Presidential Limerick

 #Justice is Sometimes Sweet

There once was a #POTUS from Queens
Who learned from his Dad in his teens
You must always win
No matter the sin
Truth was not in his genes.

The voters booted him out
So he yelled and started to pout
He lied even more
Fabrications galore
“I was robbed” he started to shout

His fake indignation was planned
As he tried every court in the land
His evil intention
To grant an extension
Rejected thank God out of hand

He soon got so mad he would yell
Like a mad man locked in a cell
For lying each day
He now had to pay
An end to four years of hell

#thebrewsterblock

My best from 2020: #COVID-19, the Beaten by Something With No Brain

 Sometimes a writer just gets in the groove. This was such a morning

I was looking over some past posts and came across this one. I consider it one of my best. If you recall reading it that is good. Otherwise I hope you enjoy it.

The World Within; Our World; The Great Beyond 

Let's take a moment since we now have lots of them, to put #COVID-19 into perspective. Those of you who tune out from anything that is purely academic can go back to your muffins and morning TV shows. I have no idea where this is going and no, there is no stimulant in my coffee! It is early; I just got up; and a virus is still out there ravaging humans. That is my starting point or launch pad. Amateur philosophy 101 perhaps.

There have always been attempts to categorize "things" or "existence" generally driven by our human limited powers of perception. In high school we heard the term "matter" in physics. Reaction? What is "matter"? Apparently this is anything that has "mass" and a volume that takes up space. Now ask "what is mass" and you will see a reference to "matter" at which point many tune out from physics. The definition references something that "accelerates" under the influence of "gravity". Gravity itself is something we experience here on Earth. On and on it goes. I enjoy it, especially when the moon landing verified theories of gravitational pull being less on the moon.

One can also divide things into animal, vegetable, or mineral; perhaps also animate and inanimate. 

Here is another I am making up as I write! I am not a scientist:

1) The inner makeup of all that our eyes alone can not see in species and other items
2) Those things we can and do see every day including fellow humans
3) The cosmos or universe and everything in it. Some we can see and some not.

1) Some time ago at a book sale I purchased a publication called "The Human Body Close-up" by John Clancy, Firefly Books. The pictures alone are worth the purchase price. They are all taken with an electron microscope, thus being in category 1) above. What we can now see was not possible with human eyes or conventional microscopes. Herein lies COVID-19.

2) In this category I mainly include ourselves and all animate and inanimate things we can sense using sight, hearing, smell, touch, and taste. We have made huge strides here with the help of technology, but we are still guessing when it comes to really understanding ourselves and our fellow beings. This is where psychology was born.

3) The universe is so vast we need telescopes and spacecraft to enhance our limited perception. There are lots of theories about what is out there including ET and his relatives and how it all came to be . We have not scratched the surface. None of us know for sure.

So let's return to 1). A single human cell and all its content uncover a whole new world. The components of a cell are amazing and the technical terms beyond my limited intelligence. You have to remember that for most the "cell" - trillions of them in our body - is defined as the smallest unit capable of performing the body's basic needs (from the above book, page 18).

Within it there are a lot more things than the "nucleus", and even more within that. The cell picture (page 19) looks more complex than a jet engine. Many items are defined and they each have a role to play in our bodies. Somehow they are programmed to fulfill it. How? They have no "brain" as we know it. They are just tiny molecules of protein and other substances but they can either sustain our life or, if they go rogue, can snuff it out. In this book as well are references to genes and chromosomes and the infamous DNA. It is  fascinating.

This virus and so many others are the types of "rogues" I mentioned. They are themselves "programmed" to destroy some of our intricate makeup, starting with our cells. 

How do you develop a vaccine against such an enemy? We can't really "see" it, touch it, or get inside it. How can that microscopic little thing we picture as a sponge ball with red golf tee like structures attached, get into our cells - our own building blocks - and what drives it?

We are at war. A little inconvenience in your daily routines is not much to ask. The enemy is invisible. Scientists are facing an immense task. It took centuries to be able to identify and define a "virus". It might take as many to overpower them.

Cut our leaders some slack folks and try helping however you can. Ignoring stay at home advice falls into category 2) above - solving our own human problems. Stop being so selfish. Don't hoard and don't go out when you don't have to.

Just hope that when we get the huge surprise from category 3) - and we will - we can survive it as well. Will it be living; energy; collision with another heavenly body? The list goes on. Focus on 2) and leave 1) and 3) to the best brains on the planet.

Thanks if you got this far. 

#thebrewsterblock

Official 2020 Trump Portrait

 Where have I seen that look?

I asked this before. How many hours has Donald practiced that grumpy, downturned mouth stare? Could he be trying to copy these guys? 

Winston was a true leader loved by his citizens. A real war time PM. He got what he deserved - glory.

                                                                                  Image of Winston Churchill

Benito was initially "loved" and then assassinated and hung upside down by his citizens. He got what he deserved also.

                                                                                   Image of Benito Mussolini

         

Who was Donald's idol? I hope it was Churchill.

#thebrewsterblock

Christmas Gift for America

Did #Jupiter align with #Saturn over Washington?

A lot has been published about the spectacle of Jupiter being in direct line with Saturn on December 21st, 2020. We did not get to see this locally with an overcast sky. For those who did were you reminded of another bright star two thousand years ago over a very special place? Perhaps America should look at it that way. Someone has been sent to save your country and lead you on a better path. For some unknown reason the timing of a celestial phenomenon resulted in it casting a glow over Washington and the country.

Is the fact that it predated January 20, 2021 by about a month indicative that all will not be perfect? What do the Astrologists have to say about this?

It has been a difficult year for the entire world - an even more difficult four years for America. Their leader has turned out to be Count Dracula in disguise who also sucked blood out of his sometimes willing victims.

Some of them deserve what they got. Some are going to get coal in their stockings this year. The rest need Christmas kindness. I have tried to be subtle and clever in past missives but nothing seemed to work. Time to be direct. That's what Donald seems to like.

Time to go
Exit stage RIGHT
Your limo is waiting
The party is over
Bye, Bye
So long
Hasta la vista
Au revoir
Take a hike
You lost - get over it - and yourself.
Sayanara
Adios
Adieu
Farewell
Cheers
Until the next time. OOPS. Scratch that one!
The baton has been passed
You have been made redundant
The pasture awaits your copious unique brand of organic fertilizer
Get on your pony and ride
Take the Trump plane, bus, kiddie car out of town

YOU'RE FIRED!  

#thebrewsterblock

#Martial Law? Are You Nuts?

 Does Trump Really Think he is The Chosen One

Has anyone double checked whether #POTUS even knows the meaning of Martial Law? He might think it means he can pin a 5 pointed piece of metal on his tie and walk around town like Wyatt Earp or Matt Dillon (Gunsmoke) watching people run in fear. Melania could be Miss Kitty. You could pick Pence or almost any member of Trump's team for Chester. The problem is DJT lacks the fortitude - intestinal or anywhere else - to face a real shootout. I forgot - the bone spurs.

It does raise some questions. Under what circumstances would or could the top Generals take over - effectively a Coup? It first came up when The Donald started hinting that he won't leave the White House peacefully. Who would walk him out?

As Commander in Chief, all military personnel are supposed to be reporting to him are they not? But after losing an election which has been confirmed surely that would no longer apply. Could Biden order someone to walk him out even before taking his Oath of Office? What role would Congress and the Judiciary play in this scenario?

