Sarah Huckabee Sanders said it right when she said "Every Supreme Court nominee deserves a vote." Just like Merrick Garland got in 2016. Unfortunately such appointments are mostly political in that the nominees are generally ultra- this or that. The reason is that they are nominated by presidents who are pro-this or that. Now Merrick Garland was far less politically motivated than Brett Kavanaugh, but I can't say he wasn't a democratic choice as nominee.
The question is: do we want someone on the Supreme Court who believes that a sitting President can pardon himself? Or that a sitting President shouldn't even be investigated or tried while in office? And especially not if he or she is delivering on campaign promises the majority in Congress like.
But how about that Sarah Sanders? She will swear to anything Trump says and then the next day she'll swear she didn't say that because the President has just said the opposite. What must she be thinking about herself when she has to stand there in front of a group of very well informed reporters and say things both she and they know are untrue?
And what about this Kavanaugh? All these allegations of misconduct. True or not true. How come he doesn't want there to be an investigation into whether or not they are true? Wouldn't you want an investigation, assuming you were innocent? It makes me wonder why. Why doesn't Kavanaugh and the President and the Republican leadership in the Senate are all against such an investigation? The last time anything like this came up and it was under a Republican administration, they did go ahead with an investigation. But then they weren't under the gun of an election. I guess that's the answer.
Wednesday, September 26, 2018
Sunday, September 23, 2018
$$$$ v $$$$$
Pennsylvania's eighth congressional district typifies what's wrong in America. Two millionaires go at it to represent the folks in this northeastern part of Pennsylvania. The incumbent is worth somewhere near $4 million. The challenger is worth somewhere near $24 million. Although it could be near 14 million and $80 million, but that doesn't matter so much as the fact that they are both very wealthy and that's pretty much true all around the country.
The only people who have any chance of winning in the political sweepstakes of the elections for Congress are the very wealthy. If you're not wealthy or don't have a very wealthy backer, you're gonna get pushed aside in the early stages of the primaries. So what? Do you think that was the plan by the founders of our country? Were the founding fathers all sure they wanted only very wealthy people to lead our country? I don't think we'd be any worse off if only paupers were allowed to run the country.
And if that were the case, at least we wouldn't have nearly as much graft. That's because poor people don't have the connections that rich people have to play so fast and loose with OPM. That's Other People's Money (OPM). So the best way to eliminate the problem is to get all the dark money out of politics. Put the ceiling back on donations and no secret gifts. But that's unconstitutional. Then we need to make it constitutional. But it would interfere with peoples right to free speech.
So there you have it. Speech is money. The more money you have the more speech you get. And that's why only rich people can win in elections. But getting back to Pennsylvania's eighth district. It's also between an Pennsylvanian and a resident of New Jersey and he's the richer one. Can he buy this election? Let's hope not.
The only people who have any chance of winning in the political sweepstakes of the elections for Congress are the very wealthy. If you're not wealthy or don't have a very wealthy backer, you're gonna get pushed aside in the early stages of the primaries. So what? Do you think that was the plan by the founders of our country? Were the founding fathers all sure they wanted only very wealthy people to lead our country? I don't think we'd be any worse off if only paupers were allowed to run the country.
And if that were the case, at least we wouldn't have nearly as much graft. That's because poor people don't have the connections that rich people have to play so fast and loose with OPM. That's Other People's Money (OPM). So the best way to eliminate the problem is to get all the dark money out of politics. Put the ceiling back on donations and no secret gifts. But that's unconstitutional. Then we need to make it constitutional. But it would interfere with peoples right to free speech.
So there you have it. Speech is money. The more money you have the more speech you get. And that's why only rich people can win in elections. But getting back to Pennsylvania's eighth district. It's also between an Pennsylvanian and a resident of New Jersey and he's the richer one. Can he buy this election? Let's hope not.
Monday, September 17, 2018
Texas State Board of Education.
