BUMP-STOCKS, BULLETS, AND BULLSHIT: "THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS" ARE SIMPLY NOT ENOUGH...

It was just last October that Time Magazine's October 13, 2017 issue featured a lead story entitled, "The Massacre in Las Vegas."  The article described the carnage that took place as a gunman on the 32nd floor of a hotel there killed 58 and injured 527 others at a country music festival that was taking place across the street below his shooting perch.  62-year old Steven Paddock, using a semi-automatic assault rifle modified with a bump-stock, making the weapon functionally fully automatic, rained down bullets on the 22,000 people assembled below.  The result was the deadliest mass shooting in modern US history.  Paddock, armed with an arsenal of 23 guns and thousands of rounds of ammunition, ended the assault with a bullet to his own head as SWAT closed in on his position.

That attack was just one of the outrageous consequences of our national failure to adopt reasonable, common sense gun control.  Since the school massacre at Sandy Hook in 2012 and other murderous rampages at Newtown, Virginia Tech, and Orlando, we have witnessed the same sequence over and over again -  shootings, indescribable displays of pain and sorrow, expressions of " thoughts and prayers" for the fallen along with their friends and families, some pledges of actions, and some cautioning that "now is not the time to discuss the matter." Still others blame "mental illness", and some calling for the adoption of gun control laws that make sense.  We have witnessed 17 school shootings in 2018 alone - in just 45 days! Colleges, High Schools, Middle Schools and Elementary Schools - none are immune from the danger of assault and death.  Since 2012, there have been 230+ attacks - 186 on school property - resulting in 438 being wounded and 138 killed.  In fact, right now, we are averaging 5 school shootings a  month.  In 2018, we have experienced more gun assaults in 45 days than in any year since 2012.  And, in each case, always "thoughts and prayers" - but no action - to prevent this unnecessary loss of life, unique to the United States in the developed world.

Poll data indicates that the vast majority of Americans - including Republicans, Democrats, Independents, and even NRA members, support common sense gun control measures. These include expanding background checks to include gun-show sales, adding those with a history of mental illness to the "no sale" background registry, adding those on the Homeland Security "no-fly" list to the exclusion list, and, to re-adopt measures to ban ownership of military assault-style weapons like the well-known AK-47 and AR 14, whether semi-automatic or the currently banned automatic version. But, in spite of many public statements by Presidents, Senators, the House Speaker, and many others, nothing seems to happen.

The recent tragedy in Parkland, Florida once again resulted in "thoughts and prayers" with cautions from President Trump, Speaker Ryan, and others that "now is not the time" to discuss the issue of guns.  Then, when IS the time? After the Las Vegas massacre, promises were made to "outlaw" the manufacture, sale, and use of the bump-stock - a device that easily transforms a presently legal semi-automatic assault-style weapon to an illegal fully-automatic assault rifle.  Much was made that such a measure would pass the congress with bi-partisan support and determined speed.  Nothing passed or was even posted for a vote in either house.  Once again, NRA influence was felt and those who suffered loss and who had invaded the Halls of Congress demanding change, were abandoned. Most elected officials pledged to strengthen the prohibition against gun ownership for those with violence in their records, including any evidence of mental illness or domestic violence, and for those not permitted to fly on commercial airlines as defined by Homeland Security.  Again, nothing was either considered or adopted.

Instead of tightening the rules for gun ownership, closing background check loopholes like private sales and gun shows, or adding funding and regulations to address mental health concerns, Trump and the Republicans offer "thoughts and prayers" and adopt policies and support modifications of law that do exactly the reverse.  Just last year, Trump signed a bill into law - notably, without any fanfare - that rolled back an Obama regulation that made it more difficult for those with a mental illness to buy guns.  After Sandy Hook, with the Republican Congress refusal to adopt an assault weapon ban, Obama issued a regulation in 2013 that added people receiving a Social Security Disability check due to a mental illness or that deemed them "unfit to handle their own financial affairs" to the "No Gun Registry."  Had that rule fully taken effect, 75,000 people would have been added to the background check turn-down list. In February, 2017, both the House and the Senate passed a new bill, H.J. Resolution 40, revoking the Obama regulation. Of course, the NRA applauded Trump's agreement with and signature on the measure "Everytown for Gun Safety" Executive Director John Feinblatt noted this as one item on the NRA list of "pushing for more guns, for more people, in more places."

