Officers, Representatives, and Senators of the Great State of Oklahoma -Lets Talk Sedition

 A lot of people in Oklahoma are furious about what happened on Jan 6th 2020 and there is some confusion about things.  So lets clear it all up, ok?

Some people are saying that what Trump, his lawyers, and other people did in giving a speech to incite the attack on the Capital as Treason. Also that Senator Lankford, all the members we sent to the House, and the state legislatures who signed on to the parliamentary gimmick of objecting to the election as Treason.

This is in fact not true. Treason requires us to be in a declared war and Congress disdains the US Military and those serving in it by refusing to call any of the armed conflicts were in a war.  This is done to deprive them of various benefits and honors and getting that redressed requires veteran groups to have to continually fight to get some of those benefits they earned by sacrificing for the country.

You can, and I do call these people traitors,  as that is not a legal term but a personal judgement based on disloyalty. However I do feel they are guilty of Sedition.  I am not a lawqyer, so maybe I am wrong. Read for your self.

18 U.S. Code CHAPTER 115—TREASON, SEDITION, AND SUBVERSIVE ACTIVITIES

There is a lot to review here so lets examine the most relevant sections of that law.

18 U.S. Code § 2383 - Rebellion or insurrection

Whoever incites, sets on foot, assists, or engages in any rebellion or insurrection against the authority of the United States or the laws thereof, or gives aid or comfort thereto, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both; and shall be incapable of holding any office under the United States.

What happened was clearly illegal, and the FBI has already charged over 60 people as of this writing.  Seems pretty clear listening to what many of the rioters said on camera and by breaking into the building, as well as vandalizing and assaulting people, one of which resulted in the death of an officer that the purpose was to overturn a legal election and thus the US Government. Plus there were chants like hang Mike Pence. Anyone really dispute that was insurrection?

Section 2385 is even more compelling, specially as regards to the instigators and our elected officials who encouraged these rioters.  And for those crying about Social Media platforms silencing their voices, well it seems if they didn't they would be guilty too!  Might in fact be a good case for it anyhow, but maybe they can claim ignorance. But those in Congress and the 17 local state legislators - well cries of ignorance  seem far less credible.

Section 2384 Conspiracy likely applies to the Congressmen, Turning Point USA, and the wife of a Supreme Court Justice who paid for transportation. I dont recall all the names but you can be sure the FBI has a better memory and notes than I do.

Will anyone in power actually be charged and see jail time?  Very unlikely, the rich and powerful are often above the law and escape consequences we regular Americans would pay.

Its up to voters to hold them accountable.

Write down the names of those who represent you and attacked our country IN YOUR NAME by saying they did it in your interest and because you demanded it.  They all knew that blocking the state electors was not going to happen and it was just a stunt to get attention, raise money (Hawley and Cruz for example) or appeal to disgruntled Trump voters in hopes of them helping win their own future elections. They knew about the mob, everyone did - it was planned well ahead of time and very very public. They chose to put their personal or party political ambitions ahead of the risk of violence in the best case, and some it appears were more directly involved at the worst case.

Some are paying some consequences now, local newspapers calling for resignations, Senator Lankford being asked to step down of a local but prestigious committee (I think that one hurts him the most,  maybe I'm wrong but I think he really cares about the cause) and businesses are stepping back - at least for now.  That money train really hurts and is the likely reason Senator McConnell has indicated he may support impeachment.

Meanwhile many in the GOP are asking us to forgive and forget about the attack on our country that impeachment and calls for resignation are divisive and should stop. They say now we should heal and move forward, seems similar to the eternal "Thoughts and Prayers" after every mass shooting.  Ask yourself would they say the same thing if a Democrat had done this? Or if it was a left wing grouplike Black Lives Matter or Antifa.  Though many like Rep Jordan and Gatz are trying to blame them even though the FBI has said no evidence of that.  And really, can you see that? Left wing groups march in normal clothes - not armed and with military surplus gear. The lefts version of terrorism is chaining yourself to a tree to protect an endangered owl, or using a small boat to try and drive off a whaling ship. You may think they are crazy but when you lok at mass violence its generally the right wing from Ruby Ridge, to Waco, to the Federal Building in Oklahoma to the uni-bomber. Of course not all Republicans or conservatives are terrorists or unpatriotic just as there are vandals among the very angry crowds of people fighting not to be killed over their kid stealing a barbie doll, shot while sleeping because a warrant had the wrong address,  or a routine traffic stop.

Oh, and as I hear the news on the background one other thing. Whats up with the excuse that voting for Impeachment could put your or your family at risk? Are Democrat's the only ones with courage? People in elected office should not allow their choices to be decided by either personal profit or risk. If you cant handle that to quote AOC "Find another Job!" You certainly should not be a position to decide the lives of veterans and active duty service members.

The nation must heal and unify, we have let the media and political parties divide us for too long. They do this for ratings, fund raising, and to weaken the American people. However we must not allow these people to get away with these activities and crimes, if they have no accountability they will just do it again and again.

A Final Thought

It pains me that the Senate does not think this is an important enough issue to call off their vacation. Right now Secratary Pompeio is politically attacking other countries and damaging relations with our alles. Hes a known warhawk so some of this is just to please him and the defense contractors but what f Trump uses it to start a war, send a a few missiles somewhere or whatever?  The military will disobey an unlawful order but civilian political appointees are in charge and  who is to say a missile strike or troop movement is unlawful? If you were ordered to do something your boss told you to that you thought might be a bad idea but if in refusing the order  you risked a felony conviction would you do it?

Trump is in my view a petty and vindictive man, and I dont trust him not to cause as much damage as he thinks he can get away with.  Apparently the majority of Republicans disagree with that assessment or at least they are willing to risk it.  I hope I am wrong, but if not we must hold them accountable for their cowardice and poor judgement.

The Striking Absence of Courage and Loyalty to America in the GOP and Amazing Self-entitlement

 The House voted to impeach Trump for sedition today, a small number of Republicans voted for it.  Apparently not a single Oklahoma Rep was among them.  So Rep Tom Cole, Rep Markwayne Mullin, Rep Kevin Hern, Rep Stephanie Bice, and local Rep Frank Lucas all voted in support of Sedition, just as they voted to encourage and give aid and comfort to seditionists by objecting to blocking the will of the voters in declaring Biden as the new President elect.

