Quote of the Day -- Crooks on the Inside Edition

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BYEDON

Vote, folks.

And VOTE BLUE

#BlueWave2020

 

Law and Order President -- Right

 Donald J "Jenius" Trump? Law and order Presidnent?

Piffle.

Trump isn't the 'law and order' president. He's the 'lawless and disorder' president

A bit from the article:

Our "law and order" president has consistently shown a disregard for the "law" portion of that idea throughout his time in office.

He has abused the pardon power to shrug his shoulders at corruption - perhaps because it's fundamental to his life's work. He has granted clemency to Jared Kushner pal Patrick Nolan, who pled guilty to racketeering; Conrad M. Black, a friend convicted of fraud; and former governor. and Celebrity Apprentice contestant Rod. Blagojevich, who infamously tried to sell a US Senate seat.

Like the member of a good crime syndicate, Trump protects his buddies who protect him. He rewarded Roger Stone's silent loyalty with commutation. His Justice Department dropped charges against Michael Flynn after Flynn pleaded guilty to the charges. And with Steve Bannon's days of freedom in peril, it feels as if the question isn't if Trump will pardon him but when.

Instead of standing up for truth in justice, Trump bristles at perjury charges - such as when Rudy Giuliani cried "perjury trap" to explain why the president would not be interviewed by Robert Mueller. Truth is truth, despite Giuliani's claim to the contrary, and there's no need to claim "perjury trap" when the facts are on your side.

Trump has even built lawlessness into his public policy. Dozens of officials from other countries have spent money at his properties, likely in violation of the Emoluments Clause of the Constitution. His foreign policy decisions reek of corruption and conflicts of interest, and his immigration policies have likely violated domestic and international law.

It goes on from there, rightfully.

86 45

BYEDON

Vote and VOTE BLUE!!

On the RNC---From Dan Rather

 

Chilling. 

That is the sentiment that sticks with me this morning as I reflect on day 2 of the Republican National Convention. Even to call it a convention is to miss the point. This was propaganda, the pageantry, power, and symbolism of our federal government - OUR government, we the people - exploited by a president who feels unbound by the constitution in his desperate desire to hold on to power.

A secretary of state from foreign soil pledges sycophantic fealty to his boss with hopes of bolstering his own standing in a political party that has become a personality cult. Immigrants are used as props in the White House by a president who has demonized, restricted, and mistreated even legal immigrants and asylum seekers. Uniformed military personnel are employed in this charade. A first lady, who is an unrepentant birther, mouths teleprompter platitudes in front of an unmasked crowd of true believers during a deadly mismanaged pandemic in a re-imagined rose garden and is heralded by some for her tone. 

Meanwhile, in the real America, there is death, desperation, depression, hunger, and heartbreak. Once again a Black family is thrust into the national spotlight by a police shooting. And scenes of violent protests and counterprotests sweep across our national discourse, encouraged by a president who sees personal gain in racial division.

The polls tighten, or do they? What is hitting with the public and what isn't? How are these speeches playing? These are questions for the mechanics of the horse race. They are the comfortable grooves into which campaign reporting usually falls. They are hard to resist. But they do not accurately see the full scope of the moment. 

A line of attack on Joe Biden is that he would be a captive of the far left, that he is somehow a socialist. Nevermind that many of the policies of even the more liberal members of the Democratic Party would be considered mainstream center left in most European democracies. But what one doesn't hear enough in our media coverage is the term "far right." Racist and antisemtic authoritarian conspiracy theories are waved off by Republican politicians who know very well what they are about and how they are fueling support for Donald Trump. The trappings of the state are used for naked power politics. Corruption reigns. Foreign dictators are coddled. The rule of law is undermined. Voting is suppressed. This all isn't theoretical. This is happening now. All of it. And in plain sight. 

With all of this power, it is rather amazing that Donald Trump isn't assured re-election. It is a testimony to the strength and durability of the majority of Americans, across a diverse political spectrum, who see the threat for what it is. Yes, this is a fight for democracy. But do not underestimate the strength and power of those who stand in opposition. Time and again, America has withstood threats - external and internal - in its uneven march to a more perfect union. And time and time again, courageous and energetic mass movements have signed up for service to this nation's higher ideals. This is a moment of testing, to be sure. It is, as I said, chilling. But it cannot be defeated unless it is clearly seen for what it is. 

