Quick Takes – When the News Breaks, I Fix It

Really? He said that?

This page will be reserved for my comments on various issues that deserve attention but need not a full article (or to which I don’t have sufficient time to devote). In other words, you can benefit from my wisdom without the boredom of reading one of my full articles. The latest comments will be at the top. Older comments will remain until I change my mind — or become embarrassed by them.

Dr. Trump – Considering how much deadly advice he has gifted us with, he seems to desire being a physician more than the other position he holds with an equal dearth of knowledge. Only he – I hope – could conjure up the injection of bleach as a cure for the Covid-19. Give the man-child what he wants. Only his voters are stupid enough to take his advice, which will increase his margin of defeat. Here’s to Dr. Trump.

Christian? – Trump is no more of a Christian than Franklin Graham or Darth Vader.

Disrespectful? – I wonder if God feels insulted when people kneel for him.

Stand Your Ground – If the NFL owners don’t appreciate Trump interfering, perhaps they should all kneel with the entire team.

Standing With Trumpovich – The supporters of the most venal, corrupt and hubritic president ever want everyone to stand for the anthem but have no problem with their fake president groveling to a foreign dictator.

Trust Trump? – There are actually people out there that trust the administration with all the complexities of government, both domestically and internationally, when they can’t even keep track of a few dozen toddlers.

I Really Do Care, Don’t You? – It appears that Melania is no longer plagiarizing Michelle Obama. You go girl – and take him with you.

Ivanka Has No Idea – According to the White House spokesman, she told her daddy she would speak to any congressman to help him get legislation to solve the problem of the separation of children from the families. Hey dummy, it ‘s not a legislative problem. All it takes is a call from daddy to Bill Barr, saying STOP.

Hypocrisy Defined – Everyone was feeling sorry for that faux hero, McCain, and the discovery of his brain cancer. He speeds his return to the Senate in time to vote to take healthcare away from millions of Americans. If he doesn’t care about Americans, to whom is his allegiance? Do we blame his entire political career on being a lifelong hypocrite or on his diseased brain?

Flip Flops? – The promise was “no boots on the ground in Syria.” There has been an announcement that the Marines have landed there, not to mention all those Special Forces, that should be eligible for citizenship by now. So, what kind of footwear are they wearing? Camouflage Crocs?

Everyone? How? – Founder of Club for Growth and Trump advisor, Stephen Moore, told Anderson Cooper that he wanted a program of healthcare that covered everyone. He had just praised the GOP non-plan for eliminating the mandate. Will the young and poor love the plan so much they’ll rush to buy policies voluntarily? It appears he was unaware that he was describing ‘single-payer.’

Anti-Semitism – I am watching the so-called president criticize anti-Semitism. As Arabs are also Semites, isn’t he guilty of anti-Semitism? And, then there is Bibi Netan-yahoo.

Democratic or . . . – Obama and other establishment Democrats have put names forward for the chairman of the Democratic National Committee. They need to realize that those zealous progressives that are the future of this nation are vehemently anti-establishment. They need to think hard about who they select as the chair or they will see the future desert them.

Words to Live By – Courtesy of Alabama Governor Robert Bentley, “If we can put a man on the Moon, we can build more prisons.

Raw Meat – Forget about roasting Trump at the next Correspondents’ Dinner. Since he has waged war against the media, they should boycott the event or dis-invite him. To carry on as usual would be capitulation and/or  expose a case of overweening infatuation with celebrity.

Make America Great Again – Impeach the entire Trump administration. Congress would be an appropriate followup target.

Where Are They? – Why did the Inauguration Parade not include the marching band from Trump University?

Finally – The Republicans have finally found a replacement for Obamacare. It’s called the Affordable Care Act.

Wake Up – Now Trump has admitted that the Mexicans won’t be paying for his wall — we will. For those Trump voters, you must have believed all of his other lies too. And, all of the other things he said were lies, likewise. Enjoy the next four years.

Partial Victory – I am grateful that we are rid of the centrist Democratic Party. It would be nice if we had a rational replacement.

Politically Incorrect – The editor of the Wall Street Journal says they will not call Donald’s lies lies. Since he has such disdain for political correctness, the Journal should respect his opinion and call him a liar, whenever the occasion arises – whenever he moves his lips?

