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~ USA Headed for a 5th Revolution! Why?

usrevolution5

Category Archives: Causes of the Revolution

Discussion of what might have contributed to the revolution. Includes information about current events and some historical events.

#467 SCOTUS “Can’t Get No Respect”

06 Tuesday Dec 2022

Posted by Jordan Abel in Causes of the Revolution, Post Trump Presidency, Stupid Is as Stupid Does, Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Welcome to a discussion about the upcoming 5th Revolution in the US, which I’ve titled the “Revenge Revolution.” For more about the Revenge Revolution and the author, Entry #1.  Periodically I write a “sense check” to assess whether a revolution in the US is possible or whether the entire exercise is based on a statistical aberration — i.e., a roughly 50-year cycle between major upheavals in the US. Entry #430 was the most recent “sense check.”

BEGIN #467: The Supreme Court wonders why. in the words of Rodney Dangerfield, “it can’t get no respect.”  Based on SCOTUS‘ behavior, it’s likely Rodney Dangerfield would garner more respect than many of the sitting  justices.

The track record of SCOTUS the last few years demonstrates no respect for individual rights and protections offered by the Constitution.  Some examples of incredibly bizarre rulings include Citizens United, Hobby Lobby, and overturning Roe v. Wade.  This week, however, SCOTUS hit a new low in the 303 Creative case by: (i) agreeing to rule on a hypothetical case in which no one had been affected, and therefore, no one had standing; (ii) asking some of the dumbest questions one can imagine during oral arguments. Another even lower bar might be set as SCOTUS hears arguments 12/07 that state legislatures should be able to overturn elections.

I’m not a lawyer, and I’ve never played one on TV. Nonetheless, anyone with a modicum of intelligence, which appears to be lacking among the three Trump justices, as well as with Clarence Thomas, who has long demonstrated illogical thinking and appears to be the handmaid of the far-right Ginny Thomas, could see through the absolute charade in the questioning during the case before the court – 303 Creative.  (NYT article about the arguments.)

A reasonable interpretation of questions and comments from the far-right justices suggests that anyone  whose work is “expressive“ can’t discriminate since the “expression” is linked to their 1st Amendment rights of free speech.  Forget the plaintiff has not opened the business, or that, if she does, she could merely say to prospective clients, “I don’t think I’m the right person for you. Why don’t you try person X.“  Or, that she could even offer  a time schedule to complete the project that would not fit the client’s needs.

No, according to SCOTUS, such simple solutions are not possible.  According to SCOTUS, being “expressive” in your work allows you to be exempt from certain state and Federal laws.  Why?  Well, uh well, well because your allegedly religious beliefs take precedence over Federal and state laws – but only if your work is “expressive.”

Given where SCOTUS is headed, I think I’ll open a clothing store.  Because clothing inventory in the store will be an expression of my taste, then I’ll be able to ignore any Federal and state laws prohibiting discrimination.

Wanna guess what happens if I decide to discriminate against fundamentalist Christians? The uproar from the right will be deafening.

The ineptness of SCOTUS is what occurs when Congress – i.e., Republicans in the Senate – approve candidates to the Federal courts who are ideologues. The Trump appointees are best described as clowns, especially Kavanaugh and Barrett.  There are even more Trump clowns in the lower courts, or the 303 Creative case never would have reached the Supreme Court.

If SCOTUS “can’t get no respect,” then what we have is a country without laws. Trump, consistent with his usual dumbass comments and egotistical logic, announced this past weekend that the US Constitution should be abolished, and Trump should be appointed president. Any strong response from Republicans in Congress to Trump’s comments? Of course not.

Given the actions of SCOTUS and cowardly Republicans, any wonder why I think a 5th US Revolution, the Revenge Revolution, is likely?  The way the far-right is acting, and the way apparently brainless Republicans are kowtowing, the 5th US Revolution will be led by the people with some integrity and some understanding of the principles on which the US was founded.  Those leading the Revolution, the true patriots, are likely to round up and jail the insurrectionist, including a number of members of Congress and the former president. With the incarceration, we could begin to repair the country. END #467

Other Topics. Interested in more info about climate change, what’s required to electrify a fleet of cars/trucks, what it was like to work day-to-day with Lee Iacocca and an array of other topics? Visit another page of this website, https://usrevolution5.com/jrd-thought-comments/

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#465. I’m Now Officially a Political Curmudgeon

29 Saturday Oct 2022

Posted by Jordan Abel in Back Asswards Thinking, Causes of the Revolution, Post Trump Presidency, Societal Issues, Stupid Is as Stupid Does, Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Welcome to a discussion about the upcoming 5th Revolution in the US, which I’ve titled the “Revenge Revolution.” For more about the Revenge Revolution and the author, Entry #1.  Periodically I write a “sense check” to assess whether a revolution in the US is possible or whether the entire exercise is based on a statistical aberration — i.e., a roughly 50-year cycle between major upheavals in the US. Entry #430 was the most recent “sense check.”

BEGIN ENTRY #465: Now I qualify as a curmudgeon with respect to politics. Without any hesitation, I think at least 50% of the US population is too stupid to understand the magnitude of the threat to democracy we currently face.

