November 13, 2021

We saw the proof...

..that our climate could be changed rather quickly and rather dramatically when there is a world-wide pandemic and the entire country and world shut down their manufacturing processes.

The people in California were amazed that they could finally see their mountains clearly. The sky was bluer. The canals in Venice, Italy were clean and clear, for the first time in many memories. Almost overnight, our environment changed.

So, we know it can happen.

We need to figure a way to make it happen continually.

November 13, 2021

Respect Yourself

November 13, 2021

"My Fellow Americans..."

In these dire times, our country needs a leader that can appeal to Americans as a whole. It is easy to appeal to angry partisans but who can speak for the country? We cannot continue in the manner in which we are now divided.

The Country is more important than Party. Democracy is more important than a political victory. We need to come together. Some people may say, "Why speak of the impossible"?

Because we must. It doesn't matter if you are a socialist or progressive or liberal or conservative, or Democrat or Republican, we need to come to an understanding. We need to join in promoting ideas that are best for our country, regardless of affiliation.

We do not need to be unanimous in our support, but we do need a majority that will re-affirm that democracy is worth saving. If there is a vote between our democracy or loyalty to Party demands, then we must stand together for democracy. It is far from perfect but we must work to make it better. The alternative is almost incomprehensible.

The political Parties should attempt to form a coalition from members of Congress that will vow to protect our Constitution and the idea of democracy and a better America. They do not have to vow to be a member of one Party or the Other. They would speak as an American coalition to save our Constitution.

Could they ever get such a vote for such an idea thru the Congress? In my opinion, it would be tremendously helpful.

October 26, 2021

Smedley Butler and the 1930s Plot to Overthrow the President

https://www.arcadiapublishing.com/Navigation/Community/Arcadia-and-THP-Blog/September-2018/Smedley-Butler-and-the-1930s-Plot-to-Overthrow-the

(snip)
In 1934, a colossal claim reached the American news media: There had been a plot to overthrow President Franklin D. Roosevelt, in favor of a fascist government. Supposedly in the works since 1933, the claims of the conspiracy came from a very conspicuous and reliable source: Major General Smedley Butler, one of the most decorated war heroes of his time. Even more unbelievable were his claims of who was involved in the plot – respected names like Robert Sterling Clark, Grayson M.P. Murphy, and Prescott Bush. While news media at the time mocked Butler’s story, recently discovered archives have revealed the truth behind Major General Butler’s claims.

(snip)
The abandonment of the gold standard was a major sticking point for many high-ranking officials and bankers in the country during 1933. Although there were several recognized issues with money backed by gold (such as dependency on gold production, and short-term price instabilities), many bankers were fearful that their gold-backed loans would not be paid back in full by the President’s new policies.

The departure from the gold standard just added to other concerns about FDR’s policies, particularly his plans to provide subsidizations and jobs for the poor, which businessmen and conservative politicians alike took as an indication of Roosevelt's socialist leanings, or (even worse) a communist. Butler could sense this disgruntlement when he asked to meet with MacGuire’s superior, and found himself speaking with Robert Sterling Clark, an heir to the Singer Sewing fortune. Clark was much more upfront than MacGuire, telling Butler that his real interest was in preserving the gold standard, even claiming that he “had $30 million, and was willing to spend half of the $30 million to save the other half.”

(snip)
These various observations led MacGuire to believe that the only way to save the country from FDR’s “ill-fated” policies was to create a military state run by former servicemen, with Roosevelt serving as a figurehead, rather than a true leader. Butler asked what MacGuire wanted from him, and was told he would be the ideal leader of these veterans, promising him an army of 500,000 men and financial backing from an assortment of rich businessmen, so long as he would be willing to lead a peaceful march on the White House to displace Roosevelt.

October 24, 2021

The dilemma that haunts America.

Sometimes it is hard to see the forest for the trees. If we could stand back and look at it from afar, we could see that we are surrounded by flames.

Not only are political Parties divided, but families and friends are divided also.

There are no easy choices where no one is hurt and no one feels the pain.

America has been torn apart by lies and propaganda, disguised as some type of political revolution.

We are frozen by indecision. We cannot apply justice where justice is needed, for fear of inflaming emotions.

We cannot agree on the truth if it conflicts with our political agenda.

America is in the middle of a constitutional crisis and the flames are getting closer.

October 24, 2021

How the political world evolved to this point?

This is just my opinion.

In the 1980's, Ronald Reagan told us that the nine most terrifying words in the English language were "I'm from the government - I'm here to help you."

It seems to me that was the time the anti-government forces solidified in this country. It was manifested in the form of the "lower taxes" movement.

It became the mantra for the Republican Party. They were intent on dismantling the "high tax" rates of the New Deal.

Democratic politicians offered little resistance, and in some instances, assisted with the cutting of taxes on the wealthy. For a while, they pretended that 39% was the magic rate for most effectiveness.

The battle between the "haves and have nots" has been going on for most of recorded history. The wealthy and the powerful have never wanted to surrender their wealth or their power. That is a significant reason FDR was so hated by the ruling class.

When the Soviet Union collapsed, it was taken over by a few oligarchs, some of the wealthiest men in the world. Their goal was to open up the world so they could gain more wealth and more power.

In America, the tax rates grew lower and lower. Almost everything was paid for with deficit spending. At last report, more than 50 of the largest and wealthiest corporations in America paid no taxes at all.

What the Democrats failed to understand was that by surrendering the revenues for the maintenance of good government, they were also surrendering our freedom and our democracy. Reportedly, the actual tax rate has shriveled to about 11% for the top echelon of our society.

So the struggle between the rich and the poor has reached a new stage. The wealthy feel emboldened and democracy is threatened all around the world. America is ruled by money moreso than at any time in our history.

The lesson for the people is that the only way to maintain any leverage against complete control by the oligarchs is to have a fair and progressive tax system with a strong enforcement mechanism. We have lost that in America.

Just my opinion.

October 23, 2021

In my opinion, the Select Committee should go on the offensive.

This is the week they have subpoenaed the "Rally Organizers" to appear before the Committee. Some may show up and some may decline.

Those that defy the subpoenas should be treated just like Steve Bannon.

Next week, they should subpoena Mike Pence, Mark Meadows, and Ivanka Trump.

The next week, they should subpoena Donald Trump, Mo Brooks, and Kevin McCarthy.

If they wish to fight it in the Courts, let them. Continue to apply the pressure on them all the time.

October 23, 2021

Republicans want to move forward from the January 6th insurrection.

But, it is not possible.

Once they see that they can get their way by the use of violence, they will return to violence again and again. It's not like January 6th was a one-time attack and it will never happen again.

The Congress has no choice but to get to the truth and to hold those accountable that attacked our Capitol and attempted to overturn an election.

There is no "moving forward". They are not capable of moving forward. They are a one-trick pony that must be defeated and must be held accountable.

The threat of violence is a big part of their plan to take over our government. It would be naive to think you could work with these people.

October 22, 2021

The "ranking member" of the Select Committee ?

Jim Banks fraudulently requested the same records from social media companies and corporations that the Select Committee had already requested.

How many people did he show? How many did he inform about their call records? It appears that the suspects have all the same information as the investigators?

This cannot be legal?

They are crooked, corrupt, and too smart by half.

How far up the chain did it go?

October 22, 2021

What happens if the US Attorney hands the Bannon case to the Grand Jury...?

...and a majority of the Grand Jury returns an indictment?

Does he go straight to jail or can he appeal it?

Is there then a straight jury trial of his peers?

Or is he given a date with a judge for sentencing?

Does anyone know the process from this point?