THAT WAS THE WEEK THAT WAS!

The Art of the Deal and Master Negotiator is looking more like the Flim Flam Man after the failure of the "new and improved" health care plan.  Not all his fault of course. The Repugnants have had 7 years to work on repeal and replace.  They seemed to have failed on both accounts. Apparently the American public is a bit savvier than they anticipated and they let their legislators know.  Head ring master lives the old PT Barnum philosophy that "there's a sucker born every minute". Not enough suckers yet, to be crude. However, if people keep condemning the press, and if the press does not maintain the highest standards, these charlatans could actually succeed at one of their schemes to further rape the American public. Keep strong people! I haven't seen the public so galvanized since the Viet Nam era.

One longs for the days when newscasts had to provide both sides of the news, all opinions, actual facts for each side, etc. so that we could make more intelligent decisions and understand what is actually the truth. Once the gloves came off, conservative talk show hosts and alternate news stations only had to relay "their" interpretation of the facts. Thus we went from being a reasonably informed public to one that seeks out whichever talking head supports their "OPINION".  Not facts, opinion. 

However that trend served the "legitimate" press well as they were able to report the number of people who would lose their insurance; publicize starving the elderly and children by eliminating programs that "don't show a return"; and explain how the wealthy would see a tremendous tax break, including his "highness" emperor Donald, under the "replacement" plan.

As this administration is so arrogant and does not even pretend to cover up their misdeeds, we do get to follow along like kids waiting for the next installment of their Saturday night funnies with the silly, tragic or downright immoral tactics being applied.  The Pres actually threatened legislators with what would happen to them if they did not pass the legislation.  Then he says he never promised it in 64 days and that it's the Democrats' fault. True, he promised it on day One. LOL

Do you suppose he now understands that he is no longer the CEO and dictator of his own company? This is the US of A. We don't follow along as dumbly and blindly as you imagined we would. Then losing face in an open committee hearing (darn broadcast news) that yes, we have been investigating your involvement with Russia and no, there is no evidence that you were wire tapped by President Obama. Though why this didn't come out before the election still rankles.

Then of course his infantile reactions to the Time questions which essentially ended with "...well whatever (facts) I'm President and you're not..." Really? That is the equivalent of childhood taunts of "I'm rubber, you're glue, etc. etc. or the ever popular tongue sticking out going nah nah nah nah nah nah." He is an equal opportunity embarrassment both home and abroad.

After his tough week, (poor baby) he is off to another golf course this weekend, that he owns, where he will "be holding meetings in the clubhouse".  Gosh I do believe I swallowed some vomit there. After claiming he would never be a slug like Obama he will be at work 24/7 not golfing somewhere. 7 times in 8 weeks Donald has been golfing somewhere at tremendous cost and inconvenience to the nation, the States that he drops in on and the cities where he holds property. And whatever happened to his vow (which is an ethics violation btw) that he would not take any money from foreign powers. That of course is ongoing not only for the Donald but for his staff members as well perpetuating deals personally favorable to them who are also covered by the same ethics laws.

The week also saw installation of his daughter in the West Wing with security clearances reserved for the highest advisers?  WTF?  I am going to start my own rumor and see how far it goes. DT is suffering from early stages of Alzheimer's and requires family and trusted scum bags around to cover it up. You heard it here first folks.....

Ok, he did say one thing of value this week.  He pondered that perhaps he needs to work with both sides of the aisle to get things passed.  You think?

AT LEAST HE LOOKED PRESIDENTIAL...

He looked, spoke and acted Presidential in his latest speech to Congress.  Wow, have we lowered the bar or what?  The man has had ample time to grow up and understand the gravity and importance of the post to which he has been elected.  Now I realize he's old and probably wanders around the White House in his robe at 6:30 at night and hanging up on the Australian Prime Minister as"it's late and I'm tired"  Enjoying his nighttime snack of Lay's potato chips. Must be why he has to take every weekend off to go to Florida and play golf. Between his wife in New York, his children's travel and his own trips he has already cost the taxpayer about 11 million??? Not bad for one month.

