WHAT NEXT ... ?

If and when the mortality and case numbers plateau or begin to decline for the corona virus, President Trump will advise on "what next" for our society and economy. He may address "what next" beyond this terrible illness in the next few hours, days or weeks depending upon the statistics.

When he advises selective governors, local leaders and business owners to re-open, he will likely direct they do so at a rate they deem safe and appropriate. He will insist that normalcy be achieved by leaders making decisions in full consultation with local health officials. I think he will issue orders to gradually bring things back to normal on a state by state or region by region basis.

When this happens the left media and political world will explode in rage. They will blame every future virus death directly on a POTUS, they will insist, is more interested in the economy than people. Many medical experts will argue we cannot get back to normal without a vaccine and they will be given massive media time. Forget that there have never been effective vaccines for many past viruses and yet the nation survived and thrived beyond the crisis. Much of the media will focus on Trump's downplay of the virus and yet dismiss the incorrect predictions by other politicians and medical experts. The usual gang of dem/socialists political opportunists will rush for face time on every network and dash off vehement newspaper rebukes of Trump. They will instantly present proposals to impeach, imprison, or censure President Trump. As usual, their media lap dogs will maintain a steady pace of "breaking and shocking news alerts" full of rumors and unnamed sources designed to discredit the president.

In my opinion, many on the political left secretly hope our economy will disintegrate because then citizens will lose their economic independence and become more dependent on government handouts. Socialist politicians will be thrilled to design a new order where everyone can only get products and services from the government. Obviously, the left also feels a collapsed economy will boost a dem/socialist candidates chance to beat Trump in November.

I predict, despite an avalanche of second guessing and criticism from many quarters, Trump will prevail. He will show the same bold leadership and courage of conviction which raised our economy beyond all expectations and boosted our status as the premier world power. A  majority of Americans will support his initiatives and he will bravely absorb all the slings and poison arrows from the advocates of socialism.

Trump will lead our nation out of this deadly and miserable funk of a virus. He will proudly reflect and put forward his theme to "Make and Keep America Great" with the possible addition of  "Made in  America by Americans" as he wins the presidency in the Fall.

REMEMBERING ANK ...

I never had a real grandfather to remember very much. My paternal grandad Lemuel was seriously beaten by thugs before I was born. His brain injuries rendered him a simple though gentle man the rest of his life. Contact with him was rare. My maternal grandfather John Williams died of a stroke when I was six years old. Few memories of him remain.

Then, there was Ank.

Ank was a nickname for Frank Van Dorn Burkett. He was my step-grandfather because he married my grandmother Lucy. I think his nickname was created because children having difficulty pronouncing Frank shortened it to Ank. He was also called Mr. B. by the grownups.

Ank lived in the same Portsmouth Des Moines Avenue neighborhood as my maternal grandparents. My mother related he was a popular and helpful neighbor. One of the first to have a home phone and somewhat a ladies man. When his first wife died, Ank expanded a neighborly friendship to courtship followed by marriage to my grandmother.

Ank was a Navy man. Slightly tattooed, tall and muscular he served in World War I and II and retired as a senior Chief Petty Officer. In the first war, I was told he saved a European officers life and when asked what he could do to honor his heroism, Ank told the man about a field artillery piece he admired. Surprisingly, it was shipped to the USA for him by the grateful officer. Later, Ank donated the cannon to The War Museum in Newport News.

In the late nineteen forties or early fifties he purchased several acres of land in a rural part of Chesapeake when it was still Norfolk County along Jolliff  Road. He wanted to move from the city. First he rigged up a small motor trailer as a home. Then, he would built a small house, huge garage, and several more outbuilding he called "shacks." Ank sold my father an acre of his parcel and with other family and friends helped build a home for my family.

Ank adapted well to country life and soon had a chicken yard full of fresh eggs and Sunday dinners. He had a few large geese which always charged and terrorized visitors especially children. He was drawn to wildlife and adopted injured local critters. I recall racoons, squirrels and even a crow he brought back to good health.

Back in those days Ank did a lot of what we called "piddling" in his shacks and garages. He tinkered with tools, guns, small machines, old toys, appliances, animal traps and a variety of what I considered, at the time, exotic and fascinating things. When he wasn't around, my adopted cousin (his grandson) Bobby and I would rummage through his stuff until caught. Then, he would threaten us with a good switching and give us hell for our snooping. We did however find his hidden girlie magazines one summer and he never learned of that mischief. He was also a good farmer and set bountiful beds of vegetables in neat rows and around his homes perimeter.

Among his constructs was a one bed, one bath shack used for visiting guests. Bobby and I got to  occupy it for weeks a few summers. In this bungalow he stored a number of antique and modern long guns. Bobby and I spent hours fending off imaginary Nazis, Indians, and Japs with those old rifles. Thank goodness he stored the ammo far from our pre teen hands.

Ank was a Pontiac man and enjoyed a new fastback or coupe model every few years. As a rear seat passenger in his car, I recall a few interesting tidbits about riding with him. First, he was always accompanied by his two little chihuahua dogs, Pee Wee and Bucky. They cuddled and sat on the back of his seat. Now Pee Wee was a sweet little female who was fast friends with anyone she encountered. On the other hand, Bucky was a snarling alpha male very protective of Ank. If anyone looked at Ank too much or motioned in his direction, Bucky would go into a rage, display it's shiny teeth, and even bite. He wasn't much of a cat person, but Ank allowed strays to slink around waiting for handouts from my grandmother or full adoption from my mother next door.

Second, Ank was a perpetual chewer of tobacco and in all his cars he installed a tin can to the floor hump. Into this he would regularly spit tobacco and he was pretty accurate with his spitting. However, when the weather was fair and his window rolled down, he would spit mouthfuls out the window. After one experience, you never wanted to be seated directly behind him.

Finally, his Pontiac cars were always straight shift models. Ank had a habit of shifting into neutral long before an upcoming stop sign or stoplight. I found it annoying and very old fashioned. His  practice often drew angry looks and honks from other drivers who didn't appreciate his slow speed. One day after enduring another embarrassment, I asked him and he replied that his practice saved fuel and this would be very important if they ever rationed gasoline again.

Having children in Florida, Maryland, California and some family in his native Ohio, Ank and granny travelled a lot. I took trips with them several times to visit Bobby in Maryland. When you travelled with Mr. B you had to follow his departure schedule which meant leaving before the sun rose. In the pre interstate days, a ride to Maryland was an all day journey which included several stops along US 1 for fuel, bathrooms and eating. Granny always packed a cooler full of sandwiches, veggies, sweet snacks and fruits. A few fired up chunks of charcoal got us a hot dog or hamburger in short order.  Ank loved to use his camera everywhere we stopped. He took all kinds of pictures with his Kodak which he later had developed into slides.

Every few months, Ank would invite us, we lived next door, and other friends and family to a big slide show presentation. It was great fun. In addition to soft drinks and candies, he always popped a giant amount of popcorn in a huge cast iron frying pan. The slide shows were highly entertaining as his commentary colored every picture with grand descriptions. But, the funniest slides were his curious shots of my grandmother. For some reason Ank loved to snap pictures of my granny's rear end when she was bending down or in an odd position. He roared with laughter at every unflattering picture. My grandmother gently sighed and some chose to politely giggle.

