The level of damage Donald Trump is doing to America is mounting FAST and, unfortunately, I believe we’re at a point ALREADY where “we the people” are relying on the republicans to save us from as much of this “damage” as possible – and, sooner rather than later.  People around the world have to be shaking their collective heads in a disbelief that could exceed many of us in the “homeland.”  The reality is that the United States plays such a significant role in the WORLD that every day Trump pushes his “America first” agenda – which is clarifying the role of (unelected White nationalist) Steve Bannon in our politics  – a larger chasm is growing with the traditional allies of our great country.  If republicans don’t reject Trump and do “the right thing” (impeachment) we’re looking at a world that will be drifting closer and closer to chaos.

The other day, for example, the chancellor from Germany visited the White House and it was clear from everything I read and heard (and saw) that she, Angela Merkel, was the “adult in the room.”  Trump is out of his league around a sophisticated leader like Merkel and it must remind him of his campaign against Hillary Clinton (who beat him by almost 3 MILLION votes) where his incompetence showed through in each of the debates as it did in his meetings with Merkel.  He seems to almost show childish behavior around women who are intellectually superior to him.  He needed the Russians and the FBI director’s intervention in the election to pull off a surprise Electoral College victory (along with two decades of right wing Clinton bashing on talk radio and outlets like Fox “news” in the GOP’s effort to stop Mrs. Clinton – remember, in many of the “rust belt” areas, the predominance of “information” comes from the likes of Rush Limbaugh and Fox)  The problem is that now Trump is actually in a place where he needs to be the president and he’s in WAY OVER HIS HEAD.  As I’ve said in previous posts, if it weren’t so important this would all be comical.  (actually, the comedians, not just in America, but around the world, are having a field day.  Click here for an example from the Netherlands – watch the video – it’s really funny)

I’ve written before that those of us who call ourselves liberals (if we’re timid we use the euphemism “progressive”) have no choice but to hope that the democrats, as the saying goes, grow a pair – and put up a FIGHT against the Trump/Bannon agenda.  After all, Trump/Bannon/Conway/Miller are all closely tied to the Breitbart side of America which includes what Mrs. Clinton (foolishly – from a campaign standpoint – despite the “truth”) referred to as a “basket of deplorables.”  Of course, she was referring to the segment of Trump’s “base” that includes groups like the KKK, the “Skinheads,” Neo-Nazi groups, and essentially the so-called “alt right.” I have to believe that a significant portion of the “rust belt” working class voters – who believed Trump would bring back their jobs which have gone to China, Mexico, and elsewhere around the globe where there’s “cheap labor” – are not part of the “alt right.”  They’re just disenchanted because they’ve seen their economic situation remain stagnant at best since the days of Ronald Reagan.  To me, these are good hard working Americans who are confused as to how things “got like this.”

Unfortunately, many of these people are vulnerable to what Noam Chomsky and Herman Edward refer to as the “Propaganda model” of media which has been pretty much the norm in America since I was old enough to start paying attention to what our government has been “up to.”  There are so many instances over the years where our media has given “we the people” information that fits the wishes of those in power.  For example in the Viet Nam “war” (and the Iraq “war”) the American public was rarely given the truth about our government’s actions or motivations.  This was true in Central America during Reagan’s time in office, it’s been true in places around the world over and over again since WW II, and it was terribly true in the 2016 election as media outlets (like MSNBC – which is the one I watch when I can stand it) refused to call out the constant LYING of Trump and his surrogates.  I believe people like Chris Matthews (I point him out because I’ve written about some of the stuff he did that “got to me” during the election – at the time I said: “he should know better” regarding the enabling) never thought Trump could win and helped to legitimize him with the purpose gaining better ratings and  more money for MSNBC. (The amount of advertising revenue media outlets generate during the election is staggering)

Matthews (and several of the others) are now “singing a different tune.”  For example, I believe Matthews now fully understands the DANGER of Trump continuing as president although I doubt he’ll ever admit his role in making this possible.  The other day I heard him say, “I hate the word LIE” as he was fighting to find another way to characterize one of Trump’s, well – LIES.  Trump masterfully manipulated the media to get elected and now he’s lashing out at the media in a classic effort to ensure that his “base” doesn’t get “thinned out” as the TRUTH about his ties to Russia (and who knows who or what else) becomes known.  “We the people” can only hope that people like Matthews – we can’t change what’s happened in the past – will continue pushing to “connect the dots” that are leading to exposing Trump for what he really is – which very well might be a corrupt businessman with ties to the Russian Oligarchy.  Personally, it wouldn’t surprise me if everything in the so-called “dossier” published a month or two back by “Buzzfeed” is true.  (Decide for yourself by clicking here)

Trump campaigned on the slogan “Make America Great Again” (as I’ve said numerous times here, similar to Hitler’s “Make Germany Great Again” back in the 30’s – sorry, but I can’t seem to help myself reminding anyone of that similarity.  I think the only  other politician to use that phrase was Stalin – or maybe Putin) and yesterday, when “Trumpcare” went down in “flames” in the House of Representatives because – first, the bill was TERRIBLE, and second the republicans in Congress, obviously, are already figuring out how incompetent Trump is and they’re “circling the wagons” in an attempt to keep their majority in the next election – ALREADY – after just 9 weeks of Trump’s administration.  UNBELIEVABLE! – I couldn’t help but think of how ironic it would be if Trump’s presidency actually made America “greater.”  (In my mind, it’s already a great country – “we the people” have simply fallen for the scam pushed by Republicans for the past 35+ years. (“Trickle down” – which in reality means “trickle up”)  Trump began his “blaming” after the “health care” bill (really a tax cut for the top 2%) went down in flames by naming Nancy Pelosi and Charles Schumer (democratic minority leaders in the House and Senate respectively) because NO DEMOCRATS voted for the terrible bill that was advertised as “repeal and replacement of Obamacare.”  (I could write an entire post – and probably will – on that topic) Of course, republicans didn’t even try to get democratic support (and wouldn’t have had they tried) but the real heroes in stopping this terrible bill were “we the people.”

I’d like to think my representative was going to vote against the bill because of my call urging her (a republican) to do so, but the reality is that the phones were VERY busy in her office and those of virtually EVERY other House republican OVERWHELMINGLY urging members to vote this terrible bill down.  Apparently those republicans who voted for Trump aren’t that eager to lose either their own health insurance or they don’t want to see those they know and love lose their health insurance.  For all its problems, “Obamacare” evidently isn’t so bad.  Most people know it needs “fixin” – but, the republicans don’t have a clue about how to go about it.  I saw Sean Spicer, when he introduced the bill at a news briefing some weeks back, claim it was far superior to the Affordable Care Act (“Obamacare”) because the pile of pages was significantly smaller.

The American people didn’t like the FACT that their premiums (especially, the older Americans who aren’t quite to Medicare age yet) were going to go WAY UP, the coverage was going to go WAY DOWN, and anyone who’s been sick before was likely to be out of luck completely.  The LIES coming from Trump, Pense, Ryan, McConnell, and others were almost unbelievable to me – as if “we the people” are actually as stupid as they think.  (Maybe they  think we’re stupid because how else would Trump get elected in the first place?) However, the exciting part of all this is that the American people responded in a RESOUNDING manner to demand Congress defeat this bill.  That, in itself, is exciting for me.  One of my biggest frustrations is watching election results in our nation with one third to sometimes two thirds of the voters failing to participate – especially younger voters.  (or people who should be voting)  Republicans have been pushing voter suppression legislation almost continuously since the Supreme Court GUTTED section five of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 which was designed to prevent states from creating obstacles to voting aimed at minority groups such as African Americans, Latinos, or any others.  In my mind, if the people rise up and participate in the process this country will be “greater” – and, maybe the reality of Trump in the “White House” will cause them to do so.  I guess what I’m suggesting is that Trump may be the antidote to voter suppression!

Here’s the scary part of what happened this past week.  (Not only did the “health care” bill fail, but Trump’s claims about President Obama “wiretapping” him were TOTALLY debunked by the head of the FBI and the Director of Intelligence – two people who would KNOW the truth – although, any sane person knew how ridiculous that “tweet” from Trump actually was from the “git-go” – AND they also announced that Trump’s campaign has been under counter intelligence investigation into possible colluding with the Russians since last July)  All in all, it’s been a very bad week in a series of very BAD weeks for Trump.  The defeat of the “health care” bill will bring (and, has already brought) a lot of derision toward Trump and scrutiny as to how incompetent he is and how damaged any plans he has for future legislation has become.  Putting two plus two together – the mounting failures in policy with the investigations – and,  I’m very concerned that Trump is likely to do something BIZARRE.  He’s likely to fight back in the ways he’s always managed to “succeed” (despite all the bankruptcies, etc. from his business career) in “Trump land.”  As with most bullies, Trumps “mantra” is to lash out at critics and to throw blame when things go “south.”  That is on the horizon – and none of the possibilities in my mind will be helpful to our nation.

On the mild side, for example – there are probably ways he can make executive orders that create havoc in the Affordable Care Act – so that he could possibly try to help it become the “disaster” he claims it is.  It’s certainly unlikely that he would understand how to or be willing to attempt to “fix” Obama’s signature piece of legislation to make it better.  He’s committed to “repeal” it and he’s promised to replace it (which, obviously he’s got no idea how to do that – and, if he did, the republicans wouldn’t go along with him – the ONLY way to “fix” this bill is to work with the democrats) and considering this week’s failure I can see him trying to help it FAIL – just so he could say, “I told you so.”  In other words, Trump could react to this defeat in the House by causing problems for Millions of Americans by trying to mess up the Affordable Care Act in subtle executive order ways. The question then becomes are the republicans with him?

Clearly, he’s already committed impeachable offenses. We all knew that his refusal to divest himself of all of his business interests would put him in violation of the emoluments clause of the constitution almost from the moment he took the oath of office.  The question with Trump becomes, how much can the republicans stomach before they intervene?  (He’s got family members in the White House and I’ve already heard reports they’re making MILLIONS since Trump took office – yikes!)  The likelihood of democrats working with Trump to fix this bill seems to me to be near zero, so maybe, as a sign by republicans that they want to save their party, we could have them, along with Mike Pense, attempting to actually create something that works for as many “working class” people as possible.  Pipe dream?  Probably, but, hey, we all like to dream once in awhile, don’t we?

On the serious (more dangerous) side Trump could do something BIZARRE on the foreign policy front in an attempt to draw attention away from the investigations into “Trumpgate.”  Things are looking worse and worse for several of Trump’s surrogates re: Russian collusion (among other interesting things apparently being found) and it all might lead right back to Trump.  Do you seriously think he’ll just sit there and watch this happen.  I hate to even speculate on what he might do in an attempt to draw people’s attention away from the investigations into how serious the Russian intrusion on our government actually is.  We have to hope that republicans in Congress are getting to the point where they’re going to put the reins on this man.  I’ve predicted he won’t last 6 months but I’m getting to the point where I’m hoping republicans end this nightmare sooner rather than later.  (Think: North Korea, China, ISIL, etc.)

I’m absolutely certain that republicans see an opportunity to pass legislation that they’ve been wanting to pass for years – that they thought they could get Trump to sign while they tried to “stomach” all the “stuff” in the meantime.  Well, if they can’t get “stuff” (tax cuts for their millionaire and billionaire friends) passed with Trump in the “White House” what good is he to them?  Do you really think they like someone who made the Access Hollywood admission?  Do you really think they want to go into the 2018 election defending this man?  Personally, I believe those who’ve been falling all over themselves to get close to him are already in “second thoughts” mode.  Trump is down to 37% approval after just two months – that’s the “HONEYMOON” period – it gets harder and WORSE after this.  Do you think there’s a lot of republicans eager to stay on the bandwagon?  Personally, I think most of them wish they had never had the choice – that their greatest fears of what Trump could do to their party are becoming clearer and clearer.  I myself felt Trump would be the catalyst to finally force the republican party back to sanity.  The problem, again, is how much damage can he do to “we the people”  before republicans put a stop to all of this?  (Even though it was James Comey who helped Trump get elected, I’m pretty sure republicans don’t want to wait long enough for it to be Comey who takes him down.)