But really the best 70 to 80 percent of Americans can say is "he seemed Presidential". Again it is early in his administration and I admit it would be hard to offer anything but sweeping campaign-like utterances. Fun Fact:  he claimed 94 million Americans are unemployed. Gosh! But apparently he counted students, retirees and caretakers.  If that number was true then 40% of us are unemployed rather than the true figure of 4%.  Even when he "looks Presidential" he has to use "alternative facts".

 However to give the devil his due, he has managed to nominate bottom feeders to office (another one Sessions) now has links to the Russians. Put a self-proclaimed bigot/racist pig in charge of his administration (the Puppet Master perhaps?) Designated a press secretary that I would love to play poker with as he cannot hide his emotions when he is forced to justify the latest lies and has insulted more than one world leader; held a campaign rally in Florida; created chaos and hatred of immigrants with his impulsive and ill-conceived executive orders; ordered a raid which killed a decorated officer which he now  blames on his generals and Obama.  The buck stops at the Oval Office buddy-get used to it. Suggested a budget to bolster a bloated military at the expense of every program that makes life worth living and admirable in our great country.  Of course if those extra funds are meant to shore up the VA hospitals and staff, increase active soldiers' pay, take care of our homeless vets and supplement military pensions I'm all for it.  But no, it's for shiny new equipment, though to be fair we have to replace the equipment lost on that mission mentioned earlier. And finally, but not all, terrified the 20 million utilizing the Affordable Health Care Act and all folks relying on social security and medicare. Not bad for his first month. 

The list goes on and on.  The hate crimes that have occurred can be laid directly at his door as he has ushered in an era of hatred and fear based on color, religion, ethnic background. If we do not protest these actions this all of course translates into justification for a hard crackdown of our freedoms and totalitarian actions by the federal government, i.e., Trumpet and his cronies. He has attacked the legitimacy and function of the judges and the courts; the concept of a free and unfettered press.  Can the Supreme Court and Congress be far behind? What we are left with is a dictatorship with dissent a hapless victim dealt with in the dark of night.   So many have said it better than I.

"What you do is what matters, not what you think, or say, or plan." (Jason Fried) We know what he thinks. He tweets it like a deranged fool, little old man afraid of his shadow.

"Sentiment without action is the ruin of the soul" (Edward Abbey) Just because he says it doesn't mean he believes it although he has not used any filters up to this point.

And of course the original sentiment.."By their deeds you will know them. Ye shall know them by their fruits" (Matthew 7:16)

Do not be fooled by what a man says, judge him by his deeds.  And thus far his deeds should strike fear.  "We were told and still we persisted".  So we shall.

TEXAN INTERLUDE

Enjoyed a recent trip to Texas hill country near San Antonio. On cue, Michigan weather turned to crap almost to the minute of leaving.  One would hate to travel to a warmer clime in January if Michigan weather was not trash come to think of it.  Of course that led to departure anxiety that the plane would not leave on time.  I tend to cut it close on connection times. Sitting nervously thinking about the connection in Detroit that "WE WERE NOT GOING TO MAKE" I was, however, able to enjoy a plane wash of pure de-icer fluid.  Do you know how long it takes to wash an entire jet liner?  Well, less time than you think actually.

Off the ground straight up and then straight down as Detroit and GR are not really far away from each other by air.  It is still winter in Detroit though and the landing was extremely exciting as the plane slid down to the farthest reaches of the longest runway trying to stop.  From what I could ascertain reversed engines, flaps flapping and the pilots dragging their feet finally brought us to a dramatic halt.  Emergency chutes being deployed were not necessary and we taxied calmly to the gate. Clocks ticking as the pilot gleefully reports that we are a little ahead of schedule. Oh sure.

Those familiar with flying into Detroit Metro from smaller cities know the famous psychedelic underground tunnel that connects the two terminals because, of course, the first plane never gates at the same terminal as their big sister jets.  Thus the frantic rolling walk one perfects on the moving sidewalks while music and an artistic, colorful and moving motif is displayed on the walls.  Something to contemplate and enjoy if one is not skimming the surface at breakneck speed trying to get to the other terminal.  After riding the gigantic escalator we reach the right terminal and realize our gate is wayyyyyy down at the other end.  More frantic walk-run ensues ending with a quick stop at the gate only to discover the flight has been delayed 20 minutes. Really, how anti-climatic.

