From the perspective of a retired teacher “we the people” elected republicans determined to destroy our public school system in 2000 when George W Bush was anointed president by a right wing Supreme court despite LOSING the “popular vote” by over half a MILLION votes.  Bush implemented the “No Child Left Behind” legislation that virtually ASSURED there would be many a child “left behind,” as “conservatives” upped their attacks on so-called “liberal” education.  The first day I read the bill (at least the parts I was able to read) as a sixth grade teacher in a high poverty school I realized there was NO WAY our school would not eventually become a “failing school.”  This despite the FACT our staff was FULL of dedicated teachers, administrators, support staff, etc. who were working hard to help EVERY student have the chance to better their lives via education.

Parents were encouraged (those who could afford to) to pull their students from schools like mine and put them in private or “charter” schools – thinning out the peer role models for students in generational poverty circumstances and, thus, making the challenge to the teachers and staff that much greater.  Since that day, there has been one “great idea” after another on how to “fix” our public schools and, based on my experience, most of those “great ideas” weren’t so great.  The challenge continued to rise, the number of peer role models continued to drop, and the test scores continued to drop.  (And, I have to say, I was NEVER a proponent of single day tests as a legitimate measurement of a student’s ability – especially a student living in generational poverty)  As the success on testing got worse the distance from methods that were successful prior to “No Child” got farther away.

Sadly, I didn’t feel the Obama administration did much to “fix” the situation.  For me, it seemed like “business as usual” during Obama’s two terms in the White House.  There seemed to be less of a focus on the testing results, but the overall “mission” seemed, at least to me, to be very close to what preceded President Obama’s election.  More “new ideas” to solve problems that arose due to the previous “new ideas.”  I remember saying to my principal, back when our school was labeled in the “Opportunity Zone” – giving us access to new curriculum which most of the teachers thought was far inferior to the previous curriculum – that we would never go back to what was actually working well once we accepted that people in university faculties knew better than classroom teachers how to improve education.  Progressively, I noticed, after “No Child” the pressure on administrators caused them to have less confidence in their teachers because their “necks” were always “on the line.”  (Making it much more difficult for new [young] teachers to get established.  Many are choosing other professions)

Then, along comes Donald Trump and he nominated Betsy DeVoss as Secretary of Education.  Now, it’s only been a little over 6 months since she took on that role, but (and, I’m guessing here) public education is likely to take an ever greater “hit” due to DeVoss’ previous commitment to school vouchers, charter schools (which, historically have not out “achieved” public schools with far less restrictions), and private schools.  One has to “read between the lines” to fully understand the agenda here – but, I’ll just say the end result is that students in poverty, students of “color,” and students with disabilities end up being the “target” of the agenda we’ve seen since the implementation of “No Child.”

To me, this is no surprise.  During the Bush/Cheney years we didn’t see any focus (at least I didn’t) from the government to reduce the problem of income inequality in America that began to expand during the Reagan years.  (and, yes, it expanded during Obama’s years as well)  But, now we have a president with a history of racism – both in words (ie “Birther movement) and actions (housing discrimination) who’s got the country on the edge of their seats wondering if he “did or didn’t” COLLUDE with the Russians during the 2016 election.  (The meeting with Russians and email chain of Donald Trump Jr. would suggest “he did”)  Trump has an Attorney General who’s operating as his surrogate and, despite unprecedented bashing in the press from his “boss,” an attorney general who’s actually busy implementing numerous racist like policies in the justice department – virtually all of them “under the radar” – apparently to further the “White Nationalist” agenda of the Breitbart wing of Trump’s advisers.

Trump’s Attorney General, Jeff Sessions, is pushing surreptitious policy that is aimed at low income people and persons of color.  Two areas of Sessions’ focus will be marijuana policies and immigration policy.  For example, he’s proposing a return to the draconian sentencing policies regarding the use of marijuana which has been “legalized” in several states (including my own) and ultimately ends up putting more low income people and people of color into ridiculous jail terms. (Sessions is also reimplenting private FOR PROFIT prisons which make money be KEEPING people in jail – not rehabilitating them)  The immigration policies and enforcement is leaving a “bad taste” in many people’s “mouths” as we ponder “are we heading toward being a police state?”  Not to mention that farmers in Southern California are already complaining they don’t have enough people to harvest their crops – with the possibility of great damage to our source of fresh food coming from American farmers.

In addition, Trump has Kris Kobach, the Secretary of State of Kansas (He’s the “king” of voter suppression, what does this say about Kansas?) attempting to put together a national data base of EVERYONE who’s a registered voter which would include ALL the information state governments have on their registered voters.  Like for example, Social Security numbers, who you voted for, how often you vote, where you live, etc. etc.  Is this really what we call “conservative” politics?

Honestly, my friends who support Trump (I can never understand why) can’t explain to me what “conservative” means.  Not one of them!  Every one of them watches Fox “news” and most listen to Rush Limbaugh.  I believe there will become a time when those at Fox and those who “carry the water” like Limbaugh will find themselves in the wrong part of the American History books.  (Of course, I’m assuming Americans come to their senses and vote Trump and his supporters out of office.)  Make no mistake, the BRAINWASHING done by Fox, Limbaugh, and the other right wing talkers – who seem to all operate via the same “puppet masters” – is a powerful force and will require a major “push-back” to overcome.  (and, also, all these “tactics” are designed to reduce those who would vote Trump and the others out of office from the voter rolls.  It’s a sophisticated plan and “we the people” are depending on the media to expose it)

The point I’m trying to get at is the apparent right wing agenda in America to create MORE “low information voters” through multiple strategies and to discourage (or block) those who might vote for democrats from actually voting  – the most offensive part of this to me is the attack on public education in an ultimately futile attempt to keep “whites” as the majority in America.  From that perspective, it appears to me those behind this agenda want fewer people who “think for themselves” and more who are susceptible to their BRAINWASHING.  When you look at the right wing agenda it really is puzzling how they (meaning republicans) are able to “get away” with what they’re actually doing.  (More on that later)  So, through attacking the education system, the justice system, and the voting system Trump and the republicans are trying to find a way to save their “permanent republican ‘majority.'”  And, make no mistake, “white privilege” is a large part of their motivation.

The BRAZEN republican agenda is incredibly unpopular, but they keep pushing it and in such an arrogant way which shows they believe their “base” will continue voting them into office no matter what.  For example, the recent republican attempt to “repeal and replace” the Affordable Care Act (aka “Obamacare”) was actually another “tax cut for the rich” – seemingly, the one part of republican politics which never changes – and it had an approval rating of something in the neighborhood of 12 – 17% from polls I saw.  This meant nothing to them.  They could see a way to cut taxes for the major contributors and that always makes their eyes light up.  There seems to be no concern that of the 20 – 30 MILLION Americans who’d lose health insurance many might be part of their “base.”  This is instead of making the changes to the Affordable Care Act to make it more accessible and more effective.  Remember, The philosophy behind the Affordable Care Act came from the Heritage Institute (“conservative”) and was similar to the plan implemented in Massachusetts by Mitt Romney when he was governor there.

Republicans didn’t “hate” the idea of the Affordable Care Act until the name “Obama” was placed on it.  If your head’s been under a rock, let me explain.  President Obama is “Black” and that’s a non-starter with our republican party.  And, let me be clear on that one.  There are a few “Black” Americans in notable positions in the republican party, but, from what I can tell, it’s mostly for “show.”  Take Michael Steele for example.  During the first years of President Obama (2009 – 2011) Steele was the chairman of the Republican National Committee.  Soon after he was elected to this post he got into a little “tuft” with Rush Limbaugh, who then attacked him causing him to apologize to Limbaugh. This is how republicans have operated since the days of Reagan – if you’re a republican, you live in fear of Rush Limbaugh.  And, it didn’t take Limbaugh long to point out his “ire” that republicans would choose a “Black” person to lead their party.  To me, unbelievable!

Personally, I like Steele.  From what I’ve seen I would disagree with many of his “positions,” but I’m confident he’s the type of “conservative” that “liberals” could communicate with in a way that solves problems.  However, it’s clear his election to chair the RNC was the republican “counterweight” to the election of Barack Obama as president.  Apparently, Steele’s biggest failure in the eyes of his fellow republicans was his willingness to accept that President Obama might SUCCEED – which, to people like Limbaugh, was a non-starter.  (His greatest failure, to me, was his part in the success of the “Tea Party” which emerged during his tenure)  I continue to struggle with how someone as brilliant as Steele could end up in the republican party.  I’m guessing the “blame” is as much on democrats as with the republicans.  It appears to me democrats have the same kind of “barriers” to their party as republicans – just from different directions.  For example, Steele is likely someone who’s opposed to abortion.  To me, the idea that democrats push anyone with that belief away is STUPID!  This is how we’ve ended up with a republican party which initiates arguments on the wedge issues while surreptitiously ripping us all off while we’re not looking.  They do this because “it works.”

