Impeachment 2.0: House Votes to Impeach Trump

UPDATE: TRUMP IMPEACHED FOR SECOND TIME (4:36 ET)

One impeachment wasn't enough for Trump.

His poisonous presidency demanded two Congressional rebukes.

Once again Trump is making history in the wrong way. No American president has ever been impeached twice.

It's only fitting. For the first time Republicans are distancing themselves from Trump. Mitch McConnell has let it be known he's pleased Trump is being impeached.

10 House Republicans, including Liz Cheney, voted to impeach their flawed leader. 

However, there's still Republicans in the House and Senate that don't want Trump impeached for a variety of weak reasons. The main one being they're afraid of Trump and his rabid followers.

As I listened to the procedures this morning it's apparent those stubborn GOP stooges are seizing on a false flag argument claiming it'll do more harm than good to impeach Trump's ass.

The cult of Trump runs deep as we hear stories of even police and fireman joining the assault on our capitol.

The toxic legacy of Trumpism is going to take a long time to overcome. He came close to destroying our democracy. The very least Congress can do is to impeach him... again.

Trump's Last Stand at The Alamo

Ever the showman, Trump is staging a symbolic last stand at Alamo, Texas, near the border today.

The White House says he's going there to mark the completion of 450 miles of wall. 

Just to be clear, the stated goal in 2017 was to construct a wall that stretches 738 miles. The majority of the 450 miles was replacing old, dilapidated barriers.

His rabid followers will see this as a mission completed by their lord and master. The rest of the country will view this visit as a last ditch effort at rallying his dark forces to commit further chaos.

In these waning days of his presidency Trump is pushing federal agencies to obligate funds available for the wall regardless of whether land has been obtained for construction.

These last minute shots against the Biden administration are designed to tie up funds and make the transition more difficult.

Diaper Don is determined to cause as much havoc as possible before being vacated from the White House.

There's little doubt in my mind that both Trump minions and detractors will face off in a tense situation. Let's hope it doesn't end in violence.

After 4 Years of Abusing His Power With No Consequences Will Trump Go Unpunished For His Coup Attempt?

Trump's attempt to seize power last week was one of the darkest moments in American history.

The shock of a sitting American president inciting a murderous mob to kill lawmakers in the Capitol building is something that's not going to go away for a generation of Americans.

The unthinkable happened. For a moment democracy was on the verge of destruction.

As citizens and politicians of all stripes scramble to make sense of how it happened, there is one thing that stands out to me; Trump may go unpunished for inciting sedition.

I know. Right now righteous anger seems like it'll lead to making Trump accountable for the first time in his failed presidency.

But don't bet on it

This morning House Republicans blocked an attempt to encourage Mike Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment. This is the first visible sign that Trump's Republican enablers are still willing to defend him, despite the enormity of his crime.

Let's face it; Trump has shaken off an impeachment attempt and even raised money from it for his re-election campaign.

The list of the laws and norms Trump has broken is too long to recite here. If you lived in this country during those four years you know what they are.

I'm hearing talk about impeaching him, which will probably be voted on Wednesday, but even this move is fraught with danger.

Democrats are concerned that Biden's agenda for the first 100 days is going to be entangled - and slowed down - trying to convict Trump in the Senate.

At this point I don't know how this is going to roll out. I'm hoping Trump gets held accountable - but I'm not holding my breath.

Trumpist Insurrection is far From Over Authorities Warn

The attempt to take over our democracy is not over for fringe Trump supporters and their domestic terrorist allies.

In fact, more assaults on government buildings across the nation and the Capitol in Washington DC, are being planned as I write this.

Authorities are warning Americans about the open threats of violence from small and large groups of fringe Trumpists and their allies.

These insurrectionists have activities planned right up until January 20th when they're having a "Million Militia March."

On January 17th a secondary attack against the US Capitol and state buildings is planned with the intent "to inspire others to replicate the violent acts that took place on January 6th.