Though seated in the "economy plus" (extra charge) seats near the front of the plane, I enjoy the sight of the first class passengers a seat ahead receiving "hot breakfast" with real china and silver. Certainly a contrast to my free cup of coffee and 2 oz bag of pretzels tossed my way. For heaven's sake, show some class and close that flimsy, see through curtain separating the elite from steerage. Ah well we all end up a the same destination and we were picked up by a Cadillac owned by our friends so I enjoy my own level of snobbery.  Oddly enough there was only one other Cadillac that passed us as we waited as most of our southern neighbors (and that includes Cincinnati) drive foreign cars like Hyundai and Subaru.   Go figure.

For those not familiar with Texas it contains several different climates and landscapes from temperate to seashore to plains to outright desert along the Rio Grande.  Our destination was the hill country around San Antonio where fortunately we did not have to "rely on the kindness of strangers". Good friends had rented a condo for a month and graciously allowed us room and board.  Containing two bedrooms and two bathrooms guaranteed separation of funkiness, midnight walks and personal space.  The four of us spent our days in "touristy" activities centering mainly on visiting vineyards which are prevalent in the hill country.  Also had the opportunity to visit my first Presidential museum and "alternate" White House.  Apparently wherever a Pres takes a break from the frenzy of Washington becomes the temporary seat of power.

President Johnson, by the guide's estimate, spent about 25% of his time ruling the country from his ranch near Johnson City (not named for him we discovered but for a relative of James Polk).  Several gleefully related that the big guy (Johnson) used the ranch as a sort of benevolent prison where he could isolate both domestic and foreign leaders to "sell" his agenda.  At 6'4" intimidation was part of his arsenal.  However the ranch house itself was rather cozy and I felt like I could move right in and be comfortable.  There were televisions and phones everywhere and in every room. In fact the first remote control color television was installed in his home office where he constantly adjusted the channel from his desk.  He only watched the news, although sweet fact - Lady Bird had a thing for James Arness and Gunsmoke so her sitting room was tuned a different way....

 Sobering piece of history. A dinner party was planned there on November 22, 1963 with guests arriving from Dallas later that day.  As the kitchen staff were preparing the meal, they tuned into the  news coverage of the motorcade and thus saw the horrible history-changing footage that vaulted Johnson to the presidency.  The kitchen clock was stopped at 1:00 that day and has never been restarted.

One of the entertaining features of our visit to hill country, was driving around.  Holy Macaroni! They "got's" some hills.... and valleys... and canyons... and drop-offs. Built around the meandering rivers surrounding the area the breathtaking elevations of the roads were only surpassed by the surprising hairpin curves that popped up frequently throughout any drive.  The flood gauges that decorated any low spot were a sobering indicator what can happen after a major rain.  In Michigan, we'd just build a bridge, but things are different in Texas.  Another interesting fact that I never got a clear answer for was every house, ranch, trailer was surrounded by fencing and a locked gate.  Hmmm. Keeping the public out or the inmates in  (well there are a lot of cows).

Also I am convinced that much like Florida, many of the residents are from "somewhere else"! Especially during the wine tastings, our host would have a very distinct Midwestern accent.  I of course asked and collected people from Illinois, Iowa, Michigan (Owosso), etc.  The reason was always the same.  Came down here for a visit and stayed.  However most restaurants were staffed with the true genuine southern article and so polite.  Please, thank you and your welcome Ma'am or Sir jarred a bit when we returned to Michigan where a thank you is met with a "no problem".  Well I should hope not.

TAG YOU'RE IT

I noticed something driving back from Grand Rapids the other day.  I pass and re pass the same cars on the expressway.  I finally realized that we are playing tag! Whoever is IT actually leads the pack and you can only become IT when you are able to pass the current IT.  Of course not everyone plays the game fairly and certain confrontations may possibly occur when the one playing IT takes it as a personal affront when passed.

