are “up to,” but, I guarantee you they look at the retirement of Justice Kennedy as just another way to keep democrats focused on irrelevant “stuff.”  Now, I know if you’re a democrat you don’t consider the Supreme Court nomination “irrelevant” AND, you’re still PISSED about what Mitch McConnell did back in 2016.  But, here’s where you don’t “get it.”  It was the ability to appoint Supreme Court Justices that motivated MILLIONS of Americans to vote for Trump and AGAINST Hillary Clinton back in the 2016 election.  These are people willing to “hold their noses” in regards to Trump’s personal shortcomings in order to get “conservative” judges.  All they care about is overturning Roe v Wade.  And, Trump understands the more democrats push to prevent “conservative” judges (especially via November’s election) the MORE likely “conservatives” will be to vote in November.  And, trust me, he’ll play this to the “hilt” and democrats – seemingly one and all – are “falling for his shtick.”

Democrats, do you really want this issue to be the “gift that just keeps giving?”  You’ve got so MANY legitimate issues you can run on in 2018 – why would you choose an issue that the very best you could do is temper who’s chosen to the court via a “partnership” with moderate republicans like Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski.  Work out a “deal” with them and you can block your worst nightmare.  In my mind, if you get a judge who will recuse from any Trump Russia/Cohen investigation related issue and assure Collins and Murkowski he/she believes in “established precedent,”  you’ve got a “win.”

Instead of making a big deal about the Court appointment, you should be making a big deal out of the merger between Sinclair and Tribune.  You should continue to make a big deal about 2000 children pulled from their families.  You should be focused on the impending attacks on Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.  You could be pointing  out the realities of the tax “scam.”  And, there’s much more, but, Just the Sinclair/Tribune merger alone will allow Trump and his minions to do possibly irreversible DAMAGE to the America we’ve known since I was a kid in the 50’s and 60’s – through more organized BRAINWASHING!  Behind the scenes I have to believe republicans are commenting on how democrats are such “patsies.”  CHOOSE your battles wisely!

I have a tendency, as I’ve explained here, to watch MSNBC when I force myself to watch TV “news” and yesterday Chris Matthews put on a display that was, well, deplorable.  Evidently, in his futile attempt to urge democrats to do just what I’m suggesting is the EXACT wrong thing, Matthews exposed himself to, well, criticism from EVERYWHERE.  This is one of the MSNBC “pundits” who went out of his way to “normalize” Trump during the 2016 campaign and will likely never even understand his role in creating this MONSTER and DANGER to America.  Now, he’s making a scene in an apparent attempt to show his “progressive” bonafides while, almost in the same breath, gushing over what a wonderful judge Kennedy was.  Like when he voted to anoint the Bush/Cheney regime that gave us Iraq and 9/11???  Like when he gave us “Citizens United?” (possibly the WORST decision in the Court’s history – plus shortly thereafter followed up by McCutcheon v FEC at almost the same time and almost as bad)  And, just the other day, he voted to uphold Trump’s travel ban??  The list is long – yes, rarely, he would vote with the so-called “progressives,” but, he’s retiring because he WANTS Trump picking his successor.  To me, Justice Kennedy is no Supreme Court “saint.”

I guess it wouldn’t surprise you if I told you I’m often times YELLING at my radio while trying to stomach listening to Matthews while I’m driving around (listening on XM radio).  And, yesterday may have been the “icing on the cake.”  I always tell myself, Matthews has been around long enough he should know better – but, there he was encouraging democrats to take an approach that would accomplish NOTHING accept likely make them feel like they’re “putting up a battle” while they’re losing the “war” and simultaneously motivating MORE Trump supporters to go to the polls in November.

Any “wave” election needs two things – one party energized and the other party discouraged.  Why give republicans a  reason to go to the polls?  Maybe it’s me that doesn’t get it, but this just seems obvious to me.  I doubt Matthews even knows about the Sinclair/Tribune merger proposal, or if he does, cares little about it.  Maybe he thinks everyone watches cable news.  To me, that potential merger (among other Trump schemes) makes me really uneasy!  I’d feel much better if democrats were focused on battles they could possibly win and, if not, will motivate THEIR base to the polls!  I’ll say it again, choose your battles wisely!

Final Thought:  NOTHING is more important in American politics than stopping Trump!  I have a good friend who I’ve mentioned on this site before who is a Trump supporter and we have breakfast occasionally and hash out our differences.  (We manage to do it without being disagreeable with each other.  We call each other “wack jobs” good naturedly and we talk transparently – just as our Congressional leaders SHOULD – today we noticed he pours pepper on his breakfast and I pour salt on mine – we’re different)  Today, as he was claiming “progressives” are fascists – he watches Sean Hannity on Fox (despite not being willing to admit it) I challenged his “notion.”  He got his phone out and looked up “progressive” – a long definition in “Wikipedia” that I read aloud and couldn’t disagree with.  However, I said, it in no way referred to fascism (I had just finished reading “Fascism a Warning” by Madeleine Albright – who he suggested was a “fascist” until I reminded him she’s a “Holocaust survivor” – AND the “Hitler Virus” which points out a FACT he agreed with – that Hitler’s “virus” is still alive and well in Europe (and, I forgot to add, America – remember Charlottesville and all those “very fine” neo-Nazi’s).  I had pointed out to my friend that Trump, who he supports is a FASCIST.  He said, “define fascism.”  I said, “Well, you’ve got that handy phone, look it up.”  He did, and the definition started off, “A fascist is an authoritarian with nationalist tendencies.”  He didn’t want to talk about Trump and Fascism anymore.  I believe another version of “fascism” would be a “corporate/government partnership” – which some would call the Mussolini “version,” which is the “version” republicans have been pushing since the “Powell memo” back in the early 70’s. Either way, Trump is a FASCIST and the republicans in Congress are, at best, enablers, at worst, right there with him!  To me, people like Matthews would be better off spending their time pointing this out than encouraging democrats to fall for Trump’s tricks!

I’m so disgusted by what the Trump administration is doing to families attempting to escape some of the most violent societies imaginable that I’m having a problem simply turning the TV on because it breaks my heart every time I realize MY government is sending migrant children all over the country while AT THE SAME TIME sending their parents back to the country they were/are fleeing from.  So, if you’ve had your head in the sand, that’s correct – these people attempting to get asylum in America are now back where they started their dangerous and treacherous journey to “the land of the free” AND their children are SOMEWHERE in America.  I don’t think the Trump administration is even capable of re-uniting children with their parents – but, it’s clear they could care less.  (After all, when Trump’s wife made a trip to make it look like she “cares,” she wore a coat that said, in LARGE letters “I really don’t care, do u?”)

This is all very depressing.  But, it can, and it’s likely to, get worse.  I tuned into a re-broadcast of “All In” with Chris Hayes and he started the program by interviewing a republican congressman from somewhere in North Carolina.  (The interview took away an urge I may have EVER had to visit North Carolina, but, I digress)  The conversation was regarding immigration and Hayes spent the entire interview trying to get the congressperson to respond to a question relating to the attempt by Congress to pass “immigration reform” back in 2013 when the Senate passed a bill with 68 votes, but John Boehner (my spell checker is suggesting his last name should be spelled “Boner”) refused to even put it on the floor of the House for a vote – which, clearly would have passed and, today, we would have “comprehensive immigration reform.”  The “Tea party” members of the House (including the person Hayes was interviewing), who “rule the roost” in the House were able to block the vote.  Boehner cowered in the “face” of the “Tea Party” which is now referred to as the “Freedom Caucus” – a true misnomer – for years until they finally forced him out!

So, Hayes could not get a word in “edgewise” while this congressperson (who, of course, is white) was blaming President Obama for lack of “immigration reform” (Again, he wouldn’t respond to Hayes trying to point out what had actually happened in 2013 – this is how Trump and his minions work – with NO regard to actual facts) and was throwing “dog whistles” out of both sides of his mouth with virtually every breath.  Why Hayes had him on the show was a puzzle to me – although, Hayes – to his credit, I guess – allowed this guy to throw out a barrage of racially charged LIES without any followup once he was off the show.  He gave him a platform for some really vile commentary and just shook his head because the guy was so rude.  The man was essentially acting as a bullhorn to Trump’s claims that virtually ALL these people attempting to gain asylum in America are “rapists and murderers.”  Watching it made my stomach curl and just reminded me of what “we the people” are dealing with as the November elections are approaching.

