It doesn't get any clearer than this, CALLED OUT!
http://shareblue.com/gabby-giffords-to-gop-if-i-could-go-to-town-halls-after-getting-shot-you-can-show-up-for-voters/
Tuesday, February 28, 2017
Record Amount of Bomb Threats At Jewish Centers
The sudden surge in bomb threats against Jewish Community Centers across the country is in the high 60s. This has been occurring since January, less than two months. This is unimaginable. This is terrorism. This is being committed by people that are empowered by the Trump administration.
http://www.cnn.com/2017/02/16/living/jcc-bomb-threats-anti-semitism/
http://www.cnn.com/2017/02/16/living/jcc-bomb-threats-anti-semitism/
Monday, February 27, 2017
Sen. Rubio Avoids Town Halls
Senator Marco Rubio joins the group that refuses to meet with constituents in a public setting. He cites that due to the antics of "activists" it would not be productive. He doesn't want to be a crowd that would "heckle and scream" at him.
These cowardly acts of avoidance are unacceptable in our democracy. These people are hired to represent us. It is possible that the "activists" he is worried about are "real people" with real concerns. That they are mad and don't want to see their representatives or country follow this path.
Here is the letter I sent to Sen. Rubio:
Sen. Rubio,
I am retired, disabled military service member with over twenty years of distinguished service. I am an Iraqi veteran. I was a Federal law enforcement officer protecting this country from drug smugglers, illegal immigrants and wildlife poachers. I was a first responder during nearly every major hurricane that has hit Florida in the last two decades.
If you would hold a town meeting, I would be there. I would tell you how upset I am about your lack of support for issues that affect me and those in my community. Twenty million people will go without insurance if the ACA is not replaced immediately, most of those people are in Florida. Trust for the government is at an historical low and this administration has the worst record for transparency, but you continue to not hold anyone accountable. Your absentee record at Senate votes is unacceptable. In short, I would be very upset about the many issues where you seem to ignore the public interest.
Does this make me an activist? I don't think so. It makes me a concerned citizen of the state of Florida and our great country. It makes me a patriot, American and responsible citizen. Your decision to hide from your constituents is a cowardly move to avoid our voices. A characteristic that is becoming too normal and regularly occurring with this new administration. Do not follow their path of avoidance and fear. Step out and hear the will of the people, for better or worse, and be ready to perform your duties as a public servant.
If you find the courage to step out and meet with us, your voters you are charged with serving, I will promise to do everything that is in my power to allow you time to speak. I have faith others will stand beside me to do the same. What I can not promise is you will meet a crowd of adoring fans, but rest assured everyone will be concerned about the future of our country. I am, above everything else, one voter. If that means anything to you, I look forward to your appearance.
______________________
I don't think this will change anything in his mind. I believe he has his eyes set on 2020. He won't break ranks now, but its important to let them know that they are failing us. We are not just activists. We are many hard working, hopeful individuals that are placing faith in Rubio, Nelson and all the elected representatives.
We deserve to be heard, whether it is bad or good, and representatives should be held to the requirement of listening.
These cowardly acts of avoidance are unacceptable in our democracy. These people are hired to represent us. It is possible that the "activists" he is worried about are "real people" with real concerns. That they are mad and don't want to see their representatives or country follow this path.
Here is the letter I sent to Sen. Rubio:
Sen. Rubio,
I am retired, disabled military service member with over twenty years of distinguished service. I am an Iraqi veteran. I was a Federal law enforcement officer protecting this country from drug smugglers, illegal immigrants and wildlife poachers. I was a first responder during nearly every major hurricane that has hit Florida in the last two decades.
If you would hold a town meeting, I would be there. I would tell you how upset I am about your lack of support for issues that affect me and those in my community. Twenty million people will go without insurance if the ACA is not replaced immediately, most of those people are in Florida. Trust for the government is at an historical low and this administration has the worst record for transparency, but you continue to not hold anyone accountable. Your absentee record at Senate votes is unacceptable. In short, I would be very upset about the many issues where you seem to ignore the public interest.
Does this make me an activist? I don't think so. It makes me a concerned citizen of the state of Florida and our great country. It makes me a patriot, American and responsible citizen. Your decision to hide from your constituents is a cowardly move to avoid our voices. A characteristic that is becoming too normal and regularly occurring with this new administration. Do not follow their path of avoidance and fear. Step out and hear the will of the people, for better or worse, and be ready to perform your duties as a public servant.
If you find the courage to step out and meet with us, your voters you are charged with serving, I will promise to do everything that is in my power to allow you time to speak. I have faith others will stand beside me to do the same. What I can not promise is you will meet a crowd of adoring fans, but rest assured everyone will be concerned about the future of our country. I am, above everything else, one voter. If that means anything to you, I look forward to your appearance.
______________________
I don't think this will change anything in his mind. I believe he has his eyes set on 2020. He won't break ranks now, but its important to let them know that they are failing us. We are not just activists. We are many hard working, hopeful individuals that are placing faith in Rubio, Nelson and all the elected representatives.