Know how to get your vote in, and make sure it is counted. See how you can help others have their voices heard at the ballot box. There is so much to despair about, but despair and demoralization is being weaponized by those who seek to cynically hold on to their power. Instead, try to be inspired by a movement of tens of millions across this nation who are determined that this shall not be the definition of America.

--Dan Rather

 

August 26 at 9:35 AM  · 

__________________________________________________________

Vote, folks.

Be sure to vote.

And vote blue.

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BYEDON

This Website Has Donald Trump Down

 The website Crooks and Liars does have Donald Trump down pat today.

Groucho Marx Predicted Night Four Of The Republican Convention 

Groucho was funny, though sadly predictive, about Donald Trump

It was another night of telling people that Joe Biden’s America will be worse that Lord Damp Nut’s America. And I think we are all left wondering, well, what is he doing about any of it?

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uSsUoxlSADk?controls=0" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Of all the lines from it, these are my favorites and seem most applicable to this orange buffoon.

The last man nearly ruined this place

He didn't know what to do with it

If you think this country's bad off now

Just wait till I get through with it

I ask you, ladies and gentlemen.... Is that not Donald J "Jenius" Trump?

It's as though the words came straight out of his mouth.

Thanks, Republicans!

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BYEDON

This Republican National Convention, In a Nutshell

 Here you go, folks.  Donald J "Jenius" Trump and his request for the nation.    

He, Trump, and the Republicans, are serious, too. 

They mean this.

To them, the US is, on the one hand, a big mess but hey, it's in far better shape now, with Trump "leading" us than it would be if he hadn't made all the sacrifices he has.

And we'll be far, far worse if we hand everything over to that Trotsky-lover Biden.

Right. 

Sure. 

Got it.

Sure we will.

What? We haven't handed out yet enough of the nation's treasure to the already-wealthy and corporations in the nation?

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BYEDON

The Trumpster is Pushing an Ultimatum for the Debates Now?

 This news broke today.

Trump challenges Biden to drug test before debate

This surely surprised me.

How could the Jenius possibly think Joe Biden, taking a drug test, could or possibly would be some kind of an issue?  Does he think Biden does coke or something?  Like his own kids apparently do? At least one of them. (Eric Jr).

So as long as we're throwing out ultimatums here, here's one for you, Mr. President.

No Tax Returns, No Debate

That's right.

No tax returns, no debate.

That is, if you, sir, Mr. President, don't turn in your taxes, your tax returns. AS EVERY OTHER CANDIDATE FOR THE PRESIDENCY HAS IN RECENT HISTORY--- no debate.

Hey, as long as you're throwing around ultimatums, sir, here's one back at you.

With all due respect, sir---for the office of the President, anyway--put up or shut up.

How about it?

Links:  This idea has come from a few sources, too, before now.

Peter Scotto: No tax returns, no debate

Bill Kristol: "No tax returns, no debates!" 

Joe Lockhart suggestion: No TAX RETURNS? NO DEBATES

No tax returns, no debate - NEWSRUST

Quote of the Day -- On This Convention Edition

 Unsourced quote I saw today on last evening's Republican National Convention nightmare.

“America right now has: deadly pandemic, massive unemployment and recession, schools unable to open, protests over racial injustice, a killer hurricane bearing down on the South… And I am watching Mike Pence talk about how bad things would be in Joe Biden’s America,”

I don't know what's worse.

All these people telling us things will be worse under Joe Biden or Donald Trump telling us he's the "law and order" candidate.

Vote.

And Vote blue.

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BYEDON

Quote of the Day -- Fascist/Presidential Edition

From travel expert Rick Steves.

"This week, I'm sharing clips from my public television special, "The Story of Fascism in Europe." I believe that learning from the past is important. History may not repeat itself...but sometimes it rhymes.