The man will have an interesting legacy - a Looney Tunes one. It actually applies. His staff and journalists were always having to ask "What's up Doc?" Now the man himself is crying "You nasty wabbit!"

How many movies will there be about these four years - as many as there are books?

Maybe a Disney reference is better. At the end of every Mickey Mouse Club episode they sang a line that fits perfectly:

Now it's time to say goodbye
To all our company
"D"-"O"-"N"-"A"-"L"-"D" "T"-"R"-"U"-"M"-"P" !!!

#thebrewsterblock

The Christmas Song - new version

 Chestnuts Roasting now that He is Fired

You can sing this to the classic tune by Bob Wells and Mel Tormé, made famous by Nat King Cole.

People toasting now that he is fired  (Chestnuts roasting by an open fire...)
John K. smiling in his grave
Bon Voyage being sung by a choir
The bear has gone back to his cave

Everybody knows that Joe and Ka-me-la will come  (Everybody knows a turkey...)
Turning darkness into light
Downturned faces now starting to smile
The people's House returns to White.

    They know that Santa's on his way
    He's loaded dignity and honour
    In his sleigh
    And honest people will rejoice
    To hear a Pres-i-den-tial voice

And so let's put our shame behind us now  (And so I'm offering this...)
One voice whether red or blue
Regardless of faith, gender, colour we say
Merry Christmas, to you

#thebrewsterblock

Cyber Spying and Hacking Alive and Well in the U.S. Government

 007 Was More Fun But This Is Real

I was just reading about what is purportedly a major case of cyber hacking into Federal Government departments and systems. Supposedly this is one of the most serious ever and the attacker is once again alleged to be Russia.

Is either Trump or Biden addressing this? I have not heard much about it. It seems to me that it should be right up there with COVID 19; right and left winged extremism; restoring faith in elections; Iran; North Korea; environment; and China as major challenges for America.

According to one Associated Press article Trump fired some major players and eliminated positions which addressed this. If there isn't already there should be major push for more  dollars to be spent fighting this and a key person should report right to the top. If this is already part of the National Security Advisor's position then they are failing.

In one area Trump was right. Billions of dollars are spent so that American forces can protect other areas of the world. Others should definitely pay their share. The issue here is what is America doing with its savings?

Cyber Security is one area in which more should be spent. America should be the leader here. One can only hope that she has her own surreptitious code inside the governmental systems of her enemies and is indeed doing a better job than they are. Unfortunately we can never really hear about that. When we hear about terrorist plots being foiled before they occur, it gives us hope. Unfortunately when we also hear that others like Russia already have stolen mountains of confidential materials from inside supposedly secure federal and state systems, how can Americans feel safe and protected?

Over to you Joe. What are you and Kamela going to do about it? Talk doesn't cut it. If you can send someone to the moon, surely you can protect your own data. I bet China can. That was first and only then are they taking moon shots.

#thebrewsterblock

White (House) Christmas

 Dreaming of a #White(house) Christmas

For the White House this year I am sure Christmas will be like no other before nor many more to come. If there are any ghosts within those walls they are probably shedding tears and shaking their heads. Other than the window panes they are probably the only representations of transparency in the place. All the rest - lies and coverups.

A revised version of the classic. Sing it to the regular Bing Crosby / Irving Berlin tune

(Verse 1 tune)
I'm dreaming of a White-House Christmas
But everyone is feeling low
No-one wants to listen
No hugs and kissin'
Soon we'll, pack our bags and go

(Verse 2 tune)
I'm dreaming of one month from Christmas
With every box that I do pack
The mood will be merry, not black
For the voters just gave him the sack

(Verse 1 tune)
Our Pres-i-dent is in de-ni-al
Dozens of lawyers he has hired
All the courts de-nied him
His fu-ture is grim
So just go quietly YOU'RE FIRED

(Verse 2 tune)
Tho' we must wear a mask, this Christmas
Soon we can do again what's right
No more foolish Tweeting at night
May the Country's Christmas lights shine bright!

Have as good a holiday as you can

#thebrewsterblock

3 Party System for America

 Is it Time for a #NewParty in U.S. Politics?

I say the answer is yes. A #threeparty system is long overdue.

All the arguments I outline below are the usual reasons most people reject the idea. It can get out of hand. Look at Italy for example where there are more elections than you can count. Perhaps there should be a limit of three in America. Another possibility is to place minimums on the popular vote attained. For example if party "A" fails to get X percent of that vote in two elections in succession it can no longer participate in a third election..

This is like black and white film and TV. There was only so much you could do with it. As soon as colour came along brand new avenues of innovation opened up for directors and producers.

The Tea Party was a bad example of a new party but demonstrated how it will shake up the other two.

Let's assume after Trump leaves office and most people know this is inevitable, he forms a new party. A couple of things will happen. We pretty much know what it will look like and stand for as depicted by Trump and his base. It might attract a few staunch Republicans and even some disenchanted Democrats (doubtful) but I doubt in any large numbers. People voted for Trump to shake up the status quo in Washington. He did. They just got more red neck extremism than they anticipated. His base does not consist of traditional Republicans.

Perhaps a Mitt Romney or a John Kasich could re-establish a more central conservative new Republican party. I suggest a name change. That would attract many former Republicans and maybe some central Democrats thereby weakening any new Trump party and the Democrats. If this happened the existing GOP would likely crumble. This might also give a needed excuse for those spineless big R Republicans who are afraid of Trump to leave him and try to join the new party. They would still have a lot of "splainin" to do. In my opinion they should be put out to pasture.

Any new party is bound to attract new and younger talent, candidates, ideas, and ideals. This is what America needs. It will split the existing vote. Old guard career Senators and Congressmen/women will have to work far harder for their positions. The electorate will also be younger and tired of the McConnells and Grahams on the Hill. Younger people - well educated or not, smell bullshit when it is in abundance as it is now.

Everyone will have to work a lot harder and live up to their promises if they ever want to get a majority. By the same token minority governments force opposing sides to reach across the aisle to get anything passed. This effect will not only come into play at the Presidential level but in both houses of Congress.

Personally I think this is far better for the voters in a democracy. Generally, if it is tougher for the politicians, it is better for the voters. They are after all footing the bill.

Too many career politicians forget for whom they are supposed to be working. It is never supposed to be for themselves.

#thebrewsterblock

Top 5 Analogies for Trump and his Red Cappers

 Let's Try to Make This Easy - Again

Top 5 ways I can think of to try to make them understand.

5. It's the top of the 9th inning boys and you are up but the other team is ahead. Your team strikes out or does not get enough runs to reverse the lead. The game is OVER folks. You can stay if you want but the crowd and the winners have gone home - WITH the pennant. You will be pitching to yourself.

4. You are driving down the road and your tire blows. You carry on - fwap, fwap, fwap. Then a second blows. You keep driving - fwappity, fwappity, fwappity. Soon people are yelling that all four are gone and you are on the rims. Now you are wrecking the car AND the road - right? Get it? You should have stopped after the first blowout.

3. The brand new pool in the back yard is now finished. You plan a big breaking in party with catering, lots of beer and a live band. Problem! It is December fellas with three inches of snow. Everybody declined. Nobody wants to play polar bear.  No party - get it. Donate the food to charity and take back the beer if it isn't opened. Try again in the summer - in four years.

