The Most Shameful Presidential Transition in History

As Trump slithers out of the White House for the last time - hours before Joe Biden's inauguration on Jan. 20th at noon - his churlish exit will be a final footnote in what has been the worst presidency in American history.

Trump's four-year reign of corruption can be called many things:

Embarrassing.

Shameful.

Humiliating.

Demeaning.

Degrading.

Ignominious.

Here's a list of Trump's legacies 

He's leaving office without recognizing the next president of the United States like a spoiled child confronted with a reality he can't accept. 

He trampled on every aspect of the traditionally peaceful transition of power (for 150 years), by putting up as many obstacles as he and his minions could come up with to hinder a smooth transfer.

He led a failed coup attempt against our elected lawmakers inside of the nation's capitol. Five died in the resulting riot.

He's been impeached twice, an indignity no other American president ever suffered.

Throughout Trump's reign he encouraged white supremacists by subtly siding with them. 

His hate for minorities resulted in hundreds of Hispanic children being separated from their parents at the border - causing permanent mental harm to some.

He divided our nation into Red States and Blue States, waging war on Democratic governors.

He lied to every American when he said the coronavirus will just "go away" someday and then tried to hide how serious the spread was with more lies.

The sheer volume of Trump's lies - over 20,000 documented - made him the Biggest Liar in our political history.

The above are some of Trump's legacies. 

There were many other assaults on our democracy during his ruinous reign that scholars will be documenting for years to come.

At Least 1 Museum Will Remember Trump's Time in Office

               The British beat us to it.

The infamous Donald Trump baby blimp has found a permanent home in a London museum. I'm really bummed that they beat us to the punch.

The iconic 20-foot-high inflatable became a symbol of defiance since it first flew over London when Trump came to visit in 2018.

I watched with delight as Baby Trump went on a world-wide tour giving citizens of every country a look at the angry orange diaper-clad infant made in Trump's image.

The museum's director, Sharon Ament told Newsweek that the Trump blimp was a shining example of political satire. She expressed the hope that future generations will understand that the blimp was a symbol of resistance to Trump's regime.

Diaper Don is joining the "protest collection" which comprises objects hailing from century-old Suffrage movement to banners and placards from more recent climate-crisis rallies.

Trump wanted his place in history. Well now he has it. 

Parting Observations About Trump Leaving the White House

Parting will be such a pleasure... 

watching Trump being trotted out (thrown out, drug out forcibly, violently expelled, or escorted by a police dog pulling on a leash around his neck) from the White House next Wednesday.

It's a miracle democracy survived four years of Trump's best efforts to destroy it. 

His constant discrediting of science led us to where we are in the COVID-19 battle - the MOST CASES IN THE WORLD.

Americans are now looking to Biden for a coordinated plan to help ALL THE STATES (not Red or Blue states) administer a rapid and safe vaccine infrastructure.

After January 20th 

at noon, Trump is OPEN GAME for hundreds of lawsuits, including a felony charge from the New York AG of cheating the IRS.

I'm amused at watching Trump minions jump ship as he belly flops his final days away feeling sorry for himself.

I just received an alert that there's a video of Trump being dragged from The White House... early?

Good Riddance Diaper Don! 

America isn't going to miss you a bit. Okay. With the exception of the hardened cult followers who've been forced to retreat to their caves and parents basements because Big Tech got tired of their lies and pulled their hate platforms.

A Parody: Where The Trump Trolls Are

After the major social media platforms booted out crazed Trump supporters for their seditious acts, they've been scrambling for hidey holes on the internet.

Trump's online minions have retreated to obscure extremist platforms that most people aren't even aware of. Using encrypted chat sites the demoralized traitors are treading water, hoping for better days ahead.

I can't help seeing some humor in the right-wing exodus. For example, here's a brief parody of the Connie Francis hit song "Where the Boys Are."

Where The Trolls Are

"Where the trolls are, someone waits for me

Trump's orange face, his slimy embrace, and tiny hands shaking me tenderly

Where the trolls are, my master Trump will be

He's walking down Pennsylvania Avenue and I know he's looking for me

in the crowd of thousands, I'll find my valentine

And then I'll climb to the Capitol Building and tell the world he's mine."

It's been said that humor is the best medicine. I hope this little dose helps make your day.

Truth and Consequences? Was the Coup Attempt an Inside Job?

Notorious Gaslighter Matt Gaetz is one of the Republicans who aided and abetted Trump's BIG LIE about the election. House GOP members are being investigated about their roll in the assault on the Capitol.

As evidence grows of inside assistance to rioters on Jan. 6th, the DOJ says it's looking at everything - including collusion with Capitol Police and possibly some GOP lawmakers.

Was it an inside job? I wonder if we'll ever know the truth? Accusations that lawmakers gave reconnaissance tours on Jan. 5th have surfaced and are being investigated.

According to Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ),  she saw the tours and was suspicious because no tours had been allowed in the Capitol since March 2020. About 30 others members of Congress have joined Sherrill in demanding an investigation.

Representative Tim Ryan (Ohio) said lawmakers were aware of the tours but are now looking at them in a different light.

If, in fact, Republican Congressmen did give tours to acquaint Trump supporters with the building, it would be as big a scandal as the coup itself.

Because convicting lawmakers would be such a breech in Congress, I seriously doubt any of those GOP enablers will get in trouble.

More than one investigation dealing with the possibility of inside help is being conducted.

The Government Accountability Office is just the latest to signal an investigation that will include the roles that members of Congress may have played in inciting the mob to overturn the results of the election.

"To the extent there were members of the House that were complicit, and I believe there were, we will pursue appropriate remedies including expulsion and a prohibition from holding elected office for the rest of their lives," said the comptroller general who is part of the agency.

All I can say, is seeing is believing. Color me skeptical that any lawmakers will pay the price for inciting an assault on "The People's House."

The Party of No Responsibility is Facing Consequences for Ignoring the Truth

After Trump's coup attempt last week the party of so-called "personal responsibility" is calling for unity.

Republicans who've been drinking orange Trump Aid have suddenly found themselves in the doghouse with the majority of Americans.

After stroking the fires of sedition GOP lawmakers want us to forget their dirty deeds and to move on.

No one knows the exact amount of Americans who've died as a result of being exposed to anti-maskers, but it must be in the thousands. If not the ten-thousands.

It, the resistance to reality, was fomented by GOP lawmakers in both houses since the pandemic broke out last year.

The most recent example happened when rabid Trump followers assaulted the Capitol building.

While sheltering from the attack six Republicans refused to wear their face masks and mocked Rep. Lisa Blunt who tried to give them masks as they huddled in a small room.

Here's the lineup of idiots who exposed their Democratic colleges to COVID-19: (Three have already come down with the virus.)

Reps. Markwayne Mullin (Oklahoma), Marjorie Taylor Green (aka QAnon moron from Georgia), Andy Biggs (Arizona), Michael Cloud (Texas) Doug LaMalfa (California) and Scott Perry (Pennsylvania).

When confronted about their actions Green's office said, "She does not believe a healthy adult who tested negative a week ago should be forced to wear a mask."

The sheer idiocy in this statement is only superseded by the harm people like Green have done thus far.

Republicans who have played Trump's game of avoiding reality sent (and are sending) a dangerous message to the American public.

If we ever want to recover from the twin disasters - a pandemic and an insurrection - we need to hold the wrongdoers accountable.

Trump has been impeached for a second time. Now it's time to root out his enablers - who are still threatening our democracy within days of a presidential inauguration.

The anti-maskers don't care about who they expose to the virus. They are enemies of this republic. Plain and simple.

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.