BLUEDONKEYS
BlueDonkeys.com - A big-tent website serving all Democrats in Clark County
Lobbyism harmful to bees?
Here's one more little insult, or injury, by the Trump EPA. They are re-allowing the use of a pesticide (sulfoxaflor) that is believed to be injurious to bees. Sorghum growers favor using such pesticides to protect their crops and apparently don't require honeybees to proliferate their crops. Beekeepers say this is "a terrible blow to imperiled pollinators". Read the article - LINK
Carolyn Long 2.0
Gaiser Hall at Clark College was packed to the walls - Standing Room Only. It was Carolyn Long's Kickoff for Congress 2020!
She will win in 2020. She won Clark County in 2018. The work is there, but very doable. There were volunteers galore at Gaiser..and you will want to volunteer, too.
Jeanne Bennett did the introduction, Atty Gen Bob Ferguson spoke of his support, Carolyn spoke with aplomb and conviction, and 49th Rep Monica Stonier made an exuberant money pitch. Carolyn came back on the stage with her husband Kevin and daughter Tennyson.
The crowd was very enthusiastic. The win is within our grasp.
Some Candid photos: Bob Ferguson, Carolyn Long, Monica Stonier >
She will win in 2020. She won Clark County in 2018. The work is there, but very doable. There were volunteers galore at Gaiser..and you will want to volunteer, too.
Jeanne Bennett did the introduction, Atty Gen Bob Ferguson spoke of his support, Carolyn spoke with aplomb and conviction, and 49th Rep Monica Stonier made an exuberant money pitch. Carolyn came back on the stage with her husband Kevin and daughter Tennyson.
The crowd was very enthusiastic. The win is within our grasp.
Some Candid photos: Bob Ferguson, Carolyn Long, Monica Stonier >
Uphill road!?
A Democrat ran into an old workmate from 20 years ago. Both were college-educated, manufacturing types and leaders. Democrat A talked about defeating Trump and was told, "Gee, I think he's fine. The stock market is up, employment is up." The Democrat said, "What about ignoring climate change, and the immigration debacle, and the Russia collusion", and got a shrug.
The Democrat went away saddened that a respected past workmate could be so blind. It also gave the Democrat pause that the road to removing Trump is populated with more of the same blind-sided obstacles.
The answer is that there is a lot of work to do:
That we must start now.
That the Trump machine will do anything to obliterate the truth.
That the Trump machine will say anything to denigrate the Democrats.
That picking a winning candidate is essential.
Hillary Clinton would have made a great president. She did not win because the trash talk about Hillary started decades ago and involved the entire lives of younger voters. She appeared to be heavily laden with baggage when she was not, as evidenced by her work as Secretary of State.
Our choice for nominee must pass the acceptance test of the middle of the road voter who doesn't really care for Trump. The best offense for defeating Trump is the conversation art the dinner table and the water cooler. It has to happen,. Four more years of wealth disparity will put the country into a 2-class feudal system.
The Democrat went away saddened that a respected past workmate could be so blind. It also gave the Democrat pause that the road to removing Trump is populated with more of the same blind-sided obstacles.
The answer is that there is a lot of work to do:
That we must start now.
That the Trump machine will do anything to obliterate the truth.
That the Trump machine will say anything to denigrate the Democrats.
That picking a winning candidate is essential.
Hillary Clinton would have made a great president. She did not win because the trash talk about Hillary started decades ago and involved the entire lives of younger voters. She appeared to be heavily laden with baggage when she was not, as evidenced by her work as Secretary of State.
Our choice for nominee must pass the acceptance test of the middle of the road voter who doesn't really care for Trump. The best offense for defeating Trump is the conversation art the dinner table and the water cooler. It has to happen,. Four more years of wealth disparity will put the country into a 2-class feudal system.
There's a new PAC
Clark County Forward (www.clarkcountyforward.com) is a new Political Action Committee in town. It was conceived recently by a group of activists, candidates, and lawmakers to get a jump on the 2020 elections. It's purpose is to contact Clark County voters and find out their concerns and issues so as to guide them and energize them into voting for candidates who share those values.
A Regional Political Director has been hired; Colin Peddicord, who has a strong background in finding volunteers and energizing voters. Be expecting a call from Colin to inform you about the Mission of CCF and for you to make suggestions about issues and volunteers.
Check it out at - LINK
A Regional Political Director has been hired; Colin Peddicord, who has a strong background in finding volunteers and energizing voters. Be expecting a call from Colin to inform you about the Mission of CCF and for you to make suggestions about issues and volunteers.
Check it out at - LINK
Trump administration temporary
Dana Milbank of the Washington Post
Dana Milbank looks inside the personnel situation in the Trump White House and confirms what we suspected - permanence and competency are missing. Read at - LINK
Trump a sadist to immigrant children
Eugene Robinson - Washington Post
Eugene Robinson of the Washington Post takes on Trump for causing an humanitarian crisis at the southern border, especially his separating of children from their families amidst the deplorable conditions. Read at - LINK.
Tariffs and tennis balls
Catherine Rampell of the Washington Post presents the plight of the American-based, china-produced Head corporation who stands to lose $22 million in sales from Trump's tariffs. The corporation says they can't produce at a profit in the US. The 'gotcha' comes at the end. Read at -LINK.
Thoughts on reducing need for abortion
Kathleen Parker, Washington Post op/ed writer, asks the question whether more attention to birth control would distinctly reduce the need for abortions thus making it less of a lightning rod issue. Read her thoughts at - LINK
Adrian Cortes is running for County Council District 4
On Sunday June 8, Representative Monica Stonier introduced Adrian Cortes with her support for his campaign. Adrian is running for Clark County Council District 4 - Link to Map. That district is the large all encompassing district taking up most of the east side of Clark County from the Lewis River to the Columbia River and including Camas, Washougal, Battle Ground, and Yacolt. Adrian has a good shot at replacing the appointed incumbent because of Adrian's vi lifelong residency in Battle Ground and his record of performance on the Battle Ground City Council.
Adrian compared his opponent to our recent County Council nemesis, David Madore.- LINK
Adrian's concern over his opponent's, a Republican, needs and "frustrations" is well founded when reviewing the remarks made on the Lars Larson Radio show. The incumbent is frustrated by not having direct control of county resources and personnel. Likely, his military background gives him the idea he can have full control and obedience. But the layering of Councilor and staff department heads yields indirect control by the council - which is exactly the plan of the new County Charter approved in 2014. Link
Adrian Cortes looks very right for this position.
Adrian compared his opponent to our recent County Council nemesis, David Madore.- LINK
Adrian's concern over his opponent's, a Republican, needs and "frustrations" is well founded when reviewing the remarks made on the Lars Larson Radio show. The incumbent is frustrated by not having direct control of county resources and personnel. Likely, his military background gives him the idea he can have full control and obedience. But the layering of Councilor and staff department heads yields indirect control by the council - which is exactly the plan of the new County Charter approved in 2014. Link
Adrian Cortes looks very right for this position.
Drollery in reporting: Trumps Brit trip
Kathleen Parker of the Washington Post reported on Trump's pile-on trip to Britain this week. She didn't mention that all his children went courtesy of the US tax dollar and that in the better circles their presence is considered inappropriate. She did report on some stiff looks and provides a droll picture of the spectacle brought to Britan by Trump and his gang. Link to piece.
Climate change endangers national security
Naming water shortages, internal turmoil, foreign powers' use of the Arctic, and political turmoil, "senior US officials warn that climate change brings concern for national security. Ignoring climate change is like ignoring Russian meddling in the 2016 election. It only brings worse results in the future. What will get this nation concerned? Read the article - LINK.
Trump bans transgenders from military for drugs
Trump said on Wed June 05, 2019, that he bans transgenders from military service because they take drugs, "massive amounts of drugs", and that it's against service rules to take any drugs. In fact, the military does not prohibit service members from taking prescription drugs. LINK to article
AOC proclaims Inslee's Green New Deal the 'Gold Standard'
Eyes-wide-open is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. She has proposed the Green New Deal which is to rid America of fossil fuel dependency in 10 Years. She has now been able to put a cost on the concept - $10 Trillion dollars. She adds that Gov Jay Inslee's plan of augmentation is "the gold standard climate plan we have right now". She goes on, "It's got the scale, the jobs and justice. Inslee says $3 trillion dollars over 10 years, with some private money elsewhere.
Balance those costs to achieve a worthwhile goal against the greatly increased coasts of rampant wildfires, flooding, tornados and hurricanes that get worse each year. Spending money on repairs and rebuilding does nothing to mitigate those disasters in the future.
The moonshot in the Kennedy era and the anti-pollution measures undertaken for the last decades have produced products and knowledge that have benefited the world as a whole. Staying where we are seems a recipe for the demise of humans on earth.
Read the article - LINK
Balance those costs to achieve a worthwhile goal against the greatly increased coasts of rampant wildfires, flooding, tornados and hurricanes that get worse each year. Spending money on repairs and rebuilding does nothing to mitigate those disasters in the future.
The moonshot in the Kennedy era and the anti-pollution measures undertaken for the last decades have produced products and knowledge that have benefited the world as a whole. Staying where we are seems a recipe for the demise of humans on earth.
Read the article - LINK
D'r and R's block Trumps arms deal with Saudis
Think Khashoggi, Yemen, and of Trump's abuse of power. Those are the bipartisan reasons why Congress is trying to stymie selling US weapons to Saudi Arabia. Read the article - LINK
One 'R' finds his morality
Iowa State Representative, Andy McKean has left the Republican party for their immoral behavior. He similarly cannot support Trump for re-election.He knows of what he speaks because he's politically active since 1978. Read his letter of resignation at LINK.
One federal R has opted for Trump's impeachment - Rep Justin Amash (R-Mich) - just one. Does that mean all those R's in the Senate and the House are greedy, immoral, and selfish? Read Amash's thoughts at LINK.
One federal R has opted for Trump's impeachment - Rep Justin Amash (R-Mich) - just one. Does that mean all those R's in the Senate and the House are greedy, immoral, and selfish? Read Amash's thoughts at LINK.
Impeach or not? Probably should
Unquestionably, House Leader Nancy Pelosi is a brilliant politician, and she has listed several very valid reasons why impeachment proceedings should not be started against Trump. Arguably, the biggest is the danger of being unsuccessful and Trump being victorious in his victim-hood.
Leonard Pitts, op/ed writer for the Miami Herald, overrides Nancy's objections and makes a real case for starting impeachment. He points out that two presidents have been impeached for less, and Trump has well exceeded the vagaries and impact of Johnson's and Clinton's improprieties. Not impeaching Trump sets a terrible precedent for worse behavior in the future. Read the piece - LINK.
Leonard Pitts, op/ed writer for the Miami Herald, overrides Nancy's objections and makes a real case for starting impeachment. He points out that two presidents have been impeached for less, and Trump has well exceeded the vagaries and impact of Johnson's and Clinton's improprieties. Not impeaching Trump sets a terrible precedent for worse behavior in the future. Read the piece - LINK.