2. Some guy has cheated on his wife and kids for the last time. She has already won the divorce case. She got the money and you got the car. The house is now occupied by new owners. Stop knocking on the door or you will be charged. Get used to sleeping in your car or at your lover's place unless she also moved on. It's over. Any similarity between this and any political leaders is purely unintentional.

1. You are on stage at the world sword fishing contest. Your catch which you claim you landed yourself is hanging on one scale and the other guy's, who happens to be Joe Biden is on an identical scale. His is visibly larger and the scales show it is indeed heavier. You are yelling foul, it is fixed. You insist the judges switch scales. They do with the same result. Your fish falls off the scale and shatters into 100 plaster of Paris pieces. You scream you have been framed. You and your lawyers claim a mountain of evidence - somewhere - that Joe's fish is phony. It is examined by fishermen and taxidermists alike. He wins. Yours is ruled artificial. Still you scream and so do your fans. Go home with your fraudulent broken fish. You have four years to glue it back together.

The last one is a fish story for a reason. Something in the Republican camp smells fishy. Their party is also starting to shatter on the floor.

Trump's supporters have claimed that the Dems. have tried to get him out of office for four years. Probably true. Now you can see why.

#thebrewsterblock

What if Santa gets COVID-19?

The Most Imminent Threat on Earth 

#Breaking News! I hate to be the bearer of it but here goes!

Reliable sources are telling me that very soon an event of colossal import will occur. One single individual will fly to and physically enter every household on the entire globe spending several minutes during the night inside these closed spaces. This event is irreversible and will occur on December 25. The subject is male, was last seen wearing a bright red outfit and hides behind a full beard, moustache and bushy hair, all completely snow white.

Imagine the dire possibilities here:

1. Any powerful nation could have already infected this individual with the deadly Covid-19 virus. He will unknowingly expose every living person on earth to it. Notice the timing - about two weeks from now when symptoms will probably peak.

2. If this person is not currently carrying the virus, he will most certainly be exposed to it and be infected by it in those households. Although asymptomatic at that point, he is known to have a chronic, severe, coughing habit involving involuntary and loud 'HO-HO-HOs' thus expelling the virus into every person's abode after inhaling it himself.

3. Although he might not have yet been exposed himself, he is reputed to rule over an army of small people who work all year manufacturing toys including 2020. The chance of one of these beings also being a carrier is high because they are known to be migrant workers. The subject distributes this merchandise to all of the aforementioned households. Touching one of them could cause infection.

4. Once again with evil intent, any terrorist could infect the individual with the virus because he is also said to digest milk and cookies in each household. What could be simpler? It could not be traced.

This is like knowing that we are about to be hit by a giant asteroid - a certain apocalypse.

What can be done? I put this to the American government.

The Trump administration is denying it as fake news. Unofficially they hinted that they know his identity (although they insist that Obama did not) and as the most powerful nation on earth, if it is true they would simply blow the man out of the sky before he reaches America.

Biden and his people are suggesting negotiating with him BEFORE his flight. The problem is that Trump's people won't share any intelligence they have until next year. Joe has already delegated this to Kamala and suggested she work with Fauci immediately.

Trump's base maintains that if he wears that much red including a cap, they don't give a damn. They swear that Donald has it under control and that only he knows the man is actually an OK guy despite what his Generals are telling him.

The Russians and the Chinese deny any knowledge of this hinting that he is actually a CIA agent. 

The North Koreans want us to believe that he is actually one of their robot agents and is programmed to visit America first.

There is only one strategy that will certainly work. Wear a mask everywhere including your home until well into 2021. Oh yes, and sleep in December 26 to let the household air replenish itself. That's my plan and I'm sticking to it.

#thebrewsterblock

Fake News Gold Medal

 That Deaf, Dumb, and Blind Kid    

Remember that great line (see title) from Pinball Wizard (Pete Townshend & The Who)? In today's world the Kid is Trump since he still acts like one, and the pinball machine is his fake news machine.

There is no doubt that those red cappers who follow grand wizard Trump like the flying monkeys followed the Wicked Witch of the North, will say "We don't care". I hear you - will NEVER understand you, but we have all heard you. I will continue just the same.

The gold medal of fake news for the last four plus years belongs to one person only - Donald J. Trump, and one party - the GOP.

Perhaps a few more examples will convince even one thinking follower of their folly.

FACT: The earth is spherical, not flat.
FAKE: DJT had the largest crowd in inaugural history.

FACT: You can't shoot down the sun with a bow and arrow. Some tried. Wearing a red cap?
FAKE: There were millions of fake ballots in this election.

FACT: Throw an object into the air and it will come back down.
FAKE: The election was rigged and Trump won.

FACT: People think they see UFOs all the time. They never have proof that it was a UFO.
FAKE: People saw truckloads of phony ballads. Where are they Rudy?

FACT: A virus is killing tens of thousands of Americans and other world citizens.
FAKE: Donald saying it will just go away and is well under control.

FACT: Millions of Americans pay their fare share of income tax every year.
FAKE: So does The Donald

FACT: Racism is still a big problem in the USA and elsewhere.
FAKE: Trump is not a racist. Why did he order a loyal project manager to remove a black labourer from his hotel lobby after spotting him? The woman had no incentive to lie.

FACT: The earth travels around the sun and the moon around the earth, not the opposite.
FAKE: Donald has great respect for women. See Access Hollywood, Billy Bush.

FACT: The current economic climb started in 2009 under Obama
FAKE: It was all Donald Trump

FACT: Your parents and grandparents likely have your best interests at heart, not theirs.
FAKE: So does Donald J. Trump.

FACT: Donald J. Trump says he had his re-election stolen from him.
FAKE: He actually believes this.

FACT: If the government passed conscription, thousands of Americans would lay down their lives for the country, even Trump's base

FAKE; If the same government orders them to wear a mask to fight a different enemy also for the country, it is an infringement on their rights! Go figure.

FACT: I could carry on with many more pages.
FAKE: Red Cappers will never give a damn.

I hope the fictitious gentleman adorned in red velvet and propelled on a sled by four legged, hoofed, ruminant mammals (family Cervidae) through the sky is good to all those people who also wear red caps. Don't be astonished if you get coal, hopefully produced in a Trump preserved coal mine.

#thebrewsterblock

.

Joe and Kamala. What a Breath of Fresh Air!

Biden and Harris: leaders who can actually COMMUNICATE!

Who listened to Joe Biden and Kamala Harris on CNN last night (Dec. 3) and Joe addressing the economy today (Dec. 4)? What a pleasant change. Ditto any other time they spoke in public. They are well educated and it shows.

These people are good orators - just like Obama. Please explain that word to The Donald. Even if they are reading, they can do it smoothly. When they respond to off the cuff questions - this is when their abilities outshine their current counterparts. I'm sure Pence could but he chooses not to.

There is no gloating or boasting and credit is always shared with others. DJT is totally incapable of doing that. I wonder if he ever gave credit to his mother for bringing him into this world? Like COVID, he probably thought it was no big deal. After all, that's what women are for! They bless the world with the likes of him. He probably knows more about childbirth than any of his wives or his mother - doctors too for that matter.

When the Justice Department was mentioned, Joe pointed out that it is not HIS Justice Department - "It is the peoples'." One hundred percent true. The same goes for every other position in the U.S. government. The present leaders - and I use that term loosely - don't get that. They never will.

