The Hypocritical President

It should be amazing, to me and others, how hypocritical the so-called president and his GOP counterparts are with respect to everything they’ve stated when talking about the Democrats. But, in this new age of extreme dysfunction, it isn’t surprising nor amazing with the way they have accused Democrats of being wrong for invoking things like the filibuster and other tactics that they (the GOP) did in such excess during the Obama administration, which caused the senate Democrats to change the rules in order to allow former President Obama to get anything accomplished. During Obama’s presidency, the GOP (openly) stated that they would filibuster anything presented by Democrats in order to make President Obama’s presidency and agenda fail. In fact, the GOP in the senate held more filibusters during the Obama presidency than had ever before been seen. But, now that senate Democrats have proposed doing so it is suddenly the worst thing to have ever happened.

During so-called president trump’s campaign, he continually harped on Hillary Clinton as being “corrupt.” He and General Mike Flynn continually chanted, “Lock her up” and made accusations that the people receiving immunity (in connection with Hillary) must have done something illegal or they wouldn’t be seeking immunity. Now that Mike Flynn is in the hot seat, trump tweeted that Flynn should, “…seek immunity…” and it appears that Flynn is doing just that now that he was caught up in the Russia scandal and is going before Congress to testify.

I stated, all along, throughout trump’s campaign that, “Whenever trump speaks he is talking into a mirror.” That statement was made because it was so apparent that every time he was making accusations directed at Hillary Clinton those accusations were more applicable to trump himself. Unfortunately, that behavior exhibited by trump throughout his campaign hasn’t stopped now that the election is over and he is in the White House. He continues to make wild assertions about Democrats and the mainstream media that are more applicable to him, his administration and the “fake news” (Russian propaganda news sources and trolls as well as media outlets like Breitbart) that he, himself, has supported and promoted.

Every time Sean Spicer gives a news briefing, he (like his boss, so-called president trump) never takes responsibility for their mistakes. Rather, just like trump, he places blame on anyone and everyone other than their administration – the parties who are actually responsible. President Obama always took full responsibility for any mistakes made by those people or departments under the Executive Branch of government. Even when the mistakes made weren’t made by the president (Obama) – if they were made by anyone or any department that was within the Executive Branch, which he headed, he took full responsibility. That’s what grown-ups do. That’s what mentally stable and people fit for the enormous responsibility of being president of the United States do when mistakes happen within their branch of government. I (nor has anyone else) have yet to see so-called president trump take responsibility for anything other than things he views as success. He, even, takes credit for successes that were the result of the former president’s policies and work that would have happened regardless of who the next president (after Obama) would be.

When will so-called president trump grow-up and start acting like an adult? When will he start behaving like a sane and responsible individual? In this viewer’s opinion (from what has gone on and on and on so far) it would be easier to eliminate terrorism off the face of the earth than for Donald Trump to become a grown-up, responsible, sane individual who is capable of handling the awesome responsibility of being president of the most powerful country in the world. He, in the very short time he has been president, has alienated our closest allies, created a perception of the United States and the awesome power of the presidency as a “laughing stock” around the world – from our allies to our enemies – we are, now, the punch-line to every joke in every language around the world.

At this point in time, GW Bush would be a welcomed change to the irrevocably insane trump presidency. That statement should communicate, very clearly, the level of horror felt by most Americans at present. Most Americans, meaning all Americans with common sense, intelligence, sanity and an open and analytical mind. Those excluded from “most” are a small minority of Americans who are gullible, insane, closed-minded, opposed to facts, unable to tell the difference between legitimate, factual news and fake, propaganda, fictional stories that should never be referred to as “news.” But, unfortunately, because this so-called president and his staff creates and promotes such lies as news and his “base” gobbles it up like Thanksgiving dinner – the era of misinformation is likely to continue. And, if such an era continues, the division in this country is likely to follow suit.

No "Extreme Vetting" for Mike Flynn

Every day that I choose to watch the daily press briefing from the White House given by Sean Spicer I hear something (usually more than one thing) that fills me with outrage. Today was no different. Sean was asked about former National Security Advisor Flynn’s working with Turkey while serving as the president’s NSA and the answer given by Spicer was incredulous. I will paraphrase the answer that Sean gave to the press regarding Flynn as, “it wasn’t up to the transition team to advise Flynn on his disclosures.” Spicer was making the statement that each individual is told to “seek outside counsel regarding their paperwork…”

Let me be very clear when I say that it is more than an outrage that someone at the highest level of our government isn’t subject to the same background checks and verification that an average citizen seeking employment for a private (or government) job goes through for (even) the most menial position. Even people who are seeking housing through government housing programs or to lease an apartment are subject to criminal and credit background checks that prevent them from obtaining said housing. When seeking employment for both private and government sector jobs in this country the background check process looks at both credit and criminal background history that prevents many Americans from obtaining employment of any kind – even the lowest of low paying/no benefit jobs.

How is it that someone serving at the highest level of government for security clearances is just “taken at their word?” That is abhorrent. Especially from an administration that has stated the U.S. government needs “more extreme vetting” for immigrants coming from predominantly Muslim countries. I have known people from Palestine and Jordan who were so bogged down by the vetting process that is in place currently (post 9/11) that they completely abandoned their dream of coming to the U.S. to build a better life. These people had family who had immigrated to America to vouch for them and they were educated in high tech fields (like computer engineering and other engineering specialties) and were unable to get, even, a work visa.

I, myself, have gone through the arduous process of losing jobs due to my background information (that is more than twenty years old) coming back to haunt me. That was before employers started waiting to get background check results before allowing a person to begin their employment – even in a “right to work” state like the one where I live. That is why this information is so damn infuriating to me. Hell, had I known all I needed to do was bypass trying to work for the VA Hospital or any other field besides substance abuse and hone my resume to be an advisor to the president and, bam, I’d have a job…

Even to maintain my employment in substance abuse (a profession where I was hired two weeks into my internship) I had to attend a hearing held by the Department of Human Services/DHS at which point the “judge” who heard the case looked at the opposition and said, “Why are you wasting my time with this? She is clearly rehabilitated and well qualified.” Still, I had to go through that process to get “cleared” to work in a field that I had both extensive personal experience and education. That is far more than, apparently, took place with the Trump transition team when clearing a person to serve as the highest national security counsel to the president of the United States. Astonishing!

Repeal and Replace or Cut, Copy and Paste?

The speaker of the House, Paul Ryan, gave a PowerPoint presentation today to explain the GOP’s replacement for the ACA. Before I go any further, I need to give clarification to my readers. I have over a decade of work experience in the healthcare field for, both insurance companies as well as healthcare and behavioral healthcare providers where I worked with a vast array of insurance companies, on behalf of patients, doing everything from verification of benefits to obtaining prior authorization and concurrent review for continuous authorization to arranging continuation of care for patients discharging from inpatient care.

All of this professional experience in the healthcare field, where I dealt “hands-on” with insurance companies for patients being treated by providers (whether working for an insurance company in Utilization Management or working for providers of service – hospitals, Long Term Acute Care/LTAC facilities or residential substance abuse facilities) gives me a comprehensive understanding of how insurance works – or doesn’t work – for patients.

So, when I heard Speaker Ryan’s presentation of the ACA replacement plan, I wasn’t hearing it as a layman, average constituent or (even) as a journalist who may not possess this knowledge while at a press conference without the help of producers or correspondents. I heard it as someone who knew, exactly, what he was talking about so I want to break down and clarify some of the bullet points he touched upon.

