Trump's Great American Scheme is "Dust in the Wind'

 

"Same old song

Just a drop of water in an endless sea

Trump's empire is crumbling

to the ground though he refuses to see

(Refrain)

Dust in the Wind

He is dust in the Wind"

(Apologies to Kansas)

The myth has been exposed.

Trump's business acumen was nothing more than dust in the wind. A boast without facts. An empire of failures from casinos to steaks. No one in the entire country has lost more money in one year than Trump has. 

He started out with big money from daddy and managed to blow it and millions of other people's money with bad management and a structure of financial lies that led to his conviction as a fraud, along with his two adult sons.

Watching Trump emerge like a pissed-off honey badger during breaks in the first day of his fraud trial has been a profile in corruption and lies. And tantrums. Hopefully his handlers brought plenty of Huggies along.

The Art of the Deal, Trump's infamous book has been shown to be a mockery. A pathetic boost to his fragile ego. Proof, in his tiny mind, that he was the best wheeler dealer in the Big Apple. 

Trump's schemes are being burned down now by the court systems that are holding him to justice. His next stops when the fraud trial is finished will be in two federal courts and a state court with a combined 91 felony charges against him.

It's a fair argument to say he's the biggest and worst loser in business and politics this country has ever witnessed. As a former president, Trump is both a national disgrace and threat to democracy.

He proves that every day when he melts down on social media and during his creepy rallies where he calls for death sentences for all of his detractors. 

As it stands, I always hoped the truth would catch up to Trump and bite him in his amble ass! It appears that time is finally here.

Congressional Cage Match Looms Between Gaetz and McCarthy: Tickets on Sale Monday

Two of the biggest wimps in the Republican party are heading for a showdown when the House convenes on Monday.

Gaetz is going to try and remove McCarthy from the speakers post because he compromised with the Democrats and avoided a government shutdown. That infuriated Trump and his bootlickers in the House who were hoping to burn the place down.

This gets a little complicated.

Gaetz and McCarthy are two of Trump's biggest toadies in Congress and when they start slapping each other in earnest next week it's going to be both entertaining and enlightening.

Will McCarthy still be the speaker by the end of the week or will Gaetz get his way and cause some real old-fashioned chaos? I'm counting on PBS to follow the fight to its bitter end.

Side bars to this drama

* We may witness McCarthy actually growing a spine and standing up to his tormentors in the party. In the heat of the moment, he's talking big, "Bring it on!" he openly challenged Gaetz.

* How do both antagonists keep Trump's backing during this Golden Shower party?  

* Will McCarthy pull out the stops and lean on the House Ethics Committee who opened an investigation in July into allegations that Gaetz engaged in sexual misconduct and illicit drug use? 

Who knows? He may encourage/bribe members to fast-track their investigation of Gaetz.

And... 

* What made McCarthy bare his ass to his right flank? It was a big move coming from a small man.

There's a lot of drama guaranteed in Congress in the weeks ahead as the Republican party shows they can't govern while cannibalizing themselves.

As it stands, plan on spending the night in line outside the Capitol Building to buy a ticket to sit in the gallery if you want to see the performance live.  

Take a Deep Breath...the Shutdown Has Been Avoided

There was some late-night drama in the Senate when the vote to keep the government open was stalled by a Democratic senator concerned about no funding for Ukraine.

Colorado Sen. Bennett wanted assurance the senate would still fund Ukraine and make it a priority immediately after voting to keep the government open.

Senate leaders McConnell and Schumer pledged their support for funding Ukraine satisfying Bennett's concern and the vote was taken up.

The bill was passed 88-9 to keep the government open for another 45-days. Time that will be hopefully productive and produce a full budget agreement for the next year.

As it stands, it goes to show there's still hope for what's been a crippled Congress. 

House Passes CR: The Senate has Hours Left to Close the Deal

The Titanic didn't sink.

A runaway high-speed train didn't go off the tracks in the House today and a last-minute bill to keep the US funded was passed. It's a 45-day stopgap funding measure. 

Isn't that great?

All eyes are on the Senate now to avoid a catastrophic government shutdown by taking the bill to the finish line - President Joe Biden's desk. 