Fascists all seem to use the same playbook: Hitler, Mussolini, whoever. They offer simplistic promises in response to complicated problems — repeating lies so loudly and boldly that people begin to believe them. After Hitler became Germany's chancellor in 1933, he consolidated his power by marginalizing his fiercest critics (which frightened others into silence) and suspending democratic procedures. For, you see, once a fascist gets a taste of power, he'll stop at nothing to keep it."

Thanks, Republicans.

At the Start of the RNC, Things are not Going Well for the Trumpster

 Yes, there have been, are some developments this morning and in the last day or two, both, just before the start of this Republican National Convention. And virtually all of them are---darn it---not good for this Republican Party Donald Trump or his group. Here's the first. It's my favorite. Just broke this morning.

27 former Republican members of Congress announce they'll support Joe Biden over Trump

Jeff Flake, 27 Other Ex-GOP Congress Members Endorse Biden

How great is that?

Yet more Republicans bailing on this psychotic President.

Next up is this from a conservative commentator. It came out yesterday.

The Biden administration needs to pursue every Trump appointee accused of perjury: conservative

In a column for the Washington Post, conservative commentator Jennifer Rubin said, should Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden win in November, he should commit to having his Justice Department look into any Donald Trump appointee who has been accused of committing perjury during the past four years.

According to the never-Trumper, the first thing the new administration needs to do is open up to the public “all documents the Trump administration previously withheld from congressional subpoenas.”

Pretty incredible, coming from, as it says, a conservative. Most, very likely a fellow Republican.

Next up and another I especially enjoy. This came out yesterday.

Trump's strategy on mail ballots divides party before GOP convention

What's especially great about this one is that the Trumpster is tearing his own political party apart.

Better still, he has no idea he's doing it.

That is fantastic.  I've said several or many times, what isn't to hate about this President, what he does and says and his administration, is to love.  This is one of the love parts.

The following broke this past Saturday and while we knew it, it's still important to hear and see--and from such an excellent source.

Trump's sister says president 'has no principles,' lies and is cruel

Not done there, God bless her...

Donald Trump’s Own Sister Thinks He’s a Complete Phony

Then it came out this morning that another one exiting the very revolving door of this administration.

Kellyanne Conway To Leave White House At The End Of The Month

Does that not maybe smack of a rat deserting a sinking ship, folks?

This next one is very likely good for destroying the Republican Party but very bad if, God and heavens forbid, this idiot were reelected. I don't think any political party has ever done this in the history of our nation.  If you didn't think or know the Republican Party has been taken over by Donald Trump, perhaps this will convince you. What would you call a party that has no platform and says whatever it’s leader says is the platform?

Republican convention to forgo party platform in favor of Trump's agenda

This one is partially good for tearing down this President's reelection attempt and to likely also tear down his political party but if this man, this buffoon, should, God and heavens forbid, actually be reelected? 

Insane.

• First, I don't think any political party has ever done this in the history of our nation and for good reason.
• Second, this kind of thing happens in Communist countries and dictatorships and banana republics. This doesn't take place in Democracies. It sure as heck doesn't happen here in America. At least, it didn't take place in America until now, with this man, this Donald Trump and his own personal political party. 
• Third, I and a lot of us out here are just personally hoping it helps just destroy his reelection campaign and their political party. Once again, proof positive he can no way be reelected, for the good and betterment of the nation, no exaggeration or overstatement. 
• Finally on this, if this isn't the epitome of a despot and despotism, what is?

Between this and the fact that 6 of the 12 keynote speakers this week at this RNC have the last name Trump, to what other conclusion are we to come but that this is a despot? He's praised other like Kim Jong Un and the Philippines' Duterte, etc.

Trump family make up half of RNC key note speakers

Additionally, Trump is requiring he speak ALL 4 NIGHTS of this convention.

Who does that? In America, what candidate for the presidency does that? Ever did it. I don't think ever. I think it's one more thing unprecedented by this President.

Finally, there is this great, breaking news this morning. I know we've seen this headline before but this just broke an hour ago.  The state of New York just isn't going to let us down.