Ya gotta love the Texas State Board of Education. Are you familiar with its work? You should be, your children and grandchildren will likely be using textbooks the TSBE designed and approved of. For instance history books have changed and will likely change again this December. Right now it looks like Hillary Clinton never existed.
That's right poor Hillary is just a vision of our imagination. She must be, there will be no mention of her in the new textbooks unless something changes. Poor Bill will likely have had no wife to call his First Lady, an opportunity for Monica. New York will have been short one Senator for a time and Trump never had an opponent in his campaign for President. How come Trump spent so much money to defeat nobody what-so-ever. And I suppose "Lock nobody up."
And Helen Keller. She will disappear as well. She will never have existed if TSBE has its way. A fine woman like that, just suddenly never existed, too bad too because she was a fine lady. But neither of them made the cut. See, the TSBE which is made up of 15 elected members invited a group of people to vote on a list of people as to whether they should be in the new textbooks. On a score of 1 to 21 those people were voted on. Helen only got 7 and Hillary got 5. So, out the door.
The problem is that Texas State Board of Education must approve all textbooks in the state. Because of the large number of students, book publishers use those books for almost if not all school districts in the country. Take it or leave it. What if Hillary runs in 2020 and wins. People will say nobody ran against Trump and he still lost.
That's right poor Hillary is just a vision of our imagination. She must be, there will be no mention of her in the new textbooks unless something changes. Poor Bill will likely have had no wife to call his First Lady, an opportunity for Monica. New York will have been short one Senator for a time and Trump never had an opponent in his campaign for President. How come Trump spent so much money to defeat nobody what-so-ever. And I suppose "Lock nobody up."
And Helen Keller. She will disappear as well. She will never have existed if TSBE has its way. A fine woman like that, just suddenly never existed, too bad too because she was a fine lady. But neither of them made the cut. See, the TSBE which is made up of 15 elected members invited a group of people to vote on a list of people as to whether they should be in the new textbooks. On a score of 1 to 21 those people were voted on. Helen only got 7 and Hillary got 5. So, out the door.
The problem is that Texas State Board of Education must approve all textbooks in the state. Because of the large number of students, book publishers use those books for almost if not all school districts in the country. Take it or leave it. What if Hillary runs in 2020 and wins. People will say nobody ran against Trump and he still lost.
Friday, September 14, 2018
What's a Little Deficit?
The budget deficit for the first 11 months of this fiscal year is $900 billion. So we are on track to have a deficit of $1 trillion according to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO). A tidy sum, don't you agree? It's not that we can't overcome that amount over time, but that's an increase over last year by $222 billion. Which means that last year the deficit was $680 billion. So over Trump's first two year period we added over $1.5 trillion to our debt.
Really folks don't you think that's enough? Of course to listen to Congressional Republicans, you'd think its clear that all that debt would magically disappear if only they were allowed to cut back on wasteful programs like Medicare and Social Security and Medicaid, don't forget Medicaid. Now when they say "cut back" what they're really saying is that they want to eliminate all three.
The problem is, doing that still wouldn't erase that kind of debt. Unless they have in mind billing recipients of all three for past years receipts. But fair is fair. They gave a huge tax cut to the wealthy so to balance things they have to give a huge tax increase to the middle and lower class. They just wouldn't call it a tax increase. More like a tax adjustment. Now, ya see how nicely that all works out?
And ya see, as long as they talk soothingly and explain how its all the fault of Obamacare, people won't notice the problem until those checks stop coming and the hospital starts asking for cash. And the beauty of it all is that if they get just one Democrat to go along they can call it bi-partisan. Two would be better, but one does the trick.
Really folks don't you think that's enough? Of course to listen to Congressional Republicans, you'd think its clear that all that debt would magically disappear if only they were allowed to cut back on wasteful programs like Medicare and Social Security and Medicaid, don't forget Medicaid. Now when they say "cut back" what they're really saying is that they want to eliminate all three.