Want to stay in a Trump hotel? – Every building in the world with the name Trump on it has become a prime target. Those wanting to curry favor with The Donald might want to think twice . . . and buy a bit more life insurance.

For Whom? – It’s strange that Trump’s negotiations with Carrier to benefit workers by keeping their jobs in America refused to allow their union at the table.

The Latest Poll – 93% of voters for Trump believe in Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, that the Earth is flat and that Michele Bachmann is rational. The remainder are undecided.

Trump’s Tarnished Gold – Revenues for Donald Trump’s properties, hotels, casinos and golf courses with his name on them, were down 16.5% this September compared to last year. Then there is his recently opened hotel, the refurbished post office down the street from the White House. Even discounting the rates 50% or more hasn’t enticed a significant number of guests. Trump’s brand is in the dumps.

More – Unless Republicans lose their majority in the House, we will continue to see them waste time on worthless, politically-motivated witch hunts and more votes to repeal Obamacare. There will continue to be an extreme dearth of actual work on behalf of the nation.

Dolly Parton Says – “I keep saying, ‘If you’re the fine Christian that you think you are, why are you judging people?’ That’s God’s job. We’re not God, we’re not judges, we’re supposed to love one another, we’re supposed to not judge. I’ve got too much work to do in my own to try to do God’s work too. I just think that we should be more loving, more caring. We are who we are. If you’re gay, you’re gay. If you’re straight, you’re straight. And you should be allowed to be how you are and who you are.”

Turnabout Is Fair Play – When protesters of the Vietnam War were a staple of the news, the right-wing simpletons chanted, “America, love it or leave it.” Listening to the rantings of Trump and his supporters, I say, “America, love it or leave it.”

Strange Bedfellows – If one supports Trump, they must admit that they side with Putin.

The Company You Keep – It’s difficult to imagine anyone more hypocritical than a supporter of Trump claiming to be a Christian.

Paul Ryan’s Precaution – Distancing himself from Trump may be pusillanimous Paul’s way of avoiding being grabbed.

Faux Debates – While they may be presented as debates, they are totally worthless, embarrassing reality television. When one of the candidates is speaking, the microphone of the other should be turned off. When a candidate’s answer is not responsive to the question at hand, their microphone be turned off. A broadcast delay would be necessary. Three chances only: the third time they refuse to respond to a question, their microphone should be taken away for the remainder of the event. At least there would be a modicum of decorum.

Forgiveness – The immediate response of Mike Pence and all of the other supposed Christians to Trump’s latest unchristian behavior, and all of his other contemptible transgressions, was Christian forgiveness. Strangely, they must have used it all up on The Donald, because they cannot seem to find any for Hillary.

Only Half? – Hillary said she was wrong to say half of Trump’s supporters were deplorable. True. All of those continuing to support him after the “grabbing” comments and his behavior during the first 2 debates, as HE was the loser,  are truly deplorable.

Welcome – Every American winner of a Nobel prize this year was an immigrant. I doubt the native-born Trump will win any prizes. Update: Prizes for economics and the sciences still go to immigrants but the one for literature goes to Bob Dylan.

Best For You – Paul Ryan tells the Republican congressmen to do what is best for themselves. Sorry, America. What is best for you pales in comparison with what is best for the scumbags.

Conspiracy? – Trump claims that if he loses it will be because of a conspiracy to rig the election. No, once again he is wrong. He will lose because of sabotage. Trump himself is the one doing that sabotage.

The sTRUMPettes – Why would a 46-year old former model be married to a 70-year old obese orange with small hands? Love? Probably not. Why would any woman marry a man of such renown for his misogyny? I guess it’s better than being an underpaid social worker or contributing in some other way.

Uncoordinated – RNC chairman Reince Priebus really wants to believe Trump has changed his position on Muslims. So, he claims Trump has changed. Too bad Trump’s VP choice didn’t get the memo. Mike Pence famously called Trump’s position offensive and unconstitutional. Little Mikey now agrees that Muslims should be banned. It seems he, like Trump, can be all things to at least some people.