Some like Rep Tom Cole said it was just a parliamentary move, others think and have said letting Trump get away with attempting to overthrow the government as something that the country should just move beyond and forget about, such as our own Senator Lankford.

Meanwhile Republicans are screaming more about losing book deals (Senator Hawley), being censored by a few losing social media accounts and saying that prevents them from talking to people (duh you can go on TV or radio anytime you want to!).Also seriously does any Congress person actually read or understand the Constitution? or do they know but just think their voters are too lazy or stupid to, and will just believe whatever they are told? Or even more petty crying about not being able to carry guns onto the House floor and walking through metal detectors.  How out of touch and self entitled are these people? Regular Americans are typically not allowed to carry guns on their jobs, many schools have metal detectors, and have they boarded a plane lately? But somehow they think they are special and should be able to carry a gun in a supposedly secure location. Consider that several were and still are engaged in active sedition and some calling for the death of fellow congress people. At least 4 were involved in organizing the rally that led to the riot and one Rep Lauren Boebert is an admitted conspiracy theorist and was sending the location during the riot Speaker Pelosi's location to her followers. There were only two credible reasons to do that 1) Hoping the rioters would go after Pelosi and leave the floor alone (in hopes of protecting herself) or 2) Hoping they could reach Pelosi.  Why should she be allowed in office, much less to carry a gun? Apparently our own Rep Mullin was also among those crying about the metal detectors.

So these are the priority issues of the GOP, not the people who died or risked their lives to save their lives (By the way, many Republicans, including Senator Graham and some from the Oklahoma delegation were yelling at the Capital Police for not doing enough during the crisis.  We even have American service members sleeping on the Capital floor to protect their ass. While as a former service member myself I can say this is not the most uncomfortable billet, its shameful that Republicans in office are devaluing that and putting their own personal privilege's over and above the people sacrificing to protect the self-entitled spoiled brats.

When will Republican voters ever hold them accountable?  Will they ever do so? Or is racism so that damm important to you? Can't really be anti-abortion based on the reckless disregard for human life. Maybe its just the lie about taxes.  Shameful whatever the reason is.

The Trump and Fox shutdown on Day 21

So we just hit day twenty one in the latest shutdown of the Trump administration. As of midnight it will be the longest one in US history and Congress has adjourned for the weekend so its likely to go into next week. Congress and Trump are showing its simply not an important issue, especially Mitch McConnell who is refusing to even allow a vote to resolve the issue. Apparently giving money to Israel was more important to him.

The Players

• Trump says its a National Emergency despite illegal immigration from the southern border continuing its lowered trend. In other words less illegal immigration than before, starting under President Obama. He cites fake statistics and just lies (surprise) to make it seem like an emergency yet offers no specifics when asked about what hes going to do with the funding if he gets it. 
• The Democratic House voted to open the government by passing previously approved Senate bills that Trump killed after Fox News told him to do so.
• The Republican Senate has decided to bow out and cedeits authority to the President and says they will not vote on anything or try to do a veto overide to open the government. They, through Senator McConnell have declared no votes on the issue until Trump decides he has gotten what he wants.

The Issue

• The Wall is the key sticking point between Trump, Democrats and many Republicans (mostly old fashioned conservatives who dont like spending money and border state Republicans who say there is no emergency or real problem) and Democrats.
• The Secure Fences Act, passed in 2006 was a major effort at securing the border but DHS later leaned away from that for more modern methods. There is still alot of fencing but DHS determined there were cheaper and more effective methods, depending on location.

The Problems

• Trump considers this a campaign issue and needs a fight on this, not a win but an ongoing fight. He keeps changing his requests and when prior funds were approved (most still unspent) he kept ramping up the demands and refusing to negotiate and compromise with the Democrats in return. One of the more talked about incidents was his refusing 25 billion for the wall in return for DACA, The last was him canceling the deal he had with Senator McConnell after Fox News laid into him.
• Related to the above, Trump needs attention and a distraction from the investigations into him. Whenever someone seems to be getting more attention he manufactures a crisis of somekind to get the media focus back on him.
• No one can trust Trumps word since he goes back on it and changes his mind so often. A deal requires trust or a means of enforcing compliance to it.
• If Trump gets what he wants he can be expected to shut down the government again or refuse to sign any bill anytime he wants something. Its a policy of extortion he has shown a tendency for so its like negotiating with a terrorist. So if the Democrats give in, they can expect to see this happen again and again. He did it with CHIP (withholding money for childrens health care), the VA (holding off signing a VA benefits package to get wall funding), and others that dont stick in my mind as much.
• The Republican party shows no willingness to stand up to Trump.

The Solutions

• National Emergency: This was floated so Trump could do what he wants and avoid dealing with Congress. However some people have appeared to talk him down from that ledge for fear of setting the precedent. I dont count this option as complete; out however, as we have seen he frequently changes his mind.
• Trump feels the heat enough to give in but somehow can call it a win.
• Democrats cave into political or moral pressure as more people get desperate at losing pay and the consequences such as losing their homes or apartments. Also, remember its not just government employees but stores, restaurants and other businesses that take a hit.
• Republicans feel enough political heat to be willing to stand up to Trump.
• Someone comes up with a compromise everyone can live with.

Is Compromise Possible?

The trouble here is giving everyone what they really want (not always the same as what they say)

Trump wants something he can declare a win but the Democrats have to be careful to give him a win without looking too weak (or they will be voted out again) or encouraging him to just repeat the tactic every few months (also gets them voted out again).

So as I always say, you have no right to complain if your not offering solutions or at least trying to fix a problem, here are my ideas 

(I keep telling my Congressman, but Rep Lucas staff says its not a focus, Senator Inhofe less said the better, Senator Lankford seems to care but sides with Trump.)

• Democrats offer to rebuild broken fencing and barriers, probably citing specific areas recommended by DHS. Gives Trump a win he can spin.
• More judges (Senator Lankford supports this, Trump opposes it) so we process those seeking asylum faster. This is actually a true conservative ideal since it actually saves us money. Did you know that under Trump were now paying $680 per person per day?! Thats because Trump and Sessions encouraged private prisons and they have seen massive stock rises in return. At taxpayer expense of course.
• Improve inspection stations with upgraded equipment and more personal to more effectively catch imported drugs.
• Improve border patrol with more people and equipment, including drones and fast response stations. Trump has actually taken money from border security (and other organizations, including FEMA, Coast Guard, and the US military) to fund those internment camps which are growing quickly under his new policies (again at taxpayer expense).
• Offer the Democrats a high profile win such as DACA so they can say thats why they voted for it instead of bowing to extortion and the extortion of America. That hopefully keeps Trump from seeing this as a precdent so he keeps doing it, and the Dems feel they wont be voted out for being cowards and encouraging GOP terrorism.

