Garbage

It's here. The day we determine the kind of nation we are. If we decide to support a sexual predator, a lying racist bigot, an unhinged lunatic, then I will agree with trump for one. We are garbage. Vote Kamala and save the country. Where are you Americans for Reason and Truth?

To All Dads

Imagine what you'd do if your daughter told you she was sexually assaulted? My bet is your anger and reaction would be to protect at all costs your beautiful little girl. Running for President is a convicted sexual predator. Where are you Americans for Reason and Truth?

Tariffs

Tariffs raise prices so if you vote for trump because you don't like high costs, you simply are not smart.

Where are you Americans for Reason and Truth?

We

Unapologetically trump has now said "we" when referring to insurrectionists. As such, if you support him, you too are an insurrectionist. Where are you Americans for Reason and Truth?

Judgement

We want a President who uses good judgement. The secret Service told trump that it is very poor judgement to play an unscheduled round of golf. But he did it anyway? Judgement?

Where are you Americans for Reason and Truth?

Who Surrounds Him

Judge a person by who he/she surrounds him/herself with.

Look at trump's crew.

Where Are you Americans for Reason and Truth?

Treason

Treason is when a former President who encouraged a coup, runs for re election while bashing our President and applauds a dictator. That is my definition of treason. Where are you Americans for Reason and Truth?

The Anti Semitic Fraudster trump

Candace Owens to attend trump fundraiser. She is a devout anti Semite and Hitler apologist.

Where are you Americans for Reason and Truth?

The Kindler Gentler trump.

LMAO.

Where are you Americans for Reason and Truth?

A Threat to Democracy

Donald Trump is a threat to Democracy. Where are you Americans for Reason and Truth?

Political violence

Ask a Republican tonight, whose condemning political violence, what January 6th was?

Where are you Americans for Reasons and Truth?

A Resignation??

Imagine Biden resigning. Harris elevates immediately. Shows her chops. Elevates Buttigieg to Veep. They govern for six months and run as incumbents. Biden is heroic. Dems kick that piece of shit to the curb. Landslide. Where are you Americans for Reason and Truth?

Chill Out

We have a mechanism in this country for easily replacing a dead or severely ill President. We have a 25 th amendment. We have a highly competent Veep. If G-d forbid something happened we will be fine. A corpse is better than a rabid animal. Chill out and vote Biden. Where are you Americans for Reason and Truth?

Slipping Away J6

trump is successfully making J6 into a nothing burger and those who participated, innocent victims. The hearings are long finished and his lies about his culpability go unchecked. Dems are letting that horror slip away.

Outrageous fukking failure.

Where are you Americans for Reason and Truth? 

Why I won't Be Watching

donald trump is a despicable human being. A liar, a convicted sex offender, a racist bigot and self serving treasonous thug. He sickens my stomach. I cannot look at him without getting ill. In addition, I cannot bear the agony of media coverage looking for a gaffe, a stutter, or an insignificant move or look. It just doesn't help my mental health. Vote Biden and show the world that character and results matter. Where are you Americans for Reason and Truth.

Worse and Worse and Worse

His language is more Hitleresque. His views more dangerous. His mental acuity in question every day. His obsession with autocratic tendencies has taken over his soul and the soul of unbelievably delusional zealots that support him and a once proud political party has crumbled into oblivion. He is a sexual predator, a fraudster and a liar. But we want him? We are getting worse and worse and worse. Where are you Americans for Reason and Truth,?

Even worse than trump

Never doubt for a moment that the single worst person in the world as it relates to our country is Mitch McConnell. He orchestrated the takeover of the court. He could have allowed 6 Senators to vote for removal. He is responsible for the madness. Never doubt it. Where are you Americans for Reason and Truth.

But it's Math

In 2020 America decided that an insurrectionist racist maniac deserved one term. Things have only gotten worse with his character and lunacy. So mathematically, how can he win? All these people who despised him then are now in love? Where are you Americans for Reason and Truth?

What did he do Wrong?

I'm wondering what President Biden specifically did, so wrong, that a proven sexual predator and fraud perpetrator indicted for overthrowing the government and stealing government property is a better choice. Where are you Americans for Reason and Truth?

Sick Loser

Speaker Johnson is a sick, demented loser of dangerous dimensions in his being,  supporting a devil. Where are you Americans for Reason and Truth.

Putin Puppet. Get ready.

Putin puppet announced that he would allow Russia to attack NATO allies after lying about the finances of NATO.

Where are you Americans for Reason and Truth?

It's Very Simple

It's very simple. If the President is not losing it, he has to show us. I don't think he is, personally, but the issue is out there. Show us, don't hide. That makes it worse. And, if it's true, he better bow out before a calamity of epic proportions hits our country. Where are you Americans For Reason and Truth?

Memory

Nikki Haley is not Nancy Pelosi. Where are you Americans for Reason and Truth?

Remove your Head from Your Ass

The average citizen, set in their support for a monster is simply unwilling and perhaps unable, to sift through information and see the truth. For them, laziness prevails. Whatever their fuhrer says is fine. But, Democrats were willing to do what Republicans wanted from them. A bill that combined aid and border security. Solely because a demonic, inhuman thug said not to help their country because only he should be allowed to, like mice, rats actually, they ignored their country. Their ignorance is deadly for their country. Morons, get your heads out of your ass. Teach your children not to be imbeciles. Where are you Americans for Reason and Truth?

The Party For Secure Borders.

Believe what you will, but the party of strong borders is the Democratic as we watch Republicans deliberately tank the bill by direction of fuhrer trump. Sick sick traitorous animals.

Where are you Americans for Reason and Truth.

Uncle Tom 2024

Such an awful, disrespectful term, but appropriate for disgraceful Senator Tim Scott, a black man, too cowardly and pathetic to criticize trump, a racist lying animal in my opinion. Senator, I care that a candidate for President defamed and assaulted a woman. Don't tell me Americans don't care. You are pathetic and yes, the modern day Uncle Tom. Where are you Americans for Reason and Truth?

Wins

Another win....Biden is not a rapist

 Trump is, according to the Judge. A jury said trump committed sexual assault. Another Biden win.

Where are you Americans for Reason and Truth.

Wins

Never in my lifetime has someone with win after win been demonized and rewarded with declining support. Yes, President Biden. I will keep listing the wins in an effort to give him the support he desperately deserves. A record 21 million people have gotten healthcare through the Affordable Care Act marketplaces with more affordable premiums. That's a "big f****ing deal." A win. Where are you Americans for Reason and Truth?

Public Relations Failure

The Republican strategy....let's have 2 impeached men run against each other. Muddy the waters. Make the issues seem equivalent. Lie about Biden successes and call him feeble. The public relations failures of the Biden team are catastrophically bad. How they can lose the message vs subhuman scum is unfriggin real. Fix it or else. Where are you Americans for Reason and Truth?

We need you.....please

https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/voices/2023/11/20/antisemitism-jewish-experience-israel-hamas-war/71518720007/

A Vessel For Hate

The most recent former President is leading in polls. Yes he is.. This is despite some extraordinary realities about him as a man. 91 charges from insurrection to tax fraud and as Biden continues to preside over a successful economy, an historic pandemic recovery, an improved manufacturing result, hundreds of infrastructure improvements and demonstration of competent foreign policy chops, his deficit against a madman grows. The former President is frankly a vessel for hate, for racism, for xenophonia, for lies, for bigotry, for division, for business fraud, for the lowest common denominator of human frailty. He has no policy position, no moral compass, no instinct for decency or honor. Yet, he leads. This is more a reflection of what our country really stands for I suppose. To allow such a demon to survive politically and to see supporters of his depravity thrive makes us a very failed, inadequate society. Shame on us. One year to fix. We may be too late. Where are you Americans for Reason and Truth?

Good for Christie

I am a NJ resident and not a fan of former Governor Christie, but he isn't crazy. And he can't be bullied. And he is smart. So, if he ever became POTUS I wouldn't lose sleep about the existential threats to our Democracy. All I care about is him beating the living crap (figuratively) out of the demon who left us sick to die. Where are you Americans for Reason and Truth?

A Democratic Message Calamity

I don't know what will happen today. If I had to guess, I'd say a split decision with some deniers winning in States that will have continuous electoral schemes to destroy D votes. I'd say trump will spin it all about him but in reality, he will have prevented a massive wipeout because there are still enough of us who are finished with his bullshit. However, the fact that Dems may lose much power in January is a testament to the disgraceful inadequacies of their public relations and messaging folks. Jaime Harrison has been a collosal failure and the attempt by Jayapal to move to the extreme left have fallen on deaf ears and fractured the party. Abortion, insurrection, job creation, manufacturing, infrastructure, Social Security, Medicare, trump rallies are gifts to the Democrats who once again have squandered any ability to seize on these opportunities. Instead, they are being Willie Hortoned again. They just can't anticipate what every thinking Democrat knows. Republicans will never change their playbook. How stupid the party is. I am blue through and through but party messaging is atrocious and should be vilified for its complete ineptitude. Where are you Americans for reason and truth? VOTE.