Clearly this congressperson had no compulsion about throwing out one racist “dog whistle” after another AND foisting one LIE after another on Hayes’ audience (sadly, with no rebuttal) – leaving me the impression he is in one of those so-called “safe seats.”  This tells me there’s a significant portion of North Carolina who supports someone as vile as this guy and clarifies, at least in my mind, there really is an ideological divide in America.  I find someone with this guy’s views to be “deplorable” in the words of Hillary Clinton.  (And, despite the fact I voted for Mrs. Clinton, it was a vote AGAINST Trump – I, personally, would have much preferred Bernie – but, at this time, that seems irrelevant)

Then today, as I was checking the Daily Kos “Recommended” email in my “inbox,” I read about a “Christian commentator,” Leigh Valentine, who was quoted as such:  “Valentine said that she spoke with a high-level border patrol agent recently who allegedly told her that the people who are crossing the border illegally are the dregs of society.

“Rape after rape after rape,” Valentine said. “Children below 10 years old engaging in sexual activity. All kinds of sin and disgrace and darkness; the pit of the pits. So we’re not getting the top-of-the-line echelon people coming over this border, we’re getting criminals. I mean, total criminals that are so debased and their minds are just gone. They’re unclean, they’re murderers, they’re treacherous, they’re God-haters.”  This is some of the CRAP that is “out there” and there are too many (I want to say unsuspecting) Americans, who don’t fact check ANYTHING and they end up believing this stuff.  This lady, who apparently has a “Christian” TV show along with her “ilk,” is the reason Trump gets away with pushing for a “wall” as “immigration reform.” ( a so-called wall Mexico definitely is NOT going to pay for – I keep waiting for someone in out “liberal media” to ask Sarah Sanders, it the “daily briefing,” “who’s going to pay for the ‘wall’?”)

Not that it matters, but reports are that MOST of the asylum seekers are devout Catholics or Evangelical Christians.  Reports are border patrol agents, when they arrest people, are confiscating their rosaries and throwing them in the trash.  How do I know this?  Well, a former janitor for ICE (he quit, out of conscience) saw what was being confiscated and thrown away and pulled, among other things, many rosaries out of the trash – took pictures of them – and, published the pictures online.  Yikes!

Speaking of “immigration reform” – supposedly, there’s some kind of bill pending in the House – which the “freedom caucus” is likely to block next week because it’s not draconian enough – Trump “tweeted” yesterday for republicans in Congress to “not waste their time” passing it and to wait for the “red wave” he sees coming in November.  Trump apparently believes by TEARING children from their parents (and, I believe that will continue in a couple weeks, His executive order, in my mind, was just a ploy to “turn down the heat” temporarily) that he will be gaining votes in the mid term election.  Yes, you read that correctly.  Trump, along with Stephen Miller and his other close advisers, believes this policy is what “we the people” want.  That tells me Trump actually believes America is a willing place for his FASCIST autocratic rule.  Using his own words, “we’ll see what happens.”

I’ve been pointing out the parallels to Trump and Nazi Germany for at least two years – this is something our “liberal media” is very hesitant to do – it will likely have to be in “hindsight” before they point out the reality of what is happening with this “deplorable” person.  From the campaign slogan, to the supporters giving him the “heil” salute during the campaign (Only once that I saw, because the “press” from all those right arms in the air while pledging “loyalty” was not good – for those who noticed.  I’d love to see someone in the “liberal media” pull video of that one up again and show “we the people” what’s really going on here), to the attacks on the “free press,” to the attacks on the “independent” Justice Department, to the more and more less “covert” and MORE “overt” racism, to the full implementation of the “Big Lie Theory,” and, now to the putting people Trump refers to as “vile” immigrants who are “infesting” our country into what amount to internment camps.  Migrant children are being “housed” in tents in 100+ degree weather.  Nursing babies have been taken from their mothers and moved to “who knows where.”  This is FASCISM clear and simple!

And, trust me, Trump is the true autocratic thinking bully.  If you, again, have your head in the sand, you don’t know that Trump managed FIVE deferments back in the days of Viet Nam to dodge serving when Americans were dying by the thousands (not to mention all the South and North Vietnamese).  Trust me (again) – this was not because he’s a conscientious objector.  It’s because his “tough” persona is as phony as virtually everything that comes from his mouth.  Trump is where he is because he had a racist father who managed to leave him a small fortune (similar to the Koch Brothers, who are going to spend half a BILLION dollars in an attempt to make Trump’s prediction of a “red wave” a reality.  Trump’s father marched with the KKK in New York “back in the day”) and the idea of “serving” has never crossed his mind.  Trump and his family are “cutting off a fat hog” via his ascendancy to the “White House” and his bullying won’t stop until “we the people” force him out of office.  Obviously, he’s got republicans in Congress afraid to act – or they’ll get the nasty “tweet” and their political careers will be over.  You have to give Trump credit, the republican party is scared to death of him!

Because I still have faith in the majority of Americans, I believe these republicans are making the exact WRONG calculation as they “kneel” to Trump.  Virtually EVERYONE who gets involved with Trump comes out on the other side “soiled.”  Yes, apparently there are places where members of Congress can get on TV and do what the guy from North Carolina did today and fear no reprisal (obviously, I don’t know his name – nor, do I care to look it up) but, I’m not so sure, for example, about the member of the republican caucus in the House from where I live – AND in MANY places around the country.  I’m guessing she/they are bit nervous about the next election.  And, for me to consider voting for her, she would have to do EXACTLY what they’re all afraid of – and, that’s to come out and repudiate Trump.  I can’t recall ONE republican who’s not “retiring” (or in the case of John McCain dealing with Brain Cancer) who has the guts to stand up to Trump.  I believe Trump will be the “mechanism” that destroys the republican party.  My hope is he doesn’t completely destroy “America first.”

One last thing.  As I’ve watched the Mueller investigation playing out, and now the investigation into Trump’s “fixer” Michael Cohen I have to believe Trump may be looking at the possibility of sharing a room with Paul Manafort at some point in the future.  For one thing, there will be no “deal” to make with Mueller or the Southern District of New York – from what I can tell.  And, it appears Trump is going to be facing reality from both directions in the next few months – so, losing his majority in the election may end up being the least of his worries.  I’ve said this many times here, it appears to me Trump was operating a mafia type organized crime family business prior to walking down that escalator and claiming Mexicans are “rapists and murderers.”

There’s likely to be much interest in the way Trump has gone about getting money, transferring money, etc.  If you get my drift, I’m guessing, at a minimum, Trump has put some money, at various times, through the washing machine (laundering the money, get it? :o)  I always had to tell my students when I was telling a joke.)  And, that’s not going to go over very well with Mr. Mueller OR the investigators in New York.  And, that says nothing about the campaign finance violations, the possibility of threats to people like Stormy Daniels (AKA Stephanie Clifford), and who knows how many shaky deals that are going to be uncovered – especially, if Michael Cohen “flips.”  And, that’s not even considering the possibilities as to how deep the “Russia thing” will end up going – how much Mueller will actually “uncover.”  (no pun intended)  Remember, when Don jr., Jared Kushner, and Manafort met with the several Russians offering “incriminating information” from the Kremlin on Hillary Clinton, that was COLLUSION – often referred to as TREASON!  And, I believe when all is said and done, matters will be much worse.  As I’ve said, keep your “eye” on Cambridge Analytica and coordination with Russia.  I have a sneaky feeling Kushner and Steve Bannon were working with the Russians to help them target their FAKE NEWS during the 2016 campaign.  That was the REAL fake news!

Well, Trump’s move to separate children from their parents at the Southern border, along with ALL the LIES he accompanies with the “plan” are finally catching up with what “we the people” are really dealing with regarding our “so called” president.  Pundits are acknowledging the white nationalist movements here and in Western Europe (Read “The Hitler Virus” if you’re interested in getting better informed – you  won’t get anything written in that book via our so-called “liberal media”) and, more and more, we’re hearing references to WW II as “pundits” try to wrap their minds around what on earth is going on in America.  One thing that is clear, and pundits – to their credit – are pointing out, is Stephen Miller – one of Trump’s “advisers” – is a driving force behind using children as “bargaining chips” for a draconian immigration policy.  If you remember (or even if you don’t) Miller was allowed on the sets of the Sunday morning talk shows some time back and he couldn’t resist flashing the “white power” hand signals as he was being interviewed.  His “white nationalist” background is undeniable.  And, he fully supports tearing children from their parents – to punish them for seeking asylum in “the land of the free.”