Make The Connection – The Supreme Court declined to hear a case. A pharmacy in Washington State doesn’t want to sell contraceptives, based on their religious principles. Their lawyer said, “Dispensing these drugs would make them guilty of destroying life.” Really? People of that ilk tell us that a gun dealer is not guilty of destroying a life when someone dies by a gun he sold. Can hypocrites be Christians?

More, More, More – Sandy Hook, Aurora Theater, Orlando. The more you do of what you’ve done, the more you’ll have of what you’ve got. We’ve done nothing. Do we want more? Then keep doing nothing.

Unlearned Lessons – Is it just me that finds contemporary Israel comparable to 1930s Germany? No. Israeli Defense Force Deputy Chief of Staff Major General Yair Golan stated that he was frightened by the similarity. Why are we complicit?

Chickens Come Home To Roost – The Republican politicians are scrambling to avoid identifying with Donald Chump for the next 5 months. Imagine how they would endure 5 months plus 4 years of this clown. Who’s to blame for his ascendance? The Grand Old Party of Racists.

Siamese Twits – Donald and Hillary, both bought and paid for. He’s hiding his tax returns. She’s hiding her Wall Street speeches. Neither gives a shit about you. Okay, now vote.

Object Lesson – The Donald will be opening his golf resort in Scotland the day the results of Brexit are announced. If the Brits follow his advice and exit the EU, they likely will experience a political situation similar to the one he is causing in the US.

Chicken Little – Why did the chicken cross the road? To avoid debating Bernie Sanders.

Treat Them Special – I propose that all candidates for federal office be taxed at 100% on all personal and family wealth above $1 million.

I Pledge – We can now pledge allegiance to a can of Budweiser and the Belgian corporation for which it stands.

Going There – As expected, Christian conservatives supporting Donald Trump show that their’s is a political movement, not a religious movement.

Too Much – Bernie wants single-payer. The Urban Institute says it will cost $519 billion more, just in 2017. The Institute didn’t use Bernie’s plan. They made up their own. They used unsupportable numbers and failed to include the significant administrative savings. Real single-payer systems save tons of money – and lives.

Say Anything – Trump contradicts himself so frequently because he says whatever his immediate audience wants to here. He reminds me of the streetwalker with a mattress on her back yelling, “Curb service.” He’s not the only guilty one in the present presidential race.

Who Do You Mistrust? – What’s good for the goose is good for the gander. Hillary demands transparency from The Donald about his tax returns while refusing to be transparent about her Wall Street speeches. A pox on both their houses.

Backwards – The Hillary camp is demanding that the Bernie Bros unite the party. Hillary is the primary beneficiary if/when the party unites. It’s up to the winner to unite the party.

Politically Incorrect – Why are conservatives always so ready to criticize political correctness but go ballistic when someone says ‘Happy Holidays” at Chanukah (or Hanukkah) time? Are they hypocritically correct?

Ted Cruz Out of Presidential Race – Did Carly Fiorina lay him off?

A Question – There are laws against fraud and other such activities that are so popular on Wall Street. If those laws are not enforced, why do we have them? The refusal to enforce them creates a mob of scofflaws, engenders contempt for laws, the justice system and authority. Refusal to enforce against one particular group of criminals throws a spotlight on the authorities’ malfeasance, misfeasance and nonfeasance. Refusal to enforce these laws paints targets on those failing to perform their jobs; those who have willingly become accessories.

The Bad Joke – More than being a bad joke, the racially-charged joke Hillary shared with Mayor De Blasio was bad JUDGMENT. Although, it could have been her way of identifying with all of those African-Americans that also make $225,000 for their speeches. As her campaign stumbles along, it appears Ms. Inevitability’s only admirable quality is loyalty . . . but that is admired by few beyond Bill.

Comparable? – While Bernie received an invitation to meet with Pope Francis, Hillary is awaiting her interviews with the FBI. By the way, there are reasons that of the 5 remaining presidential candidates, Bernie is the only one with a positive favorability rating.

Cut Taxes For You and Me – Cities and state fall all over each other to offer corporations 20-year tax abeyances and other such benefits. Why? Because they are the job creators. Wrong. This is a consumer economy. Businesses don’t hire people or build new factories or increase inventories unless you and I have money to spend. We are the job creators. Perhaps, cities and states should offer us those incentives to relocate and boost their economies.