OK, if you are a right-wing Republican, and believe an autocrat should lead the country and believe that anyone but a fundamentalist, white Christian should be removed from power or even eliminated, then you’re happy.  However, just remember right-wingers that autocrats are loyal only to themselves.

To the autocrat, your support means nothing and your support does not guarantee your safety or well-being. If you think Trump considers you anything but fodder, then go find a pile of rocks and look at the pile. The pile of rocks is smarter than you are.

For other Republicans who support Trump, which means virtually  every Republican, you – yes,YOU – are leading the US to a revolution. No, the Democrats are not the enemy. You can disagree with Democrats about policy, but Democrats are not promoting banning voting, taking away other individual rights, or trying to concentrate wealth in the hands of a few.

YOU as a Trump-supporting Republican are complicit in the planned overthrow of the US government. YOU will wake up one day, finding most of your rights taken away, and then ask, “why didn’t anyone warn me about this?“

I realize this is a rhetorical question, but “what do Trump and Republican leaders need to do, or maybe not do, in order for you to wake up?“ Look, I understand, no one likes to be insulted. But you are being stupid, f*^”ing stupid.  In fact, you may be dumber than the right-wing wackos. At least they stand for something, even if it’s all the wrong things.

YOU, my fellow citizens, stand for nothing. Republicans complain, complain, complain, but have no plan to fix whatever they complain about. Other than possibly cutting taxes for the wealthy.

In addition, the Republican leadership has no ethics, or should I say no balls. Calling Kevin McCarthy, Mitch McConnell, and Lindsey Graham milquetoast is a step up the courage ladder.

Liz Cheney and I disagree on most policy issues. But I say, “Hail Liz!” for having the guts to stand up and do what’s right.

What happens to Cheney, one of the few Republicans with any character? The milquetoast marauders led by McCarthy kick Cheney out of a leadership position in the House, and then actively promote her defeat in the Wyoming primary.  Excuse me Republicans, she’s a profile in courage and should be praised, not punished.

While there are many more examples, I’ll wrap up with the crocodile tears shed by the Republicans for the Pelosi family. Trump, of course, sent condolences to the family of Jerry Lee Lewis upon his death, but nothing to the Pelosi family.  Like the reaction to massacres of students or concert goers, Republicans deflect the real cause of the problem by claiming now is the time for praying and grieving; now is not the time to tackle the problem.

What’s going to happen when a Republican in Congress, or an avowed conservative member of the Supreme Court is assassinated?  Even if all the evidence points to the assassin being a Russian plot designed to rile up the Republican base it will not affect Republican claims. Like all comments from Republicans, evidence doesn’t matter.

Republican leadership will blame Democrats for the assassination(s).  For Republicans it is more important to figure out how to encourage the far right to take action than to be truthful.  When the far-right responds to comments from Trump and Republican leadership, then Katie bar the door for the US population.  The number of assassinations will increase.

Thanks, Republicans, for your lack of courage that will help lead the US to its next revolution. And now you know why I qualify as a political curmudgeon. END ENTRY #465

Other Topics. Interested in more info about climate change, what’s required to electrify a fleet of cars/trucks, what it was like to work day-to-day with Lee Iacocca and an array of other topics? Visit another page of this website, https://usrevolution5.com/jrd-thought-comments/

#462. “Conspiracies Are Us” — Driving a Stake in the Heart of Democracy

22 Thursday Sep 2022

Posted by Jordan Abel in Back Asswards Thinking, Causes of the Revolution, Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Welcome to a discussion about the upcoming 5th Revolution in the US, which I’ve titled the “Revenge Revolution.” For more about the Revenge Revolution and the author, Entry #1.  Periodically I write a “sense check” to assess whether a revolution in the US is possible or whether the entire exercise is based on a statistical aberration — i.e., a roughly 50-year cycle between major upheavals in the US. Entry #430 was the most recent “sense check.”

BEGIN ENTRY #462. I continue to be gob smacked by the number of supposed conspiracies promoted by seemingly educated people. It seems the more outlandish the scope of the conspiracy, the more credible some people consider the conspiracy.

Conspiracies have been around for years in the US and other countries.  One major difference now is the use of social media, which: (I) allows the conspiracy to be shared quickly among many people; (ii) has few checks re control of content and/or credibility of the claim.  Social media seems to have encouraged more conspiracies and even more outlandish claims.

Another factor is the dramatic decline in readership of credible, print media.  The decline has taken away the “sanity-check” guardrails for many former readers.  I shake my head at how many people I know who no longer get any news from print media, instead relying on cable or the internet.  These same people express concern about such issues as the dangers of using public Wi-Fi but seem to have few reservations about gathering “news” from questionable sources.

The topic of conspiracies has personal interest to me.  In the early 2000’s, there was a movie made, excuse me, an alleged documentary, titled “Who Killed the Electric Car?” During research for the movie, I was contacted by the producer. In addition to offering insight about the efforts of GM and other companies to develop and introduced a modern-generation electric car, I offered names and contact information of others in the industry who might be considered for interviews.

When I was filmed – in LA on the top floor of a building at intersection of Sunset Blvd and the 405 – it seemed apparent the producer had decided on a conspiracy theme and structured questions accordingly.  Apparently, my answers didn’t fit the conspiracy theory, because only a couple of short clips of my interview made the final edit. 