New York attorney general investigating Trump over financial statements

And so, we go on to their---his--political convention tonight. I think NPR summed it up nicely.

Convention Gives Trump A Chance To Explain How He'll Make America Great Again...Again

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BYEDON

Vote, folks!

And VOTE BLUE!!

#BlueWave2020

Question for the Republican Party

How on Earth do you have a presidential candidate, on the last night of your big, once every four years political convention, go on for over an hour, promising the sun and the moon and the stars and balanced budgets and a wall between us and Mexico and equality to the LGBTQ community (who saw that coming?) and who knows what else and then, at the very end, once he's finally, finally finished, how is it you play "Can't Always Get What You Want" by the Rolling Stones?

Donald Trump plays 'You Can't Always Get What You Want' after RNC speech

How do you do that?

Was that code for "Suckers! You're no way getting all I just promised you!"?

What the heck was that?

It's not even the first time this was a thing for The Donald.

'You can't always get what you want,' 

Stones tell Trump

It must be his way of telling the Stones, "up yours."

Hopefully.

That or he just told the American public that all he just promised was nonsense.

Not that that wouldn't make some twisted, Trump-sense.

This Convention Compared to the Next

Think about next week. Think about the Democratic National Convention, just days away from now.

What a contrast.

No hating.

No calling for the opposing candidate to be hung.

No calling for the other candidate to be executed.

Far less fear, if any at all.

People of color, minorities, far as the eye can see.

The convention hall is full to capacity.

There's excitement and happy anxiousness for it all to begin and take place. 

And jokes. There will be humor mixed in, like there hasn't been at all, this week, from Cleveland.

At least one former President will be on hand to see and be seen and speak because Democrats aren't embarrassed by, nor need to be of their former Presidents.

And the sitting President gets to come out and speak and so many are looking forward to it.

And why shouldn't they? Why shouldn't we?

More people in our nation have health insurance than ever have before.

We got out of Iraq. (Well, mostly).

We've cut the deficit. Yes. Really.

Deficit shrinks by $1 trillion in Obama era

We've added more jobs, millions more jobs, since the horrible 2008 election and economic nightmare, with 248,000 added just last month.

Not one true scandal out of this White House and/or administration in these 7 years. That's pretty huge.

In fact, there's plenty for Americans to be both happy and proud of.

THE List of 371 Obama Accomplishments so far, With Citations

So yeah, bring on this Democratic National Convention.  Let's put things back in perspective.

Let's let the adults take back over the narrative.

Donald Trump's Republican National Convention, Night II

Modal Trigger

Every time a candidate for national political office promises he's going to rebuild our military, as Trump just did, I want to scream.

______________________

Suddenly, according to Mitch McConnell, they're "Clinton Democrats."

______________________

I love this.

Every time Mitch McConnell comes out to speak--twice tonight--he's booed.

I love 'em.

_____________________

Republican, just now, on Hillary Clinton, says she would be a continuation of the status quo.

Right.

The first woman president. Ever. In the history of our nation.

Got it.

____________________

Now Chris Christy tells us Hillary is for Syrians, not Americans, not America.

Yeah.

____________________

That convention hall isn't full.

Nowhere near it.

Compare, in a week, to the Democratic convention.

____________________

Trump's oldest son has made fun of Harvard and Wharton schools and students and "fancy colleges" just now.

And not just once but twice.

___________________

"Everyone can prosper, together."

--Donald Trump's oldest son, tonight at the RNC Convention.

They just need to be given a million dollars to start their career like his father.

____________________

Donald Trump's oldest son says his father wants us to have the same opportunities his own children had.

I'm hoping he has all our mailing addresses to send the checks.

___________________

What you don't know about this Republican National Convention tonight if you've only watched TV, possibly, is that there were fights in the hall, among the Republicans, by different people, fighting for their states' votes, protesting the results of the vote and how their states votes were recorded.

___________________

Donald Trump's oldest son, Donald Trump, Jr., says a President Trump (shudder) will see to it all advance, not just the "crony elites at the top of the heap."

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Really. He has to stop. He's killing me.

___________________

That this evening's theme for the Republican National Convention is "Make America Work Again" is, once again, rich.

