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Tag Archives: Putting it out there

The Deal Maker or Country Ruiner?


Trumplelstilskin has spent most of 100 plus days signing and issuing executive orders that look good on paper (maybe) but are terrible in implementation. How he ever got the idea that tariffs are great for the country is a mystery, any child in high school understands that tariffs are taxes on goods coming from other places yet he is using tariffs as a basis for making “deals”. These “so called deals” are merely negotiations that could occur with a simple meeting with the countries involved and they would be willing even glad to take on these conversations.

A Tariff is a tax pure and simple (that’s one of causes for the American revolution). Consider the effect on many goods we buy and the extra tariffs on good we send out for manufacturing and receive back; we are paying taxes on our own goods. The Europeans are looking at this with a tongue in cheek and allowing the fool to continue his quest when all that’s needed is a conversation.

Instead, these so-called negotiations have been dramatized, turned into spectacles that stir up headlines but rarely deliver meaningful results. The very notion of governance has become a performance, where optics trump outcomes and bluster supersedes substance. The disconnect between policy promises and practical impacts grows wider each day, leaving citizens to wonder if leadership is measured by the number of signatures on parchment rather than the coherence of a national vision. As one decree follows another, uncertainty mounts among business owners, workers, and everyday people caught in the crossfire of impulsive policy shifts. The country, it seems, is being steered by a philosophy that prizes bravado over balance, with little concern for the ripples each decision sends through the fabric of society.

Trumple can tout his actions as success all day long but in the end the American people suffer for it.

Couple the tariff fiasco with the blackmailing of companies and higher education this administration is looked upon with a smile of tolerance. We are the richest country and the strongest with an idiot at the wheel speeding around uphill curves. It is even more remarkable that the majority party is allowing it with no regard to the effect it has on their constituents. Now as far as I am concerned neither party is doing that great a job overall, but both have small pockets of success which have a small benefit. The gilded cage that is now the Whitehouse is a perfect example of the Midas touch gone awry. The Majority party has allowed the high court to be corrupted along with the confirmation of a band of irregular cabinet members unfit for their jobs.

The cause? Each party has failed in their own mandates to do what they were elected to do but instead they have made the congress a school yard scrap in which no one wins, and recess is the main objective.

A Portrait of Pettiness


Gene Weingarten

Jun 10, 2025

Poll: “Unafraid and Unashamed” | Ethics Alarms

Hello. From a Washington Post story by Maura Judkis, we get a new account of what appears to be the real reason why Donald Trump is hellbent on replacing Kim Sajet, director of the Smithsonian Institution’s National Portrait Gallery. It turns out that eight years ago she didn’t like, and rejected as too political and “no good”, the cloying portrait of Trump created by the evangelical conservative, knockoff schlockmeister and ardent Trump enthusiast Julian Raven. The art is pictured above. Its title is “Unafraid and Unashamed.”

Let us be fair and give this some artistically critical thought. Please consider the portrait in a dignified, professional manner. Step back a bit. Sit on well-padded couch we have provided in this online museum, for restful contemplative assessment. If needed, puke into the bucket we have provided as well.

In rejecting the art, Ms. Sajet pointed out to Raven that it was both overly politically advocative and essentially every bit as sophisticated as a velvet Elvis or crying clowns or those dogs playing Texas Hold ‘Em — if not as expertly rendered.

As we approach the revolting spectacle of Trump spending wads of taxpayer money to ostentatiously celebrate the Army’s 250th anniversary and, um, his own birthday, with a multi-million dollar shithole-country-style military parade featuring unscalable fences and hundreds of magnetometers, it would be prudent to discuss this issue.

Actually, no. All you have to do is look at some other similar ass-sucking works from the past by ardent political enthusiasts. Here’s one of Hitler, by Hubert Lanzinger, from 1932:

Promoting Patriotism and National Unity: Germany | WWII Artifact Gallery | PBS LearningMedia

Here’s another of Mussolini, by Gerardo Dottori, circa 1933:

You get the idea.

—

Speaking of appalling things, I was on a walk with Lexi the other day when she suddenly alerted and started her hound dog roo-ing at something she saw that was approaching us.

Dogs are suspicious of things that do not seem to conform to the way things are supposed to be. People wearing hats, or delivery people carrying big boxes, for example. My previous dog, Murphy, got freaked out if she saw people kissing.

