Category Archives: Stupid Is as Stupid Does

#527. Justice Roberts Issues Proclamation Thanking Larry, Moe, and Curly

28 Saturday Jun 2025

Posted by in Causes of the Revolution, Stupid Is as Stupid Does, Trump 47, Uncategorized

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Welcome to a discussion about the 5th Revolution in the US, which I’ve titled the “Revenge Revolution.” For more about the Revenge Revolution and the author, click “About the Author” tab.  Periodically I write a “sense check” about the status of the Revolution. The previous “sense check” was ENTRY #519. Yes, we are currently embroiled in the “Revenge Revolution.”

BEGIN #527: Immediately following the release that the final decision of SCOTUS this term (2024-2025), Chief Justice John Roberts issued a proclamation thanking Larry, Moe, and Curly for their guidance to SCOTUS.

During the press conference, Roberts indicated that for a number of key decisions, he and his conservative colleagues had struggled to come up with reasonable rationale for a decision that would support tRump’s behavior and immunity from prosecution.

Roberts stated, “Clearly tRump was violating the constitution on multiple fronts, and we needed to find a way around existing laws. Larry, Moe and Curly to the rescue! They saved the day for the commitment by conservatives to destroy democracy.”

tRump, standing next to Roberts, held up an executive order he had just signed, declaring the Three Stooges to be national heroes for fascism. tRump noted the executive order mandated that henceforth a portrait of the Three Stooges would hang prominently in the Supreme Court building as a reminder of their guidance.

In an attempt to ensure continued guidance from the Three Stooges on key decisions before the court, tRump indicated a new division of the Department of Justice would be established, called the Stooges Council of tRump’s United States, or SCOTUS.

When asked why the honorees were not in attendance, Roberts replied, “We wanted to surprise them.”

Later in the day when the honorees we’re located on a movie set, surprised they were.  “We’re completely unaware of the proclamations by Roberts and tRump.”  When asked how they felt about this honor, they all laughed.  Moe responded, “Surely you can’t be serious. We weren’t serious when talking to the conservative members of the court. In fact, we went out of our way to be outrageous with our ideas. You mean they thought we were serious? Actually, we’re more than a bit offended by any association with this band of know-nothings.”

Well, there you have a summary of how the Supreme Court under John Roberts makes decisions. Little Johnny Roberts and his conservative band of know-nothings seek counsel from three guys who mock the justices. But the conservative justices are too brainwashed to notice.  Conservatives must do whatever the idiot tRump wants. And the country and the world suffer as a result.

The mantra of the conservative justices — Let’s not worry about amendments to the Constitution that we don’t like; let’s not worry about rights of people that we don’t like. In fact, we don’t care what you think. You either like what we do, or we come after you.

Another indication, unfortunately, that the Revenge Revolution has started in earnest. Next phase is the shooting. Republicans would do well to study history and think about what happened on Bastille Day.

Other Topics. Interested in more info about climate change, what’s required to electrify a fleet of cars/trucks, and an array of other topics, visit another page of this website, https://usrevolution5.com/jrd-thought-comments/

524. Trump Administration Needs Intelligence, Even AI

27 Sunday Apr 2025

Posted by in Back Asswards Thinking, Stupid Is as Stupid Does, Trump 47, Uncategorized

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Welcome to a discussion about the 5th Revolution in the US, which I’ve titled the “Revenge Revolution.” For more about the Revenge Revolution and the author, click “About the Author” tab.  Periodically I write a “sense check” about the status of the Revolution. The previous “sense check” was ENTRY #519. Yes, we are currently embroiled in the “Revenge Revolution.”

BEGIN ENTRY #524: The last paragraph of Entry #523 stated, “…if the “organization in charge” – company, political party, group, etc. – views the world with a binary, zero-sum mentality, then all decisions are based on someone, or some group always having to win and someone having to lose.  Such an attitude inevitably leads to a revolution.”

With each passing week, the US public and people worldwide are realizing the Trump administration views all decisions through a zero-sum-game lens. Through this lens, there can be no shared wealth; no tide can lift all boats.  For each “winner,” there must be a “loser(s).”

What is also clear with the Trump administration is the lack of intelligence among cabinet members and deputies. The cabinet and staff are true representatives of the “gang that couldn’t shoot straight.“

From major blunders developing and implementing policy to typos in court filings (try using spellcheck) to terminating key people who transport nuclear weapons to deporting a two-year-old US citizen without any hearing.  Apparently, the Trump administration heard this 2-year-old was a real terror and thought that meant terrorist.