The GOP lost 41 House seats (might end up as 40, depending on what happens with NC but its 41 right now) because they have left Trump unchecked. The Democrats know that (along with Health Care) it was a key issue that won them their seats and failing to hold him accountable will cost them in 2020 just as it cost so many Republicans in 2018.

Remember there is no real Immigration emergency or border invasion. Thats just made up by Trump and alt-right members who promote racism. We know this because the numbers are in decline so its less urgent an issue now than previous years. We actually have more illegal immigrants coming from Canada! But no talk of a border wall there, hmm wonder why...

As for drug importation, most of that is from ports of entry not fence hopping (makes sense its cheaper and get more bulk driving, flying or shipping it in than walking) also most drug deaths are from BigPharma and the opiod crisis, but Republicans want to protect the doctors and pharmaceutical companies so they can keep pushing addictive pain killers.

If there was a real crisis we would hear different numbers from DHS, FBI and others.

If there really a need for urgency why did the Republicans do nothing on the issue when they were in control of both houses of Congress? Why wait till now?

The answer is obvious, there is no actual emergency just the same old issue Congress has failed to address for decades. People need to get back to work, make it happen!

Trump helps Russia, Again

Trump said he is considering pulling out of the nuclear arms deal President Ronald Reagan made.
Some of the media will over the coursew of the next few days talk about it, some will in trying to "analyze" it will say its a distraction to change the topic from the Khashoggi murder by the Saudis.
I'm sure that is partly true.
Fox will undoubtedly play it as a bold move to strike a better deal and say it proves Trump is not under Putins thumb. Putin will of course bluster about how dishonorable America is and that we cant be trusted to keep our agreements and honor treaties.
Under Trump that seems obvious.

Congress could block it, but as we have seen the GOP controlled Congress is unlikely too.
However regardless of what happens countries will lose trust in America, knowing any President can come in and throw out or otherwise sabatoge previous agreements or treaties. That hurts our national security going forward.
Maybe the deal wont be canceled, in which case we gain nothing but lose credibility and power. Maybe the deal will break down and Russia will improve their nuclear capability. Maybe they wont bother since they are still hurting financially. They never really recovered from the Cold War and all that military spending. Maybe they will even use that to get new concessions from the USA to avoid nuclear escalation they cant afford anyhow.
Maybe even Trump will manage to get a better deal than President Reagan was able to, though seriously who really believes that last option?

In the meantime we continue to see a passive GOP weakening our country, increasing the national debt, killing business and weakening alliances while China and Russia gt more powerful and take advantage of the weakness were showing under failed leadership.
Meantime they distract the American people with scandals and divide our country up. While they weaken it so they can retain and grab more power and further line their pockets, they weaken us against our enemies without.

We must stop this nonsense and replace Congress with people who put the country first!

The Fall of the GOP

So the GOP can add Rep Duncan Hunter and Paul Manafort (Not just Trumps campaign manager but also the RNC Treasurer) to the growing list of  Republican leadership indicted, convicted, or just having to resign due to scandals.
With the dual hit of Manafort and Cohen further implicating Trump in criminal matters the GOP needs to decide their fate, if its not already too late.
The last two years have seen a record number of disgraced politicians, most of them Republicans and a rise in white nationalists running for office under the GOP banner.

The GOP was discgraced under President Nixon but they did step up.  The modern GOP has yet to do so, choosing to hitch thier wagon to Trump and as each new scandal occurs they keep doubling down.
President Trump is..

• Guilty of violating the emoluments clause of the US Constitution.
• Lining his pockets at taxpayer expense by funneling money into his properties
• Guilty of having the highest turnover and corruption in any Administration.
• Dividing the country and promoting hatred and fear, rising hate crimes and mass shootings.
• Alienating our allies and sucking up to our enemies.
• Encouraging jobs being sent overseas and setting up a trade war that costs more jobs and may send us into a recession.
• Attacking US intelligence and law enforcement agencies.
• Trampling on the Constitution, including vital rights such as Freedom of Speech and Freedom of the Press.
• Campaign finance violations and probably working with a hostile foreign power to ensure his victory.

That's just the highlights!

Some people do not believe or see all those things, but the number that do is growing as more and more examples and evidence emerges. At some point it will be obvious to even his most devoted supporters and then they will be angry at being lied to for so long. The GOP needs to decide do they ride the Trump train over the cliff or do they step up and put party over country and show some loyalty to the United States of America.

The longer they take the worse they look and the more of them like Jordan, Nunes, and Gowdy will go down in history as traitors to the country.

We are beyond appealing to their patriotism, now we need to hope they will start looking after their own survival and legacies.

And the ones that claim they do it for thier conservative agenda? They lie to you.  Pence would be far more effective at pushing it. The only reason they hold back is cowardice and greed.

The GOP needs to start working for America again

The shameful surrender of America to Russia's wishes and demands must stop and Republicans must step up to the task they swore oaths to.
I have called my local Reps and Senators and ask that you do as well. Congress has been protecting Trump and demanding the DOJ hand over documents so they can pass them along to Trumps attorneys. They have been doing everything they can to sabotage the Mueller investigation, including slandering the FBI and leaking information.
Why does the GOP put so much effort into this obstruction of justice? If Trump is not guilty what are they afraid of? They spent years attacking democrats and often came up empty, yet this probe has indicted over 30 people with several convictions and the unmasking of extensive corruption and Russian interference. From Social media to using the NRA to funnel money into GOP pockets to actually hacking not just private servers but state election computers.
Why would anyone who is a patriot try to block this investigation?  Again what are they afraid of? Why the sudden effort by the Treasurer to exempt the NRA from reporting where they get their money?
Is it just to push their agenda? They could impeach Trump for violating the constitution with the info already in public domain and put Pence in charge, Pence is ultra conservative and would do everything they want and more effectively than Trump. Yet hey are willing to destroy the image of the GOP for generations to protect Trump. Are they really protecting Trump or protecting themselves?  Perhaps they just like the media distraction that is the puppet president so they can pass unpopular legislation and deregulation with less notice.
Whatever the reasons the GOP needs to think it through.