As an old navy salt, Ank had many war buddies he visited or visited him during his retirement years. An old fellow, Uncle Mack, from Carolina dropped by every few weeks. He drove a fifty five Chevy coupe long before they were cool.  Ollie another vet buddy worked downtown and repaired his car. Don't remember many names but he had plenty of old pals.  While I never saw him dressed in his uniform, old photos revealed a highly decorated large, handsome and healthy man.

One old navy tradition he maintained was his canvas hammock. It was the type hammock navy men used on the ships a long time ago. It was a heavy thing which he rigged in several places to catch the best shade or sunshine of the day. When he wasn't around, I loved to climb in because it was a solid swinging machine which required very little effort or wind to move. It was a comfortable place to sink into and snooze or goof off a summer day. Of course when Ank was sighted whoever was in his prized resting place made a quick exit. Except for rain and bleaching from sun, the old hammock was never cleaned. It was always off white in color and held the aroma of Ank in every fiber.

Ank was a sleeveless undershirt kind of fellow. In his daily chores or after hurricanes he was a relentless laborer keeping his property neat and clearing storm debris with axes and saws. Helping neighbors, in their time of need, was another trait I greatly admired in the man.

I remember the day he died at The Naval Hospital in Portsmouth. It was a sad moment because that day I lost a buddy, a role model and the best grandfather one could ever imagine.

At his funeral my Uncle Jeff, also a Navy veteran, summed it up best when he used the name Ank in a way I had never thought of before. He connected Ank to an anchor and using many examples conveyed the message that Frank V. Burkett had been an anchor of stability, friendship, love and compassion for many in his circle of friends and family.

ANK & MARY      1891 - 1969

FAIR AND BALANCED MEDIA

I try and consume news and reporting from a variety of sources and cannot escape the glaring bias against all things Trump.

According to reportage from many newspapers and media sources, he didn't act quick enough, soft peddled or jumped to hysteria over the coronavirus virus. He lied, downplayed or ridiculed the dimensions of the pandemic. He overruled science or didn't express enough compassion for those suffering in his presentations. His reaction to ordering needed medical equipment was either bungled or too slow. He is using the long daily WH press conferences as a campaign platform. He cares more about corporations than people. And, it goes on and on. Questions at the daily White House sessions to POTUS resemble inquisition characters quizzing someone they've already declared guilty.

No matter what Trump says or does, many in the media business react like buzzards picking at a cadaver or the haphazard dissection of a frog in a classroom. It's a gotcha' game of accusations, rumor mongering, and entrapment questions from many in the print and media business.

While Trump is far from perfect, he has lead the nation to incredible heights of economic recovery and gained a tremendous level of new respect from nations around the globe. For the sake of all Americans he wants to sustain that status quo. He has no crystal ball as to the future and must act as the reality of the current health crisis reveals itself. As conditions have changed, he has offered hope, assurance, plans, revised plans and always tremendous energy in his efforts.

Perhaps many citizens and the chronically critical media should examine the actions or in actions of previous presidents in the handling of the 1918 pandemic, ongoing annual flu tragedies,  polio epidemic, AIDS crisis, or the virus that savaged the nation during the Obama Administration. I believe every past president deserves a level of respect and fairness which Trump doesn't seem to be getting.

We all realize the pandemic will pass and our nation will recover. In it's wake, better preventive measures and preparation will be adopted for the next global plague.

In my opinion, for a large swath of the media and his political opponents to use this health emergency to beat up, ridicule or remove the president from office is offensive and unfair.

TEA PARTY REDUX ?

The Feds are doing a helluva' lot of spending lately and we must consider the long term consequences.

In 2008-09 the Tea Party blossomed as the Obama Administration spent billions to fund stimulus bills and save the economy from ruin. In 2021 the same damn wasteful spending trends are emerging again. The Tea Party represented citizens concerned with run away federal spending. The leaderless movement didn't become a full fledged political party, but inspired some politicians and millions of voters. Legitimate questions about excessive federal spending of tax payer money and a growing federal budget deficit were real concerns in 2008-09 and remain so now with the latest explosion of DC Swamp spending. As a political force the Tea Party never died and it come roaring back from it's dormancy. 

I marched in 2009 and felt the vibration of tens of thousands in the DC March. We were frustrated and angry about wasteful government spending and our limited control on how citizen tax dollars were spent by the feds.

While the current trillion dollar plus bills proposed by Congress may be advertised to save jobs, small businesses, corporations, and Wall Street from disaster, most are full of waste and fraud. Too many projects represent payoffs to unions, thinly disguised vote grabbing and appeasements to temporarily glorify politicians up for re election. Discovery and the actual reading of the bills would reveal truth, but as Speaker Pelosi famously stated, "lets pass the bill so we can see what's in it". In the next few voting cycles the Tea Party will arise again. 

A flood of voter discontent may bubble up in 2021 and 2022 after the virus is gone because Biden & Company think they can spend themselves out of crisis after crisis and most Americans dare to differ. Many will ask and demand an accounting and payback plan to restore our national treasure used and in many cases wasted. 

Taxpayer discontent over our national budget deficit and waste of resources is rising.  I expect a major resurrection of the Tea Party if serious plans to account for federal spending and balance the budget aren't enacted by Congress and the President before 2024. If republican party support of Tea Party goals is non existent or tepid a new Tea Party movement may split the Republican Party and birth a third major political party. 

THOSE GOVERNMENT CHECKS

Since Congress passed the big bill helping folks and companies get by until this virus thing is kicked, I've gotten a few interesting e-mails.

First, everyone who sent a note is doing well and trying to follow the government rules to keep us, our families and neighbors safe. Second, with dwindling funds and not much to do, many are planning on healthier days and daydreaming about how to spend their check from Uncle Sam.  Naturally, everyone wants to get caught up on overdue bills and make up for lost wages. However   some, especially my retired friends, feel they may have a few extra bucks when all is said and done.

My buddy Willy in Carolina writes that he hopes to get some new truck tires and maybe take in a few NASCAR races in the Fall. Mary Lynn in Florida is sure cruise prices will bottom out by December and is dreaming of getting to Jamaica if the hurricanes stay away. My cousin Floyd in New Jersey wants to hold onto a few hundred bucks for when the casinos re-open. Jerome and Mary down in Texas simply want to get their kids a nice Thanksgiving and Christmas with a toy or two under the tree. Old Aunt Gretchen in Iowa is looking to get an electric scooter which she's been saving for even before all the "virus mess" started.

All in all, these people and others realize the need to get caught up financially, but then to do something nice for themselves or their family. Despite the daily sad news of illnesses and death, it's reassuring that so many see brighter days ahead. While opinions may differ, it's good to know our government is doing it's best to keep us healthy while also doing things to keep us out of the "poorhouse". The crisis of health, unemployment, and poor business will pass sooner rather than later and whatever normal is, or was, will return in our lives.

Maybe Americans are deep down feeling some good vibrations amid the gloom and doom. Maybe in our darkest national moments like 9/11 or Pearl Harbor we saw hope and sunshine just beyond the smoke and dark clouds. Maybe we'll get the same outcome beyond our current emergency.