So, while we’re all thinking Trump is mentally ill (he may well be) and we’re focused on Russia or now it’s North Korea (now, instead of did he or didn’t he it’s “will he or won’t he”) there’s a very calculated “plan” being implemented right before our unsuspecting eyes that, very likely, will be “in place” before we know what “hit us.”  From my vantage point it’s a very strategic plan to make sure “white privilege” continues to “rule the day.”  The part our schools is playing in this, to me, is very discouraging.  I’ve said this since the first year I started teaching – it was my fifth profession while most I worked with had spent their entire lives in one school or another – schools, by their nature, are not able to fight back against the politics.  The teacher’s unions, to a certain degree, are able to do battle on the state level – but, the result of “No Child” and what has followed it always, at least to me, has created a response from public schools which seems reactionary.  The public schools and the dedicated people working in them are focused on helping students in progressively more challenging circumstances.  They’re no match for (most don’t even think of) national politics.  The public school agenda is being manipulated (and undermined) from “afar.”

By putting people like DeVoss in charge of government institutions – people committed to destroying the institution they’re in charge of – part of the plan to “deconstruct the administrative state” – Trump and his surrogates (like Steve Bannon, for example) are busy “Making America White again.”  That’s what their campaign slogan really intended to say.  Despite all the criticism from his boss (Trump really is worried about the “Russia thing” – that’s the one thing which could put a “monkey wrench” into their plans) about recusal, Sessions, like DeVoss, is doing without much notice EXACTLY what Trump and the others want him to do.  I’m still not sure what the end game for these people is but none of the options are acceptable to me.

Trump has shown himself to be a Vladimir Putin wannabee and Bannon has supposedly claimed, in the past, to be a “Leninist” – and, that’s NOT John Lennon – so authoritarian tendencies in their policies being advanced should be no  surprise to anyone paying attention.  (it will be to the “low information voters” if Trump et al succeed – my friends who voted for Trump still haven’t accepted the reality Trump is a pathological LIAR – and, they can’t bring themselves to believe Trump’s “promises” are hollow)  As a retired teacher I understand how the education system can be used to promote certain agendas – and, I understand the “argument goes both ways” – meaning “conservatives” think public education is “liberal” – but, the duty of our education system SHOULD be to create creative thinkers.  To teach our children HOW to think and NOT WHAT to think.  I don’t believe that’s part of DeVoss’ (or Trump’s) agenda.

As I watch what is going on behind the “headlines” during Trump’s first year in office I’m feeling even more-so the importance that republicans come to their senses and remove him from office.  Honestly, I don’t have a lot more confidence in Mike Pense – and, I actually believe that if Pense becomes president the republicans have a greater chance to get their “agenda” through congress – but, Trump is DANGEROUS, he’s a bully, he’s a classic narcissist, he’s a pathological LIAR, and he’s ruining America’s standing around the world in the countries that are actually important to us.  People are praying he doesn’t resort to the traditional republican strategy of starting a war when the poll numbers are down – but, that’s a thought for another day.  In the meantime, watch what Trump’s doing (behind the scenes) instead of what he’s “tweeting.”  He is the master at manipulating the media.

OMG!  Where to start???  While many in the media and many “leaders” in Washington DC are, rightfully so, focused on the so-called (by Trump himself) “Russia thing” I continue to worry about the stealth damage Trump is doing to our nation that will be difficult to “fix.”  I’m presently re-reading “The Return of the Imperial Presidency and the Subversion of American Democracy” by Charlie Savage to refresh my thinking regarding the power play pushed through a willing Congress by Bush/Cheney during their disastrous administration so that I’m better able to see what Trump and his minions are up to regarding their attempt to turn America into a dictatorship/oligarchy type of government.  The sad reality is that Congress conceded many of their own “rights” to the Bush/Cheney administration in the disguise of “national security” – that “catch all” phrase which would suggest Bin Laden was successful for more than the obvious on 9/11.

Sadly, I believe many around the world understand our government better than a significant portion of those who participate at the ballot box.  “Terrorism,” by it’s very “title,” is a strategy based on FEAR.  And, America’s leaders, I’m sure this was understood ahead of time by Bin Laden and others of his ilk, were primed to get “sucked in” after the attacks on the World Trade Center in 2001.  Fear has been the mantra of our political dialogue pretty much ever since.  We are crumbling from the inside out as our “leaders” stoke the “fear card” to the point where it’s become second nature.  I believe many of us – meaning “we the people,” have just accepted this ENDLESS “war on terror” as something we have to just live with – accepting the premise given us by those in Washington DC – and, never, apparently, trying to understand what is really happening and, more importantly, WHY it’s happening.

The end result of all this is “we the people” giving up more and more of our “liberty” that republicans, especially, used to be the main protectors of – at least rhetorically.  Bush/Cheney pushed through legislation that essentially enabled their TORTURING, their MULTIPLE violations of the FISA law as they routinely EAVESDROPPED on American citizens, the deregulation of our most basic institutions – including financial institutions leading to the “Great Recession,”  and the Patriot Act giving the president virtually unlimited powers in regard to the use of our military.  I’m sure the republican Congress which went along with all the power grabs couldn’t envision Donald Trump as some day sitting in the White House – but, that’s the reality we now find ourselves in.  At the time I remember saying, “Privileges/rights are much easier to lose than to get back.”  Now, we have Trump in the White House and some of the surreptitious things he’s “up to” are, to me, even more alarming.

Trump is ostensibly a buffoon in regard to his ability to “govern,” but, he’s got that Putin-like instinct of “my way or the highway” as he struggles with a media as a check on his power, a court system that actually, to a degree, follows the constitution (although, one of Bush/Cheney’s major accomplishments – from their perspective – was “stacking” the courts with right wing political appointments along with the Justice Department), and a Congress that, at least, seems to be aware they’ve abdicated their responsibility in the face of “terrorism” giving unfettered power to the “Oval Office.”  The idea of Trump as the “unitary executive” is sobering to say the least.

Trump has been “going after” the media since the day he was inaugurated.  If you remember Sean Spicer’s initial LIES on the day of the inauguration – regarding the size of the audience – you have to believe Trump was “locked and loaded” regarding his impending attacks on the press from day one.  Of course, at that time, he knew the TRUTH about the “Russia thing” so there was “method to his madness,” as he began portraying our media as “fake news.”  He’s also been attacking the intelligence community – really from before the inauguration – to the point where he’s undermining what should be one of his strongest assets (of course, they know what you and I don’t  – but, Trump does).  And, he’s been busy attempting to purge voters from the voting rolls since day one – which includes, what to me, is the almost unbelievable request for personal information on EVERY voter in the U.S. in history – via, the “king of voter suppression” Kris Kobach, the Secretary of State (and future governor???) of Kansas who’s proving the people of Kansas qualify as “low information voters.”  That, of course, makes it “Trump country.”

If you want to be afraid, well, what Trump is up to behind the scenes should get your attention.  When you put all his antics together, you can see someone who admires Vladimir Putin for a reason.  I’m sure Trump is envious that Putin doesn’t have to deal with a media that actually checks his power – or a legislature that doesn’t bow down to him – or voters who actually expect their leaders to say stuff that at least resembles the truth.  I’ve, on many occasions, pointed out the similarities I see in Trump and a certain leader in Germany during the 30’s – which would include policy based on the “big lie theory” – but, I’m coming to the conclusion that Trump’s LYING is pathological in most instances.  Certainly, some of it is “planned” – such as the statement Trump dictated for Don Jr. regarding his COLLUSION with the Russians (along with Paul Manafort and Jared Kushner) but, for the most part, I believe Trump is delusional and the LIES are of the pathological nature – where he actually believes he’s not LYING when he CLEARLY is!  He may actually believe his crowd was large or that he’s actually popular – I know that’s hard to believe, but he keeps saying it – so, the choice is brazen or pathological – I don’t see any other explanation.

Of course, that all is what makes him so dangerous.  I don’t believe Trump will ever resign as Nixon did back in the 70’s – but, I believe his “transgressions” – once they’re all made public, will make Nixon look like an amateur.  It’s well known that the Russian government operates in a parallel fashion to organized crime.  Trump, who’s had his “fingers” in all sorts of places I believe they shouldn’t have been is going to be exposed because of the “Russia thing” – the investigation – is bound to find itself in the middle of some of Trump’s previous “schemes” he’s been able to keep “under the radar.”  His own sons pointed out that he has relied on MONEY coming from Russia – because, after being “stiffed” enough times, American banks would not “touch” him.  The evidence of money laundering is significant even though “we the people” have only seen “the tip of the iceberg.”  I point this out because I believe Trump doesn’t believe he’s vulnerable to our system of laws – especially now that he’s president (he’s already publicly explored his power to pardon – even to pardon himself – what does that suggest?) and, I believe he’ll be lashing out at his critics, his opponents, and anyone who would attempt to stop him – including the republican Congress – to the last day he’s in office.