The MidTerms

First...forget the polls. Second...the media wants and needs a horse race. Third... the Dobbs decision has not gone away. Fourth...the 1/6 insurrection has not stopped as evidenced by Paul Pelosi. Fifth...Georgians are smarter than football and Walker. Sixth....Republicans really do want to cut our health benefits and senior safety net. Seventh...Kevin McCarthy is dangerously unintelligent. Eighth...Biden has been a consequential and successful President who did not cause Exxon's record profits but exposed how they feed on Main streets' troubles. Ninth...COVID is not ruling our lives. We have the tools, knowledge and medicine to keep us safe and live our lives thanks to a caring competent leader in 1600 P ave. Tenth...our Democracy really is at stake and trump has done and continues to do lasting damage. Only we can save our country. Vote Blue or else. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

The Law

11 trump associates have been convicted. 2 other felons were pardoned. Republicans were the lead witnesses against trump at the hearings and all legal challenges by the big liars have failed. And yet, if trump says it, legal or not, true or not, millions say ok. When the same is said of others, the response is, it's the law. The animal is guilty. No doubt. He is a very bad human being from every perspective. Supporters in Congress are cowardly pathetic sycophants. We either stand for law, or give up on our Democracy. There is no third choice. Where are you Americand for Reason and Truth?

If it Quacks Like A Duck

There has been a persistent drumbeat of negativity by our 5th Estate. This has helped depress poll numbers to uncomfortable levels for Biden and the Democrats. Maybe Dobbs will help but, here are some other truths. America ended its longest war. Killed the 911 masterind. Passed an infrastructure bill. Provided Covid relief and tools. Passed a Vet health bill. 3.5 unemployment. Climbing job numbers. Rallied NATO. About to pass Inflation Reduction Act. If it Quacks like a Duck. Where are you Americans For Reason and Truth?

Meaningless Dribble

We are the only nation on Earth with mass killings in schools and other places with the degree of shameful consistency. The pronouncements by both sides about thoughts and prayers are meaningless, irrelevant and insincere dribble. The absence of leadership, humanity and common sense gun control, supported by overwhelming numbers of Americans is a shameful blight on our gun obsessed, NRA dominated country. Even a moderate, sometimes sensible Mitt Romney received 10s of millions of NRA bucks. 6 Dems voted against a recent gun control law denying cloture. Once again, our government will stand by and watch the bloodshed. These were kids you animals.

Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

The Republican Platform

Fight with Mickey Mouse because of his tolerance.

Raise taxes on Orlando, Florida.

Stop food at the border to raise prices and cause spoilage.

Sunset medicare, medicaid and Social Security.

Take away the right to vote from minorities through blatant gerrymandering.

Control a woman's body.

Support Insurrection.

Where are you Americans for Reason and Truth.

Pandemic Response.

First post in awhile. Kind of burnt out.

President Biden has ramped up vaccines and made them free and available. He has promoted boosters. He has made masks available for free. He has made at home kits free and mailing a few to our homes. He has worked with big pharma to distribute vaccines worldwide and to make treatment drugs available. He convenes bipartisan meetings with Governors to address covid response needs. He has distributed billions of dollars in recovery aid to states. He has worked to keep schools open.

He has tried to put mandates in place that would keep us safer pushing against all odds. He addresses the reality of the virus and tries every minute of every day to help us defeat it. Donald Trump denied the seriousness of the virus, divided the country with conspiracy advocacy and recommended we drink bleach. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

The Guvs

What has happened to our Governors in this country? Let's look at the 4 largest States accounting for one third of America. 2 Democrats and 2 Republicans. Gavin Newsome has to run in a recall election. In the midths of a health crisis handled well initially, he goes out publicly to dine with rich donors. Gregg Abbott is trying to keep Texans from voting and trying to stop public health safety measures as cases explode. Andrew Cuomo's abusive behaviors and questionable book release to feed his ego will likely destroy him. Ron DeSantis cannot find any more room up trump's rear end and wants to stop the pay of School Superintendents who try and protect children. I could cite at a least a dozen more examples from smaller States too but the point has been made. I don't know about you, but we can do better. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

The Obama Problem

I believe Obama was a transformative President, mostly for the good of our country. Certainly more humane and dignified than his successor, whose hate, racism and lies will be the foundation for a big chunk of our country for decades to come, posing a real existential threat to our Democracy. BUT Obama blew it big time as party leader. He de emphasized down ballot elections in States all across the country. His low prioritization of party building at the grass roots is manifesting itself in voter suppression laws that are legally being passed by legitimately elected Republican state legislatures. For that, he deserves condemnation and publicized accountability for that failure. To the victor goes the spoils. Congress can step in with national voter rights laws but they probably wont. Too bad. If Dems cannot do that, perhaps we don't deserve the mantle of leadership. Where are you Americans for Reason and truth?

Easy Call

Fourteenth Amendment 

• Section 3

  No Person shall be a Senator or Representative in Congress, or elector of President and Vice-President, or hold any office, civil or military, under the United States, or under any State, who, having previously taken an oath, as a member of Congress, or as an officer of the United States, or as a member of any State legislature, or as an executive or judicial officer of any State, to support the Constitution of the United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof. But Congress may by a vote of two-thirds of each House, remove such disability.

• Where are you Americans for Reason and Truth

Civic Illiteracy

I taught American Government for many years. I would expect that of the thousands of students I tried to impact, most would know that the Bill of Rights and Constitution protect us against Government intrusion. These documents do not say "Facebook shall make no law". They would know, unlike the recently elected Auburn's football coach, that the Senate is not the third branch of Government. They would also know that speech leading to a "clear and present danger" vis a vis Schenck 1919, is not protected speech. One reason why Wednesday's historic day, an act of domestic terror, instigated by a President and his enablers took hold, was because our citizenry is void of good civic education. The rioters do not know what our founders created. They do not read. They do not look at the inconveniences of truth. They are dangerously gullible. Political differences will always exist, but when outrageous lies are told, received by an ill informed and uneducated population, those differences evolve into the kind of insurrection we painfully witnessed. trump's arrival was not promulgated by an informed and literate group of voters, it exists and was activated by those who prey on our collective lack of knowledge about our democracy. Civic Illiteracy may prove to be the most alarming thing about our country. Educators.....beware.

Where are you Americans for Reason and Truth?

It's Always About Race

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

American Exceptionalism

Starting in October many Americans cast their votes at early voting sites, through mailing their ballots or voting in person on Election Day. The choice was driven by an out of control pandemic and 50 individual State election laws. There was no violence, no abnormal gliches, and a record number of votes cast and counting continues. As expected, it's taking a little longer because of the volume of mailed ballots. There is no evidence of fraud and the American people will except the results regardless of the media coverage of the usual angry suspects. This truly is what makes us exceptional as a democracy. Nothing requires a concession speech, that's only a matter of tradition. If the incumbent loses and it's likely, should he choose not to vacate the WH premises in January, the Rock, Arnold, Col.Vindman and Hillary will happily show him the door. Yes. We are exceptional. Where are you Americans for Reason and Truth.

What Joe Biden Has Not Done

Joe Biden has not been hiding in a basement. Joe Biden has not contracted Covid 19. Joe Biden has not tried to humiliate his opponents' children. Joe Biden has not mocked science. Joe Biden has not embraced racist actions.  Joe Biden has not bullied and attacked those who disagreed with him. Joe Biden has not paid a porn star to be quiet about a sexual encounter. Joe Biden has not made fun of disabled people. Joe Biden has not called scientists and doctors idiots. Joe Biden has not used the Bible as a prop. Joe Biden has not tear gassed innocent protesters. Joe Biden has not caged children and stolen them from their parents. Joe Biden has not infected people with a virus. Joe Biden has not complemented Kim Jung Un. Joe Biden has not disgraced our military. Joe Biden has not lied about his taxes. Joe Biden has not pretended that 230000 Covid deaths are a good result. Joe Biden has not made fun of respected Dr. Fauci. Joe Biden has not tried to slow mail by hiring a campaign donor to deliver it. Joe Biden has not supported unproven health remedies. Joe Biden has not mocked the dead. Joe Biden has not tried to suppress the vote.  Joe Biden has not deliberately tried to stoke fear and division in our country. Joe Biden has not denied global warming. Joe Biden has not embraced left wing socialist ideology.  Joe Biden has not been impeached. I will not attempt to convince any trump supporter that their guy is a person of failed character, deserving of the greatest punishment that justice can impart. It is folly to do so. I will hope that my country makes the right choice. Decency over party. Truth over lies. Kindness over hate. Judge them on what they haven't done. Character means something. Let's set an example for our children. You can argue over your tax cuts and Courts in the future.

