Tuesday, January 22, 2019

THE GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN.... A CRIMINAL ACT... THIS TIME WITH CO-CONSPIRATOR MC CONNELL!


Hi Folks: Been thinking about the Offer of Trumpology at this time... You know - the one that attempts to switch the blame for the government shut-down to the Democrats who reject what Trump and Pence describe as a fair offer to open negotiations so that Trump gets the BRIBE err.... I mean, the allocation and appropriation of $5.7 billion for wasteful spending on "THE WALL." After King Trumpo took great pride in taking the blame for the shut-down of 800,000+ federal employees over the last month, his FINGER-POINTING became casting blame on the Dem Leadership - Pelosi and Schumer - for failing to pay the demanded BRIBE. So, lets take a quick look..... 


   1. Trump kidnaps Dreamers by an Executive Order abolishing DACA; Dreamers held hostage....

   2. Trump kidnaps those seeking protection and admittance to the USA under "Temporary Protection Status" - TPS - for amnesty admission consideration - also by Executive Order. Those at risk for lost life - now being held as hostages....

   3. Add the thousands of hostages mentioned above who are being inflicted with pain by Trump - to the initial child “hostages” separated from their parents at the border... and held in cages as forced orphans. SHAME! 

   4. Trump presses the Court buttons - (after despoiling them with appointed Trumpology judges) - by filing suit against “Dreamers” and DACA to destroy and eliminate the program protections for children brought into the US by their improperly migrating parents. Today, they are and long-time American residents growing up as “American” students and young adults - learning, yearning, working, and paying taxes who are desperately seeking a way to become US Citizens.


   5. After the Senate unanimously passes Trump approved Republican appropriations bills to keep government open, Trump objects err... after agreeing ... because some Right-wing NUT folks - Rush Limbaugh and Ann Coulter - insist that King Trump NOT SIGN.... so, Trump reverses his position and, unnecessarily, “royally” screws 800,000 federal employees. In addition, thousands and thousands of federal contract workers also are laid off or furloughed.... and many essential services closed down... Again, TRUMPOLOGY increases the "hostage” headcount by MILLIONS MORE!

   6.  Senate Leader McConnell refuses to post any legislation or solutions to this issue unless MADMAN TRUMP approves doing so....  Will Trump "dictate" his message to the Senate?  Is Trump our first AMERICAN DICTATOR? Or, does Trump have something seriously important on McConnell and is EXTORTING HIM TOO?  Or, is McConnell simply someone that got everything that he wanted - including his bride being appointed as Secretary of Transportation and holding a legitimate vote for Prez Trump's ability to govern....  or, maybe.....  

...McConnell is simply a SLOW-MOVER... AND is hidden inside his shell seeking cover from pressure and embarrassment in his dismantling the federal government and the public services provided across America? Seems like McConnell is the "Court Jester" and will perform any trick, sing any song, or act out any behavior that King Trump tells him to do....?  And, McConnell rejects the US Constitution's clear ARTICLE 1 definition of the co-equal branches of government who shall govern EQUALLY....  and not at the single-handed decisions and instructions of the American DICTATOR!  As with other members of the Congress, McConnell swore an OATH to uphold and support the Constitution of the United States.  He abandoned that oath.   

   So, the kidnapper - King Trump - now demands the payment of a $5.7 BILLION DOLLAR RANSOM - a PERMANENT APPROPRIATION.... And, will all of the hostages and kidnapped victims be returned? NOPE! Just the caring parties will be able to visit with them for 3 years.... TEMPORARILY.... And, well, except for the federal employees who will be returned to their jobs and paychecks after more than a month held as hostages with all the others.  
THIS IS NO LESS THAN A KIDNAP CRIME DEMANDING FULL PAYMENT IN RANSOM for just visiting the victims for a short period..... A COMPLETE DISGRACE!
STAND UP! SPEAK OUT! RESIST! INSIST! MARCH ON!
Bobby J

Wednesday, January 9, 2019

LIAR, LIAR.... HAIR'S ON FIRE! A BOARDER HERE... A BORDER THERE... WHAT???


LIAR, LIAR.... HAIR'S ON FIRE!!!


TRUMPOLOGY, GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN, AND IMMIGRATION FANTASY...


It goes without saying that Trump has been lying his way throughout a campaign for president - virtually every day lying over and over.  Since he lied his way into the White House in 2017, more than 6000 lies have been uttered - many of the most recent ones regarding immigrants - those seeking safety and refuge through admittance to the US. The Trumpology demands, related to our southern border, are related to gangs, drugs, and rapists that began in his campaign in late 2015.  Since then, Trump has repeated over and over that he would build "A WALL" to seal off the southern border from the "infiltration" of "criminals" and "terrorists" and.... (ready with a drum-roll???) - PAID FOR BY .....M E X I C O!!!  Absurd, of course... and denounced by the President of Mexico. Most Americans - and certainly many members of the Congress - know that Mexico will not pay for "the Wall." Nevertheless, Trump continues to mumble that conclusion one way or another and Pence and other Trump allies make up some absurd and confused reasoning that somehow, some way, we will make that happen....

