Shameless Senators Block Witnesses Insuring a Sham Trial

                                       Good Day World!

They all jumped off the cliff with Trump yesterday, as the shameless senators in the senate blocked all attempts to have a fair trial.

No witnesses. No new evidence. No chance Trump will be convicted. Trump's Dweeb Team didn't need to do anything but hold an in-house rally for their master.

There's a breech in our Constitution that will now allow presidents to assume total power. No checks. No limits. No justice. Just a partisan takeover protecting the most corrupt president in our history.

GOP senators took a gamble that a strong economy will overcome the wrath that is sure to follow this sham trial. 

The stage is set.

Next Wednesday the baked in verdict of acquittal will happen. and Trump will waddle around crowing about his complete exoneration. He will be truly unleashed after the loss of any accountability.

The balance of power our founders built into the Constitution to stop a rogue president will collapse next week when the senate votes.

The elections this November will be under attack from foreign powers... and Trump. Who knows what countries he will bribe to smear his political opponents to get re-elected?

All guard rails against our sociopathic president will be history next Wednesday. 

America's last hope to retain our democracy will come at the polls in November. 

Related: In Senate Trial, Trump May Have Gained Power, But Lost Political Case

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

Republic or Monarchy? We May Find Out Today

                                       Good Day World!

I'm nervous.

The senate trial to convict Trump may end today with no witnesses called amid a blatant partisan cover up.

If that happens, McConnell will call for a vote to acquit Trump, in essence unleashing the most corrupt president in our history.

I've lived through two other impeachment trials and never felt the country was in more danger than this one with Trump.

How can anyone think Trump won't continue to interfere in November's election? Get real. He was caught and impeached for abuse of power - looking for dirt on his political opponent - and obstruction of justice, and it hasn't stopped him.

Does anyone seriously believe Trump will have learned his lesson, and will try to avoid future election meddling if the trial ends today? 

The GOP senators will have given him a free pass to destroy our democratic electoral system if they don't make this a fair trial now.

The truth hurts.

But it doesn't hurt if people can be deceived into false narratives for why Trump held back aid to the Ukraine. GOP senators are willing fools more concerned about their job than in saving the republic.

Benjamin Franklin was once asked, "Well doctor, what have we got, a republic or a monarchy?" 

"A republic, if you can keep it," Franklin replied.

Will this be the day Americans lose their republic?

Will this day be a day of infamy when Trump ascends the throne and we have a monarcy?

Time will tell.

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

Impeachment Q & A Turns Into Theatre of the Absurd When Dershowitz Testifies

The Dershowitz Doctrine Shocks Legal World

                                       Good Day World!

Trump wanted a theatrical performance in the senate, and one of his staunch supporters provided it yesterday.

Alan Dershowitz, part of Trump's Dweeb team, provided the drama during the first day of Questions and Answers.

Dershowitz trotted out the implausible theory that a president can manipulate a foreign government to aid his reelection...
and it's not an impeachable offense!

I can just imagine the reaction among constitutional professors and experts nationwide when they heard about the Dershowitz Doctrine.

For the record, Dershowitz did a complete turnaround on his own position 20 years ago when he testified in another impeachment trial that a president could be impeached for abuse of power.  

That flip flop of philosophy also involved a fantastical theory that his change of heart came as he studied the issue for two decades and concluded every other legal expert was wrong... because they disagree with his theory!

Oh, yes! That's cra cra shit. Viewers were treated to Dershowitz's bulging eyes as he put emphasize on his lies. Rudy Guiliani was probably envious of his performance.

The senate's staid image suffered through several acts of Dershowitz's clowning around with reality and facts. The defender of O.J. Simpson was looking around for a tight leather glove to put on Trump.

It was embarrassing to anyone who was trying to be respectful of the proceedings. The Republicans willing went along with the charade, desperate to have an excuse - any excuse - to not call witnesses and prolong the trial.

Trump's GOP minions want him to be able to do a victory dance in time for The Super Bowl and his State of the Union Address, because that more important that protecting our republic from a dictator! 

Having no shame, I fully expert Dershowitz to continue his buffoonery on day two of his performance in the Theatre of the Absurd for Trump's personal entertainment.