  

WILL 2025 VOTERS SMASH DEM/SOCIALIST/COMMUNIST LEFTIES AND THEIR MEDIA PUPPETS?

Since 2020, lies, invented scandals and outrageous rumors by the democratic party political far left along with dishonest/hateful media outlets and social influencers aligned their power and influence to destroy republicans & DJT. 

Despite their bluster, best efforts and misuse of federal agencies democrats failed, but slowed the agenda of Trump during his first term. The presidential election of 2025 made all things right and Trump has unleashed actions to reveal the plots and schemes invented at the highest levels of the donkey party. 

History will soon record the greatest American political scandal of all time. While the legacy media will refuse or grossly under report the results of the inquiries, Americans will learn the names and agencies responsible. The full record of words and actions by Barrack Obama, Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, Nancy Pelosi, Adam Schiff, Chuck Schumer and major political and federal agency leaders will expose a colossal misuse of power. In my opinion, this evil event was greater than Watergate, J6 or any political scandal the nation has ever suffered.    
   

Only the stupidest and most terminal TDS groups and individuals will deny the steady ongoing evidence. Hate for Trump and repeated lies will not erase the truth of this dark period of political corruption by the democrat party and their fawning media, elitist and Hollywood minions.    

I sincerely believe American voters in 2025 and beyond will reject political candidates who consistently spew hate for our nation, preach socialist and communist bullshit, pit religious/racial/economic and social groups against each other to ferment division within our union. Finally, the nation needs to fire or retire those vermin candidates who promise anything to win election or reelection. 

note -September 2025 update to original post.

SEE THE USA IN YOUR CHEVROLET

A long time ago there was a catchy and popular ad on television featuring a beautiful lady signing about touring the countryside in a new car. I think her name was Dinah Shore and the car was a 50's  something Chevrolet sedan or station wagon. If you're a boomer you remember the ad and it's exhilarating call to enjoy the freedom of the highway in a new car smelling automobile.

Perhaps, its time we again celebrate that "made in America" spirit and turn to touring our beautiful country. Gas prices have cratered and fresh air seems a great antidote to all the real and imagined bad news swirling around. Of course stay out of the cities and restricted places while grooving to the wanderlust of the open road.

Because of the Chinese flu, cruise ships are shut down, plane schedules disrupted and borders with our northern and southern neighbors restricted so why not enjoy the vastness and variety of our beautiful homeland. Go discover or re discover those amber waves of grain, sea to shining sea vistas, magnificent mountains, grand canyons and the thousands upon thousands of other natural treasures within our borders.

The wonders of geography and historic places within our nation are world class and can be seen and experienced at a better cost than overseas travel. Whether you choose a day trip or a few days wandering the backroads or racing along the interstates, wouldn't it be nice to get out of the house and escape isolation and television news for a few hours or days ?

This pandemic mess will pass. Most of us will survive, the jobs and economy will return, and our 401's and investments will get healthy again, so why not use this holding time to enjoy the fresh air and see the USA in a Chevrolet, Ford, Toyota, RV, Packard, Honda or whatever ?  In my opinion, this suggestion beats the hell out of watching the news or daily mobbing stores to get food and bathroom supplies.

NEW WARFARE ?

For hundreds of years agents of warfare and mayhem have developed and used poisons, gasses, and germs to disable and destroy their enemies. Most nations including the United States have researchers quietly experimenting with all manner of substances to physically or mentally disarm adversaries without ever firing a shot or launching a bomb. This manner of battle has been called chemical, gas and germ warfare in the past. Have recent innovations created pandemics and diseases which are easily and silently transmitted across geographical borders ?

In response to Trump's rebuke of China's crooked trade dealings did the Chinese Communists launch an invisible killer virus in retribution ? If so was it also a diversionary tactic to deflect attention from their Hong Kong and other human rights troubles ?

In December 2019 Kim of North Korea announced a "gift" for the United States. Many speculated the "gift" was a new long range missile or aggressive military move but was it a sinister virus attack ? Developed jointly by North Korean and China has a deadly flu been deployed by highly skilled agents to selected foreign leaders and diplomats at world conferences ? To hide this action, was the novel virus also introduced to the world unwittingly by travelers from China to other nations ?

There are many good reasons why North Korea and China could use a world panic to their advantage given their present economic and domestic problems. Both countries care less about the welfare of their citizens than the survival of their political regimes. Both lie about their motives and positions on human rights issues which effect their populations, religious and ethnic minorities, and neighbors.

Is the coronavirus the first use of a new form of warfare and the first pandemic developed to be a manmade weapon ? In decades to follow will enough evidence be uncovered to move this possibility beyond the level of just another "conspiracy theory" ? Stay tuned for the true story in a few decades.

     

ALL THE TIME - ALL ABOUT POLITICS

Every word or action a citizen takes is controlled by politics in my opinion.

It is impossible to remove politics from humanity. Politics is not just a government thing, but an important trait of our personalities buried deep in our DNA. It is not necessarily a good or bad thing, but it is a real part of how we think and act.

Politics the noun is described in the dictionary as " a particular set of ideas, principles or commitments..", "art and science of government", and "activities concerned with seeking power, status, etc." As an adjective it is described as, "concerned with seeking status, authority, etc." and " taking or belonging to a side in politics."

Politics is involved in all human transactions because we all seek status and power to some degree. We want our ideas and opinions to be recognized, accepted and perhaps dominant among our colleagues, peers, intellectual opponents, and friends. This is normal behavior meant to explain and justify our personal value and belief system. Everybody from Popes to wretched criminals exercise some level of politics in their daily actions and pronouncements. Extremes of political philosophies can be seen as the positive and negative poles of a common battery. However, our differing opinions are usually not so far apart despite the shrill voices from government and media provocateurs.

It's hard to conjure any activity or established rule of society devoid of politics. Those who sincerely proclaim no political intent or considerations are simply avoiding reality and trying to disguise their arguments.

Our foods, medicines, laws, community practices, business affairs, cultural mores, consumer goods, educational standards, religions, sports, hobbies, entertainment, modes of transport, and every other aspect of our lives are drenched and influenced by some flavor of politics. Whether we acknowledge the omnipresence of politics in our lives, we are all right or left of an unseen political center.

To disclaim any political belief or motive is, in my opinion, a denial of our complexity as thinking organisms.

   

CORONA VIRUS WEAPONIZED

Yes, this dreadful virus has and will be weaponized by certain parties for political or economic advantage.

First, in the wake of stumbling economic developments, did the Chinese government purposefully launch this virus to disrupt world markets ? Specifically, do major downturns in American economic sectors detract attention from Chinese economic problems by temporarily damaging other markets ? Will this tactic ultimately help the Chinese regain market strength ?  Will this crisis cause a pause in worldwide criticism of human rights and Hong Kong management by the Chinese Communist ?

Two, will political opponents of Trump use the virus as a political sledge hammer to weaken his presidency and lessen his re-election chances in 2020 ? Some democrats have personally blamed the president for the virus and every statement or action by the president has been roundly condemned by most politicians with a big "D" behind their name.