The good news is Republican senators are signaling that they think they can keep the government open. Even dour Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell assured reporters after the House vote, "There is a growing hope we may actually avoid a shutdown."

That's encouraging. But the clock is ticking towards midnight and any disruption in the Senate could turn the bill into a pumpkin.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is in an awkward position. If he doesn't bring the House bill up the whole narrative changes and it becomes Schumer's shutdown instead of McCarthy's shutdown.

One possible hurdle for a quick consideration is GOP Sen. Rand Paul who vowed to slow down any bill with Ukraine funding has been solved. 

The House bill doesn't have Ukraine funding in it and Paul said he wouldn't object to a time agreement which means the Senate could beat the midnight deadline and keep America open for business.

As it stands, yesterday I said it would take a miracle to avoid a shutdown. However, if the Senate passes the goal line tonight, it'll be because the Democrats had the high ground all along.

Our House is a Very, Very, Very Dysfunction House...

Our House is a very, very, very dysfunctional House

With a spineless Speaker in the yard

Life use to be easy now it's so hard...

(Apologies to Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young)

The U.S. House of Representatives is more like an insane asylum where inmates run free and form caucus's than a governing body. 

The MAGA inmates are calling the shots while millions of Americans lives stand to be disrupted by an inevitable shutdown caused by their stunts.

It's the ultimate Carnival of Corruption as MAGA minions put on theatrical performances designed to please Trump and his mindless minions.

The latest attempt by Speaker McCarthy to pass a CR with a conservative wish list failed horribly. Here's the clincher... even if it would have passed it was dead on arrival in the Senate.

As the deadline approaches for a government shutdown the GOP crazies continue to head for the cliff like lemmings on crack cocaine. Trump's words are their marching orders and he's demanded they shut down the government.

The so-called Mainstreet Republicans find themselves in straightjackets struggling to avoid a catastrophe for the country and themselves at the ballot boxes. 

One Republican lawmaker, Tim Burchette, admitted to a reporter, "We're dysfunctional right now." 

Another disgusted Republican lawmaker, Mike Lawler, unloaded on his fellow party members after the last failed vote. "Just throwing a temper tantrum and stomping your feet, frankly, not only is it wrong - its' pathetic."

It's apparent to the whole country, and world, that our House is a very, very, very, dysfunctional House. With MAGA inmates in control it doesn't bode well for a last-minute miracle solving the problem.

Even if McCarthy were to grow a pair at the 11th hour it isn't clear what he would/could do. Asking Democrats for help in passing a clean bill will come at a price.

But McCarthy is going to face that price regardless of what he does because Matt Gaetz and cronies want him out of the Speaker's office. 

A showdown is inevitable for McCarthy and might even work out for him if he beats back Gaetz and company's efforts to unseat him, proving he's in full control of his party from there on out.

As it stands, I'm trying to be optimistic despite the odds. The last thing we need is a former president having so much power he can shut down our government.

Fear and Loathing in Congress: Why a Shutdown is Inevitable

You could feel the fear in the room during the House impeachment inquiry hearing as Republicans repeated the same old lies and accusations hoping they would suddenly become true.

Little chance of that happening. The House MAGA minions were so afraid of Trump that they willingly put their careers (and honor) in jeopardy trying to defend him with debunked accusations against President Biden and son Hunter.

As Democrats skillfully parried their accusations you could see the desperation and fear growing in the room as each realized they were getting crushed because they had no evidence. Not that they ever did. 

Instead, GOP members like Marjorie Taylor Greene were showing pornography, or getting fact checked by the Democrats for lying.

How could anyone take people like Lauren Boebert (caught sexually fondling her boyfriend in a public place) seriously? It's impossible if you look at her stunts in Congress and public places.

You could feel the loathing in Rep. Pramila Jayapal's speech as she described all the constituents that would be affected by a government shutdown. 

Greene interrupted her and said she was lying but was immediately fact checked by Jayapal who produced documents showing who would be affected by not funding government programs for the poor and low income in Greene's district.

No one watching the hearing will come away thinking it had any merit and was more important than dealing with a government shutdown.

How could anyone watching take the Republicans seriously? Many of the members had already decided to shut the government down, and that this clown act was good PR for their crazy creds. 

