Today, I listened to an interview (on Fox “news”) with Jeb Bush (I really shouldn’t expose myself to Fox – I’m a grown adult and know what to expect – I guess I just want to keep up on their propaganda scheme) where Bush had the AUDACITY to accuse our president Barack Obama of getting us “bogged down” in the Middle East.  In addition, he pandered to the Fox “hosts” who were leading him on in their quest to ensure that the United States closes its doors to the Syrian refugees (that, essentially, are the long term result of his brother’s STUPIDITY in invading Iraq some 12+ years ago).  Honestly, I’m getting beyond sick of listening to these people, but as the “stakes” are increasing and the need for the American public to stand behind our leadership increases, I guess all I can hope for is that Fox gets their satellite projectors (or whatever it is they use to spread their venom) hit by lightning.

I’ve said many times on this site that Dick Cheney (or anyone closely involved with the Bush/Cheney regime) should not be allowed a platform on national TV to spew their toxic obstructive criticism of the president who’s got the un-enviable task of cleaning up the mess left behind by Bush/Cheney et al.  It really doesn’t matter what President Obama does or says, anyone affiliated with the republican party (yes, the same group that accused people like me who cautioned against invading Iraq as “un-patriotic”) will take the other side.  While I “get” that’s part of the American “landscape” I just find it almost unbelievable that any “news” outlet could let a Bush accuse anyone of (other than GW Bush/Dick Cheney et al) getting us “bogged down” in the Middle East!  Have these people not been paying attention???? It was George W Bush and Dick Cheney who got us STUCK in this terrible situation!  We’ve been in this “spot” since Bush/Cheney invaded Afghanistan and shortly thereafter took their eyes off the “prize” (Osama bin Laden) and shifted their focus to the oil fields of Saddam Hussein in Iraq.

The other day I heard Donald Trump (the apparent “front runner” for these same republicans regarding the 2016 presidential nomination) accuse the American public of being “STUPID.” Well, if Jeb Bush gets away with this latest absurd accusation toward President Obama, then I guess I’m going to have to agree with Mr. Trump on something (which, in itself, is hard for me to stomach).  OMG – does this man (Jeb Bush) really believe he’s qualified to get us out of the quagmire his brother (with the likely manipulation of Dick Cheney) got us into?  Keep in mind, he’s got the same advisers (to an extent) that were responsible for much of the damage done to America and the rest of the world by his brother.  PPPPPPPLEASE, give me a break!!  If you’re reading this, do something – call your congress person or something – the local republican office and tell them to get this guy to SHUT UP!  The actual terrorists are listening!

The reality is (it should be obvious to just about anyone right now) that the problem is getting worse instead of better.  The policies of the United States of America have been a disaster for the past 15 years (probably longer – but, I’ll leave that argument for another day).  I’ve written about my view of the failings of President Obama many times – he SHOULD have allowed the investigations (and likely prosecutions) of the Bush administration regarding the WAR CRIMES committed in ALL OF OUR names during the Iraq (and Afghanistan) fiascos!  The world would have breathed a sigh of relief had “we the people” made a public repudiation of the invasion of a sovereign nation under false pretenses along with the TORTURE and war profiteering and on and on.  That didn’t happen, but it is ridiculous to accuse President Obama of getting us “bogged down” in this civil war.  I would suggest that President Obama has failed to completely remove himself from the so-called “Bush doctrine” which has led to the unrest in Libya and now Syria.  I don’t understand where we have the right to determine (or maybe a better term is dictate) the make-up of the countries in the Middle East.  But it wasn’t Obama who got us into this mess!

Obviously, it is their oil that makes the region so important to America (and many others) – but, in my view, our leaders have continually shown a lack of understanding of the age old “rift” between the different sects in the region.  And, the impression the Americans left in the region when you study what the American tactics were after the over throw of Hussein were, well, let me put it this way – I don’t think we befriended many Iraqi’s – as our troops were barging into their homes and hauling away suspected “enemy combatants” to Abu Ghraib – to be TORTURED for “actionable intelligence” that didn’t exist.  The harsh reality is that the group ISIS (or ISIL as President Obama and others refer to them – or the Islamic State which is how they refer to themselves) was created by the Bush/Cheney regime.  In fact, I believe the founding of ISIS was the day Paul Bremer “debaathified” Iraq by FIRING all the government employees under Saddam Hussein along with his military.  Bush/Cheney showed an incredible ignorance regarding the Sunni Shia rivalry and I’m not sure we’ve learned much since. (In fact, brother Jeb suggested we “rehire” the Arabs we “hired” during the infamous “surge” to help solve the present problem.  I’m no expert – OK, quit laughing, but I believe you’ll find most of those people as members of ISIS)

Obviously, I’ll say it again, just in case you haven’t been listening, I’m not an expert myself, but I have to believe the problems in the region won’t be solved by killing everyone.  If you listen to our republican brethren, you might believe otherwise.  Just like Donald Trump believes (OK, do you really think he’s sincere?) he can somehow round up 11 or 12 MILLION immigrants in America and ship them back to who knows where, when I listen to some of these republican front runners it almost sounds as if they see the solution to the present day problem (and, again, it’s the problem created by themselves) is to somehow “eliminate” all the Muslims.  Well, maybe today one of them said it’s OK to let the “Christian” Muslims – wait, that can’t be possible can it?  They must have said, the Christians in the area are OK, we just need to kill all the Muslims.

OK, I know what you’re thinking.  And, you’re correct.  They were talking about taking in refugees (when referencing Christians) who are fleeing the area because ISIS is brutally killing – well, it must be Muslims, because many of the refugees fleeing to Europe are definitely Muslims.  Of course, many of America’s leaders are balking at us taking ANY of these refugees because one of them might be a terrorist.  But, then I thought I heard Mr. Bush (the aforementioned Jeb) say that if the refugees are Christians than we can take them in.  I took that to mean that Christians can’t be terrorists.  I guess we can all rest easy now. (by the way, I’m not knocking Christians, I am one myself, I just have a hard time stomaching this republican rhetoric)

Isn’t this just the “new America” – the melting pot nation that has been built on immigrants to create a disastrous situation (ie the Syrian conflict in the Middle East ie ISIS) and then turn our backs on the resulting FLOOD of people fleeing the situation in fear of their lives.  I have to believe that we have been acting almost EXACTLY as Osama bin Laden imagined when he schemed up 9/11.  I still remember as a child (a LONG time ago) hearing recordings of FDR as he said, “We have nothing to fear, but fear itself.”  Evidently, bin Laden understood American history better than most of us – like when Abraham Lincoln (the first republican president) said, “America will never be destroyed from the outside, if we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.”  Well, it appears to me that fear is ruling the day in Washington DC among many of our “leaders.”  And, while President Obama seems to be, at least, “the adult in the room” when it comes to our leadership in dealing with the recurrent crises that seem to be “ruling the day,” one thing “we the people” can seemingly count on is a media that specializes in fear mongering and “leaders” who willingly take the “bait,” with the result being we are “destroying ourselves.”

Republicans (and, again, I remind you they, via Bush/Cheney et al, gave us the present mess) are falling all over themselves proclaiming that we should not allow Syrian refugees into our country (unless, of course, as stated above, they are Christians) despite the FACT these refugees are fleeing the very forces created by our government (circa Bush/Cheney – I have to keep reminding of that, just in case you are one of the Americans referenced by Donald Trump above – I’ll let you figure that one out for yourself).  Politicians like Jeb Bush are patronizing the republican “base” that has proven over the past seven years that EVERYTHING is (including, believe it or not, the TARP bailouts, the deficit handed down by Bush/Cheney, obviously these “wars,” etc. – all pre Obama’s inauguration) President Obama’s fault.  It’s impossible to have an adult conversation across party lines in America because the republicans ONLY want President Obama to FAIL.  They, apparently, could care less about America and Americans.  OK, I “get” that – I mean it’s been the “order of the day” for 7 long years now.  But, honestly, it’s beyond the pail when I have to listen to Jeb Bush accuse Obama of getting us “bogged down” in the Middle East.  How can any serious media outlet allow him to make that claim? (You don’t have to remind me, I know that Fox is not a serious media outlet – but in a time of war, wouldn’t you think even they could get beyond wanting our president to FAIL?)

I truly believe in the constitution and the 1st amendment that gives us the freedom of speech.  But can’t we just make a law for the Bush family?  That no one in that family can accuse the president of this?  He’s spent 7 years trying to undo an apparently undo-able mess created by GW and Dick (sounds like a comedy duo – would be funny except think of all they did) – at the very least he should be expected to SHUT UP on this particular subject until or if the American people are, as Donald Trump implied, STUPID – and, put another Bush in the White House.  Can you really imagine Jeb Bush trying to get us out of this mess???  He’d probably hire a Cheney to help him. What a depressing thought!  (I’ll end by saying: think of all the republican “hopefuls” on their “debate” stage – who would you trust with this problem?  Yikes!!!)

If you’ve spent much time on this site it would not surprise you to hear me say that the present “makeup” of the republican party pretty much repulses me.  The United States is spiraling toward second class status and the republicans are doing everything they can to impede the workings of our government in a way that allows themselves to cement POWER via a constant ATTACK on anyone in leadership who represents the democratic party.  They clearly stated their number one goal as President Obama was inaugurated; and it was his FAILURE.  They’ve done everything they possibly can to OBSTRUCT every initiative Obama would support.  That is, if he’s “for it” they are automatically “against it.”

Take for example the Affordable Care Act, popularly referred to as “Obamacare.”  The basic structure of this legislation comes right out of the Heritage Foundation (a right wing “think tank”) and mirrors the plan put forth in Massachusetts by none other than Mitt Romney when he was the governor there.  Of course, even Romney – when he was running against President Obama in 2012 – bought into repealing “Obamacare” despite him being the proponent of a similar plan in Massachusetts.  The Reason?: Of course, the reason is that no republican can succeed without pandering to the puppet masters (ie Koch Brothers, Rush Limbaugh, Fox “news,”).  As I’ve stated many times here, the republicans are following the propaganda scheme of Joseph Goebbels – “The Big Lie Theory” – that if you repeat a lie often enough people will believe it’s true.  This theory has proven so successful in America that, apparently, the American people accept that their politicians are partisan liars without the slightest bit of impunity.  Yuck!!!