Act of largess indicative of failed R's policies
At the Morehouse College graduation, the commencement speaker, billionaire Robert F. Smith offered $40 million to pay the student debt of every 2019 graduate. That was met with exultant cheers and mortarboard tossing.
Our Greg Jayne of the editorial page of The Columbian recognizes that, yes, that was a wonderful thing for Mr. Smith to do, but the fact that he could, and needed to, is very indicative of several failed government policies in the administration regsarding student debt and the tax cuts for the wealthy. Check it out at LINK.
Our Greg Jayne of the editorial page of The Columbian recognizes that, yes, that was a wonderful thing for Mr. Smith to do, but the fact that he could, and needed to, is very indicative of several failed government policies in the administration regsarding student debt and the tax cuts for the wealthy. Check it out at LINK.
Trump travesties
Travesty can mean perversion.
The Trump machine has created so many travesties of government and constitution and peoples’ rights, that the size and scope of such are unbelievable, perhaps even insurmountable.
The latest is the very tough anti-abortion schemes being passed in the South and supported by Trump. The ultimate goal seems to be to banish Roe v Wade from the law forever. It’s beyond words to deny over half the people of this country the right to care for themselves as they choose.
When children are born into an environment that doesn't support them; lack of love, lack of food, lack of healthcare, etc, makes failure in their lives a likely prediction. The anti-abortion types seem very disinclined to provide any support to such children either. Another travesty.
We watch as federal law is ignored – Trump’s tax returns. We watch as climate change is denied and mega-wildfires and violent storms take out massive amounts of homes, assets, forests, and kill people.
We watch as a Trade War with China stifles our farmers – who say they still like Trump (LINK)]. They like the other things he does, that we do not, like looser environmental laws about water and air.
We continue to do nothing except extend hopes and prayers to shooting victims. Pure hypocrisy, politics, and greed.
We watch the rise of racial bigotry, hatred, and the support of it by Trump. What little was taught to bigots over the years has been erased in a few months.
We watch a continuing series of travesties by our “president”. His disdain for Democrats, and democratic principles, is so clear that we can only say that he is not our president.
Read Leonard Pitts' (of the Miami herald) op/ed about Trump and the R's abolishing the whole 20th century. LINK
It is so vital that we band together and eliminate Trump
The Trump machine has created so many travesties of government and constitution and peoples’ rights, that the size and scope of such are unbelievable, perhaps even insurmountable.
The latest is the very tough anti-abortion schemes being passed in the South and supported by Trump. The ultimate goal seems to be to banish Roe v Wade from the law forever. It’s beyond words to deny over half the people of this country the right to care for themselves as they choose.
When children are born into an environment that doesn't support them; lack of love, lack of food, lack of healthcare, etc, makes failure in their lives a likely prediction. The anti-abortion types seem very disinclined to provide any support to such children either. Another travesty.
We watch as federal law is ignored – Trump’s tax returns. We watch as climate change is denied and mega-wildfires and violent storms take out massive amounts of homes, assets, forests, and kill people.
We watch as a Trade War with China stifles our farmers – who say they still like Trump (LINK)]. They like the other things he does, that we do not, like looser environmental laws about water and air.
We continue to do nothing except extend hopes and prayers to shooting victims. Pure hypocrisy, politics, and greed.
We watch the rise of racial bigotry, hatred, and the support of it by Trump. What little was taught to bigots over the years has been erased in a few months.
We watch a continuing series of travesties by our “president”. His disdain for Democrats, and democratic principles, is so clear that we can only say that he is not our president.
Read Leonard Pitts' (of the Miami herald) op/ed about Trump and the R's abolishing the whole 20th century. LINK
It is so vital that we band together and eliminate Trump
Climate change is costly
Sure, climate change mediation is costly. Jay Inslee is rolling out a big money plan to curtail CO2 pollution. But NOT doing anything is even more costly. Greg Jayne, Columbian Editorial page editor, uses real numbers to show that the cost of radical weather and mega-wildfires is already costing more than proposed mitigation costs. And that doesn't account for future costs of rising sea levels - the loss of Miami Beach, as an example. So, carry on, Jay Inslee. If you don't end up in the White House, hopefully your ardor will grant you a leadership position in combating climate change. LINK to Greg Jayne's editorial.
Locally, Vancouver Lake in trouble
A rapaidly proliferating invasive water weed; milfoil, is taking over Vancouver Lake. If unchecked it will choke the lake sufficient to prevent rowing and sailing on the lake. The Friends of Vancouver Lake (Jim Cassidy, Ted Gathe, Jim Luce, and Kathy Gillespie) are seeking to raise $175,000 to treat 400-500 acres of the lake with a new herbicide. They have pledges for $560,000, but they must be matched to kick in.
They're having a fundraiser at The Vancouver Lake Sailing Club, 7110 NW 25th Ave on June 09 from 3:30 to 5:30 pm. LINK
They're having a fundraiser at The Vancouver Lake Sailing Club, 7110 NW 25th Ave on June 09 from 3:30 to 5:30 pm. LINK
Inslee has a 'moon' plan
Our Jay Inslee is a terrific governor. He cares. He dares. He sees the future and wants it better. He was in DC on 05/16/19 and pitched his $9 Trillion climate plan. Before sticker shock overwhelms you, consider what combating climate change is worth to the planet and its citizens; health, prosperity, continued forest, fishing, and fewer weather excursions - perhaps life itself.
Jay says, "We didn't go to the moon because it was easy. We went because it was hard." In his soon-to-be rolled out 38-page plan, he proposes just $300 billion in government spending in the first decade, with $600 billion in private sector investment in solar and water processes. He compares his plan as more robust that of that of Joe Biden. Checkout the article at - LINK.
Jay says, "We didn't go to the moon because it was easy. We went because it was hard." In his soon-to-be rolled out 38-page plan, he proposes just $300 billion in government spending in the first decade, with $600 billion in private sector investment in solar and water processes. He compares his plan as more robust that of that of Joe Biden. Checkout the article at - LINK.
Trump = "Dumb"
Haven't you always thought to yourself that Trump is really not all that bright? Here's some evidentiary support for that theory. Eugene Robinson writing for the Washington Post says in his 05/13/19 Op/Ed that Trump "has no idea what he's doing. None. Not a clue." This particularly in regard to foreign tactics, like Chinese tariffs (suffer the poor farmer), Venezuela, and the US, who may end up in a shooting war with Iran. It's informative and entertaining. LINK.
RNC 2020 scare tactic is "Socialism"
The secret is out. The RNC has put out the word to use the term "socialism" against the Democrats to scare voters. Why does the idea of socialism scare voters? Because back in out recent history, socialism and communism had equal capability to incite fear. The two terms were used interchangeably. although they are not to drum up visions of Soviet were - Russian - enslavement. The 'Red Menace' and 'pinko' were popular terms, too. Wesaw Russia as the world threat it was, and still is. Now, not so much, sadly.
What is Socialism. Definition: "Socialism is a range of economic and social systems characterized by social ownership of the means of production and workers' self-management, as well as the political theories and movements associated with them. Social ownership can be public, collective or cooperative ownership, or citizen ownership of equity."
Socialism is not Communism where the ownership defined above is by the workers. Both communism and socialism strive for equality. Communism tends toward low productivity, mass poverty, and low production. Socialism has ownership by the government. Capitalism has ownership by private citizen entities, encourages competition and advancement, but tends to strongly separate wealth between the very poor and the very rich.
Many modern countries utilize Democracy/Capitalism, but government fulfills many common needs like:
Military force
Public Schools
Roads and similar infrastructure
Fire protection
Police protection
Congressional health care
Sewers and water
Link to great editorial
Bottom line is that Capitalism with several government-funded, common-good services is optimal. We, as a leading nation in the world, should embrace health care for all, and let's just call it what it is - Socialized Medicine. It's the same health care the Members of Congress receive, but tell us is bad for us.
Beware of being scared by being called socialist, because you know where socialism is already working for us and where it can help us further.
What is Socialism. Definition: "Socialism is a range of economic and social systems characterized by social ownership of the means of production and workers' self-management, as well as the political theories and movements associated with them. Social ownership can be public, collective or cooperative ownership, or citizen ownership of equity."
Socialism is not Communism where the ownership defined above is by the workers. Both communism and socialism strive for equality. Communism tends toward low productivity, mass poverty, and low production. Socialism has ownership by the government. Capitalism has ownership by private citizen entities, encourages competition and advancement, but tends to strongly separate wealth between the very poor and the very rich.
Many modern countries utilize Democracy/Capitalism, but government fulfills many common needs like:
Military force
Public Schools
Roads and similar infrastructure
Fire protection
Police protection
Congressional health care
Sewers and water
Link to great editorial
Bottom line is that Capitalism with several government-funded, common-good services is optimal. We, as a leading nation in the world, should embrace health care for all, and let's just call it what it is - Socialized Medicine. It's the same health care the Members of Congress receive, but tell us is bad for us.
Beware of being scared by being called socialist, because you know where socialism is already working for us and where it can help us further.
No election interference by Russia
Oh really, There;'s plenty of evidence that Russia interfered in the 2016 presidential election, and it appears there is little being done to stop that interference in the 2020 election. Putin says he didn't do it and Trump says he believes Putin. Trump seems to love Putin, or any dictator for that matter.
Just a short time ago, Americans were aghast and upset about or global enemy; Russia. Nowadays, it's okay for the president to pal around with Putin and push real estate deals in Moscow, and take Putin's word when it's untrue. Russia is anything but our ally. Why are we not indignant over the Trump's congeniality with Putin?
Just a short time ago, Americans were aghast and upset about or global enemy; Russia. Nowadays, it's okay for the president to pal around with Putin and push real estate deals in Moscow, and take Putin's word when it's untrue. Russia is anything but our ally. Why are we not indignant over the Trump's congeniality with Putin?
The Republican on the right has a shirt saying, "I'd rather be a Russian than a Democrat", and A MAGA hat.
What is a tariff?
"A tariff is a tax imposed by one country on the goods and services imported from another country. Tariffs are used to restrict imports by increasing the price of goods and services purchased from another country, making them less attractive to domestic consumers.
Trumps need to intercept Chinese imported goods seems to reach back decades and well prior to his 2016 campaign promises. It has some merit b ut not in the manner it is being conducted. Trade wars are not fruitful.
- Governments impose tariffs to raise revenue, protect domestic industries, or exert political leverage over another country.
- Tariffs often result in unwanted side effects, such as higher consumer prices.
- Tariffs have a long and contentious history, and the debate over whether they represent good or bad policy rages on to this day." LINK
Trumps need to intercept Chinese imported goods seems to reach back decades and well prior to his 2016 campaign promises. It has some merit b ut not in the manner it is being conducted. Trade wars are not fruitful.
Which Democrat can beat Trump - Leftist or Centrist?
What is the answer? Nobody knows right now what style, what person can beat Trump. And beat Trump we must. Is it Joe Biden or Bernie? Is it Kamala Harris or Beto O'Rourke?
The only thing assured now is that after a nomination is made that all people opposed to Trump, including the Do-or-Die Bernie supporters must rally together and support the Democratic nominee. The wide belief is that was not the case in 2016 - that the mono-Bernie supporters cast their votes for Jill Stein and lost the electoral votes in key states like Pennsylvania, and hence, Trump.