When I am asked if there was a conspiracy to kill the electric car, or when someone claims there was a conspiracy, my usual response is a bit of laughter and then an explanation. I like to remind people claiming a conspiracy is that those of us involved with the EV programs from different companies were either not smart enough or too naïve to have a conspiracy.   All the people from GM, Ford, Honda, Toyota and some electric utilities were trying to develop and introduced one thing – a competitive electric car to meet the California zero emission vehicle mandate. 

To conspiracy theorists such facts don’t matter. There had to be a conspiracy.  Tell me, just “Who Killed the Electric Car?”  (Interested in learning the real reason GM killed the EV1?)

Conspiracy theorists seem to forget that for a conspiracy to work only a few people can be involved.  And one thing we all know is people love to tell “secrets” to friends.  If more than a handful of people are involved, then the conspiracy soon becomes public information and infinitely more difficult to execute. 

Aside from the electric car, some conspiracies friends/colleagues have been touting of late include:

(I) 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center (always popular in early September) involved far more people than the public has been led to believe.  Depending on who’s promoting the conspiracy, the group involved was  broad-based, including key members from several countries.  In addition, the plan to destroy the Trade Center towers was in the works for at least a decade prior to the attack.  

According to some, the Towers were not only struck by planes but damaged by a nuclear blast underneath the towers and a nearby building. 

As proof the conspiracy theorists show pictures of the Trade Towers with commercial aircraft in the sky behind the towers.  Guys, stop and think just for a second.  One of the major flight paths to/from LaGuardia is not far from the Trade Towers.  Besides, adding planes to the background makes a picture of buildings more interesting.

More “proof” of the long-planned conspiracy is a picture from the late 1990’s of a high-profile individual whose watch has the hour hand at nine (9) and the minute-hand at 11.  Now, how could you not be convinced?  Hard to imagine but just suppose someone doctored the picture using Photoshop.  More proof is a poster for a ferry-ride around Manhattan.  Cost is “$9” and to the right of the $9 is a rendering of the skyline with the Trade Towers.  Now, how can you not believe?

More proof – the floors of the towers could not collapse in pancake fashion.  Because the pancake pattern is not possible, there had to be another “something,” usually not identified. The “proof” disappears after one talks to an architect about how the individual floors in the towers were attached to the exterior walls rather than to central posts.  When the joints holding the upper floors were weakened by the plane crashing and then the fire, the floors could collapse.  The weight of a single floor falling on another would exceed the strength of the joints on the lower floor and the floors would then collapse in pancake fashion.  Never mind logic, I know there was a broad-based conspiracy.    

(2) Covid and other vaccines are being promoted by the pharmaceutical industry, Bill Gates, Dr. Anthony Fauci, and who knows who else as a way to control the populace. You might not know this but there are RFID chips in the vaccines.  (Liquid chips, I guess.)  At some point the liquid RFID chip would be activated and signals sent that would turn those vaccinated into killers of other people, thereby reducing the number of people on earth.  Why take such action I don’t know.  Gates is 66 and Fauci past 80, so how will they benefit?  Conspiracy theorists often fail to cite a logical benefit.  

(3) The number of deaths from Covid was greatly exaggerated because doctors and hospitals made more money from Covid-caused deaths than other deaths.  At least this conspiracy provided some logic.  However, when I state that putting the cause aside, significantly more people died during 2020 and 2021 than would be expected (~3 standard deviations greater than the norm), I have yet to get a response.  Guess a lot of extra people just wanted to die early.

(4) Global warming is a hoax being promoted by governments as part of the broader plan to control the population.  The hoax is really impressive.  For example, those icebergs are melting not from the earth’s warming but because (my sarcastic logig follows) the socialist Democrats have placed blow torches under icebergs and glaciers to make them melt.  Why? The socialists Democrats are just jealous of all the Republicans who own seashore property.  The deniers of global warming have myriad reasons why it’s a hoax but never provide any scientific data.

(5) Evidence at Mar-a-Lago that inventoried Trump’s illegal retention of secret documents, and other classified material was planted by the FBI…and the list goes on and on.

The acceptance of the conspiracy theories and the refusal to accept the results of Biden’s election by a wide swath of Republicans does not bode well for the democracy and reinforces the likelihood of a 5th US revolution.  What can be done to mitigate the negative effects of these conspiracy theories?  Stay tuned for ideas.  END ENTRY #462

Other Topics. Interested in more info about climate change, what’s required to electrify a fleet of cars/trucks, what it was like to work day-to-day with Lee Iacocca and an array of other topics? Visit another page of this website, https://usrevolution5.com/jrd-thought-comments/

#460. Republicans Nominate Charlie Manson for President.

21 Sunday Aug 2022

Posted by Jordan Abel in Back Asswards Thinking, Causes of the Revolution, Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Welcome to a discussion about the upcoming 5th Revolution in the US, which I’ve titled the “Revenge Revolution.” For more about the Revenge Revolution and the author, Entry #1.  Periodically I write a “sense check” to assess whether a revolution in the US is possible or whether the entire exercise is based on a statistical aberration — i.e., a roughly 50-year cycle between major upheavals in the US. Entry #430 was the most recent “sense check.”