First, the only thing good that he presented was the items that are already in place with the ACA like: coverage for those with pre-existing conditions and parents able to keep children on their insurance until age 26. He mentioned that there would be “help” in the form of credits for certain folks – I don’t believe they are credits to offset premiums, deductibles or Out-Of-Pocket (OOP) maxes. However, the dollar amount wasn’t specified for these credits in today’s presentation. I heard mention of what that proposal was, yesterday morning, with Ari Melber’s breakdown during his program on MSNBC. If those figures are the actual dollar amounts to be issued as such “help” for patients they don’t make sense and are grossly inadequate.

Second, Ryan’s proposal that a HSA (Health Savings Account) will offer transparency for healthcare costs is (not only) untrue it is (just) asinine. Health Savings Accounts have been around for quite a long time. All they are is an account that employees “opt into” in order to put away money for healthcare costs like deductibles, out-of-pocket maxes, prescriptions and co-insurance (patient portion of services such as when your insurance covers 50-90% of services leaving you responsible for 10-50% or “the balance”). The money that goes into the HSA is deducted from the employee’s paycheck prior to tax, FICA and Medicare deductions.

Don’t be misled when you read about HSA’s online or in other information materials when that information states that, “it’s a pre-tax contribution made by your employer…” or “the contribution comes from your employer…” Your employer doesn’t give you money – your, pre-taxed, salary (your money) is put into the account by your employer. Money given to you by your employer for healthcare cost offsets isn’t a Health Savings Account; it is a Health Reimbursement Account (HRA). HRA’s are great. They pay for co-insurance charges, deductibles, OOP maxes, labs, pharmacy co-pays and over-the-counter medications.

But, back to my point about the fact that HSA’s aren’t going to magically bring transparency to medical costs. The only time a patient will get a definitive cost breakdown for medical care is if they are paying cash. The reason that there isn’t a way to “shop around” (as Speaker Ryan put it today) like a consumer at a retail establishment is because of something specific to insurance companies called “contractual agreements/contracted rates.” Insurance companies have an entire department (usually called “provider relations”) that is dedicated to establishing contractual agreements with providers of service. A provider of service can be a hospital, a doctor, a lab, a physical medicine and rehabilitation facility, a skilled nursing facility, a home healthcare and hospice provider, etal.

That is why (if you read your bill from any provider or your Explanation Of Benefits/EOB from your insurance company) you will notice “billed charges, contractual adjustment, amount paid.” The billed charges are the charges the provider bills (in general) which would be applicable to cash pay patients or patients who are seeing an “out-of-network provider” (non-contracted provider or non-participating provider). The “contractual adjustment” is the difference between what you’d pay in cash and what the provider agreed to be paid as part of their “participating provider” or “contracted provider” agreement.

But wait, it gets more complex. If you’ve ever had insurance you’re aware that you have an “ID number,” right? But, many people are unaware that they have a group number as well (unless they’re meticulous about looking over their insurance card or unless a provider asks for it). The group number is specific to your employer’s contract with the insurance company. That group number tells the insurance company a whole lot about everything. Every group goes to an underwriting department within the insurance company to determine how much the insurance premiums will be for that group. The underwriting is done to determine risk and profitability.

Also, each group will have contractual agreements for the different providers of services. So, if you work for company X and your husband works for company Y and both companies offer insurance from only one insurance company (let’s say Aetna) – company X’s premiums for the employee (alone, employee/spouse or family) will be different than company Y’s premiums for the same. Also, even though they have the same preferred provider network, the contractual agreements for each provider of service will (usually) be different as well.

It’s because of the contractual agreements that makes Paul’s statement of “having HSA’s for everyone will bring transparency to healthcare costs…” completely untrue. That means one of two things. He either blatantly lied to the press and American people or he (truly) has no idea about what he’s talking about and if the latter is true – he has no business being the “man with the replacement plan.” However, if he’s been working on healthcare reform for twenty years (as he has stated multiple times) then he has to know that what he said was complete bull shit that he knew would go over the heads of most Americans since most Americans don’t possess this knowledge.

Also, he has blamed the Obama administration and legislative Democrats who created and passed the ACA of creating an “over-complex piece of legislation that was made with special interest groups/lobbyists…” From what I’ve heard, so far, from Paul Ryan’s plan and the fact that he stated, openly, that he met with the CEO of Aetna who told him that, “Obamacare is in a downward spiral…” (I’m paraphrasing a bit) and the fact that the information he gave in his presentation was not truthful begs the question of “Who’s, really, pandering to lobbyists and trying to sell the American people a plan that will greatly benefit the insurance companies at the expense of the American citizens?”

The ACA isn’t perfect, but it is very fixable. If the GOP’s real concern is for the people of this country who need healthcare that they can afford and afford to use then it’s a pretty easy fix. The ACA eliminated the pre-existing condition exclusion, lifetime caps and booting kids off their parents insurance at the expense of the insurance companies – yet the insurance companies are still making billions of dollars a year so it didn’t drive them into bankruptcy as was the argument for allowing them to get away with rules such as those in the past. All that’s really needed to fix the ACA in order to make it work for everyone is to limit the deductible amounts insurance companies can charge for individuals and families as well as the out-of-pocket maxes. Also, it should encourage companies to offer both HSA’s and HRA’s.

I work for a very large company and they offer both. The HRA dollars are earned by engaging in “health promoting” tasks that, once completed, earns you dollars that go onto a debit/credit card that’s issued through an outside company that manages these health promoting assignments and education. It’s all done online and is very easy to do in your spare time. My deductible (as an individual) is $1,000 per year and I’m able to earn up to $500 a year in HRA money. So far I haven’t had to pay for any prescriptions or office visit charges to my primary doctor, the two specialists I see nor for any labs I’ve had done. It’s awesome and if the GOP was truly interested in making healthcare work for the poor, working poor and middle classes they’d take notes from my employer and others like them.

Trump at CPAC

Not a day goes by that I am not repulsed by this country’s president and his administration. Even today, so far and surprisingly, despite the fact there were no new scandals. That’s not to say that any of the previous, core scandals have been resolved or gone away magically. But, today (again, so far) no new scandals to report. However, Trump is giving his typical election speech at CPAC this morning and I am repulsed by watching both him and the crowd of Juggalos cheering him on.

For anyone who's new to my blog, I am a liberal with an education in social work so I am, by all accounts, a tolerant and non-judgemental person. I am an open-minded individual who realizes that diversity and differences makes for strength and progress. But, while listening to Trump give his speech I found myself saying aloud, “He is such an applause whore.” I don’t like to be judgmental nor do I like being judged by others, yet I find myself (at least) sounding as if I'm judgemental towards this narrow-minded, backward thinking president, his staff and his base. 

All I saw today while watching Trump speak to a crowd of “Jethro’s” was a man seeking applause and approval from a safe crowd – his supporters. All I saw in the crowd (with the exception of two or three people) were a bunch of “Jethro’s.” You remember the television series, “The Beverly Hillbillies,” right? Well, if you’re familiar with that show you’re familiar with the character “Jethro.” Jethro was the extremely stupid nephew of “Jed Clampett” who struck oil while shooting at a “varmint.” Yeah, the show was about a family of hillbillies who found fortune from the luck of “shooting at some food.”

