I’ve pointed out on this site many times how Trump and republicans, over the years, have been great at BLAMING individual democrats for just about anything.  Hillary Clinton has been the target of republicans “blame game” for as long as I can remember.  In my last post I pointed out many of the situations republicans have managed to place BLAME on Mrs. Clinton, and, additionally, President Obama, and others.  Trump, of course, has gone after James Comey, Robert Mueller, Chuck Schumer, Elizabeth Warren, Mitch McConnell, and pretty much anyone else who’s ever criticized him (accept, unfortunately, me) – recently suggesting Huma Abedin should be jailed right along side Mrs. Clinton and Comey.  They will continue doing this as long as it continues working.

So, republicans and Trump BLAMING strategic targets shouldn’t surprise ANYONE.  Well, today, as I’m writing this, there’s an impending “government shutdown.”  It should be no surprise that republicans are busy attempting to BLAME democrats for the “shutdown.”  These are the republicans who control all aspects of government.  (I started this prior to the shutdown and now, I’m attempting to “finish the thought” – and, true to form, the BLAME game is in full force.  I guess that’s what our “leaders” have to focus on when they’ve shown their dysfunction)

On the Saturday after the “shutdown” if it happens (it happened), Trump will be at Mar a Lago entertaining supporters who are able to pay $100,000 per couple to attend.  If they want a picture with the president they’re having a “sale” – for only $250,000 you and your spouse can have a picture taken with the president and talk with the man many are calling the MOST racist president – possibly ever – but, certainly in the last 100+ years.  And, in America, that’s saying something.  Well, as it turns out, Trump had to skip his “party” and it was reported his sons took his place.  Are there really people in America willing to spend $250,000 to have their pictures taken with Eric and Don Jr.?  To me, that says a lot.

Of course, anyone who doesn’t understand why people would be willing to pay that kind of money for a picture with the president (or his sons) doesn’t understand what’s happening with the so-called “swamp” Trump promised to “drain.”  It should be sinking in (pun intended) to some that Trump is a pathological LIAR and ANYTHING he says is just hot air coming from his mouth.  Franklin Graham was on MSNBC recently and suggested Trump is a “Christian” –  (I do consider myself a Christian – but listening to Graham was almost too much for me – I didn’t make it to the end of the interview – I thought I would cry) and Graham seemed to, from the reports I read of the interview, “look the other way” regarding Trump’s “s@#thole” comments about countries who are predominantly populated by “black or brown skinned” people – as opposed to, say, people from Norway.  Well, I would remind Mr. Graham the Bible says the words that come out of your mouth represent what’s in your heart.

To me, the most outrageous reality of Trump’s so-called presidency is the support from people like Graham.  Does anyone wonder why so many young Americans are rejecting Christianity?  Most people are smart enough to make their judgements by what people do and not what they say.  In Trump’s case, he demonstrates to me through both his words and actions a world view that is anything but Christian.  Young Americans can clearly see this – I just don’t understand why people like Graham can’t.

Several years ago I read the book “Crazy for God” by Frank Schaeffer who was instrumental, with his father Francis, in allowing the republican party to disingenuously hijack the abortion issue – which they’ve used to this day to hold a strong “right wing” base of “Christians” who’ve ended up supporting MANY issues over the years which are hard to – at least for me – comport with Christian beliefs.  Schaeffer (he’s “repented”), in the book, shared some of what went on “behind the scenes” as “Christian leaders” were conspiring to brainwash their unsuspecting “flock.”  It’s been a few years since I read the book, but that’s how I remember that part of it – and, Frank Schaeffer has written other books and has spoken out as someone who actually knows what’s gone on “behind closed doors” in America’s “Christian world.”  He’s worth listening to, in my view.

This brainwashing of unsuspecting “Christians” – led by Fox “news” and the right wing talker networks on the radio airwaves has led America to a place that is near the “cliff.” (I put “Christians” in quotes because Trump holding up a Bible at Liberty University and saying “two Corinthians” as he attempts to convince the audience he’s with them doesn’t work for me.  As I’ve written, I believe there needs to be a national dialogue about the abortion issue – which is the foremost issue for most Christians I know – but, supporting militarism, economic recklessness, sexism, racism, and one immoral thing after another is not justified by that issue – at least to me.  Being Christian is no excuse for shirking civic responsibility) It’s time to call an end to the willingness to accept LYING in Washington DC – no matter the source.  But, as I often do, I’ve digressed………..

So, getting back to the shutdown and the BLAME game, I read several articles today in the NY Times and the Washington Post that gave the latest polling on who Americans will “BLAME” regarding the shutdown.  Unfortunately, I’m worried the democrats will be the ones paying the closest attention to this.  The polling was broken down into different groups of people and asked questions regarding how important are the “dreamers” to the different groups of Americans.  It’s widely understood the democrats are making a stand for “DACA.”  The polling is mixed on where Americans stand and makes me think democrats might “cave” on the “dreamer” issue.

Over 80% of Americans want Congress to pass the “Dream Act” giving the “dreamers” (If you’ve been in a cave, these are the young AMERICANS who were brought here illegally by their parents when they were young children – America is the only country they’ve known) permanent status – and a “pathway” to citizenship.  Unfortunately, it appears John Kelly and Stephen Miller don’t agree and they seem to have veto power on any agreement Congress manages to come up with.  So, here we are with part of the government furloughed while we wait to see who “blinks.”  When nobody should have to “blink.”

Passing the “Dream Act” should be a “no-brainer” and, in my view, those of us who call ourselves “Christians” should be solidly behind this – it’s the “right thing to do.”  Dreamers are in the military, they’re teachers, many are in college, MOST are wonderfully upright Americans.  When I was teaching I had many students over the years who would fall into the “Dreamer” category – great kids who are making a positive difference in so many cases.  They have families that MUST be kept together and they are AMERICANS – period!  This issue shouldn’t be a stumbling block to Congress doing their job.  But, there are people like Miller and Kelly (both accused by many as racists and LIARS) apparently blocking Trump from making a “DACA” agreement – appealing to the “white nationalist” base.

So, why am I worried about the democrats.  Well, just as the republicans have a long history of LYING (above and beyond the “norm”) democrats have a long history of “caving.”  Many of the polls quoted in the articles I mentioned above would suggest that a significant portion of Americans who support the “dreamers” don’t support them enough to shut down the government over the issue.  Evidently, they actually believe republicans will “come to the table” and negotiate a “deal” if democrats just pass THEIR budget.  I can tell you this, if the democrats cave on this issue and “DACA” isn’t settled by March 5 – the deadline imposed by our so-called president – the democrats will lose their opportunity to take back Congress in 2018.

“We the people” are looking for leadership that is willing to FIGHT against this republican onslaught to our republic.  And, the FIGHT starts right now – as I’m writing this (and, sadly, I wouldn’t be surprised if the democrats caved by the time I publish this – I hope I’m wrong).  It’s time for our Congress to be responsible to the people.  The DACA issue is a moral issue and shouldn’t be held hostage for anything. Democrats need to “stay the course.”  No DACA deal NO deal, period!  And, trading it for the CHIP program (Children’s Health Insurance) is unacceptable.  The FACT republicans are attempting to divide democrats over a choice between CHIP and DACA shows how reprehensible they are.  Again, will the democrats fold.

As you might be able to tell, I’m convinced there are democrats who are more focused on the polls than the morals of these issues.  There’s not much they seem to be able to accomplish while in the minority, but if they want to be in the majority anytime soon – here’s their chance to show America they stand with those in the so-called “resistance.”  The problem myself and others have had over the years with democrats is there are too many who are “spineless.” They wouldn’t defend their own health care plan until republicans made it popular by trying to repeal it.  If you remember, there were 76% of Americans in favor of the “public option,” yet it was abandoned for political expediency.  The list goes on……..

Obviously, too many politicians are more worried about their next election than doing what’s right.  That’s exactly how we’ve ended up with a nation’s capital that so many refer to as the “swamp.”  And, yet there are enough gullible “conservatives” in America to probably believe Trump is actually “draining” it.  That’s the other problem – what I’ve referred to as “low information voters” and Trump referred to as “my uneducated voters.”  America has a serious problem that could be summed up in this “shutdown” debate.  If democrats don’t make a stand, you’ll hear a HUGE whooooosh as the wind leaves the bosom of the “resistance.”  The reality is “we the people” have to rely on democrats to stop these republicans and Trump.  This is much bigger than whether the government “operates” this week.

It’s not just republicans who go right across the street to “K Street” once they’re out of office and “cash in” on the lobbying opportunities that include MILLION dollar salaries – forming what’s called the “revolving door.”  Republicans have managed to skewer the economic scene in America in such a favorable manner for Wall Street and the wealthiest Americans that they are totally disinterested in any “shutdown.”  The wealthy Wall Street bankers, traders, and such are thumbing their collective noses at politicians in Washington DC – and, those politicians – especially republicans are oblivious to it – as long as the contributions continue – well, all is OK.

This is why, shutdown or no shutdown, the people willing to cough up $100,000 to curry favor with Trump at Mar a Lago will show up.  Washington has already been corrupted beyond belief by their money, but they’ll keep throwing it around until “we the people” force them to stop.  Until we decide it’s time to force politicians to put what’s right ahead of the campaign coffers this will continue.  A good  place to start is RIGHT NOW with the Dreamer and the CHIP issues.  These should be non-negotiables.

Final Thought:  I “finished” this post and before being able to re read it, I checked my email, and sure enough, the democrats caved.  What can I say, but “par for the course.”  I’m posting this without editing so I apologize for the foo pahs!

I Know I’m always writing about republicans in negative terms so I want to start this by attempting to point out what they’re good at.  So, here goes…….. (this could be hard) One thing they (at least in the past, while democrats were “sleeping”) have been very good at is gerrymandering.  That is, creating legislative districts where they are likely to win elections no matter how absurd their policies – where they have what are called “safe seats.”  This follows another example of their expertise which is voter suppression that works to accomplish the same end – which is win elections even when in the minority.  Paul Weyrich put it famously, “The fewer people vote the more we win.”  With “good” gerrymandering republicans have set up districts nation wide so that despite gaining close to 2 MILLION less votes than democrats, again, this is nationwide – in the last two elections – they retain a strong majority in the House.

Another thing republicans are really good at – which may explain the reason Trump is now our so-called president – is LYING.  We all now know that Trump has been documented to have LIED over 2000 times (that can be publicly proven) in his FIRST year in office.  Not only do the American people understand he’s a pathological LIAR, but – sadly – people around the world know as well.  Mike Pense and virtually everyone else in the administration has shown a willingness to LIE.  Paul Ryan LIED about the tax cut, Mitch McConnell……….  hopefully, you get the point.  They’re good at this.  Additionally, until Trump came along, MANY republicans (not all) were very good at shielding the FACT they’re racist.  He’s helping to get this more out into the open.

Now, for those of you who are sensitive to bringing up the so-called “race card,”  I’ve written recently how I believe we all have issues in this area to a certain degree.  But, I’m talking here about people who are set on believing America is a “White” nation, and who are coming along side Trump as he attempts to send people “back to Africa.”  (and Haiti, and El Salvador, and virtually all other places predominantly inhabited by non-whites who have immigrants in America.  The ones he can “send back” are the ones with TPS standing – the TPS – Temporary Protected Status – also currently protects people from Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, Syria, and Yemen – people from these places are being protected from some sort of serious danger – and, by  now, you must know how Trump referred to their countries)  I’ve digressed………. Trump is making it easier for all to know how good many republicans have been at hiding their racism.

Of course, while many people are criticizing republicans as I’m writing this for being unable to govern as ANOTHER government “shutdown” looms it seems they have “short term memory loss.”  Just last month they passed a bill!  This was republicans at their best – some call it “the reverse Robin Hood” theory of governing – but I believe the best way to describe it is STEALING.  Republicans call it “tax overhauls.”  This is where the wealthy in America HAUL huge amounts of taxpayer dollars to their banks on Wall Street or who knows where while “we the people” fight for the “scraps.”  Actually, republicans call these pilferings “middle class tax cuts.” And, they are really good at convincing unsuspecting working class Americans the rich people who benefit from the tax cuts will “trickle” a bit down to the minions.  I’m not kidding, republicans are really good at this.