Intramural Sport – It turns out that our glorious leadership has added a new twist to war. Syrians armed by the CIA are fighting Syrians armed by the Pentagon. Pick which team you support. Actually, it doesn’t matter, as we are paying for both. Don’t jump. My apologies for breaking this to you.

Evacuate Puerto Rico – Danger, Will Robinson. Paul Ryan and the House Republicans are working on a plan to “help” with Puerto Rico’s financial crisis. Why do the prospects for their plan elicit thoughts of Rome following Nero’s concert?

Original Intent. Really? – I am not an advocate for frequent changes in laws and Constitutions. But laws and institutions must go hand in hand with the progress of the human mind. As that becomes more developed, more enlightened, as new discoveries are made, new truths discovered and manners and opinions change, with the change of circumstances, institutions must advance also to keep pace with the times. We might as well require a man to wear still the coat which fitted him when a boy as civilized society to remain ever under the regimen of their barbarous ancestors. – Thomas Jefferson

Too Expensive – Hillary claims that Bernie’s proposals are too expensive. What proposals? You know, free college, universal health care, not killing people in other countries, not posting troops in 168 other countries permanently, not providing welfare for corporations and Wall Street, requiring the plutocrats to help pay for this country, et al. I’m guessing that none of his proposals cost us that $19,000,000,000,000 indebtedness.

Scalia’s Replacement – Politics has become more and more a product of media and the Supreme Court has become fully politicized. The Court has ruled that corporations are people too. So, why not the perfect judicial candidate? The largest, most successful media conglomerate of all is the best candidate. Therefore, I nominate Comcast. They will show up most days between noon and 4 o’clock – or not.

Illiterate Senators – I think the Constitution is clear that a president is elected to serve a 4-year term. The Republican clowns appear to think it specifies a 3-year term. As they haven’t been quite that precise, perhaps they will enlighten us with a putative 2-year term. More likely, they will claim that a president has a 0-year term – if he is a member of the Democratic Party. If they were really confident of winning the Oval Office, they would let the Democrats have a temporary advantage, as I think there are 3 octogenarian justices, promising relatively immanent opportunities for the next president. It seems the Republicans are cafeteria constitutionalists.

Empty Suit? – The term ’empty suit’ gets thrown around quite a lot during political campaigns. It was used against President Obama in the 2008 campaign. Likewise, John Edwards. This time it appears Marco Rubio has been so labeled. That really isn’t appropriate. When thinking about Marco a diaper is more apt to come to mind. An empty diaper? No. Rather, both he and the diaper are full of it.

The Real Difference – Bernie Sanders is sticking to his script. He speaks to people about the big issues that effect them. Hillary Clinton’s slogan is, “I’m With Her.” Her entire campaign is all about her. The people are moving to the candidate that holds them as the priority. Vote for her because she’s a woman? Should all men vote for him? Bernie garnered 11% more of the women’s vote in New Hampshire than she.

B(l)ack Hillary? – Was she talking about black youngsters when she said, “They are not just gangs of kids anymore. They are often the kinds of kids that are called ‘super-predators.’ No conscience, no empathy. We can talk about why they ended up that way, but first we have to bring them to heel.” That should not endear her to black voters. Prison reform? Too many in prison? Her Super PAC received substantial bribes from private prison companies.

Tell All? – Wall Street banksters, drug dealers and others pay Hillary $200,000 or more to  give a speech. Most reports focus on the payments she receives. What she says to them is the real point. These speeches are not the same as those she gives for free. She requires strict confidentiality contracts. She doesn’t want us to know what she is promising her owners. She refuses to reveal what she tells them. Why? Why? Why?

TrusTed – Really? – What does Ted Cruz’s logo really mean? Google is right on the mark. Look up Trus. The result? “A transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) is an ultrasound technique that is used to view a man’s prostate and surrounding tissues. The ultrasound transducer (probe) sends sound waves through the wall of the rectum into the prostate gland, which is located directly in front of the rectum.” An anal probe. Is that asshole imploring us to check him out?