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

Only In The Trump Era: 2 Leaders Indicted For Corruption Meet At WH To Announce Middle East Peace Plan

Good Day World!

More proof we're living during a dark period in America's history, the Trump era, was on display yesterday:

Trump's Middle East Peace Plan Announced

The White House meeting between Trump and Netanyahu, while both are being tried for corruption, was surreal scene. 

Viewers watched as Trump unveiled a one-sided plan (no Palestinian involvement) with absolutely no chance of solving anything, and claim it was an "historic moment."

It took less than three hours for Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas to respond to the announcement declaring the "plan was dead upon arrival."

It was a pathetic attempt by two deeply corrupt world leaders to divert attention away from their trials. Otherwise, why would Trump and his minions announce a contrived "Vision" right in the middle of his trial?

Related: Progressive Jewish Group Dismisses Trump's Middle East Peace Plan as 'Utterly bankrupt' and a "Sham"

There was no break in the stalemate between Israel and the Palestinians to ballyhoo. The two sides aren't even communicating.

A split screen moment

Trump's defense team speaking during his senate impeachment trial while he and Netanyahu are in the White House trying to prop each other up with a bullshit announcement.

Every American knows these are not normal times. Every tradition in our society and government has been polluted by Trump's toxic speech and policies. 

That Trump is a serial liar who is still defended by Trumplicans (use to be Republicans) is obvious to all Americans, and the rest of the world.

However, in the deeply divided political chaos that Trump's reign has created it's permissible to live in an alternate universe where facts fight fiction/lies daily.

I agree with Trump's assessment of the day being historic... but for a different reason...

It's doubtful we'll ever see another impeached American president fighting for survival in a senate trial, meet with another world leader indicted for corruption at the White House, to announce a bogus peace plan...

(Scary Thought: Unless Trump gets re-elected!) 

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

GOP Senators Suddenly Faced With Reality After Bolton Bombshell

Good Day World!

The Senate's majority leader, and chief hypocrite, Mitch McConnell, hates surprises. 

He's use to being totally in control of events around him.

So when word got out Monday morning that a copy of John Bolton's new book has been in Trump's hands since Dec. 30th, and was being reviewed by the NSA, Mitch pitched a bitch. Why didn't someone tell him?

Related: Bolton Manuscript Revelations Thrust Little-Known White House Office in Spotlight

Apparently Trump and some tight allies didn't let Mitch in on the secret because they knew a Bolton testimony would be devastating. They counted on suppressing witnesses and ending the trial before Bolton's bomb dropped.

Meanwhile Mitch had gone around boasting he was working "hand-in-hand" on the senate impeachment trial with Trump and his lawyers.

How embarrassing. Trump played Mitch like everyone else around him. However, Mitch being a canny old bastard, will go into damage control quickly. 

The central defense of Trump went up in smoke when Bolton confirmed Trump's desire to withhold aide until Ukraine's president opened up an investigation into his political rival Joe Biden and his son.

I suspect Mitch will have a response to the turn of events today after meeting with his nervous caucus.

Realistically, despite this new damning first-hand account, the odds of convicting Trump are still long, even if more evidence continues to drip in. 

Pressure on GOP senators running for re-election will increase with every new revelation.

The result of this trial will reverberate in the polls in November... if Trump gets acquitted.

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

Trump Defense Team Takes Floor on Day Two Under Fire From Bolton Bombshell

Good Day World!
_______________
Breaking News:
Bolton Bombshell
_________________________
Do you remember seeing 3-D movies in a theatre when you were a kid? They were usually passed out for free when you paid for your ticket.

At certain moments the audience was cued to put on their 3-D goggles to watch the movie suddenly pop off the screen. Monster movies were the best for shock value.

Since those early days of using a filter (of sorts) for dramatic effect, the experience has been greatly enhanced.

Take politics for example.

In the age of fake news and alternate universes, real time events are being filtered in real time for consumption of a select audience.

For example, Fox News viewers don't have to put on a special pair of glasses to get their news through a false filter that confirms their beliefs.

Trump's impeachment trial in the senate is being played out in the real world, but his supporters aren't seeing all the evidence being presented because they're watching Fox News.