From what I’ve seen lately, Trump is “ginning up” his most ardent followers to believe he’s the victim of some sort of “witch hunt” as he calls it.  Unfortunately, the state of things in America right now seems almost like an “us against them” – and,  your personal political philosophy would determine whether your an “us” or a “them.”  It really is a sad state of affairs.  I know people who are Trump supporters and they get angry at the thought that the “fake news” might not be “fake.”  The “big lie theory” (which was the work of propagandist Joseph Goebbels in 1930’s Germany) is designed to BRAINWASH people into believing information to be true that is categorically FALSE.  It worked back then and the republican party (and Trump) are counting on it working now.  The reality is that the republicans have been practicing this since the days of Reagan and it’s been working for them.  Hopefully, there will be more and more members of the “liberal media” who will point this out to educate America’s “conservative” voters what they’ve been getting “fed” for the last 35+ years.

So, again, if you choose to live in fear, I would suggest you start by considering what America would be like if Trump succeeds in turning us into a Russian satellite.  Think about what it would be like if his “voter integrity” project succeeds and you lose your right to vote.  Think about what it would be like if Fox “news,” Breitbart, Rush Limbaugh, and the like was the only acceptable form of information (we’d all be “ditto heads” as Limbaugh’s followers call themselves – I shake my head as I write that).  Think about Trump having the ability to name ANY American an “enemy combatant” to be imprisoned without charges and without a right to a trial as was the scheme of Bush/Cheney in their blatant overreach using the “FEAR card” following 9/11.  Think about a Justice Department, and FBI, and an intelligence community that answers directly to Trump.  I could go on, but I hope you get my point.

This man is dangerous and the more the evidence points toward him the more dangerous he will get.  As I said above, I don’t see Trump resigning when it comes to impeachment time.  We’re going to find out how much our Congress is ruled by FEAR.  After 9/11 they willingly gave up their own rights and those of “we the people”  The “resistance” has been strong and needs to be even stronger to get the attention of members of Congress.  I pointed out early in Trump’s term that the only thing which would turn the republican congress against him would be FEAR for their jobs.  “We the people” need to make it clear to our representatives, no matter their party affiliation, that Trump and his LYING is unacceptable.  Unfortunately, I feel if we have to wait until November of 2018 to act, the damage could be catastrophic.  (which means, like it or not, we’re depending on republicans to end this disaster)  At some point there’s going to be a true national emergency and I, for one, have ZERO confidence in Trump’s ability to make a rational decision.

I listened the other day to Donald Trump taking claim for the latest “jobs numbers” and the low unemployment numbers – yes, this is the same Donald Trump who blasted these numbers as being phony when President Obama was in office – but, now he’s (Trump) supposedly the reason why our economy is moving upward.  However, if you actually look at the statistics the economy is moving – and has been moving – in almost a straight line up since the Obama administration – with the help of a democratic Congress (I believe there may have been a couple republicans voting with them, one being Susan Collins) passed a “stimulus bill” that was barely enough to pull the United States out of the “Great Recession” caused by the previous republican administration’s lenient regulatory policies toward financial institutions.  I believe, since then, the country’s GDP has averaged an increase of somewhere between 2 and 2.5% which Trump characterizes as anemic. (Of course, he hasn’t commented on the FACT the GDP is no better today than it was then)

Before I delve into the sheer hypocrisy of Trump’s most recent claims (hypocrisy could be a code word in defining Trump and his “administration”) I have to say I pointed out, at the beginning of Trump’s term (however long that may be – Mike Pense is already planning to be the president) that, as with all presidents, he’s operating the first year (at least, I believe, until September when the new “budget” – which they can’t seem to pass – takes effect) on the policies of the Obama administration.  You’re correct, I’m no expert economist, I’ve just read this from multiple sources and observed it many times over the course of my life.  The reality is that Trump will have to wait until 2018 to do his boasting – every “boast” he makes now is, in reality, a claim supporting the policies of Barack Obama and the democrats.

From a recent historical perspective – it took Bush/Cheney about six months to destroy the tax surpluses they inherited from Clinton/Gore – which were reducing the national debt by 250 BILLION dollars per year – and, by year two turning them into a near TRILLION dollar deficit (if you count the wars they were “putting on a credit card.”  It took President Obama several years to reduce the deficits he “inherited” by over 50% and it will be interesting, to say the least, what Trump does with what he inherited.  There are many “budget hawks” in the House – at least while a democrat is president, we’ll see as Trump proposes a budget if they still believe in “balancing the budget” while they’re proposing BILLIONS in tax cuts for the wealthy.

It’s true that via executive orders the president can have a minor impact on “the ship of state” but he can’t turn it in a different direction without legislative support.  So, in effect, Trump is now claiming credit for the same policies he lambasted President Obama over while running for office – and, of course, with the help of Fox “news,” Rush Limbaugh, and the other right wing “water carriers” he’ll get away with this as far as his “base” (the low information voters) is concerned.  Trump has ZERO major legislative accomplishments to this point so whatever he’s done has been “under the radar.”

Here’s some of what Trump has “accomplished”:  Coal companies can now dump their sludge in the rivers and streams around their coal mines AND there’s a reported 800 jobs created due to the support of Trump and his pulling the U.S. out of the Paris climate Accords (we now stand with Nicaragua and Syria as the only countries in the WORLD not part of that agreement).  I want to say that’s like taking one step forward and five steps backward, but, I’m having trouble saying anything to suggest support of the dying coal industry is a step forward – especially, allowing the dumping of the sludge into rivers and streams again. (those 800 jobs represent a fraction of 1% of the jobs created just in the last month) Additionally, Trump is surreptitiously rolling back financial regulations which benefit those in the swamp he’s supposed to be “draining.”

All the moves Trump is making “under the radar” will play out in the years to come.  As I’ve said, starting in 2018 he’ll be able to legitimately start taking claim for any rise in the economy or BLAME if it goes “south.”  Many, like myself, feel there’s another “bubble” in the making and, while it doesn’t take an expert to figure this out, at some point a “bubble” will “burst.”  I’m not sure about you, but I have NO sense of confidence that Trump will be able to figure out what to do in the case of another financial meltdown.  Trump has shown himself to be a pathological LIAR and he’s filled his cabinet and inner circle with people of the same “ilk” or people who are willing to LIE if ordered to do so.

It’s been reported many times that Trump watches the cable TV shows that are reporting on the investigation of the “Russia thing,” along with other aspects of the Trump administration to the point where he’s supposedly yelling at the TV while watching it.  Supposedly, Trump’s surrogates who are sent out to defend him on television are always “playing to an audience of one.”  Meaning, they’ve got to defend Trump’s LIES in order to keep their jobs.  I believe, for example, Sean Spicer – who recently resigned as press secretary – damaged his career by LYING repeatedly for Trump.  This stuff is on TV, it’s recorded, and you have to live with it if you’re willing to do it.  Sarah Huckabee Sanders is rapidly putting herself in the same spot.  I have to say, I can only hope this LYING about virtually EVERYTHING is not going to be an acceptable norm in America going forward.

As I wrote in a previous post I asked a friend of mine – who watches Fox “news,” especially Hannity – and says he’s a conservative (which he can’t define) and voted for Trump for “moral” reasons – if he still supports Trump for “moral” reasons.  (He had been programmed to actually HATE Hillary Clinton)  When he said “yes,” I asked him how he was processing all the LIES and his response was: “you’re not going to change my mind.”  (I told him I was only trying to understand his reasoning)  I guess one of my major frustrations is with Christians who continue to support Trump despite the CONSTANT LYING.

But, I digress.  Here’s some of the hypocrisy I mentioned above.  In the campaign Trump claimed he would never “touch” Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.  Well, that went out the “window” once his “health care” proposal – supposedly to repeal and replace “Obamacare” (ie The Affordable Care Act) became public knowledge.  Even when dealing with health care republicans can’t get out of the “tax cut for the wealthy” mode – “Trumpcare” would have cut almost a TRILLION dollars from Medicaid over the next 10 years – virtually cutting the legs from under the program (which insures more people than any other program in America) while giving tax cuts in the same amount to the wealthiest 2% of Americans.  Clearly, in the legislation both Social Security and Medicare were in the “cross-hairs” of republicans in Congress.  I don’t believe Trump even understands what is in the legislation republicans are (and will be) putting in front of him to sign.  Shortly after signing (and celebrating) the House version of “health care” he characterized it has being “MEAN.” Go Figure!