LINK
The only thing assured now is that after a nomination is made that all people opposed to Trump, including the Do-or-Die Bernie supporters must rally together and support the Democratic nominee. The wide belief is that was not the case in 2016 - that the mono-Bernie supporters cast their votes for Jill Stein and lost the electoral votes in key states like Pennsylvania, and hence, Trump.
LINK
Monica Stonier for Speaker
Monica Stonier is opting for the position of Speaker of the House in the Olympia State Legislature. She is a smart, energized dynamo and would serve the state well in that position. She gets the process and works and plays well with others. The Columbian did an extensive piece on her (04/28/19) at LINK
America is still slipping
The JPMorgan CEO says too many Americans are virtually broke. "Capitalism [is] in crisis", says the Washington Post. "Popularism, grifters, and other carnival barkers prevail", says commentator Barry Ritholtz. Be careful or we'll have Trump for four more years says the overall op/ed from the Seattle Times via The Columbian (04/28/19). Read the piece at - LINK.
A recounting of Trump lies
Greg Jayne, our very own Columbian Editorial page editor, recounts recent significant lies of Trump. It's a very readable op/ed and even points out that Sen Lindsay Graham (R-S.C.) has "lost his soul". LINK
TPP is going on without us...
Catherine Rampell is an editorial writer for the Washington Post. She has explored the recent status of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPA-TPP). This was expected to be a terrific economic boon to all 12 negotiating countries. "The original TPP contained measures to lower both non-tariff and tariff barriers to trade,[11] and establish an investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) mechanism.[12][13] The U.S. International Trade Commission,[14] the Peterson Institute for International Economics, the World Bank and the Office of the Chief Economist at Global Affairs Canada found the final agreement would, if ratified, lead to net positive economic outcomes for all signatories, while an analysis using an alternative methodology by two Tufts University economists found the agreement would adversely affect the signatories.[Note 1] Many observers have argued the trade deal would have served a geopolitical purpose, namely to reduce the signatories' dependence on Chinese trade and bring the signatories closer to the United States. After Trump refused US participation, the pact was renegotiated with the remaining 11 countries and renamed the ed Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership" [from Wikipedia -LINK].
Rampell notes that, "This means that dozens of other countries now benefit from changes we persuaded Japan to make. And our farmers are about to lose out, big time." Read her op/ed piece - LINK.
And currently Trump is negotiating a new, separate trade deal solely with Japan. He predicts success, but why take us out of one deal and then try to put us in another? We'll see. An AP article about the Japan negotiations is at - LINK.
Rampell notes that, "This means that dozens of other countries now benefit from changes we persuaded Japan to make. And our farmers are about to lose out, big time." Read her op/ed piece - LINK.
And currently Trump is negotiating a new, separate trade deal solely with Japan. He predicts success, but why take us out of one deal and then try to put us in another? We'll see. An AP article about the Japan negotiations is at - LINK.
Kim Jong Un in Russia
Trump is not doing so well making nice with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un. Kim has taken his train to Vladivostok Russia where he is meeting with Russian President to seek work-arounds to the US imposed sanctions. More sanctions were imposed when Trump's last summit to limit nuclearization and rocket testing by the North Koreans failed. Read the article in Bloomberg News - LINK
"I miss it, too"
The comic strip "Pearls Before Swine" by Stephan Pastis summarizes itself as "At its heart, Pearls Before Swine is the comic strip tale of two friends: an arrogant Rat who thinks he knows it all and a slow-witted Pig who doesn't know any better. Together, this pair offers caustic commentary on humanity's quest for the unattainable." The strip for Wednesday April 24 was nicely caustic.
More presidential candidates
It's still less than 100 but it's a lot of competitors - nineteen Democrats and two Republicans. Keep up with Politico at LINK
Thanks, Bob!
The Mueller Report is out and catching fire. About 12% is redacted. Two major points are clear: 1) Russia interfered in the 2016 Presidential Election, and Trump knew it, and 2) Trump did lots to stop the Mueller investigation into him and his election. As Mueller points out, the DOJ policy is to not prosecute a sitting president, so to accuse him now would be unfair in that he would not be able to appear in court and defend himself. Instead, Mueller lays out a path to prosecution after Trump is out of office. Let's make that happen!
On William Barr...
One may have had hopes for the honesty, or uprightness, or legitimacy of William Barr, the newest Attorney General picked by Trump, but the scales are off our eyes. He is a Trumper through and through. He is hiding the Mueller report. He is being disingenuous in every way. He does not act like a lawyer or a lawman or an upholder of the law - he acts like a full blown politician left over from some previous era. An Associated Press article talking about him using the word "spying" says his remarks "aligned him with the president at a time when Barr's independence is under scrutiny". LINK to Article
Describing Trump's opposite for President
Kathleen Parker, of The Washington Post, harks back to Plato and "The Republic" seeking the ideal leader for the US. It will have to be the opposite of Trump. Have we found such a person in the field of candidates now running? Read the inspiring piece - LINK
Support our Jay Inslee for Prez to get him into the debates
Our most esteemed Governor, Jay Inslee, is running for President! Be Proud!. He is the Climate Change Candidate - a unique and worthy distinction. Has he got a chance? Of course, he does. Jimmy Carter was once at last place and rose in the polls to be come President!
The rules for the televised debate are such that to gain admission to a podium one must meet minimum dollar and donor limits. So let's have Jay be part of the national debate! Donate to his campaign in any amount to get him on the stage! Here's the LINK to a donation screen.
This link talks about his CNN Town Hall. If you missed it, here's some places to get highlights of the Town Hall - LINK1, LINK2
The rules for the televised debate are such that to gain admission to a podium one must meet minimum dollar and donor limits. So let's have Jay be part of the national debate! Donate to his campaign in any amount to get him on the stage! Here's the LINK to a donation screen.
This link talks about his CNN Town Hall. If you missed it, here's some places to get highlights of the Town Hall - LINK1, LINK2
Which part of 'we' are you?
Leonard Pitts of the Miami Herald points out that people say, "We haven't even completely integrated blacks into the American culture", even though blacks have been contributing to the US for 400 years and have been freed for over 150 years. And who is "WE"? This is a thought provoking piece.
What if whites fall into a minority in the future? Link to op/ed piece
What if whites fall into a minority in the future? Link to op/ed piece
WA Dems opt for Primary
After the 2016 primary caucuses, Jaxon Ravens, then chair of the WA State Democrats, said "We've outgrown the caucuses". And now the members of the WA State Democratic Central Committee representing all districts and counties of Washington have voted for a primary ballot election rather than caucuses.. Delegates numbers to the national convention will be calculated based on the ballot count count. Who becomes a delegate will be decided by applying and local vote of Legislative District members at an LD Caucus in the early spring of 2020. A reasonable decision.
WA smoking age raised to 21
The Washington State legislature was supported by Governor Inslee in raising the smoking age to 21. Which begs the questions: Why do we need cigarettes at all? And, How long will we continue to subsidize tobacco farmers? LINK to article.
Did you ever smoke. Was it hard to quit? You bet it was! Here's an article on why they're so bad and so addictive. Link to addiction
Did you ever smoke. Was it hard to quit? You bet it was! Here's an article on why they're so bad and so addictive. Link to addiction
Tim Eyeman got slapped
Karma is real. Tim Eyman was brought up on charges and is not getting off lightly. It's a repeat of 2002. See Seattle Times articie - LINK
Trump seems more imbalanced
You've heard some weird comments from the mouth of Trump lately, but there are some in this op/ed by Jennifer Rubin of the Washington Post that you may not have heard - and he's getting more incoherent rapidly. LINK
Socialism is not a danger
Our own Greg Jayne, editorial page editor fro The Columbian, explains away Socialism. It's not what we are and it's not what we are becoming. Therefore not to worry. Capitalism has it faults as time passes - it creates wealth disparity. That particular problem was fettered years ago via federal tax brackets that taxed the rich up to 75%, but that correction to regressive taxes has been significantly eroded away by the R's. Read what is and isn't socialism, and the way some R's are trying to use the word as a cudgel to scare voters. LINK
Bernie is a demagogue like Trump
Dana Milbank of the Washington Post produced an op/ed (04/04/19) recently comparing Bernie Sanders and his empty rants to Trump and his similar blathering. Certainly he stopped short of attributing Trump's race-baiting and fact-avoiding to Bernie but the "impractical promises with vague details" and nostalgia are attributable. Read to piece - LINK
Release the Mueller report
Attorney General Barr is withholding the Mueller Report apparently to reduce the taint it seems to provide on Trump. Barr provided a summary in place of the summary that Mueller provided. This kind of cover-up occurred with Nixon in the 70'/s and it failed then and it will fail now.
World madness continues
Brunei. The tiny nation of Brunei has ruled that gays may be stoned to death. Brunei is a tiny nation on the island of Borneo MAP. Civil rights groups are protesting. LINK .
Saudi Arabia. Satellite surveillance reveals what seems to be the building of a nuclear reactor in central Saudi Arabia. It's nearly built. The Saudis have not sought arrangements with the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna. Legitimate nuclear fuel providers will not provide such to Saudi Arabia until Agency provisions are made to secure their allegiance to not develop nuclear weapons. LINK
Saudi Arabia. Satellite surveillance reveals what seems to be the building of a nuclear reactor in central Saudi Arabia. It's nearly built. The Saudis have not sought arrangements with the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna. Legitimate nuclear fuel providers will not provide such to Saudi Arabia until Agency provisions are made to secure their allegiance to not develop nuclear weapons. LINK
Bring on the matriarchy
There's a general belief that matriarchal societies are more peaceful that patriarchal societies. True or not, a new way of thinking of life and what's important to life is resoundingly necessary. In this regard Kathleen Parker of the Washington Post points out the 'old white men' syndrome ain't cuttin' it. The times are changing and America needs to adapt or continue to die. Apologizing for past behavior will not work either. Reminding people of old wrongs and hurts will just reopen old wounds and engender mistrust. Move forward and embrace the new day.
Trump got one thing right - embracing those "white voters who feel marginalized". That's not to sya he will help them - he is just capitalizing on their fears. Fears of change. There is a warning in her words that Democrats must unite or suffer Trump even longer. Let's not! Read her Op/Ed - LINK
Trump got one thing right - embracing those "white voters who feel marginalized". That's not to sya he will help them - he is just capitalizing on their fears. Fears of change. There is a warning in her words that Democrats must unite or suffer Trump even longer. Let's not! Read her Op/Ed - LINK
Mueller or not, here we come
Bob Mueller is no fool, according to his reputation, and he just may have set some additional forces in motion that will engulf the worst president of this country. Mueller approached from the campaign side. Now more attacks are happening on other, multiple fronts: Kushner's security, the inauguration fund, the Trump company, Trump's tax returns and more. No person has the right to flaunt disrespect of the public, disregard for the law , and scoff at the standards of this country, and expect to go unpunished.