• If your ideas are so unpopular your afraid of what happens if Americans see what your doing as your ding it, maybe you should remember you work for those Americans.
• If you believe Trump is innocent, despite the mounting evidence you should be quiet and let the investigation finish unmolested. The faster the better and your efforts at obstruction are slowing it down.
• If your goal is to slow and eventually kill the investigation then you need to remember that eventually it will all come out. If Trump is guilty the longer and more devoutly you protect him the harder you will fall, deservedly so. The smart move if Trump is innocent is to let it play out and hopefully quietly so you should stop attacking it, the FBI and our intelligence agencies. If Trump or his campaign are guilty the smart move is to be quiet and adopt a wait and see approach so you come off as fair and patriotic.
• One wonders then why so many in the GOP, especially the House are staking the reputation of the GOP and willing to do anything possible to loudly kill the investigation.  What is so valuable to protect that your willing to sacrifice the country and the long term prospects of your party for?

I think were going to see more than one congressman indicted for asking the Russians for help and a lot deeper ties to corruption. That is the only thing that really fits the facts presented. The GOP is terrified of Americans finding out something.

If I am wrong then prove it by stopping your efforts at obstruction and get back to legislation.

Right now many people have lost faith in the GOP and Republicans are leaving the party. If you want to get back our trust lets see some action.

Items GOP needs to do in order to recover Americans trust and protect the country

• Impeach Trump, failing that Censure him.
• Subpoena his tax returns to see if they reveal money ties to Russia.
• Protect the Mueller investigation.  It has already done more to protect the USA and identify Russian attackers than the House Intel Committee did. Even if Trump is not shown to have been involved in election meddling and has no back channel ties to Russia or other foreign powers it has done more to protect US interests than all of Congress. So Americans ask yourselves, why do they want to shut it down?
• Find out who the Congressional candidate was that ASKED the Russians for dirt on his opponent. Was it one of the ones trying to shut down the Mueller probe?
• Figure out a way to convince our allies not to abandon us even though were attacking them.
• Impose more serious sanctions against Russia.
• Not approve a SCOTUS appointee until after the investigation is over. GOP said Congress should not let a lame duck president pick a nominee, how about one under criminal investigation? One who appears to put the interests of Russia ahead of the USA?
• Immediately pass and approve the budget for beefing up our cyber security. Not only our are elections at risk but reports indicate our power grid is as well This is a national security issue, plain and simple. It should be treated as such by Congress and the White House.
• Pass an Ethics bill requiring tax returns of all federal elected officials be published, get rid of hidden slush funds such as Congress uses to pay for sexual harassment claims against them at taxpayer expense, beef up election fraud penalties, and make it a crime for an elected official to lie to the American people. They can always opt for "No Comment" but should not be allowed to keep lying to us.
• Congress needs to not be exempt from insider trading laws where they can personally benefit by choosing which companies benefit and which lose from the laws and regulations they set.

Why do Americans pay Trumps hotel fees to stay at his own hotels? Remember Trump gets this money from us every weekend for him, his staff and the Secret Service.

He does not even offer us a discount rate.

He is using the Office of the President to milk the taxpayer for billions to line his pockets and the GOP is ok with it. He also is getting money from foreign governments which is a violation of the Emoluments clause. How can you trust that his actions are for the USA when he and his family are pocketing money from governments prior to policy changes?
The GOP is supposedly fiscally conservative, yet they do not object to these things and they voted to increase the national debt and spending as they always do.
Its time people looked at the facts, not their spoon feeding media outlets and realize the con-job the GOP has been running on them.

Air Force One turned into a touristattraction

From Buzzfeed, Trump has found another way to use the Presidency to line his pockets at taxpayer expense. Of course the GOP does nothing about it.
We have to vote in independents or democrats to replace the GOP in November!
Brand New Congress and Justice Democrats are our best hope to save the country from the current and worsening corruption that plagues it.

Add Paul Ryan to the Obstruction list

I havent been happy with most of the GOP over how far they are going to protect Trump.
With the Nunes memo we now learn that Paul Ryan was cooperating in the conspiracy against the United States with Carter Page. Thanks to the GOP everyone now knows how long Carter Page has been under survelence, including those potentially working with him.  The GOP did not succeed in discrediting the Meuller investigation but they did send out a warning to others possibly involved so thy can run or destroy evidence.
Go back and listen to Carter Pages interview last October. He said he expected Speaker Ryan to release publicly info on the FISA warrent on him and the Dossier.
Lock Him up!

The GOP  has decided to go all in on attacking the FBI, DOJ and the FISA judges (Which last month both Nunes and Ryan voted to continue as is and said it was vital to our national security for them to be able to spy on Americans) and for what?
Another publicity stunt!
That is all the memo is. its the opinion of some of the GOP on the House committee. They hid a lot from us and are afraid to let the Democrats on the committee have their say.
The bias in the memo is clear and we know from media reports that a lot of flags had been thrown up on this, including by the Australian government.
Honestly, just listen to this guy talk and you can understand wht the FBI was watching him.
Maybe Trump was not working with Russia for help with the 2016 election.
However there is so much here that bears investigation it would be criminal not to.
Carter Page, Stephen Popadapolis, Mike Flynn, Paul Manafort, Jeff Sessions, Betsy Devos, Blackwater, Jarad Kushner, money laundering, refusal to sanction Russia, The meeting with the Russian Lawyer, and more.
If Trump was actually innocent he would not have gone this far and made all these pathetic cover up attempts.

Carter Page
Listen to some of the other interviews this guy gave.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGohRTrY1rw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJUNvtC_Qqc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jzm_AVBWO84

As Shutdown looms, the blame game continues

Its amazing listening to the news and the excuses and blaming going on.
Republicans are saying its all on the Democrats, Democrats are saying its the Republicans so whose fault is it?
The answer of course is both, but we have to review the details to decide where and with whom we want to blame.
The issues at the heart of it.