The problem is, doing that still wouldn't erase that kind of debt. Unless they have in mind billing recipients of all three for past years receipts. But fair is fair. They gave a huge tax cut to the wealthy so to balance things they have to give a huge tax increase to the middle and lower class. They just wouldn't call it a tax increase. More like a tax adjustment. Now, ya see how nicely that all works out?
And ya see, as long as they talk soothingly and explain how its all the fault of Obamacare, people won't notice the problem until those checks stop coming and the hospital starts asking for cash. And the beauty of it all is that if they get just one Democrat to go along they can call it bi-partisan. Two would be better, but one does the trick.
Thursday, September 13, 2018
Lock Them Up?
According to the New York Times our government has a dismal record regarding migrant children being held in detention centers. In May of 2017 there were 2400 children being held in detention. Compare that to the 12,800 being held this month. These numbers show that the Trump administration has not relaxed its inhumane practice of separating children from their parents.
If Mr. Trump is concerned about terrorists entering our country, he needs to consider how many of those 12,800 are becoming future terrorists, not because they came to America with their parents, but because of the inhumane way America is treating them. Think about how you would feel, as a child, about a country that did this kind of thing to you. Would you harbor bad feelings toward that country? Might you want to get even?
But forget the terrorist part of this tragedy, we need to look at how we are permitting our government, in our name, to mistreat these children and these parents. Placing children, who have done nothing wrong in prison is unconscionable. The kids have no idea where they are. They have no idea where their parents are. Their parents have no idea where their children are. The government has no idea where most of these children are.
There was an old time movie, before sound was introduced, called the Keystone Cops. It was very funny ciaos. This situation is very similar except it just isn't funny at all. And Americans are becoming ignorant about it. Not by choice but because the Administration keeps drawing their attention away from the problem. But the problem of incarcerating these children is growing. We need to send a message to Mr. Trump. Our current Congress hasn't the will. We need to elect Democrats who do have the will.
If Mr. Trump is concerned about terrorists entering our country, he needs to consider how many of those 12,800 are becoming future terrorists, not because they came to America with their parents, but because of the inhumane way America is treating them. Think about how you would feel, as a child, about a country that did this kind of thing to you. Would you harbor bad feelings toward that country? Might you want to get even?
But forget the terrorist part of this tragedy, we need to look at how we are permitting our government, in our name, to mistreat these children and these parents. Placing children, who have done nothing wrong in prison is unconscionable. The kids have no idea where they are. They have no idea where their parents are. Their parents have no idea where their children are. The government has no idea where most of these children are.
There was an old time movie, before sound was introduced, called the Keystone Cops. It was very funny ciaos. This situation is very similar except it just isn't funny at all. And Americans are becoming ignorant about it. Not by choice but because the Administration keeps drawing their attention away from the problem. But the problem of incarcerating these children is growing. We need to send a message to Mr. Trump. Our current Congress hasn't the will. We need to elect Democrats who do have the will.
Tuesday, September 11, 2018
Never A Hole In One.
I remember back a few years when Obama was playing too much golf, in the opinion of Trump. Actually, Obama played 333 times in his eight year presidency. At the time, President Trump found fault with his playing too much golf. He spends too much of the peoples money playing golf. Fast forward to these days and we find that our President Trump is on track to play more than twice as much golf as President Obama.
But, not to worry, he's playing at his own golf courses. Of course the people are still paying for it. The difference is that he's pocketing the money. So far, just the golf cart costs to Americans is $300,675 according to an article in the National Memo. Of course some of those golf trips are strictly business. Like when he golfs with sports athletes. Now the White House won't reveal how often Trump plays, but a good guess is that it's about 25% of the time.
One of the odd things is that you don't hear anyone complaining much about how much he's spending on golf. Probably because people assume he golfs for free at his own clubs. Maybe he does, but his entourage doesn't. And that includes his secret service guards. And remember, he's on track to play 745 days of golf, if he were to serve a full eight years in office. Imagine the costs to us.