Jay Inslee for President
Washington Governor Jay Inslee is on fire. He made a great showing on Rachel Maddow's show on MSNBC earlier this month, and this past Saturday he showed his vigor and drive at the home of Don and Alona Steinke in Camas. The crowd was wall-to-wall and very excited at the prospect of our Governor becoming President. Jay has carved a niche for himself in promoting action against climate change. It is a valuable and viable position and gives him a unique place among the current field of contenders.
It's important to donate to Jay's campaign now so that he'll pass the threshold donor number to be eligible for the upcoming debates. The donor minimum is 65,000, so give anything to help reach that number. Donate at - LINK
It's important to donate to Jay's campaign now so that he'll pass the threshold donor number to be eligible for the upcoming debates. The donor minimum is 65,000, so give anything to help reach that number. Donate at - LINK
Governor Jay Inslee at Don & Alona Steinke's Saturday March 23, 2019 making a compelling presentation for President
Pacific County Democrats 94th Crab Feed
As usual the Pacific County Crab Feed was a big success. The speeches were fun and to the point, attendee spirits were very high and the crab was delicious. Several people spoke and are shown below. Our own Ian Coker spoke in his position of elected representative to the WA State Democratic Party Executive Board for the 3rd Congressional District.
Left to Right: Derek Kilmer; 6th CD Congressman, Bob Ferguson; WA Attorney General, Tina Podlodowski; WA State Democratic Chair, Carolyn Long; 2018 Candidate for 3rd CD Congressperson.
Summarizing our U.S. image
Ann McFeatters of the Tribune News Service recently (03/20/19) wrote a neat summary of where the country is and where it should go. We're in trouble with this president, and the immoral support given him by his party, but we are Americans and that means we have vision, capability and grit. We should select a presidential nominee that a.) can beat the pants off Trump, and b.) put the US back on a track that we respect. Read the Op/Ed piece - LINK
Prescription for 2020
Local Politics 2019!
The topic today is growing Democrats’ energy in Clark County.
Trump got elected by some lopsided events.
Bernie siphoned off some peoples’ attitudes and votes with his very progressive list of 10.
Bernie voters voted for Jill Stein, rather than for Hillary.
The Electoral College defeated the large popular vote margin.
The popularity of Trump’s misogynist, racist planks was underestimated.
Now that Trump has passed the 2-year point, it’s becoming even more evident that his standards and directions are destroying this country. He opts for misogyny, and racism. He supports his own ability to make money from being in the office. He sides with dictators like Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin because they fit the role model he aspires to – dictator. He lies about his achievements to nurture his narcissism. He increases the wealth disparity among citizens by giving breaks to the wealthy. He refuses to abate climate change. He hires thugs and miscreants to every level of office. And the Republicans in Congress sit on their hands and let him run this country into the dirt both nationally and internationally because some of the things he does suit them, even though the things they ignore, are immoral or illegal. Who’s more at shame here – The R’s or the president?
It is imperative that the Democrats of this country unite to nominate and elect a supportable, winning candidate that will take back the office. An furthermore that candidate must be able to beat any Republican that runs. Consider, that if a less blatant R runs for president, that some of Trump’s base will shift over to that person along with the R’s who recognize Trump is unsuitable to represent this country. Unless we run a very ‘winning’. likable, popular Democrat, we could lose the office to the R’s and be stuck in the current quagmire.
We also need to keep the House and take the Senate! Don’t forget that.
Locally what does that mean?
In Clark County we have 3 full Legislative Districts, each with a local Democratic organization and the ability to vote for 2 State Representatives and 1 State Senator. We have a countywide Democratic organization that assists in promoting County offices like Treasurer, Assessor, and Councilperson.
Clark County voters make up about 2/3’s of the electorate for the 3rd Congressional District which sends forth a person to the United States House of Representatives. Two US Senators are elected statewide. Clark County is one of 39 counties in Washington State.
We, as Clark County Dem ocrats have go to rally ourselves into a coherent, unified voice or risk losing to the R’s once again. Washington is a Democratic State, but Clark County can look pretty foolish lately in the people that are elected in the area.
We must start knocking on doors and meeting our neighbors so that we move forward to achieve our baseline, common goals – things like wealth equality, gender and racial equality, clean water and air, climate change mitigation, and other basic values that have been supported by President Obama and crushed by Trump – Like heath care.
There will be people calling you to volunteer and to give you ways to get involved – even if it’s only for conversation and to answer your questions. But volunteering to carry the message forward and interact with your own neighbors will be optimum.
We are at a crisis point in our country and have to get people concerned to do the right thing to get off of this backwards path we are currently on.
The topic today is growing Democrats’ energy in Clark County.
Trump got elected by some lopsided events.
Bernie siphoned off some peoples’ attitudes and votes with his very progressive list of 10.
Bernie voters voted for Jill Stein, rather than for Hillary.
The Electoral College defeated the large popular vote margin.
The popularity of Trump’s misogynist, racist planks was underestimated.
Now that Trump has passed the 2-year point, it’s becoming even more evident that his standards and directions are destroying this country. He opts for misogyny, and racism. He supports his own ability to make money from being in the office. He sides with dictators like Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin because they fit the role model he aspires to – dictator. He lies about his achievements to nurture his narcissism. He increases the wealth disparity among citizens by giving breaks to the wealthy. He refuses to abate climate change. He hires thugs and miscreants to every level of office. And the Republicans in Congress sit on their hands and let him run this country into the dirt both nationally and internationally because some of the things he does suit them, even though the things they ignore, are immoral or illegal. Who’s more at shame here – The R’s or the president?
It is imperative that the Democrats of this country unite to nominate and elect a supportable, winning candidate that will take back the office. An furthermore that candidate must be able to beat any Republican that runs. Consider, that if a less blatant R runs for president, that some of Trump’s base will shift over to that person along with the R’s who recognize Trump is unsuitable to represent this country. Unless we run a very ‘winning’. likable, popular Democrat, we could lose the office to the R’s and be stuck in the current quagmire.
We also need to keep the House and take the Senate! Don’t forget that.
Locally what does that mean?
In Clark County we have 3 full Legislative Districts, each with a local Democratic organization and the ability to vote for 2 State Representatives and 1 State Senator. We have a countywide Democratic organization that assists in promoting County offices like Treasurer, Assessor, and Councilperson.
Clark County voters make up about 2/3’s of the electorate for the 3rd Congressional District which sends forth a person to the United States House of Representatives. Two US Senators are elected statewide. Clark County is one of 39 counties in Washington State.
We, as Clark County Dem ocrats have go to rally ourselves into a coherent, unified voice or risk losing to the R’s once again. Washington is a Democratic State, but Clark County can look pretty foolish lately in the people that are elected in the area.
We must start knocking on doors and meeting our neighbors so that we move forward to achieve our baseline, common goals – things like wealth equality, gender and racial equality, clean water and air, climate change mitigation, and other basic values that have been supported by President Obama and crushed by Trump – Like heath care.
There will be people calling you to volunteer and to give you ways to get involved – even if it’s only for conversation and to answer your questions. But volunteering to carry the message forward and interact with your own neighbors will be optimum.
We are at a crisis point in our country and have to get people concerned to do the right thing to get off of this backwards path we are currently on.
Trump threatens
On Thursday March 14, Trump told Breitbart news that his support from the military and Bikers for Trump is huge and if they get tough, things could get very, very bad. It seemed he was once again rallying rightist radicals to make trouble for anyone against Trump. Shades of Putin, who does have Bikers for Putin. He seems to have withdrawn his remarks since a New Zealot zealot who upholds Trump's white supremacy leadership attacked two mosques there yesterday. Link to Putin reference.. LINK to 2nd article
Beto is running
Beto O'Rourke has joined the race for President 2020 against Trump, and a multitude of Democrats. Beto, you surely remember, is an El Paso, Texas former US Congressman who ran unsuccessfully against Ted Cruz for US Senator in 2018. He's 46, married and seems to be fairly left of center.
See all the 2020 runners at LINK
See all the 2020 runners at LINK
Prez Primary or Caucus?
Our State legislature has voted on, and Governor Inslee has OK'd, a plan to have a 2020 presidential primary election in March of 2020 instead of May. That will bring more Washington state involvement by presidential candidates. [The Columbian article, 03/15/19, LINK)
All to the good, it seems. The Washington State Democratic Party has yet to decide whether it will use the results of the primary Ballot, or conduct precinct caucuses to determine delegates for the presidential nomination. Many would rather forgo the implied openness of precinct caucuses because of the hurly-burly of 2016. Indeed it was a circus. The turnout for precinct caucuses is usually much lower than the number of people who turn in Primary ballots. In 2016, the were 3.5 times more ballots than caucus attendees. but with totally different results.
So we're having a primary in WA state at a cost of $12 million. The ballots will require voters to state their party affiliation, so there will be more data about voters' party preference available. The R's will likely commit all their delegates to Trump, like the Dems did in 2012 for Obama.
If you would care to weigh in on the WA State Dems decision, here's the LINK
All to the good, it seems. The Washington State Democratic Party has yet to decide whether it will use the results of the primary Ballot, or conduct precinct caucuses to determine delegates for the presidential nomination. Many would rather forgo the implied openness of precinct caucuses because of the hurly-burly of 2016. Indeed it was a circus. The turnout for precinct caucuses is usually much lower than the number of people who turn in Primary ballots. In 2016, the were 3.5 times more ballots than caucus attendees. but with totally different results.
So we're having a primary in WA state at a cost of $12 million. The ballots will require voters to state their party affiliation, so there will be more data about voters' party preference available. The R's will likely commit all their delegates to Trump, like the Dems did in 2012 for Obama.
If you would care to weigh in on the WA State Dems decision, here's the LINK
Trump's budget is "whackadoodle"
Here's a very substantive and descriptive piece by Catherine Rampell of the Washington Post on March 13, 2019. In general, Trump's budget defies several of his campaign promises - to balance the budget and keep Medicare whole - and continues to show his deep disdain for anyone but the rich. His budget balance the budget "on the backs of the most vulnerable". It will exacerbate poverty, uninsured rolls, and shrink opportunity. Here's a link to Rampell's piece - LINK
We thought Nixon was bad. We thought George W Bush was bad. This guy is a wanna-be Kim Jong Un. He's reckless and dangerous. We must unite and remove this guy in 2020. We have to run a Democrat that can win the country. And if the R's run a "reasonable" candidate for president - one that has a real chance of winning, then our nominee must be capable of beating their strong candidate. Would that be a far left-leaning person or a centrist? The arguments are still going on over where on the progressive-conservative scale our candidate must be to win. It's going to take a strong leftist to roll back the Trump devastation, but can that person even get elected?!
We thought Nixon was bad. We thought George W Bush was bad. This guy is a wanna-be Kim Jong Un. He's reckless and dangerous. We must unite and remove this guy in 2020. We have to run a Democrat that can win the country. And if the R's run a "reasonable" candidate for president - one that has a real chance of winning, then our nominee must be capable of beating their strong candidate. Would that be a far left-leaning person or a centrist? The arguments are still going on over where on the progressive-conservative scale our candidate must be to win. It's going to take a strong leftist to roll back the Trump devastation, but can that person even get elected?!
