Conversation with a Conservative

 "You accuse me of things because I am a Republican. You are pious and wash me with everything you say is bad about it," said a conservative.

I responded, "There are standards for being right and wrong. When a political party embraces members and leaders whose actions, deeds, and behavior are offensive and run counter to the rule of law and human values, then I draw the line. Among the standards are the US Consitution, The Bill of Rights, and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights."

He choked on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that I believe is the highest umbrella and standard governing our planet's citizens.

If you cloak yourself in Trump, and that is your Republican garb, then you are embracing wrongs that deeply hurt my fellow citizens. I am at war with that behavior. I am without compromise. 

Wrap yourself in this, and it won't wash off.

Profile of an Enemy: Marjorie Taylor Greene

The most visible indications about the radical insurrectionist are her unfounded and extreme views. The Republican Party is responsible for vetting candidates wearing their brand. They endorsed her radicalism as they endorsed Donald J. Trump, and they still do. Therefore, they are the enemies within.

Profile of Marjorie Taylor Greene

There is nothing in her resume to support her becoming a qualified representative in the U.S. House of Representatives. There is a track record of crazy sounding and demented behavior. Who are the voters who elected this person to the office?

"Greene was one of the 139 representatives who challenged the results of the 2020 U.S. presidential election in Congress on January 7, 2021, the day after the storming of the U.S. Capitol. She has voiced support for conspiracy theories, including Pizzagate, QAnon,[5] false flag shootings as a means for Congress to legislate for gun control, 9/11 conspiracy theories,[8] and the "Clinton Kill List." Her Facebook account has expressed support for executing prominent Democratic politicians. In January 2021, she filed articles of impeachment against President Joe Biden the day after his inauguration, alleging abuse of power.'

'In the video she held an AR-15 style rifle and warned "antifa terrorists" to "stay the hell out of Northwest Georgia.'

'Greene opposes the Black Lives Matter movement and described it as a "radical Marxist" group.'

'In a recording obtained by Politico, Greene said that "anyone that is a Muslim that believes in Sharia law does not belong in [the U.S.] government". She argued that Black Americans "are held slaves to the Democratic Party". Her comments on black people, Muslims, and Jews were denounced by Republican House leaders, the head of the party's campaign arm, and the Republican Jewish Coalition.'

'In a January 2019 Facebook video, Greene said: "it's a crime punishable by death is what treason is. Nancy Pelosi is guilty of treason." Greene made the video to promote a petition made to the White House for the impeachment of Pelosi for treason, due to Pelosi's opposition for the border wall, as well as alleged sanctuary policies of Pelosi's that "are serving illegals and not United States citizens".'

'Greene is an Evangelical Christian, baptized in 2011 in an Atlanta suburb, and often speaks about her faith.'"

Member of the U.S. House of Representatives

from Georgia's 14th district

Incumbent

Assumed office

January 3, 2021

Preceded byTom Graves

Personal details

BornMarjorie Taylor

May 27, 1974 (age 46)

Milledgeville, Georgia, U.S.

Political party: Republican

Spouse(s) Perry Greene

Education University of Georgia (BBA)

The congressional district includes the following counties in northwest Georgia:[4]

Catoosa County

Chattooga County

Dade County

Floyd County

Gordon County

Haralson County

Murray County

Paulding County

Pickens County (Partial, see also 9th district)

Polk County

Walker County

Whitfield County

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marjorie_Taylor_Greene#Early_life,_education,_and_career

Rural, older, 75% white

Studying the demographic data for the Georgia District 14, the indications are that Marjorie Taylor Green was elected because:

1. She's white.
2. She's Republican.
3. She's female.
4. She's known for her father's and husband's construction business.
5. She's a professed evangelical "Christian."

https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/cong_dist/cd113/cd_based/ST13/CD113_GA14.pdf

Click on the images for a larger view.

QAnon and Gun Advocate

District Demographics #1

District Demographics #2

District Demographics #3

District Demographics #4

Georgia District #14

Armed and Dangerous: The Enemy Within

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi addressed questions about increasing security for Members of the House of Representatives who feel threatened by some fellow members, principally Republicans whose actions and words indicate threats. 