2018 will be here before you know it.  And, the members of the House of Representatives are painfully aware of how many people are paying attention to what’s going on in Washington D.C.  One thing we know about these politicians is that they want to keep their jobs and they’ll do pretty much whatever it takes to do so.  I believe it’s just a matter of time until the republicans in the House impeach Donald Trump – and, we can all just hope they do it before there’s too much more damage.  Personally, I’m not at all impressed with Mike Pense.  He’s been a willing LIAR since taking the oath of the office of the Vice President in attempting to defend Trump.  And, Paul Ryan comes across to me as a person with no principles – plus, he’s proven himself to be more than willing to LIE to the American people, himself, with no contrition.  The options aren’t good – but, as my granddaughter (12 years old) said to me: “At least Pense isn’t crazy”)  If Trump wasn’t do dangerous I’d say, “leave him in there and stew in your own juices” to republicans – but, for the sake of the nation, it’s time for Pense to be our 46th president.  (sooner rather than later)

Evidently the major requirement to be “in” with the republican party these days is the ability to LIE!  I mean, even (most of) those who support Donald Trump have to be coming to the realization if his lips are moving, he’s LYING.  With Trump it appears to be pathological.  Then there’s Kellyanne Conway.  I’ve said a few times here that the only person I’ve seen better at LYING than her is her boss.  Yes, there are those who call it “spin,” but the reality is they are LYING – about almost EVERYTHING.  Michael Flynn is no longer the National Security Advisor (each day it becomes more problematic as to how he got that job in the first place) ostensibly because of LYING.  Personally, I believe there’s much more to why Flynn was fired, but that’s a story for another day.

Jeff Sessions is no longer leading the “investigation” into Russia’s involvement in the Trump campaign and the 2016 election because of, what else, LYING.  He LIED to a Senate committee that was going through his confirmation process.  The interesting part of this is that Sessions volunteered the LIE despite the fact he was answering an unasked question.  (Not really that smart)  Also, Sessions LIED in a written response to an inquiry given to him by that same Senate committee – and, if there was nothing to all the Russia stuff, you’d think he would have just told the truth.  In Washington DC, apparently, Lying is so “normal” that Sessions is still the Attorney General – supposedly, the lead person in enforcing our laws – despite perjuring himself to Congress.  I still remember Alberto Gonzales doing this multiple times during the GW Bush years and “getting away with it,” so either it’s OK for the Attorney General to LIE to Congress or people are too busy arguing about other stuff to even care about this.

Then there’s Vice President Mike Pense – the person who’s apparently so sensitive to being LIED to that General Flynn had to go after LYING to Pense about his conversation with the Russian ambassador – namely, that he did “talk about sanctions” in the conversation.  Of course, anyone with any common sense could (and probably had) figure this out on their own.  Here’s the scenario – President Obama levied sanctions on the Russians for intruding in our election which included kicking something like 30 or more Russian “diplomats” (spies?) from the country and closing one of their “play areas” around Washington DC.  Naturally, the normal Russian response would be to kick a like number of American “diplomats” out of Moscow as part of a “tit for tat.”  However, THE SAME DAY Obama levied the sanctions Flynn had his conversation with the Russian “ambassador” (spy) and surprise, surprise – no retribution from Vladimir Putin.  He claimed to be “above” this childish behavior.  (Seriously, that one wasn’t hard to figure out, even for a 6th grade teacher)  Do you wonder what promises Flynn made to the Russians? (who, by the way, had employed him – probably illegally from Flynn’s perspective – after President Obama fired him for what some might call insubordination)

The lesson Trump and his “camp” wanted to portray from the “decisive” action of firing Flynn, evidently, was that you can’t get away with LYING to our Vice President.  Of course, Trump – and presumably Pense – knew what Flynn had done well before he was fired.  In fact, I believe Trump (and Pense) knew about Flynn’s meeting with the Russian “ambassador” and knew what was discussed at the time of the meeting.  I don’t believe Flynn took it upon himself to go bring this up out of thin air.  However, even Trump made a big deal in his famous 77 minute “news” conference to why Flynn was fired – despite, even at that time we all knew that the former acting Attorney General (the one Trump fired because she told Trump his “Muslim ban” was not defensible in court) Sally Yates had warned Trump and his associates almost three weeks earlier about Flynn’s vulnerability regarding his actions with the Russians.  Yates, at the time, interpreted whatever information she got as meaning that Flynn was a potential blackmail target of the Russians.  So, what this means is that Trump was LYING when he explained why Flynn was fired.

And, speaking of Pense – the person in Trump’s “inner circle” who I believe is the most “acceptable” to the actual “conservatives” in the republican caucus in Congress – well, evidently he doesn’t like being “LIED” to, but he’s got his own issues.  For starters, as stated above, I don’t believe Pense was unaware of Flynn’s meeting with the Russian ambassador (spy) so, when Pense, on the Sunday news shows  told the country unequivocally that Flynn had not talked about sanctions with the ambassador it was actually Pense doing the LYING.  Why do I think that you might ask?  Well, as we later learned, Flynn was acting as a “foreign agent” during the campaign which Pense also LIED about at least twice – suggesting he had no idea about that FACT until he heard it in a TV interview – responding by saying “this confirms Trump’s decision to fire Flynn.”  However, Flynn’s attorney had already published documents SHOWING that Flynn had told the transition committee – headed by guess who? Mike Pense – that he may need to register as a foreign agent because he was lobbying for Turkey (the country) during the campaign.  Pense knew about this months before DENYING it on, again, national TV.

I’ve got to throw in Sean Spicer here.  In a way, I feel sorry for him.  I don’t get the impression he’s a LIAR like those he’s surrounded by – it’s just that he’s a loyal employee who’s being forced to LIE if he wants to keep his job.  I can’t imagine being in that situation and lasting very long.  Somehow, I feel – if I’m correct about him – that he’ll have a short “shelf life.” (Depending on how long republicans put up with Trump.)  It’s apparent that Spicer is struggling with the LYING and he’s pretty awkward as he does it.  A good example of what he has to do came up a day or two ago when, right before a press briefing, the two Senators leading the Senate Intelligence Committee – with access to classified information – announced that Trump was LYING when he accused President Obama of “wiretapping” him. (the only reason I put it in quotes was because of how Spicer is “spinning” Trump’s own words – I hope you “get it”)  The briefing was held up for over an hour – obviously so Spicer could be coached on how to LIE about what the Senators just said – and, of course, he had to LIE about why the briefing was held up (someone was on the phone).  I really want to read Spicer’s book that will come out shortly after he resigns!

I could go on and on, but my hands are getting tired – but, I’ll add one more;  Paul Ryan.  He’s trying to cram a phony “health care bill” through the House without people knowing what “hit them.”  He was pushing hard to get the bill through the House prior to the OMB “scoring” the bill to clarify the details – like how many  people would gain/lose health insurance benefits, the cost/savings, etc.  I heard Ryan in an interview being questioned about Trump’s promise that “every American would have access to ‘affordable health insurance'” and guess what he was doing?  You’re absolutely correct, he was LYING.  On the day when the OMB (Office of Management and Budget) said 14 MILLION would lose coverage in the first year and up to 24 MILLION after around another 5 – 7 years Ryan said, “Every American will have access to health care” from their bill.  He exclaimed that the OMB results were better than he anticipated.  Now, I call that LYING – It seems almost of the pathological nature.  I’m sure Ryan has his own explanation for it, but I’ll let you figure that out.  I’m guessing he would say that everyone will have “access” (while silently, in his mind, adding – “If they have the money to pay the exorbitant premiums” that have caused the health care crisis in the first place – which is why MILLIONS never had health insurance until “Obamacare”)

I took a break, so my hands feel better – so, lets talk about Mitch McConnell.  This man is absolutely the cleverest LIAR I believe I’ve ever seen.  He’s the best!  He’s got that southern drawl that almost puts you asleep as you listen to him and what comes out of his mouth seems so believable, UNTIL you cross check his comments with either facts or his own words previously spoken.  For example, he seems so genuine as he deplores democrats to get on board with all his republican initiatives and laments how terrible it would be to obstruct.  Yes, McConnell actually does this – the very same man who filibustered President Obama something approaching 700 times.   I’m sure in private he would justify his actions because, well, maybe he believed the birthers – or who knows what – but, he publicly made it his mission and that of his party that President Obama would fail.  That’s all “water under the bridge” now – and, he’s deploring democrats to join him in “bipartisanship.”  (Unfortunately, I believe many democrats are spineless enough to fall for his antics)  McConnell could teach a class at a high level university on how to use words to make it sound like you’re saying one thing by really saying something completely different.  I suppose most would call him the “spin” master – to me, it’s just another form of LYING – which, as I stated at the beginning of this post – must be a requirement to be one of today’s republicans.

If it wasn’t so serious it would be comical listening to one republican member of the House after another coming on cable TV and defending their “health care” proposal that is being billed as the “repeal and replacement of Obamacare” all the while revealing their latest required LYING points.  They can’t defend that “plan” in a way that doesn’t guarantee their defeat in 2018 (for most of them) without LYING. (they’ve been “coached” to ALL use the same keywords in their LYING – a key proponent of the “Big Lie Theory”) It seems to be routine and the commentators leave it to “we the people” to figure this out.  One commentator the other day (Chris Matthews) actually said, “I hate to use the word Lie.”  They all know what’s happening, yet on and on it goes.  Now, I know my friend who’s a Trump supporter will be saying, “But the democrats………” as a way to justify all this.  Let me just add that I in no way would be OK with Trump’s LIES, his surrogates’ LIES, or those others mentioned here if the rationale was, “but the democrats.”

Personally, I believe we all lie to some degree in the course of our lives – but, the magnitude here is far beyond anything I’ve seen – including Nixon and Watergate.  Yes, politicians “spin” things to suit their purposes and/or position, but pathological LYING is another matter.  As many “experts” have already pointed out, Trump’s LYING and the LYING of those close to him creates a TRUST issue that is likely to be dangerous in a time of crisis.  Already there are many like me who don’t believe a word that comes from his mouth (or those of his closest advisers).  That’s not such a major problem, but when it spreads to leaders around the world, it becomes more than a major problem.  And, guess who will be the ultimate benefactor of all this if republicans allow it to continue?  Yes, you’re correct again – it will be Vladimir Putin.  I’ve said this before, the Russian hacking of our election has produced “fruit” that I’m sure is beyond Putin’s wildest dreams.  (And republicans in Congress will continue to ignore that reality as long as they believe they can push their “conservative agenda” past the democrats)  This is NOT good!

Final note:  I’ve explained what the “Big Lie Theory” is here many times.  If you’re not sure, look it up – it was the work of Joseph Goebbels back in the 1930’s and, I believe, a conscious part of outlets like Fox “news” for years.  That “theory” is based on coached and orchestrated LYING – that if you repeat a lie often enough people will believe it’s true.  There’s a difference when someone LIES about virtually everything.  When they’re so used to LYING that they believe their own LIES as they are making them – it’s routine.  That’s pathological LYING and, what I believe we are dealing with as I/we observe the words and actions of our 45th president and those around him.