The most benign ITs to pass are those who are fiddling with their cell phone, radio, Big Mac or the front seat passenger. They inadvertently became IT and are not too married to the position.  Life is good, no one-finger salute as you pass them, sometimes on the right. However that does not explain the IT who achieves the coveted Left passing lane and sits in it 5-10 miles below the speed limit as trucks are blocking the Right lane.

Upon encountering the snail IT some frustrated drivers resort to insane daredevil tactics which may include:  back bumper riding inches from collision; dodging through holes not bigger than 3/4 the size of their car; or resorting to illegal lanes (middle and shoulder) to get past the slower IT. The daredevils always complete their maneuvers by showing the afore-mentioned one-fingered salute to the offending driver who usually remains oblivious to the chaos behind and beside them. 

The problem arises however when you have two sets of aggressive drivers; the slower moving IT and the one behind, both of whom take it personally when one seems to gain an advantage. The game of tag quickly descends to a version of Survivor  with no quarter given or taken.  Sometimes gun play is involved. 

I do find it interesting that if I just play the game as intended I usually pass the offending drivers at some point either beside a flashing red/blue lit cruiser or waiting for the tow truck to drag them out of the ditch.  Just another day on the road.  I can't wait for self-driving cars...

HELP! SOMEONE'S STEALING MY JOB!!

Crazy times.  Every day a new "shoot from the hip", message of hate from the oval office. No education, no research, no intelligence or common sense involved- just sign whatever order his clueless or corrupt buddies put in front of him.  As the Trumpet blares about building a stupid expensive wall that people will merely go over or under, here's the facts.  Illegal immigrants do not get social security. They do not get automatic medical coverage. The only medical care they get is if they show up at the hospital in extreme condition or deliver a baby. The baby thing is a problem I will admit.  Though people in desperate conditions will risk everything to give their children a  chance.  Maybe not right, but understandable, but this is America for Americans right?

These facts (real facts not alternative truths) can be found very simply by googling it. Numerous articles and statements from government agencies confirm them.  If the "trolls" would troll something besides facebook they can found out the facts for themselves.  Of course that would require the ability to read and (I will speak slowly) u-n-d-e-r-s-t-a-n-d what was read.  Ouch you have to do more than research "facts" that support your "opinions".....

More facts.  Unless your dream is to pick cotton and vegetables and live under horrible conditions or clean houses for the Masta for little pay, no illegal has taken your job from you.  And secondly, if you hold a PhD in Engineering or Chemistry there is a job for you.  Business imports immigrants because there are not enough Americans with these advanced degrees.  Sucks to be you right?

Oh yeah and Trumpeter has admitted that the taxpayer is paying for the wall but Mexico will "absolutely" (his quotes not mine) pay for it one way or another.  If it wasn't so pathetically sad, I would be laughing. 

Now Tweeter-in Chief has claimed that "millions" voted fraudulently.  Would that include his nominee for Treasury who is registered to vote in two States, huh?  Go ahead let's have a re-vote and see how you do. Bring it on.

PRESS TWO FOR AMERICA

I am trying, I really am. I forced myself to watch the latest "circus" with the President-elect at his first news conference. It was in turns hilarious, depressing, ridiculous, disrespectful, hollow and scary.  When is this television celebrity going to realize he is the President of these United States?  The most important job in the world is reduced to Clown-in Chief Donald Trump.  Does he not understand that every word he utters is taken as the position of this great country? 

Twittering at 3 am, (well old people do not sleep through the night anyway) about a movie star's opinion? Attacking every negative or what he considers negative comment that is made?  He actually had the nerve to condemn the very unflattering news about his "possible" "alleged" ties to Russia as the acts of a Nazi Germany.  Uh, your actions as prospective President more closely resemble the unilateral rule of a dictatorship squashing every dissenting word or opinion. Wouldn't the classier thing to do, rather than condemning your own intelligence service and the media, is just quietly indicate the reports are false and move on?  When you fight, harass and punish every item you don't agree with, you only fan the flames and make us wonder if it really is true? "Methinks he protests too much?"  We can figure out the truth if you just downplay it you horse's ass.

