Despair among the white working class

WaPo reports the research that identifies a sea of despair among the white, middle aged, working class. What we learn from this is the seismic shift in the economy due to technology and that the small government approach has not prepared the working class for the shirt (1972-today). Also, allowing drug companies to push their products has created an opiod epidemic. Lastly, democrats better wake up. Cue Warren and Sanders please! Brookings has a story on it as well.

Terror Attack in Britain

Several issues here. the WaPo reports that the man responsible was Brih born, although Muslim and influenced by terrorism (along with a criminal record). And of course Donald Trump Jr. attacked the mayor of London by taking his statement about preparedness out of context (WaPo). What this tells me is that nativism will not protect us; terrorism is more and more likely to be homegrown. And also, what if Londoners had guns? Would it have been worse (because he would have a gun) or better because others would have guns?

Republican Healthcare modifications

Three articles: WaPo reports Trump stumped on Capitol Hill for the plan, threatening to "come after" Repubs who oppose the bill . Wow. Just wow. Can you imaging any of the previous presidents doing that? I get it; people wanted different. But don't you think this is a little threatening and authoritarian? Wa Po also reports on some of the budgetary adjustments that are supposed to help Medicaid and older people . This is far from a finished piece of legislation, and it doesn't do all that it is supposed to. I am still just shaking my head about it because it falls far short of the changes that need to be made to go either in a true free market direction or in a single payer direction. NYT has a great graphic on how the Repubs will vote in the HOuse and a NYT Upshot that explains the changes that were made and an article that explains the role of upstate NY in these changes . These changes definitely turn control over to states. Whether that is good or not, ??? Probably not, I don't think.

Ivanka gets an office??

According to CNN, Ivanka is getting an office and security clearance and the UK Independent report Robert Reich likens it to a coup . I wouldn't go so far as to say it is a coup, and truthfully she seems relatively sane even if shallow and corrupt. My biggest issue is where are the conservative voices that yelled to heaven when Hillary advised on healthcare without being elected? This is far worse in my opinion. Such hypocrisy!

Tillerson skipping NATO

And further proof of the Russia connection and the attempt by Trump and the Repubs to turn the U.S. into an oligarchy along the lines of China and Russia, Reuters reported yesterday late that Tillerson is skipping a NATO conference to visit with the China President on a visit to DC followed by a trip to Russia later in April. Coincidence? I think not. Wake up Americans! Gee whiz!

And the Russian connection get thicker

WaPo reports that Manafort, Trump's campaign chairman, laundered money from Russia & Ukraine.  So when are we going to do something about this?? Oh that's right, the Republican Congress doesn't give a crap about Russian interference as long as they get their way. The Republican are despicable anarchists (with the exception of a couple) that need to be voted out of office. Seriously, they make me ill.

So much for free speech and an exchange of ideas

I am no fan of Tomi Laren but CNN's story that her show was not in production this week after she expressed her honest opinion about abortion should appall anyone who believes in free speech.

Highlights from the Gorsuch hearing

NYT has a great article that covers the Gorsuch hearings in solid and unbaised detail, in case you wondered.

The real story of the Merkel Trump meeting

Wa Po analyzed the meeting with Merkel and there are interesting take aways. First, Trump is embarrassing the U.S. And he doesn't understand how any of this works. Are there things to talk about with NATO - yes. But first you have to understand the thing. AAARRGGHHH. It is so frustrating.

“Trump’s comments misrepresent the way NATO functions,” Daalder told us. “The President keeps saying that we need to be paid by the Europeans for the fact that we have troops in Europe or provide defense there. But that’s not how it works.”

Founding Fathers and preventing a corrupted Presidency

WaPo covered why the Founding Fathers wanted the President to have a salary and it highlights that they did NOT want the President to have business ties. Since Trump has promised to donate his salary (which he has not done yet) and has not divested himself of business (really, really - his sons running the company??) we should be very concerned. So much for loving the country and the Founding Fathers. Trump is not wrapping himself in an American flag - he is wrapping himself in a for sale sign.

