The Good News: Oil Prices Pull Back from Highs

The pressure is starting to lift.

The tempest of surging gasoline prices is calming down and American drivers are soon in for a break.

There's four reasons this is happening.

1) President Biden had a chat with Chinese President XI Jinping a couple of days ago and the subject was about releasing millions of gallons of oil on the market.

Bjornar Tonhaugen, head of oil markets at the consultancy Rystad Energy, reported that the biggest factor driving prices right now is the expected release of strategic reserves from the US and China. 

2) OPEC is also steadily ramping up output.

3) This week West Texas Intermediate futures, the US benchmark for oil prices, and Brent futures, the global benchmark, are now trading at their lowest levels in six weeks on signals that supply constraints could begin to ease soon.

4) In the United States, prices fell sharply yesterday after oil inventories at a key hub in Cushing, Oklahoma rose for the first time in weeks.

Needless to say this is good news for the whole country. That includes President Biden and the Democratic party which has been hammered by the far right for the high gas prices lately.

There's no doubt that Republicans will continue to try and make gas prices a wedge issue, but the facts will soon destroy that fiction as the prices go down.

Finally I think kudos are due for President Biden whose diplomacy is getting us through these tough times.

Republicans Ramp Up Revenge Politics While Anticipating A House Takeover in 2022

Trump and his cult (formerly known as the Republican party) are gambling on revenge to regain power in Washington D.C.

(UPDATE Photo: Paul Gosar censored and kicked off of Congressional committees today.)

They're still pissed off that they lost the last two elections and that Trump was impeached twice. 

Payback politics is motivating the hard right-wing to defy facts and established laws to pursue fictional crusades against the evil democrats.

When one of their members get in trouble - regardless of the crime - Trumplicans surround them with a protective wall of bullshit spewed from alt-right media like Fox News and Newsmax.

Trump and his minions were furious that former White House advisor Steve Bannon was indicted for contempt of Congress this week.

They were even more outraged when word got out that Paul Gosar will have to pay the price for threatening to kill AOC. The House voted today to censor him and kick him off of two committees.

Taking it as an act of war, the lunatic fringe, led by Lauren Boebert, threatened retaliation. Crazy "Gym" Jordan gloated that the Biden administration will spend the rest of its time under subpoena if he and his fellow servants for Trump win the House next year.

In summary, dangerous extremists like Gosar can literally do no wrong in the party of Trump. If anything, he's burnished his crazy creds. He may even get a medal made up by the great leader himself.

The Trump cult is having wet dreams of revenge, and the circus Congress will become when they regain power in the House. 

As Trump's acolytes plan revenge against the Republicans who voted for the infrastructure bill last week, they continue to spread the Big Lie.

The thing is, Democrats have had to take matters into their own hands, just like they did with Marjorie Taylor Greene. Death threats against a fellow Congressmen cannot be ignored for obvious reasons.

Perhaps the most galling thing about Bannon and Gosar's cases is that both will raise funds from them, and they'll get elevated in the eyes of extremists everywhere.

The absence of any political ideology, or future plans for the country doesn't bother those minions who are riding the Trump train bent on revenge and creating a fascist state.

Why It's OK To Laugh At Cable TV Hosts Who Are Just Plain Stupid

Good day to you. I once read that laughter is the best medicine. It's true.

Some of the funniest things I've seen lately has come from right-wing TV hosts. Forget about those late night comedians.

People like Tucker Carlson and Laura Ingraham are natural comedians clothed in the guise of TV hosts.

Let's take the latest exchange from one of Laura Ingraham's shows as an example.

Laura had a guest on, author Raymond Arroyo, when a scene out of Abbott and Costello's "Whose on First" routine rolled out.

Arroyo was talking about a Netflix show called "You" when the conversation took a turn for the ludicrous.

Arroyo: "I was watching an episode of You, where measles came up."  

Ingraham then interrupted and asked when she had mentioned measles on her show? A patient Arroyo reiterated that You was a show on Netflix.

But she wasn't done yet. When Arroyo went on to talk about the show she interrupted again to declare she had never done a show on measles vaccines.