BEGIN ENTRY #460. This entry might seem like a variation of recent entries. Just hear me out. The issue is too important to discuss just once or twice. I think, without fear of exaggeration, that our democracy rests on addressing this issue satisfactorily.

Since starting the blog in late 2013, the purpose has been to discuss issues that might contribute to/diminish the likelihood of a 5th US revolution.  Blog topics have ranged from those of personal interest – the impact of macro and micro-economics, e.g. – to cultural issues – the impact of religion on attitudes toward government, e.g. 

During the last nine years, what has been most surprising to me is how a large segment of the population has become swayed to believe in and enthusiastically support ideas that are completely bogus, and often 180° from reality.  One would like to believe that more education would help people avoid this seeming brainwashing. However, apparently not the case.

A substantial portion of those “believers,” – let’s assume 50% to minimize the error – is relatively well educated, including some with advanced degrees. Why are supposedly more knowledgeable people falling into the liars den?  Why are people who supposedly have more understanding of the process of critical thinking continuing to believe claims that are so outlandishly false that they would punish their children for saying something similarly false?

Who are these people? Do they have a certain profile?  Yes, most are white, descendants of western Europeans, and overwhelmingly Christian, especially fundamentalist, and virtually all Republicans.

The world according to Garp – growing ascension of radical protestants – is one where “My religion is the only answer. Government must be based on my religion. All education needs to be based on my religion. If you are not a believer in my religion, you must be punished.“

The religious right seems to support any candidate for political office who promotes their religion. The candidate can be corrupt, living in a way counter to the basic tenets of their religion, and even can be promoting that democracy be abolished. All those traits are OK as long as “my religious beliefs are forced on the population.“

 Based on demonstrated behavior, most Republicans in 2022 would seem to support even Charlie Manson for president, as long as Charlie promised to continue to change laws and pack the courts to ensure that fundamentalist Christian beliefs are implemented.

One might argue that the example of supporting Charlie Manson is too extreme. However, if you think too extreme, I ask you to consider why Republicans enthusiastically support Trump, who has a long history of lying and corruption, over the FBI, the whitest and most conservative agency in the federal government.  In addition, every director of the FBI under every administration, Republican and Democratic, has been a well-established Republican.  (Read the last sentence again.)

Why do Republicans enthusiastically support Marjorie Taylor Greene, Lindsay Graham, Mark Meadows, Ron DeSantis and a host of known liars and then chastise Liz Cheney for having the temerity to uphold her oath to Constitution?  Support the US Constitution rather than Trump?  How dare she!

Republicans have repeatedly demonstrated they would rather flush logic down the toilet and continue to support the religious cult. When cults conquer logic, the only solution to restore logic, and the solution is never pretty, is to squash the cult. END ENTRY #460.

Other Topics. Interested in more info about climate change, what’s required to electrify a fleet of cars/trucks, what it was like to work day-to-day with Lee Iacocca and an array of other topics? Visit another page of this website, https://usrevolution5.com/jrd-thought-comments/

#459. Are Republicans Really that Stupid or Just Brainwashed?

14 Sunday Aug 2022

Posted by Jordan Abel in Back Asswards Thinking, Causes of the Revolution, Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Welcome to a discussion about the upcoming 5th Revolution in the US, which I’ve titled the “Revenge Revolution.” For more about the Revenge Revolution and the author, Entry #1.  Periodically I write a “sense check” to assess whether a revolution in the US is possible or whether the entire exercise is based on a statistical aberration — i.e., a roughly 50-year cycle between major upheavals in the US. Entry #430 was the most recent “sense check.”

BEGIN ENTRY #459: Let’s see, this past week the FBI raided Trump’s club/residence in Florida, Mar-a-Lago, and recovered at least 11 boxes of material that were illegally transferred from government property. Earlier in 2022, Trump returned to the government 15 boxes of material that had been illegally transferred from the White House. The return of the material occurred only after an injunction forcing Trump to do. One of Trump’s lawyers signed a letter indicating the 15 boxes represented all information that needed to be returned. Oops.

Some of the boxes, how many to be determined, contained files marked “Confidential,” “Top-Secret” and “TS-SCI,” which indicates files are only to be viewed in a preestablished security location.

Without any evidence, Trump claimed all the information held at Mar-a-Lago had been “declassified.“ As a result, he had a right to possess. Some Trump staffers and supporters claimed Trump had a standing order to “automatically declassify any documents that left the White House.“ 

I hate to inform Trump and supporters but there is a procedure for declassifying documents.  Part of that procedure includes “restamping” each page of the document as “Declassified” and providing other documentation.  In typical Trump fashion, no support was provided for the claim that all documents were declassified.

In parallel, Trump and supporters blamed Attorney General Garland and the FBI, which is headed by a Trump appointee, of either continuing the long-standing “witch hunt” against Trump or setting up the raid to keep Trump from running for office again. In either case, the AG, DOJ and FBI are all corrupt and according to some Trump supporters, should be tried for treason.

Other Trump supporters, Jim Jordon (R-OH) being one, asked, “What’s the big deal about Trump having the documents? All the documents were declassified.“ Jimmy you’re such a hypocrite and a liar to boot.