Third, will the major media lapdogs of democrats and socialists use the corona virus to continue their 24/7, 4 year assault on all things Trump ? While every media invented or perceived Trump crisis or scandal has failed to oust POTUS, will they launch corona virus as a means to fire the president ?

Finally, have the establishment power brokers of Wall Street added to the economic concerns by stoking panic in the market place and among other international trading markets and huge corporations ?  Is this action a sideways attempt to discredit Trump and leverage control of the 2020 presidential election ?

While some may feel my weaponized theories are silly or far fetched, I intone the great thinker who confidently stated, "does a wood chuck, chuck wood ?"

THE REAL CORONAVIRUS MESSAGE ....

Aside from the human misery and terrible death toll from this awful virus, there is a secondary lesson we must learn.

After spending decades depending upon energy resources from nations which controlled world markets/prices we lately became somewhat energy dependent. While we still import some energy resources, our heavy reliance upon nation states with unfriendly governments has ended.

Without becoming isolationist or unwilling to participate in world markets, we must reclaim more of a "made in America" policy. For too long we have exported too much of our industrial and manufacturing needs to foreign countries. While this practice cannot be totally abandoned, for our own security and health safety, we must reduce our reliance upon nations such as China.

If US government subsidies or incentives for American businesses are necessary, the time has come to explore these possibilities. If higher wages for US workers or higher prices in the marketplace are the costs of lowering our dependence, then these areas must be studied. The side effects of massive trade with China has proven to be deadly to world health and secondarily to US and other stock exchanges around the world.

In my opinion, future massive trade deals with other nations can no longer focus totally on cheaper prices and cheaper goods. We must examine the government policies and openness of nations like China to insure dangerous side effects don't accompany the container ships of imported goods.

     

WHY CONSERVATIVES LOSE ELECTIONS ?

While many conservatives find the current crop of democrat party candidates radical or silly, many  will win elections in 2020 or continue their terms in office. The reason for their victories lie in a passion that links office seekers and voters which liberals understand better than their conservative counterparts.

Those who know the secret of selling recognize the importance of emotion in making a sale or finalizing a deal. Democrat office seekers often do a better job making an emotional connection with their constituents than republicans. Claiming conservatives hate children, minorities and puppies while embracing heartless billionaires is an example of a simple democrat message that works with many voters. Conservatives using history, facts and reason to buoy their arguments in political forums often lose elections. Too many times election results have nothing to do with the facts of an issue, but the better emotional gut punch of one candidate or political party over their adversary.

Trump is the rare exception. Although a republican he delivers strong speeches and messages brimming with fire and emotion.

While conservatives drenched in self confidence believe their world views are correct and the logic of their politics should be self evident to all, liberals see it quite differently. The White House, OAN,  and Rush Limbaugh may spread a daily conservative narrative along with a handful of other commentators, but many people are too busy to listen, understand or absorb the message. On the other hand, the ABC liberal print and electronic media find shiny tidbits of fact or fiction and coloring them into weeping/syrupy battle cries which motivates many to rush out and vote for a liberal or progressive. This advantage is increased when a few dollars, cheerleading local leaders, a free ride to the voting station and donuts are used as incentives by democrat chieftains to overwhelm voting places with democrat voters. I don't think republican leaders are strong on their voter outreach efforts except for annoying robo phone calls.

Republicans and conservatives often wake up the day after an election in shock when they learn  democrats have gained the majority on city council, their state house or The US Congress. Their surprise is heightened when they realize they forgot to vote or only 36% of registered republicans in their precinct participated in the election. Unfortunately, conservatives often see voting as an important civic duty but not a social event worthy of celebration.

President Trump understands selling and has injected a healthy dose of emotion and hell raising in his campaign rallies. He cusses, mocks his opponents, and delivers simple messages, eg. "Build the Wall", "Make America Great Again", "Lock her Up" etc.  As expected, liberals and the main stream media are aghast and hyper critical. Trump has simply enlisted the passion and fire brand style used for decades by his liberal opponents and his opponents don't like it.

In upcoming elections, conservatives must join the celebration and look beyond the logic of their politics. Embrace the emotion of Trump and his America First Agenda. Obviously, remember to vote, remind neighbors to vote, volunteer to get folks to the voting stations, make a few political contributions, slap on a political hat, Trump T shirt, or bumper sticker and politely/cheerfully argue with progressives and socialists.

We live in the greatest nation in the history of the world. A unique place where non-violent politics of every stripe is allowed to operate. Our capitalist republic is the dream of billions worldwide who strive to move here, enhance or replicate the outstanding qualities and features of our union.

Celebrate, practice and preach your political beliefs. Our differences make us and our nation stronger. However, don't wake up the day after the election and regret not doing more to get your favorite guy or lady elected.

 

   

REAL REASON FOR CLIMATE CHANGE

I've listened to all the progressive politicians and computer model conclusions drawn from the 991,234 scientists, living off federal grants, who swear global warming will burn up the planet approximately 20 or so years after our death date. From all the hysteria and propaganda, I've concluded there really is a lot of global warming and cooling going on. The source of the extreme climate crisis came to me in a dream, or was it a nightmare.

From grade school, we all know the core of the earth is a giant ball of swirling red hot lava. What we never knew or forgot is this gigantic mass of super hot is really hell. When evil unrepentant people die they go to hell. In recent times a lot of bad people have died and therefore stoked up the big fire deep below. This growing inferno is warming the seawater and even spitting fire out in volcanoes and natural steam fissures occasionally. If people don't stop going to hell and feeding the fire the earth will eventually burn up. But, there is a chance we can save the planet.

We all know how freezing cold it is outside our window seat on an airliner and how snow and ice always come from the sky. Well, it's because good people who go to heaven are so cool they exude a  coolness that chills the atmosphere high above. In the past when the number of dying good people  outnumbered the poor souls going to hell, there was more balance in weather patterns. As I recall, forty or fifty years ago there were so many more good people dying, serious talk about a new ice age sprouted up in academic circles and in popular magazines.

So how do we avoid our dear earth from imploding in heat ?
I offer several solutions:

1. Lead a good life, love thy neighbor and consult with your spiritual advisor on the surest ways to      reach paradise.

2. Engage your evil neighbors, friends and family members in the ways of the Lord and work hard to save them from hell.

3. Take the computers and federal grant money away from the 991234 scientists prospering in the    doom and gloom business.

4. Hold onto our coal, oil, gas, fracking and nuclear energy sources until progressive politicians and their industrial buddies can power our jets, trains, aircraft carriers, automobiles, factories and cities with batteries, wind, solar or wave power.

   

ASS KICKIN' TRUMP

Many in my circle of friends, while recognizing his accomplishments, feel President Trump goes overboard in some of his political speak and tweets. I totally disagree.

We've had some sophisticated and excellent presidents in our history who inspired the nation with their wit and intelligence. We've also endured a few drunken, cowardly and adulterous fools in the White House. All have been men displaying great egos, ambition and elements of exceptional ism. From episodes of soaring statesmanship to acts of downright stupidity, our nation has progressed,  declined and survived forty five national leaders.