Vancouver City Council 2019
Discover Diana Perez as a Vancouver City Council candidate. Diana is running for what turns out to be Turlay's seat; it was thought he wouldn't run. Enjoy a Columbian article from February - LINK.
Sarah Fox is also running. She was interviewed by The Columbian - LINK
Sarah Fox is also running. She was interviewed by The Columbian - LINK
Fox News is a "propaganda machine" - DNC correct
Leonard Pitts, Miami Herald OpEd writer clearly agrees that Fox News should be denied hosting a Democratic Presidential debate. Fox is not a news network. They are a propaganda machine. He notes that Fox has not been allowed to host a Democratic debate in more than 15 years. Catch the whole article at LINK.
WA Gov Inslee announces Prez run 2020
Jay was on Rachel Maddow's Show Monday 03/04/19 at 6:00 PM PST on MSNBC. -
See video of the interview - LINK
See video of the interview - LINK
Our most wonderful Governor Jay Inslee announced Fri March 1, 2019 that he is running for President in 2020 as the climate change candidate. This designation will distinguish him from the others in the race. At this writing his appears to be the least known and least likely to win. All of that can change, as it did for Jimmy Carter. Jay has enough time to test his popularity opportunities and his fund-raising abilities and, if deemed not significant, he will run for the a third term as Governor. Sounds like an excellent plan.
The Columbian Editorial Page Editor did a nice review of Jay's opportunity on Sum March 3, 2019 - LINK
The Columbian Editorial Page Editor did a nice review of Jay's opportunity on Sum March 3, 2019 - LINK
Michael Cohen - theatrics or contrition.
Michael Cohen, Trump's long time lawyer and fixer testified before a Congressional committee, again, on Feb 27, 2019. The first time he lied to Congress to cover up questionable (read 'illegal') acts by Trump. He plead guilty and is going to jail. At this newest hearing, Cohen appears contrite and wanting to do the right thing for his country and his family. This newest testimony places Trump in a very bad light for illegal use of campaign funds and promoting his business interests while campaigning, among others. While little of Cohen's testimony provides directly actionable issues against Trump, it does offer windows into where additional explorations should be made into Trump's family and business dealings.
There are many, many articles about the Cohen testimony. here are links to 2 of interest: LINK1. LINK2.
One of the most elegant products of the Cohen hearing was the final conclusion remarks by Chair Elijah Cummings - VIDEO LINK.
There are many, many articles about the Cohen testimony. here are links to 2 of interest: LINK1. LINK2.
One of the most elegant products of the Cohen hearing was the final conclusion remarks by Chair Elijah Cummings - VIDEO LINK.
Democrats are anti-semitic
Democrats are anti-semitic, baby killers, and socialists - or so say the Republicans. The R's are up to their regular tricks including short, terse, insulting phrases to denigrate and defame Democrats. They don't deal with facts, they deal with ridicule, overstatements, and lies. The Democrats don't do this stuff to candidates (well, sometimes their own candidates) because for the most part Democrats think on a higher plain of honesty, facts, and good will. Gotta remember that politics is a blood sport. Read the New York Times article so you know what to expect. It's important to not be surprised. LINK
Green New Deal has great goals
Leonard Pitts of the Miami Herald says don't be too quick to poo poo the Green New Deal. He says we can have, should have, must have goals and the GND is loaded with noble goals. Read the whole article by Pitts at LINK.
If we can go to the moon, why can't we eliminate fossil fuel. In fact, why haven't we already done so?
It begs the question - which path is more feasible for the Democratic Party: to be centrist and mainstream, or to be way left. In fact look at the direction several of the 2020 Democratic Presidential candidates have taken. They are going left. They are picking up the Bernie Sanders mantle. It's all a result of Trump - he is so awful, and has so completely moved the USA backwards in every aspect, that bold moves are called for to stop the country's collapse.
If we can go to the moon, why can't we eliminate fossil fuel. In fact, why haven't we already done so?
It begs the question - which path is more feasible for the Democratic Party: to be centrist and mainstream, or to be way left. In fact look at the direction several of the 2020 Democratic Presidential candidates have taken. They are going left. They are picking up the Bernie Sanders mantle. It's all a result of Trump - he is so awful, and has so completely moved the USA backwards in every aspect, that bold moves are called for to stop the country's collapse.
Tim Eyeman shoplifts?
The video is pretty incriminating that shows Tim Eyeman - our own WA initiative nemesis - trying out a swivel office chair at Home Depot, then taking it out of the store. After that he returned and bought a two printers but neglected to mention the chair that he'd already taken. Tsk, tsk, Tim! The store is following up. Read The Columbian article - LINK
Rep Vicki Kraft wants to stifle Sex Ed
State Representative Vicki Kraft went out of her way in Olympia recently to testify before the WA Senate Early Learning and K-12 Educastion Committee on Bill 5395 which "would require every public school to provide comprehensive sexual health education, which is currently optional in Washington" (The Columbian, APIL, 02/15/19). The design is to promote healthy knowledge and therefore encourage intelligent response to sexual situations.
Kraft pointed out the similar question raised last fall in Battle Ground. You may recall that County Councilor Eileen Quiring went out of her way to testify at Battle Ground against such sex education.
Kraft thinks "It is teaching young children how to have sex". Chris Reykdal, the WA superintendent of Education, says there is an epidemic of sexual abuse to 1 of 3 girls and 1 of 6 boys and not teaching proper process and respect is dangerous, and that the program does not teach sex, nor promote sex; that is is biology and health based. He equates opting to omit the sex ed curriculum as similar to schools that have eliminated teaching geometry, or about the Holocaust.
Surely providing accurate biologic and medical information is the best way to proceed. Read the article at LINK.
Kraft pointed out the similar question raised last fall in Battle Ground. You may recall that County Councilor Eileen Quiring went out of her way to testify at Battle Ground against such sex education.
Kraft thinks "It is teaching young children how to have sex". Chris Reykdal, the WA superintendent of Education, says there is an epidemic of sexual abuse to 1 of 3 girls and 1 of 6 boys and not teaching proper process and respect is dangerous, and that the program does not teach sex, nor promote sex; that is is biology and health based. He equates opting to omit the sex ed curriculum as similar to schools that have eliminated teaching geometry, or about the Holocaust.
Surely providing accurate biologic and medical information is the best way to proceed. Read the article at LINK.
'GOP tax cuts a scam', says local editor
The editorial page editor of The Columbian filled out his family tax forms recently and reports spending more in taxes this year than last. He asks how that could be possible in light of the 2017 "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Enjoy his tongue-in-cheek at LINK.
Trump's full Emergency remarks; and he didn't need an Emergency
Trump say's, "I didn't need to do this"; meaning he didn't need to declare a National Emergency, but did so to move things along faster. He says this in answer to an NBC reporters question about the use of the Emergency mechanism. Hear the complete utterance - LINK. He also says he has so much money, he doesn't know what to do with it. He ties the urgency to the 2020 election. Oh, really?!
The complete Rose Garden speech wherein he finally announced the signing of the National Emergency for the Wall is an unstructured, rambling, unprofessional quantity of remarks ranging through China, North Korea, and finally the drug and human trafficking pouring into the US from the south. The entire speech is available at LINK.
The complete Rose Garden speech wherein he finally announced the signing of the National Emergency for the Wall is an unstructured, rambling, unprofessional quantity of remarks ranging through China, North Korea, and finally the drug and human trafficking pouring into the US from the south. The entire speech is available at LINK.
Stop the count down
The potential for another government shutdown at midnight Friday February 15 has been superceded by a bipartisan budget that Trump has signed. It contains $1.375 billion for enhanced southern border security, but is far short of Trump's demand for $5.7 billion that prompted the 35-day December shutdown.
Trump made a speech in the Rose Garden on Friday (02/15/19) reviewing the situation and announced he is declaring a national emergency to allow him to obtain the money he wants for the wall at a total of $8 billion. An article and parts of the haltingly delivered speech are at LINK.
Pushback to the emergency declaration has started based on the serious implications of his action. It may be unconstitutional. It may be a dangerous precedent for a president to do. It may be illegal. And it is based on a non-existent emrgency and a set of lies told by Trump about drugs, migrants, and human trafficking as if they occur at remote desert crossings. This is known to be not so. The drugs come accress at controlled border crossings in vehicles, and the immigration situation is far below emergency levels.
Trump made a speech in the Rose Garden on Friday (02/15/19) reviewing the situation and announced he is declaring a national emergency to allow him to obtain the money he wants for the wall at a total of $8 billion. An article and parts of the haltingly delivered speech are at LINK.
Pushback to the emergency declaration has started based on the serious implications of his action. It may be unconstitutional. It may be a dangerous precedent for a president to do. It may be illegal. And it is based on a non-existent emrgency and a set of lies told by Trump about drugs, migrants, and human trafficking as if they occur at remote desert crossings. This is known to be not so. The drugs come accress at controlled border crossings in vehicles, and the immigration situation is far below emergency levels.
Speaker Pelosi exhibits control
Speaker Pelosi 'applauds' Trump at 2019 State of the Union Speech
The Speaker of the House for 2019 is Nancy Pelosi and she is doing a great job. She stays cool and in control. Her reactions to Trumps SOTU speech were very much on display on 02/05/19 as she stood, she signaled, she applauded, and she eye rolled - all with minimal drama and maximum effectiveness. For all the innuendoes, read LINK
Trumps legal woes and Trumps 2020 campaign stacking
Two articles appeared in The Columbian 02/06/19 about background news of president Trump.
Legal. In case you were worried that he wasn't being be pursued, rest easy. here's more to come, and from multiple directions. Mueller ain't done, the Inaugural Committee is under investigation misuse and misappropriation of monies, and the campaign finance probe is still running. That's three things that can discredit Trump. Here's a good summary article - LINK.
Campaign Delegates. Trump's 2020 campaign team is trying to damp down any challenges to his run in 2020 by discouraging GOP contenders, by changing the rules on how nominations and delegate selection functions, and by seeing that dlegates and GOP party leaders are Trump supporters. It shows his fear and vulnerability. Read the article at LINK
Legal. In case you were worried that he wasn't being be pursued, rest easy. here's more to come, and from multiple directions. Mueller ain't done, the Inaugural Committee is under investigation misuse and misappropriation of monies, and the campaign finance probe is still running. That's three things that can discredit Trump. Here's a good summary article - LINK.
Campaign Delegates. Trump's 2020 campaign team is trying to damp down any challenges to his run in 2020 by discouraging GOP contenders, by changing the rules on how nominations and delegate selection functions, and by seeing that dlegates and GOP party leaders are Trump supporters. It shows his fear and vulnerability. Read the article at LINK
SOTU - Good for you?
Okay, we had the State of the Union address from Trump and it was just a tissue of lies and conceit, along with a plea to stop the 'investigations". He called for bipartisanship but did not state how, or acknowledge that he has caused most of the disruption. Read the Associated Press critique at LINK.