(For the record, I’m not a great fan of “Obamacare” myself.  I would definitely support “Medicare for all” – you know, the Medicare republicans are busy trying to destroy – so, I’m not holding my breath in anticipation.  Even if they would work with the other side to “fix” Obamacare, I would consider a miracle had happened.  Do you remember the “public option?” Republicans – along with Joseph Lieberman – made sure the private insurance companies didn’t have to compete with “that” – you know, a government program that actually works)

So, the reason for these thoughts today is that, on my way home from work, I listened in to the republican prosecution of Hillary Clinton regarding the attack on the American State Department compound in Benghazi, Libya in 2012 where Ambassador Chris Stevens and three others were killed by Libyan terrorists.  This charade reminds me of the endless Whitewater hearings during the Clinton administration when Mrs. Clinton’s husband was president.  Obviously, the republicans fear Mrs. Clinton regarding her candidacy for president in 2016 and they’ve been on the attack for at least two years now.  This partisan WASTE of taxpayer money makes me sick to my stomach.  As the representative from my home state (Washington) pointed out, accurately, there wasn’t close to this level of scrutiny on the 9/11 terrorist  attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. (Dick Cheney was too busy “convincing” GW Bush to destabilize the world by invading the sovereign nation of Iraq)

Again, if you’ve been around here much lately, you know that I’m a fan (I’ve sent him money) of Bernie Sanders.  I believe the New Deal of the Roosevelt administration planted the “seeds” for the greatest middle class in the history of the world.  It’s the same middle class which has been constantly “pruned” by the right wing republicans who’ve been (masterfully) gaining more and more of a stranglehold on this government they supposedly hate since the 1970’s.  To me, Hillary Clinton is not the person I would get excited to support for president.  However, as I watch these hearings I’m gaining more respect for her and I get the sense that if the republicans are going to this extent to defeat her, I need to reconsider supporting her.  Clearly, it’s the republicans – in the present make-up of the party (there was a day when I could respect many republicans – like Eisenhower, Dirksen, Rockefeller, Javits, and others) – that have to go if “we the people” are going to reclaim the fundamental values of this nation that so many, today, take for granted (and, don’t have a clue as to what happened to create them.  For example, the 40 hour work week, child labor laws, Social Security, Medicare, unemployment insurance, minimum wages, workplace safety, food safety, environmental safety, etc. etc.).

The reality of what the republicans are doing is virtually guaranteeing that Hillary Clinton will be the democratic nominee for president in 2016.  I’ve been thinking, are they doing this on purpose?  Are they afraid of Bernie Sanders? (I would think they’d be trying to help him get the nomination so they could lambaste a “communist.”)  Are these guys so stupid that in their zealous attempt to discredit Mrs. Clinton they turn her into a national hero?  Obviously, she showed a complex understanding of the workings of our government as this committee forced her to explain some reality to them that someone like me thought they would be aware of themselves based on their standing in government.  Obviously, for example, several of the members of the republican side of the committee had little expertise on the workings of the State Department and other important aspects of government.

As I’m pondering all this, I can’t keep the thoughts of republican reality from my head – not only are they propping up Mrs. Clinton their “base” is propping up Donald Trump and Ben Carson.  My thoughts on that “reality:” Are you kidding me?  Donald Trump as President?  Ben Carson as President?  Yikes!!!  Do these people really think that America is so “great” that the rest of the world doesn’t see what is happening here?  Maybe the republicans WANT another “Great Depression” – I keep thinking that the “invisible puppet masters” would probably be able to profit even more off a great disaster like that.  Maybe they are so angry with President Obama because he managed somehow to “head off” that type of disaster following the debacle of the Bush/Cheney regime that they’re attempting to push someone worst than Bush/Cheney on us.  George W Bush was so incompetent as President you would think they’d try to find someone who could actually govern – at least that’s my thinking.  (apologies to my good friend who continues to believe GW to be a good man who was blindsided – my term – by Dick Cheney and Donald Rumsfeld – which, to an extent, I agree with) However, I, myself, might be totally caught up in the “trap” they’ve been setting for all of us – all along.

Could it be that those pulling the strings behind the scene have been wishing an economic national disaster on the rest of us all along.  (ie – Trump or Carson for President????)  Clearly, they’re targeting Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, unemployment insurance, the minimum wage, environmental protections, worker safety laws, food safety laws, and, I’m sure, many other aspects of the New Deal “thinkers.” I do find it odd that they argue for their “tax cuts for the wealthy” by claiming that “entitlements” are “out of control.”  (for example, claiming Social Security is the cause of the burgeoning deficit problem)  You NEVER hear them arguing that our defense department – which receives a budget that surpasses the defense budgets of the rest of the world COMBINED – is the budget issue that is out of control and, the more we spend on it, the less “safe” we get.  ‘

Of course, you wouldn’t hear them making that argument, because the plundering of our taxpayers is largely connected to the largess of the defense department’s seemingly unlimited budget.  When’s the last time you heard our congress complaining about money intended for WAR?  Food stamps are causing us to go broke and our HUGE cost overruns on military equipment that is outdated and not even wanted by the military has nothing to do with the problem, if you listen to these people.  Should “things” continue on the present course the American economy will be bankrupted and “we the people” will still be arguing whether it was caused by abortion, LGBT rights, Social Security, Medicare, President Obama, Hillary (and Bill) Clinton, democrats, gun laws, – I’ll be arguing it’s the republicans – and who knows who or what other “wedgies” will be blamed.  All the while those who have “bought” people like the Representatives who created the charade of the Benghazi inquisition are “laughing all the way to the bank.” (I’m not even convinced that the recipients of the money doled out by the invisible “cabal” I often refer to, even know what the REAL agenda is or who the real perpetrators are)

I have a good friend who is a lifelong voting republican with libertarian philosophical views who I have breakfast with most weekends.  He’s a “right wing” Christian and I’m a “liberal” Christian.  We have some interesting discussions and we see things from almost polar opposite directions (except for Jesus).  However, we always have a great dialogue and we learn from each others different perspective.  In fact, this morning I’m pretty sure I heard him say he may have to vote for Bernie Sanders (:o).  In our discussion we talked about the frustration that our “leaders” are unable to have constructive dialogue (similar to our own – it is, we believe, therefore possible) resulting in positive leadership – that would include COMPROMISE.  Both of us are deeply concerned about the nation we are leaving to our children and grandchildren.

I believe it took the emergence of Donald Trump as the republican “front runner” to get my friend to understand why I’ve been calling for the repeal of the present day republican party for years now.  When you consider that reality (Trump – or Carson for that matter – or, really, any of their candidates) with things like the Benghazi fiasco, the present state of WAR in the Middle East (and beyond – thanks to Cheney/Rumsfeld and the “neo-cons”), and the CONSTANT obstruction and dismantling of government by the “right wing,” it’s easy to see why republicans like my friend are reconsidering their allegiance. I have to add here that there’s no way my friend would vote for Hillary Clinton, so it was interesting how he reacted when I claimed that it could be that the Benghazi committee will be responsible for electing Hillary Clinton as president.  (From what I have been able to tell, since that hearing her poll numbers have gone way up – instead of their stated goal of knocking them down)

As I’ve tried to point out numerously on this website, I “get” what the republicans are up to and why they’re doing it.  They are obstructing EVERYTHING that might make President Obama look good and, conversely, make the government work better for “we the people” as they’ve been doing since, at least as far as I can remember, back when Newt Gingrich laid out “obstruction” as the strategy necessary for republicans to gain power in the congress during the 1980’s.  Obviously, there’s a large segment of the American public who either haven’t figured this out or who actually look at it differently than those that think as I.  The reality, from my eyes, is that “stuff” (using the words of Jeb Bush) is “happening” that has never been a part of the political “landscape” until the recent emergence of the so-called “Tea Party” – which is nothing more than the extension – via surrogates – of the well funded agenda put forth by people like the infamous Koch brothers (Charles and David Koch) and others who believe in a twisted form of “free market” philosophy which allows unfettered plundering of our national wealth by a select few – commonly referred to as the “top 1%.” (although this group consists of significantly less than 1% of our population)  To me, the “Tea Party” is just a natural “extension” of those who helped Gingrich “back in the day” – it’s just that this group keeps merging closer and closer to the absolute extreme right.

Essentially, all of this would (and, I think the proponents view it this way) make for good political theater if it wasn’t such a dangerous self-serving strategy.  And, their strategy is very effective – especially since they have a network of business interests which have permeated the political scene right down to the neighborhood precincts.  In a lot of ways I have to admire the political skill of this group despite my TOTAL belief that they are undermining the basic premise that America was founded on and are dead set on destroying our government as those of us commonly referred to as “baby boomers” know it.  When I think about how all this is “going down” I often get to a place where I just accept that in America we get what we deserve, and if “we the people” continue to allow this obstruction to happen without rebelling against it (at the ballot box) then we deserve the consequences.  In fact, we’re well into experiencing the consequences.  For example, the middle (or working) class of America has been stagnant economically since the days of Ronald Reagan.  We’ve seen the budget deficit soar EVERY time they (the republicans) impose another “tax cut” on the wealthiest among us – while waiting anxiously for that boost to the economy (from the “trickle down” effect) that NEVER comes.  Then, with the significant help of the very middle class that’s getting destroyed, “we the people” (inexplicably from my standpoint) vote the “bums” back in.

Again, all this would simply be just good political theater if not for the “unintended consequences” – which are never considered, seemingly, by anyone who’s got access to the “bully pulpit” or the “mainstream media.”  Here’s the thought bugging me today.  I’m listening to how we’ve got international issues with China making aggressive actions in the South China Sea and Russia pushing their “weight” around in Syria – seemingly daring the U.S. to make some kind of bold move that would threaten an even larger WAR footprint around the globe for America.  I started pointing out the inevitability of all this all the way back when President Bush lied us into Iraq while continuing an endless and ill defined “war” in Afghanistan.  That is, Bush/Cheney pushed our military to the limits and President Obama has been unable to “reel” it in.  And, with both Russia and China being fully aware of the republicans in our country violating the long standing tradition that the political obstruction stops at the nation’s borders, these two nations are sensing an opportunity to “test” America’s will for more conflict.  One thing you can be sure of is that before any decisions will be made by the Obama administration the republicans in power will make it clear that they oppose WHATEVER our president chooses to do and they will publicly make sure both the Chinese and the Russians are reminded that our nation is not even capable, no matter the circumstances, of unity.