They want to burn the House down. They are cult members seeking a government of one...Trump. And they don't even deny it when publicly confronted!  

As it stands, today's charade is just a prelude to what McCarthy and his dysfunctional members plan on doing to please their master, the Orange Disaster!

Late Night Laughs Return on Oct. 2nd

It's been five months since my favorite late-night comedy The Late Show with Stephan Colbert went off the air due to a writer's strike.

It feels like it's been five years! Late night TV has been boring without the comedic relief of Colbert, Seth Meyers, Jimmy Kimmel, John Oliver, and Jimmy Fallon.

But THEIR BACK! Or will be on Monday Oct. 2.

My favorite comedian has been busy during the forced hiatus and launched the Strike Force Five podcast with the other comedians I mentioned above.

I'm really excited to see Colbert's take on what has been happening with Trump lately. I expect he'll go for his jugular and also destroy the MAGA clown caucus in Congress.

It's been excoriating the last five months watching the growing takedown of Trump in the courts and no Stephan Colbert to comment on each criminal indictment. I expect he'll do a summary show where he runs down some of the past highlights.

There won't be a shortage of new comedic material following those stories as they continue to evolve. It's what the country needs right now... comic relief.

Laughing is a great stress-reducer and God knows this country needs to take a time out from the culture wars and political corruption for a good laugh or two.

One of my favorite sections of Reader's Digest is Laughter is the Best Medicine. It's no joke, however. When it comes to relieving stress, more giggles and guffaws are just what the doctor ordered. Here's a link to an article from the Mayo Clinic on the subject.

It's really going to be fun breaking out the popcorn again and watching late night comedies throughout the week.

As it stands, I'll see you there on Monday!

It's Official: Trump and Sons are FRAUDS!

Trump's entire life has been a fraud. 

A fairy land where he's the best at everything and knows more than anyone else.

But reality has been closing in on him this year as he's been charged with 91 felonies in four jurisdictions. The latest slap to his orange face came from a judge who ruled that Trump, and his adult sons, are liable for fraud.

A judge's ruling came days before Trump was set to go to trial where other issues are determining liability on other claims in the lawsuit, as well as how much Trump and the other defendants should pay.

The Trump Crime Family knows all about fraud. They've been convicted of other frauds from a fake university to ripping off charities for veterans. 

New York Judge Arthur Engoron granted AG Letitia James's motion for a summary judgement, that found Trump, his sons, and others to be liable as a matter of law for persistent violations of New York State Law.

The judge ruled that they all "repeatedly engaged in fraud" for a decade.

Time for consequences. Trump is going to lose his New York businesses and Trump Org is ordered to be dissolved as a financial fraud. He loses $250 million dollars and has already been referred to the Manhattan DA and IRS for criminal charges.

As it stands, Trump might as well get use to the fact that he's going to be convicted in future trials because evidence trumps lies.

Who's the Craziest Lawmaker in Congress? Hint, it's Not Greene or Boebert

Mirror mirror on the wall

who in Congress

is the craziest of them all?

It's difficult to pinpoint the leading GOP lunatic in Congress because there's at least two dozen candidates that are certifiably crazy. The rest are sniveling cowards who fear Trump's shadow.

At first glance one might think the choice would be between Marjorie Taylor Greene or Lauren Boebert. But keep looking. There's another sicko that poses a bigger threat to democracy than those two sorry excuses for women and lawmakers.

I'll give you a hint...

Do you remember the congressman who posted a doctored animation of himself killing Democratic lawmakers?

That's right. Paul Gosar.

After his most recent attack against reality, he's once again showing what a vile individual he is by spreading liars about Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. And threatening his life.

Gosar openly called for Milley to be executed (repeating his master Trump). He called him a "homosexual-promoting-BLM-activist" who delayed the national guard from coming to the Capitol during the Jan. 6 coup attempt. 

He also baselessly accused Milley of coordinating with Nancy Pelosi to hurt his idol Trump by treasonously working behind his back and sharing intelligence with the Chinese military. His fact-free rant was typical of him.

He's a white supremacist who hangs out with Nazi's (even attending their meetings) and is a vile antisemitic who never misses a chance to attack Jews.  