I guess you’d have to say the STEALING and LYING goes hand in hand.  As I said, this most recent example of the “tax cut” being called a “middle class tax cut” was an incredibly creative LIE.  It appears “we the people” are getting suspicious.  Apparently, every day Americans have heard the saying “fool me once, shame on you – fool me twice shame on…….. I guess we’re still at “you” – fool me three times, shame on me.”  (Did this saying come from GW Bush?)  This “tax cut” was one of the most unpopular pieces of legislation in recent memory because apparently Americans are beginning to understand their tax dollars going to the top 1% isn’t such a great idea and the FACT it’s almost always borrowed money is beginning to get “we the people’s” attention.  So, what “we the people” get out of these tax cuts (tax scams) is a nation that’s much more deeper in debt (for our children and grand children) and an increase in the problem of income inequality.  I have to wonder at what point right wing, working class Americans are going to wonder whether being used over the abortion issue is worth bankrupting our nation.  Many of us in the category “we the people” actually are tired of allowing ourselves to be pilfered.

Now let’s just take a quick look at how arrogant this last tax cut was – to me, meaning the LYING and STEALING is so commonplace with republicans that they feel they can do it in “broad daylight” and, they can actually pull it off.  Which, they did.  (They’re good at ARROGANCE as well, but my fingers are getting tired)  So, while there’s little known about the details of the tax scam and all the “loopholes” republicans put into if for themselves and their donors, we do know a bit.  For example, there was a provision designed to benefit real estate developers (conveniently, like Donald Trump, Jared Kushner, Trump’s sons, AND Bob Corker) that funnels MILLIONS to people like, well, the so-called president.  Conveniently, there was ONE no vote on the first “round” of the legislation in the Senate by a republican and that came from Senator Corker.

After a provision was inserted into the bill that HUGELY benefits people with large real estate holdings – like Trump and Corker – Corker’s vote mysteriously changed to a yes.  This is from someone who portrayed himself as a “deficit hawk” that would not support any bill that increased the deficit by even a penny.  Someone who was “courageously” standing up to Trump – Trump was calling him “liddle Bob Corker” – until the tax scam and NOW someone who’s flying in “Air Force one” with Trump.  So much for honor and principle!  Also, while the tax cut has provisions for the really rich and their real estate holdings, it punishes the upper middle class who have property tax and state and local taxes that exceed $10,000 by reducing what they can deduct.  Apparently, this brings up something else republicans are good at.

The tax cut (tax scam) is apparently aimed at the so-called “blue states” to punish them for being “high tax states.” (and, for having “liberal” voters)  If you’ve been under a rock, the “blue states” are the states that didn’t vote for Trump.  This is called RETRIBUTION – these are states that have people commonly referred to by republicans as “liberals” living in large segments of their populations.  From the days of Nixon, republicans have always been good at retribution – Nixon had his “enemies list” and now republicans have evolved to where Trump is leading the “dishonest media awards.”  This would be for the journalists and media outlets that tell the TRUTH about him. Kind of how “leaders” in the Philippines and Russia do it.

Of course, Fox “news” was disqualified from any consideration for this award, but, they’ll survive.  (As long as Trump manages to remain president.  At some point, their un-patriotic “reporting” will, as I’ve said many times, put them in the American history books right next to Benedict Arnold – and, of course, Trump)  I’ve digressed, AGAIN. :o)

I certainly can’t remember a time in recent American history – I’ve been paying attention since the days of Eisenhower – when an American political party passed legislation that was so clearly aimed as punishment for particular states.  What’s interesting here, to me, is that states like the one I live in, Washington – which is a “high tax state” – send considerably MORE revenue via federal taxes to Washington DC than what comes back.  I suspect that many of the other “high tax states – as referred to by a republican congressman whose name I can’t remember – do the same thing and that is pay considerably MORE than they get in return.  I find it interesting republicans would so clearly single out those states for “punishment” for having a “liberal” population.  I don’t know, maybe there’s something to being a bit “liberal.”

Obviously, I don’t know all the details and my opinions are simply based on reading as much as I can and paying attention to current events as much as I can – but, when I hear republican congress members stating the tax scam is designed to target so-called “high tax states” and those states didn’t vote for Trump, it feels to me as RETRIBUTION and STUPID politics.  Take for example, the states of California and New York.  I know there’s republican members of the House in those states – I have a feeling after the 2018 election there will be far fewer of them from those two states and other states they targeted with their tax scam.  It just dawned on me that republicans are, evidently, good at being STUPID?

How stupid are they? you might ask.  Well, apparently, several of them are cozying up to Trump in ways that may cause Robert Mueller to wonder whether they are trying to impede a federal investigation.  Like, for example, it’s no secret that Devin Nunes – who somehow became the head of the House Intelligence Committee and since has shown a considerable lack of intelligence – is working overtime to discredit Mueller and the FBI agents who are investigating Trump’s involvement with the Russians and who knows what else.  It’s appearing to me Trump has a LOT to hide and he’s doing everything he can to keep “we the people” from knowing the TRUTH about him and his dealings prior to taking the oath of office.  I’m not sure if Nunes knows all of what Trump is attempting to HIDE, but, it appears to me he’s auditioning for a job he’ll need after his constituents vote him out of office next November.  He seems to have a self interest in making sure Trump is still president next year and, apparently, he feels undermining Mueller is necessary for that to happen.  Something is being hidden from “we the people.”

Did you ever wonder why Trump is the only president – or candidate for president (since Nixon) – to refuse releasing his tax returns?  Well, I’m guessing when Mueller is finished with his investigation, we’re all going to understand why.  I just have to wonder if people like Nunes know why and that’s why they’re working so hard to cause “we the people” to deflect our focus onto Clinton stuff that happened almost 10 years ago.  As time goes by, it’s going to be harder and harder for republicans to DEFLECT people’s attention to the Clinton’s or to President Obama, or to Huma Abedin, or to James Comey, or to anyone else.  OMG – I just thought of another thing republicans are good at!  (My fingers really are tired, but…….)

And, they’re really good at this!  I can’t believe I almost forgot.  it’s DEFLECTING!  OMG, they do this ALL the time.  Trump is REALLY good at this.  It’s how he’s been manipulating the media – probably for years – but, certainly since he started his run to the “White House.”  Think back a bit.  The Russians STOLE a bunch of emails from Hillary Clinton and the democrats (the Russians are good at much of what republicans have mastered) and coordinated the release with strategic moments in the campaign.  They’re REALLY good at this – and, I almost forgot. Yikes!  OK, I know, I’m digressing….  So, here’s the prime example of how they do this.

If you remember, when the Access Hollywood tapes came out, the “whole universe” was a buzz with Trump’s admission he was a sexual predator.  He said, “When I see beautiful women, I just start kissing them, they let me do it because I’m famous” – you know the rest.  Well, less than two hours after that tape was released – which, by the way, got the guy Trump was talking to n the bus FIRED apparently because he laughed at Trump’s comments – further enabling him – two hours later Wiki Leaks (If you remember, Trump was not subtle – he said more than once “I love Wiki leaks”) published many of the STOLEN emails – DEFLECTING much of the attention from the Access Hollywood tape and giving Trump time to figure out his LYING strategy that would further DEFLECT attention from what should have been a disqualifying moment.

The Access Hollywood fiasco showed us what republicans are all about.  Virtually EVERY member of Congress who disavowed Trump at that moment found it in themselves to “forget” he ever said those despicable words: “I just grab them by the “p@#*y and they let me do it.”  Well, around 20 women came forward and said they didn’t “let him do it” but he either did or tried to do it anyway – AND they were ultimately ignored by Paul Ryan, Mitch McConnell, and all the other republicans who later, self-righteously, said Roy Moore was “unfit to serve in the Senate” for the same reason Trump should have been unfit to serve as president.  Apparently, there’s a different standard for presidents if they’re republicans.  (As I wrote the other day, can you imagine the republicans’ response had 20 women accused Barack Obama of sexual assault prior to his election?)  Look, I know we’re all guilty of hypocrisy to a certain degree and I want to say here’s another thing republicans are good at – hypocrisy – but, I’m tired of writing and it’s time to end this.  I hope I’ve made my point.  I’m always being critical of republicans so I wanted to write a post focused on what they’re “good at.”

OK, I know, we’re all hypocrites to a certain degree.  I’m always working a fine line between what I feel is providing my (often harsh) opinions regarding politics and being judgemental.  Honestly, I’m not sure how to separate the two.  I started writing after Bush/Cheney LIED America into the invasion of Iraq from which “we the people” (and the Middle East and people around the globe) will likely take many more years to recover.  In America we always talk about the number of American troops killed or wounded in war with little conversation about what was done to a sovereign nation like Iraq in our names.  I’ve read many books about the invasion and occupation of Iraq (and, by the way, Afghanistan) and what was done to the Iraqi people, in my mind, can only be described in terms of war crimes.

I was very happy when Barack Obama was elected president, but one of his first actions gave me what I called, at the time, “red flags.”  Soon after taking office President Obama said, regarding the investigations looming for Bush/Cheney, “we’re going to look forward instead of back.”  In essence, he blocked ALL Congressional investigations into what I believe would have been a “look” into a plethora of illegal activity by the Bush/Cheney administration.  There were the many FISA violations where, I believe, at the advice of Dick Cheney, the Bush administration ignored the FISA law and were routinely wiretapping Americans – “in the name of national security.”  For me, the fourth amendment of the constitution is one I consider EXTREMELY important – the right to privacy (OK, they’re ALL extremely important) – but, it seemed to me, at the time, there were many Americans – who consider the second amendment – and their convoluted interpretation of it – to be sacred – who were willing to allow an intrusion into our fourth amendment because Dick Cheney said it was “for national security” – that’s become an ever more frequent excuse for government lawbreaking over the past 30+ years.

Then, of course, as EVERYONE knows, there’s the TORTURE issue.  (This bothered me more than any other) Both George W Bush AND Dick Cheney ADMITTED – on national TV no less – they authorized TORTURE and both said they would do it again.  If you read about what was going on at Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo and, if you have any sense of decency, (OK, I realize that’s “judging”) I don’t see how you can’t come away with a sense of disgust and shame at what Americans were doing to Iraqi’s who were imprisoned and other so-called “enemy combatants.”  Bush/Cheney gave themselves the authority (well, I guess you have to say Congress was complicit) to declare ANYONE an “enemy combatant” and that gave the victim virtually NO rights.  IN FACT, there are still – 16 years later – “enemy combatants” at Guantanamo who’ve NEVER been charged or given “due process” – the pillar of American justice.  Plus, MANY of the “enemy combatants” endured incredible acts of TORTURE!  (some died at the hands of interrogators) This all was authorized by those at the TOP of the “food chain” in American government.  (Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld, et al – and, many in the military and the CIA went along with it)

What President Obama understood was the depth of culpability in the Bush administration.  I can’t claim to know for sure who Obama felt compelled to protect, but until Trump came along, there evidently was an unwritten rule to “leave well enough alone” regarding your predecessor in the “White House.”  Ford pardoned Nixon, George HW Bush “looked the other way” regarding Iran Contra and Reagan’s involvement (and, of course, more importantly to him – his own involvement) and Clinton “looked the other way” regarding HW’s involvement in Iran/Contra.  At the time of Obama’s acquiescence, I felt he was protecting members of the CIA who were “just following orders.”  The end result is our leaders authorized TORTURE and “got away with” WAR CRIMES!

As far as Bill Clinton is concerned, republicans OBVIOUSLY didn’t (and HAVEN’T) “look(ed) the other way.” They’re STILL attempting to cover-up wrongdoing of their own making – in this case the issue is Trump’s alleged COLLUSION with the Russians and more likely his money laundering behavior before becoming president AND his OBSTRUCTION of justice since becoming president – by DEFLECTING the attention of the public and investigators back to the Clinton’s – whether it’s Bill or Hillary.  It’s either Benghazi, Uranium one, Vince Foster, Whitewater, or who knows what else.  My point: Clinton (I should say “the Clinton’s”) haven’t received the same deference received by the republican presidents immediately before or after him.  In this recent case, it’s more frightening – a president who claims he has “an actual right to do whatever I want with the Justice Department” ordering a RE investigation (it’s already been “hashed out”) of his DEFEATED political rival.  This is third world DEFLECTION in an attempt to hide Trump’s own CORRUPTION!

