Trump Appointed Judges: Where Justice Goes to Die

Good Day World!

The most devastating effect Trump has on our society is the appointment of numerous right-wing judges across the country. 

Because of Trump's collusion with The Federalist Society, only extremist judges are getting approved in record numbers.

Trump's judicial appointees are not selected because they are unbiased or nonpartisan or fair-minded. They are chosen because of their loyalty to the Federalist Society and Trump himself.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnel has devoted the last three years to appointing Trump-judges while letting all bills from Congress (over 400 this year) fester in his partisan graveyard.

A warning sign for what to expect in the future can be seen with what's happened to the 5th District Court; it's been stacked with right-wing judges during the last three years. Now it's a court where justice goes to die.

The future portends more extreme decisions that will drag other courts to the far right. Trump has already flipped the 2nd, 3rd, and 11th Circuits by creating a majority of Republican appointees loyal to him.

This year the conservative majority of judges went on a rampage. This month, the courts ruled that Obamacare's individual mandate has become unconstitutional in an overtly partisan decision and suggested that the rest of the law may have to fall, as well.

Trump has managed to neutralize moderate conservatives. With the waning influence of balanced courts Americans are facing a dark future for personal freedoms.

Roe vs Wade (Jan.22, 1973) has been threatened before in 1992. Based upon the current rapidly slanted changing judiciary, 2020 may see the biggest challenge of all for the controversial law.

Even if we do get a Democratic president and Senate in 2020, the damage Trump and McConnell have done to the judicial system is going to be there for years. In some cases, even a generation.

Time for me to walk on down the road...

Two Americas, Two Economies: Which Do You Live In?

                                         Good Day World!

Whenever I hear about stock market records being broke it doesn't excite me, because like most Americans I have nothing to do with Wall Street.

More than half of Americans have no connection to the stock market (that includes 401ks, IRAs and mutual funds), according to the Federal Reserve and numerous survey groups.

What about the other half? 

In a Chicago Tribune business article, Steven Rosenthal, a senior fellow at the Tax Policy Center said, "Stock ownership is heavily tilted towards rich guys, doctors, lawyers, and accountants."

Rosenthal made it clear that the stock market is not for our shrinking middle class. In essence, it's a stark economic divide between the haves and have nots.

This division of wealth determines which America you live in. The gap is increasing since Trump slithered into office, and provided the corporations and the wealthy with massive tax breaks.

Almost 80 percent of Americans live from paycheck-to-paycheck, and in the fear of getting hit with medical bills they can't afford. The homeless population throughout America is increasing at alarming rates.

These dual economic realities are encouraging voters to prioritize the economy in the 2020 election. Thirty-percent say the economy is the most important issue in determining who they'll vote for president in November.

Trump only has one positive thing going for him in the upcoming election, the economy. It's healthy, and that generally means an incumbent president gets re-elected.

But these are not normal times. We're in uncharted waters with the most corrupt president the country has ever seen.

Despite a loyal base of Trump followers, the majority of Americans disapprove of everything he does from his pathetic lack of foreign policies, to his abuse of power.

Related: In Trump Country, A Season of Need on Family Farms 

Being only the third American president to be impeached is not something any candidate would want on their resume.

In the end, a lot depends on what part of America you live in on how you'll vote. Either you're part of that minority getting richer under Trump, or you're in the majority suffering under his regime.

Time for me to walk on down the road...

10 Gump-Like Observations About Basketball and Life

Good Day World!

Inspired by my favorite movie of all time, Forest Gump, and my favorite sport basketball, I have some reflections on life to share with you today:

1) "Life is like a basketball game without referees."

2) "The secret to being happy is making all of your three-point shots against a tough opponent."

3) "A driving layup is a poem without words."

4) "Life is not measured by how many dribbles you take, but by how many shots you make."

5) "Walk up to the free throw line with hope in your heart."

6) "Big shots get big results, no shots get no results, or somebody else's results."

7) "Take the first step in faith in your team mates by passing them the ball."