We deserve to be heard, whether it is bad or good, and representatives should be held to the requirement of listening.
Sunday, February 26, 2017
Empathy in the Political Spectrum

I've heard and read this sentiment more than once in the last few weeks. The idea that somehow the Obama era is relate-able to those of different political ideas with the actions of the current administration.
I understand the consternation many had during Obama's presidency. It's a typical reaction to a Commander-in-Chief of a different party. What I don't understand is how the Republican leaning voter can compare the blatant ethical and potentially un-Constitutional acts committed by Trump is anywhere close to what Obama did, especially in the first month, in his terms?
How do we convince those that still want to see this as "right vs. left" issue, when many of us feel this is very much an impending Constitutional crisis? I wish I could say this is Democrats crying foul for no real reason, but look at the building resistance coming from the traditional right.
McCain lamented about the suppression of the free press and its relation with dictators, tentatively linking Trump although not committing. "They get started by suppressing free press," McCain continued. "In other words, a consolidation of power. When you look at history, the first thing that dictators do is shut down the press. And I'm not saying that President Trump is trying to be a dictator. I'm just saying we need to learn the lessons of history."
Graham demands a stronger approach to Russia, “When it comes to Russia, the one thing that bothers me most about President Trump is he never seems to forcefully embrace idea that Russia’s interference in our election in 2016 is something that should be punished. I am a Republican, it happened to the Democrats. it could happen to Republicans next."
As voices rise from both sides of the aisle, what would help in communicating the very real concern that our country and its values are being changed by the administration? Trump ignores basic rules (both written and expected) of ethics. He has been proven to be making enormous amounts of wealth due to his position as President. He apparently is not concerned with the weight and responsibility of his military decisions, as seen in the recent raid that lost one decorated service member. He demonstrates a certain mental instability, he demands respect, but gives little to those with different views, he ignores facts when they differ from his intentions, he routinely dodges blame, he's vindictive and petty to a fault, he seems to favor revenge over common decency.
What can be said to explain why there is a reason to worry over the actions of the Trump administration that go beyond the political spectrum?
McCain lamented about the suppression of the free press and its relation with dictators, tentatively linking Trump although not committing. "They get started by suppressing free press," McCain continued. "In other words, a consolidation of power. When you look at history, the first thing that dictators do is shut down the press. And I'm not saying that President Trump is trying to be a dictator. I'm just saying we need to learn the lessons of history."
Graham demands a stronger approach to Russia, “When it comes to Russia, the one thing that bothers me most about President Trump is he never seems to forcefully embrace idea that Russia’s interference in our election in 2016 is something that should be punished. I am a Republican, it happened to the Democrats. it could happen to Republicans next."
As voices rise from both sides of the aisle, what would help in communicating the very real concern that our country and its values are being changed by the administration? Trump ignores basic rules (both written and expected) of ethics. He has been proven to be making enormous amounts of wealth due to his position as President. He apparently is not concerned with the weight and responsibility of his military decisions, as seen in the recent raid that lost one decorated service member. He demonstrates a certain mental instability, he demands respect, but gives little to those with different views, he ignores facts when they differ from his intentions, he routinely dodges blame, he's vindictive and petty to a fault, he seems to favor revenge over common decency.
What can be said to explain why there is a reason to worry over the actions of the Trump administration that go beyond the political spectrum?
Saturday, February 25, 2017
Press Should Hit Trump Where It Hurts; His Ego
Here's an idea for the media, what about simply excluding Trump from the news? I am not proposing to stop reporting the news of the White House, I am saying cut the Trump brand from the stories. It's no secret that Trump has problem with narcissism. The recent banning of reputable news agencies is proof of that problem. So, take away the thing that is most important to him would send a strong message.
Instead of a headline like, "Trump Signs an Executive Order Banning Immigrants", it would read, "Government Enacts An Order Banning Immigrants". This would signal to Trump his recent antics are out of line with traditional expectations with the press corp relations. If continued it will have consequences, so play nice.
What do you think? Would it work?
Instead of a headline like, "Trump Signs an Executive Order Banning Immigrants", it would read, "Government Enacts An Order Banning Immigrants". This would signal to Trump his recent antics are out of line with traditional expectations with the press corp relations. If continued it will have consequences, so play nice.
What do you think? Would it work?
Muhammad Ali’s Son Detained and Questioned About His Religion By CBP
"Mancini claimed that officials held and questioned Ali Jr. for nearly two hours, repeatedly asking him, “Where did you get your name from?” and “Are you Muslim?” according to the Courier-Journal."
Stories like this need to get as much coverage, as possible. This is unquestionably un-Constitutional. We need to know every time our government agencies are committing violations to the Constitutional and thoroughly investigated.
I realize an investigation is a pipe dream with the current administration. That only makes it more concerning and important to follow these types of stories.
http://people.com/politics/muhammad-ali-jr-detained-by-immigration/
Stories like this need to get as much coverage, as possible. This is unquestionably un-Constitutional. We need to know every time our government agencies are committing violations to the Constitutional and thoroughly investigated.