After living decades in which people holding national public office seem to have shifted from selfless public servants to people only interested in holding maximum political power and raking in copious amounts of cash, I was ready for a Donald or Bernie change in 2016. While my personal politics are totally opposite those of Bernie, I admired his edgy style of demanding big changes to the "system". Trump saw a "swamp" or "establishment" that needed shaking up. I supported Trump because I know how socialist promises always end.

Donald Trump is an irreverent Yankee who spares no insult or cheap shot at his opponents. In the tradition of a gun slinging Andrew Jackson, he is sensitive to any slight or insult and lacks the ability to ignore criticism. He is a "junk yard dog" who seems to truly enjoy the fight and does everything to win. Like Harry Truman, his temper can explode with expletives. His tweet storms often contain ill advised messages and insensitive barbs, but they are part of the complexity of Donald Trump.

I believe the "rootin' tootin' " firebrand who came down the escalator a few years ago should serve his second term and continue to be the hell raiser in chief. Our domestic politics on the left and right with all it's attending bureaucratic inertia and corruption certainly needs further shakeups and reorganization. The decades of broken promises by democrat and republican despots needs more  exposure and someone to get real things done for the people. Trump realizes the needs of Americans wishing less government, higher paying employment, better systems of health care, infrastructure and all the other benefits available from an efficient national government. The bowing subservient foreign diplomacy of Obama needed fixing by an "America First" leader unafraid to argue and meet with any foreign potentate and Trump has filled that need.

Despite the partisan hate from the political and media left and concerns from the right that Trump is too abrasive, rich, bombastic and tweet happy I think he is our best choice for 2020. I think of Trump as I recall work bosses from the past who were assholes full of spit and vinegar, but they knew their business and in their success I gained success. Trump is the nations boss and despite his personality quirks he must be respected because he is getting good things done for America. Our economy is soaring and our role as the leader of the free world has been greatly enhanced.

IS QUID PRO QUO ALWAYS A CRIME ?

When the democrats and their slavish media trolls assigned quid pro quo as Trump's latest impeachable offense, it brought back memories of Latin classes from sixty years ago. I was curious how quid pro quo could now be a crime. It's been in practice since Orak the caveman offered his stone wheel in exchange for a peace deal with his neighbor Sqak the warrior. It's been common behavior between individuals and groups of friends and foes forever, so why all the fuss over Trump.

To refresh my memory, I consulted my etymological dictionary, an Oxford American word book, several reference guides on word origins and usages, and even the nirvana of on line wisdom - Google. All definitions in different ways stated that quid pro quo was getting something for something. Google used the image of Donald J. Trump in it's explanation for those who need pictures to fire and form their political views and prejudices.

Seems to me, everybody has been quid pro quo ing since the beginning of human kind. From getting a few goats in exchange for a bride to Obama plopping down piles of loot to get a nuclear arms deal from Iran. It's a common accepted practice. Our history and daily affairs constitute hundreds of quid pro quo actions. Unless you're a purist in the charity or philanthropist business, you expect an exchange of your money for a product or service and you expect a matching act of kindness in return for your favor of kindness.

What political, marketplace or human transaction doesn't contain an element of quid prop quo ? It's magical how politicians, celebrities and biased media types can twist a word or action by an adversary one hundred and eighty degrees and make it a sin of unforgivable proportions. Trump is not the first or the last POTUS who will require/demand something for something in his international and domestic dealings.

Merry Christmas to everyone. Now get our there and do a bunch of quid pro quos to get all the holiday gifts for your friends and loved ones !!

       

BEYOND SOFT SOCIALISM.

In the beginning there was a Great Depression of terrible unemployment, hunger, poor housing and a depressed stock market. Then, along came President Franklin Roosevelt. His plan for economic recovery included a patchwork of programs infused with government money and managed by federal bureaucrats. Social Security and all the alphabet agencies of the time steadied the nation's economy until World War II came along.

Roosevelt introduced a soft version of socialism where government involvement in the free market created a spark which saved families and businesses from total collapse. It filled the awful years between our national depression and global war which necessarily and enormously ratcheted up the economy. The FDR programs from the 1930's, in the long view of history, were probably a good thing. In a way, Roosevelt delivered a new, fair and square deal to Americans. The idea of economic equality inspired a generation of idealists seeking a utopia in an imperfect world.

Beyond Roosevelt, many well meaning people began to believe the federal government should  control the economy and citizens beyond the limits of the Constitution. In the last eighty years we have seen Washington politicians establish legislation and programs which interfere with the rights of citizens and the normal ebb and flow of a free market. Slowly, our reality has become an awareness that federal law makers think they know what's best and the views of the people are mere obstacles to the greater good.

Massive government programs to provide universal health care, dictate wages, standards of education, assistance to the poor, full rights for illegal aliens, and slavish regulations to save us from the hoax of climate disaster have increased our taxes and dampened economic growth. The LBJ War on Poverty, at a cost of trillions, failed miserably. All the huffing and puffing by the federal education lobby, over the generations, has driven down the scores of our students. The government overlords of our transportation and commerce systems have given us a crumbling infrastructure and third rate system of rail and air transportation. The FBI, Pentagon and CIA have become hot beds of political intrigue and mischief. The federal plans to end gun violence, drug addiction and pollution fail on a regular basis.

The boatload of impossible promises made by political candidates to sucker more votes has become an annual clown show every political season. Bernie, Liz, Joe and other assorted progressives are current champions at promising everybody anything they desire. However, politicos seeking high office have only two core concerns; getting elected and getting re elected. Until they've scammed a fortune from the lobbyists and assorted crooks in the DC swamp, their constituents are only good for their votes. Most of our elected representatives are mired in a state of inertia and are deaf to the real concerns of the nation.

Socialism is a theory which advocates state ownership and control of the means of production, distribution and exchange. America is guilty of a soft version of socialism where certain goods and services are fully or partially controlled by the government. Unfortunately, a few popular political fools and millions of their ignorant supporters advocate a more dominant roll for the government in who gets what services and goods and how much they get. Current presidential candidates demand the ultra wealthy, who provide the capital to support jobs and products, be punished by confiscatory taxes. Others advocate mandatory government run health care. Has anyone experienced a VA hospital lately?

Anyone with a knowledge of history should know the failures of the USSR, Germany, China and other states during their spasms of toliet paper, underwear, potato and controlled rationing schemes. Spending just a week in Cuba or Venezuela with their poorly lit streets, hunger, crumbling infrastructure, and lack of consumer goods should be a required field trip for any serious US socialist advocate. There is a Grand Canyon void between the idealistic dream and reality of practiced socialism. Every progressive candidate enjoys the treasures of capitalism while advocating their new version of a cruel economic system. A system which has denied millions worldwide of their lives, liberty and earthly happiness.

The charlatans of deceit backed by their hideously lying media pals will shout from the roof tops how government control is the new wave of a great future for America. Reject their bullshit and never ever allow our soft layers of socialism to harden into what history has proven to be fools gold.

          

WILL THE TRUMP IMPEACHMENT/PERSECUTION SHUFFLE and JIVE EVER END ?

