The laughable Republican defense of the indefensible
WASHINGTON -- Impeachment of a president is a deeply serious affair. Efforts by President Trump and his defenders to explain away his clear-as-day abuse of power are providing a bit of comic relief. The problem for the president and his amen chorus is that the White House released a document proving Trump guilty of an impeachable act. In the official memorandum of a July 25 … [Read more...] about The laughable Republican defense of the indefensible
Could climate change fuel the rise of right-wing nationalism?
When people feel threatened, they’re more receptive to politicians who espouse xenophobic rhetoric. Trybex/Shutterstock.com Joshua Conrad Jackson, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Michele Gelfand, University of Maryland Two trends have defined the past decade and both have been on display at this year’s session of the United Nations … [Read more...] about Could climate change fuel the rise of right-wing nationalism?
Tsunami of breaking news hits involving Trump scandals: all are troubling
A virtual tsunami of developments and news stories have hit involving President Donald Trump, top administration officials, and the administration's efforts to contact pressure foreign governments for dirt on his political opponents, the FBI and the U.S. intelligence community. The White House is trying to stack up sandbags to halt the flood. But developments and news stories … [Read more...] about Tsunami of breaking news hits involving Trump scandals: all are troubling
The Madness of King Donald (Mike Peters Guest Cartoon)
OF RELATED INTEREST: --TRUMP SUGGESTS EXECUTING THE WHISTLE-BLOWER’S SOURCES LIKE “IN THE OLD DAYS --Trump Raises Idea of Arresting House Chairman for Treason --‘Beyond repugnant’: GOP congressman slams Trump for warning of ‘civil war’ over impeachment --How Trump Could Further Erode Democracy During Impeachment Mike Peters is recognized as one of our nation’s most … [Read more...] about The Madness of King Donald (Mike Peters Guest Cartoon)
‘Eindstation Auschwitz,’ Soon for All to Fathom
Not all members of today’s de Wind family, although all descendants of the Patriarch Issachar, are Jewish. After a “mini-diaspora” from "Holland" in the late 1800s and early 1900s to places as close as Belgium and Spain and as far as Asia and the Americas, the Levys-de Winds married into other nationalities, ethnicities and religions. But most have never forgotten … [Read more...] about ‘Eindstation Auschwitz,’ Soon for All to Fathom
Russia, If You’re Listening
Donald Trump has given Congress the road to his own perdition, not that he believes in it. He said last year regarding the notes kept by his former lawyer, Michael Cohen, that good lawyers don’t keep notes. In essence, if you don’t write it down, there’s no evidence. So, Trump, sly devil, doesn’t take notes; doesn’t put anything in writing; and prefers to conduct “personal … [Read more...] about Russia, If You’re Listening
GREAT MUSIC – Chapter 49
The music world owes a great debt to the Christian Church. For several hundred years the Church has been a huge supporter and inspiration for music and it’s composers. For example, Johann Sebastian Bach who wrote the famed Toccata and Fugue in D minor (featured here) among almost a thousand other compositions. His entire life he served as organist and Choir Director for about 8 … [Read more...] about GREAT MUSIC – Chapter 49
Republicans, in Thrall to Dear Leader, Dig a Deeper Bunker
By Dick Polman We dare not contemplate what the Washington Republicans would say if Donald Trump were to actually shoot someone in the middle of Fifth Avenue. In the wake of the impeachment inquiry, formally announced on Tuesday by Nancy Pelosi, Republicans still don't think their leader has done anything wrong. Yet here's the gist of what we already know: Trump, in the … [Read more...] about Republicans, in Thrall to Dear Leader, Dig a Deeper Bunker
Founders: Removal from office is not the only purpose of impeachment
Benjamin Franklin was a leading voice in the debates framing the Constitution. Howard Chandler Christy/Architect of the Capitol Clark D. Cunningham, Georgia State University As Congress moves toward a possible formal impeachment of President Donald Trump, they should consider words spoken at the Constitutional Convention, when the Founders explained … [Read more...] about Founders: Removal from office is not the only purpose of impeachment
Trump’s violation of the law is as clear as if he shot somebody on Fifth Avenue