I realize an investigation is a pipe dream with the current administration. That only makes it more concerning and important to follow these types of stories.
http://people.com/politics/muhammad-ali-jr-detained-by-immigration/
Friday, February 24, 2017
What's Happened to the Grand Ol' Party?
Someone handed out Russian flags at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC). The flags were snatched up by the conservative audience and waved during the speech given by Trump. It was reported that a staffer quickly gathered up the flags.
Thursday, February 23, 2017
American Patriots Forced to Resign in the Wake of Trump
The last few days have produced a few stories of people quiting their jobs within the US government due to actions by the administration. Although there has not been a mass exodus of people, some of those that are leaving are telling their story. These reasons need to be heard by everyone.
Yesterday, Edward Price, a ten year veteran with the CIA, resigned from his post as a spokesman for the National Security Council. The Washington Post published a piece written by Price about why he left the CIA, after working with both Democrat and Republican Presidents.
Price laments about being in the audience during President Trump's visit to the CIA Headquarters, standing in front of the memorial wall of stars that commemorated fallen CIA agents. It was here that the President continued to brag about non-existent crowds at his inauguration.
"Whether delusional or deceitful, these were not the remarks many of my colleagues and I wanted to hear from our new commander in chief. I couldn’t help but reflect on the stark contrast between the bombast of the new president and the quiet dedication of a mentor — a courageous, steadfast professional — who is memorialized on that wall."
This mentor, Price explains, was a friend that was killed in Afghanistan. This insult at the memorial of fallen friends and fellow agents wasn't what drove him to quit. That decision came after the reorganization of the National Security Council, which Price had worked on since 2014. He could not continue his honorable service to this country, when the administration eliminated the CIA director as a primary on the council.
It was the lack of faith and the disrespect from the President to the men and women of the CIA that drove Price to resign from the agency. These same reasons were echoed by another member of the National Security Council who was working in the West Wing.
Rumana Ahmed is a American and a Muslim (vice Muslim-American). As she describes in the Atlantic, she was hired in 2011 and was the only hijabi wearing woman in the White House. Despite her anxiety of the incoming administration, she was determined to keep her position within the National Security Council. She was able to hold out for eight days.
Her explanation for her departure to the senior NSC communications advisor, Micheal Anton, was crystal clear.
"I told him I had to leave because it was an insult walking into this country’s most historic building every day under an administration that is working against and vilifying everything I stand for as an American and as a Muslim. I told him that the administration was attacking the basic tenets of democracy. I told him that I hoped that they and those in Congress were prepared to take responsibility for all the consequences that would attend their decisions."
Anton did not respond to her answer. It was only later did Ahmed come to know that Anton had written many articles under the pin name, Publius Decius Mus, that promoted Trump's anti-immigration, anti-diversity, pro-"America First" movement of WWII and anti-Muslim rhetoric. (Remember, he's still a senior NSC advisor to Trump)
Ahmed describes a chaotic West Wing under the Trump administration. A once diverse crowd of professionals had changed to a "white male bastion". The NSC decision making authority and expertise had been centralized to a small number of people close to the President.
The signing of the Executive Order restricting immigration was the last straw for Ahmed. She saw the Order as legitimizing discrimination within airports. She was concerned about the administration's responses by attacking the courts when defending the ban. Ultimately, she saw these actions as Un-American and threatening the nation's security, as well as the Constitutional checks and balances.
These stories may (or may not) be isolated events. Time will tell how many more people depart because of this administration's poor handling of their position in power. One thing is a fact, these stories are very important for everyone to hear.
These two individual's represent some of the best in this nation. Dedicated public servants that work for the people and Constitution of this country. Neither had any intention of leaving their calling, but the actions of one man, his administration and the support of the republican held Congress drove them to depart their jobs protecting and serving the citizens of the United States.
Whether you support the Trump administration or not, when an experienced public servant leaves their position unexpectedly, it makes us and our country a little weaker, a little more vulnerable. It is a far different matter than loosing a worker in one of Trump's many properties.
Read the articles here:
Edward Price: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/i-didnt-think-id-ever-leave-the-cia-but-because-of-trump-i-quit/2017/02/20/fd7aac3e-f456-11e6-b9c9-e83fce42fb61_story.html?utm_term=.f833fc861d57
Rumana Ahmed: https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2017/02/rumana-ahmed-trump/517521/
Yesterday, Edward Price, a ten year veteran with the CIA, resigned from his post as a spokesman for the National Security Council. The Washington Post published a piece written by Price about why he left the CIA, after working with both Democrat and Republican Presidents.
Price laments about being in the audience during President Trump's visit to the CIA Headquarters, standing in front of the memorial wall of stars that commemorated fallen CIA agents. It was here that the President continued to brag about non-existent crowds at his inauguration.
"Whether delusional or deceitful, these were not the remarks many of my colleagues and I wanted to hear from our new commander in chief. I couldn’t help but reflect on the stark contrast between the bombast of the new president and the quiet dedication of a mentor — a courageous, steadfast professional — who is memorialized on that wall."