What we have here is a vicious pattern - wanting to kill enemies, a white supremacist, and someone who ignores reality claiming Trump didn't lose in 2020. And that the election was stolen by the Democrats. When in fact Trump tried to steal the election.

I have to admit that just watching Gosar talk creeps me out. I know he can't help it, but watching his head swivel around when he talks reminds me of Linda Blair in the horror film Exorcist. 

Because he's a GOP representative from Arizona I can understand why the creep keeps get re-elected (He's been there since 2010). The state is in competition with Florida for having the most political fact-free freaks.

As it stands, once upon a time Gosar would have been run out of Congress by his peers, along with the rest of the MAGA parasites befouling the halls of Congress. Sadly, this is our new reality.

It's Time 'Dark Brandon' Steps Up and Takes Trump Head On!

In the age of memes President Joe Biden's nickname "Dark Brandon" is the best.

Like the meek and mild Clark Kent who fronts for Superman, Biden can transform into a political superhero whenever the country calls on him in a crisis.

His track record as a productive president proves his enemies underestimate his abilities when they mock him with memes like "Let's Go Brandon" a code phrase meaning "F**K Biden." Frankly, that's all his enemies can do. Spread lies and try to be cute about it.

The time's come for Dark Brandon to make daily appearances to turn back the assaults Trump and his lawmaker minions are waging against him and our democracy.

Thus far Biden the nice guy has stayed away from criticizing Trump very much because of the felony trials he's facing and wanting to appear neutral during the avalanche of 91 criminal charges in four jurisdictions.

Think about that for a moment. MAGA morons are already saying it's part of Biden's presidential campaign and he's weaponizing government.

Set that aside for a moment. What good is it doing being so cautious when Biden's enemies are controlling the public narrative right now? There's no need to wait until next year to fight back. It might be too late by then.

Dark Brandon needs to take on the MAGA narrative of gross misinformation and lies every day from now until next November.

Americans deserve the truth about what Trump's efforts are doing to the rule of law and be reminded of the crimes and corruption he's already committed and his ongoing crimes against the judiciary system.

Trump committed media outlets are turning out lies on a daily basis and need to be countered with facts and the truth daily by Democrats.

The best man to do that is Dark Brandon who does have, after all, the presidential bully pulpit to expose the lies made by Trump and his law firm in Congress.

These are strange days we live in. We have nothing to compare them too in the past. What once worked is no longer working in our government that's been reduced to two warring tribes unwilling to come together and compromise.

As it stands, that's why we need Dark Brandon to step up and fight fire-with-fire and stop bringing a knife to the gunfight.

There Are Some Republicans with the Guts to Challenge Trump: Let's Give Them Some Credit

At first glance the entire Republican party is a cult of one thanks to the gutless majority of members who are afraid to get in the ring with Trump.

The good news is there's actually some Republicans willing to stand up and challenge Trump's lies and his culture of corruption. I know. They're a minority right now but that is slowly changing as events make Trump more vulnerable to attack.

I'd say 91 felony counts (and counting) in four different jurisdictions is not a positive sign but rather an opening... especially if he gets convicted in even two of the cases. 

That's a conservative guess. If our court systems hold up, he'll be convicted in all four trials. Running a campaign from jail is a no-starter in any general election.

Here's a look at Republicans who are standing up to Trump along with others moving in that direction:

Editor's Note - I'm not endorsing any of the following Republicans. This is just a simple a list of resisters making news.

* Chris Cristie

Right now, Cristie is leading the charge against Trump and spends every moment attacking him while running for president. 

Easily the most outspoken of Trump's opponents, Cristie's verbal assaults seem to be motivating other Republicans to grow a spine.

* Mitt Romney

The elder statesman has decided to retire because he no longer recognizes the current version of the Republican party. He's been consistent in his efforts to hold Trump accountable for his crimes since he voted to impeach Trump twice.

His exit from the party will be a loss and another sign that real Republicans with values are leaving their elected positions because of the chaos in Congress.

Here's two other Republicans who've opposed Trump during their time in office who are also retiring because of disillusionment with the party:

* Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger

Both members have voted for both of Trump's impeachments and were active on the Jan. 6 Committee exposing his crimes and his attempt to overthrow the 2020 election.