8) "Losing a game is not fatal. There's a long season ahead."

9) "A great basketball player sees the invisible, and achieves the impossible."

10) "Always be aware of the shot clock and what quarter you're in."  

Time for me to walk on down the road...

Seven Memorable Christmas Milestones

Good Day World!

We all have Christmas stories to tell. They can be happy, nostalgic, or sad. They can also be milestones in our lives.

Today I'm sharing seven of mine:

Christmas 1955 - My brother, two sisters, and cousin stayed up all night on Christmas Eve talking about Santa Claus, and the fact we were going to Disneyland on Christmas Day. 

The amusement park had just opened that July, and we were breathless with excitement. I remember going through "It's A Small World" exhibit with dancing dolls from around the world. My favorite ride was the spinning teacups.

Christmas 1969 - I was in the Army and stationed at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri for my advanced training as a Combat Engineer.

It was my first Christmas away from home. 

To make it worse I was practically alone on the base, as most went home for the holiday. I simply didn't have the money to fly home and back. There were a couple of cooks with the same problem, and they made up a meal for the few of us stuck there on Christmas Day.

I was the Field First for my Training Company, and the only man in the company who didn't go home for Christmas. The old World War I wooden barracks were deserted. The potbelly stoves used for each one were silent and the barracks were freezing, like the weather outside.

As I walked from my little room at the end of one of the barracks, to the mess hall in a foot of snow, I recall the lonely feeling that engulfed me and how badly I missed my family.

Christmas 1974 - Married for just four months, my wife and I had a tiny apartment that she decorated for our first Christmas as man and wife. 

We had very little money for extras, but we listened to Christmas music, watched Christmas stories on TV, visited family, and had a wonderful meal. Our love was magic.

Christmas 1975 - Our first son was six-months old, and my wife dressed him up for the holiday. We got him a little wooden rocking horse that he absolutely loved!

Christmas 1977 - Our second son was 10-months old and we had professional photos taken of our growing family. Our first son was very jealous of the attention his little brother got.

Christmas 1980 - Our third son was just two-months old and our second son just adored him! Our oldest son was a bit standoffish, but grew to quickly love the newest addition to our family.

Christmas 2019 - Our sons have moved on with their lives. Two of them (and their families) are here today. We'll exchange gifts and have a wonderful meal.

My wife and I are feeling nostalgic today. We're thankful for our family, and for 45 years of marriage. Above all, we're thankful for another Christmas together!

Time for me to walk on the road... 

On this Christmas Eve...

Good Day World!

*Americans are wrapping gifts from an imaginary saint to give to good little boys and girls;

*Company Christmas parties are being celebrated from coast-to-coast, with spirits that have nothing to do with Charles Dicken's ghosts from A Christmas Carol;

*Blaring Christmas music is playing in stores that have decided to stay open late, hoping for a Christmas miracle of last minute shoppers desperately buying everything still on their shelves;

*Millions of Americans are going to churches today to pray for peace and love throughout the land;

*Millions of homeless Americans are wondering where their next meal is coming from and where they can take shelter on a winter's night, like Mary and Joseph on Christmas Eve.
--------------------------------------------------------
After 69-years, I can still conjure up the magic of Christmas Eve when I was young and believed in miracles. When my brother, two sisters, and I, sat up late hoping to see Santa Claus with a sack of endless gifts.

Time for me to walk on down the road...

A White House Christmas Story

Good Day World!

Twas two days before Christmas, when all through the White House

Not a presidential aide was stirring, not even a mouse;

The Articles of Impeachment were hung by the Oval Office with care,

in the hope people would think they were unfair;

The West Wing staffers were nestled in their beds,
trying to ignore the truth rattling around in their heads;
That Trump was a liar making it hard to nap,
with visions of his cult followers wearing a red cap,

When out on the White House lawn there arose such a clatter,
that the secret service scrambled to see what was the matter,
the scared staffers flew to the windows in a mad dash,
in time to see Trump's presidential limousine crash,

The moon reflected upon the new-fallen snow,
like a reality game show,
When, to the worried staffers eyes should appear
Trump's cabinet dressed up like a herd of deer,

Trump himself was dressed all in fur (that Jr. killed), from his head to his foot
And his gaudy clothes were covered in coal and soot;
A bundle of conspiracy theories he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.