Since Hillary Clinton got trounced by Trump in 2016, Democrats and political establishment types have toiled 24/7 to undo the election. Investigation after investigation coupled with jazzed up charges of wrong doing have polluted the newspapers and airways. News objectivity and real journalism have died in a relentless fervor of "gotcha" politics. Nothing impeachable about Trump has been uncovered.

In his first term Trump electrified the economy, claimed leadership of the worlds greatest nation, challenged our allies and enemies alike, passionately protected our southern border, and revived the " American Exceptionalism" of the Reagan era. However, democrats and the political establishment of never Trumpers will pursue the President until his final day in office.

The impeachment shuffle and jive by the left has been a fraud, but more importantly a net loss for all citizens. Legislation to increase military spending, improve infrastructure, protect our southern border, streamline and improve health care, ratify trade agreements with Mexico, Canada, Britain, China and others, and tax law improvements have been delayed or cancelled because of a blue House of Representatives. This Congressional inertia is because Democrats are in league with most of the main stream media and devote most of their energy and resources to the political lynching of Donald Trump.

Reasonable Americans of all political flavors are weary of the impeachment shuffle & jive. They are not ignorant or unappreciative of Trump's energy, passion and record of accomplishments. The shallowness of democratic leaders bellowing false charge after false charge against the president rather than getting the peoples work done in Congress is clear. To appease the most radical and loud voices on the far left, the traditional democratic party has been replaced by vicious and selfish politicians bent on destroying one man rather than furthering the best interests of the people.

A fair recording of today's events will come in future decades when current passions and partisanships have melted away.  I predict Trump will be vindicated and judged one of our boldest and most productive presidents. In the meantime, wear your MAGA/KAG caps, argue for the president, send a few bucks to his campaign, and vote down the political demagouges of doom and gloom who falsely accuse him.

Unfortunately and in my opinion, as long as Donald Trump breathes air as president there will be attempts to remove him from office by his persistent enemies on the political and media left.

Avoid the impeachment shuffle and jive - support President Donald J. Trump.

😎

AMERICA NEEDS TERM LIMITS NOW

Our system of representative government has been corrupted and broken by people more interested in the betterment of I rather than WE. The rules which allow career politicians and antique men and women serving well beyond the normal years of retirement is a cancer destroying our republic. Their ability to serve "we the people" with meaningful legislation has been replaced by do nothing congresses engaged in constant political wars and mass inertia. Agreements and compromises on improved infrastructure, fiscal budgets, international trade deals, military spending, and border security are tabled or delayed while selfish politicians argue and play "gotcha" political games.

The observation that the election of any new congressperson results in their immediate plans for re-election, figuring how to get money for the next campaign, and developing a constituency of followers and workers is legitimate in many cases. The promises made to win elections are usually abandoned by the newly elected person because they were lies designed to gather votes or don't fit the larger goals of their political party bosses. Lofty promises unfulfilled can also be dismissed as impossible goals given the "current political power of the opposition party".

The granite tower of establishment political power brokers, wealthy lobbyists and media giants set the template of issues and candidates for each campaign. Then, they flood the airways and unleash the presses with massive propaganda and attack pieces to support their positions and selected candidates. The few hopefuls that get elected without the consent of the political and media giants quickly become demonized and subject to brutal dissection for their every word or action deemed politically incorrect. An outsider beating Hillary Clinton in 2016 and the endless "witch hunt" against Donald Trump is a good example of an unaligned candidate meeting and beating the establishment.

What must be done to save our republic is a groundswell of demand and support for new laws to restrict the time our federal representatives can serve in office. Being a member of the Senate or House must never be a career of more than a dozen years and must return to being a high honor rather than the gateway to great fortune. The term of presidents should remain a maximum two term - eight year event. Unfortunately, many past presidents and congressional biggies have been corrupted by the bright lights of money and fame. Out of citizen ignorance and/or apathy far too many of these scoundrels have been re-elected until the grim reaper called them away to an eternal recess.

I believe it is not impossible to envision a congress of part time members interested in a more perfect union of better government services. I believe we have more patriots willing to serve than gold diggers, but we must demand the changes and send the jackasses packing. Remember, they work for us and as engaged and informed citizens we must use the ballot box. Nowadays, it seems we have a gaggle of feuding politicos focused in demonizing their opponents and doing whatever is necessary to gain repeat terms in office. The cycle of do nothing congresses must be ended and the reign of politicians selling their souls to big media and lobbyist/establishment groups must be terminated if our nation is to survive and thrive.

Lets think and demand mandatory retirement for our congressional reps. and random cognitive tests for members 75-80 years old. Its way past prime time for Mitch, Nancy, Barbara and other congressional seniors to gracefully step down. 

    

WHAT IS YOUR COLOR ?

If PM Trudeau is politically incorrect for wearing brown face at a costume party and Gov. Northam was a pc offender for a black face photo, how about all the other face color occurrences we encounter every day ? Have we become super sensitive to all our beautiful colors of skin which are applied for fun or out of envy for those of other skin shades ?

How about the fellows I saw in Vegas a few years ago in blue face or the Australian aborigines who powder their faces in white ?  How about the Broadway and Hollywood stars who smear rainbows of colors on their mugs to look like monsters or superheroes ? How about the movie legends of the past who wore black face and white face ? How about the millions of early summer beach/sun fanatics who become painfully red faced ? How about the football players who smear black streaks on their faces pre-game ? How about the millions of children and grownup kids who will apply sparkly and bright face paint to enhance their Halloween costumes and make believe persona's ?

Are all these people politically incorrect, racists or insensitive ?

Seems to me some people are desperate for attention and too sensitive to any departure from their politically correct mindset therefore any paint facing becomes a high crime. In fifty or a hundred years will some candidate for public office be disqualified because they dressed up as a green alien as a child and by then we discover there really are green aliens on planet xy3 ?

The nonsense and outrage about the portrayal of skin color by those of different skin tones is silly.  In my opinion, considering the great challenges and opportunities mankind faces, it is a waste of energy and time to worry about ones real or make believe skin color.

IS COMMON SENSE DEAD ?

Growing up I was often scolded over foolish acts and told to use more common sense. I slowly learn ed common sense was a term used to describe thinking and acting within practical and wise bounds. Common sense wasn't necessarily linked to ones intelligence or level of skill, but more a way of correctly approaching projects, problems, and issues.

Just as a chain or electric saw should never be operated with its whirring blade pushed in the direction of any body part, it makes no sense that an old socialist like Bernie Sanders can actually color socialism as something bright and shiny. The misdirected blade of a power saw will inflict cutting pain and the rehash of an economic system fraught with total failure will only disappoint another generation of immature idealists. Bernie and other political millionaire hypocrites preaching socialism are no more socialist than Donald Trump or Bill Gates. Our common sense buzzer should warn us that physical hurt follows poor handling of power tools just as supporting a "pie in the sky" economic system run by government bureaucrats can only end in disaster.

Human abortion is tragically a common and accepted practice that makes no sense in the vast majority of medical situations. Why should we kill healthy human beings as our birth rates are declining and the need for immigrants is necessary to complete our employment needs ? God gives us the miracle of human life and aborting innocent babies is very serious and against the laws of nature. Murdering babies has nothing to do with a women's rights.