The incompetence in the Trump administration is beyond believable for an American president who’s been in office for only two months.  Trump and his surrogates have proven those of us who believed they had no idea what they were getting into RIGHT virtually every day.  As I wrote the other day it would be comical if it wasn’t so serious and getting to the point of scary.  I, like many, have lamented on the damage that Trump will be able to do to this great nation in whatever time he has in the “Oval Office,” and the difficulty we’ll have in “fixing” it once he’s gone.  But, the more I observe what’s really happening, the more I realize the damage could be well beyond my wildest imagination.

For example, what if Rachel Maddow is correct in her inference (with much circumstantial evidence to back it up) that the Russians not only colluded with Trump to get him elected, but they have enough on Trump to be able to actually influence US policy.  Certainly to the people I know who support Trump this is all “conspiracy theory,” but, when you look closely what is “out there” not so much.  I mean, there’s NO dispute that the Russians were attempting to swing the election to Trump.  Now it’s come out that there was likely a “quid pro quo” during the Republican National Convention when Trump’s surrogates got a republican “plank” designed to provide aid to Ukraine in its fight against Vladimir Putin’s attempt to “re-acquire” it removed.  Trump was actually asked about this and, like he does with most situations, he LIED about it, saying he had no knowledge of what happened.  Of course, the person responsible for getting the “plank” removed (or as it was reported “softened”) did so on orders from Trump himself.  (Of course, Trump’s LYING has become routine – and, apparently. it’s just accepted by the “liberal media” as OK – I’ll write more about that later in this post)

All the reported evidence regarding Trump and the Russians during the campaign is suggesting there was collusion.  Should that get ultimately “proved” by Congress or another investigative body I believe that will be enough to make Mike Pense the 46th President of the United States.  I don’t think even these republican congress people want to defend allowing collusion with Vladimir Putin to be OK as a way to win office in America.  (That despite the FACT republicans have proven they believe “the end justifies the means” in the past)  But, if Ms. Maddow is correct, it goes way beyond the collusion in the election and EVERY American should be concerned with the implication – and, this needs to be figured out SOONER rather than LATER!  Last night she brought up the State Department.  Of course, I was one of the people who wondered why on earth would Rex Tillerson be nominated as Secretary of State.  (Evidently, the republicans who confirmed him had no worries)

Well, since Tillerson took over, virtually ALL of the top (and important) career diplomats at State have been FIRED.  People who’ve committed as many as 40 years of their lives to the security of this nation.  They’ve worked for presidents since Gerald Ford all the way to Trump – but, soon after Tillerson was sworn in, the axe fell on many of them.  As I’m writing this Tillerson does not have an assistant Secretary of State, I haven’t heard a SINGLE word from his mouth since he’s been on the job, State no longer is doing daily press briefings so it’s hard to keep up on “what’s happening,” and as I ponder all this all I can do is remember the photos I saw of Vladimir Putin pinning a Russian meddle of honor on Tillerson’s lapel sometime in the past couple of years.  I read the book “Private Empire” about Exxon Mobil by Steve Coll which, in itself, gave me pause to think Tillerson would be representing me as Secretary of State.  The one person thrilled with this choice by Trump, I’m sure, was Vladimir Putin.  (I have to wonder if Putin was one of Tillerson’s “references” on his resume?)

Just like Trump has no idea what he’s doing as far as the nuances of running our government, I believe Tillerson is in the same place at the State Department.  Evidently, they look at the State Department as they do the EPA, the Department of Education, and other agencies that fall in the purview of Steve Bannon’s deconstructing our government.  The report I heard is that the budget of the State Department will be slashed by a third.  Of course, they do all of this – including things like the “Muslim ban,” while they’re claiming the goal is to “keep America safe.”  That’s one of the great cliche’s of those in government who are trying to slip something untoward past “we the people.”

While these people are incompetent at running the government they, obviously, are not STUPID. (Even though many suggest that)  There’s an ulterior motive here,  and I’m thankful for people like Maddow who seem determined to find what it is.  “Conservatives” have been pillaging taxpayers for years.  Many on the “conservative” side – in the electorate – and, here I’m talking about “Conservative Christians” vote for republicans because back in the day of Reagan they were convinced republicans were “pro-life.”  And, it doesn’t go past that issue.  Most of the republicans I know have NO IDEA what their party is really up to.  And, now I believe that goes for republicans in Congress as well.  I’ve written ad nauseum about my frustration with today’s republican party and it’s surge to the “right,” but I in no way feel that people like Paul Ryan, Mitch McConnell, and the others are in cahoots with the Russians.  I’m guessing that as I’m writing this they are very nervous in their backroom discussions – although, I also believe they like having a president who will sign their draconian legislation if they can get it past filibusters in the Senate.  I can assure you they will push as much as they can as fast as they can in anticipation that Trump will eventually be exposed.

For example, I don’t believe for a minute that the reason Ryan is trying to “cram” the “repeal/replacement” of the Affordable Care Act through in three weeks is because it’s that necessary.  No, I believe it’s because he knows the “you know what” is going to hit the fan and the republican agenda will be in peril if all the dots get “connected” regarding Trump and Russia.  The agenda won’t be health care.  It will be impeachment and then figuring out how deep the Russian intrusion into our “system” has managed to succeed.  I believe there’s going to be some people who are exposed for some really bad stuff. (I read this morning one of Trump’s “top advisers” is a “lifetime member” of a pro-Nazi organization in Europe)  When Trump uses the term “bad dudes” he may need a mirror for himself and some of his surrogates.  Trump is yet to say a bad word about Vladimir Putin (everything I’ve heard him say makes Putin sound like Trump’s hero) and there could be a very good reason why.  If you haven’t read the so-called “dossier” that was published by “Buzzfeed” some time back, you should do so.

When the “dossier” first came out our “liberal media” attacked the publisher of putting out uncorroborated material – which had been known for some time but most “news” people were keeping “under wraps.”  Well, bit by bit pieces of that “dossier” are proving to be corroborated.  And, some of it is really salacious – and, if true will mean more than impeachment for Trump.  If you remember, Trump virtually admitted to sexual predator behavior on the Access Hollywood Tapes (which, by the way, were followed within hours by the first of the democratic emails Wikileaks published – thanks to Russian hackers) so the allegations in the “dossier” seem more believable (The “Golden shower”?).  The British agent who compiled the “dossier” disappeared after Buzzfeed published it and, reportedly, some Russians who gave him the material met with the wrath of Putin.  Reportedly, there’s video evidence of some of the allegations, which would make Trump vulnerable to blackmail.  It all seems like a British spy movie – but, well, who knows?

The British (former) spy has resurfaced and I certainly am one of the many who would love for the investigators to interrogate him and try to find out how much of that dossier is able to be corroborated.  Like who’s got the video.  I don’t actually want to see it, but I’d like someone who’s in a position to investigate all this to see it if it exists.  There’s enough of that dossier that’s already proving to be accurate that this guy needs to talk to the investigators about all of it.  There’s too much here suggesting that the collusion is going way past the previous election and if that’s the case this will be the greatest national crisis in my lifetime.  Again, Tillerson as Secretary of State???  It’s hard to imagine how that came about without wondering what influence does Vladimir Putin have on Trump.  (And, Michael Flynn and the Russians in another piece of the “puzzle” that is more than intriguing)

Earlier in this post I said I would get to the LYING of our president and the implications of having a pathological LIAR in the White House.  Of course, he’s busy brainwashing his “base” into believing our media is “fake news” (Ironically, “fake news” is a prime tactic of Russian interference in countries around the world) and anyone who disagrees with him is “dishonest.”  There are many who support Trump who won’t believe ANYTHING that comes out regarding the Russians, but there are enough people in America who already understand Trump to be a LIAR that he won’t be able to overcome the truth when it finally comes out if the dots actually get connected.  (I’m suggesting that until they’re connected it’s all speculation which is why Trump, if he’s “innocent” of collusion, should be pushing for an independent investigation more than anyone)  But, here’s the thing – a little over a week ago Trump gave a speech to a joint session of Congress that was somewhat well received because his “tone” was better (he actually proved he could read from a teleprompter).  That just shows how low the “bar” for this man is.  It was reported (I believe in Politico) that he LIED 51 times during the speech, but the focus was positive because he was nicer as he was LYING.  Makes me shiver as I write that – what has become of us?

Trump is so engrossed in his own self that, since the day he took office, he continues to PROVE that he has no idea how this all works – and, fortunately for him, neither do most of the people who support him.  Yes, the stock market has surged up since he won – in anticipation of all the tax cuts and reduced regulation Wall Street is anticipating which is really ironic to me because most of his supporters voted for him because he portrayed himself as anti-Wall Street.  But, Trump is claiming credit for one President Obama accomplishment after another.  He’s claiming credit for jobs created in January and February that are the result of actions taken as much as two to three years earlier – the man is clueless.  This fiscal year the government is functioning under the guidance it received from Obama – just as Obama was “stuck” with the Bush/Cheney fiasco for most of his first year in office.  The job numbers that Trump will be able to claim credit for will come next year and beyond (if he’s still president).

I reluctantly have to agree with my libertarian friend who “likes everything Trump is doing” that if Trump’s policies bring jobs “back to America,” if the economy flourishes and wages go up Trump will likely become much more popular.  However, when I try to look with a sober mind at what is transpiring I don’t see that as the result of Trump initiatives for anything more than a short period of naive anticipation – from those on Wall Street and in executive office buildings who loathe being restricted by things like environmental and/or financial regulations.  Many of Trump’s supporters don’t understand who will benefit from the “deconstructing” of our government.  When the health care crisis gets worse, when deficits balloon, when the financial industry gets out of control, when the haze returns to our cities, when seniors get their fixed incomes reduced even more, when our food supply gets less safe, when our national defense is focused on our military even more and our diplomats even less, when the jobs (lost to technology) don’t “come back,” when people realize the repeal of “Obamacare” is really a HUGE tax cut for the top 2% of Americans, and when we realize we’re being duped by a dictator in another nation many of Trump’s supporters will not be so happy.  To me, the “essential question” is:  How much damage will the Trump administration create before their Russian entanglement and their incompetence is fully exposed?

Final note:  There’s a part of me who wants to hope that my friend is correct and I’m wrong.  I’m not one to want my president to FAIL – as republicans tirelessly attempted to do to President Obama (and, continue as they attempt to rewrite history with no Obama accomplishments allowed) – if the president fails, America fails.  Yet, the LYING, the narcissistic behavior, AND (most of all for me) the Access Hollywood tapes – makes it difficult for me to even look at Trump – I turn the channel when he comes on TV.  My hope is that there will be a resolution to the “Russian connection,” the abuses of the emoluments clause of the constitution, or whatever it takes for an impeachment.  Maybe once that takes place government can function in a way that involves something resembling bipartisanship.  I sense that’s the only way, long term, republicans can save their party.  If they continue the “all in” with Trump, they will sink or swim with him – and, I’d hate to be in deep water in that boat!

Probably the most frustrating part of watching the “Trump train” heading for the cliff is anticipating the damage – which, as so often happens, goes to “the least of these” (in the words of Jesus Christ) – and not wanting them to be the “fall guys” for our beleaguered and dysfunctional political system (and, especially this president) as is so often the case.  And, then trying to understand how the “system” became so dysfunctional in the first place and what is going to have to happen to “fix” it just leads to more frustration.  Unfortunately, I keep coming to the same understanding as I ponder all of this: Greed.  I still remember (clearly) the days of the Reagan administration when I believe the “focus” of this great nation changed in an almost 180 degree direction and, to this day, the actual reality of what transpired back then has not been fully “vetted” publicly by our so-called “liberal media.”