(1) a foreign national, directly or indirectly, to make- (A) a contribution or donation of money or other thing of value, or to make an express or implied promise to make a contribution or donation, in connection with a Federal, State, or local election ... (2) a person to solicit, accept, or receive a contribution or donation described in subparagraph (A) ... of … [Read more...] about Trump’s violation of the law is as clear as if he shot somebody on Fifth Avenue
Abbey Road at 50
ABBEY ROAD turned 50 today, and Apple celebrated with a remixed release. First, the music is as fresh and interesting now as it was in 1969, imo. The instruments have been rebalanced. The drums are a bit more prominent. The bass is always audible - and the bass lines are great. The guitar work is sensational. The voices are clean and as vivid as ever. The best part as usual is … [Read more...] about Abbey Road at 50
Whistleblower feared White House effort to hide evidence of Trump’s contacts with Ukraine
Whether it ends in conviction in the House of Representatives or not, impeachment is now on. The release of the whistlebower's complaint and the intelligence chief's appearing at a Congressional hearing about it have now created a snowball effect. The whistleblower's complaint has been jarring to Democrats and to some Republicans, but partisan lines are not greatly blurred … [Read more...] about Whistleblower feared White House effort to hide evidence of Trump’s contacts with Ukraine
Trump and Nixon (Cartoon)
Austin’s Famous ‘Signs of the Times’
Many of us, during our travels across town or across country, have seen those sometimes hilarious, sometimes irreverent, but always interesting messages spelled out on marquee signs in front of businesses, restaurants, even churches. They have made most of us smile, some of us frown and one or two of us just plain mad. But while many of those messages remain boringly … [Read more...] about Austin’s Famous ‘Signs of the Times’
R.I.P. Classic Ventriloquist Jimmy Nelson, 90
EDITOR'S NOTE: Tonight marks the passing of someone who was an icon to baby boomers and to those who do what he did or aspire to do what he did. Someone who was long considered the the best -- and nicest -- in the business. Even if you didn't see him perform on TV or in his famous Nestles commericials, here's a story about a remarkable, talented and sincere person who proved … [Read more...] about R.I.P. Classic Ventriloquist Jimmy Nelson, 90
BREAKING: Pelosi announces House impeachment inquiry into Trump
It is happening. In a dramatic shift in her previous position, House Speaker has announced that due to recent disclosures about President Donald Trump -- and his cumulative record -- the House will be opening a formal impeachment inquiry into Trump. Here's the video of her statement: The Washington Post: House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Tuesday announced a formal … [Read more...] about BREAKING: Pelosi announces House impeachment inquiry into Trump
Impeachment Calls Snowballing: Civil Rights Icon John Lewis’ Fiery Speech (FULL VIDEO)
Civil rights icon Rep. John Lewis has been considered someone to watch on impeachment. He has now called for the impeachment of President Donald Trump in this rousing speech: Esquire has posted parts of his speech: Today, I come with a heavy heart, deeply concerned about the future of our democracy. And I'm not alone. People approach me everywhere I go, whether … [Read more...] about Impeachment Calls Snowballing: Civil Rights Icon John Lewis’ Fiery Speech (FULL VIDEO)
Great Music: TWO STORIES
Story One Our own Joe Gandelman put this wonderful quote and image he found on Facebook on his Facebook page and it really grabbed my attention. While normally I write about music these two stories both involve music related issues. First a bit of personal background, I had polio when I was 2 years old in the epidemic of 1946. From 10 months in an Iron Lung to 3073 days in … [Read more...] about Great Music: TWO STORIES
If Trump Could Take his Sharpie to the U.S. Constitution
Many say that the man in the White House has “shredded the U.S. Constitution.” I beg to differ. I do not believe the stable genius in the Oval Office has the skills to operate a shredder. If he tried, he would probably get his mile-long tie caught in the mechanism with disastrous consequnces. But Trump does a have a magic Sharpie that he has used extremely well, … [Read more...] about If Trump Could Take his Sharpie to the U.S. Constitution