Personally, I hope Trump does not attend the inauguration. It will be one more key point in his oh so undesirable legacy.

#thebrewsterblock

Under the Influence of The Donald

 Has He even Influenced ME? What do you think?

I have been writing this for about three years now. Fav topic without a doubt? Donald J. Trump. Sum poeple seh I hav bin influenzed bi him. wat do yu thinc?

I mean u hav to konsidr that I rite the best Blogg ther haz evr been - evr! Even bigger and betr than Obamaz. Bigger then Obama. Much biger. MUCH BIGR. All the polz sai much biggr.

But then I am the best writr. I am bettr than Willy Wiggleshaft. Better than old Bill. everybodi sez that. Much bigr. Much. It is becuz I have such a high QI. I got the best QI in my class. Highr than all prezidents ever. Much highr.

I do this  alll miself becuz I no more then enibuudy. Much mor. I mite evan be smartr than Inestine. Yup. Smartr than ole Allen. My hare iz even bettr than his. Just look at hiz mop. Without him we wood stil hav the Adam Bom cuz I wood hav envented it. But mine wood hav beeeen biggr. Much biggr. Yes bigr. My bom bigger. Alot.

Just googl the biggist blog. U mite see othrs ahead of mine butt thatz all fake nooz. Very faik. Much fakness. A lot. Trust me. If my bloggg iz not at hte top of that lyst then it is frodyoulant.  MILEONS OF FROD votrs on the list. Evn hundredz. 

Bee sides Im emuoon to anee influenz by any1. Why shood I B? I no mor. Trust me.

Dat gi iz ful of hymself. He caant evn spell. 

Wel soon he is gon. Hoap sumwon loks him up. Yup. Lok m up. Ware hav I hurd that be4?

#thebrewsterblock

Election 2020: One Major Battle won. The War is still on with the Battle of COVID-19

No Generals or Soldiers Needed - Just Common Sense

It is great that there has been a leadership change at the very top in America. It was overdue on many fronts. One of the battles yet to be won however is that against COVID-19. Trump could have won that battle if he chose to but he placed his focus elsewhere. We can all see the results.

The reason he could have won and that Biden could still win is simple. The power lies with the people and not the leaders. A good analogy is the way that ordinary citizens decided many years ago that hey had suffered enough under British rule. They rose up to expel their rulers. They were successful.

That effort cost major suffering and tens of thousands of deaths. Fighting this virus is a piece of cake by comparison. No lives have to be lost because of the battle itself.

Go to YouTube and search for something like "How to avoid COVID 19" or the like. There are dozens of really good videos about this and they are mainly extolling facts we already know. The guidelines of washing hands, social distancing, and wearing a mask work.

To those who claim it is a hoax or exaggerated, do the search. Look at the list. Are all of these independent YouTubers secretly united in pulling off a hoax? Are the citizens of over 150 countries in on it?

Still the Trumpers claim it is all to control them and infringe on their "rights". So was the call to arms at any point in your history including The War of Independence but people enlisted and died as a result - way more than an inconvenience.

Following these guidelines will not kill you. Not doing so will kill thousands of other soldiers in this battle. They are fighting for you. The least you can do is join in the effort.

Forget Trump. He has used you for four years and continues to do so.

He lost the election. There was no fraud other than his own . He lost the battle with the virus. His bone spurs did not protect him from entering the battle zone this time.

Expel this virus the way you did the Brits. No muskets or cannons required. Wear a mask - the simplest uniform in history to identify what side you support. No red or blue.

#thebrewsterblock

20 Years of Prison time for Dumping Garbage on the Roadside

Littering at its Worst. People are Disgusting.

OK. That title was designed to grab your attention. If you got this far, it has. The question now is, are you one of the disgusting guilty parties?

The other day I was walking with a friend during this COVID time to get some fresh air and exercise. He lives just on the border between our city and its open country. The road we took has a railway line crossing it five minutes into the walk - north of our city. The area is covered by trees and bushes. Right after the RR tracks, it turns 90 degrees west and there is another lonely stretch of uninhabited scrub plus farmland.

Because there is some room for parking at this railway crossing, there were a couple of families letting their kids play and wander away from the car but safe from the tracks and trains. What they could not avoid however, was the pile of green garbage bags - some now ripped open - dumped there by some scum of the earth citizen.

As we walk we are always amazed at the crap we see in the ditches and on the edges of pastures also dumped - usually at night - by deplorables. One day I saw an entire wooden rowboat rotting and pushed off a trailer to sit in the ditch. There is construction waste; household waste; paint cans; batteries etc.

Almost all of these things are picked up by municipal garbage collection provided by the city. If not, there is a recycle and "dump" facility within ten minutes where the fees for most peoples' loads are very reasonable - a few dollars. I use it all the time.

Forget any argument that times are hard and they can't afford even those few dollars to dispose of items properly. They can apparently afford the vehicle and gas needed to do the illegal dumping. For many, the proper site is closer.

I personally know others who on a daily basis - when they travel to their morning coffee shop - bring the last day's worth of household garbage which they place in any available commercial bin or waste bin. Usually it is the one beside the coffee shop meant for breakfast paper bags and coffee cups or the local Walmart etc. where larger bins might exist. They are too lazy to store this stuff like everyone else in a bin at home until their collection day.

We hear all about saving the planet; environmental change; global warming etc. but what chance is there for accomplishing any of that when we are surrounded by lowlifes who don't give a rat's ass about the personal level items I just mentioned.

Cheap. Lazy. Selfish. The list is much longer to be sure.

If you think you are not included, when was the last time you spit out your chewing gum on a street or sidewalk or tossed your cigarette butt in a similar manner? Didn't want it cluttering up your car? The bin was too far to walk?

Thanks for making our world just a little more hopeless. Oh yes! Please walk your next shopping cart back to its carrel. Don't leave it in a parking spot - probably mine.

#thebrewsterblock

Major Networks like CNN helped POTUS get almost 73 million votes

 CNN and others including me play into Trumps hands

I have said consistently that major news networks like CNN were helping Trump. I was referring to the 24 hour non-stop Trump bashing. It repeats itself through each show until new material comes along and then a new cycle continues.

In the popular vote DJT received almost 74 million compared to 80 million for Biden. That is amazing. Like many others I thought he would have been embarrassed by his low numbers. Wrong!

Why did so many vote for him? I used to say that some was pushback from many who were just sick and tired of CNN and others not allowing American citizens to recognize for themselves from where the fake news was emanating. It was from Donald himself and those around him. The network gave credit to no-one for having a functioning brain instead of limiting the group to his blind and enraged base.

In his book RAGE (Simon & Schuster) Bob Woodward describes the close understanding that Jared Kushner of all people verbalizes about his father in law. The Trump team relies on the craziness and lack of Truth. Put another way, as I see it the media are like a pack of wild, hungry dogs with Trump on a platform just out of reach throwing them just enough chunks of red meat to keep them in a frenzy. They even attack each other. I never believed the man was clever enough for me to give him this kind of credit. Now I am not so sure. It matters not. It works.

We have heard Chris Cuomo, Don Lemmon, and others stating that they know Trump relies on distractions, and that the media should ignore them. Then they go ahead and promote the stuff for days just the same. Trump must love this.