If he mocked Obama for all the time he spent on a golf course, just think how much mocking Trump would be entitled to. We could spend a lot of time complaining about Trump's golfing. But actually, I think its probably the best thing for the country. Maybe we should suggest that he spend twice as much time on the courses. Or even three times as often. Heck, why not all the time?
But, not to worry, he's playing at his own golf courses. Of course the people are still paying for it. The difference is that he's pocketing the money. So far, just the golf cart costs to Americans is $300,675 according to an article in the National Memo. Of course some of those golf trips are strictly business. Like when he golfs with sports athletes. Now the White House won't reveal how often Trump plays, but a good guess is that it's about 25% of the time.
One of the odd things is that you don't hear anyone complaining much about how much he's spending on golf. Probably because people assume he golfs for free at his own clubs. Maybe he does, but his entourage doesn't. And that includes his secret service guards. And remember, he's on track to play 745 days of golf, if he were to serve a full eight years in office. Imagine the costs to us.
If he mocked Obama for all the time he spent on a golf course, just think how much mocking Trump would be entitled to. We could spend a lot of time complaining about Trump's golfing. But actually, I think its probably the best thing for the country. Maybe we should suggest that he spend twice as much time on the courses. Or even three times as often. Heck, why not all the time?
Thursday, September 6, 2018
Self-Pardoning?
Judge Brett Kavanaugh, President Trump's pick for the Supreme Court doesn't know whether Trump could pardon himself if convicted of a crime. Or perhaps I should say that he hasn't made up his mind if that would be possible. Really? Do you think that anyone could be so unsure of such a thing as self pardoning? Should any president now or in the future be allowed to forgive himself of any crime? Even if it were to endanger our country?
Can you imagine that answer on the court? Its no answer. It means that if some member of the mafia got elected to the presidency, problems would start very quickly. "What do you mean you don't like the way I'm doing things? Bang, you're dead. Okay, next?"
Seriously, our country is close to crises and a nominee for the Supreme Court, a lifetime appointment, doesn't know if a president can pardon himself? I think he needs to be told to go sit in a corner until he has an answer. The only explanation is that if he told his opinion, he'd never get approved by the Senate. At least I hope he'd not get Senate approval. Such a thing as self pardoning would make a mockery of our judicial system.
If it is actually constitutionally correct that a president could pardon himself, then we need a constitutional amendment and we need it sooner than later. Like next week. I can't imagine that any thoughtful American could consider that to be an appropriate right for any president to have. And I do hopefully believe that a super majority of Americans agree with me.
Can you imagine that answer on the court? Its no answer. It means that if some member of the mafia got elected to the presidency, problems would start very quickly. "What do you mean you don't like the way I'm doing things? Bang, you're dead. Okay, next?"
Seriously, our country is close to crises and a nominee for the Supreme Court, a lifetime appointment, doesn't know if a president can pardon himself? I think he needs to be told to go sit in a corner until he has an answer. The only explanation is that if he told his opinion, he'd never get approved by the Senate. At least I hope he'd not get Senate approval. Such a thing as self pardoning would make a mockery of our judicial system.
If it is actually constitutionally correct that a president could pardon himself, then we need a constitutional amendment and we need it sooner than later. Like next week. I can't imagine that any thoughtful American could consider that to be an appropriate right for any president to have. And I do hopefully believe that a super majority of Americans agree with me.
Sunday, September 2, 2018
Wages
Tomorrow is Labor Day. Time to rejoice. Enjoy the fruits of your labor. You averaged a 2.7 % increase this year. Of course goods and services have increased 2.9% so you all have, in effect, taken a cut in pay. Ain't that the way? How's a body supposed to get ahead. I guess the only way to do that is to get hired as a corporate executive of some big company. They're pay has increased about 18% this year. Think about this. Starting from your very first paycheck to the last pay you will ever receive, your total of all those years won't equal just one year's paycheck of one of these CEOs.
