Alert! Trump's Lies Have Hit Critical Mass

Good Day World!

Finally... 

With the exception of Trump's hardcore base (the QAnon crowd), no one in the world believes a word Trump says.

Not even the Republicans aka Trumplicans.

The Democrats already knew he was a serial liar. World leaders who have met Trump - or just know of his reputation for seeking flattery - have found him to be as malleable as clay.

When Trump opened the door for Turkey to invade Syria and attack our ally the Kurds, the entire balance of the Middle East was destroyed.

When Pence and Pompeo met with Turkey's strongman all they could come away with was a 5-day cease fire (or as Turkey put it - a "pause").

It took less than 24 hours for that "pause" to be violated. The Turks used chemical weapons against Kurdish civilians yesterday.

The so-called cease fire was a humiliating defeat for America. Our troops in the region are demoralized because of Trump's betrayal of their comrade-in-arms against ISIS.

When I found out that the U.S. has fifty nuclear weapons in Turkey, a sick feeling hit me. The nukes are on (or near) the American air base in Turkey.

It didn't help matters that Trump insulted Turkey's strongman with the stupidest diplomatic letter ever sent by an American president (or diplomat) to another country.

Erdogan responded with a gas attack and a promise of "more to come" in response to the "devil letter" Trump sent.

It appears Trump's actions have hit a critical mass in the Middle East. Russia, Syria, and the Turks (along with their extremist militias) quickly seized the vacuum our retreating troops left.  

In their wake is a growing humanitarian crisis, a resurgence of ISIS, and a strategic victory for Russia and Iran. It was a shameful exit, as our troops were forced to blow up their hastily abandoned bases.

It's a sad reflection of America's waning power overseas, thanks to Trump's alienation of nearly every democratic nation (our allies) on the planet. Selling out the Kurds only proved that.

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

The Taxman Cometh: Trump Organization Caught Cheating and More

Good Day World!

Trump has steadfastly blocked all attempts to reveal his taxes for nearly three years, but that's changing.

It's been an ugly battle between Congress seeking transparency, and Trump stonewalling all efforts to share his taxes, like the presidents before him have done for almost 50 years.

Trump's stone wall is collapsing

Happening now

The orange ape's real estate business reported different financial figures for two of his Manhattan properties to lenders rather than to New York tax authorities, according to documents obtained by ProPublica.

The scam was simple

The discrepancies made the buildings appear more profitable to the lender - and less profitable to the officials who set the building's property tax. 

As damning as this report is, it's only the tip of the iceberg.

Related: Trump Loses Big and is Ordered to Turn Over 8 Years of Tax returns

Also: Trump Isn't Immune From Demand for Tax Records, Judge Rules

And... Judge Rejects Trump's 'Repugnant' Immunity Claim in Tax-Return Ruling

A gathering consensus among the pols is that Trump's taxes will end up in Congresses hands before next year. Possibly before Christmas.

The Senate will probably be in the midst of the impeachment trial when Trump's taxes are released as evidence of tax fraud and corruption.

Those long-held taxes will just be one of many articles of impeachment that will bring Trump - and his corrupt cronies in government - down.

Trump's biggest nightmare is happening - the taxman is coming for him.

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

The Snake in the Grass: Mulvaney's Vital Part in Ukraine Scandal Revealed

                                       Good Day World!

Today's Ukraine scandal update: Mick Mulvaney worked closely with the "Three Amigos" during the shadow Ukraine policy ordered by Trump.
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BREAKING NEWS: Mulvaney brashly admits quid pro quo over Ukraine aid as key details emerge
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In a Washington Post report yesterday, Mulvaney was said to have played a critical role in the unfolding crisis. 

He often met with Sondland and the details of their conversations were kept from then-National Security Adviser John Bolton, and others who had expressed concerns about the White House's efforts to extort the new Ukraine government.

If you wondered who was behind cutting the funds off that Congress had approved for military aid to the Ukraine, look no further than Trump and Mulvaney.

Mulvaney put the hold on nearly $400 million weeks before Trump's now-infamous July 25th phone call to the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, according to The Post.

That phone call triggered the House impeachment investigation.

The article stated Mulvaney told staff that the money to Kiev could be turned on and off without legal repercussions, though some questioned the legality of putting the aid on hold.

The upshot? 

Without snake-in-the-grass Mulvaney's help the shadow campaign could not have been conducted. He played Don the Cons enforcer in the shakedown of Zelensky.

I suspect Mulvaney, and other high-ranking Trump minions involved in this scandal are going to pay a price for their treason.

If they don't... our democracy is officially overturned.

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

Revenge of the Chicken Hawk: Bolton's Back... and Ready To Sing

Good Day World!

When John Bolton, the former national security adviser, departed the administration he left under mutually bitter terms with Trump.

After Bolton left, I knew the idea of a lifetime war-monger going quietly in the night was as likely to happen as a lamb standing next to a hungry lion and not becoming it's meal.

There would be revenge. I predicted as much in this former post where I posited Bolton might be the whistleblower.

Bolton's back in the public eye again, and he's got a lot to talk about. He's currently working on a new book about his time serving Trump and has a 'lot to dish," according to one knowledgeable source in a Washington Post article.