While a good cause, why is there more heartthrob and celebrity interest "news" about animal rights and mistreated animals than stories about  thousands of casually killed babies ? Where is our decency about preserving human life ?  Despite empty political posturing, women's rights should not overrule the fundamental right of an infants life.

History is full of good and bad stories of great and roguish characters and their acts. It defies my hold on common sense why we would ever want to erase records of our bad history. Renaming a  building,  highway or tearing down a statue doesn't change history. History cannot be altered so why all the energy to wash away our sins from the past ? Obviously, we should not celebrate the disasters of the past, but we must remember. First, we should recognize the culture and elements in the past which created dark periods and next we should insure information and knowledge is available so we can learn from the past so as not to repeat past errors. Deniers will never erase the horror of past  wars, slavery, holocausts, plagues, and periods of religious persecution.

Have we become so politically correct to forget that our Creator built a universe of humans and animals featuring only two sexes. While a wide range of variations have developed in recent times, the gift of producing more alligators, humans or bluebirds can only be accomplished by a male and female of each species. Departures from male and female types are now generally accepted with a laundry list of justifications. I guess its OK to deviate if your actions don't endanger the health or safety of your neighbors, however there is a total disconnect when people actually believe God and nature designed a series of exotic sexes.

Violence and murder among neighbors, families and directed at innocent masses has been on the rise. Common sense should point to dysfunction's among individuals, mental illnesses, fatherless homes, economic depression and a failure of families and churches to monitor their troubled members as the main reasons. However, the only solutions from our political leaders is to plaster more gun laws on books already crammed full of older gun laws. There is a reason murders are generally the worst in cities and states with the most restrictive gun regulations because bad people don't recognize or follow laws. If all guns magically disappeared violence from evil people would simply be rendered with knives, hammers, rocks, clubs, poisons, pressure cookers, etc.

To repeat for emphasis, the current wave of socialist excitement in America is absolutely stupid. First, by any measure all attempts to install socialism in other large nations has failed, economies have collapsed and people have suffered. Second, how can anyone think the government running more things can be good thing.  Except for waging war, most governments are inept in providing better  services or products than a free market of entrepreneurs and capitalists. Advocates of socialism need to know history and become aware of how the real world works.

In my seventy something opinion, many have strayed from pragmatism, common sense and good judgment to another place where common sense, political correctness, and fantasy exist.

NY TIMES 1619 PROJECT IS A FALSE AND FAR LEFT REFLECTION OF HISTORY

The New York Times along with all it's media and political puppets have seized upon this 1619 thing to further polarize Americans and cast America as an evil place.

While slavery was an important economic driver in the South for fifty or sixty years during the nineteenth century it certainly didn't establish or maintain the nation as the worlds economic superpower. Slavery was an inhumane practice, but it wasn't a unique American experience. Sadly, slavery and cruel indentureships among nations existed before America and continue today in some parts of the world. The United States didn't invent slavery and hundreds of thousands of it's citizens suffered and died to forever end the practice. These terrible systems have caused people of all cultures and races suffering and deprivation. It's not only a "black" thing, it's a "bad" thing for many humans worldwide.

Over a half million Americans died and many more suffered during the Civil War which officially ended slavery. Despite "Jim Crow", "equal but separate" laws,  the KKK, our government has steadily enacted laws to fulfill the premise that all men are created equal. Abraham Lincoln (a republican president) ended slavery and despite a pro slavery democratic party of the nineteenth century which lived well into the twentieth century race relations have improved over the decades. Racist democrats such as Woodrow Wilson, George Wallace, Robert Byrd, Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton have detracted and denied progress to advance their political or profit making potentials.

The 1619 Project is not real journalism because it is not a realistic balanced review of American history. It is a dark message intended to dampen the exceptionalism and enthusiasm most Americans feel for their homeland. Doubtless the 1619 scam will be heralded by race pimps to further fill their pockets with money. Groups of left leaning politicians will proclaim the 1619 deal as a further indictment against their political opponents. The reparation gang will beat the drum for undeserved handouts and in the mix, those who oppose will be labeled racists.

The United States of America has a history of low, but mostly high points of accomplishment in providing liberty and justice for all.  The 1619 Propaganda Project is yet another attempt by the NY Times and political left to undo our exceptionalism as a nation.  Rather than a dark side view of our few national failings, the NYT should spend as much time and ink with "projects" detailing the many accomplishments of the United States. This balance in reportage might also boost the sagging sales of the Times.

TO HELL WITH SHAMELESS DEMOCRAT POLITICIANS

The Mueller Hearings was designed to be the knockout blow for Trump and it was a crashing failure. Mueller is an old warrior and appeared distracted and tired. Also, he didn't mumble any thundering headlines for the liberal media or DC Trump haters to seize as reasons for impeachment.

Since the 2016 election; Democrats, RINO's, the left leaning media, and the new hybrid Dem./Socialists have spent enormous amounts of time, energy and money to invalidate the legal election of Trump. All their efforts have failed and backfired. Their gung-ho pursuit of every unconfirmed rumor and unreliable source to paint Trump as a monster have been a disservice to America. Their outrage and anger has been skillfully counter punched by Trump who isn't afraid to fight back and often mounts offensives against his political enemies.

While the President has correctly addressed the economic, border, defense, and foreign policy concerns of the nation, Democrats have shown utter contempt and refused to participate in getting important things done. Trump shows great energy and enthusiasm in his endeavors while the Democratic Party offers lethargy and opposition in getting anything done.

In digging up John Dean, other impeachment friendly witnesses, issuing endless & senseless subpoenas, and forming countless investigative committees the Democrats have been shameless and selfish in  wasting over two years and millions of dollars in their witch hunt. America has been and continues to be poorly served by the present Democratic Party. While Trump is no shining knight without flaws, he is the best damn man to run the country now and through 2024.

GOVERNMENT FREE STUFF SEASON ...

As predictable as a sun rise, the siren song of many 2024 political office seekers is in full swing. Free government stuff!

Free tuition, education, health care, income supplements, housing, childcare, telephones, full on assistance for illegal aliens, and more is promised in return for votes. Desperate for power, the candidates even offer free stuff and instant citizenship to illegal aliens in return for their votes. Charlatan politicians pledge the free goodies will be paid for by Wall Street, billionaires, other rich people and a benevolent federal government which plans to suck  more dollars from taxpayers with 87000 more IRS agents. 

Many politicians spout their nonsense without much serious questioning because real journalism in America is practically dead and most media outlets dutifully support progressive and left wing initiatives. Also, too many voters will  queue up to ballot boxes with an incredible level of ignorance and naivete about history. Many  lack a good understanding of the Constitution, 101 civics, economics or the real issues challenging the nation. Too many people believe the lies spewed from CNN, MSNBC, NYT, WPO etc. and never question the deep fraud of free government stuff. 

More remarkable than the lying scumbag candidates are the millions of voters who will waste their vote on "pie in the sky" proposals. Are there really any adults of voting age who truly believe free government stuff is really free ?  Are there really people, with any knowledge of history, who believe socialism has ever lifted any nation to new heights of prosperity ? Do voters know the history, economic havoc and human misery caused by socialist leaders Lenin, Stalin, Khrushchev, Mao Zedong, Fidel Castro, Xi Jinping, Chavez, and others ?