Trump claimed he would “drain the swamp.”  All you have to do is check out the “resume’s” of those he’s put in his cabinet and it becomes immediately apparent that he’s making the “swamp” DEEPER.  Most of them appear to have no idea how the government actually functions so they’re not getting much done – but, I fear, that may be the objective.  For example, Trump is threatening to withhold funds earmarked for the Affordable Care Act in order to cause it to “fail.”  I can only hope that won’t be an acceptable strategy of governing going forward.  Many department heads are held by people committed to destroying that department.

Here’s another tip:  when someone refers to someone else as being “crooked” take heed.  There’s an old saying, “The skunk smells his own hole first.”  I have to say, one of the greatest ironies (hypocrisy?), to me, is Trump using the term “Crooked Hillary” – which he’s still doing, by the way, in his attempt to deflect his “base” from learning the TRUTH about the “Russia thing” – and, the other stuff Robert Mueller will undoubtedly “uncover” in his investigation of the “Russia thing.”  Like everything else that comes out of Trump’s mouth, his claims about the Clintons are either exaggerations or just plain LIES, but his strategy is ALWAYS to DEFLECT whoever’s listening from his own transgressions.  The more Trump fights back on the investigation of the “Russia thing” the more I believe he’s got MAJOR problems when it concludes.

Trump claimed, almost EVERY day, during the campaign he was going to “build a wall” (between the U.S. and Mexico) and “MEXICO’S GOING TO PAY FOR IT.”  Of course, every American, except those who believe in Trump, knew that claim was preposterous from the git go.  Yet, he continued making the claim even after taking the oath of office.  Now, even Trump’s most ardent supporters know the truth about those claims due to the release of a phone transcript of Trump’s conversation with the president of Mexico – where Trump was PLEADING with his Mexican counterpart to at least publicly support the claim – even though Mexico  was NOT going to pay for ANY of the so-called “wall.”  So, if there’s a wall, “we the people” will pay for it whether we want it or not – remember Trump LOST the popular vote by around 3 MILLION votes – meaning MOST of us don’t want that wall! (and, if we voted again, I’m convinced he’d lose by a lot more than 3 MILLION)

All this suggests to me that when 2018 rolls around and Trump gets (has) to claim credit for the economy and the general direction of the “ship of state” he could be tempted to do even more LYING.  I actually hope things take a turn for the better.  For example, Trump’s incompetence could FORCE the Congress to find BIPARTISAN solutions to problems and return to what John McCain referred to as “regular order.”  I’m not one to hope our president “fails” as republicans not only hoped for under President Obama, but tried to facilitate – because if the president fails the country fails.  It’s just that if there’s any credit go give the economy at this point it’s mostly because of the leadership of President Obama.  Trump can legitimately start bragging about the economy in 2018.

Final thought:  I’ve mentioned Joseph Goebbels “Big Lie theory” many times on this site.  There’s no doubt in my mind that the republican party – in conjunction with the right wing media personnel – have been proponents of this theory for years.  The theory is based on the belief that if you tell a LIE over and over enough times, people will begin to believe it’s true.  This worked in Germany in the thirties and it’s worked for republicans since the days of Ronald Reagan.  I honestly don’t believe Trump is consciously even aware of this philosophy.  I believe his LYING is pathological.  I’m not sure which I find more disgusting – Trump as a pathological LIAR or people like Hannity, Limbaugh, and the others who do it as a “means to an end.”  Either way, it will work as long as “we the people” continue to “fall” for it in significant numbers.  I’ve yet to hear a media commentator even explain to their audience what the “Big Lie theory” is.  I discovered it in my reading and once aware of what’s going on it’s much easier to understand the inner workings of those who use it.  You’d think it would be the “conservatives” who’d be the most disgusted by all the LYING – but, instead, it appears they’re willing recipients of the LIES!

The “swamp” in Washington DC, as Trump proclaimed it during the campaign, is getting deeper.  Observing how this is all playing out is, at best, discouraging, at worst, alarming.  Many Americans were relieved the other day when the republican attempts to “repeal and replace” the Affordable Care Act went down in “flames,” due to republicans’ insistence on disguising their tax cut agenda as a health care plan.  Even republicans couldn’t get a unanimous vote on a bill that would reduce the insured in America by anything from 16 to 32 MILLION mostly lower socioeconomic class Americans.  The bill would have been especially cruel to women from what I could tell – but, of course, just like the members of the Senate, I was not able to read the bill so I’m basing my thoughts on commentary from those who had access to it (plus, the Congressional Budget Office which “scored” the bill)

Here’s the sad reality of that “hollow victory.”  Trump hates anything with President Obama’s name on it and he’ll do what he can to MAKE SURE that the Affordable Care Act implodes.  From what I understand, Trump can order the funds used to support the health exchanges to be withheld causing insurance companies to abandon the market place, thus causing “Obamacare’s” implosion.  The FACT doing so would essentially cause the loss of insurance for numbers of Americans in the neighborhood of the republican’s proposed legislation, apparently, is meaningless to Trump.  I’m sure what we’ll hear from his lips will be “I told you so” – and, he’ll be counting on “we the people” failing to understand why the markets are imploding and he’ll attempt to place the “BLAME” on democrats.  This will be another challenge to the intellectual capacity of the American public.

Honestly, I’m not a big fan of the democratic party in America – I’m not going to go into all the details why – but, let me just say that’s the other option to Trump and the republicans. Right now, aside from my concerns about them, they have basically  no power in Congress.   I keep hoping there will be republicans who will have the courage to “step up” and lead the fight against Trump, but apparently it will take a national disaster to get their attention.  The brazen disregard for our constitution and our laws, the issue with the obstruction of the “Russian thing,” and the demonstrated lack of knowledge about how our government functions – not to mention our history – has not been enough to get republicans’ attention.  Trump continues to “gin up” the “base” who voted for him, as shown through his reliance on campaign type appearances in “friendly country” – like West Virginia where his claims to be revitalizing the coal industry are a big hit.

What is really happening, from what I can find out, is that coal companies can now dump their sludge in local streams (overturning a regulation passed during President Obama’s term) and, with Trump’s blessing, there’s been something like 800 jobs created in the coal industry since he took office.  If you’re any good at math you know that’s a fraction of 1% of the jobs created this year.  And, worse than that, the coal being mined is apparently headed over seas to other countries who will turn it into steel.  Obviously, I’m no expert on the steel industry or the coal industry – other than to have observed what burning coal does to the environment.  If we don’t need to burn it, we shouldn’t be burning it.  And, there clearly are MUCH better options!

Last night I watched a segment on MSNBC by Richard Engel which showed how the Chinese are, in the words of an American executive working in Beijing, “killing” us – meaning the United States – in the advancement of clean energy technologies.  As a person who invested in solar panels on my own home (3 years ago) it’s apparent that MUCH energy can be produced via “clean energy.”  Clean energy is the FUTURE and Trump is encouraging people to live in the past.  My guess is that Trump, himself, has investments that would lead him to encourage more use of fossil fuels as opposed to the “clean energy” alternative.  India and China are working toward a future where there are NO gas powered vehicles on their highways in the next 10-15 years.  Under Trump’s leadership, the United States is falling farther and farther behind.

Of course, the real reason Trump is out “ginning up” the base is because he knows what we don’t about what Robert Mueller is bound to uncover in his investigation of the “Russia thing.”  In Trump’s West Virginia speech he, again, referred to the “Russia thing” as a HOAX.  He’s busy convincing these willing audiences – that apparently rely on Fox “news” for their information (or people like Rush Limbaugh) – that the “media” is “fake” and that there were “no Russians involved in his campaign.”  By now, we all know that Trump is a pathological LIAR, but that statement could have been a sly “truth.”  (I have no idea if there were any “Russians” as official parts of his campaign)

What we do KNOW is that Donald Trump Jr., Paul Manafort (at the time, Trump’s campaign manager), and Jared Kushner (Trump’s son in law – and, apparently his senior adviser) ALL met with a group of Russians representing the Kremlin with information about Hillary Clinton that would help Trump’s campaign for president.  No matter what they say – THAT IS COLLUSION – just attending  that meeting with the intent to gather what is being referred to as “dirt” on his opponent.  This is no longer deniable.  Soon after the details of that meeting were made public (and, of course, the “details” evolved as Trump Jr. was FORCED to tell more because the NY Times had the info – although he still continued LYING) the right wing water carriers – ie Fox “news,” etc. – began a public campaign proclaiming: “Collusion is not illegal” or something like what’s wrong with colluding?  Yikes!  (Apparently, Trump, himself, dictated the original LIE about what took place at that meeting)

So, members of Trump’s campaign are in serious legal jeopardy as are his son, Donald Jr. and his son in law Jared Kushner.  Just attending the June 9 meeting under the circumstances made apparent by the series of emails leading up to the meeting was a violation of American election laws.  As I’ve said before, “I’m not a lawyer” but, that meeting has “conspiracy” written all over it.  (not to mention the other “C” word – COLLUSION)  The sad reality here is that Trump’s most fervent supporters are somehow OK with this COLLUSION evidently because it’s Trump doing it.  Can you imagine what all these people would have been saying if Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama had colluded with the Russians (or any other country) to gain an advantage in an election???? (just to be clear, another word for “collusion” is TREASON)

As is the usual with Trump, he’s attempting to “deflect” the information aimed at him and his surrogates regarding Russia by making baseless claims about Hillary Clinton and her “ties” to Russia.  All you have to do is “google” his claims to find out they are not based in fact.  Actually, this situation is making the relationship with the United States and Russia more tenuous than it was prior to Trump – meaning, the Russians’ attempt to influence the election in Trump’s favor – while succeeding in helping to get him elected – has caused a larger rift in U.S./Russian relations.  There are many in America – including, thankfully, many in Congress – including republicans – who don’t like the idea of foreign countries invading our elections.  This is a larger problem than the “Russia thing” – which I’ll touch on in a bit – but the Russians essentially attempting to create a “puppet” for them is more than even most republicans can stomach.