The radical right began to spout that anyone connected with the raid – the judge who signed the order, the FBI agents who conducted the search, and AG Garland, who personally signed off on the raid – should be assassinated.

Where were Republican members of the US House and Senate once the raid became known? Spineless, of course, save Liz Cheney and a couple of others. The so-called leaders of the country were afraid of the great wizard of Mar-a-Lago.  Some spineless Republicans were concerned that efforts to prosecute Trump for any one of several crimes connected with material would just aggravate his followers and upset little Donnie.

Unless I’ve been asleep for the last 50 years, appeasing Trump won’t change behavior. He’s always been a liar, a jerk and thought he was above the law.  Being elected president exaggerated the behavior, especially disregard for the law. Among his many inane comments are, “Where is my Roy Cohn,“ and “Why aren’t my generals more like Hitler‘s?“ 

Sill Republicans in the House and Senate continue to bow to the great con man. Republicans, I hate to tell you, Trump is a real estate developer.  Trump doesn’t care one iota about you or the Republican Party. The Donald focuses only on two things: (i) stoking his ego; (ii) making more money. Every interaction is viewed by Trump as a transaction that can stoke his ego and make more money.

Republicans, you have been and continue to be mere chattel in a series of transactions. Like chattel, you will be discarded when no longer needed for the transaction.

I’ve heard people say, you can’t expect others to change if you insult them. That might be true. However, anyone who still believes what Trump says and believes he is being unfairly targeted by DOJ and the FBI, or whatever this week’s claim is, deserves to be insulted.

If you still support Trump, you are either brainwashed and/or incredibly stupid. Go look in the mirror and ask yourself, if a close relative or close friend behaved the same way as Trump, would I continue to support that person? And forget the save the sinner comment. Trump has been and will continue to be scum who has no regard for other people, for the law or for any tenets of most religions. END #459

Other Topics. Interested in more info about climate change, what’s required to electrify a fleet of cars/trucks, what it was like to work day-to-day with Lee Iacocca and an array of other topics? Visit another page of this website, https://usrevolution5.com/jrd-thought-comments/

#454. SCOTUS Leads Return of the Crusades!

04 Monday Jul 2022

Posted by Jordan Abel in Causes of the Revolution, Post Trump Presidency, Societal Issues, Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Welcome to a discussion about the upcoming 5th Revolution in the US, which I’ve titled the “Revenge Revolution.” For more about the Revenge Revolution and the author, Entry #1.  Periodically I write a “sense check” to assess whether a revolution in the US is possible or whether the entire exercise is based on a statistical aberration — i.e., a roughly 50-year cycle between major upheavals in the US. Entry #430 was the most recent “sense check.”

BEGIN ENTRY #454. The subject of this entry seems apprpriate for July 4th. While the country celebrates the declaration of independence from Britian, the religous right and SCOTUS celebrate destruction of what has made the US a becon of light for many people and countries worldwide.

In 1492 when Columbus bumped into America while looking for a passage to India, Christians were ousting Muslims and Jews from the Iberian Peninsula. The terms offered were simple — if you wanna stay on the Peninsula, you must convert to Christianity. Otherwise, you’re exiled and more likely, you’re toast.

Here we are 500+ years later and the head of the religious right, Donald Trump, appointed a kangaroo court that is leading another crusade. Just like 1492, the kangaroo court is effectively forcing beliefs of hard-right Christianity on the population. For those who don’t want to buy in, the same options exist today as in 1492 – leave or be prosecuted.

Trump’s kangaroo court, aka SCOTUS, is taking away rights from individuals – blacks and browns now have fewer voting rights; immigrants are unwelcome, unless, of course, they’re from Western countries and not Jewish or Muslim; women need to join the Amy Barrett cult and turn over control of ther bodies to men; and everyone must bow down to the great fossil-fuel industry, which, unlike the EPA, has always proved benevolent and worked diligently in the public’s best interest. Besides, killing the EPA is a good thing. Plants like all that carbon dioxide.

Just to demonstrate how thoughtful SCOTUS is toward helping everyone understand their new set of “rights,” the kangaroo court plans to affirm the law in Texas that lets vigilantes track down people who might have helped those sinful women get an abortion. We, the religious right, know what’s best for you.

What has happened to Spain since the religious right forcibly reshaped a multi-cultural society into a monolithic one? Spain has deteriorated from a great international power to an also ran. For many years, Spain has been a nice place to visit and not much else.

Will the US suffer the same fate? Unlike Republicans in Congress, the hard-right members of SCOTUS are elected for life. Now that the kangaroos have tasted political power, they will no longer be satisfied with interpreting the law. The kangaroos now can set social policy to control actions of the populace without any repercussions.

Republican justices on SCOTUS already seem to be suffering from the age-old adage, “power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.“

The far right’s biggest lackey on the court, Clarence Thomas, has encouraged attorneys general of Republican-controlled state and private organizations to file lawsuits that would roll back even more rights of individuals. Take away more! Apparently, Thomas has forgotten how much he benefited from many of those rights. Nothing like a little denial and revisionist history to justify one’s actions.

Surprise, surprise. Following the recent decisions by SCOTUS, some people were upset. And how did the Republican justices react to people exercising their 1st Amendment rights? Let’s take away those rights by banning anyone from protesting in front of a justice’s residence. How dare those people protest!