"I don't know what your talking about. Raymond, I have never had measles. This is stupid," Ingraham huffed, clearly baffled.

Arroyo finally lost his patient and repeated "You, it is called You."

That made the right-wing host pause and ask if there was a show on Netflix called Laura Ingraham?

It was enough for Arroyo who gave up and tried to talk about something different like the singer Adele.

Millions of viewers of this episode took to social media to express their amusement at the interaction.

Cable TV hosts are competing with the late night comedy shows and frankly, they're even funnier. 

So it's Ok to laugh at them, even though they are trying to act serious or informed.

It's tough trying to find something to laugh about during this pandemic, but if we keep our laugh channels open... there's something funny everywhere you look.

Defiant Cockroach Steve Bannon Booked and Released on Contempt of Congress Charges: Arraignment Set For Thursday

Cockroaches are known for their ability to survive regardless of how bad conditions are.

Steve Bannon is the human equivalent of a cockroach surviving court battles and felonies with the help of Trump and his cult.

The fact is Bannon has set himself up as an anti-American rabble-rouser with no conscience or moral direction. He hates America. The proof is in the pudding.

When Bannon had to surrender to authorities this morning for contempt of Congress he was unrepentant for his roll in the Jan. 6 coup attempt. 

Smirking like a jerk he told assembled reporters "we're taking down the Biden regime" as he was led away to lockup.

Bannon has been charged with one count related to his refusal to appear for a deposition and another related to his refusal to produce documents to the Jan. 6 House committee.

Each count carries a minimum of 30 days and a maximum of one year in jail.

Shortly before turning himself in he went on social media and told his supporters to "stay focused."

His defiant declaration "I don't want people to take their eye off the ball from what we do every day, OK?" set the tone for more resistance ahead.

Normally something like these serious charges would be a black mark on a person, but for Bannon it could be an opportunity for martyrdom in the twisted world we currently live in.

Particularly galling is the fact that Bannon will try to use the courts - with constant stays and appeals - to run the clock out in hopes of a Republican midterm sweep in the House.

It's not a good sign that Bannon is appearing before a Trump appointed judge. The orange wannabe monarch managed to infect our judicial system from the federal courts to the Supreme Court during his presidency.

What are the chances Bannon will pay for his deeds?

I'm not a betting man, but I fear they're not really good. He's going to use his arrest as a fundraiser and is going to be more popular than ever with right-wing activists.

Cockroaches like Bannon want to see our country become an authoritarian regime. Right now he's doing his best to achieve that goal. 

SNL's "Ted Cruz Street" Laughs Continue Here

(Sen. Ted Cruz (Aidy Bryant) introduces Burt and Ernie, 'the Proud Boys,' (Alex Moffatt and Mikey Day) on his version of Sesame Street or 'Ted Cruz Street.'NBC)

If you watched Saturday Night Live's skit mocking Sen. Ted Cruz's verbal assault against Sesame Street's Big Bird, you'd probably like the laughs to continue.

I'll do my best.

The skit introduced a series of characters who populate Cruz's neighborhood. From Marjorie Taylor Greene to Joe Rogan, the right-wing universe was well-represented.

An new episode on Ted Cruz Street:

Cruz, wearing a MAGA hat, appears before a group of children with MAGA hats on.

"Isn't it the greatest thing to be on the MAGA Team where we all get to defy reality daily?"

Cheers from the group of six-year old's.

"Today I'm going to explain why we all should worship Donald Trump - who is actually still the president." 

Cut to commercial.

More scenes I'd like to see;

Ted Cruz's big adventure in Cancun, Mexico where he encounters Paul Gosar in drag hiding from summon servers. 

The zany duo is spotted on the beach strolling along wearing "bandana hammocks" and stalking underage girls.

Another new Ted Cruz Street episode:

Correcting History in MAGA classroom

"Let's start off with debunking the rumor that the South lost the Civil War. The Confederacy still blooms in red states as proof.

"Regardless of what the libtards say, the Bowling Green massacre did happen. And Kellyanne Conway should get a reward for speaking up about the incident.