For the entire SOTU - LINK
For the entire SOTU - LINK
US Intel contradicts Trump's emergencies
It keeps getting scarier. The collective Intelligence agencies presented their Worldwide Threat Assessment Report on Tuesday (01/29/19). In it they stated the North Korean nuclear threat is unchanged, the Iran nuclear ban is functioning and there is no emergency at out southern border. Reported also was the capability of China to disrupt our natural gas lines and Russia to disrupt our electrical supply grid. Trump disagrees insultingly. LINK
Kamala Harris impresses; Schultz does not
Sen Kamala Harris D-CA
Sen Kamala Harris (Say 'KOM-ala') has hit the ground running. She kicked off in Oakland - her hometown with a crowd of over 20,000. Check out her speech on YouTube, She comes on at 56:30 - LINK
Billionaire Howard Schultz, retired CEO of Starbucks, is toying with a presidential bid. He is talking about running as an Independent, although he says he is a Democrat. Democratic leaders, including Washington State Democratic Chair Tina Podlodowski, are opposed to his choice as an independent. They feel he will draw enough votes nationally as an Independent to split the vote with the Democratic nominee and allow Trump to be President again.
Two facts have surfaced about Howard Schultz recently. Since 2005, he has only voted in 11 of 38 elections. Not impressive. Additionally, his response to Elizabeth Warren's proposed wealth tax was "ridiculous". Her proposal is anything but ridiculous. Income disparity in this country is symptomatic with the reign by billionaire white men and the cause of the degradation of the middle class and the money struggles of all common Americans.
Billionaire Howard Schultz, retired CEO of Starbucks, is toying with a presidential bid. He is talking about running as an Independent, although he says he is a Democrat. Democratic leaders, including Washington State Democratic Chair Tina Podlodowski, are opposed to his choice as an independent. They feel he will draw enough votes nationally as an Independent to split the vote with the Democratic nominee and allow Trump to be President again.
Two facts have surfaced about Howard Schultz recently. Since 2005, he has only voted in 11 of 38 elections. Not impressive. Additionally, his response to Elizabeth Warren's proposed wealth tax was "ridiculous". Her proposal is anything but ridiculous. Income disparity in this country is symptomatic with the reign by billionaire white men and the cause of the degradation of the middle class and the money struggles of all common Americans.
Air Traffic Controllers impacted shutdown
During the 35-day partial government shutdown, thew 14,000 air traffic controllers were expected to work with out pay. Thier rules require them to be especially fit, healthy, and worry free or not to report for work. With all the strife and trying to moonlight to pay bills, absences were high during the shutdown. On the final Friday morning absenteeism caused a shutdown at LaGuardia airport in New York. That is believed to have help push Trump to a shutdown repeal. Read more at LINK.
The effect of the air traffic controllers is also noted by Danny Westneat of The Seattle Times. He also shares a good overview of the shutdown, it's ill-conceived cause and predictable end in an article - LINK
The effect of the air traffic controllers is also noted by Danny Westneat of The Seattle Times. He also shares a good overview of the shutdown, it's ill-conceived cause and predictable end in an article - LINK
Koch Brothers
The Koch brothers are two very rich industrialists who made their money in oil in Wichita, Kansas. They are also the current owners of Georgia-Pacific Paper Company including the Camas WA plant. They rank high on the billionaire scale being somewhere around 12th richest in the world. They are Libertarians and strongly support the Republican party. Interestingly, they do not support Trump.
A recent fundraiser by brother Charles (brother David has retired with poor health) raised upwards of $64 million dollars. The Koch Foundation partially funds the Olympia WA Freedom Foundation. 17th LD State Rep Vickie Kraft is associated with the Freedom Foundation. An article about their recent fundraiser appeared in The Columbian (01/26/19) - LINK
A recent fundraiser by brother Charles (brother David has retired with poor health) raised upwards of $64 million dollars. The Koch Foundation partially funds the Olympia WA Freedom Foundation. 17th LD State Rep Vickie Kraft is associated with the Freedom Foundation. An article about their recent fundraiser appeared in The Columbian (01/26/19) - LINK
Venezuela?!
The country of is Venezuela is located right at the top of South America in the East side so it has both Caribbean and Atlantic coasts. It has the worlds largest oil reserves. Currently there is significant unemployment an rampant inflation. The current President is Nicolas Maduro. He is challenged by the opposition leader Juan Guaido who has declared himself the person in charge because Maduro was elected in a fraudulent election. The European Union has said "they would follow the US and others in recognizing Guaido unless Venezuela calls new presidential elections within eight days". The Russians support Maduro. The Venezuelan Foreign Minister says they are a sovereign nation and for everybody to stop trying to interfere. The article is at - LINK
Here also is a good BBC article on the overall Venezuelan situation and includes some why's - LINK
Maduro, on Wednesday, had given the US embassy crew 3 days to leave but rescinded that order on Saturday and instead established a 30 day window for a "US interests Office" to open talks with the US.
These international conflicts are always about money. So the question remains, why has Trump jumped so fast to side with Juan Guaido? Is it oil, or just Trump being arbitrary? Is it just a distraction? Is it important?
Here also is a good BBC article on the overall Venezuelan situation and includes some why's - LINK
Maduro, on Wednesday, had given the US embassy crew 3 days to leave but rescinded that order on Saturday and instead established a 30 day window for a "US interests Office" to open talks with the US.
These international conflicts are always about money. So the question remains, why has Trump jumped so fast to side with Juan Guaido? Is it oil, or just Trump being arbitrary? Is it just a distraction? Is it important?
The Columbian Editorial Sun Jan 27
Editorial Page Editor Greg Jayne has summarized the recent shutdown perfectly - emphasizing that Trumps tantrum for Wall funding did not occur until the Democrats took over the House. Oh yeah - then Trump can blame the Dems for the lack of funding, the shutdown, yada, yada. Only it didn't work that way. Read the entire editorial - LINK
Bulletin - Government reopened for 3 weeks.
Trump got no money for the ridiculous Wall in the Fri 01/25/19 agreement to reopen the federal government for three weeks while bipartisan congressional negotiations are held to consider the best approaches for southern border security and immigration policies in general. An initial report is at LINK.
So many things to know about...
- The news is full of stuff to absorb:
1. Trump is cruel. - Eugene Robinson is a well spoken, black op/ed writer for the Washington Post and appears on MSNBC often. His editorial of 01/21/19 appeared in The Columbian - LINK. He talks about the meanness of Donald Trump and his clear actions as a bully, and the repercussions to the country.
2. Venezuela -US Strife. - Trump has told Venezuela that he supports the opposition leader, Juan Guaido, as head of their country. The current head of the country, Maduro, has ordered the US Embassy in Venezuela closed and all US staff to leave. An AP article in The Columbian (01/25/19) says, "Tensions have soared between the two nations after Trump recognized Guaido - LINK.
3. Democratic Presidential Runners 2020. - There are several people running for President in 2020 that have already announced. Others are on the verge. So far the announced list is (each name is a link to more information):
(Source: Ballotopedia.com)
Additonal links to Rachel Maddow interviews:
- Amy Klobuchar - MN Senator - Rachel Maddow interview
- Cory Booker - NJ Senator
- Kamala Harris - CA senator - LINK to Rachel Maddow Video
- Kirsten Gillibrand - NY Senator - Link to Rachel Maddow interview
- Elizabeth Warren - MA Senator - Link to Rachel Maddow interview
- Jay Inslee (WA Gov) - Link to dynamic Rachel Maddow interview.
4. Union Boost. The Supreme Court decision on Janus vs AFSCME went positive for the union, surprisingly, and thanks to Judge Samuel Alioto. Read the editorial by Dana Milbank of the Washington Post - LINK
1. Trump is cruel. - Eugene Robinson is a well spoken, black op/ed writer for the Washington Post and appears on MSNBC often. His editorial of 01/21/19 appeared in The Columbian - LINK. He talks about the meanness of Donald Trump and his clear actions as a bully, and the repercussions to the country.
2. Venezuela -US Strife. - Trump has told Venezuela that he supports the opposition leader, Juan Guaido, as head of their country. The current head of the country, Maduro, has ordered the US Embassy in Venezuela closed and all US staff to leave. An AP article in The Columbian (01/25/19) says, "Tensions have soared between the two nations after Trump recognized Guaido - LINK.
3. Democratic Presidential Runners 2020. - There are several people running for President in 2020 that have already announced. Others are on the verge. So far the announced list is (each name is a link to more information):
(Source: Ballotopedia.com)
- Cory Booker (D)
- Pete Buttigieg (D)
- Julian Castro (D)
- John Delaney (D)
- Tulsi Gabbard (D)
- Kirsten Gillibrand (D)
- Kamala Harris (D)
- John Hickenlooper (D)
- Jay Inslee (D)
- Amy Klobuchar (D)
- Wayne Messam (D)
- Beto O'Rourke (D)
- Bernie Sanders (I)
- Donald Trump (R)
- Elizabeth Warren (D)
- Bill Weld (R)
- Marianne Williamson (D)
- Andrew Yang (D)
Additonal links to Rachel Maddow interviews:
- Amy Klobuchar - MN Senator - Rachel Maddow interview
- Cory Booker - NJ Senator
- Kamala Harris - CA senator - LINK to Rachel Maddow Video
- Kirsten Gillibrand - NY Senator - Link to Rachel Maddow interview
- Elizabeth Warren - MA Senator - Link to Rachel Maddow interview
- Jay Inslee (WA Gov) - Link to dynamic Rachel Maddow interview.
4. Union Boost. The Supreme Court decision on Janus vs AFSCME went positive for the union, surprisingly, and thanks to Judge Samuel Alioto. Read the editorial by Dana Milbank of the Washington Post - LINK
Open the Government, Donald.
Do you not care anything about the people of the USA? Are you really only only interested in satisfying your ego with a phony campaign promise of a ridiculous and ineffectual Wall? Oops, forgot who I was talking to!
Trumped up...
"If you're far enough removed to see the Federal Government shutdown from 10,000 feet - meaning you're not behind in your rent because of it - then the scenarios playing out are interesting, illuminating and sort of comical.
Trump made the ridiculous promise to his base that he would build a wall - "a big, beautiful wall", on our southern border. Moreover he promised that Mexico would pay for it, but we all knew that wouldn't happen.
When he didn't get The Wall money approved by Congress, he wouldn't sign the budget and thereby unfunded about 20-25 of the federal government and let those offices and employees shutter or work unpaid, affecting about 800,000 people. This amounts to a pretty big temper tantrum on his part affecting a lot of people.
For the last 2 years his party has been in control of Congress and therefore budgeting. They provided him with a few dribs and drabs of money to add Patrol personnel and do some security work, but not much for Walls. From that it would appear the Republican-controlled Congress of the last 2 years did not support the Wall project very strongly. Now the Democrats control the House and Trump has waited until their control was imminent to make a standoff over $5.6 billion for The Wall. He waited until now so he could blame the Democrats because he knew the R's were not going to allocate the money either.
The Democrats are not for open borders or opposed to southern border security, and the bills and projects they have supported over the past 2-3 years demonstrate that. The Democrats, like so many Americans, including the Congressional R's apparently, do not think $5.6 billion for a Wall (be it steel, concrete, or whatever) is a wise way to spend money. Other techniques can have better capabilities in preventing illegal border crossings by humans and yet protect the property rights and the animal migrations that exist along the border and the Rio Grande in particular.