On January 19th organizers are having an "Armed March on All State Capitols." A post about the event in Pittsburg included pictures of stockpiles of ammunition.

The traitors organizing these activities believe that there's not enough law enforcement to deploy everywhere.

I say they're dead wrong. Every state has a national guard and governors won't hesitate to employ them if necessary.

America is not going to be taken over by thugs, conspiracy nuts, right-wing militias, and corrupt Republican lawmakers.

I expect that message will be telegraphed in the days ahead.

Twitter Boss Jack Dorsey Should Be Charged With Aiding and Abetting Trump's Insurrection

It's time Jack Dorsey, Twitter's chief executive, should pay a price for allowing Trump to bypass mainstream media, and viciously lie repeatedly during the last four years.

Dorsey's disregard of truth is inexcusable. No matter what his lame response has been for allowing Trump to pollute America, it simply doesn't hold water.

Just look at Dorsey's response to Trump's treasonous action that put all of the members of Congress in harms way - he suspended Trump's account for 12 hours.

JUST 12 HOURS! Other media platforms, like Facebook, are banning Trump indefinitely.

One of the reasons the riot was so successful was that Twitter allowed Trump and others to "call for action" which resulted in and armed assault against lawmakers in the nation's capitol.

Because Trump was never called out by Twitter (until very recently) his actions became more dangerous with every passing month.

Trump unfettered became more aggressive with the passage of time until he got to the place where he convinced his followers to assault the rule of law with impunity.

Here's what really pisses me off about Dorsey; he's allowed Trump to violate Twitter rules because Trump was "newsworthy."

NEWSWORTHY!

Now millions of Americans believe the 2020 election was stolen because Trump said so, making Dorsey accountable for the armed insurrection.

Everyone is watching Trump closely now. The Pentagon is in the process of protecting the nuclear codes against our unhinged president as I write this.

Let's not forget about Jack Dorsey's complicity in this sad state of affairs. He failed to help prevent future attacks against our democracy.

He needs to be held liable, and made an example of. There's enough traitors in the country enabling Trump without Dorsey stirring the pot.

Here's a Change of Pace: The Polis Chronicles

Just for the fun of it... I culled The Polis Files from my fiction blog - It's a futuristic trilogy.

Book One: 

Post Mortem Party

Polis sat on a bench and watched the frothy tide recede leaving tons of plastics and other pollutants in it's crimson wake. A three-legged man awkwardly scuttled along on mountains of trash that were once sandy beaches as far as the eye could see. His bald head and upper body were red from exposure to the harsh sun, and his three legs gave the illusion he was a crab searching for food.

Read the rest here

Book Two

The Legend

The gathering around the campfire was diverse and grotesque. They were mutants whose parents survived the nuclear war of 2057. Their grotesque bodies had extra limbs. Some with no limbs that looked more like worms than humans. Their tortured flesh were portraits of nightmares yet undreamed. Some with heads of animals long extinct. Blank faces with only mouths. Some exceptionally tall, and others stunted dwarfs a mere three-feet in height. Some of the odd company had horns, and or, tails.

Read the rest here

Requiem

Ludi's three eyes watered under the bright sun. His tall slim body was protected from the brutal rays under a cloak with a hood. He was getting old. Mutants seldom lived more than 30 years - he was going on 60.

Ludi looked out at the assembled crowd before him. They were twisted versions of human beings. Children whose parents were exposed to the radioactive fallout from the nuclear war of 2057. Hundreds were sitting and standing around him in a semi-circle in what was once an outdoor stadium. Most of the concrete seats were covered in heavy vegetation. Their voices were humming in the scorching heat when he raised his long arms up and called for their attention.

Read the rest here

I hope you enjoy this fictional change of pace from my usual opinion post. It's an experiment. Variety is the spice of life... they say.

Trump Incited Mob to Assault Capitol: 4 Dead During Coup Attempt

                  Enough is enough!

No more coddling the wannabe dictator squatting in the White House trying to overthrow our government.

His coup attempt yesterday demands action.