During most of the trial thus far you can turn to major news stations across the country and follow it as it unfolds in it's entirety.

But...

Fox News saves it's viewers from those boring facts and offers up entertaining dog-and-pony shows instead, featuring political hacks performing in real time.

Trump's Dweeb Team will perform again today, but no one knows for how long. Their first day of defending his highness lasted about two hours. Probably the limit of focus for busy extremists always searching for another conspiracy.

By the way, each side gets 24 hours to put on their case over three days. The Democrats used 23 of those hours, and Trump's Dweeb team only used two on their first day. 

The Dweeb team get three days to state their case. Today is day two. It'll be interesting to hear what they have to say after the Bolton bomb dropped yesterday!

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

A Sports Icon Has Died: Longtime Laker Fan Bids Goodbye to Kobe Bryant

Readers of this blog are use to my political chatter and know that I seldom stray from the topic...

but today is different.

A basketball sports legend's life was abruptly cut short.

Kobe Bryant is dead.

Killed in a helicopter crash.

I'm having a hard time putting words to my grief over this young man's life. 

I remember when Kobe entered the league as a brash teenager. 

My wife and I were impressed by his absolute confidence despite the fact he was making history by playing in the pros right out of high school.

Full disclosure: I've been a Laker fan since the team came to Los Angeles (the first West Coast team) and played their first season in 1961.

As an old school fan of the Lakers, I have my pantheon of the greats consisting of Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Jerry West, Elgin Baylor, James Worthy, and too many more to mention here.

Shaquille O'Neil and Kobe Bryant entered my personal Hall of Basketball Fame recently.

I'll be straightforward here...

I'm shocked, and deeply saddened, by Kobe's abrupt death. For some reason, which I can't fully explain (I didn't even know him) his sudden demise touched me at several levels.

He was too young. Only 41. That's a man's prime. 

He was a husband and a father to four girls. One, Gianni (shown with Kobe on right), died with him in the crash.

It shakes me up to realize how fast Kobe's iconic 20-year career flew by. 

Where was I? Was it really that long ago?

I'm feeling my mortality right now.

Basketball has always made me feel young at heart. I loved playing it when I was younger, and wish my body would allow me to now... but that's another story by an old man who already misses...

Kobe 'Bean' Bryant

Rest in peace with the rest of the basketball legends in American sports lore Black Mamba!

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

What's Really Important in Our Society Today?

                                      Good Day World!

Despite the fact that most Americans are divided in this Age of Trump there's still common ground to be found.

What do people who embrace Trumpism think is important?

What about the rest of the country?

I think the answer to both questions is healthcare. Every poll I've read on the subject strongly suggests that conservatives and liberals agree it's a number one concern.

Let's pause here for a moment...

Even though I pointed out how divided our country is right now, it doesn't mean there's no hope for the future. There's building blocks, like the commonality for the need of good healthcare that can re-unite this nation.

For example, another common rallying point for most Americans today; is climate change and the need to do something about it.

Most Americans believe it's urgent that we invest in repairing our roads and bridges and do something about our infrastructure. 

Most Americans believe in justice, and in freedom of speech.

Most Americans hate dictators (it wasn't until too late that we discovered we had one in Trump), and wouldn't willingly consent to live under one.

Most Americans want to live peaceful lives, and to avoid wars.

There's more examples of what is really important to the majority of Americans. I'm confident you could add to this positive list.

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

Trump Defense Team Case Today Comes After Another Coverup Surfaces

Good Day World!

Trump's Dweeb Team is going to present their case that Trump can do no wrong today. 

That in itself, promises a walk through Trump wonderland where truth is the first casualty. Alternate reality fans will be treated to some novel defenses for their entertainment.

But that's not the biggest story today.

Trump has been caught in another cover up involving the Pentagon.

Remember when a reporter asked Trump about American causalities after the January 8th attack on the US base in Baghdad?

He flat-out said there were none. Furthermore, he claimed that's why he didn't hit Iran back after the missile attack.

But a week later the Pentagon reported that there were 11 service members who were being treated for concussion symptoms.

Trump's idiotic and condescending reply still resonates in my head,

 "I heard some of the service men and women had experienced headaches after the attack. I don't consider them very serious injuries..." 

