Category Archives: Post Trump Presidency

#467 SCOTUS “Can’t Get No Respect”

06 Tuesday Dec 2022

Posted by 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/

Advertisement

#465. I’m Now Officially a Political Curmudgeon

29 Saturday Oct 2022

Posted by 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/

#458. Dear Grandkids: Here’e Why I Hate You.

08 Monday Aug 2022

Posted by in Back Asswards Thinking, Post Trump Presidency, 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 #458 — The US Senate voted to approve legislation that will take a major step toward addressing CO2 emissions and climate change. The effort will help the US reduce overall GHG emissions about 40% from 2005 levels. While additional steps will be necessary to achieve a zero-emission economy by 2050, the legislation is a major step forward. 

How many Republicans in the Senate voted for the legislation aimed at avoiding a climate catastrophe? Wanna guess? Start at zero and count no more.

By voting “no,” what Republican Senators are saying to their children, and especially grandchildren, “Yes, I hate you. I want you to ruin your lives and want you to die early. Now, aren’t you happy with grandpa/grandma?’

Apparently what matters to Republicans in the Senate, is not family, is not country, is not duty to uphold the constitution. What matters to Senators is allegiance to the Republican Party and its de facto leader, the Donald.

If you don’t think Republicans believe allegiance to party is more important than commitment to family and mankind, then why vote against the climate change legislation? In addition to addressing climate change, the legislation helps reduce drug prices and cuts the deficit. Republicans, what do you want in the legislation?

Obviously, Republicans don’t know what they want. To help provide some guidance, during the August recess go home and ask your kids and especially your grandkids if they would rather live in a world that’s reasonably unpleasant or a world in which there are even more droughts, floods, fires and record-setting temperatures? I suspect they’ll provide some guidance to you. Then, make an appointment with a proctologist and get yur head repositioned properly on our body. END #458

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 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 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/  

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

01 Sunday May 2022

Posted by 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/  

#438. Lincoln’s Assassination — “Legitimate Political Discourse”

06 Sunday Feb 2022

Posted by 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.”

START ENTRY #438. During a meeting in Salt Lake City the week of January 31, 2022, the Republican National Committee passed two major resolutions. One was to declare the assault on the US Capitol January 6, 2021 as “legitimate political discourse.” Such claims are nothing out of the ordinary for today’s RNC. The RNC followed the 01/06-motion with another, less publicized motion. The second motion was intended to clarify the events at Ford’s Theater April 14, 1865.

As a prelude to Presidents’ Day and as a special honor to John Wilkes Booth, the RNC declared Booth’s assassination of Lincoln also to be “legitimate political discourse.“

The motion for Booth had been pushed by hard-right Republicans from southern states. A spokesperson for the group said “It was about time that the blame for the skirmishes of 1861-1865 was recognized for what it was. “

The spokesperson went on to claim that in those skirmishes, the southern states were merely trying to defend themselves from northern aggression. Furthermore, according to the spokesperson, “Booth went to Ford’s Theater merely to chat and conduct legitimate political discourse with Lincoln. But that nasty Mary Todd Lincoln got upset and Booth had no choice but to stand his ground and defend himself.”

Prior to the vote, the chairman of the RNC asked, “Why did people get so upset with Booth? Lincoln was the aggressor. Booth just wanted to engage in legitimate political discourse.”

Following a near unanimous passage of the legitimate-political-discourse resolutions, the RNC passed a motion to censure long-time Republican conservative Liz Cheney (R-Wyoming) and her conservative colleague Adam Kinzinger (R-Michigan). The censure was for Cheney and Kinzinger upholding their oath to the Constitution.

The RNC chairman indignantly noted, “What temerity from Cheney and Kinzinger. Don’t they understand that Trump has replaced the US Constitution? Everyone in the Republican Party, in fact everyone in the country, should bow down to the Orange Man and follow his wishes!”

Well, there you have another week of actions by the Republican Party. OK, so the Booth motion was fabricated. The other two motions were not. And you wonder why I think we’re going to have a 5th US revolution in the next few years? Seems to have started already. END#438

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/

#429. Stupid Is as Stupid Does.

12 Friday Nov 2021

Posted by in Back Asswards Thinking, 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 #400 was the most recent “sense check.” 