Have we forgotten that every penny spent by local, state or federal governments on services and materials come from taxes levied on citizens and corporations? Santa Claus, Easter Bunny and tooth fairies are not government employees and government has never and will never generate any income or wealth on it's own. Governments consistently spend and waste too much money. Most well informed citizens are weary of the pattern. 

Aside from the primary and necessary role of defending the nation, the federal  government is a constant threat to our personal liberties and economic vitality. Joined by lobbyists, special interest groups, the military industrial complex, and bureaucrats our national government finds and invents endless ways to spend and waste a helluva lot of our tax dollars. 

Our Founding Fathers wisely designed a system and body of laws to protect citizens from oppressive government. Sadly, these days too many people are willing to trade their freedom or look the other way for a free phone, welfare check, chunk of cheese, income or housing supplement, and any other free goodies from Uncle Sam. In return and like a relentless bully, the federal government seeks to control every aspect of our lives especially when it offers "free" stuff which is never really free.

And the beat goes on! 

2024 will be an election year full of ridiculous promises and claims grounded in few specifics or facts. Will the lies and impossible dreams offered by democrats and progressives again be devoured by millions who regularly get tricked out of their vote?

  

STUPID - BIASED POLITICAL POLLS ?

Many months, speeches and events before the 2020 elections and we are beginning to suffer national polls which are absolutely meaningless. The reason behind the polls is a sketchy blend of wishful thinking and bias for one candidate or another. If one were to believe the polls, the likes of Donald Duck, Homer Simpson along with the twenty some odd ball democrat candidates will enjoy landslide victories over Trump.

As stated in earlier posts, political polls are mostly bullshit concocted to influence those with little information or knowledge of political campaigns and national elections. Most educated people ignore polls and especially the ones which attempt to predict an outcome.  Much of the noise and publicity about polls comes from political commentators and pundits whose job is to make something out of nothing and create a favorable rating for anyone other than Trump.

Polls usually involve a small number of voters, likely voters or folks who simply answer their phone.  The political diversity of those polled is usually suspect and the history of polling indicates more wrong guesses than accurate calls. The only poll which is meaningful are the electoral votes which will eventually select a new Commander in Chief. Look at the boundless energy, enthusiasm and accomplishments of DJT. Don't surrender your vote to a Biden/Harris ticket promising free  government stuff, increased taxes, the new green deal, open borders, unlimited abortions, endless welfare schemes, more appeasement plans like the Obama/Biden Iran payoff, police defunding and a return to the bad old days of tepid Obama domestic economic policies.

Whether Trump or one of the Democrat party goofballs win will be decided by millions of American votes and the electoral college. The polls are smoke and mirrors which will not reflect the decision of American voters in the Fall of 2020 and they oddly rersemble the bozo record of the 2016 polls.

MAX TAX THE RICH & OTHER DEM/SOCIALIST BS .....

Biden/Harris and dem/socialists 2020 congressional hopefuls have a standard line in their speeches which implies billionaires should pay more and more taxes. Their pleas draw huge cheers from their left leaning audiences. In my opinion, these political goons are preaching and pandering to a choir often too full of gullible fools. No matter the facts and statistics this socialist rant remains a standard trademark for leftists and extemeists in every national campaign.

FACT is if all the money and property of US billionaires and millionaires was seized by the federal government the combined wealth would only fund the federal government for a few weeks and it could only be seized one time. Really rich people own businesses and investments which provide vital services or products, hire millions of workers and pay tons of sales and payroll taxes. Our retirement, 401 K and other investment plans prosper when capitalism works and wilts when government imposes too much regulation, bureaucracy, and welfare (for votes) schemes.

Few, if any, so called journalists have the guts to challenge the claims of their dem/socialist brethern  on this and other ridiculous claims about punishing the rich to fund more government. More government takes away personal liberty and economic opportunity just ask anyone in Venezeula, China, Cuba or Russia. Class warfare is a losing proposition which only destroys.

When will talking heads and their network bosses challenge politicians when they make statements which cannot be verified by facts and are clearly designed to pander to poorly informed citizens ?

All the stuff about free tuition, free health care, unlimited immigration, more UN funding, police defunding, massive global whatever research expenditures, unchecked abortions (baby murders), Trump crimes, foreign aid (appeasement payments) to our enemies, and many other popular talking points are simply smoke and mirrors designed to sway voters who voluntarily or involutarily are incapable of understanding civics and economy 101. If they truly believe the empty promises and lies of politicians, they surely must also be waiting breathlessly for a Publishing Clearing House grand prize or a lottery scratch ticket worth millions !

All politicians ( republicans and especially democrats) stretch the truth and lie to get votes and political funding. It is disappointing and shameful so called journalists are unwilling or unable to challenge silly and untrue statements and unmask the blatant falsehoods. Unfortunately, when repeated enough by liberal talking heads these lies become gospel in the minds of many.

When will news people, preachers, community leaders, educators, celebrities, and thinking grownups do their homework and destroy the nonsense and flat out lies of deep swamp politicians and their leftist media partners ?

HUMBLE HERO - MY FATHER'S HELLISH ORDEAL AND SURVIVAL DURING WWII

Humble Hero is about my fathers' life and unusual WWII experiences in the Philippines.

Charles Robert Joyner, a native of Portsmouth Virginia, began life as an orphan and street ruffian. In early 1941 he married the love of his life, then after several weeks was shipped off to war. 

As an army private he landed in the Philippines. Within weeks, he and allied armed forces suffered defeat and retreat at every turn for over three years. He survived the bombing of Clark Field, The Battle of Bataan, Bataan Death March, POW imprisonment, and slave labor details before making a daring escape from his captors. He joined guerrilla insurgents until betrayal left him alone in the mountains and jungles of Luzon Province. With help from a brave Filipino, he spent thirteen months isolated in the wilderness barely escaping native headhunters, the enemy, and dangerous animals. As the tide of war slowly changed, he rejoined guerrilla forces until his medical evacuation. His story uncovers the terrible plight of allied military members and their Filipino compatriots during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines. He suffered starvation, tropical diseases and relentless enemies. Eventually, he was rated a 100% disabled veteran. 

Humble Hero is an account of one soldier. The book reflects one story about the unique generation of Americans who sacrificed, died, and labored during WWII. What happened in the Philippines between MacArthur's exit and return is a chapter of American military history revealed in this book by way of one man's remembrances. It is important history sometimes bypassed by some historians and teachers. 

An author signed copy of Humble Hero is available from E-Bay. Also, the book is available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Outskirts Press, Nook, Kindle, and other booksellers in print and media formats. Reference:  Humble Hero by Charles T. Joyner, in your inquiries.

This book serves as a reminder to everyone and especially young people of the enormous sacrifices of their parents, grandparents, and other family members. They did so much to secure our personal and economic liberties. Humble Hero illuminates the saga of America's greatest military defeat during WWII and how citizens and soldiers responded.

 In honor of my father and all those who honorably serve, a substantial portion of proceeds from all book sales are directed to reputable veteran charities.