The current debate and dispute taking place between Trump and the Democratic Leaders - Pelosi as House Speaker and Schumer as Dem Senate leader - to resolve the hostage-taking of the federal government workers engineered by the conceived and connived Trump Shutdown, both sides have hardened in their positions. The Democrats refuse to fund construction of a ridiculous southern wall as a complete waste of tax dollars and Trump continues to make up stories about terrorist "caravans" heading for the border, deploys military troops to repel the "invasion" of "rapists, drug lords, and terrorists", and uses exaggerated lies on the issue urgency and "national emergency."  HUH?  Lets take a peek.....

The most recently announced basis for a "National Emergency" that Trump has used as a basis... is an "INVASION."  This, without saying, is a complete mystery... and an outright fantasy, a made up story and.... a GIANT LIE!  Along with Vice President Pence, Trump was quoted as commenting that some 4000 "terrorists" had been detected crossing the southern border with Mexico in the last year. Trump stated this as a FACT?  Frankly, it is either an "alternative fact" or a complete LIE. The actual Homeland Security report for the last 6 months indicates that only 6 individuals were stopped at the southern border due to the fact that they are on the "watch list."  An additional 41 were stopped at the northern border with Canada for the same reasons.  No alien terrorist or criminal arrests were made, however. Of all of those intercepted - 47 - 41 were US Citizens and, seems like, they were stopped and questioned because they are on a list generated as a result of their travel route histories. Actually, Homeland reports that there were 2554 "encounters" with those ID'd with suspicious travel patterns over a year.  Of that number, 2170 were arriving via air, 335 by land,and the balance by sea.  According to the State Department, there was no evidence that any of those delayed were a threat to the nation. VP Pence reduced the number from 4000 to 3000 "suspicious" entries that still does not match any numbers generated by Homeland Security and Boarder Patrol - both of which are currently on furlough due to the government shutdown. SO, WHERE IS THE NATIONAL EMERGENCY???

Then Trump announces that other presidents have counseled him that he should build "the wall" and that they should have done so when they were at the switch.  All of those alive today - Carter, Clinton, Bush, and Obama - commented that no such conversation ever happened.... Just another lie.... And, needless to say, Trump accuses the Democrats of supporting "open borders' that just let anyone into the USA. Nonsense. Democrats have supported considerable investment in Border Patrol, immigration protections, amnesty policies, and additional technological investments in border security like satellite inspections and un-manned drone patrol with fence projects to prevent improper entry. 

Of course, the issue that is the greatest challenge are those immigrants who enter legally and, upon expiration of their short-term visa - visiting, education, temporary employment or vacationing - they fail to depart.  That makes them "illegal" in presence, not upon entry.  The number of "illegal aliens" present in the USA is - by far - a result of this visa practice.   


The Democrats have called for and support legislation to solve the "Dreamer" issue - children who were brought here by their parents, legally for a short visit or illegally passing the border, and have been in residence for years and years. These "near-citizens" have earned citizenship as have their families. Democrats want to provide them with a "path" to citizenship - better and shorter than other "illegals." Just a year ago, the Republican Senate along with Democratic Senators passed such legislation with the indication that Trump would sign the bill. Sadly, the Tea Party right-wing House Republicans sank the legislation in Ryan's House, and Trump abandoned the issue as well. Even worse, right now "children" in the company of those seeking asylum from the horrors of their home country, a separated from their parents and caged in military-styles camps, out of touch with their parents for months... or, perhaps, years.  Ordered by the courts to re-unite parents and children, it remains an issue as Homeland Security has the kids under lock and key and has failed to locate the deported parents.  These are now "Homeland Orphans" in cages.

So... what is the "NATIONAL EMERGENCY?"  Southern Border "invasion"?  No....  just 6 persons in 6 months and no arrests.  The need for a tall WALL?  Nope.  A 12th Century strategy to surround the castle preventing the peasantry from entry?  Silly..... and an expensive failure going forward.  Perhaps the high wall that will protect America from assault, financial ruin, war with allies and enemies, and destruction of democratic traditions and history for this nation is an attractive explanation....  Perhaps a court action is necessary... or, pursuit of the Mueller Report.... or impeachment and Senate trial.....  or, simply election defeat in 2020.  Yes, we need a salvation - from lies, from the erosion of democracy, and by the want for dictatorship by an nihilistic ego maniac that sits in the Oval Office right now... a "wall" well earned and deserved...... 