One Congressman attempted to bring a gun into the "House" chamber. A security guard stopped Rep. Andy Harris of Maryland (Republican) before entering the House floor with a loaded gun.

It is worse.

"Following the deadly attack on the Capitol building earlier this month, Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) ordered that metal detectors be installed, which angered several GOP members. Last Tuesday, according to The Hill, Rep. Steve Womack (R-Ark.) yelled at the police operating the detectors, claiming they were “creating a problem” that they did “not understand the ramifications of,” and told them to “get back” and “don’t touch me.” Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) called the detectors “bullshit.” 

Members are allowed to carry unloaded firearms in the halls and on Capitol grounds, including the Capitol building, and in their offices as long as all ammo is separately compartmentalized. However, guns are not allowed into either the House or Senate chambers. In early January, Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) released a digital ad declaring her right to carry a Glock on the Capitol’s grounds. "Even though I now work in one of the most liberal cities in America, I refused to give up my rights, especially my Second Amendment rights,” Boebert says in the ad. The HuffPost reported Thursday that Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.), Rick Allen (R-Ga.) and Boebert all refused to be wanded down after setting off the magnetometer."

https://www.forbes.com/sites/tommybeer/2021/01/22/another-gop-lawmaker-attempted-to-bring-a-gun-into-house-chamber-capitol-police-investigating/?sh=736735bd40dc

Meanwhile, House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy is off to Florida meeting with former President Trump while facing an impeachment trial. 

Americans cannot turn a blind eye. Get this.

Republican Representative from Georgia, Marjorie Taylor Green was appointed to the Education Committee after she has denounced schoolyard massacres as being fake.

"Marjorie Taylor Greene indicated support for executing prominent Democrats in 2018 and 2019 before running for Congress

By Em Steck and Andrew Kaczynski, CNN

Updated 11:31 PM ET, Tue January 26, 2021"

If Congressional Representatives feer their piers are not Americans justified in being fearful of many neighbors who posted Trump-Pence signs and who are likely armed and dangerous?

We are not safe with these people at large.

Republicans Maintain War Footing

One hundred sixty million Americans voted in Election 2020, the largest turnout ever. That is the good news. President-elect Joe Biden now holds the record for the most votes received by a presidential candidate, after getting 81,283,485. Trump got 74,223,744 votes.

51.4% of Americans supported President Biden, while 46.9% did not. Now, we have one nation and one president, and if united, maybe 60% would go along with the new government.

That isn't happening because Republicans are still stuck on Trump. Trump and his disciples support sedition, and they endorsed the insurrection by failing to follow the rule of law in pursuing Trump for his role in the attack on our government on January 6, 2021.

This circumstance of the national Republican leaders defies their oath of office and leaves the nation where it was at the Civil War. Some Republicans are armed and dangerous, populating the country. Mainly, their following include greedy wealthy citizens and ignorant and socially deplorable ones. Bigotry binds the sects as the "intellectuals" know they can't win elections without exploiting many's destructive behaviors.

This situation will not be resolved by armed conflict. It will be mitigated by law enforcement. Taking more time, Biden's policies and competence in managing the Covid and economic crisis will likely win more support.

The nation will remain with a large population of dangerous citizens whose loyalty to the Constitution and the rule of law is highly suspect.

"Republicans back away from confronting Trump and his loyalists after the Capitol insurrection, embracing them instead"

https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/riot-republicans-trump-impeachment/2021/01/27/b13633fe-60b6-11eb-9061-07abcc1f9229_story.html?fbclid=IwAR3N1sbR1B0CEqaFyYu1LxgM1oqrPlPtMetQD27c7toD0vtJPoqodTM4W-Y

America in Civil War!

>500 Million American Covid Dead

 President Biden just leveled with us and said that we don't have enough vaccine ordered and that it will take six months to accomplish the job of protecting Americans from Covid. That's a long time.