This mentor, Price explains, was a friend that was killed in Afghanistan. This insult at the memorial of fallen friends and fellow agents wasn't what drove him to quit. That decision came after the reorganization of the National Security Council, which Price had worked on since 2014. He could not continue his honorable service to this country, when the administration eliminated the CIA director as a primary on the council.
It was the lack of faith and the disrespect from the President to the men and women of the CIA that drove Price to resign from the agency. These same reasons were echoed by another member of the National Security Council who was working in the West Wing.
Rumana Ahmed is a American and a Muslim (vice Muslim-American). As she describes in the Atlantic, she was hired in 2011 and was the only hijabi wearing woman in the White House. Despite her anxiety of the incoming administration, she was determined to keep her position within the National Security Council. She was able to hold out for eight days.
Her explanation for her departure to the senior NSC communications advisor, Micheal Anton, was crystal clear.
"I told him I had to leave because it was an insult walking into this country’s most historic building every day under an administration that is working against and vilifying everything I stand for as an American and as a Muslim. I told him that the administration was attacking the basic tenets of democracy. I told him that I hoped that they and those in Congress were prepared to take responsibility for all the consequences that would attend their decisions."
Anton did not respond to her answer. It was only later did Ahmed come to know that Anton had written many articles under the pin name, Publius Decius Mus, that promoted Trump's anti-immigration, anti-diversity, pro-"America First" movement of WWII and anti-Muslim rhetoric. (Remember, he's still a senior NSC advisor to Trump)
Ahmed describes a chaotic West Wing under the Trump administration. A once diverse crowd of professionals had changed to a "white male bastion". The NSC decision making authority and expertise had been centralized to a small number of people close to the President.
The signing of the Executive Order restricting immigration was the last straw for Ahmed. She saw the Order as legitimizing discrimination within airports. She was concerned about the administration's responses by attacking the courts when defending the ban. Ultimately, she saw these actions as Un-American and threatening the nation's security, as well as the Constitutional checks and balances.
These stories may (or may not) be isolated events. Time will tell how many more people depart because of this administration's poor handling of their position in power. One thing is a fact, these stories are very important for everyone to hear.
These two individual's represent some of the best in this nation. Dedicated public servants that work for the people and Constitution of this country. Neither had any intention of leaving their calling, but the actions of one man, his administration and the support of the republican held Congress drove them to depart their jobs protecting and serving the citizens of the United States.
Whether you support the Trump administration or not, when an experienced public servant leaves their position unexpectedly, it makes us and our country a little weaker, a little more vulnerable. It is a far different matter than loosing a worker in one of Trump's many properties.
Read the articles here:
Edward Price: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/i-didnt-think-id-ever-leave-the-cia-but-because-of-trump-i-quit/2017/02/20/fd7aac3e-f456-11e6-b9c9-e83fce42fb61_story.html?utm_term=.f833fc861d57
Rumana Ahmed: https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2017/02/rumana-ahmed-trump/517521/
Monday, February 20, 2017
Dr. Robert Reich Lists What We Already Know
This is an important read. It's long, and its growing. Everyone, Trump supporter or not, should read through it. A lot of us already know the points Dr. Reich is making, but it's good to read them in one list.
We can not EVER sit on our hands and not hold government accountable. Make sure people see this often.

Robert Reich
You might want to send this to anyone in your family, or anyone you know, who voted for Trump. (Thanks to Rosa Figueroa who posted this in response to one of my posts yesterday.)
1. He called Hillary Clinton a crook.
You bought it.
Then he paid $25 million to settle a fraud lawsuit.
You bought it.
Then he paid $25 million to settle a fraud lawsuit.
2. He said he'd release his tax returns, eventually.
You bought it.
He hasn't, and says he never will.
You bought it.
He hasn't, and says he never will.
3. He said he'd divest himself from his financial empire, to avoid any conflicts of interest.
You bought it.
He is still heavily involved in his businesses, manipulates the stock market on a daily basis, and has more conflicts of interest than can even be counted.
You bought it.
He is still heavily involved in his businesses, manipulates the stock market on a daily basis, and has more conflicts of interest than can even be counted.
4. He said Clinton was in the pockets of Goldman Sachs, and would do whatever they said.
You bought it.
He then proceeded to put half a dozen Goldman Sachs executives in positions of power in his administration.
You bought it.
He then proceeded to put half a dozen Goldman Sachs executives in positions of power in his administration.
5. He said he'd surround himself with all the best and smartest people.
You bought it.
He nominated theocratic loon Mike Pence for Vice President. A white supremacist named Steve Bannon is his most trusted confidant. Dr. Ben Carson, the world's greatest idiot savant brain surgeon, is in charge of HUD. Russian quisling Rex Tillerson is Secretary of State.
You bought it.
He nominated theocratic loon Mike Pence for Vice President. A white supremacist named Steve Bannon is his most trusted confidant. Dr. Ben Carson, the world's greatest idiot savant brain surgeon, is in charge of HUD. Russian quisling Rex Tillerson is Secretary of State.