In these cases as Kushner explains, truth is irrelevant. As an example, he points to Trump stating that the economy under him has been stronger than anytime in American history. Even Kushner acknowledges the inaccuracy. The point is that if his base believes it, the more the media dispute it the more it will be on voters' minds. Trump = good economy! Period.

Another example is stating that in a confrontation with a red-necked group "there are good people on both sides" the media gives all kinds of free visibility to those groups whether they are all evil or not. Ditto with the fraudulent election. He started that weeks ago and the media played along and still is.

Another key factor in the truth does not matter theory is that many people, if they hear something long enough, will start to believe it. Truth and good news do not sell for long. Bad news does.

CNN should have borrowed from others as in the list of 20,000 plus lies or the growing evidence of (non existent) voter fraud. They should have kept a list of all the recent distractions that Trump was attempting and stood their ground. Mention them to show the list is growing but DON'T talk about them. Others would have but so what? This would have infuriated Trump and he is weak when he is mad - make that angry. He is always mad.

Eventually their list would have become front page news elsewhere - a major thorn in Trump's side. They would have been using his own tactics against him.

Now it is too late. Instead of being crushed and kicked out of the league, he came in a close second. Biden's team will need one grand slam per week.

#thebrewsterblock

Thanksgiving and yet Another Vaccine

 A different kind of Thanksgiving and Vaccine

This year Thanksgiving, particularly in America, will be a lot different in several ways.

Firstly if any American is serious about getting life back to normal they can do so by wearing masks and distancing at all times until they are vaccinated. No other way. The Thanks here is that at least some of the superior thinking and less emotional ones are doing so and will continue their efforts.

Secondly those who are not yet part of a positive COVID statistic can give Thanks for escaping to date. These people will probably see the importance of following guidelines as well.

Thirdly I include the traditional Thanks for the three good things - food, shelter, and good health, that some but far fewer have this year. This occupies the third place because a large number of Americans - more than ever before - are without some or all of them.

In fourth I include the progress that has been made on vaccines and the increasing likelihood that they will be protecting the country and its inhabitants some time next year. After that on Thanksgiving 2021 people can give Thanks for all of the missing items in 2020.

In the fifth spot and it could have been first, a lot of Americans and world citizens can give Thanks that the depravity of the last four years, including the run-up to the election in 2016 will finally be over. Just like most natural disasters, there will be a lot of cleanup. Included in this Thanks is Joe Biden and a new team of professionals who should be able to meet the challenges.

Finally let's include the survival so far, of the unique American experiment in Democracy. It still appears to be in tact. Like all experiments, there have been failures and unanticipated outcomes.

I don't recall ever having to give Thanks with so many preconditions.

The new Vaccine in the title? Hopefully Joe and Co. will also see fit to make changes - even constitutionally - to prevent the abuse we have witnessed from happening again - just like a vaccine. As with the development of real vaccines, some tweaking of laws and institutions will be required to make the American system even more robust. One shot. One time.

Build Back Better.

#thebrewsterblock

The New version of "High Hopes"

 Big Thanks to Sammy Cahn, James Van Heusen, and Frank Sinatra!

Before the days of electronic entertainment on your phone or PC, many people listened to radio. A song made very popular by Old Blue Eyes was "High Hopes" - lyrics by Sammy Cahn and music by James Van Heusen. It was enjoyed by all ages and it won an Oscar.

You can search for the tune and lyrics.

I have created a few more verses that might be more appropriate for America's problems today. Might as well have a little fun. Be sure to listen to the original first. It always makes you feel better when you hear the kids in the background. I had no idea how many great songs were created by the team of Cahn and Van Heusen. Look them up. We the older gen, will recognize many.

Here is my version - turn up your sound. Best heard on a PC. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5TnmkOL0Zk&feature=youtu.be

Intro 1...

Goes like this ...
daa-da-da-dee, daa-da-daa-da-da-dee, daa-da-daa-da-da-da, daa-da-da-dee!


Next time you see, Donald Trump on the tee, No more whining today, Soon we'll be free...

1. Just what makes that President think, That he'll win by raising a stink? Everyone knows you are gone, Don - Watch your legacy sink!

But we've got, HI-I-I-IGH HOPES, he is, o-o-o-n the ropes. He's got - a snow-ball's cha-a-a-nces in, H-e-e-ell Hopes

So with his puppet Ru-u-dy, sitting on his knee, crying his latest scams, OOPS there goes an-other big-black drop, OOPS there goes an-other big-black drop, OOPS there goes some more hair co-lor Kerplop!

Intro 2...

Mitch and his bunch, we should have you for lunch, we will never forget, I have a hunch...

2. Counting's done and Donald you're toast. You and Joe are well past the post. There's nothing there you can stir, Sir - Time to be a good host.

But he's got, no-o-o-o class, He is so-o-o- crass. He needs, a General's, bo-o-ot marks on 

hi-i-i-s ass.

So let the Upper-Chamber speak, why are they so weak? Why have they lost their spine?

OOPS there goes, Mitch-McConnel's bunch, OOPS no seat and no more fre-e-e lunch, OOPS there goes their sound of silence Kerplop.

Intro 3...

Joseph and Jill, Have now moved to The Hill, DJT had to leave. Oh what a thrill!

3. Joe and Ka-ma-la can now fix. Every thing that Trump tried to nix. Hopefully they'll make amends, friends. But they'll need some new tricks.

But we've got HI-I-I-IGH HOPES, we've got, HI-I-I-IGH HOPES. We've got, look up on high in the, sky-y-y-y hopes.

Let's reach ac-ross the aisle, wear our warmest smile, once again com-pro-mise! OOPS there goes a major bigotry, help someone get up and off their knee, She still stands - The Statue of Lib-er-ty. So-FREE!

#thebrewsterblock

Kristi Noem Joins the Republican Ostrich Club

South Dakota Governor Pandering to the Brass with her Head in the Sand 

Another one bites the dust - literally. It appears that the Governor of South Dakota is going out of her way to bury her head in the sand to ignore obvious facts.

While her state's statistics with this virus are now becoming some of the worst she still spews the party line about masks and lock downs not working. I guess dozens of countries throughout rest of the world are also just spreading the hoax especially the one everybody likes to blame, China.

Ask yourselves this: People in the medical profession but especially surgeons, nurses, and dentists have been wearing masks for decades to protect both themselves and their patients. This was the case long before COVID 19. Have Republican doctors and dentists not followed this practice? Have they been woefully unaware of some special knowledge into which the Governor and her party have tapped? Why do these professionals not consider this practice to be an infringement on their personal liberty? I don't recall ever seeing them protest.

Let me repeat a previous post. The people who protest "Never! You will never make me wear a mask!" - are they all draft dodgers? If they still claim to love America, and if some foreign power were to kill 250,000 Americans would they run when the government brought back conscription? Would they go and fight possibly losing their lives or receiving life altering injuries as hundreds of thousands of American Armed Forces people have done?

If the answer is "YES" they would go off to war then what the hell is the big deal? It is the same government who would command you to go. So it's OK for it to order you to serve and fight but not to wear a frickin' mask?

This Governor says mandates are not the American way. Does she hide draft dodgers from her state in her basement? There are times when governments do indeed mandate their citizens to follow procedures that are best for the country. Maybe she did not live through that.