While there are MANY children who may NEVER see their parents again – I’m not kidding, their parents have already been deported back to Guatemala and it’s not clear if ANYONE knows where their children are LOCKED up! – Trump and his sycophants continue to use these children as their, as mentioned above, “bargaining chip” to get MEXICO to pay for Trump’s wall.  (I truly hope you see the sarcasm there)  Now, let us just presume that, say, Congress would submit to this horrific attempt at BLACKMAIL, and give Trump his ridiculous “wall.”  Then, what are they going to do next?  This really reminds me, in a different sense, of Bush/Cheney LYING America into the Iraq fiasco.  The first part was easy – toppling Saddam Hussein’s government – the second part, not so much.  The disruption in Iraq and the Middle East continues to this day.  There was NO forethought given to “what do we do next?”

Well, with now OVER 2300 children in “custody” in various places around America and, apparently, NO PLAN, as to how to reunite them with their parents, it’s becoming crystal clear this TRAGEDY could be going on for years to come.  Evidently, Trump and his minions are good at race baiting, buy lousy at data collection!  I hate to use this language, but it PISSES me off every time I think about it.  And, when I heard the little children wailing for their parents and saw that there were facilities for children as young as 8 months – children STILL nursing being taken from their Moms – it brought tears to my eyes.  This is the country I grew up in, the country I love, the country that has a history of making huge mistakes, and this one could be near the top of the disasters – but, in today’s “age,” we SHOULD know better.  And Trump, I don’t believe he has a soul.  I don’t believe he sees these children as anything more than “bargaining chips.”  And, he’s certainly not been shy about how he feels about their parents – fleeing unimaginable circumstances in an effort to provide these children a hope for a better future.  What’s wrong with that?  To Trump, they are like “animals” and he wants to prevent them from “infesting” America!  I want to say, “Are you kidding me?”  But, we all know, this is the reality of Trump’s America!

Honestly, if this doesn’t wake up the American public as to the immediate danger Trump poses to our traditional way of life, our standing in the so-called “free world,” and our ability to govern ourselves in a way that honors ALL Americans, then I don’t know what will.  Trump is the fuhrer to the “white nationalist” movement in America AND other places around the world.  Make no mistake, there is a REAL anti-immigrant, white nationalist movement in more places than the United States.  Again, read the “Hitler Virus” and you’ll get a good idea of the seriousness of “we the people” putting a stop to this – right here, right now.  Trump actually has an ambassador in Germany ginning up the neo-Nazi foment over there – right in front of Angela Merkel’s face!  Which should surprise no one after Trump’s debacle at the G-7 Summit.

People in Great Britain are coming to the understanding that Steve Bannon (along with Trump) and his Cambridge Analytica were key proponents of the Brexit vote that took Britain out of the European Union – this is the same group that (likely) worked with Vladimir Putin and his Russian cyber criminals to help vault Trump into the “White House.” Britains are coming to their senses, at least to the point where they don’t want Trump setting foot in their country.  And, that’s going to be the case in the countries of our traditional allies.  However, Trump will continue to feel comfortable in the presence of Putin, Kim, Erdogan, Duterte, and any other dictator around the globe.  I believe this reality is finally sinking in to a larger and larger MAJORITY of Americans – and, this tearing babies from their mothers has more and more Americans noticing the parallels to Trump and the Third Reich!

When you look at pictures of Putin and you see that sly grin on his face, you should understand it’s because he’s succeeding in his plan to undermine the free democracies in the “West” through the most devious of means.  He’s figured out how to weaponize the internet – and, it remains to be seen how much culpability the internet based “apps” he’s “weaponizing” (like “Facebook” and “Twitter”) actually “own.”  Trump is acting like Putin’s “puppet” and, hopefully, it won’t be too long before Robert Mueller can help us understand why.  Trump is SO arrogant that he’s actually got a “summit” in the works with Putin as I’m writing this.  He believes there is NOTHING he can do what will cause his “base” to waver.  Apparently, that includes tearing children from their families.  The so-called “party of family values” seems to be a very distant memory.  (Actually, they NEVER had me fooled!  That’s much of what has motivated me to be writing on this site for the past 10+ years!

By watching what is happening in America – the children being held as hostages to their white nationalist “plan” – you can see to what degree these republicans will go to get what they want.  I’ve pointed out for years they believe “the end justifies the means.”  These babies are “little brown people” and, it’s the “browning of America” which has Trump and his most fervent supporters at a froth.  Trump, Kelly, Miller, and the others in the “White House” could care less about the kids – they just want their “wall.”  Obviously, MEXICO is NOT going to pay for it – which apparently causes Trump much consternation – so, they’ll use the children to force “we the people” to pay for it – and, the rest of Trump’s anti-American immigration desires.

This whole Trump disaster was born out of the election of Barack Obama.  The reality for a whole bunch of white Americans – especially white American males – that “white” Americans are soon to be a minority in THEIR nation, was apparently too much for many to handle.  Well, the “Tea Party” sprung up with their loathsome racist signs representing President Obama in many disgusting poses – along with speeches from leading republicans in Congress encouraging this blatant racism – and, along came Trump with the “birther” movement.  This was a match made in – well……… HELL!  Now, we have Trump as president, the so-called “freedom caucus” controlling the House (they of the “Tea party”), babies being torn from their Moms and Dads, and republicans en masse standing idly by – or, for the ones who are “retiring” they may be speaking out – cautiously – apparently because the worst fear of today’s republicans is being on the receiving end of a critical “tweet” from Trump.  As the saying goes, “you can’t make this stuff up!”

Yesterday, Trump signed an “executive order” designed to calm all us soft hearted “liberals” all the while (in the fine print) emphasizing the continuation of the so-called “zero tolerance” policy.  Apparently, families will be put in prison together – again, families in over 99% of cases fleeing unimaginable violence and seeking asylum.  Because these asylum seekers don’t meet Trumps criterion for immigrants – ie they’re NOT from Norway (if you get my/Trump’s drift) – I believe he refers to them  as “vermin.”  These are, for the most part, very hard working people wanting to raise their children in peace.  Here’s the first thought that comes to mind: “What’s so wrong with that?”

We all know what Trump is about – and, fortunately, more and more “news” outlets are figuring out what is going on.  Today, I FINALLY saw several references to Nazi Germany as people are trying to fully understand what is going on in our country and what kind of “animal” somehow got “elected” (with THREE MILLION fewer votes than his opponent) to be our so-called president.  More and more people are understanding the importance that “we the people” vote the republicans out of control of Congress because they are impotent in dealing with their OBLIGATION to act as a “check” on the executive.

In the House, you’ve got the “freedom caucus” who define “freedom” almost exactly as Trump defines it.  Then you have Paul Ryan as the Speaker who is in over his head in attempting to deal with all of this.  I get the impression Ryan is perfectly willing to put up with Trump if that allows him to get his “wishes.”  (like the tax “scam” which is funneling TRILLIONS from “we the people” to Ryan’s  and the republican’s “donors” while slowly pushing our economy back toward the ledge Bush/Cheney had pushed us over back in 2008)  Now, Ryan has to be feeling a bit of depression thinking about the legacy he’s leaving as he prepares to “high tail” it out of Washington DC.

And, Mitch McConnell.  He’s already “cemented” a place in the dregs of the American history books based on his  overt RACIST behavior in dealing with President Obama.  McConnell made it NO secret his (and the republican’s) MAJOR goal was to ensure Obama’s “failure.”  Of course, McConnell FAILED to cause President Obama to “fail,” but he did set records in OBSTRUCTION.  Which, by the way, causes me to shake my head EVERY time I hear Trump complain about the “Democrats obstructing,” and lamenting the filibuster rules in the Senate – apparently oblivious to McConnell’s 700 filibusters during Obama’s two terms in office.  Filibusters that had a negative impact on all Americans as it was the root cause of the stagnation in Congress.  Trump has called McConnell virtually EVERY nasty name in the book, yet he continues “kissing up” to Trump – apparently giving no fore thought to his own legacy – which is just not going to be a good one.

Because of the so-called electoral “map” I don’t see democrats retaking control of the Senate in 2018, but, based on the possibility Trump could last our his term, I see the democrats retaking the “White House” AND the Senate, along with the House, in 2020.  Here’s the challenge for the democrats going forward.  Stop running from your own fundamental beliefs – based on how you’re reading the polls.  Take a history class on what Democrats and “liberals” have done to benefit this nation.  Then put your focus on health care for all, a true balanced budget (with a YUGE, In the words of Bernie Sanders, cut in military spending).  I believe democrats need to be welcoming to more people – especially, people in the so-called “pro life” movement.  I believe there is more in common among both sides than is generally acknowledged.  I could write about this ad nauseum, but, in short, I don’t believe hardly anyone WANTS an abortion – and, the abortion issue is MUCH more complicated than is generally discussed publicly.