Needless to say, they'll be missed for their courage and honesty. They've chosen to retire rather than be associated with a cult. 

Former Republican Lawmakers Against Trump

* George W. Bush, former President

* Dick Cheney, former Vice-President

* Bill Barr, former Attorney General

* John Bolton, former National Security Advisor

* Mark Esper, former Secretary of Defense

* Nikki Haley, former Ambassador to the United Nations, and currently running for president against Trump.

* Mick Mulvaney, former White House Chief of Staff.

* Rex Tillerson, former Secretary of State.

For the sake of space that's all I'm going to list here. There are many more Republicans who do oppose Trump but they're still a minority.

As it stands, here's a link of Republican Voters Against Trump. The website features Republicans, former Republicans, conservatives, and former Trump voters who won't support him for president in 2024.

6 Nominees for the Most Disgraceful Member of Congress Announced

I'm going to go with Lawerence O'Donnell's recommendation on nominating Sen. Tommy Tuberville as the most disgraceful member in the Senate for blocking hundreds of military promotions.

It wasn't an easy choice. The competition for this year's list was fierce. Let's take a look at some of the other contestants:

* Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy

Without any evidence he opened an impeachment inquiry hoping to mollify the worst MAGA minions who are holding him hostage when it comes to passing any legislation in the House.

He's also proved to be the weakest speaker in history while trying to cling to power by selling his soul.

* Republican Rep. George Santos 

* A serious contender for the Liar of the Year award this December, Santos is facing a 13-count federal indictment centered on charges of money laundering and lying to Congress in his financial disclosure form. Party leader McCarthy has not asked him to resign despite the serious charges.

* Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez 

He and his wife have been indicted on bribery charges after the DOJ seized gold bars and a half of million in cash hidden in their house. This is the second time in 10 years he's been charged for corruption-related offenses. He managed to get off the first time. This time looks different.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has called for Menendez to resign immediately and took him off the panel he chaired, The Foreign Relations Committee.

* Republican Rep. Jim Jordan

As the House Judiciary Committee chairman Jordan has made numerous false claims in his blatant defense of Trump by accusing everyone from President Joe Biden to AG Merrick Garland of baseless conspiracies.

His committee is nothing more than a vehicle for spreading conspiracies as he's weaponized the panel to pursue partisan agendas.

Republican Rep. James Comer

After seizing the House Oversight Committee when the GOP became the majority, Comer has been a fixture on Fox News by accusing Biden - without evidence - of an influence peddling scheme and violating the Foreign Registry Act.

He's constantly promising dirt on the Biden Crime Family and every time he claims to have evidence it turns out to be a nothing burger. That doesn't deter the ambitious liar who has aspirations of moving up into the Senate someday.

Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz

He has only one agenda, blow up the government so he can be viewed as a MAGA star that hopefully will propel him into the governorship of Florida.

He and a couple of other miscreates aren't going to be happy until they force a government shutdown and cause complete chaos in the Republican party. 

As it stands, there was an impressive cast of corrupt characters to select from this year.

Trump Proves He's in Charge in Congress Despite Being a Loser

There's nothing subtle about Trump's dominance of the Republican's in Congress.

An unelected and criminally indicted egomaniac is calling the shots in the House and thus far his loyal minions are performing for him like well-trained chimps.

The weakest Speaker of the House in history has been cornered by a minority group of crazies who dream of burning up our democracy daily.

As the country grudgingly inches toward a shutdown Speaker Kevin McCarthy threw up his hands and let everyone go home this weekend... like there's all the time in the world left to avoid an economic disaster.

Meanwhile McCarthy is having a meltdown as he realizes his double-dealing to become speaker is coming back to bite him in the ass. Making deals with several groups under one roof is a recipe for failure. He's finding that out to everyone's dismay.

Even letting some of the crazy caucus committee heads conduct a bogus inquiry into impeaching President Joe Biden didn't solve his dilemma.

Throughout this disgusting drama Trump has proven he's the man in charge of the weak-kneed GOP lawmakers who treat him like he's still the president. 

They've cravenly threatening to defund the DOJ and the FBI if they don't stop persecuting Trump and drop the investigations against him. 