Where are you Americans for Reason and Truth?

To Republicans

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2020/10/20/lincoln-project-oped-republicans-stand-up-for-america/

Sympathy For The Devil

I was listening to old Rolling Stones and heard "Sympathy For The Devil". It reminded me of President trump and his Covid 19 infection. Now as any good human would, I am not wishing him harm or worse. I will not, however, feel an ounce of sympathy while he gets the best socialized medicine our country offers and his contribution for that care is next to nothing. trump lied about the virus, mocked the wearing of masks, touted unproven and dangerous remedies, knowingly infected people since we now know he was infected before his NJ fundraiser. He participated regularly in superspreader events and his mismanagement of the crisis has cost 210000 lives and rising. The virus still takes about 800 people a day and new cases are rising to an average of 45000 a day. He has denied the virus effects in public while boasting of his deliberate action of playing it down. He has denied science, sidelined experts and politicized public health. He is actively pursuing the repeal of the ACA and has lied about a replacement. I could go on. Do I wish him a full recovery? I guess so. But sympathy for this devil? Sorry, No. Where are you Americans for Reason and Truth. Vote.

You can Whine or you can Vote.

Mitch McConnell is motivated and obsessed by nothing else other than the rightward direction of the court. If you have a pulse you would know this. Therefore his actions from Obama through trump are neither surprising nor hypocritical. Truth is not a tactic. Hypocrisy is not a policy or a direction.

Republicans control the Senate and all the whining, yelling and crocodile tears does not change that fact at least until January 2021. This upcoming confirmation should be the greatest motivator for Democratic voters in modern electoral history. Vote for a Democratic Congress and President if you want to control the levers of power and be as aggressive as Republicans in supporting issues of importance. Climate change, Healthcare, Covid assistance, science, economic equality and opportunity, women's rights, civil rights. Stop Whining. Just VOTE.

Where are you Americans for Reason and Truth.

It will Count

As long as your mail in vote is postmarked by Election Day, it will be counted. States, not the Federal Government, determine their election process. Nothing that mr trump says on the matter will change that.

Where are you Americans for Reason and Truth?

So What?

Today, there are 60 plus million voters saying..."So what.". So what if he lies about the seriousness of the disease. So what that he mocked masks knowing they'd protect us. So what if he dodged the draft and called the fallen, suckers and losers. So what if he said bleach might rid us of Covid. So what if he promised new healthcare for all 3 weeks ago. So what if he stokes fear while saying he doesn't want to panic us. So what, so what, so what. But her emails? And Biden is senile  in a basement taking guidance from Antifa. Where are you Americans for Reason and Truth. 

Denial

66 percent of America, according to FOX and Gallup polls rate the President as dishonest. OK, so he lies, his supporters say and so do all politicians so big deal. And Biden has dementia and lives in his basement and is directed by Antifa terrorists who throw cans of soup at police claiming it's their food. (President said this, not me). The President got 4 bone spur deferments to avoid Vietnam. Well so did liberal deserters and others who left for Canada. No big deal. None of the Presidents' kids served a day in service to our country but Beau wasn't killed and Hunter was on drugs and got kicked out. John McCain, a war hero and Republican candidate in 08 was called a loser and mocked for being captured, by the President. So what. McCain saved Obamacare and was against torture.

The Khan parents were made fun of by the President in 16 having lost a son to war. Big deal. It was a campaign and the mother didn't speak up. And they are Muslims. The Atlantic monthly reports on trump's comments about fallen ww1 vets as being losers and that no one wants amputees in military parades. It's OK we know he lies and his denials are just him being him. Also,  I ask, why make fun of dementia. Really?

Where are You Americans for Reason and Truth.

It's A Strategy

Politics as they say is hardball. From the Willie Horton ad to "lock her up". What we are witnessing now is a deliberate strategy designed to use race again as a tactic of fear. Forget the fact of the many crises that have been mismanaged or lied about. That's for you to assess. Now, however, the purposeful starving of States for Covid relief funds is a political attempt to frustrate large cities, spur some violence and show images of lots of black and brown people, those with different eyes and accents that are often the center of any large urban area. Keep financial assistance away from their homes and flames are lit. It's a strategy. Where are you Americans for Reason and Truth?

President Houdini

Harry Houdini was a famous escape artist know for spectacular events where he could challenge police to keep him shackled or to put himself inside water filled milk containers with handcuffs and getting out without drowning. The current President is very much like Houdini having escaped the IRS, Removal, Access Hollywood tapes, mocking disabled people, lying about treatments for Covid, ignoring the real pain of the virus and on and on. I figure there are 62 million voters that will continue to allow his escapes from responsibility, from truth and from decency. They will rally around the false narrative and disrespect of Biden as a demented fool. They will rally around FOX news and its 3 nightly horror shows and they will rally around a new caravan, scaring us about black people in our cities and soon to be destroyed suburbs, hoping white "housewives" will repel the left wing extremist Antifa rabblerousing Democrats. Ok. Good for them. Houdini is dead. Hopefully so too will be the trump Presidency. He's no Houdini. Where are you Americans for Reason and Truth?

Nasty

Whenever the current 

occupant of the White House is faced with a strong woman he brings out his playbook. "She's Nasty".

Really? Where are you Americans For Reason and Truth?

Assumption Racism

Joe Biden will be picking a Veep candidate and his choice will not alter my Presidential voting decision in the least. I am however disturbed by something and that is a less discussed form of racism. I call it Assumption Racism. Many assume that people are unable to support candidates based on views but only based on race. 100 leading black leaders are saying that blacks will only be enthused about voting if Biden picks a black woman. That offends me. Blacks do not vote in lock step with that view any more than whites who voted for Obama, or whites who voted against him based on policy, not race. To assume this about a group of people implies prejudicial and yes, racist attitudes. Amongst black voters, in fact, Senator Warren's positions actually poll higher than do any of the black candidates. I'm not saying whom I support but I am saying that Assumption Racism is insulting to the black voter.

Where are you Americans for Reason and Truth.

Schools Can Open If.....

In the middle of a nationally uncontrolled pandemic, the clamor to open schools has entered the realm of politics. A disgraced CDC and it's feckless director can no longer be believed. If you really want schools to open it can happen if:

-Classroom spaces with real 8 ft. distance on all sides are provided.

-Student schedules are put in place with minimal to no movement from class to class occuring. This means bring back tracking...sorry education gurus.

-New high tech desks with plastic see through all around inserts and disinfectant wipes,, tissues, gloves and masks supplied and replenished within built in compartments.

-Triple Custodial and Nursing positions to provide twice an hour cleaning and to reach testing protocols.

-One full day school cleaning meaning all remote at least one day a week.

-PPE provided to all staff daily along with twice weekly Covid tests for students and staff.

-Elimination of close contact activities and classes or complete revision of affected curriculum to provide social distance learning with Chorus. band, theatre, Physical Ed. etc

-Remodeling of staff break areas to insure social distance and hygiene guidelines, toilets, refrigerators etc can be to the highest health standards.

-Prepacked lunches for students distributed with social distance and mask standards in place.

-Eliminate assemblies and replace with high tech school zoom/communication systems in place.

-No class trips

This is a start but the costs will never be funded. I guess you are on your own. Remember that we love our students and staff. Health first. Where are you Americans for Reason and Truth?

The Right Way To Open School

I wouldn't ask a florist to perform heart surgery nor a carpenter to be my wedding planner. Training and expertise matter. I therefore would not ask a politician to decide on reopening school unless they were a former teacher or school expert with something credible to say. We should not be surprised that the least competent Secretary of Education and anti public school advocate in history and the demonic idiot she serves are putting students, parents and staff in the middle of a political war during a raging health crisis without regard for their health. We must hope that the thousands of smart minds running public school systems can ignore the noise, the threats, the inaccuracies and the bluster and plan for a safe reopening of school. We cannot look for a one size fits all approach. The reopening plans should run the gamut from a hybrid of remote/in class to a full reopen to full remote. It depends on how you merge the realities of the spreading virus with the essential public health requirements, building capacities and financial flexibility of each district. All 13000 school districts are planning for the new school year but must reflect on their geography, their infrastructure and their local realities. It's easy to create another us vs. them war...those who want to open school and those against it. That is a false and totally dangerous narrative. It's only used by trump to stoke more hatred and division. It won't work. I am a retired educator and Board of Ed member so this issue is near and dear to me. I know that the expertise, professionalism and common sense of the vast majority of educators is up to the task. Knee jerk reactions and political interference will not work. Let the educators and public health officials do their jobs. The rest should just go under a tree and read a book.