6. He said he'd be his own man, beholden to no one.
You bought it.
He then appointed Betsy DeVos as Secretary of Education, whose only "qualifications" were the massive amounts of cash she donated to his campaign.
You bought it.
He then appointed Betsy DeVos as Secretary of Education, whose only "qualifications" were the massive amounts of cash she donated to his campaign.
7. He said he would "drain the swamp" of Washington insiders.
You bought it.
He then admitted that was just a corny slogan he said to fire up the rubes during the rallies, and that he didn't mean it.
You bought it.
He then admitted that was just a corny slogan he said to fire up the rubes during the rallies, and that he didn't mean it.
8. He said he knew more about strategy and terrorism than the Generals did.
You bought it.
He promptly gave the green light to a disastrous raid in Yemen- even though all his Generals said it would be a terrible idea. This raid resulted in the deaths of a Navy SEAL, an 8-year old American girl, and numerous civilians. The actual target of the raid escaped, and no useful intel was gained.
You bought it.
He promptly gave the green light to a disastrous raid in Yemen- even though all his Generals said it would be a terrible idea. This raid resulted in the deaths of a Navy SEAL, an 8-year old American girl, and numerous civilians. The actual target of the raid escaped, and no useful intel was gained.
9. He said Hillary Clinton couldn't be counted on in times of crisis.
You bought it.
He didn't even bother overseeing that raid in Yemen; and instead spent the time hate-tweeting the New York Times, and sleeping.
You bought it.
He didn't even bother overseeing that raid in Yemen; and instead spent the time hate-tweeting the New York Times, and sleeping.
10. He called CNN, the Washington Post and the New York Times "fake news" and said they were his enemy.
You bought it.
He now gets all his information from Breitbart, Gateway Pundit, and InfoWars.
You bought it.
He now gets all his information from Breitbart, Gateway Pundit, and InfoWars.
11. He called Barack Obama "the vacationer-in-Chief" and accused him of playing more rounds of golf than Tiger Woods. He promised to never be the kind of president who took cushy vacations on the taxpayer's dime, not when there was so much important work to be done.
You bought it.
He took his first vacation after 11 days in office.
On the taxpayer's dime.
And went golfing.
You bought it.
He took his first vacation after 11 days in office.
On the taxpayer's dime.
And went golfing.
And that's just the first month.
Sunday, February 19, 2017
President's and Vice President's Weekend Schedule Wrap-up
Let's take another look at VP Pence's weekend schedule:
Friday:
- Off to Germany and Belgium
Saturday:
- Addresses Munich Security Conference
- Had a "productive" conversation with Chan. Merkel concerning US-Germany relations
- Met with Pres. Ghani of Afghanistan to "discuss U.S. support for Government of National Unity, CT cooperation, and economic development."
- Met with Pres. Barnazi, President of the Iraqi Kurdistan Region, to discuss "need to accelerate plans to defeat ISIS with KRG" & "thanked him for cooperation w/ Baghdad."
- Met with Baltic leaders to "reaffirmed US commitment to their security & our partnership."
- Met with PM Yildirim of Turkey, to "discuss strength of the U.S.-Turkey alliance and our work together to defeat ISIS."
Sunday:
- Met with President Poroshenko of Ukraine, to "underscored U.S. support for Ukraine and full implementation of Minsk."
- Chatted with Bono and discussed "prior effort to twice pass Africa AIDS assistance & future security in developing nations"
- Spoke with PM Al-Abadi of Iraq and personally thanked him "for sacrifices in shared fight against ISIS & discussed long-term partnership.
- Met US staff and families stationed overseas, thanked them for sacrifice.
- Took tour of Dachau nazi concentration came. "We can never forget atrocities against Jews and others in the Holocaust."
- Spoke with Dachau, survivor Abba Noar, recounted horrors in the concentration camp; "then the American troops came."
It is a little before 6pm as of writing in Munich, Germany.
Now, how about the President's agenda for the weekend:
Friday:
- Meets with Boeing CEO
- Unveils new 787 Dreamliner
- Flies to Mar-a-Largo
Saturday:
- Held "meetings" at Mar-a-Largo
- Held 2020 campaign rally in Melbourne, Fl
- Speech lasted about an hour, returned to Mar-a-Largo
Sunday:
- Unknown
It is a little before 12:30pm as of writing in Mar-a-Largo.
**As a side note, the Munich Security Conference is not usually attended by the President. The Vice President is often sent with the Secretary of State. Sec. of State is in Germany, but at a G-20 meeting.
Friday:
- Off to Germany and Belgium
Saturday:
- Addresses Munich Security Conference
- Spoke about commitment to NATO and Allies
- Strength for Freedom and Way of Life
- Holds allies accountable to keeping their word
- Holds Russia accountable, as we try to find common ground
- Assurance that Iran will never get nuclear weapons
- Consigns our enemies to an "ash-heap" in history
- Strength with allies is not only in arms, but shared principles
- The overall speech was 20 minutes to an international delegation
- Had a "productive" conversation with Chan. Merkel concerning US-Germany relations
- Met with Pres. Ghani of Afghanistan to "discuss U.S. support for Government of National Unity, CT cooperation, and economic development."