Give yourselves a shake people. Seat belts save lives. So do motorcycle and bicycle helmets; life jackets; stop signs and traffic signals; and that yellow line in subway stations.

So do masks. Grow up.

#thebrewsterblock

Trump Kudos Overshadowed by Trump Behaviour

 Trump was Hell or Trump did well?

Received as a birthday gift, I am reading "Rage" by Bob Woodward (Simon & Schuster) - an interesting read so far. One of the most enlightening aspects is the inside look at how this President thinks, acts, and verbalizes in private. Assuming these quotes are accurate the guy actually makes some sense at times! The gift also included "The Room Where It Happened" by John Bolton (Simon & Schuster). I'm sure it will be fascinating as well.

I am one of the never Trump people for what I think are good reasons. Still I must say what the Donald says about his visit to North Korea and what some of his staff say about him and his accomplishments deserve credit (as far as I have read to date). Previous administrations of both stripes have failed for many years on many fronts. He ran on a promise to clean out the swamp and do things differently. On the "differently" he has delivered. The swamp as we are presently being reminded is still full of gators and snakes - some very well established ones.

What I have also said is that Washington politics did indeed need a shakeup and change but that he was the wrong agent. My subject today however is once again the man's behaviour. Perhaps I should make that behavior since he is American and I am Canadian. It is the reason that history will not include Trump in the great Presidents category.

This is akin to a champion athlete being caught taking supplements. They might still be great but people will only remember them as a cheat.

Great leaders in politics, business, religion, sports or any other field know that eventually the public will recognize their greatness naturally and with the help of traditional media - not social media.

Being humble adds to their greatness. Kennedy knew that. So did Reagan and Obama. So does Bill Gates and Elon Musk although the latter might not be humble. Trump will never understand this. He has to gloat and make it about himself taking all the glory if there is any to be had. Humble is not in his vocabulary. Even CNN gives him the occasional nod of recognition but he spoils it every time.

It is incredibly ironic that the man who craves a lasting recognition and legacy for himself is the very person who is also ruining it. Make that ruined - too late now.

I have had managers who were good leaders in my view even though I didn't like them. That is because moving emotions to the side I respected them. Respect has to be earned. Trump tries to demand it.

I could never like the man. Too bad I can never respect him either, especially with this election and its aftermath. His bad not mine.

#thebrewsterblock

Trump: A modern day Jim Jones?

 Is Trump the new Pandemic?

I have compared Donald J. Trump to other figures in history such as Hitler, Mussolini, and Joe McCarthy to name a few. The common element was an attempt to understand how normal thinking and free Americans could be so persuaded by one man's fabrications. Trump has exceeded all of the others' lies in sheer volume.

It seems to me that there has been another pandemic at work these past few years and that is Donald himself. Belief in his lies has been spreading like a virus to millions of Americans - look at the popular vote. That number however includes many people who will always vote for the GOP and will never vote for the Democratic Party, regardless of Trump. That is actually good news. Hopefully they are not blinded like the others.

When you hear those yelling, screaming red cappers however, convinced against all odds, truth, events, and logic that if DJT says it then it must be true, another analogy comes to mind.

In 1978 the self-proclaimed leader and preacher of a cult convinced over 900 believers to follow him to the Promised Land after committing mass suicide by drinking a cyanide laced drink. Some who did not were shot. It happened in Guyana in a commune known as Jonestown.

When I hear Trump red cappers yelling "fake news" and "stolen election" - because Donald said so - I have to wonder if they would drink the poison "Kool Aid" as it became known (it did not actually involve that well known brand) if DJT told them to do so.

Jim Jones died with his followers. Donald would never have the courage.

Follow him if you must but take your own refreshment to the rallies and dare I say it - please wear a mask for your relatives and loved ones. Finally, if you receive any invitations to move to Trumpsville, Trumpland, or the like especially overseas, stay put.

#thebrewsterblock

MTPGA is the new MAGA

 Was POTUS finally doomed by his 20,000 plus Lies?

Last night we saw more violence in DC between left and right citizens of America. I saw many red caps. Some of the wearers were interviewed. They screamed their belief that the election was being stolen. The only people who are trying to steal it that have made headlines are the same people who apparently stole these peoples' minds - Trump and those around him.

I said it before and will say it again. Instead of Make America Great Again (MAGA) we need to hear everybody screaming Make the Presidency Great Again (MTPGA). Trump will never accomplish the former. Biden can and we hope will accomplish the latter.

Apparently over twenty thousand lies by their hero are not enough to dissuade them. Apparently the Republicans' attempt to collect ballads in California in illegal boxes is also not enough. Apparently the irony of the many videos of Kellyanne, Kayleigh, and Fox "News" people from 2016 telling the people that it was time for the Democrats to concede is also not enough. They said the Dems claimed the vote was stolen. There was fraud. They were all sore losers. Difficult as it was Hillary did promptly concede. Trump never will.

Today of course every one of those sentiments applies to the speakers themselves.

For me this is the big one. If Trump or his minions had any evidence of "massive" fraud we would have seen it by now. Instead all we see is Kayleigh holding up manila folders and binders to the cameras. She did the same thing with Trump's so-called replacement for The Affordable Care Act. They were cheap, silly props.

Then they put Giuliani on camera again? Talk about desperate. Who could possibly be impressed by this man? I would prefer Pinocchio over Rudy.

I have recently heard interviews with historians and authors who have written books comparing Trump and his tactics to Hitler's; Mussolini's and subsequent "Strong Men's". He has surrounded himself just like those others, with the likes of Mike Pompeo (former CIA) and Bill Barr (also former CIA) who fully support Trump's tactics. Add to the list Michael Cohen, Steve Bannon, Roger Stone, Michael Flynn, and Paul Manafort who have all faced charges, some of whom were convicted.

Democracy is far from perfect but it sure beats the regimes run by the aforementioned. Unfortunately it also fosters the likes of these red cappers to follow their leader right off the edge of the cliff. Too bad because the warning indicators have been flashing and wailing for almost four years.

Looking forward to the next drama starring the Southern District of New York.

#the brewsterblock

TRUMP: Ventriloquist of the Year

 Ventriloquist or Puppet Master? No Matter!

I keep hearing that The President has this power over the Republican Party and those in it. This appears to be true with very few exceptions. What I don't understand is why? How? I get it that he is in a "de facto" role as party leader but why fear him? Every elected individual surely has some element of intelligence and independence as well as some track record of personal success or how did they get where they are?

Did Reagan or either of the Bush Presidents have the same power over the party? DJT is a failed businessman and ex. TV host. He never went off to war. He is alleged to cheat notoriously at golf and relationships. Supposedly he paid someone to write his college entry exams. He is a bully. The banks are after him. Where is the power?

Just the same it appears that he has many formerly prominent Republicans in his pocket or on his knee. He has become their voice and apparently his hand has replaced their spine. If he removes it and no longer tells them what to say, they will collapse. Many already have.

A second possibility is that they simply sold their soul for a moderate salary and pension.

Another explanation is that they are trying to keep America as a white person's country with anyone else there as a gesture of good will.

So much for love of America and serving all of its citizens.

How could Americans including many true Republicans who really do love their country ever elect any of them to prominent positions again? They all sound like characters from a cheap pocket novel.

The Republican Party has become The Harlequin Party. Wear tights and shave your heads. I'd include the wearing of a mask but we know they won't do that.