ENTRY #429: The past couple of entries I’ve tried to move beyond the irrationality of certain members of Congress and irrationality of certain voters. Why bang your head against the wall trying to understand their logic?

Well, I’ve been unable to move on so one more entry addressing irrationality. This time, however, it’s not just members of Congress. We pretty much know where they stand, other than Senator Krysten Sinema (D, AZ).

What has baffled me the past week or so has been the “rationale” of voters in the Virginia gubernatorial election.  According to a number of interviews published in different media, voters in Virginia were frustrated with the Biden administration because not all promised legislation has been passed, gas prices have increased and there are some supply chain hiccups that might affect Christmas shopping. 

OK, so you’re frustrated. What’s the solution? Elect a Republican governor who is a former investment banker and who is supported by Trump. Forget that the underlying causes of most of your frustrations were not the fault of the Biden administration but occurred under Trump and even under some earlier administrations. 

For example, the shortage of truckers can be traced to efforts beginning during the Nixon administration to deregulate the trucking industry.  The shortage of long-haul truckers can be linked, in part, to consumers ordering more on line rather than buying at the store.  If you’re a long-haul trucker, why go on the road sometimes for weeks at a time when you can work regular hours delivering packages locally, make probably the same amount of money and be home at night? And, you’re surprised there’s a shortage of long-haul truckers?

And, Virginia voters, what about your frustration with you just electedthose products being produced overseas rather than the US?  Forget that many investment bankers, like the incoming governor, have encouraged companies to relocate manufacturing overseas, which exacerbated the supply-chain problem.

Just for reference, the voters frustrated with Biden need to ask themselves exactly what did the Republicans and Trump do for you and most voters during the four years in office? Well, the Trump administration’s biggest piece of legislation, the tax cut, transferred substantially more wealth to the already wealthy and reduced the amount of income tax corporations pay.   The net result of Trump’s major legislation?  Reduced revenue to the Federal government so the federal deficit ballooned.  And the other result was the tax cut transferred the responsibility for paying that debt to you, the other 98% of the population.  Good deal, huh?

Then Trump implemented trade policies that helped create the foundation for inflation. Remember those tariffs that Trump promoted?  Trump made sure that tariffs were put on many products, including those from our neighbors with whom we trade the most – Canada and Mexico.  Virginia voters who do think pays those tariffs?  The tariffs are not paid by the exporting country.  The tariffs are paid by the importers and then passed on to you, the consumer.  I guess the Trump administration never mentioned that.

The icing on that piece of “illogical cake” the Virginia voters ate was Trump publicly and emphatically proclaiming that Covid was not a problem.  Hey, only 15 people got sick and it’s just like the flu.  The “ala mode” for the cake was Trump and his minions claiming that climate change was a hoax.

You say, “Aside from all you just said, Biden has been in office long enough to solve all those problems.  He’s been in the White House almost 10 months.”

Let’s put 10 months in perspective.  When those criticizing Biden as taking too long are asked about fixing problems in other organizations, say rebuilding a college football team, the time horizon is quite different.  According to the Biden criticizers, to turn the fortunes of a football team is incredibly complicated and the head coach needs a minimum two years and usually 3-4 years.  Fans need to be patient.”  Mmm, I guess a football team is more difficult to manage than the Federal government. 

Another example of Republican back-asswards thinking occurred during the recent vote on the legislation to upgrade and repair significant portions of the US infrastructure.  Every state and likely every Congressional district will benefit from this legislation.  The legislation will make the US more competitive and address many of the frustrations expressed by Virginia voters.

The legislation passed the Senate a couple of months ago with strong bipartisan support.  Even Mitch McConnell voted for it.

So what was the reaction of House Republicans to the infrastructure legislation?  Don’t vote to help constituents!  Don’t vote to help make America more competitive internationally!  Don’t vote to create jobs! The legislation passed with 13 Republicans voting in favor and all but a handful of Democrats, who opposed the legislation to show support for the Build Back Better legislation.  

What was the response from Republican leadership in the House? Threatening to yank any committee assignments from Republicans who supported their constituents. Some Republicans who voted for the legislation were labeled as traitors.