- Met with Pres. Barnazi, President of the Iraqi Kurdistan Region, to discuss "need to accelerate plans to defeat ISIS with KRG" & "thanked him for cooperation w/ Baghdad."
- Met with Baltic leaders to "reaffirmed US commitment to their security & our partnership."
- Met with PM Yildirim of Turkey, to "discuss strength of the U.S.-Turkey alliance and our work together to defeat ISIS."
Sunday:
- Met with President Poroshenko of Ukraine, to "underscored U.S. support for Ukraine and full implementation of Minsk."
- Chatted with Bono and discussed "prior effort to twice pass Africa AIDS assistance & future security in developing nations"
- Spoke with PM Al-Abadi of Iraq and personally thanked him "for sacrifices in shared fight against ISIS & discussed long-term partnership.
- Met US staff and families stationed overseas, thanked them for sacrifice.
- Took tour of Dachau nazi concentration came. "We can never forget atrocities against Jews and others in the Holocaust."
- Spoke with Dachau, survivor Abba Noar, recounted horrors in the concentration camp; "then the American troops came."
It is a little before 6pm as of writing in Munich, Germany.
Now, how about the President's agenda for the weekend:
Friday:
- Meets with Boeing CEO
- Unveils new 787 Dreamliner
- Flies to Mar-a-Largo
Saturday:
- Held "meetings" at Mar-a-Largo
- Held 2020 campaign rally in Melbourne, Fl
- Speech lasted about an hour, returned to Mar-a-Largo
Sunday:
- Unknown
It is a little before 12:30pm as of writing in Mar-a-Largo.
**As a side note, the Munich Security Conference is not usually attended by the President. The Vice President is often sent with the Secretary of State. Sec. of State is in Germany, but at a G-20 meeting.
Increase ICE/Border Patrol According to DHS Memo
"The memos instruct agency chiefs to begin hiring 10,000 additional ICE
agents and 5,000 more for the Border Patrol, which had been included in
Trump’s executive actions.""In a pair of memos, Kelly offered more detail on plans for the agency to hire thousands of additional enforcement agents, expand the pool of immigrants who are prioritized for removal, speed up deportation hearings and enlist local law enforcement to help make arrests."
*Presently ICE has about 20,000 agents and Border Patrol is at around 21,000 officers, as per their sites.
Now, the only thing left to say is SHOW ME THE MONEY!
This is all great, but it comes with a price tag. Increasing ICE by 50% and BP by nearly 25% is going to be pretty large draw on the DHS budget. Does the General think he's going to speed up hearings and get locals to work more for free?
Let's not even go into hiring freezes that are in place and dramatically increasing the government size. Let's first see if this is going to be another $20 billion smoke and mirrors to make everyone believe that the administration is actually doing something.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/memos-signed-by-dhs-secretary-describe-sweeping-new-guidelines-for-deporting-illegal-immigrants/2017/02/18/7538c072-f62c-11e6-8d72-263470bf0401_story.html?hpid=hp_hp-top-table-main_dhs815pm%3Ahomepage%2Fstory&utm_term=.6d82debbc778
The Renaissance of Twitter
If you aren't on Twitter, and I wouldn't blame you if you're not, now is a good time to check it out. Of course, Trump is a regular on his feed (@realDonaldTrump), Many others, for better or worse, have taken Trump's example and are now voicing their concerns in 140 characters.
We've seen just this week a backlash from a DC school (@JATrojans) at Sec. of Ed. DeVos (@BetsyDeVosED). This was due to her callous handling of communicating that she wanted to see more teacher freedom in the classroom by instead insulting the teachers.
Politicians are using their feeds to demonstrate to their constituents their daily activities, like how VP Pence (@mike_pence) is displaying what a President should be doing.
Now, Merriam-Webster (@MerriamWebster) is getting in on the action. Keeping the time honored tradition that's been happening since Trump announced his campaign, they are tweeting verbal inaccuracies committed by the administration.
It's Twitter gold.
We've seen just this week a backlash from a DC school (@JATrojans) at Sec. of Ed. DeVos (@BetsyDeVosED). This was due to her callous handling of communicating that she wanted to see more teacher freedom in the classroom by instead insulting the teachers.
Politicians are using their feeds to demonstrate to their constituents their daily activities, like how VP Pence (@mike_pence) is displaying what a President should be doing.
Now, Merriam-Webster (@MerriamWebster) is getting in on the action. Keeping the time honored tradition that's been happening since Trump announced his campaign, they are tweeting verbal inaccuracies committed by the administration.
It's Twitter gold.
Saturday, February 18, 2017
Arnold is Kicking Butt and Chewing Gum!