Except for those who are ardently supporting Trump “no matter what.”  I have a Christian friend who actually believes Trump is “conservative” (he watches Hannity on Fox) and said he supports Trump for “moral” reasons.  When I bring up the “Access Hollywood” tapes all he can do is say something like, “but, what about Bill Clinton” – evidently assuming I support Clinton’s misbehavior while in the White House.  When I ask him about the LYING he just says, “you can’t change my mind.”  I point this out because Trump, Fox, Breitbart, and others on the “right” are preparing Trump supporters for what appears to be the inevitable reality there will be indictments of some in the Trump sphere (we already know about much LYING both verbally (to “we the people” and maybe the FBI?) and on security documents that clearly require an “oath” when you fill them out) which could include impeachable offenses by Trump himself.  (Many respected lawyers already believe Trump has committed “obstruction of justice” among a plethora of other issues)

Not only Trump, but many of his supporters who have roles on Fox “news” and other right wing outlets are almost encouraging the most ardent of his supporters to revolt if he’s impeached or indicted – or any of his family members are indicted. These people, who, in the past, have been preaching the “constitution” as they attack anything they consider “liberal” and have based many of their positions on “law and order” seem to be suffering from selective amnesia.  It appears that, in the case of Trump, there’s no expectation he would follow the law – or that his surrogates would follow the law.  The numerous LIES on the security clearance forms, for example, are being excused as “forgetfulness.”  Despite the clear directions that false statements are PERJURY.

What we’re seeing is that Donald Jr. appears to have inherited the LYING gene from his father and he’s on shaky legal ground regarding his meeting with Russians on June 9, 2016 (and, who knows about any other meetings – if they happened, they won’t come out until the “media” finds out about them).  Jared Kushner is probably on more “shaky ground” – because he filled out at least three Security clearance forms – which require an oath to the truth on the consequence of perjury for LYING – because he ONLY disclosed various meetings with Russians after the “media” found out about them.  Personally, I don’t find the “I forgot” excuse very convincing.  And, Kushner’s defense of his attendance in the June 9, 2016 meeting defied common sense – to me, it was like Swiss cheese – full of holes. (I’ve written about this in a previous post)

So, if we truly do live in a country that is bound by a constitution and the rule of law, there is soon to be what many are calling a “constitutional crisis.”  Will Congress uphold its solemn duty to defend the constitution – in this instance from a person who thinks like a dictator, is a pathological LIAR, has no idea how to do the job he’s been elected to do, who may have committed treason – but, regardless, is apparently attempting to block “we the people” from finding out the truth?  As I mentioned above, I’ve been waiting for a republican, or republicans to “step up” and do the right thing in regard to Trump and stop the DAMAGE he’s doing to this nation sooner rather than later.  Until the republicans decide to act, nothing will change – because they have the control on whether or not Trump is impeached.  I don’t believe Trump will resign – as Nixon did.  If he goes down, it will be in flames – and, he’ll be encouraging a revolt in the process.  (remember Cliven Bundy?  His followers are Trump’s “base”)

And, maybe in this regard there’s a “light at the end of the tunnel.”  Just the other day I listened to a senator from Arizona, Jeff Flake talk about how Trump is no conservative.  He just published a book with the same title as one of the first political books I ever read – “Conscience of a Conservative.”  Evidently, Flake is a “mentee” of Barry Goldwater, the author of the original book (which I still have – and, still disagree with much of).  I was totally encouraged by Flakes’ COURAGE to publicly express his frustration with Trump and his administration – enough that I will purchase and read his book.  Additionally, republicans created a situation that prevents Trump from making a “recess appointment” – should he still be trying to replace Jeff Sessions as Attorney General – in his attempt to stop the Mueller investigation, during the August recess.  To me, this is encouraging.

There’s more – I’m no fan of John McCain, but I have to say that I was further encouraged when I listened to him make a plea for a return to “regular order” in the Senate.  Now, I have to admit I don’t understand what “regular order” truly means, but in my naive mind I’m thinking maybe that means republicans and democrats working together to solve problems.  I realize that is idealistic thinking – but, I can hope.  Of course, to make this work, there would have to be a mechanism to stop the FLOOD of money going to members of Congress from lobbyists and special interests – for example, Citizens United would have to be repealed – but, anyone who can get the money out and get Congress to solve problems on a bipartisan basis will be the hero/hero’s we’re all looking for.  And, personally, I don’t care what party they “belong” to.

I’ll end this by saying MOST Americans understand Trump is a disaster as president.  Unfortunately, I don’t think most of us understand fully how much DAMAGE he’s doing to this country – both domestically and internationally.  We just know it’s BAD, and MOST of us are sickened at the thought a foreign country may have influenced the outcome of our most BASIC principle – the right to decide our own leaders.  I’ve been lamenting the republican’s drift to the right since the Bush/Cheney regime (motivated by the invasion of Iraq) but, the reality is the place we find ourselves REQUIRES republicans to have the COURAGE to do the right thing and SAVE us from Trump’s agenda (whatever it might be).  I give credit to Jeff Flake (I really am going to read his book – I’ll probably disagree with much of it – but, he’s clearly putting his beliefs ahead of his political future – he will undoubtedly get “primaried” – and, I have to respect that) and, I’m looking for more republicans to step up and do the right thing in regard to Trump.  Here’s the ultimate irony:  If the “swamp” in Washington DC is to be drained, Trump has got to go!

OMG – sometimes I just want to scream at republicans: WAKE UP!  Your president, (and, make no mistake, he’s YOUR president – republicans will be attached at the chord if they allow this man to continue in office) Donald Trump is either a BUFFOON or a TRAITOR!  During the campaign he repeatedly claimed how smart he is (the “deal maker”) – which (especially for all his “Christian” supporters) always reminds me of the Bible verse: “The man who thinks he knows is the fool, the wise man knows he doesn’t know.”  And, I have to admit, I’m thankful for the STUPID part of what Trump is showing us because a more sophisticated BULLY would possibly be able to “get away” with “the Russia thing.”  It’s almost to the point where it no longer matters whether Trump “did or didn’t” collude with the Russians (it appears he did based on his actions), the investigation is bringing out his BULLYING tendency to the point where it appears to me, and – of course – “I’m not a lawyer” (how often are we hearing that disclaimer these days?) that, just like Watergate, the coverup could  be worse than the crime.  (Although, the “colluding,” to me, is treasonous – and, that’s REALLY bad!)

Trump continues to be either brazenly arrogant or incredibly STUPID as this scenario unfolds.  I just wrote the other day how STUPID it was for Trump to give an interview to Lester Holt of NBC a day or two after firing James Comey, the head of the FBI who was leading the investigation into the “Russia thing,” and then undermine ALL of his surrogates who were busy “spinning” Comey’s firing in a way to pass the blame to Rod Rosenstein only to have Trump ADMIT he fired Comey because of the “Russia thing.”  Then a day or two later he, again, ARROGANTLY, met with the Russian Foreign Minister and the Russian Ambassador (he of all the controversial meetings prior to that date) and, in the process, gave out top-secret classified info and reiterated he “got rid” of Comey to take pressure off the “Russian investigation.”  (he added a few disrespectful derogative comments which prompted Comey’s leak leading to the special counsel)  All I can say is, who would want to be Trump’s legal counsel?