Today, I was watching on TV as there was a “Women’s March” (A day without women in the workplace – I believe is what it was billed) going on in the streets of the nation’s capital (and, presumably, around the country) while our national legislators were debating whether our present president is legitimate, whether our past president committed a felony (you know, like what GW Bush and Dick Cheney did THOUSANDS of times – wiretapping Americans – in this case Donald Trump), and – most importantly to “the least of these” – the “repeal/replacement” of the “Affordable Care Act.”  Democrats are now (lovingly) referring to the health care proposal being propped up by Paul Ryan as “Trumpcare.”  I have not read (and probably won’t) the bill in its entirety but it’s interesting listening to the republicans who are pushing it.

Ryan and the others are claiming their bill will lower costs, improve health care, lower premiums, and – all in all – will be a huge improvement to what they refer to as “Obamacare.”  They claim “Obamacare” is “collapsing of its own weight.”  Of course, what they don’t say is that for 7 long years they’ve done NOTHING but vote 50+ times to repeal “Obamacare” with NEVER attempting to “fix” it.  Evidently, their new bill is the “fix.”  And, from all indications they’re going to have a difficult time getting this bill through their republican controlled congress and, if they do, people will remember all the claims they and Trump have made regarding the process of “repeal and replace.”  On many occasions, for example, Trump has said that the “replacement” will provide health insurance for EVERY American – and, it will cost less and work better.  Hey, I have to say, I’m all for that.

For many years I’ve been advocating, just like Bernie Sanders, that health care should be a RIGHT in our society (apparently the wealthiest society in the world) and not a privilege.  Getting back to my earlier point of when Reagan entered the White House, things back then were MUCH different.  For starters, hospitals and health insurance carriers were mostly “not for profit” entities.  As with virtually everything else – from the “conservative” point of view – privatization was the answer to the health care “crisis” which began emerging in the 70’s and continues to this day.  Reagan convinced Americans that the government is the problem – in virtually every area.  Instead of creating a single payer, “Medicare for all,” solution back then, the answer was “HMO’s” (along the lines of Kaiser Permanente) and incentives for doctors and health providers to withhold treatment to save money. (More profit)

The good news – back then – was that it was pretty much assumed that health insurance was a NORMAL benefit that went with being employed.  I remember working for the minimum wage (back then it was $1.25) and having full medical coverage – which, at the time, I didn’t need.  Businesses, at least everyone I was associated with or observed, back in the 60’s and 70’s simply accepted the responsibility of providing group policies for their employees.  The employees were the most important part of their businesses.  That all – publicly – changed when Reagan began the right wing assault on America’s great middle class. (I say publicly, because, by all accounts I can figure out, it really changed with the so-called “Powell Memo” that soon to  be Supreme Court Justice Lewis Powell sent to the Chamber of Commerce in 1972 outlining the plan for a corporate takeover of America’s government – the anti-worker plan that Reagan so expertly put into place)

It was under Reagan’s leadership that America went from being a “we society” (ie – the “New Deal” and “Great Society” of FDR and LBJ) to Reagan’s version – a “me” society.  That’s when shareholders became more important than workers.  That’s when the traditional republican assault on unions gained “full steam ahead” status – as Reagan himself, violated his own promise to the air traffic controllers, and “busted” their union on national TV.  Certainly, there could be an argument against the demands of PATCO (the union) but it’s undeniable that Since that day, the power of workers has diminished in America and executives have become almost unbelievably rich!  The percentage of workers represented by a union has dropped from around one third at the time of the PATCO strike to less than one tenth today.

If you remember, it was Reagan who promised: “I’m going to cut taxes and balance the budget.”  Well, I wasn’t paying that much attention to politics at the time, but I clearly understood how STUPID that claim/promise was.  Of course, Reagan did, initially, cut taxes (mainly for the wealthy) and his “trickle down” policy not only “trickled up” but that’s the direction of the deficit.  Like ballooning by about 300%.  So, and I really am trying to get back to my point, since the days of Reagan workers have been disrespected. The rhetoric would say otherwise – coming from republicans – but, the reality says……. Yikes!  The promises keep coming, the results, not so much. It’s not good.  And, yet, it’s the very workers who’ve been “left behind” by the “trickle up” policies of republicans that were the force that allowed Trump to move into the White House.  And, from what I can tell, it’s the blue collar working class – especially those still struggling from the 2008 financial meltdown that would have become another depression without President Obama’s (less than ideal – thanks again to republicans) stimulus package passed, ironically, in his first two months in office, that will be the “losers” from “Trumpcare.”  (Of course, Trump’s in his 7th week and so far the proposed repeal/replace of “Obamacare” is the first thing “on the plate”)

Instead of fixing “Obamacare” (like putting in a public option) most “conservative” republicans want to completely repeal it and “start over.”  I don’t think there’s many – if any – of us “common folk” out here in America who totally understand the nuances of the Affordable Care Act.  Yes, it’s really complicated and, no doubt, needs a lot of “fixing.”  However, based on the information I’ve gleaned by listening to the republicans pushing their new “plan” there’s no way it’s going to live up to their promises.  It really does remind me of Reagan promising to “cut taxes and balance the budget.”  “We the people” have been suffering the consequences of Reagan’s policies since the 80’s and republicans continue to push us toward the “cliff.”  It seems to me that with Trump at the helm, the “cliff” is getting near, and it could be a big drop when we get there.  Is that what it’s going to take to wake up Americans who just don’t want to pay attention to what their government is doing?  I know people who are relying on their health care (which comes through the exchanges) to survive.  It looks to me like rates are going to go UP, not down, coverage is going to go DOWN not up, and, for people who are older – like those in the 50 – 65 age group who are still reeling from the “great recession” their out of pocket expenses will balloon.

Those who have “pre-existing” conditions will still be able to buy health insurance – it’s just that for most, it will be prohibitively expensive.  The proposal includes a defunding (for one year, I believe – which republicans probably believe will be enough to destroy it) of Planned Parenthood, where many low income women get their health care and, from what I can tell, the plan will have Medicaid in the “cross-hairs.” Probably the most important part of the “repeal/replace” proposal to republicans and their benefactors is the apparent $380 BILLION tax cut that goes covertly to the top 1% of Americans.  Obviously, that’s just more money in the “coffers” of republican politicians..

I’m sure the list of “unintended consequences” will be long – but, as I stated at the beginning of this post – I believe it will be “the least of these” who bear the brunt of the repeal of “Obamacare.”  Obviously, I don’t believe Trump (actually, I’ve learned that you can’t believe a word that comes from his mouth) and the republicans that “everyone” will have coverage and that it will be less expensive and better.  As I’ve said many times on this site, “I hope I’m wrong.”  However, in most instances – whether talking about republicans or democrats – that hasn’t been the case.  Most of us out in the “heartland” seem to be better able to see what is actually happening in our nation’s capital.  Maybe that’s because we don’t have the spectrum of special interest money clouding our vision.

That last sentence is exactly why, at the beginning of this post I mentioned the the word that I believe was encouraged by Reagan and those who’ve followed him as republicans and those who financially support them: Greed.  The statistics don’t lie.  The working class has been stagnant at best since Reagan and the corporate executives have had their compensation soar since then.  The health of our corporations and our nation’s economy is (publicly) gauged by the stock market, and corporate executives have found creative ways to boost their own salaries by creatively boosting stock prices at the expense of long term health of corporations.  Since Reagan corporations have become increasingly “healthy” while MILLIONS of Americans are deciding whether to buy food or go to the doctor.  That will not change as long as “we the people” continue to be brainwashed to think the more money that goes to the top (the “job creators”) the better off we’ll all be.

When I was young it was not unusual for people to work for one company their entire career.  Today, is seems unusual for a “worker” to be in the same place 10 years.  And, lately, the republicans have put their faith in the very people who’ve been behind this trend.  In 2012 it was Mitt Romney – an expert “corporate raider” who would purchase a company, bleed it of all its assets, take a huge profit, and then abandon it – often times to insolvency.  The workers left wondering what happened are just “collateral damage.”

Now we have Donald Trump.  And, somehow (with the help of the Russians and James Comey) he became the 45th president.  Trump represents GREED personified.  The list of workers he’s “stiffed” seems endless from the reports I’ve read, and he’s strategically filed for bankruptcy 6 times – again, leaving workers in the pile of “rubble” that remains after he takes “his” and “goes home.”  I’m not sure why so many Americans fell for his schpeel, but now, at least until the republican congress comes to their senses, we’re stuck with him as president.  It should be no surprise to anyone that “Trumpcare” will just be one more Donald Trump lie.  As I’ve stated so many times of late, the real problem is the damage he creates (including the “repeal/replace” of “Obamacare”) could last a generation or more.

A final note:  Regarding my wondering how the system became so dysfunctional, and for anyone who believes my “bashing” of republicans means I’m a democrat, I’ll leave a final thought.  As much as the republicans frustrate me for their GREED and disregard for “the least of these,” the democrats aren’t far behind for their lack of courage.  Yes, there’s a few who seem to be “fighters” (Elizabeth Warren, Sanders – yes, he’s really an independent, and Jeff Merkley to name a few) but many don’t seem to have the courage of their own convictions.  Their lack of “fight,” in my view, is why seemingly EVERY mid term election is dominated by republicans.  The base who would support democratic ideals aren’t given a reason to get excited and vote.  That, to me, is the reality and if democrats want to be the solution to the problem they had better “lean to the left.”  It’s almost as if they’re afraid of backlash of the “liberal media.”  I say, if your position is honorable, FIGHT for it!

If the world was not in such a sad state, watching the Trump presidency would be comical.  However, the reality is that Trump appears to be as unhinged, “unqualified,” and incompetent as those who opposed him pre-election predicted.  Of course, at that time, not many people (including Trump from what I’ve read) expected him to be president.  Now, people in the media who were willing to prop him up for the sake of higher ratings and more advertising money during the election are “singing a different tune.”

I had breakfast the other day with a good friend of mine (a diehard republican who voted for Trump) who’s like most Trump supporters and is willing to accept all the baggage that goes with Trump because he believes much of the agenda he supports will get passed with Trump in the White House.  He is also in the “isolationist” mold and has no problem with the United States focusing on America and leaving the rest of the world to “whatever.”  (That’s my characterization of a much longer conversation)  It doesn’t matter to him if the Trump campaign colluded with the Russians.  I’m only pointing this out because I believe there’s many Americans who think exactly like that.  My friend says he doesn’t read Breitbart, but when Trump “tweets” some absurd “fake news” that he picked up at Breitbart my friend points it out to me as if it’s true.  Trump has convinced his “followers” that the “liberal media” is “dishonest” and that is where the so-called “fake news” is coming from (actually, of course, “fake news” is one of the main “weapons” of Russia as they are attempting to totally destabilize the “West”) so that his die hard followers are not going to believe the “truth” – whatever it might be – when it finally comes out unless it totally exonerates Trump and his surrogates.

Trump’s tactics, which I personally believe are being orchestrated by Steve Bannon (and, maybe to a lessor extent Stephen Miller), are classic examples of authoritarian takeovers of societies.  Attack the press, the intelligence community, and anyone who disagrees with you – make it more difficult, if not impossible, for opponents to fight against you (In America, the attack on voting rights is likely to become more intense under Attorney General Sessions) using accepted “norms” – ie, voting, protesting, etc,  And, of course, when things look bad, Trump and his surrogates can be counted on to “lash out.”  The latest “lash” is Trump “tweeting” that “sick” President Obama ordered Trump to be wiretapped in the previous election.  I’m guessing he “tweeted” that because he can’t figure out how all the information him and his associates are trying to keep secret keeps coming out in the press.  Again, if this world was not in such a dangerous place, this would all be comical.  Trump, this morning – if I heard it correct – proposed EXPANDING the investigation into his campaigns involvement with the Russians during the election to include whether President Obama ordered Trump Tower to be wiretapped!