Apparently, Trump has raised suspicions among his cronies that a spiteful John Bolton is one of the sources behind the flood of leaks against him on the Ukraine scandal.

Bolton's name surfaced Monday before House impeachment inquiry committees, when Fiona Hill, Trump's former top Russia adviser, reported that Bolton told her to alert the chief lawyer for the National Security Council (John Eisenberg) that Giuliana was working with Mike Mulvaney, the acting White House chief of staff, on an operation with legal implications.

According to a New York Times article, Bolton said, "I am not part of whatever drug deal Rudy and Mulvaney are cooking up," to the White House lawyers.

From the moment Bolton became aware of the shadow operation for the Ukraine, he lashed out against it, according to Hill's testimony.

It seems that despite being a chicken hawk, Bolton had a certain line in the sand that even he wouldn't cross. "Giuliani's a hand grenade who's going to blow everybody up," Hill testified.

I think it's safe to say Congress will be wanting to talk with Bolton soon, a dangerous prospect for Trump who ousted him after disagreements over North Korea and Russian policy.

It looks like Trump has found someone more vindictive than himself, and that's saying something. I'm looking forward to Bolton's testimony.

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

Trump's 'Beautiful Wall' is a No Go

Good Day World!

Trump has some explaining to do with his base.

His signature campaign promise in 2016 of making Mexico pay for building a wall on the southern border, has suffered it's final blow.

Not only has Mexico told Trump to look elsewhere, but the courts have all defied his corrupt attempts to take taxpayer money to get re-elected.

A Federal district court judge said Trump violated US law when he declared a national emergency over the country's southern border and funnelled taxpayer money towards his campaign promise.

Trump's proclamation was declared "unlawful" by judge David Briones yesterday. 

The ruling clearly stating, "None of the funds made available in this or any other appropriation may be used to increase federal funding to support Mr. Trump's campaign vow."

The Supreme Court has already stayed a previous ruling that blocked federal funding towards expanding Trump's wall in Arizona and California.

The only wall Trump is going to see built is the one around him in the impeachment inquiry.

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

Congress is Back: Impeachment, One Day at a Time

Good Day World!

Congress is back in town.

The chances of a formal impeachment will be accelerated with numerous Congressional hearings gathering more vital evidence daily.

Today, will feature Fiona Hill, who served as Trump's top Russia adviser until she left the administration in August. She'll be testifying before three committees.

There's some question if Semyon Kislin, a business associate of Rudy Giuliani, will appear for a scheduled deposition today.

In addition, US State Department deputy assistant secretary George Kent, is expected to appear before three committees.
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One of the most interesting interviews is set for Thursday, when Gordon Sondland, the U.S. Ambassador to the European Union, testifies in front of a joint congressional committee about his conversation with Trump.
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A slew of subpoena deadlines are up this week

* Vice President Mike Pence is looking at a subpoena deadline by Friday.

* Energy Secretary, Rick Perry, also faces a subpoena deadline on Friday.

* Trump's personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, makes it three for Friday.

* Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman, associates of Giuliani, face a deadline for documents midweek. Both have been arrested and charged with campaign violations, money laundering, and other financial crimes last week.

* Defense Secretary, Mark Esper, and acting director of the Office of Management and Budget, Russ Vought also face subpoenas.

As polls show continued support for impeaching Trump, the chances of formally filing for impeachment may only be weeks away, as long as the Democrats are patient... and take it day-by-day.

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

Next Up: President Pence?

Good Day World!

As impeachment, and the possibility of being ousted out of the White House looms for Trump, some pols are whispering about Pence being the next commander-in-chief. 

With a majority of Americans for impeachment, Trump's chances of surviving and running for re-election next year are getting smaller each week.

The revelations in the Ukraine scandal has stunned the world. The United States part in international corruption has been exposed in the Ukraine, and our president was behind the whole devious shadow diplomacy.

Let's take a leap and consider Trump's abrupt removal from office has happened.

In the days that follow does Pence get sworn in as our new president? Or, is he going down with the scandal ship, a loyal Trumpie to the end?

Let's say the man who can become a shadow anywhere, is sworn in, and he doesn't go down the drain with his master. President Pence.

What could we expect to see with this change in leadership?

After the constant chaos of the Trump era, a Pence presidency could swing back to some political normalcy. We wouldn't have a foul-mouthed president who picks on people big and small on twitter.

That's not Pence's style. He likes to operate in dark shadows and not stir up any controversy. Anybody that's observed Pence's time in office knows he had no problem with enabling Trump.

While Pence will pursue many of Trump's policies in the hope he keeps part of the orange ape's base, he's going to have to be careful to avoid bullying lawmakers in the House and Senate.

Above all, Pence is a survivor with no shame. Despite the religious facade he puts up, Pence has lied numerous times for Trump. He's a political opportunist with no morals or ethics.

In short, Republican lawmakers will probably embrace him with relief. 

I doubt that will be the case with the majority of Americans who are going to want to see all traces of Trump's corrupt regime erased next November.