March On.... to the day that we will rise to save the nation, restore our democracy, assure our allies that we will be back on track, and invest in advancing our working families and middle class - not the Moscow Model - Trump's "Oligarchs" of America....

Bobby J     



Thursday, January 3, 2019

LOOKING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL... 2019 PREDICTIONS AND FUTURE EVENTS FORETOLD.... DO YOU AGREE?


2019 PREDICTION OF EVENTS THAT WILL TAKE PLACE IN WASHINGTON DC.
                                                            JANUARY 2019

WHEW!  The past two years have been quite the roller-coaster ride in our nation’s capitol.  From the Women’s March on January 21, 2017 through today – with the swearing-in of a Democratic majority in the House of Representatives and our new Speaker, Nancy Pelosi, we have traveled quite the bumpy road to a safer landing.  Although the Trump Party (note – not the traditional “Republican Party”), still holds power in Trump’s White House and the US Senate under Mitch McConnell, 2019 will be quite the political scene along the way…. And will evolve into a new chapter in US history – far more bizarre than we have experienced in the past. 
The following contains my predictions for 2019. One year from now… as we enter the cycle for the election of 2020 and a national determination regarding our future course - both national and international, at home and abroad - 2019 will become an extraordinary and shocking evolution impacting our future.  Buckle up, hold on tight, and take a deep breath….  Here we go!  2019…..

2019

2019 will take on the role of evolving into shocking US history.  Those of us who have paid attention to the workings of Washington DC over the past two years have witnessed the devolution of our democracy.  In retreat from our leadership of the world order, we have also abandoned a carefully built social, economic, and political safety net.  From mangling  voting rights and dismantling healthcare coverage by imploding the ACA, Trump and his allies are inflicting wound after wound on the great role that the US has played both at home and abroad.  From withdrawing from the Climate Accord, the Iran Anti-Nuclear Agreement, the distant but gigantic Far East Trade Agreements (the Trans-Pacific Partnership), and, closer to home, the NAFTA Agreement between the US, Mexico, and Canada, to instituting trade war and tariffs that have closed American factories and wounded our farming communities - especially soy beans and others with extensive exported foreign sales that have suffered most, Trump and his gang have dis-assembled relationships that had been carefully build over decades. These forward steps were crafted and implemented by both Democrat and Republican Presidents and adopted by our US Senate as well, regardless of dominant party.  This INSANITY must stop.  This year - 2019 - not 2020 - will result in the sinking of the Trump presidency and the evaporation of his unskilled, inexperienced cabinet. Here are my 2019 predictions that will result in this outcome.

1. The US Government will re-open after a long and painful Trump Shut-down. The “heat” rises from this day forward as a result of the Dems taking charge of the House.  Watch for a blizzard of House Committee investigations and subpoenas issued by a long list of House Committees probing violations conducted and the laws broken or ignored by the Trump gang.  The infliction of these investigations - and negative headlines – will be negotiated a bit to re-open the government and provide the needed services to the public.

2. Robert Mueller, Special Counsel investigating Trump and his goons for nearly two years, will bring forward his findings and a report in early spring, 2019.  In spite of the rules that have him submit the report to Trump’s “acting” Attorney General who then hides the report in a closet, House Dems subpoena Mueller and the Report along with recommendations - likely at the House Judiciary Committee headed by Jerold Nadler (D-NY). The Report is then released or leaked to the press creating a tidal wave of controversy drowning the Trump gang in scandal.

3. Insofar as Trump has an overload of “acting” Cabinet members or Department leaders, and the Senate is still in Republican hands, the negative tidal impact on Trump will impede progress on getting approval for appointments, but for those directly recommended by Republican members of the Senate.  The necessary nominations will attract considerable negative response to such nominees early on and result that the Senate Hearings on these appointees will be awash in negative press. In fact, negative out-pouring will threaten the nominee’s reputation and may result in self-withdrawal to avoid being covered in Trump “mud.”  By the way, when the 25th Amendment was adopted in 1967, in addition to the Vice-President, a simple majority of the Cabinet can declare that the President is “unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office.” The Vice-President becomes President immediately upon delivery to the Senate.  Here is a good question….  Are “Acting” Cabinet Officers empowered to ‘act’ as “official” Secretaries of each Department?  Can they vote on Trump’s ability to govern?  Hmm….. Perhaps remaining as “Acting” Secretary of HUD or Attorney General would not permit their participation in a “finding” that the President is no longer able to “discharge his powers and duties.”

4. Given the growing presence of investigations, accusations, House-passed legislation attracting headlines in addition to their investigations, and the embarrassing confirmation proceedings on Cabinet nominations by an administration under attack for illegal and unethical behavior, the Trump Administration grinds to a near-halt.