Your whole life isn't worth one year's pay for a big shot corporate executive. Is that the way things are supposed to work out? Does anyone think these corporate executives work harder than you? No! They work smarter than you. And they have the money. Just remember this, when they say our economy is humming along great, what they mean is the top execs and stockholders are making boatloads of extra money but there just isn't any left for you guys.
How come, you may ask. Well, back when there were labor unions and they were strong in membership, they could force the corporations to share the wealth a little bit. Now the corporate execs don't want to admit it but the unions actually helped the workers. After all, that was their job. But then unions fell out of favor with workers. Partly because some union leaders were less than honest. And then states started "right to work" rules that said they didn't have to pay dues for the benefits the unions brought them.
Unions aren't the only help workers got, but the long and the short of the story is, you lost .2% of income this year and the boss got an increase of about 17.98%. A good deal for him, not so great for you. Just saying.
Your whole life isn't worth one year's pay for a big shot corporate executive. Is that the way things are supposed to work out? Does anyone think these corporate executives work harder than you? No! They work smarter than you. And they have the money. Just remember this, when they say our economy is humming along great, what they mean is the top execs and stockholders are making boatloads of extra money but there just isn't any left for you guys.
How come, you may ask. Well, back when there were labor unions and they were strong in membership, they could force the corporations to share the wealth a little bit. Now the corporate execs don't want to admit it but the unions actually helped the workers. After all, that was their job. But then unions fell out of favor with workers. Partly because some union leaders were less than honest. And then states started "right to work" rules that said they didn't have to pay dues for the benefits the unions brought them.
Unions aren't the only help workers got, but the long and the short of the story is, you lost .2% of income this year and the boss got an increase of about 17.98%. A good deal for him, not so great for you. Just saying.
Saturday, September 1, 2018
Grateful Or Great?
Let's help MAKE AMERICA GRATEFUL AGAIN. What do we have to be grateful for? We are a free people. We listen to, watch and read the news we choose. We elect the people we choose to lead us, for better or for worse. Across the world there are few people who can say the same. No one can tell us how to vote or for whom. That would be illegal. We can be swayed and there is the devil in our democracy.
A candidate for office can explain how he, or she, wants to make life better for you and that's how we sway voters some of the time. But most of the time candidates lie about each other and about what they can and will do for you. And far too often those are lies. Promises which the candidate knows full well cannot be delivered. And what's worse, they do it on video and audio.
The same is true for the lies told about opponents. Told on air, lies are ignored when they are held up for public scrutiny. It's not what I said. It was misinterpreted. But there they are for all to see. And the list goes on and on. And then we begin to get into the rhelm of criminality. Laws get broken and covered up which is a crime in and of itself, and the faithful follow. Some because they see a financial reward if only they allow the crimes to be overlooked.
It's time to MAKE AMERICA GRATEFUL AGAIN. Grateful to live in this free society Grateful to have a nation of laws. Respect for the rule of law. Grateful for the right to choose who you will vote for without the lies. Lies can never make America great. Gratitude will make us great.
A candidate for office can explain how he, or she, wants to make life better for you and that's how we sway voters some of the time. But most of the time candidates lie about each other and about what they can and will do for you. And far too often those are lies. Promises which the candidate knows full well cannot be delivered. And what's worse, they do it on video and audio.
The same is true for the lies told about opponents. Told on air, lies are ignored when they are held up for public scrutiny. It's not what I said. It was misinterpreted. But there they are for all to see. And the list goes on and on. And then we begin to get into the rhelm of criminality. Laws get broken and covered up which is a crime in and of itself, and the faithful follow. Some because they see a financial reward if only they allow the crimes to be overlooked.
It's time to MAKE AMERICA GRATEFUL AGAIN. Grateful to live in this free society Grateful to have a nation of laws. Respect for the rule of law. Grateful for the right to choose who you will vote for without the lies. Lies can never make America great. Gratitude will make us great.
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