His bloodshot eyes - how they twinkled on his orange face;
His droll anus-looking mouth that always energized his base,
Trump spoke not a word, but went straight to work,
Setting up campaign signs that said, "Vote for me, or you're a jerk!"

He waddled to his limousine as fast as he could go,
shouting out to his minions in the increasing snow,
"Ho! Ho! Ho! I'm off to Mar-A-Lago!"

Merry Christmas from The White House Staff 
and the crazy bastard in the Oval Office!

Days of Rage: Trump Drops All Pretence and Embraces Putin in Public

                                         Good Day World!

Their romance was going to be discovered someday. Putin knew that when he used Trump's ego to further his aims. 

After Trump was impeached by Congress for (among other charges) pushing a phony conspiracy theory (originating from Putin) about the Ukraine to get dirt from its new president to use against his political opponent, he went into a rage.

That led to a doubling down of his efforts to pursue the Ukraine conspiracy (despite being impeached for it) with help from his sleazy lawyer/friend Rudy Giuliani.

Meanwhile, Trump openly embraced Putin's comments when the Russian dictator said, "U.S. President Donald Trump's impeachment is far-fetched," and "The U.S. Senate will reject it."

Let's not forget Russia is one of our nation's deadliest foes, and the fact that Putin openly stood up for Trump sends out a clear message of chaos that isn't going to go unnoticed in the international community, or in America.

Related: Trump Believed Ukraine Conspiracy Because 'Putin Told Me'

What happened next stunned members from both side of the aisle; Trump refused to sign the bipartisan budget deal for 2020 unless... the part about funding the Ukraine next year was taken out!

Simply put, Trump threatened to shut down the government unless he got his way about the Ukraine. This overt extortion shows how serious Trump is about holding the Ukraine hostage.

He still wants the Ukrainian President Zelensky to publicly announce an investigation into Joe Biden and his son to discredit his biggest challenger ahead of next years election.

Related: Newly released emails offer more details in timeline of pause to Ukraine aid

Also: Emails show Trump asked about Ukraine aid before Zelensky call

Trump is an unhinged sociopath that will stop at nothing to get re-elected. His collusion with foreign powers is no secret now as he calls upon Communist China, and other counties, to find dirt on Biden on national TV.

Ahead of his senate trial, Trump is at his Mar-A-Lago resort hanging out with his billionaire buddies and right-wing advisers from Fox News, conjuring up more conspiracy theories to muddy any facts that may come up in the future.

Time for me to walk on down the road...

Trump's Corruption Is a Magnet for Liars and Cheats

Good Day World!

Like a worm in an apple, Trump is hallowing out the Constitution's safeguards to further his personal goal to become a dictator.

It's important to remember Trump couldn't get away with brazenly defying laws without some help. Like from his cabinet, a collection of rogues ready to sell America down the drain for personal gain in a moments notice.

Trump attracts corrupt politicians to him like flies on shit. For example, take Alaska's Republican Gov. Mike Dunleavy. 

Gov. Donleavy's been secretly in cahoots with a mining company - Pebbles Limited Partnership (PLP) - to develop a gold-and-copper mine near Bristol Bay; home to the largest run of sockeye salmon in Alaska's waters, which are currently protected by the EPA.

After Gov. Dunleavy got in office last year, the first thing he did was lobby Trump, with the help of PLP, to move forward with the project.

Long story short. Trump is doing everything in his power to help with the permitting process and the environment be damned! 

In the world we live in there are people who foresake the truth and laws, for power and money. It's a sad statement that our society is riddled with these souless maggots rotting our social fabric.

Trump's sordid history is a beacon of light for like-minded liars and cheats. Wherever Trump goes, someone else goes down. 