To me, these people (the republican leaders who are foisting this political obstruction on “we the people”) are borderline treasonous.  Just as many of them would have been totally comfortable with pushing America into default, economically, I believe they have no qualms about pushing us into an extension of what has become “permanent war” resulting from the actions of the Bush/Cheney regime against, well, whoever.  I listened to a member of the so-called “freedom caucus” in the House of Representatives (this is the Tea Party extremists) complain that, evidently, John Boehner negotiated an extension of the debt limit prior to his leaving the House and I’m certain this person was disappointed that they were unable to drive this country into default as a ransom for their right wing political and economic demands – the rest of us be dammed if we disagree with them (and, keep in mind, this is a minority wing of the republican party that has power because people like the Koch’s are providing them unlimited funding – the rest of the republican party is TOTALLY in fear of this caucus – it’s both incredible and disgusting). And this same caucus, while creating a scenario that emboldens the Chinese and the Russians will be the first in line to encourage some kind of (crazy) military conflict with them.  Honestly, the rest of us had better wake up before it’s too late.  Even my “conservative” friends who vote republican in their sleep have children and grandchildren they should be thinking about.

This will go on until WE THE PEOPLE put an end to it – and, the only way to do this (peacefully) is at the ballot box.  In America we have that great privilege – but, unfortunately, most of our people refuse to practice it.  The last midterm election had a turnout south of 35%.  That is shameful.  It’s also part of the republican “plan.”  I’ve heard many republican leaders pointing out that the fewer the number of voters the better their chances.  And, if you haven’t been paying attention, republicans have been busy across the nation making it more difficult for people who would be likely to vote democratic to actually go to the polls.  Republicans complain about “voter fraud” when the only voter fraud is their organized plan to exclude people from voting – or having their votes counted.  George W Bush “won” the presidency two times via fraudulent voting practices.  In 2000 he clearly won the election because his brother (who’s now running for president) was the governor of Florida and managed to purge an untold number of ballots (do you remember the “hanging chad?”) along with a Supreme Court which essentially refused to allow all the votes to be counted.  In 2004 Bush “won” with the help of an Ohio Secretary of State who was also his state campaign manager and, not only rigged the voting machines, but made it exceedingly difficult for minority voters (and others tending democratic) to be able to get to the polls.

The worst part for me is that you have to dig under the surface of the “news” to find out something even close to what actually happened.  Republicans have pushed through legislation that has effectively reduced competition in America (despite all the “free market” claims) to the point where our choices are increasingly limited.  For example, I’ve got ONE choice if I want to have internet in my home (maybe two if I considered satellite), I’ve got two choices for TV, and – to my main point – the “mainstream media” has been “consolidated” down to information coming from a very few sources – dwindling more and more as time goes by.  I believe there are about 9 (right wing) corporations that control over 95% of our “liberal” media.  Is it any wonder “we the people” have no idea what’s going on?  And, this media empire is expert at creating “news” that turns well meaning Americans against each other.  As long as we’re arguing about issues like “gay marriage” the (under the surface) plundering of our economy by this wealthy cabal will continue.  I’m just bracing myself because I’m beginning to realize that the republicans in the so-called “freedom caucus” will stop at nothing to get their way.  They have proven that the default of our national economy means no more to them than a “bargaining chip.”  (those reading this who are “conservative, just think how that will affect you – is totally tanking our economy worth it to you to get your “wedge issue” that a majority of Americans disagree with you on?)  I have to wonder: Is the “freedom caucus” willing to undermine our foreign policy to the point of encouraging war with China and/or Russia?  As I said before, I really hope “we the people” wake up.

(Last night I finally heard a republican speaking some kind of language I could understand.  John Kasich of Ohio – the governor – stood in front of a microphone and called the republican party out.  I’ve been waiting for someone like him to do this for, well let me just say a long time, to “tell it (somewhat) like it is! BUT, make no mistake, Mr. Kasich has played his part in the republicans screwing up America – I’m certainly not suggesting he be the next president!!!  He’s as anti-union and anti-women as they come.  Maybe this will be the start of the republican party defeating itself from within) Update: If you saw the “debate” it was clear Kasich made his rant simply to separate himself from the rest of the wackos and garner some attention.  I could only stomach so much of their bantering back and forth – and, of course blaming all their ills on either the media and/or Hillary Clinton.  No one even approached what has been termed in the past as “presidential.”

On my way to work today I happened to be listening to MSNBC (which is apparently the new destination of Brian Williams) as they were patching in to a news conference being held by House Republicans – really, no idea what the intention was – as, starting with John Boehner and then a line of representatives I only know are part of the republican caucus, they one by one hammered on President Obama (what else is new???) for his threatened veto of a defense appropriations bill that was initially, at least by Boehner, represented as a boost in funding for our troops – those in “harms way” and those at home, including veterans in need of health care at VA hospitals.  Honestly, it sounded so bad that one would think President Obama just has it out for our troops.

However, when one of the members (of the House) said, what I’m sure they were later told was too much to say in public, that among the reasons they were pleading with President Obama to actually sign the bill, was because it would defund Planned Parenthood AND “Obamacare” while, at the same time, accusing Obama of, for the first time in American history, vetoing a defense authorization bill for “political reasons.”  As I listened, all I could manage to think was – first, are these people serious? and second, they must actually believe the American people are completely stupid.  Then, as I did a mind reality check, I was reminded (in my mind) that our “liberal media” has been letting these people get away with this kind of disingenuous dishonesty for the past 30+ years.  And, sure enough, not a word of criticism from Williams or his “guest” pundits about the absurdity of this “press conference.”

America has been on a downward spiral that has been fueled by an organized effort from the business community to destroy the power of the middle class since before the days of Ronald Reagan (although, I’ve been contending for years that Reagan’s election was the “tipping point” in showing the right wing “conservatives” how to turn good hard working Americans against each other through the masterful use of wedge issues and a willingness to adopt the “end justifies the means” strategy used by power brokers throughout human history.  The scariest (and most offensive) part of all this, to me, is how “we the people” have allowed our media to be hijacked by multi-national “conservative” corporate interests who have convinced enough unsuspecting Americans that our media is “liberal” while they’re using it to brainwash a large segment of the population so that corrupt congressional “members” can “get away” with what Boehner and his minions did today.  You could tell by the sound of their voices that several of them were simply repeating “the company line” as they stammered through their part of the charade.

If you haven’t picked up on my “drift” yet, well think of what the chances are that President Obama will agree to defund “Obamacare” (or Planned Parenthood, for that matter) as the ransom for getting republicans to pass a “bipartisan” defense appropriation bill.  This is exactly why I’ve been saying for years now that this republican party – as presently constituted – needs to go.  I realized they have gerrymandered many districts to the point that Donald Duck could run and get elected as long as he quacks republican when asked for his party affiliation – but, there are enough opportunities for Democrats to re-take the House (and the Senate – and, by the way, I’m no Democrat – I’m only acting like one because these republicans are doing everything they can to destroy our government – and, in the process turn this great nation into something resembling a third world country) and begin the process of reshaping this nation in a way that resembles what those of us who are “baby boomers” were privileged to enjoy in our formative years – the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s.  If we don’t figure this out SOON and turn the so-called “pendulum” toward the left, what we leave to our children and grandchildren will be shameful.

Those my age – I’m approaching 70 – have spent our lifetimes benefiting from the fight for workers rights, the fight for civil rights, the fight for basic human rights, not to mention all the infrastructure that was the result of the New Deal, the Eisenhower years, and the Great Society – roads, dams, schools, the post office network, plus an easily affordable education with college accessibility, and I could go on and on.  In 1970 approximately 33% of America’s workforce was unionized and blue collar workers could raise a family and send their kids to college.  The tradition in America was that the “elders” were leaving a better place for their children and grandchildren.  Not so much anymore.  Unfortunately, in my view, many of those who are standing in the way of much needed rebuilding and reform are my peers who’ve benefited so much from what transpired in the 30’s and 40’s.  In their defense, they have been the victims of a sophisticated propaganda scheme (right out of the “rule book” of Joseph Goebbels, the propaganda chief in Nazi Germany) that has been brainwashing them most of their lives, but certainly with a focused intensity  from this right wing “push” since the days of President Reagan.

Things that were part of the fringe extreme when I was younger are pushing their way toward the “mainstream” with the help of people like Rush Limbaugh and organizations like Fox “news.”  Of course, in neither instance do you receive anything that resembles “news” – but the reality is that this morning I was listening to what many consider the “hedge” to Fox, MSNBC, and I see them as essentially doing the same thing with a little bit different “bent.”  The reality this morning was that anyone listening (or watching) Williams could easily come away with the idea that President Obama is “against our troops” by vetoing (which I’m sure he will and I certainly hope he does) the defense authorization bill.  Not a single word was mentioned by any of the “pundits” about the absurdity being presented.  And, at least while I was listening, not a single “reporter” at the scene questioned the republicans on that point.  You would think there’d be at least one who would ask a question something along the lines of “how many times and how many ways have you attempted to defund “Obamacare?”

I recently finished reading “Who Stole the American Dream?” by Hedrick Smith (I HIGHLY recommend this book) that lays out in great detail how we got to this dangerous place in our history.  I’ll be writing more on that book soon, but suffice it to say that what we’re seeing today is the culmination of a strategy that was initiated in 1972 by a future Supreme Court Justice (Lewis Powell) when he wrote a memo to the Chamber of Commerce giving a pathway for business interests to overtake the labor movement and gain a stranglehold on political power in the United States.  Essentially, since that memo was written, we’ve seen what has morphed into today’s dangerous spread between those at the “top” and those at the bottom.  As predicted by Marx when he was analyzing the natural demise of capitalism, the numbers at the top is continually getting smaller while the numbers at the bottom continue to grow – in the last few years almost exponentially.  And, of course, that would explain the shrinking middle class that seems to be the topic on more and more people’s minds of late when there’s a discussion about American politics.