• CRs or Continuing Resolutions: Republicans cant come up with a budget that satisfies moderate and far right members within their own party.  So they keep using stopgap measures and the Pentagon and other agencies are demanding a real budget.
• DACA or the Dreamers: President Trump canceled the program and told Congress they have until March to come up with something. At least 3 bipartisan plans have been floated but extremists such as the Freedom Caucus and Rep Jim Jordan wont have it. Democrats want it and realize that they cant trust Republicans to keep their word on any deal.  So they want to see something passed now rather than rely on a 'promise' to deal later.
• CHIP: The Children Health Insurance Program was defunded by Republicans in prior CRs so they could use it as a bargaining chip in future negotiations.

Republicans refuse to compromise and feel that since they were elected everyone in America wants what they want.

Democrats feel that the people who elected them want some different things.

Both sides want something different and say they represent the people who elected them. The difference is Democrats have shown they are willing to compromise, not just now when they are out of power but when they had power as well. In fact many of their constituents feel they compromise too much and have voted for replacements. On the other hand the Republicans since taking over in 2017 have shown an unwillingness to compromise and try to force everything through along party lines. 

The Republicans have shown they will not compromise and that they feel that EVERY American wants what they want since they were elected. The problem is not everyone voted for any individual politician and Americans are a diverse people and this is not a dictatorship.

They are pushing hard for everything they want, rather than compromise, and claiming they have a blank check.  Trouble is we voted them in to get things done and for certain issues but they seem unable to govern and think everyone is 100% in lockstep with them on everything.

So who is responsible?

I blame the Republicans.  They are in charge, they set this up in advance by de-funding CHIP canceling DACA, those were 100% Republican calls.

Perhaps just as importantly they have proven they cant be trusted and will not deal honestly and in good faith. That means Democrats have to either fight now or surrender completely until the next election. Republicans backed Democrats into a corner thinking they would fold because they view previous compromises Democrats were willing to make as weakness.

17 prior shutdowns and why they happened

Vets and dead soldiers are Losers!

I am surprised it took me so long to think of this given all the evidence.
A lot of people are speculating on why Trump attacked and continues to attack Myeshia Johnson...

• He is a Racist. People point out the only other Gold Star family he attacked was also of color.
• He is a misogynist and attacks women on a personal level, never a professional one.
• He was counter punching and felt attacked when the reporter asked why he had not yet said anything about the soldiers killed in Niger (12 days prior).

I think there all wrong, or rather partly wrong.  There should be no doubt by this point that he is a racist and a misogynist, nor that he hits back when he thinks he is attacked.

However from what I have seen the thing that Trump is most about and considers most sacred is ego and winning.  Everything he does is always the best and greatest ever. He considers himself a winner.

He respects winners. and those he thinks are losers are beneath him and should just shut up.

I think because he was able to dodge the draft that he feels anyone who serves is a loser who was unable to get out of it.

Think about his history with Vets.

• Attacks McCain for getting captured
• Attacks the Khan family on the campaign trail
• Attacks the grieving widow of a dead soldier, accusing her of lying about what he said.
• Defrauds Vet charities he raised money for during the campaign by not paying them until the media calls him on it.
• Despite tweeting about virtually anything he never utters a word about soldiers who die unless first asked about it, whether the latest bit in Nigers, the sailors who died in ship accidents or the raid in Yemen.
• His speeches, whether at memorials like the CIA or the graduation commencement at the Coast Guard.  He will talk at length about how powerful the military is because he considers it an extension of his will and power,  But only talks in offhanded ways about dedication.

Seems pretty clear that the rel reason is so down on veterans is he thinks we are losers.

Rory

USAF E-3 Honorably discharged in 1983

And the GOP stood by and let America slowly die

You might have heard this poem by German pastor Martin Niemoller or one of the variations of it.

First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Socialist.

Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

Sound familiar? The following are not posted in any special order....

• The GOP attacked the Socialists than the Trade Unions, then the Left and then minorities and the poor and middle class.
• With President Trump it has gotten more transparent and blatant.
• Trump attacked and objectified women, the GOP stood by.
• Trump called Mexicans rapists and murders, the GOP stood by.
• Trump called for a Muslim ban and the GOP supported or simply stood by.
• Trump ran on Universal Health Care, the GOP heard "Repeal and Replace" and cheered him on.  Not caring about the promise made to Americans but hearing what they wanted which was to get rid of the Democrats Health Care (even if it was largely Mit Romminy's a GOP plan).
• Trump feels insulted he could not get the job done and says will let the AHCA implode because he will stop funding, the GOP cheered.  After all they have already been pulling this tactic by making a month to month decision during President Obamas term to keep the insurance companies nervous and the market unstable.
• Trump violated his oath of office starting on Day one, the GOP stood by.
• Trump compared a confederate general who fought against the USA with George Washington and Thomas Jefferson and the GOP stood by.
• Trump is using the White House to line his pockets and promote his properties, the GOP stands aside.
• Trump lies to the public on a daily basis, the GOP stands aside and lets it happen.
• Trump refuses to meet with veterans and sends out Ammorsa to meet them because he cant be bothered, the GOP is quiet.
• Trump wont pay the Veterans charity he did a fund raiser for until they take it to the media. theGOP stands by.
• Trump insults a disabled reporter, a war veteran and more and the GOP stands aside.
• Trump attacks the media and tries to censor the press, the GOP stands by.
• Trump pulls climate change data from government websites and issues gag orders, the GOP stands by.
• Trump attempts to intimidate federal prosecutors and the FBI, the GOP stands by.
• Trump kicks the Secret Service to the street because they ran out of money paying his hotel for office space to protect Trump and his people, the GOP stands by.
• Trump violates the property of an Indian reservation to boost the stock he has in an oil company, the GOP stands by.

And finally...

Trump blames both sides for the death of a young woman, instead of the typical presidential call he claims the mother complimented him and otherwise uses that press conference to brag about himself.

He started off the last conference stating how great a job he has done with the economy (News flash the first year is still based on the previous years policies as it takes time for new company fiscal years) and ended it by bragging he has one of the biggest wineries in the USA. He never once mentioned Heather Heyer by name.  I doubt he even bothered to think about her or remember her name.
The Neo Nazis actually THANKED Trump for his remarks

And though we are hearing a lot of noise only TWO GOP members have called him out on it by name,  The rest continue to aid and abet this enemy of our country and try to provide him cover so they can push their agenda.  Because Party over Country, profit and self interest over patriotism

#GOPKillsUSA.

So far Senators McCain and Graham are the only ones to call Trump out on this by name.