There are new voices rising from the rubble of the 2016 election. Some we expect and some we don't, oddly enough like Arnold. He is making a move and churning out some interesting, thought provoking material. Not to mention, he has Trump and gerrymandering squarely in his sights.
Lets see...Trump is having "meetings" at the Winter White House (read: Southern Tax Payer Drain and Local Business Killer) and talking up his big "rally" this afternoon. "A lot to talk about!" He Tweets. I suppose the 80 minute speech and weekly address wasn't enough time to talk about how much he disdains everyone that doesn't agree with him.
I wonder what the VP is doing on this beautiful Saturday?
- Attending the Munich Security Conference
- Addresses said Conference with other world leaders in attendance: "We must hold Russia accountable and demand that they honor the Minsk Agreements, beginning by de-escalating the violence in eastern Ukraine."
- Speaks with Chancellor Merkel (before Trump?)
- Reaffirms (POTUS?) commitment to NATO
- Meets with President of Afghanistan (before Trump?)
That's a pretty busy agenda for the VP and its only 3pm in Munich (as I'm writing this).
Well, glad to see someone is keeping busy.
I wonder what the VP is doing on this beautiful Saturday?
- Attending the Munich Security Conference
- Addresses said Conference with other world leaders in attendance: "We must hold Russia accountable and demand that they honor the Minsk Agreements, beginning by de-escalating the violence in eastern Ukraine."
- Speaks with Chancellor Merkel (before Trump?)
- Reaffirms (POTUS?) commitment to NATO
- Meets with President of Afghanistan (before Trump?)
That's a pretty busy agenda for the VP and its only 3pm in Munich (as I'm writing this).
Well, glad to see someone is keeping busy.
Trump Things
This is great...simply, great. Rep. Cicilline D-Rhode Island makes the most obvious and coolest comparison for our present political scene.
The Deadliest Isis Attack in Weeks
Nearly one hundred people were killed in Pakistan due to an explosion set off by a suicide bomber on February 14. We've heard nothing about this vicious attack from our President. Perhaps its because the attack occurred in Pakistan, a country not on his ban list or maybe it's because the majority of deaths were Muslims.
Most likely, he doesn't even know it happened...too wrapped up in rallies to worry about whats happening on the other side of the globe.
#PrayForSehwan
The most deadly Isis attacks in weeks is the one we've heard least about
| Mourners of one of the many attacks occured since 14 Feb 2017, killing at least 99. Picture: HASHAM AHMED/AFP/GETTY IMAGES |
#PrayForSehwan
The most deadly Isis attacks in weeks is the one we've heard least about
Friday, February 17, 2017
Chelsea Handler Keeps the Hits Tweeting
Chelsea has been dominating my Twitter feed lately...setting it on fire!
McConnell says he likes what Trump is doing, but not what he’s tweeting. He wants a Dictator in the streets but a President in the tweets.— Chelsea Handler (@chelseahandler) February 17, 2017
Scott Pruitt Appointed Head of EPA
The Republicans pushed through Trump's EPA pick, Scott Pruitt, the anti-EPA guy. The vote happened before next weeks release of emails that my demonstrate a disqualifying (read: unethical) connection to oil, gas and energy lobbies.
He's a self-proclaimed, "a leading advocate against the EPA’s activist agenda." and sued the agency 14 times. No surprise he's a climate change doubter. There is not much hope that he will be strong opponent of big polluters.
So, we have another Secretary that has been appointed to an agency to uphold laws and regulations, but have a long personal history of fighting these very agencies.
It's been said we have a year or two before any laws are able to be reversed. This makes the mid-term election that much more important. It seems fairly obvious that the Republican Congress has no intention of breaking party lines (with the exception of Sen. Susan Collins-Me., in this case). I don't wan't to say don't contact your Republican representatives, but don't hold your breath for any action.
We need to helping the effort of protecting scientific data by pulling things off the government sites and posting them publicly in other places. Watch for obvious changes and bring it up at townhalls, meetings and mid-term elections. Demand whoever is elected during mid-terms to vow to stop any incursion on reasonable environmental protection that helps everyone.
https://www.epa.gov/
He's a self-proclaimed, "a leading advocate against the EPA’s activist agenda." and sued the agency 14 times. No surprise he's a climate change doubter. There is not much hope that he will be strong opponent of big polluters.
So, we have another Secretary that has been appointed to an agency to uphold laws and regulations, but have a long personal history of fighting these very agencies.
It's been said we have a year or two before any laws are able to be reversed. This makes the mid-term election that much more important. It seems fairly obvious that the Republican Congress has no intention of breaking party lines (with the exception of Sen. Susan Collins-Me., in this case). I don't wan't to say don't contact your Republican representatives, but don't hold your breath for any action.
We need to helping the effort of protecting scientific data by pulling things off the government sites and posting them publicly in other places. Watch for obvious changes and bring it up at townhalls, meetings and mid-term elections. Demand whoever is elected during mid-terms to vow to stop any incursion on reasonable environmental protection that helps everyone.
https://www.epa.gov/
Trump Wants Easy Questions
After a string of classic victim blaming, his closeted racist comes out to deny how he's the least racist person as he answers a question that didn't ask if he was racist.