This thing was even more outrageous to Lexi, though. And I agreed.

It was a guy on a one-wheel Segway, roaring down the street at maybe 25 miles an hour, which in itself is disturbing. But what really got to Lexi, and to me, is that he was simultaneously pushing a stroller with a baby in it.

Opinion: Many of have forgotten the altering, removal and possibly banning of historical information regarding WWII. The folks who lived it, those who studied it and those who teach it recognize the value of that information but this is lost on short sighted individuals whose objective is to create a society like FFLOTUS wants. MA

Apparently, we did Forget.


There was a period between 2016-2020that defined this current administration. FFLOTUS is doing what he wanted to do in his previous stint as Leader? of America. His gross misunderstanding of leadership and vulnerability are now wreaking havoc here at home and in the world. His shortsightedness will cost us in the short run unless the seemingly cowardly Congress steps up. It appears that many of his supporters who work in Government jobs thought they were safe (until the (F)ELON approach to cost cutting came about. It is now too late to do very much except prepare for midterm elections where we could possibly turn the tide in Congress. We now have a semi authoritarian government. The primary purpose of this administration (or the Leader) is to ensure his tax cuts? are enforced with the brunt being borne by the least able to afford it. It should be clear to his supporters (those who voted for him) that they voted for him based on lies he told from 2016 on (as well as his lifetime of doing the same).

The “child “is now going after the same areas for revenge as outlined in the 30’s as Adolph rose in power on the back of his supporters. There was a mistaken idea that since “he” installed judges that they (judges) should rule in his favor in all cases and now has gotten a wakeup call in several instances whereby he immediately attacked them as “radical Left Lunatics”!

The time is now to assess your representative and decide if they are working for you!

Caveat Emptor-Still!


We should be prepared for extreme activities from this “Totus” administration. Remember this is a “leader” whose knowledge is limited to his own misunderstanding of how the real world works. Power and fealty are the only 2 things he gets and can’t properly wield!

Caveat Emptor-Still!


WE are bombarded by ads for insurances related to our homes and automobile. These ads all tout their ability to protect your homes and autos from expensive repairs. Bear in mind that these policies are not the normal home insurances we have in conjunction with our homeowners and autos. These are policies to cover repairs and not catastrophic events such as complete loss of use, temporarily or permanent. All of these additional insurances all make the same promise in their ads and from their many unwanted or unrequested cold calls. All tout themselves as the best by “star” ratings. If you read the “fine print” in their contracts, you will find that these contracts are definitively slanted toward the company’s “benefit. The language is extensive and worded in a pseudo legal manner. These companies use out of country non- native English speakers as customer service. Many times there is a lapse in understanding due to the limited English understanding and often your words are being translated as you speak but not with the common understanding of the language (conversational English). The worst of it is the claim of “1000”s of qualified contractors they have access to, “qualified” is subjective and often nonapplicable. To be clear ” Do Not Accept any Statements as to how great they (the company) are. If you decide to look into any of them, please read the ratings and pay particular attention in the reviews of 3 stars or less. Even the big star ring can be suspect as rating companies make money off of these listings.

CAVEAT EMPTOR!!!!!!

Phone Answering Message


If you have a landline still or have your mobile phone set up to receive messages, I have been complimented (or had comments) on my message. I am posting that message for your use with no strings attached if you desire to use it.

Hello, we are not accepting calls for any special deals or fantastic promotions, we will accept calls from family, friends and known business associates. If we do not know you or recognize your number or if you do not leave a number, we will not call you back and we will report your number to the National do not call registry. Have a nice day.

Enjoy!!.

Donors to GOP: No cash until action on health care, taxes


Another reason to pay attention to your representatives, this article points out the real government controllers.MA