Personally, I say, YES!  Do this!  People on both sides of the “isle” have been arguing for weeks over how this should be investigated.  I say, get it out into the open and investigate ALL of it!  Absolutely check to see if President Obama ordered surveillance of Trump and EVERYTHING else in question.  Let’s have an independent counsel so there’s no questioning the results.  What were Trump’s surrogates saying and doing in their MANY meetings with Russian officials during the campaign and after the election?  If President Obama felt Trump should be wiretapped, what was the reason?  Wiretaps require a warrant through the FISA court (unless you’re Dick Cheney and George W Bush, of course) so, if Trump was wiretapped, what was the reasoning behind it that allowed the FISA court to authorize it.  (Of course, Obama’s head of intelligence said no such thing happened – but, hey, let’s include this in the investigation)

Here’s what’s the most unnerving about all of this to me.  My friend doesn’t care about what Putin is doing in Russia and believes that if the Eastern European countries (who are now part of NATO – which, by the way, Trump conveniently wants to undermine) can’t defend themselves from Russia, that’s their problem.  He even said that he didn’t believe the Nazi’s would ever have attacked America had we chosen not to enter World War II.  (I’m only pointing this out because I don’t think he’s alone in this thinking) So, I asked him what he thought about the 54 BILLION dollar increase in (what I already believe is a totally BLOATED) defense budget and he said he’s OK with that.  Honestly, it’s really hard for me to make sense of that type of thinking that seems to be contradictory on its face.  I want to be an isolationist AND I want to spend almost 700 BILLION dollars on “defense.”  Yikes!  (Doesn’t it make sense that if we’re going to focus on our own borders $600 BILLION a year on defense is enough???  Maybe a bit too much???)

This all leads me to believe that there are many Trump supporters who are fine with the Russian meddling in our election and that apparently Trump’s “team” colluded with them.  In my heart I have to believe that those who feel as he does are a small minority of our population and that if, after the investigation that Trump himself now is calling for, shows that Trump’s surrogates were involved with the Russian attack on our process (I mean, when they were predicting accurately when the “stuff” that was hacked from Podesta would be made public, most of us can add two plus two, right?) then the Trump administration will be in its final days.  I don’t believe there’s enough Republicans to save Trump if it turns out his campaign workers were colluding with Putin and his underlings.  Yes, republicans have shown an incredible ability to “go with the flow” – that is, they’ve allowed Trump to re-define their party and now they have to live with it but, I can’t imagine people like John McCain and Lindsey Graham, for starters, going along with appeasing Vladimir Putin.  Although, I’ve maintained on this site that those who will truly make a “name” for themselves out of all this will be those in the republican party who stand up and say, NO! and point out the obvious – that nothing that Trump represents is “mainstream” in America, it remains to be seen if there’s anyone in the republican party with the “stones” to do so.  (and, I have to add that if an investigation confirms what people like me believe – at that point the republicans won’t seem so courageous when they “jump ship.”)

Yes, there are many good hardworking Americans who voted for Trump because they believe he’s going to bring  “high paying jobs” back to America.  Of course, most of Trump’s job creation claims are pure bloviating (to this point; remember, the first year of his administration he’s working under the previous administration’s policies) or outright “untruths.”  For example, Trump is claiming to have saved jobs in instances where the decisions he’s talking about were made long before he took office.  We’ll see in a couple of years how all this shakes out, if Trump is still in the White House (I still believe MOST republicans would prefer Mike Pense as president) However, there’s soon to be a “crisis” over the debt ceiling.  Wall Street has gone wild expecting huge tax cuts and deregulation – yet, so far, NOTHING has been even initiated.  Trump’s budget is likely to EXPLODE the deficit even farther (Obama had cut GW Bush’s deficit more than in half) and we’ll see if all those “conservatives” in the House still agree with Dick Cheney who famously said, “Reagan proved deficits don’t matter.”

Republicans are constantly working on revising HISTORY in a futile attempt to make themselves look better.  The reality is that even retired 6th grade teachers like myself have learned how to “Google” information and get something much closer to the truth than you get on Fox, Breitbart, and wherever else people like Trump get their “talking points.”  I believe when the reality of Trump’s inability to do ANYTHING hits Wall Street we’re all in for another crash – this time with someone at the “helm” who’ll have NO IDEA what to do.  (Have you read the history of 1929 and Herbert Hoover?)  My friend mentioned above told me that no body cares about anything but the economy and he believes the economy will flourish under Trump.  I told him that if in two years Trump is still president and the economy is flourishing I would agree with him that Trump will make it through his term.  I don’t see either of those scenarios coming true.

The reality is that Russia and what they’re doing around the world is DANGEROUS.  GW Bush/Dick Cheney committed the most STUPID action (possibly) in the history of this great nation by invading Iraq.  President Obama spent 8 years trying to clean up the mess and was making progress as he left office (Iraqi’s were in the process of pushing ISIL out of Mosul) and I truly hope Trump’s incompetence doesn’t screw up the progress – but, I have no confidence that will be the case.  Trump clearly is an impulsive person who is liable to do something really STUPID when it comes to decisions relating to foreign policy. (Unfortunately, I believe it’s just a matter of time until Trump “outdoes” The Bush/Cheney fiasco)

Russia is in the process of pushing the white nationalist movement around the Western world and if we continue to take a blind eye to what they’re doing, the damage could be among the worst of the damage we’re going to have to endure because of Trump’s presidency.  While,  as stated above, I’m saying this all would be comical if it weren’t so serious, I’m guessing Vladimir Putin is totally enjoying what’s happening in/to America.  During the campaign I believe he was truly hoping that he could destabilize to some degree Hillary Clinton’s administration.  He clearly feared a Clinton in the White House.  What Putin has accomplished in regard to helping create Trump’s administration, I’m sure, goes beyond his wildest dreams.  Trump’s presidency has put Vladimir Putin into a stronger position world wide anyone could have imagined prior to the election.

As an aside:  Someday our “liberal media” will figure all of this out!

I keep trying to watch the “news” – and, of course, if you’ve been on this site much you know that I have a strong interest in politics (that’s all I write about), AND about the only “news” I can stomach is MSNBC.  And, if you’ve watched much of MSNBC in the past year it’s pretty much Trump and little else (including in the campaign last year).  So, I get the views of “experts” on “both sides of the isle” pretty much every time I tune in relating to Trump and, not much else.  Lately, of course, the subject has been “did he or didn’t he” – meaning did Trump and his surrogates “collude” with the Russians who were attempting to make sure either Trump would become president, or more likely, that they could contribute to the undermining of Hillary Clinton had she won as everyone (including Trump) expected.  To me, it’s continuing to be INTERESTING to say the least.

I’ve pointed out (repeatedly) a few points that I believe need to be reiterated virtually every time this subject is “broached.”  First, when Trump’s lips are moving it is likely he is lying.  I believe him to be a pathological liar – meaning, he believes his own lies are the truth as they come out of his lips.  Secondly, his top surrogates – meaning Steve Bannon, Stephen Miller, and Kellyanne Conway have direct ties to the White Nationalist movement that is growing worldwide.  Conway was seen “tweeting” to a person who’s “handle” said, right up front, “White Nationalist,” Miller was giving the White Nationalist hand signal (presumably to reassure the “base”) as he was being interviewed on one of the Sunday “news” programs on TV – I believe it was “Face the Nation.”  And Bannon, well – he has been at the forefront of the White Nationalist movement as the editor of Breitbart “news” – which was one of the originators of so-called “fake news” – which Trump, in all his projectionist glory is attributing to the “mainstream media” who are investigating his administration.  (And, Lord knows there’s much to be investigated ALREADY)

That all being said, what has struck me as completely interesting – and, somewhat depressing at the same time – are the number of republican “hacks” (pundits), many of whom were part of the “never Trump” movement, who are lining up to propagate the lying of Trump and his close surrogates.  This morning the new lie is that Trump “inherited a mess,” and he’s going to create MILLIONS AND MILLIONS of jobs to “get the economy moving again.  The first thought that came to my mind when I heard that was – well, yes I’m sure the economy could grow a bit faster – BUT, it was President Obama who inherited the MESS.  Evidently Trump was too busy pushing the “birther” crap to remember that when President Obama took office the economy was shedding jobs at almost one MILLION per month.  By comparing Obama’s first month and a half in office with Trumps – well, by now President Obama had a “stimulus bill” signed into law that helped to prevent our economy from going into another “Great Depression.”  Essentially, at this point all Trump has done is sign a bunch of “executive orders” that have reaffirmed the fears of those who didn’t vote for him that he’s a tyrant.  The damage (or help) to the economy by Trump and his regulation cutting cohorts remains to be seen.  Remember, his first year in office will have an economy operating on the Obama agenda.  This time next year, we’ll be able to have a better discussion as to what effect Trump’s “plan” (if there is one) will have on the economy.  My point here is that the surrogates – even those who didn’t support him in the election are willing to spew the lies.

Of course, as of right now, for most Americans the economy is secondary to a couple other issues.  People on “both sides of the isle” – or, better put,  most people – want to know how much influence the Russians really did have on the election AND how much collusion was there between Trump and his “representatives” and the Russian intelligence community.  We KNOW there was at least some “collusion” OR Michael Flynn would still be Trump’s national security advisor.  People want to know how much collusion there was – was it just promising to remove sanctions when Flynn talked to the Russian ambassador in December (the same day President Obama imposed sanctions for their intrusion into our election process) or was there MORE?  Americans also want to see Trump’s tax returns to see how much he’s “invested” in places that are connected to Russia and Vladimir Putin – who Trump seems to view as the world’s greatest leader (aside from himself, of course)  In my mind, if there was “nothing there” – in the words of Sean Spicer, Trump’s press secretary – the Trump camp would be encouraging a bi-partisan open investigation to get this issue behind them as soon as possible.  Considering the level of “untruths” coming from all directions out of the White House since Trump moved in, nothing less will calm the “waters.”  If Spicer, Trump, and the other surrogates think this is just going to “go away” – I believe they’re fooling themselves.  (I was around during Watergate – and, this seem much more serious, potentially, to me)

The other issue that has the hair standing up on the backs of many Americans is the so-called “repeal and replacement of the ACA” – usually referred to as “Obamacare.”  Republicans spent 6+ years attempting to repeal it (something like 50 times) and NEVER attempting to FIX it.  I don’t know anyone who believes “Obamacare” is the total solution to America’s out of control health crisis – but, a majority feel it was a step in the right direction.  Now, the republicans have the opportunity to do what they should have done years ago and FIX the ACA so that it reaches more people and, whatever the problems with it (I’m obviously not an expert on health care) they try to improve.  The ultimate goal SHOULD be some form of a national health care – single payer type – solution so that, in the words of Bernie Sanders health care becomes a “RIGHT” and not, as it is now, a privilege.  Republicans are going to “own” whatever they do to the ACA and, from what I’ve heard, they can’t even agree amongst themselves on what to replace it with.  I can pretty much assure you that the replacement will make the problem worse instead of better based on what I’ve been able to “glean” from listening to early reports from Paul Ryan and others.  The 2018 election should be very interesting.