And, of course, George W Bush was “next in line” after Clinton and he needed a lot of “deference.”  To me, the TORTURE was something that shouldn’t have received ANY deference at all and, at some point in America’s future, I believe “we the people” need to come “clean” on that issue.  It needs to be revisited and we need to accept responsibility for the actions of our “leaders” and they need accountability for their own actions.  (actually, accountability should be focused on Bush/Cheney/Rumsfeld) It should be CLEAR that type of behavior by ANY American is unacceptable and we will honor the Geneva Conventions – period, full stop!  I was not happy when President Obama “looked forward.”  I believe it’s led to some of the arrogance of Trump as he proclaims he would “authorize a lot more” than Bush/Cheney.  To me, Obama’s decision made it OK for future presidents to authorize TORTURE – despite his declaration “we don’t torture.”

Which gets me to the crux of what has motivated me to write again.  As I’ve been watching republicans find creative ways to LIE as they continue their futile efforts to protect Trump from the TRUTH of what he’s done, I keep getting the same thought in my head.  What would republicans be saying if “the shoe was on the other foot?”  It’s as if they have no SHAME.  Let’s just unpack that thought a bit.  For example, what do you think republicans would be doing had it been reported by ALL of our intelligence agencies that President Obama had been elected with the help of the Russian government and Vladimir Putin?  Can you imagine them forming “secret committees” to investigate Hillary Clinton to take the “heat” off Obama and any potential COLLUSION with the Russians?

What do you think republicans would have done if it was reported that President Obama’s lawyers had paid off a porn star to hide an affair while he was married?  And, what if that happened twice?  Do you really think they’d be ignoring both of those “allegations?”  Or do you think “we the people” would never hear the end of it?  (Again, do you remember the Clinton years?)  What would republicans have done had Obama been faced with allegations of sexual misbehavior by 20 CREDIBLE women?  (heck, I personally don’t think they would have needed to be “credible” – I’m reminded of the woman who attempted to scam the Washington Post during the Roy Moore election)

How do you think republicans would react had President Obama attempted to BLOCK immigration from Norway while pointing out Norwegians don’t work a “full work week” and that students in West Africa have higher learning standards than students in Norway?  How would they react had Obama referred to Western European countries as “s@#thole” countries as he was blocking immigrants from there and said, “why can’t we get more people from Kenya?”  How would they have reacted had he attempted to send people like Trump back to Germany?

How would republicans have reacted if President Obama attempted to “purge” the FBI of anyone who wouldn’t express “loyalty” to him?  How would they have responded if President Obama was attempting to order the FBI to investigate, say, Trey Gowdy or Mitch McConnell, or Paul Ryan or ????  What if President Obama ordered investigations of republicans in Congress whose “net worth” was increased by more than a certain percentage after coming to Congress? (I couldn’t resist that one – it’s one I wouldn’t mind seeing on a bipartisan basis)

How would republicans have responded to President Obama – had he owned businesses that were gaining increased profits due to foreigners feeling compelled to support them in order to gain favor?  How would they have responded had President Obama pushed foreign policy that was continually giving China the upper hand in the world economy?  How would they have responded had Obama put himself in a position where he wasn’t welcomed in our number one ally – Great Britain?  What would they be saying if virtually everyone was calling him an “idiot?”

There’s so many instances these days where I have to wonder “what if the shoe was on the other foot?”  And, then I think – that’s a very unhealthy way to run our government and why is it always the republicans who are doing this?  Trump is bludgeoning our government institutions as “we the people” are focused on his “s@#thole” comments, his illicit affairs, his bankruptcies, and I could go on and on.

The State Department has been “purged” of something like 30% of the lifetime public servants who have the knowledge to do the “dirty work” of diplomacy around the world that’s not happening as I’m writing this.  Trump has put people at the head of one department after another who are committed to destroying that department.    Clearly, Trump is attempting to “Make America White Again” – and, it just isn’t going to work.  However, “we the people” need to act “sooner rather than later” to block what Trump is DOING while our attention if on the crazy stuff because the “damage” is piling up fast.

Everything “going on” is important, but it’s easy to have no idea what’s happening “behind closed doors” and, when we finally discover the details of what that is, it’s very possible it will be difficult to “fix” the problems Trump is allowed to create.  The reality is that America has a significant portion of her population who believe in the “white nationalism” of Steve Bannon, Stephen Miller, and, apparently, John Kelly.  The “damage” as I’ve often referred to it, is mounting fast and as time goes by, getting harder for whoever comes next to repair.  And, republicans in Congress are complicit and when “the smoke clears” they’ll find they’ve done possibly irreparable damage to their own republican party.

Much of what I’ve written about over the past ten years is my feeling the “present day” republican party needs to be ushered (voted) into the history books.  It appears to me, Trump is making this happen.  I have to believe there’s a significant portion of the republican party which is as turned off by Trump as I am.  We might disagree on the issues, but not this white nationalism that represents maybe 20% of America (maybe less).  I believe those republicans who have a “moral compass” should look themselves in the mirror and ask, “do I want to be associated with Trump?”  They should ask themselves some of the questions I broached above: and then ask, “why am I willing to enable Trump’s behavior?”  If they don’t speak out, they become part of the Trump republican party.

Every day there’s something else.  I pointed out, above, my frustration with President Obama’s decision to “look forward” and I worry the next democratic president will do the same – but, the reality is “no drama Obama” looks better every day.  I’m guessing Trump is making President Obama much more popular now than he was in office.  (and, by the way, I have great respect for President Obama)  I knew the reality that it’s impossible for someone to be in that office and not have detractors when President Obama was elected.  It’s the reality of every president.  To be president, you need to be able to accept criticism graciously and just move on.  The two presidents, in my lifetime, that couldn’t/can’t seem to do that was/is Nixon and Trump.  In Nixon’s case, the republican party, eventually, refused to enable his behavior.  It remains to be seen if that will happen with Trump.

So far, the evidence would suggest no.  It would suggest republicans are willing to sink or swim with Trump.  In some instances, it appears to me some republicans are willing to expose themselves to OBSTRUCTION.  Sadly, I don’t believe I’m the only American asking the questions I posed above – showing an incredible hypocrisy in the republican party.  So, I’ll end this post by asking once more:  Can you imagine republicans response if it had been reported President Obama had his lawyer pay hush money to a porn star?  Can you imagine their response had Obama conspired with Russians and Vladimir Putin to get elected!?

I wrote the other day about in my youth I was raised by a father who was overtly racist causing me to begin my college basketball career (short as it was) by befriended by a Black basketball player of whom I was in fear the first time I realized I was on the same team as a person of “color.”  I grew up in a “lilly white” neighborhood, went to a “lilly white” school, and, quite naturally, had a group of friends who were all white.  This great friend was the beginning of myself learning about my own racist upbringing, my own racist beliefs, and the reality is this was an area in my life where I was completely ignorant.

I won’t go over all I wrote, but over the course of my life – to this point – I’ve evolved due to the many persons of “color” who’ve had a significant influence on my life AND, I’m happy to say, my father evolved to a much better place before he went “home.”  The reality I have to face is that, despite being in a much better place than I was as I graduated from high school (in 1965) – my level of ignorance is still much greater than it should be.  My curiosity about the history of America and the history of those places in the world recently referred to by our so-called president as s#@thole countries is clearly lacking.

Today I spent time listening to Joy Reid, a MSNBC host of a program called “AM Joy” and, in my view, she is one of the most intelligent commentators on the cable news networks.  She had a couple segments with three distinguished Black guests.  Unfortunately, I can’t remember the name of two of them, the one whose name I knew, Mark Thompson, is a man who has a radio talk show on XM radio and, in the past, I’ve listened many times to his show (the time slot changed and I no longer am able to get it)  What I was reminded as I listened to these three guests of Ms. Reid was that I’ve failed, in all my reading, to educate myself more about the history of Black Americans and the areas in the world Trump referred to – which have sent us so many great Americans – and from which Trump is not only trying to block more immigrants while encouraging immigrants from places like “Norway,” but wanting to “send people back.”

One of the three guests, who was a journalist working for the “New Yorker,” caused me to realize a place like Haiti has a much more significant place in America’s history than I was aware and “we the people” over the years have allowed our leaders to, essentially, plunder that nation – taking much more than we’ve given back – and, now Trump is planning to return thousands of Haitians who’ve immigrated to the U.S. because of the terrible earthquake in (I think) 2010 and a disaster they have not totally recovered from by canceling their “temporary protected status.”  (again, I should know more)  Haiti is not a s@#thole country and it has an important place in American history.  Haitians should not be returned to Haiti because they’re Black – which is what myself, and many others, are inferring is Trump’s intention regarding his unilateral action.  From what I can tell, he’s insinuating Haitians lack “merit.”  Yikes!  (people from many other of Trump’s so-called “s@#thole countries are affected by Trump’s action as well)

Several years ago I read the biography of W.E.B. Du Bois, which I remember as being a very challenging book for me to read because it was packed with information I, as a white person, was challenged to comprehend.  (what helped me the most, as far as helping me to better understand his biography, were the REAL stories my Black friends shared with me over the years about what they endured)  Du Bois is clearly one of the Great Americans who’s been largely “hidden” from the history books. This was about the same time I connected on the XM radio in my car with Mr. Thompson and began listening to his program “Make it Plain.”  Mr. Thompson caused me to learn more about the view of persons of “color” in America and how I was so naive in my thinking about the level of racism in America.  I suppose I was thinking that as my beliefs had evolved over the years, so would have the bulk of Americans’ beliefs as well.

Well, enough Americans had evolved in 2008 to elect our first Black president – whose father came from one of Trump’s s@#thole countries – but his eight years in office somewhat opened my eyes. (I have to say, I was proud of my country the day President Obama was elected.  I can’t remember any other day in my lifetime I felt so proud of this great nation).  Soon after President Obama took the oath of office, the now infamous “Koch brothers” funded the so-called “tea party.”  It was clearly a response to Obama’s election.  I saw the “Tea Party” for what it was right from the start – I will never forget all the disgusting signs at their rallies depicting President Obama in such overtly racist manners. All their “coded” language during Obama’s two terms in office sickened me.  But, I continued to delude myself into thinking it was a “fringe minority.”

I guess, as I try to be honest with myself, I kind of brushed off the “birther” movement, which was part of the “tea party” backlash to Obama’s election, as fringe nonsense.  I kind of knew Trump was leading it, but I didn’t really know who Donald Trump was.  I saw him as someone constantly seeking to draw attention to himself.  It was beyond my imagination he could be a viable presidential candidate – but, the republican field of candidates was often referred to as the “clown car.”  One thing common to almost all of them was a racist disrespect for President Obama.  As he was attempting to bring America out of the “Great Recession” which many said could have become another “Great Depression” (and, to many Americans it probably  seemed it was) these republicans were attempting to cause him to FAIL.  Ask yourself, why?

When the republican “field” was reduced to Trump or Cruz, I realized the issue of racism was much more significant in this country than I had allowed myself to comprehend.  Despite the fact the evidence was right in front of me every day.  Republicans, from the first day President Obama was elected, were putting their hate ahead of their country as they committed themselves to causing Obama’s failure.  (They failed at that, didn’t they)

I was not so naive as failing to understand the “dog whistle” behind Trump’s “Make America Great” again.  This was the slogan of Hitler in the 30’s “Make Germany Great Again” and it was the slogan of Ronald Reagan as he started his successful campaign for president in Philadelphia Mississippi (this was his first speech after securing the nomination) with a racially coded message assuring “white nationalists” he was on their side.  In the case of both Trump and Reagan, “Make America Great Again,” should read “Make America White Again.”  (This is why, in my posts since Trump moved into the “White House” I use quotation marks – if you hadn’t already figured that one out)

Of course, one reason people like Paul Ryan are urging Americans (by inference, “white Americans”) to have more babies is because soon America will be a majority minority country.  Recently, I read an article which said a majority of children who are 5 years old are of “minority” decent – meaning “non-white” in their answers to census type questionnaires. I guess this is why Trump is trying to block immigration from what he refers to as s@#thole countries and encouraging more immigration from Norway.  (My first thought when I heard what he said was how many Norwegians would even want to come here with Trump as president?)

