Hopefully Biden Doesn't Make The Same Mistake As Obama

The last thing I want to see is Biden's agenda derailed in the first 100 days of his administration like Obama's was.

Like Obama, Biden wants to see partisan legislation so that Congress can get things done.

The problem is, Obama was stonewalled at every turn by Mitch McConnell, until he had to resort to executive actions to get any legislation through.

Despite losing his majority in the Senate, McConnell still has enough power to thwart Biden's efforts at passing bills.

The 50-50 situation in the Senate has settled into a boycott where McConnell is demanding the Democrats agree not to do away with the filibuster rule.

As of this post the Senate is in an ugly limbo, where Republicans are still heading some committee chairs until the new Congress comes up with a plan to work together.

McConnell held Obama hostage, and he's trying to do the same with Biden. 

So what's the answer?

If McConnell continues to insist on getting his way - despite being the minority leader - Schumer should move to invoke the Nuclear Option (a parliamentary procedure) that allows the majority to overturn a standing rule of the Senate, such as the 60-vote rule to close debate, by a simple majority of 51 votes.

And, of course, there's always the last ditch option of doing away with the filibuster rule entirely.

Biden inherited a nation in chaos and the only way out of the many challenges is to pass meaningful legislation.

If McConnell and the Republicans want to play power games, then the Democrats should push back harder.

Unity is a great thing, but when you have a party of obstructionism action has to be taken in order for progress to be made.

Goodbye Hammering Hank Aaron - America Will Miss You

In a time when civil rights are still contested America has lost one of the greatest players in baseball history who used his platform to champion civil rights.

Hammering Hank Aaron broke Babe Ruth's all-time home run record and he lived life as an ambassador to the game. He was 86 years-old.

Aaron's incredible achievement came in the shadow of hate and death threats from people who did not want a black man to claim such an important record.

Long before Black Lives Matter came on the scene Henry Louis "Hank" Aaron was advocating for equal rights for all.

He went through hell after breaking the record and was taunted daily at ballparks. He received death threats on his life and was sent thousands of racist hate mail.

Hank once said he didn't read them, but saved some for posterity.

As Black Americans continue to fight for their place in society, it's important to remember a man  like Hank. He had little or no support for taking his brave stance on equality.

That didn't matter. He kept on with his advocacy long after he retired. As a matter of fact, right up until his last day on earth. 

Goodbye Hammering Hank - America will miss you. 

Day One: Time To Save America From Flat Earthers

President Biden began his first hour in office yesterday by targeting COVID-19 with a mask mandate for federal properties.

It was followed by a slew of executive orders overturning Trump's years of damage.

It was a start.

Many battles lie ahead to make Americans safe from the deadliest pandemic in over a 100 years. Challenges from anti-vaxxers, aka flat earthers, will make it a harder fight.

Today the Biden administration is preparing to invoke the Defense Production Act to fast track vaccine production. 

Biden's newly assembled medical advisory team is busy unraveling the mess left behind by Operation Warp Speed. 

The Biden team has their work cut out for them overcoming the lies spread by Trump minions that were attached to real scientists on the team.

Trump's flat earthers - are gone but the damage lingers.

Americans have to become reacquainted with reality. Science needs to become respected again - not mocked by political morons in positions of power.

Health experts worldwide state that face masks must be worn to in order to fight the spread of COVID-19, and it's evolving variants (up to five now).

The good news is we have a president and administration that understands how important face masks are in combating the spread of the coronavirus.

From Biden on down, they'll be modeling the wearing of face masks as a patriotic thing to do. Leading by example is the best form of leadership.

As for the other flat earthers Trump embedded into government agencies - like the EPA - they'll need to be weeded out and replaced with scientists - not political cronies who thrive on conspiracies.

America Renewed: Joe Biden Sworn In As 46th President

The day is finally here.

After four years of chaos and corruption America is turning over a new leaf. 

Trump is history now.

His presidency challenged our democracy at every turn. 

His policies were acts of carnage designed to benefit his wealthy friends. He's already become a dark footnote in the America story.

It's exciting having a president whose not the biggest liar on the planet. Our allies are rejoicing today. Normalcy will be restored as Biden reconnects the connections Trump severed during his ruinous reign.

Biden faces more challenges than any other president - with the exception of Abraham Lincoln. He's inherited a pandemic, a weak economy, and a country nearly as divided as Lincoln faced.

It's not going to be easy, but if anyone can start uniting Americans again, it's Joe. 

Our democracy is now on the road to healing.

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?