You may wonder what Trump was babbling about when he said it was all under control. He was incompetent, and so are the Republicans who backed him then and still do. Forty-five Republican Senators are in denial about Trump's culpability for killing hundreds of thousands of citizens at the hands of "their" incompetence.

We will endure, though the nation needs the Biden Covid stimulus package that Republicans continue to resist. There will be a workaround. However, there is no way forward with recalcitrant Republicans and seditionist citizens, AKA, Trumpians.

A war is on, and the conclusion remains a question.

Republicans are in lock-step with them.

Hung Over

I am not a big drinker of spirits (anymore), yet today, I awoke to a hangover feeling. I watched all the Biden Innaugural news and programming that I could handle.

Biden's getting down to business with the executive orders, rescinding much of Trump's harsh and ineffective legacy hit the spot. Addressing Trump's fraudulent and irresponsible Covid response is the correct priority. The situation is much worse than it appears because of Trump's lies and his executive's incompetence, including Pence, the vaccine program fails at present.

Biden swore in 1,000 new staffers and encouraged them to get to work.

Vice President Harris did a terrific job of keeping the day's event moving along well into the night. When I was in my PJs, Biden was still buttoned up.

We all watched extraordinary celebrity performances. Then came the fireworks, and I commented to Maureen, "Are they trying to blow up the Washington Monument?"

I am a political junkie. I remain on my self-appointed beat as a National Politics Examiner. I don't care one bit about what Trump is doing today, how many holes he gets in, or the amount of fast food he devours.

What I do care about is the status of prosecutions against Trump, criminal and civil.

He is being sued for slander and attacks on women. Those are significant cases that could require his presence in court. However, the impeachment trial by the Senate will be the watershed.

I don't know of enough Republican Senators will find the conscience to impeach Trump. I believe that the trial and the presentation of evidence will be compelling, and most Americans will want him to be convicted.

Some of the information from the Senate trial will cascade into a criminal prosecution, I anticipate.

I expect that the case against Trump may envelop or implicate claims against Senators Cruz and Hawling. How the Senate handles the Trump outcome will influence those situations.

The huge cases that I want to see are the expected financial fraud against Trump and his organization that also entrap his sons, daughter, and son-in-law. For the years of speculation and some dribbles of facts from Michael Cohen, I will be disappointed if the entire family isn't convicted with sentencing to prison.

I understand the necessity to let the cases proceed in some strategic fashion. Don't forget; there is a raft of States Attorney Generals ready to pounce.

Image: KSN-TV

Vetting the National Guardsmen

One story in the news is about the necessity to "vet" the National Guardsmen deployed to protect the capitol. From my experience as a member of the Ohio Army National Guard as a platoon leader in the 1970's, I observed that troops are from a cross-section of the community.

Some military service members are racist bigots, while the majority are inclined to work together, overcoming inhibitions toward diversity. Members probably follow the local demographics of their community. 

For instance, their politics are likely to be similar. Right-wing extremists are among them. About 30% of the National Guard are minorities, and it is unlikely many are left-wing extremists.

Evidence indicates that a substantial proportion of military personnel is involved in high-risk and antisocial behaviors that place them at jeopardy for criminal justice system involvement.

"FBI vetting Guard troops in DC amid fears of insider attack"

https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2021/01/18/fbi-vetting-guard-troops-in-dc-amid-fears-of-insider-attack/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=EBB%2001.19.21&utm_term=Editorial%20-%20Early%20Bird%20Brief

Reprogramming the Republican Party

If you watch "Morning Joe" on MSNBC, you probably heard Joe Scarborough's latest rant about the recalcitrant and entrenched Republican Party to which he once belonged and represented in Congress. To Joe and people like me, most Republicans in Congress have compromised their oaths of office to such an extent that they are "seditionists." That is, they should not be censored or recused but expelled from Congress. Under the law, expulsion is the remedy.

If America is to rid the scourage of bigotry in the nation, then it must purge those who advocate it through their actions and deeds. The problem is enormous in magnitude, and one former CIA analyst suggested "reprogramming."

I recommend decertifying the Republican Party as a legitimate political institution because it failed to vet and failed to prevent insurrection. Its leaders and members fomented insurrection and bigotry.