Despite the probability that Trump doesn't get re-elected after being charged with 91 felony counts in four jurisdictions, is pretty high. I simply don't see that happening.

What I do see happening right now is Trump is controlling Congress and the entire Republican party without being elected. A loser is leading the GOP down a destructive path that's not going to end well for anyone under his spell.

The majority of Americans are sick of Trump's antics and degradation of our democracy according to all of the polls.

As it stands, when, or if, Trump wins the Republican nomination for president the result will be the most humiliating loss in the party's history.  

What a 96 Year Old Judge Learned from Trump When She Was 'Sidelined' By Peers

There's a judge on the Federal Circuit appeals court who is 96 years old and she's fighting mad that her colleagues think she's losing it mentally.

Pauline Newman (photo above) has served as a judge since the 1980s. Recently she has been accused of saying some really crazy things like talking to a dead colleague out loud and showing signs of paranoia and memory loss in her interactions with the courtroom staff.

The court ruled yesterday that Newman, "Accused staff of trickery, deceit, acting as her adversary, stealing her computer, stealing her files, and depriving her of secretarial support." The report also stated that she threatened to have one of her assistants arrested during a paranoid rant.

A group of 11 judges barred her from hearing new cases for a year after she failed to cooperate with an investigation into whether health issues prevented her from keeping up the job's demands.

So, what does all of this have to do with Trump? I'm glad you asked.

Newman and her counsel have been trying to discredit the whole process by trying their case in public. Sounds familiar? Look at what Trump's been doing with his four indictments.

Going full MAGA, Newman's lawyer is creating a narrative of hostile, disrespectful, and appalling treatment marked by exercises of "raw power" all borne out of "personal animosity for Judge Newman.

To put the cherry on the propaganda pie Newman's lawyer sued to stop the investigation. That's classic Trump.

It's also line and chapter from Trump's book on How to Subvert the Court System with Blatant Lies.

As it stands, the subject of aging office holders has been swirling around the political landscape (think McConnell and Feinstein in the Senate) a lot lately. This is just one example of why it's so controversial.

The Current Movie in Congress: Ground Hog Day in Hell

Observers of the current session of Congress can be excused if they feel a sense of Deja vu while watching the re-occurring clown show in the House.

A comedy came out in 1993 where a cynical television weatherman (Bill Murray) becomes trapped in a time loop, forcing him to relive a Ground Hog Day event in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Since then, the comedy has become a classic. 

There's nothing funny about what the clown caucus is currently doing in the House - day in, and day out. Their repeated attacks against President Joe Biden, his son Hunter, Merrick Garland, the DOJ, and the FBI have become a fixture cast in clueless concrete for the extreme Republicans agenda.

The same questions are asked repeatedly because they're not listening to the truth or following evidence in their sham investigations.

The whole purpose of these fake hearings is to keep the lies alive in the MAGA universe through sheer repetition. That form of brainwashing was used by crooked populist/ politicians for decades. Now Trump has refined that tactic (with the help of right-wing media outlets) and turned it into a threat to democracy.

When average Americans watch these shameful hearings, they have to be disgusted by the blatant partisanship that has nothing to do with improving their lives. 

Instead, those brave viewers who do watch (or read about) our current Ground Hog Day in Hell, realize a government shutdown is days away as the MAGA morons strut around the House repeating the same lies and hoping for a different result each time. 

The definition of stupidity is: " A lack of intelligence, understanding reason, or wit, an inability to learn."

Taking stupidity, a couple of steps further I recommend watching the 2003 movie titled Stupidity (it depicted examples and analyses of stupidity in modern society) ...and

the 2006 movie Idiocracy (it explores a dystopian future where the average American's IQ equates to mental retardation in our era.)

Because those rogue Republicans are in the majority (and controlled by their minority) there seems to be no way of moving on with what should be the business of the people's House.

As it stands, time is running out amidst these theatrical politics making a government shutdown seem almost inevitable. The drama from that will be another circle of hell brought to us by extreme Republicans.

Why Charge Ray Epps Now 3 Years After the Jan. 6 Coup Attempt?

Dear Reader:

In case you don't remember Ray Epps allow me to refresh your memory.

On January 6, 2020, Epps went to the U.S. Capitol to protest Trump's loss and a weird thing happened.