5.  Sometime mid-year, if not before when the Mueller Report hits the press and the impeachment hearings commence, the Trump Gang is completely crippled.  The Republican Senate, while hinting that they will NOT “convict” Trump of Impeachable charges adopted in the House and sent to the Senate for “trial”, McConnell’s members realize that they will SINK in the 2020 elections if they do not create some responsible and defensible position or action.  After all, 2/3 of the US Senate up for election in 2020 are Republicans and see themselves on the edge of a political cliff! Assuming that Trump runs and maintains support by the Republican base (currently at 80%) to win the 2020 primary elections, McConnell realizes that somehow Trump needs to depart before election year, or else Republican Senators on the ballot will WALK THE PLANK! Under threat of the 25th Amendment removal possibility, or the potential to be saved from impeachment by the nervous Senate, Trump considers RESIGNATION.

6. The first six months of 2019 turns up the heat with House Committee investigations, the Mueller findings and report, and the impeachment process underway.  With both he and his family members exposed to improper behavior allegations, including criminal charges and convictions, “the Donald” seeks protection.  In return for a PARDON from his successor, Mike Pence - for him and his entire family and arrangements made with Democrats regarding state-level charges exposure, Trump steps down.  Pence becomes President, names a VP with voting support from the Senate Republicans, and settles in to head the Republican 2020 ticket.  Impeachment proceedings evaporate, House Committee investigations shrink down as a new Pence Cabinet is appointed replacing the Trump Gang, and Pence sets up for 2020 with changes in personnel and policy and with a “Save the Senate” election plan.  Pence recalls the Gerry Ford pardon and the fact that he was not able to secure a follow-up election as the incumbent Republican President. It goes without saying that Pence and McConnell are worried… Who will the Democrats run? Pence is on the phone.... hello, Vladimir???

Add some comments if you agree/disagree.  

Meanwhile... celebrate 2019... and March On!  

Bobby J





Monday, December 31, 2018

AND... A GREAT NEW YEAR.... ON TO 2020!


Well... here comes the close of 2018 - yet a second year of "Trumpology." Ever watch a building crumble over time? Or, a demolition take-down with dynamite? Sadly, we are witnessing an erosion - some rapid and others gradually - of American Leadership and progressive advancement. Here are some examples:

Trumpology is destructive to our status around the globe, erodes the future opportunities of those of us facing challenges in health and education and those struggling with poverty, and brings smiles to the faces of our famous "friends" - Putin, Recep Erdogan of Turkey, and Kim Jon-un of North Korea. On the other hand, "allies" in NATO, the other Western Alliances, and our allies in Latin America and Asia are seeing our relationships crumble right before their eyes.... This administration, presently withdrawing from Syria, leaving the Kurds abandoned and exposed, and announcing plans for our withdrawal from Afghanistan - abandoning the pressure on our terrorist enemies and the Taliban, and siding with Saudi Arabia leaders in spite of murders - both planned and executed on our own lands, has severely damaged our global leadership since WW II and leads us away from the peaceful promised land of US Leadership and influence.

     Global Stability is rapidly facing increasing risk.... And, Trump cooperation with those, other than decades-long friends and allies, seems to represent the nations where Trump Towers and/or Golf Courses exist (Egypt, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, India, Philippines, Scotland, Ireland, South Korea, to name a bunch). On the other hand, abandoned, sold, or closed operations in Toronto, Rio, Baja, Tel Aviv, and Stuttgart suggest a struggle or rejection experienced by Trump and indicate locations or nations that he would like to "teach a lesson." And, that could be enticement (Tel Aviv and Russia) for those locations he wants to build a Trump Tower, or a stiff-arm (Mexico, Germany) to suggest punishment for those who have failed to cooperate with the Trump family.
     In any case, his "Trumpology" reeks of profit motivation and personal interest, not American advancement. Perhaps 2019 will be a better year with forced cooperation and advancement for the American people because of Democratic House leadership... or, a worse year with Trump increasing his "autocratic" behavior and assuming dictatorial behaviors, eroding our democratic governmental practice and the foundation of our constitution that "no man is above the law." His refusal to comply with existing laws and to rely on experienced advice and the regulatory environment rather than lead by "tweet", suggests either his ignorance.... or, his dastardly plan to erode the structure and stability of the USA.


Maybe 2019 can turn the corner..... and 2020 is getting closer and closer.... tick....tock..... TICK...TOCK!
Have a Better New Year and more.

STAND UP! SPEAK OUT! RESIST!  MARCH ON!

Bobby J

Saturday, October 6, 2018

THE SUPREMES AND A BANANA SPLIT......THE UNITED TRIANGLE BANANA REPUBLIC?