While most of us are tuned in eagerly to find out about the Russian issue and the “Obamacare” circus, I’ve been watching Ryan and Mich McConnell to see how they’re dealing with all this.  If you’ve read any of my previous posts I predicted that there will become a point in time where the republican leadership tires of Trump’s folly and they find a way to create Mike Pense as the 46th president.  I firmly believe he’s much more palatable to them than Trump.  However, they’ve made what could be considered a “deal with the devil” and they are now reliant on the Trump “base” which includes the hard right “White Nationalist” group.  So, they will have to tread lightly and find a good reason before they move against Trump.  However, I watched Ryan and McConnell in an impromptu news conference the other day (I believe both of them are trying as hard as they can to stay out of the “spotlight”) and they looked like two kids in a candy store.  They had just left a meeting with Trump and you could tell, by – as I used to teach my 6th graders – reading between the lines, that they were excited to have someone in the White House who will sign the legislation they’ve been pushing for years but couldn’t get past President Obama’s veto pen.

For example, TAX CUTS.  Let me try to find a polite way to say what the main agenda is for Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell.  It’s TAX CUTS.  And, guess  which way the tax cuts will be aimed – toward the top, or the bottom????  Yes, you’re correct, that was a stupid question.  For starters, the repeal of “Obamacare” will give the top one or two percent of Americans something like 380 BILLION dollars over the next ten years.  (you’re right, that’s a lot of money) But, that’s not all – it’s just the beginning.  They’ve got plans for another GW Bush/Cheney tax cut that will put BILLIONS more in the pockets of those who so generously finance their campaigns.  As Trump himself said, when he gives money to politicians he expects a return on his investment.  Think of the Koch brothers – who’ve “invested” maybe more than a BILLION dollars just since the day Citizens United was decided by the Supreme Court making it MUCH easier for America’s wealthy elite to buy congresspersons.  For example, I’m confident that if you check the donors list (those who’ve been identified) for just Ryan and McConnell you’ll find massive amounts of oil and coal money.  (Right now, I’m guessing Ryan is getting a lot of health insurance and pharmaceutical money “invested” in his campaigns as he tries for find an alternative for the ACA – remember, OVER a BILLION dollars was “invested” in the original bill – mainly from health insurers and “big pharma”)

Of course, Ryan and McConnell also are leading the charge to deregulate, and where possible, disassemble entire government agencies that prevent their benefactors from making even larger profits.  The EPA is in danger, the education department, the Food and Drug administration, the Consumer Protection agency (over Elizabeth Warren’s “dead body” as the saying goes), and who knows what else is in the cross hairs.  We know republicans want to defund Planned Parenthood where women get low (to no) cost health care, and the list goes on and on.  They now have a president who will obligingly sign whatever they can get through the last roadblock for us “liberals” and that is the democratic Senate.  However, there are several democratic senators (like Joe Mansion who first comes to mind) who live in states won by Trump and are apparently willing to vote like a republican.  So, the 60 vote barrier could be reached on some consequential legislation that will turn back the clock many years.  Time will tell, and, again, the 2018 election should be interesting.  (Taking Mansion and West Virginia for example, one “success” of the early Trump administration was allowing coal companies to again dump their waste into rivers and streams.  I, personally, was conceived in West Virginia and I have to wonder are there no “liberals” there?  The coal industry is virtually devastating huge segments of the beautiful mountains in West Virginia and surely there will become a time of remorse for allowing this to happen – I just have to wonder if anyone there cares enough to speak out?  We should no longer be relying on coal for our energy in the first place – there’s too many better options, but dumping the waste in rivers????)

My point here is that “we the people” need to be busy watching our “fronts” and our “backs” as the Trump administration moves ahead.  While many people like me will get caught up wondering how much collusion there was in the election (I mean, the fundamental premise of our nation is at stake on that one – if Trump and his surrogates colluded with the Russians, in my view, they’ve “got to go”) there’s a lot going on behind the scenes and much damage could be done if we’re not paying attention there as well.  Furthermore, people need to be encouraged to get their butts to the polls whenever there’s a chance to start the process of voting these people out of office – and, I’m talking about anyone who’s in office and is cooperating with the “white nationalists” in the White House.  I would encourage the so-called “liberal media” to stop being obsessed with being “fair and balanced” and begin calling out the surrogates when they lie – as happened (again) today on MSNBC. I read the other day that in Trump’s “successful” address to Congress – considered a success because he proved he can read a teleprompter – he LIED 51 times.  So, the headline wasn’t the lies (evidently, that’s just a given now) but the tone.  This is leading us to a bad place!

In essence, via obstruction, republicans managed to gain control of all three branches of government (once Trump’s SCOTUS nominee is confirmed) and have convinced Americans that government is “broken.”  So, now it’s up to them to FIX it.  The early returns, as I watch the Trump administration in action are a bit scary.  And, the damage the republicans (ie Ryan and McConnell) can do “behind the scenes” could take a generation to recover from.  It’s up to “we the people” to stop this takeover of our government.  There’s no doubt going to be significant “damage” done by 2018, but Americans – many of whom are presently in the streets protesting – will have the opportunity in 2018 to stop this “right here, right now.”  I don’t have much confidence in the democrats, but they are the only hope for those of us who don’t want America to be Russia’s buddy and an authoritarian state.  Should be interesting and, remember, while we’re all focused on the folly of Trump and his associates, keep a watch on what the republicans in Congress are up to – the damage they can do will likely be much more difficult to “fix.”

I spent most of my career teaching Middle School and, in the process, you get a good lesson in learning to tell when someone’s LYING.  In fact, for years in the administration’s office (where they deal with “naughty” students) there was a poster which read: “Tell the truth, there’s less to remember.”  The other day, when Donald Trump was giving a bizarre news conference I couldn’t help but be reminded of that saying – actually, MULTIPLE times.  I mean, he started off with an astonishing claim – that he won a landslide “electoral college” victory – the largest since Ronald Reagan.  Of course, that was completely untrue – even I knew that without checking – in fact, the ONLY president to get a smaller “victory” was GW Bush – who relied on the Supreme Court to get 271 electoral votes back in 2000.  For some reason, (I think both you and I know the answer to that thought) Trump continues to talk about the electoral college “victory” as if it’s a mandate, despite the FACT he called it (the electoral college) “a disaster for democracy” back in 2012 after President Obama defeated Mitt Romney.  Fortunately, a reporter “called” Trump on the LIE he began his news conference with – but, there was plenty more to come.  (Trump failed to mention that Hillary Clinton got almost 3 MILLION more votes nationwide than him – I wonder why? Honestly, he still seems to be struggling with that FACT)

Later in the news conference Trump, as he was attempting to intimidate the “media” said he no longer watches CNN.  “They are too dishonest.”  (Talk about “the pot calling the kettle black”)  Of course, later in the conference he actually called on and had a diatribe with a reporter from CNN – during which he said, “I watch you every night.”  I wanted to say, “OK, which is it?  Either you watch them or you don’t.”  I could picture Trump in the principal’s office trying to get out of some kind of trouble that had no way out.  Later in the “session” Trump was looking for a “friendly” reporter and called on a reporter from, I believe, a Jewish network (or publication).  The reporter brought up the increase in anti-Semitic violence since Trump took office – specifically and carefully trying to avoid connecting it with Trump himself – which I thought was a kind gesture on the reporter’s part.  Of course, Trump took it very defensively and then made a couple remarkable comments that NO ONE, that I saw, who were reporting on the news conference picked up on.  (I guess, even though Trump is surrounded by anti-Semitic racists the subject is too sensitive for our “liberal media”)  Trump told the guy to sit down, and said – first – that he was offended and then said – and, I’m not kidding, “I’m the LEAST anti-Semitic person AND I’m the LEAST racist person.”  I wasn’t sure who Trump was comparing himself to – Steve Bannon, Kellyanne Conway, and Stephen Miller were sitting right in front of him – maybe he was comparing himself to them.  He’s “less” racist and anti-Semitic than his top advisers.  Well, for all I know he could be telling the truth on that one.

However, I had to wonder, why didn’t he say “I’m not anti-Semitic or racist?”  Of course, saying that would have brought another trip to the principal’s office.  I can’t say I’ve heard – or that I can remember hearing – Trump make an anti-Semitic comment, but to call himself the “least racist?”  Again, I’m not sure who he’s comparing himself to – we know where many of his strongest supporters stand (If you’re not sure, research Breitbart and the “alt right”) – but to PUBLICLY lead the so-called “birther” movement against President Barack Obama speaks volumes about Trump as a racist.  Of course, you could also read about the Justice department actions against Trump and his father regarding their unwillingness to rent properties to African Americans.  None of that is conjecture – it’s FACT!  To me, it’s just further example of a pathological liar – in his mind, if he says it, it must be true.  But, again, maybe he was comparing his racism to, say, Bannon – and maybe he is “least racist” in that sense – I’m not sure.

If you were unlucky enough to have to listen to one of Trump’s top political advisors – Stephen Miller – on a recent tour of the “Sunday morning talk shows” on television – you would get a good look at the mindset that permeates Trump’s administration.  Miller said, on one occasion, “our opponents, the media and the whole world will soon see as we begin to take further actions, that the powers of the president to protect our country are very substantial and will not be questioned.”  That wasn’t all.  He also added, when defending Trump’s RIDICULOUS claim that 3 – 5 MILLION Illegal aliens ALL voted for Hillary Clinton to explain why she won the popular vote by nearly 3 MILLION votes, “I’m prepared to go on any show, anywhere, anytime, and say the president of the United States is correct 100 percent.”  If you’ve studied authoritarian regimes in history, this group should have your attention.

Miller, Kellyanne Conway, and Steve Bannon all come from the world of Breitbart.  That’s the home of the White Nationalist movement – and, even it Trump doesn’t understand this group’s foundation is RACISM, well, that’s on him.  I wrote the other day about Kellyanne Conway sitting at a press briefing given by Trump stooge Sean Spicer right in line with one of the cameras (to Spicer’s left).  Conway was busy texting (or something that looked to me like texting – I don’t do Twitter, Facebook, etc.) and just as she was writing a response – under her “hashtag” or whatever you call it on Twitter – showed up a response to a congratulatory “tweet” (I hope that’s the right word) from one of her admirers – who’s “Twitter handle” (again, I’m guessing for the right terminology) gave a clear connection to White Nationalists and was titled “Lib Hypocrisy.”  Here’s an explanation of the symbolism on Lib Hypocrisy’s handle:  “Lib Hypocrisy’s Twitter handle features the green face of Pepe the Frog, a well-known symbol of the white nationalist movement. The related account bio lists the hashtags #WhiteIdentity, #Nationalist and #GeertWilders, a reference to the virulently anti-Muslim Dutch politician.”  Conway nevertheless retweeted Lib Hypocrisy’s message and wrote, “Love you back.” She also wished her “hapless haters” a happy Valentine’s Day.  (This info thanks to the Huffington Post) Trump and his top surrogates will claim to be “the least racist” – but, the evidence clearly says …………. “back to the principal’s office.”

Understand this, however; Trump is working in the classical form of a true tyrant.  And, Steve Bannon is the perfect “silent partner” in pushing their agenda.  Of course, the republican party – I’ve been writing about them for years – are the perfect enablers to allow Trump to create damage to this great nation that could take generations to reverse because while we’re all worked up about Trump they’re busy dismantling every New Deal remnant they can get their hands on.  I’ve heard it said that Bannon believes that – evidently by using the voter suppression tools, the Big Lie Theory of Joseph Goebbels, the intimidation of the press, and the ability to dismantle important regulatory parts of government – keeping a “base” of 40% is enough for the so-called “permanent republican ‘majority.'”  I’ve written about this ad nauseum, but I don’t think the original architects – like Karl Rove – envisioned Trump in the White House portion of their “plan.”  That’s where I sometimes think that “we the people” are better off just enduring Trump for one term rather than the impeached alternative – because, I believe the conservatives behind the “plan” would much prefer Mike Pense as president.  But, the reality is that, in my mind, Trump MUST be opposed at EVERY opportunity.  The sooner he’s out of office the better for “we the people.”