Here’s the almost depressing reality of what I listened to today.  “We the people” have no other choice but to rely on our media to act as the “fourth estate” – as outlined by the founders of our nation.  By allowing the corporate conglomerates to gain a stranglehold on the information presented to “we the people” (and, make no mistake, President Clinton is the one who signed the Telecommunications Act of 1996 which allowed this to happen) the American people are losing their ability to make cogent well thought out decisions as we decide who will govern us.  I look forward to the day when America’s leaders represent Main Street instead of Wall Street.  Unfortunately, I believe the first step in this process is a clear repudiation of the republican party.  I “get” that so many Americans are turned off by the democratic party who don’t seem to have the spines to defend their own fundamental policies.  In 2014 democrats acted as if President Obama was their opposition.  Obviously, they should have run defending his record and their fundamental beliefs.  Once voters send the needed message to republicans, they need to turn their frustration directly at the democrats.  America’s political folly is creating a generation of young people who actually believe government can’t work and who are so turned off by the whole mess that they won’t participate.  Trust me, they are smart enough to understand how STUPID today’s “press conference” was – that is, those who are still paying any attention to how our country functions politically.

I was driving home the other day listening to MSNBC on my satellite radio when there was a discussion (one of many) about the candidacy of Donald Trump.  Of course, EVERYONE seems to be trying to predict when Trump will finally self-destruct, but, in this instance, they were referring to Trump’s on again off again “feud” with Fox “news.”  What struck me was the comment made by Michael Steele (former republican chairman, now a pundit on MSNBC) referring to his claim that Fox is in the business of “creating news” (a comment I wholeheartedly agree with) followed by the half statement that went something like “we all are in the business of crea…….” at which point he collected himself and rephrased whatever he was going to say.  My point is that Steele came as close as anyone I’ve listened to who is involved in our “news” to saying what many of us believe to be the truth.  They are in the business of creating news and not reporting news.

This is not much different from the recent comments of Kevin McCarthy,  who was the presumptive “heir apparent” to John Boehner as Speaker of the House but can’t get past “the tea party,” as he admitted (what any sane person who pays attention to American politics already knew) that the “endless” Benghazi hearings have succeeded in bringing down Hillary Clinton’s poll numbers.  Of course, the hearings are “disguised” to be some kind of “investigation” of a tragedy that the republican house members just can’t get enough of.  You have to wonder, what will they think of next when faced with the potential reality that “we the people” prefer Bernie Sanders to Secretary Clinton.  Put on your seat belts for all the “socialist” comments along with the socialism FEAR mongering.

Somehow, against my will – but due to my technological ignorance, I installed a program that I can’t figure out how to get off of my computer that opens up to “news” coming from Fox “news.”  So, every time I open an internet browser on my computer I’m reminded that today’s “news” media is more about creating news than reporting it.  It’s almost as if the National Enquirer has morphed into being “mainstream” media.  And, those involved are finding more and more ways to intrude on the privacy of “we the people.” (I finally figured out how to remove the “Fox” intrusion off of my computer)

I’m pointing this all out (again) because I almost get sick to my stomach when I choose to watch (or listen) to what is considered the “mainstream media.”  Actually, at one point, I thought MSNBC would provide a “counter balance” to Fox and those who are their “minions,” but the reality is that the cable news business is a business first and news organization – well, I want to say “later,” but I even have a hard time typing that word.  MSNBC is purging those who would be “liberal” from their ranks, the “talk radio” world is and has been controlled by the right wing for decades (example: After Mitt Romney’s defeat in 2012 Clear Channel – owned by Bain Capital – Romney’s company – shuttered the local “liberal” talk station for a Fox “sports” station that generated about 1/8th the listener-ship).  MSNBC recently (I think, I’ve actually stopped listening for the most part) replaced Ed Schultz with Chuck Todd – the same guy who allowed himself to be totally “played” by Mitch McConnell in the last election.  These people are so obsessed with being “fair and balanced” that they are constantly “played” by political operatives who “get” that the worst thing that happens when they lie is a few “Pinocchio’s” from website fact checkers.  The “news” won’t call them out for fear of being labeled “biased.”

Tonight, after the first democratic debate I couldn’t help myself from tuning into MSNBC to hear the comments and there was Chris Matthews essentially blasting Bernie Sanders and promoting Hillary Clinton – of course, while sitting in his pundits chair right along side Clinton’s campaign manager. Do these people (like Matthews) just assume that “we the people” are so stupid we won’t notice the impropriety of this type of “reporting?”  Honestly, I hope others in more significant places than me noticed this and actually report it.  How can someone give an unbiased view of a debate when pandering to the manager of one of the “combatants?”  Clearly, those in places to matter will be doing what they can to prevent Sanders from gaining the nomination.  I’m sure that Matthews believes Bernie is unelectable, but that does not excuse this clear conflict of interest.

In the debate, Sanders was correct in saying we need a “revolution” of people who are educated to what is ACTUALLY happening in this nation which is allowing a select few to continue a MASSIVE redistribution of our nation’s wealth from the middle class to the so-called 1% at the top.  I’m sure people will line up to twist his use of that word (revolution) in such a way as to scare voters who are unfamiliar with him from considering his message.  For those of us who believe in the New Deal of FDR and what it did to create the greatest middle class in the history of the world Bernie Sanders is a refreshing voice.  I’m sure those who “create the news” will do everything they can to ensure Sanders is a “flash in the pan.”

On a related note, today I read that Rupert Murdoch has succeeded in purchasing the National Geographic magazine (and what goes with it).  Most people won’t even notice – but, this is another step in the process of the right wing’s propaganda scheme to continue the bludgeoning of our middle class – in this instance, at the expense of the fight against “climate change.” It won’t be long and you won’t hear a whimper from National Geographic in an area where they’ve been one of the loudest voices.  That’s how the “golden rule” was explained to me years ago when I was taking an economics class in my early college days:  “Them that have the gold, makes the rules.”

When MSNBC is finally purged of all liberal voices (I suppose Rachel Maddow is next) all that will be left will be a conglomerate owned by Murdoch (he, of course, owns Fox “news,” the Wall Street Journal, and many other “news” outlets) and other right wing zealots (MSNBC, I believe, is owned by GE or Comcast – either way, not good) who deny climate change and encourage “trickle up” economics.  These people will continue sucking the wealth from America’s middle class until there is nothing left to suck – and, then they’ll be off to the Riviera or some other exotic place. (Murdoch, for example, is an Australian and the leading outside stock holder in his Fox “empire” is a Saudi Prince)  While doing so they’ll continue “creating news” so that the minions who’ve “bought” their shtick will go to their economic graves thinking the democrats caused the deficit (and every other bad thing you can think of).  (Have you ever had a political “conversation” with a Fox “news” “expert?”  The best way I can explain it is “enlightening” – and, if you don’t get my drift, I mean that TOTALLY sarcastically)

This assault by those who are busy “creating” the news – in a way that benefits their insatiable desire for more wealth – seems endless.  Yet, a true liberal is gaining momentum.  As I listen to Bernie Sanders, I have a hard time disagreeing with much of what he says.  Of course, there is not a candidate out there who’s going to hit the “spot” on everything – let’s face it – each one of the millions of voters are different as are the candidates – but, his focus on the middle class and working class of people, in my view, is where the government should have their focus.  Yes, we need business, we need entrepreneurs, we need investors, and on and on – but, at this point in time, it is the middle class, the working poor, the infrastructure of our nation, the inner cities, the rural areas which have been isolated by the job loss from globalization, our education system, our health care system, and the list goes on, that needs the focus of our government leaders.  EVERYONE will benefit from addressing these needs.  And, if this has any chance of ever happening, we need our media to return to reporting the news instead of creating it!  What will it take?  Well, on this I also agree with Bernie – it will take a “revolution” of people taking ownership of their privilege to be voters in this great nation and taking the time to educate themselves on the true issues of the day without the brainwashing of Fox “news” and their minions.

I’ve been writing on this site since my frustration with the Bush/Cheney administration (beginning with the invasion of Iraq) boiled over to the point I had to find a place to vent.  It turned out that cyberspace was the place – I didn’t know much about it and felt my writing could be my personal journal – no one would be the “wiser” – because I didn’t anticipate anyone finding it.  As it’s turned out, MANY people have found this place and that reality has further motivated me to continue writing (or should I say “venting”) in this “blog.” (honestly, I didn’t know what a blog was when I started – this Word Press format was simply available to me from 1and1.com with whom I had purchased a domain so that I could have my own email address.

That all being said, over the course of time – if you’ve read many of my posts – I’ve been pretty consistent in my “bashing” of the republican party (in particular) and the surge to the “right” in America (generally).  My biggest problem with the republican party (despite my almost complete disagreement with their agenda) has been what I perceive to be their “base.”  That is, my impression is that the leadership of the republican party has, for many years now, been able to count on a block of voters “come hell or high water” to support their agenda almost exclusively due to the issue of abortion.  This group, of course, is often referred to as the “Religious right.”  On many occasions, I’ve referred to myself as part of the religious “left.”  I’ve stated many times that I can’t understand how any Christian would be able to support a party that openly supports corporate welfare while “bashing” those Jesus would refer to as “the least of these” in what often ends up being perceived as a racist agenda. (among many other issues as well)

For example, many on the “right” scoff at the issue of “Climate change,” while their financiers continue to encourage republican legislators to support deregulation when it comes to the environment.  The leaders of the republican party have been almost, it seems, obsessed with somehow abolishing what they refer to as “Obamacare” (The Affordable Care Act which has made medical insurance available to almost 20 MILLION people as I’m writing this) without a single proposal (that I’ve seen) for a better alternative (like “Medicare for all” – for instance).  They have supported policies that make it harder and more expensive for those who want higher education to achieve those goals and, at the same time, policies that have almost encouraged our manufacturing base to moved overseas.  Additionally, they’ve made it almost routine for corporate interests and the ultra wealthy to “stash” huge amounts of their wealth in tax free “havens” in places like the Cayman Islands while, at the same time, CONSTANTLY trying to reduce the taxes of the “top 1%” who they consider the “job creators.”  The result of this one issue, in my mind, is that the “middle class” in America is shrinking and the “working class” – what I call the “blue collar” worker – is being (and has been) under valued.  Since the days of Ronald Reagan (if you’ve been around this site you know I’m not a fan of Reagan) shareholders and executives have been over valued and workers are unimportant (in the larger scheme of the “free market” right wingers).