Not true? Then step up and stop the bully. He is hurting your country.

#thebrewsterblock

Presidential Thinking

Thoughts of a Man who Graduated from his own University

When you have them listening, and eating from your hand,

When the networks have your face on screens across the land,

When you see a shadow of a doubt in every eye,

Pull a joker from the deck and simply tell a lie.

If the point you want to make has not quite hit the mark,

If you have two strikes but you must hit it from the park,

If the journalists are raising hands and asking why,

Make the most of your last pitch and simply tell a lie.

Because the world is watching you, and every move you make,

Because you think your critics and the things they say are fake,

Because some facts get in the way no matter how you try,

Do the thing that you do best and simply tell a lie.

You're a bunch of losers and your brains are getting smaller.

You're the problem so I made my tales a little taller,

You should know I'm chosen by the Big Man in the sky.

So I have divine consent each time I tell a lie.

There is just one problem with the lessons that I teach.

There's a place where I am now and some day you will reach.

There's a puzzle and it is a fact I can't deny,

I no longer know it when I tell myself a lie.

#thebrewsterblock

Thank You 2020 Election Workers in America

After it All Lady Liberty still Stands Tall

What an election - like never before and never again we hope. As an outsider to all of this allow me to extend both congratulations to Joe Biden and Kamala Harris and a Thank You to thousands of others.

I feel the need because the most famous democracy in the world held together once more when it looked like it might be doomed. We can only hope I am not speaking prematurely.

I am referring here to thousands of nameless citizens who made this election possible. We saw some of them at counting centers across the nation. For days they did and are still doing boring repetitive tasks to get votes counted. Their arms, fingers and behinds must be sore. They are surely sleep deprived and sometimes hungry. This has never been done before in such quantities. As I said, they are still at it.

The resounding message throughout all of this is that all legal votes - the foundation blocks and bricks of any democracy - must be counted however long it takes. These are the people making sure this happens. So far it has all worked despite the leader of this great country.

Lady Liberty might have a back brace by now under the robe but I am sure there is a smile on her face.

I hear Donald was golfing today. Did he count every stroke? Were there any impartial observers? Will his partner take him to the Supreme Court to nullify his fraudulent score?

I suspect there will be a very special Thanksgiving this year for many Americans.

#thebrewsterblock

Biden's Presidential Address

Music to the Ears

Last night Joe Biden addressed the nation and the world. In a classy fashion he did not jump the gun speaking as the assumed President, but clearly in a Presidential manner.

This is just what America needs. After four years of someone who can't even read a teleprompter without looking like one of those blow up mechanized Christmas or Halloween lawn decorations it was so good to see. In this case it appeared that Biden was also reading his words but what a difference.

When either Biden or Obama speak, they sound Presidential, even their unprepared remarks. Obama is a master at it - no teleprompter in sight. When Trump speaks off script he sounds like a badly scratched LP that keeps skipping backwards as he repeats almost every phrase.

It will be too late but if he has to face the many courts who will soon be after him, Trump should get lots of practice speaking off the cuff. There again what lawyer would ever put him on the stand. As well if he lies to the courts he will pay for it!

It's going to sting even more for Trump if the man he loves to call Sleepy Joe beats him.

Can't wait!

#thebrewsterblock

Trump Shows his True Colours.

 Trump's Election Reaction

I can't believe what I just heard - Donald Trump reacting from the White House this evening to his fading standing as of November 5th. It was totally pathetic. Consider the source.

The world heard a sore loser. The world heard a liar - again. The world heard the most despicable President - well, in the world. I won't repeat any of it. You either saw it or you did not. What I will say is that each speaker I heard after that at least on CNN including a Republican expressed similar feelings. They all said it is time for true Republicans to say "Enough is enough!" Will they?

The man sounded like a child. I was expecting him to say that he was going to leave home as other angry kids do from time to time. Who would take him in? Perhaps we will even hear the infamous Nixon line when he boards his chopper some time in the future: "You won't have Donald J. Trump to kick around any more!"

I always thought he tried to mimic Nixon in many ways - maybe Hitler also. Perhaps he secretly admired Joe McCarthy and is making up wild claims of his own. Looks like he is setting himself up for a similar Joe McCarthy disgrace. Well deserved.

Wouldn't it be a fitting send-off to see him so red with anger that he then turned blue with rage?

You are taking a wrecking ball to your legacy Mr. President. If you lose you might want to think about salvaging some of it in the next two months.

#thebrewsterblock

Trump Hat's Caption - the missing text

Trump's Hidden message

I heard a rumor. Due to space limitations on a baseball hat, the last part of The President's slogan on the now famous red cap was dropped. Here is the full text:

"Make America Great Again ... for rich, white, Caucasians only. Others need not apply!"

Or maybe the printer would only print the first bit - without full payment. Good luck with that. Don't worry. You will be payed after he releases his tax returns. Mexico is paying by the way.

#thebrewsterblock

New TRUMP mask and hats!

 Take your pick. They are going FAST!

2020 Elections - Heard it all Before

Make America's Presidency and Elections Great Again

Is this election really so different? You could say and I would agree that the current President is the most divisive, unethical, deceitful ever but that is like saying one case of childhood measles is worse than another when both kids are sick in bed. Ask the kid which is worse. There have always been bad Presidents.

Trying to make a virus, or the economy or health care or Trump himself the real issue this time is only scratching the surface. Extending the analogy you don't get severely sick or die from red spots if you have red measles. They are only one symptom. The real problem is what happens to your health overall. The same applies to the country and the election.

I have said this before and it is worth repeating. What is behind the emotion of most elections but in the USA in particular is the great divide between the have and the have nots.

I am not a historian but most of us have some recollection of the topic in school. From the beginning of time there have been conflicts between peoples - internal to a nation or region and between them. It seems to me there are only a few causes. 1) Greedy men - it is usually men - want land, resources, and people outside their jurisdiction so they take them by brutal force. 2) The people they have ruled finally rise up and eliminate the rulers. 3) The rulers begin to suppress and eliminate their own people before 2) can happen. There is a fourth when another nation decides to conquer you, but that is really just the reverse of 1).

Ultimately violence is almost always involved.

In Russia, China, the Philippines, Iran etc. they have experienced 3) above. It is still happening. There have been occurrences of 2) but not many successes. 1) is still happening all over the globe.

What about America - number 2) or number 3)? Since it's founding the gap between American haves and have nots has become extreme. A very few people are obscenely wealthy but they don't see it that way. Perhaps they also think that their wealth will also preserve the status quo for their kids and grandkids. Some of these people and their corporations also control those in power. That is common to most other wealthy countries. The pressure is building and the cork will blow. What flows will not be champagne. 

What is more complex in the USA is the racial aspect. Like it or not it is still there. Those few at the top but especially the "red" ones have always resented the "browning" of what they see as THEIR country. Everybody else is in the Land of the Free only as a concession and only as long as they keep their place as second class citizens and are grateful - or else!

This is what is behind the entire immigration hullabaloo. It is behind Black Lives Matter and White Supremacy. From Adam and Eve this has been inevitable with the population explosion, especially in have not countries. They will seek better lives if only food, water, and shelter elsewhere.

Can Joe Biden fix that? I doubt it - not all of it - but John Kennedy made a good start followed up by Lyndon Johnson. Trump and his cronies make the claim but look at the makeup of his staff both in and out of office. Listen to the stories those who used to work with him have to tell. Fake news? No.