Puts a tax attorney up to describe how he is going to be hands off of his business interests handing it over to his sons.  At the same time, mind you, that he anoints (yes anoints, he thinks he is a king) his son-in-law as his senior advisor. Duhh we will never discuss business. Then he has the unmitigated gall to admit publicly that he could easily run the entire country and his business at the same time!  This from a guy who's gone bankrupt five or six times. I did not realize the job of President was anything less than a 24/7 job.  Which days were you going to work on "our" business or were you just going to telecommute once in a while.

Also I am no intelligence or international affairs expert, but I rather think downplaying your own intelligence community's worth and recalling all your diplomats would leave the United States in a vulnerable position worldwide.  Our agents who have sacrificed their lives to protecting our citizens will be ignored or dismissed when they take risks to deliver important information.  Our citizens overseas will have no protections if they need embassy assistance in difficult situations.  The smallest damage I can imagine will be the US becoming the laughing stock of the world based on an amateur's handling of these important and sensitive issues.

Rule Number One-- Keep your stupid mouth shut. Watching you mangle simple words and calling legitimate press nasty names does little to render respect. You look and act like a fool every time you open your mouth and indicate your ignorance on important issues. Rule Number Two --quit making grandiose statements about what you will do and how great you and everything you do are; you do not even know how things work yet and just saying them, doesn't make it so. Rule Number Three -- quit running a campaign for office. You won it, show a little gratitude and humility.  Rule Number Four -- take a lesson from your betters; listen more than you speak. You are final authority so allow those in the know (who've put in the time) to educate you before you form an opinion. Making pronouncements before you know it is feasible just makes you look ignorant and will force you to lie even more to explain failure.

 I guess this is where we learn how to keep apologizing to the world, a world that has always looked to us as the leader in human rights and opportunity.  This country will survive if we keep holding this person accountable.  A strong press must be supported and we can never stop protesting what we know is wrong. No, he is not my President. It's going to be a long four years...

HOLIDAY GAMES

Christmas dinner was at our house as usual.  A bit larger crowd this year as new "significant others" with offspring were included as well as "other" offspring who were available.  Of course that causes us to roughly double the amount of food intended for dinner with two solid weeks of left-over casseroles, potpies, sandwiches, etc, etc etc.  The amount of food is not determined by the number of people - the only measurement is roughly "more food than we could possibly eat if we invited the entire Mormon tabernacle choir" which, come to think of it, would have certainly added to my Pandora-sourced Christmas music.

A raucous game of naughty questions was going on in one room; football in another and appetizers, candy, dinner items and desserts were liberally sprinkled throughout the house. Secret Santa was down to seven participants so less insulting than usual.  I still think my contribution of the alpaca wool socks was an inspired offering.  Again I captured a giant bottle of booze - rum this year, vodka the last. Some kind of pattern apparently though it serves as a backdrop to the 100 bottles of wine we have in the bar. 

The day always starts celebrating with our little family of daughter, S-I-L and grandson before the rest of the party arrives in the afternoon.  Joseph was forced to revert to his "count to ten" tactic when the number of wrapped packages caught his attention when he arrived causing unbelievable heights of excitement.  He proved extremely helpful by unwrapping his gifts, his Mom and Dad's gifts and Grandpa and Nana's.  But he is an excellent "recipient" as well examining each offering and asking how it works before going on to the next.

One highlight for me was when Joseph was forced into a debate between a practicing veterinarian and practicing psychologist in identifying the different dinosaurs in the tube of dinosaurs he got from Grandpa.  He listened patiently as the others identified the various types as he is used to most people getting them wrong.  They even argued with him about the name of one and said there was no such dinosaur. Joseph just kindly pointed out their error, which they did not accept, but sorry, Joe knows his dinosaurs. Yep these professionals were arguing with a 4 year old and he was beating them!  LOL