So today, while watching Trump relive his campaign by giving a reproduction of his former campaign speeches to a group of people who were shown on camera from time to time, all I got out of this waste of time was “Trump is an applause whore” and “he’s talking to a bunch of Jethro’s.” Oh yeah, there was one other message that was conveyed to me by his speech. That was, “He’s taking us backwards.” That thought came when he started preaching about bringing back coal mining jobs. Of course, when he made that statement he was met with a standing ovation. What do you expect from a bunch of Jethro’s?

Maybe that's part of why I am so repulsed whenever I see him speaking to his base with his closed-minded rhetoric to a group of closed-minded individuals. He, his staff and base (Juggalos) are all the epitome of what was wrong in the past, is wrong now but will (hopefully) be wiped out of existence in the future as far as "social issues" and "society" is concerned. We had enjoyed an eight year victory where progress had been achieved in so many social areas that had previously been unattainable. After so much progress had been achieved we find ourselves going backwards instead of forward and that is always the wrong direction for every aspect of humanity. 

His fanatical views founded upon religion and "nationalism" (cough **bullshit - racist** cough) are outdated and have proven to be destructive rather than constructive. So, yeah, I guess I am making a judgement, calling bull shit, or forming my educated opinion based upon analysis of his words and actions. Frankly, I don't care how anyone perceives what I am saying about this guy - this so-called president - his staff or his base (Juggalos). I know what I see whenever I watch his actions and I know what I hear whenever I listen to his words and none of it is good for anyone who is trying to strive for progress. 

Progress in the way we treat each other. Progress with the way we respect and appreciate the planet. Progress with every aspect of being human beings on a living planet that provides all aspects of life for every form of life upon her. Going backwards instead of forwards only ensures that life for us, the planet and all other life upon her will end sooner rather than later. Especially if he follows through with initiating another nuclear arms race. For fuck's sake man, we have better technology than that now. There is no need to engage in upping the ante of nukes trying to outbid Russia - a country led by a man who's a legitimate psychopath. You can't reason with crazy and if crazy is trying to reason with crazy then that is not a solution of less crazy it is a solution that equals crazy squared.

My advice to Trump is stop campaigning – you already won. Do start governing and do so fast. I know it’s way outside your comfort zone, but it is what you signed up to do so do it. You may have the Jethro’s of this country fooled but, let’s face it, that’s not a hard thing to accomplish. It’s much like convincing your cat that your hand that you’re moving underneath the sheets is “prey.” For that matter, it’s like convincing your cat that a piece of cloth tied to the end of a shoestring is prey. For those of you who have never had cats, believe me when I say that getting a cat to attack either of those two things is the easiest task in the world.

Trump's Chaos

The “so-called” president of the U.S. has created so much chaos within such a short time. We all knew this would happen. Those who supported him believe it’s because he’s keeping his promise of “draining the swamp” and “shaking up the system.” Those of us who are sane realize it’s because he hasn’t a clue of how to govern and that governing the most powerful nation in the world isn’t like the celebrity apprentice. It’s difficult and the media will report facts. So, for a man who continually refers to factual media as “fake news” and fake news as factual media this is a tough time.

This is a man who won because of the massive ignorance and enormous frustration with the difficulty of making ends meet. The cost of living rises higher and faster than wages. We, the sane, know that when he says, “I inherited a mess,” he is full of shit. Sorry for the vulgarity, but this man is vulgar. He is not presidential. He is not sane. He is not in touch with reality. Those are facts. There are numerous ways to verify those facts – just watch what he says at any given moment. You don’t have to have a degree in psychology to know that this man is not right in the head. Because if he truly believes the things he says he is insane. If he knows he is full of shit every time he opens his mouth – he’s pathological with his attempts to lie.

He did not inherit a mess. He inherited an economy that had been turned around by his predecessor; a real president. President Obama inherited a mess. Trump inherited a pristine, clear water lake. Then he came in and dropped a boulder of petrified shit into the center; himself. That ripple effect has created a mess and he is to blame. He continually refers to his campaign victory at the most inappropriate times when asked questions about serious issues that have nothing to do with the number of electoral votes he won. That is insane. His inappropriateness and detachment from reality is insane. His hatred for any news organization who reports the truth is insane.

I find myself wanting to tune out everything now. I find myself wanting to disconnect from watching this circus because it’s just too much. I feel terrible for the real journalists and news anchors who have to cover his minute-by-minute, shit show. There isn’t enough Valium, Xanax or Ativan in the world to help them nor me during this disharmonious and dysfunctional time in U.S. history. But before I take my sabbatical I want to point out something that speaker of the house Ryan said today during his press conference about repealing the ACA. Paul Ryan said something that we’ve all been speculating about for a while and his saying it makes me believe there’s no need to speculate. Either that or he’s trying to cover up the mess that Trump is making so quickly.

Paul Ryan told a reporter (and I’m paraphrasing because I didn’t DVR the interview) something to the effect of “we’ll do this and then there will be more chaos that you guys will have to report about.” Again, that isn’t verbatim because I didn’t record the interview. But think about the fact that he was announcing repealing the Affordable Care Act while being asked a battery of questions about the Flynn debacle. When he made that comment I remembered two days ago when the news was breaking about General Flynn’s resignation. Speaker Ryan and a bunch of his republican comrades were giving a press conference to announce the repeal of Obamacare. There were three or four republican congressmen that were speaking about taking away healthcare for millions of Americans followed by Paul Ryan wrapping up the announcement and as soon as he started taking questions he was hit with nothing about the repeal of Obamacare. Not one question about the fact that millions of people will lose their health care coverage without a replacement.

Yes, you read that right. The “ticker-tape” underneath their faces that was broadcast on television said, “congress moving to repeal ACA.” I listened to every one of them make their statement and not one of them said a thing about a replacement. I was stunned with the thought of a repeal only move and thought to myself that this freak show taking place with Flynn is a gift to the GOP who has taken heat in their districts for wanting to repeal Obamacare. I live in one of the reddest states in the country; Utah. Jason Chaffetz (one of many here in Utah I hate) was met with heavy protests and anger at a recent town hall where they were protesting the repeal of the ACA. Do you know how happy the GOP is with the amount of crazy coming out of the White House right now?

I am here today to remind people to “keep your eye on the ball.” I know that it’s like trying to keep your eye on one, particular gum ball within the gumball machine to see if it is the one that drops down the shoot when you put your quarter in and turn the knob right now. But pick one issue and focus people. However, with the numerous number of very, important issues it is hard to pick one. So, maybe, pick your top five. The average human being can retain five things within their short-term memory. Once a person memorizes five by repetition those five things will penetrate into the long-term memory of the brain. Once the initial five issues have entered into the long-term (permanent) memory you can pick five more. But only after you have permanently memorized the first five issues most important to you. 

Things you don’t want trump to destroy (like healthcare, the environment, public education, women's choice, civil rights, etal). In my opinion, we should be pursuing the release of his tax information, investigating illegal and impeachable offenses regarding Flynn as well as the numerous ways in which there can be (and likely has been) pay-for-play/conflicts of interest type offenses via the businesses in which he hasn't divested. 

Then we need to continue to bombard our congressmen and senators with calls, letters and email as well as showing up to townhalls. We all need to unite and send the GOP home in 2018 (just like we did in 2006). We need to unite with our demands for the investigations making it, perfectly, clear to legislative republicans that they need to follow through with these investigations - if not for us - for their own self-preservation. Those of us on the left have always known that the GOP doesn't have any real care or concern for "us," the citizens who make up the 95-99% of those who aren't wealthy. Their care, which is shown with their policies, is for corporations, lobbyists and the wealthiest one to five percent. They talk a good game to their voters because their voters believe things that are just not true. Their voters watch Fox News, listen to Rush Limbaugh and believe fake news stories passed along social networking sites like Facebook, Google+ and Twitter (mostly the first two).