Wikileaks is more about privatization rather than deep state

WaPo has a fascinating story on where Wikileaks gets its info . It tells you that the push to find intel for security has caused us to be less picky about who is hired and that is leading to the leaks. I still have issues with Assange though. He's a putz, albeit a smart one.

Kellyanne's husband gets a Justice Dept job

Read the WaPo story for yourself. Of course he got a job. Cronyism at its best.

Mercers: The Puppet Masters

WaPo has a story about How the Mercer Family partnered with Bannon to tear down our systems and give rise to the divisive populist climate. First, blame Citizens United. Second, be informed. The corruption is writ large and the Mercers are 21st century party bosses and all the negative that entails. They don't care about the middle class or the poor - they care about themselves.

Easing Fuel Restrictions - Tin Foil Hat Warning

NYT Times reported that Trump plans to ease fuel emission restrictions to encourage auto jobs . Ready for the tin foil? Trump is friendly with the Saudis who are trying to improve their economy following increasing American oil independence, and the Saudis (despite their terror connections) just had a meeting with Trump. The budget allows for destroying the EPA, opening up reserves for exploitation. I get the feeling this is a plan to increase our dependence on oil for the Saudis and to turn the United States into a for real oligarchy along the lines of Saudi Arabia. I think I am starting to get paranoid.

The Federal System will prevent tyranny

WaPo reported that a Federal Judge froze the new travel & immigration ban on behalf of the state of Hawaii , and the NYT reported the challenge by 2 judges and this is a great lesson in the role of the branches of government and states. The irony is that the Repubs want to push everything back to the states but here is a state pushing back against the federal government's action. On one hand, it is good to see the federal system at work. On the other, I have real concerns about the confederation concept that appears to be emerging. It will frustrate the administration to be sure. And the travel ban will not solve terrorism and of course doesn't affect countries where Trump does business, like Saudi Arabia.

Withholding?? Not the Trump Admin! Or Yes. Or Maybe.

WaPo cites the Senate Judiciary Committee for pushing back against Trump over Russian connections and the wiretap claim. Some of this is insider BS. Some is real S***. In Texas, who knows what is what. But the Trump claim on GOP control is weakening. Email, mail, call you Representative and Senators. It is worth it. I do so roughly every 7-10 days to let them know I watch, read, listen. I created a spreadsheet, form letter, and PDFs of both. I email, I send letters. I am done letting someone else set the agenda. I work, have a family, and created a way to be politically engaged regardless. Whatever you do matter. One email. One letter. Own It. Do It! If you want tips, comment. I will tell you what I do. Most probably gets me on a watch list, but I don't care. #Whateves.

What will Rex Tillerson do in Asia?

PBS News Hour : Why is Tillerson Keeping a low profile  Yes, indeed. Asia is a real concern and what exactly will he do? This administration acts like a totalitarian regime.

Trump is redefining government

WaPo Trump budget is a major contraction of federal government


Won't this create unemployment? And unequal states? And competition between states? Didn't we solve this already?? I just don't understand!



The spending budget Trump is set to release Thursday will offer the clearest snapshot of his vision for the size and role of government. Aides say that the president sees a new Washington emerging from the budget process, one that prioritizes the military and homeland security while slashing many other areas, including housing, foreign assistance, environmental programs, public broadcasting and research. Simply put, government would be smaller and less involved in regulating life in America, with private companies and states playing a much bigger role.

Kellyanne Conway -Mean Girl

Wa Po covered her responses regarding Trump's wiretapping claim (Yes, she suggested spying through the microwave and a subsequent op ed ("I'm not in the job of giving evidence")

You may not be Inspector Gadget but you do defend wild and unfounded accusations. KC is nauseating to me. She is so self promoting. I dislike seeing her face on anything. I get it, she is the voice of conservatives but she doesn't talk policy or values. She is a mean girl and that's it.

Russian Intervention is a National Security Issue and State Lawmakers seek to curb it

Brookings Russia's ability to intervene is a National Security Issue

PBS News Hour State Lawmakers seek to curb foreign influence

So isn't this a job for our federal government? Oh wait, they are trying to destroy government (anarchists). The Russia thing needs to be investigated.