Where are you Americans For Reason and Truth?

Mass(k) Confusion.

Let's say you are a MAGA hat wearing supporter of the President. He has told you masks are not manly, they show weakness and the virus has only affected15 people going to zero. Then it was that the virus is only for the old. Then it was it won't kill more than 75000. Then it was, we have to open, the virus will just go away. Then it was the Governor's are handling it great. Then it was Dr. Fauci makes a lot of mistakes. You've bought into it all. You've listened and reacted hook, line and sinker. You worship him. Now yesterday, he wore a mask. Are you confused? Are you less of a man? 

Where are you Americans for Reason and Truth?

trump Math

Math is useful whether you like the subject or not. Numbers do not lie. trump has the support of 40 percent of likely voters. This group is 53 percent men 94 percent who are white. 73 percent are non college grads. 47 percent are women 92 percent who are white and 68 percent non college. These numbers have been gathered from a selection of polls and may not be completely representative of real numbers. That leaves the rest of us. If you do the math, it looks like he is a goner. So how does trump math work? Restrain mail in ballots to reduce the educated participation. Pass draconian voter ID laws in red states to suppress minority votes. Scare suburban white women about Antifa kidnappers coming for their kids so they stay inside on election day. Lie about Covid 19 death numbers calling the lost lives fake corpses and use the three fifths compromise to only count 60 percent of the black vote claiming that one man one vote is not real getting AG Barr to issue such an advisory. It just may work.

Where are you Americans for Reason and Truth?

The Old Playbook

In 1987 George Herbert Walker Bush was down in the polls against Massachusetts liberal Michael Dukakis. He dusted off the old Nixon playbook, the Southern strategy and his race baiting Willie Horton ad turned the tables. Be afraid of mean looking black rapists released from jail. It worked. He went on to be our President. In 2020, we again are seeing and experiencing the remnants of racism in this country. This time the incumbent, down in the polls is going full on hate. Good Nazis, heroic Confederate traitors, left wing Antifa, encouraging police roughness, extremist lefties aligned with Pantheresque dark people. The same old playbook. If you don't want it to work again, you better vote. Where are you Americans for Reason and Truth?

From Russia With Love

How do Americans support the denial and credibility of the former director of the KGB over the CIA? Is there a MAGA explanation for that? Or an invitation to rejoin the G7 to a country that invaded Ukraine against our interests? Is there a MAGA explanation for that? Or the financing by Russia, the killing of coalition forces as reported by the Wall Street Journal. Is there a MAGA explanation for that? I am just asking. I'd like to make an informed decision.

Where are you Americans for Reason and Truth.

Why Won't They Listen?

I am a left of center citizen. I am educated, generous and accepting of different points of view. I never disrespect a person just because their views differ from mine. It does however produce incredible sadness in me to know that there remains a substantial number of my fellow Americans who just don't listen. Forget partisan differences related to size of government, taxation and originalist vs flexible interpretations of our Constitution. Whereas these are viable, relevant and acceptable points for debate, the non listeners will not accept the most basic, human and decent elements of reality. Masks work. Bleach should not be ingested. The virus did not magically go away. There is no caravan of rapists on our border. Confederate monuments do not represent America, they represent secessionist states. North Korea is not reducing it's nuclear arsenal. Telling 20,000 lies as a President is not a good thing. Trying to deflate real numbers during a health crisis is not safe. Encouraging people to rally in hot spots is not good policy. Trying to take health care away during a health crisis is mean without a replacement. Lying about mail in voting while voting by mail is disingenuous and isolating scientific experts in the name of a political campaign is dangerous. Applauding autocrats, ignoring the opinions of intelligence experts and antagonizing allies is unhelpful. Using racist language, encouraging violence and creating division is hurtful to our nation's principles. Still, they won't listen. Vote.

Where are you Americans for Reason and Truth?

Good Government

Many people rail against government. It's too big. My taxes are too high. I don't want government telling me what to do EXCEPT when it affects them. Then, they love government. When it finds you a job (New Deal) or protects your health and retirement (ACA, SS and Medicare), or helps rebuild your home after a hurricane or gives you incentives and loopholes to avoid taxes. Then you love government. Most of the animosity comes from those who actually rely on it the most. Statistically those states who are most likely to be red, take a larger proportion of Federal aid than what they contribute but are the loudest in railing against government. BUT, it is functioning good government that should be debated and demanded. This is what is most important. Government that works, that cares, that makes a difference. What we are seeing now is BAD government. 3 months into a pandemic that has affected us all, we are seeing the worst case counts so far. Why? Bad government. We need Good government. One with leadership, compassion and truth. Wear a fukking mask. Where are you Americans for Reason and Truth?

The New Normal? What's that even mean?

Today, Memorial Day, will likely mark the 100 thousandth Covid 19 death in America. Notwithstanding the utter failure, inhumanity and denial of our President in the handling of this crisis, a lot of dialogue about a new normal is being had. What does that really mean? If anyone tells you they know, they are drinking bleach. We don't know when or if an effective vaccine is coming. We don't know the level of a fall surge. We don't know (yet) how reopening measures will affect the health care institutions. We don't know if positive antibody results protect you from a reoccurance. We don't know how children reexposed to each other will handle the virus. We don't know which underlying conditions give certainty to the virus strength in your body. These are just the tip of the iceberg. We do know that masks work to mitigate spread. We do know that drinking bleach or disinfectant is not a good idea. We do know that hydroxychloroquine can cause fatal heart arythmias. We do know that lengthy crowding in closed spaces causes viral spread. We do know that fresh air, exercise and social distancing work in controlling the virus. We do know that 

Scientists, Doctors and Researchers know more about viruses than do politicians. And, we do know that a healthy, careful and science based population can restore economic growth quicker than any tweet or reckless recommendation. The New normal? Beats me. Where are you Americans for Reason and Truth.

He Deserves It

He is a bad guy. A bully, a liar and a cheat. His whole life has been built on a narcissistic self promotion narrative and on the backs of others' misfortune. As President he has violated his oath to protect and defend the Constitution and no matter what his supporters say, he is just not worthy of the office he holds. He may not be removed by a feckless sycophantic Senate, but he deserves the historic rebuke that will be delivered by the peoples' House. Only 2 before him have suffered such a repudiation. He will go down in history as deserving of the pain and insult he will receive just like how he piles onto others. Merry Impeachment Donald. Wear the mantle of scorn with dishonor and shame. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Not a Close Call

I am far from a genius. I am no better than you. I do, however, understand our Constitution. I taught it, I went to school to learn about it up through and including graduate courses and I keep a copy of it at my disposal at all times. It is not a close call regarding trump's continuous violation of his oath to defend it. No matter what your political party affiliation is, take a breath, be honest, pretend it was Obama if you are a Republican, and clear your mind of spin. trump has refused to execute existing law. He has obstructed Congressional authority for spending. He has held aid back from an ally for political gain. He is colluding with jurors at a possible trial. He has set policy for personal financial gain. He has instructed people to defy subpoenas and he has obstructed an investigation into an enemy attack on our democracy. Not a close call. Where are you Americans for reason and truth? Impeach.org for a rally near you.

There was a time

There was a time in America where bullying a child, making fun of a disabled person, lying, being a hateful, indecent piece of human trash, would be viewed as bad. No more. The New America. Welcome. Brown people not welcome. Education is not needed. Only wealth matters. Health Care is a privilege. Debate and compromise are gone. Indecency is our new motto. Hate your enemies. Ignore the law. Rip up the Constitution. Love Russia. Ignore truth. Yes folks, this is our country. What a shame. Where are you Americans for Reason and truth. Go to impeach.org and rally for how we used to be.

All this winning

Mexico has not paid one cent for a border wall. Manufacturing at a 10 year low. GDP growth is half of what was promised. North Korea is expanding it's nuclear program, calling djt a dotard. Love letters? Iran is enriching uranium. No Middle East plan. 11 million additional uninsured Americans. Record defecits. Lifespan of Americans declined. Small farmer bankruptcies on the rise. Trade war getting worse and not so easy to win. 6 child deaths in detention facilities. Coal mines closing with no new coal jobs as promised. Air and water more polluted according to government agencies as a result of deregulation. No plan to address Dreamers. Still in Afghanistan. Hate crimes quadrupled. No sensible gun legislation in the face of mass shootings. Have I mentioned Impeachment?...nope Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Still Not Enough?