Maybe the easiest example for grasping the incompetence of the administration is how the tariffs were determined.  The tariff percentages for certain countries were grossly miscalculated. Tariffs were also levied on an island inhabited only by penguins. Those pesky penguins are really aggressive when it comes to trade.

Many of these “stupid-is-as-stupid-does“ mistakes could have been avoided simply by using such AI programs as ChatGPT or Copilot.

As a test of the value of AI, I asked Copilot the following question, “If you were thinking of implementing tariffs on goods imported from various countries around the world, what questions and analysis would you conduct, please?” The response took all of 3-4 seconds. The list of questions to consider and the suggested analytical steps are, based on my experience, an excellent start. (Link to response from Copilot.)

The AI response also asked if there were a particular industry or a particular country in mind for the tariffs. If so, responses to additional queries could be provided in more detail.

Apparently, Peter Navarro, Trump’s trade advisor, and convicted felon, never bothered to query AI for guidance and apparently did not complete much, if any, of the basic analysis suggested by AI before publishing the tariffs by country. When you think you’re so smart, what value is AI?

How has the American public been reacting to these seat-of-the-pants calculated tariffs? A range of opinion polls over the last few weeks indicates that the public is becoming more upset with the administration.  In every major poll asking about tariffs, the “unfavorable” rating exceeded the “favorable” rating, sometimes by more than 10 points.  Over time the gap between unfavorable and favorable re tariffs has continued to grow.  (The “unfavorable” gap on many other Trump administration actions is far greater than for tariffs.)

Since Trump, Musk and the DOGE dunces have terminated so many government employees with deep subject-matter knowledge – real analysis for many policy decisions is not intuitive – you’d think the Trump administration geniuses would be at least smart enough to start using AI for some basic guidance.

Well, no such luck. Apparently the Trump group is either too arrogant and/or too stupid to even consider using artificial intelligence for some guidance. More entries about AI coming. END ENTRY #524

Other Topics. Interested in more info about climate change, what’s required to electrify a fleet of cars/trucks, and an array of other topics, visit another page of this website, https://usrevolution5.com/jrd-thought-comments/

#522: Dumb and Dumber: Sledgehammer Efficiency and Tariffs

04 Friday Apr 2025

Posted by in Back Asswards Thinking, Economics, Societal Issues, Stupid Is as Stupid Does, Trump 47, Uncategorized

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Welcome to a discussion about the 5th Revolution in the US, which I’ve titled the “Revenge Revolution.” For more about the Revenge Revolution and the author, click “About the Author” tab.  Periodically I write a “sense check” about the status of the Revolution. The previous “sense check” was ENTRY #519. Yes, we are currently embroiled in the “Revenge Revolution.”

BEGIN ENTRY #522: Scene: you’ve decided that parts of your house need updating. The HVAC system seems a bit inefficient and probably should be updated. The roof might need a few repairs to prevent future leaks.

You are not sure what else might need to be improved. So, to help you call in someone who claims to be an expert in revamping systems that are supposedly outdated or could use some preventive maintenance. You and the self-proclaimed expert agree on a start date, and the expert arrives at the scheduled time.

The expert is accompanied by a team of people you have never met. Most are young and don’t look to have the credentials of someone in the skilled trades needed for the proposed scope of work.  You watch inquisitively as the work team unloads from the truck a set of tools of destruction – sledgehammers, chainsaw-like devices, crowbars, etc. – but no tools that you expected to be used for repairing and preventive maintenance. 

The expert tells the team to “Have at it,“ and you watch in horror as the team immediately begins destroying structural components of your house. As the expert gets ready to leave, you ask, “What’s going on here?“

Expert replies, “We’re going to make your house better.“ You reply, “But where are the plans? How do I know what you’re going to do? It looks as if you’re trying to tear the house down, not make improvements.“

“Don’t be concerned,” the alleged expert says, “we’ll rebuild everything later. But first we must tear up and tear out everything we don’t like. Step aside while the team makes your house more efficient with our sledgehammers and chainsaws.”

And so goes the approach Trump and the Muskovites are taking to “increase the efficiency” of your Federal government. The mantra of the Trump/Muskovites group has been, “Don’t plan, just break, then blame someone else and walk away.”