So Trump has made a 'trumped up' charge that there is a national emergency on the southern border and illegal aliens and drugs are pouring over the border. He quotes some bogus statistics to support that idiotic idea. He has been on TV once to tout the "emergency" and will do so again on Saturday January 20 at 3:00 PM Eastern. Oh my! What lies will he tell?!
Trump said he'd 'wear the mantle" and own the shutdown. That, like most of his promises, lasted a day or so, and then it became the Democrats fault and the Democrats who were endangering the country from the dire immigrant emergency. So House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, no newcomer to politics, 'trumped up' her own scenario. With the Government shutdown, there isn't enough security available to make the State of the Nation Address safe to give in the House of Representatives. Two can play the game it seems.
Trump responded by preventing Nancy Pelosi and her team from using a military plane to fly to Afghanistan and Brussels for a fact gathering mission. He said they need to stay home during the Shutdown - even though he went to the Middle East right after Christmas during the Shutdown.
All of which is a sad way to run the biggest, best country on Earth. One keeps searching for rational solutions to use. But 'rational' is not a word one can use concerning our irrational president.
INTERESTINGLY, The Columbian editorial (Sun Jan 20,2019) says some very similar things. Check it out at LINK
Shutdown Clock Stopped at 34 Days!
The Federal Government Shutdown began before Christmas last year and continued until Friday January 25, 2019.
Election is over - What next?
The Blue Wave did happen!...nationally!
It just wasn't evident in Clark County.
Nationally, Democrats must stand up and stand firm in the House and stop the degradation and destruction of our country and our morals and ethics.
THIS month - December - all the LD's (17, 18, 49) are electing officers. It's a 2-year term 2019/2020 - so it carries us thru the upcoming presidential election. Very important to elect officers that will be cognizant of pursuing candidates that are not only capable of doing the job but can win the election. No point in putting up a candidate that is uber-left and 'ideal', but cannot get 50+%. and actually win the office!
Kavanaugh at all costs for the R's
Kavanaugh was confirmed by the Senate 50-48. Closest vote ever on Supreme Court Confirmations.
The R's have bet their political lives on this vote. They voted like like good little machines in lock step formation. Just one or two viable brains? - Nope!
On SNL last week, Weekend Update commentater Michael Che said, "I just want to remind everybody that all this yelling and crying happened at this dude’s job interview, typically, when you’re asked about a sexual assault and your drinking problem at a job interview, you don’t get the damn job.”He added: “I don’t know if Mr. Kavanaugh actually has a history of assault or if he actually has a drinking problem, but I do know that he might. And you shouldn’t be on the Supreme Court if you might. You shouldn’t be on the ‘People’s Court’ if you might.” Too prophetic!
Che went on to say,"Why does it have to be him? You can’t just pick another dude from your Illuminati lizard meetings? Are Republicans so pro-life that you don’t even have a Plan B for this?”. The answer to this question is really interesting.
Kavanaugh was the only choice the R's could squeeze in before they LOST one or more chamber of the Federal Congress next month. They have deemed the midterms a loss!. To get the lifelong appointment of unruly, radical-right, partisan Kavanaugh on the Supreme Court bench, they ceded the election of next month.
The Republicans, in the face of the "credible" testimony of Dr Christine Blasey Ford, adjusted their perception of her to say, "Yes, she did have an ugly experience but it must have been with someone other than Kavanaugh." Ignore and distort the truth. This confirmation wasn't a court case requiring proofs - it was a job interview. If you smell something fishy, move on to the next candidate. But no time for that.
So put this trumped-up Supreme Court confirmation hearing on your long list of Republican lies that ignore fairness, honesty, and the credos of our country, and VOTE to make the Blue Wave taller and more real, and bring 2 people to the voting booth, or ballot, in our case.
The R's have bet their political lives on this vote. They voted like like good little machines in lock step formation. Just one or two viable brains? - Nope!
On SNL last week, Weekend Update commentater Michael Che said, "I just want to remind everybody that all this yelling and crying happened at this dude’s job interview, typically, when you’re asked about a sexual assault and your drinking problem at a job interview, you don’t get the damn job.”He added: “I don’t know if Mr. Kavanaugh actually has a history of assault or if he actually has a drinking problem, but I do know that he might. And you shouldn’t be on the Supreme Court if you might. You shouldn’t be on the ‘People’s Court’ if you might.” Too prophetic!
Che went on to say,"Why does it have to be him? You can’t just pick another dude from your Illuminati lizard meetings? Are Republicans so pro-life that you don’t even have a Plan B for this?”. The answer to this question is really interesting.
Kavanaugh was the only choice the R's could squeeze in before they LOST one or more chamber of the Federal Congress next month. They have deemed the midterms a loss!. To get the lifelong appointment of unruly, radical-right, partisan Kavanaugh on the Supreme Court bench, they ceded the election of next month.
The Republicans, in the face of the "credible" testimony of Dr Christine Blasey Ford, adjusted their perception of her to say, "Yes, she did have an ugly experience but it must have been with someone other than Kavanaugh." Ignore and distort the truth. This confirmation wasn't a court case requiring proofs - it was a job interview. If you smell something fishy, move on to the next candidate. But no time for that.
So put this trumped-up Supreme Court confirmation hearing on your long list of Republican lies that ignore fairness, honesty, and the credos of our country, and VOTE to make the Blue Wave taller and more real, and bring 2 people to the voting booth, or ballot, in our case.
County Councilor Chair Race -Holt >YES, Quiring > NO. Lentz > YES, too!
Eileen Quiring is a Madorite. That is to say she supports the divisive points of view held by her predecessors Tom Mielke and David Madore. It's impossible to forget how terrible and self-centered Madore was and how quickly the electorate strove to vote him out.
Quiring states she supports Madore's and Mielke's policies in The Columbian Editorial Board interview (LINK - 54:36).
Vote for Eric Holt for Clark County Council Chair.
AND Quiring is anti-LBGTQ. She went to the Battle Ground School Board Meeting expressly to reduce student availability to transgender discussions. That episode with her comments is in "All Politics is Local" - LINK, (07/25/18, Jake Thomas).
Vote for Eric Holt for Clark County Council Chair.
MOREOVER, Quiring seems in opposition to replacing the I-5 bridge?! A Columbian article picked this up. (The Columbian, Katy Sword, 08/23/18) - LINK.
In the article cited above, Quiring and Jeanne Stewart were the only dissenters about an I-5 Bridge resolution from the County Council. This is a good place to plug Temple Lentz as a superior replacement to Jeanne Stewart come November 06, 2018.
Vote Eric Holt for Clark County Council Chair!
Vote Temple Lentz for Clark County Council, District 1.
Quiring states she supports Madore's and Mielke's policies in The Columbian Editorial Board interview (LINK - 54:36).
Vote for Eric Holt for Clark County Council Chair.
AND Quiring is anti-LBGTQ. She went to the Battle Ground School Board Meeting expressly to reduce student availability to transgender discussions. That episode with her comments is in "All Politics is Local" - LINK, (07/25/18, Jake Thomas).
Vote for Eric Holt for Clark County Council Chair.
MOREOVER, Quiring seems in opposition to replacing the I-5 bridge?! A Columbian article picked this up. (The Columbian, Katy Sword, 08/23/18) - LINK.
In the article cited above, Quiring and Jeanne Stewart were the only dissenters about an I-5 Bridge resolution from the County Council. This is a good place to plug Temple Lentz as a superior replacement to Jeanne Stewart come November 06, 2018.
Vote Eric Holt for Clark County Council Chair!
Vote Temple Lentz for Clark County Council, District 1.
Blue Wave? What's a Blue Wave!
A Blue Wave is a thing of beauty. It's a wave of woke, informed Democrats voting because they know their vote will count in the mid-terms toward stabilizing this country by taking back the Federal House and Senate, and many other statehouses and political jobs everywhere.
Can It happen? Of course!. It can happen, BUT only IF DEMOCRATS VOTE!
Do you want it to happen? Of course you do. Work for your candidates by talking at the dinner table, at the grocery store, over your bridge game, wherever, and urge people to take charge, oust the people who won't do their job and get this country up off its back. Get them to VOTE!
When you think about it, Trump is so in-your-face, he's daring us to fight back and do our jobs! Let's do it!
Can It happen? Of course!. It can happen, BUT only IF DEMOCRATS VOTE!
Do you want it to happen? Of course you do. Work for your candidates by talking at the dinner table, at the grocery store, over your bridge game, wherever, and urge people to take charge, oust the people who won't do their job and get this country up off its back. Get them to VOTE!
When you think about it, Trump is so in-your-face, he's daring us to fight back and do our jobs! Let's do it!
Trump was Drumpf
Donald Trump's paternal grandfather, Frederich Drumpf, migrated from Germany to America in 1885 and changed his name to Trump in 1898.
Snopes quote: "His paternal granddad — who came to America at 16 with little more than a name he later changed — lived a true rags-to-riches life, leaving his widow and three kids a modest fortune when he died, new recor6s show.
Fred Trump, born Friedrich Drumpf, in Kallstadt, Germany, in 1869, had an estate worth $500,000 in today’s dollars when he died in Queens on May 30, 1918, at age 49."
Well that's a fun fact, but what's the point?
The point is that, Donald Trump, like anybody other than native Americans, has a family history of migration to this country. It is completely hypocritical to have your ancestors migrate to this country and then initiate a "zero-tolerance" immigration policy. The greater percentage of the US population is of migrant origin. And many folks are proud of their foreign heritage and celebrate it, or search it out in DNA analysis. Every week brings a new low from our unqualified president.
Snopes quote: "His paternal granddad — who came to America at 16 with little more than a name he later changed — lived a true rags-to-riches life, leaving his widow and three kids a modest fortune when he died, new recor6s show.
Fred Trump, born Friedrich Drumpf, in Kallstadt, Germany, in 1869, had an estate worth $500,000 in today’s dollars when he died in Queens on May 30, 1918, at age 49."
Well that's a fun fact, but what's the point?
The point is that, Donald Trump, like anybody other than native Americans, has a family history of migration to this country. It is completely hypocritical to have your ancestors migrate to this country and then initiate a "zero-tolerance" immigration policy. The greater percentage of the US population is of migrant origin. And many folks are proud of their foreign heritage and celebrate it, or search it out in DNA analysis. Every week brings a new low from our unqualified president.
Looks like Trump is in his own crosshairs
Not much question our president is a man-child, narcissistic sociopath who loves no one but himself. And Robert Mueller is taking a calm, step-wise approach to uncover Trump's collusive ties with Russia. But here at home he may have overloaded his own ability to lie. He has threatened to let the government go into shutdown if he does not get funding for his boondoggle wall on the Mexican border. The money he is looking for - somewhere in the range of $40 billion - has been earmarked by him to come from Homeland Security funds especially FEMA. Now FEMA is in the years-long business of serving and resurrecting the Gulf Coast - again. Oh, if it were only possible that he could think strategically and decide that the wall is out because the money is so much more necessary for the humanitarian efforts in Texas and Louisiana. There's some unfulfilled hope for ya!