Where does a SCOTUS-led religious crusade end up? Hard to tell but the intervening battles are going to be more than a few peaceful protests at the justice’s residences. SCOUS’ actions have already ratcheted up the intensity of the 5th US Revolution.

Originally, I thought the 5th US Revolution, labeled the Revenge Revolution, would be about economic inequity. Based on the actions of SCOTUS, particularly decisions the most recent term, the 5th US Revolution will be focused more on individual rights.

SCOTUS has also increased the likely intensity of the seemingly inevitable armed battle between the religious right and others, with more bloodshed than originally envisioned. Attribute this directly to SCOTUS. SCOTUS’ decision now allows virtually everyone to pack heat wherever they want and no permit is needed. In addition, why not allow virtually anyone to buy an assault rifle?

Don’t be surprised if the next term, SCOTUS takes on a case that could overturn Brown V Board of Education, thereby reinstating Plessy. And it’s only just begun. END ENTRY #454.

Other Topics. Interested in more info about climate change, what’s required to electrify a fleet of cars/trucks, what it was like to work day-to-day with Lee Iacocca and an array of other topics? Visit another page of this website, https://usrevolution5.com/jrd-thought-comments/  

#452. “They’re Coming to Take Me Away”

14 Tuesday Jun 2022

Posted by Jordan Abel in Causes of the Revolution, Post Trump Presidency, Societal Issues, Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Welcome to a discussion about the upcoming 5th Revolution in the US, which I’ve titled the “Revenge Revolution.” For more about the Revenge Revolution and the author, Entry #1.  Periodically I write a “sense check” to assess whether a revolution in the US is possible or whether the entire exercise is based on a statistical aberration — i.e., a roughly 50-year cycle between major upheavals in the US. Entry #430 was the most recent “sense check.”

BEGIN ENTRY #452: Since the election of president Biden, former president Trump has continued to make wild and unsubstantiated claims about the election being stolen and that he should be reinstated. As the House Select Committee has presented more testimony by Trump’s own staff and family refuting Trump’s assertions, I was reminded of a song from the mid-1960’s.

The title seemed to capture Trump’s sustained bizarre behavior. The mid-1960’s song was titled, “They’re Coming to Take Me Away, Ha-haa.” I took the liberty of tweaking the words to reflect Trump’s likely mental state. If you’ve never heard the song before, take a listen. The lyrics were a bit jarring even for the mid-1960’s.

As far as the tweaked lyrics, don’t try and read too much into them. The original lyrics were unusual at best and I tried to maintain a substantial portion of them. So, just enjoy.

“They’re Coming to Take Me (the Donald) Away“

Remember when you took a dive, lied
And voted to oust me as #45
I begged you I can’t leave just yet
Because I’d go berserk, I fret

Well, some like you voted me out anyway
And then my days got worse and worse
And now you see I’ve gone berserk,
Completely out of my mind

And they’re coming to take me away ha-haaa
They’re coming to take me away ho ho, hee hee, ha haaa
To the funny farm
Where life is beautiful all the time
And I’ll be happy to see those nice young folks
In their pretty, clean white coats
And they’re coming to take me away ha haaa

You always thought I was a joke
And so you laughed with other folks
You laughed out loud when I said
That by losing the vote, I’d flip my lid

Right? You know you laughed
I heard you laugh. You laughed
You laughed and said, “Oh, well, too bad”
But now you know I’m utterly mad

And they’re coming to take me away ha haaa
They’re coming to take me away ho ho, hee hee, ha haaa
To the happy home with trees and flowers and chirping birds
And basket weavers who sit and smile and twiddle their thumbs and toes
And they’re coming to take me away ha haaa

I paid for your food, and all the clothes
I paid for the house, NY and Mar-a-Lago
And this is how you pay me back
For all my kind unselfish, loving deeds

Ha! Well, you just wait
MAGAts will find you yet and when they do
They’ll put you in with all the bums
You know who – that Barr, Jared, Ivanka, too

And they’re coming to take me away ha haaa
They’re coming to take me away ha haaa, ho ho, hee hee
To the funny farm where life is beautiful all the time
And I’ll be happy to see those nice young folks
In their pretty and clean lovely white coats

Relevance of #452. If you are asking yourself why is Entry #452 relevant to a discussion about a possible 5th US Revolution, then think about the implications for the country as more and more evidence is released by the House Select Committee. Whether or not you supported Trump, if the evidence indicates likely criminal behavior, the former president needs to be brought to trial. Otherwise there will be no guardrails on the behavior of any future president, Democrat or Republican. And, there will be no democracy.

Other Topics. Interested in more info about climate change, what’s required to electrify a fleet of cars/trucks, what it was like to work day-to-day with Lee Iacocca and an array of other topics? Visit another page of this website, https://usrevolution5.com/jrd-thought-comments/  

449. How Republicans with a Brain Left Can Help Save the Democracy

26 Thursday May 2022

Posted by Jordan Abel in Causes of the Revolution, Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Welcome to a discussion about the upcoming 5th Revolution in the US, which I’ve titled the “Revenge Revolution.” For more about the Revenge Revolution and the author, Entry #1.  Periodically I write a “sense check” to assess whether a revolution in the US is possible or whether the entire exercise is based on a statistical aberration — i.e., a roughly 50-year cycle between major upheavals in the US. Entry #430 was the most recent “sense check.”