Like many others across the United States, I have closely watched the unfolding of the debate over the recent Supreme Court nominee, Brett Kavanaugh.  As the swirl continued, it appeared as though the federal governmental process has gone completely BANANAS!  As I watch today’s post-FBI one-copy, no public access report to the members of the Senate, votes have begun to fall into place.  As this falls, I am completely shocked that the American government process has lost its way. Just like the Anita Hill testimony against then near-justice Clarence Thomas, the 2018 Republican-led Committee and Trump – a sexual abuser himself – have silenced, ignored, and dismissed the testimony of Dr. Ford, protected and covered for the sexual violence and lying under oath of Brett Kavanaugh.  This abusive, ignorant, and completely improper and illegal Republican activity is a gross abuse of the public trust, and an attack on #Me Too and a women’s forthright and trustworthy testimony.  Dr. Ford was attacked by Trump at a Road Rally the week before the vote on Kavanaugh.  Shameful subversion of the truth and, like the Kavanaugh attempted rape of Dr. Ford more than 30 years ago at a high school party, the Senate Judicial Committee, the White House, and Trump himself, the Republicans in DC placed their procedural “HAND” over Dr. Ford’s mouth.  In addition, this “Devil’s Triangle” – White House – Senate Judicial Committee – and the Justice Department and Federal Courts, silenced many other witnesses – fellow students, party attendees, and Kavanaugh roommates - who could have provided accurate facts and corroboration of Ford’s truthful testimony.  The “Triangle” planned the very last step in the takeover of the third branch of the federal government – the Judicial System – through the capture of the US Supreme Court.  This complete right-wing Republican, Trump, dominated the political takeover of our democracy that began on January 20, 2017.  The Banana Republic, featuring a cloaked, Trump-based tyranny, includes holding the Congress, preventing presidential impeachment, and a Right-wing invasion of the federal courts, including District and Appeals Court appointments, and, ultimately, the Supreme Court takeover by those who would complete Trump totalitarianism. 

In March of this year, I published a posting on my blog -“THE SENIOR PROGRESSIVE”raising the issue of Trump LOADING the federal bench with right-wing activists in his first year.  By that time, after McConnell blocked more than 360 Obama nominations through 385 filibusters in the years of his term as President, Trump had made more than 100 appointments.  In year one, Trump succeeded in appointing 12 Appeal’s Court nominees and made 80 other court nominations. White House Counsel Don McGahn quarterbacked the entire effort.  The entire story was revealed in my blog 7 months ago.  Just like building an impregnable operation, McGahn began at the bottom – the district courts.  The next step was the 12 appointments to the Appeals Courts, and the icing on the cake is the Supreme Court – first with Gorsuch and now a back-up with Kavanaugh.  Losing cases in federal court could be appealed to the Trump-dominated Appeal’s Courts or, if losing there or not able to direct the effort to a Trump-based Appeals Court, the Supreme Court will be the final arbiter of Trump-based “justice.”  When dominating in the courts – all the way to the Supreme Court – Trump will run roughshod over American policy and the adoption/interpretation of law that could have otherwise been overturned.  The influenced court system will sustain Trump – and outrage the majority of Americans.  THIS MUST STOP!  You can read the March, 2018 report on my blog entry using the following link:

Check the entry titled: “Mis-direction, Deception, and De-construction: The American Justice System at Risk,” March 13, 2018, and you will find the Trump plan revealed 7 months ago.

Over the last two years the Republican Party has evaporated.  Now, the Trump Maga-mumps - those who were elected as Red district folks - sucked up to the mad-ball occupant of the White House and adorned themselves with the MAGA hat.  They abandoned the Republican tradition and became a "Trumpocracy." Given holding the majority in both houses, this Trump-stained cohort, was able to split a “banana.”  Trading Secretary appointments, high-ranking jobs, votes for Trump initiatives though they be the reverse of traditional Republican policy and political and governmental positions for the past 30 years or more (think International Trade, NATO, and opposing Russian foreign policy) for Trump political support in the 2018 Mid-terms, and avoiding nasty attacks emanating from the White House.  All are trying to hold onto office and have adopted the Trump plan to do so.  The MAGA converts are supporting Trump’s insane policy, have complemented the President for absurd comments or positions, and have abandoned their conservative policy positions, joining Trump in a set of reverse policy goals.  Like in the “Wizard of Oz”, Trump IS the man behind the curtain….  But, he is revealed through “tweets” and in the streets via his mobile rallies that continue on and on.  Abandon NAFTA?  Fight with allies?  Attack NATO?  Oppose any Global Warming science?  Transform “tax reform” to a giant tax cut for the rich and increased tax for the poor PLUS a giant national debt increase?  Cut social services support and threaten medical aid for those in desperate need?  Put Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security at risk by increasing the National Debt by $1.5 TRILLION DOLLARS… and then call for close review and reduction in Medicare and Social Security to “balance the budget?”  Build a Southern Border Wall?  BANANAS! Abandon or bad-mouth our decades-long allies and cozy up with Russia and North Korea?