Put some cream on the Bern and get real
Here's a Blog piece by Marcus Silva who is very concerned about how Democrats and the Democratic Party needs to act to stay in the game and win Congressional races in 2018. The message is stop worshiping the past and stand up and act like strategic Democrats. LINK to Article
Wake Up Bernie-or-Bust People: You were Conned
A worthy article from the Democracy Guardian, J. Nori, May 04, 2017, that says Bernie is a grump, and is not the messiah his followers blindly adore. A good read. LINK
Something to consider when told that "Bernie could have won over Trump". That is that Bernie was\n't in that race - he'd already LOST.
Something to consider when told that "Bernie could have won over Trump". That is that Bernie was\n't in that race - he'd already LOST.
A good article on why tax cuts are wrong...
The Columbian Opinion Editor makes it clear why tax cuts for the rich don't do anything for the middle class, and "given that Trump has only a passing acquaintance with reality', clarifies where we're headed. Read the piece by Greg Jayne, The Columbian, 04/23/17
Paul Ryan - "Destroy Healthcare"
Thanks for being honest, Paul Ryan! PLAY VIDEO HERE
Strategy has to supersede idealism
Pursuit of ideals requires victories. Victories come from employing strategy. Talk against Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell or lack of appreciation for Gov Jay Inslee is not strategic. Every seated Democrat has to be judged on their overall batting average. Over the course of their office, anyone can pursue a result that is not popular with every citizen. Electeds were elected to enact the will of the people and one misstep does not defeat their purpose for being in office.
Some folks are still sore over the term super-delegates which gave high visibility electeds like Murray, Cantwell and Inslee the opportunity to stump for their presidential candidate of choice from a bully pulpit. They all opted for Hillary Clinton for President much to the chagrin of the Sanders supporters.
Sens Murray and Cantwell also indicated a positive position on the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP), and recently they voted against an apparent opportunity to import drugs in the US at lower prices via a Sanders supported amendment. Further investigation reveals first that Hillary Clinton had opted against TPP which surely would have changed everything, and the cheap drug amendment was not a good choice. There were good reasons to reject the drug amendment that wasn't going to pass anyway, was non-binding, and would have undermined some ACA provisions.
Subsequently, Inslee, Murray and Cantwell have all stood up -loudly- for continued immigration of Muslims. This is why they are there in office as strong Democrats. Anytime good, strong Democratic candidates are opposed by their own party, bad things happen. Very simply, the seat holding a person positive to our wants and needs is lost and replaced by a Republican who will devastate our agenda.
The message is "Keep Cantwell".
Some folks are still sore over the term super-delegates which gave high visibility electeds like Murray, Cantwell and Inslee the opportunity to stump for their presidential candidate of choice from a bully pulpit. They all opted for Hillary Clinton for President much to the chagrin of the Sanders supporters.
Sens Murray and Cantwell also indicated a positive position on the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP), and recently they voted against an apparent opportunity to import drugs in the US at lower prices via a Sanders supported amendment. Further investigation reveals first that Hillary Clinton had opted against TPP which surely would have changed everything, and the cheap drug amendment was not a good choice. There were good reasons to reject the drug amendment that wasn't going to pass anyway, was non-binding, and would have undermined some ACA provisions.
Subsequently, Inslee, Murray and Cantwell have all stood up -loudly- for continued immigration of Muslims. This is why they are there in office as strong Democrats. Anytime good, strong Democratic candidates are opposed by their own party, bad things happen. Very simply, the seat holding a person positive to our wants and needs is lost and replaced by a Republican who will devastate our agenda.
The message is "Keep Cantwell".
Did you March Saturday?
Women's March January 21, 2017
Do you feel better having done so? Many who marched, or just appreciated the happening of the marches, felt unified, uplifted, out of the doldrums, re-purposed and other such positive reactions. There were many principles expressed on the signs being carried; abortion, personal rights, anti-Trump, Planned Parenthood, I'm with Her, all the freedoms, etc. But the bottom line is that if there was no Trump in the White House, there would have been no marches.
A million people around the world marched against Trump. More people marched in DC on Saturday than attended the inauguration on Friday. Sorry, Donald, but that's the way an awful lot of people feel...about you.
It's hard to put a finger on any one thing that got us to this point; Bernie Sanders weak endorsement of HRC, Bernie followers voting for third-party candidates, unhappiness among moderns that this is first new generation making less than their parents, the Electoral College, and so forth. A very good exploration of attitudes that led us here is portrayed in the 01/11/17 episode of "Blackish". Here's a link to it. It's reviewed as the "most comprehensive examination of the election that pop culture can provide" (Link). Check out the Lucy character's logic that led her to vote for Trump - scary, but viable, and perhaps sums up how he got elected. Enjoy.
But here we are. The dominant theme in the local and national editorials is to resist loss of rights at every turn of the road. Check out the Sun 01/23/17 Columbian Editorial praising the marches - "extraordinary" - and worrying about our future under Trump. The final message - be watchful.
And read WA Post writer Leonard Pitts, "Proud to be maladjusted to President Donald Trump". It is clear that this new circumstance is different and cannot be allowed to be accepted.
A million people around the world marched against Trump. More people marched in DC on Saturday than attended the inauguration on Friday. Sorry, Donald, but that's the way an awful lot of people feel...about you.
It's hard to put a finger on any one thing that got us to this point; Bernie Sanders weak endorsement of HRC, Bernie followers voting for third-party candidates, unhappiness among moderns that this is first new generation making less than their parents, the Electoral College, and so forth. A very good exploration of attitudes that led us here is portrayed in the 01/11/17 episode of "Blackish". Here's a link to it. It's reviewed as the "most comprehensive examination of the election that pop culture can provide" (Link). Check out the Lucy character's logic that led her to vote for Trump - scary, but viable, and perhaps sums up how he got elected. Enjoy.
But here we are. The dominant theme in the local and national editorials is to resist loss of rights at every turn of the road. Check out the Sun 01/23/17 Columbian Editorial praising the marches - "extraordinary" - and worrying about our future under Trump. The final message - be watchful.
And read WA Post writer Leonard Pitts, "Proud to be maladjusted to President Donald Trump". It is clear that this new circumstance is different and cannot be allowed to be accepted.
Read A Guest Article about Olympia Lobby Day. It's got insight, and info.
What now?!
The President-Elect, Donald Trump, is a mess. He's up and down on his own issues, he's hiring totally unsatisfactory Cabinet members that hate labor, disavow climate change, and believe fake news stories, to mention a few. Republicans have some separation from Trump, and visa-versa, but the Republican control of the House and Senate means they can run over Obamacare, Planned Parenthood, and entitlements in general while granting more tax cuts to the rich. It's all shaping up for an inglorious, horrifying four years for Democrats, for civil rights, for womens' rights and the progress of the country in general.
Mid-term Congress elections will occur in November 2018, less than 2 years away. It's predictable that the electorate, including Hillary voters, Bernie voters and, especially, disillusioned Trump voters. The electorate will be ready to elect some Democrats for office by that time based on the expected ravaging performances by the Republicans and Trump.
The midterm elections are a real chance to get back the House and Senate for Democrats. To do so Democrats MUST have viable, electable candidates. It's up to all of us to consider whether we should be running, or encouraging people to run that can win, or to support candidates that are declaring to run and are capable of winning. Winning is stressed here because it is often, but naively, thought that the candidate to support is the one with the best ideals; the most left, the one with one hand on the Dems platform. That is a good starting place but not a winning scheme.
If the candidate is scary to the average voter because of their appearance, or their inflammatory rhetoric, or extreme left promises, then they won't get votes. So look at all aspects of the candidate, and choose, and make, a winner. It ain't easy, but it often happens that the one the we'd most love to win is not really capable of winning when you consider the emotional structure of the general electorate.
Remember that voters don't vote with their heads, they vote with their hearts. They don't study the candidates, they don't take any time to understand the candidates, they just vote the one with the best, most fun, rumors, circulating around them. Look at the horrifying influence that Fox News has with their ability to lie, and infer, and lie again. Their forte is to knowingly tell a lie and then the viewers believe it and pass it on to their friends and family as if it was true, and spread the lie-as-truth further..
Look at Trump - he doesn't even really want, or understand, the Presidency. But his phony rhetoric and his ability to use reality TV sound-bite style made him have appeal to the emotional voter . The picture the voters made up in their heads of what a "Great America" looks like was never defined by Trump, but was only what a Great America implied to the listeners' imaginations - one listener imagined their dream house, another their dream boat, another their dream job. Hillary was a liar and grifter and never did anything, but Trump, like our Madore, had caught their imagination. He appeared to be a 'change agent'. That's emotional - voters believe in magic.
We do not have to accept the dceimation of rights and relinquish fairness and equality while Trump holds office. There are myriad ways to protest. Trump is not presidential and he's not our president. A fact proven by the popular vote where nearly three million more voters voted for his opponent.
Mid-term Congress elections will occur in November 2018, less than 2 years away. It's predictable that the electorate, including Hillary voters, Bernie voters and, especially, disillusioned Trump voters. The electorate will be ready to elect some Democrats for office by that time based on the expected ravaging performances by the Republicans and Trump.
The midterm elections are a real chance to get back the House and Senate for Democrats. To do so Democrats MUST have viable, electable candidates. It's up to all of us to consider whether we should be running, or encouraging people to run that can win, or to support candidates that are declaring to run and are capable of winning. Winning is stressed here because it is often, but naively, thought that the candidate to support is the one with the best ideals; the most left, the one with one hand on the Dems platform. That is a good starting place but not a winning scheme.
If the candidate is scary to the average voter because of their appearance, or their inflammatory rhetoric, or extreme left promises, then they won't get votes. So look at all aspects of the candidate, and choose, and make, a winner. It ain't easy, but it often happens that the one the we'd most love to win is not really capable of winning when you consider the emotional structure of the general electorate.
Remember that voters don't vote with their heads, they vote with their hearts. They don't study the candidates, they don't take any time to understand the candidates, they just vote the one with the best, most fun, rumors, circulating around them. Look at the horrifying influence that Fox News has with their ability to lie, and infer, and lie again. Their forte is to knowingly tell a lie and then the viewers believe it and pass it on to their friends and family as if it was true, and spread the lie-as-truth further..
Look at Trump - he doesn't even really want, or understand, the Presidency. But his phony rhetoric and his ability to use reality TV sound-bite style made him have appeal to the emotional voter . The picture the voters made up in their heads of what a "Great America" looks like was never defined by Trump, but was only what a Great America implied to the listeners' imaginations - one listener imagined their dream house, another their dream boat, another their dream job. Hillary was a liar and grifter and never did anything, but Trump, like our Madore, had caught their imagination. He appeared to be a 'change agent'. That's emotional - voters believe in magic.
We do not have to accept the dceimation of rights and relinquish fairness and equality while Trump holds office. There are myriad ways to protest. Trump is not presidential and he's not our president. A fact proven by the popular vote where nearly three million more voters voted for his opponent.