"The 1950's were the good old days when people knew their place in society.

"That's all for today kids... make sure to pick up your MAGA coloring books and videos showing Democrats trying to destroy our democracy."

Cut to commercial

The show concludes with a shot of Ted Cruz lumbering along through the streets of his district leading a herd of sheep. The message is clear; a wolf in sheep's clothing shall lead them to the bottom of the rabbit hole.

Celebrating A Trump Cult Thanksgiving

A majority of Americans will enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving this year, where families gather together, devour turkey and all the fixings.

But we shouldn't ignore those Americans that follower Trump, and are content with alternate realities and holiday stories.

The Trump Thanksgiving Story

"Once upon a time a group of superior white men and women came to America's shores and slaughtered the indigenous savages who lived there, paving the way for future white power.

They eventually took slaves, both brown and black, working - and treating - them like animals.

There was once a strict order of the way things should be throughout the southern states, but the damned Yankees whooped their rebel asses and laws protecting minorities were passed.

But those were the dark days because Trump has resurrected the Old South in the last five years.

For this, all conspiracists, right-wing racists, Trump acolytes, and trolls embedded in our society, are eternally grateful." 

Trump Thanksgiving Activities

The children look forward to cartoons and coloring books featuring the Big Orange Turkey who passes out free orange Kool Aid to everyone.

The adults go all out and have Trump, Turkey, and Pumpkin Cosplay rally's throughout the south.

Yes, folks.

Thanksgiving has morphed into another opportunity for Trumplicans to show they live in a universe where Trump is their once and future king.

Coup Redo? Trump's Setting The Table As We Watch in Disbelief

After five years, I still feel like I'm in a bad dream when I look at the news every morning.

Trump Plants his flag on a logical absurdity

Trump defends threats to Pence on January 6 in new video

Trump could use the courts to run out the clock

The ongoing attempt to undermine our democracy is gathering steam as Trump and minions prepare to steal the next election out in the open. It's no secret.

The basic groundwork of suppressing voters is well underway in red states. The daily dialogue about the Big Lie is repeated in the halls of Congress and throughout what use to be the Republican party.

Trump's cult has gone mainstream with bad actors placed in state positions to rig elections against democrats in 2022 and 2024.

Right wing media is enjoying a golden age of disinformation where reality is undercut by a lies so numerous they're like a rampant plague.

Many Americans, like me, are having a hard time believing Trump will ever be held to account for his myriad crimes. Or, for his blatant coup attempt.

His history suggests he can work the courts like a mad maestro conducting evasive actions until either time, money, or patience wears out on the litigator's part.

After subverting laws for four years in office Trump is confident he can keep up that act. It worked well all of his corrupt career, so why not now?

As long as Trump's enablers in government and the quasi Republican party continue to cover his ass, we can expect the worse if he isn't held accountable for his heinous attempt to overthrow our democracy.

It's like watching an impending train wreck. You know it's coming, but are helpless to do anything about it.

Our nation's survival is dependent on the courts ability to overcome Trump's baseless eternal appeals. If they move slowly enough, Trump wins.

If the courts do their job in a timely way (due to the seriousness of the challenges) to protect our Constitution, Trump's last line of defense will be destroyed.

Then freedom can ring victoriously. 

Vietnam Veteran Speaks Out On Veterans Day

It's been  over a half of a century since I waded through rice fields and jungles full of man traps and hidden NVA, and or VC.

(Photo taken in 1970. I was a combat engineer in the Army)

Since those days I've watched Vietnam veterans get vilified and eventually honored. It's been a wild ride.

When I think of Veterans Day I think about why members of our military must always be prepared to sacrifice their lives for freedom. To preserve the union.

As a veteran I want to see unity in this country.

Millions of men and women have died preserving our rights and freedoms for all Americans. 

Instead we have red and blue states living in two different realities. Talking about a second civil war.

We can honor living veterans by showing them this country can be unified under the Constitution. That we all believe in the same basic human values.

When right-wing jerks call for uprisings against our government they are dishonoring every man and women in the military.

If you want to honor a veteran today...come together peacefully and show you care about our veterans by acting to preserve our union.