In the post I was working on I just assumed that someone had talked sense into Trump’s head and he would no longer grant these types of interviews – when he’s talking “off the cuff” things don’t go well – I’ve written my prior posts which would explain why – yet, last night I saw “breaking news” that Trump sat down with three reporters from the “Failing” NY Times, as he usually refers to them, and gave an even more incredible STUPID interview.  I have no idea what it’s going to take for the republicans in Congress to realize the gravity of Trump as president, but I can only hope that “we the people” are paying attention so that we can begin the process of correcting this problem in 2018 if they fail to act.  Right now, that’s looking like a really long time to have to endure this man in the “White House” – and, as I’ve repeatedly said here, the potential damage he can inflict on “we the people” is historic.  Clearly, he’s attempting to turn this nation in a direction that more closely mirrors his good buddy Vladimir Putin and Russia.  The same Russia where the “administrative state” has already been “deconstructed.” (in the words of Steve Bannon.)

How long are republicans going to put their power, and their party ahead of the nation?  Clearly, they exposed themselves during the Obama administration as their focus was on President Obama’s “failure” instead of America’s success.  But, this is getting ridiculous.  With Trump, the possibility of MASSIVE damage always exists. especially when I think about the previous republicans who “played” the “war card” during times of political crisis at home.  They seem to believe the way to jack up approval ratings is to put our troops in “harms way.”  Let’s hope these fears are not well grounded!

Yet, we see hints the republicans in Congress actually realize the gravity of the situation – evidently, they’re just waiting for the “right moment” to move toward removing Trump from office.  For example, there’s a bill going through Congress to put additional sanctions on Russia (and Iran and North Korea) that Trump opposes.  My understanding of the bill is that Trump won’t be able to remove these (or other) sanctions without meeting preconditions placed on the sanctions by Congress.  It appears republicans in Congress are daring Trump to veto the bill.  That would certainly make his association with Vladimir Putin even clearer.  (not that most of us need any more evidence)  This shows that even the republicans in Congress don’t trust Trump!

Trump has proven himself to be a LIAR beyond the imagination of most American political observers – we’re not talking about “spin,” it’s just REAL out and out LIES.  And, in the process, he’s shown himself to be pathological.  Much of what comes out of Trump’s mouth, and the surrogates who bow down to him (and, I mean that literally – if you’ve ever seen the video of the cabinet meeting where, one by one, his surrogates expressed their blubbering allegiance to him, you know what I mean), falls into the category of delusional.  The other day, Sean Spicer resigned his post as Press Secretary, and it should be interesting how much damage he did to his career by LYING, pretty much EVERY day, for Trump.  Some of Spicer’s LYING will go down in the history of press secretaries as classic.

At this point Spicer seems like a kind of pathetic victim of having worked for Trump without the guts to quit when he should have.  Some of Spicer’s press conferences will be replayed for years as history uses Trump’s presidency as a how NOT to do American politics – and, to demonstrate to those who work for any politician that your oath is to the constitution.  As kids we’re (well, at least I was) taught to be respectful and obedient to those in authority over us, UNLESS, we’re asked to something untoward – like, for example, LYING to the American people.  Trump’s next “victim,” apparently will be Sarah Sanders – again, showing a willingness to LIE for her “audience of one.”  What his surrogates understand, is that if they want to keep their jobs, they will continue the LYING – and, it appears, Trump watches – in real time – every time one of them gets in front of a mike and a camera.  In a certain way I feel a sense of compassion for them – but, it’s their careers and their character they are personally responsible for – and, if they continue to cow down, then so be it.

In Trump’s meeting with the “failing” NY Times reporters he made it clear he’s, at some point, going after Jeff Sessions (the first Senator to support him), Rob Rosenstein who Trump, himself appointed as assistant attorney general, and ultimately Robert Mueller in his attempt to stop the “Russia thing.”  His own son essentially CONFIRMED that his campaign COLLUDED with the Russians in the recently exposed meeting (of Last June) where Don Jr., Paul Mannafort, and Trump’s son in law Jared Kushner met with a group of Russians offering “dirt” (as many have characterized it) on Hillary Clinton directly from the Russian government designed to help Trump win the election.  The “mystery” – for those having trouble with OVERWHELMING circumstantial evidence – is OVER regarding the “did he or didn’t he) regarding COLLUSION.  Now the new “wave” of rationalizing has begun in the latest attempt to justify (or deflect) that our president is potentially a traitor.

It’s no secret that Donald Trump believes in “winning at any cost,” and that was how he approached the election in 2016.  No one actually thought he’d pull it off (well, almost no one – full disclosure, I lost a bet with a friend who predicted Trump would win), least of all Trump.  And, at this point, I’m guessing there are many in Trump’s “circle” who wish he hadn’t won.  Not only is the “Russia thing” getting “hotter and hotter,” but I’m pretty sure Mueller is either already perusing Trump’s taxes of the past ten years or so – or will be soon.  In the NY Times interview, it was fairly apparent that possibility has Trump very uneasy.  For anyone who’s not thinking straight, there MUST have been a very good reason Trump refused to show his taxes prior to the election – and, I’m certain, he was planning for the “audit,” preventing their disclosure, to last for at least EIGHT years!  There’s something in there he doesn’t want to see the light of day and my guess is it not only has to do with Russia, but who knows what else?  For example, how do you spell money laundering?.

The bottom line here is that if Trump was truly invested in “we the people” and is innocent of any wrongdoing this “drip, drip, drip” of secret – LIED about – meetings with Russians would have been acknowledged from day one of his administration (for example, Kushner wouldn’t have had to redo his security clearance form three or four times).  The focus would be on solving the problems of our nation instead of EVERY DAY another chapter in the Donald Trump soap opera.  Not only was the actions of Trump’s campaign incredibly stupid, but Trump’s actions since this all started coming out have been beyond STUPID.  And, this latest interview may “take the cake.”  Clearly, Trump has his “sights” set on Mueller (since the interview I’ve heard surrogates attacking Mueller’s character, for example, claiming he has “conflicts of interest”) and, if he makes a move to fire Mueller, this republican congress will be at a historic crossroads.  As much as I don’t trust hardly any of them, I believe even they would not stand for Mueller being fired.

Trump is arrogantly profiting from being president which is a violation of the emoluments clause in the constitution – and, many of his supporters don’t care.  In fact, the people I know who voted for Trump don’t care about the “Russia thing.”  All I would say to them is that this constitution has worked for well over 200 years and it should be considered a privilege to live in a country which relies on the rule of law – and, not of men/women.  It seems we’ve gotten to the point where if it doesn’t negatively affect me then I don’t care what’s happening in our government – and, REMEMBER, we are the government.  Personally, I know that I will do whatever I can to make sure The United States doesn’t  become a satellite of Russia or any other country – and, I believe our leaders are subject to the laws of the land just as “we the people.”  (If you’ve been on this site much, you know my biggest complaint about Barack Obama was his “looking forward instead of back” regarding the war crimes of the Bush/Cheney regime)  The allegations aimed at Trump et al are VERY serious – possibly, in my view, the most despicable of crimes.

Trump, clearly, is not going to “come clean” – so, it’s up to republicans in Congress to solve this problem which seems to be heading toward impeachment.  I don’t think Trump will resign – as Nixon did – and, he’s already talking about “pardoning himself” – which should catch everyone’s attention.  I’m guessing he’ll start the pardoning with Michael Flynn in an attempt to keep him from “telling his story” (do you really believe Flynn’s contact with the Russians was without Trump’s knowledge?) and will include his son, his son in law, and anyone else who might have the “goods” on him.  Obviously, if the investigation gets all the way to him he’ prepared to pardon himself.  Well, at least, we’ll be able to clear up whether or not a president can do that – it seems to be “uncharted” territory.  No matter what happens, the political future in America should be interesting to say the least.  And, the investigations should not stop until we fully understand what happened and have a plan to prevent it from EVER happening again!

Anymore, it’s really hard for me to focus my thoughts in a way to fully express my frustration with the FACT that Donald Trump remains in the “White House,” and the republican party continues allowing him to do MEGA damage to this nation I love.  Yes, I’ve come to terms that “we the people” have been subjected to BRAINWASHING from the earliest days I can remember – I’m part of the “baby boom” following WW II.  However, the level and sophistication of the BRAINWASHING has gotten to the point where the future of our nation, as I see it, is at MAJOR risk.  The reality is that in the face of overwhelming evidence that our sitting president is, at best, completely incompetent or, at worst, a TRAITOR I continue to sit in amazement waiting for republicans to come to their senses.  Obviously, I’m not real confident it will happen any time soon.

I’ve been writing for years – since GW Bush/Dick Cheney LIED America into the Iraq FIASCO that essentially destabilized the world leading  to MILLIONS of people DYING (including thousands of Americans) and America’s leaders committing unquestionable WAR CRIMES – about my frustration with the republican enablers and, less often, about the democrats who have seemed to lack the spine to actually do what many Americans are doing today – RESIST – and now things have gotten to the point where it appears to me REALLY serious.  Again, not understanding whether Trump’s issue is total incompetence or he actually believes he can turn this nation into an authoritarian state isn’t totally clear to me.  I continue to hope for the former and fear the latter.