There are numerous actions taken, especially “Executive Orders”, that have been overturned by the federal courts.  The result is a massive year-one battle with Federal Courts which were negating Trump's Executive Orders, his reach into regulatory repeal, and his proposals in executive practices related to current law.    In addition to attacking those losses, the White House appeals to courts in defense of their policies where it has appointed new judges.  They are filling District Courts, Courts of Appeal, and, now, the Supreme Court.  All Trump has to do is to pursue appeals until he bets on the winning court where he has dominated appointments.  And, at the Supreme Court that has resulted in right-wing Gorsuch. In any number of cases before the Supreme Court we have lost on a 5-4 vote… or has jammed up in the Robert’s Court of 8 on a 4-4 result as a result of Gorsuch influence and votes.  Kavanaugh will be the final LOCK on the Trump influence. 

The Supreme Court scheme began more than 2 years ago.  In addition to stalling more than 360 appointments to a variety of offices, especially judges in federal courts, McConnell stopped President Obama from any votes on his nominee for a Supreme Court vacancy, Merrick Garland, after Scalia’s passing. McConnell delayed any discussion of the Garland nomination for nearly ONE YEAR.  In Trump’s first year, Neal Gorsuch, a complete right-winger conservative, was nominated and finally approved for a seat on the Supreme Court.  That locked up the Court in support of right-wing policy – with the exception of Justice Kennedy who wandered away from some positions like Roe v. Wade, same-sex marriage issues, and other debates. In year two, with the retirement of Justice Kennedy, Trump nominated Brett Kavanaugh, yet another complete right-winger.  We are within days of his approval and being seated on the Supreme Court. Where is all this heading?  Let’s take a look…..

Before the Kennedy retirement, coaxed by the White House, Trump pledged to select a candidate from a group of skilled right-wing folks selected and submitted by the completely right-wing “Federalist Society.”  The Federalists submitted a complete right-wing pledged list for consideration for Federal Court appointments and for the Supreme Court.  Funded substantially by the Koch brothers and the national Chamber of Commerce plus other wealthy Republican donors, Trump promised to appoint legal folks recommended by them.  In fact, though not quite in public view or under a microscope, Trump has filled many of the more than 360 appointments that McConnell and the Senate Republicans blocked over the two Obama terms as president.  Trump appointed more than 100 judges at the District Court level and more than 12 at the Courts of Appeals across the nation.  As suits against Trump in year one were often successful (recall his attempts to deny entry into the US in year one), the White House response was to inject their supporters and influence into the court justice system.  They are gaining fast on all levels! And, now the final judgment – the US Supreme Court – is falling into Trump’s hands.  An INJUSTICE for sure. This is BANANAS… and looks more like some autocratic, single maniac leader punishing any judge who disagrees, denying any Senator courtesy or appointments or a political future, unless they conform to the lunacy of his leadership.  Some are subject to “execution” on whatever front is appropriate and effective.  Sounds more like a Latin American dictatorship…..  or, his close love-affair with the North Korean Supreme “Leader”, Kim Jong-un. 

 This “Devil’s Triangle” can strangle our government “of the people, for the people, and by the people.” You and I – and all others who take pride in and support our DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC that has been the pride of the globe for the last century and more – must Stand Up…. Speak Out…. and March On.  The time to save our democracy from the Trump-based autocracy of Big Business, huge wealth, the rich, giant corporations, and the top 5% of this country who are ascending into the single source of politics, policy, and government over us all, is essential NOW!  THIS TIME!  THIS YEAR! RIGHT NOW! AND, IN THIS ELECTION!  We must stand up… and save our nation and our democracy.  We must pull our nation back from the precipice…. from going over a cliff… from the very brink of becoming yet another autocratic “Banana Republic.” Do not hesitate! 

STAND UP AND ENGAGE RIGHT NOW!

BOBBY J

Wednesday, October 3, 2018

OOPS..... Sorry for the delay in additional publications......

Hi Folks:  As you can see from the list of published articles, I have not written on the blog since April of this year.  The reason is that I became "infected" with a substantial motivation to not only write about making changes in the political and governmental landscape, but to GET OUT THERE and make things happen.  I was engaged in two important efforts... First, a "Special Election" for an NY Assembly seat in my district; and, second, working furiously on an effort to de-rail a county effort to build a new 98 bed jail to house our average of 40 detainees (insane).  The county plan is to spend $50 million ($90 million with 30-yer interest) - coupled with a 20% tax increase - to build a facility located on the most expensive jail site of anywhere in the state of NY! 