Let's face it America, the only reason that the GOP has united behind Trump is because they believe they will be able to use his (obvious) ignorance about how government works along with his narcissism (by giving him constant praise) in order to make him their puppet. It's this delusion of the majority of congressional and senate republicans that has brought upon their sudden approval of a man that they despised (openly) until he was elected. 

Let's keep up the resistance. Let's use our voices to ensure this "so-called" president is impeached. Then let's take back the House and Senate in 2018 and the White House in 2020. We may not be able to change the minds of conservative voters because they are made up of a populous that denies science, facts, believes lies as truth and are (primarily) closed-minded individuals who believe things like sexual preference is a choice, etc. But do not despair about the fact that you can't have an intelligent argument with the ignorant or that you can't reason with crazy. We, the Democrats (liberals and progressives) make up the majority of the population. Also, every generation (for the most part) improves in intelligence and open-mindedness. The Baby-Boomers were more liberal than their parents. The Gen Xers were more liberal than the Baby-Boomers. The Millennials - more liberal than Gen Xers (and so on and so on it goes).

It's because of each generation progressing and surpassing its predecessor that we were able to make so much progress with the rights of the LGBTQ community and the legalization of (first) medical marijuana and (then) recreational marijuana. It's sad that it took the civil rights movement so long to progress, but it did eventually (although there are still areas in demand of more progress in the areas of racism and equal rights/equal pay for women and minorities). Also, it's very disheartening that the progress made for the LGBTQ community has regressed, which many of us expected to happen with the confirmation of Jeff Sessions. 

That's why it is so important to send our message loud and clear to the legislative republicans that their jobs are on the chopping block if they continue to go along with this unpresidential president's agenda and if they don't act quickly with the multiple investigations and hearings they should be conducting. Investigations and hearings that will inevitably impeach this "so-called" president. Investigations and hearings they would already be conducting if Hillary Clinton was the president refusing to release tax returns, divest, placing a political analyst in her security council and having a national security advisor entangled with Russia as well as having won her presidency due to hacking that she instigated by a foreign government; Russia.

Trump knew about Flynn Talking to Russia

I just heard a question to the president from MSNBC reporter, Kristen Welker. She asked him (the president) if he directed Flynn to talk to Russia about the sanctions and, if not, is that why he (Flynn) was fired and he said, “No I didn’t. I fired him for what he said to Mike Pence…” He went on to say that he could have talked to Russia and other countries, “Mike was doing his job,” and it “would have been okay with me.” Then he said, “I would have directed him to talk to them if he wasn’t talking to them.” Did you catch that? He just answered that he didn’t know that Flynn had talked to Russia immediately following with “I would have directed him to do it if I thought he wasn’t doing it.”

“If I thought he wasn’t doing it.” He didn’t direct him to talk to Russia, but he would have directed him if he thought (knew) he wasn’t talking to Russia. Do you see what I’m saying, rather, do you see what the president just said? That means he knew that Flynn was talking to them. He either directed Flynn to talk with Russia or he knew that Flynn had talked to them about the sanctions. He just admitted it on television. Rewind that tape MSNBC. Rewind that press conference and watch (all the way through) when Kristen asks her question and the president answers. Watch the entire answer and his face and body language in “real time” as it was aired on television to the American public. He lied to Kristen and to America – that is the answer. You have it on tape.

Frankly, the entire press conference was a freak show and was terrible. You could see how disorganized and chaotic and (often) combative this so-called president presents himself. I was, further, stunned when another reporter (April Ryan who happens to be black) about the CBC being included in conversations with respect to inner-cities… He said to her, “are you going to set up the meeting?” It’s not only what he said, but how he said that (very) insulting question to this reporter that blew my mind. This man (as I’ve said all along) is not presidential. He is not cut out for this job and he is unhinged. If the GOP were smart, at all, they would quit trying to think of him as their puppet and start working with Democrats to investigate him. I guarantee they will find enough evidence to impeach this man soon if it doesn’t exist already. I believe it exists already.

I included the YouTube video of that press conference. Unfortunately, the video has a lot of ads. But, what's worse is the fact that I couldn't find MSNBC's version so you can't see Kristen standing up with a microphone asking her question. It's not the same quality as what I saw broadcast on air by MSNBC. This version seems to have been edited and (likely) posted by either a member of the Trump Insane Clown Posse or by the Trump team itself. That is why I am imploring NBC to release their version of the conference. I want everyone to see (and catch) what I saw very clearly. Keep in mind that I've had a lot of professional and personal experience with "reading people" and catching liars. I wish I would have been in that room so I could have called him on his shit.

Disgust is all I Feel Today

The level of crazy, inappropriate and unethical moves that the “so-called” president of the U.S. has displayed in his first three weeks is an assault on every citizen of this nation. He is supposed to represent the American people and, although his behavior may represent a portion of our population it (most certainly) does not represent me nor the majority of the people within the U.S. He isn’t just an assault upon the persona of president he is an insult to everyone who is ethical, has strong morals and values, is intelligent and sane or all others who aren’t deplorable.

Everyone who paid attention to this man’s unhinged behavior during the election (including myself) knew he would be an absolute disaster if elected president. I hoped to be wrong and happy rather than be right and miserable, but as with every time I watch the news and hear the anchor or interviewee say, “We hope” or “I hope,” I say back to them, “put hope in one hand and a pile of shit in the other then tell me which hand is heavier.” Do you know how disturbing it is for me, a Spiritual Advisor with an education in social work and counseling, to say something that fatalistic in tone? When is this clown going to realize the awesome and serious nature of his job to lead America and quit treating the presidency like a fucking reality television horror show?

I am beyond disgusted. Equally as disturbing as the “Clown in Chief” is everyone supporting this train-wreck of human indecency. That means everyone in the White House (Kellyanne “the woman every other woman and man would like to punch in the face” Conway etal), all the republicans in the House and Senate (Mitch “the human turtle from Bugs Bunny” McConnell and Paul Ryan etal) and every person who voted for this man. Yes, those of you who saw his unpresidential behavior during the primaries and said, “I don’t like him” then voted for him anyway (my parents, etal).

I want everyone to stop lying to themselves, right now, and deal with the reality that this man will never be presidential. He will never do the right thing for everyone in this country. He will always focus on the stupid, irrelevant, little things and abuse his power at every opportunity to do so. For God’s sake people – he hasn’t (and will never) shown his tax returns nor has he completely divested from his companies. The republicans in D.C. need to stop calling the rest of the country “sore losers” and realize that we aren’t screaming because we lost – we’re screaming because he won; the reality television guy and cyber-bully. Yes, we’re pissed off because he’s doing exactly what we knew he’d be doing with the most important job in the world. It’s time to stop making excuses for his deplorable behavior and impeach the insane-clown along with his entire posse.

Every republican in the House and Senate needs to do the right thing right now or realize that they will lose their seat in the next election – period. Also, since the Electoral College was designed to prevent stupid people from choosing who became president and this election’s results, clearly, showed that it accomplished the exact opposite, when the Democrats regain control they need to do away with the Electoral College. Never again should the majority of the populous be determined by the insane, ignorant and/or hateful minority.