Having Cadet Bonespurs downplay injuries to members of our armed forces, is despicable, but predictable.

Yesterday, we found out that it was worse than initially reported. The actual number of US troops hurt were 34. They were all diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries (TBI) following the attack.

A Pentagon spokesman admitted Friday that eight of the affected soldiers have been sent back to the US for further treatment while the rest are being treated in Germany.

"No serious injuries!"

Related: Veterans of Foreign Wars Demand Apology After Trump Said Traumatic Brain Injuries Are 'Not Very Serious'

As Trump's Dweeb Team attempts to make excuses for not convicting their corrupt client, I suspect there's veterans, like myself, that know how serious TBI is and are disgusted with his cavalier attitude. 

It's just another reason to convict that orange slug in the White House.

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

Senate Trial Day Four: Digital Detox, Fidget Spinners, Evidence, and Lots of Milk!

Good Day World!

With the sake of our nation's democracy at stake, some senators simply cannot sit still and listen for hours on end about Trump's corruption since slithering into office.

It's boring. Especially if you already have your mind made up like the Republican senators do.

Despite strict senate impeachment rules about sitting silently and paying attention to the counsels on both sides, that's not exactly what's happening.

After really adhering to the rules on Day One, the slippage started on Day Two when senators started to exchange notes and crude hand signals.

By Day Three games started appearing. Rand Paul was playing a crossword puzzle. Other senators were secretly playing with Fidget Spinners. Then they resorted to walking around the room to stay awake.

It wasn't long and the senators were abusing their potty breaks and standing around in partisan clicks drinking bad coffee in the cloak room.

Comments from senators on their situation:

Sen. Marco Rubio on the subject of no talking, "That sucks!"

Sen. John Cornyn warned that "Frustration is starting to build."

Milk was the popular beverage for senators who grew tired of water. Why milk? Here's why. 

Perhaps the hardest thing for the senators to stomach is that they can't play with their cell phones during the trial. At least one psychologist suggested that the senators are suffering from phone withdrawal.

This should not be surprising.

National studies have shown the average American spends three hours a day on the phone. But, when it comes to politicians, all bets are off. They spend twice as much time on their cellphone.

Furthermore, Global Web Index found that 7 out of 10 people recognize their dependence. In other words, they're hopeless slaves to the digital universe.

Back to the restless senators...

Their pain is real. A sudden digital detox is dragging the senators into the here-and-now of the trial, and that's just no fun.

It's too bad that those senators who are in a hurry to end the trial couldn't get a glimpse of the future to see what their inattention, and partisanship, has wrought upon our republic.

The least those sorry excuses for GOP jurors could do is to try to pretend they're paying attention.

In essence, the Republicans are okay with having a president shake down a foreign power for his own political gain. Asking for help in defeating political opponents will no longer be a crime. 

The most treasonous of all acts against the United States of America will have the green light in the future. Foreigners will be deciding who leads our country.

Someday those senators who played away their time instead of listening to the truth, will have to face their friends and family and say, "I'm sorry, I put partisanship before country, and because of that we now live under a dictatorship."

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

Day Three: Deja vu All Over Again

Good Day World!

To sum up Day Two:

Baseball legend Yogi Berra once quipped, "It's deja vu all over again."

Everything the House managers said yesterday, was exactly the same as Day One with the exception that it was in a narrative form. 

They presented a well-reasoned argument with mounds of evidence to prove Trump abused his office and obstructed Congress.

But their performance didn't really matter. 

Trump's team could have consisted of chimps with MAGA hats to guarantee a good show and be just as effective. Republican senators have already sold their souls. They're just waiting for Moscow Mitch to bring the sham trial to an end. 

To further illustrate the point Trump bragged yesterday, "We honestly have all of the material. They don't have material." 
He was so confident of the outcome that he didn't realize he was admitting he was obstructing evidence again... as in Article II of his impeachment papers.

But that doesn't matter. Trump is unchecked in his power thus far, and if the impeachment process doesn't stop him our 2020 elections are in jeopardy.

Allowing Trump to stay in office will be a nod to Putin, who has played Trump like a chump, and who brazenly interfered in our 2016 election and intends to do the same in this upcoming one.

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