As I listen to all this stuff – and, Trump seems to purposely create a controversy every day – (I’m guessing this hides much of what he’s really DOING) I keep trying to put myself in the place of Black Americans.  One of my best friends ever is a Black Pastor who now lives thousands of miles from me and I almost don’t want to broach the subject of Trump’s racist remarks with him.  This is what he and so many others have had to endure for their entire lifetimes,  There was a pastor on Joy Reid’s show – as I mentioned above – who said “we the people” should “repent” for so many things (he called them “S” words – like “slavery” for one).  I can’t remember exactly what he said, but it was such a passionate and coherent response to Trump’s disparaging words I felt, as I kind of said above, a sense of guilt for my own lack of knowledge about so much American history.  And, for so much of what America’s Black community has had to endure.

Clearly, the history books I was brought through school with and the ones I taught with as a middle school teacher did not clearly report true American history as it relates to Black history or that of other important minority groups.  The reality is almost all Americans are immigrants to some degree.  The white Europeans have been the majority since the days of the revolution  and those of us who are white have been “blessed” with “white privilege” – most of us with no comprehension of what that actually is.  Mr. Thompson helped me to better understand this as I listened to his radio show, and this morning, I was reminded of his “lessons” as I listened to his commentary regarding Trump’s offensive comments on Ms Reid’s show.  (My friend, who I mentioned above, was my teaching partner for many years and he helped me supplement material into our history lessons that was not in the text books.  I’m 70 now and, obviously, still have a lot to learn.)

It’s Martin Luther King “weekend” and, hopefully, many Americans will be looking back at Dr. King’s “message.”  Years ago, I was wanting to write about Dr. King and, after reading his “letter from a Birmingham Jail,” I simply published that letter – because there was nothing I could add at the time.  (I need to go back and read it again)  Today, I listened to Trump reading prepared remarks about Dr. King and it almost seemed offensive.  He was simply reading prepared remarks with not an “ounce” of emotion.  It came across to me as, especially after his words of last week, as another Trump example of the “height of hypocrisy.”  I’ve made it no secret on the site that I have a difficult time “stomaching” Donald Trump.  He’s the (so-called) president and I have never wanted a president to “fail.”  I want America to succeed – it’s just, to me, that won’t happen via Trump’s racist agenda.  To me, Trump is “Making America worse.”

As with the three guests on Joy Reid’s show, I was not surprised at Trump’s racist words – other than to think he should be smart enough to say them with a different audience. (it’s been reported that Lindsey Graham actually called him out on his language – I hope that’s true and I hope Mr. Graham is rethinking his recent lack of rectitude when it comes to his remarks about Trump)  I’ve pointed out Trump is OBVIOUSLY racist since long before he was elected.  I believe it’s the REASON he was elected.  Comments from those carrying the Tiki Torches at Charlottesville confirm THEY believe they’re the reason Trump was elected.  The “white nationalist” movement came out from “under the rocks” to back Trump in huge numbers.  As the saying goes, it is what it is.

What I was reminded this morning is the importance of the “resistance” continuing and the importance of encouraging the MILLIONS of young Americans who, mostly, see through Trump’s racism to get to the polls in 2018.  We need to show the world this is NOT who we are as a nation.  America was GREAT before Trump ever thought about running for president, and precisely because of immigrants from s@#thole countries and virtually every place around the globe.  We DON’T need to “make America white again,” what we need to do is follow the ideals of Martin Luther King, show pride in being the world’s “melting pot,” work harder to “Make America ‘just’,” and work to regain our status as the “land of opportunity.”

Final Thought:  click HERE if you’d like to read the “letter from Birmingham jail.”  I re-read his letter today, “Martin Luther King Day” and, it remains one of the most powerful documents I’ve ever read.  He was truly a brilliant great American.  He brought us a long way, but Trump is constantly reminding us all, we’ve got a long way to go.  I hope, if you’ve made it this far, you’ll read his letter.  However, I thought I’d put his final remark here: Let us all hope that the dark clouds of racial prejudice will soon pass away and the deep fog of misunderstanding will be lifted from our fear drenched communities, and in some not too distant tomorrow the radiant stars of love and brotherhood will shine over our great nation with all their scintillating beauty. 

Somehow, I can envision a march, similar to the “women’s march” with White and Black Americans marching as brothers and sisters in opposition to the words of Donald Trump and the white nationalist movement he represents, and, instead in support of the ideals of love and peace taught by Jesus Christ and preached by Martin Luther King.

I really didn’t want to write another post today, but I haven’t been able to stop thinking of all my dear friends from “s*%thole” countries and what they must be thinking today.  Repeatedly, on this site, I’ve lamented the “damage” Trump might do before he’s finally removed from office – either this year by the republicans, or next year after the mid-term elections.  He’s making it more likely every day that democrats will have lots to “talk about” prior to the election.  I have to believe those who are offended, embarrassed. discouraged, angered, and I could go on – regarding the man who occupies the “White House,” far outnumber Trump’s “base” which the “White House” claims would be “energized” by Trump’s recent “s*%thole” remarks which have “reverberated” around the globe.

A little personal history:  I grew up in a totally white neighborhood in a city that was almost totally white back in the 1950’s and 1960’s.  I didn’t understand it when I was young, but my father was an overt racist.  I don’t remember how many times I heard the “N” word growing up because I didn’t really attach any meaning to it.  I wasn’t a great basketball player but I was good enough to play a couple years at our local community college.  The most significant thing I remember is my first encounter with a Black person.  In a word, I was scared.  I had been taught to be scared – and, I didn’t realize that until I experienced it.  Soon, I discovered one of my best friends on the team was an African American.  To this day – and, I have no idea where he went after that season – one of the nicest, most gracious, wonderful people I’ve met in my life.  (He was much more talented than myself, but he befriended me and helped me improve my “game” so that the next year, after he was gone, I experienced considerably more success)

I discovered I’d been raised to be a racist and within a couple years I finally “disowned” my father because I told him I couldn’t bear to listen to his racist rhetoric anymore.  (I’m sure I put it in different terms)  Over the years, many of my best friends have been African Americans – some incredibly talented and honorable people.  Also, people who’ve had to endure much of what was inferred in Trump’s despicable “shithole” comments the other day.  I have to say, for those of them who are still with us – I’m absolutely positive NONE of them were surprised by the words coming from Trump’s mouth.   I was not surprised.  NO ONE should have been surprised!  Trump’s said these words in other forms OVER and OVER again for as long as I’ve known he existed.

Was anyone paying attention to the so-called “birther” movement?  That was Trump’s entrance onto the political stage in America and drew the rousing support of that part of America that continues to believe this is a “white” nation.  Despite the FACT America is the “melting pot” of the world – “we the people” have come from virtually EVERYWHERE – Trump’s referring to the predominantly nations of “color” as “s*%thole” countries just made Trump’s reality a little more out in the open for those who haven’t been paying attention.  For eight years I waited and waited for democrats to come to President Obama’s defense in a more OUTWARD manner.  It couldn’t be Obama doing it – he would simply have been accused of “playing the race card.”  Democrats were way too silent.  So, in reality, Trump “got away with it” as he showed he was a total racist.  It was no secret!

Clearly, the “tea party” was right there with Trump.  I have good friends who aligned with the “tea party” and seemed to find it difficult to realize they were associating themselves with racists – and, I’m sure, they do to this day.  Republicans are likely to complain about the “blow-back” Trump is getting since he took office – but there’s a difference between resistance based on the FACT Trump may have colluded with Russia to get elected, the FACT he’s a racist, the FACT he’s admitted to being a sexual predator (and there’s something like 20 women who verify what he admitted to – plus, a number of beauty pageant contestants who verify his bragging about essentially “stalking” them while they were undressed in their dressing room), and the FACT he’s said OVER 2000 LIES in his first year in office.  Not to mention his embarrassing level of narcissism and his alarming lack of acuity in his public remarks.

President Obama faced an unprecedented resistance because, well, his father came from one of those “s*%thole” countries Trump was referring to.  Of course, Obama was our first president who was not “white.”  To this day, people who are republicans that may be “fleeing” the party due to Trump – at least the ones I listen to – continue to have an issue with giving Obama credit for anything.  If you remember, the republican mantra for Obama’s presidency was to make sure he “failed.”  Rush Limbaugh was clear:  “Our number one priority is that Obama would fail.”  I can’t stand to listen to Limbaugh, but over President Obama’s eight years in office, I heard many RACIST comments coming from Limbaugh’s mouth with virtually NO republican “blow-back.” (and too little coming from democrats)  Mitch McConnell clearly said: our number one priority is to make Obama a one term president.”  (well, obviously, McConnell and the republicans failed at that – and, can you imagine how many Americans would love to have President Obama back?)  In essence, they openly were putting their contempt that America would elect a Black president ahead of what was good for the country.

There were republicans in the room when Trump made his “s*%thole” remarks – I say that in plural, because I believe he said it repeatedly – and, they seem to have some kind of memory loss – they can’t remember him saying it.  However, there was one democrat in the room, Dick Durbin of Illinois along with at least one staff member, and they apparently have better memories than the republicans in the room.  (Personally, I believe many republicans – and, apparently those in that room – speak [and think] in the same manner)  So, Trump’s “s*%thole” remarks are now reverberating all over the world.  The “damage” is mounting!  And, FAST!

We all know (at least those paying attention) that it will take republicans to remove this “s*%thead” from the “White House.”  If you’ve been curious as to why they’ve been drawing closer to Trump, why they seem to be attempting to smear Robert Mueller who’s investigating the “Russia thing,” and why they seem to be OK with the “shithole” comments?  Well, I believe there are a couple reasons – and it goes back to what those who are “resisting” are so concerned about.  The obvious first answer is, as I just said, the “s*%thole” remarks don’t bother them.  They likely say (or think) the same thing.  The second answer is the most scary and the one that tells me the “damage” will continue to mount until republicans are “kicked out” of Congress – or, at least kicked out in numbers where Trump (and Pense) can be impeached.

While “we the people” are worried about Trump’s mental state, I believe that is exactly why republicans are drawing along side Trump and attempting to undercut the Russia investigation.  Just as republicans were willing to put the needs of the American people aside as they attempted to BLOCK everything President Obama was proposing – ie, his failure was more important than OUR success – they are like a “kid in a candy store” with Trump.  Many have surmised that Trump agrees to anything said by “the last person he’s talked to.”  They’re now busy making sure they’re the “last person(s) he hears.”

In addition, if you want to manipulate Trump all you have to do is heap unending praise on him.  Well, that’s what I believe is behind all these republicans who are proclaiming Trump to be the “greatest president ever” – as Orrin Hatch did (soiling forever his own legacy).  What “we the people” don’t know is what’s going on “behind closed doors.”  Clearly Trump is obliterating virtually every thing Obama accomplished via the executive order.  I believe republicans have a new strategy for what used to be called “earmarks” – where sweetheart deals were embedded in legislation that congressional members could “run on back home.” I have to wonder, what executive orders are republicans getting him to sign in return for their blustering?  Will it be enough to save their jobs as they face angry voters?  And, are America’s voters going fall for this scam or will they overwhelmingly reject this racist president and his supporters?