After the latest “drip” in the “drip, drip, drip” of information being uncovered regarding the Trump campaign’s COLLUSION with the Russians during the 2016 election the question of did they or didn’t they no longer exists.  THEY DID!  The UNDENIABLE meeting that took place on June 9, 2016 between Donald Trump Jr., Paul Manafort, and Jarrod Kushner for the purpose of getting “dirt” on Hillary Clinton directly from the Kremlin leaves no questions as to what took place during the election.  The only unanswered questions at this point is to what degree?  Just the thought of what these people were willing to do sickens me.  And, yet, just yesterday while at a press briefing in France I heard Donald Trump praise his son (who’s likely in legal jeopardy along with his son in law) and say something like, “just about anyone would have done this.”

All I can say about that last statement is, let’s just hope he’s completely wrong.  Clearly, Trump Jr., Manafort, and Kushner were in violation of Federal Election laws simply by attending a meeting under the circumstances made apparent in the email exchange that was made public.  To me, that act of working with the Russians to impact the election goes WAY beyond the Election laws.  To me, that’s “aiding and abetting the enemy.”  I get that Trump doesn’t feel as if Vladimir Putin’s Russia is the “enemy,” but his lack of concern for what happened suggests at least two really bad things.  First – and this is really bad – he’s not concerned that Russia essentially ATTACKED America at the most basic part of our republic.  Second – and, to me, this is MUCH WORSE – he and his campaign were complicit in the attack.  Over the long haul – especially if this is not STOPPED – this attack will be worse for our nation than 9/11.

Just think of some things coming from Trump since he was elected in reference to the reality of the Russians attacking the fundamental difference between our two nations – the right to vote.  The first thing that comes to my mind was something Trump, apparently, in his meeting with Putin at the G-20 Summit put in “motion.”  He agreed to some kind of “Cyber security unit” agreement with the Russians to prevent election hacking.  My first thought when I heard that was another “are you kidding me?”  As sayings like “The fox guarding the hen-house” were going through my head I was right back to “incompetent or treasonous?” thoughts.  I’m pretty sure most of his republican enablers were able to see past that one.

Trump’s been constantly attacking the press as “fake news” since the day he took office – which is a clear trait of an authoritarian personality.  He’s convinced his “base” that all these “stories” coming out showing that he and his family AND his campaign officials were intertwined with the Russian government (which, by most accounts is akin to the mafia) are “fake news.”  The “real news,” according to Trump, comes from places like Fox “news” (what I call GOP “news” – the propaganda arm of the right wing of the republican party), Breitbart.com – which gave us Steve Bannon and Steven Miller and is the home of the “white nationalist” movement in America, and super market tabloids like the Enquirer – not to mention all the right wing “talkers” on the radio airwaves.  I’ve said many times here that Trump laid claim to the “uneducated voters” after the Iowa primary and they are sticking with him.  (Of course, the real issue of “fake news,” like just about everything else Trump “claims” is 180 degrees from his words.  It was the Russian’s who instigated “fake news” into the 2016 campaign in ways “we the people” will probably never fully understand.)

It’s hard to talk to someone who gets their information from places like Fox, Breitbart, and the other right wing websites.  I’ve read several studies that show the most ill-informed Americans are the audience of Fox “news” and the right wing talkers on the radio airwaves such as Rush Limbaugh. (they refer to his audience as “ditto heads” for a reason)  The LYING is so commonplace coming from those outlets that I’m guessing Trump’s base actually believes he’s a “truth teller.”  And, it really doesn’t take much effort in “fact checking” to realize our president is likely a pathological LIAR – not, just someone who LIES.  He LIES all the time.  As the saying goes, if his lips are moving he’s LYING.

This is all bad, but it gets worse.  In addition to the COLLUSION (which outlets like Fox are now attempting to rationalize as OK) and the suggestion of doing “Cyber security” with Vladimir Putin (Putin’s got to be laughing at the stupidity and the naivete of Trump), Trump is also pushing some kind of voter intimidation plan (evidently in his attempt to prove 3 – 5 MILLION illegals voted for Hillary thus robbing him of his “popular vote” victory) designed to do what traditional right wing republicans have been doing since the days of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 – and that is prevent as many persons of color, students, old people, or others who might vote for democrats from being able to vote.  Trump, along with Kris Kobach of Kansas is attempting to get enough voter ID information – from EVERY state in the Union – to scare people away from the polls.  And, evidently it’s working – because reports are out that many people are rescinding their voter registrations because they don’t want the “government” to have all this information.

The republicans have long called their plan the “permanent republican ‘majority.'”  Of course, they’ll never have a true majority – but, even Trump claims that 40% is enough for him to remain in power.  By intimidating MILLIONS to refrain from voting, by turning MILLIONS more off via the dysfunction that now permeates Washington DC, and by working with the Russians to publish “fake news” in strategic places they may succeed.  This has been a long term plan (arguably led by and pushed for years by Charles and David Koch) and they have control of all three branches of government – plus, the FAKE news.  “We the people” are relying on what republicans call the “liberal media” to give us actual information as to what happened in the election so that one by one we might have a chance to educate some of Trump’s “uneducated voters” as to this attack on our nations foundation.

As I stated above – it’s hard to even talk about this stuff with someone who watches Fox, or is into the right wing internet sights like Breitbart because they’re convinced Sean Hannity, or Rush Limbaugh, or the others are giving them facts.  They don’t believe Trump is LYING all the time.  And, apparently, the republicans in Congress are not going to act to save this nation from any further damage until more of the Trump “base” understands their “leader” is potentially a TRAITOR.  Trump, himself, said “anyone would have taken that meeting” referring to an offer of “dirt” on Ms. Clinton from the Russian government.  I’d like to think he’s COMPLETELY wrong about that – but, regardless, it was illegal and we still have a constitution and a set of LAWS. (When I see statistics that suggest a significant portion of the republican “base” is OK with the Russian intrusion into our election it’s disappointing to say the least.  In my heart I think, this would be one area where we would be “bipartisan.”)

Over the past 30+ years we’ve all become numb to the reality that those at the top are able to violate the laws that “we the people” would be held accountable to with impunity.  Reagan and George HW Bush were able to skirt serious legal jeopardy regarding the Iran/Contra affair – despite clear evidence they participated.  (HW Bush has a long history of skirting the law – read “Family of Secrets” by Russ Baker)  George W Bush and Dick Cheney BOTH admitted to authorizing WAR CRIMES in national TV interviews (both said, “I’d do it again) regarding TORTURE in Iraq and Afghanistan and President Obama chose to “look forward instead of back.”  (I still maintain a blunder of MAJOR proportions by Obama)  And, those in Wall Street responsible for the “Great Recession” and the subsequent tax payer BAILOUT of almost a TRILLION (and, probably more) got bonuses instead of accountability for their reckless use of working people’s money.  (many Americans lost HUGE chunks of their retirement accounts or lost their homes or their jobs – but, the “culprits” got bonuses – go figure)

However, to me, what happened in 2016 is more dangerous than anything else I’ve seen in my lifetime.  Are “we the people” going to allow Vladimir Putin (or any other foreign person or nation) to define our leadership?  We were granted privileges no other people ever had about 240 (or so) years ago by our “founding fathers.”  Are we going to blindly give these privileges away because we’ve become so complacent that we’re unwilling to give our obligation to participate in the process of free elections the time and energy it deserves?  I “get” that many people voted for Trump due to their dissatisfaction with Washington DC and their dissatisfaction with the alternative choice.  I’ve got NO problem with that.  But, the information that continues to FLOW out – “drip by drip” and the UNDENIABLE reality that our president is a LIAR requires, to me, that people pay attention and reevaluate the TRUTH.  And, it’s time for Fox viewers to start FACT checking the LIES coming from that place – I believe Fox is going to have a very negative place in American history.

I keep trying to figure out why the republicans in Congress continue to put up with Trump knowing that he’s taking their party “over the cliff” in American politics.  It’s just a matter of time until they pay the price at the polls for supporting this person who acts more like a mafia boss than a president.  My guess is they know a lot more about Trump’s “base” than “we the people” do – and, it’s probably pretty scary.  What we do know is that it includes the “white nationalist” movement in America – which includes groups like the skinheads, the KKK, etc. and the people in these groups are largely those who are armed to the hilt and have been storing military “rations” for years.  I still remember Chuck Norris – who was one of the people very “out front” in his disappointment that we elected a Black president in 2008 – claiming there were armed “cells” throughout the country ready to “take our country back.”  These types of people were a large part of the “base” that got Trump into the “White” house.