The other promises that have been made over and over is for more attention paid to school safety and more support for mental health programs in order to address this issue before depression, anger, or delusion results in gun deaths.  Last week, the Trump 2019 Budget was introduced.  The proposal  does none of that.  Instead, the Trump budget proposal includes numerous programs that the Trump Administration wants to severely cut or eliminate altogether. Included in these "cuts" are several programs meant to enhance school safety and to help communities recover from tragedies like the one listed above. It cuts $24 million from the National School Safety Program and zeroes out the "Project Prevent Grant" program.  That program funds school services in conflict resolution and violence-prevention activities. The proposed budget also cuts funding from Project SERVE (School Emergence Response to Violence). This program, adopted after the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre in Newtown, Connecticut, assisted that school community to recover along with others similarly challenged by violence. In addition, the federal budget proposal also contains substantial cuts to Medicaid, including funding for mental health services aimed at those poor and near-poor who could not otherwise access preventive mental health services or clinics.

Why are all of these young lives unnecessarily lost?  Perhaps mental health is a part of the answer and, of course, those with mental illness should not have access to guns.  And, yes, those considered so dangerous as to be prevented from flying and are on the Homeland Security "no-fly" list, should also be prevented from buying guns.  And, of course, everyone should be subjected to a background check before being able to buy a firearm, regardless of where or how they purchase a firearm. These all are common sense measures that would help to keep us safe.  But, these are not the real answer alone.  The real problem is - ACCESS TO GUNS!  Especially, those that are designed for one reason - mass killing.  That's right, the AK-47, AR-15, and any other military-style automatic or semi-automatic weapon - the personal "weapon of mass destruction."

2nd Amendment rights were  defined by the Supreme Court and the Justices ruled THAT THE AMERICAN RIGHT TO KEEP AND BEAR ARMS IS NOT AN ABSOLUTE. We do not permit citizens to own and keep nuclear devices, tanks, artillery, grenade launchers, or surface-to-air missiles. Limits on rights are altogether legal and proper as is appropriate regulation. This applies to  wide variety of "rights." People driving need a license.  People traveling outside the country need a passport.  People providing medical care need a license as do teachers and many others.  So, why do we let a personal weapon of mass destruction - the assault weapon - continue to be widely available?  And, especially in Florida, easier to buy than a pistol or a beer?  One answer is the NRA - their campaign cash, and their threats to oppose those who would limit the manufacture, distribution, and sale or weaponry that is designed to kill humans in large numbers. Instead, the House recently passed a measure supported by the NRA that would permit anyone who is licensed to carry a gun in any state, regardless of the type of weapon, to carry that gun in ANY STATE - regardless of the fact that the state traveled to prohibits that weapon or the carrying of a weapon within their state. So,  residents of states like Florida and Texas that permit almost anyone to own weapons - hand guns, rifles, assault weapons, and more - without restriction - can travel to NY, NJ, and Connecticut AND CARRY THEIR GUNS WITH THEM - in spite of that weapon being in violation of our state law!  Whatever happened to the party of "states rights"?  This measure passed the House and is presently pending in the Senate.  Our own Member of Congress, John Faso voted FOR the bill, and against NY State Sovereignty.  He fully supports the NRA, opposes the NY SAFE Act, and opposes any effort to ban or limit the availability of assault weapons.



 A reasonable person might ask why common sense measures with broad public support like the ones cited above have not been adopted?  And, why does it seems that we are EXPANDING GUN RIGHTS AND CUTTING MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES?  The answer lies with the NRA.  So, here is a partial list of NRA endorsed and supported elected officials who recently offered their "thoughts and prayers."

 

   Senator John McCain (R-Ariz) ........................  received $7.7 million from the NRA
   Senator Richard Burr (R-NC)...........................  received $6.9 million from the NRA
   Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO)...............................  received $4.5 million from the NRA
   Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL)............................. received $3.3 million from the NRA
   Senator Rob Portman (R-OH)...........................  received $3.0 million from the NRA
   House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.)..................  received $179,000 from the NRA in 2016

Among the top 100 House Members who received NRA endorsements and $6 Million in cash, 95 are Republicans, with John Faso among them.  Faso is endorsed by the NRA and holds a A++ rating at 93% support of their positions on guns and more.  In 2016, Faso received $8000 from the NRA in campaign support, signed a pledge to oppose the NY SAFE Act, and to fight any "liberal attempts to trample on our freedoms."  Faso opposes reinstating the federal ban on "assault weapons" and restrictions on magazine capacities.  He voted for and supports the House measure permitting anyone licensed in other states to carry their weapons with them into New York. In the end, we either lose more young lives, or we lose Faso and other NRA elected officials.