Then there’s issues such as abortion.  I don’t disagree with those in the “pro life” movement that life begins at conception.  To me that is an un arguable FACT.  I would NEVER encourage anyone to get an abortion (unless, of course, the mother’s life was in danger).  However, to me, the issue is MUCH more complicated than it’s presented in right wing political circles.  How can I be pro-life and not support free pre-natal health care for women who are in poverty?  How can I support “pro-life” and not support health care for the mother and the child after the child is born?  How can I not support early childhood education for children born in poverty?  How can I support cuts to programs like food stamps and low income housing and expect moms who have unwanted pregnancies to be able to care for their child?  And, as the saying goes, it takes two to tango, why are there a lack of consequences for the father of the children in unwanted pregnancies.  I find it interesting (and, disgusting) that most of the people who I’ve heard ranting about abortion – and, sometimes in the most bizarre fashion – are right wing republican MALE politicians.  It bothers me deeply when right wing MALE politicians use this issue to “gin up” their conservative “base” who have no idea what else they get when they vote for these people.

The reason I’m bringing this all up is because I managed to listen to about 30 minutes of Pope Francis’ address to the joint “meeting” of congress on 9/24/15.  With the exception of the Pope’s kind of veiled references to “life” and “the family” (I was presuming – “reading between the lines” – he was referring to “gay marriage”) I thought I could have been listening to Bernie Sanders!  My first thought was, “I’ll bet Fox “news” will be apoplectic over the Pope’s speech and then Rush Limbaugh came to mind and I couldn’t help but wonder what kind of attack the Pope would receive from the lead “Ditto head” of America.  Well, thanks to either Media Matters or the Daily Kos I was able to get footage of the response of both Fox and Limbaugh along with some other people that I didn’t quite recognize.  And, the response was HARSH.  Now, keep in mind this response was coming from the very people who’ve been USING the Christian community since the early eighties to get FILTHY RICH and undermine our government to the point where they have almost “free reign” on their abuses of our economy EVERY DAY.  They didn’t care at all for the actual GOSPEL of Jesus being presented pure and simple by the Pope.

And, I think what really scares them the most is that MILLIONS (probably BILLIONS) of people on this planet LOVE this Pope.  I’ve been trying to tell my republican friends (Christians) that the republican party is turning off more people to the Gospel of Jesus than those of us who are believers can encourage to get “turned on” by His teachings.  It kind of humored me listening to Limbaugh and various Fox “news” hosts calling the Pope names that have recently been aimed at our sitting President.  The most common name I heard was “Socialist.”  Well, as that is their major “talking point” of attack toward Bernie Sanders, maybe this address from the Pope will really have a positive transforming affect on this nation.  If people could just watch the video of Limbaugh as he almost fiies out of his chair ranting against the Pope maybe more would get the picture of what a disgusting person he really is.  In fact, I decided I should let you watch this – so, if you want to see the response of all these people who’ve been using Jesus to get rich over the past 35 years and what they think of the actual Gospel of Christ – click HERE.

I’m going to end this here – my point tonight is that I loved what I heard from Pope Francis – he reads the Bible similarly to me and I hope the “conservatives” in America will FINALLY wake up to the reality that the republican party has been using you for many years to pilfer the taxpayers of this nation out of TRILLIONS of dollars of wealth.  And, as the saying goes, “greed has no bounds” and they will not stop until “we the people” stop them.  In America, the “traditional” way to stop them would be at the ballot box.  We (progressives and conservatives alike) will be much better off when people like Rush Limbaugh and corporate interests that align with Fox “news” no longer have an audience large enough to support them on the mass media.  The closest thing to Pope Francis in American politics is Bernie Sanders!  Does anyone besides me find that ironic?

The final irony – it was announced today that John Boehner, America’s Speaker of the House, – who presumably was the one who invited the Pope to speak (I believe Boehner is a Catholic) resigned his position in the House (not just as speaker) the day after listening “up close and personal” to the Pope’s remarks.  I have to wonder if Mr. Boehner had a tough night sleeping trying to reconcile his own record with the remarks of the leader of his faith.  The thought went through my head that maybe Boehner is really a devout Catholic, as I’ve heard him referred on occasion, and he does actually have a conscience.  Who knows, one member of the republican party, knowing in his heart the wrongs he’s inflicted on this nation, repenting – that one thing in itself could end up ensuring that the Pope’s message has a monumental and enduring legacy on this nation. (I’m not holding my breath – but, we can always hope!)

I’m just about finished with my second time through “Angler” by Bart Gellman about the Vice Presidency of Dick Cheney.  I guess I have to read books twice to really get an idea of what I think – I also just finished “The Family” by Jeff Sharlett a second time.  The result of all this is that I’m more convinced than EVER that the present day republican party needs to come to an unceremonious end.  The EXTREME right influence on this party is beyond the “pale” and the simple fact that Cheney is still allowed to even speak publicly tells me either the rank and file republicans have no idea what Cheney did as Vice President, or they still support him and, like him, have no conscience.  Either way, America needs to purge Cheney, those in the “Family,” and people who think like these guys from the “mainstream” of politics.  These people believe in authoritarian government that has a foundation built on fear and despises (secretly, of course) our representative democracy.

Even tonight, I happened to watch a show on MSNBC and there was Cheney, in a little blurp pulled from CNN (I think) showing Dick Cheney being asked his view as to whether Joe Biden should challenge Hillary Clinton for the Democratic nomination for president.  First of all, of course he would encourage that, because the last thing Cheney or any republican wants to see is Hillary Clinton running as the Democratic nominee for president in 2016.  Secondly, why would what Dick Cheney thinks be important to anyone.  The man should, by all measures, (reinforced as I read through “Angler”) be in JAIL!  The list of his CRIMES is long and, as I’ve stated on this site many times, President Obama’s refusal to allow accountability to fall on Cheney (and others in the GW Bush administration) was a paramount BLUNDER.  I’m guessing that Cheney is smart enough to avoid travel in places like France, Spain, and other European countries who actually respect the rule of law when it comes to “leaders.”  According to the Geneva Conventions (not to mention our own laws and international laws) Dick Cheney is clearly a WAR CRIMINAL.  (And, I suppose, you’d have to include GW Bush, Donald Rumsfeld, David Addington, and others in that category)  This does not even consider the UNLIMITED felonies committed as Bush/Cheney PURPOSELY violated the FISA law – each violation being a FELONY.  Really, for my republican friends out there who say, “prove it” – read this book, among others.  There’s a boatload of evidence supporting just these two areas of criminality – the authorizing of TORTURE, and the illegal wiretapping of UNTOLD millions of American citizens.  (and, to that I say, if you think I’m wrong, let’s have the investigations that should have taken place shortly after President Obama moved into the White House and took the oath of office to FAITHFULLY UPHOLD THE LAWS!)

As I’m reading “Angler” I do get more of a sense of sympathy for “the decider” – ie GW Bush.  Although, as he himself was quoted as saying, “The buck stops here.”  The reality is that Dick Cheney was DEFINITELY working on the “Dark Side” – with much of his misbehavior done behind Bush’s back – Cheney was quoted as saying he didn’t want to burden Bush with some of the decisions (that Bush evidently didn’t care to be involved in – YIKES!).  When you read this book and realize that Cheney, after vetting almost every important republican in the country – telling each one they were on “The short list” of 3 or 4 in consideration of the Vice Presidency he would soon claim himself – then “threw” Governor Keating of Nebraska “under the buss” in effect ENDING the governor’s political career – and, at the same time, sending an unwritten message to all the other “candidates” that “I’ve got your deepest secrets” as a way to gain unanimous backing of the Bush/Cheney agenda – well, you get the point (I hope).  The man is RUTHLESS (and, that’s the nicest way I can put it).

Cheney was not only dishonest with the republican leaders who he “vetted” for the VP job, dishonest with the American people as he strong-armed this nation into Iraq, dishonest in issues like the outing of CIA operative Valerie Plame, (and I could go on, but you get the point) but Cheney (most deviously – and disgustingly) was TOTALLY dishonest with George W Bush.  I’ve NEVER been a “fan” of Bush, but, as I’ve stated many times on this site, (despite the republican creed of wanting our present president to “FAIL”) I truly wanted President Bush to succeed.  When they left the White House I believed (and still do) that George W Bush was the WORST president, certainly in my lifetime, and very likely ever.  I believed then, and believe today (and, history is regrettably proving me correct) that the invasion of Iraq was the most disastrous decision made by a president in the history of this nation.  Who knows what the final toll of the damage caused by that decision, and the number of people killed, uprooted, and who had their lives totally destroyed – in so many almost incalculable ways.  Additionally, Hurricane Katrina has left a legacy of lives destroyed that could have been possibly saved that will probably never be fully calculated; the lax regulation that led to the financial meltdown in the final days of Bush/Cheney also has left damage that, while somewhat correctable, will probably never be measurable as far as the true number of people who had their lives completely turned “upside down” due to that fiasco.  During Bush/Cheney there was one “fiasco” after another.

As I read “Angler” it’s easy to see why so many people were assuming it was “De-fact o” President Cheney as that administration “unfurled.”  George W Bush really did consider himself “the decider” and he relied on a hierarchy of “underlings” that was pretty much the brainchild of Dick Cheney himself.  Incredibly, we had a Vice President “stocking” all the important positions of government with his own “cronies.”  Once the Bush/Cheney regime was “up and running,” there wasn’t much to get in the way of what Cheney wanted.  Incredibly, even in instances where President Bush was not in agreement with Cheney (ie, the second tax cut), Cheney slyly went behind the President’s back, and through his connections in the House, manipulated the process so that in the end he got what he wanted and President Bush had no idea he’d been “snookered” by his own Vice President.  As I’m reading this book again, I keep saying to myself, “incredible” that there would be someone so self serving and arrogant that he could manage to get himself to such a position.  And, it’s even more incredible to me NOW that, with all the evidence out there (for anyone willing to find it) that actual “news” outlets would give this guy ANY kind of platform to spew his venom.  Seriously, the “media” is supposed to be “The fourth estate” – meaning, the final “check” for “we the people” in our constitution’s plan of “checks and balances” to prevent people like Cheney from gaming the system.  The idea that we should be a WAR MONGERING nation is a view held be a few Americans (clearly Cheney is one of them), but “we the people” should be informed as to the reality of people like him before we’re asked to take his word as something that has ANY credibility.  I’m actually guessing that, by now, George W Bush is aware of what Cheney was doing (I’m pretty sure he can read – he should read “Angler”) and I would be surprised if they are still even on speaking terms.