How can anyone trust thisWhite House to be able to handle anything with even a small degree of competence?

Scaramucci is inept.
I wonder if he will last the weekend and if he does it shows yet again how inept the White House really is.  I mean asking the phone call to off the record it would still have been stupid to say but toi forget that key detail?  And this is a communications Director?

His quotes ranked

This is actually kind of funny but after the laugh is over its scary to realize these guys are in charge of the country.

Trumps Thashes about to try and distract

I have been worried about and telling as many people as I can, including my legislatures that Trump is willing to damage and possibly even destroy the the country to distract people from his crimes and poor poll numbers.
Consider the latest effort, banning and removing Transgender  people from the military. Imagine fighting for the country in say Afghanistan and you suddenly hear you may be forcibly discharged from the military, Possibly losing all benefits you earned from your service and possibly facing felony charges depending on how they go about that discharge.
Why?  Money? Congress was already looking at exempting medical expenses from their benefits (Hint: Make it up by having Trump skip a visit or two to his resort and tax subsidized property Mara Lago).
What about his shameful speech to the Boy Scouts? Was it self aggrandizement and his typical bragging and mud slinging?  Or was it another effort to distract us?

Now it is true that so far none of these and other efforts are very effective, firing Comey did not stop the Russia investigation and if he fires Sessions and Roesenstein in efforts to stop Meuller even the cowardly and sycophantic GOP will likely step up and reenact the Special Counsel/Prosecutor law.
At least I hope so.

However even though he has had more resignations and firings than any other President in history at this stage we see little more than lip service by the GOP. Even though we have plenty of evidence of actual crimes we see stalled investigations as the GOP continues to protect him because they have chosen to put party ahead of country.
At some point they will realize its not working and even if they dont change priorities they will see that this attitude will cost them the power and seats they so crave.
I have informed Senator Lankford, Senator Inhofe and Rep Lucas (my legislative reps) that they are encroaching on becoming accessories after the fact and violating their oath of office.
Everyone who cares about America needs to do the same.

Elected officials need to realize and be reminded that they work for the People not a few ultra wealthy or corporate donors. Lining their pockets by selling out the country will eventually cost them.  It is up to us to see if they get away with it in this world or have to wait till they come before God.

Rep Steve King, another traitor to the USA

Listening to yet another GOP member try to deflect and provide cover for Trump.
He made it clar he would rather go back and re-investigate Hillary again over her emails than deal with Trumps Russia issues.
These people need to be removed from office!
I get partisan politics and why they want to blame the other guy for everything but at a certain point you have to step up and put the country ahead of your party and political agenda.
Now I don't defend Hillary, shes corrupt and has lots of problems.  However she had her day in court and its over. The Great Obstructionist Party went after her for years and came up with nothing to convict her on.
STOP rehashing history over a politician who has made herself irrelevant.

And his crack at Obama makes him deserve to be shot for treason.
Could Obama have done more? Yes, Should he? Probably but he did try and the Great Obstructionist Party stopped him. They REFUSED to team up for a bi-partisan complaint over Russian meddling and call for tighter security.  They REFUSED to take the issue seriously and to this day thier dear leader still says nothing to see here and it was some guy in a bed somewhere, or maybe Chinese, or maybe whomever. Republicans did not want to help and now they are culpable.  Had President Obama gone out on his own it would have been the brave thing but it would have backfired and they would have roasted him over it on air.
We ALL know this.


Where is the red line? At what point will the Greed  Over Patriotism group finally step up?

Just look at the public record, the things the average American can see for themselves.
President Trump is guilty of violating the Emoluments Clause of the US Constitution.
He is gettign pay for access and DOUBLED his membership fees for his resort Mara Lago and meets with foreign officials there and shows them off to members.
He golfs almost every weekend and uses the weekends and even the White House website (till he was forced to take it down) to showcase his properties and add value to his brand at taxpayer expense.
He is guilty of money laundering for the Russian mob.
He is guilty of obstruction of Justice and witness tampering and intimidation.  Ok he is incompetent at it and has not succeeded so far but failing does not absolve you of guilt.
His defense of his sons meeting with Russians was that its ok because nothing came of it is not a true defense, nor is it true that anyone would have done the same. Al Gore turned his into the FBI and the gal who tried it with him is in jail.

At what point will these people finally step up and act?
At this point they are supporting and aiding and abetting criminal actions against the United States of America  When will they stop?
When will Trumps loyal base of 35% of America finally have had enough of this?
They waiting for him to get on with his promises? Willing to sell out the country as long as they get what they want?
If I cant appeal to their integrity and patriotism how about their sense of entitlement? He WONT do anything for you!
He has proven and does so every day that he cares about no one but himself.  His inability to stop bragging about himself and stop blaming everyone else but himself for things that go wrong and his inability to stop tweeting stupid shit has erased any chance he had of getting anything done.
A REPUBLICAN controlled congress is still unable to pass any major legislation, 6 months  in.  they are incompetent and so used to obstructing they have no clue how to work together to get anything done.

The Trump supporters and the GOP leadership must step up and start working for the country instead of themselves. The rest of us must vote or otherwise remove them from office at the earliest possible opportunity before they destroy the country.

You stood by while he accused a former president of a felony.
You stood by while he lied to everyone about his connections, even as evidence continues to mount.
You stood by while he wastes taxpayer money and lines his pockets.
You stood by while he takes money from Turkey in return for holding up on supporting the Kurds against ISIS.
You stood idly by and provided cover while he fired investigator after investigator, First Yates, then Bahria, then Comey.
You stood by while he tried to intimidate and threaten witnesses against him.
You stood by while he tried ot intimidate the director of the NSA and CIA into talking Comey down.
Your standing by while he lays the ground work to destroy the credibility of the entire DOJ.
Will you continue to stand by when Jeff Sessions and Rob Rosinsiten are forced to resign?
Will you stand by when he gets rid of Meuller?
Will you stand by when he gets us into a war to get his poll numbers up and provide another distraction?
Will that finally be enough? Though of course by then it may well be too late.

At this point the GOP is guilty of aiding and abetting after the fact, those who did not know about this ahead of time.  Right now I feel your morally and ethically guilty.  At what point will you be legally guilty?
I know your all rich white men so wont ever get charged or go to jail.  That does not make it right, it just means you will get away with your crimes against the country.
Hopefully God will take care of you on the other side.