In closing, since Kellyanne likes to throw out inappropriately unethical (and immoral) statements promoting a billionaires' brand during news interviews I would like to match her in kind by taking off my armor of morality and invite her to meet with me in person. (Now I'm speaking to her directly.) You can sit with that smug grin on your face that says, “I have no moral fiber, no ethics or personal values whatsoever. Yes, I would (and likely did) get down on my knees for a high-profile position in the White House. Even if it meant shaking hands with and blowing the devil – as long as I got what I wanted it’s worth ruining everyone else’s existence because I’m more important than everyone else.” While you sit there smiling I will let you see the absolute disgust in my face. The look that says, “If I was a piece of shit like you I would reach across the table and choke the living, shitass grin right off your face and smile as I saw the light leave your soulless eyes.” Oh, yes, and have a blessed day.

SNL was Reading My Mind; See for Yourself

I awoke yesterday morning to the sound of my son laughing out loud. Then I left my bed and went into the room where he was sitting, watching the YouTube video of Melissa McCarthy's, grand-slam performance on SNL the previous night. It was Divine Coincidence that, also, at that same moment I looked up at the television screen to see a tiny snippet of McCarthy's "punch in the face" to Sean Spicer. Call it what you will - but (in my life with all I've experienced) even coincidence masks the fate that occurs on a daily basis. Don't get hung up on my description of what, literally, happened when I awoke to my boy laughing at the YouTube video I've placed within this post (below). Just watch the video I'm posting and realize that I posted my commentary about Spicer's press conference last Tuesday. Then, if you haven't read that "opinion" (rant) post I created four days prior to this SNL skit in the video below, watch the video then scroll down and read the post from Tuesday. McCarthy is great!

Spicer's Spontaneous Combustion

Today's press conference with press secretary, Sean Spicer, was like watching somebody spontaneously combust. I would normally feel bad for the guy, but he made a voluntary choice to be his president's mouthpiece. He did so knowing both how unconventionally unstable trump's temperment is, more often than not, as well as the president's irrational contempt for government (and anyone or anything else standing in his way). 

What's more, Spicer comes undone with relative ease (much like his boss, but for different reasons) whenever pressed by the press. In fact, he's began more than one press conference with a very apparent elevated stress level. I'm sure that stress is created by knowing everything he says, while defending "the mad king," is heavily scrutinized by both his highness and the members of the press with whom he's trying to sell whatever message or "alternative facts" the boss-man is demanding him to sell. I'm, also, sure that he's aware the journalists are aware of when he's getting rattled by their united front with pressing him on questions that cause his obvious unease. I have to commend the press with being a united front during such times because that's when the truth will shine through despite the dishonest propaganda being reiterated by the lying-liars doubling down on their lies.

However, I have one suggestion with which I would be super thrilled to see the press follow-up with regard to Spicer's repeated claims that senate Democrats are solely responsible for the delay with confirming trump's appointees. Spicer continues to blame Democrats for the delays by comparing the number currently confirmed to the number confirmed under former President Obama. It's my understanding that two other factors outside of the senate had an impact upon the confirmation process. The first being that trump fired his original transition team and the second being the fact that his current appointees didn't have their paperwork completed in time and some of them had to "make corrections" to their, otherwise, fraudulent information.

If those two statements are believed to be real reasons for the delays, aside from senate Democrats, then every time Spicer tries to politicize the issue by blaming Democrats the press must counter trump's refusal to own his shit by reminding Spicer of their mistakes. Every time he tries to disown accountability and deflect their errors (their shit) by comparing trump with Obama the press needs to call them on their behavior. Afterwhich, bringing another reality check by stating the fact that Obama always took responsibility for anything he was criticized about regarding mistakes made or perceived to have been made by any agency within the executive branch. That's what mature, mentally healthy people do whenever mistakes are made because perfection is not part of being a human being. Realizing this to be true doesn't make you weak nor incompetent; it makes you wise and rational.

One last thing. Orrin Hatch needs to shut the fuck up for more than one reason. Primarily because he and the rest of the GOP caused both the government to literally grind to a halt in 2013 (congress led by John Boehner) and refused to confirm the Supreme Court judge appointed by Obama. President Obama appointed Merrick based upon the fact that Hatch (himself) stated he would like to see Merrick appointed. I noticed one journalist at the press conference, today, trying to bring up senate republicans failing to confirm a supreme court judge, but he gave up far too easily. Spicer's reasoning for the republican obstinance was that never before had a judge been appointed in the last year of a presidency. 

He lied right to that reporters face by saying it has never before happened during an election year. I hope, beyond comprehension, that the press calls him out on that lie - preferably when they confront him about blaming Democrats for his errors and the (at best) inadequacies or (at worst) fraudulence of his appointees.

The Sioux at Standing Rock

This will be short and sweet (again) as I’m still a mind trapped inside of a high-mileage body that's been in far too many wrecks. Plus, I have a doctor’s appointment to get to that will (hopefully) get me some relief after some uncomfortable injections to my shoulder and back. Now that my excuse has been made allow me to proceed with the issue that drove my wrecked body to sit down and convey what weighs on my mind this morning.

President “Caligula” (trump) signed more executive orders yesterday. One was to “push forward” the Dakota Access Pipeline that was (and still is) being heavily protest by the Standing Rock Sioux Natives and other environmental groups. The protestors, finally, got to breathe a sigh of relief when former President Obama put a halt to the Dakota Access back in December of 2016 as Politico reported to be, “an outgoing present from Obama’s Administration.”

Surprisingly (that is, if you know me and my “tree-hugging” liberal views), president trump’s signing of the executive order yesterday isn’t the real issue that put my broken body into a seat to write today. It’s not that I wasn’t upset by what he did because I was, however, I knew he’d be doing everything in his power to make the “deal” go down. He’s going to profit from the deal and he may (at moments) appear to be a good-hearted and caring human being. Most narcissists, sociopaths and other selfish and self-absorbed people are able to confuse and convince other people who don’t spend all day, every day with them (especially without emotional attachment or from an analytical perspective) that they have “good hearts” and so forth (or any humanity) inside. Many people who have been “hypnotized” by these expert manipulators will defend their pathologies as “being misunderstood” or “not fully understood.”

Still, this isn’t what I came to write about today. However, all of it should be made known to everyone and anyone who may start “seeing” him “in a different light,” etc. Trust me on this people. I have both personal and professional experience with such people and you must always go with what that little voice inside tells you upon first impression or you will regret allowing your intuition to be disregarded by your “thought process” if that process isn’t coming from facts and a working knowledge of those facts. Feel free to comment if you have a question about what I’ve just stated or if you think you have new and valuable information I should consider (you don’t, but I will listen nonetheless).

The issue that brought me to sit, painfully, and write is the glossed over facts about the indigenous people at Standing Rock and everywhere else within the fifty states of this nation. As I watched an interview with a Sioux Native from Standing Rock on MSNBC this morning my ears started to go deaf to every external sound as I gazed upon this man’s face. All I could hear was my “inner voice.” Not the voice of my “mind” with respect to the way we hear ourselves whenever we are idle or adrift within a daydream or thought about something with which our mind serves a productive function. I’m talking about the voice of Spirit.