I realize there are “extremes” to any position – but, essentially – for example – to me, this issue with children being pulled from their families at the border is a “pro-life” issue.  To me, early childhood education, and health care for Mom’s, children, and families in general is a “pro-life issue.  I won’t get carried away here, but what I’m saying is there’s lots of room for those people “on both sides” to find a place somewhere in the “middle” to create a significant majority to put Trump and his ilk into the history books.  And, in my mind, it’s up to “we the people” to lead the FIGHT to stop this spread of “white nationalism” as its spreading around the globe.  If we don’t stop it here, it very likely won’t be stopped “there.”  (meaning countries in Western and Eastern Europe)  I’ve said it before – when November comes around and it’s time to vote – it’s “all hands on deck.”  Do whatever it takes to get yourself registered so Trump and company’s voter suppression tactics won’t work!

Final Thought:  I apologize for any “foopahs” – This has been as emotional a “rant” as I can remember.  I’ll try to edit it later.

As I’ve said many times here, it’s hard to keep up with the “stuff” flowing at the “wall” (pun intended) – being “thrown” by Trump and his absurd surrogate Rudy Giuliani – both of whom are LIARS extraordinaire – while hoping some of it “sticks” as they apparently are attempting to cut off Robert Mueller’s findings “at the pass.”  Unfortunately, about 35% to 40% of Americans are, according to what I’ve heard, STUPID enough to actually believe these LIARS.  But, that’s not the worst part in all this for me.  As a Christian (I guess you’d have to call me a “liberal” Christian – kind of like Jesus) the part that grieves me the MOST is that Trump’s “base” appears to be the right wing Christians (mostly in the South and the so-called “rust belt”) who, many of them, have a history of racism – and, now a willingness to support a RACIST and FASCIST in the “White House.”

I’ve been writing for years about how hard it is for me that the republican party has been supported by Christians as they continue to assuage policies that run as polar OPPOSITE to what the Bible teaches.   Well, yesterday was the “icing on the cake.”  Both Sarah Sanders (who regularly – and, apparently, willingly LIES from the press secretary’s podium – total heresy to anyone who’s ever held that position before her – not including, of course, Sean Spicer) AND Jeff Sessions used TWISTED views of Biblical scripture to justify the INHUMAN policy of taking little children from their Mom’s as they enter the United States seeking Asylum from vicious violence in countries to our South.  In the past couple of months OVER 2000 CHILDREN have been separated from their parents – while their parents are sent to federal prisons – supposedly awaiting decisions regarding their pleas for asylum.

I’ve been pointing out for years now that republicans are turning young Americans away from Christianity by the droves.  Well, Trump and his press secretary and his Attorney General are putting this anti-Christian political behavior on STEROIDS!  It’s almost as if the closer Robert Mueller gets to Trump the MORE damage he’s going to create for all us “weak” Americans – like, for example, those of us who agree with our allies who believe in democratic values, the environment, and protecting “the least of these” in the words of Jesus Christ.

Trump continues to lament he is hamstrung by a society that believes in a “free press,” a country which believes in the rule of law and that “no one is above the law,” AND a country that, to a certain extent, has the ability to actually vote a president out of office – or “check” him/her via voting the opposing party into control of Congress in mid term elections – as he lavishes PRAISE on the world’s WORST dictator Kim Jong-un – over and over.  Trump actually made the comment that he wishes “his people were as ‘loyal’ to him as the North Koreans are to Kim.”  Trump later tried to walk that STUPID comment back as a “joke” – but, what president would make such a joke about someone who’s MURDERED an untold number of his citizens AND put many in what are called “gulags.”  (Apparently, Kim MURDERED three of his top “generals” before going to Singapore in an effort to ensure he would still be “Supreme Commander” upon his return.  (Trump even joked about that)

So, here’s the reality for any right wing Christian who might end up on this site.  If you believe Trump to be a “Christian,” you’re a FOOL.  (I wish I could come up with a more tepid term)  If you believe Trump cares about Christians any more than knowing he can keep you in line by appointing right wing judges – you’re a FOOL!  If you believe Trump EVER tells the truth, you’re a FOOL!  If you believe the assertions by Ms. Sanders and Mr. Sessions that the Bible supports their policy of separating children from their parents at the border, you’re a FOOL!  If you believe Trump’s claims the Mueller probe is a “witch hunt,” you’re a FOOL!  If you believe virtually ANYTHING Trump or Giuliani say, you’re a FOOL!  If you believe Fox “news” (Trump TV) you’re a FOOL!  I could go on and on, but I hope you get my drift – and, I’d love to have a dialogue with you, but as soon as I debunk the stuff you’ve allowed yourself to believe about Trump you’re likely to start yelling or throwing things.

I’m going to rest now and I’ll finish this later – but, the reality that Sarah Sanders is willing to stand before the American people and use scripture to justify tearing families apart, – who are already likely facing a lifetime of PTSD based on what they’re fleeing – putting little kids who don’t even speak English in detention centers, some of them under 5 years old (one, who reportedly was still nursing) – and, supposedly, many soon to be in “tent cities” in 100 degree weather – well, that’s completely over the edge to me.  It’s Saturday evening and tomorrow I’m going to church knowing that many in the congregation are part of the FOOLS I’m talking about.  And, while I hate to refer to anyone with that type of language, I’m clearly losing my patience with people who REFUSE to FACT check information.  And, the worst part is I KNOW I can’t talk to any of them about this because they’ve been BRAINWASHED!  They remind me of the Germans who helped bring Hitler to power back in the 1930’s!  Think that’s hyperbole?  Well, do a little fact checking and research on who was Hitler’s base back when his campaign slogan was “Make Germany Great Again.”

And, one more thing before I go to bed – and, I’ve written quite a bit about this, including my previous post – check out the “Big Lie Theory” of Joseph Goebbels – the propaganda chief of the Third Reich.  That will explain to you – if you’re one of the FOOLS I’m referring to above – how Trump and the republicans have gone about BRAINWASHING you!  Trump is a FASCIST and his surrogates are willing to LIE to protect him, Giuliani is willing to LIE to protect him, and the republicans in Congress are willing to LIE to protect him.  (In my mind, Rudy Giuliani should be held accountable for OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE just as Trump, as he goes about attempting to UNDERMINE the Mueller investigation.  The law is clear – if you’re attempting to block, stop, or in any way undermine an investigation, that’s OBSTRUCTION – full stop!

I know I’m supposed to go to bed right now – but, Giuliani’s LIES keep swirling around in my head (of course, Giuliani doesn’t tell a LIE Trump hasn’t already told or is not sending him out to tell).  Yesterday, I listened to Giuliani LYING about the IG (Inspector General) report concerning the Justice Department’s query into the Clinton email investigation. OMG!  If you just listened to both Giuliani and Trump you’d think that report was about the FBI’s investigation into Trump.  NOOOOO!  It was about the Justice Department’s handling of the Clinton email probe and it essentially exonerated the FBI from any wrongdoing – aside from pointing out James Comey made “errors in judgement” regarding the Clinton email investigation and his press conferences – the second of which is likely why Trump is president should have been, at a minimum, overseen by his boss, the Attorney General.  The second one should NEVER have happened.  However, the report also points out Comey’s intentions were honorable.

And, the part of the report pointing out the two FBI agents who were having an illicit affair and were exchanging unflattering emails and texts about Trump (and Clinton) were inappropriate and, likely both face losing their jobs – I believe one has already “moved on” and the other was “re-assigned” once Mueller found out about their texts – NONE of this was new.  Both Giuliani and Trump have attempted, as “we the people” knew they would, to make this report sound as if Trump “didn’t collude or obstruct” – which the report did NEITHER!  The report said the FBI showed NO bias in their actions!  For all you Christians supporting Trump, when is the LYING going to catch your attention – and, do you even care?

OK, I just got home from church and it’s Father’s day so I’m headed to visit my children and grandchildren – but, I’ve got to add another thought to this “rant.”  And, for sure, I’m ranting!  The actions of my government are deplorable!  So, all I could think about this morning is that Trump is USING the children who are being TORN from their parents and put in tents in 100+ degree weather as “pawns” in his attempt to get “we the people” to pay for his ridiculous “wall.”  Trump wants $25 BILLION to be appropriated for his wall before he’ll sign any legislation that would reunite these children with their parents and, hopefully, would solve the “Dreamer” issue – which, by the way – just like the “children from parents issue” – was the work of our so-called president.