ENTRY #449 BEGINS: I realize that no amount of logic is going to change minds of hard-right Republicans. If you’re gullible enough to buy Trump’s lies on any topic, then you’ll ignore any degree of logic, and probably this note.

For those Republicans who have played along with Trump, but still have some gray matter that functions, maybe it’s time to take a stand for democracy and what’s right for the country. While taking a stand for democracy might alienate some fellow Republicans and may even force you to vote for a, yikes Democrat in the 2022 midterm elections, not taking a stand might result your rights disappearing. Zealots view only those equally committed as safe harbors. All others are enemies of their cause and need to be treated as enemies.

You might consider the term “brainwashed” as too harsh to apply to Trump supporters. However, consider this example. I have a former business colleague who is an ardent Trump supporter. “So, what,” you ask. “What’s the big deal?” The big deal is the colleague’s heritage is 100% Mexican. In Trumpworld, being Mexican, born in the US or not, means you’re from the wrong ethnic group.

When the Trump-led ethnic cleansing starts, guess which group will be on the list of non-western European groups that need to be cleansed? Yep, my friend with Mexican heritage, you’re one of “those people.”

What’s the risk of someone like my former colleague finally speaking out against Trump? BTW, his ranch is an area much like Uvalde, TX, where 19 4th-grade students and two teachers were gunned down. His risk at the worst is maybe some “loss of face” among family and friends, but, not much else. In fact, he will likely gain respect for having the courage to admit a mistake.

For those not on the white nationalists’ “preferred list,” continuing to support Trump means risking harm to yourself and family. If you don’t think harm can come, you need to study Germany in the 1930s and 1940s.

If logic mattered to Trump’s core, they would support abortion rights and Roe v Wade. Statistically the birthrate among blacks and Hispanics is higher than for whites. Banning abortion means more black and Hispanic children will be born who can “replace” whites.

In addition, according to Trump supporters, blacks and Hispanics do not contribute their fair share to the economy. Banning abortion would create even more of a drain on the economy plus the added cost for schooling and support as adults. Zealots have a hard time connecting two dots. In Trumpworld, illogic becomes logic.

How can Republicans with some brains left get their party back? Two options and the first might not work.

1) In political races where a hard-right Republican is the nominee, vote Democratic. Even if you are a life-long Republican, and you view Democrats as a bunch of socialists, voting Democratic is the preferable option to voting for a hard-rate Republican. Not voting is abdicating your responsibility to the democracy.

In Entry #448, I talked about jumping in bed with Liz Cheney. I disagree with Ms. Cheney on virtually every policy issue, but I view her as a patriot for upholding her oath to the Constitution. In my view, Liz Cheney’s commitment should be a model for all Republicans.

Yes, if you vote for a Democrat and defeat a hard-right Republican, the Democrats might be in power for a decade or so. Fear not, the pendulum will swing back toward the center with more Republicans in Congress.

2) If voting Democratic doesn’t stop Trump’s allies, the only other option seems to be an armed conflict. In my view the US has already started experiencing its 5th revolution, aka the Revenge Revolution. The severity of the revolution is going to get worse. Based on tactics of the hard right, a fighting Civil War may be the only way to stop the hard right from completely taking over many states in the south in the middle of the country.

An added layer of risk is a president who attempts to use the military to overthrow those states which do not fall in line with his thinking. As president, Trump repeatedly ignored the Constitution and tried do use the military to quell even mild protests. Fortunately, the military brass blocked his efforts.

However, the January 6 Committee apparently has evidence that some high-ranking officers in the military ignored their oath to the US Constitution and supported Trump’s efforts to overthrow the government. How the military brass will respond in the future crises is not clear.

Well, Republicans there you have it. If you’re a hard-right Trumper, you probably quit reading this entry some time ago. If you’re a Republican with gray matter left, you have a serious question to ask yourself, “Am I willing to risk the democracy now and for the future by voting for a hard-right Republican?” Voting for a Democrat versus a hard right Republican won’t kill you. It just might save you. END ENTRY #449

Other Topics. Interested in more info about climate change, what’s required to electrify a fleet of cars/trucks, what it was like to work day-to-day with Lee Iacocca and an array of other topics? Visit another page of this website, https://usrevolution5.com/jrd-thought-comments/  

#447 SCOTUS Encourages States to Reinstate Dred Scott

05 Thursday May 2022

Posted by Jordan Abel in Causes of the Revolution, Societal Issues, Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Welcome to a discussion about the upcoming 5th Revolution in the US, which I’ve titled the “Revenge Revolution.” For more about the Revenge Revolution and the author, Entry #1.  Periodically I write a “sense check” to assess whether a revolution in the US is possible or whether the entire exercise is based on a statistical aberration — i.e., a roughly 50-year cycle between major upheavals in the US. Entry #430 was the most recent “sense check.”

BEGIN ENTRY #447: Following the leak of the draft of the SCOTUS decision to overturn Roe vs Wade, far-right members of the Supreme Court, led by Justice Samuel Alito, publicly encouraged US states to pass laws that could challenge rights for blacks as affirmed by the Dred Scott decision.