I know, bear with me here okay and, please, if you’ve never read a thing I’ve written previously – I will state (for the record) again that I’m not religious and I dispute all religion for many reasons. I am, however, too aware of the things I’ve experienced (from the time I was a small child to the present) to disregard them just because I despise and disagree with all religions as “man-made” stories to assist with keeping people “in line” with whatever the belief of that society was during the time period with which the stories were written and recorded. So deal with it and understand I’m not trying to convert anyone or sway anyone into believing anything other than what I am going to say next.

That inner voice spoke loud and clear about the fact that the indigenous people were almost driven to extinction (within the lower 48 states anyway) by the Europeans (white men) who settled here without being invited. The fact that human beings are driving (and have driven) certain, other, species into extinction is disgusting and breaks my heart. But, the fact that this country’s natives were almost entirely wiped out (killed) by white settlers who thought they were superior because they were “more civilized” and so on, therefore, able to excuse their horrific behavior with killing off almost an entire population of human beings… That is disgusting and it makes me ashamed to be ethnically tied to the same race (whether or not the same people that actually did these things) that held the belief that because they were “anglos” they were “entitled” to take whatever they wanted from the natives (and all other, equally, stupid beliefs).

Now, because the voice was from Spirit, I can't recall the exact words that came through at that moment when all went silent outside of me as I was looking upon this man’s face. I do, however, remember (just as the external sound was coming back) the thought or words within me saying, “These poor people don’t have anyone in D.C. within the senate or the congress that are there representing what little numbers are left of them nor their beliefs or anything else they hold dear.” By that I mean that there aren't any one hundred percent, purely Native Americans holding a seat within either the U.S. senate or congress. 

Truthfully, the things they hold dear are the very things that matter (or should matter) to everyone on the planet. A respect for this planet as the giver and maintainer of all life upon her and a respect for all her resources. It’s pretty simple. These people weren’t “less civilized” than the Europeans who eradicated most of them for the sake of a dollar or “land that would produce a dollar.” These people were then and are now more civilized than anyone who believed in “manifest destiny.” They know what is truly valuable and important with respect to the “why we’re here” and “who we are” questions mankind has always asked. It’s a simple philosophy that should have been taken on by the early settlers rather than the settlers forcing their beliefs upon the Natives. It’s much more aligned with Spirit and Science, which (if taken into consideration accurately and without bias) serve one another and validate each other as well. 

I could and want to say more, but I was out of time about five minutes before I sat down. I have to go. When I have a chance and only if “inspired” to do so I will come back to this to add more support for these truly great (but far too few) people that are the Sioux (and all the rest of the tribes) of this nation. Their nation first – don’t forget that fact.

We the People of the Divided States of America

Before I jump into my latest rant, I'd like to apologize for my being absent from my (normally) outspoken appearance when it comes to political offenses made by those within our government. I've been unable to (physically) rise to the cause of calling out the lying liars on the lies they tell as well as the insane arrogance and ignorance displayed in the process of moving their mouths to tell those lies. My physical status is (still) severely inept, but I've improved enough to post a short rant. 

Plus, it's literally more painful (at this point) to hold myself back from responding to the shit-storm of lies and all other pathological behavior coming from the White House. Things with which the mainstream media is unable to point out, respond to or confront with the same liberties I'm able to utilize. That said, let me dive right into the most recent pile of shit served up by "his highness" that "We the People" of the Divided States of America have been told is a plate of filet mignon with an expectation that we'll devour it without any objections to its repulsive smell.

There has been too many lies and statements made based within the president's delusions (which he and his collection of individual mouthpieces continue to pass off as "alternative facts") for me in my current febile state to address individually. So, pardon me for diverting my rant to the all inclusive matter, which is the connectivity and collectivity of all the insanity taking place on a daily basis now that the U.S. has transferred from "candidate" to "president elect" to "president Trump." I capitalize the "T" in trump very reluctantly out of respect for the citizens who sentenced us, the majority, without giving us a second's pause to think about the totality of consequences or even do due diligence.

"What is the connective-collective matter at hand," you say? Well (I say) if you have to ask you either haven't been paying attention or your attention is being paid to unreliable (fake) media outlets. We have a person with frightening amounts of destructive capabilities at his disposal whom has the most fragile exterior and interior combined that has ever taken the oath of office for President of the United States. This is neither too bold nor an unfounded statement that I've just made and, because it's neither, you should be both frightened and, especially if you voted for him, you should be ashamed.

Look, as is the case for all democrats (whether holding office or, just, citizens), we all would be delighted beyond comprehension for this president to succeed with his promises to increase good paying jobs in this country. Contrary to his personal opinions (that are uttered unilaterally throughout his cabinet members and those who voted for him alike) none of this is about us being "sore losers." It is all about his behavior, his rhetoric and the fact that both of them have no existence within the facts that make up reality.

There's, also, the blatant disregard for ethics within all realms of which they should be and need be applied to him and every single individual he has appointed. This is a subject that can't, possibly, be subjective. The laws are clear and, even where they're left to interpretation, the ethical standards for which those left for interpretation clear the way for them to be discerned with accuracy based upon both necessity and continuity. To state that more clearly for anyone reading this who had "issues with Hillary" or anyone who thought the way the legislative republicans treated former President Obama was fair by openly stating they'd do everything in their power to prevent him from succeeding, let me say it this way. If the "Black Man" were to refuse to provide his tax returns during an audit (which we all know can be legally done and no lawyer would advise "not to" unless the returns showed incriminating evidence) and then, once he became president, flat out refused to produce them period... If the "Black Man" refused to completely divest from his company that had many ways for foreign governments to gain influence... If the "Black Man" showed the thin-skinned temperament that he could be infuriated with a tweet so much that he devolved into a tantrum only a two year old could rival, would you be able to move your mouth to tell the lie that you wouldn't be asking for his resignation (at best) or demanding his head (so to speak, ie, impeachment) at worst? 

I could, mentally (intelligently) go on and on, but my shoulder is screaming for an icepack (and serious painkillers) so I must tapout for now. Please, anyone who's not already utilizing MSNBC, CNN, The Washington Post and The New York Times for their news source, do so now. Absolutely do not use Fox News, Breitbart, or any other media outlets that are either partially or entirety nonfactual (fake) news.

Speak Up and Act Out

Before I begin I would like to collectively take a moment to reflect upon Dr. Martin Luther King and the Civil Rights Movement for which he, literally, gave his life. It is the reason I have put pen to paper (actually, fingers to keyboard). It is his nationally observed day, the holiday with which his name is attached, that brought U.S. Congressman John Lewis' televised speech into my living room this morning. Congressman Lewis', brief, recap of his interaction with Dr. King and the action John took within the movement to not only get The Civil Rights Bill signed into law, but the beating he endured as a result of his action trying to get voting rights to be supported made me weep.

Yes, tears welled up and ran down my cheeks as I listened and heard him talk about his life; his Truth. It is that Truth that was felt within my heart, which whenever it's heard, seen and/or felt it is undeniable to any and everyone who's open to receive that Truth. You don't have to be the smartest person in the room to understand It Is true. You don't have to be religious or, even, believe in God (insomuch as the way most people describe God) to be able to discern It Is Truth. The truth, whenever It Is witnessed - however It Is witnessed, will always be perceived and received directly within our core. The Truth Is what It Is and because It Is so Real it will cause, even, the toughest and strongest of men and women to shed a tear.