Epps, a big Trump supporter, somehow got caught up in a crazy conspiracy theory perpetrated by his fellow Trumplicans and suddenly he became the enemy!

He was instantly transformed into an undercover federal agent that was urging Trump supporters to storm the Capitol knowing they'd get in trouble if they did.

Meanwhile...

Three years later, on Monday, the Justice Department charged Epps with a single misdemeanor count of disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted area via a criminal information, which is often an indication a defendant is prepared to plead guilty.

Why now? From Day One there were photos of him in the thick of the assault and even encouraging people to storm the People's House... but no charges. Over 1000 rioters from that day have been arrested and tried with hundreds more yet to go.

Here's a crazy thought: what if the Justice Department filed the charge at the behest of Epps attorney in an effort to prove (for once and all) he wasn't working for the feds? I've heard crazier theories.

Epps has been living in fear for his life and his wife's since he became a central conspiracy figure in the MAGA universe.

In sworn testimony before the Jan. 6 Committee Epps denied being an informant or federal agent to hopefully set the record straight. 

It didn't work even though the government confirmed he was not employed in any government agency. In fact, Epps is a roofer who led a quiet existence prior to going to the Capitol to support Trump's lies.

Hiding for years from the harassment that upended his life Epps finally struck back at his main detractors - Fox News and former host Tucker Carlson - and filed a defamation suit against them.

As it stands, I can't help pointing out the irony of MAGA morons going after each other like sharks in a feeding frenzy. 

The 'Bobo" Files: She Thought She Was at The Rocky Mountain Horror Show!

Have you ever been to a theatre that showed the Rocky Mountain Horror Show?

It's an experience you'll never forget.

The audience dresses up in full costumes portraying the movie's characters and everyone joins in on the songs. Immersive and impressive.

Despite being made in 1975 the show continues to play in college towns and other parts of the country today.

Now it's time for the "Bobo" files featuring Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert's antics.

She recently went to see the Beetlejuice Musical with a boyfriend and got kicked out of the theatre for disrupting the audience, vaping, and putting on a show of mutual sexual groping.

I'm going to give Bobo the benefit of the doubt and say she was so stoned that she thought she was at the Rocky Mountain Horror Show and was doing what came naturally.

You could argue she wasn't dressed up as a character from the iconic movie so there was no excuse for thinking she was attending the cosplay event. But when someone is really high who can say what their thinking?

It was another memorable moment from the Bobo Files as she and her boyfriend were escorted from the theatre, and she showed her maturity level by flipping the staff the bird on the way out.

I recommend that Bobo and her boyfriend take in a performance of the Rocky Mountain Horror Show (it just so happens it's playing in Denver this week) and really let it all hang out. 

Bobo could go as "The Usherette" and her boyfriend could go as "Rif Raff." I'm sure they'd have a lot more fun where they could blend into the madness.

As it stands, maybe it's just me, but it seems like Bobo is doing everything she can to keep from getting re-elected.

House GOP Following the Smoke... from an Alternate Reality

Split screen: 

"Where there's smoke there's fire," House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, GOP committee chair James Comer, and GOP committee chair Jim Jordan have been claiming for months, while Democrats ask, "Where's the evidence?"

Flashback to iconic TV ad where a grandma holds out a burger bun and asks, "Where's the beef?"

For the record the Biden crime family myth has been debunked numerous times but the Trump minions in Congress keep repeating it like a Buddhist mantra.

To be clear the only smoke in the GOP controlled House is coming from Republican's asses. 

They're trying to convince gullible Americans that they are the fire fighters battling through the smoke concealing Democratic lawmakers' corruption. It's more like they're the pyromaniacs that have lite the fires with lies and partisan propaganda.

Smoke and mirrors have been part of the GOP's history for a long time, but they've recently updated their misinformation techniques with the power of social media by weaponizing it to promote fascism and authoritarian talking points.

It seems to me that those same clueless Republican House members need to check their internal smoke detectors because there's a fire burning in their own camp. McCarthy versus the Freedom Caucus is threatening to burn down their own house of clowns.

Normally I'd shrug off their bullshit but when it could lead to a government shutdown because GOP extremists are busy playing fantasy fire fighters to advance any bill, I take notice.