What I don't get is that regardless of what this man does, the Republicans don't see him as an existential threat. One day he'll be gone and where will the party be? Left as the representatives of indecency, immorality, racism and injustice? Is that what they want? Imagine a KasichHaley2020 ticket where they ran on Conservatism and Decency. Wavering Republicans, angry and embarrassed would vote for that ticket. The party would be saved. And still, they won't. I hope they stick by this cancer they have enabled, this filthy inhuman indecent thug. Stick by him Republicans, I beg you. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

The Un Constitution Moscow Mitch Style

It is crystal clear in the Constitution that Congress legislates and the Executive enforces. It is also clear that a President does not ever have the final word on law. NEVER. Our past greatness has always come from debate, disagreement and compromise. According to "Moscow Mitch" McConnell, these rules and realities need not apply. It is profoundly incorrect to hold up legislating because of what a President thinks. For that reason, Congress has override authority. People are getting killed by guns at alarming levels and the most vociferous 2nd amendment advocates want this debate to be in the open and supportive of sensible measures. McConnell's refusal to move forward by using the excuse that the President won't support it, is not only a dereliction of duty, but an insult to the founding principles of our nation. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Sick Children

The new policy from the current resident of 1600 Pennsylvania avenue is to deport children of immigrants of questionable status, who are receiving life saving medical care. These are children, sick children, who will die. The greatness of America? Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Garbage

When the current occupant of the White House ran for President, he ran against America. He said everything Obama touched turned to garbage. Today he criticizes his opponents for calling America garbage when in actuality that's a lie, they didnt, but who cares, right? The best way to express love for America is by debate, disagreement and free and fair elections. By this standard, trump hates America. Who stinks of the garbage? Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

The Sad Truth

Every time I watch the pundits after each trump action of hatred, I listen to them say "it's not who we are". Well folks, it is who we are. We elected him and may do so again. Until we eject him from power and hear decent elected officials call him out from his own party, this is America. We are the country that has brought him to power and nurtured his racism. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Air and Water

For six months this blog has been heading to the graveyard of blogs. It didn't quite make it. Its near death experience was precipitated by my deep sadness and despair over what has happened to my country. It is easy to scapegoat the current resident of 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. whose name I cannot utter without a peristaltic rage. There are others. A majority leader whose corruption mirrors the reckless cabinet of which his spouse is funneling money to his home state. A man who defies the will of the people by blocking every substantive piece of legislation coming from the People's House. Perhaps we should include the feckless cowardice of Mitt Romney or the hypocrisy of Susan Collins, or the abject fraudulence of Lindsay Graham or the news network that enables lies and promotes bigotry in the name of the President. All candidates for barnacles that feast on the muck and mire at the bottom of the sea. The daily lies, the prejudice and racism, the narcissistic and hateful vengeance, the denial of facts, science and truth, the self aggrandizement, the daily drumbeat of self congratulations, the incompetence and dangers coming from his aids and advisers, all weights upon my desire for expression. My psyche has been harmed, injured, battled and put on life support. BUT, it has not died. Not yet. What has brought it to life? Very simple. Air and Water. If you put everything aside about the man in the White House, everything, didn't follow politics at all, didn't care much about DC., but knew your air and water were under attack, you might say, maybe I should pay attention? For the first time in 40 years, the scientific community has issued non partisan reports that say our air and water are less safe and more polluted. The President's response in typical rally like fashion was that our air and water are the safest they have ever been under his Presidency. A lie, but who listens anymore? His further response due to his obsession with all things Obama, was to deregulate coal and end the Clean Energy initiatives of his predecessor adding to the dangers of drinking our water and breathing our air. This is what has caused this blog to arise from its near death experience. Perhaps next, we should care about Nazi marches in the streets of Florida when the polluter in chief held his re election rally. Just sayin. Where are you Americans for Reason and Truth?

A very bad ,sick, evil man.

"He was impatient, overly aggressive, overly dramatic. He acted on impulse. He tended to sensationalize the evidence he had. He would neglect to do the important homework and consequently would, on occasion, make challengeable statements" Roy Cohn. This is the same Roy Cohn who was a lawyer to the trump family. In the quote just cited, most relatively smart people, might think he was describing our current President. He was not, but he could have been. Instead, he was describing one of the most indecent, lying, dishonest, hateful thugs in American politics, Joseph McCarthy who better than most, could use lies, fear and demagoguery to seize upon the hate in the hearts of the ignorant and use to his political advantage. He had no match, until now. Donald trump, our President, is a darkly disturbed, evil manipulator of the truth, an ignorant fear mongering narcissist that cares not a hoot for our country or its people, other than those who blindly support him. He gladly supports policies that separate children from their parents in the name of security. He supports and fawns over obvious dictators who have no restraint from a free press and no concern for human dignity. He blames every dangerous situation of his own creation on others. He gladly supports the taking away of health care in the name of personal hatred of his predecessor. He gladly supports shuttering our government just to hang on to a campaign promise neither needed nor truthfully expressed. I can go on with similarly evil and mean spirited examples but the point has been made. Donald trump is simply an evil, bad, sick and darkly disturbed man. We either hold him accountable for his criminality, his mean spiritedness his indecency, or we don't. If we don't, we cease being the beacon of hope for all who value freedom, we disgrace our founding principles and we dishonor ourselves. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

What If?

On Tuesday, there will be millions of people who rely on Medicaid, pharmaceuticals, good roads, improved infrastructure, good schools, food assistance and healthcare that will willingly and actively support a political party that has vowed to reduce or take these benefits away from them and avoid spending money on needed improvements. This has been the case for a while, but this mid term election makes this stupidity even sadder and more dangerous than ever. These folks will vote for candidates that support massive tax benefits for the wealthy leaving very little for them. These are also people who are less educated and less informed than those who view things differently. In an effort to further solidify their loyalty, they are being scared to believe a massive invasion from the south, by darker skinned terrorists and lepers is coming to destroy their way of life. To these people I say, sorry for you. You are lost. To everyone else, you have witnessed a Presidency for the last two years that had doubled downed on racism, narcissism, lies, indecency and hate and many have stood by in the name of party loyalty. This Faustian bargain, however, has had an opposite effect in practice,for the many things that the Republicans told us they were about. Things like free trade, deficit control, family values, decency, stuff like that. These have been ignored. Very little of what traditionally comprised the Republican party has come to fruition and while this happened, we have been witness to one of the most corrupt, inhuman and indecent thugs ever to preside over our country. I wont continue. Instead, WHAT IF we honored the Constitution and put the desired checks and balances in place? What if we split government like in the past and reigned in this ignorant, narcissistic fool? WHAT IF we stopped our government from taking away healthcare, demonizing public education, cutting benefits to pay for the tax break for the wealthy and stopped the onslaught of lies and conspiracies? WHAT IF we returned to the values of decency, honor and truth? WHAT IF? We may actually feel better and begin to correct the mistakes of the past two years. Not if you sit on your ass we wont. VOTE BLUE. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

An accessory to Crimes

In law, if you aid and abet a crime, you are considered an accessory and subject to punishment in accordance with the law. Donald trump did not march with neo nazis in Charlottesvile. Donald trump did not mail the pipe bombs to his political opponents and Donald trump did not shoot and kill 11 Jewish worshippers in Pittsburgh. Donald trump did not shoot and kill the journalists at a Baltimore newspaper. Donald trump did say there were good people on both sides in Charlottesville thus sending a not so subtle message to white extremists that their behavior is acceptable. Donald trump did tell his supporters that Hillary Clinton should be locked up. Donald trump did say George Soros, a Jew, is leading a "globalist" agenda, a loud and well known dog whistle of anti Semitism. Donald trump did call the press the enemy of the people and applauded the violent body slamming of a journalist by an elected Republican member of the House. Anyone who denies that his words and his actions are not emboldening and giving a loud voice of acceptance to extremist, violent lunatics, is hiding from the truth. This President, like no other, is aiding and abetting the hate, the violence, the bigotry and racism we are seeing currently. As such, he is an accessory to these horrific acts of terror. Perhaps we should "lock him up"? Vote Blue, regardless of your political loyalties. It is about our soul, about decency, acceptance, respect and truth. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Anger