Trumps Money Laundering Connection

An article in The New Republic called "Trumps Russian Laundromat" makes good reading.  It is well sourced and revealing in just how far back Trumps Russian connections go.
Included sources include not only public statements from his sons but from Trumps own book "The Art of The Deal".
So tell me again why the GOP offered this man as the best the party had to offer?
Why do they continue to support him, no matter how many things keep coming out the GOP just keeps sticking to their support of Trump.

At waht point do we call the GOP to account for this?  In the beginning they could claim they made a mistake and were ignorant.  However every day that gets harder to believe and by continuing to provide excuses and aid in covering up his crimes, refusing to call him to account for the crimes already proven, or impeach him to protect the selling out of the country the Republican party is more and more culpable.
At what point are they criminally liable for conspiracy to defraud the United States, aid and abetting and accessory after the fact in his violations of the Emoluments clause?

Al Gore had someone approach him with info but instead of taking the meeting he called the FBI and the lady is now in jail.  But Trumps lawyers and members of the GOP say this time it was ok, and in fact if there was anything wrong it was up to the Secret Service to stop it.

Republicans were up in arms over China Gate and now complain about the Ukraine, however because this time its a Republican its all ok. Why are ANY of these things ok?
The GOP simply cares more about their party than they do the United States of America.


Plain and simple we must get rid of the people now in charge and replace them with new and honest people. Check out Brand New Congress.

President Trump manages to lower the office of the Presidency even more

This is infuriating.
The Grand Old Party offered this stupid jerk up as the best of them.
He barely even tries to govern, delegating key responsibilities like national defense, and spends more time goofing off and trying to line his pockets than actually running the country.
He has attacked the media, the military, and seems incapable of rational debate.  He keeps getting personal and complaining about people complaining about what he himself say and keeps tweeting over and over.
The latest personal attack is still not enough to get the party of rich old white men to do anything.  A cautious platitudes but we can expect no action.  Had this been a Democrat they would be up in arms and calling for impeachment.  Yet we can all see he is using the office to line his pockets, violates the emolument clause, breaks his oath of office on an almost daily basis and is actually trying to destroy this country.
So why does anyone support him?  The only reason is they think they have something to gain and that is more important than the USA.  No wonder most Republicans are afraid to attend Town Halls.

Obstruction of Justice or harassment. A Managers Perspective.

So listening to the talking heads and various pundits today it strikes me as odd (though sadly not surprising) how various people interpret part of the testimony.

On The Obstruction Charge

Senator Jim Risch emphases that the words "I hope" are not an actual order.

James Comey replied how the words were not and he was  very specific about hat but it seems to have been missed by some people.

He probably never experienced this kind of activity himself but a lot of Americans have.

And we are taught about it in supervisor or managerial training and harassment courses at work.

Also it fits in many military settings.

When your boss asks you to a private meeting and tells you he would like or hope that you do something it is an implied order.  Some examples

• I hope you can get this project done today.
• I hope we will not have any more incidents like this.
• I do not want to hear about this kind of thing again.
• Remember that thing I helped you with?

I am sure you can imagine or maybe even think of more from personal experience.  I suspect even more if your a woman.  That implication rather than overt and plain spoken command or challenge is one we all have seen or heard about in corporate America at one time or another.

While it is possible for statements like this ot be perfectly innocent you have to ask yourself if there is a subtext to the words.

Signs you may be in an improper situation

• Your boss asks you to stay after the meeting and specifically tells others who lag behind to clear the room.
• Tone of voice and body language indicate there is more importance to the situation than the words themselves.
• When you leave and your immediate superior is there and you say that needs to not happen again and he shrugs but wont say anything.
• When you have had repeated awkward conversations before about loyalty and how much you value your job.

Common sense indicates the intent here was less than above board.

Some say Comey should have gone to someone else right away and that since he did not he must have felt there was no obstruction of justice.

Think about that though,  His immediate boss and the one above that were both at the meeting. Sessions is a lawyer and had to know it was improper and likely the subject of the conversation.

Anyone who has had to deal with a harassment case knows that they get messy and proof is hard to come by and this becomes a he said she said kind of thing.

We are taught to immediately document the incident which is what he did.

He also reported it to the only people he could trust in the administration.

No one could have done anything without more proof and bringing forward allegations would ahve just created more turmoil.  So Comey did the smart thing,  He waited, documented and gathered evidence and let it play out.

My take on the Comey Hearing

Sen Kamala Harris said something in the Comey meeting that I wish some others had as clearly stated.
When a robber holds a gun  to your head and says he hopes you hand over your money the operative word is not "hopes".
I experienced something like this myself once.
I was working night shift at a 7-11 and an armed robber stuck a gun in my side when I was making coffee and asked me to go to the register.  He pointed out how unfortunate it would be if anything happened with the kids playing pinball.  He asked me to open the register and give him the money and I made him ask me everything twice so I could later be as clear as possible to the police.
He did not need to tell me he was going to shoot me if I did not give him the money to make the point that was his intent.
Same thing with going into your bosses office with other people, he asks them to leave and you to stay and then tells you something he wants you to do.  He does not have to clearly state it as an order for the intent to be read and the circumstances to be intimidating.
Earlier the year of the robbery I mentioned above another robber had used that defense (I dont recall if it was successful or not) where defense intimated that the victim handed over his wallet but the guy holding a gun on him never explicitly asked for it so it was not a mugging.

Senator James Lankford (R-OK) did a good job, was a little partisan I felt but non balance asked intelligent questions and did not badger or waste Americans time with stupid questions or a speech.

Senator Jack Reed just hit a key point I am surprised took so long.  Bringing up the event where after firing Comey Trump invited the Russian ambassador and media into the oval and told them the pressure was  off. I wish my Senator had done that.

Senator McCain was surprisingly weird in his bit. Seems to conflate the email server investigation with the Russia meddling investigation. I guess he was trying to be partisan but it came across as confused and rather odd.

Overall this went much better than the waste of time the interview the day before with Rosenstein and Coates.

An open letter to my Congress (Oklahoma)

Dear Senator James Lankford, Senator Jim Inhoffe, and Rep Frank Lucas,

The Republican party used to represent themselves as the party of patriots and pro law enforcement.
There was even some evidence to support this.  Sadly things have changed and the party is now more concerned with itself than American values or even the country itself.