For those unfamiliar with Trump’s career, he has taken this same approach to virtually every major real estate project. The Trump Tower on 5th Avenue, for example, replaced one of the most beautiful buildings in midtown Manhattan. Do you think he tried to save any of the building and incorporate into Trump Tower? Of course not. Trump’s approach — demolish the building and then send the beautiful stonework to the dump. Fortunately, some of the stonework was saved thanks to a scrap dealer, but with no support from Trump.

As far as efficiency, virtually everyone agrees that most organizations, public and private, have some areas where efficiency could be improved. However, anyone with an ounce of brains knows that breaking or destroying something is relatively easy — give me a sledgehammer and chainsaw.  What takes longer and some serious thought is how to make an organization more efficient while maintaining its integrity, and keeping it running relatively smoothy during the transition. 

What Trump and Musk are doing to the Federal government might seem exciting to some MAGAts. But their approach to increasing efficiency is back asswards. Breaking something takes no brains. Further, breaking often has serious consequences that are hard to reverse. When a Federal agency is eviscerated, the result can increase the risk to national security.

“Oops, you mean, we just fired all the key people who guard the US’ nuclear weapons? And oops, you mean, we also deleted all their contact information? And, oops, since they all had top-secret clearances, the contact information isn’t in other databases?” (Yes, it is true.) How did Trump and Musk respond to such an egregious and inexcusable error? Ho hum. “DOD and the public, you need to get over it.  Everyone makes a minor mistake now and then.”

Whether or not you’re a Trump supporter, Trump and Musk have demonstrated they are incapable of managing the most basic tasks in government. Yes, managing an operation in the Federal government is far more complicated than operating a small family-owned real estate business or being a TV personality.

Managing an operation in the Federal in government is not like being some tech guru who thinks software solves all problems. 

If you still are happy with what Trump and Musk are doing, wait until your life is seriously disrupted by a non-functioning Federal agency that was effectively destroyed by the Trump regime. In the meantime, you’ll soon be reminded each day of the consequences of another “dumb-and-dumber” strategy – stiff virtually across-the-board tariffs for our best trading partners. Other than a select few examples, tariffs do not work, generate inflation and can lead to a severe recession and even Depression.

More on tariffs soon. In the meantime, take a look at the consequences of the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930. END ENTRY #522

Other Topics. Interested in more info about climate change, what’s required to electrify a fleet of cars/trucks, and an array of other topics, visit another page of this website, https://usrevolution5.com/jrd-thought-comments/

#517. More Basic Education Needed to Avoid Electing a TOT as President

26 Thursday Dec 2024

Posted by in Causes of the Revolution, Education Issues, Societal Issues, Stupid Is as Stupid Does, Uncategorized

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Welcome to a discussion about the 5th Revolution in the US, which I’ve titled the “Revenge Revolution.” For more about the Revenge Revolution and the author, click “About the Author” tab.  Periodically I write a “sense check” about the status of the Revolution, one of which seems to occur about every 50 years in the US.

The previous “sense check” was ENTRY #500. Much has happened since Entry #500 to reinforce my belief we are currently embroiled in US Revolution 5, which I’ve labeled the “Revenge Revolution.”

BEGIN ENTRY #517: The American voting public is stupid. Such a statement might seem harsh and elitist. And maybe so.  But how else does one explain electing a fraudster, convicted felon, serial liar with no known positive attributes to become president, again?

Besides, insults seem to be the only type of statements MAGAts understand. Clearly, logic and taking the high road were ineffective approaches.

I’ll cut some slack to those who voted for Trump the first time, but not the second. All the negative attributes of Trump cautioned about before the 2016 election, and widely documented in an array of publications over the years, were proved correct during the four years of his administration. Those negative attributes were reinforced during the Biden administration and even more apparent during the campaign against Kamala Harris.

Where was the much of the voting public during the last eight years? Apparently, being brainwashed even more by Fox Misinformation Network. (Just in case you missed it, Fox agreed in April 2023 to pay Dominion Voting Systems $785 million to settle a defamation suit stemming from Fox promoting fraudulent information about Dominion’s voting machines in the 2020 election.)