Psychologists will say, anger is destructive. It serves to only induce stress and cause us to react irrationally. trump is an example of such irrationality with his angry mob tweets as he deflects toward Democrats. trump has used anger to describe women unfavorably, you know that angry bitch stereotype. trump uses anger to induce fear such as drug running illegals crossing our open borders. He uses anger to stoke the uneducated to hate his opponents and lies non stop with angry tweets, anger against Muslims, NATO, allies, Mueller and on an on and on. However, I disagree that anger is a bad emotion. In fact, anger induces action and can create change. On November 6th, we should get angry, we should act, we should vote. If you do not like that children are separated from their parents, get angry and act. If you don't like your health being politically used to hurt you, get angry and act. If you don't like seeing women disrespected and ignored, get angry and act. If you don't like that trump supports and loves dictators while mocking our allies, get angry and act. If you don't like the direction of the Republican party that explodes deficits with unpopular tax cuts for the wealthy and promises to cut Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid blaming the elderly, the sick and the poor for such deficits, get angry and act. If you don't like the mocking of disabled people or those with darker skin, get angry and act. If you don't like corruption in our Cabinet or a political party that has forgotten its check and balance role, get angry and act. If you don't like the fact that a journalist can be hacked to death and your president does nothing about it other than support the murderers for some dollars, get angry and act. If you don't like lies about the economic issues facing the middle class, get angry and act. If you don't like America losing its prestige and influence around the world, get angry and act. If you don't like the fact that the president disrespects those who honor us at the Justice department and FBI and courts of law, protecting us against corruption, collusion and obstruction, get angry and act. If you think trump is an inhuman pig, deserving of all the contempt and hurt he so richly deserves, get angry and act. Anger can be good, it can be constructive, if used during desperate times. We are facing desperate times with a government that has chosen power over right, power over people and money over values. GET ANGRY, AND ACT. Vote Blue, Or Else. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

It was only High School...So what?

I am so sick and tired of those people who suggest that alleged sexual predatory behaviors in high school are just the raging hormones of young men acting out under the influence of alcohol. These idiots say, no big deal. Well it is a big deal. I am 64, retired, taught HS for years and I can tell you that groping women, forcing them to have sex against their will (rape) is neither normal nor epidemic. Most young men I know avoid such despicable and inappropriate behaviors. They know better, which makes those who do not, guilty of unacceptable actions that should not be easily forgotten or forgiven. I was in High school. I never considered violence or aggressiveness toward a young girl. I raised a son. He never considered such actions as normal. It is time to stand up against this cavalier approach to such behavior, real or alleged. These behaviors are abnormal, disgusting and outside the boundaries of adolescence and adulthood. If we succumb to such thoughts and normalize them on a long term basis, we will get more trumps and forget who we are as a human species. Brett Kavanaugh may be innocent, I doubt it, and he should be treated fairly on this matter, but Dr. Ford deserves to be heard and loud voices must condemn the prospect that this is or was normal adolescent high school behavior. IT IS NOT. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Not So Fast

If you despise trump, as I do, you might feel like gloating. This was by all accounts a bad week for him. Talk about the mid terms and the dimming prospects of continued Republican control may boost the spirits of those who believe that the absence of moral character, the dangerous unhinged nature of his narcissism, the lack of any intellectual capacity and the utter indecency that is pervasive in this man, but I say not so fast. I have seen this game played before. Talk about record turnout when it doesn't occur. Talk about an active youth movement, and it never happens. Confidence in your candidates and your ground game, with no real change. Confidence and then letdown, excuses, punditry, analysis and blame. If you look at reality, another conservative justice will be confirmed, the base of 35 percent will remain unwaveringly in trumps pocket. Republicans wont dare confront him regardless of new indictments and new information. After all, no one is surprised anymore. He is a mob boss, a thug, a bully and an idiot, but his party is in the majority and even decent Republicans feel he remains the vessel for them to continue their assault on anything that speaks of fairness and compassion. Earning the biggest prize of my contempt, is Susan Collins who remains a woman who pretends moderation and compromise, goes on TV and then caves every time. Even her ACA vote was based on a promise that never materialized and she stands by while trump erodes any prospects for expanded and better healthcare. So all of this is happening in the summer, when people aren't even watching. As we get closer to November trumpublicans will boast about another justice confirmed, point to the positive aspects of this fake economy and scare us about illegal immigrants and for all the talk of a trump meltdown, an existential threat to his Presidency and how the people will end this nightmare, Not so fast. Apathy remains the root of all evil in this country of ours. Millennials will likely stay home, uneducated white men will vote Republican. White woman while their wellness is stripped before them, will vote Republican. The wealthy will vote Republican and gerrymandering is still an advantage to Republicans. So before we get on our victory pedestals and say democracy works because the people do what's right, remember that we are a deeply flawed people, influenced by selfishness and ignorance. There is nothing I want more than a blue wave, a dismantling of this President and a return to decency, but I say to my fellow anti trumpers, Not so Fast. Where are you Americans for reason and truth.

Obstruction of Values

Much of the news, particularly followed by pundits and more aware citizens, is about the potential Obstruction of Justice charges that may be coming against Trump. This fervor of expectation is so troubling to the administration, that they have dispatched a totally unhinged Rudy, Devin and Hannity who do and say anything to try and soil Mueller and his investigation. The IG report today, does nothing other than support the reality that Comey hurt Hillary but Trumpers are using it to enhance their deep state fiction. I say stop. It isnt about Obstruction of Justice until and if there are charges. It is, daily, about Obstruction of Values. Where are our values? Where is our protection for children, our championing of human rights, our support for the right to vote, our condemnation of enemies and aggressive support for our friends, where is decency, honor, telling the truth and not saluting ruthless murderous dictators? As the Republican party continues to enable Trump without any regard for the true values of America, we are being embarrassed around the world and fed abject, dangerous lies. This is pure Obstruction of Values, not subject to legal proceedings, but only dealt with at the ballot box is what should concern us most. Where are you Americans for Reason and truth?

Dishonor

On this Memorial Day, normally a holiday to honor those who fought for freedom, regrettably we dishonor them with a President focused on his lies, his self absorption and his utter disregard for honor. This is a sad Memorial Day. God help us. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

The Death of Decency

To be a decent person means that you care about others, many times before yourself. It means you tell the truth, not about whether you like someones' hair, but on matters of serious import. It means you avoid vulgarity and immoral behavior. It means you have empathy for others and a serious internal desire to help and to be compassionate. It means respecting others who look different, sound different and act different. It means being loyal to others, sticking by them regardless of disagreements they may have with you. It means committing to love, not being cavalier and non serious about relationships. I could go on for a while longer but what is the use? Decency is dying in America. We have annointed a man who in every manner of defining decency fails to live up to its meaning. As his continuous demonstration of habits and behaviors unbecoming to humanity and not representative of the America I know go unchecked, we fall deeper into the abyss of indecency, making it acceptable to be a Donald Trump. As we become less informed, more hypocritical and immune to truth, we become worse than many could have imagined. As leaders continue to put money and power ahead of what's right, we redefine a once great nation and enter an historic period from which we may never rebound. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

An Existential Threat

It is President's day today and many news programs are inviting historians on their stations to offer opinions and analysis on the best and worst Presidents. Almost to a person, because of the existential threats to America as a nation and a democracy, Lincoln, Washington, FDR and Truman seem to rise to the top of most lists, regardless of party or political slant. Mostly because the existence of America was at stake. For Truman and FDR it was fighting Fascism and insuring that freedom would be preserved against the mind boggling hate and imperialism of Hitler and Japan. For Washington, would the revolution be in vein, or would the United States survive as a nation? For Lincoln, would a united America be preserved? In all cases, these four men rose to the occasion, thus preserving our great nation and making it to the top of most analysts' lists as best among the 44 men (don't forget McKinley)to occupy the office. It is unfair to place Donald Trump on the list quite yet since his Presidency is still young, but based on their analysis thus far, Democrats, Independents and even Republicans rank him at the bottom. It isn't because of his human foibles, frailties and fecklessness, but because he is refusing to face an existential threat to our democracy and this, according to historian Michael Beschloss is "chilling". Our Congress thus far, has turned its back on this reality due to partisan loyalty and there is obviously still time to reign Trump in and face these threats, but if left to Trump, the institutions of American democracy may be destroyed for a very long time. Many around me suggest it is hyperbole and over reaction to think that such a thing could ever happen here, but, it is happening. Foreign powers can disrupt our electoral processes, nations around the world are fast losing respect for the United States, doors are being opened for autocracies and dictatorships and hate groups and terror groups both domestically and abroad are being emboldened by the absence of the usual credible global leadership of America and the tweets of one very sick and unstable man. This is no hyperbole. It is the truth. It is indeed an existential threat that we face. And so too, are we threatened by the guns. It is time to step up and address the issue and put the NRA where it belongs...with the hunters. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

You decide

Treason" is defined in the Constitution as: Whoever, owing allegiance to the United States, levies war against them or adheres to their enemies, giving them aid and comfort within the United States or elsewhere, is guilty of treason and shall suffer death, or shall be imprisoned not less than five years and fined under this title but not less than $10,000; and shall be incapable of holding any office under the United States. Russia is the enemy. Trump is adhering to them. He has certainly aided Putin and given him comfort. He has blamed this as a hoax and refuses to execute sanctions law. You decide. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Missing the point

Those of us that hate Trump are so caught up in the Bannon affair and collusion and his lying and his stupidity and his obsession with undoing Obama's regs and the size of his button etc., that we are missing the point. All of that, although important to us, pales in comparison to the real issue. This President has done what was almost unthinkable. He has made Kim Jung Un look statesmanlike, he has opened the door to China and Russia to fill the void being left behind by an absence of global leadership by the United States and has dangerously proven such incompetence in the job that we are all in more danger than is necessary. To add salt to this unbelievable situation, is the enabling of both leaders in Congress, lets call them RyConnell. They have added to this situation all the while knowing the truth....that the President is unfit. We must not miss the point. Where are you Americans for Reason and truth?