With all of that said, now I'll get to the point I wanted to make that was sparked by something Congressman Lewis said in a, completely, different context. The congressman was talking about his need to speak out and stand up for what's right despite the reality of physical (and financial) harm that would be inflicted upon him and his family. His message to those of us listening was, "If you see something going on that shouldn't be going on; speak up. Don't stand by quietly." To those of us who were listening (and hearing) his message it was clear. It's a message I've always employed in the way I live my life as well as a message I've passed on to my son. The message of "always do the right thing" even and especially when the people around you are too scared to say or do what's right. Don't limit the good of everyone because you're afraid of being judged.

I've, also, said (many times) that "the right thing" or "the right way is never easy." Granted, whenever I've said or talked about such things I'm speaking to my son or to people who make up the majority of the "general public." People born into privilege and remain privileged throughout their lives (unless they've done "hands on" volunteer work with impoverished people) don't have a clue about the depths of that truth. The incoming president is a perfect example of that privilege.

But it doesn't stop at privilege; his aura and demeanor exudes entitlement and immaturity. There is nothing about him that tells the story of a person who is, or even capable of being, self-sacrificing. A person willing to save anyone but himself (or, possibly, his children) at his expense and/or demise. He shows nothing that says anything except "self-service" now nor in the past; recent or otherwise; there is zero that he's done and very little he's ever said.

Although Trump's behavior has been accurately called out by various members of the press and many political office holders (both past and present) he and his team continue to blame his unacceptable behavior on those who point out his many flaws. It is shameful and insulting to our (those who aren't fooled by him nor his team) intelligence. Moreover, the way he lashed out to Congressman Lewis via (not surprisingly) Twitter wasn't just deplorable it was unfounded. But, considering how much he hates facts (especially when those facts point out his, very obvious, flaws) it's not surprising that everything he said, attempting to tarnish Representative Lewis' pristine reputation, came from his emotions (which are located right upon his surface because he has no depth) rather than being well thought out or with any thought at all.

So, it appears that Representative Lewis isn't alone with his decision to abstain from attending the inauguration ceremony for the incoming president, Donald J. Trump. He's being joined by other members of Congress. Here is the list of those members of Congress whom are abstaining from the inauguration as reported by NBCNews.com: Arizona Rep. Raul Grijalva, California Rep. Mark DeSaulnier, Rep. Mark DeSaulnier, Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard, Rep. Jared, Rep. Barbara Lee, Rep. Ted Lieu, Rep. Mark Takano,  Rep. Judy Chu, Rep. Maxine Waters, Georgia Rep. John Lewis, Illinois Rep. Luis Gutierrez, Massachusetts Rep. Katherine Clark, Michigan Rep. John Conyers, Jr., Missouri Rep. William Lacy Clay, New York Rep. Jose Serrano, Rep. Nydia Velazquez, Rep. Yvette D. Clarke, Rep. Adriano Espaillat, Ohio Rep. Marcia Fudge, Oregon Rep. Earl Blumenauer, Rep. Peter DeFazio, Rep. Kurt Schrader, Tennessee Rep. Steve Cohen, Washington Rep. Adam Smith, Rep. Pramila Jayapal, and Wisconsin Rep. Mark Pocan. Within moments of my composing this list it had expanded by a few names (according to one of my favorite news anchors as her program was airing. So don't send me hate-mail or tweets. Be aware I'm aware and move on.

The boycott isn't limited to politicians only, oh no, celebrities have been boycotting the event for a while. The commonality of the boycott from politicians and celebrities is the general principal of Trump's intolerable behavior. In fact, that may be the one thing in which we can all find common ground. The foundation that all decent Americans can build - not a wall - but a "hall of justice" or, at least, a hall for justice. A place where liberty and justice exists, truly, for all. In closing I hope that more and more people (democrat and republican both) to stand up to everything that's wrong with the world. Believe me when I tell you that everyone needs to speak up and act out against and in opposition of those things, including people, that are wrong. Those who are bad at their core.

The PE's First Press Conference

I just watched what can, only, be described as a complete and irrevocable implosion of this country’s president elect. I’m horrified with DJT holding, even, that title and there isn’t a word in the English language that encompasses the spectrum of this calamity driven spectacle that is Donald J. Trump colliding with what I (and everyone who didn’t vote for him) knew would happen should he be elected. The president elect’s first news conference just ended, literally, DJT was still speaking while I opened a blank document in order to write about the messiest, shit-show ever witnessed on live television.

Before I start my rant I must give a shout out to all the utterly intellectually inept, vindictive and/or hateful people in this country. Those who voted for this insane clown whose posse is all of you who attended his rallies or supported him with your vote. Effectively passing your affliction of dysfunction on to the rest of the world. I will address you (from this point forward) as “juggalos.” Since you’re all confused about what is true or false when looking for answers on the web I will tell you that a juggalo is, accurately, defined as: a name given to fans of the group “Insane Clown Posse” (or any other Psychopathic Records hip hop group).

This time I will not say “thank you very much” or “fuck you very much...” I will say I do not thank any of you now nor will I ever thank any of you later. Instead I will send out into the universe my heart’s desires for the extermination of all hateful, divisive, greedy, deceptive and malicious people to ensure humanity’s flaws can’t continue to be passed from generation to generation. Using the universal law (which is as Divine as it is Infinite) of natural selection to assist and insist upon progressing within all aspects that make up the biopsychosocial aspects of humanity in order for the evolution of the human race to continue.

I don’t know if anyone reading this watched the news conference held, today, for the president elect of the United States, however, I recommend to my readers to do so if you haven’t already. I don’t make this recommendation because of the press conference being an inspiration or anything that will turn non-juggalos into juggalos nor will it assist with calming any fear or apprehension. In fact, if you’re a skeptic of the PE it will be very disturbing for you to watch the catastrophe implode.

What I witnessed was a man who is so unstable simultaneously with being so arrogant and full of himself. He showed the world that there’s no need to speculate about his instability, deceptive yet gullible, fascism with obvious misdirection, hatred for the truth or anything that resembles fact and I could, literally, go on for hours listing his character defects that are worn right upon or thinly below the surface. He has no depth, he is inept and if I had a chance to go tit-for-tat with him (me calling him on his shit followed by his defense or excuse that never involves taking personal responsibility for anything) it would only be a shouting match because the man has no desire nor belief that he needs to change.

Let’s face it folks, the man is 70 years old and has been wealthy and entitled for every one of those years. He has an innate sense of entitlement and (because of his wealth followed by his fame) none of his loved ones have ever called him out to face his flaws. Anyone who’s ever confronted him with his personality disorders, character defects, criminal mentality – it doesn’t matter what term you use to classify his crazy – but anyone who’s ever pointed out anything he did wrong was met with attorneys and law suits that would bankrupt the person long before they would ever see justice done let alone make a dent in his demeanor.

I can hear in the background (as I’ve been writing these words) the MSNBC anchors and contributors being horrifyingly stunned with the way Trump handled himself at that press conference. Buckle up people because this man is going to carry out an assault on the entire Billof Rights with the exception of the second amendment. He condemned the press and when he attacked “Buzzfeed” and CNN, but (primarily) Buzzfeed stating, “As far as Buzzfeed, which is a failing pile of garbage, writing it, I think they’re going to suffer the consequences. They already are… It’s a disgrace what took place. It’s a disgrace and I think they ought to apologize to start with Michael Cohen.” By the way, I placed a link (as you can see) within “Buzzfeed” where you can watch the conference or do as I did and read the full transcript below the video.