Despite all you FOOLS chanting “Mexico” every time Trump would ask “and who’s going to pay for it?” at his rallies while he was promising this STUPID wall – he KNEW all along that Mexico paying for the wall was STUPID.  In fact, at that time, Trump didn’t believe he was going to “win” the election (despite having Russia on his side) so his campaign “promise” would never be an issue.  However, once in the “White House” Trump, who apparently NEVER says “sorry,” has been trying to figure out how to FORCE Congress to have “we the people” pay for the wall.  And, now he’s stooped to about the LOWEST level he possibly could be pulling these children from their parents, putting them in detention like facilities in gut wrenching heat, and then BLAMING the democrats for his actions.  Honestly, if you EVER believed Mexico was going to pay for Trump’s “wall,” you’re a FOOL!  I’m going to leave it at that – and, if you’re offended by anything I’ve said, point out why I’m wrong!  Give me evidence that what I’m saying is not factual!  I’m definitely up for the conversation.  These tents full of kids who SHOULD be with their parents because their situation was already BLEAK, make me sick to my stomach.

If you’re eligible to vote and you choose not to participate in November, in my mind, you’re part of the problem.  I’ve always said, “we need two viable political parties” for our system of government to work.  It’s up to “we the people” to vote OUT this version of the republican party – in the past, there have been republicans who would shudder at what’s going on today – but, today’s republican party gave us a pathological LIAR (and racist, fascist, etc.) and, it’s up to the rest of us to put a stop to this NIGHTMARE.  And, if you believe it’s right to tear these families apart – using their children as bargaining chips for that STUPID wall which “Mexico is going to pay for” – I’m praying you’ll come to your senses – but, sadly, I believe you’re a FOOL!

I’m writing down a couple things from today’s news that I want to elaborate on later, but want to make sure I don’t forget.  (As I’ve said, I’m old, and I forget easily) I just read the byline of a Washington Post article referring to the IG report (from the Justice Department regarding the “Clinton email investigation”) published today – the report Trump has been frothing at the mouth for weeks hoping it would, apparently, exonerate him from the “Russia thing.” (Giving him “cover” for firing James Comey because he treated Hillary Clinton so “unfairly” – if you believe that, well……..)  The other byline was a reference by Gary Cohn, Trump’s former economic “adviser” (can anyone advise Trump?) where he stated Trump’s “trade war” has the potential to “wipe out gains of GOP tax ‘scam’ (my characterization – he actually referred to it as the “tax law”) by increasing inflation and prompting consumers to take on more consumer debt” thereby “possibly pushing the economy into another downturn.”

In the first article what really caught my eye, other than the misleading byline was the statement, “The 500-page report also found that other senior bureau officials showed a “willingness to take official action” to prevent Donald Trump from becoming president.”  Well, first, I haven’t read the report – it’s 500 pages and would take me a couple weeks of pre bedtime reading – but, secondly, I’ve listened to several people who have and that sentence seems completely disingenuous to me from what I’ve heard.  Virtually EVERYONE I heard today, characterizing the report, claimed the MOST undeniable FACT from this report was James Comey’s “insubordinate” actions helped Donald Trump become president.  To suggest there were “Senior bureau officials” taking action to prevent Trump from becoming president is ludicrous.  There were a couple FBI agents who were, inappropriately, having an affair and “tweeting” stupid stuff about Trump (and, by the way, about Hillary) and one of them made an inappropriate comment about “stopping” Trump.

This was in August of 2016 and, to say the least, there was NEVER any FBI action designed to “stop Trump.”  On the contrary, ALL the FBI action that was the main focus of the report was aimed at Comey and how he handled the Clinton “Email scandal.”  His press conference where he blasted Clinton’s “reckless” use of a personal email server, while, at the same time exonerating her of any illegal action was “panned” as being outside the normal protocol of the FBI.  First, he should have had his message approved by his BOSS, the Attorney General, Loretta Lynch – which, if you’ve read his book, you know why he chose not to.  (If you haven’t read his book – I found it a good read – he was concerned about the meeting Ms. Lynch had on the Phoenix “tarmac” with Bill Clinton and possible conflict of interest – essentially, in his own mind, attempting to protect Ms. Lynch.)

Furthermore, Comey was roundly criticized for his decision to write the letter to Congress stating the Email investigation was being re-opened 11 days prior to the election.  That was in clear violation of FBI “protocol” – although, again, after reading Comey’s book, he claims there was no “written” requirement giving him guidance.  Just as before, he didn’t feel he could run this by Ms. Lynch because of the possible political ramifications.  The bottom line here is this shows the intimidation the GOP members of Congress have inflicted on everyone associated with our government.  The reality is, Comey’s decision to write that letter to Congress right before the election IS the REASON Trump is our so-called president. (There continues to be “debate” about whether or not Comey’s STUPID decision led to Trump – but, even Trump’s closest associates saw the change in the polls after that blunder.  Read: “The Devil’s bargain”) Combining that with the Russian interference, the GOP voter suppression antics, the BILLIONS from the Koch’s and others, AND all the LYING and, well, now America is under siege by a fascist and his white nationalist followers!  (Russians are actually claiming they “own” Trump on their national TV – Yikes!)

I’ve subscribed to the Washington Post and the New York Times because I feel an obligation to do my small part to support the investigative journalism required to educate those Americans who choose to get their “news” in places NOT associated with Fox, Breitbart, Limbaugh, et al.  (I also support “The Nation” AND “The Lowdown” if you’re interested in participating in keeping investigative journalism alive in America – The “free press” is “enemy number one” in the words of Trump)  That being said, the lead in to the article titled “Watchdog blasts Comey, documents major missteps in Clinton probe” was very misleading, in my view.  I know too many people who don’t read the entire article (in fact, almost EVERY person I know – again, I’m in my 70’s – so, I’m talking about the peer group that includes many Trump supporters – doesn’t read AT ALL, sadly) so, it bothers me when a paper like the Post provides a lead in which could confirm some people’s worst thoughts – and, be totally wrong or, at the very least, misleading.

Again, the interpretation of what the report said by those who wrote this article differed from virtually every other interpretation I saw today in key areas.  First, the reference to “numerous reports of unprofessionalism, bias, and misjudgement” simply rehashed what “we the people” already knew – and, that was the two “love birds” in the FBI “tweeting” back and forth in very unflattering “tweets” regarding Trump.  (Of course, there was no mention they weren’t too flattering of Mrs. Clinton either)  The part we didn’t know already was the one “tweet” where Peter Strzok claimed “we’ll stop him.”  Almost in the same sentence, the report pointed out there was no significant bias overall in the FBI’s handling of the Clinton investigation AND, as we all know, the ONLY investigation which was made public WAS the Clinton investigation.  So, ALL of Trump’s “tweets” are nonsense regarding this matter, but the ONE thing we know for SURE, there will be more “tweets” on the horizon AND, they will be almost universally LIES.

As any FASCIST would, Trump will keep twisting this issue – using this report to help him in his attempt to either stop the Mueller probe or turn enough Americans into believing his “witch hunt” claim to make any finding totally “political.”  Here’s an interesting “tidbit” – for those of you who haven’t read “Russian Roulette” by David Corn and Michael Isikoff – Trump came up with the “witch hunt” scam around the time he was inaugurated.  (I loaned out my book, so I can’t remember exactly when – it was as soon as he realized the “Russia thing” was real)  This is in the true nature of a proponent of the “Big Lie Theory.”   I keep going back and forth, as I try to figure out Trump’s true nature, from mob boss to fascist.  I’m beginning to think the “answer is, all of the above.”  The parallels to 1930’s Germany are “eye popping.”  (When I see examples of the purposeful LIES I have to question my “analysis” that Trump is pathological in his LYING)

Speaking of “The Big Lie Theory” which was the brainchild of Joseph Goebbels back in the days of the Third Reich, as I watch commentators on TV lamenting the number of LIES and “falsehoods” coming from Trump and his associates and then mentioning how the LIES keep getting repeated, I just WISH someone would clue them in to what is happening.  Maybe if more of Trump’s supporters (and the TV commentators themselves) were aware of, and constantly reminded, that we have a “so-called” president using the strategies that “made Germany “great again” back in the 1930’s more people would realize what’s at stake in the November elections AND the Mueller findings.  Trump’s transgressions, from what I can tell, are going to go way beyond the conspiracy with Russia that helped get Trump “elected.”  (Remember, Vladimir Putin felt he was undermining Hillary Clinton’s presidency in much of their ATTACK during the 2016 campaign)  Trump has problems on the “horizon” with what Michael Cohen might reveal in an attempt to stay out of jail for the rest of his natural life (and, in regards to Cohen, keep in mind, many of the charges he faces are/will be STATE charges and Trump CAN’T pardon him for state charges.  (Which Trump, himself, may be facing – charges from New York state – related to his “foundation” which was apparently used as a “piggy bank”)

I’ve been saying for quite some time Trump appears to me to be nothing more than a mafia boss who has managed to bloviate himself into the “White House” thanks to the denigration of the republican party over the past 35+ years AND all the money their donors possess thanks to all the “trickle down” tax cuts.  Let’s face it, “we the people” will have to overcome BILLIONS the Trump “donors” will spend to save the 2018 mid terms for him so that the House republicans can prevent him from being impeached.  I find it interesting that even Trump’s blowhard TV “lawyer” – Rudy, who’s proven himself capable of LYING comparably to his “boss” – has been sharing the strategy they’re already implementing to fight impeachment.  They’re attempting to turn a LEGAL battle into a POLITICAL battle which they believe can be “won” using the aforementioned Third Reich strategy of “The Big Lie Theory.”