Steve Peoples, Associated Press 18 hours ago

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) — At least one influential donor has informed congressional Republicans that the “Dallas piggy bank” is closed until he sees major action on health care and taxes.
Texas-based donor Doug Deason has already refused to host a fundraiser for two members of Congress and informed House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., his checkbook is closed as well.
“Get Obamacare repealed and replaced, get tax reform passed,” Deason said in a pointed message to GOP leaders. “You control the Senate. You control the House. You have the presidency. There’s no reason you can’t get this done. Get it done and we’ll open it back up.”
Indeed, there was a sense of frustration and urgency inside the private receptions and closed-door briefings at the Koch brothers’ donor retreat this weekend in Colorado Springs, where the billionaire conservatives and their chief lieutenants warned of a rapidly shrinking window to push their agenda through Congress and get legislation to President Donald Trump to sign into law.
No agenda items mattered more to the conservative Koch network than the GOP’s promise to overhaul the nation’s tax code and repeal and replace President Barack Obama’s health care law. At the moment, however, both are bogged down by GOP infighting that jeopardizes their fate.
At least one Koch official warned that the Republican Party’s House majority could be in jeopardy if the GOP-led Congress doesn’t follow through.
“If they don’t make good on these promises … there are going to be consequences, and quite frankly there should be,” said Sean Lansing, chief operating officer for the Koch network’s political arm, Americans For Prosperity.
Deason, who is keeping the “Dallas piggy bank” closed for now, said he was recently approached by Rep. Mark Meadows, R-N.C. and Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, about hosting a fundraiser.
“I said, ‘No I’m not going to because we’re closing the checkbook until you get some things done,'” Deason said, noting he’s encouraged nearly two dozen major Texas donors to follow his lead.
“There is urgency,” said AFP president Tim Phillips. “We believe we have a window of about 12 months to get as much of it accomplished as possible before the 2018 elections grind policy to a halt.”
The window for action may be even smaller, some Koch allies warned at the three-day donor retreat that drew roughly 400 participants to the base of the Rocky Mountains. The price for admission for most was a pledge to give at least $100,000 this year to the  broad policy and political network. There were also at least 18 elected officials on hand.
Some hosted private policy discussions with donors while others simply mingled.
In between meetings, Rep. Dave Brat, R-Va., predicted dire consequences in next year’s midterm elections should his party fail to deliver on its repeated promises.
“If we don’t get health care, none of us are coming back,” he said in a brief interview. “We said for seven years you’re gonna repeal Obamacare. It’s nowhere near repealed.”
It’s the same for an overhaul of the tax code, Brat said: “We don’t get taxes through, we’re all going home. Pack the bags.”
While some donors threatened to withhold campaign cash, Koch’s team outlined a broader strategy to help shape the debate.
Already, Americans For Prosperity claims a paid staff of more than 400 full-time activists in 36 states. Koch officials said that the network’s midterm budget for policy and politics is between $300 million and $400 million.
The group is actively lobbying Senate Republicans to change their current health care proposal, which it views as insufficiently conservative.
“We are not committed to the Senate bill in its current form, but there is still time to make changes and we’re actively working to improve it,” Phillips said.
At the same time, Koch’s allies are aggressively pushing forward on taxes.
The network is running what it describes as “a first wave” of digital ads calling on more than 50 House and Senate Republicans in both parties to overhaul the tax code. Later in the summer, Philips said, his organization will begin hosting rallies and other events to generate momentum for a tax overhaul in all 36 states where they have full-time operations.
Another Koch donor, Chris Wright, of Colorado, predicted Republicans have a 10-month window before any chance of major policy action is suffocated by next year’s midterms.
“If we don’t get anything done by then, the elections probably don’t go very well,” Wright said. “They may not go well anyway.”

“No, White Friend – You Weren’t ‘Embarrassed’ by Barack Obama,”