God, please help us, I never doubted your existence (just, most of, your messengers and publicists). I know you’re there and I know you feel all the terror and disdain most of us feel whenever Trump is on television or whenever the news shows and/or tells us about the latest happening within the PE’s “circle of trust.” I know that if you wanted me to be aware of what’s to come as a result of this clown being elected – you would let me in on that information. You always do so and I think that’s why I’m so terrified. The fact that everything I “knew” about this guy being validated by his own words on tape as well as the fact that every day when I turn on the news or whenever my son brings up the PE’s latest debacle it is validation that everything I expected to happen is truly happening…

In other words, it appears, the fact that you haven’t “given me” any new and different information about the PE (or any of his appointees) might, just, be because there isn’t anything else I need to know about him. If that is the devastating reality with which the world must come to terms then, please, give me some new and different (powerfully inspiring) information about the republicans who are in control of the federal legislature. I want to be the confidently optimistic individual you intended me to be rather than the cynical and tortured person the world has turned me into. I know you have a sense of humor – come on – having this guy win the presidency despite (literally) everything he said and did that was verifiably on camera or recording… That shows your humorous side. All we need to know (at this point) is if you’re a “sick sense of humor” God or a “funny, ha-ha” God. I won’t reveal the direction I tend to lean with the matter because I don’t want to taint the sample group.   

Senate Confirmation of Sessions

It’s been a predictably disgraceful process in the U.S. senate today. Watching every, single republican roll over and give immense praise to senator sessions (the PE’s pick for attorney general). Listening to Ted Cruz (a man who had nothing but abhorrence for the PE during his campaign for president) – listening to this, apparent, two-faced hypocrite give his praise to the PE’s pick for attorney general while listing a slew of things that happened under our former attorney general’s office.

The item on Ted’s list that stuck out to me as particularly hypocritical was when operation “Fast and Furious” failed. He was quick to blame the U.S. Attorney General (at the time) Eric Holder as was the case with the entire GOP during the hearings held by the Senate Judiciary Committee and the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. What he didn't mention was that the operation failed due to debacles at the state level in Arizona within the DOJ and ATF. He mentioned the ramifications that happened with this operation, but failed to mention how guns are sold to the Mexican drug cartels and how guns sold in the U.S. to drug cartels (or other criminals) wind up killing many other law enforcement agents and many more, average, everyday U.S. citizens.

It’s because of republican legislators (particularly Ted Cruz as he’s promoted himself making “Texas Bacon” with an automatic rifle) refusal to work with the Democrats -especially President Obama - enforce the law. "The law," as in, a law that already exists. A law that requires all sellers of firearms to conduct and obtain criminal background check information prior to the release/sale of any firearm. Senator Cruz, also, failed to mention that he and his fellow republicans in the U.S. senate and congress refuse to do any commonsense reform with gun laws. Commonsense reforms like requiring mental health diagnoses to be part of the background check information that is obtained. Democrats have proposed other measures like prohibiting sales of automatic weapons to the general public. 

The confirmation hearings are, essentially, bull shit in that a committee made up of democratic and republican senators asking questions to be answered by whichever nominee has come before that committee. Wait, hear me out. The reason it is bull shit is a two-sided coin. On one side, the nominee might be an honest individual with a lot of integrity. In that case any “gotcha” questions asked in the hope of catching the nominee telling a lie will make whomever asked the question look foolish; thus, “getting” themself. The “liar-liar-pants-on-fire” nominee may get “got” by the opposition, but the committee members who share a party with the nominee (such as the case now) will praise even the biggest liar. It’s quite, literally, nauseating to watch the senate republicans all but offer fellatio to former senator Sessions with hopes of the PE’s having climaxed knowing that he has his harshest critics within “the party” offering up their “lip service” in any way that’s possible.

Yoo-hoo, GOP of Washington D.C. You’re disgusting and despicable. I am not, merely, disturbed by your blatant, repetitive hypocrisy at this point. I’m sickened by the fact that a couple of you (Lindsey Graham and John McCain) had me fooled into believing you may do the right thing with the president defect – I mean, elect. I don’t have to ask how you can move your mouths to tell those lies, no. My question is to me. It is, how could you fall for that shit? 

Fake News and Social Media

I have been holding my tongue about this issue for quite some time. Unfortunately, as with the majority of my inspiration to write, the issue has gone on far too long, the people involved have gone way too far and (of course) the ignorance of the average American citizen is not just harming the ignorant. Their ignorance is affecting all of us and, just like this year’s election, the effect of their affect is not wanted nor is it of any help.

The fact that there are people sitting in their dorms, basements, or local Starbucks writing fictional stories then passing them off as legitimate, factual news stories is repugnant to me as both a U.S. citizen and as a blogger. I know it sounds terse for me to say that America’s ignorance isn’t the “shock factor” of this story. Although it’s not shocking it is troubling because these writers are able to make a living writing complete fiction that isn’t being read, digested and regurgitated for amusement.

The writers of this cancer are passing it off as legitimate news and the reason they are able to make a living doing this is because of the ignorance of the average person who turns to social media to get their news. To add insult to injury, the PE has used the fictional, dangerous propaganda to win his presidency. But wait, it gets worse. He is either an evil genius or just as ignorant as those who voted him into office. I say this because he, not only passes on the fictional, nonfactual conspiracy theories and rhetoric manufactured by others; he takes to Twitter and Facebook – impulsively – whenever he sees, reads or hears something that he doesn’t like.

The tumult of average people taking to social media to “get their news, i.e., random people blurting out their opinion mixed with the people writing fictional news for a source of income combined with major news organizations broadcasting edited clips to support their agenda and biases has created an epidemic. This is putting the social media companies in a position where, according to Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, they don’t want nor should they be required to fact check their subscribers.

I think the fact that the word “media” is within the name used to describe the online social networking sites people use is problematic. You see, the average person who uses a website forum referred to as “social media” as their “news outlet” is either ignorant, gullible or just not very studious with language so they believe everything they read or hear via social media as Truth.

I believe the reason for their confusion is that the word “media” is mistaken as being synonymous with the word “news.” News is supposed to be factual. It is not supposed to have any bias or agenda other than to be a form of mass communication of the truth for the people reading it in publications or hearing it in transmissions. Also, the fact is, humans are using these online outlets to communicate and human beings are prone to errors with perception, judgement, interpretation and all other ingredients that create misinformation.

However, many news organizations that are broadcast over major networks on television and radio have become completely biased. That bias started to bleed into the information being broadcast and that led to some of the networks to start manufacturing news to fit their biases and their agendas. This is what led to the mass disinformation within major news organizations to become commonplace.

The more common fiction gets passed off as fact the more common it is for people to pass off that misinformation to others as fact as well. It just so happens that as our news sources became strongly biased and less factual the internet developed all sorts of different social networking sites for people to be able to stay in touch with each other no matter how far apart they were physically.

Words are powerful. Our words are our wands, our paintbrushes and the tools in which we manifest, describe and define our reality. If we are sloppy with our words, our magic, our art when we express what or who we are as people, as a nation and as a source of “media” we can’t expect the finished product to be anything other than complete calamity.

The real media outlets, the real journalists and anyone else who writes nonfiction (like myself) shouldn’t expect the companies who are continually referred to as “social media” to redefine themselves and how they should be addressed. We, all those who write or pass along the facts, need to stop addressing Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and all others as “social media.” We need to describe them as what they, truly, are and that is “social networks.” Let us who tell, write and spread the truth, here in the United States and around the world, never refer to online social gathering sites as “media” again – not ever.

©December 5, 2016 – Tamara Imes-Nicholas