Was The Copywriter’s Résumé In English? – I just watched a commercial for Acura, a subsidiary of Honda. I quote, “If you see a trail, blaze it.” To blaze a trail is to mark out a new path. It is not possible to blaze an existing trail – or see a trail that does not yet exist. I would strongly recommend they hire people familiar with the English language and the American idiom to create commercials for prime time television. I trust they are more assiduous in the manufacture of their automobiles.

Shut Up, Donald – There is an old adage that reeks of truth: You ain’t learning nothing when you’re talking. Since The Donald never ceases talking, that explains his impressive ignorance on every subject he addresses.

What’s Good For the Goose – The question is union dues for public employees. “The problem that’s before us is whether or not individuals can be compelled to support political views that they disagree with,” said Chief Justice John Roberts. Does he feel the same about me being compelled to support the Congressional Circus or the five lackeys on the Wall Street Supreme Court? I would bet that the considerations dissenting union members take into account for remaining in those jobs are less compelling than those keeping me in my native land, among all of my friends and family. The Chief asked the wrong question. My question is, does he understand how a democracy is supposed to work?

Gitmo – President Obama has had a great deal of trouble fulfilling his promise to shut the prison at Guantanamo. Permit me to offer a solution that will solve many problems and greatly benefit the country. It would make quite suitable housing for Hillary Clinton and all of the other Republican candidates for president, all of the corporate lackeys.

Embarrassment of Races – Everyone stopped by the Texas Highway Patrol is now being asked to declare their race. I’m certain there will be jokers that respond with answers that are obviously not correct. My problem is the embarrassment of answering honestly. Though I do not live in that state and am unlikely to be confronted with the question, millions of others are not quite so fortunate. I certainly am not proud to admit that I am a member of the Human race.

Grain, Grain, Go Away – Archaeologists have found the occasional passageway and burial chamber in those otherwise solid pyramids. They haven’t yet discovered any grains of grain, just grains of sand. Was Ben Carson’s Joseph storing a 7-year supply of sand in those pyramids? I think I could have designed a more efficient storage facility. Seven years of drought? As the Nile is what Egypt depends on for watering its crops, did it go dry for seven years?

Barefoot In The Park – We are definitely not going to put boots on the ground in the fight against ISIL. We are sending a couple of thousand troops over there. Barefeet on hot sand could be a hardship for those troops. Perhaps we need to take up a collection to provide them with flip-flops. The politicians probably have a good source for them.

Liar, Liar – Poor Ben Carson. He doesn’t realize that it isn’t necessary to concoct a bunch of lies to appear to be a more desireable presidential candidate than anyone else presently running. The others need to lie by denying their real platforms. Is Uncle Ben qualified? To be a member of that sorry bunch? Absolutely.

Drink Up – Is it possible our politicians really are so ignorant? Marco Rubio is no more outstanding in this instance than in any other; just typical. Little Marco proclaims that he would like to sit down and have a beer with Malala. Not only is she underage but, for Muslims, alcoholic beverages are forbidden. He claims expertise in foreign policy. Fantasyland, maybe. Not in the real (non-Republican) world.

That Face, Redux – Carly Fiorina once again surprises us. She is quoted at saying, “I am distinctly horrifying to liberal women.” I had no idea she was a lesbian.

Spaced Out – The Republican candidates for president assure us that more guns guarantee more security. I would remind future travelers to the International Space Station to pack several assault weapons, just in case. After all, there will be foreigners there. One can’t be too well-armed safe.

Book ’em, Dano – Even the majority of Republicans dislike the odor engendered by the almost universal buying of politicians. Campaign contributions are simply bribes. The Attorney General should hold a press conference and announce that, forthwith, any political contribution of more than $50 per election cycle will be considered a bribe; both the donor and recipient to be charged and prosecuted. See how the Supreme Court of Corporations likes them apples.

Foreign Legion 2.0 – Want to see the world? We have made armed tourism universal. How many countries host, willingly or not, US Special Ops Forces? None? No, silly. Most Americans would guess it was somewhere between 5 and 10. Not even close. Let me spell it out: One hundred thirty-five — this year, so far. While they want you to know about their eventual success with bin Laden, creating problems is far more common. It is impossible to adequately monitor and command such disparate forces. Think of it more as herding cats.