Newspaper around the world reacted in horror with headlines like ANARCHY in America, and TRUMP SUPPORTERS DEFILE DEMOCRACY.

How bad was it?

The attack by Trump followers was a stunning display of insurrection. It was also the first time the U.S. Capitol had been overrun since the British attacked and burned the building in August of 1814, during the war of 1812.

Both Republicans and Democrat were exploring means of stopping any further damage by Trump by invoking the 25th Amendment, or impeachment last night.

It's still unclear how far that talks will go. 

Maybe this time Senate Republicans will stand up to the sociopath who they should have indicted for abuse of power in February of 2020.

Early reports this morning say that four people died; one was shot after Trump supporters breached the Capitol Building, and the other three suffered "separate medical emergencies that resulted in death" connected to the riot.

More than 52 people have been arrested but the FBI is still searching for participants and asking the public to identify attackers. The FBI's digital experts spent the night watching surveillance videos to match faces with social media posts.

This morning there was a confirmation that pipe bombs were found at the headquarters for the DNC,RNC and grounds of the Capitol building.

While it was a dark day for America, Congress still did it's job and confirmed the electoral votes that made Joe Biden our next president.

The Senate is Turning Blue: Grievance Rally Being Held by Trump and Minions as Congress Counts Votes

             Raphael Warnock (left) and Jon Ossoff Celebrate their Victories

It looks like Joe Biden's agenda has a chance now that the Senate is turning blue.

Both Democratic candidates have addressed their campaigns, thanked their constituents and declared victory this morning.

It's a stunning defeat for Republicans who typically win in Georgia. Mitch McConnell's reign of terror has ended. A newly minted Senate will take charge.

Trump is still trying to steal the election today.

While Congress is counting state votes, Trump and his supporters are outside the Capitol holding a rally to overturn the results of a fairly won election.

Republicans in another display of blind loyalty are trying to make a mockery of what is normally a routine event in an election process.

For those seditious Republicans who chose to make a drama of the event, there will be a reckoning. Their all on the wrong side of history.

As for Trump he's cemented a legacy of losing and assaulting our democracy.

Today is a day to celebrate democracy, and a return to some normalcy in a country ravaged by Trump's corruption.

Georgia's Special Election Underway: Meanwhile Georgia DA Investigating Trump's Extortion Call

(From left to right - (R) Kelly Loeffler; (D) Raphael Warnock; (R) David Perdue; (D) Jon Ossoff)

Election Day

It's difficult to recall a more important special election in any state in recent history than the one happening in Georgia today.

The stakes couldn't be higher. If the two Democrats win they clench the Senate and Biden's chances of passing meaningful legislation are greatly enhanced.

If even one Republican wins, Democrats are stuck with Mitch McConnell for another years. Everyone knows what that means. He'll obstruct Biden's every move like he did with Obama.

The loser, in this case, would be Americans who are counting on seeing the direction of this country steered in the right direction.

Trump has been busy eviscerating Georgia election officials who wouldn't cheat and overturn the election he lost to Biden. 

In his desperation Trump called Georgia's secretary of state, Brad Raffensperger, two days ago and threatened him if he didn't find enough votes to overturn the election in his favor. 

As voters go to the polls today the newly-elected district attorney for Fulton County, Fani Willis, is opening an investigation into Trump's less than "perfect phone call."

Willis made history when she was elected the first female district attorney in Fulton County history.

It ought to be interesting to see if she shatters another political norm and ends up charging Trump for attempting to manipulate the state's presidential election results.

It would be poetic justice seeing a woman be the first to prosecute Trump the misogynist for breaking a law.

Why is Trump's Unhinged Abuse of Power Going Unchecked?

Trump meltdown.

Brazen.

Blatant. 

Abuse of power for all to see and hear.

Why is Trump getting away with openly trying to steal the 2020 election? 

His latest naked attempt to cheat has been recorded Here is the audio tape. He tried to get the Georgia secretary of state to illegally overturn the state's voting results.