As it stands, "Always somewhere there is fire and smoke, insistent reminders of the greed consuming the world." - Sy Montgomery

Judge Considering a Gag Order for Trump - What Would That Entail?

How do you get the former president to stop "inflammatory attacks" on the courts?

If federal prosecutors get their way Judge Tanya Chutkan will issue a "narrow" gag order that would prohibit Trump from making statements "regarding the identity, testimony, or credibility of prospective witnesses" and "about any party, witness, attorney, court personnel, or potential jurors that are disparaging and inflammatory, or intimidating."

I suspect Judge Chutkan will grant Special Counsel Jack Smith's request to reel in the out-of-control twice impeached former president.

One caveat. Don't expect the judge to throw Trump into jail despite the fact that if it was anyone else in the USA who did what he's doing they'd be staring out from a jail cell already.

For starters Trump is getting special treatment and considerations as evidenced by how hard he's pushing back against the entire judicial system and its rules yet he's still walking around free to attack our democracy.

A lot of people are afraid of Trump. Especially Republican lawmakers in Congress who are following him like sheep ready to be sheared.

Prosecutors noted that Trump's attacks on social media have previously endangered the subjects of his wrath, sometimes leading to violence. 

Judge Chutkan is aware of this. She even warned him last month, "I caution you and your client to take special care in your public statements about this case. I will take whatever measures are necessary to safeguard the integrity of these proceedings."

As a matter of record the gag order request Friday came on the same day that unsealed filings that Twitter, now known as X, gave prosecutors at least 32 of Trump's private messages.

It's also important to note that Trump was cautioned by the judge in the Georgia trial that he was being released on the condition that he would not intimidate co-defendants, witnesses and others. Trump has ignored that caution and it's just a matter of time before that judge gets tired of his antics and seeks a gag order too.

The burning question today is:

What would Judge Chutkan's gag order involve?

Frankly I don't believe he's going to go to jail. Too many people are concerned it would cause major riots when his cult followers find out.

The next step involves putting him above the law (again) and letting him continue to attack everyone under the guise of the First Amendment by giving him a slap on the wrist.

I've heard political pundits say Trump could be confined to one of his estates and wear a tracking device. Honestly. Who really believes even that would happen?

It's tough watching Trump get away with mocking our judicial system and flagrantly defying everyone with no apparent consequences thus far.

Our system of government counts on judges treating everyone equally, but sadly that not what the reality is today.

As it stands, I hope Judge Chutkan (and the judges in the other three jurisdictions) don't make political decisions that will enable the most corrupt president in American history. The need to stick with the law and let the dice roll for the sake of the republic.

My Longtime Dream of Amsterdam-Style Cannabis Cafes is Coming True in California

Back in the 1970s when I lived and went to college in Humboldt County, California, I knew a lot of cannabis growers, mostly Vietnam veterans with plantations hidden throughout the Emerald Triangle.

I remember sitting in pot-infused roundtables of growers talking about what we hoped would happen in the future with their fancy marijuana strains.

The number one subject was having legal Amsterdam-Style Cannabis cafes. We all looked with envy at what was happening in that progressive country where tourists could have the ultimate marijuana experience.

The day has come.

California's Gov. Gavin Newsom has Assembly Bill 374 - passed by a wide majority of 33-3 in the Senate and in the Assembly in a final vote 0f 66 to 9 - sitting on his desk today awaiting his signature. 

Here's what the bill allows:

* Preparation or sale of non-cannabis food or beverage products (such as pastries and coffee).

* Live musical or other performances on the premises.

However, there are restrictions the state has put on the bill. They include:

* Access to the area where cannabis consumption is allowed would be restricted to people 21 or older.

* The pot consumption can't be within view of a public area.

* Sales of alcohol or tobacco won't be permitted on the premises.

When Newsom signs the bill, it will go into effect in January 2024.

I should note that the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network opposes the bill and is urging Newsom to veto it.

Still, I think he will sign it as his administration has passed other progressive pot bills and promoted marijuana since he came into office.

As it stands, there's a small irony in my delight at legalizing cannabis cafes in California... I've lived in Oregon the past 10 years! It's okay. I can still drive there!