During a meeting of Republican governors, Alito stated, “Just look at the US Constitution for guidance. When the Constitution was adopted, blacks were not equal to whites and blacks had no rights. Based on the original Constitution, there is no reason why blacks, and for that matter other non-white groups, should have the same rights as whites. “

Alito continued this opinion was shared by all conservative members of SCOTUS, except, of course, Chief Justice Roberts, whom Alito considers more liberal than conservative. When pressed about support from Justice Thomas for reinstating Dred Scott, Alito stated that Thomas agreed once he was guaranteed an exemption from any new laws that might affect his rights.

Far-right members also encouraged the governors to eliminate any laws protecting rights to privacy. Alito stated, “Why don’t people understand? There’s nothing in the US Constitution protecting privacy.“

When asked by a reporter from Fox if he meant the reference was to the wording of the US Constitution as originally approved, Alito responded sharply, “Of course! Are you some kind of idiot?“

The reporter then asked that “Since amendments to the Constitution were not part of the original document, does your position mean the 2nd Amendment no longer is valid and citizens no longer have the right to bear arms?“

Alito, obviously flustered, huffed and walked out of the meeting. His lapel microphone was still active, and he was heard mumbling about “the damn media.“

Ok, so the entry is tongue-in-cheek. But, don’t consider the theme too far fetched. Many of what most citizens consider everyday rights were denied in the Dred Scott vs Sanford decision. END ENTRY #447

Other Topics. Interested in more info about climate change, what’s required to electrify a fleet of cars/trucks, what it was like to work day-to-day with Lee Iacocca and an array of other topics? Visit another page of this website, https://usrevolution5.com/jrd-thought-comments/  

#446. What New Name Fits the GOP’s Behavior?

01 Sunday May 2022

Posted by Jordan Abel in Causes of the Revolution, Post Trump Presidency, Societal Issues, Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Welcome to a discussion about the upcoming 5th Revolution in the US, which I’ve titled the “Revenge Revolution.” For more about the Revenge Revolution and the author, Entry #1.  Periodically I write a “sense check” to assess whether a revolution in the US is possible or whether the entire exercise is based on a statistical aberration — i.e., a roughly 50-year cycle between major upheavals in the US. Entry #430 was the most recent “sense check.”

BEGIN ENTRY #446: Over the past few years and especially the past 12-15 months, members at all levels of the Republican Party seem to have abandoned any guiding principles. To be a Republican candidate for the November 2022 election, one must be “all Trump all the time.”

No one with any credibility seems to claim that the current Republican Party is any longer the party of Lincoln. You remember that Lincoln guy, the president who saved the Union by putting down the rebellion by secessionist in the south. The guy who signed the Emancipation Proclamation that freed slaves from bondage. The guy who tried to be fair to all.

For Republicans, those ideas are outdated. The new, more dynamic Republican Party has decided to morph into a blob of nothingness. The entire platform of the Republican Party is, well, nothing. No proposed solutions to any problem. No description of real problems. The entire Republican Platform is “just say no” to whatever idea is proposed, even if the idea benefits many people who tend to vote Republican. The only ideas the Republican Party seem to support are outlandish conspiracy theories, and the more outlandish the better.

If you want to continue to be a Republican, you must believe in Trump and Tucker (Carlson). Believe and do what the “T-Boys” say or you will be ousted from any role in the Republican Party. You don’t think so? Ask Liz Cheney (R,WY) and Lisa Murkowski (R,AK) about the consequences of being ethical and supporting democracy rather than following the proclamations of the T-Boy twins.

Given this shift in behavior, maybe it is time to rename Republican Party. What does the “new” GOP stand for? Certainly not the Grand Old Party. Maybe the Republican leadership should adopt one of the following names:
• Greed Overcoming Principles
• Generally Opposing People
• Gangster Operating Procedures
• Genuinely Outdated Proposals
• Giving Others Poop
• Groveling Over Putin
• Goofy Outlandish Politicians
• Grandiose Obfuscation Plans

What does the new, rudderless GOP mean for a possible 5th US Revolution, the Revenge Revolution? The new GOP is so far right and so far afield from a workable political party that the only way to realign it and reign in the crazies is with a full-scale revolution, something akin to a civil war.

Unfortunately, but not surprisingly based on history, the 5th US Revolution has already started. Unlike the Civil War while Lincoln was president, the geographic boundaries for the 5th US Revolution are not as clear. The real test whether the US can minimize the damage of the revolution and regain some political stability will be following the November 2022 mid-term elections. Based on the behavior following the 2020 presidential elections and behavior leading into the primaries, Republicans will make every effort, illegal or not, to ensure only their candidates are certified as winners, regardless of the vote count.

With widespread shenanigans by Republicans, the sane part of the US populace might finally wake up and begin to squash the revolt. Unfortunately, as we experienced with the January 6 insurrection, there likely will be bloodshed, but following November the bloodshed will be greater and more widespread than January 6. END ENTRY #446

Other Topics. Interested in more info about climate change, what’s required to electrify a fleet of cars/trucks, what it was like to work day-to-day with Lee Iacocca and an array of other topics? Visit another page of this website, https://usrevolution5.com/jrd-thought-comments/  

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