If Hillary Clinton had won you would not accept any of this mess that President Trump has created. However Republicans continue to throw themselves on the sword trying to provide cover for President Trump.
The latest two scandals (its sad that I have to put a date on that but as of May 13, who knows what will happen in a few days) involve of course Russia. I served during the cold war under President Reagan and remember well the history of the Soviet Union and modern Russia is not much different.
First up: The President of the United States barred the US Press from a meeting in the Oval Office and allowed the Russian press in instead for his meeting with the Russian ambassador.
OK I am sure the Secret Service did a good job sweeping for bugs afterwards, and hopefully someone made sure no classified documents were in sight for the cameras.  But choosing Russian press over American press?  Really your ok with that?  Because I have not see any objection from any of you.
Next up: As of Friday all I have heard in watching the press and talking to your staff so far is support or a wait and see lukewarm support. If this had been Hillary Clinton who fired Director Comey the party would be screaming for her head. Remember Loretta Lynch talking to Bill Clinton?
It should not be ok for one party to get vilified for something and the other to get a pass or wore approval for similar (in this case worse) actions. Even the manner in which it was done should have raised at least courtesy objections. No dedicated public servant should find out about being fired by TV or even a letter.  This should have been done if it was done at all in person.

        There may or not be collusion between the Trump election staff and Russia but it is something a party of supposed patriots should be very interested in finding out. Even those who are not for America anymore should want to at least clear the stain, unless of course they think its true.
President Trumps own words said he was thinking about the Russian probe in firing Director Comey and than he tries to intimidate him via twitter before his Congressional appearance. Firing him will probably not slow down the investigation a lot but it likely will some just from the chaos.  It may get worse if the resources Director Comey asked for just before being fired are denied.  Also things depend on the new FBI Director and the direction he takes things and resources he allots or pulls away.

Understand that the President himself changed his story and denied the Rosenstein letter was the reason for the firing, That he directly asked the former Director if he was under investigation.
According to testimony from Acting Director McAbe former Director Comey enjoys broad support within the FBI so that "reason" is a lie. President Trump applauded the popularity and actions in late October of Director Comey, so it does not smell right to use those as reasons for the termination. The Russia thing is the only factor given by President Trump that has not been shown as a lie.
The loyalty pledge is another likely reason, though that is more of a do you believe President Trump or Director Comey on if that happened.  Ask that question point blank under oath when Comey testifies. If it comes down to whose word between the two to trust I know my choice will not be the one who lies to the public on an almost daily basis.
 The President should NOT require loyalty to him over loyalty to America and Republicans should not allow or encourage such appalling activity.

If you care about America at all you will work hard and openly to clean this mess up.
Since that seems to not be the case for most Republicans I appeal to your sense of self preservation.
Continuing to choose your party over America is a failing strategy, check how well Congress polls on average.  President Trump did not win because he was a Republican, he won because he presented himself as anti-establishment and enough people believed him. Continuing to provide cover when the President contradicts himself and the facts, allowing him to steal from taxpayers to line his pockets, support and empower Russia, abuse his power and influence.
You should constantly ask yourself "Would I stay quiet if President Obama did this?"  The answer should never be it is bad if a Democrat does it but ok if a Republican does it.

Before the election I predicted that if Trump won impeachment proceedings would start before the end of his first year.  I have not seen anything that changes my mind on that.  At some point the Republican party will have to stop providing cover and excuses and act.  If you are not ready yet I understand but consider that this will come back on you and the longer it goes on and the more you support him now the more it will cost you later.
Voters will remember the trips to Mara Lago and the WH advertising it on its website.
Voters will remember him doubling his membership fees for access to the president.  Remember the cry against the Clinton foundation? This is far more brazen.
Voters will remember the mistreatment of a dedicated law enforcement officer, some will feel it was about the Russia Probe, some will feel it was choosing the country over the president, and some will just be ticked at the manner and disrespect shown in how it was done.
Voters will remember a President who declares a war on American press but allows Russian Media access to the Oval office.
Voters will remember a President who bombs a runway as a show of force that was up and running the next day.
Voters will remember a President who tries to create a Royal family.
Voters will remember a President who gets gifts and payments from foreign countries (favorable loans, trademarks, business permits, favorable tax cuts, and rent).
Voters will remember the Russians interfering with our elections (I believe Hillary would have lost anyhow but that is not the point or my concern.) and the Republicans allowing it because they 'won'.

And finally, voters will remember a President who gets us in a war through his own incompetence or as an effort to distract from domestic issues.  IF that happens, and you can not really believe it wont, the Republican party will be fully culpable and responsible.

The Democratic party leadership is incompetent, and just as corrupt as the Republican party so may not pose much threat to you.  However continue down this path and even they will be able to pull a victory.  And America is waking up and getting more and more angry at both parties and if you do not start at least appearing to be for America over your party you will be out of office.
Maybe we can get an independent as President and certainly more in Congress.


PS: Action Plan
Consider that the republican party is in charge of two out of three branches of government.  I suggest you look to the future and  even though things are under your control now they wont be forever.
So put through real reform and protections for the next President.

• Require future Presidents show their taxes so the press can watch out for violations of the emoluments clause and conflicts of interest.
• Do a better job, establish and follow good and effective vetting procedures for Presidential appointments. Do not let us have another Flynn.  That should have been caught, after all he had been fired by the previous administration.
• Work out the Nepotism issue
• Empower the various ethics agencies.  Ok, I doubt either party would ever go for that.

Sincerely,
Rory Fansler.
Yukon, Oklahoma
Veteran of the USAF and loyal American.

Protest at James Lankfords office for firing of James Comey

So I just got back from a protest at Senator James Lankfords office.
It was a last minute thing organized this afternoon to protest the firing of FBI Director James Comey and the obstruction of the Russia investigation.
It wont break any records but it was a great turnout for a rainy day right after work on just a few hours notice. I did not think to take a picture till the end and did not get everyone, I think we had about a dozen people.
I met some very nice people and was heartened to see so many different age groups. I was the only one there who knew about Brand New Congress, a couple were from Indivisible and most just heard about it from social media or some groups like MoveOn.

I was disheartened to see the US Flag torn and frayed in front of Senator Langfords office. You cant really make it out on this but I am loading it anyhow. I fail to understand how a Senator can allow that but I may just be too old and from a time when we had more respect for the flag.