If you’re not familiar with the “theory” – here’s how it goes:  If you repeat a LIE over and over again, and enough people repeat the same LIE over and over again, your “target” audience will believe your LIE is actually true.  Here’s the reality of what happens to those who implement this “strategy.”  They become PATHOLOGICAL LIARS.  Take Fox “news” for example.  (I, and many others, now refer to it as “Trump TV”)  A pathological LIAR actually starts to believe his/her LIES are actually the truth because they’re so used to LYING.  Trump is a pathological LIAR.  Now, in his case, I don’t, for a minute, think he’s purposely using the “Big LIE Theory.”  I think he’s just a LIAR.  It’s the people at Fox, the people at Breitbart, the Limbaugh’s and all the right wing “talkers” on the radio airwaves who tell LIES that are “orchestrated.”

For example, it was reported recently how the Sinclair broadcasting network uses this theory.  They send out “orders” to their MANY TV stations (they own and CONTROL around 200 TV stations in virtually every corner of the country) on the LIES that are to be repeated OVER and OVER again – thereby convincing their unsuspecting audience the LIES are actually true.  I keep wondering why more TV commentators who have the “podium” to “educate” the American public this is going on – yet they don’t?  Why is this?  (In many instance, it’s likely because they work for Sinclair)  I don’t know and, if I wasn’t an old retired teacher in a rural setting I might try to question them on this.  I can’t remember the name of the commentator who was pointing out how someone was LYING over and over – yet didn’t seem to “get” it’s a planned strategy – I just remember her last name was Alcindor.  (I remember that name because when I played basketball back in the 1960’s, my team shared a locker room with UCLA and their star was “Lew Alcindor” – who, changed his name to Kareem Abdul Jabbar)  I wanted to yell at the TV set!

By now, more and more people are coming to grips with the reality that Americans “elected” a FASCIST as our so-called president.  (Despite the FACT 3 MILLION more people voted for his opponent, he was helped by voter suppression tactics, and he’s now “owned” by Russia – in the words of commentators on Russian TV)  Trump slammed Justin Trudeau as weak as he praised Kim Jong-un as “strong” – similarly to how he did the same with President Obama as he praised his “idol” Vladimir Putin.  Trump is attempting to turn America into an authoritarian fascist regime while the dictators around the world cheer and America’s traditional allies are jaw dropped in dis-belief.  If you’re reading this I hope you’ll commit to VOTE in 2018’s mid term election and, if you know how to connect with people who have a “place on the stage” of America’s public airwaves – either send this to them, or encourage them to research the “Big Lie Theory” so they can educate America’s public – who are unaware of what’s happening to them! (It’s BRAINWASHING)

Here’s my wish.  To: NBC, CNN, MSNBC, the WaPost, the NY Times, or whoever has a platform; please educate “we the people” on “The Big Lie Theory” of the Third Reich!  Connect the “dots” to the use of this theory by the Trump administration AND the minions who are supporting a fascist takeover of America.  Expose Fox “news” as the enemy of “we the people” they are.  Call out people like Limbaugh and the second rate right wing “talkers” like Lars Larsen (in my area) who are willing to LIE for money.  It’s gotten well beyond my opinion versus your opinion.  It’s time for Americans to get back to talking to one another in a way that respects each other WITHOUT all the LIES.  And, if you’re arguing with me and you’re regurgitating what you saw/heard on Fox, or what you heard from Limbaugh, Larsen, or any of the others – please do a little vetting before you start throwing things because I challenge your false information.

Well, I got carried away (not the first time) and didn’t get to my second point – about Cohn’s comment regarding the impending trade war and how it may “wipe out gains from the tax law.”  (Yes, I called it, as I always try to do, the “tax scam”)  I’ve written about it a lot and a couple of my predictions were mentioned by Cohn – only, I don’t think the tariffs will necessarily be the cause – and, that is INFLATION and the possibility of another recession – sooner rather than later.  What Cohn didn’t mention (as no republican seems to want to do) is the HUGE boost to the deficit based on Trump’s (and Cohn’s) economic policies – most pointedly the tax “scam.”  I’ll try to get to this later!

I have to admit I’m watching a lot less “news” lately because, for me, the reality that Trump is our “so-called” president is just getting more and  more depressing.  Yet, the other day I was watching his impromptu “news conference” as he was leaving for the G-7 summit where he ASTONISHINGLY made a public push for RUSSIA to be let back into the “group.”  While most of the public response was to point out how brazen it was (and, incredibly STUPID) for someone under investigation as conspiring with Russians to get “elected” in the first place to continue his public “bromance” with Vladimir Putin (instantly MORE questions were injected about what on earth does Putin have on Trump – every time I hear that question I think “Golden Shower” video) I noticed a comment Trump made that, so far, has gone “under the radar” in what TV I’ve watched (or listened to on my satellite radio in my car) since Trump’s incredibly ARROGANT remarks.

Trump keeps it coming so fast it’s hard to keep up. (which, likely, is his strategic plan) But, after making the pleading for Russia’s inclusion in the “G-7” Trump said, “We’ve got a world to run and Russia’s a big part of it.”  “We’ve got a world to run?”  What did Trump mean by that?  Isn’t he the so-called president of the United States?  (With the help of the Russians)  But, “a world to run?”  Well, I’ve been pointing out Trump is a FASCIST since, basically, he was a candidate for the office.  (At times I’ve tried to be polite and use various “authoritarian” euphemisms)  Does he really have a vision of “running the world?”  If you haven’t noticed Trump has an “affinity” for virtually every TYRANT around the globe with apparent disdain for America’s traditional “democratic” allies.  What’s up?

As I’m starting this post Trump is in Singapore getting ready to meet with “little rocket man” himself, Kim Jong-un.  Kim is maybe the most cruel dictator on the planet, but that won’t be an issue with Trump.  And, Trump is acutely aware of this, because I heard him lay it out with my own ears some time back when Kim was still “little rocket man.”  Kim, as have other world leaders – especially dictators who want something from the U.S. (for example Russia, Saudi Arabia, the Philippines, Turkey, etc.) have figured out how to “play” Trump.  Just tell him what a wonderful guy he is.  He’s in Singapore dead set on “earning” the Nobel Peace Prize.  From what I’ve seen he’s already given it to himself.  If you haven’t been paying attention Trump has claimed to be the greatest U.S. president ever.  Yikes!

I don’t think there’s anyone who wants to see violence break out on the Korean Peninsula, and it would be great if North and South Korea could FINALLY reach a peace accord.  While, superficially, it appears Trump (and, I’m sure this is what Trump believes) has “scared” North Korea to the negotiating “table,” it appears to me the country he has scared is South Korea.  They are the ones who would experience disaster if the U.S. attacked the North – which, quite possibly, would be the start of WW III.  (Reports I’ve read suggest MILLIONS in Seoul South Koreans are in Kim’s “sights” every day.)  As I’ve said, if there’s a peace prize to come of these “negotiations” it should go to the leaders of South Korea.  I still remember them “breaking the ice” at the Winter Olympics while Mike Pense sat close to members of the North Korean delegation as stoic as one can get.  Moon Jae-in is the one who’s managed to get these two unpredictable tyrants to the “table.” (And, one more thing, I can’t imagine South Koreans wanting to be part of North Korea – with the gulags, etc.)

As Trump headed to Singapore to meet – and, in the process, give Kim his long awaited “prize” – to be sitting on the “world stage” with the president of the United States – one of Trump’s top advisers gave “a special place in hell” for Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.  That’s right, while Trump will be giving his “handshake” to Kim, he will have just lampooned one of America’s MOST upright allies.  This is all unbelievable to me – and, what I’m certain of is there will be little to NO backlash from republicans in Congress and elsewhere and Trump’s base will suck it up (with a little help from Sean Hannity and the Fox “Big Lie” machine).  I keep thinking I’m watching a Woodie Allen movie and I’ll wake up to reality any day now – but, I’m pretty sure I’m wide awake and this is actually ALL happening!  Yikes!!!