It's been the Republicans in the House of Representatives and Senate, in Washington, that have, since 2008, since President Obama was first elected, that have blocked an jobs and/or infrastructure bills for the nation. Americans need the jobs, our infrastructure, heaven knows, needs the updating and improvements and the economy, then to now has needed the boost.

But not one, not one jobs bill from this Republican Congress.

____________________

Finally, at long last, someone on TV news mentions that the convention is grossly under-attended and the convention center largely under-filled.

And the ones that are there are in deep disarray.

_____________________

People are being shot and killed in our city, our cities, our state, our region and the nation in small and large numbers, daily yet we still have candidates of all stripes, saying they're fighting for "gun rights."

Wtf?

How many more gun rights do we need?


Isn't it clear it's "gun rights" that are getting all these people killed?

And they don't see this?

Surprising intelligence from a letter to the editor in the Star yesterday

One John Segale of Shawnee had a letter to the editor in the Star today that made reading the letters to the editor worthwhile yesterday, Sunday, which is so, so very rare.

He pointed out, so rightly, that the Republicans have a lot of nerve trying to de-fund NPR, PBS and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting when, in fact, it was only NPR and PBS on radio and TV, respectively, that broadcast their national convention last week, almost completely in its entirety.

It seems that, besides the hypocrisy they're so capable of, they're also extremely capable of producing a goodly amount of irony, too.

God bless they're pointy little heads.

And great thanks to Mr. Segale. You built back up a little of my faith in humankind.

Link: http://www.kansascity.com/2012/09/02/3791269/letters-google-fiber-republicans.html

Republicans disavow Todd Akin and his views?

On the one hand, the Republicans were quick to bail on Todd Akin and his viewpoint on rape and conception for women last week, sure. They quickly disavowed his statement and pulled money to and support for him.

Nearly immediately.

But what did they do today, at their national convention in Tampa?

At 2 p.m. today, Republicans they voted on their party platform -- officially adopting Todd Akin's no-choice-with-no-exceptions position on abortion.

Apparently, it's okay to take this stance, you just aren't supposed to go public with it and tell anyone.

Bloody hypocrites.

Link: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/election-2012/wp/2012/08/28/republicans-adopt-party-platform/

http://veracitystew.com/2012/08/21/gop-convention-watch-republicans-adopt-anti-woman-platform/

Election year prediction

"If Mitt (Romney) loses Michigan on Tuesday, the Republicans won't have a candidate until the Republican convention, and he'll be barely strong enough to give acceptance speech." Robert Reich, yet another "tweet" last evening." --American political economist, professor, author, and political commentator. He served in the administrations of Presidents Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter and was Secretary of Labor under President Bill Clinton from 1993 to 1997.

Thank God for Newt Gingrich!

What else can you say at this point but thank God for Newt Gingrich? First, he's divisive as heck. For everyone out there in the Republican Party and in the Right Wing who is all "No way I'm voting for Mitt Romney", they have their man. Second, he's got ideas that are off the wall, like the idea of going back to the moon and colonizing within his first 4 years of office (don't make me choke). That's a good one. Third---and I'll stop there--there's his monumental ego and that let's him off the hook for what a sexist he is. So he loses last night in Florida to Mittens but is he going to quit? HECK NO. The Newster is in this, likely, until at least March, if not all the way to the Republican National Convention (here's hoping). As if President Obama and the Democrats don't have enough ammunition to go after the eventual nominee but with this, he'll have even more. And Ron Paul? Quit? Doubtful. That will just add more divisiveness and internal strife to the party and for the Tea Party members and who knows? It should add some trouble for the Libertarians and Independents, too. So good on you, Newt Gingrich! You just stay in there fighting your "good fight." Stay on your own principle. It just makes it that much better for our side.

Notes on last night's Country Music Awards

Okay, so I was home AND READING--I swear I was reading--and had the television on and NOTHING was on, not even three channels of KCPT/PBS so I confess, I flipped it over to the Academy of Country Music Awards (not to be confused, apparently, with the Country Music Awards--??) so I just had to make a few notes.