Moore of Trump

If you want to believe that trickle down economics works, then fine. If you want to be pro life, that is perfectly fine. If your religion keeps you from accepting non heterosexual lifestyles, I can respect your commitment to your faith. If you want to believe that Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid are unsustainable programs that must be cut to bring economic stability, then we can agree to disagree. If you want to accept that the science behind climate change is not 100 percent sure but 95% sure I will give you that and if you believe that the deficit is only a concern when Democrats grow it and not Republicans I will simply call it partisan politics. But, if you accept violations of the Constitution and pedophilia in our elected officials, that is where any person with a scintilla of moral conscience must draw the line. The President of the United States instead of hoping for a Moore win, has actively thrown his support behind a man that twice was removed from his Judicial responsibilities for violating the Constitution. Local police, decades ago, were told to keep judge Moore away from the cheerleaders. Judge Moore was banned from the mall due to his creeper activities. Judge Moore said slavery was when America was great, he has called homosexuals a blight on the world and accepts the notion that our country is better when it is whiter. Our President has supported this man. Our President is knowingly and willingly endorsing pedophilia, white supremacy and violations of the Constitution in the name of his eroding but committed base. Shame on him and shame on us. If the people of Alabama cannot put partisan politics aside for the good of country, then we are certainly in for a period of history that will be one of the darkest ever. Vote Doug Jones Alabama and remember your 13 year old daughters as you enter the polling places on Tuesday. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

No More Hugs

A few months ago, Senators Collins and Murkowski, the sensible ladies, the protectors of women, were lauded when they expressed opposition to the attempts to repeal the Affordable Care Act. There were pictures of them being swarmed by supporters both in Alaska and Maine and in one particular video, Collins was being hugged in the airport. Her specific concerns were that premiums would rise and millions would lose their coverage and she could not support such a reality. In the wee hours of Saturday morning, both women voted to support the Senate bill that does two things related to healthcare. It will cause 13 million to lose it, and raise premiums. Now in the case of Murkowski, its easy...Arctic drilling was the bribe used for her vote. Suddenly that became more important than her constituents' health. In the case of Collins, she was assured by the President, who never lies, that the markets would be stabilized and is relying on a letter promising to deal with the issue in the future. The Brooklyn bridge is still for sale. Shame on them both. Not only have they abandoned their principles regarding the health of our nation, they support hurting teachers, small businesses, homeowners and yes, middle class taxpayers who according to this version of the bill, will only receive modest and temporary cuts in taxes while corporations receive permanent ones. Collins declared her support after she got a 10,000 cap for property tax deductions but she ought to be reminded that prices of homes in Maine, are not the same as in higher cost of living states. This may be OK in Maine, but not where I live. It is true that the conference committee has a lot of differences to iron out before any bill reaches the dictator and calls, letters and protests should continue. These tax efforts seem to be less popular than chicken pox and perhaps there is a glimmer of hope. For now, NO MORE HUGS. Where are you Americans for Reason and Truth?

The Blame Game

No one plays the blame game better than donald trump. President Obama, according to trump, is responsible for all that is bad while only he, is responsible for all that is good. The current ISIS strategy that trump crows about, is Obama's policy. Not a hairs difference. The current economy is Obama's economy and trump crows about the stock market he called fake under his predecessor. This afternoon, after a terror attack in NY, trump immediately blamed Chuck Schumer for supporting a lottery program for immigrants from low immigration countries such as Uzbekistan. The suspect was actually radicalized while in the United States according to authorities, not because of how he came here. Again, the blame game. Try this on for size. The hateful bigotry caused by trump, has sparked violence amongst domestic terror groups and he and he alone is responsible for violence in Charlottesville. Hate crimes are at increasingly high levels due to trumps hateful language and inaccurate bombosity and arrogance. trump is responsible for the terrorist action in Vegas, killing dozens and injuring hundreds with real guns, not fake ones in the hands of the NY terrorist yesterday. trump is to blame for giving full support for the most dangerous and extreme views of the NRA. I can go on. If we allow trump to blame everyone else for current day failures without reminding him that he and only he is to blame, we let him slide like the slimy piece of trash that he is. Its all your fault mr. trump, not Barrack Obama's. Where are you Americans for reason and truth.

Take A Knee

While storms, nuclear threats, deliberate sabotage by our President of our healthcare and tax policy are all in the mix of daily life, trump, with a small T, picks a fight with the black athletes of our country. He started it in Alabama where two other lunatics were running for Senate, the winner of that primary, now trump's guy, is a homophobic, law breaking bigot, so picking such a fight down there seems right for him. Now trump has never read the Constitution so he doesn't understand what America is about. Several Supreme Court rulings have unambiguously declared that even unpopular or disrespectful expression, is protected. In the instance of the NFL dispute created by a President, he is preying on the stupidity and ignorance of many people who think the flag, the song and the statues are what makes America great. I wont change their minds and certainly wont waste my time trying. The actions of unpopular resistance have historically proven to facilitate progress such as expanding civil rights, raising consciousness on matters of importance and truly represent what our values are and what we stand for. Protest, respectful disagreement and activism are the true representations of our nation. trump will never get that. He actually by sabotaging law, using racism to quell disagreements and displaying ignorance with every breath he takes, is demonstrating much worse than taking a knee. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

The Dismantling of Humanity...Trump style

I love President Obama. He will always be a great President in my eyes, not for what he did not accomplish, but for his intellect, his vision for the future, his committment to the human condition and his scandal free, family friendly, poised, stable and compassionate administration. He talked about future technology jobs, improved infrastructure, an updated electric grid, respect for our global connections, protection of the environment and the basic decency and humanity of the American spirit. He left with a 58% popularity and an economy in a better position than the one in existence when he took office as evidenced by the continuation of good numbers over the past months. These are numbers completely unattributable to President Trump. If you are objective, put your hatred aside and be honest with yourself, my description cannot be factually unwound. In a few short months, hate crimes are up, we are questioning whether or not to condemn Nazis, we are denying the reality of human made environmental disasters, we are threatening nuclear destruction of sovereign nations, backing away from trade agreements, disrespecting our allies and using harsh, despicable language toward fellow citizens, declaring the free press obstructionist and putting fiction over fact on the most serious of matters. It is no coincidence that this is happening during the administration of Donald Trump, whose inhumanity pre-dates his Presidency. He is not alone responsible. His party has nurtured the conditions that have allowed such a man to be elected President. Now, in a last ditch effort of desperation and hurt, the Republicans may finally succeed in kicking millions off of health insurance, remove requirements that would have long term health benefits, make premiums in many quarters much higher, particularly for the sick and economically challenged all in the name of hate for Obama. It is a dismantling of humanity in our supposedly morally superior nation. It is a perfect storm. Trump style. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

A Teachable Moment

Back to school is around the corner and as a teacher, I am getting the usual pangs of anticipation and hope as a new year approaches. One thing we are not hearing a lot about during our current political reality, is how all of the dysfunction and meanness pervading our country right now, should be handled in the classrooms. I, quite frankly, am a bit worried about how to teach students the difference between good and evil without entering the arena of their own family dynamic and political perspective. After all, I actually work with teachers and other educators who support President Trump and it takes a lot for me to restrain myself and say to them how unbelievably inappropriate and ignorant their viewpoints are but I refrain. I have always made it a habit to teach students how to make decisions rather than make the decisions for them. It is hard, but it is right in my judgement. They may be able as they get older to guess that I am a left of center Democrat believing in compromise but they wont hear me define myself as such in the classroom. I never, however, refrain from modeling for them or teaching them about good character, respect for others and the avoidance of apathy. In the movie, "American President" Michael Douglas plays President Andrew Shepard who is dropping in the polls nearing re election. He finally decides to speak out against his fear mongering opponent Bob Rumson played by Richard Dreyfuss. In a famous line from his speech Shepard says "Being President is entirely about character". The teaching strategy that this example provides us as teachers is therefore the one I will use, without condemning party political affiliation or calling out the President by name. Instead I will teach students that we must fight against symbols of hate such as swastikas and KKK robes. We must respect each other and not use vulgar terms and expressions of disrespect toward women. I will teach that lying is bad and avoiding responsibility by blaming others is inappropriate. I will reinforce the importance of stopping bullies and speaking out forcefully against bigotry and hate. I will remind students that how they behave as young adults will shape who they become as adults, and I wont even have to mention Donald Trump, the most despicable human being, the most incredibly hateful and disingenuous thug, the most lacking in character of anyone to assume the office of the Presidency in a long long time. Maybe even forever. I will not squander this teachable moment. Where are you Americans for Reason and Truth?