It was another "perfect call." The other happened last January when he tried to extort the president of the Ukraine to dig dirt up on Biden.

What's it going to take for the Republicans - especially those in the Senate - to pick country over this madman trying to subvert democracy and a fair election?

He's been enabled for far too long, and now this is the price the nation has to pay. A dangerous sociopath who won't stop at anything to live his fantasy of winning the election that he lost in reality.

Unless the Republican party - along with the Democrats - stop his escalating madness during the next 16 days, the nation may pay even a bigger price than it already has for not holding him responsible throughout his presidency.

There must be something Congress can do to assure national security isn't further compromised by Trump.

Right? Right?

Christian Nationalism Versus the Pandemic

I'll get right to the point; Americans who embrace Christian nationalism are skeptical of science.

Followers believe scientists are hostile to the faithful. 

This twisted notion goes back hundreds of years to when the Catholic Church barbequed scientists claiming they were wizards or heretics.

The bottom line was the Catholic church wanted complete control over the masses, mentally and physically.

No surprise then when a recent study found that Christian nationalism is a leading predictor of ignoring precautionary behaviors regarding COVID-19.

Research has revealed that religious states disobey stay-at-home orders at a higher rate than anyone else in the country.

Christian nationalists prize individual liberty or economic security rather than the protection of the vulnerable.

Today the Christian nationalists in America strongly support politicians who promise to advance their values and oppose targets of suspicion.

This defiance of science has cost thousands of lives last year. Ignoring social distancing advice from the CDC may have been an act of faith to followers, but it was deadly for the rest of the country.

The worst is still coming because Christian nationalists are anti-vaxxers. The only way out of this worldwide pandemic is vaccines. 

Americans want to return to a normal life, but that time will be extended when religious zealots oppose the science that is our very salvation. 

Georgia is on My Mind: A Special Election That's Going To Determine the Nation's Future

 "I said, Georgia, oh, Georgia

No peace I find

Just an old sweet song

Keeps Georgia on my mind."

-Ray Charles

I can't remember the last time when all eyes were on Georgia to decide the political fate of a newly elected president and administration.

I suspect it's a first

Georgia Senate candidates have just three more days to sway the remaining registered voters to cast their votes for them.

Thus far there has been a record early voting turnout. More than 2,8 million people have cast their ballots.

If the Republicans win one of the two races they will maintain control of the Senate. If both Democrats win they assure a Senate majority, giving Joe Biden an opportunity to pass more laws.

The most recent poll from JMC Analytics gave Democrat Jon Ossoff the edge: 53 percent support Ossoff, and 45 percent support his Republican opponent David Perdue.

Republican Kelly Loeffler was trailing Democrat candidate Raphael Warnock by 1.9 percent.

This election is too close to call a winner. Whoever does win, it's not going to be by a wide margin.

Our country's fate is tied to this special election. If Mitch McConnell retains his position of power in the Senate, it doesn't bode well for change and a new direction.

McConnell will treat Biden the same way he treated Obama, by obstructing every legislative move he tries to make.

Biden's challenges will be many, but his term will produce more needed changes if the Democrats take the Senate.

The damage Trump has done to our government is going to take years to repair.

My eyes are on Georgia, hoping for the best result.

New Year's Day: A New Slate Full of Hope

                     Happy New Year!

Despite Trump's tantrums that will continue for another 19 days, there's millions of Americans looking forward to this new year.

Our new president Joe Biden will have his hands full picking up all the balls Trump dropped when he lost the election on Nov.3rd.

First and foremost, Biden's medical advisory team has to fix the broken vaccine roll out under Trump's Coronavirus Task Farce.

At the same time Biden's team will be facing international challenges caused by Trump's lack of foreign policy and his ridiculous America First policy that alienated our allies.

Throw in the economic crisis that has put millions of Americans out of work and hungry, and you begin to see the scope of the challenges Biden's administration is facing. 

But there is hope

The country's chances of recovery are much greater with a sane president who has morals and a conscience.