Isn't it time to ask your state legislators, county legislators, and other elected officials where they stand on GUNS? STAND UP!  SPEAK OUT!  MARCH ON!

PERSIST....  INSIST....  RESIST.......  Bobby J
The Senior Progressive

"IT CAN'T HAPPEN HERE" (1935) - Sinclair Lewis.... Or, can it????? Or, Has it?????

Born in 1885 and graduated from Yale in 1908, Lewis gained fame as a novelist through the 1920's and 30's.  Author of such works as "Main Street" (1920), "Babbitt" (1922), "Arrowsmith" (1925), and "Elmer Gantry" (1927) - taken together, the 1920s were considered to be his best working decade. Lewis penned his more famous novel, "It Can't Happen Here", in 1935 in the midst of the Great Depression and during the rise of authoritarianism and dictatorship in Europe. His novel presented a picture of the American Democracy sinking into fascism, not unlike some of its western counterparts in Europe, in spite of the widely held notion that such a thing could not happen in the US.  His novel depicts a President who has risen up in a surprising way, upends the traditional political candidates, wins the presidency and becomes dictator - complete with warrant-less arrests of opponents, gun-toting, militia-like supporters named "Minute Men" (notably, otherwise known as "Militia"), and a number of concentration camps around the country.  These repressive acts and more were all designed to save the nation from welfare cheats, promiscuity, crime, and a liberal press accused of manufacturing negative "news" about the president and his actions (can you say "fake news?"). 

One of the characters in the Lewis book is Doremus Jessup, a  liberal Vermont newspaper editor. Jessup, against the advice of his family and friends, editorializes against President Berzelius Windrip, who swept into office and instituted American totalitarianism draped in red, white , and blue hyper patriotism. Jessup publishes an editorial critical of President Windrip - and is promptly arrested.  While in custody, Jessup reasons that "minding his own business" was one of the primary reasons that fascism arose in America.  The failing, he concludes, was that "it is those who have let the demagogues wriggle in, without fierce enough protest."

In an copyrighted introduction to the 2005 printing of the novel, Michael Meyer, PhD, a professor of English at the University of Connecticut with numerous scholarly articles, notes that after his release from detention, Jessup works to publish an underground paper - "Vermont Vigilance."  The publication, defined as "seditious", exposes the corruption of the "American Corporate State and the US Patriotic Party." Jessup's oldest daughter slips pamphlets into copies of the Reader's Digest while his younger daughter is a "secret agent" in the "enemy camp" gathering fodder for his publication.  Jessup is soon arrested during a Minute man raid on his home, is taken to a concentration camp, and nearly beaten to death. He later escapes and joins the RESISTANCE in Minnesota coordinating raids against Minute Man posts. Although the book does not end with a restoration of our Democracy, it alerted a generation of Americans to the dangers that were evident at that moment in history.

If all of this sounds vaguely familiar, welcome to the era of Trump!  With his penchant for authoritarianism, deriding of federal law enforcement institutions, attacks on the free press as "fake news", and the on-going interference with the Mueller investigation of Russian involvement in the 2016 federal election as well as Congressional probes, can "camps" be far behind?.