In Search Of Holiday Spirit: Can't We Just Get Along To Celebrate?

I don't know about you, but I've yet to see any holiday spirit spreading across the country.

The toxic hate and fear that's been infused into our society from a combination of the pandemic and Trump still denying he lost the 2020 election, has been devastating for most Americans mental health.

The country is torn between two tribes - the red and the blue - who see each other as sworn enemies. We don't have a functioning Congress, despite the recent passage of the infrastructure bill.

Sadly, a lot of people don't feel there's anything to celebrate this Thanksgiving or Christmas. That our country has gone down a rabbit hole so deep we're facing an authoritarian government in the near future.

Growing up I remember how different these holidays were and the universal joy and tidings of peace across the nation. The holiday spirit was tangible. You could feel it in crowds and holiday activities from coast-to-coast.

It was a time when we didn't talk about red and blue states, or the possibility of a second civil war. It was a time when families set their differences aside to celebrate the seasons.

Peace. Forgiveness. Unity in spirit. The feeling we were one America once gave us comfort. 

I'm hoping for a holiday miracle this year.

That people are able to shrug off the hate and fear flowing through conversations and come together to celebrate. 

Life is too short not to recognize the good things around us. To celebrate. To pray together. To understand anything is possible with unity, and understanding. Happy holidays!

Biden's Bipartisan Bill Passes House Restoring Hope For Democrats

Finally.

Joe Biden was able to prove his credentials as a negotiator, coming away with the biggest infrastructure bill in history.

Somehow he was able to break the impasse between the moderates and progressives in the party and broker the deal of a lifetime.

Give Biden credit for this accomplishment. Political pundits were predicting the bill would never get passed because the Democrats weren't unified.

Biden's final push to get the bill into the end zone was motivated by what happened in Virginia when Democrat McAauliffe lost the governor's race to Republican Glenn Youngkin.

Democrats went into a panic mode afterward, because they were sure that Virginia was a blue state and they should have won. The possibility of a red tide in the midterms left the party shaken to its roots.

When Joe Biden's infrastructure plan got the green light last night, there was a collective sigh of relief. Now, Democrats will have something to run on next year.

The tide is turning. Trump and his minions have been thwarted from blocking this major legislation. 

The economy also got good news yesterday when over 500,000 new jobs were created in October - exceeding predictions. The stock market hit a new historical high.

Look for Biden's poll ratings to go up in the coming months as millions of Americans get relief during this pandemic. More jobs will be created to rebuild our crumbling infrastructure.

Trump Justice Lackey Doesn't Cooperate With Jan. 6 House Select Committee Today

A foreboding forecast for future hearings seems likely after today.

Members of the Jan. 6 House Select Committee met with former Trump Justice official Jeffrey Clark for 90 minutes.

It was a waste of time.

Clark and his attorney walked out of the room several times and refused to answer any questions. End of story.

All the buildup on how the committee would hold Trump and his minions to task if they didn't cooperate was a mirage. Maybe it was just hopeful thinking expressed out loud.

What's particularly frustrating is Clark wasn't even one of the insurrectionists claiming executive privilege while ignoring subpoenas. His resistance will probably be the template for future Trumpies called to testify.

I'm seriously wondering if this select panel can get anyone to testify. 

After the Senate Judiciary Committee shared it's report on how Trump and his allies pressured the DOJ to overturn the 2020 election, the pivotal figure who emerged was Clark.

Yet, he gave the select committee the finger and proudly left the building. 

I don't know for sure, but I suspect Clark just kept claiming his 5th Amendment rights to keep his flap shut, and that short-circuited any fact-finding. 

So...where does that leave the committee's investigation?

Between Trump's stonewalling in the courts and minions perfectly happy to lie for him, the prospect of the committee accomplishing it's goal get dimmer by the day.

All the Republicans have to do is stall for time and gamble that they'll get the House back in the midterms. If that happens the committee shrivels up and lands in history's dustbin of good intentions.

I feel like our democracy is slip-sliding away under the authoritarian assault from Trump and his cult followers. 

May God have mercy on this republic.