The foundations of democracy held up under Trump's assault, but will need to be reinforced so another rogue president can't come along and take this nation to the brink of fascism.

It's likely Biden's entire term will be devoted to repairing the damage that Trump has done at home and abroad.

But that's okay. We'll be on track to building America back up, and greater than ever before.

Last Gasp: 2020 Stumbles to a Close

It hasn't been pretty.

As fireworks go off tonight in a socially distanced Times Square in New York, and super spreader New Year parties violate CDC instructions, we've come to the last gasp of a terrible year.

Good riddance 2020

The only bright light in the last 364 days is we elected a new president despite Trump's attempt to overturn the will of the people. Democracy stood tall and he failed to tear the system down.

Tomorrow is a new year

I have high hopes for Biden's administration. Unfortunately, Trump and his minions are dead set on creating chaos right up until inauguration day.

Despite Trump's feeble and pathetic plan to steal the election in January, his final attempts are doomed to failure.

2021 will be a year of reckoning for his past crimes, both as a civilian and during his presidency.  

It will be a long process restoring our government back to the days when the world respected the USA. 

The task will begin on January 20th.

Year In Review Cancelled: No One Wants To Remember 2020

Usually at this time of year I run a Year in Review post. 

Due to what a hellish year it's been I'm cancelling that tradition which dates back to 2008.

If you want to see a re-cap of this miserable year turn on your TV or roam social media platforms. They're packed with events we'd rather not remember.

This year will only be remembered favorably by the wealthy and the Wall Street elite. They all made a killing (financially) while the rest of the country suffered through a pandemic (over 330,000 deaths and counting), food shortages, and economic blows (like losing jobs).

It's hard trying to put a happy face on 2020. Reality has been too harsh. Who wants to remember our sociopath/narcissist president trying to steal the presidential election?

Yes, there's lessons to be learned next year, but showing a montage of the carnage for entertainment doesn't interest me.

Experts in all fields, under the new Biden administration, will have their hands full correcting the mistakes and blatant damage Trump has wrought upon our nation.

Another 2020 Moment: Trump Awards Himself the Nobel Peace Prize

This year has been norm shattering. Many things in our society will never be the same again.

The list is too long to run here, but the top three reasons why our lives have changed forever are; the pandemic, Trump trying to steal the presidential election, and an economy in free fall.

Again, space doesn't permit me to run all the crazy things Trump's done this year.

After watching the video Trump shared Monday, I am submitting it as a great example of what Americans have been putting up with.

In an awkward attempt to congratulate himself, Trump tweeted a montage of his supposed accomplishments (most in his tiny brain). 

The most amusing claim was he won The Nobel Peace Prize. Of course, he didn't, but that didn't matter. He's shown (in a doctored photo) holding up a certificate alongside some real Nobel Prize winners.

A caption below states, "Trump stands for peace" as the logo for the Nobel Peace Prize fills the lower right-hand corner of the screen.

It encapsulates Trump's entire reign; lying and revoking reality at every turn. 

In an interesting result to his latest self-serving promotion, he violated intellectual property law; copywrite and trademark infringement violations.

It's a re-occurring theme throughout Trump's presidency. He's used music from groups and individuals in rallies without their permission. His 2016 and 2020 campaigns used others intellectual property rights with impunity.

Don't expect the Nobel Foundation to go to court over this infringement however. They don't want anything more to do with Don the Con, or his alternate universe.

Looking For Laughter in the Waning Days of 2020

Laughter has become a rare commodity in 2020.

The reason, as we all know, is the worst pandemic to hit America in over 100 years, a crippled economy, and a president that's completely out of control.

It's tough getting guffaws when people are wondering where their next meal is coming from, or if they'll be evicted from their homes. 

Despite the massive wave of challenges there are still people who manage to laugh. My theory is humor is in our DNA.

I got a good laugh today after reading about some guy back east - where the snow is coming down like a solid white blanket - who gave his neighbors (and social media) something to laugh about.