Do Unto Others – Though not a fan of popes in general, he was spot-on invoking the “Golden Rule” on the subject of refugees. How about applying it elsewhere? Would those politicians appreciate a bunch of women, totally ignorant on the subject, controlling their bodies? If they had a real job and lost it, would they be grateful being denied unemployment insurance, food stamps and such? If they had no insurance, would they celebrate being denied health care? They claim to be Christian. I see no evidence of Christlike attitudes or behaviors.

Losers Lead GOP – The latest poll shows The Rump still in first with Carly Fiorina pulling up to second place. The Donald’s business claims to fame include 4 bankruptcies, not paying workers and having to sneak his plane out of the hanger before the repossessors arrived. I was once a Hewlett-Packard dealer. It was difficult to imagine a healthier company — until “that face” started demonstrating her business acumen. It now appears likely the damage may have been too severe for mere mortals to repair. 30,000 plus another 25-30,000 lost jobs — and counting.

What About Mary? – The participants at the GOP debate of the buffoons were asked for their proposals for women to adorn the next ten-dollar bill. Jeb! doesn’t think too highly of American women. He went with Margaret Thatcher. Another suggested Mother Teresa. Most indicative  of the ignorance of this barrel of baboons were those who responded with the name of Rosa Parks. Why? Everyone on stage promises to defund Planned Parenthood. Miss Rosa was a member of the board of directors of that organization. Surprise.

Wisdom From the GOP Debate –

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Make Believe – Again, the Republican candidates come out of the clown car long enough to astound the world. How is it possible for sentient adults to subscribe to so many idiotic positions? Their views on foreign policy, economics, the Constitution, women, health, indeed, every topic they broach, seem to have originated in Disney World’s Fantasyland. The only country not laughing at us is North Korea — they haven’t invented humor, yet.

Christian Hypocrites – Several “Christian” Republican presidential candidates have come out in support of Kim Davis, the scofflaw county clerk in Kentucky. Ms. Davis supports “Biblical” marriage. Ms. Davis wants to abide by “Biblical” law. Ms. Davis has been divorced 3 times. Ms. Davis has had two children out of wedlock. Ms. Davis has committed adultery. The Bible prescribes stoning to death as the appropriate punishment for adultery. Are those Republican presidential candidates not actually Christians, or do they not have the balls stones?

Biblical Marriage – The simple-minded county clerk in Kentucky refuses to marry or issue marriage licenses to people that, in her limited understanding of the Constitution and the Bible, fail to match her anti-historical, anti-biblical perception of those documents. I propose that someone more popular with the ladies than I find 300 women willing to marry him, a la King Solomon. After all, God must have approved, as he blessed Solomon with more wisdom and wealth than any other. Abraham married his half-sister. Moses married his father’s sister. Jacob married two sisters. David married a woman, after he got her pregnant and had her husband murdered. Obviously, she and God find those Biblically acceptable marriages.

Ignorance Unlimited —The blather of the opponents of the Iran agreement merely proves their ignorance. They wish to trash the agreement. There is absolutely no possibility of getting Iran back to the table, much less to negotiate more advantageous terms. Without an agreement, what is there to stop or slow Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons – or Bibi Netanyahu from claiming, once more, ad nauseam, that Iran will have them in two months? An Iranian bomb guarantees more war. I could be easily persuaded the conservatives actually want that war.

Dueling Blowhards — Hillary’s decision to ignore the rules of Foggy Bottom, sometimes known as the Department of State, exhibits an ego far larger than the department itself. “It was a matter of convenience,” she said. I understand. I’ve been inconvenienced a couple of times. The other blowhard? Donald TheRump. Enough said.

Screw The Greeks — Greece has too much debt. The Germans and French wish to solve this problem by loaning them more. Why would they want to help the Greeks? They don’t. The new loans will go to pay off the German and French creditors. Now they will be unable to pay off old or new. It’s never a good idea to mix stupidity and greed.

Christian Morality? — Once again we find the spokesman for Christian morality having firsthand experience in what he lectured the rest of us about. Ashley Madison? Really? The hackers caught Josh Duggar with his pants down at the site for married cheaters. Meanwhile, his family is trying to get another cable channel to develop a show to replace the income they lost when 19 and Counting was canceled. More proof that there is no more of an innate relationship between religion and morality than there is between bananas and roller coasters.