 Of course, Trump cannot do all of this alone - he needs cooperators.... "quislings".... or, in the language of criminal law, "co-conspirators."  One of these is House Member Devin Nunes, Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee and author of the now infamous, "Nunes Memorandum."  The Chairman reprised his "quisling" role from earlier in the Mueller probe that resulted in his having to recuse himself from the Intelligence Committee review of Russian interference in the election. Last week he issued his long-anticipated "memo" - described by the Department of Justice and the FBI - notably, both headed by Trump-appointed Republicans - as "dangerous", a "threat to national security", and containing "material omissions of fact that fundamentally impact the memo's accuracy." The plea to maintain the confidentiality of classified information by both FBI Director Wray, and Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein made to the White House Chief of Staff Kelly, was rejected out of hand. Trump reacted by described the credibility of the FBI as being "the worst in history."  The obvious objective of the Nunes memo - which reveals nothing new or shocking at all - was to muddy the investigative waters of the Mueller probe and to cause a threat to Rosenstein as well.  Many view the memo as providing a weak basis for Trump to fire either or both men who he sees as a threat to his presidency.  In reality, the memo is no more than a political propaganda piece intended to protect the President by attacking Mueller and Rosenstein.  A McCarthy-like hit piece on the investigation itself, the Nunes memo cherry-picks information and spins it into a narrative that is aimed at undermining the investigation and, therefore, any finding that Trump either colluded with Russians, laundered money, or obstructed justice, or perhaps all three - regardless of the facts presented.  After all, in Trumpworld,  facts don't matter, especially when "alternative facts" will do - like, the entire inquiry was driven by anti-Trump partisanship!  Never-mind, that all of these appointed officials at DOJ, CIA, and FBI are Republicans and were all were appointed by Trump or his allies! Further, absolutely no one would allege that the FBI is some hotbed of left-wing Clinton sympathizers! Autocrats, as in the Sinclair Lewis novel, cannot prevail unless they have allies to give them cover. Thanks to Nunes, Paul Ryan, and their Republican majority doing just that, the nation has taken yet another step toward the chaos that autocrats thrive on. In a hopeful development, several Republicans, including Senator John McCain, Senator Mark Warner, and Congressman Tray Gowdy, Chairman of the House Oversight Committee, have all denounced the memo as inaccurate, immaterial, and irrelevant - a "nothing-burger."

The Republican-led Intel Committee voted today to release the Democratic "Memo." After 5 days of review by the White House to determine whether or not to release the document, not surprisingly, Trump determined NOT to release the document.  The House could act to overturn that judgment, but with House Republicans acting more like lapdogs than a separate and equal branch of government, what do YOU think will happen?  We can only hope for "transparency" to prevail in the end.

STATE OF THE UNION:  THE GREAT LEADER AND DISSENT.

The US Constitution requires the President "annually" to provide to the Congress information on the state of the union.  As is the case in any Presidential State of the Union address, the speech before a Joint Session of Congress contains a broad variety of observations, credit-taking for successes, prescriptions for future policy recommendations, and comments on current events around the globe.
The Trump message was no different, but for at least two inclusions - one during the speech, and another in public comments the following day.

POINT ONE: President Trump called for a "house-cleaning" of the federal bureaucracy.  Trump called on the Congress to pass legislation to empower the executive branch and the cabinet to disrupt the federal civil service and "reward good workers" and remove federal employees who "undermine the public trust or fail the American people."  Hmmmmmm....   now, just who will make that judgment? Will this become a "deep state" removal of anyone not saluting Trump? Would that be Trump's "TREASON?"

POINT TWO:  Are we really seeing echo's of the "lock her up!" chants of the Trump 2016 Campaign?  In a speech delivered on the Monday after the State of the Union address, Trump charged that the Democrats were "traitors", "UN-american",and were "treasonous" in their behavior.  These are serious charges - TREASON!  And, what extreme offenses did the Democrats commit that rises to the level of TREASON?  Trump was unhappy that the Democrats in the Joint Session of Congress failed to stand and cheer the "great leader" for his "great success" in MAGA - Making America Great Again.  Like autocrats in the old Soviet Union, or in present-day North Korea, Trump is expecting everyone to bow down, genuflect, stand at attention, wildly cheer on cue, and prostrate themselves in his presence - Senators, House Members, Cabinet Officials, the Directors of the FBI, CIA, NSA, Generals, Admirals, federal employees, and citizens all.  Failure to worship at the Trump altar could result in a purge....  an unceremonious firing.....  or a charge of TREASON!  Sinclair Lewis' character, Doremus Jessup - the outspoken newspaper editor, arrested and jailed for treason for criticizing the President, would find these recent events a familiar echo of his time and circumstance.  Can it happen here?  Or, is it already happening here?  These are the elements of an American nightmare...

RESIST!  PERSIST!  INSIST!  MARCH ON!

Bobby J