It will be some time until “we the people” know what’s actually being done to us – but, what we do know is the environment, food safety, occupational safety, water safety, air safety, and the list is long and already at risk.  (unless you’re an oil company executive, a Wall Street banker, etc.)  It will be years until we know the full impact on “Main Street” of the “tax scam” which surely has loophole after loophole to funnel more tax dollars to the top “1%.”   For example, we KNOW the “tax scam” turned Bob Corker of Tennessee from a critic of Trump into a “BFF.” In the end we’ll all know what was done by our “s*%thead” president with the help of the republican party – now, the party of Trump.  And, hopefully, the American people will soundly reject all of them.  I believe there are “very fine” people all across America that understand and believe in what made this country great and I hope many of them choose to run for office in opposition to this group of republicans – no matter what “color” their state or what color their skin.

So, this “deplorable” man who is disparaging people of color around the world is – I want to say embarrassing, but that’s not the right word – and, angering doesn’t feel like the right word – PISSING OFF more people than any one person on the planet – that feels more like the right words.  That’s our so-called president.  Our so-called president who got 3 MILLION less votes than the first woman to run for the office.  Our so-called president who likely needed the Russians to intervene on his behalf to energize the racists in America and turn off voters who might have voted for Mrs. Clinton.  Our so-called president republicans are attempting to shield from what appears likely to be CRIMINAL charges, at a minimum of OBSTRUCTION of justice.  The list could go on.  I just hope the American people have better memories than the  republicans in the room with our “shithole” president!

Final thought:  The situation with my father ended well.  Earlier in my life I had a “season” where I was training race horses.  (like my basketball years, I wasn’t that great)  I befriended a group of elderly Black men who loved to bet on the horses.  My father loved to bet on the horses.  A few years after I “disowned” my father, I was driving along a country road and felt the overriding need to forgive him – which I did.  (and, by the way, that took a huge “weight” off my shoulders)  Soon after, my father got cancer and we reconnected and he started coming to the track with me.  To make a long story a bit shorter, he ended up hanging (with me) and these (really cool) old Black guys (who had amazing stories to tell – they’d lived very tough lives) that had become my good friends.  The experience changed my fathers heart in regard to his racist beliefs.  He had been raised just like myself – and, so many other Americans as a racist. I was by my fathers side the day he died.

I’d like to think Trump could change – but, it appears his beliefs are deeply embedded.  However, in this instance, I believe irreparable “DAMAGE” has been done –  The only possible “repair” will likely have to wait until the 2018 election!  (I, however – I’m sure naively – continue to have hope republicans will “come to their senses”)

Full Disclosure:  My brother-in-law has a higher moral clarity than, apparently, myself.  He shamed me into modifying certain parts of this post – parts that should be obvious.  I was uncomfortable with writing those words – the words of our so-called president – and, he convinced me “two wrongs don’t make a right.”  I should have known that as a retired 6th grade teacher.

Recently I’ve made several posts lamenting the FACT the republican party is aligning themselves with Trump in an apparent attempt to either BLOCK the investigation of Robert Mueller or convince the viewers of Fox “news,” and the listeners of the right wing propaganda talkers on the radio waves that Mueller’s findings will be biased.  It’s as if they’re working in Tandem with Trump and the “White House” to OBSTRUCT Mueller’s work.  One of the things that has set me off was last week when Chuck Grassley and Lindsey Graham essentially publicly showed themselves to be “turncoats” as they sent a letter to the Justice Department recommending a “criminal referral” on Christopher Steele – the former British Intelligence officer who did the investigation leading to the so-called “dossier.”  This was the person who brought his concerns he was witnessing a crime to the FBI prior to the 2016 election.  A lot of people were very angry with Grassley and Graham for this puzzling behavior.

Grassley is the head of the Senate Judiciary Committee and early last year he was very supportive of the Mueller investigation which, apparently, he’s now trying to undermine.  He, along with Graham, released the aforementioned letter without consulting with anyone else on the committee, obviously including the democrats.  Well, it was just yesterday where I was showing my concern on whether or not the democrats would be up to the challenge “we the people” are facing by the Trump scam.  Well, Diane Feinstein was not happy with Grassley and Graham.  So, Feinstein did something incredible – considering she’s in her 80’s and seems to be the epitome of a Senator who follows protocol.  She released the testimony (over 300 pages) of the owners of “Fusion GPS” before the Senate Judiciary Committee which Grassley was attempting to block.

Like most republicans, Grassley was wanting this “both ways.”  He wanted to smear Christopher Steele – who SHOULD be regarded as a national hero – and wanted to block the release of the transcripts which shows the public that Grassley and Graham were essentially, and I know this will surprise few republican “watchers,” LYING.  Steele reported his findings to the FBI due to his concerns with what he was finding in his investigation.  As Feinstein, herself, said, NOTHING in the so-called “dossier” has been proven inaccurate.  The “dossier” makes it clear to anyone willing to read it that we have a president who’s likely in office because of the Russian ATTACK on our voting process.

“We the people” NEED to know EXACTLY what happened because if our most fundamental process, the right to vote, is undermined, our nation will be ruined as we’ve always known it.  That’s exactly what Vladimir Putin wants to do.  The only way he can bring down America is through fomenting internal division.  Not only does our entire intelligence community KNOW what the Russians were doing, it’s LIKELY they are still doing it.  As I’ve pointed out here many times, there’s NO evidence the Trump administration is doing anything to block the Russians from intruding surreptitiously into America’s cyber networks.

Many of the warnings I’ve received over the years regarding the use of my own computer and of using the internet have to do with “trolls,” many supposedly coming from Russia, trying to “hack” into my own cyberspace.  Obviously, there were some democrats who were careless and opened files that allowed the Russians to STEAL email messages from the Democratic campaign committee and John Podesta. This THEFT led to much of what the Russians were “outed” for during the election campaign.  Obviously, the STOLEN files were released at strategic times to DEFLECT “we the people’s” attention from, for example, the Access Hollywood tape.  But, there was much more.

This is a serious problem and one EVERYONE – republican or democrat – should be on the highest level of concern.  Apparently, the republicans in Congress don’ t feel that way – it’s more important to them to shield Trump in case it’s PROVEN he has broken a law or LAWS.  But, more than the STOLEN files, the Russians were also attacking Hillary Clinton and propping up Trump through ACTUAL fake news via their use of vessels such as Facebook and Twitter.  Full disclosure – I don’t participate in any of the “Social media” outlets so all I know is what has been reported – but, let me put it this way, I personally don’t view Mark Zuckerberg as a “patriot.”  I don’t trust him to be consciously working to prevent his company’s product from being “weaponized” by the Russians.  And, keep this in mind, the Russians have taught Trump, Fox “news,” and the others the true “art” of “fake news.”

So, we’ve finally got a democrat who has stepped up and done “we the people” a great service.  Now, we can read for ourselves what’s in the testimony of the people who created the “dossier” and decide if it’s true or not.  Interestingly, Trump’s lawyer, today, was reported to have filed a lawsuit against “Buzzfeed” the publication that originally published the “dossier” AND “Fusion GPS” the firm that compiled it.  Keep in mind, this is “opposition research” that goes on all the time.  Apparently, Trump hasn’t learned from previous frivolous lawsuits he’s filed about the process of depositions.  I can’t imagine Trump will be able to avoid being deposed should this lawsuit proceed.  That SHOULD be interesting!

As I’ve said, it’s taken an 84 year old woman to step up to the “plate” for the democrats.  Hopefully, this is just the beginning.  While democrats have been honoring decorum in the Congress, republicans have been busy turning tradition on its ear as they appear to be participating in a cover up of Trump’s actions during the campaign and since.  I also believe they are concerned that Mueller’s “wide latitude” in the parameters of his assignment are leading him to some of Trump’s devious behavior prior to the election and they really don’t want that to become public.  Likely the same reason Trump has refused to release his tax returns.  I believe “we the people” are going to see a direct connection between Trump and, at the very minimum, Russian financial interests.  Here’s what’s on many people’s minds: Money laundering?

As this entire episode plays out, I have a feeling that an 84 year old woman has placed herself into an important place in American history.  And, when you observe Ms. Feinstein and listen to her, you get the impression she’s the last person in world wanting to put herself into such a significant place.  Apparently, she’s got a “long fuse” and Grassley and Graham managed to set her off.  I can only hope other democrats are watching.

I listened to the top democrat on the House Intelligence Committee Adam Schiff talk about how he was appreciative of what Ms Feinstein did, but how the “rules” on his Intelligence Committee are much more stringent keeping him from taking a similar action.  Here’s a word I’d like all democrats to think about – COURAGE!  As I’ve said, this is a WAR for the heart and soul of this nation.  Republicans are making up their own rules as they go.  Democrats should not stand idly by and simply complain.  I hope Feinstein’s actions are simply the FIRST step.  Regarding Mr. Schiff, the head of his committee is doing some TERRIBLE “stuff.”  There’s an old saying, “fight fire with fire.”  Democrats need to show the Millions of people who are resisting Trump they have the GUTS to lead the FIGHT.

I realize there’s more at stake in D.C. than just the “Russia thing” and democrats need to be strategic in their actions.  For example, there’s 9 MILLION children that are about to be without health insurance, some in life threatening conditions, who need democrats to figure out a way to FORCE republicans to fund the CHIP program.  Additionally, the DACA issue MUST be resolved by March or there’s 800,000 young Americans who are in danger of either being deported or heading back into the “shadows.”  In fact, there’s 11 MILLION “illegal aliens” in America that deserve a chance to earn citizenship.  These are important issues that can’t wait for the 2018 election.  In reality, Trump would be wise to work with democrats on these issues because HUGE majorities of Americans want them resolved favorably for the children/young people involved.

I was privileged to spend the last 23 years of my working life in a Middle School classroom in a high poverty school teaching sixth graders.  I know that many of my former students are likely part of the DACA program.  I also know that many of my students in my last years of teaching were dependent on the CHIP program for their health needs – and, for many of them being able to go to the doctor made the difference between success in school and likely failure.  So, my point is there’s more at stake right now than whether or not Trump has covered up any crimes – but, the reality is, kicking Russia out of our elections and protecting our allies from their intrusions as they attempt to undermine the Western “democracies” is of paramount importance.  I’ll say it again, there is a WAR for the heart and soul of America right now and republicans appear to be siding with the Russians!  We need more Diane Feinsteins in our Congress to lead the fight as we await the opportunity to “check” Trump’s agenda in the 2018 election.

Watching republicans soiling themselves at Camp David in their effusive praise of Trump is embarrassing – thinking about the FACT “the world is watching.”  Mitch McConnell who was severely belittled by Trump during the summer is now allowing himself to come across as a Trump lapdog.  Then there’s Paul Ryan who disassociated himself from Trump after the Access Hollywood tapes were made public, as if he had some kind of moral compass, showing he’s willing to do whatever he has to do to kiss up to Trump because he’ll (Trump) sign anything Congress can put on his desk.  These Congressional “leaders” are showing they’ve learned from the leaders of China and Saudi Arabia – heap praise on him and you get whatever you want!  It’s embarrassing and disgusting!

Trump, himself, after proclaiming himself a “stable genius” and after being asked if he’ll agree to an interview with Robert Mueller, said this investigation is “making America look foolish” – and, as long as I’m president America’s not going to look foolish.  (There’s so much I want to say right now) Well, as I just said, the republicans soiling themselves as they seek to put themselves in a position to manipulate Trump for their agenda are doing just what Trump said won’t happen while he’s president – America is looking – well, WORSE than foolish.  We’re looking STUPID!  And, people around the world have to be wondering about Trump’s “base” and how they can be so STUPID to not “see” the reality of Trump in the “White House.”

Apparently, republicans in Congress think Americans aren’t watching as they “circle the wagons” around a president 2 out of every 3 Americans believe is an incompetent pathological LIAR.  At some point the other third of Americans will come to understand what Trump is doing is EXACTLY the kind of stuff that pissed them off in the first place.  Trump’s “populism” is the populism of Wall Street.  Wall Street continues to flourish at the expense of “Main Street.”  The recent “tax scam,” over the next couple of years, will just exacerbate the inequality between the “haves” and the “have nots.”  At some point, even Trump’s “base” will “get it.”