My priority concern is reaching the children of Republicans to teach right from wrong. That begins with proper education in values, ethics, history, and the American Political System. I published a book that is a good foundation for that type of curriculum titled, How to Select an American President by James A. George and James A. Rodger (c) 20127 Archway Publishing.

According to psychologists, anyone under age 25 years can still be trained and learn. Beyond that, there is a diminishing possibility.

Truly, defenestration is the answer for Republicans. That is, throw it away and start over. There is nothing worth keeping except Abraham Lincoln. 

It's over.

Suspicious Senators

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Second Impeachment of President Donald Trump under emergency duress. They had no time for the formal presentation of detailed evidence and witnesses' testimony because the President's actions and extreme behavior warranted rapid action. Some Republicans agreed, and that is why ten Republican members joined to make the impeachment bipartisan.

Next, the Senate receives the Articles of Impeachment for their prosecution of the trial. Anticipated is that there will be a more formal review and assessment of the evidence and a more thorough investigation.

There is a looming problem: at least two Senators appear to have been complicit in inciting the insurrection and seditious acts, and they are Senators Cruz and Hawley. 

One headline is, "Thousands of Lawyers; Law Students Push to Disbar Cruz, Hawley." In addition, "Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani has faced calls for disbarment for filing frivolous lawsuits alleging election fraud but experts dismissed them as being politically motivated, noting that a state bar is more likely to act on a court finding of frivolity."

"Thousands of Lawyers, Law Students Push to Disbar Cruz, Hawley. https://news.bloomberglaw.com/us-law-week/thousands-of-lawyers-law-students-push-to-disbar-cruz-hawley

"Congressman Bennie Thompson, who chairs the Committee on Homeland Security, thinks that Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Josh Hawley (R-MO) should be punished after Trump supporters pillaged the halls of the U.S. Capitol last week.

Hawley and Cruz were both seen as the most vocal leaders against certifying the 2020 election results for President-elect Joe Biden and have been blamed, in part, for the riot at the Capitol which resulted in the death of five people, including a Capitol police officer."

Thousands of Lawyers, Law Students Push to Disbar Cruz, Hawley. https://news.bloomberglaw.com/us-law-week/thousands-of-lawyers-law-students-push-to-disbar-cruz-hawley

The question is how can these two Senators be censored or expelled from the Senate? 

Should they be permitted to vote on President Trump's conviction when it comes to trial? Are other Senators who obstructed the acceptance of the electoral results also conflicted? Should they also recuse from participating in the Trump trial?

Image from TeenVogue.com

Second Insurrection, and DHS Director Quits

A second insurrection is in the works, and Trump's DHS Director, Chad Wolf, quit today. That is alarming because the chain of command of a weakened organization just got weaker. It is riper for messing by Trump than ever before, right when Homeland Security resources are needed most during the inauguration. 

The Department of Defense will stand tall, more likely to resist Trump. However, during the transition hours, Trump will have escaped, leaving Pence in the midst and Biden on the cusp.

"Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf resigns after Trump supporters’ riot on Capitol Hill

PUBLISHED MON, JAN 11 20215:08 PM ESTUPDATED MON, JAN 11 20215:23 PM EST

Dan Mangan@_DANMANGAN

Amanda Macias@AMANDA_M_MACIAS

KEY POINTS

• Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf resigned Monday, becoming the third Cabinet-level official to quit on the heels of the riot at the U.S. Capitol by a mob of President Donald Trump’s supporters.
• Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao and Education Secretary Betsy DeVos resigned last week over Wednesday’s riot, which disrupted the confirmation by Congress of Joe Biden’s election as the next president.
• Wolf, in a letter to Department of Homeland Security staff, said his resignation “is warranted by recent events, including the ongoing and meritless court rulings regarding the validity of my authority as Acting Secretary.”

https://www.cnbc.com/2021/01/11/chad-wolf-homeland-security-secretary-resigns-after-trump-supporters-riot.html?__source=newsletter%7Cbreakingnews

I quit!