So, as we continue to watch the “drip, drip, drip” of information which ties Trump to Vladimir Putin and the Russian mafia (government) it’s becoming clear that it’s just a matter of time before the “hammer” drops on Trump.  If Trump chooses to wait until the final results of Robert Mueller’s investigations into the Russian collusion – and, more than likely, many other issues – then, it’s likely it will be at least 2018 until we start seeing the results of republicans’ refusal to end the Trump presidency.  Something “new” seems to come out every day connecting the “dots” suggesting there was “collusion” between the Russians and the Trump campaign and, interestingly, the right wing media outlets in America (the true “fake news”) are already pushing a campaign designed to BRAINWASH their audience into believing there’s nothing wrong with “collusion.”  I’ve heard more than one, of late, claim that “collusion is not a crime.”  As if to say, working with the Russians to win the election is the “new normal.”  Yikes!

Unfortunately, many who believe they’re getting the “straight scoop” from places like Fox “news” or Breitbart, or any of the other right wing outlets will end up believing this collusion was OK.  Despite the FACT, it’s essentially TREASON.  What you won’t hear now from Fox or Breitbart or any of the other minions who are supporting Trump is the TRUTH about Vladimir Putin and the Russian mafia – I use the word “mafia” instead of government, because that’s how, by all accounts I can find, the Russian government functions.  I have to believe that one of the reasons Trump envies Putin (and other dictators around the world) is because of how they are able to deal with annoying journalists – I say “annoying” because, true investigative journalists dig for the TRUTH and people like Putin (and Trump) would prefer to live in a world of “alternative facts” – in the words of Kellyanne Conway, one of Trump’s “advisers.”

During the campaign one thing I learned for certain was that Donald Trump is the master at manipulating the media.  I tend to watch/listen to MSNBC and Trump played them like a master musician.  I don’t believe they’ll ever admit it, but they helped “legitimize” Trump’s campaign by over and over again playing entire speeches he gave – giving him MILLIONS in FREE air time.  And, the soft ball questioning almost made me puke.  I wrote a few posts at the time expressing my concern that MSNBC was trying to make sure the election was “close” to keep people’s interest up so MSNBC would be able to cash in on the advertising and increased ratings.  It wasn’t until the reality of a Trump presidency settled in that I noticed MSNBC realizing the DANGER of Trump in the White House.

However, from day one that Trump became president his incompetence has been center stage along with the continued – as mentioned above – “drip, drip, drip” of information suggesting collusion with the Russians and more.  Trump has exposed himself to impeachment in more than one obvious way and he seems to make matters worse every day.  The damage he’s doing to our nation is mounting fast and the silence of the republicans in Congress is, to me, deafening.  I keep waiting for someone in the republican congress to take the leadership role in ending this “nightmare,” but every day – nothing.  The obvious interpretation of that is they believe Trump will sign anything they can push through both houses of Congress – a mean spirited agenda they’ve been espousing for years which was blocked by President Obama  – so far, it’s been NOTHING (thank God) – but, I’m beginning to think there’s more.  The reality is that many of the republican members of Congress are going to have to defend their “defense” of Trump come 2018 and I have to believe many are feeling a bit uneasy about that scenario at this point.

So, why the silence?  If you look at how Putin (and other dictators Trump admires) operates it might make you think Trump will stop at nothing to preserve his position as president.  Clearly, he lashes out at anyone who’s in a position of importance that criticized him.  I’ve heard he’s committed $10 MILLION of his own funds to help “primary” any republican in Congress who doesn’t support him.  He especially dislikes people who are in the media that criticize him.  I have to believe there’s method to his “madness” as he “tweets” about members of the media – especially women who criticize him – “tweeting” in rather crude manners and he posted a video of himself throwing down a person who’s got the CNN logo “attached” to his head and “pounding” him.  (Interestingly, just like the “fake news” of Trump’s followers, that video came from a “fake” episode at a wrestling match years ago)

It seems as if Trump is encouraging those in his base – and, I’ve pointed out above where some of them are coming from – that the press is attacking him with false information and encouraging them to “defend him.”  We’ve already seen one Trump supporter – who was running for office in Montana – and WON – body slam a reporter who asked a probing question related to Trump.  Are we about to see other Trump supporters taking actions against members of the press who might have the audacity to report the TRUTH about Trump’s dealings with the Russians and who knows who else – I believe Trump’s legal vulnerability goes way beyond the “Russian thing” as Trump characterized it while explaining to Lestor Holt why he fired James Comey.

Trump is certainly laying the groundwork for some kind of uprising from his base when the final results of the FBI investigation becomes public if Trump is exposed for violating the law.  (obviously, I believe he’s violated more than one law)  Unfortunately, it will still be up to a republican Congress to rid us of this plague on our nation – even if Democrats retake the House in 2018 and impeach him.  The reality is that no matter what happens in 2018 it will require republican support to “convict” Trump if the House somehow impeaches him because a two-thirds majority in the Senate is required for “conviction.”  If you can’t tell, I’m uneasy relying on republicans for anything.

Then, should all that come about (Trump being impeached) how will our government deal with the likely backlash from the right wing militia types who more than likely honestly believe the BRAINWASHING they’ve been getting from Fox “news,” Rush Limbaugh (and the other right wing talkers who permeate the radio airwaves), and sites like Breitbart or “Patriot news,” etc.  If you remember when Cliven Bundy challenged the federal government over his refusal to pay grazing fees for his cattle on government land, many of the very people who make up Trump’s “base” took up arms against our government.  These people are “out there” in numbers most of us can’t comprehend and they believe Trump is telling the truth and anyone who says otherwise is “fake news.”

I’m pointing this out in my attempt to understand why the republicans continue to put up with Trump.  Just last week in a speech in Poland (which his “supporters” said, “went well”) Trump trashed America’s intelligence agencies – essentially to the world – he continued his unbelievable (believe it, it keeps happening) continuation of BLAMING former President Obama for, essentially, everything he sees as bad (including the “Russia thing”), and further exposed himself as being ill informed.  To me, what I saw of the speech was embarrassing knowing he’s representing me (and you) in front of the world.  Trump met with Vladimir Putin and, undoubtedly, got played.  In the process he elevated Putin (at least in the eyes of the Russians) and he, himself, came across as a fool.  When I listened to Rex Tillerson give his account of the meeting it was clear that, at least from the perspective of the United States, nothing good was accomplished  (Tillerson also appears “in way over his head”).  It’s clear Trump really does admire Vladimir Putin – he’s probably envious of Putin’s ability to control Russia’s opposition leaders and their “free press.”

The damage Trump is doing to America – both at home and around the world – is growing, seemingly exponentially, every day.  It’s just a matter of time until this turns into something MAJOR if republicans don’t intervene.  Take for example, our economy and the dollar as the world’s major currency.  What if the Europeans really do choose to “go their own way” as they’ve been suggesting?  Do you really think this “America first” plan of Trump (and Steve Bannon and Steven Miller) is going to “bring back American jobs?”  To me, that’s as foolish as believing “trickle down” economics will lead to a balanced budget.

I feel the republicans in Congress feel they’re in a lose/lose dilemma.  Over the years, they’ve showed a strong tendency toward cowardice.  They’ve consistently refused to accept their responsibility to curb the “perpetual war” policy put forth by Bush/Cheney where Congress has willingly abrogated their responsibility to “declare wars.”  Since the passing of the “Affordable Care Act” they’ve been voting to repeal it, all the while knowing President Obama would veto their legislation.  Now that they’re “in power” they seem unable to come up with a reasonable solution to the problem – short of working with Democrats, which, apparently in republican “circles,” is taboo.  And, regarding Trump – they have to be smart enough to read “the writing on the wall,” but, for whatever reason, they’re afraid to act.  (Some of them are actually still openly supporting Trump)  I believe one of the main problems is their fear of the backlash if/when Trump is impeached.  It seems, just about every thing in the republican party is motivated by fear – one way or the other.

As I’ve said many times since Trump took the oath of office, the damage is mounting fast and the longer he’s president the more difficult it will be to “regroup.”  Trump will be president until the republicans decide to put their country ahead of their party – the question is what will it take to get them to act.  As stated above, even democrats retaking control of Congress in 2018 won’t be enough to get rid of Trump.  For a conviction in the Senate, it will require republican votes.  My suggestion to the republicans is get this over sooner rather than later.  As someone who’s always been an independent voter (lately, I vote AGAINST republicans) I’m looking for courageous republicans who will step up and lead the fight to remove Trump from office.  Maybe that would lead us to a place where our government actually FINALLY would work in a bipartisan manner – with the purpose of putting the will of “we the people” ahead of their corporate masters.  (I can dream can’t I?)