I’ve recently been trying to stomach as much of the right wing propaganda “machine” as I can.  And, with no surprise, Fox “news” turns me off within seconds – the LYING is nauseating.  I’ve tried to listen to Rush Limbaugh again, but I can’t even make it as long as I do with Fox.  Every time I listen to him I have to wonder about his audience that willingly accepts the moniker of “ditto heads.”  Trump openly courted the “uneducated voters” who make up Limbaugh’s audience, saying he “loves them.”  Does anyone wonder why?  Then there are people like Michael Savage and Alex Jones that I’ve only seen snippets of – OMG, there’s a reason people refer to what’s happening in the republican party as “the right wing fringe.”  Right now, as I said, America’s not looking “foolish” in the words of Trump, she’s looking STUPID.

The only way for Americans to resurrect her image in the eyes of the world is to resoundingly REJECT Trump and those who are choosing to enable him.  I’ve said this many times, the 2018 elections can’t come soon enough for me.  I’ve not been a “fan” of the democratic party over the past few years, but “we the people” don’t have another reasonable alternative to the republicans, so I’m truly hoping the democrats come to their senses and recruit NUMEROUS young qualified PROGRESSIVE (liberal) candidates who will actually FIGHT for those on “Main Street” and BACK them!  This is a “WAR” for the heart and soul of this country and I’m not convinced democrats have the necessary FIGHT in them.  We’ll see!

Wall Street was FLUSH with capital before the recent tax scam that is going to funnel another nearly TRILLION and a half taxpayer dollars into the coffers of Goldman Sachs, Wells Fargo, Chase, Apple, Google, Facebook, and I could go on and on – as if they were all struggling.  At some point, as recent history SHOULD have taught us, the BUBBLE will burst – and, I’m feeling the next time it happens “we the people” will be in the most serious situation since the Great Depression. And, I for one, have ZERO confidence Trump (or the republicans) would have any idea how to get us out of a serious downturn in the economy.  In the meantime, many Americans will be fooled into thinking “all is well” due to the infusion of BORROWED money into the economy AND the numerous executive orders REPEALING regulations that keep “we the people” safe from predatory behavior on the part of greedy corporate interests.  Yes, the corporate interests LOVE Trump and his republican enablers.

The last time a “downturn” happened, Hank Paulsen, with the blessing of all the so-called “free market” people in the GW Bush administration BAILED out the people who caused the crisis “because they were so valuable” and then high tailed it out of Washington DC.  Of course, the republican party then, true to their post Gingrich history, started blaming President Obama for the bailout before he even took the oath of office.  They spent the next 8 years BLAMING Obama for the deficit – which was at $1.5 TRILLION  per year as Bush/Cheney left town.  Of course, Bush/Cheney had inherited a $250 BILLION per year SURPLUS when they took office.  It didn’t take them long to turn it into a HUGE deficit.  If you’re a “ditto head” I hope you see how this all works with republicans.

President Obama got the deficit down to around $400 BILLION per year by the time he left office, despite CONSTANT obstruction from the GOP, but republicans continued to blame him for the increased national debt with never a word as to where the problem came from in the first place.  It’s as if Bush/Cheney never existed.  And, of course, soon after taking office Trump was claiming credit for the booming economy he inherited from President Obama.  The question in my mind is “how long will it take for Trump to ruin what Obama left him?”  I’m hoping it won’t be as soon as what Bush/Cheney did to what they inherited, but – well, it’s a work in progress.  We’ve already seen a replay of Cheney’s famous quote: “Reagan proved deficits don’t matter.”  Job growth has already slowed compared to the Obama years.

Republicans complain about deficits only when there’s a democrat in the White House.  And, this isn’t just an “us” problem.  People around the world really are watching.  Foreign investment in America is still “going strong.”  Despite all our issues, I’ve heard several reports that foreign nations still consider America the safest place for their money.  So, I guess it’s fairly safe to say, the recent “tax scam” won’t be “giving the American people their money back” as Paul Ryan – now a Trump sycophant – famously said while grinning from ear to ear – but, the reality is the tax scam will be “giving Wall Street more Chinese money” that our children and grandchildren will be responsible to repay.  Do you think there’s a republican on the face of the earth that actually thinks in terms of repaying the national debt?

These republicans appear to me to be attempting to hitch themselves to whatever “wagon” is the most self aggrandizing at the time.  Right now, they’re just pathetically slobbering all over themselves as they heap phony praise on the so-called president.  Several of them appear to be helping to create a “firewall” between Trump and the impending probability that he’s likely a criminal.  I’m getting the feeling that Mueller is looking into Trump’s “past” and he’s finding stuff that you’d find in an organized crime family. People “in the know,” for example, say Vladimir Putin’s government is run like an organized crime operation and clearly Trump admires Putin and is trying to “make America like Russia.”  I’m just sayin……..

That likely doesn’t look “foolish” – again, using Trump’s words – to Russia, but to the rest of the world – speaking of our traditional allies, it probably looks downright dangerous and scary.  It appears Trump has little to no knowledge of American or world history and he shows no interest in furthering relationships with our traditional allies.  Much of the executive orders he’s signing can be “fixed” in the upcoming elections when “we the people” have the opportunity to put the ultimate “check” on Trump’s outlandish behavior.  However, the “damage” (as I often refer to it) being done with the British, the French, the Germans, and other European allies could be difficult to repair.  For them, 2020 is a long time from now and they could have “chartered” an entirely new “course” by then.  Americans need to act DECISIVELY in 2018.  I’ve said this many times:  “The world is watching.”

I’ll end this by saying the most absurd, to me, thing happening in the past week – and, it seems EVERY week, in America, is full of ABSURD “stuff” – but, this is “right up there” – it’s where the Senate Judiciary Committee finally made a “criminal referral” from their investigation into Russia’s ATTACK on America.  It was done by Chuck Grassley and Lindsey Graham – apparently in tandem – and, UNBELIEVABLY they are accusing Christopher Steele, the former British Intelligence “spy” – who informed the FBI about the Russians ATTACKING our election process with the participation of Trump’s campaign – of some kind of crime.  Talk about making America look “foolish.”  This one, to me, was the unbelievable in a year of unbelievable, ridiculous “stuff” coming from Trump and the republicans.

This is their strategy to protect Trump from whatever he’s trying to HIDE from the American people – with the help of the republican party.  Blame the messenger and deflect from the message.  I’ve seen this over and over again in America.  We encourage people to be “whistle-blowers” and then attack them for exposing an uncomfortable TRUTH.  In this case, obviously Grassley and Graham are “uncomfortable” with whatever Trump did and they’re trying to prevent “we the people” from knowing about it.  This is the same Committee in Congress which is BLOCKING the testimony of “Fusion GPS” – the company that hired Steele – from being publicly released.  What are Grassley and Graham trying to hide?  Are they working in concert with Trump?  (that would be really bad!)

I’ve said this many times on this site – I feel like Trump – I keep repeating myself, but in this instance it’s not subconsciously, if members of Congress are attempting to BLOCK the investigation into Trump and the “Russia thing” (as Trump referred to it in his STUPID interview with Lester Holt – where he essentially admitted to Obstruction of Justice in the firing of James Comey) they SHOULD be held accountable for OBSTRUCTION as well.  As both Grassley and Graham – when Mueller was first appointed – both said, this investigation SHOULD be allowed to proceed without interference until it reaches its natural conclusion. (or words to that affect)  Something strange has happened to them and many other republicans.  I don’t know if Trump has “stuff” over them (like Russia very likely has on Trump) but, the bottom line here is that Russia has interfered  (and IS interfering) in our most fundamental institution and, we need to stop them from doing so in the future, and hold accountable any American who treasonously worked with them in the 2016 election.

The “stuff” is never ending coming from Trump and the “Russia thing.”  Originally, virtually every American – republican, democrat, and independent – stood together in wanting to know what really happened during the 2016 election.  At the time this information was originally publicized, people wanted to know if Russia could have actually had a material affect on our election.  Over the course of the next twelve months many republicans have changed their “tune.”  It appears they are willing to destroy the FBI, the CIA, the Justice Department, and, in the process, the confidence of Americans in our traditional institutions to protect a man who is, in so many ways, destroying this nation.

I’ve talked about what I’ve referred to as the “damage” Trump might do before republicans in Congress come to their senses and IMPEACH him.  I believed, once they realized their own jobs were in jeopardy, they would “do the right thing.”  Evidently, those “puppet masters” (like Charles and David Koch) who are funding the republican party and are the beneficiaries of the recent tax scam, are the ones with all the power.  They like what Trump is providing for them and they’ll keep this attack on our fundamental institutions going as long as they can.  As Trump recently explained to the Koch’s and their allies, “you all just got a lot richer.”  Evidently, there’s never enough for these people.  (Each of the Koch’s are worth upwards of $50 BILLION – apparently, not enough)  I’m sure they’re telling republicans they have enough money to thwart the “wave of resistance” that’s coming in November.

Not only is Trump “Making America worse” he’s having an impact around the globe.  For example, by pulling out of the Paris Climate Accord and the TPP (Trans Pacific Partnership) he might as well have given China the “gift of gifts” on a “silver platter.”  China, for example, after Trump pulled the U.S. out of the Paris agreement – likely because it was the work of Barack Obama – one of the main targets of our so-called president – is taking the lead in the technology of alternative energy – like solar and wind power.  By the time “we the people” are able to correct the Trump (and republican) problem affecting our government, China will have, most likely, an insurmountable lead in this technology.  I guess that just means more stuff coming from China.  “We the people” can rest knowing we’ll be bathing in coal and oil thanks to the “genius” Trump.

Then there’s the TPP.  This was also negotiated by President Obama, with the idea of protecting America from China’s future domination of the economies of countries in South East Asia.  Well, Trump served up this part of the world to the Chinese – again, on a “silver platter.”  While Trump is “crowing” about how smart he is and what a great negotiator he is, the Chinese are “laughing all the way to the bank.”  Reports are the Chinese already have their own trade agreement in the works that will supersede the TPP and guarantee their dominance in this part of the world where a HUGE percentage of the world’s economy is going to be centered in the near future.  This is what can only be described as lasting “damage.”  Damage that very well may not be recoverable from in any form close to what President Obama was trying to insulate us from. Sad!

Leaders around the world have figured out how to “play” Trump – and, he will likely never understand what “hit him.”  While it reinforces his self image as a “genius,” unfortunately, “we the people” are going to be the real losers going forward.  While Trump is strutting around pointing out his “genius” they are laughing to themselves and finding new ways to turn America into a “paper tiger.”  Roll out the red carpet and tell Trump how wonderful he is and you’ll get whatever you want.  In the case of the Chinese, it may be years before we fully understand to what level they are benefiting from Trump’s narcissism.

I mentioned the issues with the TPP and the Paris Climate Agreement, but what about the recent tax scam where Trump successfully pilfered $1.5 TRILLION tax dollars from “we the people” funneling it to himself and the “puppet masters” mentioned above.  Well, where is that money coming from.  If you listen to Trump and his now buddy Paul Ryan they’ll say, “we’re giving the American people their money back.”  More than once, I’ve explained the fallacy of that claim – but, I’ll briefly do so again.  If it was “our” money, it wouldn’t need to be BORROWED.  However, the addition to the national debt will likely exceed the amount of the tax cut so, in effect it’s ALL borrowed money.  Do you really believe they’re borrowing it from “we the people?”  Most likely, at least in the short term it will come from the Chinese, the Saudi’s, some other adversary, or they’ll just have it printed.

The only way you could possibly say they’re giving us our money back would be because, ultimately, you’d think it has to be repaid and we’ll get it then.  Maybe the more accurate way to express the TRUTH about what they did is to say, “we’re taking a huge haul from your children and grandchildren and they can give you your money back if you live long enough.”  So, I guess you could say our children and grandchildren might be “giving us our money back.”  But, there’s another “hitch” to that as well.  “We the people” aren’t getting the money – well, by that I mean 83% of the money’s going to the “top 1%” which really isn’t “we the people.”  So, in TRUTH what they did is ROB $1.5 TRILLION from our children and grandchildren.  And, apparently, our “conservative” right wing Christians are willing to let them get away with this.