I don't have a solution either but ignoring the problem won't make it go away. If the tensions don't subside America in the worst case will self destruct without enemies firing a shot. In the meantime those same enemies will become the dominant forces in the world replacing America.

If that does not fire up the American spirit I don't know what will.

#thebrewsterblock

Kudos to CNN Donkey and Elephant Animations!

Elephant and Donkey Commercials are Great!

Hearty congratulations to whomever is behind those commercials on CNN with the elephant and the donkey. They are great.

It is good to see that even though CNN spends virtually all of its time bashing Trump (deservedly most of the time), these cartoons look to be impartial. The message behind all of them is working together or at least that the two mascots should be doing so. They always end up failing.

The last one with a half elephant / half donkey character asks if there is any room in the middle between the other two on a park bench. They both quickly deny it space. So real.

In the past I have named these two Jack Ass and Dumbo. They act the parts most of the time. In the case of the two contenders I think either name is slightly more appropriate for the incumbent.

Thanks CNN.

#thebrewsterblock

Is Trump The Pied Piper or are his Base and Spineless Republicans Lemmings?

Remarkable Metaphors

I am reminded of two legends with all of the things - incredible to most of us - happening in America of late. If only they too were simply myths. Sadly they are not.

The first is the Pied Piper of Hamelin. Legend has him offering his services to the town's citizens. He was to rid them of a horrible rat population using his magic pipe. When he does so and the town refuses to pay him he takes revenge by using that very pipe to lure all of the children from the town (see Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pied_Piper_of_Hamelin). Three remain who are lame, blind, and deaf and they inform the town what really happened. The missing children were never seen again.

I can't help but think of this when I consider Trump, who promised to drain the swamp in Washington of all of those living off the public trough. Here the parallel is thin in that he didn't drain any swamp but created an everglade (see my previous post) of sycophantic allies who sold out their true Republican values to him rather than call him out. The parallel is perfect however when we hear Trump threatening reprisals if he loses the election. Those refusing to stand up to him are the children. The kids of Hamelin knew no better. Republicans in authoritative positions do know better. The children disappeared but those Republicans have to face the voters again some day. Let the voters remember.

The second legend is that of lemmings. The false belief is that these little animals who inhabit cold northern climates hurl themselves from cliffs in a mass suicide. Apparently what they actually do is migrate - often all at once - probably seeking better living conditions. They have been known to jump from cliffs in an attempt to swim long distances. They are swimmers but in many cases they drown not knowing the distance is beyond their swimming endurance.

Once again I think of Republicans originally innocent in their belief that Trump would bring better lives for them. They misjudged Trump's abilities and now they are drowning. The parallel is weak in that many of them could have headed for dry shores once they saw through the man but chose to keep swimming. Some are still treading water. They don't deserve to drown but they sure need to be thrown from office for placing their careers, lifestyles, and pensions before their ideals.

We can never forget 2016. But if Biden wins this time in a landslide, perhaps this election will become a legend. Let's hope it is more like Robin Hood. The Sherriff of Nottingham has already been cast.

#thebrewsterblock

Trump Clearing the Swamp but Still Surrounded by Snakes

If Trump is not Political I am the Pope!

To be clear I am far from papal. Recently on the last debate Trump went on about Biden and others being too political. That is one of the reasons he ran - to "clear the swamp." Choke me with a spoon! This has to be the irony of the century. Donald loves to claim he is the best whatever since time began. We know he gets the blue ribbon for lying but we need a new award for this irony extraordinaire. We need a new word. How about "Trumpwhack?"

If the current POTUS is so apolitical then why :

Were some of the first words out of his mouth (don't remember which face it was) after inauguration like those of a twelve year old? His attendees constituted the largest such gathering ever - far bigger than Obama's! The politics begin..

Has he never said like previous Presidents who understood their role, "The Buck Stops Here"? He is too political.

Does he immediately blame for every single problem he faces, Obama (after almost four years) and anyone else he can invent? He is supposed to be the nation's First Problem Solver. He is its number 1 political figure.

Did he make the simple act of wearing a mask something only weak people and Democrats do? Politics.

Does he keep throwing steak to the rich and bones to the poor? Political consideration. 

Does he deny climate change and sucking up to the oil, coal, car, and other industries when the entire world knows we have to transition away from all of that? Politics - the oily vote.

Does he openly favour red states and denigrate blue ones? That's what political people do.

Could he not answer that question in the last debate about what he would say, if elected, to those who did not vote for him? Biden gave the right answer immediately.  Either of them is indeed the President for ALL Americans. Both political but Biden is right.

So perhaps he has convinced his base that he is clearing the swamp but can't they see the everglade that is replacing it? Donald will be in the Presidential swamp boat making a quick escape while everyone else including his base is still fighting snakes and alligators.

#thebrewsterblock

First Gentleman Does Not Sound Cool

What If Kamala Becomes President?

A bit premature but what if Kamala is President some day? It is entirely possible. Many Trump voters claimed they just wanted to shake up the establishment - clear the swamp. They got Donald J. Trump as a result. America also elected its first black President. Why not black AND female? That would surely shake the branches. I think America needs this.

That is not really today's topic. The question has been asked what her husband would be called since this situation would be unique. The usual response is "First Gentleman". Really? Does that even sound American? Would he want that? When it was possible for Bill Clinton to return to the White House in this capacity there were jokes about "First Dude!" I liked it.

Here are some other suggestions:

• The Man About The (White) House
  
• First House Spouse
  
• The First Daddy (as in who's my …)
  
• The First Partner (then any same sex couple could be in the White House)
  
• The Pants in the Family
  
• Adam (The First Man)
  
• The President's Squeeze
  
• SPOTUS (Spouse of The President of The United States)
  
• The First Lay Person (Insulted? Get a life. Chill out.)
  
• TPOH (The President's Other Half)
  
• The First ----y Whipped
  
• The First ... What's His Name
  
• Kamala's … you know … hubby
  
• The Duke of Washington!
  
• How about The First Guy. Simple
  

Now there is the another aspect. Every First Lady has a cause she supports. There is also a tradition of re-doing the White House - furnishings; portraits; drapery; china etc. What is this First Guy supposed to do?

Will the White House look like a Hooters bar? Any other roadhouse or sports bar? Will there be a large screen TV in every room? How about beer coolers? Will the walls be panelled in wood with recliner chairs everywhere? What about BBQs for the mandatory steak grilling and a workshop and tools? The transformation could be dramatic. Expect a lot of leather! Better have an armour plated Porsche ready or maybe a pickup truck. Forget a cutsie lap dog - Rottweiler or bigger.

As far as causes go who knows? Helping older generation golfers improve their score sounds good - to me anyway. I don't see gardening or museums in the picture. Furthering the health and fitness of Americans would be a good one - from a soft couch. Reduce cushions everywhere? American men against bed making? Beer stamps OR food stamps - your choice. On a serious note reducing the number of men who renege on alimony or child support would get kudos. How about "Forever Standing" devoted to eradicate erectile dysfunction everywhere? 

The possibilities are endless.

One thing for sure. When The President enters the White House bedroom after a long day and gets touchy feely, there will be far fewer "Sorry dear - I have a headache" responses.

#thebrewsterblock