OK, so you voted for Trump in 2024 because you were frustrated with some of the Biden administration policies, or maybe you couldn’t stand the idea of a black woman as president.  The policies that were so frustrating?  The ones that resulted in strong economic growth, the lowest unemployment rate in more than 50 years, a record high for the stock market, and legislation  to repair and expand infrastructure. 

Recall all the “infrastructure” programs under Trump that got enacted?  You don’t recall any?  At least you have some memory left because there were none, even though Trump controlled both houses of Congress for part of his term and had regular “infrastructure” sessions.

But, no, none of the accomplishments of the Biden/Harris administration mattered.  MAGAts were focused on real issues, like Biden administration’s commitment to give some rights to a tiny percentage of the population who’s transgender.  MAGAts know transgenders are not real people, so why give them rights?

MAGAts, why don’t you put on your big boy pants and focus on issues that matter.  Regardless of your political views, every administration is going to implement some policies you disagree with. What should be criteria for evaluating is whether the policies benefit the citizenry of the country and not a select group of politicians, or say the very wealthy, like Trump’s tax cuts did.

We all need to keep in mind citizens have equal protection under the law. While one might not agree with another’s personal behavior, as a society, we have laws to protect individual rights. Rights are defined by the Constitution.  Rights are not defined by some short-term president, some blowhard politician or some religious group.

In the Bill of Rights – notice the name – Amendment I of the US Constitution reads as follows, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or the press, or the right of the people peacefully to assemble, and to petition the government for the redress of grievances.”  That’s the entire First Amendment.

For those who slept through American History class from elementary school through high school, the pilgrims left England and came to America to be able to establish and enjoy freedom of religion. The US was not founded based on a single religion.

For those who claim because many of the basic laws in the US are consistent with the 10 Commandments, the US was therefore founded on Christianity.  If you’re in that group, please read the books of Exodus and Deuteronomy not in the Trump bible but as written in the Torah. If one wants to pick a religion as the foundation for the US, the logical choice would be Judaism and not Christianity.  

Where is the lesson from this discussion? Clearly more educated voters would make better choices when selecting candidates for office. My question to those who voted for Trump, especially a second time, “Do you really understand who Trump is and what he wants to do?”  “Are you prepared for the chaos that will occur under his new administration?”

Yes, most everyone agrees there are parts of the government that could be improved. But, improvements are needed in most organizations, relationships, and even structures. Because your house needs a few repairs, do you destroy it? Destroying something is always easier than fixing it.  Once destroyed, rebuilding takes more time and effort than repairing and results in more disruption to normal operations. 

What do we have with Trump and his incoming administration?  Conan the Barbarian on steroids.  Assume your bathroom faucet is leaking. You call a plumber named Trump.  Does Trump the plumber fix the leak in the faucet?  No, he tears down your house.

Funny, ha, ha it isn’t. Keep in mind Trump is not loyal to anyone.  He does not care if you voted for him.  You can quickly become a target and be on the receiving end of the viciousness of some of Trump’s policies. 

What a small majority of the public has done is vote to assign responsibility for the welfare of the country and much of the world to someone with the maturity and intellect of a 6-year-old spoiled brat.  The MAGAts have elected a TOT to help determine everyone’s future.  The TOT is Trump the Orange Tyrant. END ENTRY #517

Other Topics. Interested in more info about climate change, what’s required to electrify a fleet of cars/trucks, and an array of other topics, visit another page of this website, https://usrevolution5.com/jrd-thought-comments/

#502. The Kids Want the Donald Institutionalized

04 Sunday Feb 2024

Posted by in Post Trump Presidency, Stupid Is as Stupid Does, Uncategorized

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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, click “About the Author” tab.  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. The previous “sense check” was ENTRY #500.

BEGIN #502: In a filing in state court in New York, Erik Trump and Don, Junior asked the court to institutionalize their father, at least temporarily and ideally permanently. During the hearing, the judge asked for more explanation.

Eric responded, “The old man can’t keep his mouth shut or be honest with the company’s books. As a result, his runaway mouth is going to end up forcing the company to be liquidated and our financial well being along with the liquidation.

The judge asked if Ivanka Trump  had joined the motion to institutionalize their father.  Junior replied, “She’s frustrated with his behavior, but not part of the filing.  She believes she’s protected financially because of her marriage to Jared.”