I love the country I’ve grown old in, but I’ve always realized we are not all that we claim to be.  I’ve spent a lot of time reading about American History and there are many “black marks” that “we the people” are either, unaware of, or ignoring. When I say, “unaware of,” I’m talking about all the Americans who grew up in my era – the 1950’s and 1960’s – who were able to drop out of school in their teens and find decent work.  Many of these people make up the “white nationalists” of the Trump supporters.  I know people my age who say they haven’t read a book since they were in school back in the 60’s.  Most of them, who support Trump, get their “news” from Fox “news” (AKA Trump TV) and do absolutely no “vetting” of information.  I’ve seen several polls which claim Fox viewers to be the least informed of all Americans – including those who don’t watch TV at all!  It’s almost as if they’re volunteering to be BRAINWASHED!

Here’s a bit of the “truth:”  (Yes, it’s my understanding based on a lot of books) America was founded as a SLAVE nation.  In our constitution women had NO right to vote and African Americans were considered 3/5 of a person.  Ouchee! That’s for starters!  James Polk, very unscrupulously, managed to “acquire” virtually the entire Southwestern part of America – From Texas to California in a less than scrupulous “deal” from Mexico.  Did I forget the Louisiana purchase – a great real estate deal!  And, Alaska???  Our founders and early leaders were expert real estate “brokers,” just ask the remnants of the American Indian tribes which inhabited most of this nation prior to the invasion of the Europeans!

The Civil War was the place where Abraham Lincoln became what many have described as the greatest president in American History (including over Donald Trump, if you can believe that – Trump certainly doesn’t ).  Lincoln’s place in history can be argued, but what is true is he didn’t believe African Americans were “equal” despite the emancipation proclamation.  He was trying to end the Civil War via that “proclamation” and, from what I’ve read, Lincoln believed the solution to the problem of slavery was to send the African Americans back to Africa.  That being said, the end of the civil war brought about the “Jim Crow” era – which to a certain extent continues to be a “stain” on America to this day.  Clearly, Trump is a racist remnant of “Jim Crow,” and the bulk of his supporters – to varying degrees are racists.  Don’t believe me – take a look back at the march on Charlottesville this past year – where all those “very fine” neo-Nazi’s carrying tiki torches and chanting “Jews will not replace us” made a public spectacle that forced Trump to give us certainty in our claims he’s a racist.  (Of course, his history is filled with evidence)

During WW II America declined the opportunity to get Jews out of Germany prior to the Holocaust AND after.  The reality is we accepted more Nazi’s to America after WW II than Jews who were still in the concentration camps.  If you’re interested in a sobering view of what happened post WW II read “The Hitler Virus” by Peter Wyden to help you understand there’s many neo-Nazi’s in America to this day and Trump is “their guy.”  The best way I can describe this book is “eye opening.”  However, my point here is to make clear that “we the people” need to understand our own history as we participate in “self government.”  Self Government should not be the destruction of government it SHOULD be focused on creating a government “by the people FOR the people.”  Trump (and others) are scheming how to create a government that is “for themselves.”  While Trump is busy keeping us all on the edge of our seats wondering when he’s going to be impeached, he and his brethren are “cutting off” one “fat hog” after another.

He’s making MILLIONS as president, his children are making untold MILLIONS, his cabinet members are raking it in and even his “enemies” are getting richer.  Bob Corker, who likes to come across as a “never Trump” guy (while voting with Trump close to or at 100%) stands to make MILLIONS off the tax “scam” he swore he’d vote against if it “raised the deficit by one penny.”  Well, evidently, raising it by OVER one TRILLION dollars PER YEAR wasn’t enough to get him  to vote against it – even though he’s leaving Congress.  In his case, the HUGE increase in the deficit was OK as long as he got his share of the tax “scam” which has been estimated to be in the MILLIONS!

So, what I’m getting at here is that apparently Trump is simply going to be the “latest” stain on America’s “Lilly white” self image.  I could have mentioned above, Viet Nam, Iraq, Afghanistan, the internment of Japanese Americans during WW II, the assassinations of Martin Luther King, JFK, RFK, and the list could go on.  But, what keeps going through my mind is trying to understand how could we possibly have ended up with Trump – and, then I think about something my son (who doesn’t participate in the “process” – he doesn’t vote – a typical young adult who is taking so many privileges for granted – the sure way to lose them) said to me right after Trump was elected.  He said, “maybe Trump is what is needed to accelerate America’s push to the bottom.”  (or words to that effect)

Well, as I picture in my mind Trump coddling the worst dictator in the world and giving “a special place in hell” to our closest ally – I have to hope this is the “bottom.”  I have to hope there are enough Americans – liberals, conservatives, independents and whoever who see the problem with that picture to begin the process of “Making America Great Again.”  (That process won’t begin until Trump is impeached, jailed, or whatever lies ahead for him AFTER he’s out of office)  And, when I’m reading about the “Hitler Virus” and then I hear Trump’s  ambassador in Germany is ginning up the right wingers there and I remember Steve Bannon has been active in turning Europe toward Fascism I simply shudder.  I keep writing because it makes me sick to my stomach thinking this is the country I’m partially responsible for leaving to my children and grandchildren.

Trump continues to demonstrate through his STUPIDITY in regards to how “justice” works in America what a dangerous threat he is to the United States and the so-called “Western world.”  Trump’s affinity toward DICTATORS around the world is no longer a secret.  He admires, MOST, Vladimir Putin of Russia for reasons “we the people” will, hopefully, at some point understand. Of course, Trump’s MAIN purpose as he holds the “highest office in the land” is to “railroad” Robert Mueller’s investigation – which suggests Trump doesn’t like the impending results while NONE of it has been “leaked.”  What Trump is good at is MANIPULATING and LYING and obfuscating!  And, it’s clear he’ll go to ANY length to protect himself from what must be serious “transgressions” because he appears willing to “torpedo” America’s Justice Department in the process.  (Apparently, Trump’s former “main purpose” – repealing anything with President Obama’s “signature” on it – is now on the “back burner”)

Trump is very “cagey” as he goes about his attack on Mueller’s investigation.  He’s attacking it on multiple fronts.  Clearly, Trump has experience in figuring how to get around America’s legal system.  He’s been doing it all of his business life.  (Which is why I’ve said he appears to me to be the head of a mafia crime family)  On the one hand he’s got his “court jester” Rudy Giuliani out there saying the absurd, ridiculous stuff Trump, himself, can’t say publicly – but he KNOWS Trump TV will use in their BRAINWASHING of those American’s STUPID enough to think they’re being informed by their watching of Fox “news” – AKA “Trump TV.”  Thereby preparing the BASE to disagree with anything Mueller comes up with.  One of the other “fronts” I’m finding more interesting by the day is Trump’s new “toy” – the pardon power.  Today, he suggested he was going to pardon Mohammad Ali!  Yikes!  Yes, pardons are done posthumously, but Ali’s conviction was overturned by the Supreme Court years ago – this is apparently another stunt Trump is pulling to convince African Americans he’s “with them.”  (And, the “pardon power” was not intended for reckless, impulsive use)

Then, he suggested he’d pardon whoever the NFL players, who are kneeling during the Anthem AND who he called “sons of bitches,”  want if they’ll just bring him examples of people who are unfairly imprisoned.  Well, while I hope they can bring him some examples to pardon, AS USUAL, Trump doesn’t appear to “get it.”  The NFL players were taking a knee during the national anthem to call attention to the police brutality and the profiling of African Americans across America.  For example, they can’t bring Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown, or the countless other African American (mostly – but, not entirely) men who’ve been victimized by police brutality stemming from routine traffic stops or other illegal police behavior for pardons.  The only people “pardoned” in most of these instances are the police officers.  Recently, a young black person was shot in the back and killed in his GRANDMOTHER’S back yard – where he routinely entered her house.  He can’t be pardoned – but, I admire people like Colin Kaepernick, who, by the way, apparently gave up his job as an NFL quarterback because of standing up for his beliefs, was the first to “take a knee.”  To me, it’s Trump who’s the …………… (what he called them).  (This travesty of justice is why I’ve decided to quit “fantasy football” – “fans” on “both sides” can protest and speak their minds in more ways than one.)

I had an acquaintance (who’s a Trump supporter) explain to me, in this instance, the young man killed in Sacramento had been allegedly vandalizing cars in the neighborhood before the police SHOT him in the BACK.  I asked my friend if he thought the kid deserved to be shot for breaking a few car windows (or whatever he was alleged to have been doing) and my friend, who watches Fox “news,” answered, “yes.”  We work on dialogue with each other and respecting each other’s views, but this is a hard one for me.  Regardless, Trump’s comments just confirm he’s clueless about why the football players are taking a knee.  BUT, he believes he can diffuse the situation with his new “toy.”  He’ll pardon his way out of the problem.