Combating Political Illiteracy

The thought for the day, 'No escape for the wicked,' comes from the book of Jeremiah. The wicked will face punishment. To whom is this article referring? I am wrestling with what to do to reach the deplorable who attacked our nation via an insurrection.

First, and unfortunately, the people who need to read the story won't because they don't read. They might listen to right-wing messages formerly posted on Facebook and Twitter. They might listen to right-wing controlled media that fed them propaganda and reinforced non-factual conspiracy theories. There is a chance they might listen to family members and neighbors who disagree with them. In light of the experience shared by many, families are split because the non-thinkers will not engage in civil and rational discussion. That is the conundrum facing America.

It is very much like the Taliban in Afghanistan. The Taliban is a Sunni Islamic fundamentalist political movement and military organization in Afghanistan currently waging war (an insurgency, or jihad) within that country.

The Trump-Republicans (aka Trumpians) are an extremist collection of bigots, bullies, and fanaticism garbed in different disguises hiding loosely in various pockets throughout the nation.

Their location parallels the political footprint left in elections. Locate the Republicans who supported the baseless and fraudulent claims against President Biden's electoral win, and you will find the political boundaries and districts in which they likely reside.

Next, analyze the demographics and psychographics associated with the corresponding populations and communities. Certain demographic elements are most relevant:

education

employment

occupation

wages

age

population size 

marital status

family size

criminal record

political affiliation

organization affiliation

The challenge to understand and to size the problem from potential dangers from domestic terrorism lay in the analysis by political and social scientists.

Education is a front-line part of the solution. However, I contemplate, at what age are adult minds frozen and resistant to change and to learn?

"Brain Maturity Extends Well Beyond Teen Years : NPR. Brain Maturity Extends Well Beyond Teen Years Under most laws, young people are recognized as adults at age 18. But emerging science about brain development suggests that most people don't reach full maturity until the age 25."

Brain Maturity Extends Well Beyond Teen Years : NPR. https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=141164708

NO ESCAPE FOR THE WICKED

"JEREMIAH 50:1-16

KEY VERSE: "For lo, I will raise and cause to come up against Babylon an assembly of great nations from the north country: and they shall set themselves in array against her; from thence she shall be taken; their arrows shall be as of a mighty expert man; none shall return in vain." (Jeremiah, 50:9).

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Be warned: the wicked shall not go unpunished."

Jeremiah 50:9 For behold, I stir up and bring against .... https://biblehub.com/jeremiah/50-9.htm.

Political illiteracy: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Political_literacy

Who are they?

Is opposing the counting, sedition?

Laws and regulations are for all citizens to understand. When we see laws violated repeatedly by elected officials beginning with President Trump and followed by his disciples, what are we supposed to do? How can we get justice? We look to the opposition, in this case, Democratic leaders, to take the cases to court. Other legal scholars and organizations can make the case as well. Yet, what we are witnessing is a failure to act with a litany of excuses about how difficult it is to make the charges stick.

One case in point begins with President Trump badgering and intimidating elected officials to get them to manipulate and change votes. That is illegal, and he should be impeached. 

Second, US Senators, some of whom have superior legal credentials, are leading the protest in the absence of evidence. The Courts have dropped over forty cases for being without merit and frivolous. Now, Republican Senators continue to promote fraud on Congress's floor, thus spreading the President's mendacious lies. 

They, too, should be impeached. 

Oppose the counting of electoral votes

1. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee
2. Mike Braun of Indiana
3. Ted Cruz of Texas
4. Steve Daines of Montana
5. Bill Hagerty of Tennessee
6. Josh Hawley of Missouri
7. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin
8. John Kennedy of Louisiana
9. James Lankford of Oklahoma
10. Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming
11. Roger Marshall of Kansas
12. Tommy Tuberville of Alabama
13. Kelly Loeffler of Georgia
    
    

Opposing the counting of the Electoral College votes without merit obstructs the American Political System and due process. 

The last time this happened, the Senators were expelled from Congress.

See the article: https://www.washingtonpost.com/history/2021/01/05/senators-expelled-lincoln-election-trump/