He used a flame thrower - I'm not making this up - to melt the snow on his driveway. The kicker was he dressed up like cousin Eddie in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation.

What a hilarious sight - seeing your neighbor wearing a white bathroom and snow cap with flaps swinging a flamethrower from side-to-side by his curb.

Classic

The point is, I'm always looking for a good laugh. In the Era of Trump this is almost Mission Impossible, unless you make an effort to turn away from all the shiny objects Trump waves every day.

If you can't find anything to laugh about around you, don't be afraid to look for comedians on TV and social media. I consider them First Responders for people who are bummed out.

Laughter is a balm for the suffering soul. It's a power that shouldn't be underestimated. Especially when times are dark.

I take heart with poet Robert Frost's quote; "If we couldn't laugh we would all go insane."

Now Is Not The Time To T-P Houses

Public Service Announcement:

"Due to the cost and scarcity of toilet paper T-Ping trees in peoples yards is illegal for the foreseeable future."

Of all the challenges that this pandemic has poised, the weirdest has to be our obsession with having enough toilet paper.

Store shelves have been devoid of toilet paper off and on since March. Every now and then there's a sudden panic (like during the current surge), and retailers like Costco and Walmart have to limit purchases to one package per customer.

The burning question is why TOILET PAPER?

I can see why Lysol and other cleaning products are highly desirable... but toilet paper?

According to experts who study weird shit like this, toilet paper has become a symbol of safety and preparedness during the pandemic.

Cases of hoarding toilet paper have been reported throughout the country since March. 

At one point early on, toilet paper was so hard to get (when retailers were caught off guard without enough supplies) it was selling on the black market for $ 3.50 a roll.

One crazy incident that comes to mind (in April) happened in a Costco in Seattle, as employees were unloading a pallet of toilet paper. It was as if the neat stacks of white rolls was hit by a swarm of piranhas! 

Enough!

What's the matter with people? Everyone just needs to take a deep breath. I assure you there's more important items to hoard than toilet paper - take any food for instance.

Look at it this way; people have managed to wipe their bums for thousands of years - without a roll of toilet paper.

A 'Fake' President Determined to End Year and Term on a Low(er) Note

Trump retreated to his lair in Florida several days ago to golf and tweet lies while the nation was reeling under a pandemic and economic disaster.

Since Trump lost the election he ceased to pretend to be a president for the people. His wrath and grief know no bounds.

While unemployment benefits end tomorrow for millions of cash-strapped Americans, Trump was complaining last night that glossy US magazines have not featured his former pole-dancer, and wife Melania, once in four years.

As Americans hunkered down at home enduring a holiday diminished by the pandemic, an imminent government shutdown looms.

Hope for a relief bill has been repeatedly dashed by a grieving Trump who wants to punish the world for getting legally kicked out of office by a majority of voters.

Trump's revenge is punishing all Americans. Even his supporters. That should come as no surprise to anyone; he only cares about himself and has demonstrated that throughout his disastrous presidency.

As Trump played golf on Christmas Day at his resort, over 3,000 people died from the coronavirus. As he chatted with his buddy Lindsey Graham on the links, the total number of COVID-19 cases exceeded 78 million.

To make sure Trump ends the year on the lowest note in his pathetic term, he's refusing to pass a bipartisan $900 billion COVID relief package to bail the country out.

As Trump huddles with his cronies plotting how to overturn the election at Mar-a-Lago today, a five day count down towards evicting millions of Americans from the homes begins. Without help they'll start off the New Year homeless.

After four years of Trump's fake presidency relief is in sight next month when Joe Biden is inaugurated on January 20th.

Until then, the country will have to endure Trump's remaining days as he leaves behind a nation crippled from his ineptitude, corruption, and division.

Wishing You a Merry Christmas

                       Merry Christmas!

Wishing all my visitors a special Christmas this season.

Regardless of the pandemic the spirit of Christmas lives in our hearts.

May your day be full of grace and love.

                             Above all

Peace on Earth and goodwill to all!