In a press conference full of disturbing comments, this is one of the most telling about the man Trump is. I believe he has pushed his racism and inability to deal with anyone that doesn't stroke his ego so deep, he has convinced himself he is the victim.
Just another example of the pathology of the 45th President.
In a press conference full of disturbing comments, this is one of the most telling about the man Trump is. I believe he has pushed his racism and inability to deal with anyone that doesn't stroke his ego so deep, he has convinced himself he is the victim.
Just another example of the pathology of the 45th President.
Want a cool selfie?
Hey, do you know this guy? Not the fat-cat, the guy on the left...
If you don't, you probably want to make an effort to learn his name. He's the guy that carries the "football" for the President. The guy on the right is Richard DeAgazio, an investor and actor. That's a pretty cool selfie opportunity. It only took $200k to get a membership to Trump's Mar-a-lago (up from $100k since the election). Apparently, that membership comes with the perks of photo ops with the President's closest people.

Not to mention, getting close to the President himself, in action.
I wonder what sort of security checks these club guests went through to get this near the leader of the free world?
I'd be upset of people posting the activity during an international incident on Facebook, but as the picture shows, there is plenty of other reasons to be upset.
Sheppard Smith, Fox News Anchor, Had Enough With Trump
It looks like Shep Smith at Fox News is tired with Trump's antics.
“It’s crazy what we are watching every day,” he said. “He keeps repeating ridiculous throwaway lines that are not true at all…”
“It’s crazy what we are watching every day,” he said. “He keeps repeating ridiculous throwaway lines that are not true at all…”
"No sir, we are not fools for asking these questions."
More cracks in the castles...
Thursday, February 16, 2017
Trump Has a Leakage Problem
It's a bad day when start it out by swinging wildly in the dark.
A little before 8 am, Trump decided he had enough with all these news stories about Russian influence and dishonesty within the cabinet. Grabbing his phone, he begins by letting loose a stream of tweets voicing his displeasure with the obvious source of the problem.
Even illegal classified leaking? Say it ain't so, Donnie!
Needless to say, I don't too many people are buying the very weak attempt a misdirection. The guy that not more then six months ago was praising leaks, now is upset with them?
Let's entertain this for a second and say he needs to go after these low-lifes. First, Trump probably wants to look into the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act and Presidential Policy Directive 19, which expands the Act to cover government workers that handle classified material. There's a pretty good chance those will come into play, as Donnie cleans house...not his house, of course...all those other people's houses that have it out for him.
Next, he's going to need to distance himself from the leaks. They all seem to point to him or to those around him. It makes the administration look like they may be responsible for the leaks.

A little before 8 am, Trump decided he had enough with all these news stories about Russian influence and dishonesty within the cabinet. Grabbing his phone, he begins by letting loose a stream of tweets voicing his displeasure with the obvious source of the problem.
Leaking, and even illegal classified leaking, has been a big problem in Washington for years. Failing @nytimes (and others) must apologize!— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 16, 2017
Even illegal classified leaking? Say it ain't so, Donnie!
That's right! You catch those low-life leakers, Easy D!The spotlight has finally been put on the low-life leakers! They will be caught!— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 16, 2017
Needless to say, I don't too many people are buying the very weak attempt a misdirection. The guy that not more then six months ago was praising leaks, now is upset with them?
Let's entertain this for a second and say he needs to go after these low-lifes. First, Trump probably wants to look into the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act and Presidential Policy Directive 19, which expands the Act to cover government workers that handle classified material. There's a pretty good chance those will come into play, as Donnie cleans house...not his house, of course...all those other people's houses that have it out for him.
Next, he's going to need to distance himself from the leaks. They all seem to point to him or to those around him. It makes the administration look like they may be responsible for the leaks.
Perfect! Everyone knows there's no evidence that the administration had any connections to Russia. All Democrat smoke and mirrors to make the hurt of such an embarrassing defeat in the election go away. They need to come back to reality, the people have spoken, they all wanted the Trump brand! No blatant lies of Russian connections is going to change that!The Democrats had to come up with a story as to why they lost the election, and so badly (306), so they made up a story - RUSSIA. Fake news!— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 16, 2017

Tuesday, February 14, 2017
"Russia
has secretly deployed a new cruise missile despite complaints from
American officials that it violates a landmark arms control treaty that
helped seal the end of the Cold War, administration officials say."
Ok, POTUS, its time to take a break from attending wedding receptions at Mar-a-largo and put the big boy pants on. It's game time and you have a job to do. In the words of Bill Belichick, "DO YOUR JOB!"
Russian Cruise Missile, Deployed Secretly, Violates Treaty, Officials Say
Ok, POTUS, its time to take a break from attending wedding receptions at Mar-a-largo and put the big boy pants on. It's game time and you have a job to do. In the words of Bill Belichick, "DO YOUR JOB!"
Russian Cruise Missile, Deployed Secretly, Violates Treaty, Officials Say
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