That gets me back to China.  Apparently, the United States economy is still considered the safest place for people around the world to invest their excess money.  Like in America’s treasury bonds.  (Well, unless you’re one of the “top 1%” who needed that tax cut in order to bring the TRILLIONS stashed in the Cayman Islands and other places where they can avoid paying taxes – that’s right, our “top 1%” essentially bribe our “leaders” into cutting their taxes so they’ll bring their profits home – “you can’t make this stuff up”)  There was a time in recent American history when people who espoused the present day republican philosophy of making sure the “rich get richer” would have been considered unpatriotic.  For me, that time is still now!

Let me go over this again.  Well, some of what I’m going to go over comes from my most recent posts.  While Trump is enabling the Chinese (and other nations around the world) he is also destroying the fundamental fabric of America.  The conspiracy to attack the FBI, CIA, Justice Department, and other traditional American institutions is threatening to turn the U.S. into third world status.  Now, I “get” it will take much more than what’s happened to this point – but, Trump is attacking his political opponents by directing the Justice Department to investigate them as a way to block the investigations into his own wrongdoing – classic authoritarian policy.  If he somehow succeeds, it could be the end of America as we know it.

I trust there will be enough people in the streets before “we the people” let him get away with it to make the “Women’s march” look tame.  But, keep in mind, the Justice Department is run by Jeff Sessions who has already soiled his reputation (what there was of it) as he’s allowed himself to become a “lapdog” of the president.  So, now “we the people” are depending on the “rank and file” of the FBI and the Justice Department to honor their oaths to the constitution – and, either refuse or resign when asked to carry out illegal activities.  Right now, it appears Sessions has relinquished to Trump’s demand to open an investigation into the so-called “Uranium 1” transaction that took place in 2010.

That entire transaction has been the part of partisan “investigations” already with the reality being it was an inconsequential transaction that had no connection to those Trump wants to attack.  But, his plan to do character assassination via innuendo through “Fox and Friends” will have the “ditto heads” who follow this stuff and actually believe it in an uproar.  Trump’s plan is to DEFLECT attention from whatever is coming from Mueller, which he apparently is aware.  I learned a long time ago – when someone CONTINUALLY proclaims their innocence – when nothing’s been alleged – well, they’re likely GUILTY.  I remain willing to allow Robert Mueller the “last word” on this, but the intensity of the “blow-back” coming from Trump and his minions suggests there’s something “there.” (here’s my guess, when “Uranium 1” proves another waste of taxpayer dollars “investigating” Mrs. Clinton, republicans will re-open Benghazi)

What’s the most discouraging about all this to me, is the silence coming from the republican party – or, worse yet, the republicans who’ve chosen to participate in the OBSTRUCTION of Mueller’s investigation coming from the “White House.”  I’ve mentioned this lately, I believe there’s members of Congress who could be opening themselves up to charges of OBSTRUCTION of justice in their poorly concealed attempts to undermine Mueller’s probe.  To me, if the president can’t OBSTRUCT justice, neither can the members of Congress.  Trump’s frantic attempts to find a way to “get away” with whatever it is he so fears is further dividing America.  There’s going to be a HUGE response to this investigation one way or the other.

Most Americans just want to know if Trump and his campaign were working in concert with the Russians during the campaign.  The more Trump attacks the “messenger” the more likely, it seems, the “message” will be unfavorable for him.  But, he’s making sure to “gin up” his “base” by attacking Mueller, calling anything coming from the media (with the exception of Fox “news”) “fake news” (and, remember, that term comes right out of the Russian “playbook”) so that his supporters will not believe any charges that might be brought against him.  He’s perfectly willing to see MILLIONS of Americans in the streets instead of trusting the American Justice system to be “fair and balanced” to steal a phrase from Fox.  This is unpatriotic and that will be Trump’s place in the history books – no matter how this all plays out.

Which gets me back to my main point.  Instead of “leading” America to a better place, Trump is taking this nation into, quite possibly, the darkest place it’s been since the removal of slavery regarding our nation’s “black marks.”  Yes, there’s been a lot of challenges over the years, a lot of fights among various groups for their rights – including people of color, women, and many others, but for an America president to purposely encourage DIVISION is, to me, unthinkable.  Until Trump, every American president in my lifetime – and, those I’ve read about – have always put the nation before themselves (my mind is causing me to pause as I think about Dick Cheney, but his was only thought to be “kind of” the president during the term of GW Bush) but, Trump is clearly all about Trump.  And, without a second thought, I believe he would ruin this country to save himself.  He’s relied on a slogan that was first espoused in the 1930’s (Make Germany Great Again) by Adolf Hitler, but, I believe, in reality you could claim that what Trump is really doing is “Making China Great Again.”  And, there’s not much “we the people” can do about it unless the republican party finds their moral compass – if any of those presently in power ever had one!  (I’m giving John McCain a “pass” – he must be deteriorating fast.  I can’t imagine him participating in what Trump is doing – “we the people” need some LOUD voices coming from the “right”)

I’m not sure who’s most disgusting, Trump, or the republicans who are leading the backlash to the “Russia thing” – apparently willing to allow the Russians to ATTACK this nation and, in various ways to “change the subject,” turn the focus of gullible Americans back to Hillary Clinton, the FBI, the Justice Department, and more.  What SHOULD be obvious is if there’s no “there, there” why all the attacks?  If Trump has nothing to hide, why is the right wing Congress attempting to turn America into a total autocracy?  Are republicans afraid of Robert Mueller because they understand he’s a reliable investigator?  Do they believe Trump is guilty of something and the only way to protect him is to undermine our FBI and Justice Department?

I can tell you the long term damage if republicans actually attempt to PURGE the Justice Department and fill it with cronies who will give loyalty oaths to Trump aint gonna work!  If you were around in the 60’s and remember those protests the response to any attempt to turn our Justice Department into a “Trump tower” will make the protests of the 60’s look tame.  The American public – minus those who watch Fox “news’ (AKA GOP TV) – are on the edge of their seats waiting to find out who was involved with the Russians that attacked – and, as I’ve said many time here – are likely still attacking – the fundamental premise of our republic.  Maybe having Russians influence the outcome of an election is OK with “Fox and Friends,” but it’s a HUGE red line for MOST of America.

As the investigation gets closer to Trump, who appears to be mentally unstable, republicans in Congress seem to be “circling the wagons.”  Are they failing to read the “tea leaves?”  If they want to have any chance of staying in power, they SHOULD be allowing the investigation to proceed and hoping it’s finished sooner rather than later.  If Trump is to be accused of criminal wrongdoing, republicans SHOULD be planning for whether his crimes amount to impeachable offenses and they SHOULD follow through accordingly.  This strategy of attacking the messenger to stop the message is faulty at its core – and, will require “we the people” get rid of any member of Congress that is OBSTRUCTING the Russian investigation.

If the president can’t OBSTRUCT an investigation, I have to assume members of Congress are not able to do so as well.  It was reported last night that the Senate Judiciary Committee sent a letter to the Justice Department recommending criminal charges against Christopher Steele, the well respected former British Intelligence officer who compile the so-called “dossier” and reported the Russian ATTACK on America to the FBI.  That report is going to tell people in Europe that the American justice system has “lost its mind.”  Of course, the net result of this action will make it so Mr. Steele will not come to America to testify about his findings.  Obviously, that appears to be the republicans on the Judiciary Committee’s intent.

Republicans are pulling out all the stops to protect Trump from the “Russia thing.”  Trump fired James Comey thinking that would protect him from the Russia thing.  He sent multiple persons to the Justice Department to prevent Jeff Sessions (unsuccessfully) from recusing himself from the “Russia thing” – expecting Sessions to protect him from the “Russia thing.”  Trump asked several members of Congress to block the investigations to protect him from the “Russia thing.”  Trump dictated a letter regarding Donald Jr.’s collusion with the Russians (along with Jared Kushner and Paul Manafort) in order to protect himself (and his son) from the “Russia thing.”  Trump has called out all the “troops” – Fox (and “friends”) plus others on the right wing media circus to attack Mueller’s and the FBI’s credibility to protect him from the “Russia thing.”

It should be obvious to anyone who can think at a sixth grade level, Trump is hiding something and it’s serious.  He’s willing to destroy the foundation of America to protect himself from the “Russia thing.”  For Trump, it’s all about Trump.  What’s really curious to me is why so many republicans can’t see this?  Are they so desperate for someone who’ll sign any piece of legislation they can put on his desk that they’re willing to destroy our nation?  Do they believe the Justice Department and the FBI should be filled with political loyalists?  If that’s the case, let me remind them that the 2018 elections are right around the corner.  Every time republicans pull another stunt designed to undermine Mueller the chances of democrats retaking control of the Congress goes up.  As the saying goes, “two can play this game.”

Rumor has it that Trump is planning to fire Jeff Sessions – the first republican to endorse him – so that he can appoint an Attorney General who “will defend him from the Russia thing.”  Just as Trump’s recent legal attacks on the book “Fire and Fury,” demanding the publisher not publish it, (as an aside: I’ve already ordered my copy – Barnes and Noble has them at 30% off) caused the publisher to move up the release date, I believe Trump’s (and the republicans) actions are pushing Mueller to take the next “step” sooner rather than later.  Do republicans think they can undo all the investigation that has taken place?  Do they realize what this will do to America if they succeed in thwarting Mueller and destroying public confidence in our Justice Department?

I’ve talked many times on this site about the “damage” Trump might do before he is ousted as our so-called president.  Well, what he’s conspiring to do with the help of republicans in Congress is like a plan to turn America into a third world nation.  I believe “we the people” understand the hypocrisy of the tax scam.  As Trump said to his rich friends: “you all just got a lot richer.”  I think most Americans who are paying attention (and, not watching Fox) realize whatever pittance they might get from this scam, the $1.5 TRILLION (probably double that if history is any guide) addition to the national debt is not worth it.  More and more people are starting to realize, in America, the Middle Class has been getting “jobbed” by the “top 1%” for years, and the Trump/Ryan tax scam is just one more example of their reverse Robin Hood tactics.  But, that is nothing compared to what republicans are attempting to do to our FBI and Justice Department!

It was reported yesterday that several members of the FBI and Justice department have been called before Congress for what appears to be extensive “grilling.”  These are dedicated servants to America, but someone – most likely Rob Rosenstein and Christopher Wray – have succumbed to the pressure coming from the likes of Devin Nunes, Lindsay Graham, and other republicans who are coming off to people like me as “turncoats.”  The republicans in Congress are still pushing for investigations into Hillary Clinton designed to take attention off the “Russia thing.”

America’s political dysfunction is leading us down a very dangerous path.  First and foremost, it’s as if the republicans are willing to pretend the Russian attack never happened.  I’m guessing, the Russians are still involved in the brainwashing tactics these republicans are using to keep their base of about 30% of America “in line.”  I don’t use Facebook, but from what I’ve heard and read, they’re likely still a mechanism allowing disinformation to spread to targeted areas of America.  Trump’s supporters believe it’s a political vendetta out to get him – but, they’re unwilling to allow the investigation to clear him.  Do you, as I, wonder why?  I think most people think the answer to that question is that Trump is guilty of something!

I’ve written about the direction of the republican party since I started venting my frustration about American politics 10 years ago.  I’ve argued, as a Christian, I don’t understand how people who believe in Jesus Christ can associate with today’s republican party.  I know, for most, it’s about abortion – but, to me that’s not a justification for every thing else that comes with these republicans.  Now, we’re talking about the very foundation of America, and for some reason republicans are circling around an admitted sexual predator, a pathological LIAR, a racist, a misogynist, a narcissist of unbelievable proportions, and someone who knows almost nothing about American history and presidential protocol.  Somehow, Trump’s claim to be reading “2” Corinthians hasn’t convinced me he’s got “Christian values.”

People who supported Trump believed he would “drain the swamp,” but he’s just filled the swamp with more Goldman Sachs refugees who are continuing to funnel more of America’s Middle Class tax dollars to themselves.  Yes, he picked a right wing judge for the Supreme Court but is that worth destroying our nation via undermining the Justice Department?  I’ve written that the good people of Central California need to fix the problem of Devin Nunes in the 2018 election, but in the meantime the rest of us need to be watching his every move.  I believe he’s the “leader of the pack” trying to undermine the “Russia thing.”  When this is all said and done, I hope Nunes has to face accountability for his actions.  And Grassley and Graham?   Something happened to these two guys.