I’m already seeing signs that the “media” is weakening – getting tired of the EVERY day drama that’s going to be “life under Trump.”  He will continue BASHING the media and “we the people” will continue to depend on them to keep “investigating” what is really going on.  The only TV “media” I can stomach is an occasional viewing of MSNBC – plus I have it on my car radio.  Commentators like Chuck Todd, Chris Matthews, Steve Kornaki, to name three that come right to my mind, appear to be looking for ways to “get along” with Trump and his surrogates.  In one moment they’re calling the LIES out as they should, and the next moment they’re looking for a way to make sense out of something that makes no sense at all and is provably FALSE.  Matthews is the most discouraging to me because I know he was a staffer for Tip O’Neil and Jimmy Carter – he should know better.  Todd has been getting “used” by republicans for as long as I can remember watching him.  I will probably never forget him interviewing Allison Lundergan Grimes who was running against Mitch McConnell – the person filibustering EVERY position of Barack Obama in his attempt to make sure Obama failed – and saying she was “disqualified” because she wouldn’t share with him who she voted for in the previous presidential election – yes, you’re right – in his mind she was disqualified for protecting her right to a secret ballot.  Of course, he said NOTHING regarding McConnell’s OBSTRUCTION of President Obama – evidently, in his mind, that was not disqualifying. Todd’s remarks ultimately ended up being the focal point of the McConnell advertising campaign that brought him through a tough election – which was potentially winnable for his opponent.  These guys are going to give in to Trump – I can feel it coming.

Many in the media, including those I just mentioned, apparently have accepted that ALL politicians are liars.  While I don’t agree with that (although I do believe we’ve all lied at some point in our lives) to the point where it can be stereotyped – the “level” of LYING coming from Trump and those he’s surrounded himself with is staggering.  There’s a difference between “spinning” and pathologically LYING. The whole world is watching and wondering what on earth is going on in America.  “We the people” MUST continue with what’s being termed the “Resistance” for as long as Trump is in the White House and we MUST be adamant that the democratic party come home to her roots and show a readiness to FIGHT for what I’ve termed the “heart and soul” of this nation.  I believe one thing that Trump’s election has done is “wake up” MILLIONS of apathetic Americans who’ve been taking their privileges for granted (and, right now I’m not talking about “White privilege” – which is what Trump and his followers are determined will continue)  Traditional privileges like Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, the right to join a union, food stamps, unemployment insurance, clean air, clean water, safe food and drugs, and I could go on and on all hangs in the balance.  Much of this will be – at least temporarily – going away.  The wealthy in America are in line for another big boost to their “bottom lines” and, if “we the people” don’t persevere and get our collective BUTTS to the polls – and, I’m talking now about 2018 – this will continue getting worse.

Step one is throwing republicans out of control of the congress.  I don’t care if states are considered “blue or red,” the democrats need to be active in EVERY state where there’s an election and they need to find and support good YOUNG progressive candidates who can make the case for working people all across this land.  The first and most effective way to “stop Trump” is to start voting republicans out of office en masse.  The next step is to find good YOUNG candidates who would be willing to go through the GRIND of running for president in 2020.  Whether it’s Trump or Pense in 2020, the damage done in these four years will need to be “fixed” sooner rather than later.  Even my granddaughter (a sixth grader) is scared and wondering how someone like Trump could even get elected.  Kids her age know about the Access Hollywood tapes and the LYING and they’re wondering how there could be enough adults in America to vote someone like this into office.

At some point we are likely to have much more information as to why Trump should never have been elected president – like maybe he’ll be forced to disclose his tax returns, maybe the so-called “dossier” from Russia that no one’s talking about anymore – and, that I believe is true and is out there on video – will show up, maybe we’ll find out the true amount of collusion between Trump’s campaign staff and the Russians who were hacking the Democratic National Committee, maybe Trump will end up in court facing the numerous women who claimed he sexually assaulted them, or who knows what else.  (I’ve heard that Trump is facing something close to 100 lawsuits) In my mind, it shouldn’t take any of that – the LYING coming from the Trump White House is enough for me to believe he should never have had the privilege to move in there.  He’s called the media “the enemy of the American people.”  Of course, the purpose of that is to get them to stop “snooping” on all these issues.  The future of America, at this point, is dependent on the media continuing to uncover the TRUTH about Trump and his campaign.  He will continue to LIE and attempt to BULLY them so that, as his surrogate Miller stated,  he’s “unquestioned.”  If we EVER get to that point, God help us!

I guess it was to be expected that Donald Trump would give people like me plenty to write about.  In fact, it’s coming so “fast and furious” it’s hard for me to focus my ADHD mind.  But, let’s just focus on something I saw Trump say today in reference to the court decisions that are putting (at least) a temporary halt on his attempt at being America’s first DICTATOR.  Trump made the comment that – after saying he didn’t want to accuse the court of being biased – that “courts these days are SO POLITICAL.”  I’m pretty sure I’m not alone in seeing the irony of that comment.  (Shortly after making that comment, there was another STUPID remark in reference to his Supreme Court nominees reported displeasure with his attacks on the judiciary – which I’ll get to later)

Maybe instead of using the word “irony” I should have said hypocrisy.  There’s been plenty of discussion (including on this site) of how Trump got himself elected.  There was the manipulation of the media, the Russian interference (which may have actually been coordinated with the Trump campaign staff – which, by the way, would be treasonous), The FBI – James Comey deciding to announce, 11 days prior to the election, that the Hillary Clinton “investigation” was re-opened, and there was the voter suppression tactics by republicans in several swing states that actually worked.  Any one of those “issues” may have swung the election.  However, by my estimate, a majority of Trump’s “base” was made up of right wing Christians who could care less who’s in the “Oval Office” if Roe v Wade can be reversed.  And, on this POLITICAL issue Trump promised a Supreme Court judge who would be committed to overturning that decision.  No matter your position on abortion, that is Trump suggesting he’s going to nominate a judge based on POLITICS.

Now, most “liberals” are going to fight Trump’s nomination of Neil Gorsuch as the replacement for Antonin Scalia – if for no other reason than the seat he’s been nominated for SHOULD be held by Merrick Garland. For POLITICAL reasons, the republicans refused to even meet with Judge Garland for almost en entire year.  Now, with Trump’s ill informed attacks on the court system, along with some incredibly STUPID surrogates (Stephen Miller comes to mind), I believe the republicans will have no choice but to get rid of the filibuster to get Gorsuch nominated. (Despite the FACT Gorsuch seemed a bit rational when he commented about Trump’s attacks on the court as being disheartening and demoralizing.  Those comments alone might get a few democrats to vote for him – but, I believe without 60 votes there will be an 8 person Supreme Court for at least 4 years.  So, it’s inevitable that Mitch McConnell will use the so-called “nuclear option” to get Gorsuch confirmed.  (The only caveat here is that McConnell may be getting nervous about the republicans’ ability to control the Senate based on they are now the party of Trump and he may want to keep that option for when he’s in the minority again)

I’ve pointed out several times on this site that Trump and many of his surrogates (mostly Kellyanne Conway) are LIARS.  In my mind, Trump is a pathological liar – as the lie is leaving his lips, he believes it is true.  I’m guessing that Trump has been LYING so long that it’s just a way of life for him.  Which brings up another IRONY involved with observing the MESS that is Trump’s administration.  He just fired Michael Flynn, his national security advisor, for – you guessed it – LYING.  To me this all would be comical if it wasn’t so serious.  Of course, Trump didn’t really fire Flynn for LYING, he fired him because the press found out he LIED to Vice President Pense (who, by the way, I’m predicting will be our 46th president within the next year).  Trump fired Flynn because he pretty much had to in his attempt to shield the TRUTH about the involvement with his campaign and the Russian attack on Hillary Clinton during the election.  This is ALL going to get very interesting.

And, speaking of Kellyanne Conway, she was seen sitting at the news briefing where Saturday Night Live star Sean Spicer was LYING about why Flynn “resigned” texting to, who else, but someone who’s “Twitter feed” shows an allegiance to the White Supremacist movement.  Of course, afterward – after being “outed”- Conway did what she usually does – she LIED.  Only this time it was to cover up her own actions instead of Trump’s.  Someone must have “hacked” into her Twitter account and sent the message – at exactly the same time she was seen sending a message during Spicer’s attempt to calm everyone down about Flynn’s “resignation.”  Now, this should surprise no one because Conway came into the Trump campaign with Steve Bannon straight from Brietbart which is the “home” of the White Supremacist movement in America.  The only surprise I have each time stuff like this comes up is that our “liberal media” seems to be “missing in action” as far as reporting it to the general public.  Despite the implication of people of this “bent” in positions of the highest power in this nation our “liberal media” seems to be willing to “go along to get along.”

That would bring me back to the aforementioned Stephen Miller – who’s pretty much been identified as a “whack job” every step along the way.  If you missed it, he made the rounds on the “Sunday news” shows last week and, depending on your perspective – either told it like it is, OR showed the reality of what I’ve been writing about for the past year – as Trump became a “possibility” in the republican primary process.  Miller, as with Bannon and Conway, comes from the Brietbart “world.”  He’s only 31 years old but he talks as if he’s the impending RULER of the universe.  I’m not kidding, this dude was really full of himself.  (And, of course, Trump loved it)  The parts I saw of Miller were a little on the scary side if you believe that Trump is actually going to be able to advance his “plan.”  Miller made statements like: “Trump will not be questioned.”  He made other statements as ridiculous as that and Trump gave him a “Twitter” pat on the back.  That should get my previous references to the similarities of Trump’s campaign with that of a certain German back in the early thirties a bit more relevance.  Of course, the “facts” Miller used in his tirade against anyone who would even question the fuhrer er president, as with MOST of what comes from the White House, were LIES – gaining what the Washington Post “fact checkers” called a “bushel of Pinocchio’s.”

A quick aside:  The other day I saw the picture of Miller that was widely published after his tirade on the so-called “Sunday news shows” and he was giving the “white power” salute with his hands as he was talking to the reporter (being broadcast on national TV).  This is just more of the coded garbage that has been a part of the Trump campaign – mostly what I’ve picked up on is the coded language – and, I have to admit I had no idea what the “white power” hand signal was until it was shown to me in an article from Daily Kos.  They showed examples of two other White House staffers doing the same thing in the White House briefing room.  NO ONE in the “liberal media” is reporting on this stuff.

I don’t know how much longer the republicans who control the Congress will be able to tolerate Trump as THEIR president.  The world is wondering, “what the hell is going on in America?”  The American people who are watching are in the streets in virtually every city – and, each proclamation that Trump comes up with (if the public is informed) seems to result in massive protests.  And, it’s going to keep getting progressively worse.  First of all, Trump has no idea what he got himself into.  Secondly, the reality of what Trump, and probably more significantly Steve Bannon and Stephen Miller, wants is going to be FAR outside the “mainstream” in America.  And, say what you will about the “mainstream,” but politicians need to be operating in at least some segment of it.  The opposition is likely to grow and Trump’s “approval rating” is likely to continue falling.  Yes, the 30% of America who were attracted to Trump’s candidacy because he led the “Birther” movement, will stick with him high and dry.  That is the Brietbart side of America – which, until Trump got elected was considered a “fringe element.”  Many of the supporters of Brietbart are unapologetically RACISTS.