I’m convinced that the TORTURE, the illegal wiretapping, the outing of a CIA agent, the obscene tax cuts (aimed at the wealthiest among us), the politicizing of the Justice Department, just to name a few of the places Bush/Cheney et al went over the legal “lines,” were essentially due to the “leadership” of Dick Cheney and his lawyer David Addington.  I believe they felt that “if the president does it (or authorizes it – even if he doesn’t know what he’s authorizing) it must be legal.”  Those are the famous words of Richard Nixon that were proved UNTRUE during the Watergate era – and, Barack Obama, by blocking the investigations into the illegal activity of Bush/Cheney et al, set the groundwork for future presidents who are as arrogant as Cheney to believe in the “unitary executive” to the point of some form of authoritarian government that is anathema to the way MOST of us every day Americans think.  I mentioned the book “The Family” above, and I can assure you there is a small and very RICH and POWERFUL faction in America who believe almost exactly as Cheney and, to me, they are even scarier because they make their claims in the name of Jesus Christ.  As I read about Cheney and the “Family” I’m reminded of a book I read about Dietrich Bonhoffer, a great German who gave his life trying to rid Germany of Hitler during WW II.  In the early part of the “Socialist Democratic” takeover of Germany (The Third Reich) it was the conservative Christian community that provided the “blind” support of the Nazi movement.  Many think it couldn’t happen here.  Personally, I’m not so sure.

That is the very reason, I believe, that I’m so passionate about encouraging my Christian brethren to abandon their “blind” loyalty to a republican party which is anything but Christian.  I’m now re-reading “Chain of Command” by Seymore Hersch which pretty much corroborates what Gellman wrote in “Angler.”  It simply throws in Donald Rumsfeld and some of the Generals who were involved early on at Gitmo into the “TORTURE” picture.  I’ve read several books that have focused on the American’s treatment of “enemy combatants” (many simply people in the wrong place at the wrong time) since 9/11, and it’s clear that the Bush/Cheney/Rumsfeld/Addington et al “regime” chose to ignore the laws of human rights as they led our nation into TWO “open ended” conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq.  Most people know by now that the invasion of Iraq was simply a manifestation of the desires of those involved in the so-called “Project for a New American Century.”  This group of right wing “conservatives” was pressing for an invasion into Iraq during the Clinton years.  9/11 was used as the “excuse” (the “Shock” in the words of Naomi Klein) allowing them to proceed in their quest for Iraq’s oil (and, whatever else they had in mind).

The end result of all of this is a much more unstable world and a United States that is more divided than, certainly, any time in my lifetime (and I’m a WW II “baby”).  Today is the 14th anniversary of 9/11 and I remember George W Bush having a united nation behind him as he sent our forces into Afghanistan to eliminate (one way or the other) Osama bin Laden and his cohorts in Al Qaeda.  I even remember nations around the world standing behind us and offering support (including Iran).  Bush/Cheney chose to throw all that good will away and take a disastrous course (into Iraq) that has turned Americans against each other even more-so than, in my view, during the Viet Nam era.  Regrettably, as mentioned above, untold PEOPLE around the globe suffered, have suffered, or are suffering because of this disastrous decision and the United States “image” has suffered possibly irreparably.  (Certainly, if “we the people” elect another “right winger” in 2016 the damage could be permanent – and, remember in today’s world the economy is global)  It should be clear that I don’t believe we need anyone affiliated with the Bush/Cheney administration involved with present day decision making, but, the last thing we need is Dick Cheney giving his voice on national TV regarding today’s foreign policy issues.  The only time Dick Cheney, the “Angler,” should be publicly defending his record is before a judge.

I was just reading how Jeb Bush has begun his attacks on Hillary Clinton (and Barack Obama) by claiming they “prematurely pulled our forces out of Iraq” leading to the unrest in today’s Middle East.”  I chose not to read the actual articles (maybe I will by the time I finish this post) but, just the thought of that line of thinking makes me a bit sick to my stomach.  The reality is that Jeb Bush thinks he’s qualified to be President of the United States.  And, the republicans I know would actually vote for him should he gain the nomination.  To me, that shows how incredibly sad the United States has become.  That he could even utter those words without INSTANT condemnation is confirmation that America’s public is subject to a “liberal media” that is fully engaged in the propaganda scheme foisted on the unsuspecting public for the last (who knows how) many years!

Let’s just get this out, for starters.  Neither Hillary Clinton nor Barack Obama did what Obama promised when he was first elected, and that was to get our troops home within 16 months of the inauguration.  The Obama administration simply FOLLOWED the “exit strategy” that had been negotiated by NONE OTHER THAN the GW Bush/Dick Cheney administration themselves.  That is public knowledge.  Does Jeb Bush not know this – or, more likely, is he just counting on the public’s lack of information and the media’s unwillingness to “tell it like it is.”  Of course, you’ll find the “blogs” showing their outrage at such an incredible attempt at REWRITING history, but I’m guessing the so-called “mainstream media” will allow all the “low information” voters to figure this out for themselves – and, based on my observations with most of those in my peer group – I’ll have to listen to my republican friend “experts” telling me that Hillary Clinton is the cause of ISIL.  I can see it’s going to be a “long year” – being forced to listen to this crap from now until the next election.

Honestly, I can’t even believe the republican party still exists – that common “everyday” Americans would still even listen to these people.  Are you kidding me?  Donald Trump (or Jeb Bush or Ted Cruz or …….. you know the list) for President of the United States?  I thought McCain/Palin would have been enough for them – but, this is what you have to call “DOUBLING DOWN!”  There is a group of powerful (and “invisible”) people who’ve managed to “invade” our system of government in ways most of us will NEVER understand and they are “pulling the strings” on politicians who will do anything or say anything according to the “plan.”  I believe that anyone who wishes to be a part of this scheme must make some kind of pledge to “toe the line” under all circumstances.  The “ORDERS” come from somewhere in the “SHADOWS.”  We’ve learned about Charles and David Koch – but, you have to keep in mind that when they hold their “secret” meetings, there are close to 500 (millionaires and billionaires) that we’ll never know about who attend and presumably commit their financial resources to the “plan” – whatever it may be.  (I think many of us on the left have a good idea)

Fortunately, (or unfortunately if you’re a true republican) “The Donald” has emerged on the scene and exposed the ignorance of a large segment of the republican “base.”  “The Donald” (Donald Trump if you live under a rock) is the “favorite” of republicans despite him actually appearing in a “debate” and getting enough national “attention” that people should be “getting it” regarding his “campaign.”  The FACT that somewhere around 25% of republican “likely voters” think Trump to be qualified to be president says all you need to know about the republican party.  And, the rest of the so-called “clown car” seem afraid of him and unwilling to challenge some of his most outrageous comments.  (Of course, if you believe Trump you think that immigration is the ONE issue of importance facing Americans and everything else is simply a matter of “negotiation”) His latest outrageous rhetoric inflaming the immigration issue is grounded on his claim that immigrants (presumably Mexicans) come to America to birth their children – he refers to them as “anchor babies” – and, of course, any baby born in this country is automatically a citizen – with Trump (and, presumably through their silence or timidity the rest of the republican “candidates” who have “lock-jaw”) suggesting the babies and their parents being rounded up and deported out of the country.

There, by all accounts I’ve read, are approximately 11MILLION immigrants in the United States “illegally.”  Think of the increase in law enforcement that will be required to find, round up, and deport all of these people.  And, the wall Trump is talking about (of course, it’s between Mexico and the United States – I keep thinking, “what about Canada?”  or the east and west coastlines? – but, that’s just me – and, of course, Trump always concludes his degrading remarks toward Latinos by saying something along the lines of “I love Mexico”), that wall reminds me of the “Great Wall” in China – one of the “7 wonders of the world.”  This wall would only be a couple thousand miles (presumably) but the rhetoric reminds me of the rationale I teach out of the 6th grade World Studies book regarding the Chinese and why they built the “Great Wall” – THOUSANDS of years ago.  It’s been apparent to me that republicans want to take us back in time, that just seems a bit too much for me.

The only thing you hear from the republicans (now, we’re not talking about Trump – because he’s the new version of Rudy Jiuliani who couldn’t talk about anything besides 9/11) are things like “repeal Obamacare” (Actually, the Affordable Care Act), cutting taxes for the wealthy, war with Iran (along with each and every one seemingly having a “secret plan” to defeat ISIS – also referred to as ISIL), constructing the Keystone XL Pipeline (along with denying “Climate Change” – which SHOULD be the scariest of their scary “positions”), and various positions regarding Women’s health that will make sure women “know their place” in American society.  Jeb Bush, for instance, signed a bill as governor of Florida requiring women who were putting their child (which they chose to carry to term as opposed to seeking an abortion) up for adoption to, for 30 days, advertise in the state’s newspapers their sexual “history” listing every person who could possibly be the child’s father along with their own personal sexual history as a way to “shame” them for becoming pregnant out of wedlock.  We see this with republicans all across this great land – almost always MEN – suggesting all kinds of ways to make things WORSE for women – usually in low socioeconomic situations – who find themselves facing the incredibly difficult decision of what to do when they are facing an unwanted pregnancy.  I have NEVER  seen a “plan” aimed at the MAN who was responsible for the “situation” – and, some of the suggested “solutions” are beyond my ability to comprehend.

Everything that comes out of the mouths of virtually everyone of the candidates running for the republican nomination (I have to admit – I was listening to their “debate” while driving home from somewhere – and, I thought I heard a few sensible comments coming from the mouth of John Kasich of Ohio – knowing enough about him that I shudder to think of him as president – but, something he said [I believe he was referring to Medicaid expansion in his state] actually sounded reasonable) is either disingenuous or outright fabrications of reality.  It seems to me a “no brainer” that those who wish to receive the financial backing necessary to mount a campaign are fighting over the same donors and they’re saying what they believe these “donors” wish to hear from them.  That’s where the “revisionist” history – albeit, in this case, Jeb attempting to “white wash” the sordid republican “history” of Iraq by blaming ISIL (or ISIS if you must) on Barack Obama – and, just to make sure he continues the “Hillary bashing” he throws her into the “discussion” as well.  That simply confirms to me that the man who legislated a policy designed to “shame” unwed mothers has absolutely NO SHAME himself.