Let It Fail

Article 2 section 3 of the Constitution says that the President "shall take care that the Laws be faithfully executed". It doesn't ask for his opinion of the law or suggest he even have one. The President as any citizen, has the right to speak and share his thoughts, but he must enforce the laws that have been passed by Congress and signed by a President. We have today, a President who is boastfully, systematically and aggressively hoping that a law, "The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act" signed into law in 2010, fails. In fact, he is encouraging and helping it to fail. He is hoping it fails. He is willfully and systematically not enforcing this law. I personally believe that this rises to a high crime or misdemeanor, but that is just my opinion. Until such time as something changes with the laws that impact healthcare, it is his duty to do what he can to insure that this law is faithfully executed. If everything spoken about, written about and observed about Donald Trump is put aside, the one thing we should be most concerned about is his desire to hurt our citizens. He wants to do it deliberately to score some political points. In their worst days, no previous President would call for failure. Where are you Americans for Reason and Truth?

What about the country?

There is no time for I told you so. The man has always been a liar, a cheat and a very bad human being. He holds the office of President for now. But what about the country? We still have McConnell trying to push through a deathcare bill. We still have a Speaker who is too petulant and phony to stop supporting the President in the name of party. We still have many Republican leaders going with the usual approach of partisanship and resistance to compromise. The scandal that is unfolding in the White House which I would like to refer to as TrussiaGate, has a long way to go. It will eventually play itself out, but in the mean time, who is running the country? Who is protecting us from a terrorist attack? Who is coordinating the agencies of government? Who is getting out the message that things will be just fine? No one. We have a President so unhinged, so concerned with his ego and cable news and tweets, that he has no business being in charge. Yet he is. If this persists, the dangers will be worse than we even imagine. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Spite

There is a Seinfeld episode where Jerry decides to return a blazer for spite. It fit, there was nothing wrong with it but he just wanted to spite the salesperson. The manager said "you cant return it for spite". This was a funny episode but our President rules over our land with spite. Without thought and without any knowledge about policy or impact, if it is related to Barack Obama, it goes. Why? Spite. Trump is threatening not to pay insurance companies the money due them for providing care for those in need of financial subsidies. This is bad policy, bad humanity and solely due to spiteful, hateful ignorance. Can he get worse? Yes. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

The Will of the People

We had an election. Trump won. Republicans are scared to do anything because they feel the will of the people will be breached. Well yes, for 35 percent of us. But 35 percent of us would vote for a Nazi sympathizing racist criminal who supports cannibalism. We have a certain group of people like that and they do not represent the will of the people, but they do represent votes, votes these Repubs don't want to lose. They wont. Repubs will always own the crazies. So here is a lesson about the will of the people. It fluctuates like the wind. Remember Obama? Won big in 2008. Amazingly popular and loved. He had the will of the people behind him. And then? 2 years later we were impatient, he was too slow to deliver, he must be punished. He was. Lost the House. Dems got crushed. A new will of the people. We are an impatient and often ungrateful lot, we Americans. We want change but don't like it. We want tax cuts but want our medicare. We want food stamps but mock the poor. We want, we want, we want but we hate government except when it benefits us. We are human and being human involves a bit of selfishness. We are, however largely moral. We know right from wrong and after we make petulant, often stupid decisions, we rethink. We shift. Right now we have a President who tried to stop an investigation and probably gave intel. to Russia that while not illegal, may have been strategically dangerous. And that was this week. What I am trying to say is that Republicans shouldn't worry that we picked Trump on November 8th. That's a lifetime ago. Remember that the will of the people picked Obama twice but the Republicans said it was the will of the people to wait to pick a justice with a new President. We can spin this will any way we want. What is more important than our will, often based on who we are angry at today, and not the best barometer for doing what is safe and what is right, is our Democracy. Right always prevails, our will shall follow. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

"Believe Me"

Remember during the campaign, Donald Trump at his rallies invoked "Believe Me" wherever he went. Never any substance, just a promise that for a vote, you can count on him to do what he says. After all, "Believe Me" is powerful medicine to the ill informed. So by the millions, three million less than his opponent, (unless you don't count the millions who voted illegally,another total lie) people did believe him. He promised that he would direct his Treasury Secretary to declare China a currency manipulator, oh wait, he just said they aren't. He said we must stay out of Syria, oh wait, didn't he just bomb them? He said there were no ties to Russia, oh wait, didn't we just find out one of his key foreign policy aids might actually be a spy for Russia? He said we would have great healthcare, oh wait, didn't his efforts fail thus far?. He said that we need to get Wall street to curb their greed and help the middle class, oh wait, didn't he appoint 5 cabinet members all with ties to JP Morgan, the very corporation he condemned Hillary for making speeches to? He condemned Obama for golfing or taking vacations or being away from the WH, oh wait, Trump has just spent more in 85 days on travel than O did all 8 years. He said Planned Parenthood does good things. Oh wait, today he signed an order making it OK for states to deny them funds. That will result, knowingly, in the death of many who rely on their health services. He also said yesterday, that he may stop giving the subsidies to the Insurance companies under the ACA because he didn't win and now wants to punish Democrats. Oh wait, wasn't it Republicans who got cold feet and don't these subsidies save lives? I remember when Trump said that he could stand on 5th avenue, shoot people and not lose support. Well, by his own deeds so far, he is killing people by polluting the world, denying health services and being just plain out of control and unhinged. To the Trump voter, you really are screwed. And you screwed the rest of us "Believe Me". Where are you Americans for Reason and Truth.

Its not Just the Lies

The Donald has been President now for about two months. It isn't just that he lies in a pathological and hateful way, it isn't just that he is incapacitated by the truth, it isn't just that he really has no clue about how the government works, or what the Constitution says, it's that he has no regard for the millions he insults, hurts or worse, whose lives he will destroy. The irony is that those who will hurt the most, are those who supported his candidacy with great fervor. The uneducated white man, in his forties, living in places like West Virginia, Michigan and Ohio, not too educated, out of work manufacturing workers, angry at everyone, blaming Government for their failures while accepting unemployment, medicaid, food stamps and other programs that they demonize with no desire to retrain, retool, take some responsibility for their ignorance and re enter the collective called the United States. It is this group, passionate for the misogynist in chief who will find that his lies and distortions will only make matters worse for them. But you know what? It wont matter. They just don't get it. Enjoy your new healthcare. Enjoy your new minimum wage factory job and enjoy the great American dream of Donald Trump. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Now What

I have not been able to post since election day. I have been frightened, amazed, angry, disappointed and totally disgusted with my fellow citizens. I am not angry at the stupid ones, who do not understand, who listen to demagogues and liars because they are too dumb to know any better. I am angry at those who either do not think there is a difference or who are smart, but so focused on one selfish interest or issue, that they set aside all the other realities and amazingly think "oh, it wont be that bad. It really doesn't matter much" I am angry at those who stayed home and didn't think exercising their right to vote, something to be cherished not squandered, was important. And so it goes. The same drumbeat of apathy, cynicism and ignorance. Already, only two days in to his Presidency, the man has sent his Press Secretary out to lie for five minutes about the size of an inaugural crowd. He has professed love for the very agency, only a week ago he assigned Nazi like tactics to. His speech, was dark, divisive and not reflective of this great country. So now what? We watch him destroy himself, little by little, each day, showing even his supporters how totally wrong they were. I only hope he doesn't destroy We the people, before he destroys himself. Resistance is at the heart of American patriotism and we need organized, consistent resistance every single day that we have a Monster in Chief in office. Thank you ladies for getting us off to a good start. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?