I supported a well-spoken candidate for the Assembly, Aidan O'Connor in a district that has been RED for decades.  The Republican margins in those elections was substantial but candidate O'Connor was worth an effort.  Working with the Mountaintop Progressive movement, we came within 150 votes of winning that race.  O'Connor is running again for the full term this fall... and I am back at the switch one more time.  In addition, we are supporting a full Dem ticket in November, from CD 19 with Antonio Delgado, to Governor Cuomo, Strong for the Senate running with O'Connor, local County Legislature candidates, two Coroner candidates, and my friend who is running for County Treasurer.  Greene County is a RED region... but, I think that we can make a major dent in their armor. 

The second issue mentioned above is the jail issue.  Placing the county into a 30-year debt of some $90 million is absolutely unnecessary.  The proposed facility is over-sized, over-priced, and unnecessary.  I have chaired a Mountaintop region Jail Project Committee engaging some 200 folks in opposing the proposed facility and have chaired a steering committee for my creative for the River Towns and the Valley Towns, in combination with the Mountaintop.  This new group, numbering in the 200 range as well, have been ignited and is ablaze in opposition to the proposed facility.  Law, suits, complaints elsewhere, attendance at meetings, fiery testimony, email, letters, and demonstrations against the proposed project, planning, distribution of fliers, newspaper ads and more resulted in losing our position by just one vote!  Opposition will continue going forward and engagement in the politics and the election of this fall - the entire Legislature is on the ballot.

As you might guess, I will be engaged for the next month on these matters.  After that, I will be back on the blog.... and record national issues....  Kavanaugh and the Supreme Court, Trump and Trade Wars, attacks on medical coverage, medicaid, medicare, food stamps, education aid, and assistance for Republican lobbyists, fund raisers, large corporations, and the wealthy.  This is the democratic world turned upside down....  and RESISTANCE must succeed in saving the Republic....  Building is from the bottom up....  and, this fall, we should win the House, hold and/or win the Senate, and launch the double-down attack on Trump the terrible along with his cabinet and other policy creators and leaders who need to be blocked, stopped, and removed for their insane policy positions.

Thanks for staying attached.... See you again soon.
March ON!

Bobby J


Tuesday, March 13, 2018

MIS-DIRECTION, DECEPTION, AND DE-CONSTRUCTION: THE AMERICAN JUSTICE SYSTEM AT RISK


Since his inauguration as president, Donald Trump has complained bitterly that the Democrats in the Senate have frustrated his administration by holding up "hundreds" of appointments to a wide variety of positions, including the federal bench.  Like many of the Trump lies, mis-representations, and mis-statements, claims of intentional delays of nominees simply are not true. The facts are that the Trump White House is so dysfunctional that they have not been able to attract and complete background checks on candidates for the vacant available offices.  From ambassadors in the foreign service, to high positions in the State Department, the EPA, Defense Department and many others, nominees simply are not flowing from the White House Appointments Office to the FBI for vetting.  In fact, of some 640 key positions that require Senate confirmation, 216 - one-third of the total number - have NO NOMINEE. Nearly 30 of these are high-ranking Cabinet vacancies.  These include the Commissioner of Social Security, Director of the Census, the Director of the ATF, Director of the National Parks, and the head of the Federal Highway Administration to mention a few. Among the State Department vacancies, we do not even have an Ambassador to South Korea!  And, as evidenced by the recent revelations over such White House "appointees" as Jared Kushner, even those who have been selected cannot pass security muster.                         

Nevertheless, Trump often complains that his appointments are "being held up" by the Democrats.  He notes that the Republicans did not do that to President Obama and that he is unfairly being "persecuted" by his political enemies.  This is total nonsense. In fact, if anyone could be charged with dereliction of duty as it relates to confirming appointments, it is surely the Senate Republicans. From 2007 to 2012 there were 385 filibusters conducted by the Republicans - MORE THAN THE TOTAL NUMBER OF FILIBUSTERS IN THE 6+ DECADES FROM THE FIRST WORLD WAR TO RONALD REAGAN! In fact, prior to the Obama Presidency, 90% of judicial positions were filled. During the Obama years, however, just 50% of the judicial vacancies were filled. This is the world turned upside down... and, it did not happen by accident.   