During the hearing the judge asked if recent judgments against their father and the Trump Organization would be exceed the cash assets of the company. Noted were judgements in the E. Jean Carroll case totaling roughly $90 million and the anticipated judgment in the New York State fraud case of likely $370 million and possibly $500 million.  The judge questioned whether a judgment of about $500 million would be catastrophic since their father claimed in a recent court deposition that he was worth at least $3 billion, if not more.

In response to the judge’s inquiry, Eric laughed and explained to the judge that the company had substantial debts and that cash flow was limited and declining.  The company will have little or no cash after these judgments are paid.  Further, because of the continuing decline in cash flow, it was not certain the company could operate.  Eric added, “Without institutionalizing the old man we’re likely to see even more fines and judgments and more cash out the door.”

The judge indicated he would consider the motion and issue a ruling in mid-February, likely the 14th.   Former President Trump was not present or even represented at the hearing.  Whether intentional or an oversight by counsel was not clear. 

Trump and the ever-changing legal team were preparing for the upcoming trial about illegal hush-money payments to Stormy Daniels, the adult film star. The case is being prosecuted by the Manhattan’s DA office and scheduled to begin March 24.

Stay tuned. [Yes, I know the story is fake news but the substance is correct.] END ENTRY #502

Other Topics. Interested in more info about climate change, what’s required to electrify a fleet of cars/trucks, and an array of other topics, visit another page of this website, https://usrevolution5.com/jrd-thought-comments/

#491. When Will Republicans Wake Up and Smell Donnie’s Doodoo?

03 Tuesday Oct 2023

Posted by in Back Asswards Thinking, Causes of the Revolution, Societal Issues, Stupid Is as Stupid Does, Uncategorized

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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 #476 was the most recent “sense check.”

BEGIN ENTRY #491: This entry might seem like a repeat or even a “three-peat.” But I’m stumped as to why anyone would continue to support Trump. Even if you dislike Democrats’ policies and/or dislike Biden, why support someone with a long history of fraud and deceit?

No, Trump’s fraud and deceit are not the garden variety type. We are talking about hundreds of millions of dollars over many decades and, most importantly, a serious attempt to overthrow the US government.

How much evidence do you need to realize Trump is a chump?  How can you think that all the Republicans who testified against Trump have somehow been corrupted by Democrats or an alien from outer space?

The list of Republicans starts at the top with a former Republican nominee for president and runs all the way to White House staffers.  The most recent source of information about Trump‘s bizarre and delusional behavior came from Cassidy Hutchinson, and aide to Mark Meadows, Trump‘s chief of staff. If you think Hutchinson was a nobody spouting off hearsay and lies because she couldn’t possibly know what was going on, well, think again.

Hutchinson held the same job – yes, the same job as Alexander Butterfield. Remember Butterfield? If you’re a Republican, you should. He was the person who answered “yes” to a question in a Senate hearing about Watergate. 

The question? “Mr. Butterfield, are you aware of a recording device installed in the Oval Office?”  His straightforward reply of “yes” put the final nail in Nixon’s coffin.

Ms. Hutchison public testimony before the January 6 committee was enough to make anyone’s hair curl. Now more revelations are in a book about her time in the White House.

Lies you say. All made up!  Well, go search the public records for her testimony to the January 6 committee. She’s also testified before the Department of Justice and at least one grand jury.  Lying in any of the venues could result in a charge of perjury.

Further, match her track record for truthfulness against Trump’s. The match is not even close. She crosses the finish line before the Donald even starts the race.

Trump lied so much about his business in New York, and filed so many fraudulent documents that in a lawsuit brought by the NY AG, the presiding judge ordered a summary judgment against Trump and his organization, thereby eliminating the need for a jury trial to determine if he was guilty.  The ruling was sweeping and most likely will put Trump out of business in New York.  During the proceedings to determine damages, in which Trump waived his right to a jury trial, Trump made such threatening remarks about the judge’s staff that the judge issued a gag order. 

Much more evidence about Trump‘s lying, cheating, stealing, and personal behavior is publicly available. If you need another credible evidence of this, look at remarks from General Mark Millie, former head of the joint chief of staff.  Also. General John Kelly, Trump’s former chief of staff. 

So , ask yourself – is this the guy I want to be leading the country? The guy who has vowed to abandon the US Constitution and make himself dictator?

Also ask yourself, what if a Democrat exhibited the same behavior? Before you claim Clinton, and Obama were worse, go find some facts to prove your case.  You won’t find any.