Well, here’s what I think he’s really doing.  He might be STUPID enough to NOT understand the “taking a knee” problem, but what he does understand is how to “muddy the water” in Mueller’s investigation, and “gin” up his “base” – the only “jury” that matters to him – and, that’s the people who are daily BRAINWASHED by Fox.  I believe he’s going to publicly PARDON so many people in so many different “unfair” situations, that his “base” won’t think twice when he begins PARDONING all those under investigation that matter to him. (Including himself!) I believe Don Jr. is in legal jeopardy.  We KNOW he’s LIED to Congress – and, likely to the FBI if Mueller has interviewed him.  Like his father, he’s incapable of NOT LYING! (OK, I could have written that as “telling the truth”)  Jared Kushner seems to be in all kinds of “hot water” and, he could be a candidate for state charges as well as federal charges (which would be a problem for Trump’s pardoning power – but, Rudy did say he was “disposable”).  The evidence I’ve seen would suggest, like his father-in-law he may have an issue with money laundering.

While Rudy suggested Jared is “disposable,” what if Mueller holds Ivanka accountable, or what about Sarah Sanders, or – well, the list could go on and on?  Trump, today on national TV, AGAIN claimed he has the ABSOLUTE POWER to PARDON anyone, including himself!  Why do you think he keeps preparing us for this?  Do you think it’s inevitable? Is he numbing us to all his pardons so it will seem routine when he starts pardoning those around him?  My understanding of the constitution is that the president (even if it’s a republican) can’t pardon himself out of impeachment – but, could Trump head off charges that would follow impeachment for egregious charges from Mueller EVEN the republican Congress can’t ignore?  This republican Congress is almost MORE of an EMBARRASSMENT to me than Trump.  I could see making the case that Trump didn’t know what he was getting in to – but, the republicans in Congress?  Evidently, their oath to the constitution means no more to them than it does to Trump – to which, it obviously, means NOTHING!  Speaking of Congress;  Are the republicans willing to let Trump pardon himself out of criminal activity?

When reporters get Trump around a bank of microphones in one breath he’ll say, regarding pardoning people in the Mueller probe, “I haven’t even thought about it.”  Almost in the next breath – well, I’m guessing you know what’s coming – Trump claims his “ABSOLUTE” right to pardon himself.  I actually kind of hope we end up finding out if he’s correct on that one.  I can’t imagine our “founding fathers” intended the pardon power to give the president the power to pardon himself, therefore allowing him/her to do virtually ANYTHING in office – making him/her “ABOVE THE LAW.”  Just picture these republicans if Hillary Clinton was president pardoning herself from illegal activity that was proven by a special counsel.  Politics in America has finally reached the Bizarro world stage!  Are we finally a “banana republic?”

And, Trump – with the help of Sean Hannity and Fox – has his “base” BRAINWASHED to the point where he feels comfortable making public overtures to Vladimir Putin – despite the Russian attack on our most basic institution (the voting booth) with OVERWHELMING evidence the ATTACK was ordered by Putin himself.  And, the OVERWHELMING evidence is that Putin has been “at it” in Western Europe as he is in the middle of attempting to recreate the “former Soviet Union.”  Is Trump complicit in this?  Is Trump willing to turn America into a Soviet Style dictatorship?  You might think that is foolish talk – but, just look at the evidence.  I’ve pointed this out MANY times on this site – Trump has all the makings of a FASCIST dictator.  He’s going after the free press, he’s attempting to get his political opponents JAILED, and he’s constantly attacking the Justice Department and the Intelligence community.  His administration is tearing down the traditional American institutions which have provided safety to the American people in so many different ways. (By the way, if you haven’t heard, Trump’s appointment to be ambassador to Germany is doing Trump’s “bidding” in an attempt to undermine Angela Merkel’s government – “ginning” up the right wing neo-Nazi’s)

As I’m writing this, Trump is in Singapore for his meeting with Kim Jong-un – who is maybe the most brutal dictator of them all.  This will NOT be part of Trump’s “agenda.”  I’m convinced Trump believes he can come away from this meeting with a Nobel Peace Prize – putting him on an even “footing” with the man he may hate the most, Barack Obama.  However, I believe if anything good happens from this meeting it will be the work of the leader of South Korea – who’s responsible for getting the two wackiest leaders in the world together.  I don’t believe Trump is capable of negotiating a complex agreement and I also believe the other leaders in the world know exactly how to “play” him.  That is what I expect will happen.  Neither the North Koreans nor Trump have any history of thinking you can trust their “word” so this should be interesting at the very least.  Of course, talking is better than bombing, but I never believed even Trump was STUPID enough to bomb North Korea and start WW III!

My point is, Trump hasn’t seemed to view a dictator he doesn’t either like or envy.  Clearly, he’s attempting to turn America into as close to a dictatorship as his republican brethren in Congress will allow – until “we the people” have the opportunity to STOP him in November.  As Trump began his journey that now has him in Singapore, he was first FORCED to attend the “G-7” Summit in Canada – which our closest allies are now calling the G-6.  Trump, at the outset, made an impassioned plea that RUSSIA – I’m not kidding – should be let back into the group – making it the G-8.  At the same time, his “policies,” which his base seems to love, has the other members saying it’s now apparently the G-6 +1.  Trump is turning toward RUSSIA and against Great Britain, Germany, France, and Canada – to name a few of our closest allies.  (at least, our FORMERLY closest allies)  If “we the people” don’t stop this, it’s not going to end well.

I’ve shared, as I’ve read them, the many books I’ve been reading since I started venting on this site – which was after Bush/Cheney LIED us into the Iraq fiasco.  The book I’m reading right now is called “The Hitler Virus.”  This should be required reading for any American who doesn’t believe that first, Trump is a FASCIST, and second, that the spread of FASCISM is not a serious threat to the world order.  There are other books you can read – like Madeleine Albright’s “Fascism a warning,” and Brian Klaas’ “The Despots Apprentice.”  To me, it is irrelevant what happens with Trump and Kim in Singapore – Trump MUST be stopped.  And, the way to do that is to vote the republicans out of control of at least ONE House of Congress – preferably BOTH – but, it will take a minor miracle to vote republicans out of control of the Senate, simply because most of the seats up for election this year are already held by Democrats.

Democrats SHOULD be campaigning in every state, every district, for every office they can win – in order to send the message to the world that “we the people” do not  support this person who’s coddling our adversaries and pissing off our allies.  The DANGER of Trump should have been obvious when Steve Bannon was in the “White House” and said their main objective was “the deconstruction of the administrative state.”  That’s code for destroying our government as it presently exists.  Bannon – via Cambridge Analytica – was involved in influencing the Brexit vote in Britain, and was involved – along with Putin – in pushing right wing neo-Nazi’s in other areas in Europe – such as Marine Le Pen in France.  The Trump/Russia “connection” poses the greatest danger to the world since WW II.  I’ll say it again, it’s up to “we the people” to stop it this November!

Final Thought:  As I said in a recent post, it will take “all hands on deck” to succeed in stopping this unprecedented POWER grab!  Trump is the perfect “stooge” for those “pulling the strings” surreptitiously in the so-called permanent republican “majority.”  With their voter suppression tactics, their dishonest advertising (with unlimited funds flowing in from the “tax scam” benefactors), the help of foreign money and advertising (thanks to the Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision along with a vulnerable internet “firewall”), and a court system that is becoming MORE and MORE stacked to favor a corporatocracy – an unprecedented turnout for a mid-term election will be required to stop Trump in his “tracks.”  If you’re reading this and you haven’t been “sucked in” by Fox, Breitbart, Limbaugh, Hannity, Savage, Jones, and on and on – the right wing “water carriers” – then hopefully you consider yourself part of the resistance.  Speak to people, encouraging them to vote – it’s time to show the world we are rejecting Fascism.  We will “fix” the problem created by our 2016 election – BUT, we’ll stay true to our constitution and, assuming Trump is NOT impeached, we’ll vote him out in 2020 and we’ll create a “check” in 2018!  (Once he’s “gone,” he can no longer pardon himself and he’ll have to face up to his transgressions – and, hopefully we won’t elect another President Obama who chose to “look forward instead of back” when blocking the NEEDED investigations into the Bush/Cheney “crime family.”  You can’t heal a wound without exposing it.  And, Trump is the result of ignoring the transgressions of Bush/Cheney!  Not Again!