I was listening to a republican “pundit” tonight, as I again was driving home, on the Chris Hayes show on MSNBC lamenting the damage Trump is doing to the republican “brand” with all the “Latino bashing” and saying the ONLY republican candidate capable of drawing any support among the Latino voting community would be Jeb Bush – and, soon after the words came out of her mouth, Hayes played a recent clip (I believe the interview was recorded today actually) where Jeb Bush himself was referring to “anchor babies” and agreeing with Trump that they and their parents need to be deported – despite the FACT – no matter how they got to the United States – they are citizens.  Evidently, republicans tout the constitution when it meets their needs, and deny it when it doesn’t.  I still remember Ronald Reagan (the patron saint of these right wing wack jobs) claiming “I’ll cut taxes for the wealthy and, due to “trickle down economics” balance the budget.”  I can envision the candidates in today’s campaigns claiming they will, build a wall to rival the Great Wall of China, find and deport 11 million “illegals,” cut taxes for the rich (in fact, I’m envisioning something like a flat tax – which is really a good thing for the wealthy), “bomb, bomb, bomb Iran,” and wipe out ISIL (with a secret plan) all the while BALANCING THE BUDGET!  If the American people don’t SOON totally reject this bunch, we deserve what we get!  When I look at where these people want to take this country it really does make me sick to my stomach!

The American public has been brainwashed into a ridiculously false “argument” (discussion, dialogue – however you would have it) regarding issues at home and world issues – with, what appears to me, a dangerously false assumption that the rest of the world looks up to us and is just hanging on the edges of their “seats” while the United States tries to get its “house in order.”  For example, I listened to the radio today as I was riding around (I forget which “news” outlet it was), and there was evidently a rally in New York City led by former governor Pataki (a member of what is being referred to in many circles as the republican “clown car” of candidates seeking the presidential nomination of the republican party for 2016) calling for the rejection of the agreement negotiated by the Obama administration with Iran.  The snipit I heard called for the rejection of the agreement (which is designed to – peacefully – prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon) because it’s so important for Iran to be stopped from obtaining, you guessed it, a nuclear weapon.

The alternative?  Of course, the only conclusion one who’s thinking rationally can draw from that position is that we have another republican running for president who is in favor of BOMB, BOMB, BOMBing Iran – in the words of John McCain back in the days when he was running for president.  These (now I’m talking about virtually every member of “the clown car”) are the same people who constantly criticize President Obama’s foreign policy (remember, they’re the ones who started all the wars in the Middle East during the rein of Bush/Cheney) yet are constantly coming out with “positions” that indicate what appears to me an IGNORANCE to the reality of world politics.  Which gets me to the main point of my thought tonight.  I’ve been writing for years about my belief that the present day version of the republican party needs to be DEFEATED and placed into the history books.  The damage they’ve caused is IMMENSE, but, if “we the people” don’t stop them, as the saying goes “you aint seen nothin yet!”

For some reason republicans act as if they’re “above” everyone else – including the leaders of the other countries around the world.  Keep in mind that the agreement with Iran was “hammered out” by a group of (I believe) six nations – and, of course, the United States is just one of them.  Apparently, the republicans feel they can “scuttle” this agreement and the other five countries (who are “dying” to again do business with Iran) will simply “fall in line.”  These people (the republicans) are beyond ARROGANT and our “liberal media” is so out of touch with reality that the American public stands a good chance to be “the last to know.”  For those Americans who are busy simply trying to raise their family, make ends meet, and “just get by” – who still actually trust that we have a “fourth estate” watching over our government (the media) – the eventual reality could be devastating.  I can picture in my mind leaders from around the globe losing patience with “we the people” – for a few years you could justify what is happening here by thinking we’ve been “hoodwinked” – and, assuming that “we the people” will come to our senses and elect leaders who actually believe in the fundamental values that made America great in the first place.  However, it wouldn’t surprise me if leaders around the globe were making contingency plans for when they decide “enough is enough.”  There’s no longer any reasonable excuse as to why our voting populace would continue to vote these people into office.

Keep in mind, the “crash of 2008” – which was largely the result of republican deregulation and Wall Street greed – in their continual assault on the remnants of the “New Deal” and the “Great Society” (OK, yes there was democratic complicity involved) affected the entire world – not just the U.S. economy.  Countries like Greece, Spain, and others are still trying to recover.  These countries were already upset with American foreign policy under Bush/Cheney when their incompetent management of the economy sent a direct “blow” to economies around the globe.  Now, several of these nations want to bring Iran into the picture by removing the sanctions (which, actually were increased and actually enforced by President Obama in an attempt to bring Iran to the negotiating table – trying to stop them from building a bomb peacefully) and gaining access to Iranian oil.  Do you really think they want America’s republican party to scuttle a deal that took almost two years to negotiate?

I believe the “leaders” of the republican party just keep on pushing their agenda (which is motivated by an insatiable greed) – you know, tax cuts for the wealthy, deregulation, welfare for Wall Street but not for Main Street, and perpetual war as if there’s “no end in sight.”  And, unfortunately, they have a base – which, doubly unfortunately is largely “conservative” Christians who will continue to blindly vote republican as long as the republicans  call themselves the “pro life” party – all the while the number of lives lost due to republican policy decisions is almost beyond comprehension!  At some point in time this “base” is going to realize they’ve been used to further an agenda that is anything but Christian!  (If you get a chance, read Frank Shaeffer’s Crazy for God)

So, while the republicans proceed as if there’s no end in site, either “we the people” will put an end to their “antics” or, in my view, leaders from other nations will begin to isolate the United States and the process of, for example, replacing the dollar as the leading world currency.  I believe that if our Congress attempts to “scuttle” the agreement with Iran, the other nations involved will proceed on their own, and we will be left to lick our internal political wounds – as a first sign that nations around the world have grown totally impatient with us acting like we’re the “boss of everything.”  What do you think the result would be if China and Russia started getting “chummy” because they’re thinking they can put the United States “in its place?”

When you look at the last five years of President Obama’s administration, it doesn’t take a brain surgeon to understand the republican party has put their almost obsession with destroying Obama’s presidency over the needs of “we the people.”  Yes, it’s become obvious that there’s a significant percentage of America’s population who continue to have views that are, at the very minimum, racially intolerant.  However, I continue to believe that it’s only a small percentage of them who agree with the republican agenda as transcribed by the Koch led faction – which includes:  repealing “Obamacare” (the Affordable Care Act – which is actually working), dismantling Medicare and Medicaid (I heard tonight that the reason Governor John Kasich was not invited to the latest “Koch-fest” – where right wing politicians pander for as much Koch money as they can get – was because he accepted Medicaid funds – which helps low income people – for his state as a benefit of “Obamacare”), “privatizing Social Security,” (yes, the same plan that was soundly rejected during GW Bush’s tenure – they won’t quit, they just keep pushing their agenda – and they will – until they get their way OR until “we the people” put an end to their madness at the polls), and, of course, BOMBING Iran – this list could be much longer, but I hope you get the idea!

So, my question is:  When is America going to wake up?  Are we so calloused to the political realm and ALL the politicians who have sold their souls to the monied interests (yes, the problem is “bipartisan” – it’s just that the republican “agenda” is much more dangerous than their counterparts) that we’ve thrown up our collective hands and concluded it doesn’t matter who we vote for, they’re all the same.  That’s EXACTLY what Charles and David Koch want us to think.  They are masters (along with others, many more successful at staying out of the “limelight”) at manipulating the system, they’ve been “at it” for MANY MANY years, and I’ve become convinced they will not stop until either they succeed or “we the people” MAKE them stop.  The Koch’s and their associates have UNLIMITED financial resources.  For example, I find it almost laughable that the present “leader” of the “clown car” implies that he can succeed without the Koch’s money.  Just as Mr. Trump apparently overestimated his own self worth, he apparently has underestimated that of the Koch’s.  They could “bury” Donald Trump with as much financial impact as me going to the local store and buying a Diet Pepsi.  Their threat to our system is REAL – but, the rest of the world is a different “story.”  We’ve allowed our nation to be part of the international economy.  We’ve allowed our manufacturing interests to largely abandon our nation.  We’ve allowed our economy to become more and more dependent on the “whims” of the international markets.  I truly believe that if our republican congress succeeds in scuttling the “Iran deal” – the international backlash towards America could be dire.  This would be an action that would tell the international community that America has truly evolved into a “war mongering” nation – and, that the Bush/Cheney regime has succeeded in ushering in a policy that seeks “perpetual war.”  We will truly have displaced the Soviet Union in the eyes of many!

I was reading the lead lines of the NY Times (as I do every day :o) and the first article today referenced the psychologists who enabled the torture program that was instituted by the Bush/Cheney regime during the invasion (and destabilization) of Iraq after 2003.  Today is over half way through 2015!  I knew about this close to 10 years ago.  The first thought that came to my mind was the effect of the Fox “news” propaganda scheme (and, of course, that of the present day republican party – since the so-called “Contract for America” – which I’ve always referred to as the “Contract ON America”) labeling our media as “liberal.”  If our media is so “liberal” where have they been all these years?  If you look back through the archives of this site (and, I’m just a retired teacher who decided to read a lot of books about what is REALLY happening once Bush/Cheney decided to do Viet Nam deja vu – ie Iraq) you’ll see repeated references to the issue of torture and how it was enabled – really, by more than the psychologists – but, the reality is that somehow Bush/Cheney got medical professionals to WATCH our CIA (and others) TORTURING Iraqi’s (and others) as a way to justify their ILLEGAL BEHAVIOR!  I’ve said many times, that history will not miss what REALLY happened – and, many in America’s hierarchy are going to be painted with a horrible “brush” when all is said and done.

First, let me start with President Obama – because I’ve voted for him AND I’m one of those Americans who wants him (and all presidents) to SUCCEED.  I’ve limited my criticism of President Obama as much as I can because of the BARRAGE of attacks he’s had to endure coming from the “right” since the day he was elected.  I even heard an interview the other day featuring the “new” republican “frontrunner” for 2016 Donald Trump (are you kidding me, I can’t even believe I just wrote that!) where Trump – while “doubling down” on his racist Mexican remarks (all the while saying “I love Mexico”) – “doubled down” on his position that President Obama is not an American.  They just can’t help themselves and they just won’t stop.