When Mueller was appointed both Grassley and Graham were heaping their praises on him and his integrity.  Grassley, I remember when it was reported that Trump might fire Sessions as a way to get rid of the “Mueller thing” said any new appointment for Attorney General had to go through the Judicial Committee and there would be no hearings “that year.”  Graham said, “If Trump messes with Mueller all hell would break loose.”  Somehow Trump has managed to turn both of these formerly respectable republicans into his minions.  It’s both sad and disgusting.  I truly hope the people in their states are watching and don’t want Russians ATTACKING America surreptitiously via internet trolls.

If this attack on the FBI and Justice department ends up with more investigations of Hillary Clinton and succeeds in blocking Mueller’s investigation America will truly be at a crossroads.  Honestly, it’s hard for me to even imagine there’s enough turncoats in the republican party to turn the Russia investigation into an investigation of the FBI and another of Mrs. Clinton. How long will republicans be able to HIDE their illegal behavior behind investigations of Hillary Clinton?  To me, any republican in Congress who conspires to protect Trump from accountability regarding the Mueller investigation becomes part of the issue.  If Trump did commit TREASON by working with the Russians to win the election he should face the consequences.  Evidently, there’s republicans who believe that’s OK.  They should face the same consequences!

Final thought:  I believe Fox “news” should also face the consequences of conspiring with Trump to undermine an ongoing criminal investigation.  All these people, evidently, believe Trump will be accused of criminal activity.  Instead of allowing the “system” to run its course, they are attempting to manipulate the system.  I’m struggling as to why this is OK with anyone.  If Fox is spewing LIES why is that’s OK? (and, when I use the term “if” I’m giving them the benefit of the doubt – personally, I have no doubt, it’s why I can’t watch them for more than a few seconds – as I hear the LYING my stomach crawls and I have to click the remote)  My brother in law suggested this morning Trump is “Making China Great Again.”  He’s right on, I’m thinking that’s the thought behind my next post!

The “damage” I keep talking about with Trump is building fast.  There’s a lot going on behind the scenes that is “deconstructing the administrative state” as Steve Bannon put it, AND is “making America less great.”  Trump is busy repealing regulations that “make America safer” so that people like the Koch brothers can “make Americans poorer and dirtier.”  It really is disgusting, but much of this is being done “behind closed doors.”  From my standpoint, I’m feeling as if Trump is going to take us all over a steep cliff and there’s a MAJOR economic disaster in the offing among other impending DISASTERS.

Worse than that, to me, is the message Trump is sending around the globe as to America’s values and what our traditional allies can expect going forward.  He’s kissing up to people like Putin, Erdogan, Duterte, and other dictators around the world and pissing off the Brits, the French, the Germans, and other traditional allies.  The way I see it, “we the people” MUST take action in 2018 to SHOW the world this is NOT the real America.  We’ve got to vote republicans from office en masse, and end the Trump administration if the republicans don’t do so once Mueller’s investigation is complete.  It doesn’t take a brain surgeon (with apologies to Dr. Carson) to figure out Mike Flynn would not have gotten such a “sweet heart” deal had he not had information to implicate Trump.

Of course, as I’ve written in the past, “we the people” have to rely on republicans to “do the right thing” in regard to Mueller’s findings, and there’s too many republicans, for my liking, acting as if the problem is Mueller and not the FACT we were ATTACKED by the Russians and they are likely STILL here helping Trump.  “We the people” have an obligation to prove to the world that we can govern ourselves and we won’t stand for anyone being “above the law” – which, apparently, is where some republicans want to put Trump.  His own actions continue to suggest his level of GUILT is going to go way beyond the “Russia thing.”

America used to act to at least protest against nations who’s leaders would act against their political opponents by throwing them in jail, and now we have a (so-called) president who’s attempting to BULLY “his” Justice Department into doing just that.  Trump started the new year with a “tweet” suggesting not just (the ordinary) Hillary Clinton should be jailed, but a list of others including James Comey.  This is really getting out of control.  Trump apparently spends his time reading posts on the most disgusting right wing web sites that are the home of the white nationalists and he gloms onto their conspiracy theories willingly.  Whether he actually believes them, or not, they at least foster ideas in his head on how to fight back against the so-called “deep state.”

I’ve talked about projection a lot on this site – but, the “deep state” references made by Trump and his right wing supporters, to me, is a way to block anyone from understanding how there’s a bunch of rich people in America calling the “shots” for the republican party – the “donors” who were the beneficiaries of the recent tax scam.  If there’s a deep state, that’s where it lies.  People like Charles and David Koch – who are willing to spend as much as needed to reduce our government to a level where they can pollute or anything else they may desire without the government “watching.”  They’ve long since bought the republican party – and, they are calling the “shots” from behind the “curtain” (picture the wizard of Oz)  To me, that’s the “deep state.”

It was reported over the Christmas break that David Koch held a gathering of rich Trump supporters in Flagler, Florida – close to Trumps Mar a Lago – where Trump BRAGGED to those attending, regarding the tax scam:  “You all just got a lot richer.”  This coming from the mouth of the “rust belt’s” so-called “populist” president who was going to “drain the swamp.”  The next year will determine just how STUPID those people are.  Will they recognize the scam they’ve bought into.  Trump’s betting that $50 a month will be enough for his “base” to continue with the “love.”  The truth is, “We the people” just watched Trump and the republicans pour $1.5 TRILLION of our tax dollars into the swamp. (and, added it to our national debt) The world is watching!

The last thing these people (meaning Trump and those in the Koch “world”)  want, for example, is a Justice Department that would hold them accountable for breaking any laws.  Apparently, this explains why Trump is on the attack against the FBI, CIA, the Justice Department, and Robert Mueller.  The American people MUST make it clear this investigation must be completed AND those who conspired against our nation AND/or broke the law should be held accountable.  Trust me, if Trump is working with the Russians and we let him get away with it, we’ll all bemoan the day that happened.  (Recently, Trump claimed he has the right to  COMPLETE control of the Justice Department. – Just like Putin in Russia)

People like Devin Nunes in the House need to face accountability in the 2018 election. Nunes appear to me to be a traitor.   I believe there’s two people running against Nunes and they both seem to be viable alternatives.  Hopefully, the people in Central California are watching his embarrassing actions in D.C.  These actions are likely why he refuses to hold Town halls in his district. Nunes support of Trump and REFUSAL to lead a reputable investigation into the Russian ATTACK on our nation during the election is DEPLORABLE.  He SHOULD be removed from office by his constituents – although, his own republicans could remove him from his position in the Intelligence Committee if they, themselves, were concerned about this Russian ATTACK.  This attack is no secret.  Why are republicans acting as if it never happened?

In my mind, democrats SHOULD be attempting to get viable candidates in EVERY district across this nation.  There are good Americans in every district that are not happy with what’s going on in Washington DC.  Exposing the connection republicans have with the Russians should just be part of their message.  People want health care, they want a balanced budget, but they don’t want the budget balanced on the backs of working people.  They don’t want endless wars and the list could go on.  The election of Doug Jones in Alabama should have shown them there’s progressive minded people everywhere.  The other thing democrats need to do, as I’ve stated before, is welcome single issue abortion voters into their party.  Inform them of the “other” they’re voting for when they vote in republicans and then have the dialogue about abortion.

I’ve stated this many times here – prior to Roe v Wade I knew of several people who had abortions when I was in college back in the 60’s.  It will continue to happen after Roe v Wade is reversed if that happens.  It’s true Trump is packing the courts with right wing judges – this is damage that will last well beyond whatever term he has in office – and the abortion activists love this.  What they won’t love is the corporate tilted decisions coming from those courts for years to come.  Decisions that favor the wealthy over the working people.  Regarding abortion, my personal hope is that somehow we can reduce the “demand” for abortions.  It’s such a complex subject, it shouldn’t be looked at as a “black and white” issue in my mind.  Like other so-called “wedge issues” we’d all be better off if there was a dialogue between diverse opinions and we quit arguing with each other.  There will always be the “fringe,” but most of “we the people” are somewhere in the middle and we need to, this year, stand up and show the rest of the world we’re not putting up with Trump and the Russians are not welcome in our politics.

I’ve said for years it’s the present form of the republican party that needs to be voted into the history books.  People like the Koch brothers have pushed republicans so far to the right that they’ve gone over the “cliff.”  And, Trump and the “tea party” are the results.  They are ruining this nation and doing it while MOST Americans have no idea what’s going on.  I’m trusting that much of what Trump is doing stealthily with his executive orders can be easily “fixed” in 2020 if Americans vote a progressive as the next president – but, 2018 is the year that may be the most important election since FDR became president in 1932.  “We the people” MUST make it clear we want the Russians out of our country’s politics.  PERIOD, end of story!  (or as one republican I admire, Steve Schmidt would say, “full stop.”)

One thing the Trump’s so-called presidency has accomplished is to identify some republicans with high character and I put Steve Schmidt right at the top of the list.  MSNBC has had many republicans on their shows and I’ve been pleasantly surprised by some.  I’m sure, they think much differently than myself, but I would love to sit down and have a conversation with them.  Besides Schmidt, I’ve been impressed by David Jolly, a former representative from Florida, David Frum who worked for GW Bush, and others.  Joe Scarborough and Nicolle Wallace are either republicans or former republicans (thanks to Trump) and I enjoy listening to them, although, again, I’m sure I think differently.  My point is, there used to be a lot of people of high character in BOTH political parties and, in today’s “climate” the republican party appears devoid of people of character.  The “signing ceremony” after the tax scam was embarrassing.  I’ll say it again, the 2018 election can’t come soon enough for me – and, I hope the “resistance” continues to mount until then!  It’s a fight for the heart and soul of America.

The republicans, in concert with Vladimir Putin, are attempting to turn one American against another.  “We the people” need to be aware of this and start talking to each other.  We are a diverse country – the so-called “melting pot” – and, like anything else we’re stronger together than divided.  That doesn’t mean we agree on everything, it means we talk to each other and we come to solutions via compromise – a word republicans consider a “four letter word.”  Young Americans don’t remember the days when the U.S. Senate operated with “regular order” as in the words of John McCain.  It was a much better time – although, as I’ve said – there were, and there always will be, disagreements.  What we’ve evolved to, thanks to the republicans (led by Gingrich) in concert with the media outlets who’ve sold their souls to the “Big Lie Theory” is a corporatocracy (the foundation of fascism) and a so-called president who’s a pathological LIAR, an almost unbelievable NARCISSIST, and wants to turn America into autocratic dictatorship.

America’s election in 2018 will be the most watched election in many years, and it will be watched around the world.  If republicans succeed in turning off enough voters that the turnout is low – as historical mid terms would suggest – America could be in deep trouble.  People in the nation’s who’ve been our traditional allies will be on the edge of their seats waiting to see if “we the people” have “had enough” or if we’re willing to allow Trump to continue destroying our traditional values.  I’ve talked a lot here about the “damage” Trump is doing – well, we’ve GOT the POWER to stop it in November of 2018.  I believe “we the people” will speak loud and clear!

Final thought:  I believe Trump is in Mueller’s “headlights,” but, before he gets to Trump, I believe there’s a good chance Mike Pense will face accountability for “conspiring” to obstruct justice.  Pense has come across almost like a “puppy dog” following Trump around and being obedient to every command – including NUMEROUS LIES, intended to cover up what happened during the campaign AND in the “White House” since Trump’s inauguration.  Sadly, that puts Paul Ryan in line to “take over” if republicans impeach both Trump and Pense.  (I believe Pense can actually be charged with crimes)  Honestly, I can picture NONE of these as a competent president of the United States.  Yikes!  (If democrats retake the House, then it would be the Speaker who’d be “third in line.”  That might cause them to choose someone other than Nancy Pelosi.  Just a thought!