As I am certain that you will recall, when Justice Scalia passed, President Obama nominated a fully vetted and qualified candidate to fill that vacancy.  He chose Judge Merrick Garland, a seasoned and centrist judge on the DC Court of Appeals.  He was nominated on March 16, 2016.  Almost immediately, Senate Majority leader Mitch McConnell announced that the Senate would not consider the Garland nomination although it was near a full year prior to the succeeding president taking office. The facts are, that in 2 centuries it has been standard practice for the Congress to consider confirmation of judicial nominees - whether it was a presidential election year or not.  Of the 6 judges confirmed since 1900, 3 have been Republicans with the most recent (prior to Gorsuch) in an election year, Justice Kennedy - appointed by President Reagan and confirmed by a Democratic Senate in February of 1988.  Since 1875 every Supreme Court nominee has received a hearing and/or a vote. The last 4 appointments averaged 75 days from nomination to confirmation. McConnell sat on the Garland nomination for more than 300 days. This didn't happen by accident.  Nope!  It was a part of an orchestrated plan to "pack" the federal bench with conservative judges that was hatched by Mitch McConnell - in the hope that they might win the presidency and have a clear field to fill these judicial vacancies that stood at 50% due to their filibusters and refusal to consider Obama appointments.     


As you know, Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch was confirmed a few months ago which just might tilt the majority on the Supreme Court to the more conservative side of the equation.  Time, and a series of rulings, will tell. However, should yet another retirement from the liberal side of the Court take place while the compliant Republican Senate majority continues in place, most decidedly another right-wing Trump appointee will firmly place the Count's majority on the ultra-right conservative side of judicial temperament. Such a development could result in the reversal of any number of previous Supreme Court rulings over the decades that have clarified and, in some cases, expanded or re-defined the rights that Americans enjoy under the US Constitution.  Some of these include voting rights, civil rights, and the now-famous Roe v. Wade that protects a woman's right to choose. While the Supreme Court and the cases that are presented and determined in that Judicial forum are widely covered by the print and electronic media, other issues are decided in lower courts - the Circuit Courts of Appeal and, of course, the first line in the federal judicial system, the District Courts.

Circuit Courts got their moment in the press eye due to the numerous suits that were filed challenging the Trump Travel Bans of year one of his administration - for the most part siding with those who claimed that such bans were unconstitutional.  Trump bristled at what he viewed as "interference" in his "executive authority."  Steven Miller, a former Jeff Sessions Senate aide and now a Trump adviser on immigration issues, claimed that "President Trump's authority shall not be challenged!" in a TV interview on a Circuit Court determination that his immigration Executive orders were unconstitutional.  Of course, in his private business life prior to becoming President, Trump has numerous run-ins with courts and judges.  Issues with his various building projects, rental policies, casino revenue and taxes, contractor and vendor claims of non-payment, and, more recently, his Trump University case that resulted in a large cash settlement just prior to the 2016 election, demonstrated to Trump the important role that judges could play and did play in advancing or frustrating his objectives.  The "Muslim Ban" cases, however, could not be settled with a monetary payment, like Stormy Daniels or the Trump University suit.  These were clashes over POWER.  And, Trump could not tolerate ANY challenges to his POWER.  And, that would mean....  more appointments... more appointments.... and more loyalty oaths.... or, at least a common world view as it relates to Trump, for candidates seeking judicial appointments. Once Donald found that he couldn't simply "bully" or threaten the federal bench, it was time to implement the "McConnell Plan" and pack the federal bench. And, so the "shopping spree" began. 



In an effort to re-shape the federal judiciary, Trump's folks helped get a record-breaking 12 appeal's court judges confirmed in his first year - four times as many as President Obama did in his first year. By mid-February 2018, Trump has nominated 80 federal judges - and he is just getting started! Given that McConnell blocked many Obama nominees and stockpiled judicial vacancies, Trump has 139 open seats on the bench to fill - a task that the right-wing considers the "most important thing" that they could do. In general, these nominees are sympathetic to gun rights, religious freedom in free speech, are skeptical regarding abortion rights as well as workplace discrimination and environmental protections.  After Gorsuch, their goal was to "fill up the lower courts."  With lifetime appointments and very few decisions that will ever make it to the Supreme Court, the plan is to change America for generations. 

White House Counsel Don McGahn, the quarterback of this effort, once described this class of nominees for the bench as "the second list... and too hot for prime time... the kind that make some people nervous." He was right about that.....  Judge Leonard Grasz, confirmed to the 8th Circuit Court in December, described Roe v. Wade as "moral bankruptcy."  Judge John Bush, appointed to the 6th Circuit in last July, compared abortion to "slavery" in his blog.  While it remains to be seen just how much damage these judicial appointments actually do to the social and legal glue that holds our nation together, it seems almost certain that the Trump years - however many they may be - will continue to inflict considerable damage to our democracy and the freedoms and liberties to which we have become accustomed over the decades of the post World War II years.  Hang on folks.... it's going to be one hell of a ride!

STAND UP!  SPEAK OUT!  MARCH ON!  
RESIST!  PERSIST!  INSIST!                                                   Bobby J