However, President Obama – as much as I would want him to succeed – will never be able to escape the reality that he let George W Bush, Dick Cheney, Donald Rumsfeld, and many others escape the accountability that SHOULD have been earned when they chose to VIOLATE American and International law by authorizing TORTURE!  Essentially, as I’ve written many times before, Obama “undid” all the work done during the regime of Richard Nixon to prove to the world that just because a president “does it” doesn’t mean it’s LEGAL.  Essentially, by claiming he wanted to “look forward instead of back” President Obama sent a very bad message to the entire nation (I should probably say world).  The reality: if you are going to have a FAIR and JUST legal system – you MUST LOOK BACK!   When someone commits a crime those who are entrusted with enforcing the laws cannot do their job without looking back.  I said at the time, and I still believe, that President Obama’s decision to, essentially, enable TORTURE was a disastrous and regrettable decision – for numerous reasons.

First, do you think people around the world don’t know that America’s leaders (the supposed “beacons” of human rights) authorized TORTURE?  In fact, there was a court in Spain that attempted to prosecute the Bush/Cheney group, but was presumably stopped by President Obama.  (I would recommend to Dick Cheney not to visit Spain)  The investigations were stopped, but I’m not sure about the torture.  For heaven’s sake – we still have men imprisoned at Guantanamo Cuba who have not been charged with any crime and they’ve been there for, in some instances, over 10 years!  Three men at Guantanamo “tied their feet together,” “tied their hands behind their own backs,” “stuffed rags down their throats to the point that it would be impossible to breathe,” and “HANGED THEMSELVES!” (Now, if you really believe that’s the truth – I’ve got a bridge………. – you know the rest)  That incident was not even investigated.  A prisoner subjected to “enhanced interrogation” at Abu Ghraib was found DEAD in the “interrogation room” by the grunts at Abu Ghraib who ended up taking the punishment for the treatment there that made its way to the “liberal” news (no one EVER investigated where the orders came from making these soldiers think they were doing what they were told to do – well, no one who’s work made it to the “liberal media” – I’ve read a few books about Abu Ghraib and those who authorized the “enhanced interrogation”).  Is it hard for you to understand why so many in the Middle East HATE America?

So, our image was (possibly irreparably) damaged abroad – but, what about at home.  The decision to allow the Bush/Cheney crowd to go free sent the wrong message to “those at the top” in America.  When Bush/Cheney’s disaster was finally removed from Washington DC what they left behind was an impossible MESS.  Let’s start with Wall Street.  The nation’s financial system was collapsing as George W Bush (along with republican candidate for president John McCain) announced “The fundamentals of our economy are sound.”  Within weeks of making that claim Bush along with Hank Paulsen, the Treasury Secretary, were lobbying congress for what eventually became known as the TARP bailout – a multi-TRILLION dollar commitment to the very culprits whose reckless behavior put the nation’s economic health at MAJOR risk.  There was $700 BILLION dollars committed “up front” which made the news headlines, but “we the people” will never know how much the government guaranteed the banks of Wall Street going forward.  And, of course, true to their nature, many of the “culprits” took the bailout money and issued BONUSES to their employees – I’ve read multiple reasons justifying the payments; I’ll leave that to your own research – my point here is that The Obama administration, to my knowledge, failed to hold a single banker accountable for gambling away the savings of millions of Americans (and, others around the globe).  Honestly, that didn’t send the right message to those of us on Main Street.

I believe this timid approach to accountability for those at the “top” has filtered all the way down to our police departments around the nation.  Anyone paying the slightest bit of attention to the inordinate number of police shootings (that is, the police shooting unarmed civilians) knows that, in almost every instance, the police personnel involved face no serious accountability.  The arguments I’ve heard – that made the “liberal media” – have tilted heavily toward giving the police officers the “benefit of the doubt” in situations which clearly to me should be considered homicides.  As the saying goes in the African American community, young unarmed Black men are being shot for being Black.  With the explosion of cell phones with the capability to take video “we the people” are getting a much clearer picture of the reality in some of these cases.  Virtually every time a video shows up “after the fact” – the police reports prove to be incredible fabrications of the truth.  The reason – at least in my mind – is they can “get away with it.”  Similar to George Zimmerman shooting Trayvon Martin and escaping accountability, from what I could tell, because Mr. Martin was Black, and similarly the incident where Michael Brown was killed in Missouri.  My point, sending the message that those “at the top” are above the law – which is what President Obama did when he allowed Bush/Cheney/Rumsfeld and the others to “walk” has done immense damage to our legal system internally AND externally.

Recently, President Obama has changed his tactics, politically, in a way that I believe is invigorating many of the people who originally voted for him.  I don’t think I’m the only American who voted for Obama because of the terrible position the republicans put us in during the Bush/Cheney regime.  It wasn’t just the TORTURE they should have been held accountable for – the list is long.  I mean, shouldn’t there be some kind of “blow-back” when leaders lie to the public to justify INVADING a sovereign nation??  Isn’t “outing” a CIA agent tantamount to treason?  Shouldn’t those who profited off of the war they instigated be exposed as war profiteers?  Isn’t spying on American citizens without “probable cause” a violation of their 4th amendment rights?  (I’m often confused by “conservatives” who will support the 2nd amendment at any cost but seem to have no concern for the 4th amendment).  The reality is that the republican party will willingly repeat ALL of the above INFRACTIONS because they believe, simply, that they can!  And, they are going to spend BILLIONS in an attempt to gain control of the White House along with both houses of Congress, the courts, and our “liberal media.”  If they succeed in their goal (can you even imagine Donald Trump, or Ted Cruz, or another Bush, or Chris Christie, or Scott Walker, or Rick Perry – and, I could go on, the list is long – in the White House???) Obama’s failure to ENFORCE existing laws regarding the Bush/Cheney crew will be even more devastating.  However, his recent behavior suggests to me that he’d better take up the FIGHT (for the heart and soul of this nation) while he still can.  As I’ve said many times on this site, I believe the republican party – under it’s present leadership – needs to be SOUNDLY defeated.  In my mind, it’s up to President Obama to lead the way – and, somehow get those in the democratic party who’ve demonstrated a “lack of spine” to join the “fray.”

While I believe, from a practical standpoint, it’s probably too late for any legal accountability, I continue to hope that the investigation which should have happened in President Obama’s first year in office will still happen.  Despite the FACT this “news” regarding the psychologists enabling the torture program is really “old news,” maybe it’s a sign that someone has decided to do “the right thing.”  I don’t feel confident in this, but I can hope.  I mean, take the illegal surveillance of American citizens – which just kept on happening once Obama took the oath of office – despite the FACT that “we the people” should have been totally aware of this (I can’t find the book I read about the NSA, but this was all exposed well before Bush/Cheney left office) it took Edward Snowden to be the “whistle-blower” to get America’s secret spying campaign on the “news.”   Snowden’s info, telling us the NSA went (or should I say is going) beyond what was in the book I read – which, in itself, was disgustingly bad – should, if you believe in the 4th amendment and the rule of law, at the very least, be unnerving.  (and, of course, Snowden’s “reward” for exposing this illegal activity – presumably because it’s government illegal activity – is that he had to go into exile.  He’s in Russia!  Kind of reminds me of the 70’s in reverse!)

President Obama justified his decision to essentially “pardon” Bush/Cheney/Rumsfeld et al by saying investigations would be a distraction!  The reality is that by allowing republicans to believe there are no limits on their behavior, “we the people” have had to endure CONSTANT distractions as republicans continue their assault on the fabric of our nation.  And, make no mistake, the republicans (despite what is being referred to as the “clown car” regarding their presidential “hopefuls”) might win.  If you’re old enough to remember, America elected Ronald Reagan (thanks to some expertly handled shenanigans) and he was considered a fringe candidate up until he got the nomination.  (Of course, he was a law breaker as well who “got away with it” as did his “cronies” thanks to pardons from George HW Bush)  The people who are funding the “right wing” in America are smart and they have UNLIMITED funds.  And, despite my friend Lars Larsen calling me an elitist when I refer to America’s “low information voters,” the reality is that America is teeming with “low information voters.”  These people are susceptible to sophisticated advertising, sound bites, and “wedge issues.”  Often times they vote against their own best interests.  So, assuming that just because President Obama said, America does NOT torture – well, BOTH former President GW Bush and former Vice President Dick Cheney have publicly stated “I’d do it again.”  And, many in their party are right there with them.

So, I’ll keep hoping that someone in President Obama’s administration does the “right thing” and the TORTURE that was authorized by Bush/Cheney/Rumsfeld and the others will be subject to an OPEN investigation.  And, someone in our government would make it clear to those who did this that there is a “price to pay” for being, essentially, WAR CRIMINALS.  Knowing that our leaders are NOT above the law, I believe, would be a great first step in the process of internal healing that this nation needs to go through.  Everyone KNOWS that TORTURE is wrong and that we were WRONG to condone it – and, by allowing the perpetrators to “walk” that is exactly what we’ve been doing – condoning TORTURE!  Just like the psychologists Bush/Cheney hired to give their program “cover.”

A footnote: Usually on Saturday mornings I have breakfast with a good friend who I would call a Libertarian – someone who views the democratic party somewhat as I view the republicans.  After our latest discussion, I just want to add that I didn’t mention Congress here (I think the two of us agree that members of Congress have been enabled to disregard the laws as well – mostly in regard to their accumulation of great wealth while “serving” in office – and beyond).  As far as both of us are concerned, the level of corruption in Congress is depressing – and, it’s bipartisan – that, the two of us can agree on.  The interesting thing to me regarding this relationship is that we can dialogue with on another, despite our divergent viewpoints, and both of us usually come out of a discussion in a better place.  We’ve often wondered if our leaders – no matter what their party affiliation – will ever get to that place in our lifetime.  I believe we’ve actually had many times in our history when members of Congress were able to put the interests of the nation ahead of their own agendas.  We (my friend and I) usually share our frustration of living in a nation where LARGE majorities of people agree on certain issues (ie – “the public option,” “ending the wars,” “the minimum wage,” etc., etc.) yet our “leaders routinely fail to act on the wishes of “we the people.”  We differ on who is mostly to blame.