Traitors to whom?  All elected representatives whether Republican, Democrat or independent take an oath to uphold the US Constitution.  Republicans please explain to me why voting for legislation that directly benefits the people you represent is being a traitor.   The logic displayed by Virginians voting for a Trump-supported Republican and the Republican leadership in the House punishing members for helping their constituents confirms the saying, “stupid is as stupid does.” 

Next entry I’ll try to move on to a different topic.  

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/

#426 How Spineless Can Republican Senators Get?

13 Wednesday Oct 2021

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

≈ 1 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 #400 was the most recent “sense check.” 

ENTRY #426: OK, I know there have been other entries in the blog about behavior of Republicans under Trump. I’ve tried to be polite and attribute the irrational behavior to brainwashing. But, these days the brainwashing label seems too polite, especially for those Republicans who supposedly had a brain before Trump.

Let’s start with Mitt Romney. Background includes a father who was head of American Motors, then governor of Michigan – and a good one – and finally Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) under Richard Nixon. Throughout his career George Romney was considered a moral, upright, straight shooter. You’d think some of those genes might have been passed on to the son.

Mitt Romney’s education was stellar – Cranbrook Schools in Detroit, Brigham Young undergrad and Harvard Business School (MBA) and Stanford Law. Like his father, Mitt Romney spent time in business (investment banker), then governor of Massachusetts. From all reports, he got good marks as governor, including creating what became the foundation for the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare).

Along the way he remained a high-profile member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Following a failed bid for presidency, Romney was elected senator from Utah which has a high population of Mormons.

So why would a governor with his pedigree sell out to a huckster, philanderer from Queens, who kowtowed openly to the Russians? Why would a guy with his pedigree buy in to the corrupt behavior of some immoral, unethical senator from Kentucky?

In a throwback to the McCarthy era, “Have you no decency, Senator Romney?“ You don’t need the money. Why would you be willing to spoil your reputation by aligning yourself with a couple of scumbags?

Of course, Romney is not the only allegedly principled Republican to follow instructions from Trump and McConnell. Where is the senior senator from say North Carolina, Richard Burr? Burr, who was chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, claims to be ethical and straightforward. He’s also retiring. Why does he continue to bow to Trump and McConnell?

And the list goes on and on. Republican senators seem to have turned into a bunch of whores. Calling them whores is an insult to those working in the sex trade. At least those in the trade know what they’re doing and are upfront about it. Stormy Daniels looks like Mother Theresa compared to Republican senators.

What’s the most galling, and what’s going to end up being the nail in the coffin for the 5th US Revolution, is a refusal by Republican senators to criticize anyone or group associated with the January 6 insurrection, including Trump and members of Congress. Let’s count the closed-mouthed Republican senators: 1,2,3,4,5,6…48,49,50.

By any standard those who participated and/or enabled the January 6 insurrection should be tried as traitors. The definition of a traitor is “a person who betrays a friend, country, principle, etc.” Now, tell me why those involved in the insurrection don’t fit that definition, starting with Trump. All involved tried to overthrow the government?

Lest anyone think the far-right insurrectionist-genie is going to go back in the bottle post Trump, I suggest you visit a proctologist and have your head relocated to the appropriate part of your anatomy. We are going to have the Revenge Revolution. And, based on behavior and actions by Republicans, the revolution could start in earnest with the 2022 election.

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/

#414 Lizzy Cheney Got 40 Whacks

11 Tuesday May 2021

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

≈ Leave a comment

Readers: The entries in this blog are built around the assumption there will be a 5th revolution in the US — the Revenge Revolution. More about the Revenge Revolution, a list of earlier revolutions 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 #400 was the most recent “sense check.” 

ENTRY #414 BEGINS

Lizzy Cheney got the axe
Kev McCarthy gave her 40 whacks
But wasn’t Lizzy a rising star
Expected to go quite far?
She’s got a Republican pedigree
All the time on daddy’s knee
What’d she do that was so wrong?
Sing a tune from some bad song?
Her song consisted of a single note
The truth about the people’s vote
The truth about some washed up coot
Yet, for the truth she got the boot
It’s so hard to understand oh why
Republicans said to her goodbye
Telling the truth seems so wise
So much better than all those lies
What do Republicans really believe?
That normal voters are that naive?
What happens next is hard to know
Will democracy take another blow?
When will all the craziness stop?
Or is the US experiment going to flop?

Booklets you might find interesting.