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

Trump Aides Use Rallies To Keep Him from Melting Down

Good Day World!

Two rallies in two days.

Trump's aides are pulling rabbits out of hats to keep Trump entertained so he doesn't have a complete meltdown. 

The first rally in Minnesota was the longest one Trump's had since coming into office. It also bore the distinction of being his most profane yet, in a 104 minute rant.  

Meanwhile...

While more evidence of dirty dealing with the Ukraine unfolds daily, Trump played "Wag the Dog" and gave Turkey the okay to invade Northern Syria, to the dismay of our partners the Kurds.

On rallies:

I suspect there's going to be a lot more rallies in the days and weeks ahead. Trump's minions know he's barely clinging to sanity while trying to deal with the assault of an impeachment inquiry that's moving swiftly. 

The rallies serve two purposes. 

One, they put Trump in an alternate universe where he's so popular he could shoot someone on 5th Avenue in New York and no one cares. And his lies get cheers!

Two, the rallies are a distraction from the bad news coming out, providing the right wing media with meat to chew on in these troubled times. Nothing like videos with cheering supporters.

But...

According to a collection of major polls Trump is losing supporters and independents rapidly. 

The Trump administration - especially the big players like AG Barr and Pompeo - are barely treading water in a turbulent sea of criminal evidence.

It's getting harder every day for Republican lawmakers to support Trump as more evidence of his corruption becomes public knowledge.

The White House messaging department is non-existent. Trump took that job over, and is doing a poor job of defending himself by asking other nations to investigate his political rival Joe Biden.

The only place Trump is going to hear shouts of adulation in the future are at his rallies. The White House is no longer a safe place for our moron-in-charge.

Related: Trump makes at least 12 false claims at his longest rally.

Thought for the day: Trump in prison with African-Americans, and Hispanics, when the lights go out at night. 

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

Our Businessman-in-Charge is Selling Out America

Good Day World!

The first hint that Trump was more interested in making mega real estate deals than being an honest president came when it was discovered he wanted to build one of his "towers" in Moscow, Russia - America's number one enemy.

That business plan was concealed from Americans while he was running for office. 

By the time news of his proposed Trump Tower in Putin's backyard became public, it was buried in a two-year long investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 election.

After successfully obstructing justice in the Russia probe, with the help of top Trump cronies like AG Bill Barr, Trump claimed victory - telling anyone who'd listen there was "no collusion," and he was exonerated by the Mueller report.

Anyone who read the report knows that isn't true. It's certainly not what Mueller said during a House hearing under oath.

Meanwhile, Trump the businessman has been protecting Turkey's dictator - and giving him the okay to attack American allies, the Kurds.

Even Republicans are furious over the sell-out of our allies against ISIS. 

World leaders have united in condemnation of Turkey's Syria operation.

In the face of another stupid foreign policy move that's having massive repercussions in the Middle East and here at home, Trump had a re-election rally in Minnesota yesterday.

His cronies hurriedly scheduled the rally to re-charge Trump's sagging spirits. They knew it was great therapy for a uber-narcissist, and it's worked in the past.

Until that great businessman and stable genius is stopped, he (and his family) will continue to sell out America to the highest bidder.

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

Why?

Because Trump has two towers in Istanbul that are still making money for him.

I've heard many Trump supporters say they voted for him because he's such a good businessman. My reply has always been if he was such a good businessman why did he go bankrupt numerous times?

And why have Mr. Businessman's properties worldwide been the focus of breaking numerous laws? The answer is Trump has always been a criminal disguised as a real estate guru, and reality show personality top executive.

Myths have been built around a lot less.

The myth that Trump is a great businessman has been destroyed in less than three years, leaving the country lurching in the political chaos he's created.

We know Trump could care less if thousands of people die defending their cities from an extremist country ruled by a ruthless dictator.

Trump crony/co-conspirator, Mike Pompeo, won't even say if the Kurds are our allies now!

Why Would Any Country Want to Partner With the U.S. Under Trump?

                                       Good Day World!

One of the many lowlights of the Trump regime has been it's wholesale sell-out of it's allies.

As Turkey's military pours across the Syrian border in an act of war against our partner the Kurds, the international community is looking on in shock. 

How could America abandon them?

The betrayal of America's comrade-in-arms against ISIS is a sure sign no country can count on our rogue regime. America's betrayal under Trump, is more than just a black eye against democracy.

Trump's betrayal of the Kurds was a gift to Putin and Assad.

It's a declaration of nationalism, and isolation. The message is loud and clear after three years under Trump's corrosive foreign policies... 

It's now America versus the world. 

The guardian of democracy worldwide is abdicating to a wannabe dictator by abandoning long-held treaties with foreign governments. Treaties that made the world a safer place.

Just yesterday, Trump's minions announced the U.S. was exiting the "Open Skies" treaty. 

Two months ago, Trump formally withdrew from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty with Russia ending a landmark arms control pact.

As the world watches with morbid fascination, Americans are considering impeaching their president. The chaos surrounding the administration doesn't bode well for stability of any kind.

The possibility of future alliances are disappearing as Turkey's armed forces role across the Syrian border and we just stand by and watch.

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