The past three years have been a golden age of corruption where Trump minions have infected our government and society in staggering ways.

Trump may have been impeached, but he's still an at-large unhinged sociopath spreading his poison like a snake thoughout the country.

If the senate doesn't stop him, then voters better. Americans can't afford to let him steal another election.

Time for me to walk on down the road...

Institutional Chaos: It's America's Own Fault For Electing Trump

                                        Good Day World!

Yes. Russia helped Trump get elected, but it was America's own fault for giving the keys to democracy to a wannabee dictator via the electoral college.

In modern times the only way Republicans have managed to win the presidency is through a system that should have been dropped 100-years ago; the electoral college. 

Faithless electors misrepresent the popular vote in key swing states. Republicans count on defectors going against their own party's selection.

The electoral system is why we're suffering under Trump's mad regime where reality is bent like taffy and GOP lawmakers swear fealty to a liar, and a cheat.

The Democratic candidate who ran against Trump, Hillary Clinton, won the popular vote by netting a 67 percent majority (2.8 million votes), but still lost the election.

The electoral college was a system born of compromise. It came about because the founders couldn't agree on anything else. Thus, it was never a perfect system.

After more than 240 years, it's time we fix that imperfect system that has been exploited by Republicans for over a generation.

It's America's fault for allowing what the founders feared more than anything else, a monarch to emerge from the slime because of the imperfect system we tolerate from decade-to-decade.

Winning by the popular vote is the American ideal of equality, where the majority reigns.

Today, we're stuck with a demagogue exploiting fear and racism. 

That Trump was impeached for his crimes by the House, is belated recognition Americans discovered their mistake.

The saga will go on into the new year when a senate trial will be held to decide whether to convict or acquit Trump of his numerous high crimes.

Lawmakers and voters will have to stop the sociopath in the White House from rigging the 2020 election if the senate turns away from justice, and let's him continue to assault our republic.

Time for me to walk on down the road..

IMPEACHED! Trump's Corruption Will Forever Be a Dark Chapter in American History

Good Day World!

Impeached!

Trump brought this fateful day upon himself. 

History will remember him as the third American president to be impeached by Congress.

Trump's ego, corruption, and hubris have led to his impeachment - a day the nation, and he'll never forget. A humiliation that will haunt him the rest of his life.

Trump's unquenched thirst for revenge is a direct threat to everything our Constitution stands for. In an irate letter to Nancy Pelosi that Trump wanted entered into the annuals of his impeachment, the reader can plainly see his disassociation from reality.

Trump's old mentor Roy Cohn taught him well. Never admit you lie, even when caught doing so. Instead project the accusation onto the accuser. When all else fails, divert, and continue to lie.

The next step in this historic process, happens when the House of Representatives turns over its findings - the two articles of impeachment - to the Senate for a trial that will decide if Trump stays in office.

Because the Senate Majority leader Mitch McConnell has already stated that he's working "hand-in-hand" with the White House to make sure Trump goes free, the outcome of the so-called trial appears to be predetermined.

Bloomberg reported McConnell admitted he is not an impartial juror.

Perhaps one of the most stunning aspects of this drama is what's happening right now (as you read this post). Trump is still actively pursuing his conspiracy theory with his lawyer Rudy Giuliani... 

despite the fact it's one of many reasons he was impeached!

Political soothsayers are predicting Trump will evade justice because the Republican Senators are all afraid of him.

Still, no one really knows how the Senate trial will go next January because we're in uncharted territory. 

Regardless, Trump's troubles won't end there if the GOP senators fail to uphold the Constitution and set him free.

Major (long delayed) court cases will actually be settled after years of obstruction next year, as the Supreme Court has agreed to review Trump's weak claims that he doesn't have to turn over his taxes, financial records (Mazars), and that he's all powerful as long as he squats in the Oval Office.

Bottom line: Trump's reality show went off the track, and he was punished. Next stop. The senate.

Time for me to walk on down the road...