Politics

John Pavlovitz,

Popsugar US 11 hours ago

I remember the day after the Election, a friend of mine who happens to be white, remarked on social media that he “finally wasn’t embarrassed of America and our President.”
I sprained my eyes rolling them and they have never fully recovered.
Since then I’ve heard this sentiment echoed by more white folks than I can count, especially in recent months; supposed relief at once again having a leader who instills pride.
Since I don’t have the time to ask each of the individually, I’ll ask here:
So, you were embarrassed for the past 8 years, huh?
Really?
What exactly were you embarrassed by?
Were you embarrassed by his lone and enduring twenty-five year marriage to a strong woman he’s never ceased to publicly praise, respect, or cherish?
Were you embarrassed by the way he lovingly and sweetly parented and protected his daughters?
Were you embarrassed by his Columbia University degree in Political Science or his graduating magna cum laude from Harvard Law School?
Maybe you were embarrassed by his white American and Black Kenyan parents, or the diversity he was raised in as normal?
Were you embarrassed by his eloquence, his quick wit, his easy humor, his seeming comfort meeting with both world leaders and street cleaners; by his bright smile or his sense of empathy or his steadiness – perhaps by his lack of personal scandals or verbal gaffes or impulsive tirades?
No. Of course you weren’t.
Honestly, I don’t believe you were ever embarrassed. That word implies an association that brings ridicule, one that makes you ashamed by association, and if that’s something you claim to have experienced over the past eight years by having Barack Obama representing you in the world – I’m going to suggest you rethink your word choice.
You weren’t “embarrassed” by Barack Obama.
You were threatened by him.
You were offended by him. You were challenged by him. You were enraged by him.
But I don’t believe it had anything to do with his resume or his experience or his character or his conduct in office – because you seem fully proud right now to be associated with a three-time married, serial adulterer and confessed predator; a man whose election and business dealings and relationships are riddled with controversy and malfeasance. You’re perfectly fine being represented by a bullying, obnoxious, genitalia-grabbing, Tweet-ranting, Prime Minister-shoving charlatan who’s managed to offend all our allies in a few short months. And you’re okay with him putting on religious faith like a rented, dusty, ill-fitting tuxedo and immediately tossing it in the garbage when he’s finished with it.
None of that you’re embarrassed of? I wonder how that works.
Actually, I’m afraid I have an idea. I hope I’m wrong.
Listen, you’re perfectly within your rights to have disagreed with Barack Obama’s policies or to have taken issue with his tactics. No one’s claiming he was a flawless politician or a perfect human being. But somehow I don’t think that’s what we’re talking about here. I think the thing President Obama did that really upset you, white friend – was having a complexion that was far darker than you were ever comfortable with. I think the President we have now feels much better.
Because objectively speaking, if what’s happening in our country right now doesn’t cause you great shame and doesn’t induce the continual meeting of your palm to your face – I don’t believe embarrassment is ever something you struggle with.
No, if you claimed to be “embarrassed” by Barack Obama but you’re not embarrassed by Donald Trump – I’m going to strongly suggest it was largely a pigmentation issue.
And as an American and a Christian committed to diversity and equality and to the liberty at the heart of this nation – that, embarrasses me.

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I would Like To


I would like to write about someone or something else besides the current administration and the majority party however the TOTUS continues to be a child who has not the wherewithal to govern and cannot or will not learn what his job actually entails. The majority party is busily trying to use the President’s ego to pass legislation that benefits them while telling the public that what they are doing is good for us. Looking at historical facts: A man named Adolph used the tactic of telling the same big lies on a regular basis to sell the public on the idea that someone else (the Jews and non Aryans) was responsible for their problems. People were so desperate for some relief that they accepted the lies as fact even though many of them saw no improvement especially once the war really started. Once the war got into full swing in Poland and then the attack on Russia at a cost of millions of German soldiers lives (and money). This Russian front drained the treasury which in turn reduced funds available for the pubic services. Thereafter the attacks on the rest of the world began in earnest with the cooperation of Italy and Japan according to history. What we now have is the assumption of power by a known personality with megalomania as a trait whose sole purpose is to be lauded for his sake not for what he has accomplished. I would like to write about something like former coal miners retrained into other energy jobs, Puerto Rico considered for Statehood, US-Cuban relations being normalized or common sense budgets including infrastructure repairs (job creator), proper immigration rules or perhaps a condemnation of other country’s interference in US affairs. A first giant step towards actually Governing would be truthful reporting of personal interest divestiture.

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Just Remember


Just remember that this past election is not about race, wealth or lack of as much as change as hoped for under President Obama. While Obama attempted to make those changes , many Americans were not behind him. In not supporting him we allowed the neer do well Congress to continue their evil ways which created many of the ills that the non supportive voters were suffering under. Now we have Donald trump who “will drain the swamp”! The changes that will come will ultimately help or harm voters. Keep in mind that the Congress is powered by many of the same people who denied President Obama’s attempts at bettering the American voters lives. Remember the distracting rhetoric about birth certificates, religious affiliation and other things that had nothing to with Governing. The next several years will reveal the true nature of the long serving Congress and Mr. Trump meanwhile the American people who are so often cited will have to remember and pay close attention to what Government is doing in their names without their explicit permission.

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