Trump has already committed impeachable offenses – that we know about and probably some we don’t yet know about – and, in my view, as each day passes, he’s on thinner and thinner “ice.”  The reality is that “true conservatives” in America have a much higher opinion of Mike Pense than they have of Trump.  I believe it’s just a matter of time before republicans start talking among themselves (if it’s not already happening) about the IMMENSE damage Trump is doing to their “brand.”  At that point the “scheming” as to how to get rid of him will begin to grow.  Remember, they are all about having power (obviously, they know not how to govern) and when they get to the point where they believe Trump is going to cause them to lose power it will be a short while until he’s impeached.  It’s going to happen!  (The TRUTH about the collusion with the Russians during the campaign will likely be the “last straw”)

So, that gets me to my final thought.  A person who commented on this site asked me to give ten things that should be done to make things better (Implying that I’m “whining”).  Of course, if you’ve read some of my previous posts you know there are at least ten that should be obvious – although the suggestions I made to President Obama obviously are “moot” at this point.  But, here’s at least a few (and, Trump could save his presidency by reading this and actually pushing for them – I’m not kidding): 1.) Instead of repealing the ACA, FIX IT.  Start by including the “public option” that was torpedoed by turncoat democrat Joe Lieberman. 2.) Push for an overhaul of our infrastructure with a “bent” toward clean energy – although, obviously, roads, dams, bridges, schools, government offices, and more need to be upgraded and/or repaired.  And, do this by encouraging union workers who are making a “living wage.” (require and independent bidding process for the projects) 3.) Improve Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid – first by extending the payroll tax for all earnings which would solve the present problem and lead to increases that would benefit millions of Seniors. (full disclosure, I’m a senior – but, we all get there if we’re lucky enough) and secondly, by laying the groundwork for a “medicare for all” future 4.) Reverse the recent decisions to allow the Keystone XL pipeline and the Dakota Access pipeline, each of which threatens the water supply of millions of Americans by allowing the DIRTIEST oil to pass through America’s heartland.  I really DON’T want to have to say “I told you so” on each of these dangerous projects – just check out the reality of the safety of these pipelines – they’re breaking all over the place.  The list of “accidents” is staggering) 5.) Actually create an advisory group to lead the way in rebuilding our inner cities in a way that will help minority communities become healthier.  And, this advisory group should be made up of the leaders of those communities.  Commit the resources to do this.  6.) Get rid of Betsy DeVos in the education department and appoint someone who believes in public education and local control (Yes, there needs to be federal guidelines regarding equal opportunity, but not the cumbersome system that has evolved since “no child left behind” left so many children “behind.” 7.) Actually commit the resources to our VA to deal with the reality that there’s MILLIONS of veterans who are not getting the care they need to deal with the aftermath of being sent into ridiculously STUPID wars.  I believe almost all veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan are likely to at least be suffering from PTSD.  8.) Pass comprehensive immigration reform that gives those who need it a “path to citizenship.”   I could go on, but hopefully, if that person shows up here again, this will do as a start.

I’ve pointed out many times on this site, and in other situations, that I’ve always been an “independent” voter.  Yes, of late, I pretty much vote for democrats because I’m so disgusted with where the republican party has evolved over the years, but I’ve never joined the democratic party.  It started with Nixon, got worse under Reagan, GW Bush/Dick Cheney took the “conservatives” farther from “we the people” and closer to the corporate interests who’ve been scheming to destroy as many rights of America’s workers as they can since the infamous “Powell memo” to the Chamber of Commerce in 1972, and now we’ve gone full bore fascism with Trump.  Since I’ve donated (small amounts of) money to various democrats in the last few years, my email inbox is FULL of solicitations from candidates I know not who they are, or in many cases even where they’re from.  The emails always came from democrats until about a year ago.

Someone, no idea who it is, evidently gave my email address to a far right group that is part of the “engine” behind the Trump movement and, like the democrats, they’re sharing it with their brethren.  Now I’m getting bombarded daily by multiple organizations pushing the “White Nationalist” agenda.  One of the sights, “The Mad Patriots,” sends me something virtually EVERY day and occasionally twice in a day.  I don’t open them – I don’t need to because I can tell what’s inside by reading the bylines of the articles.  I can’t remember the other names of the outfits sending me their propaganda, but it’s pretty much all centered on the same prerogative.  It’s the White people against everyone else.  The democrats are the enemies of “White America.”  Honestly, it makes me a bit sick to my stomach that there’s so many “White Nationalist” or “White Supremacist” or now, “alt right” groups still floating around in our nation.  And, each one of these “sites” (groups) are extremely happy with out 45th president.  It matters not to them that the Russians very well may have put him in office.  They are not fans of the FBI, yet I’m sure they’re delighted that the head of the FBI did everything he could to make sure Trump would win, in case the Russian influence wasn’t quite enough.  (Jim Comey, the aforementioned head of the FBI knew about the Russian influence and the degree of it prior to the election, but he said NOTHING because the FBI “doesn’t comment on ongoing investigations!”  Unless, of course, Hillary Clinton is involved)

The people running these particular right wing organizations are TOTALLY happy with our new president and ALL the stuff he’s doing that’s putting MILLIONS of protesters in the streets.  These are the same people who were supporting the “tea party” and “birther” movements along with the policy of obstructing President Obama EVERY step of the way.  It’s interesting to read the bylines on their emails which would suggest that they don’t like the idea of “tit for tat.”  Should the democrats suck up courage and do the same thing back to Trump that they did to Obama, in their mind, that would be “un-American.”  And, of course, they’re totally confident that the democrats won’t have the courage to do so.  Personally, I believe that is why so many Americans have abandoned the democratic party which, at one time, stood as the beacon for the blue collar working class in America.

Well, in my view, it’s time for the democrats to step it up and reclaim the middle class of this nation by FIGHTING the republican agenda and Trump EVERY step of the way.  Take for example Trump’s nomination to the Supreme Court.  Democrats should unite to block the nomination and FORCE the republicans to get rid of, once and for all, the filibuster in the Senate.   Republicans will not be in control forever (hopefully, only two more years – thanks to Trump) and, they are the ones who’ve abused the filibuster to the point where it’s time to get rid of it.  The democrats can force them to “get it over with” on this nomination.  Let the republicans get legislation through and, just as they’ve said about the ACA, I believe anything they propose will collapse, eventually, under its own weight.  “We the people” are likely going to have to endure another MAJOR economic DISASTER to finally get the point across that these people (republicans and their benefactors) have been plundering the Middle Class of America since the 1970’s.

Make no mistake, the soon to be proposed tax cuts will funnel BILLIONS to the so-called 1% (which, of course, includes Trump and virtually EVERY person affiliated with his administration). along with repealing the Affordable Care Act – which presumably will give the top 1 or 2% in America another $360 BILLION over the next ten years.  This kind of crap has been going on since the day Ronald Reagan said, “I’m going to cut your taxes AND balance the budget.”  That’s maybe the greatest LIE in American history – and, republicans are still getting away with it – which demonstrates several things.  First, it shows how they are masters at messaging and propaganda (they always get away with blaming democrats for the ballooning deficits and national debt).  It also shows, as I mentioned above, how weak the democrats are that they would allow this to happen – while we’re all fighting over wedge issues.  The republicans are masters at “playing” the democrats and the media.  (Trump’s ability to manipulate and bully the media is a major factor in why he’s sitting in the White House as I’m writing this)  And, finally, and regrettably – as I’m a retired teacher, it really shows how STUPID the American public is.

Well, I should probably use a different and more kind term than “stupid,” because it’s probably more related to how busy Americans are and how they are relying on a media that is all about ratings and shareholder value as opposed to investigative reporting.  For example, as a teacher, I spent the last 23 years of my working life along side people who all had college degrees and most who had advanced college degrees (ie Masters, PHD).  Over the span of years from when the Supreme Court decided the case until right before this election I asked MANY teachers this question: “Do you know what Citizens United is?”  Not ONE teacher was able to answer me in the affirmative, NOT ONE!  I’m sure I asked the question over 50 times during the 8 year period I’m talking about.  There were rare occasions when a teacher would even want to have a conversation about politics – despite our “mission” to help mold proficient and productive “citizens.”  To me, a productive citizen is one who votes and one who looks beyond the headlines and bylines to find information needed to make an informed decision.  For heaven’s sake – in America, if over 50% of eligible voters participate in an election, that, in itself, is a “victory.”  Yikes!

And, now we’ve got Trump as president and Steve Bannon, a White Supremacist – who, by the way is revered by the right wing organizations I referred to above, as a top advisor to our president and a member of the National Security Counsel.  Things could easily go from bad to worse and in a hurry.   I know teachers who don’t vote and don’t want anything to do with politics.  I know others who vote but have no idea of why they’re voting for anyone – yet when I try to invoke conversation it’s usually squelched by negative complaints and phrases like, “I don’t want to talk about politics.”

I’ve always believed that “we the people” get what we deserve when it comes to elections, both local and national.  But this time feels different.  The reality is that NEITHER candidate for president could have ended up a “popular” choice – due to their high unfavorable ratings – although Hillary Clinton won, what in a normal year would be a landslide with the popular vote – almost 3 MILLION more votes than Trump nationwide – but, NEVER in my wildest dreams did I envision I would be talking about whether or not our president is beholden to the Russians, or the FBI for his victory.  I saw the issue with the voter suppression coming from the “right” for several years before this election and still think it may have been a deciding factor as well, but the more I think about where we’re at as a nation, my mind keeps coming back to the spinelessness of the democrats.

I still remember 2014 when democrats running for congressional seats wanted nothing to do with President Obama – didn’t want him campaigning for them, were unwilling to run on the very successes of their FIGHT against republican obstruction, and basically in my mind didn’t have the courage to STAND UP for their own professed values.  It was like “tell them what they want to hear,”  which is another way of telling voters we think you really are stupid and we’re going to say whatever we think might get your vote.

So, now “we the people” are in a spot where if Trump is going to be “stopped” it will be up to the democrats growing “a pair.”  That, in conjunction with the “liberal media” actually doing investigative reporting might give us a chance to stop this disaster before it does damage that will last a generation or more.  Already, it’s clear that the Supreme Court is going back to the 5 to 4 majority that believes “corporations are people my friends.”  The new appointee, Judge Neil Gorsuch, has a history of calling corporations “people” along with a right wing record that will conceivably make Antonin Scalia look like a moderate.  Democrats will be unable to totally block Gorsuch – unless Mitch McConnell is unwilling to give up his filibuster tool – once it’s gone, it’s gone – but, they can force the issue as I stated above.  They need to send a message to their “liberal” base that they’re willing to FIGHT.  Unfortunately, I have to say I’ll believe it when I see it.  Trump and the people he’s associated with are bound and determined to “Make America White again” and they are bullying their way in that direction.  The right wing websites I mentioned above are not subtle in what they believe and in their support for Trump.  “We the people” need to call it what it is and band together to stop this right wing assault on our nation as soon as possible.  We need to DEMAND democrats actually represent us and if they continue to lack the will for this fight, then it’s time for a THIRD party.

Trump and his surrogates have their “alternate facts” and his supporters buy the LIES hook line and sinker.  Additionally, republicans in Congress are falling all over themselves to defend Trump because they believe he’ll allow them to FINALLY get their draconian legislation through that repeals what’s left of the New Deal (and, of course, Gorsuch’s nomination is worth whatever damage Trump can do to the nation with the “Conservative Christians” because they only care about the abortion issue – and, it’s their hope Roe v Wade will be overturned).  It’s time for all us “minions” out here – including many of the blue collar Americans in the mid west and south to decide if all the great benefits our fathers and grandfathers (mothers and grandmothers as well) FOUGHT for after the great depression are worth us FIGHTING for today?  I’ll say it again, rights and privileges are much easier to lose than to regain!