1) Randy Travis looks more and more like Lyle Lovett all the time, don't you think? Do you suppose they were separated at birth or something? (Note to Randy Travis: come out of the closet, dude. You have a load of money. What could it hurt?).

2) The people in the audience kill me. Everyone's always singing along with the live performers who are on stage, performing their own songs, so that they--the people in the audience--can a) look like they care and b) get on live television. They're singing along so giddily it's embarassing. But if it isn't for the laughs like this, why watch, right?

3) Thank the heavens above Brooks and Dunn are retiring. Yikes. How overdue is that? And while we're at it, why does Brooks look so alive, awake and healthy--even younger--while Dunn looks like total, old-aged crap? It's an awful comparison. In the meantime, though they're retiring, they're milking they're exit for all it's worth, with a TV show and tour, the whole thing.

4) I swear, if one more person on the show thanked God for their success, I was going to have to have a Transfiguration, right there in my living room. This is what happens, though, when religious people--particularly fundamentalists--and right-wingers have to set out to prove that they're the most believing of all believers. It's disgusting.

5) Okay, someone tell me what the draw is for a performer to come out live on stage with a video camera, filming the audience he's supposed to be performing for, ala' Keith Urban, toward the end. What the hell is that about? Who cares but the few people in the front row?

6) And Keith, your song sucked. Just sayin'.

7) Finally, right at the end, Darius Rucker--formerly lead singer of Hootie and the Blowfish--comes out and sings a song and it hit me--this is the first Black person on the whole show. It killed me. AND HE WAS THE LAST PERFORMER. Notes on this note:

--He was so obviously, I hate to say it but it's true, a "token";

--He's far too talented to be pawned off like this;

--I wasn't sure if I was watching a Tea Party protest or the Republican National Convention or what;

--Suddenly, it was as though he were Michael Steele, but in a much more pleasant way, certainly.

What a show it was. What didn't repel me made me laugh.

Oh, and just so you know they aren't all "backwards" 'n stuff, they even have one o' them thar website thingys": www.acmcountry.com

Change?

Unbelievable, once again.

This is, without doubt, the most unpredictable, nearly insane election the United States or, indeed, possibly, the world has ever seen.

Ever since the Republican National Convention, Senator "McSame" or, as he was accidentally referred to at that same gathering, John Bush, has been claiming he and his ticket are the "change" America needs.

WTF?

Are you kidding me?

Here's a 72 year old rich, white guy--a Senator--someone absolutely FROM WASHINGTON, who has worked there on the inside for years and he claims he and his reactionary, "take us back in time" female sidekick are the party of change?

Wisely, the Democratic Obama campaign has shown videotape of the good Senator, bragging of how he has voted with the current President (who got us in our messes, by the way) "90% of the time."

What's more unbelievable is that PEOPLE ARE FALLING FOR IT. I know it's temporary--it is, after all, only a poll and it's the extremely fickle American Public but right now, Senator "I haven't got any fresh ideas" is running ahead of Sen. Obama.

I'm not going to panic because there's 56 days between now and the election but it's pretty unfathomable that people would fall for this line.

Also nearly completely unbelievable is that people who would have voted for Sen. Hillary Clinton are, at least some of them, swinging toward voting Republican for and because of Sarah Palin.

Can they not think?

Sarah Palin is virtually completely against everything Sen. Clinton EVER stood or campaigned for.

Here's another unbelievability: a "swing" voter, undecided as to whether they should vote for McSame & Co. or Barack Obama.

Are you kidding me?

Could they possibly represent more different ideas and groups?

It's like not knowing if you're for the North or South in the Civil War. It just shouldn't happen.

No way.

Talk about clay for brains.
__________________________________________________________________________

On a different, closing note: Get this. On the way in to work this morning, I heard of an Army soldier in nearby Fort Riley, Kansas who declared himself to be an atheist.

It seems someone--a Christian, sadly, again, unbelievably--has threatened this person's life, saying they would kill him, apparently, unless he became a Christian and disavowed his non-belief.

If just doesn't get much better, for a laugh, or sicker, than that, does it?