If you still want Trump , then be prepared for an intense Civil War in the US. And, be prepared for what happened to the rebels in the south during the 1860’s. You’ll come out a loser. END ENTRY #491

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/

#490 Republicans Redefined Definition of Conservative

16 Saturday Sep 2023

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

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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 #476 was the most recent “sense check.”

BEGIN ENTRY #490: While both US political parties do some thigs well and other times make bone-headed decisions, the “new” Republican Party led by Trump seems to continue taking bone-headed actions to a new level. What’s ironic is Party members claim they are “true conservatives.”

Has anyone inside the Republican Party, and especially the hard-right caucus, taken time to look up the definition of conservative? Likely not. Here’s a couple of short definitions, “tending to conserve or preserve,” “tending to preserve existing views, conditions, or institutions.” I guess the Jan 6 insurrectionists who stormed the Capitol thought being conservative meant being a rebel/traitor, as evidenced by their display of the Confederate battle flag.

Given the apparent commitment by Trump Republicans in the US House of Representative to refuse to make any effort at governing, I thought it was appropriate to offer a definition of ‘conservatives” that is more consistent with their behavior and Trump’s behavior.

C = Conceited, claiming only they, i.e., Trump Republicans, have the right answer
O = Obstinate, not willing to negotiate or even listen to anyone else’s ideas
N = Negligent, disregarding critical needs of the country and citizens – Sen Tuberville an example
S = Selfish, not willing to share anything other than with high-end donors
E = Egotistical, thinking their you-know-what doesn’t stink
R = Reactionary, claiming they are always the victim and never the cause of a problem
V = Vicious, attacking those trying to do their job for democracy
A = Arrogant, assuming only fellow Republicans of their ilk have the correct answer
T = Temperamental, acting like 2-year-olds when things don’t go their way. Orange Man throwing his lunch on the wall in the Oval Office is one of many examples.
I = Idiotic, as demonstrated by a wide range of crazy ideas, including trickle-down economics
V = Violent, claiming the Jan 6 insurrectionists were patriots and normal tourists
E = Evasive, refusing to answer basic questions about say sources of income – e.g., Clarence Thomas
S =Stupid, as demonstrated by continuing to deny global warming, buying into an array of laughable conspiracy theories and continuing to support Trump as a candidate, even though his criminal record has been well document for decades.

At one time, being a “conservative” Republican actually stood for certain policies and supported the Constitution. No longer. A conservative Republican now stands for nothing rationale and actively tries to disband the Constitution.

To be a viable democracy, the US needs two credible political parties. Two credible parties provide some guardrails to help rein in the occasional, but inevitable bone-headed proposals by one of the parties. The Republicans have abdicated their policies to the whims of an idiot.

The country has been making some progress toward reducing the severity of US Revolution V by using the legal system as it was designed – investigating, indicting where appropriate and then prosecuting criminals. If Republicans claim to be patriots, then “old guard” Republicans need to unzip their lips and start explaining to the voter base what needs to happen to rebuild the Republican Party and help avoid more bloodshed as the Revenge Revolution intensifies. END ENTRY #490

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/

#480. Animals Gather to Support Disney, Protest DeSantis

04 Sunday Jun 2023

Posted by in Stupid Is as Stupid Does, Uncategorized

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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 #476 was the most recent “sense check.”

BEGIN #480: In a show of solidarity for the Walt Disney Company, a group of wild animals gathered for a backyard banquet. One table included Donald Duck, Peter Rabbit, and a close friend of Bambi‘s.

Rocky the Flying Squirrel missed the picture, having been called away to escort Boris and Natasha out of the area. Both had been vocally supporting DeSantis.

The Florida governor, also a candidate for the Republican 2024 nomination for president, declared the animal banquet as typical “woke.”  He then issued an executive order demanding that any future gatherings of wild animals must first be issued a permit.

When reminded the gathering was not in Florida, but North Carolina, DeSantis scoffed, and said “Such gatherings should be banned everywhere in the US.   My first action as president will be to issue an executive order banning socializing among animals.”

When the animals were informed of DeSantis’ remarks, they shook their head and went back to eating. By then Rocky the Flying Squirrel had rejoined the backyard banquet and all seemed to have a good time.

Later, DeSantis claimed his reaction to the animal gathering was really a dream. However, he was still furious when he “awoke.’ END ENTRY #480

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/

#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

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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/

#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

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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/